Dream Cast

I know this play has been made into a movie, but I'd still love to see it staged. And if I was directing, this would be my dream cast:

Joel Bixby - Chad Edwards
Dink Feeny - Neil Shephard
Nick Whalen - Ken Ashford
Perry Latimer - Scott Stevens
Leo Applegate - Anthony Liguori

As I was reading the script tonight, I kept hearing their voices in my head and I could see exactly how each of them would breathe life into their respective characters. With this talented group of men the show would definitely rock!

So how about it guys? When can we all get together and put on a play?

Ten Second Theatre

I absolutely love that Cade is so creative, and it warms my heart that he is following in my theatrical footsteps. He likes to write and perform his own plays. After writing his script he talked Mallorie into originating the role of Guy. Here's his latest 10 second production:

Cade: Hey, do you want to ride bikes?

Guy: What is a bike?

Cade: You know what a bike is.

Guy: Do you think my hair is bad?

Cade: Just shut up, okay?

Guy: You shut up.

Cade: You.

Guy: You.

Cade: Just...bye.

I gave them both a standing ovation!

Lego Lamborghini

Cade's birthday is April 12. In an effort to be more organized this year, I'm already making his gift list. Do you think he'd want this?

Last Night's Feature

In May 2009, I spent a week in NYC. I was the stage manager for "The Nebula Of Georgia" which ran for 3 days at the Manhattan Repertory Theatre. After rehearsal one night Ken and I walked with Kelly back to her hotel. At one of the Broadway intersections, we were halted. Apparently a movie scene was being filmed. A few short moments later a silver car equipped with cameras pointing into the car drove by. Unfortunately we didn't find out what movie it was.

When I saw the trailer, I quickly realized that Ken, Kelly and I had witnessed a scene from this movie. After telling Cade my story he wanted to see the movie. So, last night was another Netflix date night with him.

We both enjoyed the movie, though we were both a bit tired. There were some slow moments and Cade and I had to fight to stay awake. Overall we enjoyed the special effects. Cade has been throwing "plasma balls" all over the house today!

Tonight's Feature

After some slight begging Mallorie agreed to watch with me. She had to pause the movie a couple of times to ask me to explain what was happening. I had to smile. Her questions indicated a deeper interest from a more mature point of view. She is really starting to think like an adult, instead of a teenager. I'm proud of her.

We both liked the movie, though I wasn't sure if I liked the fact that the lead character wasn't a clear cut good guy/hero.

An Evening At The Theatre

One of my favorite actors is Ken Ashford. If he's in a show, I will try my best to go see it. After a quick chat with him that included an update on a particular costume, I wasn't so sure. If it weren't for Jamie Lawson and Heather Hamby playing the leads, I really think I would have skipped this show. But Jamie and Heather are such a pleasure to watch, that ultimately I decided to watch.

Honestly, I didn't much care for the show. Now, wait and hear me out before you jump to conclusions. Eating Raoul: The Musical is just not my kind of theatre. Very similar to how Refer Madness wasn't my kind of theatre. I guess I'm just not hip enough to really get into the cult campiness these kinds of shows offer.

But there were a great many things I loved about Theatre Alliance's production of the show, starting with the leads. I was blown away by Jamie's performance in Thrill Me and was really looking forward to seeing him back on stage. His portrayal of Paul Bland was spot on, and I enjoyed every minute of his performance, especially the biker outfit. I always, always enjoy watching Heather. She embodied Mary Bland with such empathy and uncanny comic timing. "One Last Bop" was my favorite musical number. Heather's a true talent with such professionalism that she never missed a beat when her ballgown got caught on her heel.

Natasha Gore was another talented standout. Cary Newberry and David Cole just made me smile. (I so want to party with them!) And the set! I loved the dayglo set.

I was absolutely impressed with the costume design by Shayla Henry and Lindsay McWilliams. The Raoulettes looked fabulous, as did Donna the Dominatrix. And Ken's costume that I almost decided to skip, priceless!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today's Feature

Since this is the last weekend of my unexpected 3 month vacation I decided to treat myself to a pre-Valentine's Day celebration. What better way than with this movie?

