Happy Christmas Eve!
As I sit and think over the holiday and anticipate a wonderful Christmas Day tomorrow, my thoughts keep returning to my dear friend, Walter Brown McCord. WB passed away earlier this year, and this is the first Christmas season in over 20 years that has not included a special time with Walter Brown. Usually I would drive down to his home in Greensboro, AL for a visit. WB loved gin, so I would usually have a bottle of Gordon's or Beefeater in hand when I arrived, and we would toast the season together.
WB was in his late 70's, and had lived (as the saying goes) a rich, full, life. His stories were enchanting and engaging, and he had met, befriended, or known almost every major celebrity of the 1960's. His voice and delivery were as distinctive as they could be, and his soul was one of the sweetest and most kindly that I have ever known.
The point of all of this is to encourage my readers (both of you...hee hee hee) to appreciate and enjoy the time you have with those around you. Cherish it, hang onto it, and love it. It is, in the end, all too fleeting. I would gladly give back every Christmas gift I have ever received if it meant I could spend one more Christmas visit with Walter Brown McCord.
In today's News From The Motherland...smart monkeys! :-)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7797776.stm
God Bless Us, Every One!
FLT3
Happy Christmas Eve!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Another Picture and Update
Here we have another look at the cast and crew of The 1940's Radio Hour, which closed last Sunday at VST. I had a wonderful time doing the show, but have enjoyed having a couple of nights to relax before Christmas. There is talk of re-mounting the show next year, so I may be returning to the "Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade" relatively soon.On the CenterStage front, we are alive and looking optimistically forward. Some fairly substantial changes are underway, but overall I think we have at least started down the path to solving some of our problems. Time will tell, and the patient is still on life support, but for the moment at least, we're still forging ahead.
I continue to "hold" waiting to hear about the Gilligan's Island tour. I have not heard anything, but I am keeping my hopes high. Every day without a "thanks for auditioning, but..." is a good day. Maybe today will bring good news...
Must be off to finish up some Christmas shopping. Fa-la-la-la-la...
In today's News From The Motherland... a facelift for the Ashmolean.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/oxfordshire/7796875.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
1940's Radio Hour
Just a pic from THE 1940's RADIO HOUR, which has been running the past two weekends at VST. This is of Zoe (Debbie Mielke), Clifton (FLT3) and Pops (Sam Chalker.) We have had a great time doing the show, and look forward to the third weekend coming up. We got a very good review from The Birmingham News, which has led to good houses.
On the CenterStage front, we are in a world of hurt. This week has brought serious discussion of canceling the rest of this season and trying to raise money to move ahead in a year or so. HOWEVER, several wonderful individuals have said that they are willing to try and help us survive, so...fingers are crossed.
In today's News From The Motherland... are you a Spock or a Homer?http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7793369.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Renewed Optimism...
Well, I finally broke down and emailed my friend Lloyd Schwartz and inquired about the "Gilligan's Island:The Musical" casting. His response was not exactly what I had hoped for (ie "your script is in the mail,") but the show has not yet been cast and I am, apparently, still in consideration. My optimism remains intact, and I sincerely thank everyone who has sent prayers, good wishes, and crossed fingers!
"The 1940's Radio Hour" opened this weekend to a good review. I am a bit concerned about the fact that tonight's performance competes with SEC Championship Saturday, but maybe we will have a good house.
"A CenterStage Christmas Celebration" also opened this weekend. It has been a logistical challenge, with a large cast, etc. but I am hopeful that it will do well.
If that wasn't enough theatre talk, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" (which I directed) opened at BCT this week. All seems to be going well on that front.
In keeping with the recent "Gilligan" theme, I have been searching for new jewels online...I have managed to locate the original cartoon theme song (this time in English, not German.) :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvTDDta0rUs
In today's News From The Motherland...good deeds from biker Santa(s)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/7769327.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
"The 1940's Radio Hour" opened this weekend to a good review. I am a bit concerned about the fact that tonight's performance competes with SEC Championship Saturday, but maybe we will have a good house.
"A CenterStage Christmas Celebration" also opened this weekend. It has been a logistical challenge, with a large cast, etc. but I am hopeful that it will do well.
If that wasn't enough theatre talk, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" (which I directed) opened at BCT this week. All seems to be going well on that front.
In keeping with the recent "Gilligan" theme, I have been searching for new jewels online...I have managed to locate the original cartoon theme song (this time in English, not German.) :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvTDDta0rUs
In today's News From The Motherland...good deeds from biker Santa(s)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/7769327.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
More Stag...
On this Thanksgiving week, I am thankful for many things, one of which is...
TWO NEWLY-DISCOVERED MR. MAGOO STAG BEER COMMERCIALS FROM THE 50's!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLNhH2F3mb0
Enjoy! I am hopeful that this latest invocation of the spirit of the late, great Jim Backus will spark some response from the universe on the "Gilligan" tour...when they said "no immediate decisions will be made," I wasn't sure if that meant "not this week" or "not till mid-December." Oh well, I will continue to wait...
In today's News From The Motherland...sardines as protest tools...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/nottinghamshire/7747873.stm
FLT3
TWO NEWLY-DISCOVERED MR. MAGOO STAG BEER COMMERCIALS FROM THE 50's!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLNhH2F3mb0
Enjoy! I am hopeful that this latest invocation of the spirit of the late, great Jim Backus will spark some response from the universe on the "Gilligan" tour...when they said "no immediate decisions will be made," I wasn't sure if that meant "not this week" or "not till mid-December." Oh well, I will continue to wait...
