Tricker Treat!

No, that's not a misspelling. That's exactly what my 4-year old son has been saying all day. Cade doesn't understand that upon the opening of the door he just knocked on, he's supposed to be giving the occupant an option of Trick or Treat. I guess these days the treats are expected so no one really plans what kind of trick to play.

As I walked around with Cade and Mallorie tonight...yes, I said Mallorie, and yes, she is 14 years old. She wanted to go and I agreed, as long as she wore a costume. (I always took exception to the obvious teenagers that wouldn't even bother with a disguise, but had no qualms about holding out their bags for my candy.) She put on her pajama bottoms, wore her purple fuzzy bathrobe and fluffy slippers. I had to agree to no photos if she wore her hair in pigtails. After listening to her gripe about the pigtails I decided against drawing freckles on her....

As I walked around with Cade and Mallorie tonight, I was struck by how much each has grown. Mallorie was an excellent big sister. She watched out for Cade, let him ring the doorbells and made sure he said his thank yous before heading to the next house. Cade practically flew from one house to another, and I got tickled listening to him shout "Tricker Treat!" This Halloween Cade's bag pooped out long before his legs did.

Huge bowls of candy were left out on the stoops at about a third of the houses we visited tonight. I found this occurrence extremely interesting. Do people really feel that obligated to provide candy to the annual trick or treaters? Some inhabitants were clearly not at home, but apparently still felt it necessary to leave the porch light on and a bowl of candy on the steps. Or are some people so lazy that they can't get up and answer the door to feign fright and/or excitement at the sight of monsters, princesses/ballerinas, superheroes, pirates, and animals? Some inhabitants were clearly home...you could see socked feet propped up by the Lazy Boy and the TV blaring. Obligated and/or anti-social. I'll be interested to see if this "trend" spreads next year.

Still, no matter how Cade and Mallorie received their candy, this year they received quality candy. Following ancient family tradition when we returned home we dumped out the contents of both bags (in separate piles...the earth's rotation would surely halt if Cade's and Mallorie's candy got mixed) and we took out all the crap candy. Oh, come on. You know the crap candy....the caramel cubes, the black and orange chewy wrapped (peanut butter??)candy, the no-name chocolate disguised in foil as pumpkins, Frankensteins, and eyeballs. Oh, and the hard candy in the cellophane wrappers. Last year the crap candy ended up in a ziploc bag and brought in to work in January. This year there were less than 10 pieces of crap candy. Now that's progress!

Here are the Tricker Treaters with their bounty.

Performance, On Golden Pond

Craig Dixon, who plays Charlie, had a previous commitment for tonight's performance. So, Ken, who also directed, understudied the role. He was Charlie tonight.

I watched his first scene peeking behind the backstage curtain. I did a silent cheer as the scene went off without any hitch. Karen and Bill handled the new Charlie beautifully. And Ken brought a real honesty to Charlie. I was impressed and a bit nervous about our scene together.

Ken and I have done a few shows together, but this is the first time that we actually had a scene together. I had a bit of a time getting him out of his wet jacket. Craig and I are about the same height, so I had to adjust for Ken being taller. Once we settled on the couch and began to reminisce, the scene flowed comfortably.

I enjoyed playing opposite Ken, and very much hope we can again soon.

Enrico Fermi High School Prom

I just got back from the Prom, and let me tell you, I had a nuclear blast!


I simply cannot say enough about "Zombie Prom". The cast made up for lack of plot with plenty of energy and loads of enthusiasm. Gray Smith was a riot as Delilah Strict. (The wig he wore in Act One was the same wig I wore as Latrelle in "Sordid Lives".) Gray and John Bennett, as Eddie Flagrante, had the most entertaining number and danced me into near hysterics. Kudos to the students of Enrico Fermi High: Mary Barnhardt (Candy), Kathryn Kratzer (Coco), Amanda Martin (Ginger), Sarah Negovetich (Nutmeg), Jeff Aguiar (Joey), Michael Ferguson (Jake) and Mason Reich (whose Josh wore the same nerd glasses that I wore in DDD). They were all wonderful, and I was absolutely amazed at all the choreography they had to learn and execute. Jay Smith as Jonny (notice the missing H) had some memorable zombie numbers as well. The cameo appearance of David Joy as the janitor was a hoot, as were the appearances of many well-known monsters during the curtain call. Oh, yeah, the curtain call. One word: WOW!

But I must say that the highlight of the entire show was Emily Mark as Toffee. I am absolutely at a loss of appropriate adjectives to describe her triple threat talent and my sheer admiration. I'm trying not to sound like a love-sick lesbian (because I'm neither) but, simply and honestly, when she sang she knocked my bobby socks and saddle shoes right off.

If you can, go see the show. This is the last weekend. You won't have to think, just sit back and be purely entertained by a phenomenal cast.

Is the Post Office Working?

Exactly two weeks ago I graced the Lewisville Post Office to mail part of my past back to Greensboro. You see, I had been wrestling with varied thoughts and emotions concerning a recent re-introduction, and the subsequent silence, of someone from the past. Faith and trust finally ran out, and I realized it was high time to put the period on the last sentence in the final chapter of our book. As such, I felt really good about my decision to return a box full of history.

Again, it's been two weeks, and I have no idea if the intended recipient even got the package. Granted, I could have requested a return signature, but being the ever so thoughtful person I am, I didn't want to unduly burden the other party. Normally I wouldn't be so concerned with whether the package was received, except that I asked for the return of a very significant item. An item that I purchased, against my gut instinct.

I have not received the item, nor any communication concerning pickup of requested item. I also have not received the package back. So, here I am left to wonder if the Lewisville Post Office failed me once again. (Remember the problem with my severance check?)

