Adding Theater Flair...

We closed a show a week ago Saturday. Because people are good and creative, small gifts and trinkets were handed out both on opening and closing nights. I love it when people do that--I wish I could be more like them.

There's always a question of what you do with these mementos. I suppose some toss them away--appreciative of the thought, but not really a "saving things" type. Of course, we can't save everything we are given or that remind us of something or someone else. I think some people try, but it's a losing battle. There's just not enough space for everything.

Thankfully, a couple of the trinkets I received came with pins. I attached my Peter Pan pin, a pin with different colors--both I got on opening night--and a small metal acorn to my backpack where I already have a pin from when I did  Shrek and another from the Christmas Carol at Centerpoint Legacy Theatre. I've had those pins on my backpack for years.

Some people collect window decals and place them on their cars to tell everyone where they've been. Others collect other things that mean something special to them. Until the show ended, I didn't think I was a collector from shows I've done, but looking at my backpack now, I guess I am.

I can't say how many more trinkets and/or mementos I'll add to my collection. I can say that even though my collection is small, each item means something special to me. Here's to collecting theater flair!

Hats Off Party...An Amazing Way To Say "Thank You"

Saturday night many of my friends dressed up in their finest and went to a party. For only the second time, I joined them. The theater's been putting on this event for years to show appreciation for those who volunteer their time and talents to make the theatre a cultural and financial success.

The place was packed. 

It makes sense--the theatre, with its two stages, presents at least nine full-length shows a year, not to mention special events and children's performances. For us, it's like a church for performing, and we're the congregation. So, when the theatre throws a party, people come in droves to feel that spirit of friendship and camaraderie.

And they all looked fantastic, even without hats!

When I attended a few years ago, I went for the food. Saturday night, I went for the program, or part of the program. I performed in one show at the theatre in 2018. Some years, I've done as many as four shows. Looking at the schedule this year, it's likely I won't be on either stage in 2019. 

Because of social media, you can tell what's important to your friends. Since I have hundreds of theater friends on Facebook, my timeline was inundated by pictures and comments and videos of smiling beautiful people posing for selfies, or seeing themselves on stage. It's a testament of what--not only the party--but also the theatre means to them in their lives. I know I've dedicated numerous photos, comments, videos, and blog posts to the theatre, the shows, and my friends.

I noticed the same thing happening after I attend a writing conference the weekend before. I sort of live in both worlds, a performer and a writers. The week before my social media timelines were flooded with pictures of authors and artists mugging for selfies and videos, letting everyone know of the great time they were having at the LTUE writing conference.

I left early, didn't really talk to many people Saturday night. I had obligations with family. It might be a long time before I'm again invited to the festivities at the theatre a few miles down the road. And even if I don't go, there will no doubt be pictures and videos to show me--and everyone else--just what a great time they had. Thank you Centerpoint Legacy Theatre for the invitation. You throw a great party, even if no one's wearing hats.

My Artist Friend Simon...Had A Good 2018

Scrolling through social media today while at work (and on a break...), I happened to spot a post from an extremely talented artist who happens to be a friend. His post mentioned an Art Give-A-Way.

I was definitely interested.

Because his art is amazing.

Here's what he posted earlier today:

PAINTING GIVE-A-WAY!!! 2018 has been a GREAT year for me! It makes me want to do something for someone else. So here's your chance to have a painting. No charge.
This isn't a gimmick. Just make sure you follow me and interact with this post in some way. That's all you have to do, in a few days I'll pick someone at random and ship it to her/his door.

Thank you all for your support over the years!

This image is what you'll receive. Measures 18x24

And here's what he made that's he's giving away.

I met Simon a few years back. We did a show together. We both wore costumes, we sang, we danced, we had a good time. And because life on the stage does not pay the bills, we both have day jobs--I work in a cubicle staring at computer screens and Simon works in a studio staring at works of art.

If you'd like to follow Simon, you can find him on Instagram by clicking: HERE. Check him out. Comment on his art. Who knows--it just might be hanging in your house some day.

NOT Doing A Show This Christmas...

On social media I was reminded this past week that I've been doing a lot of Christmas shows. One of my pictures I took six years ago popped up and I was asked if I wanted to share the memory.

So, in the past six years, I've done five Christmas shows, two versions of Charles Dickens's Christmas Carol (that took up three shows...), an original production of Babes in Toyland, and a stage play of It's a Wonderful Life. It's been so normal for me to be in a show at Christmas, I've forgotten what it's like not to be in a show.

For example, I have so much more time, not only for Christmas, but for Thanksgiving. This week I'll be home when I'm not at work. I can help get the house/meal ready and I can help with all the other things that seem to pop up this time of year, things I couldn't do in years past.

