Floating...

Yesterday I was floating on the Ark. Today I'm floating on clouds.


I joined an absolutely stellar gang the past four days, bringing an obscure musical to the stage. Reprise Theatre Company concluded their Richard Rodgers celebration with this reading of Two by Two, a telling of the Noah story with lyrics by Martin Charnin and a book by Peter Stone based on the play "The Flowering Peach" by Clifford Odets. It premiered on Broadway in 1970 and starred an aging Danny Kaye. As much joy as Kaye has brought us over the years, by this time he was rather difficult and made some rather prickly demands. While the piece has its problems, it's possible it didn't get the chance it deserved because of Kaye's obstinacy.

Our lovely family included (in the above photo L to R): Jason Alexander, me, Shannon Warne, Vicki Lewis, Megan Hilty, Stephen Weber, Faith Prince, and David Burnham. All stars in their own ways. We were directed by David Lee, and Darryl Archibald led us and a 15 piece orchestra. All involved welcomed me with open arms. We had a great time and laughed for four days. The show was very well received.

One of the aforementioned changes Danny Kaye reportedly demanded affected my character. Kaye didn't want any other guy in the show to have a humorous solo, so Ham's song "Forty Nights" was cut. I had the chance to debut it. I was already nervous, but then on Sunday evening, Martin Charnin the lyricist walked in to see the show. I just had to get all those words out! Well, I did relatively well, and he seemed to enjoy hearing it again after almost 40 years.


So, last night I was onstage with this stellar gang and today I was drawing caricatures at a five year old's school birthday party. And, you know?... There was joy and reward in each. After the caricature gig, I went to the art supply store and stocked up. I went to Trader Joe's and replenished the food supply... including coffee. I just tidied the room and desk, and now I'm getting set to put the nose to the grindstone and complete my pieces for my exhibit for Signature Theatre. Ideally I will complete all the work today and tomorrow so I can prep frames and prints on Thursday and Friday. I'm on a plane to DC early Saturday morning.

I need a vacation. But it doesn't look like I'll get one for another couple weeks. Oy. I should just try to get adequate sleep. Anyway... I'm rambling. Back to inking.

Take care, all! Peace and love.