So I survived F2 Squared - that is, two F2 Tornadoes swept through central Illinois Sunday night and early Monday morning. Wow. Talk about not giving a flip whether I was cast at Muni or not (FYI I was NOT cast in anything). Thank God my family and Michael and I escaped with minimal damage.
On Monday or Tuesday afternoon, my parents noticed that the police were knocking on their neighbor's door - my mom told my dad to tell them that they were at work. The officer said "Actually, we're looking for Georgia Hepworth". Turns out that my Grandma Sunny, who lives in Evergreen, Colorado...who is the matriarch of our family...had fallen while in the shower and had lost consciousness for a day or so, and her manager at her condo complex found her.
Her friends in Colorado had been trying to contact my mom, since we are her only immediate family left, and their phone lines were down (actually, they were just restored today), so her friend contacted the Springfield Police department, and they let them know that we had really bad storms here, and that they would come and look for her. And they did - thank God.
So we didn't think that anything was really wrong. Since my folks' neighborhood was really badly hit, I told them that I would house-sit and take care of the dogs & cats. Fun times.
So I called her last night, to make sure my dad had given me correct directons for the medications that one of her dogs is taking (of course it was wrong!), and she said that Sunny was really bad off. Big red flags went off in my head. Said she was septic, and on 4 different antibiotics, and that none were responding, and that her WBC's were sky-high. Hmmm. Let me explain, Sunny's 83. She has had a knee replacement, and 2 hip replacements. But that's it. No other health problems EVER. The most independent woman in the world...she drove a STICK shift twice a year from Colorado to Illinois...to visit her family. So I figured "Crazy Grandma Sunny" would pull through - hell...she'll be around to outlive all of us. The doctors would find the right antibiotic, and mom & dad would be back in a couple of weeks. Life as normal.
Michael went to a job interview this morning - came home very melancholy. I figured the interview had went horribly awry. He said it went OK...said he talked to my brother-in-law, Dale, who works for this company. Grandma Sunny died this morning around 6:00 am.
Losing a Grandparent is nothing new to me. I lost my grandfather in 2004. Her husband died 9 years ago. But this has hit me like a ton of bricks. My mother's family is gone. I lost someone who loved me just as much as my own mother does. Katie and I would go stay with her for 6 weeks each and every summer as we were growing up. We were her only grandchildren - and she was a beautiful, wonderful woman.
God, this is hard. God, do I miss her.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Friday, March 10, 2006
Waiting...and Waiting
I auditioned last Saturday for Muni. Fun times.
Now the waiting process begins. No callbacks as of yet. But then again, I've not heard too much. Nobody's talking. Weird.
So drinking must occur this Monday night.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Life or Something Like It
Ok...so many subjects...so little freaking time.
It's been a month of co-habitating with Michael...and he hasn't killed me yet. That's a huge plus. I must have some sort of hold on him - he's auditioning for the Muni with me on Sunday. This is a double edged sword, I know. I'm elated that he's interested in what I am...yet...he's a man. Without uncertainty...he will be cast. Me...not so much certainty. This isn't a scientific quote...but I think the ratio to men vs. women auditioning is about 1:10. Draw your own conclusions. But hell, I feel the same way about my dad. Love, love, love him - but he's talented. There ya go.
I am also doing a 360 with my audition song. I've changed it at least 10 times in the past 2 months. First, it was a sappy ass love song. Then, it was a sappier love song. It wound up going to a belting bitch song...then I decided to stop all of this procrastinating. They're doing Chicago and I have been singing "When You're Good to Mama" for the past 4 years while in Little Rock. My problem is...that the rumor mill has been going nutso. I heard that someone was pre-cast for the role of Mama Morton. When asking people who kind of know what they're doing - they said to audition for Mama. I was stuck. First, my best friend in the entire world is auditioning for that role. Hmmm. Second, I'm wayyyy too young. Third, what makes me thing that I'm so fucking good that I could actually stand a chance? Then I woke up. This is freaking COMMUNITY THEATER. Also, I really dig this role. As sparse as Chicago is done in Community Theaters nowdays...who is to say when I will get the chance to audition for this show again? And if I was in Little Rock...would I let this keep me down? Hell, no. I would go in there all ballsy and kick some ass. So there it is.
Healthwise - I suck. Cellulitis is NOT my friend. I've been laid up here in this damn house. Unable to go to rehearsal. Craziness.
