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
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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
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You get betterer and betterer.
~LSM 6.28
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you were phenomenal in Sordid Lives!
~N 6.25
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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.

A Script Report

I've now read all plays written by Del Shores. This was his first script, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Having played Lurlene in Daddy's Dyin' Who's Got The Will, I was familiar with the Cheatin' story and cast of characters. I was pleased to finally "meet" them.

I love that Sid Cranford narrates the story directly to the audience. But then again, I'm partial to plays that break the 4th wall. I also like that the scenes blend into one another, ensuring the pace of the play.

It's a very cute show, and I'm crossing my fingers that Jamie decides to do it for Theatre Alliance. I'd love to be in the show!

Oh, and a very interesting thing...Rex Knowles originally produced and designed lights for the play. I've spoken to Rex on numerous occasions for SETC business! Small world...

Fireworks

The kids and I decided to walk to the Square to see the fireworks. We don't live that far; I thought about a 10-15 minute walk. Thirty minutes later I was huffing and puffing and cursing our quest for exercise.

Still, we got great seats and we thoroughly enjoyed the display. Here are some pictures I took, and some Cade took.

Latrelle and Sissy at the Table

This scene was one of my favorites because it was such a props challenge. Holding a glass of tea, I'd walk over, spy the apple pie and ask Sissy if she wanted a piece. My first challenge was trying to find a place for the tea. The pie was pre-cut but I always had difficulty getting the pie onto a plate. (And not just one piece, but two!) There was only one night when too much prop concentration made me go up on my lines.

I actually ate the apple pie. Listening to Sissy go on about how big Vera Lisso was getting, I would pick out and eat the apples. I'd try to get as much in my mouth so that when I delivered a specific line, I say it with a mouth full of food. I'd try to finish any remaining apples, chew and swallow, throw down the plate and begin talking about Ty's New York Show. It was as natural as talking with my mom over dessert at her house.

The front row especially got a kick out of this scene. One night a pile of napkins fell on the floor and Sissy got them so I could go on with my monologue. Another night I spilled tea down my dress. And another night I had to use my fingers to get the pie that was stuck on the spatula onto the plate. I took it all in stride, never breaking character. I let Sissy get the napkins, wiped up the tea and licked the apple pie filling off my finger.

Sissy and I always managed to pull off the scene, making it look as easy as, well, apple pie.

Sordid Girls

Using the last of the Polaroid film...It's Latrelle, LaVonda, Noletta and Sissy.

Rite of Passage

Today we took the training wheels off Cade's bike. As my own mother did, I held on to the back, teaching him to balance. He had a few shaky starts, but soon he was riding like a pro. He was as proud of himself as I was of him.

July skirt! Philosophy

Every skirt tells a story. The mini you wore to the march in D.C. The scarlet velvet that always brings you luck in love. The silver skirt that left SEQUINS behind like guilty secrets. The denim A-line that brings out the country girl in your genes. The schoolgirl kilt with
doc Martens, so rude and cheeky. Gypsy layers left over from a Deadhead lover and a broken-down van. The long leather number that put a runway stomp in your step when you needed a brave heart. A cargo skirt with deep pockets for toys and bottles, coloring books and checkbooks. The unfortunate bubble and the regrettable skort - we all have skeletons in our closets. The little black skirts that take you from 9 to 5, the sarongs that light your vacation fire, the tutu that keeps your childhood dreams alive. Where will your skirt take you next?

Backstage at Sordid Lives

Me and Scarlett

BTW - Before The Wig

Gray fixin' the wig

Feelin' like Latrelle!

"I love my gay son." (I enjoyed working with Dave Wils.)

Smilin' with Sissy

Full house!

So You Think You Can Dance, Opening Number

Hip hop and samba met in tonight's sexy opening number. The routine was choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon to Pit Bull's "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)". It was a muy caliente number. I absolutely loved it!

Unfortunately the YouTube video is no longer available. Dick Clark Productions is claiming copyright infringement.

A Great Idea

A Proposed Job Swap To Save American Capitalism
Liz Lerman

Founding Artistic Director Liz Lerman recently climaxed a busy year of choreographing, teaching, advising and envisioning by taking part in White House Briefing: Art, Community, Social Justice, National Recovery on May 12. Amidst all the other demands on her schedule, Liz is finding time to write and is currently preparing the manuscript for a new book of essays to be published next year by Wesleyan Press. Venturing into the realm of the op-ed -- not such a huge stretch for someone who has choreographed dances about Reaganomics and the defense budget -- Liz recently authored this item. First published in APInews, a project of Art in the Public Interest, it has since gone viral.

Do Wall Street executives deserve big bonuses during hard times? Does increased arts funding have a place in an economic stimulus package? I'll leave it to others to debate these controversies. Meanwhile I'd like to make a modest proposal to solve some of our economic problems: Let's do a job swap. We'll put the corporate executives to work as artists while the artists run Wall Street.

Since their first task will be getting economic markets back on solid footing, I'm convinced that artists have the perfect resumes for their new jobs. Here's why:

Artists work ridiculous hours for no pay. And most of the artists I know will keep working until they get the job done right.

Artists do not need fancy offices. In fact, they usually work in the worst part of town ... until that part of town becomes fancy because the artists are there. Then they have to move because they haven't paid themselves enough to afford the new rent.

