We ain't in Kansas, Toto... but you'd think we were with all the crazy weather around here!!
As mentioned in a previous post, they test the tornado sirens every Wednesday at noon. (Which leaves me to wonder... what happens if there is ever an actual tornado at noon on a Wednesday?)
On several occasions now, we've heard those sirens going off at night as we hunker down in whatever building we happen to be in while storms rage outside.
And on at least one occasion, I've wanted to run out there and yell,
"Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks! rage! blow!
You cataracts and hurricanoes, spout
Till you have drenched our steeples, drowned the cocks!"
If nothing else, because it's just so perfectly and beautifully dramatic!!
I've decided that I don't mind the weather in Little Rock. I was warned that Mother Nature is bipolar here; and that it can be 90 degrees and sunny one day, frigid and raining the next. That was no lie.
We've had no less than three 'hallway parties' as the residents take refuge during tornado warnings - and have also held an entire audience hostage through a 45-minute intermission. (They've been our best audience to date, in my opinion.) Last night, as I watched three tornado trackers whip through Arkansas, I opted to make crepes. I mean, who ever heard of a cast dying in a tornado while eating crepes? Even if we did perish... I figured the media would have a great story!
I've also decided that the weather suits my fickle nature and makes every day an adventure. Seeing the real-life, close-up damage it can cause still makes me nervous, but I do not miss the hot, stagnant, stifling air of my own hometown when compared to the tranquil breezes of a warm day in Little Rock.
It also reaffirms my belief that I need to relocate somewhere closer to water. I'm a desert rat and don't do well in the snow for long periods of time, but there are plenty of tropical climes that are still accessible. I find myself counting the days 'til the kids are done with High School... ready to set down new roots and travel back to the old ones in between whatever gigs I can land. It's scary... but again, every day is an adventure... and I'm pretty sure I thrive on that kind of existence.
Tomorrow, I will head over to the post office to pick up boxes to ship stuff back home.
I am going to miss this show and this cast, so I don't really want to think about leaving yet... but the reality is that I will only be here for 13 more days... and it is going by very quickly now.
The theatre suffered some damage last night as a result of the storm. Three or four huge glass panels were vacuumed right into the street (blown OUT, not in) and I imagine there was probably water and debris damage, though hopefully only minor. The theatre is being renovated in a couple of months... but it appears that Mama Nature wanted to start early.
And on that note, I need to get my laundry done and prep for tonight's show... in the meantime, I leave you with this poor quality video as a peek into what we do when we're not performing. (We hang in Lillian's room and watch the storms.)
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Adventures In Little Rock: Vol. 4
Today is a day of double shows and I should be warming up so I have some semblance of a voice for the matinee, but I overslept and feel bad for neglecting my blog so much on this trip.
I have been writing, but most of it has been for what will eventually be an actual, real-life, honest-to-goodness novel... someday. I'm just waiting for the Blue Fairy to appear and tell me 'what' it's supposed to be and how to get it there. But she's an elusive creature and has yet to tap me on the head with her magic wand. So for now... I just write... and rewrite... and edit... and write some more.
Today, one of my best gal pals from Jr. High and High School (Ann) and her husband are driving down to Little Rock to see the show. I haven't seen 'AnnieM' (as I used to call her in my best Judy Garland) since our chance meeting at a gas station one week after we graduated High School. So it has been... oh... 17 years. Holy crap!!
Ann and I bonded in Jr. High when we both found ourselves at the mercy of the same nasty, ugly, red-headed bully. We had known each other from sharing a few classes, but nothing bonds two people like a common enemy. Besides which, Ann was a quiet, unassuming, gentle spirit who wouldn't hurt a fly... so the fact that this girl wanted to 'beat us up' was less threatening and more comical at that point. (But still traumatic to 13 and 14 year olds.)
We both loved 'written word' artistry and the performing arts. She and I would skip and dance down the halls of school singing,
"Three little maids from school are we,
Pert as a school-girl well can be,
Filled to the brim with girlish glee,
Three little maids from school!"
as we discussed the kinds of boys we'd like to marry someday and what kind of houses our husbands would build us. (Yes, I think I actually believed for a time that I'd end up with the kind of husband who would build me a pretty little ranch house somewhere green and woodsy... no picket fence... just acreage.)
Her parents took us on a road trip the summer before our Sophomore year to visit Ann's grandma. We visited the 'Natural Bridge' for some hiking and natural sight-seeing where the cool, clear waters of the creek called to us. We opted to ignore all of the signs posted by the park service and skinny dip anyway. Luckily, we only got into minimal trouble for that one.
