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!