In today's News From The Motherland...sardines as protest tools...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/nottinghamshire/7747873.stm
FLT3
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
A Fateful Trip, or Shipwrecked Part II
Okay, I have now rested and recouped after my whirlwind NYC trip (which did, indeed, resemble the voyage of the SS Minnow in the sense of being fraught with mishap.) Here's the basic lowdown on what happened. It's funny now, but was not so much at the time.
After making a mad dash to the Atlanta airport after BCT rehearsal on Thursday, I found myself too late to board the plane. This was aggravating, but not entirely unanticipated, so I got a hotel room near the airport, had a snack and watched tv, and booked a seat on the 6:40am for LaGuardia. The nice little hotel shuttle dropped me off at 5:15am, I checked in, had breakfast at the airport, and nestled into my seat for takeoff.
6:40 - no takeoff.
7:00 - "Ladies and gentlemen, it will be a few more minutes before we depart."
7:25 - "It will be a few more minutes."
7:50 - "LaGuardia is fogged in. Please exit the plane.
At this point, distress is beginning to settle in. I managed to get a 9:30 flight to JFK, which would get me there in just enough time to grab a quick sandwich and take the train into the city to my 1:00 audition.
The 9:30 flight left promptly at 11:05.
Distress has now become a full-blown ulcer. I have now left several messages for the contact person at the auditions (who turned out to be amazingly sweet and understanding) and the thought of an affordable train ride has been tossed out the window. I finally disembark (now at JFK) at 12:52. I jump into a cab, beg the driver to go as fast as possible, and make my third or fourth "I swear, I'm on my way" phone call. I arrive only 25 minutes late, which is bad, but not awful. When I burst through the door of the audition, there is an extremely nice, pleasant-looking lady waiting for me. She introduces herself as Nancy, and says that she has been asked to wait and read Mrs. Howell opposite my Mr.Howell. Great. We have a few minutes to look over the scene, and then we go into the audition area.
I had a chance to share a hello and a hug with Lloyd Schwartz (my friend who wrote the show) and to introduce myself to the accompanist. After singing, I read the scene with Nancy (who made a GREAT Mrs. Howell, by the way) and assumed I was done. To my happy surprise, I was also asked to read for The Professor and The Skipper (guess I'm waaaaay too old for Gilligan) and after a quick "good to see you" with Lloyd, was off on my way.
Did I mention my head shot and resume were in my bag, which I left at the airport? Luckily, I had emailed both of them in to the production team earlier.
By now, I decided that it was all up to God, the universe, and the casting team, so I looked forward to a couple of nights in NYC. I called my friend Jonathan Goldstein, with whom I was staying, and we arranged a meeting place just off Times Square. For about an hour I wandered blissfully in the drizzle and grey of a New York November afternoon, thrilled to be in the city again. Once I connected with Goldstein, we had a great time catching up while we rode the train back out to JFK to get my bag...
...which had been sent to LaGuardia.
Yes, this was annoying, but after a couple of beers in the airport Sam Adams Cafe, we decided just to laugh it off and consider our train trip as good an environ as any for visiting. We finally got back to Goldstein's place (on 191st Street, about 2 hours from JFK) had some dinner, and crashed. I slept on a small loveseat with a chair pulled alongside for stretching-out purposes. No king-sized bed has ever slept better...I was out like a light.
The next day (Saturday) dawned cool and overcast. I borrowed a shirt from Goldstein, and we set out for the Museum of Natural History, which was ridiculously crowded, so we wound up at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which was delightful. While we were there, Delta Airlines called and asked to deliver my bag. Since I had less than 24 hours left in town, I decided just to send it back to JFK, where I would pick it up for departure. The rest of the visit was great...a nice hearty dinner, drinks at some fun East Village bars, getting lost on the subway twice (another funny story) and keeping my fingers crossed not only for myself, but for Goldstein, who was up for the role of (no joke) Rev. Billy Graham in a play.
Sunday morning came, and I trudged back to JFK, only to find that my luggage had been sent BACK to LaGuardia. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Fine, just send it to Birmingham. I made it back to Atlanta, and drove home without incident.
Indeed, the "tiny ship was tossed," in keeping with the Gilligan theme, but all ended well. I got home just fine, Goldstein did, indeed, get the role, and I am still hopeful that I will be among the "seven stranded castaways" on tour this spring.
This has turned into an epic posting, so I will close for now. I would, however, like to return a shout-out to my friend Aaron, who is performing in a professional production of "A Christmas Carol" right now, and sent me a nice break-a-leg on his blog. Thanks, Aaron, and God Bless Us, Every One!
In today's News From The Motherland...man cuts off own head with chainsaw to protest eviction...I would have thought a strongly-worded letter would be sufficient...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/hampshire/7737721.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
After making a mad dash to the Atlanta airport after BCT rehearsal on Thursday, I found myself too late to board the plane. This was aggravating, but not entirely unanticipated, so I got a hotel room near the airport, had a snack and watched tv, and booked a seat on the 6:40am for LaGuardia. The nice little hotel shuttle dropped me off at 5:15am, I checked in, had breakfast at the airport, and nestled into my seat for takeoff.
6:40 - no takeoff.
7:00 - "Ladies and gentlemen, it will be a few more minutes before we depart."
7:25 - "It will be a few more minutes."
7:50 - "LaGuardia is fogged in. Please exit the plane.
At this point, distress is beginning to settle in. I managed to get a 9:30 flight to JFK, which would get me there in just enough time to grab a quick sandwich and take the train into the city to my 1:00 audition.