Last weekend my wife, mother-in-law, and I went to my daughter's performance at Weber State University. The difference between her show and the shows we've been doing each Christmas is her college show only had three performances. The shows I've been doing at Christmas took two months of rehearsals and one month actually doing the show. We watched the show and afterwards, I helped tear down the set. That reminded me of being in a show, too.

There are times when I miss being in shows, but having all this extra time is pretty fantastic. I'm looking forward to not being at the theater until midnight or later all this week. I look forward to having every night and weekends free. The theater's Christmas show opens Friday. I wish them well.

I'm In More Shows Than I see...

There's a joke I tell my my theater friends when they ask if I'm going to see them in their latest show. I tell them I probably won't see their show, not that I don't want to, but knowing me as I do, I won't. Then I say... 

"I'm in more shows than I see."

And that's pretty much the truth.

Over the past couple of years, I've been in several productions--not as many as some, but more than others. This year I finished up Pirates of Penzance in September, then my gig with Lagoon's Frightmares began the next week. I'm averaging two or three shows a year. 

But when it comes to watching other shows, I just don't make it. There's many reasons why I don't go see shows. I can say it's too expensive to see the shows. And that's true. Except for the next year, I've got season tickets to all shows at Centerpoint Legacy Theatre. They give performers tickets for the next year. I've had season tickets for the past six years at that theatre. I've been able to see every show in those six years. I may have seen three or four.

The show that followed Pirates is Ragtime. I've heard wonderful things about the show and I have many friends in it. One friend posted a personal invitation for us to see it, so much so, he will not argue with anyone who disagrees. ;) The chance for me to use my season tickets and see Ragtime ends tomorrow and once again, I'll be missing it. Tomorrow I have to work, but even if I didn't, I probably wouldn't be going.

I love doing shows, and when I go, I love watching them as well. Maybe it's because we don't do other things, either, like going to movies, going out for special events, you know, stuff other people do, that keeps us from going out.

I've got tickets to see the next year of shows at a theater I love. And like we've done for the past half decade, we'll maybe use them once. So, I guess I'll be responding the same way if/when I'm asked again about attending a show. I'm in more shows than I see.

"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. 

Serenaded At Dinner...

Tonight I arrived at the theatre early. I had picked up a grocery store sandwich and took a seat in the green room. It's been a long week and taking a break before the show revved up sounded nice.

Turns out, I wasn't the only one in the green room.

A young man sat at the piano we use for warming up before shows and played.

And what he played was beautiful.

I thought I recognized him as I came into the room, but when I looked again, I didn't. I thought I recognized the song, but as he played I realized I didn't. And since his continued playing told me he didn't mind me being there, I was okay to listen while I enjoyed my dinner.

In the theatre there's a stage and seats for the audience. There's tech booths and spotlight stations. There's backstage, the construction shop, the ticket office, bathrooms, dressing rooms, costume rooms, practice rooms, and the lobby. There's also a green room with a piano. Tonight there was a performer, and audience, a song...in a word, art.

The song ended and told the young man that I thought the song was wonderful. He said he heard the song, liked it, and learned how to play it. 

I still don't know who it was who played for me while I rested before the show. I don't know the song, either. But before any of the other cast members arrived, instead of entertaining others, I was the one entertained. Yes, magic happens inside a theatre--and it's not always on the main stage.

A Theatre...Full Of Ghosts

I sit alone in an empty basement surrounded by props, boxes, costumes, even a piano or two. In rooms above and to the side, groups congregate to either learn new material, or hone routines they should have memorized weeks ago. There's an energy here, unseen, but definitely felt. Even when empty, the building's alive with ghosts.

The basement's where the public doesn't visit, similar to the butcher shop where the delicious product is prepared, few want to see where the process takes place. It's where lines are delivered over and over again, songs are sung until voices give out, feet in uncomfortable shoes practice steps until blisters pop and heels bleed. It's where blood, sweat, and tears can be seen, can be felt, can be experienced. It's where people who do not have to be here dedicate their time for the enjoyment of others.

There's costumes, hanging like skin, waiting to be animated again. There's tables, chairs, desks, carts frozen in place until called upon. There's memories that float through the halls, the high ceilings, the carpentry shop, the ticket office, the rehearsal spaces--spirits representing the time each person gives up until finally a show comes together on the main stage, where actors, singers, dancers, stage managers and stage hands, lighting and audio experts await the guests.

And when the audience is seated and the curtain rises, the pain, the worry, the stress of each show disappears like a shadows in light. All that matters is the scene, hitting the note, nailing the step, delivering the line so that those who pay to see the finished product catch the smile, the kick, the laugh, or the sob.

