Oh, Eve....

Play's Controversial Title Leads To Complaints, Change

POSTED: 11:08 pm EST February 6, 2007
ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. -- A modified marquee in Atlantic Beach has been drawing some attention. "Hoohaa" replaced a word in the title of a play after a driver complained about finding the previous wording offensive.

The marquis for Atlantic Theaters advertises a number of plays including, the Masquerade Ball, Band Jam, and now The Hoohaa Monologues.

Some said hoohaa is a strange word and that its definition depends on its context, while others said it sounds like a country band. However, it's not a band at all. In fact, most people know hoohaa by a different name -- vagina.

"We got a complaint about this play The Vagina Monologues," said Bryce Pfanenstiel, of the Atlantic Theater.

The Hoohaa Monologues is a replacement title for The Vagina Monologues -- a well-known play about that part of the female body.

"We decided we would just use child slang for it. That's how we decided on Hoohaa Monologues," Pfanenstiel said.

They did this after a driver who saw it complained to the theater, saying she was upset that her niece saw it.

"I'm on the phone and asked 'What did you tell her?' She's like, 'I'm offended I had to answer the question,'" Pfanenstiel said.

Some parents said they applaud the title change.

The theater said they're trying not to offend anyone, but the publicity doesn't hurt.

"We hope people understand we're trying to do the right thing. But as far as doing it for attention, we're a comedy club, we do all kinds of shenanigans," Pfanenstiel said.

The play is being brought to the theater by a group of law school students and all of the proceeds are going to various charity organizations. The director of the play said she was going ask the theater and comedy club to return the title back to its original name.

I'm Done RENTing

Last night Ken and I saw the 473rd national tour of Rent. Ok, I'm kidding about the 473rd tour...but it has been playing on Broadway and touring for 10+ years.

I first fell in love with Rent strictly by listening to the cast CD, which I had been given for Christmas. The CD became a permanent fixture in my car. I loved the music, I loved the play (at least what I read about it from the CD booklet), and I loved the story behind the play.

The show came to Greensboro in December 1997, and I was there. In the balcony, singing my heart out. The show was absolutely wonderful! I bought a program and a "Seasons of Love" ornament. I was a true Renthead!

In October 2003, my best friend scored free tickets when Rent returned to Greensboro. He had never seen the show, but he was very familiar with the music. He loved the show, I was lukewarm. I hated the actor who played Roger. He was whimpy and a bit effaminate, and well, he just didn't "Light My Candle".

I've seen the movie several times; twice at the theater and several times on DVD with Mallorie. I loved that the original cast did the movie. I loved Traci as the new Maureen. I hated Rosario as the new Mimi. She just wasn't gritty enough.

When Ken and I were planning our "culture" for this year, I asked him to include tickets to see Rent. So, off we went to the Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte. I hate to admit this, but I was really bored with the production. I don't know whether it was because I've seen it so many times, or whether I just wasn't keen on the cast. Again, I didn't like the actor playing Roger. He was from the London cast and I just couldn't get past Roger sounding British.

The production was good. I just realized that I wasn't into it. I still love the music, I just don't have any desire to see the show anymore. There are too many other shows that I'd like to see.

Unknown Day, 1965

My dad emailed this picture to me this morning. The guys are from the USS Hawkins, taking a break from duty at a bar in the Philippines. Dave Roberts, my dad, is the one sitting on the left. The three guys seated beside him worked on his crew. The other two guys were shipmates. Dad is 19 in this photo. He's a very handsome teenager, isn't he? (I'm told I look a lot like him.)

Dad and his crew were all Torpedomen's Mates, which meant they maintained the weapons and the launchers. They fired torpedoes at submarines when found by sonar. When at sea, Dad stood on sonar watches just to have something to do.

Dad was also the auto weapons man when they had to go ashore. He manned the machine gun when the landing party was close to shore or when going up a river. When needed, he was also backup pointer for the number one gun mount. He pointed the big gun at the target and pulled the firing trigger.

As I look at my dad in this picture, I can't help but wonder what he was thinking or talking about before the photo was snapped. He looks so darn young! At 19 years old you have your whole life ahead of you. Serving in the military certainly puts life in perspective, which might explain why they all look a bit somber. They certainly didn't go to the bar for a boisterous celebration. Maybe they became more lively later in the evening?

Though I don't say it nearly enough, I am very proud of my dad. I post this photo to honor him, and to thank him for sharing it with me.

The Vagina Monologues

(Yes I said Vagina. Vagina, vagina, vagina. Okay? Are you over it now?)

The Vagina Monologues will be presented at 8pm on March 10. The show is a V-Day Campaign fundraiser sponsored by Family Services. Proceeds from ticket sales will also go toward Family Services' programs for battered women.

