while I was in the outpatient lab today, getting a liver series drawn (more on that later).
The tech had about 7 large vials lined up. I gulped. And my thought was,
"Do they have vampires in the lab today?"
Followed by...
"No. Edward's a vegetarian."
If you don't get that, then you haven't read this.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
The costs of drugs
A lot of people complain about how much drugs cost in America--$400 a year, $4,000 a month, drugs that can cost $10,000 a year (like some immunosuppresants).
Do you know how much it costs to develop a drug, on average?
$802 million dollars.
Over 10-15 years.
That's a lot of money, and the drug companies pay for failures, over and over. Drugs just don't magically appear. They need years, even decades, of clinical research and testing trials. Only a scanty few make it through the rigorous FDA approval process.
How many scripts would it take to pay back the R&D investment? A whole lot. More than some drugs will ever see.
So the next time you complain about high drug prices, think about this--the reason we have the drugs at all is because some of that money goes back into R&D, to make new drugs to save lives.
Do you know how much it costs to develop a drug, on average?
$802 million dollars.
Over 10-15 years.
That's a lot of money, and the drug companies pay for failures, over and over. Drugs just don't magically appear. They need years, even decades, of clinical research and testing trials. Only a scanty few make it through the rigorous FDA approval process.
How many scripts would it take to pay back the R&D investment? A whole lot. More than some drugs will ever see.
So the next time you complain about high drug prices, think about this--the reason we have the drugs at all is because some of that money goes back into R&D, to make new drugs to save lives.
Musical theater news....
Little House on the Prairie--the musical.
With Melissa Gilbert playing ma.
This sounds like a lot of fun to me. :)
With Melissa Gilbert playing ma.
This sounds like a lot of fun to me. :)
Sunday, July 27, 2008
"I'm Not a Hero"
I just look like one (kidding!)
That has been one of the strangest post-transplant experiences--people (some of them total strangers) coming up to me and saying "You're so brave", or variations of that theme. Or "you're a hero."
But really, I'm not. I wasn't.
Heroism, to me, implies some great feat of strength or daring, or something really impressive, like the firefighters who rushed into the burning Towers on 9/11 to save the workers trapped inside. That's heroic. That's putting your life before others for the greater good.
I didn't do that.
All I did was give my consent to lie down on an operating table for a few hours.
Transplant surgery has a different mind-set than other surgeries. Usually, if you want one, you're going to die without it. There's not a whole lot of risk inherent there--you will die without the surgery, for sure. You might die on the table. But you might die on the table getting an appendectomy. So really, the risks are in your favor. Without the surgery, you're dead. With it, you're giving yourself a shot.
The decision to get listed wasn't some big heroic thing. It was highly pragmatic. I wanted to live. My body was standing the way. So I had to ditch the trouble spots and move on. To do that, I needed to do this.
That's not heroic. That's just being logical.
And it doesn't make you especially brave, either, when your choices are "I will die" or "I might die." I'm going for the "might" part.
If you've read this blog since its inception, you know that it took me awhile to be convinced that I needed the surgery. For a long time, I felt fine--maybe not the best, but I was able to do everything I wanted. When that changed, so did my outlook.
But it doesn't make me heroic or brave or anything like that. It might demonstrate I was intelligent enough to go for it and not mess around vascillating between making the decision or not.
God gave me the cards that are my life. I played them. And to not play the hand to the fullest wouldn't go with me. So I did.
(btw, the title of this post is a song track title from the "Dark Knight" sound track.)
That has been one of the strangest post-transplant experiences--people (some of them total strangers) coming up to me and saying "You're so brave", or variations of that theme. Or "you're a hero."
But really, I'm not. I wasn't.
Heroism, to me, implies some great feat of strength or daring, or something really impressive, like the firefighters who rushed into the burning Towers on 9/11 to save the workers trapped inside. That's heroic. That's putting your life before others for the greater good.
I didn't do that.
All I did was give my consent to lie down on an operating table for a few hours.
Transplant surgery has a different mind-set than other surgeries. Usually, if you want one, you're going to die without it. There's not a whole lot of risk inherent there--you will die without the surgery, for sure. You might die on the table. But you might die on the table getting an appendectomy. So really, the risks are in your favor. Without the surgery, you're dead. With it, you're giving yourself a shot.
The decision to get listed wasn't some big heroic thing. It was highly pragmatic. I wanted to live. My body was standing the way. So I had to ditch the trouble spots and move on. To do that, I needed to do this.
That's not heroic. That's just being logical.
And it doesn't make you especially brave, either, when your choices are "I will die" or "I might die." I'm going for the "might" part.
If you've read this blog since its inception, you know that it took me awhile to be convinced that I needed the surgery. For a long time, I felt fine--maybe not the best, but I was able to do everything I wanted. When that changed, so did my outlook.
But it doesn't make me heroic or brave or anything like that. It might demonstrate I was intelligent enough to go for it and not mess around vascillating between making the decision or not.
God gave me the cards that are my life. I played them. And to not play the hand to the fullest wouldn't go with me. So I did.
(btw, the title of this post is a song track title from the "Dark Knight" sound track.)
An Evening of Austen...
Or at least, part of it.
I will have pics up tomorrow, but my favorite part (besides beating Gary in Wise and Otherwise, a fantastic game!), was the piano entertainment.
Mrs. Dulmage is a piano teacher, and Tiff, Branden, Gary and I all play the piano.
A sampling:
ME:
The "Moonlight"
Bach's "Prelude in C" from the Well-Tempered Clavier
Handel's "Sarabande"
Part of "Song of India" and Beethoven's "Sonata Pathetique"
DeBussy "Claire de Lune" (part)
Some Erik Satie.
BRANDEN:
Mozart, "Fantasy in D-minor" (Also known as the "Schizophrenic Mozart")
TIFFANY:
--Another part of "Claire"
--Duet w/ Gary
GARY:
--Schubert, "Ave Maria"
--Duet with Tiffany
--The Schizo Mozart :)
--A Bach piece from the "Notebook" (Minuet)
--"Great Balls of Fire' ( :-D)
It was a lot of fun. I haven't played some of those pieces in years.
I will have pics up tomorrow, but my favorite part (besides beating Gary in Wise and Otherwise, a fantastic game!), was the piano entertainment.
Mrs. Dulmage is a piano teacher, and Tiff, Branden, Gary and I all play the piano.
A sampling:
ME:
The "Moonlight"
Bach's "Prelude in C" from the Well-Tempered Clavier
Handel's "Sarabande"
Part of "Song of India" and Beethoven's "Sonata Pathetique"
DeBussy "Claire de Lune" (part)
Some Erik Satie.
BRANDEN:
Mozart, "Fantasy in D-minor" (Also known as the "Schizophrenic Mozart")
TIFFANY:
--Another part of "Claire"
--Duet w/ Gary
GARY:
--Schubert, "Ave Maria"
--Duet with Tiffany
--The Schizo Mozart :)
--A Bach piece from the "Notebook" (Minuet)
--"Great Balls of Fire' ( :-D)
It was a lot of fun. I haven't played some of those pieces in years.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Party party!
So, the show pre-empted any sort of real party for my transplant, although the show in and of itself was one GIGANTIC party. :)
Tonight Tiff is throwing the "official" party at her abode.
Awesome times await, I am sure. And a cake that Tiffany might have baked. I'm not so sure about that. :-/
(Kidding, Tiffy....kidding...)
Tonight Tiff is throwing the "official" party at her abode.
Awesome times await, I am sure. And a cake that Tiffany might have baked. I'm not so sure about that. :-/
(Kidding, Tiffy....kidding...)
Friday, July 25, 2008
Satire about The One
This is, probably, THE BEST satire I have ever read (and yes, I have read "A Modest Proposal").
Rock on, Times writers!
Rock on, Times writers!
My Twilight Obession Deepens...
My contribution to a WaPo chat:
I am dying for this to come out, as I stated above. :) Really, though, the books are incredible. Which means I should probably blog a little here about why the heck I read them.
As we all know, I read just about anything. When I go to my parents' I read Bryan's Sports Illustrated, Dad's Computer World, and whatever other mail is about, as well as my mom's cookbooks. I read anything.
Twilight, though, has had a twisted way into my Book Hall of Fame.
Like Harry Potter, it was a spur-of-the-moment thing. This time, though, it wasn't lying about on the coffee table (like Sorcerer's Stone was--it was my little sister's copy).
I saw it on Facebook--all the Twilight Flair. Edward this, Edward that. And I started to wonder.
Then Breaking Dawn posters were everywhere; at BN, telling you to pre-order (which I have done), and all the other book stores I frequent.
The books were prominently displayed and, important for my book budget, in softcover (Except for Eclipse).
So I flipped through the first one. And I sort of liked it. I liked the classic novel references (Wuthering Heights, Most of Jane!, Romeo and Juliet (ok that's not a novel, whatever). The writing was engaging.
I bought it and New Moon, the sequel.
I DEVOURED them. Tiffany had the misfortune of coming over when I was in the middle of New Moon. We were watching a movie and I snuck into the bathroom to read more pages.
I was hooked.
The next day I went and bought Eclipse, which had the bonus of Chapter 1 from Breaking Dawn. It's divine. (Eclipse is my favorite in the series, thus far.)
These are great fiction books, for anyone--teens, adults, whatever--although, obviously, intended more for the females.
So I would recommend that, if you're looking for good fiction, to pick these up.
Some details:
NOTE: I am assuming you know the basic premises which is:
Bella has moved from Phoenix to Forks, WA, to live with her father, the town police chief. After
her life is saved by her mysterious lab partner, Edward Cullen, a relationship begins to develop between them that is fraught with danger for both.
If you don't know more than the above, I will probably give something away below. If you don't want to know more than the above, stop reading now, please.
