tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61305856950548054932024-03-14T00:39:11.031-07:00In My BackyardbacKYarts is this place that exists in a perfect world inside my mind. If you don't like My Backyard, feel free to go next door.bacKYartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03362683694467210179noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130585695054805493.post-16867824629902592582013-04-30T08:19:00.000-07:002013-04-30T08:19:42.522-07:00I Hate My Pancreas. I Hate Hospitals and I Hate Surgery.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <b>I blame the love of drink and my wisdom teeth for my malady of pancreatitis. At the dentist I could not receive anesthesia because they discovered I had high blood pressure. They told me get that under control and we'll rid you of your wisdom teeth with deeper anesthesia and under hospital control. OK, done. That was 2007. After that ordeal I started to have deep pains in my gut running through my back and down my right leg. My stomach was always upset and in reflux. Keep in mind I was still drinking heavily during this period. </b></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Fast forward to July 2010 after a 5 day stay in the hospital it is discovered that I have chronic pancreatitis and a "cyst" at the head of the pancreas. Leaving the hospital I decide to stop drinking alcohol and to monitor the situation as prescribed by the doctors. MRI's, blood tests, ultrasounds, and cat scans out the wazoo. To revisit and read more about that ordeal visit: <a href="http://backyarts.blogspot.com/2012/06/lets-have-drink.html" target="_blank">http://backyarts.blogspot.com/2012/06/lets-have-drink.html</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The cyst started the size of a pencil eraser, grew to the size of a quarter, and now it’s the size of a tennis ball. When the doctor tells you this you think you have a tennis ball inside you. The cyst is in an odd place to be a pseudo cyst and might have been there for years before it reared its ugly head. Now the doctors think it is time for it to be removed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On top of that they told me I am diabetic and need to start insulin shots. That has been an easy adjustment and the shots aren't that bad. Pricking my fingers suck and some are starting to get a little tender. Diabetics have cool toys and gadgets and a nifty bag to carry all your supplies. My blood sugar levels are high at night and they are being monitored now and through the surgery. And who knows what they are going to be after the surgery.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> This whole adventure is like having car problems. You take the car to the mechanic you try to describe the problems and make the sounds your car is making to make it malfunction but when they take it on the road everything seems fine and working properly. Sense I've been on the insulin I have felt better and have more energy. But it is a false feeling and still masking a bigger problem. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yeah I'm nervous, anxious, and scared. They will make an incision from the sternum to the belly button, take some things out, rearrange and reconnect some other things, and sew me back together. Oh, and take the cyst out. After the surgery I'll be in intensive care for 2-3 days and another 6-7 days in the hospital doing rehab and relearning to eat. Then another 3-4 weeks or so recuperating at home. More time on facebook.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The procedure is called a whipple of the pancreas. Pancreaticoduodenectomy. Watch the video if you so desire. If you don't like medical things, don't watch. I haven't. Basically this is what they are doing.....minus the cancer part and taking out part of my stomach. I hope.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So here we go. Doing the prep, visited with the anesthesiologist, and now I walk into the valley.....I fear no evil. Keep my fears calm. Trust and verify. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And thank God for all things given including you all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Send Get Well Cards Only (no visitors) to:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">• St Joseph Hospital •</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">• 1 Saint Joseph Drive •</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">• Lexington, KY 40504 •</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">P.S. Please check on Diane from time to time</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I think she is more nervous than me.</span></div>
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bacKYartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03362683694467210179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130585695054805493.post-17019370635610102202012-09-16T00:09:00.000-07:002012-09-16T00:21:22.170-07:00BUGGED AT BALAGULA<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I Hate Theatre....</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hCfjx0BuDvo/UFNLTvPsKpI/AAAAAAAAAOs/6bUQGlAF4yk/s1600/Bug.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hCfjx0BuDvo/UFNLTvPsKpI/AAAAAAAAAOs/6bUQGlAF4yk/s200/Bug.png" width="129" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>I guess if you are still thinking & talking about a production afterwards the producers, director, cast and crew have done their job. Good or bad. I have never experienced this script before but knew the storyline and found it intriguing. Personally, it was not gritty or dirty enough. My skin did not crawl. I left thirsty. Something left me bugged about Bug playing locally at the Balagula Theatre. Call it differences in acting styles, the clash of those styles, or the inability to bond those styles into one common thread. Good or bad?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Curtain. When one has open minutes alone on stage you better hit the basics. Who, what, when, where, etc. We should learn a lot about Agnes, Rachel Rogers, in those opening moments. The tech/light glitch might have thrown her off. You know you are in trouble when the actor is more concerned in finding her placement in the doorway than playing within the drunken moment. Worried about the picture and not the story. The self has gotten in the way. And Peter, Zachery Dearing’s one note performance leaves nowhere to grow and expand through this delusional world. You need an overflow of emotions and layers for this play.There are some great moments but some are rushed and we do not get the build or the layers that explains the pain and hurt these characters are facing and creating. They don't mesh. They clash.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>The internal character transitions, getting from point A to point B, are missing in part. Clearly, the big moments have been identified but you just do not get there without some traveling, building, and foreshadowing. Paranoia, fear, control, loneliness, on stage all are knots. Show me how you tied that knot. Again, I think this is conflict of individual styles and not brought under control and managed by the director’s eye. Flat responses to open ended questions do not progress the action or the story. You have so much more to tell us about the story and your character. Some might blame the set or the space. I fault the blocking.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>The stage space at Balagula is tight and small. Positive or negative? I like actors that eat their scenery, know their space and the environment. Play in it and play with it. Why was the ex-husband Goss more comfortable in the space than Agnes who lived there? Was it hot and uncomfortable before you turned on the air conditioning? I did not see that. You just had some stage direction to turn the a/c on which you accomplished. The set should make a statement and compliment the play, tell us something about the characters, create an environment, give the actors a reason to play. Generally, I am getting tired of incomplete sets and shotty craftsmanship. One production, somewhere else in Lexington, left me so bored I was counting all the woodscrews holding the flats together. I guess there was no time for wood filler or tape and paint to cover the magic of that less than professional set. Attention is in the details.</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z9DwbBcre-U/UFRu72tfjSI/AAAAAAAAAO8/N4l4CGoIZJo/s1600/Bug+set.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z9DwbBcre-U/UFRu72tfjSI/AAAAAAAAAO8/N4l4CGoIZJo/s320/Bug+set.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>I have seen more complicated technical shows at Balagula with more sound and light ques with complex changes and transitions. Maybe it was my seat in the house but why was the sound of the phone-ringing coming from the air conditioner and not from the phone itself across the room? Light glitches in the opening really? I know, I know it’s live theatre and anything can happen and usually does. But Bug seems like a technically easy show and the crew needs to be as prepared as the actors are. Maybe more. I am assuming the actors don’t drink before and during the show and maybe that is a good rule for the tech crew. And what was that spider web radar-tracking ring above the stage? Sorry, I didn’t get it. Save that money for the set which the audience and cast are involved in and not a ceiling cover. And those posts? Embrace the posts. Use the posts. Some shows at Balagula have used them effectively. Those that don’t immediately create an obstacle.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Lastly on the set and the artistic design. Just plain flat. No detail. No finish. This set had two walls. One can explain away the third wall, but what about the fourth wall? Yes, that wall. The fourth wall. I might have seen two or three brief moments played with and to the fourth wall. Why were the actors afraid to use the fourth wall? I fault the blocking.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>So overall it is a good show with a relevant script worth seeing. I’m not a reviewer or a master of the critique but I like good theatre and I want to see local actors, directors, producers, and designers doing their best. Polished, in tune, in the moment playing the moment. Characters void of self but full of emotion and thought. Well rounded theatre with an edge and a bite.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>But, I really do hate curtain speeches and theatre.</strong></span></div>
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bacKYartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03362683694467210179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130585695054805493.post-7752117332825119622012-09-11T04:18:00.000-07:002012-09-11T04:18:44.824-07:00The Day I Went To Church At One World Trade Center & Memorial<div style="text-align: center;">
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I have an emotional attachment to Ground Zero, the North Tower, South Tower, the World Trade Center complex. We always went downtown with every trip to New York City. On this visit I was not prepared emotionally or prepared as a tourist.</div>
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Like cattle, we arrived at the final gate and had to wait our turn so the exiting visitors could leave. They were still silent and reverent. They had experienced something breath taking inside. Finally.........</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XrYKqGdzCGM/Trru0D_35dI/AAAAAAAAAL8/mBpc3rDoMqM/s1600/HPIM1601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XrYKqGdzCGM/Trru0D_35dI/AAAAAAAAAL8/mBpc3rDoMqM/s200/HPIM1601.JPG" width="200" /></a>You had to stop. Take it in. It's a beautiful sunny day. You think it is quite. A simple plane of grass and concrete walkways stretched out lined by trees and benches. You approach the South Tower first. Laid to rest in a fountain that falls into a hole in the middle of the imprint. Surrounded by the names of the heroes that were taken from us that day.</div>
