Wednesday, August 30, 2006

When Opportunity Calls

Tonight I received a phone call from Ken, who is directing On Golden Pond for Stained Glass Playhouse. Two nights of auditions apparently didn't produce any viable Chelseas. He wanted to talk to me about doing the role. My concern was that due to the physical challenge of Debbie Does Dallas and the mental toll of Grace and Glorie I just wasn't sure I would have anything left in me to bring Chelsea to life. In the show, Chelsea is estranged from her father. One of the most memorable scenes is them finally coming to terms. My own father and I have periods of estrangements, which is sometimes difficult to deal with. I just wasn't sure I could tap more into my emotions.

After talking it over, I agreed to do the role. After Grace and Glorie closes, I'll move right over On Golden Pond.

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

From the Physical to the Emotional

I've been remiss in keeping you updated on "Grace and Glorie" rehearsals. We started rehearsing on August 14, which was also tech week for "Debbie Does Dallas". April and Pat have been wonderful to work around my DDD schedule. Most of the rehearsals only lasted about an hour and a half so I could get to DDD, and we rehearsed a bit on Saturday.

Yesterday I wasn't able to make it in to rehearsal. Four nights of cheerleading, record store O's, and leing paying customers along with several hours of bending over picking up nails, pieces of wood, and hoisting heavy flats took its toll. I stayed home hopped up on Advil and doused in BenGay.

I walked in to rehearsal tonight, and we took about 30 minutes trying on costumes. We agreed on a few outfits. I am happy that I can go back to eating pizza for these costumes.

April and I ran the first Act, which includes the big emotional scene. Let me just say that by the end of rehearsal, April and I were both spent. I cried all the way home. I wasn't particularly sad about anything. I think I just needed the release.

I spent a lot of time telling you how physically demanding my role was in "Debbie Does Dallas". And I knew the role of Glorie offered a nice emotional range; that's what attracted me to the part. But I totally underestimated the emotional impact. From a physically demanding show to an emotionally demanding one. I just hope my next role will be a senseless comedy!

Monday, August 28, 2006

Debbie Does Dallas Costume Pictures

Since you heard all about the various costumes I had to wear, I thought I'd post some costume pictures.


Daisy duke shorts, tight blue tank top complete with a star in the center. I had a difficult time keeping the hat on!


Ah, the famous pink tutu outfits for "The Candle Song." Notice that my wig is just a bit off. I should have bangs like Rebecca.


Yes, the banana costumes. Enough said.


Big shirts, angel wings and silver cowboys hats. I loved those wings!

Debbie Does Dallas Pictures!

"I'm going home to study because I want to be in the Senate."













Discussing how to raise $$ to get Debbie to Dallas.













"One act of generosity can change the shape of the world, Donna."













"We've all got bananas."













The jocks wanna do Debbie.













"Ah, ah, ah, yeah!"













The entire cast and crew!

Love and Support

Clara and Dawson, Kathy and John, Kevin and Miriam, Myla and Paul, Eric and Ryan, Craig, Jeff, Chad, Kimberly, Kris, Raymond, Cathy, Michael, Mark, Jim and my Mom...

Thank you so much for coming....to see the show. Thanks for your emails and phone calls tell me how much you enjoyed the show. Your love and support are priceless!

Sunday, August 27, 2006

Ok, Bye

Debbie has done Dallas. Lisa, Donna, Roberta and Tammy have left the building with sad little "Ok. Bye." back leg kicks. The guys tossed their last passes. It's over.

Closing a show is always bittersweet. I will not miss stressing over the Intro Cheer, the Candle Song or worrying about the finale. My dignity will return after being chased away by some of the costumes. (Okay, just for the record, I got over the pink tutu outfit. But the banana costume...For those of you that saw the show, need I say more?) I certainly won't miss the aches and pains that continuously reminded me I was much older than the 18 year old I was portraying. And I am looking forward to the healing of the bruises on my knees so I can wear shorts again. (Think about it and you'll get it.)