Thank you.
A character primer:
(Isabella) Bella Swan--our 17 year old Heroine
Charlie Swan--her father, the police chief for the town of Forks, in Washington, where they live
Renee Swan--Bella's mother, lives in Arizona. Parents divorced when she was a kid. Re-married to a minor-league baseball player.
Jacob Black--a friend of Bella's who lives on a nearby Indian reservation
Billy--his dad, Charlie's friend.
Angela--one of Bella's friends at school.
Mike-- a classmate of Bella's who has a thing for her
THE CULLENS:
--Edward--Our Hero, Bella's love interest. Initially her Biology lab partner.
--Alice--his sister, Bella's best friend. Loves shopping and clothes.
--Jasper--another sibling
--Emmett--and another
--Rosalie--and another
--Dr. Carlisle Cullen--their adoptive father
--Esme Cullen--their adoptive mother
**NOTE: These relationships are a lot more complex (the Cullens), but you'll have to read the book. All of the Cullens are gorgeous.
OTHERS:
--Victoria--female vampire
--James--her S.O.
--Another member of their coven whose name I cannot remember at this moment.
If you want more, go here.
And, P.S.:
Another good book from the "recent reads" pile:
--The Condition, by Jennifer Haigh.
Twilight-er: Anything from the Twilight interviews yesterday? I am dying for this movie to come out.
Jen Chaney: I blogged about this last night, so you can get many of the details there. I think some of the stars of the movie aren't totally prepared for all this mayhem and mania.
Robert Pattinson seemed like a decent guy. Cam Gigandet, who plays James, had trouble putting his sentences together. May have been nerves.Several of them seemed jittery during the panel in Hall H, too. The scene they showed from the movie was met with super-loud screams.Then again, so was that pivotal moment when Pattinson moved a strand of his hair...
I am dying for this to come out, as I stated above. :) Really, though, the books are incredible. Which means I should probably blog a little here about why the heck I read them.
As we all know, I read just about anything. When I go to my parents' I read Bryan's Sports Illustrated, Dad's Computer World, and whatever other mail is about, as well as my mom's cookbooks. I read anything.
Twilight, though, has had a twisted way into my Book Hall of Fame.
Like Harry Potter, it was a spur-of-the-moment thing. This time, though, it wasn't lying about on the coffee table (like Sorcerer's Stone was--it was my little sister's copy).
I saw it on Facebook--all the Twilight Flair. Edward this, Edward that. And I started to wonder.
Then Breaking Dawn posters were everywhere; at BN, telling you to pre-order (which I have done), and all the other book stores I frequent.
The books were prominently displayed and, important for my book budget, in softcover (Except for Eclipse).
So I flipped through the first one. And I sort of liked it. I liked the classic novel references (Wuthering Heights, Most of Jane!, Romeo and Juliet (ok that's not a novel, whatever). The writing was engaging.
I bought it and New Moon, the sequel.
I DEVOURED them. Tiffany had the misfortune of coming over when I was in the middle of New Moon. We were watching a movie and I snuck into the bathroom to read more pages.
I was hooked.
The next day I went and bought Eclipse, which had the bonus of Chapter 1 from Breaking Dawn. It's divine. (Eclipse is my favorite in the series, thus far.)
These are great fiction books, for anyone--teens, adults, whatever--although, obviously, intended more for the females.
So I would recommend that, if you're looking for good fiction, to pick these up.
Some details:
NOTE: I am assuming you know the basic premises which is:
Bella has moved from Phoenix to Forks, WA, to live with her father, the town police chief. After
her life is saved by her mysterious lab partner, Edward Cullen, a relationship begins to develop between them that is fraught with danger for both.
If you don't know more than the above, I will probably give something away below. If you don't want to know more than the above, stop reading now, please.
Thank you.
A character primer:
(Isabella) Bella Swan--our 17 year old Heroine
Charlie Swan--her father, the police chief for the town of Forks, in Washington, where they live
Renee Swan--Bella's mother, lives in Arizona. Parents divorced when she was a kid. Re-married to a minor-league baseball player.
Jacob Black--a friend of Bella's who lives on a nearby Indian reservation
Billy--his dad, Charlie's friend.
Angela--one of Bella's friends at school.
Mike-- a classmate of Bella's who has a thing for her
THE CULLENS:
--Edward--Our Hero, Bella's love interest. Initially her Biology lab partner.
--Alice--his sister, Bella's best friend. Loves shopping and clothes.
--Jasper--another sibling
--Emmett--and another
--Rosalie--and another
--Dr. Carlisle Cullen--their adoptive father
--Esme Cullen--their adoptive mother
**NOTE: These relationships are a lot more complex (the Cullens), but you'll have to read the book. All of the Cullens are gorgeous.
OTHERS:
--Victoria--female vampire
--James--her S.O.
--Another member of their coven whose name I cannot remember at this moment.
If you want more, go here.
And, P.S.:
Another good book from the "recent reads" pile:
--The Condition, by Jennifer Haigh.
Popcorn: The Dark Knight
I'm not going to review The Dark Knight--you can get a million reviews everywhere.
But I will link to this, because it's a great piece.
And give a few of my impressions, or notes, as you will:
--It is TOTALLY evident that this movie was filmed in Chicago. If you've ever been there, you can identify landmarks
throughout the movie. Batman races underneath the L tracks in the Loop in the Bat Pod, etc.
--One of my favorite things? The Lyric Opera of Chicago banners that are visible in one chase scene.
--Who breaks up with Batman? More to the point, who breaks up with Christian Bale!?
--I loved the soundtrack so much that I went and bought it immediately after I saw it the first time.
--This is not a movie for little ones; however,it does NOT merit an "R" rating. There's no blood, there's no sex, I don't even know if there's swearing. There's certainly no hard-core swearing. But it's a dark movie (hence the, um, title?). So don't think that Little Johnny or Jane is going to be seeing fun superheroes a la The Incredibles.
--Trailers: I want to see Twilight!! (big shock, huh? For more on that, go here) The Robert DeNiro/Al Pacino movie looked pretty good, too.
--I think I like Chicago better than NYC when it comes to the sheer layout of the city.
--It benefits from being seen twice. The first time you really don't know where the movie is going, or even when it's supposed to end. The second time you have a sense of the pacing so you can enjoy it more. (At least I did, and so did others I've talked to who have seen it twice.)
--With the Joker gone (Heath Ledger, that is), I can't seem them putting another actor in the role, not after the Great Things
Heath did with it. So our Batman villian roster could read something like that: Catwoman, Riddler, Penguin...I'm sure I'm
missing others, too.
--Batman totally needs a love interest. A Batman movie without one is like a Bond movie without a Bond girl. It's just wrong.
Catwoman, perhaps?
--Was Vicki Vale in the comics?
--SPOILER: OK, you totally know that Lt. Gordon isn't really dead, because he becomes Commissioner Gordon. But still, you
get a little nervous about it.
--Heath Ledger looks cute in that red wig. :)
But I will link to this, because it's a great piece.
And give a few of my impressions, or notes, as you will:
--It is TOTALLY evident that this movie was filmed in Chicago. If you've ever been there, you can identify landmarks
throughout the movie. Batman races underneath the L tracks in the Loop in the Bat Pod, etc.
--One of my favorite things? The Lyric Opera of Chicago banners that are visible in one chase scene.
--Who breaks up with Batman? More to the point, who breaks up with Christian Bale!?
--I loved the soundtrack so much that I went and bought it immediately after I saw it the first time.
--This is not a movie for little ones; however,it does NOT merit an "R" rating. There's no blood, there's no sex, I don't even know if there's swearing. There's certainly no hard-core swearing. But it's a dark movie (hence the, um, title?). So don't think that Little Johnny or Jane is going to be seeing fun superheroes a la The Incredibles.
--Trailers: I want to see Twilight!! (big shock, huh? For more on that, go here) The Robert DeNiro/Al Pacino movie looked pretty good, too.
--I think I like Chicago better than NYC when it comes to the sheer layout of the city.
--It benefits from being seen twice. The first time you really don't know where the movie is going, or even when it's supposed to end. The second time you have a sense of the pacing so you can enjoy it more. (At least I did, and so did others I've talked to who have seen it twice.)
--With the Joker gone (Heath Ledger, that is), I can't seem them putting another actor in the role, not after the Great Things
Heath did with it. So our Batman villian roster could read something like that: Catwoman, Riddler, Penguin...I'm sure I'm
missing others, too.
--Batman totally needs a love interest. A Batman movie without one is like a Bond movie without a Bond girl. It's just wrong.
Catwoman, perhaps?
--Was Vicki Vale in the comics?
--SPOILER: OK, you totally know that Lt. Gordon isn't really dead, because he becomes Commissioner Gordon. But still, you
get a little nervous about it.
--Heath Ledger looks cute in that red wig. :)
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Update--prayers,. please
For Tricia.
She was diagnosed with lymphona a few months post-tx. The cancer rate in tx patients does tend to be higher, due to the fact that we are really messing with our immune systems (and another reason why Karen was--is!--so sunscreen-centric!). It's not uncommon.
She had one round of chemo, but that didn't do the trick. So now it's on to round two, which is nastier stuff.
Please pray that she gets better!
And with my own tx....on Monday the three year tests (some of them) begin. An ECHO with cardiology, a visit w/ my endocrinologist, Dr. Hardin, and a visit with the Pulm Rehab people!
She was diagnosed with lymphona a few months post-tx. The cancer rate in tx patients does tend to be higher, due to the fact that we are really messing with our immune systems (and another reason why Karen was--is!--so sunscreen-centric!). It's not uncommon.
She had one round of chemo, but that didn't do the trick. So now it's on to round two, which is nastier stuff.
Please pray that she gets better!