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You walk around the massive imprint and you want to read and touch every name. But you stop to remember and reflect. Watch the people around you as they hug, cry, cross themselves, laugh, marvel, pray and hope.</div>
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WE WILL NEVER FORGET</div>
bacKYartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03362683694467210179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130585695054805493.post-17875695991273947832012-09-02T07:33:00.000-07:002012-09-02T07:36:31.484-07:00Maine, a wicked pissah.<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In my mind this is where we were going to Maine this year. I had been before and still thought of it as a rocky point on a soft beach with dark cold waters. A hard place with soft edges. The land of thousands lobster traps dotting the sea's edge. Vacationland. <span lang="EN">Dirigo. I guide. I direct. The state of Maine is in rehearsal. A fishing hamlet.</span></span></strong> <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dv2WBcc4-34/UAMN-P7Fd7I/AAAAAAAAANY/d0FbmsEOM34/s1600/20120709062709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dv2WBcc4-34/UAMN-P7Fd7I/AAAAAAAAANY/d0FbmsEOM34/s200/20120709062709.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>This year's adventure we are encamped at a hippy tree house cabin in the woods. Two miles off the road into the woods perched on a hill with the water just visible through the trees. A tease. One deer. One bigass fox. A hummingbird. And mosquitoes at dusk. Camp Barkley. Thanks Pat and Bill.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>So many little towns all within thirty minutes of camp. All connected to the sea. I'm intrigued by the art of fishing. The life of fishing. Living within the sea life.</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6B_-St7fyVw/UAMSlMVP33I/AAAAAAAAANs/lzmzGq3GzII/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6B_-St7fyVw/UAMSlMVP33I/AAAAAAAAANs/lzmzGq3GzII/s200/031.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>The towns have the essentials plus something they can call their own. Whether it is an ice cream stand, a lobster shack, or a firehouse. Each town, and every shack, claims to have the best lobster rolls in town. Red's Eats in Topsham wins all around. Be prepared to stand in line and do not give into the temptation of going across the street to the shacks with the shorter lines.</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yI3BFSbLBWs/UARti2ddlhI/AAAAAAAAAN8/VwrJTPlmh2E/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yI3BFSbLBWs/UARti2ddlhI/AAAAAAAAAN8/VwrJTPlmh2E/s200/017.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Everyone in Maine is trying to be their best. Whatever their "regular" job does to fill time, everyone runs some sort of business out of their home. It seems they all have several occupations and interests. Maybe it's seasonal, living by the sea, and having to deal with tourists.</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eig4VV4WQNQ/UARwzSHWcEI/AAAAAAAAAOI/oIEZDj98Euo/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eig4VV4WQNQ/UARwzSHWcEI/AAAAAAAAAOI/oIEZDj98Euo/s200/003.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>A friendly lot with an almost southern hospitality to them. An accent that's distinct and hard. Like Boston but these guys are Mainers. Assuming you are natives, they assume you know all the streets and people in town. They like their firehouses and they are usually the centerpiece in all the towns. The homes are attached to the barns, every town has an abundance of churches, and they honor dead boats with an open and public burial.</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The sounds, smells and tastes are all distinctively Maine. And because of all the land fingers and inlets you can always find a good sunrise and a good sunset.</span></strong></div>
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bacKYartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03362683694467210179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130585695054805493.post-79929409812706588232012-06-06T04:56:00.000-07:002012-06-06T04:56:16.621-07:00Let's Have a Drink!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TQOqiuC95OI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/Jk7mijIWC58/s1600/pancreas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TQOqiuC95OI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/Jk7mijIWC58/s200/pancreas.jpg" width="200" /></a>....I wrote this almost two years ago but never posted it online. With today's procedure looming and while I'm fasting and drinking water, I thought what the hell let's throw it out there in the cyberworld. So from late in 2010 I wrote the following comments and I'll comment and give an update on the back side....</div>
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Hi, I’m Ralph’s pancreas. </span></strong><br />
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These last six months have been an interesting journey. The last two months have been hell. Worrying and trying not to worry. What is this annoying organ and what is it doing to my body? In addition, the one question everyone asks at least once in their life, why me?<br />
<br />I've been thinking about my history of drinking and how it has put me in this medical situation. But I got intrigued with all the parts and how they worked. Here is what we know as of today: I have pancreatitis. I have the beginnings of a hiatal hernia. I have a cyst, neocyst, neoplast, a noid or whatever they want to call it in the duct work to my pancreas but it appears to not be blocking any functionality. No stints, for now, they don't work and can lead to other complications. The one thing I heard loud and clear, you have to stop drinking alcohol. And I drank a lot. A LOT!<br />
<br />My doctor has told me for years to stop drinking. I guess I should have heeded that message when the blood pressure issues started. But I didn’t. I felt great. Let us have a drink. I thought of high blood pressure as an emotional reaction. I am calm. I’m laid back. Few things upset me and if they do, I tend to let it roll down my back. I’m not vengeful but I never forget. Let’s have a drink.<br />
<br />Many times I felt that my issues were petty and not of global importance. People around me were dealing with cancer, blood disease, tumors, divorce, adultery, raising children, unemployment, foreclosure, and even death. Where do I fit in? Or do I? I grew to understand from others who were writing and blogging about their personal tribulations. The failures and successes that wove through their stories intrigued and inspired me.<br />
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Since July 25 of 2010, I have had NO alcohol in my system. No beer, no wine and no (gulp) bourbon or any liquor. Wait, I did have a bourbon ball at Christmas time. God it was good. But no beverages. For me, I think, that is impressive. Every day was a holiday, let’s celebrate, its happy hour somewhere. Good morning drinks that has fruit juice so they are healthy. Beer goes with anything and bourbon is the blood of the gods. Wine just nudges you to Point B from Point A. I didn’t need it. I wanted it. I liked it. Robert Downey Jr. said it best when he said that he had the barrel of the gun in his mouth and he liked the taste of the metal.<br />
<br />But being over 50 and you do the math and for over half of this life a drink was is my hand. Can I drink again? Will ask the doctor. Will I drink again? Will ask myself. I quit cold turkey. No help and no support. The first week was easy because I was in the hospital playing the morphine button. The rest of the time has been a social issue. Time of day, people I was around and or the situation. I went to a wedding where 200+ people were drinking including minors and I thought if I can get through this evening, I can get through any occasion. I did and no 12-step program was involved.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><em> “It is not I who become addicted, it is my body.” </em></span></div>
But we make choices, things are set in place, is there a wild card? So again we wait, watch the symptoms and do another MRI. There's no magical pill or surgery only adjustments.<br />
<br />I am thankful for what I have. Who I am. For my wife, family and friends. And I'm thankful for the things I touch and those that touch me.<br />
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........So today June 6, 2012. The cyst has more than doubled in size in the past two years. Pancreatic attacks have increased with frequency and more pain. Sometimes putting me down for a day or two. Today they go down the throat, again, to do an endoscopic ultra-sound and biopsy on the cyst that sits at the head of my pancreas. They don't want to remove the cyst because in most cases it aggravates the pancreatitis and leads to other problems. I was told a year ago it was not cancerous. I hope that is still true. I sure could go for a big breakfast right now but I'll wait and drink my water and dream of bacon. See you on the flip side with some good news. I hope and pray.bacKYartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03362683694467210179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130585695054805493.post-74047671561865051142011-11-28T09:43:00.001-08:002011-12-08T06:50:11.454-08:00WAR HORSE at the Lincoln Center Theater<span lang="EN"></span><span lang="EN"></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pjc3kQrVcDA/TtTsOjaRB_I/AAAAAAAAAMk/rnGbswasvp0/s1600/War+Horse3+Fountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pjc3kQrVcDA/TtTsOjaRB_I/AAAAAAAAAMk/rnGbswasvp0/s200/War+Horse3+Fountain.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NTxAftv4c50/TtPIVqsrFTI/AAAAAAAAAMc/-kT4na02MUk/s1600/War+Horse1+It%2527s+almost+time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NTxAftv4c50/TtPIVqsrFTI/AAAAAAAAAMc/-kT4na02MUk/s1600/War+Horse1+It%2527s+almost+time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NTxAftv4c50/TtPIVqsrFTI/AAAAAAAAAMc/-kT4na02MUk/s200/War+Horse1+It%2527s+almost+time.jpg" width="150" /></a>It has been several weeks since I attended War Horse at the Lincoln Center and probably a few weeks out until the movie version of the book hits theaters. Plus, I have started to read the book while writing this and I am still mesmerized and captured by my experience at the Lincoln Center. I hate when I have been affected by a production that I can’t find bigger words than wow, brilliant, and amazing. But War Horse is an emotionally engaging, sensory loaded production. What Disney did with The Lion King on Broadway, War Horse brings a new level to the stage and dramatic play experience. Vision, determination, innovation all outside the norm of any live stage that I have ever experienced.<br />
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Entering the theatre the stage is dark, bleak and seems foreboding. You see the beginnings of the misty smoke floating beneath the house lights. A ragged page ripped from a sketch book is used as a narrow cyclorama that is suspended above and around the stage. Best use of this device that I have ever seen and one that will be integrated in many future productions. Their cyc/paper floating sketch share projections, color and computer animations throughout the play to help tell the story. I love the use of new technology in live theatre. The thought process and innovation from the page to the stage in this production is mind blowing.