I post this now for several reasons. The first reason is the most important one. Please go ahead and mark this date on your calendars. Please plan on purchasing tickets to see this empowering show. Leave husbands and boyfriends at home (unless they are open-minded to lots of vagina talk) and bring your girlfriends, your mothers, your sisters, your cousins, your co-workers and your neighbors. Money raised is used to help stop violence against women. All women.

The second reason I post now is because I want you to have plenty of time to get prepared for the power of The Vagina Monologues. Yes, the word vagina is referenced frequently throughout the show. No, there aren't naked women onstage showing off their vaginas. There is no nudity; only shades of black, red and pink. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will get angry as you listen to each of the pieces various women present. You will leave the theater with a renewed appreciation of womanhood. My mom, my manager, my supervisor and one of my best (male) friends have attended previous performances. Each of them left the theater in awe.

The third reason is that for the second consecutive year, I will be in the show. (I also did the show back in 2004 for the Community Theatre of Greensboro.) Once again, I will be performing the "Reclaiming Cunt" monologue. (Yes I said cunt. And if you find that word a bit harder to get over, well, that's exactly the point of my piece.)

We started rehearsals with a read-through yesterday and let me just tell you how honored I am to be included in this cast of absolutely amazing women. Even though I am familiar with the show, I found myself laughing and crying to the new voices presenting standard monologues. There are two new monologues this year, and both brought tears to everyone's eyes.

Please mark your calendars now. I can't wait for you to meet my wonderful castmates in this incredible show.

An Evening at the Theatre

Last night Ken and I drove to Greensboro to see Cirque Dreams: Jungle Fantasy. It was less a theatre production and more of an evening at the circus. A very colorful and talented circus.

The show was 90-minutes of floor and aerial acrobats (which I love!), contortionists, jugglers, balancers, dancers, a very tall drummer and a singing lady bug. I think there was supposed to be a storyline, but I couldn't understand the singing lady bug who acted as a narrator. She had a nice voice; I just couldn't understand what she was singing.

It was a neat show, but I kept thinking that Cade might have had more fun. After the first act the impressiveness of the colorful costumes and skills of the contortionists and jugglers began to wear off and I became slightly bored. I've seen similar talent on TV.

Still, if you haven't seen a show like this, it's cool to experience. Just bring along the little kids who can help you maintain your excitement.

Edward Scissorhands

Have you ever been to a musical without any singing or dialogue and with just dancing? That's the concept behind the new stage adaptation of Edward Scissorhands, which Ken and I saw last night at the Belk Theater in Charlotte.

I actually remember seeing the movie. It was January 1991, and Mickey Carroll took me to see it at the Hanes Mall Cinema. I loved the theatricalness (is that a new word?) of the movie and was very impressed with Johnny Depp as Edward. So, when we were in Charlotte for NCTC, and I saw the brochures for the show, I asked Ken if he wanted to see it with me. (I tossed in quite a few please, please, pleases as well.)

While we had good seats (row D, seats 1/2) to begin with, they became even better seats when the couple in front of us left during intermission. Ken and I then had an unobstructed view of the whole stage. The show was impressive before the intermission, but after intermission, it was breathtaking.

I watched in awe as every dancer brought the movie characters to life. Some even brought to life Edward's garden shrub creations. I wanted to go backstage just to see how those costumes were made! I was not as impressed with the dancer who played Kim, the Winona Ryder role in the movie, though she and Edward had some nice "duets". One of two dancers plays Edward and I'm not sure which one we saw. But whichever it was, he was phenomenal! (And had really nice dancer's buns to boot!) He conveyed such wonderful innocence and humanity for Edward. Many in the audience connected with him as evidenced by the sniffles that could be heard during the final scene. A lump was in my own throat.

My favorite part of the production was the curtain call, specifically Edward's bow. Sam or Richard (damn, I wish I knew which one it was!) tottered out, in character, to the end of the stage. He stood there, soaking in the well-deserved applause and standing ovation. He titled his head to one side as if "Edward" was curious about the thunderous noise, raised his scissorhands over his head, and opened his arms. And then it started to snow. All over the entire audience.

Two words: breathtaking and unforgettable.

I'll Tell You Who's Got the Will

It's a Divorce Southern Style, Sordid Lives and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest cast reunion!

Dana Benson is Sara Lee Turnover, Mimi Cunningham is Evalita, and I'm playing Lurlene Sue Turnover Rogers. Ken Ashford is Orville Turnover and Ally Macaulay is his wife, Marlene. Mark March plays Buford, our Daddy, and Betsy Pugh is (grand)Mama Wheelis. Zack Brown rounds out the cast as Harmony.

Tonight was our first rehearsal. Jamie doesn't do a read thru; he just jumps right in with blocking. As he was explaining what "business" he wanted Lurlene to do, I couldn't help but smile. He noticed and immediately read my thoughts. I'm sitting in the chair fanning myself with a magazine, just like I did in Sordid Lives.

