Happy Birthday, Sis! Here's A Pirate Ditty...Again!

I've only got two siblings--for Utah, that's a low number. Only having two siblings means it's easy to remember their birthdays. Today is my sister's birthday. I wanted to give her a "Happy birthday" message on social media.

But she beat me to it.

Five years ago, in the summer, I was involved in a community theater production of Peter Pan. It's interesting because this summer I was involved in another community theater production of Peter Pan. Once again, I played a pirate (Jukes, this time, not Checco...). There were several of us in both shows, same director, same choreographer, same great time.

My sister shared with me a video I originally shared with her on her birthday five years ago. I thought it would be fun to let you all see it. But be warned...for some reason the recording sounds terrible on the blog post. I mean, we weren't trying to sound good, but we definitely sounded better than that. If you can't stand to let the video finish, I completely understand.

We did a good show, five years ago. I remember our pirate band--we were a jolly lot. For fun, I had a few of us record a "happy birthday" song for my sister. One of the pirates, the one closest to me, is no longer with us. It's a shame, for many reasons, one of which is patrons no longer can see him entertain on the stage, and another is we are unable to have Parker Hedin as a fellow cast member. I sure miss him. Like I said, a terrible shame.

But, on a happier note, it's my sister's birthday (I won't tell you how many she's had...). Happy birthday! I hope it was wonderful, and I hope it's the beginning of your best year ever! Love you, sis!

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!

Hidden Mickeys...Gotta Find Them All!

The first time I heard about hidden Mickeys was when I did Beauty and the Beast at Rodgers Memorial Theatre more than a decade ago. A cast member, as we set up for our first show, was arranging books on a bookshelf we used for a set piece. I wondered what he was doing because he wasn't just putting the books on the shelf. He was trying to arrange them a certain way.

I asked what he was doing.

"Creating a Hidden Mickey," he said.

"What's a Hidden Mickey? I asked.

I have so much to learn about the world of Disney.

He went on to explain that in shows, plays, movies, and at Disney theme parks, Mickey Mouse likenesses can be found everywhere. He told me there were books written about it (this is pre-internet-explosion times here...). Now, just search "Hidden Mickey" on the internet and you'll have material to read for years.

Back on July 29th, I snapped a picture of a Hidden Mickey I found on a set piece from the show I'm in. One of the artists working on the set commented on social media asking me if I found two more hidden somewhere in the Lost Boys underground set. I spotted one yesterday and I was shown another today. I think I got them all, but I could be wrong. I couldn't find any on the pirate boat.

We have one more performance until the curtain drops on our show for the final time. I'm typing this post in an empty dressing room, the rest of the cast off eating, socializing, having a good time. Finding a Hidden Mickey is like learning a secret, like being included in a special club. Admittedly, I have not spent a lot of time looking for Hidden Mickeys, but I'm glad I did this time. It made the show just that much better.

Fairy Dust...Everywhere!

If you were to walk the stage at Ogden Utah's Peery's Egyptian Theater, or backstage, or the loading doc, or the dressing rooms, or the hallways leading to the dressing rooms, or the stairways leading to the dressing rooms, or the green room, or the theater bathrooms, you'd see it. All you have to do, is look down.

Fairy dust.

Okay, technically, it's small square-ish pieces of metallic flakes. And I don't blame the cleaning crew at the theater because 1. they're excellent at what they do, and 2. it's almost impossible to clean them all up. I'm sure they're magnetic, which doesn't help. No, when you liberally throw handfuls of the stuff every show, it's bound to travel. 

It's traveled from at least one county to the next. I've seen it in my house, on my floor, on my clothes, even in our laundry. If someone saw the show then hopped a plane to another state or country, there's a good chance our humble fairy dust traveled with them.

Today, as I entered the theater, I saw more of the dust on the floor and it made me think. The small squares are a physical manifestation of the spirit of our show. The purpose of any show should be to create something that lasts, that leaves the theater with those in the audience (and in the show and behind the scenes...). I envisioned that dust representing the feeling we share as people after watching a production. It stays on the stage, it's in the wings, on our clothes, in our hair (or on our heads...), it clings to us as long as possible--the stronger the impression of the show, the more it holds fast to us.

