A Night at the Theatre

Last night, I attended The Battle of Shallowford, The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem's second entry in their New Horizons Series (staged readings of original or adpated plays by NC authors). The reading was held in the rehearsal hall, and there was a nice sized crowd in attendance. Ed Simpson, the playwright, also attended the reading.

The Battle of Shallowford is an endearing story about what happens when the residents of Shallowford (based on Lewisville, NC) believe Orson Welles' radio broadcast of "War of the Worlds". They grab their pitchforks and hunting rifles, and run out to do battle with the invading Martians and save the world.

David Bowen, who played Burton Mock, and Grace Lineberry, as Ruthie, were wonderful as father and daughter. Jere Dailey was perfectly cast as Ray Sprinkles, as was Jeremy Byrd as Fred Martin. John Schwabe played two very different roles, Dewey Sowers (football hero) and Doodad Jarvis (slow witted), and transitioned well between the two. Stan Berstein, who also "directed" the reading, played Newsome Jarvis, a man of very few words.

Because it is a staged reading with a reduced rehearsal period (one night!) you usually don't see much movement and even less characterization. Two actors deserve a special shout out for this very reason. Mikey Wiseman actually brought to life the very crusty Clunette Campbell. If the audience's reaction was an indication, he was the favorite. Elliot Lerner also breathed life into Lonny Hutchins, a shy teenage dreamer. Both men gave outstanding performances.

The staged reading of The Battle of Shallowford was one night only. But keep checking your local listings. You will definitely want to see this show as a full scale production!

This is the second time I've received an email about the Millau Viaduct. And while I can appreciate the impressiveness, and even the beauty, of this modern wonder, you will NEVER, EVER see me on it.

I don't like bridges.

Thank You, Linda!

You really did brighten my day!

A (Short) Afternoon at the Theatre

Mikey, Mallorie, and I ventured to Concord to see Michael Carter in Moon Over Buffalo at Old Courthouse Theatre. I was not familiar with the show, but Michael told me to be prepared to laugh a lot. Michael wasn't kidding. We laughed, but not in a good way. The show was so bad that we were verbalizing our utter disbelief at the overacting.

Andrea Rassler, who played Rosalind, was capable enough, although she looked very uncomfortable in her heeled shoes. Jonathan Ewart, who played Howard, was awkward. His fall onto the couch would have been much better had he simply gone over and fallen. Instead he made it look just what it was - the director gave him that specific blocking. Jim Esposito and Susan Capotosto, as George and Charlotte Hays, started out promising. Until she started "hitting" her costar with a rolled up newspaper. Oh, it was scripted, and unfortunately it came across looking so very contrived. As did her knee to his groin. When a script calls for such physical contact, the actors involved should get together to work the scene so it will appear real and believable to the audience and such that the actors can remain safe. It was very apparent that this did not occur.

Continued overacting, forced blocking and tentative handling of ripping prop pants lead to our decision to leave at the end of Act One.

There were some positives. Michael Henry Carter (Paul), Becky Porter (Ethel), and Mandy Smith (Eileen) were outstanding. And I mean just that. Their talents were such that they stood far above their castmates. Unfortunately it wasn't enough to enticed us back.

A Night at the Theatre

We just finished seeing Kernersville Little Theatre's production of Just Kidding. As a VP and Board Member of KLT, I should write only the positive things about the production. However, I want to be true to myself and the purpose of this blog; to be as honest as best I can with my experiences. Having said that, I was absolutely disappointed.

The show suffered from major pacing problems. Some of these problems stemmed from a lackluster audience of 87 and some stemmed from particular actors. Kay Ward, who played Sandra Rogers, was one such actor. As soon as she stepped on-stage the air left the room. She desperately needed some cheese to go with her whine! Geez. Yes, I originated Sandra in Burlington, but I assure you, this is not a case of sour grapes. Two minutes into the show, Mallorie whispered, "Mom, you were soooo much better."

I'd like to blame Kay's performance for Stephen Swoap's portrayal of Calvin Rogers. Actors feed off each other and Stephen looked like he was starving. I could see a great deal of potential in his Calvin, but it was a lack of energy that killed his character. Even his "fight" scene with Scott Spencer (who played brother-in-law Wayne Maybrie) looked, well, staged.

Macon Shirley had the honor of playing the best, and funniest, role in Just Kidding. Unfortunately, he never quite rose to the occasion. I simply don't understand how a gay man who is playing a gay man can look so fake. Several times during the show I wanted to go up and yell at him to "Stop acting!! Just be yourself!!"

Scott Spenser and Karen Price-Crowder (who played stage mother Jessica Finch) were as good as they always are. Luke Van Hine was also good as nephew Todd Maybrie. Morgan Robbins was very good as fake daughter, Claire, and her 'sunrise, sunset' was appropriately bad. Jean Burr could have been better as Monique, if only Macon had given her more. The best performance was by Chuck Powers who played Officer Chris Gentry. Perhaps not too ironic is his striking resemblance to KLT regular, Dick Strohemier.

Disappointment aside, I am crossing my fingers that the pacing problems can (and will) be overcome. Just Kidding is a really cute show, perfect for community theatre and community theatre audiences.

A Celebration of Life

Mikey and I went to David's memorial service tonight. Due to the new Greensboro by-pass, we ended up arriving 30 minutes late. We missed hearing David's father speak, and pictures of David when he was a child. We did get to see other slideshows of David as a teenager and adult, hear stories from his high school chorus teacher, listen to beautiful songs sung by Jean Marie Buckley, Danielle Blakeman, Jonathan Cobrda, Kim Harrison, Neil Sheppard, Craig Richardson, Mitchell Sommers and Jordan Legaux. Vanessa Martinez performed a dance to "Gaston" from Beauty and the Beast.

With the assistance of other grieving people, I was finally able to let go of my anger. I smiled, and even laughed, at some of the memories, and I let my tears flow freely. Tonight I realized how truly blessed I was to have had the opportunity to have called David my friend.

*********************************************
In December, David would write a poem and send to all his friends. I was lucky to have received this email two years ago. Karen Wray recited it at the memorial service.

Oh December
Yet again upon the land you descend
With pinkish hues of morning sun
Catching last the leaves of amber and gold

Upon me you dawn again
And pause with reflection do I
On moments since last you saw me
And beheld I the season nigh

And though I dwell in new abode
Far from loved ones of blood and soul
Oh December, you still find me
As does their love find my heart

As I unbox the glistening orbs
To deck new halls this time of year
Occurs to me a thought profound
And my soul it warms indeed

That changed though the place may be
The inner reaches of who I am
In truth and in dream, remain steadfast
As do my memories of all

All that upon my path with me have trod
All that have loved, cried and fought with me
All that shaped me, in ways small and grand
Oh December, you dawn upon them as well

Hence dear friends again a glass I raise
And dear friends, a prayer I raise
That your December with joy be filled
Until meet again we do in days to come

12/02/2006
DEW

My head is full today; too full, I think. Thoughts are running amok and emotions are bouncing off my brain. At times I find it difficult; to remember even to breathe.

I never thought I'd be here again; didn't want to ever be here again. And yet, I am out on the dance floor. I am swaying to the music, hypnotized by the beat and blinded by the lights. I paid to enter this club; I never get in for free.

Slow and sensual, I am alive! There are times when the bass is too much. Reverberating my heart; so close to exploding I feel. It is infectious and dangerous. I am free and possessed.

