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.

Quick post from Escondido...

Hey there... The fact that I'm posting means that I'm procrastinating in my Plaid Tidings homework. Okay... I'm taking a break. That sounds better.


We're splitting our rehearsal time between a couple spaces. Well, mostly we're in the lobby of the Welk Resort Theatre. Here's a photo taken during a break time. Yes, in the background you can see a life size cut-out of Lawrence Welk that you can pose next to. (A one-a and a two-a...)

We also spent our first session today at a local ballet studio where Humphrey caught a grasshopper staring into the mirror, likely hoping to pick up a couple of our fancy Plaid mooooves. This show is a BEAR! I have so much homework to do. But it will be a super fun time when it's all up on its feet and running.



I also want to post a couple pics of the nieces and nephews. There's Jack as the Human Torch and Maddie as Snow White. And then there's Karson, Kelli, and Kobe karving pumpkins. Looks like Karson wasn't having a great time at this particular moment. Ha! Well, as I jump back into my homework, happy birthday to my buddy Roller. And happy November to you all! Go vote. Peace and love to you.

Whirlwind trip: St. Paul & Chicago!

I'm back! I had such a great vacation and visit with my bro and his family in St. Paul AND with friends in Chicago. It was just the perfect time of togetherness and autumn fun. Here's a rundown about the trip, but it has to be quick... I'm also packing to head down to Escondido to start Plaid Tidings rehearsals. The whirlwind continues. But here's a recap...


My brother Jordan lives in St. Paul with his wife Aimee and kids Maddie and Jack. We had a great time carving pumpkins and visiting the mall and apple orchard. They were the hosts with the most and we ate very well and had lots of fun. It was SO lovely to see the family and I look forward to the next time I can visit.



After this lovely time, I headed south to Chicago to visit friends: Roller is directing a kids' production of Joseph..., Michelle and Mindy and Kerry are in Wicked (and I got to see Michelle jump into the role of Galinda), Kristen is in Turn of the Century at the Goodman, Lisa is staying incredibly busy and her boyfriend Rob is playing Carl Perkins in the amazing Million Dollar Quartet (just closed at the Goodman, transferring to the Apollo). My time there was a hoot... pumpkin patch, pizza, Halloween party, my first visit to Cracker Barrel and lots more fun. It was so good to see the peeps.

So here I am getting set for the next adventure. My next entry will likely feature the Plaid gang as we woodshed tons of crazy vocal charts and practice mooooves. Also, stay tuned for an art update or two. Life's full and I'm so thankful. Take care, all! Peace and love. Remember to vote.

Autumn days.

A big sketch project tumbled out of my pens quicker than I thought, and so I spent a little time breathing in the autumn, although the weather is once again non-autumnal. I'm hoping for some chill in the air very soon. I think I'll have to wait until I'm visiting St. Paul and Chicago later this week.


But I took last evening to wander about Pasadena. I enjoyed some pumpkin pie gelato in the courtyard at One Colorado Plaza where Yoko Ono's art installation Wish Tree for Pasadena has been growing for the past weeks. There are 21 trees upon which folks are welcome to tie tags upon which they've written heartfelt wishes. (How's that for grammar?) See the picture. Especially in the evening lighting the effect is amazing. I then checked out a really fantastic movie, Mike Leigh's latest, Happy-Go-Lucky. Really wonderful evening.

Today, I ventured out to favorite autumn locale, Claremont. I've loved this college town since I took part in a few shows at the local dinner theatre (ten plus years ago). I was happy to meet up with friend Roger Castellano who joined me for a walk around town. And now I'm home working on a couple new art projects and pounding out Plaid Tidings parts on the borrowed keyboard. Tomorrow, I'll be running errands to prepare to leave town Thursday morning. But in the midst of prep, I'm happy to be joining friends to catch the Martin Sexton concert in Hollywood. The flight to Minnesota early the next morning will hopefully bring a little sleep before I meet up with the bro and family. I can't wait to carve pumpkins and color with the niece and nephew. Life's full of great moments right now, and I want to savor each one.

So take care, all. Happy autumn! Peace and love.