RENT!!

Ok...so I'll admit it. Since "Rent" first came out, I was anti-the whole show. As a whole. Just because I was sick of all of the young kids who were "Rentheads" going around quoting lines & songs from the show.

I saw the movie tonight with what had to be the entire community theater community here in Springfield. Well, not all - but a good chunk of 'em.

And I absolutely loved it. There were portions of the show (even though I had never seen, or heard any of the music except for the "Seasons of Love" song) that you could tell that were cut, and so some of the scenes seemed a little disjointed at times.

Nonetheless, it was a wonderful, moving, and fun movie. I do hope that everyone has a chance to go and see it.

Happy Turkey Day, all!! Be safe...be well!

Ohhhh Nooo

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

Ohhhh Noooo
Current mood: ditzy


Was in another car accident on Saturday. I swear, I am NEVER getting in another vehicle on a Saturday night - at least for a couple of weeks

Since the "Deer" debacle last weekend, Georgia has been riding in a Mazda 3 rental car. Not bad. So, Jim is driving, and I'm in the back seat...smoking a cigarette & wishing that I didn't have to run spot for this show. Stopped at a stoplight, a Dodge Durango plows into the back of us. The next thing I remeber is feeling my pants on fire - haha.

Wiped out the back of the little Mazda. Back windshield is gone, and we got to see the wonders of the bumper - styrofoam. I swear, Old Navy packs their sweaters in better stuff than this bumper was made out of.

Officially I have a sprained back & neck. Whoo-hoo. Muscle Relaxers for everyone :P

Have a great Turkey Day, all...Gobble gobble.


Currently listening:
The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas: Original Cast
By Carol Hall
Release date: By 07 October, 1997

Just Call Me "Deer", Please!!

I'm a bad blogger. Bad, bad, bad!!

I've just been a "little" neglectful...alas...here I am again. You can all jump up & down for joy...the 2 people who actually read this thing.

I'll begin with Saturday...I auditioned for "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" at Springfield Theatre Centre. Wasn't really caring about what role I got...I'd done the show a year ago in Little Rock, AR.

BUT...I was cast as the black housekeeper, Jewel (WTF?)

Then, I'm running spot for Nunsense (Just call me Sr. Mary Myopia), driving home...and WHAM. I hit a deer. By the grace of God, I was wearing a seat belt, so I didn't go through the windshield.

Whew. What a weekend.

Check out myspace:

http://myspace.com/shadowlands75

Weird Fact About Me

My significant other today told me something about me that I hadn't known.

I'm taller than Charles Manson.

Thanks, Michael...I love you anyway :)

Slap a Bitch, Go To Jail - Per Mrs. Zoom

School board expels 18 students Thirteen were involved in fights at Lanphier

By PETE SHERMANSTAFF WRITER
Published Tuesday, November 08, 2005

The Springfield School Board decided to expel 18 high school students at its meeting Monday night - probably the most ever expelled at one time, according to School Superintendent Diane Rutledge.

Thirteen of the 18 expelled students attended Lanphier High School and took part in fights at the school on Oct. 25. About that many were arrested as a result. The board also expelled, for unrelated incidents, two other Lanphier students, two from Springfield High School and one from Southeast High School.

"It was a very sad day for us," Rutledge said. "We are not proud of that kind of thing."
All the students were expelled for the remainder of the school year, and most were offered alternative education options.

Rutledge said the district, the Springfield Police Department and social service agencies are working with many of the expelled Lanphier students and their families to resolve issues that lead to the fighting. According to police, the fighting stemmed from neighborhood gang-related disputes.

Part of the problem, some board members hinted, might be explained by high school expectations.

Following a briefing of tougher state-required high school graduation requirements, board members were concerned that they actually might stifle interest in learning. The new requirements, which gradually take effect during the next four years, increase the number of math, writing and science courses needed to graduate, while decreasing the number of elective courses.

"I think it's great that there's additional requirements. But I'm really concerned about keeping kids interested in school. And I hate to see that there's going to be fewer (electives)," said board member Cheryl Wise. "It really does bother me."

"If you look at the number of kids that we have expelled today - as the numbers continue to grow, in terms of expulsions - I think we need to look at: Why aren't they interested in school, really?" said board president Judy Johnson.

"Some of them want to be there. They come in and say they want to be in class. Yet, still, they're acting out. ... What are we doing as a district to look at that?"