The music changes, as it always does. I am terrified that I will not, cannot keep up. The crowd is too much; my air is dissipating. I can see the exit, clearly marked. So very close; the neon lights tantalize me. Wish me to remain, and dance uninhibited.

And I cannot forget that I paid to be here. I never get in for free.

An Evening at the Theatre

Last night, Mikey and I attended Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance's opening night performance of Southern Baptist Sissies. If you haven't made plans to see the show, you really should.

I agree largely with the Journal's review. Bryan Daniel was outstanding, as was Gray Smith. Gray is an extremely talented actor and can very well pull off impersonations of Wynonna, Cher, and Tammy Wynette. However, in my opinion these added characters interrupted the overall flow of the show. Jay Smith and Mason Reich both played repressed gay characters, and I caught myself waiting for both of them to power up. Mason, especially held back on his performance. He would have been wonderful if he had just let go a bit more. Kevin Mundy and Kelly Wallace were refreshing and hysterical as Peanut and Odette. Danya Benson brought 4 different mothers to believable life.

For religious, straight, and/or gay members of the audience, the play spoke powerfully, as evidenced by quiet sniffling. And I'll admit, some of the sniffles were mine.

Happy Valentine's Day

Love My Job

I just had to tell you. I love my job! I've finally learned enough that I don't have to pester April with questions every 5 minutes. I'm also excited that I can anticipate and don't always have to wait for her to give me an assignment. Nanette has mentioned that April is much less stressed than convention time last year. Even April is a bit surprised at how organized and calm things are. I can't take full credit, but I know my work in the office is beneficial. I love the sense of accomplishment I have at the end of the day.

Kudos

I wanted to let you know how much my wife and I enjoyed the show this past Sun. It was wonderful!
~G
**********
We have been season ticket holders for quite a few years now. We thoroughly enjoyed THE FOREIGNER! We are still chuckling about the funny scenes. I believe that it is one of the most delightful productions that we have seen at The Little Theatre, although we have many favorites! Thanks for the consistently high quality theater that you all work so hard to bring to Winston Salem. Congratulations to all of you!
Sincerely,
Dawn Martin
**********
We made it to the show this afternoon. It was a blast! Our oldest daughter went with us. She chuckled the whole way through. Had to be a great cast to work with. Great job!!
~la~
**********
Hi, I just wanted to congratulate you on your performance again. Also what I didn't get to tell you last night is that you are absolutely gorgeous! Stunning really. I just wanted to let you know that you are so talented and beautiful and I loved getting to see you in that role. Congratulations again!
~C

Pictures, The Foreigner

Love and Support

April, Betsy, Michael, Norm and Reba, Kelly and Meghan, Ally, Mimi, Dad and Kelly, Jamie and Gray, Emily, Mallorie, Myla and Paul, Paul, Bill and Kathy and Andy, Charis, Craig, Allan, Allan and Barbara, Gina and Don, Jake, Glenn and O, LeeAnn and family,

Thank you so much for coming to see The Foreigner. Each of you, and your support, means the world to me.

Greetings from jetBlue!

To: Dusty
From: Cheryl Ann
Date: Feb 9, 2008 1:53 PM
Subject: My First REAL Trip

So, how was your first REAL trip? Meet any crazy customers?

From: Dusty
Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2008 12:51 am

Yes, two tonight that were fighting. Two dudes were hitting each other from the FLL flight to JFK. Both me and the F3 went over to see what was up. They were friends getting into some disagreement. They settled down for a few minutes, but started back and I wasn't having any of it, so I walked back up with my F3 and told the guy I was giving him his one and only warning and that was to behave or I'd move one of them to the back of the plane. haha. It was crazy but I handled it well.

Other than that- flying is FUN. I can't believe I'm doing this! LOL. You should do it too!!!!!!!!

What's new with you?
Dusty

Email from Charis!

Subject: Drowsy Chaperone ecard
Date: Sat, 9 Feb 2008 1:01 pm

Cheryl Ann,

I probably should have sent this last weekend but I just wanted to tell you that I hope you have a great show. Break a leg!

More Numbing News

A note from David's sister, Elizabeth...

Accidental? How? Why?

I simply cannot make sense of all this.

Greetings from jetBlue!

From: Dusty
Date: Wed, 6 Feb 2008 3:46 pm
Subject: My First REAL Trip

I'm on reserve starting tomorrow and at 3pm the day before, we have to call Crew Scheduling to 'check in'. I just called and they told me they were backed up and to call back in 30 min. I logged onto my FLiCA account (scheduling) and saw that I have a 3 day trip scheduled for tomorrow!!!! I'm flying out tomorrow evening to BUF for a layover, then on Friday afternoon, I go down to MCO and back up to SWF for another layover. Then Saturday afternoon, I fly down to FLL and return back to JFK. Wow. Fun eh? hahaha.

Numb

Mr. David Edward Wright, 45, of 716 Shannon Road, Asheboro, NC, died Friday, February 1, 2008, at his Greensboro residence.

A memorial service will conducted at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 21, 2008 at the Carolina Theatre, 310 S. Greene Street, Greensboro.
----------------------------------

I met David during CTG's production of Grease in June 2004. He hosted a cast party and welcomed me to his home, even though I wasn't part of the cast. We talked and laughed, and eventually entered into a refrigerator magnetic poetry contest. He beat me, hands down, every time. He had a very kind soul and a beautiful way with words.

David and I became good friends. I attended many parties hosted at his house and was in the audience for most of his shows. We spend a lot of time talking at length about life and love.

I am absolutely stunned that David is...has, died. The circumstance surrounding his death is unfathomable. I'm having a difficult time coming to terms with this news. I am simply numb.

A Review for The Foreigner

Sight Gags: Laughs are guaranteed in The Foreigner
By Mary Martin Niepold
SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

It’s a crazy mix of zany characters. Some are Southern, some are British, and all of them have eccentricities that spread laughter through the audience like buckshot.

The Foreigner, which opened Friday night at the Little Theatre, is one of playwright Larry Shue’s best known works.

Laughs are guaranteed.

This is a farce, and as such, relies on sight gags, exaggerated gestures and an array of caricatures. The characters all show up at the same small rural hunting lodge in Georgia, flaunting their particular version of what life is all about.

Most of them are looking for their own identities. Two of them are trying to conceal who they really are.

What a cast of characters. Just look at their bios:

Betty is an older widow who owns the lodge and needs to feel young again. Froggie hails from England and is a bomb specialist who has come to the area once again to teach bomb tactics at a nearby military base. Charlie is his friend from England who is so bashful that he invents a language (and persona) to be able to deal with the other guests while Froggie is away. David, a guest, is a minister whose niceness is a front for theft. Catharine, a debutante, is pregnant, wealthy and set to marry David, but naturally they stay in separate rooms. Ellard is her slow-witted brother, and Owen is a local whose hood-wearing buddies back his shenanigans with David.

What results can’t adequately be translated to print.

When Betty says she sees “a tractor” in the story that Charlie has just made up and spouted off in gibberish, the audience falls apart.

When Charlie re-enacts Frankenstein to scare the bully, Owen, he can - because in real life Charlie’s a proofreader for a science-fiction magazine.

Both scenes bring on laughs because the play evolves around a tight plot.