Hmmmm.....

Well, I didn't get Evalita. Interestingly, Mimi got that role. I got the role of Lurlene, the religious oldest sister. Ken tells me that Jamie must see me more as pious than slutty. I guess that's good, right?

Anyway, I am happy to have gotten a part. Ken did get Orville and Ally did get Marlene. That's all the cast I know. Rehearsals will start next week.

Auditions

I just got back from Daddy's Dying Who's Got The Will auditions. I was surprised by the turn out. Specifically the men. There are only 3 male roles and there were at least 10 men auditioning!

I had talked Kenny into auditioning and was glad that he came. He read very well for the part of Harmony. Really, I think he was the best one, but Zack was also good. Ken and Paul are competing for the role of Orville. I hope Ken gets it. I think he's got the emotional range for Orville. Mark March was hilarious as Buford. A couple of other guys read for Buford, but Mark really nailed it. He'd have to be aged quite a bit though.

There are 5 roles for women and 6 ladies auditioned (including me). Mimi wanted the role of Mama Wheelis, but Chris and a new lady, Betsy, are better suited for the role. Betsy read very well for the part. Ally was a scream as Marlene and had everyone laughing. She will definitely get that part. Jamie read Mimi and I both for Lurlene and Evalita. Lurlene is the oldest sister and Mimi read that part well. I'm hoping to get Evalita.

Still, even if I don't get a part, I'm okay with that. I must admit that it's been nice being home at night. I've caught up on some TV programs and actually read a book, as opposed to a script. (I do have those two books I got for Christmas...) I mean, if Ken gets a part and I don't I know I'll feel a bit left out. But I could always work and read my books backstage.

We Must Have Been Nice....

We had an absolutely wonderful Christmas. For the first time since I can remember, no one opened a present that required one of those fake "oh, I just love it" smiles.

Mallorie finally joined the ranks of teenagers across the land; she loved her new iPod. I received several jean/sweater outfits, and two books I wanted: for one more day and Persuasion.

Cade was just beside himself. I think you can understand why...

Awww...How Cute!

Christmas Cookies

Tonight Mallorie asked me if I could make Christmas cookies for her to bring to school for her friends. Yeah, nothing like a little advance warning. Though Betty Crocker I am not, lucky for her I did have a couple of packages of the pre-cut Christmas cookies from Toll House. Mallorie baked and cooled the cookies while I made icing.

As you can see, Cade helped out by decorating the cookies with sprinkles. Since the cookies were for her friends, Mallorie made sure of Cade's quality.

Makes you smile, doesn't it?

You Like Me, You Really Like Me

When I found out I won Time Magazine's "Person of the Year", well, I was just speechless. At first I thought it was a joke. But after seeing me on the cover. Wow! I'm just so thrilled and honored.

I just got off the phone with Time Warner. I expect the networks will be vying for interviews and I wanted to make sure my telephone line was working. I'm still not sure it is. The phone hasn't rung all day.....

Announcing the Cast...

Congratulations to the following who have been cast in Kernersville Little Theatre's upcoming production of Lying in State:

Karen Price-Crowder will play Edna. Peter Poulos will play Herb. Michael Henry Carter will be Wally. Tana Albright will play Buttons. Dick Srohmeier is Fred, Kelly Wallace will play Margo, and Lee Huggins will be Harry.

Peter and Tana are new to KLT. You've seen Karen in Cotton Patch Gospel and A Christmas Carol. For Michael, Dick, Kelly and Lee it will be a Never Too Late cast reunion. I was also in that show. Man, I should have sucked it up and auditioned.

Peace on Earth

This is one of my most favoritest (did I just make up a word?) places on earth. It's the Moravian Gift and Book Shop in Old Salem.

Now I've always loved Old Salem, in part to a former flame, but my affinity for this shop was originally my mother's doing. Several years ago she started collecting Pipka Santas, and the Moravian Gift and Book Shop was a 5-star distributor. I'd go over to the shop, usually during the Candle Tea when the shop would remain open later, and spend quite a bit of time trying to pick out a Pipka Santa that Mom didn't already have. The start of my Christmas season began with picking out Mom's gift. I felt peaceful and calm there. Even when there were groups of school children in the shop hastily trying to pick out souvenirs before the bus left, I still felt quiet there. It was like my once-a-year momentary retreat.

So it didn't surprise me in the least when two years later I figured out that Hannah, most likely, went to Salem Academy. My affinity for the Moravian Gift and Book Shop was certainly more understandable. It just felt all the more right when I was there. For the next couple of years my annual pilgrimages to the book shop were tinged with a bit of excitement. Has she been in here? Will I see her in here?