I should have known better. FedEx is the better way to go, and always request a signature confirmation.

Pics from Grace and Glorie

A 4-Year Old and His Beloved Nemo

Look at the pride on that little face!

Two weeks ago Cade went to the fair with Allan. They played the "Ping Pong Ball" game. (You know the one....you toss a ping pong ball and hope it lands on the jar and not between the jars.) Cade nailed the jar on his first try! Allan thought Cade had won a little stuffed animal. He was totally surprised when the carnie handed him a bag of water containing a goldfish. Cade was thrilled! Allan, however, was less than pleased as he had to carry the fish around the fair for 4 hours. (Cade's 4 year old exuberance was too much for the goldfish who wouldn't have made it out of the parking lot alive if Allan hadn't intervened.)

Cade greeted each morning with a cheery "Hello, Nemo. I love you" and ended each evening with "Good night, Nemo. I love you". Cade would carefully carry Nemo's bowl to into the living room whenever he played cars or watched TV. Cade loved Nemo.

Last night the inevitable happened. After Cade went to bed, but before I turned in, Nemo went to forever swim in that big pond in the sky. Now, this would be Cade's first real experience with death and I wasn't sure what to do. Having seen how gross dead fish get (the beta/plant crazy a few years ago), I decided to flush Nemo and explain to Cade in the morning.

This morning before Cade could make it to the kitchen, I took his hand and led him to the living room. I sat him on my lap and told him that Nemo had died during the night. Cade sniffled, and in a very quivery voice said, "But I loved him so much." He then buried his head on my shoulder and I waited for the sobbing. Cade straightened up and asked me if I threw Nemo away. "I flushed him down the toilet." Cade said "Ok", hugged me, and told me again how much he loved Nemo.

And that was it. Cade then got down from my lap and got dressed for school. There were no tears and no further sadness.

Whew!

Things that Go Bump in the Night

I was up late last night, or early this morning, depending on how you look at it. I have frequent bouts with insomnia, and last night I was still awake at 5am, sitting on my living room couch. The TV was on (a rerun of CSI: Miami from earlier that night) and I was playing Bejeweled 2 on my laptop.

I felt the vibration in the same instant I heard the "boom". (Though it really wasn't a boom, that's the best word I can come up with.) I think my heart actually stopped for a second. I've heard people say that their "blood turned cold" and yes, that's a very accurate statement. At the time my blood froze every hair on my body stood straight up. I was terrified.

You see, I wasn't really sure what had happened. While it felt like a car had hit the house, there were no headlights or car engine noises. Then I thought someone was trying to steal the cars and had backed into the house. But my dog, Roxie, wasn't barking. Then I thought perhaps they drugged Roxie or killed her. Then I started thinking about serial killers and supernatural phenomena. I was too afraid to move from the couch. I simply sat there, in the glow of the TV and my laptop, and focused on breathing and curbing my escalating thoughts. Hey, Mallorie's bedroom was right above me. Maybe she fell out of bed?

After a few minutes of listening to nothing (I had muted the TV) I began to wonder if I had just imagined the episode. I was playing Bejeweled, and the gems do shake when you have no more moves...

Deciding I was beyond tired, I did go to bed. Mallorie left for school without saying anything and Cade never mentioned anything this morning. The cars were still in the driveway and the house was intact. All day I kept telling myself that I must have dozed off during Level 6 of Bejeweled. Even with that logical excuse I still felt uneasy. Am I losing my mind?

It was Mallorie that finally validated last night's occurrence. Apparently it was all they talked about in school today....


A 2.6 earthquake classified as "micro" rattled the Triad area this morning, though there were no immediate reports of structure damage or injuries, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

One resident said the 4:56 a.m. quake felt like a large boom that lasted just a second or two. The epicenter was estimated at 3 miles east-northeast of Winston-Salem.

"We haven't heard of there being any damage or anything, and typically you're not going to experience that" with a quake this small, said Amy Vaughan, a geophysicist with the USGS in Golden, Colo.

She said though unusual for North Carolina, a quake of this magnitude would not be noticed in earthquake-prone California.

Well, good. I'm not crazy. Still, I think I'll lay off the late night Bejeweled sessions.

Gainfully Employed

So, today starts my third week of gainful employment. Third week? Yes, I wanted to wait to see how things went before I announced to the world.

I am the Advertising and Sponsorship Sales Director for The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem. It's a very impressive title, isn't it?! Someone asked me how many people I get to "direct". Actually, there's only one. Me. I'm the Sales Department. I will be the one who will canvas Winston-Salem asking businesses to purchase ads or become show sponsors.

Now this is a very interesting position for me, in the sense that I've no previous sales experiences. (Well, except for that year I sold Girl Scout cookies.) I was told that I didn't really need sales experience, that my background as an actress and my passion for theatre will seal the deals. And the fact that apparently I'm a bit easy on the eyes doesn't hurt either....

So, if you know anyone that would like to advertise in the Show Playbills, please ask him/her to contact me. I'm listed on the Contact Us page at www.littletheatreonline.com.

A Night At The Theatre

Last night, Ken and I drove to Greensboro to see a touring production of The Producers.

The show was a bit delayed in starting. Apparently the crew was running behind schedule due to an extended strike of Barney Live! We also did not get our Playbills. Word was that they had been shipped to the wrong address. There were also several instances when the backstage crew, and lighting crew screwed up. One crew member opened the door anticipating changing the scene only to learn the scene wasn't over. I'm used to seeing these errors in community theatre. I was very disappointed with these mistakes for a Broadway touring production.