The 9:30 flight left promptly at 11:05.
Distress has now become a full-blown ulcer. I have now left several messages for the contact person at the auditions (who turned out to be amazingly sweet and understanding) and the thought of an affordable train ride has been tossed out the window. I finally disembark (now at JFK) at 12:52. I jump into a cab, beg the driver to go as fast as possible, and make my third or fourth "I swear, I'm on my way" phone call. I arrive only 25 minutes late, which is bad, but not awful. When I burst through the door of the audition, there is an extremely nice, pleasant-looking lady waiting for me. She introduces herself as Nancy, and says that she has been asked to wait and read Mrs. Howell opposite my Mr.Howell. Great. We have a few minutes to look over the scene, and then we go into the audition area.
I had a chance to share a hello and a hug with Lloyd Schwartz (my friend who wrote the show) and to introduce myself to the accompanist. After singing, I read the scene with Nancy (who made a GREAT Mrs. Howell, by the way) and assumed I was done. To my happy surprise, I was also asked to read for The Professor and The Skipper (guess I'm waaaaay too old for Gilligan) and after a quick "good to see you" with Lloyd, was off on my way.
Did I mention my head shot and resume were in my bag, which I left at the airport? Luckily, I had emailed both of them in to the production team earlier.
By now, I decided that it was all up to God, the universe, and the casting team, so I looked forward to a couple of nights in NYC. I called my friend Jonathan Goldstein, with whom I was staying, and we arranged a meeting place just off Times Square. For about an hour I wandered blissfully in the drizzle and grey of a New York November afternoon, thrilled to be in the city again. Once I connected with Goldstein, we had a great time catching up while we rode the train back out to JFK to get my bag...
...which had been sent to LaGuardia.
Yes, this was annoying, but after a couple of beers in the airport Sam Adams Cafe, we decided just to laugh it off and consider our train trip as good an environ as any for visiting. We finally got back to Goldstein's place (on 191st Street, about 2 hours from JFK) had some dinner, and crashed. I slept on a small loveseat with a chair pulled alongside for stretching-out purposes. No king-sized bed has ever slept better...I was out like a light.
The next day (Saturday) dawned cool and overcast. I borrowed a shirt from Goldstein, and we set out for the Museum of Natural History, which was ridiculously crowded, so we wound up at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which was delightful. While we were there, Delta Airlines called and asked to deliver my bag. Since I had less than 24 hours left in town, I decided just to send it back to JFK, where I would pick it up for departure. The rest of the visit was great...a nice hearty dinner, drinks at some fun East Village bars, getting lost on the subway twice (another funny story) and keeping my fingers crossed not only for myself, but for Goldstein, who was up for the role of (no joke) Rev. Billy Graham in a play.
Sunday morning came, and I trudged back to JFK, only to find that my luggage had been sent BACK to LaGuardia. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Fine, just send it to Birmingham. I made it back to Atlanta, and drove home without incident.
Indeed, the "tiny ship was tossed," in keeping with the Gilligan theme, but all ended well. I got home just fine, Goldstein did, indeed, get the role, and I am still hopeful that I will be among the "seven stranded castaways" on tour this spring.
This has turned into an epic posting, so I will close for now. I would, however, like to return a shout-out to my friend Aaron, who is performing in a professional production of "A Christmas Carol" right now, and sent me a nice break-a-leg on his blog. Thanks, Aaron, and God Bless Us, Every One!
In today's News From The Motherland...man cuts off own head with chainsaw to protest eviction...I would have thought a strongly-worded letter would be sufficient...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/hampshire/7737721.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Shipwrecked...?
Well, this has been an eventful few days! Yesterday I arrived in New York to audition for the touring production of "Gilligan's Island:The Musical." I think the audition went well, and I was asked to read for the roles of The Professor, The Skipper, and Thurston Howell III. While I would obviously be thrilled with any of the three, anyone who knows me well (or at all for that matter) can guess what my first choice would be! :-)
It was nice to see my friend Lloyd Schwartz, who wrote the show and was at the auditions. We did not get to do much more than say hello, unfortunately, as I got into the city yesterday afternoon and he flew out last night. Oh well, hopefully I will see him at rehearsal in January (fingers duly crossed!)
I am staying until Sunday with another good friend, Jonathan Goldstein, who lives here now. We had a good visit last night, and are going to hang out in the city today and possibly see "Young Frankenstein" tonight. I think we are going to try and go to the Museum of Natural History today.
While NYC is always fun, the actual process of getting here has been rough. Between fog, delayed planes, etc. I barely made it. I have no idea when I will get my suitcase, which wound up at LaGuardia while I flew into JFK. They are supposed to deliver it to Goldstein's, but they're going to call me first...which will be difficult because my phone charger is in my suitcase and my phone is dead. C'est la vie, I suppose... it looks like I will be buying yet another charger today...
In other news, OBAMA WINS PRESIDENCY!!!!!!! (I can still see the headline! :-) I have a feeling of optimism and hope for the USA that I have not felt in years...and if Hillary becomes Secretary of State, well, that's not a bad consolation prize. I still wish she had been nominated/elected, but President-Elect Obama will do an outstanding job.
In today's News From The Motherland... Her Majesty gets a look at Facebook..
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/berkshire/7728760.stm
FLT3
It was nice to see my friend Lloyd Schwartz, who wrote the show and was at the auditions. We did not get to do much more than say hello, unfortunately, as I got into the city yesterday afternoon and he flew out last night. Oh well, hopefully I will see him at rehearsal in January (fingers duly crossed!)