And with my own tx....on Monday the three year tests (some of them) begin. An ECHO with cardiology, a visit w/ my endocrinologist, Dr. Hardin, and a visit with the Pulm Rehab people!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Popcorns!
OK, Yes, I have seen The Dark Knight.
Yes, it is amazing.
But, I am going to see it again on Thursday, so I will do a write-up then. There are a few scenes I'd like to see again and, with the research I've been doing, I'd like to watch it again with my Enhanced Knowledge. :)
Last night, though, I watched Penelope on DVD. It was amazing! Definitely on my top 10 list of films.
The story is simple, but sweet--Penelope (Christina Ricci, Casper, Circle of Friends, The Ice Storm) is a rich heiress. She's looking for someone to marry. The problem? She was born with a pig snout, due to an old family curse, and the spell can only be lifted if "one of her own" falls in love with her. So that means blue-blooded types. Most of them get one look at Penelope, and run out the door (or jump out the window), terrified. One suitor, Edward, was so shaken that he went to the police to report her. In an effort to prove he's not crazy, he teams with an investigative reporter and bribes a down-on-his-luck blue-blood, Max (James McAvoy, Wanted, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, Becoming Jane), to get a photo of Penelope.
One problem--Max sort of likes her.
So, what will happen?
It's a fantastic movie, and clocks in at 90 minutes, so it's good without being overly long. It is the sweetest movie I have seen in a long time, and perfect for families to watch together.
Yes, it is amazing.
But, I am going to see it again on Thursday, so I will do a write-up then. There are a few scenes I'd like to see again and, with the research I've been doing, I'd like to watch it again with my Enhanced Knowledge. :)
Last night, though, I watched Penelope on DVD. It was amazing! Definitely on my top 10 list of films.
The story is simple, but sweet--Penelope (Christina Ricci, Casper, Circle of Friends, The Ice Storm) is a rich heiress. She's looking for someone to marry. The problem? She was born with a pig snout, due to an old family curse, and the spell can only be lifted if "one of her own" falls in love with her. So that means blue-blooded types. Most of them get one look at Penelope, and run out the door (or jump out the window), terrified. One suitor, Edward, was so shaken that he went to the police to report her. In an effort to prove he's not crazy, he teams with an investigative reporter and bribes a down-on-his-luck blue-blood, Max (James McAvoy, Wanted, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, Becoming Jane), to get a photo of Penelope.
One problem--Max sort of likes her.
So, what will happen?
It's a fantastic movie, and clocks in at 90 minutes, so it's good without being overly long. It is the sweetest movie I have seen in a long time, and perfect for families to watch together.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Yeah another meme!
This time from Margaret
Let's play.
1. Where is your cell phone? Purse
2. Your significant other? Nonexistent
3. Your hair? Bunned :)
4. Your mother? Michele
5. Your father? Carmen
6. Your favorite thing? Books
7. Your dream last night? Strange
8. Your favorite drink? Diet Coke
9. Your dream/goal? Heaven
10. The room you’re in? Living room
11. Your church? Catholic
12. Your fear? Snakes
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Here
14. Where were you last night? Sleepy
15. What you’re not? Mathematical
16. Muffins?Lucky!!!
17. One of your wish list items? Piano
18. Where you grew up? OH
19. The last thing you did? Play
20. What are you wearing? Clothes
21. Your TV? Samsung
22. Your pets? None
23. Your computer?Widget the Imac
24. Your life? Happy
25. Your mood?Content
26. Missing someone? Yes
27. Your car? Civic
28. Something you’re not wearing? shoes
29. Favorite store? Book
30. Your summer? Awesome
31. Like(love) someone? Yup
32. Your favorite color? Blue
33. Last time you laughed? Morning
34. Last time you cried? Forget
35. Who will re post this? Nutmeg?
!
Let's play.
1. Where is your cell phone? Purse
2. Your significant other? Nonexistent
3. Your hair? Bunned :)
4. Your mother? Michele
5. Your father? Carmen
6. Your favorite thing? Books
7. Your dream last night? Strange
8. Your favorite drink? Diet Coke
9. Your dream/goal? Heaven
10. The room you’re in? Living room
11. Your church? Catholic
12. Your fear? Snakes
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Here
14. Where were you last night? Sleepy
15. What you’re not? Mathematical
16. Muffins?Lucky!!!
17. One of your wish list items? Piano
18. Where you grew up? OH
19. The last thing you did? Play
20. What are you wearing? Clothes
21. Your TV? Samsung
22. Your pets? None
23. Your computer?Widget the Imac
24. Your life? Happy
25. Your mood?Content
26. Missing someone? Yes
27. Your car? Civic
28. Something you’re not wearing? shoes
29. Favorite store? Book
30. Your summer? Awesome
31. Like(love) someone? Yup
32. Your favorite color? Blue
33. Last time you laughed? Morning
34. Last time you cried? Forget
35. Who will re post this? Nutmeg?
!
A new meme
From Nutmeg
A is for age: 26
B is for burger of choice: The Banzai burger at Red Robin. Mmmm.
C is for car you drive: A 2002 (I think) Honda Civic EX coupe
D is for dog's name: Um, no dog.
E is for essential item you use everyday: my computer
F is for favorite TV show: Desperate Housewives
G is for favorite game: Board game--Monopoly or trivial pursuit. Sports game: Hockey, football, college basketball
H is for home state: O-H-....
I is for instruments you play: The piano. And Da Voice. :)
J is for favorite juice: Pomegranate
K is for whose butt you'd like to kick: Depends on what idiotic world-view op-ed I read... (I totally stole that from Meg)
L is for last restaurant at which you ate: Einstein's bagels w/ Dad yesterday
M is for your favorite Muppet: MIss Piggy! Duh!
N is for number of piercings: 2--one in each ear.
O is for overnight hospital stays: HA. HA. Ha. Um, do we really want to do this? OK let me do a rough count.......at least 10. Probably more like in the 10-20 range. Is that like just overnights? Or 23 hour admits? Or more than a day? Who knows? Let's just stipulate that it's a LOT.
P is for people you were with today: NO ONE, so far, because my office was EMPTY and I was annoyed!
Q: is for what you do with your quiet time: Read, blog, take a bubble bath, cook, play my piano.
R is for your biggest regret: Got none.
S is for status: Happily single. (at least the 'happy' applies at this moment)
T is for time you woke up: 6:40 a.m.
U is for what you consider unique about yourself: I'm a House candidate! (The TV show) I can sing and dance at the same time. :) ha ha.
V is for vegetable you love: Asparagus with lemon.
W is for worst habit: hmmmm.......thinking about that one.
X is for x-rays you've had: See "hospital stays" above. I'm surprised I don't glow in the dark.
Y is for yummy food you ate today: M&Ms from the Machine at work. :)
Z is for zodiac sign: Aries (fire sign!)
A is for age: 26
B is for burger of choice: The Banzai burger at Red Robin. Mmmm.
C is for car you drive: A 2002 (I think) Honda Civic EX coupe
D is for dog's name: Um, no dog.
E is for essential item you use everyday: my computer
F is for favorite TV show: Desperate Housewives
G is for favorite game: Board game--Monopoly or trivial pursuit. Sports game: Hockey, football, college basketball
H is for home state: O-H-....
I is for instruments you play: The piano. And Da Voice. :)
J is for favorite juice: Pomegranate
K is for whose butt you'd like to kick: Depends on what idiotic world-view op-ed I read... (I totally stole that from Meg)
L is for last restaurant at which you ate: Einstein's bagels w/ Dad yesterday
M is for your favorite Muppet: MIss Piggy! Duh!
N is for number of piercings: 2--one in each ear.
O is for overnight hospital stays: HA. HA. Ha. Um, do we really want to do this? OK let me do a rough count.......at least 10. Probably more like in the 10-20 range. Is that like just overnights? Or 23 hour admits? Or more than a day? Who knows? Let's just stipulate that it's a LOT.
P is for people you were with today: NO ONE, so far, because my office was EMPTY and I was annoyed!
Q: is for what you do with your quiet time: Read, blog, take a bubble bath, cook, play my piano.
R is for your biggest regret: Got none.
S is for status: Happily single. (at least the 'happy' applies at this moment)
T is for time you woke up: 6:40 a.m.
U is for what you consider unique about yourself: I'm a House candidate! (The TV show) I can sing and dance at the same time. :) ha ha.
V is for vegetable you love: Asparagus with lemon.
W is for worst habit: hmmmm.......thinking about that one.
X is for x-rays you've had: See "hospital stays" above. I'm surprised I don't glow in the dark.
Y is for yummy food you ate today: M&Ms from the Machine at work. :)
Z is for zodiac sign: Aries (fire sign!)
Whew
OK so now that the show is like, really over...I am trying to dig out of the mess that is my apartment, since I sort of neglected it over the past, oh, month....
Hopefully I can make some progress!
Hopefully I can make some progress!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
THANK YOU!!!!
To all the people who came to see the show!
(in no particular order)
--Mom and Dad (who came twice)
--Bub and Mel
--Tiffany and her parents (Tiffy came TWICE!)
--Tom and Andrea
--Branden
--Gary
--Anne and Lindsay!
--Suellen
--Missy and Katie
--Rita and Hannah
--Steve and Sal
--Matt and Maggie
--Grandma and Pa
--Aaron, Richelle and Christine
Can I call y'all my fan club???? ha ha.
I love you guys!
(in no particular order)
--Mom and Dad (who came twice)
--Bub and Mel
--Tiffany and her parents (Tiffy came TWICE!)
--Tom and Andrea
--Branden
--Gary
--Anne and Lindsay!
--Suellen
--Missy and Katie
--Rita and Hannah
--Steve and Sal
--Matt and Maggie
--Grandma and Pa
--Aaron, Richelle and Christine
Can I call y'all my fan club???? ha ha.