Characters are so fully drawn by the actors that when any of them does deliver a line, it makes perfect sense.

The Foreigner is an enormously popular work by Shue.

Having premiered in the early ’80s, its reception recalled his earlier work, The Nerd.

But this play at the Little Theatre wouldn’t necessarily come off without the slapstick acuity of director Stan Bernstein.

Bernstein, a prolific local actor and director, seems to have found his own passion for theater. He knows how to deliver lines, he knows pacing, and fortunately, with his guidance, his actors do, too.

Good ensemble acting keeps the whole show going, but special bows go to Charlie, Froggie, Betty and Ellard.

Chad Edwards, who teaches theater arts at Mount Tabor High School, almost steals the show. His rendition of the hapless hero who eventually finds his own voice relies on a full array of body movements, facial expressions and timing. Edwards delivers on all counts.

Pat Shumate as Betty is as close to the real thing as the lovable Southern woman who wants to believe and has an active imagination to make just about anything plausible.

Mikey Wiseman as Froggie is a swaggering foil to Charlie’s ineptness, and Mark March as the slow-witted Ellard makes floundering look delightful.

Greetings from jetBlue!

From: Dusty
Date: Tue, 29 Jan 2008 9:10 pm
Subject: Whoo Hoo!

I did it!! I've passed my tests and my final and now I'm officially a real Flight Attendant!! woo hoo!! haha. I can't believe it- no, really- I can't believe it. haha. I still don't think that I'm a F/A or that I'll be working on a plane and living in JFK. haha.

I got information on my first IOE flight (a graded flight) today!! I'm flying from JFK to LAS and back! The good thing is that I'll be doing it with my soon-to-be-roommate, Aaron. I don't know how that happened, but it's cool that I'll have a familiar face on my flight. That starts on the 4th of Feb. I think it's cool because I've never been to LAS before and well, there ya go- I get to be in LAS, even if it's for a 20 min turn-around. haha. Too funny!

Our February scheduling should be coming out in a day (maybe tonight) - I have no control over that since we weren't allowed to bid. But by Friday, the March schedules should be up where I can bid for my days off. I think I'll go for Tues and Wed each week (we get 12 days off- the other day I'll let Crew Services pick). We'll see how it goes!

Hope all is well!!
Dusty

Greetings from jetBlue!

From: Dusty
Date: Sat, 26 Jan 2008 8:48 pm
Subject: It's Almost Over...

Well, I have successfully passed all my exams with flying colors! My test today I got a 98 and my CPR drill went without incident. Yay! Now the only thing left is our oral final exam on Tuesday then it's all in the clear for graduation on Wednesday at Noon!!!!!!!!

I got my name badge today! haha.

Oh and I have a crash pad in NY already lined up. It looks good from the pics that I've seen and I'll be with a bunch of us newbie jetBlue peeps. About 8 of us are all crashing at one place so it will be nice and kind of like family. It is a new property and there is ample parking spaces (on street) and I wouldn't have to move my car around for street cleaning if I were to drive it up - not sure what I'll do with my car other than possibly leave it at IAD for when I come home, though I can only get free parking at one airport. haha. Hmmm.

Hope all is well-
Dusty

Read-Thru, The Velveteen Rabbit

This afternoon, we all got together to discuss The Velveteen Rabbit. This production is part of The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem's New Horizon Series, which is a two week festival of stage readings of shows by NC playwrights. Because it is such a wonderful story, we all agreed that we'd like to breathe more life into it than just reading the story on a stage.

After reading through the script, we discussed that even though the Narrators have the majority of lines, the other actors must create their characters physically. They will have to use their body and movement, action, instead of dialogue. So, of course, we had to play some theatre games. How would you walk if you were a rabbit, a horse, a mechanical toy, etc. I am not a fan of these games, but I participate for the kids.

Already, there is one kid who is going to annoy the bejesus out of me. He's the kind of kid who announces to everyone, often while someone else is speaking, that he has no problem learning lines, can speak in a multitude of dialects and voices, and corrects others who have made a mistake. He's also full of ideas. I will admit that he is talented. I just don't think courtesy was part of his upbringing. Maybe I can help him with that?

Mark your calendars now. We will perform March 7 and 8. Performances will be in the lobby of the Arts Council and at the main library.

Greetings from jetBlue!

From: Dusty
Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2008 11:04 pm

Things in jetBlue land are still great. After the big emergency equipment test snafu where most of the class failed, we had our retake on Monday. The test before that I made a 97 and the last test we had I made a 90.

Today we had our evacuation drill tests and I was lucky enough (being sarcastic here) to have been given the Embraer simulator for my demo and an unplanned water ditching. The sarcasm - because water ditchings have more command words to yell plus you have to put on your life vest and do some additional things to the slides. (In the simulator, you have to 'pretend' with the slides as they don't activate them for this drill.) On these drills you would have been given either a ditching or a unplanned land evacuation (crash) with an added bonus like a pregnant lady at the slide or the slide was too steep, etc. You had to be on top of your game to call out the correct command.

Anyway, mine started off a bit rocky- I was in the back of the E190 (FA#2) and it was my second time doing a water ditching. I started off my evacuation ok- the commands were coming out good (not tongue tied). I had a bit of a time getting my life vest on as well as placing my hands on the aft handle in order to open the entry door... and I also forgot to inflate the pretend 'slide' too. hahaha. But by the time I got to the service door I knew it wasn't going well and I gave up and called it quits so I could do it over. I did it over and passed. Nothing major - many people got it on their 2nd try.

Now we have just 2 tests left and we're done! It's hard to believe that next Wednesday I'll be getting my wings. Wow. A new hire class started yesterday - about 90 new Inflight Crewmembers! Woo-hoo! 2nd class for 2008 and now my senority has been upped a bit! haha.

Lots of hugs and love,
Dusty

Happy Birthday, Myla!

Article in the Go Triad

From bayou to off-Broadway
By Leslie Mizell, Special to Go Triad

WINSTON-SALEM -- It's a long way from Louisiana to New York, but two bayou playwrights with shows opening in Winston-Salem next week found success there at a very early age.

The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem is staging Larry Shue's "The Foreigner," a modern-day classic comedy, opening Feb. 1. That same night, the Stained Glass Playhouse will debut Judi Ann Mason's "Livin' Fat" for Piedmont audiences.

Actor-playwright Shue, a New Orleans native, debuted "My Emperor's New Clothes" off-Broadway in 1968 when he was just 22 years old. However, he wouldn't find real accolades until nearly 15 years later when he wrote a pair of comedies, "The Nerd" and "The Foreigner," as a playwright in residence at Milwaukee Repertory Theater .

"The Nerd" premiered in London in 1981 and had a successful Broadway run in 1987; "The Foreigner" spent 18 months off-Broadway and won the Outer Critics Circle award for best play.

"The Foreigner" of the title is Charlie Baker, a painfully shy Englishman who is vacationing with his friend "Froggy" LaSeur at a Georgia hunting lodge when soldier Froggy is unexpectedly called up for maneuvers.

Stranded with a bunch of strangers, Charlie pretends to be a foreigner who doesn't understand English. But far from isolating him from the lodge owners and guests, his inability to communicate means he finds himself taken into their confidences and becomes the unwitting witness to their secrets.
One secret becomes particularly volatile, and Charlie suddenly finds himself helping his new friends protect themselves from the local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan.