But hey - I blogged for the 1st time in eons...I'm proud of me ;)
"It's Roller Derby Now"
It's been a month of co-habitating with Michael...and he hasn't killed me yet. That's a huge plus. I must have some sort of hold on him - he's auditioning for the Muni with me on Sunday. This is a double edged sword, I know. I'm elated that he's interested in what I am...yet...he's a man. Without uncertainty...he will be cast. Me...not so much certainty. This isn't a scientific quote...but I think the ratio to men vs. women auditioning is about 1:10. Draw your own conclusions. But hell, I feel the same way about my dad. Love, love, love him - but he's talented. There ya go.
I am also doing a 360 with my audition song. I've changed it at least 10 times in the past 2 months. First, it was a sappy ass love song. Then, it was a sappier love song. It wound up going to a belting bitch song...then I decided to stop all of this procrastinating. They're doing Chicago and I have been singing "When You're Good to Mama" for the past 4 years while in Little Rock. My problem is...that the rumor mill has been going nutso. I heard that someone was pre-cast for the role of Mama Morton. When asking people who kind of know what they're doing - they said to audition for Mama. I was stuck. First, my best friend in the entire world is auditioning for that role. Hmmm. Second, I'm wayyyy too young. Third, what makes me thing that I'm so fucking good that I could actually stand a chance? Then I woke up. This is freaking COMMUNITY THEATER. Also, I really dig this role. As sparse as Chicago is done in Community Theaters nowdays...who is to say when I will get the chance to audition for this show again? And if I was in Little Rock...would I let this keep me down? Hell, no. I would go in there all ballsy and kick some ass. So there it is.
Healthwise - I suck. Cellulitis is NOT my friend. I've been laid up here in this damn house. Unable to go to rehearsal. Craziness.
But hey - I blogged for the 1st time in eons...I'm proud of me ;)
"It's Roller Derby Now"
Monday, January 23, 2006
Survival of the...Prettiest
So I survived. And I only got bitch-slapped once by the director. It was great!!!
Seriously, though - it wound up to be a stellar show, with a little added skin at the last performance (email me for details) - and no, it wasn't by me.
Now I'll be playing the Queen of Hearts in a musical adaptation of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland". Groovy - or not. Let's see if I still like Children's Theater.
I was so bored today at work that I pulled off all of my fake fingernails from the show. Ouch. Blood. It was amazingly painful.
My mind is on overdrive still. Forgive me if I'm making absolutely no sense whatsoever. But then again - I'm a Hepworth.
Michael is moving here in 2 weeks. Yay!! Let's hope I get this apartment.
I got my settlement check from accident #2 in the mail today. Double yay!!! I'm goin' drankin, bitches!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Seriously, though - it wound up to be a stellar show, with a little added skin at the last performance (email me for details) - and no, it wasn't by me.
Now I'll be playing the Queen of Hearts in a musical adaptation of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland". Groovy - or not. Let's see if I still like Children's Theater.
I was so bored today at work that I pulled off all of my fake fingernails from the show. Ouch. Blood. It was amazingly painful.
My mind is on overdrive still. Forgive me if I'm making absolutely no sense whatsoever. But then again - I'm a Hepworth.
Michael is moving here in 2 weeks. Yay!! Let's hope I get this apartment.
I got my settlement check from accident #2 in the mail today. Double yay!!! I'm goin' drankin, bitches!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Review of Whorehouse
"Head on Down to Best Little Whorehouse"
by Nick Rogers
Those who like their musicals on top will find plenty to whoop about in the Springfield Theatre Centre's production of "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas".
Director Bill Bauser Jr.'s fast-paced show has a heart as big as its production numbers and larger-than-life characters. It's equally good at comic exaggeration and heartbreaking realism.
The quirky charm is turned on early in this tale of the Chicken Ranch, where, as it's said, guests enjoy a small thrill from time to time, but there's nothing dirty going on. Doubling as bandleader and narrator, Mary Myers opens the show with a thick-twanged delivery of the bordello's history.
As ts most recent manager, Miss Mona Stangley, Lori Ann Fahnders combines tender, matronly affection for her girls, her own vulnerability and a distinct my-way-or-the-highway attitude. "Don't let your mouth overlad your capabilities" is one of many gems in a script referring to women't periods as "the curse"and dubbing the Ranch a place where history and football players get made.
Mona's soft spot has to do with the protection she gets from well-meaning, ill-tempered Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd (Rich McCoy), whom she's long loved in secret. McCoy is alternately hangdog and hyper and convincing as both, especially when getting Yosemite Sam-style mad and cursing a blue streat at Melvin P. Thorpe (Michael Murphy), a moralist crusader trying to shut the Ranch down.
Only a missing bag of confetti doesn't scream Rip Taylor about Murphy's hilarious work. Wearing a flourescent-green suit even Prince would reject, Murphy saved one big band-chorus tempo discrepancy Friday night just with weird dancing.
