Something I shoulda done a long time ago

I'm going to start posting some stuff I've been recording - on my fave karaoke site singsnap.com - so bear with me :)

The Play's the Thing...To Actors, Anyway

I would like to share a letter to the editor from one of my local acting "heroes" (maybe I'll do a blog about all of my heroes at one point or another):

Great performances in ‘Elephant Man’
I am writing to concur with Nick Rogers’ review of “The Elephant Man” presented at Theatre in the Park at Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site. Nick is not one to be impressed easily, nor am I. His review indicates he was extremely impressed and he didn’t even get to see the complete show. Well, I had the good fortune of seeing the entire show Saturday night, and I was moved and impressed beyond words. Matt Husky’s portrayal of John Merrick is absolutely stunning. Every movement, every moment is painfully but beautifully executed. Merrick’s intelligence and humanity are never overshadowed by his disfigurements. As Nick aptly stated, “It’s a compelling, dedicated performance that’s riveting in body and voice.” His performance is complimented by the fine acting of the rest of the cast. Bruce Davidson does indeed explode dramatically as Dr. Frederick Treves. It is a sensitive, powerful, heart wrenching display of conscience. Deborah Kerley’s very natural performance of Mrs. Kendal is equally fine. What is noteworthy is that this is her theater debut.

My heartfelt thanks to Valeria Parga and her entire cast and crew for an unforgettable theater experience. My second reason for writing is to encourage everyone who considers themselves a patron of the theater to see this show. I am greatly saddened when I attend dramatic performances and see half the seats empty. When shows like this and “The Gin Game,” performed a few weeks ago, draw crowds of fewer than 100, and yet any musical in town will attract hundreds, something is amiss.

I do not wish to detract from the fine performances offered in musicals, nor get into the debate about what is “real” theater, but if we are to continue to have a stimulating array of shows to choose from, we must support these shows by our attendance.
Martha Plog Springfield

“The Elephant Man” will be presented at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday at Theatre in the Park at Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site. Free pre-show entertainment begins at 7 p.m. each night."

I must concur with Ms. Plog's evaluation of Musicals vs. "Straight" Plays.

I began as an actress. I couldn't sing to save my life. So, I really consider myself an Actress/Singer...and Ms. Plog, may I commend you on speaking the truth.

It isn't just Springfield...every town where I've done community theater...if you want everyone in town to see you...do a musical. If you're doing it for "arts' sake"...do a straight play.

Wish it wasn't like that...but it's what the audiences love...

My Weight Loss

Okay, so I really wasn't intending to start a diet regimen. Honestly, I wasn't

But after the split/move, I suddenly lost my appetite. I think for 3-4 days, I stopped eating.

Then, when my folks went to Alaska, I started binging again, and Georgia kind of "meanly" got my mind back in gear.

So, I stopped snacking & drinking only diet coke. I went to H20, and iced tea. And cut out chips almost altogether. Then, when we started rehearsaing @ the Muni, I think the sweat really helped me shed some pounds.

My jeans are falling off now (which is a double-edged sword...), and I feel sooo much healthier.

To keep it off, I've begun walking Prissy dog in Iles park at least once a day (the whole length of the park...which should be a good 1/2 mile, at least). And I'm not winded afterwards!

Before:



After:

A Crazy Law

Ok, I rode my bike as a kid. Loved it! But 9 times out of 10, I rode on the sidewalk.

I was informed on Sunday that there is a state law which prohibits bicyclists from riding on the sidewalk. ????????????

In the State Journal Register here in lover-ly Springfield, Illinois - there was a letter to the editor blasting a driver for accidentally hitting a cyclist.

Okay. I almost hit a cyclist the other day. Not because I'm a bad driver. But because this drunken bastard was weaving all over the road like he owned it.

If the law is that cyclists have to use the road, might I propose something:

1. Paint bicycle lanes on the roads. Not just in the parks.
2. Make it illegal for intoxicated cyclists.
3. USE YOUR HAND SIGNALS WHEN RIDING YOUR BIKE
4. You don't own the road - watch for traffic. If you see an oncoming car....MOVE!!!!