I have to admit that I loved this movie! If only I had the money to spend a year abroad!

An Evening At The Theatre

Earlier tonight I had the pleasure of serving pre-show and intermission beverages to Twin City Stage patrons who were attending the final Friday performance of Dearly Departed. As "payment" for my time, I was able to say and watch the show. And what a delightful show it was!

First of all, I cannot tell you how proud I am of Dillon Robertson's stage debut. He was wonderful! I was also very proud of Beth Frazier, who played Delightful. She remained true to her character without stealing focus.

Ray Stewart as Ray-Bud and Becki West as Suzanne were fun and hilarious to watch. I was so excited to see Ally McCauley and Paul Van Loon. I wished their characters could have had more stage time. The Joy of Life Singers (Katie Abel, Holly Bostick, Kirby Carespodi, and Diana Coe) were, well, a joy.

And I absolutely loved the set designed by Larry Hurych.

Report Card

Second quarter report cards came out today.

C in Reading
A in Writing
A in Science
C in Social Studies
B in Mathematics

He went down in Reading and Social Studies, and we weren't surprised. Cade has promised to work on his reading comprehension and we've committed to helping him study more. (It floors me that no one teaches you how to study, only telling you that you should.)

The best news is that Cade did improve in Writing, Science and Mathematics. We've really worked hard with Cade on his math. He still has a habit of counting on his fingers and we are trying to help him memorize simply addition/subtraction facts. He's getting so much better with memorization of his multiplication facts.

Calgon...

take me away!

An Evening At The Theatre

Mallorie and I attended this 5th show in the 2011 Greensboro Fringe Festival early last night. I enjoyed the show. Mallorie did not.

We both agreed that the show might have been better as a straight play. The story was engaging in and of itself and we felt the music impeded the flow of the story. It did not help that two of the actors were not strong singers. One particular dance number was almost unbearable.

Outside of the musical numbers, what made the show enjoyable was the strong acting from a talented cast. Phil Powell was wonderful as Wellman, Tom Barker was a winner as Joe, and Kalen Gaulden was good as Kay.

My favorite was Laurel Ullman as Sarita. She had the least amount of stage time, but she commanded an indelible presence in flashback movie shots.

The Angels Sang Today

and all because the UPS man totally surprised me with a delivery.

That's right, my CosMedix products arrived around 11am this morning!! Just to remind you how amazing this is, I placed the order at 7:30p Wednesday night! Lightening fast delivery; I'm totally sold on SkinStore.com.

I began my spa facial treatment at 8pm. I swear I could hear the angels singing as I cleansed my poor scaly face with Purity Clean. Instantly I felt the familiar coolness and clean tingle. I breathed in the wonderful pepperminty fragrance. Relief flooded my face.

Since I couldn't remember the last time I masked and because my face was in such dire condition, I applied Clear which is a clarifying mask. I was initially a bit fearful. Masks usually tighten the skin and I was already feeling like a dried apple. Per the instructions, I left it on for 10 minutes. To occupy my mind I changed my bedsheets and dusted my nightstands and dresser. Back in the bathroom I warmed the water and began to splash off the mask. Looking up into the mirror I was amazed to see such a brillant, fresh face staring back at me.

To help slough off the scaly, dried skin I next used Purity Balance, an exfoliating prep. Once again I felt a wonderful cooling sensation. I headed back to my bedroom to pick up the pile of clothes I let accumulate on the floor. I won't lie. There was a happy spring in my step.

Fifteen minutes later I returned to the bathroom for the final step. I opened my brand new jar of Define, a resurfacing treatment. As I applied it to my face I marveled at how smooth my skin felt. Once again, I swear I could hear the angels sing. For the first time in quite some time my skin was a smooth as the proverbial baby's bottom.

I'm in bed, blogging between fresh, clean sheets. I can't help the smile that's easily spreading across my face. My shriveled apple doll face is healing. I am on my way to supple apple cheeks!