The show itself....well, I hate to admit it but I was bored. I had already seen the movie musical and the touring production was exactly the same. I just was not impressed with the two leads who were acting more Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick instead of Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom.

Rehearsals, On Golden Pond

Here are some photos I quickly snapped off during last night's rehearsal. Our director, Ken, is standing in as Billy.





And oh yeah, we open next Friday!

What You Missed, A Grace and Glorie Review

By Ken Ashford

In the local community theater scene, there are several companies from which you can expect a quality production: The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem, Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance, The Community Theatre of Greensboro, etc.

Then there are other smaller companies (from smaller communities and/or church groups) which lack the budget and personnel and so-on who mount reasonable shows, but it is sometimes a hit-or-miss proposition. Sometimes the show they've selected is overly ambitious, given the space or caliber of the cast.

But once in a while, the right mix of cast and production come together and one of the smaller community theaters presents an evening which can rival the best in the area.

Grace & Glorie, presented by the Kernersville Little Theatre, was such a production.

I caught the show in its closing weekend.

The Winston-Salem Journal described the play as follows:

Grace and Glorie is the story of Grace, a 90-year old woman who is dying of cancer and Gloria, her hospice worker who has moved to the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia from New York City.

Gloria volunteers at a hospital to help terminally ill people, and Grace is her third assignment.

Well, yes. That's the general plot. But there's more to it.

Grace is an illiterate religious hardy woman set in her ways. She has lived her quiet life, never traveling for more than 50 miles from her home, and never seriously contemplating her life's value or her legacy.

Glorie is a contemporary secular "power" woman who left the fast lane (with her husband) following the death of her son in an automobile accident (she was driving at the time).

In their own ways, both characters are coping with death -- Grace with her own impending demise, and Glorie with her son's tragic end. But other than that, they share almost nothing in common.

And while Glorie is looking for answers surrounding the meaning of life (and death), Grace never even thought about the questions.

The culture clash between the two women provides for most, if not all, of the humor between the two women. Glorie introduces Grace to hair mousse, lobster salad and video cameras; Grace introduces Glorie to pot-bellied stoves and Velveeta cheese sandwiches.

But somehow, the two stubborn characters manage to connect, find some common ground, and learn from each other. To the credit of playwright Tom Ziegler, this is achieved without weepy sentimentality (although the show is a tearjerker).

Still, a "talky" play runs the risk of becoming boring and preachy. This is where the cast of Grace & Glorie really shined. Pat Shumate (Grace) and Cheryl Ann Roberts (Glorie) worked exceedingly well together, and whether they were sparring with each other or comforting each other, you really believed every moment and every word. It's rare (and nice) to see such rich and developed characters, and even more difficult to portray them for over two hours. But both actresses rose to the occasion, each sending the audience into emotional roller coasters of hilarity and sadness.

The KLT production was in Koerner's Folly, a perfect venue for such an intimate show (the Folly seats only about 60 people).

I would tell you to go see it, but the production is closed. Your loss.

Shave and a Haircut

Look at Cade! He is smiling so proudly because this morning he decided to cut his own hair. You can see the patch that he "buzz cut" with the scissors. Apparently he decided he no longer wanted bangs.

I couldn't help but laugh. I've heard stories and seen pictures of friends' and coworkers' future hairstylist and barber kids. It's a rite of passage and all that.

However, Cade's father didn't think it was one bit funny. Apparently he, nor his 4 siblings, EVER cut their own hair. Right.....

Final Performance, Grace and Glorie

I really don't like matinee performances, and I despise closing a show on a Sunday afternoon. Sunday matinee audiences are usually more sedate, which usually means the actors don't have the needed energy from which to draw. Making it worse is the Folly's restriction concerning black curtains over the windows. As a result our stage never gets dark enough, and we can't tell when the lights go up or down, are on or off. Still, Pat and I ended the run on a good note. Today's performance was solid, as evidenced by the sniffling and tears.

Tomorrow I will trade Glorie in for Chelsea as I head over to "Pond" rehearsals. Neither Grace nor Glorie will forgotten. Pat and I will resurrect both for the NCTC competition in November.

So, it's not goodbye, but see you soon!

Last Weekend, Grace and Glorie

Pat and I are finally comfortable with our lines and we've hit our stride. It is an absolute honor working with Pat. She is a true professional.

Take tonight, for example. After the show was over, Pat came to me and started laughing. She was so tickled she couldn't even speak. I started laughing too, and soon she was laughing so hard she had tears streaming down her face. She finally calmed down enough to regain speech.

During the make-up scene, I talk about Eve and the "forbidden fruit". I am supposed to say, "So she cost us our cushy berth in paradise." I apparently flubbed, instead saying "bushy curth". It never registered to me, and hopefully not to the audience, but Pat definitely heard me. For the rest of that piece she fought hard to keep from giggling on stage.

Performance, Grace and Glorie

For some reason tonight's performance really got to me. I've tried to be very careful about pushing myself emotionally. As an actress you want your performance to be believable, but submerging yourself in emotional depths can be detrimental to the real psyche.

During Act One's finale, I could feel myself starting to really breakdown. I was afraid that if I started crying I wouldn't be able to recover in enough time for the second act. As soon as the lights went down, I ran down the stairs, through the ballroom and into the kitchen, which also serves as our dressing room. I didn't speak to anyone, just stared out the window, trying to regain control. The volunteers and crew sensed not to speak to me. Even Pat left me alone so I could shake it off. It took me 10 minutes to talk myself back.

Dilemma

Before we began brush-up for Grace and Glorie April asked to speak with Pat, Mike, Elaine and me. She told us this year the North Carolina Theatre Conference Festival was going to be held in Charlotte. NCTC hosts a community theatre competition, and April feels our production is worthy of competition. Wow!