Sadly, "Wenceslas Square " (1988) would be Shue's fifth and final produced comedy. The playwright died in a plane crash in 1985. He was 39.

Mason was born 10 years after Shue in Shreveport, La. Her writing career was off to an auspicious start when she received the Norman Lear Award for Comedy from the Kennedy Center while a student at Grambling State University.

Like Shue, she first found professional success at 22, selling a script to the long-running TV comedy "Good Times" in 1978. Since then, she has worked as easily in comedy as drama, and for television, stage and movies alike.

She also wrote scripts for "Sanford and Son," "A Different World," "Beverly Hills, 90210," and "I'll Fly Away."

She penned films "Sophie & the Moonhanger" for television and the Whoopi Goldberg vehicle "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit" for the silver screen. In between, she found time to write three dozen plays and youth musicals, including "Eddie Lee Baker Is Dead" and "A Star Ain't Nothin' But a Hole in Heaven."

"Livin' Fat," which the prestigious Negro Ensemble Company debuted off-Broadway in 1976, is set in that recession-ridden era. Times are tough for the Cooper family. Although money is tight, their affection for each other is limitless.

Everything changes, however, when son David Lee, a college graduate forced by the economy to work as a bank janitor, interrupts a robbery. In their haste to get away, the thieves drop a $50,000 bundle of money, which David Lee grabs and hides from his employers and the police.

Now the religious and law-abiding Coopers are faced with a dilemma: The money would allow David Lee's father to quit one of his jobs, his mother to stop cleaning other people's houses, his grandmother to enjoy her golden years, his sister to go to college, and himself to get a fresh start and marry his girlfriend. But can they sacrifice their scruples enough to benefit from ill-gotten gains?

Contact Leslie Mizell at LAMizell@aol.com

bee-u-ti-ful!

The general office for SETC is located at Revolution Mills Studios. Having to come here absolutely makes the hike to Greensboro worth it!

The Cast of The Velveteen Rabbit

The "no news is good news" philosophy is a double-edged sword for actors. Sometimes you never hear anything, find out by checking an online cast list, or you hear from other actors.

The Velveteen Rabbit auditions were Saturday morning. Not hearing for four days after an audition is usually not a good sign. I just figured that Reed decided to cast kids only. So, imagine my surprise when I got an email announcing the cast:

Boy - Gerrit
Rabbit - Elizabeth Wallace
Narrator 1 - Charli
Narrator 2/Mechanical Toy - Adam
Narrator 3/Uncle- Jeremy
Narrator 4/Aunt- Cheryl Ann Roberts
Nana/Boat Toy - Katlyn
Fairy - Jasmyn
Horse/Doctor - Sam
Bunny - Annemarie
Bunny - Britton

I can't tell you how thrilled I am to be a part of this production! And yes, I am the oldest cast member!

Some News

Beginning on Wednesday, I will be working part-time for the Southeastern Theatre Conference. I'll be helping to get everyone ready (office staff and those auditioning) for the annual convention in Chattanooga. I'm excited!

An Afternoon at the Theatre

Mallorie and I went to see Movin' Out at the Greensboro Coliseum yesterday afternoon. We both loved it!

The storyline: Long Island in the 60's. Sweethearts Eddie and Brenda break off their high school romance, as James and Judy get engaged. Another member of the group, Tony, picks up with Brenda shortly before all of the boys head off for Vietnam. James loses his life on the battlefield, leaving Judy shattered. Tony and Eddie return home with feelings of loss and alienation. Tony and Brenda's relationship becomes more and more complicated, while Eddie slips into narcotic abuse. In a drug laced fantasy Eddie follows the image of Judy which steers him in the right direction and he soon finds solace. Meanwhile, Tony and Brenda renew their love for each other. The friend reunite to discover they have all found their way back home.

Due to the endurance needed for Eddie, 4 dancers rotate the role. We saw Andrew Pirozzi as Eddie, and he was awesome. Understudy Shayna Harris played Brenda. She was very good as well. John Corsa played Tony and when he and Shayna were on stage it was magic. I was not impressed with the dancers who played Judy and James. Kyle Martin was our Piano Man, and there were times when he sounded very much like Billy Joel.

The opening number, "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me", was slow to begin. Once the band warmed up, they maintained the needed energy throughout the show. While some of the dance numbers were spectacular (Tony "skating" across the stage in his hi-tops, Eddie's leaps through the air), some were not. Some of the dancers had timing difficulty, so their performances weren't as clean. And some of Twyla Tharp's choreography was just unusual.

Still, it's a very impressive show, and Mallorie was thrilled to have seen it with me. We listened to Billy Joel's Greatest Hits on the way to the coliseum, so she was familiar with a few songs I had grown up listening to. And I couldn't help but sing along to some of the songs.

Auditions, The Velveteen Rabbit

If you've ever visited my Myspace page then you know that The Velveteen Rabbit is my favorite book of all time. As part of this year's New Horizon Series, and in conjunction with the ACT program, The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem will be staging an adaptation of Margery Williams' book. Auditions were this morning, and I was there. As a matter of fact, I was the oldest person there! (Well, except for some of the parents waiting for their kids.) I was amazed by the turn-out. There were small kids up to high school ages. And there were several boys auditioning.

I knew I wouldn't be asked to read for the Rabbit or Skinhorse; those parts would go to the kids. The script calls for 4 narrators who "age" during the course of the show, so I figured I could play Narrator 3 or 4. There's also a Nana.

After playing some "theatre" games to warm up the kids, Ryan grouped us together and we began to read. He hadn't picked a side for Nana, so I mostly read for Narrator 3 and 4. I really was amazed by the talent of some of the kids! Which might mean that I won't get cast at all. There was certainly enough talent to cast the show completely with kids.

It really doesn't matter if I get cast or not. I love working with kids, and I love the story so I thought it would be really fun. Even if I'm not cast, I will see the show.

Greetings from jetBlue!

From: Dusty
Date: Fri, 18 Jan 2008 6:03 pm

Thanks for the positive thoughts- it worked.... I got an 88. Low, but thankfully passing. BUT the test was a bit screwy since many of us weren't sure exactly how and what to study. The learning course we took about the equipment was taught in a different way than the study guide and to add to it- we had to know both planes. Would you believe that about 30 people failed the test today? That's INSANE. One of my friends from class was among those failed and I was worried that he wouldn't pull through on the retake (cause you have to have 100% on the 2nd try). But luckily the instructors decided that there was a problem with the exam and decided to make it invalid for all and we'll be tested again on it next week. Whew. My friend is saved. But it also goes to show that we need to study more because it's not the easy stuff like last week that we're learning about.

Today we got our badges! LOL. Check it out! I'm finally 'CREW'!!!!!! What do you think?

Love ya,
Dusty "jetBlue Crew"

Greetings from jetBlue!

From: Dusty
Date: Thu, 17 Jan 2008 8:13 pm

Well, our base assignments came out today and JFK is my home base! Woo Hoo! There weren't a lot of slots open for that- maybe 15 of us got it and we're the oldest, so that's good to know where I rank in seniority with this class. The rest got BOS as their base. BOS would have been another excellent choice- maybe even better since it is expanding more and there is more need for reserves there, which would push up seniority and status quicker. But whatever, I don't mind. If I fly over 100 hours a month, so be it- I'll be making money. LOL.