And they understand.

I sit in an empty basement and the ghosts speak to me. They whisper the memories of those who came before. And I remember, my ghosts abound here, too.

Auditioning...A Little Slice Of Hell

I don't do a lot of shows, but I've done a fair share. And I should admit that, because of various circumstances, I have not had to do a lot of auditioning. There was a time when I did five or six shows without having to audition. I was asked to replace someone who dropped out a couple of times. I love helping out, and the trade-off for doing so is no auditions.

That works for me.

But tonight, my daughter and I signed up for the summer show at our local theatre. We were given a time and our assignments--sing sixteen bars of a song and prepare a short dialogue. We dressed up, drove the five miles to the theatre, dropped off our resumes and headshots and waited for out turn.

Then the nerves hit, the anticipation, the insecurities. I know it's part of the experience, but still.

I don't know why, but something about this audition felt off the entire time I prepared. I found a song similar to those in the show (as recommended in the audition instructions...), and I kept going over and over the dialogue. It never seemed to stick.

I found myself in a room with eight or so other nervous people waiting to be judged. There was a piano, a desk behind which were sitting the decision makers, the directors, the producers. We sat and waited our turn, gave unspoken support as each handed the accompanist their music and stood on the X made of masking tape.

Everyone did great, really great. I knew several who auditioned, having been in shows with them before. I could listen to them sing all day long. That goes for my daughter as well. She did an amazing job.

Then, it was my turn. 

Let's just say it did not go as I had envisioned it. Oh no. It did not go well.

I began my song and after the second stanza, I had missed a couple of words. Then, the entire rest of the song just vanished like smoke in a breeze. 

Gone.

The piano player continued and I remained on the X, a silent monument to how one blows an audition. All I could do was smile.

In life, nothing comes but without a price. The price of doing a show is working hard, showing up, doing your best, and getting past the audition. There are many sayings about how a person cannot truly grow without being pushed, how a muscle wastes away if it's not worked, how getting out of one's comfort zone is the only way to really progress.

I'm sure all that's true, but it still sucks to blow an audition.

If I continue to do shows, there will continue to be the need to prepare and hopefully do better (I'd be hard pressed to do worse...). There's other sayings, too. Sayings about how everything that has happened is in the past, and is therefore, unchangeable, so worrying or regretting this particular audition is a waste of time. And, I can take comfort from the words penned from Margret Mitchell, "Tomorrow is another day."

How To Get Cast In Community Theater...A Few Suggestions

A friend asked me yesterday for some advice. He wants to start doing theater again. He attended a couple of auditions and was not picked. Granted, he swung for the fences and tried out for two shows I don't think I would have made. Not that I'm the greatest actor, but I've been doing community theater shows for almost twenty years.

During that time, I've learned a thing or two.

I started answering his questions and I realized I began rambling on and on. Turns out I had more advice than I thought I did. I decided to put down those ideas in this blog post, just in case anyone else might have the same questions.

Of course, these are my own opinions based on my experiences. They are in no way definite or exclusive...just how I see things.

I started off with this:

I would try for a show at one of the local theaters that needs men. Shows like 1776, or Oklahoma, or something with a big cast. The best way to help yourself is the way you handle yourself once you’re in a show. I know it doesn’t help much to say “first, get in a show, then you can really help yourself.” It’s just that once you’re in a show, you can do the little things directors and theaters love, like show up on time and always work hard.

Those two things go a LONG way to making sure you can do shows in the future.

The “big cast that needs men” is a great way to get in the door

Centerpoint is a good place to go. There’s a smaller theater in Farmington/Kaysville called Hope Box. I’ve never done a show there, but I know many who have and they have enjoyed that theater experience.

There’s also a theater in Ogden and a couple more in SLC that I’ve heard of. The theater community isn’t really that big--everyone gets to know everyone else and what you want to do is get a reputation as being dependable and hard working. If the people who choose know this about you, or have heard this about you, they’ll put you in shows.

But I think [getting involved in community theater] is a good thing to get into. On a whole, there are good people involved who like to so something than just stay home and play video games. And I do know they need guys because I’ve been asked to be in shows when people drop out or they didn’t get enough fill a cast. And they do that because they know what they’re going to get. That’s a few ideas I have about how to get in shows. Basically, work your butt off once you get in and keep trying until you do get in a show.