I've been home from closing/strike for two hours and I already miss my castmates. I know it's not like I'll never see them again. Emily is Toffee in Zombie Prom and David is Brick in Cat On a Hot Tin Roof. I hope to be able to catch David's show. I'll see Emily's for sure. Heather is choregraphing My Fair Lady and Ken is directing On Golden Pond. I hope to be able to see both shows and hopefully Heather and Ken will be there, respectively. Derrick is working with sound on some show in Greensboro that I also hope to see. Teresa and Rebecca are getting married. (Wait! No, not to each other!) I'll be in touch with both of them - offering congratulations on their new adventures, respectively. Still, we all won't be at the same place at the same time laughing and cutting up. That's what I will miss the most.

As far as the crew, I know I'll see them again during the next show. Jeff, Mark, Tim, Gray, Rebecca, Kelly, Marge and Ray are all dedicated Theatre Alliance volunteers. I bet I'll see most of them working backstage on Zombie.

Well, it's time for me to take my Advil and slather up with BenGay for, hopefully, one last time. It's time for me to put my "Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical" script away and concentrate fully on Grace and Glorie.

Ok. Bye.

Saturday, August 26, 2006

High School at Last!

Mallorie started 9th grade yesterday. Oops! I mean...Mallorie entered her freshman year of high school yesterday. We had attended Reagan High's Open House on Tuesday and met all of her teachers. I was impressed with the new school and Mallorie's schedule. Her freshman year will be a very academically challenging one.

Upon her belated arrival home (typical first day bus issues), I asked Mallorie how her first day went (as I've done for the past 9 years). She replied, with her eyes blazing and braces fully displayed from her wide smile, "It totally rocked! I am loving high school!" She practically skipped upstairs to her room! I was left grinning, albeit a bit dumbfoundedly, on the couch.

First off, I haven't seen her that animated about school since she came home from Kindergarten! Usually it was the "Twenty Questions" game to find out her first days. Not this time. Mallorie raced back downstairs, sat down beside me (which, for teenagers to sit that close to a parent, is a feat in and of itself!), and shoved a bunch of papers for me to read and sign. At the same time, with her hands gesturing wildly for emphasis, she explained that cell phones are allowed at school (though they must be turned off between 8:50a and 3:30p), she may start bringing her lunch because the cafeteria line was too long, and if you finish eating before lunch period is over, you can just hang out until your next class!! Back to her room she bounded. Ah, yes, the "freedoms" of high school. I remember them well.

As I was remembering my high school years, I couldn't help but think of Mallorie's "I am loving high school!" admission. I know she feels this way now because it was her first day. High school is far different from middle school. I sent up a small prayer that she would continue to "love" high school. After all, she's got 4 years of it. And the next 4 years will be some of the best, and worse, times of her life.

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Perfect Lead Actress

I just read Heather Hamby's latest blog entries, and I must say, she is an extraordinary person.

Heather, of course, is our lead in "Debbie Does Dallas". The media "frenzy" seems to have been singularly focused. You've seen her licking that huge lolly in all the photos, you've heard her interviewed on WFDD radio, you've read her name in the Journal "review".

As the lead actress, she certainly is entitled to this "top spot" in the media. And we've all seen and read about how catty lead actresses can be. But Heather isn't at all a "stereotypical" lead. What sets her apart is her big heart. From her blog:
I absolutely hate that I have been the only one mentioned in pretty much every single article. It is unfortunate because everyone is working their tails off.