I'm Back to Real Blogging

Monday night, in the Quad Cities, a 4 year old boy died when a tree fell on his tent.

Sad.

BUT...here's the really...um "interesting" part...a 9-month-old baby was in the tent with him. And the parents were in a different tent.

Ok, I'm not a parent, but I'm a pretty good aunt & "Child rounder", and holy shit...when my niece & nephews were that age, I doubt they would be in a different room sleeping away from their parents...much less have them camping in the woods in a tent.

This just proves my point, that people should be licensed to have children. When there are those of us who would give their eye teeth to have a baby without all sorts of freakish drugs.

Theater, Theater, Theater...what else is new?

Two completely different subjects, but they all relate to my favorite obsession...theater. Ladies and gentlemen...(or should I say lady and one dude?)I must steal from Stephen Colbert for just a moment:

I CALLED IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's right, my lowly 2 readers. If you will remember a little blog that I wrote in January (re: http://kimitasrantingsandravings.blogspot.com/2008/01/they-must-be-on-crack-in-new-salem.html). Well, do I have an update for you.

Let's call him Joe Bob. Joe Bob smokes crack. Joe Bob directed a show. Joe bob steals all of the t-shirt and dvd money. Moral of the story: Someone please put Joe Bob in prison.

To bad the powers that be didn't listen. Didn't ask. Didn't read my fantabulous blog. Until it was too late. Bless you, TIP. I didn't want this to put you guys at risk.

Next time picking a new director, ask around. Do a criminal background check.

I cannot believe that sociopathic asshole. Grow up, Joe Bob.

Subject Two: My Return to Muni

Um...awesome. That's it.

Read the review...I'm having an awesome time!

http://www.sj-r.com/theater/x469158562/Review-The-Secret-Garden-pairs-joyful-set-stunning-cast

Bless You, Muni Opera

So, I backed down, and auditioned for "The Secret Garden" at Springfield Muni Opera - even though everything within my soul said to me "Why are you doing this?"...

I began auditioning for Muni at the ripe old age of 13. I was not cast in a show until I was 17.

I moved away from Springfield when I was 22, and moved back when I was 29. I auditioned for Muni AGAIN in 2006, and was rejected ONCE again. So I gave up.

But I absolutely adore "The Secret Garden", and am convinced that I will be involved in this show SOMETIME before I die...or before my voice is gone.

So, I auditioned for basically any female role. I didn't care.

They had me read for Mrs. Medlock, which was the ONLY role I didn't list on my audition sheet...I thought I was too young.

I was called back for Mrs. Medlock, reading against 2 of the best actresses in Springfield. And I got it.

Ah...I will be chewing up LOTS of scenery this summer!!!!

Thuper-Duper-Duper Tuesday

Ok...so it's another crazy Thuper Tuesday. And does anyone really care?

I wish I could say I'm for Obama, or Clinton. But I just don't know. Bill is really pissing me off lately. He used to be the BEST active listener that I'd ever met. Now he just seems to have diarrhea of the mouth.

Who knows. I want that Obama/Clinton or Clinton/Obama ticket more than life...but I have a feeling that Ms. Rodham would never be anyone's VP.

Ugh. And this superdelegates thing - this will tear the democratic party in two.

Life goes on.

What's Up With Me?

Well, I finally got a job offer that does the amazing thing - blends my passion & office/customer skills. Ticket sales assistant at Sangamon Auditorium . Craziness. Making decent money...and benefits, including a waiver for free tuition/fees for 11 credit hours per semester.

Craziness.

New Year, New Job

Oh my dear God.

I've been keeping quiet about interviewing for this new job (as quiet as Georgia & Katie Spoon can keep it)...because it is truly a dream job.

Ticket Sales Assistant for Sangamon Auditoruim at the University of Illinois-Springfield. For those of you who think that I'd be sitting at the ticket window selling tickets all day...you're partly correct. Think of the Ticket Sales as a department store. There is one manager, and 2 assistant managers. I'm one of the assistant managers.

Making REALLY decent money, and BENEFITS. Dear God, I have not been able to have a regular CHECK-UP since 2004. Yeech.