A Most Wonderful Friday

The morning started early. 5:27 to be exact. The school system called to advise of a 2-hour delay. I waited ten minutes for a return call because I thought for sure it was a mistake. I rolled over, grabbed the TV remote, and tuned in to channel 2. Sure enough, a two-hour delay. I obviously missed the latest weather forecast. I reset my alarm and snuggled in for a few more hours of sleep.

With Cade (finally) off to school I got ready for my day with Mallorie. We were going to head to some places she was interested in applying for jobs. I also had to stop by LabCorp for a pre-employment drug test.

Mallorie and I hit Harris Teeter and Walgreen's. After chatting with the customer service manager in Kmart, it was apparent no one uses paper applications anymore. Mallorie and I decided that we'd spend all day Sunday applying to these places, and others, via their websites. With that we headed to LabCorp. Unfortunately we arrived 10 minutes into their hour lunch, so Mallorie and I hung out in the parking lot until they reopened at 2pm. I was in and done within 10 minutes.

Our next stop was Ham's Restaurant in Kernersville for a late lunch. Mallorie had a burger and I had a turkey sandwich. Both of us had the homemade chips, cooked crispy instead of left floppy. Lunch was very nice outside of a few rock songs played at a higher volume. I was proud of myself for resisting the urge to get a cookie skillet for dessert. After lunch we headed to Greensboro. We had plans to see a show in the Greensboro Fringe Festival.

We arrived early and browsed one of the art galleries in the Cultural Arts Center. We also perused the displayed artwork of some Guilford County elementary students. I can't believe the talent some of these kids have! I was blown away by two works - one from a student in 2nd grade and one in 4th grade. The detail in both pictures was so advanced. I'm envious of such natural talent!

We chatted with Bill and Kathy Cissna as well as Kati Fraizer before the show. The show started at 6pm and was relatively short. Mallorie and I were back home by 8pm.

I know these days will become fewer and further between, so I absolutely treasure these precious mother-daughter days.

Family Movie Night

Tonight's Feature:

We all loved it! This is a movie with something for everyone: villainy, romance, hilarity, minions, and too-cute-for-words sweetness. Oh, and a really awesome soundtrack from Pharrell Williams.

Can't Take It Anymore

My face is in such a bad state that I fear I will look like this by next week!

I reviewed two different online stores for my CosMedix purity products. SkinStore.com had the best prices, with a 20% discount and free shipping so I placed an order.

I am crossing my fingers that blizzards don't delay my delivery.

I woke up yesterday morning with very puffy eyes, looking like I hadn't slept in years and my lips were slightly swollen. My face felt like this and looked slightly worse. My face hasn't ever felt or looked like this and I wonder if these might be some reasons why:

1.) I used to use CosMedix products that I purchased from Skin Like Rissa's. I could well afford the products and the spa was a short walk down the hall from my office. I ran out of the cleanser, and since I lost my job, I switched to some Arbonne products I had on hand. I ran out of that last week, and have been using a facial cleansing bar.

2a.) Mallorie needed some new face wash so, after Saturday's rehearsal and before our performance, we stopped at Target. We purchased this, and I used it to wash my face before putting on my show make-up.

2b.) The bathrooms at City Arts do not contain paper towels. Unfortunately I didn't remember this until after I had already soaped up my face. Without really thinking it through, I stuck my head under the hand-dryer.

3.) I can count on one hand the times I've worn make-up over the last 3 months. I've worn foundation each day for the last 7.

I do believe the facial cleansing bar was beginning to dry out my face and the Neutrogena simply increased the affect. It's also very possible that I gave myself some facial wind chap from using the hand-dryer.

Whatever the reason(s), I fear I'm starting to look like an apple doll.

Saturday's Features

My first Netflix movie of the new year! And a very enjoyable one at that.

This movie was one you'd more likely see on the Lifetime channel. Meh.

Family Movie Night

Mallorie and Cade both wanted to see this movie, so I added it to my Netflix queue. They were very excited when it came in today's mail.

It only took me 10 minutes to dislike the movie. Honestly, I was shocked at the amount of violence. From Max's outbursts and meanness to a cruel dirt clod fight. It was all I could do to sit through the remainder of the movie.

