I'm Going To Feel It In The Morning...

For the past three months, at least three times a week, I've been working out. I wasn't sweating away on gym equipment, or pounding step after step on a cushioned track or hard pavement. No, I worked out on stage.

Twice in my acting career I've lost significant weight while doing a show. Shows consist (at the theatre where I am usually cast...) of two months of rehearsals--usually every weeknight and Saturday mornings--and then one month of shows, three shows a week fo the run of the show. If the show requires a lot of physical moving about, i.e. dancing and/or a lot of blocking, I've lost weight. Back in the mid-2000s, I was one of Joseph's brothers in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Our choreographer was tough--she worked us hard. After the show ended, I was twenty pounds lighter.

This latest show that ended last week, wasn't as strenuous, but it pushed me, and I dropped between five and ten pounds (not sure where I was when we started...). After losing that weight when the first show ended, I let it come back. I'd like to avoid the same fate this time, so this morning I went to the track and walked/jogged a few miles. I pushed myself hard this morning.

As I age, I remember the days when I could run a few miles as if it was walking a few blocks. Those days, unfortunately, are gone. If they ever come back, I'll need to work at it. It felt good to lace up the shoes and just go.

I'd like to go at least three times a week. I'd also like to retire early, write two best-selling novels a year (at least...) and live off the royalties. We can dream, can't we? I suppose getting off my butt and doing it is the only way to make it happen. This whole post is very long way to say that, come tomorrow morning, I'm gong to be sore.

The Final Curtain...Yet Again

The stage is dark, the theater empty...

almost.

A few of us have stayed to sing karaoke, a sometimes-honored tradition at the end of a run. The party'll break up in a few hours, and we'll return to our homes and apartments. And our cast will never again gather to sing, dance, entertain this show. It is the way of things.

Because the show at some point begins, it must end. Because we get to know each other--some for the first time, others to know again--we must say goodbye. Like any endeavor, the feelings we have once it has ended are a direct reflection of the amount of work put into said endeavor. The pain of loss is a direct result in the joy and fun times had.

After tonight's show, I went into the foyer to greet the patrons, shake their hands, wish them a Merry Christmas. I don't know if other theaters have this tradition, or if it's unique to our little company. I'm glad we do it--it's a way to connect with those who make the shows possible.

One man approached. We chatted. He said something profound. Without quoting him directly (because I can't remember the exact words and I'd hate to misquote him...), he said simply that when a show can can touch an audience and evoke feelings within them, feelings they didn't expect or maybe even want, it's something special.

I told him it's why we do what we do, why we put in the hours, spend time away from family and friends, all for free.

Soon the music will be stilled, the theater quiet. Everyone will get in their cars and travel on cold roads and fall into their beds exhausted physically, emotionally, even spiritually, glad they were part of something special, relieved they get a break, and wonder what show they'll do next. 

And then the whole thing happens all over again...

Until the curtain falls for the final time...

Again.

Go Buy The Tots A Toy...Buy Lots!

Last night the casts of Centerpoint Legacy Theatre's Christmas Carol revealed to the director and the stage manager what they had been up to for the past several weeks--collecting money to make Christmas special for others.

Doing shows during December means you give up a lot. You give up your time, you give up being able to travel to see loved ones who live in other states, you give up the ability to do Christmas shopping in a timely and responsible manner.

But, when you give up things for others, something amazing happens...somehow when you give, you also receive. The donation drive was something not expected. It was a way to extend that Christmas feeling to those who won't get to see us on stage, to children who will get a gift they otherwise wouldn't get.

The season is filled with stories of people doing things for others. Ours is but one of many. We know it will make others feel good and it made us feel good just seeing their reaction when the gifts were delivered before our show last night. I did learn one valuable thing when that happened. I saw a way to make a speechless Jim Christian. And that's not an easy thing to do. ;)

Proven Wrong...By The Worker At Wendys

On Mondays things are a tad hectic at the Taylor household. Actually, the hectic-ness extends to beyond the walls of our home--extends to the theater and to where we decide to pick up dinner.