Now, bias aside (she is our director), April works for the Southeastern Theatre Conference. She has seen many a festival competition and has judged similar competitions. She knows what is needed and what the judges look for. April thinks we've got a great shot at winning the state title.

Exciting, huh? But herein lies the problem. The competition is November 17-18, the second weekend of Dracula. I formally accepted the role of Maid Wells yesterday.

So, Pat and I talked. She's competed before and walked away with a Best Actress award. Her concern wasn't the competition, but the impending birth of her grandchild. I hadn't invested any real time with Dracula and thought that Juan would probably understand my reason. In the end Pat and I decided to do it.

We're all going to the Queen City!

The Journal Review

Grace: Two-woman play captures beauty of friendship
By Melissa Hall
KERNERSVILLE JOURNAL REPORTER

The Kernersville Little Theatre opened its 2006-07 season with a show about a friendship that develops between two women who are polar opposites.

Grace and Glorie is the story of Grace, a 90-year old woman who is dying of cancer and Gloria, her hospice worker who has moved to the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia from New York City.

Gloria volunteers at a hospital to help terminally ill people, and Grace is her third assignment.

Pat Shumate plays Grace, and Cheryl Ann Roberts plays Gloria. Both women are on stage together for most of the play. Grace and Glorie are the only two characters, and Shumate and Roberts carry the show very well.

The play is a blend of offbeat humor and sadness as the two women finally come to respect each other and the worlds they come from.

Much of the humor in the play comes from Grace trying to understand things that Gloria takes for granted. Gloria puts hair mousse in Grace's hair.

Grace asks her what it is and then replies, "If I lived another 50 years I would never have thought of putting meringue in my hair."

When Grace continually calls Gloria Glorie, the volunteer asks why she does that. Grace said that Glorie comes from an old hymn that her mother taught her.

There was almost a full house at the Korner's Folly Theater on opening night. The intimacy of the small theater, which seats about 60 people, is a good choice of venue for this play. The audience almost becomes part of the play.

Because it is a two-woman play, the dialogue is more conversational than most plays. Shumate and Roberts bring their characters to life without getting too sentimental.

Roberts and Shumate are veterans of the theater, and their experience shows. Roberts takes a character that could easily become a bore and keeps her fresh and funny.

Shumate's performance of an elderly mountain woman who has never been more than 50 miles from the farm where she lives is moving and funny without turning into a caricature.

• Melissa Hall can be reached at 996-6601 or mhall@wsjournal.com

• Performances of Grace and Glorie are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and Sept. 28, 29, and 30 and 3 p.m. Sunday and Oct. 1. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for senior citizens and students. Reservations are required. Call 993-6556.

Auditions, Dracula

I drove out to Burlington tonight to audition for The Gallery Players' upcoming production of Dracula. Juan Fernandez is directing and I worked with him on The Curious Savage for KLT.

Tonight was actually the second night of auditions, and it became clear that many had auditioned last night and had been asked to return. Juan read me for the part I wanted, Lucy Seward, and I felt I did pretty well. That positive feeling lasted until Juan asked Kathy C. to read the same part. Kathy C. and I were in Jake's Women and I've seen her in several shows. She and I usually compete for roles, but tonight was no competition. She read Lucy perfectly. Juan read me another time for Lucy and then he read me for Maid Wells.

We took a break and Juan and I quickly caught up. After beating around the bush he asked me if I would consider taking another role. I winked and told him only if Kathy gets Lucy. He smiled an affirmation. I'll be Maid Wells, which will be a nice character role. And I get another chance to work with Juan and Kathy. I'm pleased.

Performance, Grace and Glorie

Most of the time actors and actresses rely on audience applause as an indication of performance appreciation. Most of the time complete silence is devastating to an actor or actress. Most of the time. But with a show like Grace and Glorie, non-traditional clues are the better indicator.

I have two very emotional pieces in the show. In the first piece, I'm recounting the car accident that killed Danny. I don't have much time to recover from that piece before Grace realizes Glorie's true intention. It is the gut-wrenching pleadings to God and Grace that leave Glorie, and me, raw and shaking.

In performing on the Folly stage, you cannot help but look into the audience. The Folly is a very intimate venue. Tonight I saw tears streaming, heard noses sniffling and felt the anxiety of futile searches for tissues. Some matched my (blank) stares while others looked away. The volume of emotional outpouring and their final understanding of Glorie's true desire left them breathless and speechless. They sat motionless as I exited the stage. There was no applause after Act One.

And I was pleased. Applause was not necessary. I knew they were right there with me, they were in the moment with me. As an actress, I had done my job.

Preview Night, Grace and Glorie

Our preview audience consisted of 24 invited guests. Among them, Allan and my mom, and Allyson and her daughter, Sara. If it's true that a bad dress rehearsal bodes well for opening night, we should be set for tomorrow!

Between the first and second scenes I have a very quick, full costume change. I go from a business suit and to a black dress and change jewelry. I change from medium heeled shoes to high heeled pumps. Since I don't have time to head to the dressing room, I make the change directly backstage. Tonight, as Mallorie headed out for prop changes, she threw back the curtain. I looked up and saw my mother and Allan. The guy sitting beside Allan was leaning over to get a better view - of me. There I stood in bra and panties, backlit in blue light.

The heels I wear in scene two are my own. I've worn them before; I'm very comfortable in heels. I've worn them in rehearsals all week and haven't had any problems. Not so tonight. As I headed over to the "kitchen", my heel got caught between the stage and the extension. I had to pause so I could work my shoe loose. I continued with the scene, stooping down to get a pot from underneath the "sink" and pumping water from the old fashioned water pump. I've no idea how it happened, but as I moved to place the pot of water on the stove, my heel got caught in the skirt around the sink. I ended up hopping across the stage to get out of the material!