There was one saving grace. When Max decides to leave the island, Carol (voiced by James Gandolifini) is very sad. Cade was very affected during this scene and tried his best to hide the fact that he was crying. Watching him trying to "be brave" made me almost cry. After the movie I was able to have the "it's okay for boys/men to cry" talk.

It's been a very nice Christmas. We've gotten some beautiful snow. Mallorie and I are staying warm and enjoying a repeat of season one of Glee. (As you can see, Lizzie is keeping Mallorie extra warm!)

If I Could, I Would

I am very proud of Mallorie. She starts her first real job tonight, a paying gig! She will be running spotlight for the Greensboro Ballet's production of The Nutcracfker at the Carolina Theatre. I helped her with her resume, but she secured the gig all by herself!

Toy Soldiers

The entire 3rd grade class will be presenting Santa's Holiday Playlist tomorrow night after a PTA meeting. Cade's class are toy soldiers and will be singing and dancing to "Just A Little R & R". I can't wait to see the show!

Me Want

(I've no idea where to find these. If you do, please let me know!)

Tonight's Feature

Tonight I had a Netflix date with Cade. He chose this movie and I do have to admit it was cute. We both laughed, though Cade had a few more giggle fits than I did.

Tonight's Feature

I've decided to treat Netflix as a guilty pleasure, and as such I wanted my inaugural movie to exemplify that theme. I don't think there's any guiltier of pleasures than obsessive shopping.

I read the book several years ago and the movie was fairly faithful. Definitely a chic flick, and this chic definitely enjoyed it!

Because I now have an extraordinary amount of time on my hands, and due to the fact that my eyes are extremely tired from all the reading I've done for the past two weeks, I've decided to sign up for Netflix. I'm really interested to see how the "instant viewing" via the Wii goes.

Because We All Need Some

I'm filling in as stage manager for Open Space's new play production of Peepers. And even though earlier today I received the worst news ever, I still found something to smile about.

Report Card

Cade brought home his first real report card today:

B in Reading
B in Writing
B in Science
A in Social Studies
C in Mathematics

I'm so proud of Cade! Too, Mallorie deserves a little of the credit. Not only does she pick him up at the busstop, but she helps Cade with his homework every day. She takes this job very seriously. I'm so proud of both their accomplishments.

Art by Me

Well, the art is actually by Cade and is part of a school fundraiser. Everyone draws a picture and the fund raising company will turn it into a magnet, mouse pad, trivet, etc. I've got all of Mallorie's magnets and all of Cade's, except for this year.

Usually the fundraiser package comes home with a "sample" magnet. As happens every year, we forget to return the magnet and end up having to pay the $5.00. This year the company didn't include a sample magnet. Nothing to return and I'm still $5.00 to the good.

Oh, Cade says it's a picture of a bird. A tropical bird, to be exact.

Love and Support

Chris, Bill and Kathy, Myla, Rebecca, Maryann and Fran, Michael, Mallorie, Ken, Gary and Pat...

...thank you for spending some time at Kressmont's Five and Dime. I am, once again and in as few weeks, honored.

Touring The Folly

Twice a year I volunteer to be a tour guide for FS Ed and take 3rd graders through Korner's Folly. I wasn't able to participate in April, so I was really looking forward to the past two days of tours.

Each 3rd grader is assigned a role. They play Joseph, Jule, Alice, Gilmer, Dore, Aunt Dealy or one of Gilmer's classmates. Some memorize their particular script, but we have cards just in case they get a little nervous. We also have a costume item (vest, shawl, hat) or prop (doll, walking stick) to help them create their specific character. Watching them acting these roles is my favorite part of the tours.

I take them through each of the 22 rooms, and we count each of the 15 fireplaces in the Folly. We toss pennies in the Witch's Corner to distract the ghosts and goblins. I tell them about the Necessary. We compare life today to that of the late 1800's. I try to make it a fun, but educationally, filled hour.

For the most part, I love the kids. They are so excited to be on the field trip and most enjoy the Folly. Yesterday's and today's classes were a bit overly energetic and I kept having to call them down. I also got "that kid" in both of my groups. You know "that kid", don't you? The one who is loud, all knowing, has to be first and just won't listen.