The fairy dust Peter Pan throws about, well...it's real. It's magic. It transports us to a different world, a world of make-believe.

The show ends this Saturday. I wonder how long I'll keep seeing fairy dust at my house, in my car, on my clothes.

I hope it's a long time.

Living In Different Worlds...

Things are ramping up and I'm being stretched. It's like I'm living in many different worlds. That happens when you get involved in activities other than the biggies: work and home life.

I've got no one by myself to blame.

Back in 2013, a friend asked me if I wanted to be part of the inaugural Salt Lake Comic Con. Of course, I said "yes." I'm glad I did. Attending and participating in every Salt Lake Comic Con and FanX ever held has afforded me incredible memories and opportunities. The people I've met have become important in my life. I can't imagine being able produce the stories I've written without them.

As I write this post, I'm sitting in a theater green room waiting for the Ogden Musical Theatre production of Peter Pan to begin. It's one of the other worlds I live in. Right now, much of the hard part of this world has come and gone. We've survived rehearsals and tech week. Now, we're in the middle of the run so it takes up my nights and weekend.

Soon, this world will end and the other will get even bigger.

Right after FanX ends, I'll hopefully begin another acting gig, one I've done for a couple of years. It's not guaranteed--I can be replaced at any time--but I hope that doesn't happen. The pay's good and I enjoy the show and the people I work with. 

Then, there's my writing.

I've shared my story ideas with my wife--almost all my ideas. She's been incredibly supportive offering advice and suggestions. Her influence can be seen in almost every story I've written. She and I discussed a story idea the other night and I'm excited to see where that goes. That world is a world I want to spend more time in. It's that world where I feel something calling to me, drawing me in. Time will tell, of course, but the stories are out there. I've just got to grab them and put them down on paper.

As with all worlds, they sometimes collide. It feels that way now. But, as some worlds go away, I'll have time to focus on fewer and fewer. I'll keep you posted how that goes.

Gaffer Socks--Yeah, It's A Thing...Almost

I don't consider myself forgetful, at least, not yet. But as the days turn to weeks then months then years then decades, sometimes it happens. And when things are forgotten, measures must be taken to fix the problems created by being forgetful.

It happened last week.

And it involved my socks, specifically, black socks needed for the show I'm in.

I remembered thinking about changing my socks before I left the house for the theater. I did not remember long enough to actually change my socks. I remembered again when, in the theater dressing room, I looked down and wondered why I was wearing white socks and not black ones.

What to do?

I could ask my fellow pirates if anyone had an extra pair of socks. It's highly unlikely. I mean, I didn't have an extra pair of black socks. I usually wear them so I can wear them home after the show. That way, I don't leave a pair of stinky black socks at the theater with all my stuff.

Then, I had an idea...

Gaffer tape!

I ran downstairs and grabbed a role not knowing if it would even work, but I thought I'd give it a try. I sprinted upstairs and got to work. My first attempt wasn't good. I didn't want to completely wrap my foot--the shoes/slippers I wear might not fit. So, I ripped off strips and put them on the top of my foot. Things went easier on the other foot. I put on my shoes/slippers and they fit. It wasn't pretty, but it would have to do.

Turns out, the gaffer socks disappeared almost as quickly as they were born. A fellow pirate--Smee, if you want specifics--saw me creating a poor alternative to black socks and offered me a clean pair he had. He saved the day. If they hadn't looked so terrible, I would have liked to see just how the gaffer socks worked. My guess would be, poorly. Thankfully, we'll never know.

Unless, of course, I forget my black socks again, then we'll see.

Catching A Magical Moment...

It's an understated photo, at least, that's the way I see it. You see one thing, but if you look long enough, you might notice something else.

Something flying.

Something magical.

I've dedicated several blogs to the latest show my daughter and I are in. Over the years, we've done many shows together and I might blog once, or twice, maybe three times about a particular show. I might blog more than that, but it seems like that's all.