The show is filled with even more colorful characters, all wonderfully played. As Jewel, Miss Mona's sassy right-hand woman, Kim Hepworth brings down the house with "24 Hours of Lovin'". Steve Williams disappears into four characters, most memorably insurance salesman C.J. Scruggs, for whom the word "sheriff" becomes "Sher-rough" in his Forrest Gump-style mouth. In a moment that slows down to focus on the Ranch's importance to Gilbert, Texas, Laurie McCoy sings a wistful ballad.
Even the least-characterized ladies of the Chicken Ranch get a moment to shine in the great "Hard Candy Christmas". The same goes for the male ensemble, whether they're acting as horny college football players or right-wing conservatives.
Behind-the-scenes work is also exceptional with Elizabeth Cheney's cute but complicated choreography, T. David Parker's clean set design, and costumes - or the occasional lack thereof - from Phyllis Maynerich and Suellen Troxell.
by Nick Rogers
Those who like their musicals on top will find plenty to whoop about in the Springfield Theatre Centre's production of "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas".
Director Bill Bauser Jr.'s fast-paced show has a heart as big as its production numbers and larger-than-life characters. It's equally good at comic exaggeration and heartbreaking realism.
The quirky charm is turned on early in this tale of the Chicken Ranch, where, as it's said, guests enjoy a small thrill from time to time, but there's nothing dirty going on. Doubling as bandleader and narrator, Mary Myers opens the show with a thick-twanged delivery of the bordello's history.
As ts most recent manager, Miss Mona Stangley, Lori Ann Fahnders combines tender, matronly affection for her girls, her own vulnerability and a distinct my-way-or-the-highway attitude. "Don't let your mouth overlad your capabilities" is one of many gems in a script referring to women't periods as "the curse"and dubbing the Ranch a place where history and football players get made.
Mona's soft spot has to do with the protection she gets from well-meaning, ill-tempered Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd (Rich McCoy), whom she's long loved in secret. McCoy is alternately hangdog and hyper and convincing as both, especially when getting Yosemite Sam-style mad and cursing a blue streat at Melvin P. Thorpe (Michael Murphy), a moralist crusader trying to shut the Ranch down.
Only a missing bag of confetti doesn't scream Rip Taylor about Murphy's hilarious work. Wearing a flourescent-green suit even Prince would reject, Murphy saved one big band-chorus tempo discrepancy Friday night just with weird dancing.
The show is filled with even more colorful characters, all wonderfully played. As Jewel, Miss Mona's sassy right-hand woman, Kim Hepworth brings down the house with "24 Hours of Lovin'". Steve Williams disappears into four characters, most memorably insurance salesman C.J. Scruggs, for whom the word "sheriff" becomes "Sher-rough" in his Forrest Gump-style mouth. In a moment that slows down to focus on the Ranch's importance to Gilbert, Texas, Laurie McCoy sings a wistful ballad.
Even the least-characterized ladies of the Chicken Ranch get a moment to shine in the great "Hard Candy Christmas". The same goes for the male ensemble, whether they're acting as horny college football players or right-wing conservatives.
Behind-the-scenes work is also exceptional with Elizabeth Cheney's cute but complicated choreography, T. David Parker's clean set design, and costumes - or the occasional lack thereof - from Phyllis Maynerich and Suellen Troxell.
Friday, January 13, 2006
It's the Day of the Show, Y'all
Ok...so this is a mini-post...I'm horribly nervous about the opening of "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" tonight at Springfield Theatre Centre. Anyone who can offer any advice, please let me know.
Last night, Dr. Zoom (http://drastrozoom.blogspot.com) and Mrs. Zoom did a great job of calming my nerves - so I think it'll all be kosher. It's just like it's my re-debut in Springfield, and we all know how catty thespians can be :)
You're Captain Tenneal! GET IT ON! You are a person
who has a nack for the opposite sex, and you
don't mind telling people when they're wrong
and you're right.
Which MXC Character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Last night, Dr. Zoom (http://drastrozoom.blogspot.com) and Mrs. Zoom did a great job of calming my nerves - so I think it'll all be kosher. It's just like it's my re-debut in Springfield, and we all know how catty thespians can be :)
You're Captain Tenneal! GET IT ON! You are a person
who has a nack for the opposite sex, and you
don't mind telling people when they're wrong
and you're right.
Which MXC Character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Friday, January 06, 2006
Shameless Plug...
The Springfield Theatre Centre kicks off 2006 with the award-winning true story
about hypocritical politicians, half-naked showgirls, and governors who rule by public opinion.
