July 19...Turns Out It's Been An Artistic Day For Me

If you're familiar with Facebook, you may get one of those notices telling you that you have memories from the day to look back on. This morning, I got just such a reminder, and it showed an adorable picture I took of my cousin's family seven years ago.

Of course, I ignored it.

But then, I remember that picture and some comments I received on it, so tonight I clicked on the reminder tab and checked out all the things I've posted on July 19th for the past eleven years. Turns out, a lot of my memories have an artistic side to them.

In 2009 I was in a Rodger's Memorial Theatre production of, Joseph and the Amazing Techincolor Dreamcoat. I loved that show. I got to do the show with my then nine-year old daughter and I made many life-long friends. I even posted a video of the brother's pre-show warm-up ritual. I've included it below.

Then, nine years ago, on this very date, it appears I took the kids to a movie. I have no idea what movie it was, but it looks like we were the only ones in the theater, sort of like movie theaters nowadays.

Fast forward to 2018 and I added another picture of another cast in another show in another theater. Rodger's went the way of all the earth and became Centerpoint Legacy Theatre. The show we did in 2018--The Pirates of Penzance. Me and some of the other pirates congregated at the local Dairy Queen for dessert and story swapping. Once again, I did the show with my daughter and I met a new group of good friends.

I have no idea what I will find if I choose to check out the July 20 memories. It'll probably include artistic memories. When you choose to do artistic things, you get artistic memories.

So..I Guess I Was On "Deep Space Nine"

Tonight my daughter and I dropped in on a cast party for a show we closed last week. I had just wrapped up another fantastic comic convention in Salt Lake. It was wonderful seeing our friends again. We were able to kick back and just talk, something we didn't have a lot of time to do during the run of the show.

Our host, the Major General in our cast, struck up a conversation with me about Star Trek. He's a huge fan of the series as well as the movies and he told me stories about meeting various actors and writers at different conventions he's attended. He then turned to me and said, "Oh, I just watched the episode of Deep Space Nine that you were in."

"Excuse me?"

He repeated what he just said. I then asked for clarification.

We moved the conversation into the front room where he turned on his TV, pulled up Netflix, and found the show, Season 4, Episode 23 titled, The Quickening.

As he searched I wondered just how much this actor looked like me. I mean, I'm bald--have been for decades. I wondered if maybe that was the deciding factor. We kind of all look a like in that way.

"Here it is," Dave said and he found the part in the show where the actor came into view. Turns out, Dave was right--there is a resemblance. After some searching, I found out the actor's name is Dylan Haggerty, born 1969 in Olympia Washington. According to the IMBd website, Dylan did a lot projects including some big-budget films. His most recent project was in 2015. I don't know if he's still acting.

It was fun to see someone that looks like me on screen. There's one thing that I can almost guarantee, though. I'm sure no one has ever said to Dylan, "Hey--I saw you as a Pirate/Cop in the Centrpoint Legacy Theatre's 2018 production of, The Pirates of Penzance." Too bad--I heard he was quite good. ;)

Thank You Monte...For The Example, The Words Of Wisdom, And The Friendship

We closed a show last week. As with anything that begins, it must also end. It goes without saying that every show I've done has come to a close and almost every time, the ending is bittersweet. Each show has its own personality, its own spirit. Some closings are tougher to take than others. This one for me will be more the former. It's not just because it was a great show and a blast to do, it's because I met so many people I had not worked with before. And when that happens, you're not sure when you'll work with them again.

One actor, Monte Garcia, was someone I had not had the pleasure of working with before. I could tell immediately at rehearsals why he was chosen as a lead. He's got talent, charisma, and beautiful pipes that is so important for a musical and makes the production that much better. He's also a great guy, which isn't always the case with someone who is good at what they do.

Working with Monte was always a joy.

I had the opportunity to perform with him on the last night both of us did the show. Before we take the stage it's tradition at Centerpoint Legacy Theatre to meet together as a cast in the green room, join hands, and have either a prayer or a thought. Several spoke because it would be the last time this particular cast would put on this particular show. Then Monte cleared his throat and delivered a message that I hope remains with me, not just for future shows, but for my entire life.

He fought back tears as he recalled receiving advice as a young actor. Now he wanted to be the mentor to the younger generation. He said he was told if he followed three rules, he would find success on the stage, and I apologize for not quoting him directly (I'll try and capture the essence of what he said...). The three rules are:

1: Show up and hit your mark.

He said it's our responsibility to show up for a scene, a rehearsal, a line--whatever it is, be on time. If you do, you'll get cast in shows again and again.

2: Be focused and do your job.

Even a one-man show has others helping. When you're on stage you rely on everyone to do their job and they rely on you. Remember, it's not just about you.

3: Be honest in the story you're telling

This advice had the biggest impact on me. The arts are (or should be...) all about honesty, honesty of message, honesty of emotion, honesty of purpose. 