In my opinion, I have to say that the show is awesome. It is very funny and everyone is so great in their roles. Emily is amazing as Lisa and I love her singing God Must Love a Fool maybe even more than Mary Catherine (from the original cast). Teresa, Rebecca, and Cheryl Ann take their moments and run with them. That is to me, the primary reason that the show is so funny. Teresa particularly is a riot in her candle scene and with all her "Oh shit" moments. I still can't bring myself to look directly at Rebecca during her banana scene. I'm worried I will totally lose it and not be able to finish the show, but judging from the reaction of the audience they loved that scene and I'm sure the site of the rest of us in banana costumes doesn't hurt. Cheryl Ann delivers some of the funniest lines in the show with some real punch. I love the brief scene that we have after the Bang Bang cheer. It is so great to work with such an awesome actress. The guys get tons of kudos because they do a majority of the work by changing costumes every 3 seconds. I said it last night, but I will say it again that I think Ken Ashford is one of, if not, my favorite actor to work with. I've never seen anyone who was funnier onstage and to be able to share that stage with him is just a blessing. David is so very funny as Rick. I tend to take him for granted because I have work with him for so long, but he really is a great performer and his I Wanna Do Debbie solo is just perfect. Derrick may be the funniest person ever. He is really so great in every single one of his roles and he makes them all so incredibly different. I'm very glad to be doing a show where I get to work with a wonderful combination of old friends that I have been on stage with many a time and new friends who I otherwise would have never met. It is a shame that no one has taken time to give them the praise they deserve.

Heather, your sentiments mean so much more than you know! You're beautiful and I love ya!

Monday, August 21, 2006

Cinberry is Back!

It's official! I finally got back my personalized license plate! I surrendered my CINBERRY tag when I traded in my Jeep and just haven't felt the same driving the Honda with a generic plate. Now the Honda finally feels like mine! Yipee!

Oh, and because I know that you are wondering...

"Cin" is short for Cinnamon, a nickname I was given in 1989. "Berry" is short for blueberry, a very tasty treat!

Sunday, August 20, 2006

I Am So Not 18 Anymore

Seven days of cheering, dancing, and throwing "stop, drop and roll" tantrums, in addition to one late night cast party, have finally wreaked havoc on my 37 year old body.

After today's matinee I decided to use the early evening to run a few errands. I should have gone straight home, as I was barely able to walk into Home Depot and out of Food Lion. After lugging a gallon of Ultra Pure White paint to my car, I decided to forgo the "5 for $5.00" 2-liter drink special at Food Lion. I made it home, bribed Mallorie into bringing in all my stuff, grabbed something to eat and promptly fell asleep on the couch.

Two hours later, I hobbled over to the medicine cabinet and downed some Advil. Then I dragged myself to bed to further rest my ragged-ass body. Unfortunately I couldn't find a comfortable position, and, thanks to my two hour nap, I was no longer sleepy. Of course there was nothing on TV.

So, here I am now, in bed, with my laptop. I'm hoping reading emails and AOL news will eventually lull me to sleep. I've got a full bottle of wine on my nightstand to assist the Advil in dulling my aches and pains. And the tube of Ben Gay is just within reach...

Saturday, August 19, 2006

The Reviews Are In: "Debbie" Is A Hoot!

After all the frustrations with learning dance moves and wearing questionable costumes, the show opened last night and we all rocked! We had a great audience, many who had purchased the Fantasy Kits and were definitely participating in the show.

In this morning's Winston-Salem Journal:
Theatre Alliance has set itself apart. It has become the area leader in presenting shows with adult themes, be they serious or fun.

The latest example in the fun category comes courtesy of Susan Schwartz's Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical, which opened last night in Dunn Auditorium at the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art.

The presentation, which originated at the 2001 New York Fringe Festival, is based on one of the most popular pornography films of all time. But pornography is only suggested in the Winston-Salem production, directed by Jamie Lawson.

What really dominates is the kind of utter silliness that's so bad you can't help laughing out loud at it, like, all night long.

The plot, predictably, is thin, since it follows the storyline of the 1978 film. It revolves around Debbie Benton (Heather Hamby), a high-school cheerleader, trying to finance the bus fare to Dallas, where she hopes to attain cheerleading heaven as a Texas Cowgirl.

Benton has just a couple of weeks to come up with the money. Minimum-wage work won't cut it - either for her or for her cheerleading girlfriends, who want to help her out. The only thing that comes in the form of favors is offered through a company called Teen Services.