My daughter and I are currently in a local production of A Christmas Carol. We do the shows Monday/Wednesday/Friday nights. My daughter has dance rehearsal until 6pm on Mondays. Call time for us to be at the theater is 6pm. So, on our first show of the week I leave earlier than normal, stop by a fast food establishment, and order my daughter dinner. For the past two weeks, I've stopped at a local Wendys restaurant.

Funny, how you learn things in the strangest places.

Two Mondays ago I got us food--to go--then picked up my daughter. Thinking I would eat a little healthier than normal, I ordered a side salad to offset the ill effects of the spicy chicken sandwich I also ordered for myself. I took the food, jumped in the car, and when time came to eat, I found no fork in the bag.

Ever tried to eat a salad sans fork?

My son had to do it on our return trip from Seattle back in September. My daughter, son, and I laughed as he told us he forgot to get a fork and we watched him eat each lettuce leaf with his fingers. When it happened to me, it wasn't as funny. As I looked down at my fork-less salad, I wondered if the worker forgot to give me a fork. That must have been it.

This last Monday I found myself at the same Wendys. Once again I ordered a salad. This time I took a picture of the drink counter. I took the picture because I didn't see any forks, spoons, knives, or anything other than stuff for drinks. I had proof the worker failed to give me a fork. The order came, I checked before I left and once again--no fork.

"Um, can I get a fork?" I asked, thinking the worker had once again forgotten an essential tool I needed to enjoy my tasty food.

That's when he casually pointed to his right.

"You can get a fork right there."

Duh! I said to myself. I had not noticed either the week before or this time the other table loaded with everything I'd need to eat my food. Forks, spoons, knives, napkins, straws, ketchup--it was all there.

Funny, how you learn things in the strangest places.

Behind The Scenes...At The Theatre

When you put on a Christmas show in December, it's bound to be popular. It's one of the sure things you can count on. And because of this popularity, additional shows are usually requried. The best time to do this is on Saturday afternoons when the theatre adds...matinees.

Today, we did our first matinee. We've got another one in two weeks.

After the show the theatre fed the cast--a very nice and cool thing for them to do. I took out the phone and snapped a few pictures. Oh, and it was "Pajama Day" at the theatre, in case you were wondering.

These people donate their time, their talents, being away from their family and friends to help add something special to the guests and patrons of the theatre. And as special as the experiences we share on stage are, it's what happens behind the scenes that help make people of different backgrounds, ages, religions, political affiliations, and races all come together for a common goal, to put on the best show they can. It's what makes us a theatre family.

For the life of me though, I can't figure out how anyone would think that putting their costume is a refrigerator or a freezer is a good idea.

Come See "Christmas Carol"...It's Pretty Good!

Last Friday we opened a show. A couple of reviewers were in the audience and they wrote about their experience. 

They had a great time.

That's good, because those of us performing have a great time doing it.

I began this blog in 2011. The next year I did my first Christmas show at the new Centerpoint Legacy Theatre in Centerville Utah. Since 2012 I've done five Christmas shows in six years. In the past I've blogged a lot about the shows. For some reason, I haven't blogged about this latest show too much. That's odd, because I think I've put more effort into this one than the others. Probably because I'm getting older and everything about the show--the dancing, the singing, the memorization has been tougher.

The two reviews that have been posted so far have been very positive. You can access the first one: HERE. I agree with much of what the reviewer said, but I do believe the ghosts of past and present are both excellent.

You can reach the next review by clicking: HERE. I also agree with their summation of the show. And the things they say about the cast members they highlight are straight up correct. This really is a good show and I'm honored to be included in the cast.

The show runs everyday except Sundays until December 23. We're doubled-cast and my daughter and I perform Monday/Wednesday/Friday, but both casts are terrific. And if you do come see us, please stop by after and say "hi." I'd love to see you there.

When Hard Work Pays Off...

We're putting the final touches on a show that opens next week. We're putting in long hours to make sure it's the best we can make it. Leaving the theater sometimes after 11pm knowing I've got to clock in seven and a half hours later is daunting. And I'm one of the lucky ones--we live the next town over from the theater and we get home quickly.

This is the fifth Christmas show I've done in the past six years. So, basically, since 2012 (except for one year...), I've spent almost every night during October and November rehearsing and performing every other night during December.