He then asked about trying for a lead role or being in the ensemble. Here's my response:

I think it’s okay to say you’d like to be considered for a lead role. You want to be confident in an audition. Of course, they’re going to look at you with more scrutiny. And I think Centerpoint gets leads that can be leads anywhere (Hale, Pioneer Memorial). I usually write “Any Part” on the paperwork. They are looking for something for various parts and you might fit into those. Actually, being an ensemble member is a great way to exceed their expectations and make yourself look better by comparison than some of the other ensemble people who just want to have fun with their friends.

Sorry--I’m rambling, but I’ve been doing shows for almost 20 years. Even though you might not get leads right away, starting small can lead to getting the good parts.

It’s like a club and you’re on the outside wanting to be part of the club. And, in my opinion, the way you act, the things you say, the way you treat other people (respect/just being a good guy) like fellow cast members, directors, anyone associated with the theater, does more to help you get in shows than how you are on stage. It’s community theater and you’re not getting paid so if you treat it like a job and respect it, you’ll get in show after show. Because if they know you act that way and they then find out if you can act/dance/sing, you’ll get the bigger parts.

Like I said, these are just some things that raced around in my mind yesterday. Maybe they'll help you if you're trying to get in a show. And if so, I hope they do.

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.

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...

Centerpoint Theatre's "9 To 5"...Pretty Darn good!

Around 6pm last night I got a text message from my friend Mike. He informed me that he was in 9 to 5 at Centerpoint Legacy Theatre and wondered if I wanted to check out the show. A person I'd been trying to meet to discuss Comic Con stuff was going to be there, too. Mike thought I'd get a chance to meet him face-to-face, and I could see the show, too.

Turns out, that's exactly what happened.

But before I chatted with Mike's friend, I saw a wonderful show.

I've been doing shows on and off for almost twenty years. And when you do shows, you get to know a lot of other people who share your passion. Theater is a small world, even in Utah. Because it was a preview night, we didn't have programs. They'll show up when the show officially opens tomorrow night. But even without programs, I recognized so many both on the stage and behind the scenes. I'd never seen the stage version of 9 to 5, but I saw the movie decades ago. Good music, wonderful voices, and a women-empowerment message if there ever was one. I recommend seeing it, at least the cast I saw.

As I watched the show, I had a thought creep into my mind. Does knowing and working with these talented people make my experience more enjoyable? I've wondered the same thing before. Since I've gotten to know so many authors, do I like their books more because I know them personally?

Hard to say. I'll never have the opportunity to go back and see the same show with people I don't know. Just an interesting thought.

Having said that, I should point out some individual performances from last night. Jan Smith--fantastic! I've known her since the early 1980s--she was great then and even better now. Lori Rees--the woman can play anything and you'll believe her. She was so good as Doralee, worth the price of admission right there. Mike Brown--as slimy a boss as ever there was one, which proves Mike's ability as an actor. 

There was other, of course, who did great, Tara, Collin, Shana, Josh, Sterling, and Maurie's amazing direction. But my favorite performance had to be that of Russell Walker as Joe. I've done one show with Russell. Not only did we get to see a sweet character on stage, but we heard a matching voice in his solo. What made his performance memorable was because Russell is a sweet man, a good man, someone who would do what his character did on stage.

So, I guess (last night, at least...) knowing the actor's personally made it much better for me. Well done cast and best of luck on the run!

Watching "Oliver," On My Daughter's Birthday, With Her On Stage...

Last night I had the opportunity to watch an excellent production of Oliver at Centerpoint Legacy Theatre. And to make the night even better, my daughter was in the show. And to improve things even more, it was her birthday.

The show marks an important milestone for my daughter. She was cast as an adult, or more specifically, she was cast as a non-child. My daughter looks younger than she actually is, and it made her day when she found out she would not be an orphan, or one of the street kids. They even gave her a solo, which she rocked (my bias is duly noted...).

The show was wonderful. The leads had amazing voices which were only matched by their acting abilities. It was a first-rate production. And I challenge you to find a meaner-looking/acting Bill Sikes than Silas Stott. Good luck, is all I have to say.

The show runs until May 13th and my daughter's in the Mon/Wed/Fri cast, but both casts are stacked with talent--a bad show you will not see.

Sharing the theatrical experience with my daughter was a blast. Since my birthday falls during the winter holidays and I've done a lot of Christmas shows, I've spent many a birthday on stage in front of an audience. At the theatre last night I told everyone I knew that it was my daughter's birthday. I don't know if it enriched their experience, but I didn't care. I was a proud papa.

Attending A "Hats Off" Party...

Tonight the theater where I've been spending so much time lately held a party. They do it every year and every year (in which I've been in a show...) I've been invited. Tonight was the first time I've been able to attend. It's usually held at the same time as a certain writing symposium held in Utah County.

