I've jumped back into life at home after a wonderful trip to Oregon and a visit with the family. It's always lovely to see the folks and the sister and her family and Grandma. I spent a few days chilling at the Coast (and dropping in on my lighthouses and chowing on chowder) but headed back to celebrate the sister's birthday. More food than anyone could begin to eat. And although all the food was amazing, I was most happy to get some of Grandma's famous apple dumplings. The photo here was created when I jiggled the iPhone when taking it. Cool, huh? It was taken on the cobble beach below Yaquina Head Lighthouse near Newport, Oregon
I also saw a couple movies... my first in quite a while. When not in rehearsal lately, I'm most likely drawing, and movie time seems frivolous. But this was vacation. I thoroughly enjoyed both Julie & Julia and the latest from the animation master Miyazaki, Ponyo. They're totally different movies, but it's interesting to note the similarities. All the title characters yearn for something bigger and better than themselves and enjoy the journey it takes to get there. Lessons.
Now, I'm hitting the ground running once again. The biggest news in my world is that I've been cast as the lead (Littlechap) in the staged reading of Stop the World, I Want To Get Off at Musical Theatre Guild. MTG is a membership group I've been on the periphery of for years and have just recently been voted into as a full-fledged member. I feel so honored to be taking on this role in this wonderful company. I join an amazing cast and great show team... but I'd be lying if I didn't admit my apprehension. Littlechap is a huge role and I'm so incredibly comfortable as a sidekick or secondary lead. But I'm thrilled to be faced with the challenge and I look forward to the work and discovery and risk. Keep an eye out here, because you may just catch a glimpse into the psyche of a neurotic actor. Hee hee.
Other than that, I have a couple auditions coming up and lots and lots of artwork to dig into. I love being busy with fun projects, and, boy, do I have a lot to do right now! Wish me luck (and/or "break a leg")! Take care, all! Peace and love.