And as if that wasn't bad enough, my heel got caught in one of the worn spots of the old rug and I tripped. Luckily Pat was prepared with an ad lib, "My heavens Glorie, perhaps you shouldn't wear heels when you visit me."

The remainder of the show went fairly well. After, my mom came up to me, barely able to speak for her tears. Allyson was a bit speechless too. Sara kept dabbing her eyes with a well-worn tissue.

Despite the obvious flaws, the audience stayed with us and thoroughly enjoyed the show...Grace and Glorie, not my stripping.

Final Tech, Grace and Glorie

Usually by tech week, I know my character and lines well enough that I don't have my nose in my script. I keep it handy in my bag, to write down director's notes or for quick refreshers. My philosophy was that if you didn't know your lines by tech week, you'd never know them. Well, my nose is still in my script. I am still spending hours reviewing lines. With just Pat and I on stage, I can't afford to go up on my lines. And what makes things more difficult is that some of our lines are very similar in each scene.

Take what happened tonight. I'm sitting on the footlocker having a conversation with Grace. Pat delivers her line and I respond appropriately. We continue the dialogue but something just doesn't feel right. I turn to Pat with a quizzical look on my face; a poor attempt to signal her that something is off. I finally realize that we've jumped from Act One to Act Two! It took some fancy talking to get us back on track. If there had been an audience, I don't think they would have noticed anything.

The Cast of...

Bill Pfefferkorn is Norman Thayer, Jr.
Karen Robertson is Ethel Thayer
I am Chelsea Thayer Wayne
Scott Spencer is Bill Ray
Tyler Canada is Billy Ray
Craig Dixon is Charlie Martin

I am especially excited to be working with Karen. She was Mattie in LTWS's production of Walking Across Egypt and she was outstanding! Craig and I haven't worked together since WSTA's production of Sordid Lives. He and I play childhood sweethearts in this show, so that will be fun. And working with Scott is always interesting.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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...

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.

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!

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...

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?

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.

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.....

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.

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.

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.

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....

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!

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.

Maggie the Cat, Dream Role

For every actor, there is one role that he or she is dying to do. For me, that role is Maggie in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof".

Fifteen years ago, I was breaking in the Piedmont cafeteria and walked passed an audition notice for Kernersville Little Theatre's production. I had done my high school plays and was looking for something to do, so I decided to audition. Looking back on it now, I have to laugh. I was no where old enough, or experienced enough to play Maggie. The director called me and, though he turned me down for the role, he did offer me assistant stage manager. That's where my love of theatre was born. But, back to Maggie.

Ruthie Tutterow played our Maggie. She was, in a word, fabulous. I remember standing backstage watching her performance. Ruthie brought such life to the complex, catty Maggie. I decided then and there that Maggie was my dream role.

And so I was very excited to learn that The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem was opening their season with "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof". Today's audition date has been marked on my calendar, even before the auditions dates were posted on their website. (Thanks Jen, and sorry to have bugged you!)

I got to the theater a little after 7 and spend some time filling out the audition form, getting my picture made, chatting with people I knew and sizing up the other actresses. I went in to read more than an hour later, so I had plenty of time to review the sides. Then it was my turn....

I felt really good about my reading. When I came out, Pat asked how I did. (You usually know when you've messed up a reading or not given 100% of yourself.) I told him I was very pleased with my reading.

And guess what!! I got a callback! Tomorrow I will return and read with more folks. While I still might not get my dream role, I am very excited to have been called back. That's a personal accomplishment, in and of itself.

Celebrity Match-up

Here's a fun thing to do on a rainy day. Go to MyHeritage.com and upload a picture of yourself. Their "face recognition" software matches celebrities to your facial similarities. The software looks at bone structure, spacing-between-the-eyes, etc.

I used my "profile" picture. And I am in some beautiful company!



I matched Mira Sorvino best with a recognition factor of 67%.



Rachel McAdams at 64%



and Demi Moore with 60%.

US Airways and the Postal Service

I just got my severance check today. According to the yellow stickers (yes, plural stickers) my check has been bouncing back and forth between Washington, DC and Lewisville since July 7!! Four yellow stickers indicate my check was "returned to sender" each time.

Now, the address on the check is, in fact, my correct address. I am absolutely at a loss as to why the local post office sent it back in the first place. I've received other pieces of mail (mostly junk and bills) at my address. Why someone slapped on the first yellow sticker I'll probably never know. I can only guess at the initial excuses, "We had a new employee." "We got your name confused with someone else."

Upon return receipt, US Airways did exactly what they were supposed to do: check employee records. Yep, the address on the check is the same one we have on file. Maybe it was just a new employee or name confusion. We'll just drop the check into the nearest mailbox, yellow sticker and all.

Now the post office is holding my severance check for the second time, and, noticing the yellow sticker....what do they do? Check their computer for a correct address? Remove the original sticker and deliver the check to the correctly printed address? Seek a supervisor for additional assistance? Heck no! We'll just assume we were correct the first time and that Cheryl isn't at that address. Slap goes another sticker. Shuffle off to Washington.

My check is, again, in the hands of US Airways. Have you read the papers about the airline lately? They are overworked and morale is so low since too many employees have been layed off due to the merger. (Hello? I totally understand. It is my severance check after all!) Everything is moving to corporate headquarters in Tempe, AZ and since Washington, DC is not in Tempe...well, we'll just re-re-mail the check to the exact same address. And because they are overworked and losing their jobs they don't care enough to remove both yellow stickers.