Still, one little girl made both days totally worth it. She told me how pretty I was and gave me a big hug. She reminded me why I look forward to these tours.

On the way home from the show last night I had a little chat with God. He knows I've been struggling with two specific issues, and I implored His guidance.

Indeed He works in mysterious ways.

Late this afternoon I received a series of phone calls, each regarding the same problem. The first was from a co-worker, the second from an elected official reminding me he was "just a volunteer", and the third from a very concerned parent. The latter call left me crying at my desk. It wasn't that the parent was rude or nasty; she was simply disappointed. Hearing the disappointment in her voice and learning of additional failures is what made me realize that it is useless trying to plug the holes in this sinking Titanic. Her phone call provided me the answer I sought last night.

And so I am seeking an available lifeboat.

Love and Support

Thank you Chris, Ken, April, Nanette, Allan, Cade, Barbara and Allan, Stephen, and Claire for coming to see the show. It was such fun bringing Ellie to life for you!

Jimmy Dean Publicity Photos

Magic Hour

Mid-October, when the trees were dressed in tangerine leaves and danced in the chilly, rain-scented breeze, and the sun was a brilliant shade of gold that illuminated everything.

Here's Cade's latest story!

Lending My Voice To Regula

Last week I was hired to do some voice-over work for Regula Systems. They are participating in an Expo in Las Vegas and needed some narration for their PowerPoint presentation. I went to their office today to do the recording.

According to the script, I was promoting their Electronic Welding Regulator or EWR. This product is designed to save money on use of shielding gas in MIG and TIG welding. The terminology was certainly a mouth full and I definitely had to rely on some acting skills. I had to sound like I knew exactly what I was talking about. I ran through the script once, recorded once, and within 20 minutes I was done.

Not too bad for a full day's paycheck, and have to say that I was quite impressed with the EWR. If you know anyone interested in reducing carbon emissions by about 400 kilograms per year in a one shift operation, the EWR is the perfect solution!

Life in the 80's

When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious diatribes about how hard things were when they were growing up. And I remember promising myself that when I grew up, there was no way I was going to lay a bunch of crap like that on my kids, about how hard I had it and how easy they've got it!

But now that I'm over the ripe old age of forty, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today. You've got it so easy! I mean, compared to my childhood, you live in Utopia! And I hate to say it, but you kids today, you don't know how good you've got it!

1) I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have the Internet. If we wanted to know something, we had to go to the library and look it up ourselves, in the card catalog!!

2) There was no email. We had to actually write somebody a letter - with a pen! Then you had to walk all the way across the street and put it in the mailbox, and it would take like a week to get there!

3) Child Protective Services didn't care if our parents beat us. As a matter of fact, the parents of all my friends also had permission to kick our ass! Nowhere was safe!

4) There were no MP3's or Napsters or iTunes! If you wanted to music, you had to beg a ride to the record store.

5) Or you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio. The DJ would usually talk over the beginning and @#*% it all up! There were no CD players! We had tape decks in our car. We'd play our favorite tape and "eject" it when side one was finished, flip it over and insert for side two. We had to be careful or the tape would come undone rendering it useless.

6) We didn't have Call Waiting. If you were on the phone and somebody else called, they got a busy signal.

7) There weren't any cell phones either. If you left the house, you just didn't make a call or receive one. You actually had to be out of touch with your "friends".

8) And we didn't have Caller ID either. When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It could be your school, your parents, your boss, the collection agent... you just didn't know!!! You had to pick it up and take your chances!

9) We didn't have any fancy PlayStation, Xbox, or Wii video games with high-resolution 3-D graphics! We had the Atari 2600! With games like 'Space Invaders' and 'Asteroids'. Your screen guy was a little square! And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen...Forever! And you could never win. The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and faster until you died! Just like LIFE!

10) You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on. And you had to get up and walk over to the TV to change the channel! NO REMOTES!!!

11) There was no Cartoon Network either! You could only get cartoons on Saturday Morning. We had to wait ALL WEEK for cartoons!