It's a bit scary- I have my emergency equipment test tomorrow on both aircraft. I can kind of wrap my brain around it, but when I look at the 'pickle' (drawing of the plane) I get all nervous that I won't know where the equipment is located. haha. But no worries- I know I'll be fine. :-) Did I tell you this school teacher in my class said that she used to tell her class that they need to be like the little train that could and always say "I know I can" rather than "I can't"? I told her that was perfect advice because when you think you can't do something, you end up believing it and you won't pass, but if you remain confident and positive, you'll feel better about studying. At least that's the way I feel here. I try to remain positive and when I start to feel negative, I counter act.

Today I went down the escape slides of the A320 and the E190! It was fun! haha.

I see that a BA 777 ran off the runway at Heathrow!! Scary, but it just goes to show that Safety is first and that what we're learning now in class is HUGE for what we're doing in this job.

What's new with you?
Dusty

P.S. Tomorrow is the test and a pool drill where we have to get into a raft! LOL

So Excited!

I just finished printing my tickets!

Greetings from jetBlue!

To: Dusty
From: Cheryl Ann
Date: Jan 16, 2008 10:19 AM
A 95 is a good score! You are averaging a 98 for an overall grade, and that's well above the bottom line of 80. You are doing well on your tests and I'm very proud of you!

Ah yes, safety, safety, safety. The real work begins.

I talked with mom yesterday. She said jetBlue doesn't have a base in Dulles. Have you found out where you are going to be based?

Love ya,
Cheryl Ann

From: Dusty
Date: Wed, 16 Jan 2008 5:50 pm

Yea, no base in IAD- I knew that but I thought on their map it looked like there was one. LOL. I put down JFK as my choice and will probably commute to work using a Crash Pad for a short while until I figure out how that goes, etc. I had seriously thought about FLL as a place to move to- how cool would it be with the beach? But there aren't enough reserve flights in and out of FLL, so the money isn't that good. JFK really is where it's at and by Sept they'll have their new gate opened up. We'll see. I have no house so it's easy for me to do whatever. LOL. But NY living? Ummmm dunno.

I'm proud of myself too and I remain positive on these tests. At first when we go over the lecture in class I get overwhelmed because it looks difficult and I size it up by the amount of pages, etc, but when I read it - it's simple. But now with the evac drills, that will be a bit challenging. I can do it- it's just the whole- I have to act it out in front of people. haha.

Dusty

Another Random Posting

This was found in my newly acquired copy of a used script for Once Upon a Shoe, a musical for children. Interesting comments if you are thinking of staging this wonderful show.

Random Posting

This was found between the pages of The Tap Dance Kid.

Greetings from jetBlue!

From: Dusty
Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2008 8:38 pm

Today I made a 95 on my Airbus A320 test. boooo. I wanted a higher score, but whatever, it's higher than an 80, which is our bottom line score. I missed 3 questions and noticed that one was because I didn't 'read' it as good as I thought. But now I know. haha.

Looks like the fun is over and we'll be getting into heavier things. We went over the Safety side of the job today. Eeeek. It's tough! It's really not all about serving drinks as much as it is always watching out for who can be your 'able bodied person' to help you out in the event of an emergency landing, whether it be on land or water. There is a TON of procedures to learn about all these things! It's crazy, but then again I knew it was all about Safety and we all know it's nothing more than a tube of metal flying at 500 mph! haha. I'll get through it!

Hope all is well!
Dusty

Greetings from jetBlue!

From: Dusty
Date: Mon, 14 Jan 2008 7:29 pm
Subject: Two Down and Several More To Go!

Well, I made a 98 on my second test! I missed one question. Whew! Tomorrow I have a test on the Airbus A320. It's got a bit more stuff, but I think I can handle it. haha.
Still excited,
Dusty

Dyin' to See This

I first heard about Movin' Out in 2003, when it was nominated for several Tony awards, including the Best and Featured Actor/Actress categories. What made the show especially noteworthy, even in its nominations, was that there is no dialogue. The story is "acted out" through choreography.

I grew up on Billy Joel and I love the art of dance. As such I've been dying to see this. I missed it a couple of years ago when it toured in Charlotte. Good news! It's going to be in Greensboro this Saturday and Sunday!

Told through the choreography of Twyla Tharp and more than two dozen of Billy Joel’s songs, it's the story of lifelong friends through two turbulent decades that change them and the world around them forever. Songs like “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me,” “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” and “Pressure” all come together to weave a musical backdrop which beautifully complements Tharp’s innovative choreography. The songs and dance take audiences through a poignant narrative comprised of three main elements: post-World War II idealism, the Vietnam War and its subsequent unrest, and finally, survival.

Many will recognize the main characters, as they come straight from Joel’s lyrics. There’s Brenda and Eddie from “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” Tony and Sergeant O’Leary from “Movin’ Out,” Judy from “Why, Judy, Why,” and James from “James”—and their story is told completely through dance, with no dialogue whatsoever. Movin' Out is “a story told without language,” Tharp says. “The movement and the action tell the story—the experience, the emotional resonance, comes from action rather than language.”

I'll be purchasing tickets no later than Tuesday, so let me know if you'd like to go with me!

Greetings from jetBlue

From: Dusty
Sent: Sat, 12 Jan 2008 8:21 pm

Well, I did it! I made my first 100 on my city code, 24-hour clock and Flight Attendant Manual test! Whew! haha. One down and about 7 more to go, plus drills, all in 2 weeks time.

Another cool thing for me today was that I also got to close, arm, disarm and open the rear entry door of a mock Embrarer 190! Too cool. Oh, and not to mention I got to walk around the mock plane and get my feel for it and check out the lights, the storage carts, boxes, etc. It was fun! I'll have my test on the E190 on Monday and then the Airbus 320 on Tuesday I guess. Whew. A lot of stuff. Anyway-still having fun here at JetBlue University! haha.

Hope all is well-
Dusty

Living in IKEA

Comedian Shacks Up at NJ IKEA
By JANET FRANKSTON LORIN

PARAMUS, N.J. (AP) — When Mark Malkoff thought about where he could stay while his New York City apartment was being fumigated for cockroaches, he quickly ruled out friends' places (too small) and hotels (too expensive).

Instead, the comedian and filmmaker decided to move into an IKEA store in suburban New Jersey, where on Monday he unloaded two suitcases into a spacious bedroom at the store.

"The fact that IKEA is letting me do this is mind-boggling," said Malkoff, lounging on a bed in his new room. "There's no way I'm going back. I love this way too much."

Malkoff, who works for Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" as a ticket handler, is allowed to stay until IKEA closes at about midnight on Saturday; the store, famous for its low-cost do-it-yourself furniture, is closed on Sundays.

Malkoff, 31, is known for his 2007 video "171 Starbucks" which documents his visits to all of the coffee chain's Manhattan stores in a single day.

Deputy store manager Julie Mott said Malkoff contacted the store about three weeks ago and presented a proposal to move in.

"We thought it would be a lot of fun and interesting," Mott said. "We're not really sure what this week holds."

He is being followed by a camera crew documenting his stay.

But despite the hospitality, Malkoff did find a few problems: The sinks don't work, and neither does the toilet, refrigerator, flat-screen television or the washer and dryer.

"Is anything real in this place?" he asked.

He must shower in the staff locker room and will have access to the staff cafeteria to cook his own meals, if he chooses, Mott said.