Artists throw everything they earn back into the store - which is why they haven't paid themselves enough. (I will admit that there was one time I didn't do this. When I was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship back in 2002, I decided to open my first retirement account. I put the money in "very safe" stock market investments. I would have been better off putting it into my next dance.)

Artists do not need financial incentives. Artists do the work they do because they love it. Or because they believe in it. Or because they think it is a social necessity for our communities. Or because they know when people make poems or pictures or dances, our best human spirits emerge.

Artists do not expect to get anything if they do a bad job. Except maybe a bad review.

No artist gets a bonus because there is never enough money at the end of a project.

Artists keep very tight budgets. They know how to spend the same penny over and over (not by cooking the books, but by pinching, recycling, borrowing, bartering, and plowing their economy airline frequent flyer miles back into their next project.)

Artists have a rightful reputation for fresh ideas combined with a capacity for self-evaluation that borders on recrimination.

Artists play well with others, having evolved highly efficient collaborative techniques in the service of their visions. But they are also very independent, delivering great things even when they work alone.

Meanwhile, in their new capacities as painters, poets, cellists and choreographers, our Wall Street executives might be experiencing a combination of culture shock therapy and ethical boot camp. Artistic practice may force them to discover what they really believe in, because the combination of introspection, discipline and craft that fuels an artist's work (oh, and it is work) puts people in a very demanding state of truth. Doing what artist do every day, some might find themselves in overcrowded classrooms, excited to share their practices to help young people discover that they actually can learn. Others might be sparked to help communities solve problems by bridging differences through the unique power of their art forms. Those who have been lucky enough to get funded for their work will likely be staying up nights, filling out multiple forms to prove the exact use of the money they have been granted. All will find their moral compass tested as they balance the demanding loyalties of pursuing personal vision and creating value for an audience.

The job swap I propose might have a final payoff: With artists in charge of Wall Street you might even see people donate to the cause because artists know how to inspire others to participate together, to work for something that matters, to build on the intangibles of the human experience, to make a difference.

Imagine that kind of Wall Street.

Update: Liz is going to be the keynote speaker for the K-12 Institute and on Thursday during SETC's 2010 Spring Convention in Lexington.

When Music and Movement Meet

I'm a homebody tonight, since I don't have a rehearsal. So I'm catching up on So You Think You Can Dance. The tears are just streaming down my face over this Stacey Tookey routine:

The Journal Review...

TONS OF FUN: Sordid Lives delivers laughs and lots of heart
By Mary Martin Niepold
SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL
Published: June 21, 2009

Leave it to playwright Del Shores to dish up folks dealing with death, adultery, homophobia, shotguns, crossdressing, a mental institution and a funeral. The result: laughs as familiar as the tuna casserole brought to the grieving family. Sordid Lives opened Friday night at Theatre Alliance to a packed and happy house.

Laughs are inevitable in this return engagement for a wacky look at one Texas family whose members include: a gay grandson, a crossdressing son, a daughter who's a prude, another daughter who totes a pistol, and a sister who's trying to quit smoking. We meet them after the family matriarch died by hitting her head on the sink in a local motel when she tripped over the wooden legs of her lover who happens to be the husband of one of her daughter's best friends.

In the small town of Winters, Texas, the laughs are big. Sissy dispenses valium to handle just about anything. Latrelle will not let her mother be buried in her favorite mink stole in the middle of summer. "Brother Boy" has been Tammy Wynette so long we hope he never changes.

There's a lot of heart in these Texas characters. Homophobia is present, but ultimately, the story is about giving up judgment and denial for the love that was there all along.

Sordid Lives was a big hit when the Theatre Alliance presented it in 2006, and director Jamie Lawson makes sure there's no weak acting in this honky-tonk reprise. A few actors stand out.

Cheryl Roberts as the proper sister, Latrelle, may be a prude, but we love her because we feel her struggle to deny that her son is gay. She shows us how to embrace truth.

April Meacham-Linscott in her return role as Sissy is a hoot as the woman who picked the wrong week to stop smoking.

Finally, Gray Smith as "Brother Boy" has outdone his previous flamboyant, cross-dressing characters. As Tammy Wynette, he's as real as the country lyrics she made famous. More so, he's so tender that we want people to just leave him alone and bring him home for his mama's funeral.

Put it all together, and you've got laughs, and an evening that flies to a high-kicking conclusion.

■ The Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance presents Sordid Lives at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 24-27 and July 1-3 and at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 27, and at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 28 at the theater, 1047 Northwest Blvd. Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors/students. Call 336-723-7777.

Latrelle and Sissy

They were lead to a four top table. She quickly scanned the restaurant to see if a booth was available. They had been given the best option. She chose her seat, placing her purse in the chair to her right. Instead of sitting across from her as she intended, he pulled the chair to her left. She started to protest but decided to remain silent. His chosen seat would allow her better cover from his inevitable inquiry.

The waiter introduced himself and asked if they'd been there before. She nodded in affirmation and inwardly sighed at the unintentional irony. They gave their drink orders and were left alone to review the menu. She was not in the least bit hungry. The waiter returned with alcoholic drinks (she needed the courage) and they placed their order.

