A Shark No More!

For most of Mallorie's life the two teeth that flank most people's front teeth were located directly behind hers. It was a freaky thing to see on a human being, so her classmates nicknamed her Shark.

Several dentists and orthodontist advised there was nothing that could be done. She either needed to live with it, or have them pulled. The fact that they were permanent teeth didn't matter to them. On April 7, 2006, a last ditch effort, I took her to Chermack and Hanson. Dr. Hanson was the only one willing to take on the challenge. For an hour he talked to me about Mallorie's teeth, showed me examples of how he had helped other unusual cases, and answered all questions I posed.

Twenty four months of braces turned into almost three and a half years. We went today to get them off.

Cade and I stayed with her and watched as the assistant clipped off each bracket and scrapped off the cement. When everything was off, Mallorie looked up at us and smiled. I couldn't help it, I cried a little. Her teeth are perfectly aligned. No more Shark.

Dr. Hanson will be using Mallorie as an example of the power of orthodontics. And I absolutely agree. It's the best damn money I've ever spent!

Pooped Out

Run Thru, Moonlight and Magnolias

I don't think I've been to a more enjoyable read thru.

First, Murdock, a UNCSA grad student and our set designer, brought in his model. He's done an extensive amount of research which reflects in the period set. It will be absolutely phenomenal. (Period blinds have been ordered.)

Next we were introduced to Bill, a UNCSA faculty member in the costume department, who will be designing our costumes. This won't mean much to the guys; they wear the same costume throughout the show. I will be getting 3 costumes and I'm very excited about my period look. I'm gonna look so fab!

Listening to Tony and Don, as Selznick and Fleming, act out Melanie's birthing scene was hysterical! There's some very funny stuff in this script! During the break Chad, Stan and Don told anesthesia stories. Don had the best story, by far. I was laughing so hard, I was crying!

I can't wait for the next rehearsal!

Watching Planes

Cade, Bare (pronounced bear-e) and I drove to Charlotte to pick Mallorie up at the airport. We arrived a bit early, so we sat in the car on the roof of the parking deck and watched the airplanes come in. Cade and I counted about 20 planes in 30 minutes.

Mallorie, the new Wizard?

A friend of Geoff's works on Wicked as a dresser for the swings, so yesterday Mallorie got a backstage tour. She saw Galinda's bubble, the secret dead green baby, and 150 wigs (100 wigs are used each night, 50 are reserved for swings). Since she was touring between the matinee and evening performance, she also saw some cast members.

In this pic, Mallorie is apparently wearing one of the heaviest costumes in the show.

Live Blogging So You Think You Can Dance - The Finale

8:01 - I do like Cat's hair straight. She really is a knockout.

Record breaking voting last night. I was one of the millions! Yep. For the first time ever, I actually voted. I picked up the phone and made the call for Jeanine. (Three times!)

8:04 - Well, I was hoping for an original opening number. We've seen this Brand New Day routine before. It's not my favorite opening number but I do think it's highly creative. Way to go, Tyce!

Seven "judges" tonight! Lil C, Mia, Tyce, Debbie, Adam, Mary and Nigel.

8:19 - Adam's favorite number, Philip's and Jeanine's Mad was one that I really liked as well. I got teary eyed watching the original performance.

8:21 - Nigel's favorite was also Brandon's favorite, his tango with Janette. Perhaps it's the bigger stage, but I'm just not feeling it. Brandon looks a little stiff. Maybe it's just nerves?

8:26 - I love this T-Mobile commercial!

8:30 - Debbie's favorite number is Asuka's and Vitolio's waltz. It was okay, just like it was the first time around.

8:32 - Mary's favorite was my absolute favorite. Jeanine and Jason performing Travis Wall's beautiful choreography. Oops, he threw the necklace just out of her reach. Yes, there was the kiss for Mary!

8:41 - Mia's favorite is Max and Kayla's samba. It was missing some energy. Or perhaps Kayla is nervous.

8:44 - The top 4 got to see a premiere screening of Fame. I will definitely see this movie! (Oh man, I have a performance on the night Fame opens.)

8:47 - Another of Debbie's favorite performances is my favorite opening numbers - Calle Ocho!

8:55 - Australia's winner. The background is making me a bit dizzy!