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is based on the true story of a legendary Texas Brothel known as the Chicken Ranch, which operated from the 1840's to 1973 when it was finally shut down by the efforts of a crusading Houston radio commentator and his conservative audience.
The musical, the book by Larry L. King & Peter Masterson, and Lyrics and Music by Carol Hall, begins during the last days of the Chicken Ranch (which earned its name because, during the depression, customers were allowed to pay with poultry!). Melvin P. Thorpe (played by Michael Murphy), a television broadcaster eager for the spotlight, has just scored a career triumph by exposing a peanut bar for not having as many peanuts as advertised. And now he turns his attention to what is potentially a much bigger triumph - this appalling thing he calls "loveless copulation" at the Chicken Ranch. Although many of the state's politicians have, in fact, been customers of the brothel, they are eager to preserve their political careers and thus choose to publicly denounce the Chicken Ranch and its inhabitants.
Finally, in spite of the protection of the local sheriff (played by Rich McCoy), Miss Mona (played by Lori Ann Fahnders), the proprietress of the Chicken Ranch, is thrown out onto the street along with all of her girls (played by Stephanie Berch, Fran Byers, Shirene Thomas, Lisa Mayes, Ashley Warren, Amy Heuman, Grace Gietl, Nickel Hayes, Cari Keysar, and Emma Jo Schumacher), even as Melvin P. Thorpe receives a commendation from the Governor (played by Steve Williams) for his services to the state of Texas.
Also starring are Kim Hepworth as Jewel, Mary E. Myers as the Bandleader, Laurie McCoy as Doatsey Mae, and John Woodruff as Senator Wingwoah.
Rounding out the cast are Tony Cunningham, Brad Lowman, Nathan Alderman, Jacob House, Mike Martin, Craig Williams, Phillip “Teddy” Paschal, DJ Rudd, and Tom Beeve.
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is directed by STC’s Interim Artistic Director, Bill Bauser, Jr., who brought to the Springfield Theater stage the immensely popular Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and will be directing The King and I this summer at Springfield Muni Opera.
Production dates are January 13-15, and 20-22, 2006. Friday and Saturday shows are at 8:00 P.M., and Sunday matinees are at 2:00 P.M. All shows are performed at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, located at 420 South Sixth Street, in downtown Springfield. Ticket prices are $11.75, and $10.75, and may be reserved by calling 217-523-ARTS (2787)
about hypocritical politicians, half-naked showgirls, and governors who rule by public opinion.
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is based on the true story of a legendary Texas Brothel known as the Chicken Ranch, which operated from the 1840's to 1973 when it was finally shut down by the efforts of a crusading Houston radio commentator and his conservative audience.
The musical, the book by Larry L. King & Peter Masterson, and Lyrics and Music by Carol Hall, begins during the last days of the Chicken Ranch (which earned its name because, during the depression, customers were allowed to pay with poultry!). Melvin P. Thorpe (played by Michael Murphy), a television broadcaster eager for the spotlight, has just scored a career triumph by exposing a peanut bar for not having as many peanuts as advertised. And now he turns his attention to what is potentially a much bigger triumph - this appalling thing he calls "loveless copulation" at the Chicken Ranch. Although many of the state's politicians have, in fact, been customers of the brothel, they are eager to preserve their political careers and thus choose to publicly denounce the Chicken Ranch and its inhabitants.
Finally, in spite of the protection of the local sheriff (played by Rich McCoy), Miss Mona (played by Lori Ann Fahnders), the proprietress of the Chicken Ranch, is thrown out onto the street along with all of her girls (played by Stephanie Berch, Fran Byers, Shirene Thomas, Lisa Mayes, Ashley Warren, Amy Heuman, Grace Gietl, Nickel Hayes, Cari Keysar, and Emma Jo Schumacher), even as Melvin P. Thorpe receives a commendation from the Governor (played by Steve Williams) for his services to the state of Texas.
Also starring are Kim Hepworth as Jewel, Mary E. Myers as the Bandleader, Laurie McCoy as Doatsey Mae, and John Woodruff as Senator Wingwoah.
Rounding out the cast are Tony Cunningham, Brad Lowman, Nathan Alderman, Jacob House, Mike Martin, Craig Williams, Phillip “Teddy” Paschal, DJ Rudd, and Tom Beeve.
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is directed by STC’s Interim Artistic Director, Bill Bauser, Jr., who brought to the Springfield Theater stage the immensely popular Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and will be directing The King and I this summer at Springfield Muni Opera.
Production dates are January 13-15, and 20-22, 2006. Friday and Saturday shows are at 8:00 P.M., and Sunday matinees are at 2:00 P.M. All shows are performed at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, located at 420 South Sixth Street, in downtown Springfield. Ticket prices are $11.75, and $10.75, and may be reserved by calling 217-523-ARTS (2787)
Sunday, December 25, 2005
So This Is Christmas...And What Have YOU Done?