Filling the silence he asked how she thought the previous hours felt. She admitted she had worked hard, and she smiled because she knew she had nailed it. She was very satisfied with her obvious improvement, and his matching smile told her he was in agreement. She could see the pride registered on his face and in his voice as he talked to the waiter who was setting down full plates.

She could not match his gusto as he dug into his food. Instead, she held her drink in her hands, thankful for the condensation of the glass. She busied herself with clearing the frost. She could hear him chewing.

The pretending she had done earlier had taken a toll on her. She could no longer be anyone but the raw core of herself. She knew he was watching her; knew his question was imminent. As he put down his fork and wiped his mouth with the thick black napkin, she could no longer contain herself. A tear grazed her cheek. Her breath stilled as his voice queried.

She reached for her own napkin as her shoulders started to quake. Cloth napkins do not absorb well, she errantly thought. She dabbed at her eyes, attempting to salvage her mascara, and finally met his gaze.

She caught his slight intake of breath at the conflict and pain marring her face. In his eyes she could see she had confirmed his fear; one he'd expressed within the first month, and again the previous summer. She started crying; burying her face in the impermeable napkin.

His one word response, a man's name, was not a question. Still, she nodded.

He finished his drink in a single gulp, and motioned for the waiter. She struggled to regain control of her frail emotions. He quickly paid the bill and reached for her hand. He did not want to provide further dinner conversation for the other patrons. They walked wordlessly to her car.

She turned to face him in the passenger's seat. She started to apologize and offer up the honesty in her head, but tears erupted again at the sight of his damp eyes. She miserably wondered if there was something seriously wrong with her that she could be the impetus for such grief. A line from a movie, something about shooting horses, flitted in her memory.

He finally spoke, a question posed to her in the present tense. She raised and dropped her shoulders in an answer befitting a teenager. He looked at her, and saw that her confusion was honest, but he knew there was more. Gently he pressed her, vowing to listen with an open heart and mind.

She softly admitted to a lack of a definitive answer. She whispered of many months spent in consistent anguish; crying, pondering, questioning and praying. She was afraid of her possible feelings; terrified she was a textbook example. She spoke of vain attempts to align her heart and her head. Defeated, she again met his eyes. Amid the flashes of anger and hurt she recognized the emotion she felt she was not worthy. Tears sprang anew.

He despised the warring inside her; hated that she was so full of doubt of herself. He wished for her to clearly see! Still, he understood he could not accompany her; this battle was hers alone to fight. There need be only one victor and he whispered his hope that it would be her.

Tears subsided, and she reached her hand toward him. He fit his palm within hers and pushed all his strength through to her. She squeezed back; a gesture that provided both with reassurance. They both knew they would be okay.

there are times when he is too much
times i cannot sense or handle
i am numb
i am torn

there are times i ask Him for remedy
times i cannot exist on my own
i need direction
i need clarity

there are times counsel is accorded
times i choose to heed
a boy's eyes
a harsh word

Rehearsal with Photographer, Sordid Lives

Last night David Joy attended rehearsal to take show pictures. Now normally that doesn't bother me. In other venues there usually is some distance between the stage and audience, so the photographer can walk around inconspicuously snapping away. Theatre Alliance is a very intimate setting, with mere inches separating the stage and audience.

So not only did I see David walking around trying to get the best shots, I also heard the click, click, click of the camera because he was so close. As a result, there were times when I lost focus and went up on some of my lines.

As if that wasn't bad enough, I actually caught myself posturing for some of the shots! I'd be "in the moment" and suddenly see David out of the corner of my eye. Twice I had to fight the inclination to pause, smile, and hold the pose while David captured the shot. One time I actually changed my blocking so I could be more in the scene. Aaargh! I am so lamenting my total disregard for theatre professionalism!!

It's not really my fault, though. I totally blame my mother and aunties for years of "Stop! Hold there and let me take your picture."

Rumors and Notes, Sordid Lives

Last night I was standing in the bathroom putting on my Latrelle wig when one of my castmates appeared in the doorway asking if I wanted to hear the latest rumor about me and one of the crew. Apparently everyone was under the impression that we were living together. Everyone? I mean, that's a pretty inclusive pronoun.

So I returned to the dressing room and asked all the ladies if anyone had heard that rumor. As suspected, no one had. I received an explanation from another castmate; she said it was probably borne of jealousy.

I think she was right.

Later during notes, the director was complimenting me on a comedic bit. That same castmate butted in, and tried to give me direction on how to play that comedic bit!

Starting rumors is bad enough, but commenting on and directing someone else's note! I'm still shaking my head over the audacity.

Rehearsal, Sordid Lives

If there ever was a performance that I phoned in, it was last night's. Thank goodness it was a tech rehearsal. I'm not sure what my problem was, but I was just not feeling Latrelle. At all. I thought getting into costume would help, but it didn't.

After rehearsal as I was walking to my car, Jamie called me back. I thought he was going to talk to me about my blah performance. Actually, he did talk to me about my performance - he gave me a really nice compliment!

Have you ever had a day when your hair is crap but someone comes up and tells you your hair looks great? That's exactly what last night felt like! I didn't feel my performance at all, and yet the director ends up complimenting me.

Life, and rehearsal, are sometimes funny like that.