I am staying until Sunday with another good friend, Jonathan Goldstein, who lives here now. We had a good visit last night, and are going to hang out in the city today and possibly see "Young Frankenstein" tonight. I think we are going to try and go to the Museum of Natural History today.
While NYC is always fun, the actual process of getting here has been rough. Between fog, delayed planes, etc. I barely made it. I have no idea when I will get my suitcase, which wound up at LaGuardia while I flew into JFK. They are supposed to deliver it to Goldstein's, but they're going to call me first...which will be difficult because my phone charger is in my suitcase and my phone is dead. C'est la vie, I suppose... it looks like I will be buying yet another charger today...
In other news, OBAMA WINS PRESIDENCY!!!!!!! (I can still see the headline! :-) I have a feeling of optimism and hope for the USA that I have not felt in years...and if Hillary becomes Secretary of State, well, that's not a bad consolation prize. I still wish she had been nominated/elected, but President-Elect Obama will do an outstanding job.
In today's News From The Motherland... Her Majesty gets a look at Facebook..
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/berkshire/7728760.stm
FLT3
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
At Last, Election Day...
Well, after approximately four years of anticipation, Election Day is finally here. I feel good about our chances today. Barring some unforseen chicanery from the Republicans, we should coast to victory. I am going to vote in a few minutes, and encourage everyone else to do the same.
In today's News From The Motherland... election coverage, of course!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/us_elections_2008/7707581.stm
OBAMA IN '08!!!!
FLT3
In today's News From The Motherland... election coverage, of course!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/us_elections_2008/7707581.stm
OBAMA IN '08!!!!
FLT3
Saturday, October 25, 2008
My Top Ten...
I had a delightful lunch today with Lovey and some friends...one of them (Lindsey) brought up the subject of everyone's top ten favorite musicals. That seemed a blog-worthy topic, so here are my top ten picks:
. My Fair Lady
. Bye Bye Birdie
. The Music Man
. Gilligan's Island:The Musical
. Kiss Me, Kate
. Oliver!
. Les Miserables
. Me And My Girl
. Thoroughly Modern Millie
. Anything Goes
Honorable mention also goes out to The Phantom Of The Opera, A Little Night Music, 42nd Street, The Secret Garden, Hair, Sweeney Todd, Camelot, The King And I, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, and Grease.
So...assuming that my readers (all 12 of you) also have your own lists, I send out a call for submissions... what are YOUR top 10 favorite musicals?
In today's News From The Motherland... rowdy behaviour closes a pub in Kent.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/kent/7690684.stm
OBAMA IN '08!!!
FLT3
. My Fair Lady
. Bye Bye Birdie
. The Music Man
. Gilligan's Island:The Musical
. Kiss Me, Kate
. Oliver!
. Les Miserables
. Me And My Girl
. Thoroughly Modern Millie
. Anything Goes
Honorable mention also goes out to The Phantom Of The Opera, A Little Night Music, 42nd Street, The Secret Garden, Hair, Sweeney Todd, Camelot, The King And I, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, and Grease.
So...assuming that my readers (all 12 of you) also have your own lists, I send out a call for submissions... what are YOUR top 10 favorite musicals?
In today's News From The Motherland... rowdy behaviour closes a pub in Kent.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/kent/7690684.stm
OBAMA IN '08!!!
FLT3
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Update
Wow...it has been too long since I posted! Lots of exciting things going on...GREASE opens Friday, and lots of other projects are in the works. I am literally heading out the door right now, but just wanted to let all of my readers (who now appear to number in the double digits) know that I am alive, well, and will be returning to the blogosphere next week at the latest...
In today's News From The Motherland... Chunnel repairs near completion!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7671126.stm
Obama in '08!!!!
FLT3
In today's News From The Motherland... Chunnel repairs near completion!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7671126.stm
Obama in '08!!!!
FLT3
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Back To The Grind...
Well, RAPUNZEL has opened successfully, and today I am back at Vestavia High School, subbing for an English teacher. The kids are all seniors, and the largest class is 12 students, so it should be a very easy day...
GREASE is making its' way towards a 17 October opening, and we are on schedule. We have no time to waste, but we're completely blocked and choreographed as of last night, so we are ready to start running the show and finding the characters, etc. We have a talented group, so all should be well.
Tuesday night brought a fun event, singing with 5 friends at "The Club," a venerable Birmingham institution that has apparently changed very little since the Rat Pack era (and may it ever stay there! :-) Broadway tunes were offered after a seated dinner in a large ballroom...one could almost see Frank, Dino, and Sammy snapping their fingers along with the little piano/bass/drum combo.
This weekend is the annual Sidewalk Film Festival, which Lovey and I are planning to attend. The films usually range from brilliant to "what the hell," but are almost always entertaining for one reason or another...plus, it's a chance to wander around and drink beer in the daytime without being considered a complete reprobate...
On the political front, John McCain is suspending his campaign to try and straighten out the $700 billion bailout kerfuffle. Whatever. It sounds like he's running scared, in my opinion. Also interesting is the sudden proclamation from King Dubya that the economic sky is falling... (no sh*t, Sherlock.) One wonders how we went from a resilient, strong economy to the pits of despair in just a week or two.
Caribou Barbie continues to alternately amuse and disgust.
In today's News From The Motherland...Busta Rhymes detained at airport...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7635992.stm
OBAMA IN 08!!!
FLT3
GREASE is making its' way towards a 17 October opening, and we are on schedule. We have no time to waste, but we're completely blocked and choreographed as of last night, so we are ready to start running the show and finding the characters, etc. We have a talented group, so all should be well.