12) And we didn't have microwaves. If we wanted to heat something up, we had to use the stove!

13) And our parents told us to stay outside and play... all day long. And if you came back inside... you were doing chores!

14) And car seats - oh, please! Mom threw you in the back seat and you hung on. If you were lucky, you got the "safety arm" across the chest at the last moment if she had to stop suddenly.

Kids today have got it too easy.

Cade has a "Bones" test today. Let's hope this skeleton he put together (under Mallorie's supervision) will help him pass.

A Note From The Divas

We’ve enjoyed our time with each of you --
(Even when you missed your cue)
Not that we want to point your mistakes out,
But make us look bad, and we’ll start to pout.

Tech week is here and the show must go on,
So we want to say thanks for all the fun!
Break a leg, and don’t block our light,
Or else we may drop a line for spite.

Have a great run!
Cheryl Ann, Myla & Rebecca

Made My Day

Happy Birthday, Ken!

Done!

I finished A Prayer For Owen Meany just a few minutes ago. As I suspected, the last few pages - indeed the last 20 - were some of the most exciting of the entire book. But was it worth my perseverance?

I'm not sure.

I get that the book's about love, destiny, and faith. Still, I didn't particularly care for the narrator of the story. By the end John Wheelwright was a rather weak and whiny character.

Overall, the book, for me was simply....meh.

Double Rehearsal

My usual pattern is to be in a show while rehearsing another one. So I don't readily recall there being a time when I've rehearsed two shows simultaneously. Tonight, for the first and hopefully the only time, I had to attend rehearsal for both shows.

At 7pm I arrived at the Cissna's for a run through of Act 2. I'm not completely off-book, so I still clutched my script, though I did get through most of 2.2 without looking. My least favorite part of rehearsal is the stumble throughs so I'll be spending the weekend learning and running my lines. We're at that point when nothing much else can be done until scripts are out of our hands. (And I'm one of the few that still needs the crutch!)

A bit before 8pm I departed for my first "Five & Dime" rehearsal at Open Space. We blocked from my entrance to the end of Act 1, which also means that Act 1 is completely blocked. We ran the 20 or so pages and we were released.

An Evening at the Theatre

Last night Chris, Mallorie and I saw just how beautiful life is at the Cabaret. For Theatre Alliance's revival, it's less beautiful and more dark and gritty.

Gray Smith revived his role as the Emcee, and he was outstanding! Danya Bray also reprised her role as Fraulein Kost and I was impressed with the nuances she brought to her questionable character. Tim Brown returned to the Cabaret, though in a different role. For this show he portrayed a despicable Ernst. Cheri Van Loon was the only returning Kit Kat Klub girl.

Jaye Pierce assumed the role of Sally Bowles, and I'm enjoying watching Jaye grow into these leading lady parts. Jaye has a wonderful voice, and while vocally she nailed "Maybe This Time" and "Cabaret," she stood too stiffly behind the mic. I kept hoping she'd let loose and allow the music to power these solo performances.

I was most surprised by Gesh Metz, who played Fraulein Schneider. She breathed such real life into her character, I couldn't take my eyes off her! Except when Mark Armstrong joined her onstage. This was Mark's second time at the Cabaret, though this time he portrayed Herr Schultz. Gesh and Mark were perfectly matched and heartbreakingly sweet. I so loved watching them. (Unfortunately the erroneous Pineapple Dance during "It Couldn't Please Me More" took me out of such a beautiful, romantic number.)

It is a Theatre Alliance show, so of course, there is token nudity. The finale, I could tell, bothered Mallorie. Not because of the boobs and butt shots, but the depiction of the fate of the Jews.

Facebook Message

• Conversation started November 13, 2009
• 
  

  11/13, 2:19pm
  

  Jay Equality Smith
  

  Catfish Moon
  

  
  

  Hello Guys and Gal. I am directing a Play at the Open Space Cafe Theatre. The play is called Catfish Moon by Laddy Sartin and the production will be in June. I don't have the exact show dates or rehearsal dates yet, but I wanted to get my cast together as soon as possible. Because of the short rehearsal process at OSCT, I wanted to be sure that we made the most of the time once we got into the space. I am wanting to have some rehearsals for read-thrus and table work before we actually get into the theatre and maybe some blocking stuff, so I wanted to get this production on your calendars as early as possible if you are interested. Please reply to this message and let me know if you are interested and I will be in touch soon.