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Joey In Storage Between Shows</span></td></tr>
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I did not want to be disappointed. Rave reviews from the industry and friends, a set of Tony awards, the intrigue of following a production unfold for a couple of years thinking I’ll probably never get to see the original production in London or New York. But then the best Birthday present ever happened. Within the opening moments of War Horse I was captured, and yes teary eyed, when Young Joey trotted on stage, struggled to stand and eat and then he looked right at me. His eyes, the twitch of an ear and the swish of the tail, the mist from the countryside and the background music that layered our journey into the story. They had me from the beginning. I was captured.</div>
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How could one witness this production and not be in awe of the puppeteers? Puppeteers that are actors, dancers and athletes. An 80lb horse puppet made of bamboo and mesh with hand gears operated by 3 performers. The “handler” for Joey should have been Tony nominated. His work and grace with the puppet is emotional but never obtrusive since he is working outside of and with the puppet. A true and rare performance.</div>
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Beyond the technical spectacle there are love stories on different levels involving friends, families and enemies all centered around the relationship of Joey and his master Albert. Their first meeting and the 7 days of training set the tone as we realize they are committed to each other. The exploration of unrecognized love between man and beast.<br />
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What connects all these elements to bring War Horse to life on stage? Breath. From the opening music, to the town’s entrance on stage in the dark, to Young Joey’s entrance you hear and see the use of breath in this production. And when the actors, puppeteers and technicians breathe all together the stage breathes. You breathe and the magic of theatre happens.<br />
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Go see the stage production if possible in London, New York or Toronto. The touring production should be just as effective though some staging will have to be cut or reduced to fit the various touring venues. This production raises the bar for all involved in theatre and the performing arts. And it looks like the movie will tell more of Joey's adventures much like the book captures.<br />
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A MUST SEE!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><strong>Backstage at War Horse</strong></span></td></tr>
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<strong></strong>bacKYartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03362683694467210179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130585695054805493.post-13187493038507695542011-09-23T08:39:00.000-07:002012-01-31T06:41:45.980-08:00I HATE THEATRE - Opening Nights!<br />
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<span lang="EN"><strong><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I always think of Bugs and Company when I hear that a theatre is preparing for Opening Night.</span></strong> </span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If only it was this easy....</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Last minute details on stage. Refocus a few lights. Paint. Fix the problems with sound cues 27-32. Place glow-tape strategically so Bruce doesn't fall off the stage. Costumes fixed and replaced with shoes added. Clean the house and lobby and pickup all the crap left by cast and crew during tech week. Pickup finished props, program inserts, backstage beverages and snacks, concessions for the expected audience, dry cleaning and find someone to run the spotlight. </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hopefully the box office phone is ringing off the hook. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Nobody is more useless on opening night performance than the director. The
director's job is over. Now the director is lost and feeling alone. The
best the director can do is to wish people well, sit down, watch the performance,
know every flaw during that performance, and sweat it out.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Opening night is bittersweet for most directors. The cord is being cut, the baby delivered with a good slap on the butt. I relate to that feeling of letting go, releasing, unconditionally and freely. You love the rehearsal. The process. The bonding, the laughs and the tears. Shaping thoughts and moments. Sharing. Playing. You want everything to work. Once the curtain goes up you can't stop the train once it has left the station.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">But I did.</span></strong><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6I-O8l9Knq0/TntJ9Dnc2kI/AAAAAAAAALg/61dpFHZTl7U/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6I-O8l9Knq0/TntJ9Dnc2kI/AAAAAAAAALg/61dpFHZTl7U/s200/cover.jpg" width="131" /></a><strong><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It was screwed from the beginning and no one had caught the mistake before it happened at performance time. Act II's cues were loaded for Act I. This was a heavy sound effect, music and dance, lights and slide show production. Hundreds of cues onstage, offstage, and in the production booth. The first few minutes seemed like hours. The actors and tech team were confused. Most importantly the audience was confused. I stopped the performance, apologized and explained, and restarted the production 5 minutes later. It started on spot and was probably one of the best performances. I don't think Joe Gatton has ever forgiven me. </span></strong></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jG6MF4QioQk/TnyW_luGxbI/AAAAAAAAALs/dnyguPhKcr8/s1600/roses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jG6MF4QioQk/TnyW_luGxbI/AAAAAAAAALs/dnyguPhKcr8/s200/roses.jpg" width="198" /></a><strong><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Actors say they love opening nights but I think they secretly dread it. All those flowers, cards and well wishes they are just too distracting. I've seen performers cry and become envious because of another actor's opening night booty. One production I was </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">delivering flowers to an actress and she started crying as she read the card. She told me she had called the florist and had them sent to her at the theatre because all the other actors got flowers on opening night. I sat and cried with her for a moment. Then we laughed. Then she performed. One of her best. The next show she did I broke down and sent her flowers on opening night with the card she had sent to herself just months ago.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Ideally, actors should have no contact with the outside world 12 hours before curtain on opening night.</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Best advice to directors for opening night:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Always go to the local hardware store </strong></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>to browse and shop.</strong></span></div>
</div>bacKYartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03362683694467210179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130585695054805493.post-49012501534722161162011-09-21T09:53:00.000-07:002011-09-22T04:38:56.036-07:00I HATE THEATRE - The Matinée<span lang="EN"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Matinée. I think Matuta meant for our matutinas to be just that. Morning prayers. A time for reflection. To prepare. Not to stomp around, shout, slam doors, sing and dance, throw props, curse, make out or whatever one does at a matinee. We do those things at 8pm.</strong></span><br />
</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Who invented the Matinee? <span lang="EN">Ziegfeld? </span>Who thought here is an activity that I do every day at X o’clock. Now let’s do it 6 hours earlier. At what price? At least movie matinees are usually cheaper.</strong></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Churches have a mid week matinee with their Wednesday services. I am sure statistically attendance has increased over the <u>years</u> for the matinee. But why? Cast and crew bring their hangover performance. The audience has slept in and then has eaten a big brunch/lunch before. Then they sit for hours fighting a want for a nap. Then like moles they exit outside to daylight and thirst. There is a big chunk of the day remaining.</strong></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong> Hell, you could go see another show at 8pm.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>I learned early on that the matinee performance meant actors and crew were hungover and deprived of sleep. First things first. Coffee, smokes and donuts! They hugged, cuddled and sculpted their aches and pains as a group into a 2pm matinée performance. They don’t do that much these days. Then there is the stage manager, who hasn’t slept, that grossly reminds the cast, "Brush your teeth!" And there is <u>always</u> one prop mysteriously missing during matinee performances.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Then matinee times started changing. 2:30pm. 3:00pm. 3:30pm. 5:00pm. Big cities have the stamina and the money to promote, maybe even profit, from matinees. Locally, I don’t think they can afford it, promote it or profit from the matinee. The quality of service has been degraded by all parties. Knock a couple dollars off the matinee price and maybe a round of mimosas for the cast, crew, staff and audience.</strong></span></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Let's get through this together.</span></strong></div>
bacKYartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03362683694467210179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130585695054805493.post-47705458738360398802011-07-22T06:28:00.000-07:002011-07-22T06:28:43.175-07:00I HATE THEATRE - Auditions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mfpYizq-V_Q/TiVwDkY-u-I/AAAAAAAAAKo/TzwfMk5HFvo/s1600/audition+empty+theatre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mfpYizq-V_Q/TiVwDkY-u-I/AAAAAAAAAKo/TzwfMk5HFvo/s200/audition+empty+theatre.jpg" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN">"An <b>audition</b> is a sample performance by an actor, singer, musician, dancer or other performer. It typically involves the performer displaying their talent through a previously memorized and rehearsed solo piece or by performing a work or piece given to the performer at the audition or shortly before."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN">A local theatre company is holding open auditions for an upcoming production. Roles for 2 men and 2 women all in their 40’s. Auditions will consist of a monologue of the actor’s choice, no more than 90 seconds in length and cold readings from the script. Come dressed to move.......Uh oh.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Xbf4AZodCo/TiVxUc1UKcI/AAAAAAAAAKs/hZV_cRfssTM/s1600/audition+bumpersticker.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Xbf4AZodCo/TiVxUc1UKcI/AAAAAAAAAKs/hZV_cRfssTM/s200/audition+bumpersticker.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
The drama begins. What play? It’s a new play that nobody has ever read. It’s an old play but the director has a new interpretation of the classic. Scripts are available for a $20 deposit, refundable upon return. If cast, you get $10 back. <br />
<div style="text-align: right;">All in their 40’s? Do you have to look like 40? What is that? Do you have to be able to play 40? What is that? Personal age is irrelevant most times on stage. Check your age at the door. A 50 year old thinks they look like they are 40. A 20 year old looks older beyond their years and they have make-up skills. The director thinks otherwise. How old do you have to be to do props?</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">A monologue? Should it be from a Greek classic? Shakespeare? Maybe from the script if you can find one and get it memorized. Maybe something you wrote or from something literary. A cold reading sounds painful. Come dressed to move. Move what? The last production's scenery? Or across the street to a new location? Or do you want to see if I can dance? Is there dancing in this production or do you just want to see me in tights?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YoT-zXQmlXY/TiVydx0WNtI/AAAAAAAAAKw/pLVl9CV9M2Y/s1600/Auditions+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YoT-zXQmlXY/TiVydx0WNtI/AAAAAAAAAKw/pLVl9CV9M2Y/s200/Auditions+Poster.jpg" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">What about the poor directors and producers? Will anyone show up? Will they have the right combination of talent and life skills? Will you cut your hair? Do you or can you smoke? Can you kiss a person of the same sex? <br />