Throughout our High School years, we took on different interests. I didn't want to just sing the Mikado, I wanted to be IN it. So, while choir and drama and dance took over my life, Ann delved into tennis and student government. Our paths continued to cross in our mutual Honors classes, and our civilized upbringing and our derelict senses of humor continued to keep our friendship intact.
And so it is... 17 years later... that I ended up in her current state of residence doing a raucous musical.
She and her husband are driving down to Little Rock to see tonight's show after which we will try to catch up on the past (almost) two decades over cocktails or brunch before they drive back home tomorrow.
There's something comforting about knowing that even though I'm far from home... there are elements of home (and my ever distant youth) that are still accessible.
It's also a blessing to know that good friends are always good friends... no matter the time or distance between us.
Today's show will be dedicated to Jr. High bullies and the hopes that they are happier now than they were then.
Tonight's show will be dedicated to the friendships that stand the test of time.
And on that note, I must end this entry to apply some garish blue eyeshadow. :)
Merde!
I have been writing, but most of it has been for what will eventually be an actual, real-life, honest-to-goodness novel... someday. I'm just waiting for the Blue Fairy to appear and tell me 'what' it's supposed to be and how to get it there. But she's an elusive creature and has yet to tap me on the head with her magic wand. So for now... I just write... and rewrite... and edit... and write some more.
Today, one of my best gal pals from Jr. High and High School (Ann) and her husband are driving down to Little Rock to see the show. I haven't seen 'AnnieM' (as I used to call her in my best Judy Garland) since our chance meeting at a gas station one week after we graduated High School. So it has been... oh... 17 years. Holy crap!!
Ann and I bonded in Jr. High when we both found ourselves at the mercy of the same nasty, ugly, red-headed bully. We had known each other from sharing a few classes, but nothing bonds two people like a common enemy. Besides which, Ann was a quiet, unassuming, gentle spirit who wouldn't hurt a fly... so the fact that this girl wanted to 'beat us up' was less threatening and more comical at that point. (But still traumatic to 13 and 14 year olds.)
We both loved 'written word' artistry and the performing arts. She and I would skip and dance down the halls of school singing,
"Three little maids from school are we,
Pert as a school-girl well can be,
Filled to the brim with girlish glee,
Three little maids from school!"
as we discussed the kinds of boys we'd like to marry someday and what kind of houses our husbands would build us. (Yes, I think I actually believed for a time that I'd end up with the kind of husband who would build me a pretty little ranch house somewhere green and woodsy... no picket fence... just acreage.)
Her parents took us on a road trip the summer before our Sophomore year to visit Ann's grandma. We visited the 'Natural Bridge' for some hiking and natural sight-seeing where the cool, clear waters of the creek called to us. We opted to ignore all of the signs posted by the park service and skinny dip anyway. Luckily, we only got into minimal trouble for that one.
Throughout our High School years, we took on different interests. I didn't want to just sing the Mikado, I wanted to be IN it. So, while choir and drama and dance took over my life, Ann delved into tennis and student government. Our paths continued to cross in our mutual Honors classes, and our civilized upbringing and our derelict senses of humor continued to keep our friendship intact.
And so it is... 17 years later... that I ended up in her current state of residence doing a raucous musical.
She and her husband are driving down to Little Rock to see tonight's show after which we will try to catch up on the past (almost) two decades over cocktails or brunch before they drive back home tomorrow.
There's something comforting about knowing that even though I'm far from home... there are elements of home (and my ever distant youth) that are still accessible.
It's also a blessing to know that good friends are always good friends... no matter the time or distance between us.
Today's show will be dedicated to Jr. High bullies and the hopes that they are happier now than they were then.
Tonight's show will be dedicated to the friendships that stand the test of time.
And on that note, I must end this entry to apply some garish blue eyeshadow. :)
Merde!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Adventures In Little Rock: Vol. 3
Okay, so it has been a while since I posted... and I don't have much time, so this will be more of a Reader's Digest Condensed Version. (For those who even know what Reader's Digest is anymore...)
First of all, for those who are curious about my ghost (Steve), he seems to be doing well and sends his good wishes to everyone reading.
Lillian (our Tracy Turnblad) was housed in my apartment while she was here doing Glorious, so she gave me some pointers. Apparently, she set some 'ground rules' that were to be strictly followed (such as the bedroom being her private, sacred space in which he is unwelcome.)
I had a 'conversation' with him that consisted of, "Hey... um... Lils told me all about you, Steve. Um... she also told me that you know the rules, so the same rules apply, and um... I will have no more tomfoolery, OKAY?" (*silence*)
Yes, I felt silly, but it worked. And as long as my bedroom door is shut at night, I'm oblivious to his shenanigans. He does, however, still turn off the light on my ceiling fan and changes my channels when he doesn't approve of my viewing choices. So far I have determined that he prefers the History Channel to RuPaul's Drag Race and if I dare watch any Desperate Housewives (of ANY city), he will find whatever war movie is randomly playing and switch to that. On one occasion, there were obviously no war movies showing and so he chose BBC coverage of the war in Afghanistan instead. Gee, thanks.