I'm sitting here...completely bored out of my mind, and since I've been blasted here on blogger for having a seemingly boring blog, what the hell...I'll bore y'all some more.
Just a little broad and crazy statement - LDR's totally suck at holiday time when you're away from the one you love. The one that you have committed your life to. And those who know me personally, know what it takes for me to commit. My soul, my mind, and my heart all have to be rolled into one - to have someone complete me. And this someone does complete me. When asked by this gentleman the other day, "why him", that is the only thing I could possibly think of that truly explained my heart. I couldn't imagine life without him. I wouldn't want to live in this pitiful world without him.
Also, I've been blasted for being psycho. I really don't believe that this is the case. But I believe that when love is fresh, and new - that we are all a little bit crazy sometimes. I don't apologize for that - but if love doesn't make you a little bit nuts - I truly do not believe that it would be love at all.
Back to the holidays. I come from a big Irish Catholic family. And if you want to see psycho - y'all need to check my mother & her mother out for size. Things getting thrown...people getting cussed out day in & day out. Why is this? Why do people stress so much over a holiday that really if you truly believe in the meaning of it, that it has nothing to do with US. It isn't about breaking your neck to get your children each one of their hearts desires, it is about celebrating a religious holiday - a birthday. That's if you believe in The Big C. If not, God, are you lucky!!
Sometimes it makes me wish that I was still living 500 miles away, so I'd have a reasonable excuse to bow out of all of the "festivities". Why do we feel it necessary to be sickingly sweet to say...our co-workers, and yet we would use words on our family members that we wouldn't even say to our enemies? This is nuts. People who I don't give a flying-you-know-what about, I don't care if they call me a cunt, or even stupid...but when it comes from family members, that reaches a new low.
Well, let's hope that the holidays...one day in the future...will become something to be celebrated...and not despised.
And please tell your loved ones exactly how you feel this holiday season. That's what it is here for.
Just a little broad and crazy statement - LDR's totally suck at holiday time when you're away from the one you love. The one that you have committed your life to. And those who know me personally, know what it takes for me to commit. My soul, my mind, and my heart all have to be rolled into one - to have someone complete me. And this someone does complete me. When asked by this gentleman the other day, "why him", that is the only thing I could possibly think of that truly explained my heart. I couldn't imagine life without him. I wouldn't want to live in this pitiful world without him.
Also, I've been blasted for being psycho. I really don't believe that this is the case. But I believe that when love is fresh, and new - that we are all a little bit crazy sometimes. I don't apologize for that - but if love doesn't make you a little bit nuts - I truly do not believe that it would be love at all.
Back to the holidays. I come from a big Irish Catholic family. And if you want to see psycho - y'all need to check my mother & her mother out for size. Things getting thrown...people getting cussed out day in & day out. Why is this? Why do people stress so much over a holiday that really if you truly believe in the meaning of it, that it has nothing to do with US. It isn't about breaking your neck to get your children each one of their hearts desires, it is about celebrating a religious holiday - a birthday. That's if you believe in The Big C. If not, God, are you lucky!!
Sometimes it makes me wish that I was still living 500 miles away, so I'd have a reasonable excuse to bow out of all of the "festivities". Why do we feel it necessary to be sickingly sweet to say...our co-workers, and yet we would use words on our family members that we wouldn't even say to our enemies? This is nuts. People who I don't give a flying-you-know-what about, I don't care if they call me a cunt, or even stupid...but when it comes from family members, that reaches a new low.
Well, let's hope that the holidays...one day in the future...will become something to be celebrated...and not despised.
And please tell your loved ones exactly how you feel this holiday season. That's what it is here for.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Happy Happy
Happy Holidays!!
Hey all…just a quick note to say have a good one.
I would have posted this earlier so my bastard friends who got off work early today could have read this…but oh well. I was stuck in the land of slander.
But as my mantra goes: Karma’s really something, isn’t it?
Oh well…be safe…hold your loved ones if you’re near them.
Happy Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Festivus, whateva’ y’all celebrate – just do it up ;)
Besos!!
Hey all…just a quick note to say have a good one.
I would have posted this earlier so my bastard friends who got off work early today could have read this…but oh well. I was stuck in the land of slander.
But as my mantra goes: Karma’s really something, isn’t it?
Oh well…be safe…hold your loved ones if you’re near them.
Happy Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Festivus, whateva’ y’all celebrate – just do it up ;)
Besos!!
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Lord, How Those Minutes Do Run!