This show's different. For one thing, it's in a new theater in a new town. That makes the setting, the environment, the audiences, the overall feeling of the show different. 

Because it's different, I'm seeing different things, and when I see different things, I take pictures. I've posted several photographs from Peery's Egyptian Theater in Ogden. The place is beautiful, and there's so any incredible things to film. Then, you put a show on the that stage and there's even more to see and experience.

We opened this past week, which means we spent a lot of time both on stage and behind the scenes. Part of tech week is making sure marks are hit, blocking is set, and lines are given. Also, when you're involved backstage, you see things. One thing I saw was a lost boy captain flying in front of a nursery room window. That's when I took a picture. 

And I caught a magical moment.

If you go see the show (you can get tickets and information by clicking: HERE), you'll see a flying Peter Pan from a different angle, not just in shadow. But, when you're in a new location, there's magic to see--you just have to look for it.

Experiencing Ogden's Farmer's Market...Simply Wonderful

We arrived to the theater a few minutes early today and I heard a farmer's market was set up just a half a block away. And I thought, "I ought to check it out."

And I did.

And it was incredible.

I live in a wonderful little town. Over the years we've kind of turned into homebodies. We go out when we need to, but we find ourselves venturing out less and less as time goes on. And because of that, we miss out on several things, like driving a half hour north to experience a farmer's market. It's in Ogden and it runs in the summer and fall. You can get more information from their website by clicking: HERE.

The city closes down several blocks on arguably their most famous street, 25th Street, right downtown. I saw things you'd expect to see in a farmer's market--fresh locally-grown fruit and vegetables. There were other things, pastries, coffee, honey, and the people--and dogs--were as interesting as what was being sold...but in a good way. Also, you couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day--overcast with the summer heat not yet arriving.

Unfortunately, I was only able to see a small portion of the market. I had to return to the theater to get ready for the matinee. Next time, if we arrive a few minutes early either next week or the week after that, I may have more time to explore, experience, and take in the sights of a classic farmer's market. If you're in the area and haven't been, you ought to give it a go.

Sometimes...Many Times...I Wish I Were More Thoughtful

Last night we opened another show. I'm not the most "active" theatre performer. A few years ago I did five or six shows in a year. Maybe it's because I'm getting older, but I'm averaging about a show a year. Even at that, it takes several months out of your life.

I began doing shows back in 2000. There were several years I did no shows at all, so I've probably done about twenty since then. And everyone of them has had an opening night. And everyone of them has had a cast of performers who share that communal experience of opening night.

As we arrived a little before the official call time and prepared for the evening, that's when the thoughtful gifts began to arrive. A card, a trinket, a bag of candy (or two...), a thought, a button, and a couple of dozen cupcakes. Looking at my haul, or booty (in Pirate language...), I thought to myself...

I wish I were more thoughtful and considerate.

Some people seem to always be thinking of others. What an amazing talent that is! They think of what they can do to make opening night a little more special for everyone. They think and plan and execute those plans to put smiles on fellow cast mates's faces. They flat out think about others and turn those thoughts to actions.

Some shows go gift-less on opening night, the ones with smaller casts usually. It's not that I expect the little thoughts of kindness at every opening night. I'm usually so involved in hoping I remember my lines/blocking/notes that I don't think about getting little gifts. Maybe that's why I don't bring the gifts, either.

No. That's just an excuse. If I wanted to think of others on opening nights--or at other times--I could. It's like anything--the more you do it, the easier it becomes. So, maybe next year (if my current play production continues at its current pace...) when opening night rolls around, I might remember that doing something nice for others is something I actually can do, and maybe I might actually end up doing it. I guess time will tell. Thanks everyone who made last night so much better!

Ghost Mustache...I'm Feeling It Now

Genetics have denied me the chance to grow facial hair. Believe me, in the fifty-three years I've been on this earth, I've tried again and again to grow something--anything--on my face. 

Nope.

Ain't going to happen.

It's just the way it is.

And I'm okay with that. I mean, what choice to I have? I know there's ways to replace hair on the top of your head...not necessarily good ways, but there are ways. Growing beards or mustaches, or goatees though...probably not a market for fake/permanent mustaches, beards, and goatees.