What about the opposite sex? The filling out of audition forms is probably the worse way to begin this process. Oh, I see you were an extra in Law and Order.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Directors need to be careful in encouraging people to audition. Encouragement is not meant as a secured part in the cast. Directors want the best choices possible for any production. Does actor A and actor B have a connection? But A has a better connection with Actor C but B is taller. And actor D’s dad has a garage space and can build the sets. The combinations should be endless.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JuSQrstN55g/TiVzLnZCERI/AAAAAAAAAK0/8DxAiSSSr6o/s1600/Audition+stage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="99" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JuSQrstN55g/TiVzLnZCERI/AAAAAAAAAK0/8DxAiSSSr6o/s200/Audition+stage.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Don’t come to auditions looking for a date. These rarely work out. Don’t show up if you have deep personal and family problems at home. We have a show to produce and this isn’t the Dr. Phil Show. Come to audition as an actor. Prepared and open minded. It’s not like a typical job interview. Then there is this old home week moment of hugs and kisses. "I haven’t seen you since the last audition, the last production, the last cast party, or since last week." Then there is the actor... “I’m not here to audition but since I’m hear I’ll read for you“. Thanks, you are so cool.<br />
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I spent three years as the time keeper at KTA auditions. “Time!’ and “Thank You” were the only words I spoke. But the dialogue between the judges was memorable. Early American Idol. Hundreds of people there to audition for a few summer jobs or the chance to go to nationals at SETC. I always wanted the national time keeper job but I wasn't gay or dressed artsy enough.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-240Ht3_6E0E/TiVzXe26D4I/AAAAAAAAAK4/oKhBxd178OU/s1600/audition+bigmouth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-240Ht3_6E0E/TiVzXe26D4I/AAAAAAAAAK4/oKhBxd178OU/s200/audition+bigmouth.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Best KTA audition memory? The judges and I sat about twelve rows back from the stage putting us a little above eye level to the stage. “Number 720 you are next.” Number 720 slinked onto the stage in a tight knit purple sweater dress. She threw a chair downstage, sat and delivered her audition ala Sharon Stone before we knew who Sharon was. And yes toward the end of her monologue she uncrossed her legs straddling the chair exposing herself and the bare fact she had no underwear on! Great audition! That was incredible!!....What was that? Was she any good? Who knew? Break! "The judges need a smoke break but we’ll be right back." She didn’t advance in that audition process and she didn't understand why. Nor did we. I think she got a job at Lost Colony as a seamstress.<br />
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Whether you go commando or not it’s just like real estate......<br />
Audition, audition, audition.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nP-7dz8eI3Y/TiV0j1ecDrI/AAAAAAAAAK8/8myNHFLGsyQ/s1600/audience.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nP-7dz8eI3Y/TiV0j1ecDrI/AAAAAAAAAK8/8myNHFLGsyQ/s320/audience.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"></div>bacKYartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03362683694467210179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130585695054805493.post-85295182698139596402011-05-20T07:24:00.000-07:002011-05-20T07:28:11.178-07:00I HATE THEATRE - Curtain Speeches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vGY3sQTlcfU/TdQs2wASt2I/AAAAAAAAAIw/gS1a0vMJsOI/s1600/curtain+speech+greek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vGY3sQTlcfU/TdQs2wASt2I/AAAAAAAAAIw/gS1a0vMJsOI/s200/curtain+speech+greek.jpg" width="95" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>A lone Greek man in a simple tunic approaches the front of a crowd at the amphitheatre. He places a simple clay box on the ground, looks up in silence waiting for the audience to become still. After clearing his throat, he speaks loudly so all patrons can hear and begins asking for </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>drachmas, or bartering with chickens or services for trade for the opportunity to witness the historical storytelling reenactment of Πέρσαι. He asks the sheepherder to move his flock away from the entrance and mentions the kind philosopher in the back that provided, shelter, food and means for extending the artists' crafts. Thus the birth of the curtain speech.</b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oA47B4119r0/TdQtOI3cnwI/AAAAAAAAAI0/5vuW3W-K6qs/s1600/curtain+speech+curtain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oA47B4119r0/TdQtOI3cnwI/AAAAAAAAAI0/5vuW3W-K6qs/s1600/curtain+speech+curtain.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Hate them or love them the curtain speech has been with us since the beginning. Most are probably delivered by greedy producer types who have to pay all the bills from the production and the company. But I guess it must be done. I have given and received many a curtain speech. Short and sweet are the best. Comedic yet witty are entertaining. But the curtain speech also sets the tone of the piece, the performing space and represents <u>all</u> involved in the production.</b></span></div><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0003DkH_e2U/TdQu1E6o5iI/AAAAAAAAAI4/wrW585Oljuk/s1600/jesus+smiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0003DkH_e2U/TdQu1E6o5iI/AAAAAAAAAI4/wrW585Oljuk/s200/jesus+smiling.jpg" width="129" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>One thing I have learned….never say “Jeez” in a curtain speech. Coming from behind the curtain, I got blinded by a 100,000 watt spotlight. I shielded my eyes so I could see the edge of the stage and the six foot dropoff. With no microphone and under my breath I said “Jeez” and made a silly comment about the light and continued my curtain speech duties. Someone in the audience heard “Jesus” and was highly offended. Highly! They were offended to the point that I was asked several times to apologize. The politics of that story is another chapter. </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Note to self: add "Jeez" to George Carlin’s seven dirty words…</b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-COp0m21mbAU/TdQvoxngzuI/AAAAAAAAAI8/mOZd0tnsctk/s1600/curtain+speech+solomic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-COp0m21mbAU/TdQvoxngzuI/AAAAAAAAAI8/mOZd0tnsctk/s200/curtain+speech+solomic.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: right;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Common curtain speeches </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">faux pas: Ask for money. D</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">on’t invite me back to the same show unless its free or half price. I’ve paid my thirty bucks. Ask for money. And be careful if you ask me to spread the word about your show. I just might. Ask for money. And what about the concessions? I need a full list of snacks, cd’s, t-shirts, coloring books, hygiene products, and etc. Ask for money. And thanks to the fire department for adding an extra line or two about all the other ‘No Exits”. Then, ask for money.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thirty or forty years ago it was the occasional doctor or judge who might have a pager for emergencies. You caught them in the lobby and dealt with it personally. Now everybody has something in their pocket that sings and vibrates. And I really like to be told that I’m in for a thrill or a big surprise. Or, to be told because of certain elements out of your control the performance stinks. Oh, and the more people on stage for the curtain speech the merrier. It is Oscar night.</span></b></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ObYwSRp88_s/TdQwiuOwELI/AAAAAAAAAJA/Psr1-2zccHA/s1600/curtain+speech+group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ObYwSRp88_s/TdQwiuOwELI/AAAAAAAAAJA/Psr1-2zccHA/s1600/curtain+speech+group.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Best curtain speech ever? "Due to the low budget of our show, the people dressed in black on stage are there to make Peter Pan and Wendy flyyyy through the air."</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Thanks. I hope that also explains why they are seated in the audience.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>"Oh did I mention, we need money."</b></span><br />
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</b></span></div>bacKYartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03362683694467210179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130585695054805493.post-63199322598146915802011-04-01T11:13:00.000-07:002011-04-02T03:02:15.459-07:00I HATE THEATRE<span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6zoNCVKoIBA/TZRlNVkz_JI/AAAAAAAAAIc/O6o8szoHb2Q/s1600/audience.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6zoNCVKoIBA/TZRlNVkz_JI/AAAAAAAAAIc/O6o8szoHb2Q/s400/audience.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">“Let us move this city like never before…”</span><br />
<strong>The above quote is part of an internet event chant that I read that got me angry and sad. But the thought also exited me and I started craving for possibilities and became hopeful for the things that could be. I am a dreamer. I am an artist. I am no longer happy with the status quo. The existing conditions offer no imagination, no inspiration and are complacent in expectations and projections. If I told you the show was cancelled and rehearsals were halted, what would you do or say? What if I told you to put your brush down, turn the camera off, hangup your glue gun, or put a tarp over your sculpture? What would you do or say? What if I told you we longer needed your art?</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-20P0JvPnP9Y/TZYZZxvY0oI/AAAAAAAAAIs/G4Ts8Xq4Jp0/s1600/A+Clown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-20P0JvPnP9Y/TZYZZxvY0oI/AAAAAAAAAIs/G4Ts8Xq4Jp0/s200/A+Clown.jpg" width="145" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>I am reminded of one of my favorite paintings</strong><br />
<strong>"A Clown" by Honore Daumier. I have an ardent attachment to the immediacy and the emotional depth and power of this painting. I'm drawn to the hunched drummer in the background. He is not downstage on a chair in the light but humbly supporting and performing. Listening and watching. One piece of the whole act. We feel like we have caught them in action by the drummer's stick and the clown's gestures. The artist used several strokes and variations instead of one. Yet none of the lines seem excessive. In their unison they almost produce a cinematic movement. Maybe the artist was interrupted? And maybe the artist should be interrupted.</strong></div><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rOFJzTlOgg0/TVqTJ4c1vwI/AAAAAAAAAH0/KX1pknV0-PY/s1600/books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rOFJzTlOgg0/TVqTJ4c1vwI/AAAAAAAAAH0/KX1pknV0-PY/s200/books.jpg" width="145" /></a><strong>I love reading and interpreting play scripts. I am devoted to the active art of bringing artists together and encouraging and collaborating with them to create a special world upon a stage. A feeling and a thought. An experience. I am attracted to the art of composing on the stage working with all the elements that each artist brings to the play. The actor, the designer and the technician with all their tools. Auditions make me nervous. Rehearsals are the heart of the production. Opening night sucks. The run of a production is the last breath of rehearsals the audience a mistress. And closing night is bittersweet. I love reading and interpreting play scripts, but I hate the arts and feel I have been interrupted.</strong><br />