However, the IKEA display does offer more spacious living than his two-bedroom Queens apartment.

"I feel like I'm on the set of 'Friends,'" he said, adding that he has met a few new faux friends — customers who wandered into his new apartment.

His wife of 2 1/2 years, Christine, isn't as thrilled with his new digs and has instead opted to stay with relatives in upstate New York.

"For some reason," he said, "she doesn't want to live in a store."

The Same Words Women Use - Defined By Men

1. Fine - Depends heavily on the context. A "Fine" after asking "How was work?" means "It was crap and I'm not interested in talking about it". "Fine" at the end of an argument, however, has the same connotations as when women would use it, but it is usually shouted because men have trouble using an inside voice when they're angry.

2. Five minutes - If he's playing video games, five minutes is about half an hour, or until he finds the ever elusive 'next save point'. Getting ready for sex? Five minutes is two minutes. Preparing to leave? Five minutes means five minutes, and if you're not in the car in exactly five minutes you will find yourself under a veritable barrage of honking until you rectify the fact.

3. Nothing - Is largely a synonym for "Fine", though more resolute. A "Fine" can be challenged. A "Nothing" is completely off limits, and rather than signaling that an argument is forth coming, it should tell any man-savvy woman that whatever is wrong is not up for discussion with her, her mother, or anyone she is related to. Full stop. Period.

4. Go ahead - "I'm not interested in arguing with you anymore, do whatever the hell you want. See if I care!" Often accompanied by a #1.

5. Loud sigh - Sometimes with a curse, like "Jesus Christ" or "Fucking hell". This is a sign of frustration, and means, basically, "I don't understand the issue here. What is she still pissed about? My conclusive rebuttals weren't enough for her?"

6. That's okay - This is a sign of disappointment. If a man replies "That's okay" after you've just admitted something, it means his respect for you has taken a free fall and he's not sure what to say that won't insult you, despite his current feelings.

7. Thanks - This depends largely on the context and intonation. Like eels and shotguns, "Thanks" is a slippery beast.

8. Whatever - "I'm over it. I'm not interested in arguing. I still think I'm right, but you know what? You don't, and I'm beyond caring. Fuck you."

8. Don't worry about it, I got it - This isn't often used by men, but when uttered it means "Stop asking if I need help, I am a MAN. I am more than capable of handling this myself". Women often challenge this, which can result in a #4 #5 combo, or, worse, a #1 followed up by an #8.

- Male perspective provided by Faith Gone Nova

Words Women Use - Defined

1. Fine - This is a word we use to end an argument when we are right, and you need to shut up.

2. Five Minutes - If we are getting dressed, this means half an hour. However, five minutes is only five minutes if you have been given five more minutes to watch the game or play (insert brand gaming system here) before helping around the house.

3. Nothing - This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with "Nothing" usually end in "Fine" (see #1).

4. Go Ahead - This is a dare, not permission. DON'T DO IT!!

5. Loud Sigh - This is not actually a word but a non-verbal statement often misunderstood. A loud sigh means we think you are an idiot and wonder why we are wasting our time standing here arguing with you about "Nothing". (see #3).

6. That's Okay - This is one of the most dangerous statements we can make. "That's okay" means we want to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

7. Thanks - We are thanking you. Do not question or faint. Just say, "You're welcome."

8. Whatever - Our way of saying "F@#% YOU!"

9. Don't Worry About It, I Got It - Another dangerous statement, meaning there's something we've told you to do several times, but will now take care of ourselves. This will later result in your asking "What's wrong?" (see #5 and #3 for possible responses).

Word from jetBlue

From: Dusty
Sent: Mon, 7 Jan 2008 5:06 pm
Subject: I'm Official!

Well, yes and no. I'm officially a JetBlue Crewmember on their payroll. I finally got my documents and flight info for my trip tomorrow to MCO!!!!! (That's the airline city code for Orlando, Florida.- Cheryl Ann) I'm nervous as hell. And yes, I am trying to think positive. But still the studying and testing. AAAAHHH!

Orientation lasts 2 days and we'll be in class 6 days a week for 4 weeks from 0800 to 1800 (or there abouts). I have my laptop, (yes, I bought a laptop!) and will try to keep in touch when I can. I'll also bring my camera to take pictures.

Well, wish me the best of luck so that I can earn my wings!! haha. That sounds sooo funny! Now I'll need a catchy closing for the airline industry. Hmmm..

Love ya!
Dusty

Friendly Skys Just Got Friendlier

If you recall, my brother left his job as Director of IT for a medical supply company to tour Europe for a year. He cut his tour short and was back on American soil in time for his December birthday. The holidays are over and it's time for Dusty to find a job. He's decided he wants a new career. He's applied to jetBlue for a flight attendant position. He's been accepted on a conditional basis, and is scheduled to begin training January 9 in Ft. Lauderdale.

Once again he's doing something I've always wanted to do. When asked what I wanted to be when I grew up I always replied flight attendant (except in 1st grade when I was a nurse for Career Day). I joined US Airways in 1988 with that goal in mind. At one point I did fill out a transfer request, and was conditionally accepted, but the class was cancelled. So I remained in Reservations and lived out my US Airways career in The Office of Consumer Affairs. I've no desire now to be a flight attendant.

Still, my little brother will be the best flight attendant ever! I'll keep you posted on his progress.

A Gift Well Appreciated

Last Christmas, my best friend gave me a gift certificate for the "Spa Sampler" package at European Touch Total Day Spa. I finally redeemed the gift this morning.

I arrived at 10:30 and was given a menu from which to order lunch from Village Tavern. I settled on the Spinach salad, and was then taken to the changing room. I was instructed to shed my outer clothing and I was given a spa robe, as well as spa shoes. Melissa came to take me to my first stop - an express facial.

Now, I have had a facial before. Last September, compliments of Eric who was our makeup and wig artist for Open Season. When I asked him if it would hurt, he lied to me. Course I didn't know he was lying until I was on the table, tears running down, as he squeezed my face.

Experience being the best teacher, I asked Melissa what I should expect. Since I was having an express facial, she wouldn't be squeezing, poking or prodding at me. My face would be exfoliated, steamed, and massaged. And let me just tell you, she was absolutely wonderful! My face has never felt so refreshed and with such a glow!

Next was a 30-minute massage with Leslie. I have never had a professional massage, so I was really looking forward to this. Leslie asked and I advised that my shoulders bore the brunt of my stress. We agreed that she would spend time working out any knots. I started out on my back as Leslie gave me a very nice neck and upper shoulder massage. I then flipped over and she proceeded to work on my back and shoulders. She kept checking to make sure I was okay with the amount of pressure. And yes, I was absolutely okay! In order to keep from falling asleep I reviewed my lines in my head. But the massage felt so wonderful that my mind kept wandering. I thought about David Joy, who is also a masseuse. All too soon time was up and Leslie advised that my lunch was ready. I had such a difficult time getting up off that table. I was sooo relaxed.

Lunch was very good; quiet and peaceful. The salad was delicious. Melissa found me and led me to the makeup up chair where she would do my make-up application. I'm not sure of the products she used but the make-up felt very light on my skin. I've always liked the "made up look" but just can't stand the heavy foundation feeling on my face. She did a great job. I looked and felt beautiful.