That's a lot of hours, a lot of time away from family, away from writing, away from other things--like sleep. This show's been easier for me in some ways--it's the third time I've done this particular version of Dickens's classic tale. But it's been harder because, well...I'm getting older. I don't move as easily as I have in the past. I'm called upon to dance in several numbers. It's fun, but it's taken me longer to learn and commit to memory the choreography. 

And then there's the director, the choreographer, and others involved in getting the show on its legs. They push us, push me, at least. In the past five shows, I've worked with four directors. Each has their own vision of what they want to see and we try our best to bring those visions to life. This last show, I feel "encouraged" to not only do my best as a Christmas gift for the audience, but to also have the experience mean more for me personally. They want us to fall in love with the story and have it change our lives, too.

Next week, we perform in front of loved ones, then on Friday we open the show for the public. And when we hit the stage for this show, you'll see a cast that's been given notes, critiques, suggestions, and only a few threats. I know I've worked hard on this one, and because of that, I think I'll enjoy it so much more because of it.

"What a good time!"

"What a fine show!"

In that order. One creating the other.

To Celebrate Spencer's Birthday...Here's Some Lightstick FX Photos!

I met Spencer on a train going to Salt Lake Comic Con--I forget which one. He had with him a large piece of luggage and he looked like someone who was headed to the event. As was I. We stuck up a conversation and I learned he was from Arizona and it was his first time attending Salt Lake's largest geek convention.

I decided to look him up once everything got going. He's a very engaging person. We chatted and he showed me what he was peddling. The thing that impressed me the most was what he called Lightsticks. They're small thin plastic rods of various colors. Then he showed me what they did. 

I'm still blown away by their simplicity. 

You turn on your phone's flash, have a person strike a pose, either holding a lightsaber or if they have a weapon, they can pose with that too. Then the photographer holds the plastic rod in front of the camera lens, adjusts it just right, then takes a picture. If you're interested in getting some for yourself, just click HERE for the website. As you can see in these photos, some turned out better than others. The ability of the photographer plays a huge part in making it look just right.

Tonight at rehearsal (in between acts...), I asked several of my fellow cast members to pose for me. More wanted to, but we ran out of time.

 Happy birthday Spence! Hope it was great!

Trying To Remember Those $#@&% Lyrics...

I knew it was coming. How could I not? I auditioned for the show--a show I've done twice before and seen numerous times--I accepted a part and let them know (by my ability to handle simple choreography...) that I could do the number.

Oh, the number. The one song that causes hives to appear on my skin, that turns my brain to mush.

And it's aptly called: Dancing On Your Grave.

The song is short--most of it involves a solo dancer showing Ebenezer Scrooge his future. The scene includes monks and gravediggers. Twice before and this time as well, I'm a gravedigger. I've got a shovel and everything. It's not the shovel that worries me.

It's those $#@&% lyrics!

I'm including them here to give you an idea of what I've had to deal with each time we do this particular Christmas musical.

Listen to the rhythm of the shovel in the gravel and the murmurs of the spirits that you fear,

Dancing in the shadows of the future, your future lies here.

Listen to the echoes of the voices in the shadows, all the people who you never tried to save,

Listen to the footsteps of the people who'll be dancing on your grave.

Listen to the rhythm of the hammer on the coffin, and the murmur of the people drawing near,

Listen to the music of the future, your future lies here.

Listen to the echoes of the voices of the future as they curse you for the little that you gave,

Listen to the footsteps of the people who'll be dancing on your grave.

Maybe you're much better at memorization than me. Maybe it's because I didn't put in the time and just memorize the darn thing each time I did the show previously. But in my defense, there's a lot of similar things going on in those two short verses. Lots of "Listens" and "Echoes" and "Footsteps."

And to make matters worse, in the above lyrics, each time you see a word in BOLD font, we're supposed to give those words accents--punches to add flavor and drama and spookiness. In the past, I've memorized either the choreography, the words, the accents, or the acting, but I don't think I've ever pulled off the quad-fecta.

That changes this year. I've got a lot of things to remember for this show. I'm going to learn the entire show and do it to the best of my ability, but there's one thing I promise to do and that's nail this particular number. I owe it to myself, to the rest of the cast, and to the audience who pay good money to see a bunch of people carry real shovels across the stage and scare the crap out of Scrooge. And when I nail that number, I'll be dancing inside as I'm dancing outside on his grave.