I love you guys!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
In My Bag
Inventory of my J&H bag:
--two pairs of Simply Vera fishnet tights
--One Target tank top
--One pr. Capezio character shoes, size 8
--One black ribbon
--A baggie of hair claws
--Aussie hairspray
--My camera
--Vera Bradley bag for my make-up brushes
--a mirror
--a small Goody brush
--Dove hair cream
--2 water bottles
--My make-up kit, which includes: Clinique concealer, Bobbi Brown moisturizing compact foundation, Bobbi Brown pressed powder (pale yellow), Maybellne expert eyes eyebrow pencil (blonde), Maybellne eyebrow gel (clear), Lancome eye shadow base (nude), Bobbi Brown eye shadows (Bone, Rose Gold and Sapphire), Cover Girl Lash Blast mascara (black), Lancome lip pencil (red apple), Lancome lipstick (Midnight something or other--a dark red), Victoria's Secret beauty gloss, Benefit Miss Popularity highlighter (for under my brows), Benefit Boo Boo Zap! (in case any unfortunate things pop up on my face).
--Benefit body balm
MAJOR props to the lip color. If you ever need stuff that will last 4+ hours, this is what you want. It is awesome. :)
Now it's time to haul the bag into Lilo (my car) and go do it all again!!!! :)
--two pairs of Simply Vera fishnet tights
--One Target tank top
--One pr. Capezio character shoes, size 8
--One black ribbon
--A baggie of hair claws
--Aussie hairspray
--My camera
--Vera Bradley bag for my make-up brushes
--a mirror
--a small Goody brush
--Dove hair cream
--2 water bottles
--My make-up kit, which includes: Clinique concealer, Bobbi Brown moisturizing compact foundation, Bobbi Brown pressed powder (pale yellow), Maybellne expert eyes eyebrow pencil (blonde), Maybellne eyebrow gel (clear), Lancome eye shadow base (nude), Bobbi Brown eye shadows (Bone, Rose Gold and Sapphire), Cover Girl Lash Blast mascara (black), Lancome lip pencil (red apple), Lancome lipstick (Midnight something or other--a dark red), Victoria's Secret beauty gloss, Benefit Miss Popularity highlighter (for under my brows), Benefit Boo Boo Zap! (in case any unfortunate things pop up on my face).
--Benefit body balm
MAJOR props to the lip color. If you ever need stuff that will last 4+ hours, this is what you want. It is awesome. :)
Now it's time to haul the bag into Lilo (my car) and go do it all again!!!! :)
The Best Night
Tonight was, without a doubt, the best night of my life.
Not only was the show amazing--from beginning to end, top to bottom, we rocked the house. It was seamless and heart-wrenching and funny and excruciating all at the same time. It flew by. The energy was unbelievable. (And the Red Rat scene was SO FUN!)
But what made it the best night ever was what happened after.
I did a lightening-fast change and went out to the cafeteria to meet my family. It was like a constant wave of people I have known throughout my life, from start to finish.
First was my brother and my grandparents. My grandparents taught me to play the piano. They have come to a vast majority of my events, from talent shows to requiems to musicals. They have given me incredible support and love. And my brother is just, well, awesome. :)
Then my parents. God knows how much I owe them. :-D
Then Richelle, Aaron and Christine, from college and political work. CPAC adventures!
Then Tiffany and both her parents. The Dulmage house has been like my second home for a long time, and I was thrilled to see them.
Then Anne and Lindsay, from elementary school! I haven't seen Anne is YEARS and almost didn't recognize her. She's getting married. It was insane!I couldn't believe Lindsay came, since she usually has to work. We all used to sing together back in the day.
Then Suellen, who I also have not seen in donkey's years. We have been theater buffs since Time Began.
Then Maggie and Matt from the office--I guess I owe Matt $15 now. :) Matt teases me endlessly, everyday. :) And Maggie is a great boss. :)
It was like one big awesome reunion of People From My Life.
And the best part?
I was here for it.
Thank you, Suzanne.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Opening....
In less than four hours.
The show runs 2 1/2 hours with intermission.
You know you want to be there. :)
The show runs 2 1/2 hours with intermission.
You know you want to be there. :)
Three years
Wow.
Check out that title again, huh?
Three years ago, I was flat on some operating table in the bowels of children's, not sitting here prepping for Opening Night of an awesome show.
And yet, without that day on the operating table, I wouldn't be here. That's for sure.
I was talking to my dad on Thursday and he said that the Saturday before transplant was probably the "worst day." I didn't leave the couch all day, except to try to eat something (which didn't go very well). He had to drag me to Easton the next day (and my dad HATES shopping. Absolutely hates it.). And I do mean drag.
Every day I drive by Children's on my way to work, and last night I drove by after rehearsal. It was about 11 or so, and three years ago Karen was calling us, giving us updates, telling us what to do. I blew the building a kiss as I drove by. I owe the people inside so much.
Three years. Wow.
I'm twenty-six now. I have been to Chicago, New York. I have seen my friends get married and have babies. I saw my brother graduate from college and my sister from high school. I've made new friends and met some awesome people. I have done things I thought I would never get to do. And all because Suzanne in Minnesota decided to donate her organs after she died.
I thank her.
My family and friends thank her.
It seems so inadequate, but it's all I can say. That, and live my life the absolute best I can.
When I mount the stage tonight, it will all be because of her.
Thank you.
Check out that title again, huh?
Three years ago, I was flat on some operating table in the bowels of children's, not sitting here prepping for Opening Night of an awesome show.
And yet, without that day on the operating table, I wouldn't be here. That's for sure.
I was talking to my dad on Thursday and he said that the Saturday before transplant was probably the "worst day." I didn't leave the couch all day, except to try to eat something (which didn't go very well). He had to drag me to Easton the next day (and my dad HATES shopping. Absolutely hates it.). And I do mean drag.
Every day I drive by Children's on my way to work, and last night I drove by after rehearsal. It was about 11 or so, and three years ago Karen was calling us, giving us updates, telling us what to do. I blew the building a kiss as I drove by. I owe the people inside so much.
Three years. Wow.
I'm twenty-six now. I have been to Chicago, New York. I have seen my friends get married and have babies. I saw my brother graduate from college and my sister from high school. I've made new friends and met some awesome people. I have done things I thought I would never get to do. And all because Suzanne in Minnesota decided to donate her organs after she died.
I thank her.
My family and friends thank her.
It seems so inadequate, but it's all I can say. That, and live my life the absolute best I can.
When I mount the stage tonight, it will all be because of her.
Thank you.
Precisely three years ago...
Karen had just called us to tell us to come down to Children's.
Amazing.
Amazing.
OPENING NIGHT!
"Opening night...it's Opening night!
--The Producers
There's no business like show business
Like no business I know.
Everything about it is appealing
Everything the traffic will allow.
No where can you get that happy feeling
When you are stealing that extra bow.
There's no people like show people
They smile when they are low.
Yesterday they told you you would not go far
That night you open, and there you are.
Next day on your dressing room, they've hung a star!
Let's go on with the show!
--Annie, Get Your Gun
Henslowe: The show must, you know...
Shakespeare: Go on!
--Shakespeare In Love
Thursday, July 10, 2008
More news!
Tale of good and evil takes Hilliard stage this weekend
By KEVIN CORVO
Published: Wednesday, July 9, 2008 2:08 PM EDT
The diabolical tale of the dual personalities of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde provide the script for the Hilliard Arts Council's summer musical.
Jekyll and Hyde will be performed Friday through Sunday, July 11-13, at the Performing Arts Center at Hilliard Davidson High School, 5100 Davidson Road.
It is the first time the community theater troupe has tackled the dark subject matter contained in the musical based on the novel The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, written by Robert Louis Stevenson in 1886, said director Robin Brenneman.
"It's very challenging, but (my husband) and I love the music," she said. "After The King and I, which is a wholesome story, we decided to do something a little edgier."
The Stevenson classic tells the story of a brilliant English physician whose father died from a mental illness. Convinced that a cure for mental illness lay in the separation of man's evil nature from his good nature, the doctor's experimentation unleashes his own murderous alter ego, Mr. Hyde, who induces panic and fear on the streets of 19th-century London.
"People who know the play love it," Brenneman said. "It is enormously popular in the theater community."
Brenneman said she and her husband, Ken, the musical director, broke a rule of thumb when selecting Jekyll and Hyde, as they had no idea who would play the lead role.
"Usually, you have an idea who you envision in the lead role," she said.
More than 70 people responded to a casting call for all the roles, and 25-year-old David Hammond of Gahanna was offered the complex lead role. It is his first production with the Hilliard Arts Council.
A native of Mansfield, Hammond came to Columbus to finish his senior year at Ohio State University.
Previously, he performed theater as an underclassman at Ohio State's Mansfield campus. He also has experience with Renaissance Theater and the Mansfield Playhouse.
The musical is "definitely a cautionary tale," said Hammond.
"(Jekyll) is trying to separate good from evil and prevent pain ... but in trying to do so, makes things even worse," he said.
One side of Dr. Jekyll's personality wants to save lives, but the other side is "sheer evil, greed and lust," Hammond said.
In a supporting role is 2005 Hilliard Davidson High School graduate Diana Zambrotta as Lucy, a "lady of the evening" whom both Jekyll and Hyde fancy.
"She is a prostitute, but doesn't want to be where she is and is fighting to move up," said Zambrotta, 20, a student at Marymount Manhattan College in New York City, where she studies theater.
She has performed at the college and for the off-Broadway York Theater.
Zambrotta is home for the summer and available to participate in her fourth Hilliard Arts Council production. She most recently appeared in the cast of Evita.
