Oops: November 20

I almost totally went up in my monologue this evening. After a wee pause, my line that normally goes "As if that didn't stir our kilts..." then became "As if that didn't get our kilts in an uproar..." Then I was fine.

And I had the toots. But not onstage.

Funny crowds.

Down here at the Welk, we love our audiences. The median age skews a bit older than even your typical theatre since it is a favorite destination of various retirement communities. Bring on the buses! Sometimes, though, we get some characters in the crowd. For instance, today there were a couple talkers – one talking back to the actors as if she were watching TV ("Look! Snow") and the other explaining the show to a friend ("He's trying to move into the spotlight! I said, 'He's trying to move into the spotlight!!'"). We had a snorer (or throat clearer... we couldn't really tell). And, among the favorites, a woman with a monocular in the second row. I'd occasionally scan the crowd as we do in the show, only to find monocular lady keyed right in on me. She'd drop the eye contraption and pretend there was nothing unusual here. And to cap it off, there was actually a lady who trumped monocular-in-the-second-row lady... BINOCULARS-in-the-FIRST-row lady! As if they couldn't see how much I sweat, they had to look up my pores. Ha! It keeps things lively here at the Welk. Sometimes it's hard to keep from getting the giggles. And we really do love our crowds. Bring 'em on.

Back to Plaid...

After a strenuous week (tech and opening), it was a joy to have a day off. I stayed down in North San Diego County and, except for taking part in an audition, I spent the day relaxing. It was so great to meander down the coast. I particularly enjoyed a bit of wading in the surf as the sun set. I capped the evening with a little grocery shopping and a viewing of Elf.


Now I'm getting set to head back to Plaidland, and I'm so thrilled. (L to R: David, me, Johnny, Paul.) The show is so much fun and audiences are just eating it up. Folks say the loveliest things after the show and sometimes even feel compelled to give us hugs. I'm also looking forward to welcoming some of the family on Thursday as they will be down from the Northwest to see the show (and hit Disneyland).

And now that the show is up and running, I'm looking forward to getting into a sort of routine. With the time I have available between happy Plaid shows I look forward to getting some projects done. This will be a wonderful season. I feel so blessed. That's it for now. Peace and love, y'all!

Opening night!

Wow! Is it here already? The week started off low-key since we were in pretty good shape and tech needed a bit more time to prepare, but then we had a 10 of 12 rehearsal day (10 hours work with a two hour dinner break) and the very next day (yesterday) TWO performances to paying audiences. I hit the hay hard last night. And I've been taking it easy today, with a field trip with friends to an antique show of sorts – really amazing displays of beautiful old stuff and kitschy, nostalgic holiday items – and a swing by a nut farm for snacks. Now I'm contemplating taking a super quick drive to the ocean to watch the sunset before heading to the theatre for our official opening night performance. I created the caricatures below to make an appearance in the show. (L to R: Me, David Humphrey, Johnny Bisom, and Paul Binotto.)


As the week went by in rehearsals, it became more and more evident the stuff (vocals, moves, etc.) I was still bit shaky on. I'm still working on reaching the level I think the show (and my Plaid team) deserves. Every day I nail another vocal line and steady myself on a new move. I'm realizing I am my own worst critic, though, because although we in the cast know our weaker spots, the audiences just love it. In our first two performances we had folks on their feet at the end and saying lovely things after. It reminds me that, while I still have work to do, just putting it out there is the first happy step that audiences appreciate. I'm looking forward to a fantastic and fun run. Here we go!! Peace and love, y'all!

Second week of rehearsals.

We're back in Plaid Land! Last week was a crazy week, but it really paid off because we're in pretty good shape. I still have a lot of work to do, but I'm feeling really good about how much I know already. Onward! [Photos: David E cutting Johnny B's hair, Paul practicing his accordion.)


Today, we got our hairs cut Plaid style. Then we worked through the show and finished up early. Tomorrow after a work through at the rehearsal studio, we head to the theatre for our fancy photo shoot and then begin work on the stage. Runthroughs and tech the next few days. Thursday we have two preview performances and then official opening on Friday. Yay!

On the drawing board, I have a couple little projects I've promised (why, in the middle of all this rehearsal, I'm not sure, but...). The holidays look to be bringing some fun projects, but I also really need to buckle down on some of those personal projects that seem to endlessly live on my back burner.

So on we go! Take care, all! Peace and love.

The day off.

Just a quick one... After seven days of arduous rehearsals, we've reached a day off. My brain is full. My vocal cords are mincemeat. And I'm thinking fondly of the fun we've already had (I mean falling on the floor fits of laughter). I look forward to the rest of this rehearsal process with this amazing and wacky gang, and I anticipate a lovely and enjoyable holiday run. If you're able to visit Escondido, CA during the holidays, please come and see the crazy Plaid guys. Peace and love, y'all.

Our new president.

It feels like a new day. I am so happy that Barack Obama will be our next president. My good thoughts and prayers go out to him and his administration because there is quite a lot of work to be done. I also hope this rather divided country can now come together and work for a better world.

Peace and love.