  Thank you so much and I look forward to working with you all.

  jay
• 
  

  11/13, 3:24pm
  

  Neil Shepherd
  

  
  

  
  

  Oh, HELL NO! I wouldn't work with you people if my life depended on it. What a group of no-talent hacks...

  ...Lord, I can't even keep a straight face on FACEbook!!!!

  I guess I'm interested...when is the casting couch session, again?
• 
  

  11/13, 5:39pm
  

  Ken Ashford
  

  
  

  
  

  Definitely interested. Not sure whether I have a conflict though. I'm committed to doing "Rounding Third" at Theatre Alliance over the "summer" -- that's a revival of something Scott Stevens and I did last year at Open Space. But Jamie asked Scott and I about our availability for a May production, so... there it is. On the other hand, Jamie hasn't finalized his scheduled, so it may not happen at all!!

  But DEFINITELY interested. I'll even tolerate Neil if I have to.
• November 14, 2009
• 
  

  11/14, 10:56am
  

  Jay Equality Smith
  

  
  

  
  

  Just an update... I talked to Joe last night and he said that the production dates are in September. I looked at the calendar and I'm thinking it would open on the 16th(Thursday) and run that weekend and the next, closing on Saturday the 25th. Sorry if this caused any confusion. I know you had all gone out and cleared your calendars for June in anticipation. Just wanted to give an update. Thanks
• November 14, 2009
• 
  

  11/14, 2:02pm
  

  Cheryl Ann Roberts
  

  
  

  
  

  Christmas has come early! Oh, Jay, what a grand gift!

  I may have a conflict. I work for SETC and we hold Fall Auditions the weekend after Labor Day - which may run into first tech. I'm contracted for these auditions, so I may be able to negotiate.

  I'm definitely interested....it's a beautiful script. And the chance to work with such talented men...priceless.
• November 14, 2009
• 
  

  11/14, 11:32pm
  

  Facebook User
  

  
  

  
  

  I'm glad I waited until today to reply... I was all ready to compose my decline letter, but it looks like there should be no conflicts in September. I had the entire month of June booked.

  So, I'm not saying "no" yet, but need to check with the boss and compare schedules. What kind of a rehearsal commitment were you thinking? How soon do we start and how often do we rehearse? I need to see the script; I've only read the basic premise on line.

  Oh, have I mentioned that I am incredibly flattered, Jay, and that I'm honored to be considered to be in the ranking with Cheryl, Ken and Neil!!! Sounds like the dream team, to me.

  I'll get back, soon, I can talk about this with Elizabeth tomorrow night.

  Thanks!

  Andy
• 
  

  11/14, 11:53pm
  

  Ken Ashford
  

  
  

  
  

  September is good for me.
• November 18, 2009
• 
  

  11/18, 11:52am
  

  Jay Equality Smith
  

  
  

  
  

  Cheryl, with this much notice, I'm sure we can move the tech rehearsals if we need to. There is not really going to be much tech for the show anyway, so I don't anticipate having much to deal with. We'll make it work.
• 
  

  11/18, 12:07pm
  

  Neil Shepherd
  

  
  

  
  

  I don't know, Cheryl...it depends on how many pteredactyls he's gonna make us push around the stage.
• 
  

  11/18, 12:15pm
  

  Jay Equality Smith
  

  
  

  
  

  there are no periaktois in this one. And I don't know what Neil's bitching about, he didn't have to move a single piece of set in CoE. But if he doesn't watch it, he may get to move the whole pier.
• November 18, 2009
• 
  

  11/18, 3:21pm
  

  Neil Shepherd
  

  
  

  
  

  No, you are correct, Mr. Directorman. I didn't move a single pteredactyl...just had to sit for HOURS while you blocked them! And I've got your pier... Love you, Boo!
• November 18, 2009
• 
  