8:58 - No, Lil C. Why Jason and Caitlin's Bollywood number? There were so many more numbers more buck than this one.

9:01 - Okay, here we go. Results. My fingers are crossed. Kayla got 4th place. And I agree with America. Yes, she is beautiful and had beautiful lines, but there was just something missing in some of her performances. Last night Nigel said her personality was missing, and I do agree, but I also think she didn't dance as clean as those beautiful lines.

9:10 - Another of Adam's favorite performances, Evan's and Randi's Butt Dance.

9:12 - Mary loved last night's pasodoble performed by Brandon and Jeanine.

9:15 - More results. 3rd place is Evan. Nigel absolutely called it last night. He said it would come down to Jeanine or Brandon.

I wanted Evan to be voted off earlier in the season. But then I started rooting for him. He is exceptional in his genre. He will go very far as a dancer.

I'm tearing up! He is such a sweet guy!

9:24 - Nigel truly cracks me up. His favorite, Addition with Kayla and Kupono. This is such a wonderful piece. Kayla is even crying!

9:27 - Again with the Rage Boyz.

9:31 - Tyce's fan-friggin-tastic favorite is Brandon's and Janette's disco.

9:39 - One last favorite performance, which is the one that made me absolute ball. Powerfully choreographed by Tyce, it's the dance about breast cancer performed by Melissa and Ade. I'm not balling, but it still is as powerful as it was originally.

9:43 - What? Are the judges really going to appear in this Chorus Line piece? YES! The Kodak is going crazy with applause!

9:51 - Well, it's that time. Final results. Nigel already knows the results! Come on, Jeanine! iofhjoirojio9po oh, sorry about that! I'm jumping up and down! Whoo hoo! So well deserved! Yes, I helped make Jeanine American's Favorite Dancer!

The Cast of Moonlight and Magnolias

David O. Selznick - Anthony Liguori
Ben Hecht - Chad Edwards
Victor Fleming - Don Gunther
Miss Poppenghul - Cheryl Ann Roberts

We are the first cast of the 75th Season, and the first mainstage cast for the renamed Twin City Stage.

I'm thrilled to be reunited with Chad and Don. I worked with both of them in The Foreigner, and Don and I just completed the extended revival run of Sordid Lives. And it's my dream come true to work with Tony. I am so honored to be working with these talented men. I can't stop smiling.

The Twin City Stage box office opens September 14, so mark your calendar! You won't want to miss this show!

Jealous!

Mallorie saw this last night.

Auditions, Moonlight and Magnolias

As I pulled into the Hanes Community Center parking lot at 6:45p I noticed a great many people in the Arts Council lobby. I was a bit taken aback. All those people were auditioning?! I met Dillon and Don in the parking lot, and as we entered the building we were directed down the hallway, toward the rehearsal hall. All those folks in the lobby were waiting for to see a show as part of the National Black Theatre Festival.

I greeted Pat and Janice, picked up an audition sheet and sat down to fill it out. I briefly talked with Roberts and Dan, who were also auditioning. I turned in my sheet, picked up a side, and was thrilled to see Tony holding sides. I've been dying to work with Tony, and as of yet we haven't been cast together. (He got both roles, I lost to Kelly and Shelley.) We chatted for a bit and then he was called in.

I was partnered with Brian, who is relatively new to theatre, and we reviewed the Miss Pop/Selznick scene. Stan came out and gave me some direction (try an accent..a New York or Southern accent, maybe?) and Dillon escorted me in, sans Brian. Stephanie read with me (Yes, Mr. Selznick. No, Mr. Selznick) and I left. Stephanie called me a little more than an hour later. I got the part!

I have no idea who else got cast. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Tony got a role.

As she greeted and chatted with friends the room momentarily brightened as the light refracted with the opening of the glass door. She looked up and paused, mid-sentence, shock melting her easy smile.

She should have known he would come to support others. But she had thought she was safe. His attendance was not something she had remotely considered as alternative circumstances deemed it highly unlikely. In retrospect she should not have been so careless.

She compelled herself to resume her conversation, which she concluded with slight difficulty, as she surreptitiously watched him settle into a chair. She politely retreated, silently damning herself for her stupidity. There was nothing she could do at this point but that which she was hired. She would remain professional; stifling every muscle which urged her to flee.