One thing I love about these rules are they aren't just for performing. They apply for work, for relationships, for families...basically, for life. Thank you Monte for your example, your words of wisdom, and your friendship. And who knows? We may just get to share the stage again in the future. And if we do, it will be a joy. God bless, my friend.

It's College Football Season...And I'm Watching It From A Dressing Room

The last few years I've found myself involved in theatrical productions in the fall and winter. This happens to be the same time college football season runs. Of course, in this modern day, a person can record an entire game and watch it later at their leisure. Still, there's something about watching a game live as it happens that's hard to beat.

The past few years, I haven't had the chance to do that.

And it looks like the same thing's going to happen again this time.

Yesterday the show my daughter and I have been doing closed--at least, for us. You might be thinking I'll now have my weekend's free. Actually, I won't have a weekend free until after Halloween. Next week is Salt Lake FanX Comic Convention, and after that, the next show begins, Lagoon Amusement Park's Séance.

There's two main differences between the theatre where we finished Pirates of Penzance, and where we do our haunted show...the former has internet access and the latter does not. Last fall I had to try and watch games (between shows, of course...) on my little phone and not on my laptop or iPad. Again, I'm not complaining (too much...). I can always watch the recorded game later.

Doing shows and entertaining people is something I love to do. And if having to wait to watch a sporting event is part of the price I pay to do that, I'll pay it gladly. Then again, if the Utes don't win, then it doesn't matter anyway. ;)

It's Time To Stash...The 'Stache

I've done dozens of shows in my life and I've played many different characters. But I've never had to wear a mustache until this latest show. Tonight I donned the facial hair for the last time. 

I've discussed several times on this blog how it is impossible for me to grow facial hair (or if not "impossible," at least not socially acceptable...). Many who can grow facial hair have told me on numerous occasions that I am lucky because I don't have to shave everyday. And now that beards, mustaches, and goatees are all the rage, a lot of men are growing out their hair. I've often wondered what it would be like to grow a beard, mustache, and/or a goatee.

Wearing a mustache in the show is most likely the closest I'll ever get to the real thing.

The first time I ever put on the mustache for the show I was shocked at how uncomfortable it was. The biggest problem I faced was the material the hair was attached to. It was hard and the edged dug into the skin under my nose. It made it hard to smile or do buzz warm-ups. Of course, a natural mustache won't come with this problem.

Another issue was having runaway hairs end up in my mouth as I sang during the show. I imagine a natural mustache does that, too.

I suppose if I were a full-time actor, I'd have the opportunity to wear fake beards, mustaches, goatees, even toupees more often. It might be fun to see how I look with a more natural-looking hairpiece. Maybe it's just me, but I think lots of bald guys who can't grow facial hair think these things.

Tonight I took off the mustache, peeled away the double-sided tape, pinned the 'stache back on the board and said goodbye to something I couldn't grow myself. All in all, even with the issues, it was fun to see me look different. We'll see what the future will bring.

"Oh...He's Always Taking Pictures"

I can't remember exactly where I heard it, but last night my daughter explained to someone that I take a lot of pictures. I think her exact words were,

"Oh, he's always taking pictures."

And it's true. Putting a quality camera in something as portable as a modern cellphone is like a dream come true for me. I used to haul around a small Kodak digital camera. It did a decent job, but if you can put a better camera in a phone that is also a computer with photo editing functions and access to the internet, it's the best scenario of all.

After our show last night, a few cast members, along with friends and family, went to a local eatery, Iggy's. The restaurant is a few blocks from the theatre and a place where we regularly go after weekend shows. 

While my daughter and I waited for our "to-go" food, I stood and took a couple of pictures. They were panoramic shots so most didn't work out--weird shots of people's faces blurred because they moved as I panned from left to right. I did get one good shot. It's the photo above.

I like the picture. It captures the feeling at the two tables. There's probably four or five distinct conversations going on at the same time. I believe there were three sets of parents and children, two married couples, one cast member boyfriend, one cast member sister, and one stage manager in attendance. Sometimes there's more, sometimes less, but whenever we go, it's a good time. So, me taking pictures seems as natural to me as ordering food to go and leaving for home early. 

There might be one more of these get-togethers before the show wraps next week, and if/when we do shows in the future, I'm sure we'll invade a restaurant as the traffic flow ebbs, have the staff push several tables together, and enjoy each other's company. And if/when we do, I'm sure I'll be taking more pictures. 

Doing Shows...It's A Family Thing

When you're cast in a show at Centerpoint Legacy Theatre in Centerville, Utah, it pretty much consumes your life from the start of rehearsals until closing night. That's why when I'm rehearsing a show or doing a show, I tend to blog about it frequently and post a lot of comments and pictures online.