It was a crazy weekend here in the blessed Land of Lincoln.
Saturday, I was hitting the stores at 8 am to finish/start my Christmas shopping. I’m nearly done, with the exception of Mr. Hep. But I know what he’s getting, so that’s a HUGE plus!! Hey, even got them all wrapped!!
I’m very proud of one gift, which is for my Once-And-Future-Husband, which will go unmentioned, since he is one of the two people who read this blog. Let’s just say that it’s imminent that my friends should be checking their mailboxes for a certain kind of invitation this summer.
After my “shopping marathon”, I had to run home to go to my sister’s house for Jack’s 6th birthday party. The funniest thing happened…I bought him a GREAT book called “Olivia”, because that’s his best friend’s name, and being the cool “uncle” that I am, I was sure that he’d love it. His face turned absolutely crimson, and he yelled “That’s for girls!”. Oops.
Following the party, I took him to see “Theater Armageddon 2005”, and he simply adored it! Although each time this guy, http://drastrozoom.blogspot.com would appear onstage, he would thumb his nose at him. Nothing like interactive Children’s Theatre.
Sunday…Sunday…Sunday. Let me first say that I love being a part of “Whorehouse”. Although, being referred to as “a lead” in the Springfield Theatre community is taking me a little bit of getting used to. Sitting with the “OG’s” kind of blows my mind. I feel completely humbled, and I am trying to be a good person to work with, to perhaps set an example to these high schoolers who have my #1 pet peeve: “Diva attitudes without the talent to back it up”.
The more these certain people annoy me, the more the rusty wheels in my pea brain start slowly churning. Was I this way when I was doing theatre as a kid? The more I think about it, the more I’m led to thinking that the answer is deniably, “yes”. So to all of those who I ever offended, or got on their nerves: I humbly apologize.
On a good note, I got a great compliment from our head honcho at rehearsal last night. He told me “I love your interactions with Miss Mona; It is such a relief not to have to tell someone when to breathe, snort, or laugh. Thank you.” This is from a guy who hardly ever compliments anyone. Besos, Bill!
Lord, enough of soul-searching. I swear, my New Year’s resolution is going to be to *stop* soul-searching. Oh, who the hell am I kidding!
Anyway, another huge thing that has taken some getting used to is this 7-days-a-week rehearsal schedule. Don’t get me wrong “I heart theatre” (pardon me while I throw up a little in my mouth), as much as the next thespian, but goodness! I work until 6 pm, then I go directly to the theater at 6:30. Wow. I’m t-i-red.
Another thing that is taken some getting used to is this proscenium theater vs. blackbox theater. I have been working for the last 8 years in what is known as “black box theater”. 80 seats. That means you’re probably a foot away from the audience. That means no microphones. That means me not having to sing as loud as I possibly can. This means…don’t worry about projection too much. That means…I’m having a hard time hearing the piano. Which equals to “crash and burn”. Gotta love live theater!
On a sad note, my dear friend from grade school, Mary Ellen “Mellie” Sukraw, passed away this past Friday after a long battle with Leukemia. As sad as I was when I first heard the news, I have to think that she is in a better place, free from the endless chemotherapy, radiation, and bone marrow transplants. Ciao, Mellie.
Saturday, I was hitting the stores at 8 am to finish/start my Christmas shopping. I’m nearly done, with the exception of Mr. Hep. But I know what he’s getting, so that’s a HUGE plus!! Hey, even got them all wrapped!!
I’m very proud of one gift, which is for my Once-And-Future-Husband, which will go unmentioned, since he is one of the two people who read this blog. Let’s just say that it’s imminent that my friends should be checking their mailboxes for a certain kind of invitation this summer.
After my “shopping marathon”, I had to run home to go to my sister’s house for Jack’s 6th birthday party. The funniest thing happened…I bought him a GREAT book called “Olivia”, because that’s his best friend’s name, and being the cool “uncle” that I am, I was sure that he’d love it. His face turned absolutely crimson, and he yelled “That’s for girls!”. Oops.
Following the party, I took him to see “Theater Armageddon 2005”, and he simply adored it! Although each time this guy, http://drastrozoom.blogspot.com would appear onstage, he would thumb his nose at him. Nothing like interactive Children’s Theatre.
Sunday…Sunday…Sunday. Let me first say that I love being a part of “Whorehouse”. Although, being referred to as “a lead” in the Springfield Theatre community is taking me a little bit of getting used to. Sitting with the “OG’s” kind of blows my mind. I feel completely humbled, and I am trying to be a good person to work with, to perhaps set an example to these high schoolers who have my #1 pet peeve: “Diva attitudes without the talent to back it up”.