Detroit native and Dublin resident Brooke Andres, 25, plays Emma, the fiancee of Dr. Jekyll.
"She is a very strong woman and even though he shuts her out, she stays by his side," said Andres.
Jekyll and Hyde is the first Hilliard Arts Council production for Andres, who learned about the opportunity while assisting her mother in The Pleasure Guild's performance of Annie at the Palace Theater.
Andres performs "Once Upon a Dream" and duets with Zambrotta on "In His Eyes," which are among the musical numbers in the lush, romantic pop score composed by Frank Wildhorn. Leslie Bricusse wrote the book and lyrics for Jekyll and Hyde.
Other supporting cast members in Jekyll and Hyde are Kurt Zielenbach of Hilliard as Sir Danvers, Emma's father; Kevin Doll of Upper Arlington as Jekyll's best friend, Utterson; and Jeff Meyers of Hilliard as Stride, Jekyll's rival for Emma's affections.
Scott Jones is the choreographer and Diana Vance is the technical director and set designer. Jan Woods and Sheila Hively are costume designers.
Jekyll and Hyde will be presented at 8 p.m. July 11 and 12, and at 3 p.m. July 13.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for senior citizens and students.
For further information, call 614-527-4407 or visit hillardartscouncil.org.
We also got a blurb in the Dispatch weekender!
First dress, also known as Prank Night
So last night was the first dress. This, apparently, means a few things:
--it will be the sweatiest, hottest rehearsal ever.
--It will be prank night: Chris will make up new words to "This Is The Moment" while David is onstage; Kevin will wear a cowboy hat in "Your Work and Nothing More", and the guys will sing "In His Thighs" while Brooke and Diana stand on the stage and mouth the words. Oh my. :)
--My skirt has to contain about 5 yards of fabric. I could loop it around my neck (as Laurie suggests to Meg in Little Women) and still have my legs suitably covered.
--I get to help Jaylene with David and Kevin's costume change after Board of Governors!
--The blouse buttons do not like to line up. At all.
--I only have one quick change--it's between "Bring on the Men" and "Alive!", when I go from Call Girl (wearing like nothing) to fully-dressed Victorian (see below). It's not too, too bad, but it's not like i have half an act to change like the rest of the ladies.
--We rehearsed the curtain call. I am on the scaffolding, the center piece, so you can find me fast. :-D
--There were the normal issues with costumes--getting everyone in them, changing them, etc. that make it a bit of a rough show. Notes were pretty quick. I am DESPERATELY glad that I am taking tomorrow off so I can sleep!
--Call tonight is at 6:00--costumes and make-up.
--Fortunately my hair is cooperative--I have it up (see below) for most the show, but I wear it sort of pulled back, with some of it down, for the Red Rat. That's a lot of fun. :)
--We are a pretty fun group of kids. :)
This has been such a wonderful experience--and tomorrow--WE OPEN!!!!!!!!!
--it will be the sweatiest, hottest rehearsal ever.
--It will be prank night: Chris will make up new words to "This Is The Moment" while David is onstage; Kevin will wear a cowboy hat in "Your Work and Nothing More", and the guys will sing "In His Thighs" while Brooke and Diana stand on the stage and mouth the words. Oh my. :)
--My skirt has to contain about 5 yards of fabric. I could loop it around my neck (as Laurie suggests to Meg in Little Women) and still have my legs suitably covered.
--I get to help Jaylene with David and Kevin's costume change after Board of Governors!
--The blouse buttons do not like to line up. At all.
--I only have one quick change--it's between "Bring on the Men" and "Alive!", when I go from Call Girl (wearing like nothing) to fully-dressed Victorian (see below). It's not too, too bad, but it's not like i have half an act to change like the rest of the ladies.
--We rehearsed the curtain call. I am on the scaffolding, the center piece, so you can find me fast. :-D
--There were the normal issues with costumes--getting everyone in them, changing them, etc. that make it a bit of a rough show. Notes were pretty quick. I am DESPERATELY glad that I am taking tomorrow off so I can sleep!
--Call tonight is at 6:00--costumes and make-up.
--Fortunately my hair is cooperative--I have it up (see below) for most the show, but I wear it sort of pulled back, with some of it down, for the Red Rat. That's a lot of fun. :)
--We are a pretty fun group of kids. :)
This has been such a wonderful experience--and tomorrow--WE OPEN!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Pictures!
Yes, it is late.
Yes, I have to go to bed.
But, I wanted to give you some pics from the first Dress Rehearsal...
Yes, I have to go to bed.
But, I wanted to give you some pics from the first Dress Rehearsal...
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
PROGRESS!!!!
I am home at 11:15!!
More notes tomorrow, but to sum up----50000% better than Monday. :)
More notes tomorrow, but to sum up----50000% better than Monday. :)
Full Tech I
OK, so notes here before I go do this again!
--I got home at 11:50. I am amazed I didn't fall asleep at work. Whew.
--"Your Work--and Nothing More" gave me goosebumps. The quartet knocked it out of the park, especially Kevin (Utterson) and Brooke (Emma).
--"This is the moment" was awesome--until David forgot the words! Ha ha. But it happens, and he was really grooving until that point.
--"Facade" was great. Now I have to figure out how to get OFF the scaffolding in the pitch dark!
--Still extra orchestra vamping on parts of "Murder", but I think we have it. I hope we have it. It's very weird to be standing there, full lights and all, with no music for you, just underscore. :)
--The words to "Murder!" are here!
--During "It's a Dangerous Game", David dropped his top hat, which rolled down Diana's arm and bounced across the stage. We all burst out laughing. Ken had to stop the orchestra and Diana really had to get herself under control. It was really funny, like something out of vaudeville, and not a seduction. :-D
--The thunder effects are hit or miss in "Murder" but they are awesome anyway. :-D
--Set changes, etc. went very smoothly.
--While I was watching Act II (I get a much bigger break in Act II than in Act I), I was thinking how lucky I am to be sitting there, with a great cast, watching awesome performers. It was a great feeling.
--David had to die about four times last night. Poor guy. He and Kevin finally worked out a good angle/blocking for his death, so that it doesn't look odd and that Brooke is in the right position to catch his head. Poor Jeff, who plays Stride, had to get knocked about an awful lot last night.
--We have fog in the "murder" scene to represent steam from the trains in King's Cross. It's pretty cool.
--The prop gun leaves white powder on the stage.
--Tonight the leads have the option of being in costume. I hope a lot of them take it because I want to see them!
--The Bring of the Men dance looked really good. :)
--The lights turn red whenever someone is murdered. Very nice.
--Make-up: lots of earth tones since they didn't have baby blue shadow in the 1880s. I wonder what Robin will say about some of the multiple piercings? :)
--In "Alive!" a bunch of us have to act like we're cold and gathered around a fire. The amusing thing is we will be hot--we are in long skirts, long-sleeved shirtwaists, and will have shawls. Yikes.
Off to rehearsal--again!
--I got home at 11:50. I am amazed I didn't fall asleep at work. Whew.
--"Your Work--and Nothing More" gave me goosebumps. The quartet knocked it out of the park, especially Kevin (Utterson) and Brooke (Emma).
--"This is the moment" was awesome--until David forgot the words! Ha ha. But it happens, and he was really grooving until that point.
--"Facade" was great. Now I have to figure out how to get OFF the scaffolding in the pitch dark!
--Still extra orchestra vamping on parts of "Murder", but I think we have it. I hope we have it. It's very weird to be standing there, full lights and all, with no music for you, just underscore. :)
--The words to "Murder!" are here!
--During "It's a Dangerous Game", David dropped his top hat, which rolled down Diana's arm and bounced across the stage. We all burst out laughing. Ken had to stop the orchestra and Diana really had to get herself under control. It was really funny, like something out of vaudeville, and not a seduction. :-D
--The thunder effects are hit or miss in "Murder" but they are awesome anyway. :-D
--Set changes, etc. went very smoothly.
--While I was watching Act II (I get a much bigger break in Act II than in Act I), I was thinking how lucky I am to be sitting there, with a great cast, watching awesome performers. It was a great feeling.
--David had to die about four times last night. Poor guy. He and Kevin finally worked out a good angle/blocking for his death, so that it doesn't look odd and that Brooke is in the right position to catch his head. Poor Jeff, who plays Stride, had to get knocked about an awful lot last night.
--We have fog in the "murder" scene to represent steam from the trains in King's Cross. It's pretty cool.
--The prop gun leaves white powder on the stage.
--Tonight the leads have the option of being in costume. I hope a lot of them take it because I want to see them!
--The Bring of the Men dance looked really good. :)
--The lights turn red whenever someone is murdered. Very nice.
--Make-up: lots of earth tones since they didn't have baby blue shadow in the 1880s. I wonder what Robin will say about some of the multiple piercings? :)
--In "Alive!" a bunch of us have to act like we're cold and gathered around a fire. The amusing thing is we will be hot--we are in long skirts, long-sleeved shirtwaists, and will have shawls. Yikes.
Off to rehearsal--again!
Monday, July 07, 2008
Tonight!
The first run through with EVERYTHING (but costumes).
I may have a few notes if I don't get home too late.
Woohoo!!!
I may have a few notes if I don't get home too late.
Woohoo!!!
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Tech Week: Parts I and II
TECH WEEK PART I-- In the beginning...
there was the Sound Check.
And not just any Sound Check. A loud Sound Check.
Tech Week began at 9 am on JUly 5--Saturday morning. We had gotten the Fourth off (thank God), and today was the first time we would run the show with lights, lighting effects, a stage crew, a stage manager, and sound. The leads were set up with their body mikes. The stage manager set up his corner backstage L. Techies were reading the list of lighting and sound cues as the propmaster checked the prop table.
