Turkey coma and a mea culpa...

We had a lovely Thanksgiving dinner at fellow Plaid David Humphrey's place. He and his lady and mom-in-law made an amazing turkey dinner, and we had some great conversation. And watched his son gradually come out of his shell until he was racing around the house playing with Cars cars and Madagascar animals, and tossing couch pillows. Really great evening! And now I'm almost recovered from the turkey coma. Yay turkey!

As I've said before, our audiences at the Welk Resort Theatre rock. Being of a certain age range, they know and appreciate the music in Plaid Tidings more that those who might dig the hippity hoppity rappy music of the day. We love our Welk crowds, and the last thing I want to do is offend any of them or appear insensitive. In my post about "Funny Crowds" (Nov. 19) I wrote of some of the quirky audience members we've experienced at the show, and I especially pointed out some ladies who had mono/binoculars in the first couple of rows. "Candleshoe" wrote:

my mom is a "binocular in the front row" ladies. She has macular degeneration and is legally blind. If she uses her peripheral vision with the binoculars, sitting that close, she can actually see some of the performances. She's always terrified that someone onstage will make fun of her...but she won't let that fear prevent her from enjoying her love of live theatre. Just helping to spread some acceptance...

First off, I apologize for my insensitivity. While not ignorant of the condition (my Grandma has been managing with it for a while), I did not know of the binocular technique. I am truly sorry if I offended or discouraged.

That being said, I would like to use this opportunity to give a little peek into wacky perspective of a stage actor, since this is partially the purpose of this blog (in addition to keeping my family informed of what I'm up to – Hi Mom!)...

1. While it is incredibly enjoyable to do a show like Plaid Tidings, it is sometimes a challenge to make the same lines and songs seem fresh eight or nine times a week. We really do enjoy and cherish when things go a little bit askew... or when funny and/or interesting things happen with our audiences. In this show, we're very involved with the crowd and the "fourth wall" is nonexistent. The audience is almost like another character. You've got to admit that if you were onstage in a small theatre and saw someone very close looking at you through binoculars, you might find that somewhat unexpected and, hence, humorous – even with the knowledge of why it was happening. If not, maybe consider my next point...

2. In the show business – and particularly in a show like Plaid Tidings – we as actors are regularly required to exploit our own foibles (physical and otherwise), and we do so proudly. If we didn't, we really couldn't make it in this business. Personally, I'm nine inches shorter than two of my fellow cast members. I'm also significantly wider the skinniest of them. It's the type of stuff that gets laughs onstage and gets mentioned in reviews for thousands to see, and I'm fine with it. It pays the bills and provides me my health insurance. It also brings me great joy to bring happiness to the folks I perform for. What that some folks might not understand is that this perspective about ourselves occasionally spills out to how we view others. I don't mean anything personally by it. It's just that I have a thicker skin than some and I sometimes forget that non-actor types might not approach things in the same way.

While I've learned something here, I hope you have learned a little something about me too. I love what I do, and I love that people like your mother love what I do. Especially in a difficult time like our country is in right now, it's incredibly valuable to cultivate and value live entertainment. Creatives and audiences supporting one another is a beautiful thing that enriches us all. Best wishes to you and yours. Peace and love!

Thanksgiving, Part Deux...

First off, the trip to the theatre earlier brought an amazing sight. The clouds that had been bringing us the lovely rain had broken up to create huge, crisp, fluffy giants in the sky (cumulonimbii?). The sun shone through and the sky was an amazing vivid blue, and the freshly washed hillsides were stony and verdant green. Even now, huge patches of blue are punctuated with fluffy white and grey and will soon sport a wash of amazing color from the soon-to-set sun. If you can't tell, I'm blown away by such a show. It really is amazing. Yet one more thing to be thankful for.

I made some "thankfulness" calls this morning and will soon make some more soon, but in the middle was an incredibly rewarding performance to a thankful and responsive crowd. We got to meet many of them after the show and the gratitude poured out (from them and from us). Now it's time to shower and hit the road down to San Diego for turkey. It's a great day. I hope you all are having one just as wonderful. Blessings to you and yours! Peace.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just wanted to post a quick "howdy." It's a lovely rainy day here in Escondido. I'm watching the Macy's Parade and sipping coffee. We have a matinee in Plaidland which I'm excited about. Should be a lovely crowd on this Thanksgiving. I'm thankful to be able to spread some joy today.

Speaking of being thankful, I give thanks today for my family, my friends, my health, and the opportunities I've been afforded. I'm so thankful to be making a living doing what I love to do. And while the country is in a rough place right now, I feel optimistic that things will turn around soon.

A little parade-related side note: I always love watching the first hour of parade coverage because of the numbers from Broadway shows, and I've got to admit that part of the reason is to giggle at the rather awkward lip-synching. But these casts are really synched up this year – especially that Lin-Manuel Miranda from In the Heights. Rock on!

So, Happy Turkey Day, y'all. Have an attitude of gratitude. Peace and love, y'all!