The more these certain people annoy me, the more the rusty wheels in my pea brain start slowly churning. Was I this way when I was doing theatre as a kid? The more I think about it, the more I’m led to thinking that the answer is deniably, “yes”. So to all of those who I ever offended, or got on their nerves: I humbly apologize.
On a good note, I got a great compliment from our head honcho at rehearsal last night. He told me “I love your interactions with Miss Mona; It is such a relief not to have to tell someone when to breathe, snort, or laugh. Thank you.” This is from a guy who hardly ever compliments anyone. Besos, Bill!
Lord, enough of soul-searching. I swear, my New Year’s resolution is going to be to *stop* soul-searching. Oh, who the hell am I kidding!
Anyway, another huge thing that has taken some getting used to is this 7-days-a-week rehearsal schedule. Don’t get me wrong “I heart theatre” (pardon me while I throw up a little in my mouth), as much as the next thespian, but goodness! I work until 6 pm, then I go directly to the theater at 6:30. Wow. I’m t-i-red.
Another thing that is taken some getting used to is this proscenium theater vs. blackbox theater. I have been working for the last 8 years in what is known as “black box theater”. 80 seats. That means you’re probably a foot away from the audience. That means no microphones. That means me not having to sing as loud as I possibly can. This means…don’t worry about projection too much. That means…I’m having a hard time hearing the piano. Which equals to “crash and burn”. Gotta love live theater!
On a sad note, my dear friend from grade school, Mary Ellen “Mellie” Sukraw, passed away this past Friday after a long battle with Leukemia. As sad as I was when I first heard the news, I have to think that she is in a better place, free from the endless chemotherapy, radiation, and bone marrow transplants. Ciao, Mellie.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
It's ALMOST My Birrrrtthhhdddayyyyyy
Ok…the countdown is here. In exactly (well, not EXACTLY…but …) 14 days I will hit one of the milestones. 30.
Thirty years old. Wow. I know for all of you OB friends of mine (that would be old bastards…yeah, yeah…the beatings begin later), that it doesn’t seem like much. And truthfully, it I don’t feel 30 yet.
But, let’s look at this from a “Kimita” perspective. My 30’s have got to be a hell of a lot better than my 20’s were. Granted, I kind of “found” myself in my mid-to-late 20’s. But still…
A Christmas Birthday. They suck…seriously. It’s always “Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas – here’s a card”. So, a warning to those “baby makers” out there…use protection – lots of it – around the middle of May.
But my birthday this year should be fabulous. My “once and future husband” is coming to visit, and after rehearsal of “Ho House”, we’re going out barhopping in Downtown Springfield. Free Drinks for meeee!! So all should be very very well about 12 am.
And…there it is.
Thirty years old. Wow. I know for all of you OB friends of mine (that would be old bastards…yeah, yeah…the beatings begin later), that it doesn’t seem like much. And truthfully, it I don’t feel 30 yet.
But, let’s look at this from a “Kimita” perspective. My 30’s have got to be a hell of a lot better than my 20’s were. Granted, I kind of “found” myself in my mid-to-late 20’s. But still…
A Christmas Birthday. They suck…seriously. It’s always “Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas – here’s a card”. So, a warning to those “baby makers” out there…use protection – lots of it – around the middle of May.
But my birthday this year should be fabulous. My “once and future husband” is coming to visit, and after rehearsal of “Ho House”, we’re going out barhopping in Downtown Springfield. Free Drinks for meeee!! So all should be very very well about 12 am.
And…there it is.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
...But What I Really Wanna Do Is Direct
OK...so I'm over at my dear friends' houses, Dr. & Mrs. Zoom, and I just had an epiphany while discussing a horrible Childrens Show.
I want to direct one.
Not for the main reasons...not to see my name in the byline. Not to "respect my authoritay", or something. But to friggin' make these diva-wanna-be's realize what theater is all about. Discipline.
The director of the afore-mentioned show is a sugary-sweet person. There was no structure to this show. She cast everyone who was auditioned. So it was a cast of MILLIONS.
I began doing Childrens' Theater when I was 10. It is how I learned through trial & error how to compose myself while auditioning, performing, etc. The one director who still sticks in my mind was the one who came into the very first audition and said "I have a revolving door policy. You do what I say, or you can leave". It still sticks with me after 17 years.
Kids respect discipline. Or even a little "meanness".
So, my original thought was to direct "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever", but the Executive Director shot that down, because it was promised to someone else. So I'm looking through the prior programs to the theater, and I'm just racking my brain for something new, or that hasn't been done in awhile. So I submitted "Ramona Quimby" and "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe". The latter, obviously because of the huge success of "Narnia", and the previous because I was a HUGE fan of the books by Beverly Cleary, and the plays that they have dramatized are hugely popular nowadays, yet the theater hasn't done them.