  11/18, 11:29pm
  

  Facebook User
  

  
  

  
  

  Hello All,

  I officially CAN'T do the show. I hate that I'm going to miss this opportunity to work with you all, and was really looking forward to working for you, Jay, but I'll have to pass. I know you can find another 40-something actor to take my place.
• November 19, 2009
• 
  

  11/19, 9:21am
  

  Jay Equality Smith
  

  
  

  
  

  I'm very sorry to hear that Andy. I am upset however that with notice this far into the rehearsal process, we may not be able to find a suitable replacement in time;-). And when it comes to Andy Lopina, there is never a suitable replacement, there is just a replacement. Do any of you have any ideas who I could call. I really don't want to deal with auditions for 1 part and I would like it to be someone who everyone is comfortable with. ideas?
• 
  

  11/19, 9:43am
  

  Neil Shepherd
  

  
  

  
  

  Andy...you have officially broken my heart. I totally agree with Jay...there are no suitable replacements...just a replacement.
• November 19, 2009
• 

  11/19, 9:33pm
  

  Facebook User
  

  
  

  
  

  You guys really make me feel good about myself. I'll file your e-mails under "Open when having suicidal thoughts."

  What about Mark Armstrong or Tim Brown?

Update: Ultimately I wasn't able to to Catfish Moon due to my contract with SETC. As it turned out, neither Ken nor Neil did the show. Jay did direct, and although I wasn't able to see it, I heard it was very good.

I hate I missed out on working with Neil and Ken again. And it was very nice to be contacted by Jay.

According to Goodreads I've been reading A Prayer For Owen Meany for 28 days. 28 days?!?! It feels like I've been reading this book For Ever!

Several people I know have listed this book among their favorite books of all time. I borrowed the book from the library for this reason. I just began Chapter 8 last night, and I honestly don't get it. With each turn of a page I keep hoping why it's such a revered book will become clear.

Mallorie has suggested I return it and read the summary in SparkNotes. As tempting as that sounds, I simply can't do that. I've invested 28 days of my life with John Wheelwright and Owen Meany. It's now my mission to finish this book, and by the end of this month.

I'll only be slight perturbed if all I should have read was the last 5 pages.

Crazy Odd Facts

If you yelled for 8 years, 7 months and 6 days you would have produced enough sound energy to heat one cup of coffee. (Hardly seems worth it.)

If you farted consistently for 6 years and 9 months, enough gas is produced to create the energy of an atomic bomb. (Now that's more like it !)

The human heart creates enough pressure when it pumps out to the body to squirt blood 30 feet. (O.M.G.!)

A pig's orgasm lasts 30 minutes. (In my next life, I want to be a pig.)

A cockroach will live nine days without its head before it starves to death. (Creepy.)

Banging your head against a wall uses 150 calories an hour. (Don't try this at home, maybe at work.)

The male praying mantis cannot copulate while its head is attached to its body. The female initiates sex by ripping the male's head off. (Honey, I'm home. What the...?)

The flea can jump 350 times its body length. It's like a human jumping the length of a football field. (30 minutes. Lucky pig! Can you imagine?)

The catfish has over 27,000 taste buds. (What could be so tasty on the bottom of a pond?)

Some lions mate over 50 times a day. (I still want to be a pig in my next life...quality over quantity.)

Butterflies taste with their feet. (Something I always wanted to know.)

The strongest muscle in the body is the tongue. (Hmmmmmm......)

Right-handed people live, on average, nine years longer than left-handed people. (If you're ambidextrous, do you split the difference?)

Elephants are the only animals that cannot jump. (Okay, so that would be a good thing!)

A cat's urine glows under a black light. (I wonder who was paid to figure that out.)

An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain. (I know some people like that.)

Starfish have no brains. (I know some people like that too.)

Polar bears are left-handed. (If they switch, they'll live longer.)

Humans and dolphins are the only species that have sex for pleasure. (What about that pig??)

My Favorite Far Side

(This makes me laugh, out loud and to tears, every single time!)