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<strong>All my world is a stage and I want more. I want big expectations and challenges for myself, fellow artists and the audience. And I want bold progressive actions from our local civic leaders and local arts producers and related organizations and their leaders. Move us like never before. Remove the interruptions.</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong>Artists bring a paintbrush</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Writers bring a pad</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Actors bring your voice</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Musicians bring your instrument </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Dancers bring your body</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Dreamers bring your imagination</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Let us move and create like never before....</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">nothing is going to get better. It's not.” </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Dr. Seuss</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KHBC8TD88eU/TZYT1KgajHI/AAAAAAAAAIo/yb6YBRlGWOc/s1600/shakespeare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KHBC8TD88eU/TZYT1KgajHI/AAAAAAAAAIo/yb6YBRlGWOc/s320/shakespeare.jpg" width="277" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Coming Soon....I Hate Theatre Part III...new plays.</div></div>bacKYartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03362683694467210179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130585695054805493.post-56733179682141308992011-03-01T13:28:00.000-08:002011-03-01T13:28:55.769-08:00I HATE THEATRE Part II<strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">DIRECTOR'S NOTES IN PROGRAMS</span></strong> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Co2bMkhtTH4/TW1f1Ztv-XI/AAAAAAAAAII/TYWIRyapUxg/s1600/catspawcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Co2bMkhtTH4/TW1f1Ztv-XI/AAAAAAAAAII/TYWIRyapUxg/s320/catspawcover.jpg" width="185" /></a></div>Boring. Director's notes are too long and unnecessary in most programs. Put in an advertisement and make some money. I find history notes interesting but, I don't need your explanation of the journey that brought you here. Or the attempt to cover your ass in something you missed along your journey. I don't need a rehash of the history of the play, performances to date, or that Kevin Bacon made his debut with this play. Or, the dedication to dead grandma who would have loved to have been here. Duh.<br />
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The first time someone ask me if I had my Director's notes ready for the program I panicked. The what? You know the extra information you want to give us explaining the play and what we are going to see? Maybe a poem? My first thought was.....well fuck. Of the few rehearsals they have seen, especially the tech rehearsals, they don't get it. They don't understand what we are trying to do on the stage. And a poem? I only know drunken limericks. Plus, they need a bio of my life and keep that to three or four sentences. Right.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>First Draft Director's Notes For Program</u>: </span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The play takes place in the heart of "any town". The time could be today, yesterday or tomorrow. (Imagining blank stares from the audience) Anyway, in the first scene we couldn't build a mountain on the stage, so anytime you see an actor peering over the stage edge it's 100 feet down. Also that harmonica type sound you hear is suppose to be a train whistle. Then, that big bang you'll hear in Scene 4 is not part of the play. Someone backstage always slams the door on their way outside to smoke. And that transition beat at the end of Act I is totally messed up and we could never get it established or resolved in rehearsals. We did once. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I wish you could have seen it last week.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hgD8xjqmhX8/TW1h3I6a-HI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/JgS6fIM7F3g/s1600/king%2526icover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hgD8xjqmhX8/TW1h3I6a-HI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/JgS6fIM7F3g/s200/king%2526icover.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">During intermission please DO NOT come up on stage to see how the water works or go backstage to visit the actors. There will be time for that afterwards. I'm sorry the concessions are overpriced. Not my call. If you go next door you can have an adult beverage for about the same price. You'll need it after what just happened to Gloria at the end of Act I. Plus they have free pretzels and nuts.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KIPQ6cPVEgs/TW1iaF8oGQI/AAAAAAAAAIU/Vsltm8QrOvk/s1600/louiecover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KIPQ6cPVEgs/TW1iaF8oGQI/AAAAAAAAAIU/Vsltm8QrOvk/s200/louiecover.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Beginning of Act II it appears audiences have forgotten that Gloria is dead. Gloria IS dead. We didn't have the money to afford the fancy expensive lighting effect needed for the car crash scene so we are using flashlights and pieces of cloth on a stick. I hope you get it. At the end of Act II when the lights go down the second time after a big bang (no it's not the door from the backstage smokers) you can start applauding.</div><br />
After the play I'll be next door having an adult beverage and some free snacks. Oh, the poem......<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MSVVNrWdLew/TW1grdyTgGI/AAAAAAAAAIM/1If_gEfFGEc/s1600/leeds+winchester.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MSVVNrWdLew/TW1grdyTgGI/AAAAAAAAAIM/1If_gEfFGEc/s320/leeds+winchester.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">There once was a man from Nantucket.......</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>bacKYartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03362683694467210179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130585695054805493.post-24818208126808583262011-02-27T20:54:00.000-08:002011-02-28T13:15:40.180-08:00It's An Actors' Play<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-k0J7hZaynxY/TWrnQ4WaEQI/AAAAAAAAAH4/n3kehvMsvZk/s1600/glengarry+glen+ross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-k0J7hZaynxY/TWrnQ4WaEQI/AAAAAAAAAH4/n3kehvMsvZk/s200/glengarry+glen+ross.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Someone has broken into an office and stolen some real estate leads and it was an inside job by someone. With this somewhat simple premise David Mamet writes great raw dialogue for the common man. The common actor. Fast and dirty. Full of anger and void of conscious. What’s underneath? This is an actors’ play and you would be hard pressed to find a tighter group of seven men on stage right now. Each actor discovers their part through the power of their craftsmanship. Each has a story to tell both personally and related to the play/stage. Sometimes the personal pain is not as rich and raw as their anger. Could they have gone deeper? I think so. Two acting standouts were the Lexington veteran Robert Parks Johnson (welcome back) and a somewhat new voice Evan Bergman. They make two parts of the seven piece ensemble and as a group and individually they deliver.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Personally, I’ve always felt Act I runs in one light and not three scenes. Separate but woven together. Some have pieced the Act together as if each vignette was happening at the same time. I want to learn more about all these characters before their scene, during their scene and after their scene. Watching Lingk drink for an hour might persuade the audience differently than him drinking for fifteen minutes.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zQW-Ehf6ELY/TWrnuT4FrII/AAAAAAAAAH8/eP9H7_d5NyA/s1600/ggr+bob+and+evan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zQW-Ehf6ELY/TWrnuT4FrII/AAAAAAAAAH8/eP9H7_d5NyA/s200/ggr+bob+and+evan.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">(Side note…. One of the worst productions I ever saw just happened to be Glengarry Glen Ross. The actors remained seated the whole time, except to enter or exit, and I think they had their scripts with them on stage.)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Running late, I chose the seats in front of the speaker. So Act I was a battle for me at times to hear. Hushed private moments on any stage need volume. Plus, was the music in the Chinese restaurant a soundtrack for the play? It was distracting. Were the songs and their words important? Was that Sting singing? An idea with too much thought where that energy could have been used elsewhere. Proper sound equipment with a designer or an engineer would be a great improvement in the future.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6fytojPwhZo/TWroqPF5p4I/AAAAAAAAAIA/9D0fMQfZgH8/s1600/agl+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6fytojPwhZo/TWroqPF5p4I/AAAAAAAAAIA/9D0fMQfZgH8/s200/agl+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Three technical aspects of any play include personal (costume and makeup), environmental (set, properties and lighting) and sound (effects and music). They were individually present but not effective as a whole. Set Designer? We’ve got props, lighting, sound and costumes. And a carpenter. Everyone accomplished their part but where is the cohesion? On their own they didn’t make sense. Not that a Set Designer would have solved all the problems but after 27 years we have expectations. If the director can not pull all these elements together then a third eye is needed to help influence time, period, color and space. One compliments the other and creates the whole. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I’d say the audience and myself enjoyed the performances. They are great. But as a play and a production? It's an actor's play.</div></div><div align="center" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ycmEEVIrBGs/TWsONeWEldI/AAAAAAAAAIE/lbwQPe3MAqo/s1600/elkhorn+village.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ycmEEVIrBGs/TWsONeWEldI/AAAAAAAAAIE/lbwQPe3MAqo/s200/elkhorn+village.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>bacKYartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03362683694467210179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130585695054805493.post-84610630170530978762011-01-14T14:51:00.000-08:002011-01-30T05:20:46.315-08:00This Ain't Your Dad's AGL<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TTBtfqYem7I/AAAAAAAAAHc/EedzJkRni3E/s1600/agl+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TTBtfqYem7I/AAAAAAAAAHc/EedzJkRni3E/s200/agl+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The play was intriguing and little edgy. Some language. No nudity. The audience did not look familiar. This is an AGL production. But, where was I? Almost out in the country, almost in a different county. As kids we rode our bikes out here to visit the old gas station get an Ale 8 and work our way over to the airport. Now it is a Ramsey’s restaurant with a strip mall almost full with local shops and services. The space is shiny and new with some remnants of venues past. It wasn’t dingy and dirty like most AGL venues. The dark and dank cavern of Levas’ restaurant. The crampiness of LMNOP. The locker room feel of ArtsPlace. The labyrinth of Short Street. The sterile feel of the DAC. Even the DAC made me feel dirty. But it was AGL and in a weird way I was glad to see them back.</div></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TTBtwfCMA3I/AAAAAAAAAHg/LBs_C7Iqpks/s1600/dead+cellphone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TTBtwfCMA3I/AAAAAAAAAHg/LBs_C7Iqpks/s1600/dead+cellphone.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: right;">“Dead Man’s Cell Phone” tells the story of the death of a man at a café. But his cell phone rings. Only a few times. The woman at the next table, Jean (Hayley Williams), picks up the cell phone immediately and ends up stuck in the middle of all his troubles, meeting his widow Hermia (Sharon Sikorski), his mother Mrs. Gottlieb (Missy Johnston), and his mistress (Schann Mobley). In the course of meeting all these people, she ends up falling in love with the dead man’s brother, Dwight (Bob Singleton). The dead man himself, Gordon Gottlieb (Tom Phillips), eventually tells his last moments.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This is an enjoyable night of theatre. Unfortunately, the second act falls short of living up to the promise of the first act. It begins well enough with a terrific monologue from Tom Phillips. But then the playwright turns the play into a metaphysical farce that doesn’t mesh with Act I. What began as a potentially witty comedy about love, death and socially invasive inventions like cell phones cries out for a stronger ending and not a rush to the finish.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Tom Phillips' attention to character delivers a strong monologue that fills in the gaps about his death and the quirky girl that has taken charge of his passed life. But Hayley Williams can not deliver past quirky. The process of creating layers and playing with character dimensions was not there. It came to easy to play one dimension and stay at that point. Missy Johnston’s performance was in tight control with an over the top character. Again experience and listening go a long way on the stage. For example, Bob Singleton’s subtle and humble performance as the forgotten son, brother and lover. He owns this role and plays it with great intentions. Schann Mobley and Sharon Sikorski also give confident performances but Ms. Sikorski had the privilege of playing a scene drunk. Nice job, but let's talk.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TTBxijSUBFI/AAAAAAAAAHk/MfKRGdo48v8/s1600/Downtown+Lex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TTBxijSUBFI/AAAAAAAAAHk/MfKRGdo48v8/s200/Downtown+Lex.jpg" width="197" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: right;"><br />