The afternoon commenced as scheduled, though she tripped a bit on her opening speech. Simple words were hindered by the flood gate of emotion. She settled in the back and vainly attempted to concentrate on the scenes. She forced her focus to the piece of beige paper attached to the clipboard in front of her. She traced her finger over the swirling logo. Her fingers ached to twirl the tufts of his hair; to trail down his face, caress his cheek. She yearned to smile up at him, to warmly meet his eyes with her truth.

A cue word snapped her out of her imagination. Shame instantly colored her face as realization dawned on the path of her subconscious. The room gently spun as her hearing deafened. She gripped the stand for precious balance, and wholly concentrated on the pattern of her breathing. She was in tentative command by the segue.

Returning to her mark she chastised herself for her mental mirage. Resolve borne of timed weekly dialogue seemed to have dissipated. She struggled, and she was always struggling where he was concerned, to regain stasis. She channeled all her cerebral energy into a review of her program notes. Her organization had instilled confidence in the others and the same was inspiring her calmness now. Normal breathing was no longer a chore.

During the reception she occupied her hands, which kept her thoughts corralled. Finally, the array thinned. She did not have to seek; she sensed his absence.

Invitations were offered and gently declined. Walking to her car, professionalism disintegrated into attempered tears. She would rebuild fortitude tomorrow.

August skirt! Philosophy

August Wish List Lower mileage on our cars and more miles on our walks (so our bodies will need fewer tune-ups). Un-birthday surprise parties. More yes, not less. A Venti life (sweet, strong and stimulating). An English Goldendoodle on a red leather leash. REMember time with past lovers in our dreams. Fab abs and pipestem pants (also in our dreams). The longevity gone. Michelle Obama's reading list. Ruth Bader Ginsburg's bravura in the Court of alpha makes. A Good Pyhsician for the nation, like Regina Benjamin. Italian in-laws (with a villa). Guardian angels with a sense of humor. A moratorium on cute crafts on the internet. Our own photo booth. Multicultural mash-ups in every neighborhood {bring on the block parties}. Impossibly fragile dancing shoes. Sturdy souls for whatever lies ahead.

A Script Report

While talking to a representative from Baker's Plays during SETC's Spring Convention, a woman recommended this play to me. She said it was very funny and perfect for community theatre groups. Leaving Baker's empty handed, I promptly purchased several scripts, including this one, at the Samuel French booth. I just finished it, and I agree with the stranger's recommendation. Messiah on the Frigidaire is a wonderful script.

The role of Lou Ann Hightower really resonated with me. Maybe it was just my mood when reading it, but I could actually feel her struggles with her marriage and attempts to deal with the popularity. The character of Betsy Gridley began somewhat stereotypical, but warmed me by the play's end. The script does have some very funny moments, but it's the honesty of all the characters that makes it work. This is not a show for over-the-top actors. The comedy, and ultimate message, is in the truth.

Words for Women to Live By

1. Aspire to be Barbie. (The bitch has everything!)

2. If the shoe fits, buy them in every color.

3. Take life with a pinch of salt... a wedge of lime, and a shot of tequila.

4. In need of a support group? Cocktail hour with the girls!

5. When life gets you down, just put on your big girl panties and deal with it.

6. Let your greatest fear be that there is no PMS and this is just your personality.

7. I know I'm in my own little world, but it's ok. They know me here.

8. Lead me not into temptation. (I can find it myself.)

9. Don't get your knickers in a knot. It solves nothing and makes you walk funny.

10. When life gives you lemons, turn it into lemonade then mix it with vodka.

11. Keep your chin up, only the first 40 years of parenthood are the hardest.

12. If it has Tires or Testicles it's gonna give you trouble.

13. By the time a women realizes her mother was right, she has a daughter who thinks she's wrong.

And my personal favorite:
14. Remember wherever there is a good looking, sweet, single or married man there is some woman tired of his bullshit!

Bravo to Travis, Jeanine and Jason

Last night Travis Wall was nervous about his choreography. He shouldn't have been. Jeanine and Jason danced it beautifully.

Live Blogging So You Think You Can Dance - Again

It's the Top 10!

8:02 - None of the introduction solos were very good. I mean, I know they don't have much time, but come on. Oohhh, I like Cat's green strapless dress. Reminds me of the one Marcia Gay Harden wore during the Tonys. Debbie Allen is the guest judge tonight.