Next, I picked out my nail color (OPI's Didgeridoo) for my manicure and pedicure with Kelly. It's been 3 months since my last trip to a nail salon so Kelly had some extra work. She was great. My fingers and toes are back in shape and painted a pretty shimmery pink.

All in all, I had a fabulous time. I highly recommend European Touch and spa gift certificates are the perfect gift. You don't have to purchase an entire package. Go for just a facial or a massage. Either way your well-being will thank you for it!

Rehearsals, The Foreigner

We were supposed to be completely off book today. You would think that having two weeks off would provide enough time to learn lines. Not during the Christmas and New Year holidays. I studied as much as I could, but it was still not enough. Thankfully Stan is an actor himself, so he understood the tall order to be completely off book during the holiday season. He even gave us permission to use scripts if really necessary. I was able to go scriptless for Act One, Scene One. I had to call lines in Act One, Scene Two and ended up picking up my script for my big monologue. I didn't put it down the rest of the night, although I tried not to glance at it if I knew the lines.

Getting off book and stumble-throughs are my most despised part of rehearsal. I'm either forgetting my blocking because I'm too busy concentrating on my lines, or blocking is fine and I can't remember the words. I just feel so inadequate.

Good news, though. For the next several days we will only be rehearsing specific scenes. That means I can spend some quality time reviewing a section at a time. Yikes, tomorrow's rehearsal is the longest scene in the show. I'd better get cracking. If I sleep with my script under my pillow will I be able to magically absorb Catherine's lines?

I Can Dry My Own Hair

An Afternoon at the (Movie) Theater

I did something today that I haven't done since I was 14 years old. (And I only did it then because I was visiting my cousin who had to work, so I went with her.) I went to see a movie by myself. I went to the 1:30pm showing of P.S. I Love You. It wasn't that I couldn't have gotten someone to go with me. Granted, I would have had to do some heavy begging because it is a chick-flick. At the very least I was pretty sure I could talk Mallorie into going (she's a Gerard Butler fan). But I just really wanted to go alone, especially considering where my head was last night.

I will first tell you that my inner voice was correct in advising me to read the book first. The movie was, as most are, different from the book. Holly's brothers, Declan and John, were not in the movie. Her father wasn't either. (The backstory was that he left when Holly was a teen.) Holly's mother was given a prominent role in the movie, and even a name change! Kathy Bates was great as Patricia, the newly named mom. Harry Connick, Jr. played Daniel and the movie pretty much stayed true to his character. I was surprised by Gina Gershon's performance as Holly's best friend Sharon. Lisa Kudrow was Lisa Kudrow playing Denise, Holly's other best friend. I was pleasantly surprised to see James Marsters on the silver screen, playing Sharon's husband to boot. (Though honestly I liked him much better as Spike.) William, played by a very sexy Jeffrey Dean Morgan, was added to the movie. Holly ends up having a one-night stand with him while she and friends are in Ireland on vacation. While I absolutely love Jeffrey Dean Morgan, his character was just not appropriate. I was not very impressed with Hilary Swank's portrayal of Holly. I was very impressed with Gerard Butler's portrayal of Gerry. He's ruggedly handsome, quite sexy, and he's a voice that can melt butter. And I was so glad to hear him sing! Lord, he just makes me smile!

Fortunately, seeing the movie dispelled my pondering from last night. The movie just did not elicit the same emotion in me as the book. And that was just fine. At least for now.

A Book Report

While in Target doing some Christmas shopping, I decided to purchase P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern. I've been wanting to see the movie, but my inner voice was encouraging me to read the book first. I started it immediately, and due to reading a couple of scripts, I just finished it. Like 5 minutes ago.

To be honest, I'm not really sure how I feel about it. I mean, it's very well written, albeit a bit long. The characters are very real; you can feel their emotions on the page. But this book has left me thinking about things I'm not too sure I want to ponder. And yet here I am, doing just that, pondering. I think, and I say think because it's going to sound so very weird, but I think I might be jealous of Holly, the main character. She's lost her husband of 10 years to a brain tumor and she is having a very difficult time coping with her grief. No, it's not that I want someone to die so I can grieve. I think it's more that I am envious that Holly had someone that meant so much to her, who was so much a part of her, that without him she simply can't (and doesn't really want to) cope. Does that make sense?

I mean, with the exception of my kids and family, and even then that's a different level altogether, I'm not sure there's anyone in my life that would leave me as devastated as Holly. And I am concerned about that. What does that say about me?

We headed over to Hanes Mall so she could spent some Christmas money. Figuring she wouldn't want to hang around the adults, I gave her a meeting point and told her to return in an hour. As she departed, I turned and joked to my friend that this was the first time we'd been to the mall together. We proceeded to stroll along until a 75% Off Sale caught my attention. I told my friend that I wanted to check out the sale. I wasn't in the store 10 minutes; my friend disappeared. I walked around in circles attempting to locate and reunite. After 30 minutes I gave up and returned to the meeting point, where I sat until the designated meeting time. When my friend returned, no disappearance explanation was offered, even when I asked. I had been worried, yet my friend was apathetic.

What's up with that?

An Afternoon at the (Movie) Theater

Mallorie, me and a friend of mine headed to The Grand theater earlier this afternoon to see Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. It was awesome!

I've been familiar with the music from the Broadway musical. "Pretty Women" and "Not While I'm Around" are two of my all-time favorite songs. And I saw the Piedmont Players' beautifully staged production almost 10 years ago. Still, watching the movie was like listening to the story for the first time.

In my opinion, Johnny Depp is one of the most talented actors of our time. I've always been impressed with his work. His Sweeney left me even more so. And I must give him his due with his singing. With no formal training he took quite a chance, and it paid off. While some of his razor poses were reminiscent of Edward Scissorhands, he never let us forget Sweeney or his inner torment.

Helena Bonham Carter, on the other hand, was terrible. I don't believe a word of the interviews in which Tim tries to convince us that Helena was awarded the role based on merit. Yeah, she looks the goth part. But her acting was hallow and singing was awful. I'm sure being Tim's partner, pregnant with his child, had nothing what-so-ever to do with her being cast. I will not be convinced that there is that much of a shortage of more talented actresses.

Alan Rickman was glorious. I just love watching him. And I loved his "Pretty Women" duet with Depp. I was very impressed with Ed Sanders who played Toby. What a beautiful voice! No one knows much about him now, but I'd bet he's got a long career ahead of him.

Mallorie received the movie book and the soundtrack for Christmas. I can't wait to sit down with her and leaf through the book while listening to the CD!

Christmas Booty

Santa was very good to Mallorie this year. She's opening up the digital camera he left her. On the couch behind Mallorie is another coveted present - Guitar Hero III with a wireless guitar. Rock on!

Cade is excited to have received a remote control PT Cruiser from Grandma and Grandpa. He couldn't wait to open it up and race it around the yard.

The Cast of Just Kidding

Auditions for Kernersville Little Theatre's first production of 2008, Just Kidding, were held last Tuesday and Friday. Since the Just Kidding cast includes two roles for kids, I mentioned auditions, on several occasions, to the cast of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

The promotion apparently paid off. There were 17 kids vying for the two roles, and there was quite a turn out for the adult roles.