Trash Talk From The Heart

Theatre Alliance brings back Del Shores' Southern comedy Sordid Lives
By Mary Martin Niepold

Leave it to Texas playwright Del Shores to skewer the hilarity of Southern customs (including denial of the sexual reality of some family members) and for the Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance to tap his series of comedy hits as part of its tried-and-true programming. Come Friday, Sordid Lives, one of Shores more successful trash-talking, heart-pulling comedies will return to the company's stage.

Sordid Lives was first presented at Theatre Alliance in 2006 and was such a hit that director Jamie Lawson decided it was time to stir up summer with a repeat run.

While the original Sordid Lives didn't fare fabulously with the critics when it debuted in 1996, it went on to capture 14 Drama League awards. By 2001, the film version, which starred Olivia Newton-John, Delta Burke and Beau Bridges, became a cult classic, especially among gay and independent audiences. The TV series last year was a cult hit as well.

For Lawson, Shores' material succeeds on several levels. One, Lawson personally loves it; two, he knows that Winston-Salem audiences love it; and three, the company has never misfired with mounting any of Shores's string of Southern romps. The company showed Daddy's Dyin', Who's Got the Will in 2007, Southern Baptist Sissies in 2008, and now the double offering of Sordid Lives in 2006 and this month.

Shores' only remaining work, The Trials and Tribulations of a
Trailer Trash Housewife, will be presented in April 2010.

"That means we will have done them all," Lawson said, "and then what will we do?"

Obviously, Shores knows how to make Southern audiences, in particular, laugh their hearts out, including at themselves.

In Sordid Lives, the storyline rests on shenanigans, none of which are that unfamiliar to Southerners. Basically, two sisters and an aunt are trying to make funeral arrangements for the recently deceased Peggy Ingram. Peggy is the mother to daughters, Latrelle and LaVonda, and son, Earl "Brother Boy" Ingram. Her much younger sister is Sissy Hickey.

Peggy, unfortunately, hit her head and bled to death after tripping over her lover's wooden legs in a motel room. Latrelle, the very proper of the two sisters, does not want to bury her mother in a mink stole in the summertime in Texas, and LaVonda remains the free spirit in the family. Meanwhile, their brother, Brother Boy, has been institutionalized for the past 23 years in a mental institution because he's convinced he's really Tammy Wynette.

We actually see "Brother Boy" rehearsing for his Tammy Wynette show in the institution, along with a series of three other vignettes that happen on the day before and day of Peggy's funeral.

The play is like a family tree of misfits and misfires covering three generations of relatives and friends. Some of their names are "Bubba," "Odell," "Noleta," "Doctor Evil" and "Bumper," which says a lot, and the week of the funeral just happens to be the week that Sissy had decided to quit smoking.

Most of us would admit that funerals somehow bring out the worst in some relatives. But when that fuse is set off in a Southern town where characters happen to include being gay, a cross-dresser, the town drunk and a deranged ex-girlfriend, then, fireworks ignite and skeletons start tumbling out of the closet. Making it all the more hilarious is the fact that these folks wouldn't know reality under any circumstances, let alone at a funeral.

Lawson said that this show is actually unlike any of Theatre Alliance's other shows. He said that he doesn't personally love comedies, per se, but that there's just something about Sordid Lives that he does love. The show has adult language and themes, but all ages are welcomed.

"This is a combination of mild bathroom humor and a sitcom -- but it has heart," Lawson said.

"The show is particularly Southern in that it's over the top, and characters are in situations that at first glance appear outrageous, but are actually rooted in a lot of truth.

The Southern part is the customs such as tons of food brought to the home on the occasion of death, the dialect and the costumes.

"It's just so funny to Southerners, because you see people or situations that are so familiar," Lawson said.

And while it is true that drama and literature revolve around major life events, a Shores play taps his talent for presenting those events with over-the-top imagination in very familiar settings.

Lawson likens the heart portrayed in the play to the feeling he gets after seeing a Disney movie. "What makes me like a Disney movie is that I can identify with the characters, whether it's a singing mermaid or a flying elephant. Most people root for an underdog, and this show has that.

"At the end of show," he said, "you come away feeling there's still hope and goodness lurking in the world."

A First Grade Improvement

Yesterday was the last day of school for Mallorie and Cade. With the exception of Mallorie missing her senior friends, both are looking forward to summer vacation.

Cade came home with his bookbag full of stuff. I think every piece of paper from the 1st grade followed him home! While I sat sorting out what I wanted to keep for his scrapbook, I came across these two gems.

Here's a picture of Cade taken within the first few days of 1st grade. His teacher had them write something.

And here is the exact same assignment given last month. (Don't pay any attention to the lack of spelling. While Cade had spelling words and tests every week, they do not focus on spelling when the kids are writing. Ideas and structure are more important.)

The Tonys - Live Blogging, (Well Sorta)

Okay. I just got home from the KLT board meeting. (Don't ask.) So, thanks to my Time Warner DVR, I can rewind and watch from the beginning. So, here goes -

Opening Numbers
Billy Elliot. Who is that signing? Oh, it's Elton John. Dang, it's the Tonys for goodness sake. Can't they get the sound worked out? Where's the other Billy?