To make sure all this technological gadetry worked, the kids in the sound booth ran the check. Usually this is some sort of song with a wide range so that you can check all the different speakers and stuff like that.
The song that we had? "(I just) died in your arms tonight." Played very, very loudly. It reverberated all throughout the theater; we had to shout at one another to bed heard. Just to make sure all the speakers in the HDHS PAC worked, they did it again. As I was limbering up I was thinking, I will never get this out of my head. I will be singing Facade and, instead, "I just died in your arms tonight" will well up out of me.
The tech crew was running about, getting things ready, as the rest of the cast trickled in. As usual, caffeine was highly in evidence, as well as a lot of food, since we were scheduled to go until 1, but most people thought (pessimistically) that we'd go a lot longer. It looked like we were settling in for a theatrical seige.
The stage curtain dropped, with the "Jekyll and Hyde" logo superimposed on it through spotlights. Robin then began to introduce the crew, including Jason, the stage manager (who warned us NOT to touch the mousetrap on the lab table after Act I had finished...I didn't need that advice). Jan, our costumer designer, then called the street people (of which I am one) to come and select costume material.
THis wasn't so much about what you liked--it was about what fit. 2/3 of the skirts had things like "waiste 23" marked on the tag. Um, my waist hasn't been a 23 in many, many moons. Fortunately I found a long skirt (long as in to the tops of my shoes) and a matching, high-neck, button blouse a la Anne of Green Gables, to go on top. (Technically, in Victorian vocab this is called a 'shirtwaist' and not a blouse. But I digress.) The skirt is long enough that I can wear my Bring on the Men fishnets under it and no one will be the wiser.
So, while Jan pinned my skirt and the other costume assistant marked my blouse, I failed to realize that we were on for Facade. By the time I scrambled into the wings the number was half-over, with blue and red lights illuminating the set and giving us all a pretty awesome glow. It looked spooky, which is what we're going for.
After that, we watched Board of Governors before heading backstage for the Facade reprise. The scrim fell, like it was supposed to, but only about half the cast actually got on the stage to sing the number. Sigh.
The engagement party followed while we Red Rat girls prepped for our big number. A sign labeled "The Red Rat", complete with a drawing of said rat, came down. Getting the tables onstage proved to be a bit challenging, so we had to practice that a few times. We ran the actual number once, and it went quite well, especially with the dramatic lighting. Of course, again, getting the tables off, the scrim down, and the men on for the end of Girls of the Night proved somewhat problematic, but that's why you have the Tech rehearsals--to work out the kinks.
The lab table rolled on for Jekyll's big numbers, the effect of which was somewhat diminished by the sound tech who was crouched behind him, trying to fix his body mike. Jay and I were on with Diana (Lucy) and two other women for Alive! so we hurried up for that. With the end of that number, I was done for Act I.
"Murder, Murder!" of course, was run a few times. The lights and the sound effects for this number require a bit of coordination. "Confrontation" was, I think I can say, a mess, because we couldn't see anything, but the end of the show wrapped quite nicely, with Robin demonstrating the very, very loud (and authentically-sounding) prop gun that Utterson (Kevin) will use to kill Hyde (David). After that, we were free to go until...
TECH PART II: The Music Tech
Today.
"Music Tech" is different than general tech in that we're doing stuff w/ the music that we would do with the lights, etc. Essentially it's about rhythm and entrances/exits, and volume. So today we met the orchestra. There are (this is all rough estimates) five violinists, two cellists, a few brass (horn, trumpet, trombone), a clarinet/bass clarinet/alto sax player, and a flutist. We also have our rehearsal accompanist playing the piano/synthesizer (because we aren't hauling a harp down there for Once Upon A Dream, y'all!).
Music tech isn't run sequentially, either--it's like an inverted triangle. You start with the full company numbers and work down to the last person (in this case, Jekyll) with the most solos. So we began with "Facade", which, after an initial sound hiccup, went very well. Ken's hands are flying in the pit. Of course, there were the normal calls for 1) volume and 2) exaggerated diction. Yes, to us, it sounds very stupid, but to you, the audience, it sounds like normal English.
After Facade we went right into the first reprise (which, unlike Saturday, had everyone on the red platform! yay!). Following that was the ever-popular Murder, Murder! which we did, no surprise, a few times, with several stops and starts so that the orchestra could coordinate with Hyde's murders, etc. There was one part, in particular, where the orchestra must have vamped for an extra five measures or so after Hyde had exited. But, again, that's why we rehearse like this. At least the words are 98% memorized!
Finally, we did "Confronation/Facade 2". Confrontation is a big of a bugaboo--people are still trying to smuggle scripts up into the scaffolding, with the thinking that, since we're behind the scrim, no one can see us. Robin's not so keen on this, so no more scripts. The other problem is general cueing. The director's head is mainly with 1) The Orchestra and 2) David, as J&H. We're there, but we're not really first in the pecking order. So we have to count (something vocalists do not often do) and come in as best we can. There were also some sound adjustments, because we couldn't hear much of anything, pit wise, or David at all.
The reprise went well, and we were taking at Ken's super-fast tempo, so I'm surprised we did that well. Sally hadn't been playing it quite that fast, and Ken really books it (I guess we're in a hurry to get to this wedding, eh?).
That was the end of the company numbers and the guys filed out, leaving the girls for Bring on the Men, which was not nearly as much fun without the guys at the tables. I felt odd, not having anything in front of me, and was tempted in break into dance--but I didn't. I restrained myself. :)
I left around 4:15, and finally ate a real meal with parents, afterwards hitting Kohl's with mom for the final components of my costume--fishnets and a sports bra to wear under my tank top for the Red Rat sequence. The costume, along with some of my other stage stuff, is now sitting in my LL Bean bag, awaiting the First Dress on Wednesday.
I feel good. I know my music, I know my blocking. The cast is wonderful--we all get along very well and are having a lot of fun with this show. When talking to Sally yesterday we both agreed that this is one show we will hate to see end, simply because it is so much fun, and it's something different. Sometimes Community Theater can be stale and safe--it's all Oklahoma! and Hello, Dolly!. This is unique. Like I told Tiffany yesterday, this may be the bleakest musical I know. Even Les Miz doesn't end this bleakly, for pete's sake! (If you would like to offer another contender, please do so in the combox--I would love to hear suggestions!)
Side note: While in Kohl's I saw my junior year (h.s.) English teacher, who works as a cashier there. She asked me what I was up to, and I told her about the show. She said she was "not suprised" to hear that I was doing theater. Ha ha. :)
So, TECH WEEK schedule:
Tomorrow: Show 7-10
Tuesday: Show 7-10
Wednesday: FIRST DRESS, with call at 6.
Thursday: LAST DRESS, LAST REHEARSAL! 6-10 (or God knows when....)
When I say "show" I mean with everything BUT costumes--scene changes, sound effects, orchestra, lighting, the whole nine yards.
Whew.
there was the Sound Check.
And not just any Sound Check. A loud Sound Check.
Tech Week began at 9 am on JUly 5--Saturday morning. We had gotten the Fourth off (thank God), and today was the first time we would run the show with lights, lighting effects, a stage crew, a stage manager, and sound. The leads were set up with their body mikes. The stage manager set up his corner backstage L. Techies were reading the list of lighting and sound cues as the propmaster checked the prop table.
To make sure all this technological gadetry worked, the kids in the sound booth ran the check. Usually this is some sort of song with a wide range so that you can check all the different speakers and stuff like that.
The song that we had? "(I just) died in your arms tonight." Played very, very loudly. It reverberated all throughout the theater; we had to shout at one another to bed heard. Just to make sure all the speakers in the HDHS PAC worked, they did it again. As I was limbering up I was thinking, I will never get this out of my head. I will be singing Facade and, instead, "I just died in your arms tonight" will well up out of me.
The tech crew was running about, getting things ready, as the rest of the cast trickled in. As usual, caffeine was highly in evidence, as well as a lot of food, since we were scheduled to go until 1, but most people thought (pessimistically) that we'd go a lot longer. It looked like we were settling in for a theatrical seige.
The stage curtain dropped, with the "Jekyll and Hyde" logo superimposed on it through spotlights. Robin then began to introduce the crew, including Jason, the stage manager (who warned us NOT to touch the mousetrap on the lab table after Act I had finished...I didn't need that advice). Jan, our costumer designer, then called the street people (of which I am one) to come and select costume material.
THis wasn't so much about what you liked--it was about what fit. 2/3 of the skirts had things like "waiste 23" marked on the tag. Um, my waist hasn't been a 23 in many, many moons. Fortunately I found a long skirt (long as in to the tops of my shoes) and a matching, high-neck, button blouse a la Anne of Green Gables, to go on top. (Technically, in Victorian vocab this is called a 'shirtwaist' and not a blouse. But I digress.) The skirt is long enough that I can wear my Bring on the Men fishnets under it and no one will be the wiser.
So, while Jan pinned my skirt and the other costume assistant marked my blouse, I failed to realize that we were on for Facade. By the time I scrambled into the wings the number was half-over, with blue and red lights illuminating the set and giving us all a pretty awesome glow. It looked spooky, which is what we're going for.
After that, we watched Board of Governors before heading backstage for the Facade reprise. The scrim fell, like it was supposed to, but only about half the cast actually got on the stage to sing the number. Sigh.
The engagement party followed while we Red Rat girls prepped for our big number. A sign labeled "The Red Rat", complete with a drawing of said rat, came down. Getting the tables onstage proved to be a bit challenging, so we had to practice that a few times. We ran the actual number once, and it went quite well, especially with the dramatic lighting. Of course, again, getting the tables off, the scrim down, and the men on for the end of Girls of the Night proved somewhat problematic, but that's why you have the Tech rehearsals--to work out the kinks.