My mom has since stopped collecting Pipka Santas, the book shop has ceased being a distributor and I've since met Hannah. Still, today I went to the book shop. And while there were a great many patrons in the store, there are only 9 shopping days left, I felt as though I was the only one there. I looked at every single Christmas ornament, smiled at and petted every stuffed animal, and read the spine of every book in the shop. For the hour that I was lost there, I was at utter peace.

Lying....on the Couch

I didn't audition for Lying in State. Cade had a wicked cough Wednesday night. And, though Mallorie is a wonderful babysitter, there are some comforts that only Mommy can provide. So Cade and I wrapped up in a "blankie" on the couch and I massaged his back until he fell asleep. He was a bit hyper from the Children's Nyquil, so it took a while before he dozed off.

Cade was feeling much better on Thursday, however, I didn't feel too good at all. For most of the day I remained under the "blankie" on the couch reading scripts between naps. I had every intention of going to KLT auditions, but I simply had no energy.

So, it's water and vitamins for me for the next 12 days. I can't miss auditions on the 27th....

Happy Birthday, Baby!

Lying in State or Daddy's Dying..

Decisions, decisions...

Kernersville Little Theatre is having auditions for Lying in State tomorrow. There are 2 roles (Edna or Buttons) that I would love to do. My problem? Theatre Alliance is holding auditions for Daddy's Dying....Who's Got the Will? on December 27. And there are several roles (any of the Turnover sisters) that I would love to do.

Randy Morris is directing for Kernersville. I've worked with him several times, and he's directed me in 3 productions, though never for KLT. I like that he poses questions to the actors so they can discover more about their characters. Randy watches my facial expressions which, he says, adds to my characters. He also taught me how to bend over in a sexy manner!

Jamie Lawson is directing for WSTA. I've worked with him three times. He gave me the role of Latrelle in Sordid Lives which I feel was a turning point in my acting "career". All jokes aside, working for Jamie in Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical was challenging, and I learned a great deal about myself.

I know that Kelly Wallace and Dick Stroheimer are going to audition for KLT. I absolutely love working with both of them, and the thought of being opposite them on stage is very appealing. Then there's my bestest friend, Ken Ashford, who also wants a role in Daddy's Dying. Ken is a wonderful actor and I've learned a great deal from him too.

It's funny that sometimes it's feast or famine with shows and roles. Too bad I don't sing. I would have taken a chorus part in Beauty and the Beast not to have to agonize over two of my favorite directors.

Argh, decisions, decisions!

Broadway Weekend Continued...

I think Ken can now check something off his "Things To Do Before I Die" list. We saw Monty Python's Spamalot tonight. I knew that if I didn't accompany Ken, he most likely would not go. So off to Charlotte we coconut shell trotted.

Unlike Friday night's Hairspray, I did know a little something about Spamalot. A former boyfriend was an avid watcher of Monty Python and was prone to spout phrases from the series, usually after drinking. (If memory serves me correctly his favorite phrase had something to do with a penguin sitting atop a television....) To further my Monty Python "education" and to deepen our "love" I sat through "Monty Python's The Holy Grail". He laughed his ass off and I merely tolerated the movie. I just didn't find that kind of humor, well, humorous. A knight who continues to fight after all limbs have been cut off? Oh, come on.

However, tonight I was pleasantly surprised. We had great seats, row D seats 1 and 2 (d'oh, left and not center). The set was outstanding. I was very impressed with all the drops and flyies. The cast was fabulous, except for the Lady in the Lake. I couldn't decide if "she" was a she or a very good female impersonator. And much of the story followed the movie. Well, almost. After Act 3, sorry, Act 2, things got really interesting, and really funny. I actually laughed, several times in fact.

I can truthfully say that I thoroughly enjoyed Spamalot. But please don't make me sit through it again. Unless we can get row D seats 1 and 2 in the center! That alone would make a second seeing worthwhile.

Hairspray

Last night Ken and I went to see Hairspray. (Yes, this time he remembered the tickets!)

I didn't know much about the show, except that Harvey Weinstein played the mother on Broadway, and that's the same role that John Travolta is portraying for the movie. And I knew that Ricky Lake played the lead on Broadway. If Ken had backed out, I wouldn't have been hurt in the least. I wasn't really excited or looking forward to going. Neither of us were.

We were so glad we sucked it up. I was absolutely blown away, from the moment the curtain rose. I used to think Jamie's curtain calls were something. Imagine Jamie's curtain calls as every single musical number and there were a bunch of them since the storyline involved a local TV dance program, much like American Bandstand. The cast sang and dance and danced and sang. I kept thinking that by the end of the tour, the actress playing Tracy Turnbald would be skinner than a Victoria's Secret model. What a work-out!

The show is, hands down, one of the best shows I've ever seen. If the tour comes through your town, make sure you see it. It's a great show with a great message. And one helluva rockin good time will be had by all.