8:09 - Ugh. Another Bollywood number. Mustache masks - wtf? Apart from the colorful costumes, I just wasn't impressed.

8:18 - Kayla and Evan, now that is an interesting partnership. They solved the high heel problem - she's barefoot! Nice lift! Overall I wasn't too impressed. I kept looking at Kayla's feet. I wish she would have floated a bit more instead of landing flat on her feet. Right on Mary, Evan looked a bit stiff and robotic. Why do the judges love Kayla so much?

8:28 - Brandon solo. I love his choice of song! He is so fluid!

8:34 - Jeanette and Ade, now this will be a good pairing. Both are very strong dancers. And they get a hip hop routine. I love how Napoleon and Tabitha incorporated Ade's pick in the routine. Ade was outstanding. Jeanette held her own. Nigel is cracking me up!

8:41 - Randi's solo. I think we've seen it before. Her costume looks familiar. Oops, looked like she fell there, but I know she didn't.

8:47 - Kapono's solo. Very interesting to watch. I liked the costume and I liked the choreography. It was different but I liked it!

8:49 - Jeanine and Jason. I can't believe she's stuck with another dud. I'm excited that Travis Wall is the choreographer. Wow! Talk about lines. OMG! That was fabulous! Wonderful, wonderful choreography. What a story. And Jeanine was outstanding! Jason wasn't bad. The judges are giving a standing ovation! Can you believe Mary is speechless!? The Hot Tamale Train...they do deserve it. Evangelizing dance....m'ok.

9:04 - Melissa's solo. It was okay.

9:05 - Evan's solo. Wow, great split jump. Very cute routine. I liked it. Mallorie likes him. She's sitting beside me now.

9:06 - Kayla's solo. Good Lord. She a smile on her face the whole time and she just lit up the stage. That was a really good solo. I liked her's much better than Melissa's.

What? More commercials?

9:12 - Randi and Kapono, another interesting pairing, and a paso dablo. She's wearing a wig! I like the costumes. I think Randi's having some trouble. Too funny. She almost feel at the very end. Mmmm, not very good. I agree with Nigel, no chemistry between them. Debbie had a very good point - there was no trust between them.

9:21 - Ade's solo. His choreography doesn't seem to match well with the song. The flip, good Lord.

Fame, the movie opens September 25. I watched the TV series growing up. I'll definitely see the movie!

9:27 - Jeanine's solo. Very good. I really like her.

9:28 - Jason's solo. What is he a duck? Hmmmm, that was a risky number.

Another commercial? Geez...

9:34 - Melissa and Brandon. This should be good, a Hair piece. (No, seriously.) Too much smoke you can't even see them. They did a great job, I just kept watching. Cat is cracking me up. Tyce did a good job playing to each dancer's strength. It was really good, probably my second favorite number of the evening.

9:41 - Jeanette's solo. She is Miami heat! I love watching her dance.

9:47 - lol An African dance number. Poor Evan. Actually, he looks pretty good in rehearsal. Jason's doing his own dance. Brandon rocked it! Ade looked like he had some trouble. I am actually very impressed with Evan. He really knocked it out! Nigel is cracking me up - a dancing milkshake.

Okay, let's see. I need to make my prediction for tomorrow night. I think Randi will definitely go home. I think it'll be a toss up between Jason and Evan.

Something I've Suspected For Years...

The Folly is home to Kernersville Little Theatre's fall productions. As such, I've spend a great deal of time in the Folly rehearsing and performing shows. It's a very interesting house, but when the sun goes down it becomes downright creepy. I have absolutely no problem being there at night, as long as there are at least 5 other people with me!

Results Of Investigation Revealed Wednesday

KERNERSVILLE, NC -- The Southern Paranormal and Anomaly Research Society has officially declared Kernersville landmark Korner's Folly to be haunted.

The group, which investigates what it calls paranormal activity, spent time at the house several months ago.

"At first they actually toured the house with some basic meters to see if it warranted an investigation, and then they decided based on collaboration that it was worth inspecting," said Korner's Folly executive director Bruce Frankel.

The investigators said they captured several paranormal activities, including an unexplainable light and a child's voice saying the phrase "peek-a-boo."