Tiring Week

I'm currently portraying Sr. Mary Myopia in "Nunsense" in Jacksonville, IL.

Oh, OK...you got me...I'm simply running the spotlight.

There are at least 4 or 5 different shows running this weekend in town (try http://gordonproductions for a complete listing), and I'm sick that I can't see any performances of "A Few Good Men". Oh, well. The joys of people who can't schedule correctly. It's better than my old town of Little Rock. At least we can get people to audition. I heard through the grapevine that they had 4 women, 3 men, and a couple of kids audition for "110 in the Shade". LMFAO.

So, yes...I'm in "Thespian mode" again this week.

So rant and rave at me...you know you want to ;)

My "It List"

Ok...so I'm not as good as some people about the pictures & text thing - but these are the hotties on my list ;)

If This Is Any Indication of How My Weekend Will Be Going...

Sigh. I'm in the shower this morning, I bend down to get my conditioner which has fallen onto the floor, and hit my head severely on a hook that is on the shower wall. Hurt like hell...I didn't think anything of it...I have a scar on my forehead that sometimes aches (call me Harry Potter).

Get out of the shower, and lo and behold...I have a gash on my forehead. Not a big one, but dear GOD...right next to the scar that is already there.

Wow...the joys of being clumsy...I think I'll refrain from drinking this weekend...I'll wind up like the drunk out at Marley's Pub who fell and hit his head on this bar on Tuesday night...but that is another story altogether ;)

Have a good weekend, all.

Mindless Blogging

I'm sitting here desperately awaiting 4:00 PM. My heart is racing...my mind is reeling. (I could start singing tunes from "Wicked", but the non-thespians out there just sooo wouldn't understand).

I am waiting for my special someone to come and visit me today. Luckily, today is the 1st day of registration, and my working at the Help Desk at the college, I'm swamped with calls of mass stupidity. "I can't register." Well, hon you haven't taken a class out here since 1999. Duh.

Time is slowly crawling by. I've had to stop myself like 10 times within the past hour from calling him. Wow. I'm not nervous. I am NOT nervous. If I keep telling myself this; maybe I will believe it.

Ugh...life and such. I cannot even find anything interesting to blog about. I'm a mess. But I look cute today ;)

What the Hell Has Happened to Separation of Church and State?

Wow - I'm sure I'll get a rise out of a lot of folks with this one. Sorry, it cannot fester any longer.

While living in Arkansas, I kind of relented to my liberal upbringing. We had our lovely governor leading the state in prayer. I was confused. But yet, I understood. The things that southerners know are BBQ, Fried Foods, and Jeezus. More power to them. Personally, I am not an organized-religion fan. A lot of these fundamental Christians border on the cult-standard. I'm always looking for the next David Koresh. I mean, true Christianity, you are supposed to love your neighbor. Not hate them. Oh! And the biggest one that really gets to me is..."do not judge lest ye be judged". Hmmmmmmmmmmmm. That's all I am saying about that one.

So, I relented that S.O.C.A.S. is null and void in Arkansas. That's fine. It's the south - EVERYTHING'S backwards...and slow. Listen to me talk nowadays - you'll know that it's slow :)

But imagine my shock when I move back home - sigh - finally back in Liberalland. And I find out that prayer and religion is trying to find its way back into public schools. Come again? Religion=Public Schools. Now there's an oxymoron, if I have ever heard of one. WTF? Parents, if it is so neccessary that your child cannot live without praising Jesus for the what? 7 hours a day that they are in school - send them to a parochial school of some sort. Look what a good job they did on me ;)

I Need a Mind Break

All of this studying of genetics is really bogging me down this morning...so here's a rambling post...but what else is new?

Had my Midterm Conference yesterday afternoon, which was surreal. I was told I had the potential to be an amazing writer one day, I had the creativity which cannot be taught, but I needed to start thinking. What a concept. I thought I was in college to daydream. Muah. My real problem with writing - and I don't know if it is a PROBLEM per se, but totally an issue. I have a very creative mind that about a dozen miles a minute, with dozens of things going on up there at one time. ADD - no. I'm too lazy for that. Bipolar - hmm...quite a possibility. I think I'm just nuts...seriously.