Now the post office is admiring my check for the third time. Did the price of stamps go up recently? We've no money to pay (good) employees since too many people are emailing these days and snail mail is becoming obsolete. So are postal (no pun here) employees. With an attitude similar to US Airways' the third yellow sticker gets slapped on my check. Shuffle ball change back to Washington.

Are there US Airways employees still in Washington? No human being could have possibly layed eyes on my severance check. There are three neon yellow stickers pasted on my check. No one investigates employee records to find a telephone number. Nope, instead we'll make an assumption. She is obviously not at the listed address, so any telephone number located would most likely be incorrect as well. Third time may just be the charm....re-re-re-mail to Lewisville.

Now the post office is really getting ticked. Three yellow stickers? Is US Airways that dense? Does US Airways not understand what "return to sender" means? Well this should teach that airline....whack goes the fourth yellow sticker. Drop kick back to Washington.

We were guaranteed to receive severance checks within 45 days. Most of my co-workers received them within 4 weeks. Two days ago I send an email to my HR representative who, incidentally, is in Tempe, AZ. I receive a voicemail from US Airways who, incidentally, is located in Washington, DC advising that I should be receiving my check by Friday. "Please call back if you do not receive it."

A package was hand-delivered this afternoon to my door compliments of FedEx. My severance check, with four yellow stickers attached, was inside.

Tempe, AZ and FedEx....I thank you. To the rest of you, well, enough said.

ESC

I finally went down to the Employment Security Commission to sign up for unemployment. I, apparently, dressed all wrong. I was wearing a long skirt and a sleeveless shirt. Based on the fashion in the room, dirty jeans and a t-shirt would have sufficed. Guess I'll know what to wear next time.

I felt very uncomfortable being there today. I felt as though everyone was looking at me and wondering just why I was there. I certainly wasn't dressed like I'd lost my job, and I certainly looked able-bodied enough to hold a job. When it was my turn, I gave the lady my name and told her I had been displaced from US Airways. "Huh?" I tried again. "You mean you were layed off, right?" Yeah, I was embarrassed to be there. But, since my employer pays for these benefits, why shouldn't I utilize them?

Anyway, I'm all signed up. I just need to start pounding the pavement. Problem is, I still don't really know what I WANT to do. I just need to suppress that feeling, and just go with what I NEED to do to meet my financial obligations.

After all, that's why it's called WORK and not FUN....

List Item - Checked Off

It's one of those lazy Sunday afternoons where I haven't done a whole heck of a lot. Mostly I'm playing on the computer. But I was able to accomplish something today. Something that I can now check off my list of "Things To Do Before I Die".

Today I watched my very first Ester Williams movie!!! Silly, I know, but up until today I had only seen clips from some of her movies. I've always loved her water ballet, staging, choreography, etc. I finally flipped the channel at the perfect moment so I could watch it from the beginning. It was "Million Dollar Mermaid". It was a bit silly, but I sure did love the water number.

So, if I should die tomorrow, I will die having accomplished one of my list items. And no, I won't tell you what the other items are.....

You Can Be a Pepper Too!

Look! Oh, looky what I found! Kenny Mathews in full Pepper costume! I am almost wetting my shorts again. Enjoy!

I'm Doing Dallas

I was in a crappy mood all day, having done not much of anything but veg. While I was a little down about the show closing (and trust me, I was just as surprised by that emotion) I was actually looking forward to a couple of weeks off to prepare for Cat On A Hot Tin Roof and Grace and Glorie auditions. Ken IMed around 5:30p. I updated him on my crappy mood, and he was preparing to head to his first rehearsal of Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical. Around 6p he IMed me again. "Why don't you come to rehearsal?" Now why the hell would I want to come to his rehearsal? "Hell, no." I retorted. He then told me Jamie left a message offering me the role of Tammy. I really thought Ken was pulling my leg. My phone did not chirp all day. But when I checked it, sure enough, I had a voicemail. Yep, Jamie was offering the part to me.

I headed over to Ken's house. He was much more excited than I was. We had had lengthy conversations about the show, and how I wasn't sure I would ever want to do it because of the "simulated" situations. And yet, here I was on my way to rehearsal. Theresa saw me first and was excited. Rebecca came in and we hugged like true cheerleaders. "It will be so much fun!" they promised. The rest of the cast was also happy to finally have a Tammy, and a full cast for rehearsal.

Wouldn't you know that the first scene we blocked was Tammy helping Donna (Rebecca's role) stretch....suggestively. I turned 15 new shades of red. Nothing like jumping right into the biggest acting challenge yet. Woohoo.

Four words - Thank goodness it's over!

During the run of a show those four words usually don't enter my vocabulary until closing on the 3rd weekend. This show ran one weekend, just 4 little days. Still, I cannot tell you how happy I am that the show is over. From a testy costumer, the set falling down during final dress to dealing with an ungiving actress each night, the show was very trying. Theatre is supposed to be fun and this show was anything but fun.

There were a few positive things. Mallorie and I worked on the show together. She ran lights and did a great job, especially with the "fireworks". Our stage manager, Sarah, and our artistic designer, Deborah, were wonderful to work with. Also, the KLT community really rallied around Randy, our director.

Still, I'm so glad that it's over. I'm looking forward to some down time.

Take Me Out to the ballgame

Ken and I went to go see Theatre Alliance's production of "Take Me Out" last night. Now, Ken, Mallorie and I usually attend shows together. However as TA's second "naked gay show" this was not one Mallorie could attend. I was also Ken's means of fending off any potentially interested gay guy with a broken "gadar".