West Side Story - problems with mikes again. Come on. Oh, a West Side Story / Guys and Dolls mash up.

OMG! Is that Brett Michaels? Poison. On the Tonys. Who would ever have thought? Hahahaha Did Brett Michaels just get clocked by the set? His cowboy hat is on stage!

Oh, a Pal Joey and Next to Normal mash up. I'm just not impressed with Stockard.

Shrek! Absolutely let your Freak Flag Fly! (I loved this number in the show!)

Would you expect anything less than Dolly Parton singing 9 to 5?

Liza Minelli. Again, not impressed.

Hair. Oh, they really do have fabulous costumes. (Way to go Michael!) Excellent song to get the audience on their feet.

Okay, fast forwarding - still not "live" yet.

Shiny suit, Neil. OMG! A great joke about Brett! Mallorie and I are laughing our butts off!

First award of the night, Best Performance by a featured actor in a play. Dang. I so wanted John Glover to win! Awww, Roger thanked his 98 year old mother...

Fast forwarding....fast forwarding through the Shrek number. (I saw on Broadway.)

I'm laughing my butt off....James Gandalofini you are too funny! That was hilarious!

Second award, Best Performance by a featured actress in a play. Yes! The 5th win for Angela Lansbury. I got that one right!

Fast forwarding through Mama Mia...through commericals....almost "live".

Smell and sniff? Mary Poppins? Eeewwww.

Best Book went to Billy Elliot and best orignal Score went to Next to Normal. I didn't get these right either. Best orchestration also went to Next to Normal. Again, I missed.

Who is this? Oh, Lin something something from In The Heights. Okay, fast forwarding...still not "live". I'm close though.

Best Direction of a Play. Oh, I am so glad his double nomination didn't hurt. Yes! I got this one right. He definitely deserved to win for God of Carnage.

Best Direction of a Musical. Excellent. Stephen also deserves this win. (And another one I got right!) Thank you so very much, Stephen for thanking the crew! Very classy sentiment.

This is exactly what you'd expect from a show called Rock of Ages. I saw all these cats in the 80's.

Liza Minelli, of course, would win. And here I thought he was gonna had her a kleenex.

Oh man, look at the dress Marcia has on. She looks absolutely beautiful!

Sound! What's up with the sound? Oh, good. They gave him a hand mike.

Okay, I'm finally live! (Crap, this now means I have to actually sit through the commercials.)

9:28 - Oh, wait. What's this? Best orchestration was a tie? Well, then I got it right with Billy Elliot. And I got best choreography right with Billy Elliot.

9:33 - Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical. Drat. I really hoped that Christopher Seiber would have won. (Wow, she really has big boobs!)

9:35 - Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical. Missed this one too.

9:37 - Yes, ladies and gentleman, that is Princess Leia!
Again with the sound problems....
Thanks again, Ben, for making a copy of the Next to Normal CD. I can't wait to listen to it!

9:44 - Oh, I almost forgot Neil was hosting. Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play. No surprise there. I knew Geoffrey would win.

9:49 - Memorials. Okay, let's remember there are folks at home who are watching. We can't see the screen when you focus on the chorus.

9:57 - Design awards. I missed Best Lighting Design of a Play and of a Musical. I did get the Best Costume Design. I love that Tim Hatley wore a green shirt and tie! I got Best Sound Design of a Play but missed the Musical.

Best Lead Actress in a Play. Frank, let's get on with it please. Yes!!!! All is right in the world! Go Marcia!

10:14 - Man, I wish I could fast forward. How many times have I seen Legally Blonde now? This number makes it one too many!

10:17 - Best Revival of a Play goes to The Norman Conquests. (I can't believe I'm actually upset Godot didn't win.)

10:19 - Best Play. Okay, I'm done with my Hooray dance. God of Carnage! I am so very glad this won, and I'm thrilled I got to see it on Broadway. (Who has culture now, huh? I picked this show to see!)

10:30 - Lifetime Acheivement. I am in a pool for how long his speech is. I said 4 minutes. Let's see if I nail it. Nope, they cut him off!

Way to go Hair for Best Revival of a Musical! Hell yes - Peace now, freedom now, Equality now!

During the commercial I checked my prediction count - 13 correct!

10:48 - I love David Hyde Pierce. Best Actress in a Musical goes to Alice Ripley. I'm not at all surprised. I did figure she's win. I was just hoping that Sutton would go home with the award. Okay, I'm already bored with Alice's acceptance speech.

10:50 - Best Actor in a Musical goes...to the Billys! 3 speechless boys...maybe if they danced? Oh, they are so cute!

10"57 - Mallorie says I perfectly timed my cough to go along with Jersey Boys music. Lol, I wish I was that good!

11:00 - Here we go. Best Musical goes to Billy Elliot. Very nice shout out, Sir Elton, to Next to Normal.

11:03 - Neil Patrick sings. What a treat! Lol. Angela and Poison! Who wrote this closing song? It's hysterical!

So I believe, if I've calculated correctly, I'm 15 out of 26. (Good, but maybe I shouldn't rush out and get a lottery ticket!)

The Tony Awards!

The Tonys are tonight! I'm alternately upset and excited.