Since this particular theatre opened several years, I've been fortunate enough to be cast in several shows--mostly musicals, but I've also done a couple of straight plays. I've been in shows with children and those without. I used to do the shows with kids so my kids--namely my daughter--could do them with me.

Looks like that's no longer going to be the case.

My daughter's not a kid anymore.

We were both cast in the theatre's latest production of Pirates of Penzance. It's been an absolute blast to do. And my daughter and I aren't the only father-child duo in the cast. There's actually four couples, four fathers, three daughters and a son. Last week we posed for a few pictures. 

I know many of my writer friends wonder why I do so many plays. It kills a lot of time that could be spent writing. A good writer can crank out a 50k--80k in the same time it takes to learn and complete a show's three-month run. That means I could have ten or so novels in my name. Instead I have memories, photos, and several blog posts chronicling the times I've had with me, my friends, and more importantly, my daughter. 

She begins college next week. This may be the last show we do together for a while, maybe ever. That's a sobering thought. But she needs to go forward and begin memories of her own, perhaps with her own kids in the future. I love these pictures. Each couple does what they do for their own reasons. I'm glad I know why I do it. And I'm glad my daughter still wants to do a show with her old man.

A Note Of Thanks...To The Cast And Crew Of "Pirates Of Penzance"

On Friday a group of people gathered in a green room before an opening of a play began. Two months earlier, some met for the first time, others had worked with each other before. Each person in the room felt excited and a little nervous. Like many, this theatre has its own traditions, one of which is to circle up, hold hands, give last-minute notes, and even a thought or prayer.

It's also a time to give special announcements.

Last Friday, before a show my daughter and I are in began, a cast member brought three boxes into our circle. When called upon she explained why she brought the boxes, and her response almost brought me to tears.

It's amazing how close people can become in a short period of time when focused on a common goal. I bring that up because those people in that room did something incredibly thoughtful for my family and for two other groups. We've had some tragedies in our theatre community of late. A family lost a son and his funeral was at the same time as my father-in-law's. The theatre has two stages and another show opens next week. The people in the cast and crew assembled gift boxes, and one came to us.

When you lose someone close, something that helps is having things to think about so you won't focus on all the bad. When my mom died more than a decade ago, we had the funeral to plan, the house to sell, all the details to get through. My father-in-law passed away a week before we opened a new show. Anyone involved in a huge project knows the closer the deadline, the more things you have to deal with. I had an advantage of focusing on the play. It eased the pain.

So, when these wonderful people presented us with a box of goodies and things to make life a little sweeter, I thought it was me that should be thanking them, not just for the box, but for everything else. They've offered prayers, condolences, and thoughts of comfort to my family. The theatre became a sanctuary from all the details of life.

A good writer friend once told me I do too many plays. He's said if I had used those literally thousands of hours writing instead of learning shows and performing them, I could have several novels written. He's right, of course, but I'd be missing out on amazing experiences on and off stage. I'd never meet these beautiful people and be a part of something wonderful. Thank you Pirates of Penzance cast and crew. Your gifts and comforting words mean the world to us. God bless.

When Your Costumer Is A Brandon Sanderson Fan...

Tomorrow night we open Centerpoint Legacy Theatre's Pirates of Penzance. One of the roles I'll be playing is a pirate. The costumers for the show outdid themselves by creating unique looks for each pirate. They all look amazing, but I must admit, I love what they did for my character.

Before a show starts, we get feedback from the director, the stage manager, the lighting and audio technicians. We also get a chance to talk to the costumers. They put in countless hours creating their wearable works of art. My costume is different from the others. I wear an ankle-length duster and no hat (the bald head is a good contrast compared to my fellow hairy pirates...). 

Earlier this week a costumer showed me one of the last accessories I'd be wearing, a leather strip with small vials attached to it. She said there'd be different elements inside the vials. My friend and I (he also a Brandon Sanderson fan...) instantly thought about Alloy of Law. 

So we asked.

And she said she used Wayne as in inspiration of my costume.

How cool is that?

Answer: very.

It's been a long time since I read Alloy of Law. My friend read it more recently. As with many books, the way a character looks can vary with each reader. Some might notice the Sandersonian details of my costume. I'm sure it will be lost on many others. My friend asked the costumer if it was okay with them that the audience might not see all the cool things they've literally woven into the costumes.

Her answer was profound as it was awesome. She said, they do it for audience, but also for the actors. The actors know it's there. They know someone put in that extra effort to make a costume special. I'm glad I had that conversation with her. And I'm glad she's a Sanderson fan, too.

Come see the show and if you see a pirate and think, "That's Wayne from Alloy of Law!" I'll be me!

Playing Good Cop/Bad Pirate...

On Friday the latest show in which I'm involved will open to the paying public. I do a fair share of shows. I know many who do more and many who do less. I've averaged about one or two shows a year for the past five or so years.