Tuesday night brought a fun event, singing with 5 friends at "The Club," a venerable Birmingham institution that has apparently changed very little since the Rat Pack era (and may it ever stay there! :-) Broadway tunes were offered after a seated dinner in a large ballroom...one could almost see Frank, Dino, and Sammy snapping their fingers along with the little piano/bass/drum combo.
This weekend is the annual Sidewalk Film Festival, which Lovey and I are planning to attend. The films usually range from brilliant to "what the hell," but are almost always entertaining for one reason or another...plus, it's a chance to wander around and drink beer in the daytime without being considered a complete reprobate...
On the political front, John McCain is suspending his campaign to try and straighten out the $700 billion bailout kerfuffle. Whatever. It sounds like he's running scared, in my opinion. Also interesting is the sudden proclamation from King Dubya that the economic sky is falling... (no sh*t, Sherlock.) One wonders how we went from a resilient, strong economy to the pits of despair in just a week or two.
Caribou Barbie continues to alternately amuse and disgust.
In today's News From The Motherland...Busta Rhymes detained at airport...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7635992.stm
OBAMA IN 08!!!
FLT3
Friday, September 19, 2008
TGIF
Oh yes, it is once again Friday...and there is joy in the air. The breeze is cool and soothing, and people on the street seem to have a bit more of a spring in the step. Smiles come more easily, and manners and courtesy seem heightened...
Okay, maybe that is a bit of a stretch, but people do seem happier on Friday. I would hazard a guess that fewer violent crimes take place on Friday. Let's hope so...
A grand and glorious greeting goes out to my good friend Selina, who found my blog through the increasingly ubiquitous Facebook. Hey, sugar!!!!! Counting Selina, my readers now number in the high single digits... woo hoo!!!!
Must make my way into the theatre for the next-to-final day of dress rehearsal for BCT's RAPUNZEL. The cast has done a great job!
In today's News From The Motherland... asteroid-a-rama!!!!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7623411.stm
OBAMA IN '08!!!
FLT3
Okay, maybe that is a bit of a stretch, but people do seem happier on Friday. I would hazard a guess that fewer violent crimes take place on Friday. Let's hope so...
A grand and glorious greeting goes out to my good friend Selina, who found my blog through the increasingly ubiquitous Facebook. Hey, sugar!!!!! Counting Selina, my readers now number in the high single digits... woo hoo!!!!
Must make my way into the theatre for the next-to-final day of dress rehearsal for BCT's RAPUNZEL. The cast has done a great job!
In today's News From The Motherland... asteroid-a-rama!!!!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7623411.stm
OBAMA IN '08!!!
FLT3
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Chez Pancake
Just returned from a Birmingham landmark...The Original Pancake House. Lovey and I indulged in (and I quote) "ridiculously sugary pancakes." For those who are unfamiliar with this pinnacle of skillet-baked breakfast comestibles, the OPH is to the IHOP what London is to Dubuque... the latter may be pleasant and enjoyable, but there is, quite simply, no comparison.
The OPH is snugly nestled in the Five Points area of Birmingham's Southside, so named for the confluence of five streets. The food is amazingly caloric, indulgent, and oh so good...pancakes slathered with butter, fluffy eggs scrambled in butter, toast with (you guessed it) butter, and so forth. This is not a place to visit if you are on a diet.
Okay, this paragraph is being written about eight hours after the preceeding text was saved as a draft, so I can now comment on the rest of the day. We had our final performance of I DO! I DO! today, and it was well received. Now I can turn my full attention towards BCT's production of RAPUNZEL, which I am directing (opening next week) and CenterStage's GREASE (opening 17 October.) I have no doubt that there will be more discussion of each of these in days to come.
Turning towards things political, the inevitable Republican flag-waving and rallying around McCain/Palin has begun. My thought is this... haven't the last eight years demonstrated the inefficacy of an idiot president being led around by a soulless and malevolent second-in-command? To quote my good friend and unsung philosopher Jonathan Goldstein, "I'm just sayin'..."
McCain seems an affable enough moron, but then so did Dubya in 2000. Palin gives me the shivers one would get in the presence of any despotic would-be dictator. Take it from me, friends, this woman is baaaaaaad news. Anyone who inspires hordes of people to revel in backward-assed provincialism is bad enough, but when she looks like an ill-tempered middle school librarian who enjoys kicking puppies? No thank you...
In today's News From The Motherland... the Black Pudding Toss is underway!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/manchester/7615418.stm
OBAMA IN '08!!!
FLT3
The OPH is snugly nestled in the Five Points area of Birmingham's Southside, so named for the confluence of five streets. The food is amazingly caloric, indulgent, and oh so good...pancakes slathered with butter, fluffy eggs scrambled in butter, toast with (you guessed it) butter, and so forth. This is not a place to visit if you are on a diet.
Okay, this paragraph is being written about eight hours after the preceeding text was saved as a draft, so I can now comment on the rest of the day. We had our final performance of I DO! I DO! today, and it was well received. Now I can turn my full attention towards BCT's production of RAPUNZEL, which I am directing (opening next week) and CenterStage's GREASE (opening 17 October.) I have no doubt that there will be more discussion of each of these in days to come.
Turning towards things political, the inevitable Republican flag-waving and rallying around McCain/Palin has begun. My thought is this... haven't the last eight years demonstrated the inefficacy of an idiot president being led around by a soulless and malevolent second-in-command? To quote my good friend and unsung philosopher Jonathan Goldstein, "I'm just sayin'..."