The lab table rolled on for Jekyll's big numbers, the effect of which was somewhat diminished by the sound tech who was crouched behind him, trying to fix his body mike. Jay and I were on with Diana (Lucy) and two other women for Alive! so we hurried up for that. With the end of that number, I was done for Act I.
"Murder, Murder!" of course, was run a few times. The lights and the sound effects for this number require a bit of coordination. "Confrontation" was, I think I can say, a mess, because we couldn't see anything, but the end of the show wrapped quite nicely, with Robin demonstrating the very, very loud (and authentically-sounding) prop gun that Utterson (Kevin) will use to kill Hyde (David). After that, we were free to go until...
TECH PART II: The Music Tech
Today.
"Music Tech" is different than general tech in that we're doing stuff w/ the music that we would do with the lights, etc. Essentially it's about rhythm and entrances/exits, and volume. So today we met the orchestra. There are (this is all rough estimates) five violinists, two cellists, a few brass (horn, trumpet, trombone), a clarinet/bass clarinet/alto sax player, and a flutist. We also have our rehearsal accompanist playing the piano/synthesizer (because we aren't hauling a harp down there for Once Upon A Dream, y'all!).
Music tech isn't run sequentially, either--it's like an inverted triangle. You start with the full company numbers and work down to the last person (in this case, Jekyll) with the most solos. So we began with "Facade", which, after an initial sound hiccup, went very well. Ken's hands are flying in the pit. Of course, there were the normal calls for 1) volume and 2) exaggerated diction. Yes, to us, it sounds very stupid, but to you, the audience, it sounds like normal English.
After Facade we went right into the first reprise (which, unlike Saturday, had everyone on the red platform! yay!). Following that was the ever-popular Murder, Murder! which we did, no surprise, a few times, with several stops and starts so that the orchestra could coordinate with Hyde's murders, etc. There was one part, in particular, where the orchestra must have vamped for an extra five measures or so after Hyde had exited. But, again, that's why we rehearse like this. At least the words are 98% memorized!
Finally, we did "Confronation/Facade 2". Confrontation is a big of a bugaboo--people are still trying to smuggle scripts up into the scaffolding, with the thinking that, since we're behind the scrim, no one can see us. Robin's not so keen on this, so no more scripts. The other problem is general cueing. The director's head is mainly with 1) The Orchestra and 2) David, as J&H. We're there, but we're not really first in the pecking order. So we have to count (something vocalists do not often do) and come in as best we can. There were also some sound adjustments, because we couldn't hear much of anything, pit wise, or David at all.
The reprise went well, and we were taking at Ken's super-fast tempo, so I'm surprised we did that well. Sally hadn't been playing it quite that fast, and Ken really books it (I guess we're in a hurry to get to this wedding, eh?).
That was the end of the company numbers and the guys filed out, leaving the girls for Bring on the Men, which was not nearly as much fun without the guys at the tables. I felt odd, not having anything in front of me, and was tempted in break into dance--but I didn't. I restrained myself. :)
I left around 4:15, and finally ate a real meal with parents, afterwards hitting Kohl's with mom for the final components of my costume--fishnets and a sports bra to wear under my tank top for the Red Rat sequence. The costume, along with some of my other stage stuff, is now sitting in my LL Bean bag, awaiting the First Dress on Wednesday.
I feel good. I know my music, I know my blocking. The cast is wonderful--we all get along very well and are having a lot of fun with this show. When talking to Sally yesterday we both agreed that this is one show we will hate to see end, simply because it is so much fun, and it's something different. Sometimes Community Theater can be stale and safe--it's all Oklahoma! and Hello, Dolly!. This is unique. Like I told Tiffany yesterday, this may be the bleakest musical I know. Even Les Miz doesn't end this bleakly, for pete's sake! (If you would like to offer another contender, please do so in the combox--I would love to hear suggestions!)
Side note: While in Kohl's I saw my junior year (h.s.) English teacher, who works as a cashier there. She asked me what I was up to, and I told her about the show. She said she was "not suprised" to hear that I was doing theater. Ha ha. :)
So, TECH WEEK schedule:
Tomorrow: Show 7-10
Tuesday: Show 7-10
Wednesday: FIRST DRESS, with call at 6.
Thursday: LAST DRESS, LAST REHEARSAL! 6-10 (or God knows when....)
When I say "show" I mean with everything BUT costumes--scene changes, sound effects, orchestra, lighting, the whole nine yards.
Whew.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Happy Independence Day!
*my favorite parts in bold
IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America
When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.
IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America
When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Bring on the men!
OK, the Red rat scene is so much more fun now that I don't dance!!!!!!
I am on Stage R (that's the left, if you're in the house...stage left and right are the actors' lefts and rights), and I get to seduce Jay, Tim, and two other guys while they sit at the pub tables. How awesome is that? :) And since it's musical theater, you have a lot less to worry about, barrier wise--you can run fingers through hair, run your hand on their cheeks, and sit on laps, with abandon. It's great fun. :)
We get a break tomorrow, and then Saturday--TECH. Longest. Rehearsal. Ever. (Maybe)
Update: Whoops, forgot to add--I am also in the tail end of "Alive!" as Hyde stalks his way through London, finding Lucy at the end. Robin called for street people so Jay, Ann and I scurried up there to keep Diana (Lucy) company as David stalks above us on the scaffolding. Very cool.
I am on Stage R (that's the left, if you're in the house...stage left and right are the actors' lefts and rights), and I get to seduce Jay, Tim, and two other guys while they sit at the pub tables. How awesome is that? :) And since it's musical theater, you have a lot less to worry about, barrier wise--you can run fingers through hair, run your hand on their cheeks, and sit on laps, with abandon. It's great fun. :)
We get a break tomorrow, and then Saturday--TECH. Longest. Rehearsal. Ever. (Maybe)
Update: Whoops, forgot to add--I am also in the tail end of "Alive!" as Hyde stalks his way through London, finding Lucy at the end. Robin called for street people so Jay, Ann and I scurried up there to keep Diana (Lucy) company as David stalks above us on the scaffolding. Very cool.
Updates
OK--no dancing pour moi, just singing. That makes me a lot happier since I love the music and I can just concentrate on that (well, and male seduction, ha ha.)
Act II rehearsal was last night. Minus the running of Murder, Murder! twice, because we are STILL word fuzzy, and the laughing during Jekyll's death scene, it was very good. Oh, and we totally need monitors in the wings for "Confrontation" or else the chorus will be coming in whenever it feels like it, as opposed to when we're supposed to!
Tonight--the whole kit 'n caboodle.
(side note: what is a kit 'n caboodle? Anyone?)
Act II rehearsal was last night. Minus the running of Murder, Murder! twice, because we are STILL word fuzzy, and the laughing during Jekyll's death scene, it was very good. Oh, and we totally need monitors in the wings for "Confrontation" or else the chorus will be coming in whenever it feels like it, as opposed to when we're supposed to!
Tonight--the whole kit 'n caboodle.
(side note: what is a kit 'n caboodle? Anyone?)
Press time!
That's Brooke (Emma) and David (Jekyll) in front of the fantastic scaffolding (ha ha). The girls in the background are various Red rat dancers working on different parts of the scene. I think that's Abby in the pink tank top on the right.
Oh, and that is indeed the awesome pink dress on Brooke that I was talking about earlier!
Arts council to stage Jekyll and Hyde
Wednesday, July 2, 2008 2:28 PM
By CHRIS ALEXIS
ThisWeek Staff Writer
The Hilliard Arts Council is getting in touch with its dark side. It will present "Jekyll and Hyde" for its annual summer musical.
The show will run at the Hilliard Davidson High School Performing Arts Center, 5100 Davidson Rd. Show times are 8 p.m. on July 11-12 and 3 p.m. on July 13.
Play director Robin Brenneman said this is the first community theatre production of the show in the Columbus area.
Her husband, Ken, provides musical direction for the show.
The musical is based on the book by Robert Louis Stevenson which follows Dr. Henry Jekyll, whose experiments with human personality create a homicidal alter ego, Edward Hyde.
Brenneman said this show is a change of pace from last summer's show, "The King and I."
"We decided to do something a little edgierÉ we like to offer variety," she said. "We thought it would be nice to do something of an adult nature."
Brenneman said the show is rated PG-13 for "mature themes."
"Hyde kills a lot of people," she said, but added there is no fake blood.
She advised discretion for parents of young children.
"It's up to each parent to know their child," she said.
One of the characters, Lucy Harris, is a prostitute. Brenneman was quick to point out that nothing inappropriate is shown on stage.
Lucy is played by Diana Zambrotta, a 2005 graduate of Hilliard Davidson. She said she's been close with the Brennemans for years. She currently lives in New York City, studying theatre at Marymount Manhattan College. She said she's home for the summer and will be returning to New York in August to begin her senior year.
She described her character, Lucy, as being in a "love triangle."
"She becomes involved in an emotional affair with Jekyll and a physical relationship with Hyde," she said.
She said working with the Brennemans has been a "great experience."
"They set a tone in the environment that allows for a lot of discovery. They give you a lot of freedom to make your own choices as an actor," she said.
"I think we have a strong group of people performing," she said.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for senior citizens and students. For more information, call 614-527-4407, e-mail kenrob@ columbus.rr.com or visit www .hilliardartscouncil.org.
calexis@thisweeknews.com
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Act I
The first complete run through of Act I was tonight (it may still be going, but I hope not!). I watched about 2/3 of it, before I headed home to sleep before we run Act II tomorrow!
It. Was. Awesome.
The principals had photography done before the rehearsal for the local papers, so we saw them in costume, and they are wonderful. Emma's dress for Act I is this gorgeous pink outfit. If I were her, I would beg so hard to keep it! :)
After that we began rehearsal. Most of us hung out, watching David sing "I need to know" before we hustled back stage to get ready for "Facade." The scaffolding is finally done. It is high. There are few guardrails. And there are steps. I will be in a skirt. And heels.