I've got a Kernersville Little Theatre board meeting tonight, so unfortunately I'll miss some of the awards. The biggest night in theatre and theatre people are stuck in a meeting discussing the theatre organization? There is something definitely wrong with that. As soon as our meeting is over I'm headed home to my TV.

I am very excited because, a mere three weeks ago, I was in NYC and was fortunate to see 4 shows that are nominated tonight. So, with some authority (limited as it may be!) here are my Tony picks for tonight:

Best Play
Dividing the Estate
God of Carnage
Reasons to Be Pretty
33 Variations

Saw it and absolutely loved it! The cast was phenomenal!

Best Musical
Billy Elliot
Next to Normal
Rock of Ages
Shrek

I saw Shrek and was thoroughly entertained, but I’ve heard (from Joe) and read nothing but great things about Billy Elliot.

Best Revival of A Play
Joe Turner's Come and Gone
Mary Stuart
The Norman Conquests
Waiting for Godot

Even after seeing the play, I still don’t like it. It’s just so boring. The outstanding performances by the cast is the only reason I'm voting for it.

Best Revival of A Musical
Guys and Dolls
Hair
Pal Joey
West Side Story

I heard Pal Joey wasn’t good, read the redesign of West Side Story wasn’t successful. I don’t particularly like Guys and Dolls, so by process of elimination, Hair gets my vote.

Best Book of A Musical
Billy Elliot - Lee Hall
Next to Normal - Brian Yorkey
Shrek - David Lindsay-Abaire
[Title of Show] - Hunter Bell

I’m going out on a limb by voting for this unique show. Next to Normal would be my second choice.

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics)
Billy Elliot - Music: Elton John, Lyrics: Lee Hall
Next to Normal - Music: Tom Kitt, Lyrics: Brian Yorkey
9 to 5 - Music and Lyrics: Dolly Parton
Shrek - Music - Jeanine Tesori, Lyrics: David Lindsay-Abaire

I’ve been singing and humming Shrek showtunes since seeing the show. And I love David Lindsay-Abaire! (Rabbit Hole, one of my very favorite scripts.)

Best Performance by A Leading Actor in A Play
Jeff Daniels - God of Carnage
Raul Esparza - Speed-the-Plow
James Gandolfini- God of Carnage
Geoffrey Rush - Exit the King
Thomas Sadoski - Reasons to be Pretty

I’d love to see James Gandolfini win (and rise above his Tony Soprano), I think Geoffrey’s got this one.

Best Performance by A Leading Actress in A Play
Hope Davis - God of Carnage
Jane Fonda - 33 Variations
Marcia Gay Harden - God of Carnage
Janet McTeer - Mary Stuart
Harriet Walter - Mary Stuart

OMG! Marcia Gay Harden was outstanding as Veronica! If she doesn’t win, nothing is right in the world!

Best Performance by A Leading Actor in A Musical
David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik, and Kiril Kulish - Billy Elliot
Gavin Creel - Hair
Brian d'Arcy James - Shrek
Constantine Maroulis - Rock of Ages
J. Robert Spencer - Next to Normal

Based on Joe’s very positive comments, I’m going with the controversial vote here. (But I wouldn’t mind if American Idol finalist Constantine won.)

Best Performance by A Leading Actress in A Musical
Stockard Channing - Pal Joey
Sutton Foster - Shrek
Allison Janney - 9 to 5
Alice Ripley - Next to Normal
Josefina Scaglione - West Side Story

I’ve heard Stockard Channing and Allison Janney sing, and neither can. Sutton gets my enthusiastic vote – she’s such a talented actress and she's got the pipes!

Best Performance by A Featured Actor in A Play
John Glover - Waiting for Godot
Zach Grenier - 33 Variations
Stephen Mangan - The Norman Conquests
Paul Ritter - The Norman Conquests
Roger Robinson - Joe Turner's Come and Gone

He was absolutely brilliant!

Best Performance by A Featured Actress in A Play
Hallie Foote - Dividing the Estate
Jessica Hynes - The Norman Conquests
Marin Ireland - Reasons to be Pretty
Angela Lansbury - Blithe Spirit
Amanda Root - The Norman Conquests

Here’s hoping for her 5th Tony!

Best Performance by A Featured Actor in A Musical
David Bologna - Billy Elliot
Gregory Jbara - Billy Elliot
Marc Kudisch - 9 to 5
Christopher Sieber - Shrek
Will Swenson - Hair

He performed on his knees!

Best Performance by A Featured Actress in A Musical
Jennifer Damiano - Next to Normal
Haydn Gwynne - Billy Elliot
Karen Olivo - West Side Story
Martha Plimpton - Pal Joey
Carole Shelley - Billy Elliot

Again, based on Joe’s positive comments, and her interview with Jane Waldman.

Best Direction of A Play
Phyllida Lloyd - Mary Stuart
Bartlett Sher - Joe Turner's Come and Gone
Matthew Warchus - God of Carnage
Matthew Warchus - The Norman Conquests

I'm a little concerned about a split vote...

Best Direction of A Musical
Stephen Daldry - Billy Elliot
Michael Greif - Next to Normal
Kristin Hanggi - Rock of Ages
Diane Paulus - Hair

Best Choreography
Karole Armitage - Hair
Andy Blankenbuehler - 9 to 5
Peter Darling - Billy Elliot
Randy Skinner - Irving Berlin's White Christmas

I didn’t particularly like the dance numbers in 9 to 5.