You might not think that's a lot, but one show represents three months of commitment. So doing two shows a year means I'm gone basically six months out of twelve. There's something new about this show for me, something I've never done before. For this production, I'm doing one character in one cast, and another character in the other. Half the time, I'm a pirate, and when I'm not a pirate, I'm a cop.

I can honestly say I love playing both parts. Each has a fun personality. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. As a pirate, I get the girl, but as a cop, I get to tap dance. As a pirate, I get to wear a tattoo and as a cop, I get to wear a mustache--two things I don't currently wear.

When I was asked to take on an additional role, I wondered how hard it would be. I'm going to be doing four shows a week instead of three. That might be the toughest thing. Learning two roles isn't that unusual. When we did It's a Wonderful Life a few years ago, I was, I believe, seven characters in that one show.

So, on Friday we open The Pirates of Penzance, or a Slave of Duty at Centerpoint Legacy Theatre in Centerville, Utah. It's going to be a fantastic show, one I'm glad I agreed to do, one that will push me in ways other shows haven't. Plus, you get to see me with either a mustache or a tattoo--it depends on if I'm being a good cop, or a bad pirate.

Pic Of The Day Subjects...Shifting To The Theatre

I noticed something last month when I began telecommuting. What I found, photographed, and posted for my Pic Of The Day subjects had changed. Whereas I had posted pictures of trains, bus stops, sights around the building where I worked, I no longer found myself in those areas, so I stopped posting pictures of those areas. I still think it's amazing how many photographable things are out there--even in a business park near the airport. You only look at life through a photographer's eyes and you'll see it, too.

Then I began working from home and most of my Pic Of The Day subjects were found around my house. That was the way of it. Of course, the pictures from around my home mean more to me than the ones taken near my previous office. If I didn't have a picture to post, I would take a walk outside and see what I could see.

Then this week happened. I have been so crazy busy, I haven't had time to even take pictures around my house, except for an occasional sunset picture. And because I've been so busy, I find myself needing to take a picture to post with time running out. I can't complain--I like the pictures I've chosen from the theatre. They're fun, interesting, and bring good memories. And, when I do a play, the theatre becomes a second home for me--we spend so much time there.

If I went to different places on a daily basis, like to work or on vacation or to anywhere other than home and play rehearsal, my Pic Of The Day subjects might be more varied, but for the foreseeable future, you'll probably see more of the same. I just hope I can capture something that's worth your time seeing it. As always, we'll see what the future will bring.

Rehearsals...Putting It All Together

Tonight a group of people will come together in the basement of a theatre and try to remember everything we thought we once knew. We're running a complete act--something we've not yet done--and I'm a bit nervous. 

I'm sure I'm not the only one.

We've been rehearsing for several weeks, alternating the learning of music and choreography. What's amazing is that by the end of each rehearsal, I feel confident in what I've learned. How quickly that confidence vanishes when both disciplines are combined. I mean, I know I'm getting older, but I've also done more shows so you'd think that process of learn/retain/perform would get easier.

That doesn't appear to be the case.

It seems like every other show I do pushes me, makes me work harder and harder. This will be one of those shows. The thought of running a complete act is daunting. It's like writing a first draft of a story. You know it's not complete, not polished. You know there's adjustments that can and must be made before it can be brought before a reader, or an audience. And the final product needs that first draft, those practices to make it as good as possible.

Yes, tonight I'll be together with a couple of dozen others hoping for the best, but knowing there's a long way to go.

Wilford Leach's "The Pirates Of Penzance"...An Absolute Classic!

The first time I watched Wilford Leach's The Pirates of Penzance was back in high school, just after the film was made. There were many things I forgot about the film, but the things that stood out to me were Kevin Kline as the Pirate King, former teen heart throb Rex Smith and singing sensation Linda Ronstadt as the romantic leads. I had just gotten involved in musical theater and I was blown away at the performances. I mean, how can pop stars be so good?

How naive was I?

I watched the film again today. My daughter and I have been cast in Centerpoint Legacy Theatre's production of The Pirates of Penzance running from August 3 through September 1. The movie's a perfect storm of brilliant writing, incredible music, and a magnificent cast. And the fact it was written in the 1800s makes it that much more impressive. If you've never watched it, you should definitely find it and check it out. The way these talented singers, actors, and dancers perform the intricate lyrics--especially George Rose's rendition of I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major General. And throw in Kline's, Lansbury's, and Smith's Paradox is a wonder to behold.

And if you've seen the movie in the past, I recommend you see it again. It has aged incredibly well.

Our rehearsals have just begun. From what we've heard, we're in for a lot of fun, and listening to the beautiful interplay between music and lyrics, when you start with fantastic material, you're off to a great start. If you're in the area this August, I recommend you check out the show. Now, I just have to memorize the words, the dances, and figure out how to do the material justice. It's just so good.