Steve's Version Of Christmas Carol...Not Quite Like Dickens's

I have a friend Steve who occasionally sends me text messages. Last night, while I was at rehearsal, he texted me with an alternate spin on an old Christmas classic, the same classic we were rehearsing--Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol.

Thanks to free tickets, Steve's seen me perform in several productions of this story on stage. Of course, we all know the story of a bitter man and his journey to self-discovery and redemption. But Steve's mind works a little different than most. I give you the following text messages as proof.

He started this off by typing this:

Steve:

        I want to see some twist endings this holiday season.

ScottyMac: (me)

Tiny Tim dies.

Steve:

Cratchit is a millennial with student loan debt.

His open marriage ends in  neopagan non-divorce so his partner can be the first transgender on real house wives of Dickensville.

ScottyMac:

I smell Emmy!

Steve:

Smell something.

I like the tiny Tim ending.

Don’t forget that Scrooge is a trump supporter.

Cratchit works a medicinal dispensary from Scrooge’s office.

And dresses as a hipster.

Scrooge, who sees ergonomic work stations and alternative vegan meals as an expensive waste, is declared a bigot. 

ScottyMac:

It’s illegal to perform that version in Utah County.

Steve:

A pending lawsuit against Scrooge (you decide) fails to gain traction so Cratchit and his entitled friends find a loophole in some OSHA law and an anonymous tip to the feds leads to Scrooge paying hefty fines to the feds which leads to layoffs.

Cratchit lights up Scrooge’s accounting firm on his personal blog run off a danish domain.

While simultaneously filing for unemployment benefits.

And this is why I don’t have any friends.

There are no spirits or Christmas season because of religious insensitivity.

But there are caroling scientists singing about climate change.

Scrooge is the only white male.

Everyone else on stage fills a notch in an ethnic gender checklist.

 I doubt anyone anywhere would want to see such a production, yet somehow it appeared in Steve's mind. When he gets on these tangents, I try to keep up, but mostly I just stop responding and see what he comes up with.

No, our version has no lawsuits, no loopholes, no Hipster Cratchits. We've stuck to the script written  some 150 years after the original with catchy songs, confusing timelines, and tap-dancing showgirls.

Because we're keeping it real.

If you're in the area during this Christmas season, checkout Centerpoint Legacy Theatre's A Christmas Carol. I promise it won't be anything like Steve's version, even if you may have wanted to see that one...

Ever Have A Long Weekend...Or Do Your Weekends Fly By?

It's happened before. I come into work on a Monday and am asked by co-workers how was my weekend.

And I say, it was a very long weekend.

On more than one occasion, after I've told others that my weekend was long, I stop and think about that. Aren't weekends supposed to be short? Aren't they supposed to fly by?

I think they're supposed to, but many times mine don't.

Take my last weekend for example. In addition to my full-time gig, I've been working a show at our local amusement park for Halloween. Normally we only work Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. Because local schools were out last week, we were also open on Thursday. So, last Thursday I worked my 10-hour shift, and sixty minutes after I clocked out at my old job, I clocked in at the weekend job.

Because of the success of the Halloween show, we've been doing more shows than were originally scheduled. This is a great thing! I love seeing the show sold out and doing more shows so more people can see it. But, it makes for long days.

The weekend would have been even more crazy if we had rehearsals for the Christmas show my daughter and I are in. Normally, we rehearse every weeknight and Saturday mornings. The reason we did shows Thursday night was the same reason they canceled rehearsals this past weekend.

Then came yesterday. I worked my 10-hour shift, took the train home, picked up my daughter at 6pm, came home, hurried and ate, and was at rehearsal at 7pm. We stayed until 10:15pm and seven hours later, I woke up to catch the bus to do it all over again.

I'm not complaining and I hope it doesn't sound like I am. I enjoy each activity I'm doing--it's just when they all come together, this 51-year old gets a little tired.

This next weekend is our last for the Halloween gig. I'll miss it, but I'll enjoy spending more time with the family, too. Here's to another long weekend!