Best Orchestrations
Larry Blank - Irving Berlin's White Christmas
Martin Koch - Billy Elliot
Michael Starobin and Tom Kitt - Next to Normal
Danny Troob and John Clancy – Shrek

Best Scenic Design of A Play
Dale Ferguson - Exit the King
Rob Howell - The Norman Conquests
Derek McLane - 33 Variations
Michael Yeargan - Joe Turner's Come and Gone

Out of all the nominations, I think 33 Variations had the most inventive design.

Best Scenic Design of A Musical
Robert Brill - Guys and Dolls
Ian MacNeil - Billy Elliot
Scott Pask - Pal Joey
Mark Wendland - Next to Normal

(See comments for Best Scenic Design of a Play.)

Best Costume Design of A Play
Dale Ferguson - Exit the King
Jane Greenwood - Waiting for Godot
Martin Pakledinaz - Blithe Spirit
Anthony Ward - Mary Stuart

I always vote for the period costumes!

Best Costume Design of A Musical
Gregory Gale - Rock of Ages
Nicky Gillibrand - Billy Elliot
Tim Hatley - Shrek
Michael McDonald - Hair

Michael McDonald came to see “Nebula” so I feel kinda bad not voting for him. But the fairytale costumes and Christopher Sieber’s Lord Farquaad contraption costume gets my enthusiastic vote.

Best Lighting Design of A Play
David Hersey - Equus
David Lander - 33 Variations
Brian MacDevitt - Joe Turner's Come and Gone
Hugh Vanstone - Mary Stuart

It was a toss up between Equus and 33 Variations.

Best Lighting Design of A Musical
Kevin Adams - Hair
Kevin Adams - Next to Normal
Howell Binkley - West Side Story
Rick Fisher - Billy Elliot

Best Sound Design of A Play
Paul Arditti - Mary Stuart
Gregory Clarke - Equus
Russell Goldsmith - Exit the King
Scott Lehrer and Leon Rothenberg - Joe Turner's Come and Gone

Best Sound Design of A Musical
Acme Sound Partners - Hair
Paul Arditti - Billy Elliot
Peter Hylenski - Rock of Ages
Brian Ronan - Next to Normal

First Grade Picnic

The weather was slightly threatening so the picnic was held inside the Community Center. The place was festively decorated with red, white and blue. Some of the dads grilled hamburgers and hotdogs and we had homemade ice cream for dessert. The kids had a great time and were rewarded for all their hard work during the school year.

We were entertained with a patriotic program.

Cade receives a medal for being the Most Improved Reader.

Cade is receiving another medal from the principal for Outstanding Attendance.

Emails that Made Me Smile

I received two emails today that really made my day!

The first one was from Twitter letting me know that Del Shores is now following my tweets. He's also following two other of my Sordid Lives castmates. How cool would it be if he came to see our production?

The second email was from a certain director asking me to mark a certain audition date in my calendar. A few years ago this director barely watched me during an audition. Now I'm being asked to attend!

I can't help the wide grin. Yes, it's gonna be a good day!

Interview with Eve - June skirt! Philosophy

Lilith got fed up with Adam's bossiness and left him. And then he got me and your know the rest....Adam never had much luck with women. Don't get me started on those fig leaves...guess who got stuck with the laundry from Day One? While Adam snored, the snake and I stayed up to schmooze. And believe me, he knew all the dirt in the Garden. That apple? Adam never let me live it down. No matter what went wrong, he was like, "If you hadn't eaten that apple blah blah blah..." Let me set the record straight...Adam and I have the same number of ribs. All I can say about Cain is that one day I was in Paradise and the next I was raising a rotten apple. Am I bitter? How would you like to go down in history as "the devil's gateway"? Google "Adam and Eve" and a sex toy business comes up first. We just can't catch a break in the media. Do I regret the apple? No, but your first one is always the most D e l i c i o u s !

3-Year-Old Wakes From Coma Singing 'Mamma Mia'

This story makes me smile, and it's a charming example of the importance of the arts!

Child Wakes From Coma Singing
CNN
(May 26) -- A three-year-old girl defies the odds when she woke up from a five-day coma singing "Mamma Mia."

Layla Towsey was on life support after being revived from a near-fatal heart attack, brought on by meningitis. Doctors had just finished removing her breathing tube when her mother, Katy Towsey, heard her humming tunes from the popular musical and film.

Now back at home and full of energy, Towsey sings "Mama Mia" tunes all around the home. "It was driving me insane before," said her mother. "Now it just reminds me of what happened. It makes me so happy."

August: Osage County, My Review

Right on the side of the theatre, in big bold words, it says Best Play and Pulitzer Prize winning. Many people who have seen the show before me have loved it. So I went in with some pretty incredible expectations.

The set exceeded my expectations. Pictures just do not do it justice. You have to see the set live to really appreciate it. It's 3 levels and it is absolutely stunning. There is no doubt why it was last year's Tony winner.