"To get so much evidence that we just can't explain is phenomenal, and it exceeded our expectations," said SPARS investigator Deonna Kelli Sayed.

The group held a news conference inside the house Wednesday morning to present their findings.

Sayed called the haunting a "gift," noting that the buzz surrounding the news has created public interest in the house.

"The investigation has been very beneficial for the property itself. It's increased public interest," she said.

The 22-room house on Main Street was built in 1880 by Jule Jorner, an interior designer, decorator and painter.

Sayed said the property was chosen because it was so unique. "About 80 percent of the furnishings are original, which is always ideal for paranormal investigations," she said.

Frankel said historical records show nothing that would be indicative of a haunting happening inside the house.

"There is no historical evidence of anything but positive things that happened in this house," he said.

The home, which boasts interesting nooks and crannies as well as no two alike doorways, is open to the public. The landmark is known as the "strangest house in the world."

Copyright 2009 by WXII12.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Sordid Lives Kudos

I just want to tell you how much we enjoyed the play.

I learned recently that my hours at work are being cut and am losing my health insurance (at almost 62 years old) & have been in bummed mode lately. I bought the tickets thinking that I may get a laugh or 2, especially after having enjoyed "Plaid Tidings" so, so much.

Well, I just want you to know how much we enjoyed Sordid Lives and how much it brought my head up. It was the best $25 bucks I ever spent. The whole cast was terrific. The play just lifted my spirits. Thank you all so much for helping me to feel better.
~U 7.10
**********
A most hearty congratulations to you, Cheryl Ann, for (yet another) amazing performance! And FINALLY discovering and believing you truly are elite as a performer. Take the confidence and run with it. You've worked so hard over the years, and you deserve the respect and the "fame" that comes with the level of achievement you have attained. I am so proud of you!
~M 6.28
**********
You get betterer and betterer.
~LSM 6.28
**********
you were phenomenal in Sordid Lives!
~N 6.25
**********
You seriously did such a good job in the show...I've never seen you act before! SOO good!!
~CR 6.22

Final Performance, Sordid Lives

According to Jamie, we could still have done several more performances and sold them out. But alas, last night was our final show, at least for this year. (I've already blocked my schedule for the 2012 revival!)

The show went well. Similar to opening night, and in the same spot, April went up on one of her lines. She recovered last time, but I had to ad-lib last night. If my actual line had been on the tip of my tongue, I could have simply gone on, filling the space. But I needed April's line to prompt mine. My cover sounded contrived, at least to my own ears. Still, the audience probably never knew.

Also in that scene I caught myself planning out how I was going to vary my delivery to a set of repetitive lines. My planning worked, the audience collectively laughed. But thinking about it took me slightly "out of the moment" and I didn't work up to my usual power ending. Again, the audience never knew the difference.

The audience did, however, see the curtain fall off the window and onto a small table during the funeral scene. GW (Don) drunkenly proclaims that "Life is a big ol pile of shit, Latrelle", exits slamming the door behind him. The force of his slam caused the curtain to fall, pretty much right in front of me. The audience started tittering, and in the two seconds it took me to decide whether to put the curtain back, the tittering became infectious. Remaining completely in character and with a slight nod of my head toward the fallen curtain, I delivered my next line "Well, he's right about that" directly to the audience. They laughed, and I continued on with the scene, choosing to leave the curtain over the table. The audience "got" my intention that it was just one more thing poor put upon Latrelle had to deal with.

Live Blogging So You Think You Can Dance

So I decided, at 8:30p, to live blog the show.

I really do love Cat Deeley. And tonight she looks fabulous in that black dress and styled hair. No wonder everyone is clapping on and on and on...

Oh, good. Tonight's guest judge is Tyce Diorio. He's choreographed some of the best SYTYCD opening numbers.

First up Melissa and Ade in a disco routine. Love her costume! Not so much Ade's. (Did they add a scrap of cloth in the butt of his pants?) Wow, those lifts! They did very well, even though Ade couldn't hold Melissa for the final pose. And I absolutely agree with all three judges.

Kupono and Kayla are doing a Mia Michaels routine about addiction. Oh wow. It was absolutely fabulous! They are both so great with these contemporary routines! I totally agree with Nigel about Kayla's hair. Hopefully she'll tie it back so we can see her face.