We're treated to several singing and dancing young adults playing horny high-school football players and cheerleaders and to several dirty-minded men more than willing to take advantage of young girls.

The humor is bawdy. The singing and dancing benefits from energy, but lyrics and dialogue are sometimes obscured by amplified music. Girly mannerisms and expressions are played up relentlessly.

In effect, Debbie Does Dallas has become a sequel to The Rocky Horror Show, which Theatre Alliance presented several months ago.

For just a few dollars - all of which will be donated to area charities - you can buy a
Debbie Does Dallas fantasy kit, which is a lunch bag of such goodies as a glow stick, pompoms and fake money. Instructions on how to use the ingredients (and when to scream and grunt) are stapled to the bag. The kits were a hit, making a fun show even more fun.

• Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical will run through Aug. 27 in Dunn Auditorium in the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art. Shows are at 8 tonight and next Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Sunday shows are at 2 p.m. Admission is $16, $14 for seniors and students. Reservations are suggested. No one under 18 will be admitted. Call 768-5655.

Sunday, August 13, 2006

Exhausted!

Once again we danced our little hearts out at the School of the Arts yesterday. Once again my big toe hurts! But it's a small price to pay for piece of mind. I'm feeling really good about the finale. The opening cheer is going well. And we worked on the Candle Song, so I'm a bit more comfortable with that. While I'm far from perfect, I'm feeling so much better about the dances.

After choreo review I headed home to shower and then to my hair appointment. I love my hairstylist, Jennipher Ross. She is one of the coolest people I know, and she does a great job on my hair.

By 7p I was at SECCA to assist with set construction. More painting! Jamie was really pushing for the walls to be put up so I ended up staying until 11p helping out as best I could.

So that means that I've got to get moving on Mallorie's room. We've got tech rehearsal at 5pm today, so I know I won't be able to get her room completely done. But I'd like to get the big walls painted and her furniture changed out. On to work!

Friday, August 11, 2006

Surprise for Mallorie

After months of procrastination, I finally decided to work on Mallorie's room. I figure it will be easier to paint and move furniture while she is away. And I'm hoping to give her a nice surprise when she comes back on Monday.

The theme for her room is theater. Back in February I had some paint custom made to match the yellow in a Playbill. Only two walls will be painted yellow; the other walls will be white. Curtains, comforter, etc. will be black. Back this summer I mounted a "Wicked" and "Phantom of the Opera" poster on black foam board. The posters will go on her walls along with other show ads/programs that she's worked on.

I headed to Target and was lucky enough to find exactly what I wanted. I found these really cool curtains that you can tie up to make it look like a theater curtain. And they matched perfectly to her new black comforter and pillow shams.

Next I headed to Home Depot for some white paint. I didn't figure on the 25 different shades of white to choose from. I spend a good 20 minutes taking out all the white paint swatches and comparing them. I finally decided on Ultra Pure White (it was the whitest of all the whites) and handed the card to the clerk as I asked for a gallon. "What kind of enamel do you want?" Excuse me? Enamel? Isn't that the stuff on your teeth? Really, I just need a gallon of the Ultra Pure White. The clerk pointed to a list of enamel options. "Ah, it's for a bedroom so I guess eggshell enamel is what I need?" I walked out of Home Depot with a gallon of Ultra Pure White in eggshell enamel praying that I had bought the right stuff.

Approximately four hours ago I began painting Mallorie's room. Well, it took about an hour to pile her furniture in the middle of her room and then tape off windows, baseboards and ceiling. So, three hours ago two of her peachy vanilla walls became Playbill Yellow. Wow! It certainly is bright! And it's definitely yellow! I love the color and I think Mallorie will like it as well.

I've got choreo review tomorrow at NCSA, set construction and a hair appointment at 3:30p. (The red highlights I had in January have faded, so I'm getting it done again.) I'm not sure when I will find the time to get into the white wall painting...