Act One started out on an excellent foot. John Cullum, as patriarch Beverly Weston, delivered a very impressive drunken exposition monologue. Elizabeth Ashley, as Mattie Fae, looked and spoke like a garishly made up man in drag. At some point during the arrival of the Weston family, I caught myself falling asleep. I don't believe I was ever asleep long enough to snore, but it was my head falling forward that woke me up. Unfortunately, I was awake to see Estelle Parson's entrance, as the pill popping Violet Weston. The last thing I want to see, on Broadway no less, is an actor obviously acting to appear under the influence of drugs. She was terrible! Equally as bad was Sally Murphy as Ivey. Her weird voice inflections reminded me of nails on a chalkboard.

After the first intermission was over, I was a bit hesitant to return. I was worried about falling asleep and was not looking forward to Estelle Parson's or Sally Murphy's performances. I needn't have, other family members were spotlighted. I enjoyed watching Mariann Mayberry and Brian Kerwin, who played Karen Weston and Steve, her fiance. I was also impressed with Anne Berkowitz, who held her own as teenager Jean Fordham. But it was Johanna Day's portrayal of Barbara, the eldest daughter, that had me absolutely riveted. It wasn't until the house lights came up for the second intermission that I realized I was even in a theatre! And I was wide awake!

The remainder of the show was outstandingly owned by Johanna Day. I had completely forgotten a family secret from reading the script, so I was just as shocked as the rest of the audience. I was even able to forgive Sally Murphy's whiney reveal moment because Johanna Day was that damn good.

NYC, Day 1 - Sunday

The flight from Greensboro to LaGuardia was uneventful. I read the entire SkyMall catalog and was able to close my eyes and nap during the flight. I nearly froze standing on the tarmac waiting for my carry-on. It was chilly and very windy. While Ken retrieved his luggage, I went to the transportation kiosk to call our Blue Van. The attendant called for me, advised the driver would meet us inside, and directed me to chairs. Ken had a difficult time believing the van driver would meet us in the airport. After a 30 minute wait, sure enough, the driver walked in, announced our names, and we were on our way to Hotel Mela. Unfortunately, though not entirely unexpected, a room was not available. The hotel staff stored our luggage, and we were off explore and kill time before the matinee.

We decided to have lunch and ate at John's Pizzeria. Afterward we ducked into one of the souvenir shops. Due to the cold weather, I had to find something to keep me warm. I lucked out and found black sweatshirts on sale for $19.99. Instead of "if all the world's a stage, I want better lighting" I went with "almost famous". Ken rolled his eyes, but what did he expect for twenty bucks?

After checking again with the hotel, we headed over to the Music Box Theatre to see August: Osage County. We were seated in the 3rd row, and with a gorgeous 3 level set, it was almost too close to the stage. While reading the Playbill, I sent up a silent prayer that I wouldn't fall asleep during the production. I hadn't gotten much sleep the night before (too excited!) and only that brief cat-nap on the plane. I was worried about the 3 hour long show.

After the matinee we headed directly to Hotel Mela, and thankfully our room was ready. The room is certainly small, very European, but clean. And Joe Turner's Come And Gone is playing at the Belasco right across the street. We unpacked and decided to head to Serendipity for dinner. I got a burger and Ken ordered the Chicken Diva. Our food took forever to arrive. After finishing our dinner we were both in the mood for dessert. Instead of ordering one of their famous Frozen desserts (because it was too big for one person) I went with pecan pie. It was so good. I was grateful for the long walk back to the hotel.

Art by Cade

Tent

When I sweep the kitchen floor I move the dining table chairs into the living room. This makes it much easier to get all the crumbs from under the table.

Tonight I only replaced two of the chairs. Cade and I made a tent with the other two chairs. He thought it was the greatest thing! He put his sleeping bag and pillow under with the full intention of sleeping there!

Where's Stanislavski When You Need Him?

I've been involved with community theatre for over 20 years. I've worked with many theatres in a variety of capacities. I've worked backstage and in the house; stage manager to concessions. I've performed on stage with "actors" from all walks of life and with as many degrees of theatrical knowledge, education and experience. I've been with SETC for over a year where I've worked college and professional auditions, observing the vast spectrum of talent. I've had the honor of conversing with college professors and professional company reps. As such, I've seen, heard about, and personally experienced "it all". Or so I thought.

Symptomatic of theatre is the "all about me" attitude, and yes, I anticipated occurrences because I've worked before with the few afflicted. But last night I was absolutely flabbergasted by a despicable and embarrassing display of ego I am aggrieved to have witnessed. An utter disregard of humanity ran undercurrent.

While some might agree that ego has it's place, the stage is certainly not one of those. As attributed to Stanislavski, an actor should "Love the art in yourself, not yourself in the art."

Today's Message

Life is short
Break the rules
Forgive quickly
Kiss slowly
Love truly
Laugh uncontrollably
Never regret anything that made you smile

Art by Cade

I'm not sure what it is, but I know it's not a dinosaur!

Cinco de Mayo

There is no better celebration than this Tacos cake offered by Debbie Does Cakes. Everything is edible, including the bowl of pico de gallo.

First Grade Field Day

Allan and I volunteered again this year to help with Cade's field day. Since experience is the best teacher, we asked to be assigned to the same station as last year.

I was more than happy to take the pictures, thus remaining dry. Allan wasn't as lucky. Somehow I don't think he minded.