I'm not a fan of Jason or Caitlin but I will admit they both did a beautiful job with the foxtrot. She looks beautiful and her costume is absolutely lovely.

8:31 - Jeanine and Phillip doing a Russian folkdance? I'm not impressed. My guess is they'll be in the bottom three tomorrow night.

8:38 - Randi and Evan in a hip-hop routine. Okay... Actually, they both did a good job! Very cute. I loved the choreography to Halo and they pulled it off beautifully.

8:47 - Janette and Brandon are one of my favorite couples. Janette is in her element. Brandon looks a bit stiff. Fancy footwork, but I'm not really impressed. I'd have fast forwarded if it was taped. Nigel just gave them a standing ovation, which Mary and Tyce joined. Yes, it was technically fantastic. It just wasn't wow. Still, Mary put them on the Hot Tamale Train. Tyce is comparing Brandon's dancing to squeezing orange juice? Too funny!

8:53 - The TV is blank! OMG! What's wrong with the cable? CRAP!

8:55 - Shit. Seriously, what's going on? USA works. The network channels are out?

9:05 - I cannot believe that on the one night I can actually sit and watch the show that the friggin' network channels are out. DAMMIT!

9:12 - I'm friggin ticked.

9:13 - Oh, wait! Ok, relax and breathe. It just came back. Chick-fil-A commercial. (Those peach milkshakes look delicious!) I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Hope I didn't miss too much.

9:16 - Jason and Caitlin's second dance, a Mandy Moore jazz routine. Love the music, Show Me Heaven. Very sweet routine. I liked it. It was good. Not great, but good. I agree, Nigel, they do lack chemistry.

9:27 Jeanine and Phillip will be doing a jive. Wow! Was that Phillip moving like that? Did he just trip slide? Jeanine is really good. While they do make a cute couple, I do think Phillip has been holding her back. He won't last much longer on the show. I think she'll definitely go far. Yes, I so totally agreed with Nigel. That was Phillip's best routine. And Mary just put Jeanine on the Hot Tamale Train. It was well deserved. Fan-friggin-tastic! Tyce is cracking me up!

9:39 - I love Randi and Evan together. I think they've done as well as they have because of their partnership. After the Butt Routine Brandi shouldn't be embarrassed about anything! Excellent opening lift! Wow! I can't believe her costume! That last lift gave them a bit of trouble. Overall, it was a good samba. Sizzle-that's right, Mary. That was the word I was missing. Evan won't be around much longer. Brandi, I think, will last longer in the contest.

9:50 - Janette and Brandon the final couple? DAMMIT! I missed Kupono's and Kayla's second dance, and Ade's and Melissa's. A Wade Robson routine. Uh-oh. They are in trouble. He's the one who did the Crash Test Dummy routine. I didn't really like the routine. Wow, the judges really loved it. Both are fabulous dancers, I just didn't care for the choreography.

Looking at the recaps, I'm not too upset about missing Melissa's and Ade's second dance. I see that Kayla did barrette her hair in the second routine. I wish I could have seen that. Oh, well. I'll check youtube tomorrow.

My predictions for the bottom three couples: Jason and Caitlin, Evan and Randi, and Phillip and Jeanine. I think Evan might be going home tomorrow night as well as Caitlin.

How To Really Love A Child

Be there. Say yes as often as possible. Let them bang on pots and pans. If they're crabby, put them in water. If they're unlovable, love yourself. Realize how important it is to be a child. Go to a movie theater in your pajamas. Read books out loud with joy. Invent pleasures together. Remember how really small they are. Giggle a lot. Surprise them. Say no when necessary. Teach feelings. Heal your own inner child. Learn about parenting. Hug trees together. Make loving safe. Bake a cake and eat it with no hands. Go find elephants and kiss them. Plan to build a rocketship. Imagine yourself magic. Make lots of forts with blankets. Let your angel fly. Reveal your own dreams. Search out the positive. Keep the gleam in your eye. Mail letters to God. Encourage silly. Plant licorice in your garden. Open up. Stop yelling. Express your love. A lot. Speak kindly. Paint their tennis shoes. Handle with caring.


* I found this in a magazine. I've no idea who the author is. But it was too moving not to post.