The best part of all, I think is the Tuition. I get a waiver for 11 credit hours per semester. Ummm...can you say Bachelor's Degree? And this is good for any state school.

My life is nearly complete. Who knew that I could merge my job & passion together. I'm nearly coming apart at the seams (in a good way)!

My car has a flat tire, so I can't go anywhere till MB makes his way home sometime this evening.

They Must Be on Crack in New Salem

DISCLAIMER: I am not mentioning this person by name...but I have a personal stake in this. This person directed me in my first "Grown-up" musical (back in the day @ STC, it meant a LOT to get cast in a "Stage 1" musical. I had been only cast in White Rabbit productions up until I was 16.), and directed 2 of my High School Musicals. I was sorely disappointed when he decided to choose crack over his passion. But having directed a show, I know what a huge responsibility it is...you have to set an example - especially for the young people, and those who have never been in a show before. So...I'm not judging HIM so much, but TIP.
Ok. So basically, I'm not auditioning for Muni this year, because the only show I'd be interested in is "Secret Garden", and I'm not trying to battle anyone for a chorus role.So...I was uber-excited that Theatre in the Park in New Salem (Petersburg area) has "Kiss Me Kate" on the line-up. It is exactly what I was looking for to really work my more operatic range.

Then I saw who is directing the show. Let's just say that he has a slightly checkered past. Let's go down the checklist:

He has robbed about 2 theaters that I know of - he stole concessions money from one, and t-shirt money from another.

Infamous for personal bad checks (one to my parents - for a lot of money).

I know at least of 3 people that he stole their ATM + Pin number. Cleared out their account. Usually he was living with these people.

Doesn't work. Is on Medicaid, because he claims to have a multiple personality disorder.
Changed his name in 1993.

He was supposed to direct a Christmas-themed show about 30 miles west of Springfield this year. He was arrested for drug possession & they relieved him of his directing duties.

Last year, he was supposed to direct a musical at TIP, and quit.

I'm sooo a believer of 2nd chances. Even 3rd, 4th, and 5th.But when you're 42 years old...isn't it time to grow up?

Shouldn't the shame be mostly to blame on these directors, and theaters who constantly allow someone to be an authority figure (this includes being around children) who just got out of jail? Or who should be in jail.

Wow...our justice system works soooo well.

Oh Crap...Seriously

Well...not seriously, I guess.

I seriously thought that nobody read my blog...I had no idea that Blogger switched over to Google, and I use Gmail. Bloody Hell. I started a new blog:

http://theatralisdiva.blogspot.com/

So...what's up with me?

It's all about "Broadway-oke" right now...which led to me making this decision:

http://theatralisdiva.blogspot.com/2008/01/turning-new-creative-leaf.html

What is Broadway-oke? Well, check it out for yourself:





Come, join the party!!!!!

XOXOXO

Vote for Gina Glocksen!

First of all, the most original artist to perform on American Idol in quite awhile.

She is what Kelly Clarkson is TRYING to be!!!

Honestly, she's from my mom's hometown...soooo....

Vote!

Directing

What an experience.

Had a great cast. STC Board of Directors were awesome.

Um. The Hoogland Center for the Arts sucks. I'll leave it at that!

Cap0007.mpg

"It's Better to Give" from Nuncrackers

I Already Did That!

Ok, so I backslid.

I said I never would audition for THAT director's shows again. He asked. I did.

The same shit happened.

Since Sunday, I've been going over & over in my mind...what exactly happened. What did I do wrong at auditions.

Not a FUCKING thing. I sang "Stars and the Moon" from "Songs for a New World" by Jason Robert Brown, and even though the pianist sucked, I think I did one of my better auditions. I didn't oversing. I didn't really belt at all. So, I felt comfortable. I just SANG.

Sooo...I didn't get a callback.

Wait...it gets better.

15 women DID get a callback. Yep. FIFTEEN. Including a woman who makes a foghorn sound pretty. So, basically I knew that I was being fucked again by this same man. Which might be enjoyable...if...(insert your pun here)

But wait again...there's more to this story. The woman with the BEST voice in town auditions. Gets called back. Gets asked to stay. Is told she wasn't cast because he's casting a guy for the role. Ok, whatever. The next day, he makes calls for more people to audition for the show.