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Go Marge, Go!

I must give a big shout out to Marge, DDD's seamstress extraordinaire. She saw our distress over the "form fitting" (read: tight as hell!) cheerleader costumes and came to our rescue! She added longer zippers that will eliminate the need for the shimmy/shake into and out of our outfits. She also sewed one of the splits on the costumes, so (hopefully) the only P you will be seeing is the applique. Marge reworked the seams on my cheer skirt, so I no longer look like a stuffed cheerleader sausage. While I still don't look like Kristen Dunst in "Bring It On", I feel a whole lot better about my cheer outfit. We wore them today during rehearsal and I was actually comfortable, although I did tug the back down on occasion. Just a little bend over and you can see my bloomered ass! It just takes a little getting used to.

As far as my other costumes...well, let me just tell you that my dignity flew out the window. Geez, the things I will do for my art! During the show I will look like a pink cupcake tart and be dressed as a banana. Yes, you heard me correctly. No, I won't go into the gory details. You will just have to come and see the show. I promise, our costumes are well worth the price of the ticket. Oh, and did I mention the angel wings?

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Far Away, Track 6

Tonight on my way home from rehearsal I decided to listen to my XM radio. Here lately I've only been playing the "Debbie Does Dallas" cast CD, except when Mallorie or Cade are with me, but tonight I just needed to listen to some "real" music. I was channel surfing and heard Chad Kroeger's voice belting out this beautiful ballad-y song. Now, I'm not a big Nickelback fan. I liked, and then got sick of, "Photograph" just like the rest of you, but this song seemed a departure for them. Listening to the words and Chad's voice....okay, I got teary eyed. Right then, I decided I had to have the CD. So, I stopped at WalMart (no The, Emily!!) since Best Buy was closed, and bought the CD. I had it open before I even left the store. The song is called "Far Away" (track 6 on the CD) and I listened to it all the way home. And yes, I cried all the way home. It's been a very long time since music had that affect on me.

Of course there's a reason why I was so touched by that song. And no, I'm not going to give you the details. Suffice it to say that I hope he is as touched by the song as much as I am.

Monday, August 07, 2006

Barf Bags

Was I really feeling sad last week about not working for US Airways? I came across this acticle today, and giggled like a 6 year old....

US Airways to Place Ads on Air Sickness Bags
PHOENIX (AP) — US Airways wants to make the most out of a nauseating situation. The airline plans to sell advertisements on its air-sickness bags — those pint-sized expandable envelopes tucked between the in-flight magazines and safety cards.

"They're in every back seat pocket," said US Airways Group Inc. spokesman Phil Gee. "We figure while it's there, why don't we make it multipurpose?"

Passengers should see the new, commercialized sickness bags in September, he said.

The ads are just the latest initiative the company has used to squeeze out a bigger profit. America West, which combined with US Airways last year, had the first advertisements in the industry on tray tables, the first airline gift cards and the first in-flight meals for sale.

"Little things like that work," said Michael Boyd, president of the Boyd Group, an aviation consulting group in Evergreen, Colo. "Barf bags have a lot of shelf life — people aren't barfing as much in planes as they used to."

The new bags drew a few chuckles among US Airways passengers at the company's hub at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

"I would honestly pay no attention to an ad if I got sick," said Nathan Vierra, 19, a
student. "But hey, if skateboarders can sell ad space on their T-shirts, I guess why can't an airline sell ads on barf bags?"

US Airways has not decided how much it will charge for the ads, and has only begun negotiating with companies that could be interested, Gee said. The ads could be for anti-motion sickness medications or other products immediately on the mind of someone who reaches for one of the bags. But Gee said US Airways will look for a wide range of product advertisements to put on its bags.

Boyd said the trick for US Airways is to find ads that will make them a little cash without turning off customers.

"Some people don't want the inside of their cabins to look like subway cars," he said. "And the jury isn't in on advertising on tray tables as a decent way to boost revenue.