McCain seems an affable enough moron, but then so did Dubya in 2000. Palin gives me the shivers one would get in the presence of any despotic would-be dictator. Take it from me, friends, this woman is baaaaaaad news. Anyone who inspires hordes of people to revel in backward-assed provincialism is bad enough, but when she looks like an ill-tempered middle school librarian who enjoys kicking puppies? No thank you...
In today's News From The Motherland... the Black Pudding Toss is underway!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/manchester/7615418.stm
OBAMA IN '08!!!
FLT3
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Who knew "Das Boot" was the S.S. Minnow?
The things one can find on YouTube...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYoRt33t8HQ&feature=related
Not much to report today...just a new treasure from the world of the internet.
In today's News From The Motherland... "Rule, Britannia" once again graces the final night of the Proms...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7613188.stm
OBAMA IN '08!!!
FLT3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYoRt33t8HQ&feature=related
Not much to report today...just a new treasure from the world of the internet.
In today's News From The Motherland... "Rule, Britannia" once again graces the final night of the Proms...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7613188.stm
OBAMA IN '08!!!
FLT3
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Remembering WB
Today's post could easily go sad, but my goal is to keep it bright, funny, and enjoyable...just like the person it honors.
I lost a very good friend this week. Walter Brown McCord was a very special person. We first met 21 years ago when he was costuming Guys And Dolls for Theatre Tuscaloosa. A friendship was struck up immediately, and we were extremely close from that day on. The past 21 years have been richer for my having known him.
It is almost impossible to describe WB. He spoke with an inimitable (well, extremely imitable, actually) cadence and vocal inflection that was somewhere between British aristocracy and low-country Carolinian by way of New York. He was one of the most educated and sophisticated people I ever knew, yet could enjoy a ribald joke or silly humor with enthusiasm. Physically, he was somewhat of a scruffy John Gielgud with longer hair. His laugh was somewhere between a growl and a cough, no doubt a result of the cigarette that was seldom out of his reach. I sincerely thank God for all the laughs we shared.
WB was easily irritated in a comedic manner. He was affectionate and extremely kind, but his compliments were as often followed by "you little shit" or "sumnabitch" as not.
There are thousands of celebrity-filled stories surrounding his years in New York. I have no doubt that many of these stories were...shall we say...embellished a bit, but who cares? Each and every one was a gem, and some of my happiest memories involve sitting up well past midnight listening to his tales as WB slaved and cursed over a sewing machine, far behind schedule on whatever show he was costuming. He always promised that nobody would go onstage naked, however, and to my knowledge nobody ever did.
We had not seen each other as frequently over the past few years, as his health declined and he approached 80. We did, however, talk on the phone at least once every couple of weeks. (God, how I wish I could call him one more time...) I will always be grateful that when we hung up the phone, we always said "love you" and "love you too." Those were literally the last words we ever exchanged, and I can't think of a more appropriate adieu.
I will, no doubt, write more about WB in posts to come. His story is far too rich to be told in a single sitting. I am sad, I mourn his passing, but I also celebrate his life, which is exactly what he would have wanted me to do. Sumnabitch.
No News From The Motherland or YouTube today. This post is all about Walter Brown McCord.
FLT3
I lost a very good friend this week. Walter Brown McCord was a very special person. We first met 21 years ago when he was costuming Guys And Dolls for Theatre Tuscaloosa. A friendship was struck up immediately, and we were extremely close from that day on. The past 21 years have been richer for my having known him.
It is almost impossible to describe WB. He spoke with an inimitable (well, extremely imitable, actually) cadence and vocal inflection that was somewhere between British aristocracy and low-country Carolinian by way of New York. He was one of the most educated and sophisticated people I ever knew, yet could enjoy a ribald joke or silly humor with enthusiasm. Physically, he was somewhat of a scruffy John Gielgud with longer hair. His laugh was somewhere between a growl and a cough, no doubt a result of the cigarette that was seldom out of his reach. I sincerely thank God for all the laughs we shared.
WB was easily irritated in a comedic manner. He was affectionate and extremely kind, but his compliments were as often followed by "you little shit" or "sumnabitch" as not.
There are thousands of celebrity-filled stories surrounding his years in New York. I have no doubt that many of these stories were...shall we say...embellished a bit, but who cares? Each and every one was a gem, and some of my happiest memories involve sitting up well past midnight listening to his tales as WB slaved and cursed over a sewing machine, far behind schedule on whatever show he was costuming. He always promised that nobody would go onstage naked, however, and to my knowledge nobody ever did.
We had not seen each other as frequently over the past few years, as his health declined and he approached 80. We did, however, talk on the phone at least once every couple of weeks. (God, how I wish I could call him one more time...) I will always be grateful that when we hung up the phone, we always said "love you" and "love you too." Those were literally the last words we ever exchanged, and I can't think of a more appropriate adieu.
I will, no doubt, write more about WB in posts to come. His story is far too rich to be told in a single sitting. I am sad, I mourn his passing, but I also celebrate his life, which is exactly what he would have wanted me to do. Sumnabitch.
No News From The Motherland or YouTube today. This post is all about Walter Brown McCord.
FLT3
Monday, September 01, 2008
Oh Labor Day...
Apologies for the two-week hiatus. Between I DO! I DO! and a few other projects, I have been absent from the blogosphere. I will embrace the feeling of "back to school" that permeates the air and endeavor to write regularly.
Lovey and I went to a very nice party last night, given by some theatre friends. It was a relaxed, poolside affair with a convivial group. We enjoyed it as a nice ending to a full weekend.