Waaaiiittt a minute here...isn't the protocol for Community Theater to have audtions, callbacks...then cast the show. But I guess when you are the artistic director you can have auditions, callbacks, then call people to audition again...even though you had at least SIX people who could have done that role.

So, he casts the GIRL he called to audition. Whhhaaat? I won't comment on HER voice. But let's just say...nails...chalkboard.

So, I'm stewing. Pissed. Mad. Should I email this director? Should I call him and cry, and let him know how much he hurt me by doing this?

So, I am flipping through "The View" this morning, and saw that Beverly Sills was the guest co-host. Could be interesting. So, she is telling this story on how she retired from opera, and went on to run the City Opera for 10 years. At the end of her 10 years there, her husband said "You already did that", and handed her a ring with "I already did that" inscribed on it.

He was not telling her NOT to do said thing again, but rather it was a reminder to herself that she DIDN'T have to do it again.

So when it comes to said director...I Already Did That. When it comes to the show "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"...I Already Did That. And extremely well.

Gotta Love Infertility

Ok...so for the past 6 months or so, I've been in a funk that I couldn't explain. I really don't want to socialize. If Michael didn't live with me, I would probably not even want to see him. I couldn't put my finger on it.

I was going through mood swings & depression like I've never done before. Which is odd...really odd. Usually, the "once a month" thing is enough...but...well...since I hadn't had a "once a month" thing for about 6 months, I couldn't blame my craziness on that.

Then I remembered. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Basically, I'm infertile until I "want" to conceive. LOL. The "want" to conceive is wacked out, because let's say I want to have a child. I will have to do this to have my own baby:

1. Go on progestin & estrogen birth control pills for a year. Fun times. Especially since I have breast cancer on both sides of my family; it'll make it fun.

2. So if I don't go on the BC pills, I will have to get synthetic progestin. Shots. Fun times. I think that's actually worse than the pill.

3. Spironolactone. In layman's terms, a diuretic. Since the symptoms of PCOS is acne, hair loss, and "male pattern hair growth" (hair on face and toes...which unfortunately I have), this helps these symptoms. Basically, I have too much testosterone in my body.

4. If I come up with diabetic stuff (which I haven't), then they'll have to treat that.

5. Fertility medicines. Yay!!! Michael & I could have our own football team - with one pregnancy.

6. And if all of this doesn't work - then it's (cue "happenin'" music) LAPROSCOPIC OVARIAN DRILLING. Yeah, it's as scary as it sounds. Basically, they either destroy or remove an ovary in hopes of stimulating the other. Ugh.

As crappy as this sounds...ya know...PCOS is the best birth control ever!!!

But...I'm scared that one of the cysts have actually burst, which could mean a huge mess. Sigh.

Well, we'll see.

Death, Dying...and Yet Death Again

What a wild couple of months.

My grandmother passed in March, my dear friends Lamon White and Nathan Cooke, and my great-uncle Jimmy Gene and great-great aunt Katie all in June.

I believe honestly that greif is very self-centered. I can guarantee you that nobody wherever they wind up when they pass is grieving...they are celebrating...especially my dear, darling friend Nathan, who had been suffering for a little under a year.

So...if you've been wondering what I've been up to...it's funeral month. And another one tomorrow. Craziness ensues.

This Struck Me as Funny...

I'm working this crazy job with crazy hours at the hospital, since I'm not doing any performing currently (3:30 pm-12am).

So this girl I work with comes in all pissed off. "God DAMN it...they won't let me leave early".

I'm curious...they seemed really flexible with the hours.

So, me being the drama queen that I am, ask her "Well what did you tell them?". "The truth", she starts ranting "I need to pick my baby's daddy up from the bus station."

Reasonable. Or not?

"...he just got out of prison."

It gets better.

"I'll bet if he was just coming back from Kuwait they wouldn't have a problem".

Hmmm...Kuwait...Prison...draw your own conclusions.

Jeepers Creepers Semi Star

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=591999137&n=2

Oops...late...I know