Those Lines...Remembering Those Lines

There's three shows left, three times to make sure we have our props ready before we go onstage, three times to make sure we aren't late for our entrances, and three times to make sure we say every line the way it's written in the script.

Those lines...

Maybe it's because I joined the show late, a replacement for someone who had to quit. I had three weeks to prepare, which is more than enough time to learn a dozen or so lines. Everyone was so supportive and helped me get up to speed, so that's probably not it. There's been something about this show--I occasionally find myself wondering if I'm going to forget those lines.

It's silly, mostly because before each show, I go through all my lines, one after another. I know them. I know them well, so I'm not sure why I doubt. Over the years I've been involved in a lot of shows. Due to my age and appearance and ability, I'm usually not cast as a lead, but I have been fortunate enough to have been trusted with some great roles. I've never really worried about the lines before.

During the last performance I missed two lines, or more specifically, I missed a few words in two lines. I got across the message of those lines and the other actors continued, but it made me realize, that even though I've memorized the lines, I'm not good enough to just go in cold--I've got to prepare and get into character. And I still need to focus, always focus.

Three shows, three more chances to entertain, to perform, and to give those who've spent good money on tickets their money's worth. And after tonight, it'll be down to two.

Centerpoint Legacy Theatre's "You Can't Take It With You"...The Video

The latest production on Centerpoint Legacy Theatre's Barlow Main Stage is Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman's You Can't Take It With You, a great little comedy about what makes up a family. The theatre created a little music video to promote the show. You can see it on the theatre's Facebook page: HERE.

We're just over halfway through the run, but there's still time to get tickets. The cast you see is not the one I'm in (we're double cast...), so if you go on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, you won't see any of the people on stage that are in the video.

After the shows, it's customary in our little theatre to greet patrons in the theatre's lobby and I've seen a lot of smiles as they pass by and tell us they enjoyed the show. That's one of the reasons I do these shows. Making people's day just a little bit better is a wonderful thing.

And, Superfan said, "It's a great show!" Or, something to that effect--sorry if I didn't get the quote exactly right.

So, if you're interested, click: HERE for more information about the show, the theatre, ticket prices, and show times. I'd love to seen you, if you can make it. After all, Superfan can't be wrong!

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!

So...Am I Off Book?

A few weeks ago I was asked to be in a show. I accepted knowing I'd have less time than normal to memorize all my lines. I made a little deal with myself--before I could go see the new Star Wars: Rogue One flick, I had to be off book.

This morning the fam loaded up the van and we saw the movie.

The question remains...did I memorize all my lines? Am I off book?

The answer...well, it can be looked at a couple of ways. I suppose I'm off book. In a few hours, I'll be able to prove it. We have rehearsal tonight. I can leave my scripts in my chair and just go for it, which is what I'm planning on doing. It may work out. I might crash and burn, but I'll be off book. Plus, I know the show well--I can improvise. That is the last thing, however, that the director wants me to do. Each word is important. Other actors key off the exact words the other actors say. I know I do.

But, I have to admit that I'm not 100% memorized, but I'm getting there. The show opens up in about ten days and I guaranteed I'll have every line, every block committed to memory. 

This morning I saw the movie, enjoyed the movie, found out when we got home that the last actress on the screen passed away...bittersweet. If you're in the area and you'd like to see You Can't Take It With You, or even if you've never seen it, pick up some tickets. Both casts are great, but I'm on stage Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. And if you do go when I'm in the show, come up after and let me know what you think.

Another Star Wars Movie...Another Reason To Delay Watching It

Last December I decided to not watch the then new Star Wars film until my son returned from his LDS mission. This meant I wouldn't be seeing the show until the end of February, 2016. Many people talked to me about this. Most couldn't believe I would do that, but for me it was relatively easy. I usually don't go see movies in the theater anyway, so waiting seemed to me normal.

Eventually February came, my son returned home, and we all went to see a pretty good flick. Flash forward twelve months and I find myself in a similar position. A new Star Wars film is now out and playing. Like last year many of my friends attended advanced screenings or made sure they'd be the first to see the new spectacle. And like last year, I didn't. With all the children at home, I wondered if I would go the first weekend, week, or even before December ended.

Then came another opportunity to delay me attending. Last week I was asked to be in another show. Someone had to drop and I was honored to be asked to join the production with just over three weeks until opening night (usually, a cast gets two months to prepare...). I'm excited to be in another show with such a talented pool of people, but now I've got to learn lines, blocking, and my character in days, not weeks. I've decided to wait to see the new movie only after I've memorized all my lines.

Because the new show I'm in opens the first week of January, I really don't have a lot of time. My family wants to see Star Wars: Rogue One soon, so we decided we'll be going a week from tomorrow, the Tuesday after Christmas. Of course, I'm sure those in the play would like me to memorize all my lines before that and hopefully, I will. But, if this time is like the last, I'll be glad I waited.