Speaking of weekends, this is, of course, Labor Day Weekend. It was exactly 17 years ago (Sweet Mother of God) that some friends and I went Labor Day Caroling. Yes, you heard (read?) correctly...Labor Day Caroling. After a few festive beverages, we decided to compose our own carols...I can't recall the entire song list, but I do remember a snippet here and there. A particular favorite was "Rufus The Trash Man," sung to the tune of "Frosty The Snow Man."
"Rufus the trash man
Doesn't work on Labor Day.
He barbeques with his best friend Bill,
And a plumber named Jose..."
Also favored was "Oh Labor Day," to the tune of "Oh Christmas Tree."
"Oh Labor Day! Oh Labor Day!
With joy we celebrate you!
Oh Labor Day! Oh Labor Day!
Although the bosses hate you!"
Yes...we were creative in those days. We even had a Labor Day tree, made of a wicker broom and cotton balls. Oh, the joys of youth and beer...
Tomorrow I begin rehearsal for RAPUNZEL, which I am directing for Birmingham Children's Theatre. The script is charming, and the cast is talented, so it should be a very successful project. I am looking forward to it. Also on the horizon is GREASE, which I am directing for CenterStage in October, The VST production of THE 1940's RADIO HOUR which opens in December (playing Clifton Feddington) as well as the BCT production of THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, which I am also directing. Add to this the monthly performances of ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE at Vulcan Park, and I have a busy fall theatrically speaking.
I believe I hear Lovey stirring about, so I will close for now. In today's News From The Motherland... UK shutterbug arrested for camera theft....okay, it's a slow news day... ;-)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7591526.stm
Obama in '08!!!
FLT3
Lovey and I went to a very nice party last night, given by some theatre friends. It was a relaxed, poolside affair with a convivial group. We enjoyed it as a nice ending to a full weekend.
Speaking of weekends, this is, of course, Labor Day Weekend. It was exactly 17 years ago (Sweet Mother of God) that some friends and I went Labor Day Caroling. Yes, you heard (read?) correctly...Labor Day Caroling. After a few festive beverages, we decided to compose our own carols...I can't recall the entire song list, but I do remember a snippet here and there. A particular favorite was "Rufus The Trash Man," sung to the tune of "Frosty The Snow Man."
"Rufus the trash man
Doesn't work on Labor Day.
He barbeques with his best friend Bill,
And a plumber named Jose..."
Also favored was "Oh Labor Day," to the tune of "Oh Christmas Tree."
"Oh Labor Day! Oh Labor Day!
With joy we celebrate you!
Oh Labor Day! Oh Labor Day!
Although the bosses hate you!"
Yes...we were creative in those days. We even had a Labor Day tree, made of a wicker broom and cotton balls. Oh, the joys of youth and beer...
Tomorrow I begin rehearsal for RAPUNZEL, which I am directing for Birmingham Children's Theatre. The script is charming, and the cast is talented, so it should be a very successful project. I am looking forward to it. Also on the horizon is GREASE, which I am directing for CenterStage in October, The VST production of THE 1940's RADIO HOUR which opens in December (playing Clifton Feddington) as well as the BCT production of THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, which I am also directing. Add to this the monthly performances of ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE at Vulcan Park, and I have a busy fall theatrically speaking.
I believe I hear Lovey stirring about, so I will close for now. In today's News From The Motherland... UK shutterbug arrested for camera theft....okay, it's a slow news day... ;-)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7591526.stm
Obama in '08!!!
FLT3
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Back To School...
I am subbing today at Vestavia High School...the first day "back to school" for me. I am always sort of sad at the end of summer (a holdover from so many years in school, I suppose.) That sadness has, over the past few years, been softened by the realization that now when I come to school, I get paid. That helps.
I DO! I DO! is coming along well. GREASE was just cast, and I am looking forward to getting started on it.
Life is good. Lovey is getting ready to begin teaching her fall classes, and has been hard at work on her syllabuses (syllabi?) In all, there is a feeling of preparation in the air...I am teaching an acting class at VST this fall, and must start the prep work for that this weekend.
In today's News From The Motherland... Faustina The Elder makes a re-appearance.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7560833.stm
And in more News From The Motherland... "Crazy Larry" quoted by the BBC...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/west_midlands/7560392.stm
Obama In '08!!!
FLT3
I DO! I DO! is coming along well. GREASE was just cast, and I am looking forward to getting started on it.
Life is good. Lovey is getting ready to begin teaching her fall classes, and has been hard at work on her syllabuses (syllabi?) In all, there is a feeling of preparation in the air...I am teaching an acting class at VST this fall, and must start the prep work for that this weekend.
In today's News From The Motherland... Faustina The Elder makes a re-appearance.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7560833.stm
And in more News From The Motherland... "Crazy Larry" quoted by the BBC...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/west_midlands/7560392.stm
Obama In '08!!!
FLT3
Friday, August 08, 2008
More Spanish Gilligan and Midnight Special
I don't know why this amuses me so much...it just does...The Skipper's voice is too funny!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrTEAfd2oI0&feature=related
In another moment of joy... Andy Griffith sings "The Midnight Special." This is gold!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvYDpXfiDuQ
Just a quick post while taking a break from getting scenes prepared for GREASE auditions, which are tomorrow and Sunday. If rumor is to be believed, we are going to have a very large turnout. I am sure I will probably hear ten thousand renditions of "Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee," but that's part of the game... I am leaning towards casting with an eye towards the movie in terms of age. With all of the "mature" subject matter, I would be much more comfortable with twentysomethings as opposed to actual 16-year-olds. That said, the role of Sandy is already cast with an actual teenager (Kimberly Piazza) but she is very mature and can hold her own with the older "kids."