I attended the show for one reason only: to be supportive of my friend, Craig Dixon, who was in the cast. I was well aware, and had been for several months, that there would be full frontal nudity, so I was nervous about going to the show. Don't get me wrong, I saw "Love! Valor! Compassion!" last year, so I knew what to expect with the nudity. It's just that Craig and I have been friends for more years than I care to admit, and seeing him in "all his glory" was not on my "Things To Do Before I Die" list. Still, he is my friend and so we went.

The show was good and the actors did a really great job. Jon Odom, was believably arrogant, Mark March was great as the redneck player, and Craig delivered his lines with gusto. Mark Armstrong was the highlight of the entire show. I've seen many shows that Mark has done, and I feel blessed to know him. But last night I absolutely fell in love with him! He brought such life, realistic and comical, to his character. He was phenomenal! He is exactly the kind of actor I aspire to be.

The show runs next weekend as well. There's "plenty" to see, so prepare yourself.

Pre Fun Fourth

When I arrived at the Cultural Center for rehearsal tonight, I was surprised to see tables in the hallway. They were decorated in full 4th splendor. Apparently the sponsor(s) for Greensboro's Fun Fourth spares no expense! The event crew was still tooling around in their golf carts, chatting on walkie-talkies, working so hard to get things ready for tomorrow. I ran into JD, who is one of the head honchos for the event. He mentioned that he, most likely, will only get about two hours of sleep before he's back at it again tomorrow. Whew! I wished him the best o'luck and lots of sleep on the 5th!!

Based on the decorations and how hard the event crew is working, Fun Fourth will be spectacular.

Tale as Old as Time

I must hand it to West Side Civic Theatre. Their latest production, "Beauty and the Beast" (which they promoted as their biggest undertaking in their history) was wonderful.
Ken, Mallorie, Cade and I saw the show last night. Well, Cade didn't finish the show. I had to call Allan to come pick him up since he was a bit restless and chatty. (Cade, not Allan.) As soon as Allan got there, it started to rain. Some folks decided they didn't want to brave the outdoor performance and left. (Rain plagued this production. One of the performances was rained out last week.) We decided a little rain never hurt anyone. As long as the show was continuing, we'd support the actors by remaining. We were glad we did.

I saw CTG's production of "Beauty and the Beast". Overall, I liked CTG's better; they had much better singers. Still, West Side deserves the standing ovation. They did a beautiful job. The set was the most amazing thing-huge!-filling the Lewisville Square perfectly.

The best part of the show was the "Be Our Guest" number with dancing napkins, plates, forks, spoons, knives, etc. It was a showstopping dance extravaganza. We nearly wet our (already fairly wet) shorts watching Kenny Mathews, a former castmate, dancing around as a Pepper Shaker. Hilarious!! Allyson Edwards, also a former castmate, took us backstage at intermission so we could chat with Kenny. He had taken off his Pepper shaker, Pepper hat, and was parading around in his silver Pepper unitard. Priceless. I'm getting the giggles just thinking about it.

If you haven't seen a West Side Civic Theatre production, you really should. Performances are in the Lewisville Square and are absolutely FREE. My suggestion is to stop by the Square early (4 to 6 hours before performances) to set up your chairs, blankets, beach towels, etc. Everyone from Lewisville and many from surrounding cities support this town event. "The Wizard of Oz" is their next production. From the size of the cast, I'm sure it's gonna be another extravaganza. You can get more details by going to their website at www.westsidecivictheatre.com/.

Oh, and one last note, Ken and I are still singing Mrs. Pott's song. Yep, complete with accent...

Postcard

I'm Such a Bad Daughter!

Crap! My mother's birthday was yesterday.

In truth, I really did not "forget" her birthday. I did call her shortly after JD departed. I got her answering machine, and I was not expecting her to not be at home. Honestly, I was momentarily stunned. Should I leave a message? What type of message? A simple, cheerful "Hi! Happy Birthday Mom!" or should I belt out a stirring rendition of the Birthday song? In Spanish even....

Instead, I simply decided to hang up and call her on my way back from rehearsal. Yeah...you know how this story goes, don't ya? Been there yourself? Yep, I totally forgot to call. And now she's out of town for a week and a half!

I am such a bad, bad daughter.....

Tuesday

I had an early wake-up call this morning. (Well, early for me, as of late. No reason to get up with the sun if you've no job, right?) A very good friend of mine, JD, was in town and wanted to know if I was interested in getting together to catch up our perspective lives. I mumbled a sleepy "Sure." and asked what time. My door bell rang, right on cue. I threw on firecracker boxer shorts, my Miss Firecracker t-shirt and red flip flops (nothing wrong with a little self promotion is there?) and we headed for coffee at Casanova's.

Later, after a shower and proper clothing, we then checked out The Lake House. It's very sweet and romantic (your typical "chick" flick), if you don't think about the plot. If you even put one moment's thought into the storyline, you will ruin the essence of the film. My advice is to simply watch, and for godsakes, Don't Think!

JD and I had a lovely day, and I was forgiving that he woke me so early, even though I lost about an hour and 45 minutes of beauty sleep. He will be very busy with July 4th festivities, and, based on the "catching up" part of our coffee conversation, I suspect there are some challenging hurdles in his immediate future. Still, it was great hanging with him!

Ken wasn't at rehearsal tonight because he is actually going through with auditions for Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical. I just gotta say that he has much bigger balls than I do. (Wait...what?)

The Big Terrible Frog!

Last night, after dropping Mallorie off at Cotton Patch Gospel, I decided to take Cade to see "A Year With Frog and Toad" at Theatre Alliance. The show was memorable for both of us, but for different reasons.