My second week here, I got really sick. What I thought were horrible allergies (because I've never really suffered from them and didn't know any better) was actually a sinus and ear infection. I got a steroid shot and some antibiotics and am now feeling 110% better! Except I now actually know what allergies feel like... and they suck. Claritin has been my friend and enabled me to keep some semblance of a voice amidst all the pollen around here.
Arkansas is gorgeous. The weather fluctuates daily and it has been warm and breezy or frigid and pouring every other day, which suits my fickle mood and allows me to dress in layers. I love it!!
Tonight is Opening Night and the show has grown by leaps and bounds throughout tech. The costume crew has worked above and beyond overtime to replace trim, tailor suits, and place insoles in the shoes of all the divas... The entire production crew and staff at The Rep are awesome and truly proud of the product they offer and the artistry inside its walls, which I respect immensely.
I'm proud to be here, proud to be part of an amazing show and have had an uproariously fun journey with all of these beautiful people. And really thrilled to be playing such a fun role!!
I tried to nap in the hopes that I could keep up with the kids at the after-party, but I no sooner laid down than someone upstairs started choreographing 42nd street and rearranging all the heavy furniture while simultaneously my son started texting pics of his wood shop project and the landscapers set up shop outside my open window. Apparently there is MUCH debris to be blown away on my side of the building as they've been by four times now. (And I assure you, I'm fully dressed.) However, it was a bit of a shock to see an all-white landscaping crew with nary a Mexican among them. I caught myself staring. I know, I know, my hometown is showing. :)
And on that note, Happy Opening to the cast and crew. This one is much deserved. Now I'm off to spread my crabs to all the willing participants...
Merde!!
First of all, for those who are curious about my ghost (Steve), he seems to be doing well and sends his good wishes to everyone reading.
Lillian (our Tracy Turnblad) was housed in my apartment while she was here doing Glorious, so she gave me some pointers. Apparently, she set some 'ground rules' that were to be strictly followed (such as the bedroom being her private, sacred space in which he is unwelcome.)
I had a 'conversation' with him that consisted of, "Hey... um... Lils told me all about you, Steve. Um... she also told me that you know the rules, so the same rules apply, and um... I will have no more tomfoolery, OKAY?" (*silence*)
Yes, I felt silly, but it worked. And as long as my bedroom door is shut at night, I'm oblivious to his shenanigans. He does, however, still turn off the light on my ceiling fan and changes my channels when he doesn't approve of my viewing choices. So far I have determined that he prefers the History Channel to RuPaul's Drag Race and if I dare watch any Desperate Housewives (of ANY city), he will find whatever war movie is randomly playing and switch to that. On one occasion, there were obviously no war movies showing and so he chose BBC coverage of the war in Afghanistan instead. Gee, thanks.
My second week here, I got really sick. What I thought were horrible allergies (because I've never really suffered from them and didn't know any better) was actually a sinus and ear infection. I got a steroid shot and some antibiotics and am now feeling 110% better! Except I now actually know what allergies feel like... and they suck. Claritin has been my friend and enabled me to keep some semblance of a voice amidst all the pollen around here.
Arkansas is gorgeous. The weather fluctuates daily and it has been warm and breezy or frigid and pouring every other day, which suits my fickle mood and allows me to dress in layers. I love it!!
Tonight is Opening Night and the show has grown by leaps and bounds throughout tech. The costume crew has worked above and beyond overtime to replace trim, tailor suits, and place insoles in the shoes of all the divas... The entire production crew and staff at The Rep are awesome and truly proud of the product they offer and the artistry inside its walls, which I respect immensely.
I'm proud to be here, proud to be part of an amazing show and have had an uproariously fun journey with all of these beautiful people. And really thrilled to be playing such a fun role!!
I tried to nap in the hopes that I could keep up with the kids at the after-party, but I no sooner laid down than someone upstairs started choreographing 42nd street and rearranging all the heavy furniture while simultaneously my son started texting pics of his wood shop project and the landscapers set up shop outside my open window. Apparently there is MUCH debris to be blown away on my side of the building as they've been by four times now. (And I assure you, I'm fully dressed.) However, it was a bit of a shock to see an all-white landscaping crew with nary a Mexican among them. I caught myself staring. I know, I know, my hometown is showing. :)
And on that note, Happy Opening to the cast and crew. This one is much deserved. Now I'm off to spread my crabs to all the willing participants...
Merde!!
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