Of course, you can always be a pirate in a play.

The only time in my life I've sported a mustache is when I'm on stage. They don't look 100% convincing (or maybe they do--I'm not a good judge of this...), but they're good enough to make the audience believe I haven't shaved my upper lip for some time. Personally, I think it's a blast to wear a mustache. It makes me look so different and gives me a glimpse of what could have been. In the current show I'm in, I feel like I should have a striped tank top and a huge barbell to carry around, a la, the ol' time strong man carnival performer.

The problem--once I take off the mustache after wearing it before and during the show, it still feels like it's there, even hours later. Right now, I can still feel it there, even though I took it off four hours ago. I'm sure residue from the adhesive has something to do with it as well.

When I think about it, I'm sure that when guys who have grown a beard, mustache, or goatee naturally feel the same way once they shave off their facial hair. They must feel the same way.

Tonight, I'll go to sleep, wake up tomorrow, and after working a ten-hour shift, head off to the theater. Hopefully, the ghost mustache will be gone by then, only to have it return as I try to fall asleep tomorrow night. Then, Heaven help me on Saturdays. We do two shows each Saturdays during the run. I wonder if I'll keep feeling the mustache all day on Sunday.

Time will tell.

My First Disney Clothing...Ever

Of course, it may not be my first item of Disney clothing ever...it's not if you count watches.

When it comes to strengthening the economy by purchasing things, I'm not a good example. And when it comes to purchasing clothes to strengthen the economy, I'm a terrible example. I simply don't buy clothes. Since I began working at home, I've bought even fewer items of clothing than I did before, and that was almost nil. This past week I put on a t-shirt I got free from work. It's to celebrate our work's health plan for the upcoming year. That year was 2000. The shirt's twenty years old--older than half of my kids.

So, when they announced today's tech rehearsal for the upcoming production of Peter Pan that it was Disney Day (meaning we wear Disney gear...), I shrugged. I didn't have to wonder which shirt I'd wear, because I have none. And not only do I not own anything Disney, when it comes to clothes, I thought back. I don't believe I've ever owned an article of clothing depicting a Disney character, theme park, movie, song, or play. 

Nothing.

It's not that I don't want to participate--it's one of those things, you either have Disney-themed clothing or your don't. And I didn't.

Until yesterday. That's when I stopped by a Goodwill story (not my usual thrift store...) and found a couple of used shirts associated with Disney. I chose the best one--Longboard Chewie. A classic.

The past couple of shows I've done, they've had Disney Days. Now, I'll no longer shrug with indifference. I'll wear proudly my Longboard Chewie. It's such a great shirt, I may never have to buy another Disney article of clothing again. After all, I've demonstrated I can keep and wear a good t-shirt for a couple of decades, and if I keep doing shows for a couple of decades more, I'm all set.

Come see Peter Pan! You can access info on the show: HERE. I won't be wearing Longboard Chewie (even though that would be fantastic...), but come see it anyway. After all, the show's not called, Disney Day.

Come See OMT's Peter Pan...It's A Fantastic Show!

I've been posting pictures from Ogden lately. There's a reason for this, and it's not just because the valley is full of amazingly photogenic locations and sights.

It's because my daughter and I are in a play that opens in just a few weeks.

Peter Pan

This is a show of firsts for me. It's the first show I've done in Ogden, unless you count my birth in Ogden over five decades ago. It's the first show I've down that wasn't in Centerville or Farmington. What it isn't, is the first time I've done this show. Years ago, I was fortunate enough to be part of a Peter Pan production at Centerpoint Legacy Theatre.

This time, I'm Jukes the pirate, not Cecco. I'm the pirate who gets killed first by Peter in Act III (sorry for the spoiler...).

I have had an amazing time learning the show all over again with an entirely new cast (but not director or choreographer...). Doing a show in a new theater in a new city gives us the opportunity to get to know more people.

So, if you're in the area and want to see first-rate entertainment, chick: HERE for more details on the show, ticket prices, and performances. Come on--check out the show! You won't be sorry!