"But having an advertisement for a barf bag, especially if it's for something like Dramamine, now that's brilliant."
I can't stop laughing enough to even comment.....

Sunday, August 06, 2006

Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical, Rehearsal Quotes

In case you wanted to know what's said behind DDD closed doors...

"I like astroturf, just not on my nice baby ass." - Female cast member during choreography rehearsal.

"I forgot the part where I scratch my kitty, and that's why we got thrown off." - Female cast member during choregography rehearsal.

"I had to do research." - Male director of the homosexual persuasion, commenting on his stage direction for the all-girl orgy scene.

"It's so much better with them doing all the work so I can focus on my orgasm." - Female cast member, regarding her non-participation in the all-girl orgy scene/dance.

"Yeah. All the guys wrestle each other. It's, like, homoerotic, I guess." - Male cast member.

"Oh, shit. I have to have an orgasm." - Female cast member, upon listening to the original cast CD for the first time.

"Did I hurt you?"

"C'mon! Take one for the team!" - Cast member to fellow cast member whenever the latter is about to take part in an embarrassing scene [used frequently].

"No doubt we are all going to hell." - Cast member.

Saturday, August 05, 2006

My Big Toe...

This morning the cast of DDD met at NCSA for some extra choreography practice. I cannot tell you how relieved I was to learn that I was not the only one who was still having difficulty with some of the numbers.

The girls started out reviewing the intro cheer. This is a difficult number because the music is fast and the choreography is in double time. I had worked one-on-one with Emily on this number and, while I've still got room to improve, I'm feeling much better about it. It doesn't seem as scary.

Once Derrick and David arrived we spent a great deal of time on the curtain call number. With Gray's blessing, we modified some of the steps and ran it several, several times. I think I've got it down enough to actually check it off as "learned".

Gray simplified the tap portions of the "Candle Song" for me (The last time I took tap was when I was 6!) and we practiced some of the sequences from that number. Out of the 10 dance numbers I'm in, this is the number that I need to work on the most.

After almost 4 hours of dancing, we finally decided to call it a day. By the time Ken dropped me back home, my muscles were tightening up and the pad of my left big toe was throbbing. (You see, we couldn't wear "street shoes" in the dance hall, so I rehearsed barefoot. I've no explanation as to why my other toe pad was not hurting.) I quickly downed two Advil tablets and promptly ran a bath. Yep, I'm definitely suffering for my art.

Friday, August 04, 2006

One More Audition...

I auditioned for "Grace and Glorie" tonight. I won't keep you in suspense. I have been cast as Glorie! I am very excited as Pat Shumate will play the role of Grace. I've seen her in several area shows and her talent has always impressed me. I am looking forward to working with her and April.

And belated kudos to my DDD castmate, David Joy. He has been cast as Brick in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof". Congrats, Dave!!

Debbie is Coming....Next Friday!


Yes, that one! Based on the 1970's adult film, this tongue-in-cheek spoof parodies the adult film genre. This fast-moving, sexually-charged, off-Broadway cult classic is at once a shocking and titillating tasteless treat. Contains explicit and pervasive sexual content, situations, and simulations, strong and crude language and lyrics. No one under 18 admitted.

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Cheering for the P's

Our cheerleader costumes finally came in. Yea. (Notice the lack of exclamation point there.) The outfits are one piece, baby blue and white, with a "P" applique. There are two slits in the skirt. Now, these slits are not on the sides, they are dead center, in the middle of the skirt, and come up as far as my....okay, come to think of it, maybe the "P" is appropriate. The fact that we will be wearing cheerleading bloomers underneath is a very small consolation.

The outfits are hard as hell to even get on. I tried putting it on overhead and got stuck trying to get it over my boobs. I tried hiking it up and had to shimmy and shake quite a bit to get the damn thing over my hips. It's made of polyester so any moisture on your body prevents it from going on easily. This concerns me most as we have some very quick costume changes from fantasy girls to cheerleaders and vice versa. I know I will be sweating after the dances. God help my dressers.