Opening night at a new venue, with new staff, a new mission and with new production problems were expected. Cues and levels will get worked out. Mostly it ran pretty smooth so far as the "normal" audience member would detect. Scene changes are an art form in them self. Cheers to the ensemble for soundly playing the Greek chorus parts. Choice of music, effects and volume provide a good distraction during these odd moments where we have to change the scenery. If the audience didn't applaud the scene before, maybe they'll talk during the scene change. Lights! The designer put the limited number of lights on the stage for a reason. Move six inches and find it! Unless for some dramatic reason, why would you stand in darkness while delivering lines and participating in a play? I'm sure more lighting equipment is in a future budget. Plus, I would invest in a better house lights system very soon. The confetti love gun made my jaw drop. And, pay attention to the HVAC. It is part of the building and part of our experience.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">I wish AGL all the best in their next chapter. Eric Seale, current Artistic Director, gave an appropriate thanks to all those who had served before him. But there were so many more before them. A small band of community and college kids that wanted to produce engaging theatre like Lexington had never seen without going out of town. My thanks to Michael Grice who started us to think and dream, then to Barry Williams, Carol Spence, Martha Bernier, Deborah Martin and again especially Vic Chaney and countless others who created the community of AGL. We did good stuff back then and we need to ensure and help this AGL to make its' imprint again in Lexington and then beyond.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TTB7aOnZuCI/AAAAAAAAAHo/qaIMfhs5Pjk/s1600/elkhorn+village.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TTB7aOnZuCI/AAAAAAAAAHo/qaIMfhs5Pjk/s320/elkhorn+village.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Now through January 23, 2011 </div><div style="text-align: center;">Location Actors Guild of Lexington</div><div style="text-align: center;">South Elkhorn Village, 4383 Old Harrodsburg Road</div><div style="text-align: center;">Purchase tickets in advance by going to <a href="http://www.actorsguildoflexington.org/">http://www.actorsguildoflexington.org/</a>, <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">or by calling 1-866-811-4111</div></div>bacKYartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03362683694467210179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130585695054805493.post-70068664464139802572010-10-23T14:11:00.000-07:002010-10-24T06:47:34.640-07:00Where's The Audience?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TMMThwqWejI/AAAAAAAAAGA/Aceeac55kfY/s1600/Midway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" nx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TMMThwqWejI/AAAAAAAAAGA/Aceeac55kfY/s200/Midway.jpg" width="200" /></a>Just 20 miles from Lexington, KY is a quaint theatre space in Midway that was the perfect setting for an evening of 10 minute plays. I love this type of theatre. Short glimpses of what could be. When involved in new works festivals I dreaded reading all those scripts to get to the one or two that you believed were fit to move forward. Weeding. But Banta Productions and the Thoroughbred Community Theatre found seven good scripts, directors and 15 actors to provide an engaging night of theatre and thought.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TMM6J_M1vAI/AAAAAAAAAGI/3hTrMlaNXYg/s1600/midway10Minute.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TMM6J_M1vAI/AAAAAAAAAGI/3hTrMlaNXYg/s200/midway10Minute.jpg" width="200" /></a>You might think that this type of production could be slapped together without rehearsal and thought. It could but, not this Festival. I thought they all showed a commitment to this project exposing the art of the 10 minute play. Capture my interest. Bring me into your world. Take me for a ride then take me back home in 10 minutes. Well done. But, one thing was missing, the audience.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was opening night, and knowing the size of the theatre, I was surprised that we got tickets kind of last minute. The intimate cabaret setting was perfect for these plays allowing you to be involved with the space and the stage kind of like a classroom or study hall. So, where were the people. I'm sure audiences will grow but a bunch of people missed some exciting rarely seen theatre in this area.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Favorites? Yes, but that is all subjective. Isn't it? Better here worse there? Script. Actor. Director. The three ingredients we were given Friday night. The Test...character potential, Blood Grass...most iintriguing, Violating Uncle Piggy...comical and energetic, Taken For A Ride...taken and imaginative, No Sugar...no coffee but has a twist, It's Impossible to Get Fired from Thrifty Drug Aid...it is possible, but leave Nancy in the store, and Saddam's Lions...needs aging and time. There's my list and it might change later today as I reflect on each unique piece and discuss it with others. If I can find someone else that saw and experienced this production.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's looking forward to the 3rd Annual Festival.<br />
But go see the the 2nd Annual Festival now!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TMM7FbMUlBI/AAAAAAAAAGM/ux73wki3F4o/s1600/midway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TMM7FbMUlBI/AAAAAAAAAGM/ux73wki3F4o/s1600/midway.jpg" /></a></div>What a great fall season this year. <br />
Get out and enjoy.</div><div style="text-align: center;">ô¿ô</div>bacKYartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03362683694467210179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130585695054805493.post-12836852868189441682010-09-27T05:50:00.000-07:002010-09-27T05:50:35.011-07:00PRODUCTION SPELLED CORRECTLY<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyCbAMtm5C8Or_X7xlHCgo2BI5xi0iukKkxjh4dh8SMaQPzCothHQw3rXwD6g1QtWe12m92tEYk0kYeKMTqrw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Two O’clock on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Woodford County. Downtown is buzzing, merchants outside, lunch, and a Roots and Heritage Festival. Who would want to go inside a theatre for a musical comedy about six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, learn that winning isn’t everything and that losing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser on a day like today. Me. And I’m glad I did.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TJ-zIgDaPRI/AAAAAAAAAFY/aYDQYTKeLlI/s1600/SPELLINGBEEposter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TJ-zIgDaPRI/AAAAAAAAAFY/aYDQYTKeLlI/s200/SPELLINGBEEposter.jpg" width="158" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Woodford Theatre’s community production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is a unexpected light musical comedy that allows us into the gymnasium of this annual event and the cast is going to make sure they take us along into the highs and hells of the Bee. A focused ensemble cast brought together by Kirchner, Stohlmann and Fitzpatrick (director, music director and choreographer) are at play. Looking, listening, reacting and acting with each other in this environment delivers the goods to make this production worth seeing and participating in. Improv with this kind of material could be dangerous. But this cast and crew found a good balance with the music, dialogue and stage/dance movement. Mostly on stage for an hour and a half, this troupe was involved and engaged with the script and audience. You pulled me in an took me along. Thank you.</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love the element of the guest spellers from the audience. I heard something while in the lobby before of a kid being asked to come up on stage. It was a creative script choice and the cast kept things under control and took care of their guests. I’m easily fooled.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My compliments to the production staff of the Woodford Theatre. I’ve enjoyed your productions I’ve experienced their and should attend more often. You offer and provide a cohesive program and production and take great care of your community assets you have for both local artists and community.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TJ-zcIv9FqI/AAAAAAAAAFc/T_AhQu-cVZ8/s1600/woodfordlogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="53" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TJ-zcIv9FqI/AAAAAAAAAFc/T_AhQu-cVZ8/s200/woodfordlogo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you for bringing me inside from the sunshine and activities outside and giving me another reason to enjoy local theatre. Take another bow cast and crew.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">ô¿ô</span></div>bacKYartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03362683694467210179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130585695054805493.post-1234028538872302212010-09-18T07:06:00.001-07:002010-09-18T15:23:57.329-07:00PLEASE, CHEW ME SOME SCENERY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TJUyuHT8f6I/AAAAAAAAAFI/twOYf6Cs9hE/s1600/jungleposter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" qx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TJUyuHT8f6I/AAAAAAAAAFI/twOYf6Cs9hE/s200/jungleposter.jpg" width="135" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a director, designer or an actor I want to know my home. My space. How and why is it laid out? Time of day? Forecast? Temperature? What do I eat and drink? What’s in that can on the shelf? Do I have enough change in my pocket for the bus ride home? What’s that smell when I open the door? These and many, many other questions helps the actor build their character. For the director it helps to build the layers needed to tell the story of those characters.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the actors, this is your home. Your couch, chair, floor, wall, door….your externals. A little more personal, what internal props do you have or need? How does my costume affect my character? For the director these are the tools you have to help the actor develop and explore. Even in design you are directing and putting things in place for the actor. For the character. For the story.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TJTIuNiCONI/AAAAAAAAAE4/bCjf6ixLLhw/s1600/studiosign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" qx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TJTIuNiCONI/AAAAAAAAAE4/bCjf6ixLLhw/s200/studiosign.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“The Jungle Fun Room” at Studio Players was “A Room” where five actors gathered to take us on an adventure to no where. Aspiring actors working birthday parties at the New York City Zoo has promising possibilities. We got a glimpse of a few of those moments but the characters were not fully flushed out past the page unto the stage. Where, what, when?