The invitation said semi-formal, but most were dressed to the nines. It's fun to get all gussied up sometimes, I guess.  Everyone seemed to be having a great time. At various locations in the lobby and upstairs there were food and drink stations, each with a theme from a show form 2016. Very creative, but what do you expect from a bunch of artists and performers?

There's mingling, noshing, catching up, then everyone goes into the main theater for a program. I needed to cut the evening short so I missed out on the program, but I've heard it's a lot of fun as well. I toted my camera around with me and took a few pictures. I could, and probably should, have taken more pictures, but it was fun to mingle, nosh, and catch up.

Tonight was a really nice thing for the theater's board of directors to do for us. They don't have to, but I'm glad they do. The performers on stage do all they can to make the event special for the audience, for each and every one of them. Tonight, that's what they did for us. It is appreciated.

Green Room Greatness...

I've spent a lot of time in this one particular theater over the past couple of years, done a lot of shows, seen a lot of things, met a lot of wonderful people. Many of those wonderful people you will see on stage as the curtain rises and the players walk on and break the legs of the stage, as it were.

But there are many people you miss when you pay for your ticket and sit in your seat. They're working behind the scenes and unless you're in a show or involved with the theater in some other way, you never see them.

One such person is Holly, and part of what she loves to do at the theater is dress up the Green Room. In the past four months I've seen the room transform from a ode to the Addams Family, an ode to George Bailey and Bedford Falls, and finally an ode to 1930s Long Island.

Our current show runs until the beginning of February and then Mary Poppins takes over. I'm sure Holly's already thinking of how she can Poppin-ize the space. I don't know what she'll come up with, but I'm sure it will dazzle.

I don't know if other theaters do this--this one obviously doesn't have to. A green room is important for the performers and techs, but decorating it to match the theme of a show, that's just a labor of love. Thanks Holly and CPT for going above and beyond!

Maurie Tarbox And "Hello Dolly!"...Simply Amazing

Last week my family attended a production of Hello Dolly at our local theatre. Having been in several shows at that theatre in the past couple of years, I knew many in the cast, so watching a show where you know the performers personally adds an extra element to the whole experience. Though many gave exceptional performances, one stood out. And it just happened to be the one who played the title roll.

I first met Maurie back at least a decade ago. She was a music director for a production of A Christmas Carol, and I'll be forever thankful a decision she and the other directors made when they gave a solo to my then six-year old daughter. My daughter still remembers it, and it was a proud moment for me to watch this beautiful little girl stand and sing her solo.

Over the years I've been fortunate enough to work many times with Maurie as she expanded her repertoire, from music director to director. Once again she chose my daughter and I to help out in several shows and she always treated us and all the performers with the upmost respect.

But I'd never seen her on stage.

Until last week.

She totally nailed it!

Really, I shouldn't have expected anything different. She's a pro, be it directing or while on stage.

There was one scene where Mr. Horace Vandergelder turned to Dolly and said, "Simply Amazing." The actor, the very talented Chuck Gilmore, could have been describing Dolly, the character, or the person playing her. 

The show plays for another couple of weeks. If you'd like to know more, click: HERE for details. Of course, everyone, from the excellent director--Jan, the fantastic choreographer--Addison, to the stage managers--Derek and Daniel, the costumers, prop people, other principles, to the ensemble, all contributed to make the show wonderful. I could (and probably should...) write a blog post highlighting all involved. It was a pleasure to just sit and watch the magic onstage. Thanks everyone for making our night so much fun. And a special thanks to Maurie, for the show and everything else.

Centerpoint Theatre's "Beauty And The Beast"...It Brought Back The Memories

This afternoon we loaded up the van and saw Centerpoint Theatre's production of Beauty & the Beast. I knew I would enjoy it--the music alone is fantastic. But what I didn't anticipate was the memories that flooded back to me.

In 2005, the incomparable Jim Christian and Rodger's Memorial Theatre (the forerunner to Centerpoint...) put on the same show. My son and I were fortunate enough to be cast, and we had a Gaston that could have walked right into Disneyland and played the part.

I was casts as an ensemble member and D'Arque.

Oh, and a cheese grater.

My son was cast as Chip.

Here's what he looked like then...

And what he looks like now.

My son and I did a lot of shows when he was younger. He kept acting in school doing mostly Shakespeare productions. Tonight my son and I both watched the show together. I watched new friends in the show and it reminded me of all the wonderful friendships I made in that show eleven years ago.

People go to the theatre (or a movie, or a sporting event...) for many reasons. They mostly go so they can feel something, excitement, fear, joy, pain, basically anything. This afternoon I went to a great show and reminisced. Amazing things happen both on stage and in the audience. I've been lucky enough to experience these things from both sides.