Yikes.
So I tried my best to clamber up the steps as quickly as possible. The platform can hold all four of us, but not the way we were standing, so we had to adjust that. And I am at the front of the platform. Suddenly, being like 7 feet up really means something. Good thing I'm not super afraid of heights. Before we started I shouted down to Dan (General Glossop) that he better be prepared to catch me. :)
"Facade" went well. Being on the platform took a bit of adjustment but it is awful cool to see everyone beneath you. After "facade" we could watch some of "Board of Governors" before scrambling back on stage to prep for "Facade (reprise 1)", which has the chorus standing on the raised part of the stage behind a scrim. As soon as we're done, we file off, but we Red Rat girls don't get too long because "Bring on the Men" is right after the party scene.
Thankfully we got to see Emma (Brooke) and Jekyll do "Take Me As I Am." I had goosebumps as I watched them. It was perfect. Sadly we didn't get to the see the whole thing because we had to go prep.
Now for the Red Rat scene I am ALSO on the scaffold. In the air. Dancing this time. Yikes and more yikes. Thank God for the poles up there! This was where I ran into my only problem of the night.
We are doing a lot of scurrying up and down these stairs, and dancing, and then the dance break, and then singing while we're dancing, etc. Now, I may have new lungs but these puppies aren't 100%, and probably won't be, ever, since we had the diaphragm-knicking issue during surgery. So this was a bit...challenging. I may have to talk to Robin and see if I can rearrange myself so I don't feel like dying at the end of the number. Really, I could not sing and dance at the same time. It was not happening, at least not tonight and not at the tempo we're doing it. It's a fast number, and I knew singing to it would be hard, but the stairs make it extra tricky. So we'll see what can be arranged.
After that number, the chorus is done for the first Act (well, except for a few street kids at the end of Act I, who witness Hyde's murder of the Bishop). I stayed to watch "The Girls of the Night" and David singing "This Is the Moment/Transformation/Alive!"
It. Was. Awesome. Really. And this was only with him and the piano. I cannot imagine how great it will be when we have a full orchestra in the pit (the orchestra was in the choir room rehearsing while we did our thing).
It is great to have the sets, props and costumes in play. David was the only one who rehearsed totally in costume, since he has to change and do stuff like that during the Act. Some of the guys looked distinctly uncomfortable in their frock coats!
So hopefully I can get the dance/singing thing resolved. I'm sure once I explain it to Robin it will be OK. At least I hope so. I mean, I can't really do anything about it, right? This set of lungs is better than the old ones!
It. Was. Awesome.
The principals had photography done before the rehearsal for the local papers, so we saw them in costume, and they are wonderful. Emma's dress for Act I is this gorgeous pink outfit. If I were her, I would beg so hard to keep it! :)
After that we began rehearsal. Most of us hung out, watching David sing "I need to know" before we hustled back stage to get ready for "Facade." The scaffolding is finally done. It is high. There are few guardrails. And there are steps. I will be in a skirt. And heels.
Yikes.
So I tried my best to clamber up the steps as quickly as possible. The platform can hold all four of us, but not the way we were standing, so we had to adjust that. And I am at the front of the platform. Suddenly, being like 7 feet up really means something. Good thing I'm not super afraid of heights. Before we started I shouted down to Dan (General Glossop) that he better be prepared to catch me. :)
"Facade" went well. Being on the platform took a bit of adjustment but it is awful cool to see everyone beneath you. After "facade" we could watch some of "Board of Governors" before scrambling back on stage to prep for "Facade (reprise 1)", which has the chorus standing on the raised part of the stage behind a scrim. As soon as we're done, we file off, but we Red Rat girls don't get too long because "Bring on the Men" is right after the party scene.
Thankfully we got to see Emma (Brooke) and Jekyll do "Take Me As I Am." I had goosebumps as I watched them. It was perfect. Sadly we didn't get to the see the whole thing because we had to go prep.
Now for the Red Rat scene I am ALSO on the scaffold. In the air. Dancing this time. Yikes and more yikes. Thank God for the poles up there! This was where I ran into my only problem of the night.
We are doing a lot of scurrying up and down these stairs, and dancing, and then the dance break, and then singing while we're dancing, etc. Now, I may have new lungs but these puppies aren't 100%, and probably won't be, ever, since we had the diaphragm-knicking issue during surgery. So this was a bit...challenging. I may have to talk to Robin and see if I can rearrange myself so I don't feel like dying at the end of the number. Really, I could not sing and dance at the same time. It was not happening, at least not tonight and not at the tempo we're doing it. It's a fast number, and I knew singing to it would be hard, but the stairs make it extra tricky. So we'll see what can be arranged.
After that number, the chorus is done for the first Act (well, except for a few street kids at the end of Act I, who witness Hyde's murder of the Bishop). I stayed to watch "The Girls of the Night" and David singing "This Is the Moment/Transformation/Alive!"
It. Was. Awesome. Really. And this was only with him and the piano. I cannot imagine how great it will be when we have a full orchestra in the pit (the orchestra was in the choir room rehearsing while we did our thing).
It is great to have the sets, props and costumes in play. David was the only one who rehearsed totally in costume, since he has to change and do stuff like that during the Act. Some of the guys looked distinctly uncomfortable in their frock coats!
So hopefully I can get the dance/singing thing resolved. I'm sure once I explain it to Robin it will be OK. At least I hope so. I mean, I can't really do anything about it, right? This set of lungs is better than the old ones!
If you do nothing else today
Watch this video.
I was just like those girls. There was a vest in my bedroom. I used oxygen at night before my transplant. And I wanted it so desperately when I finally realized that, without it, days were short and numbered.
If you haven't already, please become an organ donor. Ask your friends and family to do the same. And TELL your friends and family about your decision.
It was literally Hell--not being about walk 20 feet. Not being to climb steps. Not to be able to eat anything, or stay awake longer than 20 minutes. Brushing my teeth was the hardest thing in my day.
Think about that.
It's unacceptable for this to be happening. CF is the most common genetic disease in the United States. Let's work to reduce that statistic. Or, at least, make it so that it can be cured.
As we head toward my anniversary, I'll be posting more of my thoughts now that I'm three years out. But right now, I can say, with total certainty, that this life is the best I could imagine. Tonight I'm going to a rehearsal where I will sing and dance and move about the stage with 60 other "normal" people. I don't think anyone on the cast or crew knows, except my friend Jaylene who was in high school choir with me, and maybe some of the Cap kids. I kept it such a closely guarded secret.
When I hit that stage next Friday, it will be because a woman in Minnesota--Suzanne--decided to donate her organs. Without her, there would be no me.
It's a sobering thought. Help spread the word--volunteer, donate, or just tell people to read this, or other CF blogs, like Nate and Tricia's. I can't really ask you enough to do these things.
I am privileged. 19 people will die today because they didn't get their organs. I have heard stories about CF kids who died in high school, in college, much, much too young. I know too many wonderful CF patients. And some of those wonderful kids will be one of those 19 people.
I was just like those girls. There was a vest in my bedroom. I used oxygen at night before my transplant. And I wanted it so desperately when I finally realized that, without it, days were short and numbered.
If you haven't already, please become an organ donor. Ask your friends and family to do the same. And TELL your friends and family about your decision.
It was literally Hell--not being about walk 20 feet. Not being to climb steps. Not to be able to eat anything, or stay awake longer than 20 minutes. Brushing my teeth was the hardest thing in my day.
Think about that.
It's unacceptable for this to be happening. CF is the most common genetic disease in the United States. Let's work to reduce that statistic. Or, at least, make it so that it can be cured.
As we head toward my anniversary, I'll be posting more of my thoughts now that I'm three years out. But right now, I can say, with total certainty, that this life is the best I could imagine. Tonight I'm going to a rehearsal where I will sing and dance and move about the stage with 60 other "normal" people. I don't think anyone on the cast or crew knows, except my friend Jaylene who was in high school choir with me, and maybe some of the Cap kids. I kept it such a closely guarded secret.
When I hit that stage next Friday, it will be because a woman in Minnesota--Suzanne--decided to donate her organs. Without her, there would be no me.
It's a sobering thought. Help spread the word--volunteer, donate, or just tell people to read this, or other CF blogs, like Nate and Tricia's. I can't really ask you enough to do these things.
I am privileged. 19 people will die today because they didn't get their organs. I have heard stories about CF kids who died in high school, in college, much, much too young. I know too many wonderful CF patients. And some of those wonderful kids will be one of those 19 people.
"This will be easy"
At least, that's what my oral surgeon tells me!
The appointment yesterday went well. Apparently he wants do to four grafts (that's eight teeth) on the lower jaw line (basically the eight frontmost ones). It takes about 30-40 minutes and he does it in his office (I'm not sure where, but I guess I'll find out!). The recovery is like 2-4 days, give or take. The real question is how many grafts the insurance will pay for, so this could be a one time thing, or like a four time thing. We'll see. But my palette, where they take the tissue from, "looks great" so we're set there. Now we just have to coordinate with Dr. A and the insurance co., then we pick a date.
The appointment yesterday went well. Apparently he wants do to four grafts (that's eight teeth) on the lower jaw line (basically the eight frontmost ones). It takes about 30-40 minutes and he does it in his office (I'm not sure where, but I guess I'll find out!). The recovery is like 2-4 days, give or take. The real question is how many grafts the insurance will pay for, so this could be a one time thing, or like a four time thing. We'll see. But my palette, where they take the tissue from, "looks great" so we're set there. Now we just have to coordinate with Dr. A and the insurance co., then we pick a date.
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