</span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TJU4XTvcMXI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/xVRezezOZTk/s1600/jungle+artwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" qx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TJU4XTvcMXI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/xVRezezOZTk/s200/jungle+artwork.jpg" width="160" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Comedy for the stage is not easy. Characters need layers and probably a road map. Relying on the obvious only takes you to a certain point. This is a good script but it still needs some tweaking to help the audience relate to these characters and for us to want to take this ride. Each character has their own singular quirks that need to be larger than life. They are actors and for the most part this group was the most tamed group of actors I have ever met. The egos, the competition, the need for recognition the wacky way they dress and present themselves again are the layers they need more of for us as an audience to care about them and their adventure.</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My approach is more of an organic discovery for the actors and the designers. The trick is to meld all those thoughts and emotions with the physical world onto the stage to a complete process that tells the story. Where, what, when and how.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Technical note to self: The revolving wall for Shelly’s short monologues was not needed. The time effort put into this effect could have been simplified with her center stage with lighting and a spotlight and the sound effects to create the same effect. The extra time put into these scene changes was unnecessary. And what about letting the audience be the children? Singing Happy Birthday and responding to our Captain Mammal tour guide? Get us involved early from the start. Moving one of her monologues to the beginning would be a better setup and maybe would have pulled us into this party earlier.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">New scripts and works are exciting and challenging. So too with this production. I always root for the underdog. Keep working and exploring those layers. The big, the small, the quite and the intimate, the loud and the all out there, "HEY, I AM AN ACTOR!" But I coordinate birthday parties at a zoo. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TJUUCZiTJbI/AAAAAAAAAFA/2AhueNcaW6Y/s1600/sunning+in+destin+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" qx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TJUUCZiTJbI/AAAAAAAAAFA/2AhueNcaW6Y/s200/sunning+in+destin+(2).jpg" width="185" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Goodbye Summer. Hello Fall.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">ô¿ô</span></div>bacKYartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03362683694467210179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130585695054805493.post-12877247739053730532010-09-10T21:14:00.000-07:002010-09-10T21:33:50.437-07:00An Early Steve Martin Classic<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TIr9x2g8VfI/AAAAAAAAADw/cJs6ICwK76c/s1600/stevemartin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;"><img border="0" height="150" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TIr9x2g8VfI/AAAAAAAAADw/cJs6ICwK76c/s200/stevemartin.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">The Smokers</span></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
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<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-size: large;">written by Steve Martin</span></strong><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(This is not a monologue, per se, as there is no one speaking. But it is nevertheless hilarious and (to a small degree) a condemnation of this habit. This is from Steve Martin's first published book, Cruel Shoes, entitled "The Smokers." It appears written on his first album, "Let's Get Small" (1971) accompanied by three images of a very young, dark-haired Steve Martin with several cigarettes in his mouth at once, looking comically suave)</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TIr-4IyPicI/AAAAAAAAAD4/UkK0G-Ek9s4/s1600/cruelshoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TIr-4IyPicI/AAAAAAAAAD4/UkK0G-Ek9s4/s200/cruelshoes.jpg" width="141" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>He lit the cigarette and smoked it down to the filter in one breath. He silently thanked the cigarette company for being thoughtful enough about his health to include a filter to protect him. So he lit up another. This time he didn't exhale the squeaky-clean filtered smoke, but just let it nestle in his lungs, filing his body with that good menthol flavor. Some more smokers knocked on his door and they came in and all started smoking along with him. </strong></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>"How wonderful it is that we're all smoking,"</strong></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong> he thought.</strong></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong></strong> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Everyone smoked and smoked and after they smoked they all talked about smoking and how nice it was that they were all smokers and then they smoked some more.</strong></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Smoke, smoke, smoke. They all sang "Smoke That Cigarette" and "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes." Then the smokers smoked one more cigarette and left him alone in his easy chair, about to relax and enjoy a nice quiet smoke. </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>And then his lips fell off.</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TIsBZwWKXKI/AAAAAAAAAEA/EJ1k4tu1mSw/s1600/lung_cancer_non_smokers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TIsBZwWKXKI/AAAAAAAAAEA/EJ1k4tu1mSw/s200/lung_cancer_non_smokers.jpg" width="173" /></span></a></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;">ô¿ô</span></strong></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Thanks to Neil for providing additional text that appears in the book ("Cruel Shoes" by Steve Martin) but not on the album cover (not enough room?).</span>bacKYartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03362683694467210179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130585695054805493.post-43259194601507869322010-09-09T05:27:00.000-07:002010-09-09T05:27:36.642-07:00No Rules. Fly Your Kite.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TIY6zDENH9I/AAAAAAAAADY/TzbR_IgPFSs/s1600/atl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TIY6zDENH9I/AAAAAAAAADY/TzbR_IgPFSs/s200/atl.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>ATL's production of "The Kite Runner" is an compelling piece of theatre that begins to teach us about the struggles of the Afghanistan people juxtaposed between their customs and rules. Reminiscent of "Our Town", this play could become standard reading in theatre classrooms worldwide.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TIY7cUEdxYI/AAAAAAAAADg/rOcBo3ae4mA/s1600/insideATL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TIY7cUEdxYI/AAAAAAAAADg/rOcBo3ae4mA/s200/insideATL.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Through the early childhoods of Amir and Hassan we get to learn that the two boys are culturally apart but socially together as friends. One tries to teach the other to read and the other the art of flying a kite. Act I is full of information about their situation formed in the mid to late 70's. The lessons of the caste system, of family and traditions, of winning and standing up against the bully and thugs and the loyalty and friendship of two people. The use of the narrator telling the story allows us to experience Amir's tribulations as a young boy and as a man setting up Act II. Act II's time line of 1981-2002 is a lot of information to deal with in an one hour constraint but Matthew Spangler's adaptation of Khaled Hosseini's novel seems to hit the highlight of the novel.<br />
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Upon entering the theatre and seeing the Persian influence within the proscenium and sliding panels was a nice touch but the pattern seemed simple and Americanized. This pattern was repeated in the lighting on the stage. The stage is sparse only to bring in pieces as needed to denote space and place, aka "Our Town". The "stone wall" centerpiece is used for various situations from a vantage point for the kite running to a run down bus. This might be to simple and probably not needed. Maybe that is what director Masterson was trying to establish. But, I see a better use of the cyclorama and multimedia. And why don't they bring some of the action and scenery more downstage? Sight lines? Another technical let down were the kites during the kite competition and the final moment in the play. Kites floating on the wind back to earth can be inspirational but falling from the sky like a stone is a disappointment.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TIZ9fvpY2gI/AAAAAAAAADo/yfPUE21_SOg/s1600/kiterunner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TIZ9fvpY2gI/AAAAAAAAADo/yfPUE21_SOg/s200/kiterunner.jpg" width="136" /></a></div>Overall the acting and casting should be commended. A few of the minor roles might have been cast to young. But Jos Viramontes brought enjoyment and wonder to the role as the older Amir and narrator. He relived his youth with the joy and pain involved and faced the consequences of his adulthood with honesty and truth. It's an ensemble piece and a great ensemble told a great story and brought forth a great production. Special mention to Salar Nader the onstage Tabla player. His composition, arrangement and commanding performance sets the tone throughout the play and makes him the silent yet musical actor on the stage.<br />
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This play has a lot to accomplish in order for us to understand and learn about the Afghan lifestyle and culture. But as this production reminds us about the common elements of loyalty, forgiveness, redemption and sacrifice hopefully we start to learn about our self and others far from the comfort of home. This play needs to be seen. To be discussed. To fly. To run. To chase and catch that kite. ô¿ôbacKYartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03362683694467210179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130585695054805493.post-49508090604526263622010-08-31T09:37:00.000-07:002010-08-31T09:37:38.607-07:00"A Place for Your Stuff"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/THzwTMAoWFI/AAAAAAAAACw/s4hyr8iOHiw/s1600/class_clown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/THzwTMAoWFI/AAAAAAAAACw/s4hyr8iOHiw/s200/class_clown.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>"A house is just a pile of stuff with a cover on it. You can see it when you're taking off in an airplane. </strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>You look down and see all the little piles of stuff. Everybody's got his own little pile of stuff. And they lock it up! That's right! When you leave your house, you gotta lock it up. Wouldn't want somebody to come by and take some of your stuff. </strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Cause they always take the good stuff! </strong></em><em><strong>They don't bother with the crap you're saving."</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>George Carlin Braindroppings 1997</strong></em></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TH0srLK2JjI/AAAAAAAAADQ/rO9mVROmKLY/s1600/facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="75" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TH0srLK2JjI/AAAAAAAAADQ/rO9mVROmKLY/s200/facebook.jpg" width="200" /></a>Due to the time spent scanning and posting past local theatre programs and pictures on facebook and the digital world, people are asking "Where did you get all this stuff and/or crap?" How much of everyday life is devoted to "stuff"? Well, after being fired, no laidoff, no on vacation now for 4 months, you have to fill up your days cleaning house, buying groceries, sorting laundry, organizing the garage and finally cleaning out those closets and dresser drawers. Time to down size your stuff. Throw out some stuff. Give away some stuff. What the hell is this stuff?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TH0WNVBPaQI/AAAAAAAAADA/PLX2-EVvjQk/s1600/crimescover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TH0WNVBPaQI/AAAAAAAAADA/PLX2-EVvjQk/s200/crimescover.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>The theatre programs? This collection started in 1977 when I saw my first "Broadway" play at the Opera House. Any guesses? Grease. Since then I collected or kept programs from plays as an audience member or as a participant whether it was as a producer, director, actor, tech or general flunky. They all are important to me. Memories of people, memories of theatrical moments (both good and bad) and of a time. I wish I had the program from my first appearance on stage as the Scarecrow in "The Wizard of Oz" at Garden Springs Elementary. More stuff<br />