Congratulations to the cast of Just Kidding:

Stephen Swoap - Calvin Rogers
Kaye Ward - Sandra Rogers
Scott Spencer - Wayne Maybrie
Luke VanHine - Todd Maybrie
Jean Burr - Monique
Macon Shirley - Jeff
Karen Price-Crowder - Jessica Finch
Morgan Robbins - Jenny Finch
Chuck Powers - Chris Gentry

Show dates are February 22-24 and February 29-March 2. Go ahead and mark these dates on your 2008 calendar. You won't want to miss this show!

(Second) Friday Performance, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

The kids were in rare form last night before the show. Hyper-energized. We had to corral them in the music room where, thankfully, Michael and Mallorie entertained them by telling jokes. At 7:45pm I had a rather harsh chat with the kids about several things.

During tech week we made announcements that costumes were to go back on hangers and placed on the costume rack each night. They were told that costumes left lying around would be confiscated. Thursday night one of our shepherds left his costume on various chairs in the dressing room. His costume was taken, and I had to have a chat with him and his mother. Of course he claimed he did hang his costume. So, the kids were (re)warned again last night.

Last week some incidents involving touching and spitting were brought to my attention. Both issues were addressed last Saturday, but apparently there was still some parental concerns. I reiterated last week's conversation, and advised that if problems continued offending cast members would be replaced.

The threat of being dropped from the show apparently helped some to focus their energy. Last night's performance was even better than Thursday night's show. Ken blogged about it, live.

We've two shows remaining. If you haven't yet attended a show, please purchase a ticket and come early.

Happy Birthday, Dusty!

The Cast of The Foreigner

Pat Shumate is Betty
Mikey Wiseman is Froggie
Chad Edward is Charlie
Cheryl Ann Roberts is Catherine
Mark March is Ellard
Don Gunther is Rev. David Lee
Ken Ashford is Owen

While I'm not surprised that Ken got cast, I'm so glad he decided to do the role. And since Kelly Wallace will be doing costumes, the entire cast of Bug will be involved with this show. The cast of Grace and Glorie is also reunited.

I am absolutely beyond myself. I am so uttely excited over this cast. And the fact that I (finally!) get to work with Stan. Mission, indeed missions, accomplished.

A Book Report

While I haven't actually read Candace Bushnell's book, I'm a fan of Sex And The City. So, when I saw 4 Blondes on the shelf at Edward McKay's, I didn't think I could go wrong. Based on my recent track record with books, I should have known better. Of course, I was wrong.

The book is actually 4 novellas about 4 different blond women living in New York: Janey is a model who uses her "charms" so she can vacation every summer at the Hamptons. Winnie is a political/style columnist with a major news magazine who hates her husband. Princess Cecelia is in such a state of utter depression that even with an handful of Xanaxs she can't cope with life. A writer (perhaps Candace herself?) travels to London to write about sex with Englishmen. While they dress in Prada and carry Louis Vitton luggage, each woman and her respective life is less glamorous than the previous. These women are shallow and, dare I say, pathetic. There was very little substance, and no real ending, to any of the four stories. Not that I really cared.

Don't waste your valuable time reading this drek. Instead, tune to TBS for entertaining reruns of two blonds, a red head and a brunette.

Callbacks, The Foreigner

After Ken and I finally worked out who would run The Best Christmas Pageant Ever brush-up, I headed over to the ACT trailers for callbacks. This time I arrived early. Mark and Don were there, as was Chad. As we were ushered into the other room, I was pleasantly surprised to see Michael and Pat come in. Looking around, I quickly sized up my competition. There were two other girls that I didn't know.

Pat and another lady were up for Betty. While the other lady read well, Pat was very attuned to the comedy. Since Ken decided not to come to callbacks, and he mentioned he really didn't want to do Owen, David will probably get that part. Michael and Don were vying for the role of Rev. David Lee. Michael auditioned better, but Don is a very good tood. Kevin and Chad were up for the role of Charlie. Either one would be great. There was one young man there for the role of Ellard. And Mark read for a variety of roles.

I don't like to read first at callbacks. I'd much rather study the competition, and make changes/choices accordingly. Thankfully Stan had the other two girls read first. Neither of them were bad; they were just a bit bland. Clearly they weren't as familiar with the script as I was. As good as I felt about my audition, I felt even better about my callback reading.

Callbacks were over by 8:10pm, and once again I chatted with Michael in the parking lot. My phone rang and I almost had a heart attack trying to locate it in my purse. It was Ken on his way back from brush-up. I told him I'd call him later and continued casting the show with Michael. My phone rang again and I recognized the number as that of The Little Theatre. I held my breath.

I GOT THE PART!

Dusty's European Vacation

After 6 months of quickly traveling through Europe, Dusty finally decided he'd had enough. He's back home on American soil.

I use the term "home" loosely. Dusty has no real home, as he sold his house back in June. Right now he's staying with friends in DC. He's planning on coming down to NC on the 17th and will stay with Mom through Christmas. I know he's planning on meeting next week with his former employer. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he can get a job quickly.

Auditions, The Foreigner

Today has been circled on my calendar since September. Actually, the 10th was circled on my calendar since that was the original date of auditions. But once I found out they were a week earlier, I made the calendar adjustments. There was no way I was going to miss this audition.

You see, I've wanted to play the role of Catherine ever since Kernersville Little Theatre produced the show, back in 1990. I ran sound (and pyrotechnics) for the production. Each night I sat mesmerized by the actress who brought Catherine to life. The other actors, April (as Betty) and Jeff (as Ellard) in particular, were outstanding. I fell in love with the show. I've seen it at least a half dozen times.

Stan is directing The Little Theatre's production, and you know of my challenge with Stan. I had also heard that Stan wanted to cast Catherine close to the script age. (She's supposed to be 25.) Still, I planned to audition. I had everything to gain and nothing, really to loose.

Auditions were held in the ACT trailers, and a last minute audition outfit change caused me to be a bit late. Ken was already there, as were Ally, Don, Mark, Chad, Jere, and Jean. Ken and Jere read early and left right after. I sat and chatted with Ally, Don and Mark for a bit. Then they read and left. I talked with Chad a bit and then reviewed the side with my scene partner. Finally it was our turn.

We went in, we read the scene, and we left the room. I felt pretty confident in the way I read. As I came out Michael was coming in, so I sat and chatted with him for a bit. Auditions were over by 8:45p and as I was talking with Michael in the parking lot, my phone rang.

I got a callback.

Opening Night, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Last night Kernersville Little Theatre's production of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" was brought to life. The Kernersville community, and then some, came out to see the show. There were so many patrons we had to open the balcony. It was wonderful seeing a full house.

The show was wonderful. I was so very proud of the kids. Not a single one of them appeared nervous. The audience loved Ruth, who is a pistol as Gladys. BJ's underwear line got a great laugh from the audience, as did RC's line about his brother. The twins, Nathan and Sean, received applause as they entered as baby angels. Every one of the kids was spot-on.

April's telephone cord disconnected from the phone during her Mrs. Armstrong scene. The malfunction didn't trip her up. Kelly jump a couple of lines, which cut two lines for one of the kids. The audience never knew.

Except for a tizzy during the pre-show concert, technically the show went well. Fred heard all my light cues and Vi and I worked on the sound cues and levels. My backstage crew was ready for the scene changes and they went quickly.

The only bad thing about our opening was how I felt by the end of the night. My head was pounding and my ears were ringing. Yep, now I've got a cold.

If you come see the show, and you definitely should, make sure to come early. The pews fill up fast.