In my bid, I also suggested that the theater do "The Diary of Anne Frank" next season. It hasn't been done in years, and I know plenty of people who are itching to do a dramatic show.
And...there it is.
I want to direct one.
Not for the main reasons...not to see my name in the byline. Not to "respect my authoritay", or something. But to friggin' make these diva-wanna-be's realize what theater is all about. Discipline.
The director of the afore-mentioned show is a sugary-sweet person. There was no structure to this show. She cast everyone who was auditioned. So it was a cast of MILLIONS.
I began doing Childrens' Theater when I was 10. It is how I learned through trial & error how to compose myself while auditioning, performing, etc. The one director who still sticks in my mind was the one who came into the very first audition and said "I have a revolving door policy. You do what I say, or you can leave". It still sticks with me after 17 years.
Kids respect discipline. Or even a little "meanness".
So, my original thought was to direct "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever", but the Executive Director shot that down, because it was promised to someone else. So I'm looking through the prior programs to the theater, and I'm just racking my brain for something new, or that hasn't been done in awhile. So I submitted "Ramona Quimby" and "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe". The latter, obviously because of the huge success of "Narnia", and the previous because I was a HUGE fan of the books by Beverly Cleary, and the plays that they have dramatized are hugely popular nowadays, yet the theater hasn't done them.
In my bid, I also suggested that the theater do "The Diary of Anne Frank" next season. It hasn't been done in years, and I know plenty of people who are itching to do a dramatic show.
And...there it is.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
You Know You’re Not In Arkansas Anymore WHEN…
There’s nearly a blizzard goin’ on outside…and your job hasn’t shut down for the week yet.
Seriously folks…my friends in AR can back me up. There is almost 6 inches of the lovely white stuff on the ground…if there was even a chance of this happening in Lil’ Rock…the whole city would have shut down.
Luckily, I’m driving the beast.
Seriously folks…my friends in AR can back me up. There is almost 6 inches of the lovely white stuff on the ground…if there was even a chance of this happening in Lil’ Rock…the whole city would have shut down.
Luckily, I’m driving the beast.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Oh, Hell...
Damn. Sorry.
Anyhey - now THAT is out of the way. I'm enjoying the thrills of being a student and having a real job at the same time. Currently I'm doing some Morgatge stuff at Wells Fargo. I hated it for the past few days, but it's getting better now.
My trainer lent me this book "Dating for Dummies". I was thumbing through it, and something caught my eye that I must share:
-The #1 Reason Why You Should Break Up With Someone:
They have moved & left no forwarding address
Tickled me.
Then came the chapter on "Long Distance Relationships"...according to this "MD" (I use the term extremely loosely), LDR's are only good if you
1. Want to live in a fantasy world
2. See one another more than once a month
Yes, I can tell you from first-hand knowledge, they are a lot harder than you could ever imagine in your lifetime. Heartbreak is present all of the time...
So how do I cope with this? I've been sleeping a lot lately. Been a lot more distant than I once had been with my significant other. Is that wrong? I don't think so. It is just a coping mechanism that I am using.
It is better than driving myself crazy with trust & honesty issues that I have within myself.
Anyway - "Whorehouse" - I would say that is going well...if we would have more than one rehearsal :P
Take care...be safe...
xoxoxo
Anyhey - now THAT is out of the way. I'm enjoying the thrills of being a student and having a real job at the same time. Currently I'm doing some Morgatge stuff at Wells Fargo. I hated it for the past few days, but it's getting better now.
My trainer lent me this book "Dating for Dummies". I was thumbing through it, and something caught my eye that I must share:
-The #1 Reason Why You Should Break Up With Someone:
They have moved & left no forwarding address
Tickled me.
Then came the chapter on "Long Distance Relationships"...according to this "MD" (I use the term extremely loosely), LDR's are only good if you
1. Want to live in a fantasy world
2. See one another more than once a month
Yes, I can tell you from first-hand knowledge, they are a lot harder than you could ever imagine in your lifetime. Heartbreak is present all of the time...
So how do I cope with this? I've been sleeping a lot lately. Been a lot more distant than I once had been with my significant other. Is that wrong? I don't think so. It is just a coping mechanism that I am using.
It is better than driving myself crazy with trust & honesty issues that I have within myself.
Anyway - "Whorehouse" - I would say that is going well...if we would have more than one rehearsal :P
Take care...be safe...
xoxoxo
Thursday, November 24, 2005
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!
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!
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
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
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
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
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.
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.
Friday, November 11, 2005
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