I was reading the Illinois Times online this morning, and I came across the fact that our dear Governor wants to change the age limit for tatoos from 18 to 21. Hmm...that's what we need a bunch of drunk kids going out to get their 1st tats on their 21st birthday. I hope you don't think that I'm anti-tatoo...I'm not. I have a lovely music note anklet on my right ankle...I love it. Yeah, painful...but very "me". My next endeavor will be either a shamrock or a celtic cross on my back. Yes, Dr. Zoom - feel free to comment on that one :)

Granted, I have not lived in Illinois for nearly 9 years now, but I just find it funny that Rod B. only decides to actually do things for the state when it's election year. Is it just me?

Hell, I seriously have no idea what I'm saying...back to genetics...

Slap me...please!!

Surprise...surprise...

As I mentioned in a previous "Abortion" post...Harriet Miers was being scrutinized for the abortion issue.

Well, let it be known that she was against abortion in 89...the only way she would be for it was if it endangered the life of a mother.

Gee...I'll bet she never talked to Junior about this...

BTW...did anyone catch that picture of she & Junior in Newsweek a couple of weeks ago? Reminds me of a certain intern & a certain former president...hmmm...

Sleep Deprivation

I recently studied that it can kill you. But is a little s.d. all that bad?

Personally, the past two weeks I get, oh, about a good 3-4 hours sleep a night. But then I usually take a 2 hour *siesta*...if I'm lucky. If I'm not...and I need to do something that evening...like say...THINK...I'll take a sudafed, or something.

Is this wrong? Really, it keeps me more focused. That may sound completely crazy. But it does.

So, yes...please forgive me for these inane postings as of late - I don't think my brain is completely functioning...but one day...it will again.

I'll Get Killed for This Posting

I was having an in-depth conversation with my father last night, and I truly believe that this is an issue that is completely side-stepped around nowdays.

What has happened to people living in the "real world"? I know this person, and like me, he has stolen, lied to, been arrested for heinous (well, not heinous, really...but stupid) things done to not only strangers, but people who are close to them...friends, family, whatever. But there is one huge difference between us. I have taken responsibility for my actions. I have apologized for my actions. I do not make excuses for what I have done. All I can say is that I was a completely different person at the time that I did these things (the last time being 8 years ago).

This person walks around as if the world revolves around him, and isn't even humble around people that he has hurt. He's hugely egotistical, spiteful, and I am hurt because of this. I want to forgive him for the things that he has done to people that I consider to be my friends. But if you don't ask for forgiveness, how is one supposed to forgive you? He is not living in the real world.

People place all of their faith in God. Which I do not dispute at all. But if you believe in God, then you also should believe that He gave us the ability to make our own decisions in life, and we must take responsibility for those actions. If we do not make the right decisions, then it is our responsibility to do all that we can as mortals to make up for those transgressions. Get a fucking job, stop living in a fantasy land where your entire life revolves around theater, music, and movies. Faith is a good thing, yes. But you cannot just say "I don't have enough money to pay for this bill, but JEEZUS will take care of this for me". That is not acceptable.

Faith is a great thing, but you need to be humble, and get your ass in gear to become a productive member of society. Keeping your ego in check is a good thing.

Yes I'm Still Alive

Nothing new to really talk about...sooo...

Let's talk about Karma.

Without going into great detail, I learned a great life experience on Wednesday. What goes around comes around, in full circle.

Thats all for today, kids!!

A Day in the Life as a Backstage Dresser

*Disclaimer - this was written on Sunday night - my how things change in a day*

I love theater...I really, really do. Maybe if I keep telling myself, I will believe it :)

I began performing onstage in Springfield, Illinois at the tender age of 10. As a puppet in a acid-induced production of "Pinocchio" at the Springfield Theatre Centre. Let me backtrack 3 months before then. I may have already posted this story, but what the hell - like I'm going to lose the 2 readers of this blog that I already have.

I come from an extreme musical family. I started violin lessons at age 4. My sister is the musical genius - plays more musical instruments (and plays them well, unlike me) than should be humanly possible. We were brought up on Mozart and Jesus Christ Superstar, for pete's sake. While dad was on "vacation" from singing with the Symphony Chorus, he decided with the help of Teresa Radlinski, the choir director at our church, to audition for the Springfield Muni Opera's production of "Jesus Christ Superstar". He was cast, and I was bitten by the theater bug. I thought, hey this is something that I could possibly do well. I couldn't sing worth a damn, so what could it hurt?

That's the reader's digest version. So, a Drama Queen was offically born!