and more memories.<br />
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So I have now passed these crumbled stained programs out into the digital world. Hopefully, to bring some memories back to others. Good or bad. How do we dispose of stuff? Recycle it? Sell it? Give it away? How about sharing it? I think I'm finished with this stage of my theatre history archive. I would love to make some new history and fill up a new box of programs and pictures. ô¿ô<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TH0XYxuRVrI/AAAAAAAAADI/45ZdLYK_JV0/s1600/uk84cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TH0XYxuRVrI/AAAAAAAAADI/45ZdLYK_JV0/s200/uk84cover.jpg" width="153" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>"So you keep getting' more and more stuff, and puttin' it in different places. In the closets, in the attic, in the basement, in the garage. And there might even be some stuff you left at your parents' house: baseball cards, comic books, photographs, souvenirs. </em></strong><br />
<strong><em>Actually your parents threw that stuff out long ago."</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>George Carlin</em></strong></div>bacKYartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03362683694467210179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130585695054805493.post-21292460028251271312010-08-26T07:44:00.000-07:002010-08-26T07:44:01.915-07:00Live with Regis and Kelly at 9am for God's Sake!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/THZ4SKqydjI/AAAAAAAAACY/ueeI3evdGrE/s1600/r%26k+images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/THZ4SKqydjI/AAAAAAAAACY/ueeI3evdGrE/s200/r%26k+images.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Why aren’t we allowed to watch “Live with Regis and Kelly” at 9am live with the rest of the country, should I say world? Are they hiding something from us? Is there something going on in NYC that we have to wait an hour before seeing our past?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/THZ8IpgEb5I/AAAAAAAAACg/s97Y7875vq0/s1600/snlive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/THZ8IpgEb5I/AAAAAAAAACg/s97Y7875vq0/s200/snlive.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I then want to watch Saturday Night Live at 12:30 am on Sunday. I want to watch Katie Couric at 7:30pm or 8 instead of 6:30. I want my Noon News around three in the afternoon.<br />
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I guess I could move. I could buy a satellite dish and watch it Live from the studio. Or drive to Ashland Kentucky and watch it Live in some little diner. But I would probably get beat up for asking them to change the channel.<br />
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Well it's almost noon and it's time for breakfast. ô¿ô<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/THZ8fx-FtYI/AAAAAAAAACo/hK4k8Xx5P6M/s1600/alien.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/THZ8fx-FtYI/AAAAAAAAACo/hK4k8Xx5P6M/s200/alien.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>bacKYartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03362683694467210179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130585695054805493.post-72018438264897811412010-08-24T07:00:00.000-07:002010-08-24T07:04:14.463-07:00Is It Really A Fair?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/THO8WsjoWgI/AAAAAAAAABM/MDco0JiTHLI/s1600/woodland+afb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/THO8WsjoWgI/AAAAAAAAABM/MDco0JiTHLI/s200/woodland+afb.jpg" width="187" /></a></div>I was still in high school when the Woodland Art Fair started 35 years ago in a parking lot and needless to say I wasn’t that impressed. Hey, I was in high school and I had more important things to do besides walking around looking at “art”. <br />
Flash forward. AFB Art Fair. I have been almost every year and have enjoyed watching the changes and growth of the fair over the summers. The “Fair” has taken focus in the last few years proven by the quality of artists brought into the park. And I think they have listened and acted with their public in meeting certain needs. Kudos to all the sponsors, volunteers and the <a href="http://www.lexingtonartleague.org/">Lexington Art League</a>.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">To get to the fair you have to get in the thick of the atmosphere and side streets that surround the park. Kentucky, Lafayette, Park, Oldham, and Woodland to name a few. Locals sitting on their porches drinking coffee, neighbors talking over fences and yards sharing daily updates from the night before and cats taking morning naps. High Street and Kentucky Avenue prepare you for entrance into the fair. Yard Sale? Maybe. Art Sale? Yes. Antique Sale? Hmm, let me double check on this. But mostly this is their neighborhood, their park and their fair.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/THO_BR26SHI/AAAAAAAAABU/Yiitp1x_w5M/s1600/food.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/THO_BR26SHI/AAAAAAAAABU/Yiitp1x_w5M/s200/food.JPG" width="200" /></a>Enter the fair. First thing, food and fruity beverages needed for the upcoming tour of artist's tents. The smells call out "Eat Me" this must be a fair. And we follow. One of everything, please. Do we have enough cash? Can Gypsy have that fried pork tenderloin that Louie Hillenmeyer just offered? Gypsy, on loan while Paul visits San Diego and our first adventure taking a dog to the fair. Aah she's cute. How old is she? Oops, I almost stepped on her. Comments that got old over the day and a good reason for leaving her at home next time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/THPCwgmxvKI/AAAAAAAAABc/2Tea7xsHuKU/s1600/crowd.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/THPCwgmxvKI/AAAAAAAAABc/2Tea7xsHuKU/s200/crowd.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So we make the loop to look at all the juried artists in this year's fair. What an incredible range. You have to see it to experience it. But I like the filler. The people. Mostly strangers that want to talk about the art and wares in a particular tent, the colors, the skill, the talent and time and the artist and artistry. The only thing missing was more artists and tents. Problem? Take over more space in the park? Move the venue? No!!! It is the Woodland Art Fair and artist, neighbor and patron need this space. And yes, I stopped by the "Shakespeare" tree and said a little prayer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/THPGQ3lAxiI/AAAAAAAAABk/JwEJKg94sH4/s1600/waterbags+penny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/THPGQ3lAxiI/AAAAAAAAABk/JwEJKg94sH4/s200/waterbags+penny.jpg" width="149" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The hit of the fair? It had to be the penny floating in bags of water to keep the flies away from some vendor's areas. Does it work? You will have to Google and decide. But I did not see any flies. With the cooler temps and the doors and windows open these days I might have to give this a try. And yes you can buy this contraption or just make your own.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2010 was a good year for the AFB. Will I go again next year? Yes. I hope I'm around for the 70th anniversary. ô¿ô</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div>bacKYartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03362683694467210179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130585695054805493.post-67597773333015530302010-08-16T07:42:00.000-07:002010-08-17T06:29:31.341-07:00Another Summer Almost FinishedI guess the foreshadowing for this summer started in October of 2009 when the Canadians bought <a href="http://liquorbarn.com/">Liquor Barn</a> in Kentucky and I started having stomach cramps. I predicted things would change and most of that came true by April and July of 2010. <br />
When I was called into the boss's office on April 9th, 2010, I thought we were going to talk about upcoming changes and new opportunities not expecting to hear "your services are being out sourced and we no longer have a position for you." What? You look to your local management "friends" seeking support and some sort of explanation and all you get are eyes diverted looking away. Thanks. You showed your true colors and suckered me into your "friendship" after all these years that really was never there. Angry? Yes. Moving on? Trying but, still confused and very mistrustful of a few people and some more specific.<br />
So you start all over and take a few weeks off to relax and digest what has happened then start looking for a new job. When one has done some sort of theatre work for years and then spend 13 years in the retail liquor business new jobs are hard to come by.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Then, the stomach problems start up again. Pain and discomfort that can knock you down for a couple of days. Go to the doctor. They think it is a acid reflux problem. Take a pill. OK. But wait, you turned 50 a few months back so why not have a colonoscopy to check everything out. OK? Two times in less than four weeks and I am going to get reamed in the ass again. Results? Everything plumbing wise checks out just fine. Shew.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TGk8j8DooTI/AAAAAAAAAAM/mAQb_XzURTE/s1600/canoe+ky.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TGk8j8DooTI/AAAAAAAAAAM/mAQb_XzURTE/s200/canoe+ky.JPG" width="200" /></a>Then May 17th rolls around and it is time to celebrate 13 years of wedded bliss. I love you Diane. Instead of a big vacation we decide to stay local and see the sights of Kentucky. Lots of fun capped off with a day trip canoeing down the Elkhorn Creek. Thank you <a href="http://www.canoeky.com/">Canoe Kentucky</a>. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">June and July roll along. Our annual July 4th of parades and fireworks with Tom and Michael is always fun and a great time. Then we get to spend a wonderful weekend with our friends Kevin and Evelyn in Nashville. We need to see them more often. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TGlDlgB9nrI/AAAAAAAAAAU/Cxp-S2OwxGU/s1600/elmo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TGlDlgB9nrI/AAAAAAAAAAU/Cxp-S2OwxGU/s200/elmo.jpg" width="200" /></a>Then one morning BAM! I wake with a lower stomach cramp and pain like I have never had before. Nurse Diane decides it's time to go to the Emergency Room and see what is causing all these problems. OK, I'm in pain, don't like pain, make it stop. So, I spend four days in the hospital, the first two with no food or liquids just intravenous liquids and vitamins. Someone please feed me! So, what is this? I was having an acute pancreatic attack. Dammit. I guess 30 years of hard drinking and trying to live like a twenty something rock star is starting to catch up with me. So now what? Low fat and high fiber diet and STOP DRINKING!!!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Well that has been hard but making good progress. And today I feel better than I have in months. I need a CT scan at the end of August then wait for the results in two weeks. They found a cyst on my pancreas while in the hospital so they want to see if it has decreased after all this clean living. I hate waiting.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So the summer is coming to an end. Local kids are back in school, UK will be starting soon and that brings back the football season and soon basketball. GO BIG BLUE! So I'm thinking about writing and sending my thoughts about local theatre and local happenings out into the cyper space and see what happens. Maybe a real job? Peace and love until the next time. ô¿ô</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TGlN8eDrIeI/AAAAAAAAAAc/YjdiLf6VMDo/s1600/kingsdiamond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FOxR-MZEeBY/TGlN8eDrIeI/AAAAAAAAAAc/YjdiLf6VMDo/s200/kingsdiamond.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>bacKYartshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03362683694467210179noreply@blogger.com1