Except for costume concerns (which I hope will be addressed later) and for my part in the dances, rehearsal was okay. It was my first night off-book and I remembered most of my lines. Our set designer attended tonight's rehearsal and laughed, so the show should be funny.

And backstage costume changes should be a hoot....

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Choreo Review

They say "that which doesn't kill you makes you stronger". Well, since I'm not dead (yet), then I must be some kind of strong!

For tonight's rehearsal we did nothing but go over choreography. And let me just say that I'm frustrated and terribly despaired. I am beginning to wonder if I'm ever going to get these dance numbers down. The bane of my existence are the Intro Cheer, the Candle Song, and the finale.

While I've always wanted to be a cheerleader and I have watched "Bring It On" and national cheerleading competitions, I am so not a cheerleader. I can do the cheerleader voice. But when it comes to actual "cheering", no. I simply cannot get my arms and legs moving fast enough in this Intro Cheer.

The Candle Song is a "tap" number. While I do know what shuffle-ball-change is (because, yes, I took tap--when I was 6!)I have no clue what a "time step" is. And fuh-lap ball change? Forget it.

And the finale? I think I'm the only one not getting it.

We are having a dance rehearsal Saturday at 10am at the NCSA. This will give us an opportunity to rehearse in front of mirrors. Great. So now everyone will be able to see how bad I really am. God, if there is a dance fairy, can you send her my way tonight? I could really, really use her magic dust.

Dream Role Results

I won't keep you in suspense. I didn't get my dream role. I also didn't get the role of Mae, which is the role Sharon read me most for last night at callbacks. Wait! No need for the collective "oooh" or "I'm so sorry". I'm okay with not getting cast. Really.

You see, Kernersville Little Theatre (my "hometown" theater) is doing "Grace and Glorie". It's a two woman show with performances at Kerner's Folly. I read the script several weeks ago, and loved it. I'm just the right age for Glorie, and she's got a very nice range to her. While not necessarily my "dream" role, it is certainly a role I would love to do.

So, not getting cast in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" frees me up to audition this Friday. The last show I did with KLT was "Never Too Late" in 2005, and it's been 16 years since I've been on the Folly stage. I'm hoping it's a good omen I wasn't offered a role in "Cat".

Just keep your fingers crossed and wish me "break a leg" on Friday!

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

US Airways and Bill

I took Mallorie to the Charlotte airport today, for her flight on US Airways to New York. (She's spending two weeks with Geoff and Karla.) This was the first time I've been on "US Airways" property since being displaced...er, layed off.

Walking through the CLT airport, this time, was very different from all the other times I've been there. I never recognized the "superior attitude" I held previously, until I realized that I was just Jody Average Customer this time.
US Airways is no longer "my" airline and I'm no longer "their" employee. It was a very sobering day.

I did have a chance to chat with Bill Carey. For many years Bill and I worked together in Customer Relations. In an effort to remain with the company, he applied for and was promoted to a shift manager position. He left Customer Relations a week before the office closed. I hadn't seen him since. When he first walked up I didn't even recognize him! While he has lost a few pounds, what was most different about him was the lack of "confidence" you achieve when you've been at your job for several years. The whole "fish out of water" feeling was written all over his face, though he tried his best to cover it up. Bill and I have known each other for, well, a whole lot of years, and I know that he will get back that level of "confidence" he had in Customer Relations. It will just take him some time. Still, he looked great, albeit a bit tired. We talked about his job, my lack of a job, former co-workers and US Airways as a whole.

After ensuring Mallorie's flight had departed I said goodbye to Bill and left the airport. I was a bit sad on my drive home. I guess I hadn't realized how much I do miss US Airways. Say what you want about the company and it's problems, but I really did enjoy working for the airline. And I really miss Bill. Our lives seem so very different now.

Man, it sucks being displaced...er, layed off.