As a true theater junkie, I've done my fair share of working backstage. Dresser, props, sound, lights, set building, set crew...whatever. I'm not picky. But for the last 8 years I kind of got my head blown up by playing some very interesting roles in Arkansas....The Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Ruby Rae in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Maggie in The Shadow Box, Victoria in A Grand Night for Singing...just to name a few. So imagine my delight when I heard that Springfield Theatre Centre was going to put on Jekyll & Hyde. Wow. But we all knew who the leading lady was going to go to. I just assumed I'd be put in the chorus, since I would only have to miss a few weeks of rehearsal. So I put on my most suitable skirt & gold lame blouse...curled my hair up Texas-style...and belted out "Someone Else's Story" from Chess. Made one critical error. I forgot that Springfield doesn't see fat girls as leading ladies. Believe me, that's the last time I use a "touchy" song for an audition here ;)

Or maybe I'm completely wrong. Maybe the reason why I wasn't cast is that I was just going to miss too much rehearsal. Because as good as the chorus is, I know I can go head-to-head with anyone of those women singing and acting. Sounds egotistical? Yeah, but I'm a friggin' thespian, what did you expect? I do have a diva attitude sometimes ;)

But I couldn't NOT work on that show in some capactiy. My father, whom I deeply admire and respect, was in the show. I hadn't been "in" a show with him since 1997. So when this guy asked me to be his dresser, I lept at the chance to be involved without having to move those massive set pieces.

So, here I was on Sunday afternoon...ready to go. Had my bravest game face on. Was prepared with a bowtie in one hand and a vest in the other. I was sooo prepared...time to show these people what kind of a uber-theater professional I have become...annnddd...

I friggin' crashed & burned. I hadn't adjusted the tie NOR the vest. Pfffttt...

The joys of live theater. What a professional I turned out to be.

Check This Out

Ok, I am sitting up here at my new job - working for the college that I am attending. I have 2 1/2 hours to kill, and I'm incessantly bored out of my mind. My significant other has disappeared this afternoon - damn him for actually having something to do tonight!! Anyway, so I'd thought I'd post this short essay that I wrote for Advanced Composition a little while ago. It's kind of crazy, but gets to the point. Isn't that the story of my life?


So, enjoy...if you dare...

Childrens' Literature

Portraying characters in childrens' literature as animals without a doubt increases the humor in "Olivia Saves the Circus" by Anne Schwartz. For example, one page has to do with cleaning the house. Since the characters are pigs, why does the kitchen have to include dishes piled up to the sink? This leaves one word in this reader's mind: Pigsty.

The classification of humor in this particular story is superiority. Adults are superior to children, as humans are superior to animals. This reminds me of the egocentric way that humans viewed the novel "Animal Farm" by George Orwell. The novel was on the banned book list for years, and it really hit a nerve with humans. How DARE this author even suggest that humans could be overthrown by something so weak and powerless as animals? Perhaps in a way, some sort of salvaging a sense of relief, though it is comic; is to cast characters in children's books as animals. it is much easier to laugh at animals, rather than to laugh at one's self.

Although the characters throughout this book were of swine nature, the majority of books for younger readers, the characters of children are portrayed as animals. Adults tend to believe that children are beneath us, as are animals. In previous years, children were of little value until they had grown; just like animals. By portraying the characters of children as animals, they are indirectly stating the aforementioned point.

Annnnddd...I'm done!

Ok...Time to Take It Down A Notch

For all of those living anywhere near to Springfield, Illinois - I beg of you to call for your tickets to the "wondermouse" production of "Jekyll & Hyde" at the Springfield Theatre Centre.

While I'm not actually IN the production (that's another posting altogether), I am the personal dresser for this guy http://drastrozoom.blogspot.com :)

And my FAVORITE liberal/communist in Springfield, Jim Leach, also makes an appearance. And my dad, Mr. Hep he ain't too shabby either.

Having said that, I attended a rehearsal last Sunday and can I say "OMG". While the leads are stunning, the biggest shock to me was the ensemble. These voices melt together like pure BUTTAH - I love it!

So, if you want to see the best community theater production that I've ever seen - ever - please c'mon down to the Hoog!

Illinois...Home of the Unoriginal Idea

Ok...now this is a great idea from the state of Illinois. To have every child covered by the state of Illinois under their own insurance plan. You'd think that by the news coverage, that this was an original idea.

Sorry to burst your bubble, my fellow Illinoisans. I don't know about other states, but when I moved from Springfield to Little Rock, Arkansas in 1998, the same plan had been in action for several years.

So, sorry, Illinois. This is a great idea, but sooo unoriginal.