As I was not quite sure what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I really enjoyed the show. The show is based on the kid's book, but I really got involved in the story. Credit for that goes directly to the fabulous actors. Tim Brown and Mark Armstrong, who played Frog and Toad respectively, were wonderful! My absolute favorite character was Turtle played by Emily Mark. She was dancing and singing to one number (about Toad's bathing suit) with such energy, and she never lost a beat. She was absolutely fabulous! I was very impressed with the production.


For the most part, Cade enjoyed the show. He was very empathetic upon learning that Toad had never received any mail. (Cade yelled out that he would send some to him.) During the second Act, Frog tells Toad the story of the "Big Terrible Frog". Right on cue a BIG FROG with RED eyes appears in the doorway, filling it completely. The frog's arms are waving up and down and smoke is coming out from all around. Cade decided right then and there that he wanted to go home.

We did stay for the whole show, though Cade would look over his shoulder for the big terrible frog. As I knew everyone in the cast and crew, I took Cade on stage and found Jeff, who designed the big terrible frog. He took Cade backstage to explain the frog was really chicken wire and paper and that he and David were the ones who moved his arms. Cade still didn't want to go near the frog!

As you can see, the cast did talk Cade into taking a picture with them. Upon seeing his picture on the fridge this morning, Cade looked over his shoulder to make sure there was no big terrible frog behind him!

Open Season Pics

I'm Not a Nurse

We had a typical Thursday night performance. I had some difficulty getting back into character. Eric noticed too. Apparently my Jersey accent was just a tad bit off. So, I think I'll use the accent all day at work tomorrow! (Hey, it's not like they are going to fire me!)

In this pic, Alice is explaining to Christian that "I'm not a nurse. I'm an in-home health care worker."

Southern Jersey Charm

Tonight at "Firecracker" rehearsal, Randy asked me if I could do a Southern Belle accent, you know the kind,voice just dripping with schooled Southern charm. I told him I certainly could, but he'd have to wait until next week. In "Open Season" I use a New Jersey accent and don't want to go back to the show mixing up my accents. (There is one particular line that I find very hard to deliver in a Jersey accent. It usually comes out sounding very Southern!)

Anyway, Thursday performance tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it. I've missed the cast and Eric!

Read Thru, The Miss Firecracker Contest

Ken is running spotlight for Theatre Alliance's "A Year with Frog and Toad" so he wasn't at read thru tonight. But the rest of the cast was:
Abby Cockman is Carnelle
Libby Maddox is Popeye (she was really good at callbacks)
Megan Hoffman is Tessy (she was also great at callbacks; very versatile)
Robbie Spencer is Mac Sam

I'm feeling a bit "out of the club". Abby and Libby are drama teachers, and Robbie graduated with Randy from UNCG. Megan is currently a student at UNCG having just changed her major from music to theater. Ken also has a background in theater; he directed several shows in college. So I'm the only one who never studied theater at an institute of higher learning. I just hope I can hold my own.

Auditions, The Miss Firecracker Contest

Well actually, today was callbacks for "Miss Firecracker". Auditions were this past Tuesday and Wednesday, but since I was in tech, Randy agreed to let me read at callbacks. So Ken and I rode together to Greensboro.

Ken was the only guy at callbacks, which is a very good omen. Ken is a great actor, so I've no doubt that he will get Delmount; he read very well for the part. I read for the part of Elain. (Delmount's sister.) There was one other woman that read for Elain. She was okay, just a little stiff. Randy said he had seen enough and could cast today and let everyone know.

Just a little bit ago, Randy called and offered me the part of Elain. I accepted. I just hung up with Ken. He was offered the part of Delmount. So,this will be the 3rd show Ken and I have done together, and I'm continuing my streak of jumping from production of one show into rehearsals for another one.

Okay now to relax before the second performance of "Open Season"......

Opening Night, Open Season

Last night's "Who will play the part of Christian?" only added to my usual Opening Night jitters. I took the day off from work and got a few extra zzzzz's this morning. Since I usually am not able to eat dinner before a show, I decided to breakfast at my favorite breakfast joint....Mr. Waffle. (I figured the two scrambled eggs, bacon, hashbrowns-because I do not do grits-and pecan waffle with coffee would sustain me for the day.) Then I spent the rest of the day relaxing. Oh, and I received a wonderful, and much needed, massage.

We all got calls around 5pm advising that Chad had recovered enough and would remain our Christian. I was very happy to see him.

Opening went very well and we had a nice sized house. They were a very responsive audience. I was a bit nervous, but as soon as I spoke my first line, I was okay. I even got a few laughs. (Who knew an in-home health care worker from Jersey could be funny?!)

We were supposed to have the cast party at Jim's house, but it was changed earlier in the week. The Opening Night cast party was in the scene shop. There was food galore and specialty brewed beer. Eric (our makeup guy) and Ryan (our costumer) were absolutely hilarious! I hung out with them and had so much fun! I laughed so hard my sides started hurting.

Now I've got to take this horrible stage makeup, that has been absolutely CAKED on, off. This may keep me up for another few hours!

Final Dress Canceled, Open Season

This afternoon we all got calls from Elizabeth, our stage manager. Chad is sick. He wasn't well enough for final dress tonight, and there's a very real chance that he won't be well enough to do the performances. A Little Theatre regular, Mark Boynton, was there tonight to assume the role of Christian, should it become necessary. So we canceled the final dress audience and did a walk/run-thru to get Mark familiar with the blocking. I have to hand it to Mark. He's very brave to be coming in this late in the game. Most likely he'll have to carry the script during the first weekend of performances. But we've been told he is a quick study and should be off book for the second weekend.

I'm kinda bummed though. I've seen Chad in many Little Theatre productions and I think he is a wonderful actor. I was really looking forward to sharing the stage with him. Chad, I hope you get better!