Lovey and I attempted to watch "Zoolander" last night with IV and V. We both fell asleep halfway through, not because it's a bad movie (it's very funny) but because it was 11:00. Of course, after driving home I was wide awake and stayed up until almost 2am. C'est la vie...
Cool weather is supposedly on the way. The weather forecast predicted lows in the mid-60's tomorrow night. That should be refreshing...
If I have started to discuss the weather, it's time to close. In today's News From The Motherland... Snoop Dogg takes Bollywood by storm!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7549301.stm
Obama In '08!!!
FLT3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrTEAfd2oI0&feature=related
In another moment of joy... Andy Griffith sings "The Midnight Special." This is gold!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvYDpXfiDuQ
Just a quick post while taking a break from getting scenes prepared for GREASE auditions, which are tomorrow and Sunday. If rumor is to be believed, we are going to have a very large turnout. I am sure I will probably hear ten thousand renditions of "Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee," but that's part of the game... I am leaning towards casting with an eye towards the movie in terms of age. With all of the "mature" subject matter, I would be much more comfortable with twentysomethings as opposed to actual 16-year-olds. That said, the role of Sandy is already cast with an actual teenager (Kimberly Piazza) but she is very mature and can hold her own with the older "kids."
Lovey and I attempted to watch "Zoolander" last night with IV and V. We both fell asleep halfway through, not because it's a bad movie (it's very funny) but because it was 11:00. Of course, after driving home I was wide awake and stayed up until almost 2am. C'est la vie...
Cool weather is supposedly on the way. The weather forecast predicted lows in the mid-60's tomorrow night. That should be refreshing...
If I have started to discuss the weather, it's time to close. In today's News From The Motherland... Snoop Dogg takes Bollywood by storm!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7549301.stm
Obama In '08!!!
FLT3
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Shaking My Head...
As much as I enjoy blogging about fun, happy things, I am on a serious rant today...
A Birmingham woman has filed a lawsuit following the death of a two-year-old in a house fire. According to the news report, the fire was started by a five-year-old playing with a cigarette lighter. The woman is suing the store that sold the lighter, as well as the manufacturers and distributors of the item.
Sweet Jesus.
The death of a child is one of the most horrific things I can imagine. I can't even think about it too much, or I will literally burst into tears. My heart goes out to the family and loved ones who have lost someone so sweet and innocent.
That said, I can only shake my head in wonderment at the opportunism and cynical actions of this person. WHY THE HELL WASN'T SHE WATCHING HER KIDS? WHY WAS A LIGHTER LEFT WITHIN REACH OF TWO TODDLERS?
Worst of all...why is this woman trying to make money off such a terrible thing? To quote Rex Harrison in Dr Doolittle, "I do not understand the human race."
If you have small people in your world, please look after them. Here endeth the sermon.
Okay, deep breath... happier thoughts...
Rehearsal is progressing nicely with I Do! I Do! and the show should be in good shape by opening night. I have not heard the score in years, and I am constantly reminded of how much I love the music. It amazes me that the show isn't done more often. Yes, it's a bit dated, but if done as a museum piece, it works very well. There are also several comments and references that have stood the test of time.
Lovey received a nice little gift in yesterday's mail. She had some Texas friends in for a visit a couple of weeks ago, and they sent her some fun photos from their evening out. I have enjoyed looking at the pics...I need to take more photos of my friends and our activities. I used to be a camera bug, but have gotten less attentive to picture-taking over the past few years. I suppose if someone ever decides to chronicle my life, it will look as if very little happened between around 1997 and 2007. "The lost decade" does have a certain ring to it... :-)
In today's News From The Motherland... those wacky British teenagers...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/devon/7546558.stm
Obama In '08!!!
FLT3
A Birmingham woman has filed a lawsuit following the death of a two-year-old in a house fire. According to the news report, the fire was started by a five-year-old playing with a cigarette lighter. The woman is suing the store that sold the lighter, as well as the manufacturers and distributors of the item.
Sweet Jesus.
The death of a child is one of the most horrific things I can imagine. I can't even think about it too much, or I will literally burst into tears. My heart goes out to the family and loved ones who have lost someone so sweet and innocent.
That said, I can only shake my head in wonderment at the opportunism and cynical actions of this person. WHY THE HELL WASN'T SHE WATCHING HER KIDS? WHY WAS A LIGHTER LEFT WITHIN REACH OF TWO TODDLERS?
Worst of all...why is this woman trying to make money off such a terrible thing? To quote Rex Harrison in Dr Doolittle, "I do not understand the human race."
If you have small people in your world, please look after them. Here endeth the sermon.
Okay, deep breath... happier thoughts...
Rehearsal is progressing nicely with I Do! I Do! and the show should be in good shape by opening night. I have not heard the score in years, and I am constantly reminded of how much I love the music. It amazes me that the show isn't done more often. Yes, it's a bit dated, but if done as a museum piece, it works very well. There are also several comments and references that have stood the test of time.
Lovey received a nice little gift in yesterday's mail. She had some Texas friends in for a visit a couple of weeks ago, and they sent her some fun photos from their evening out. I have enjoyed looking at the pics...I need to take more photos of my friends and our activities. I used to be a camera bug, but have gotten less attentive to picture-taking over the past few years. I suppose if someone ever decides to chronicle my life, it will look as if very little happened between around 1997 and 2007. "The lost decade" does have a certain ring to it... :-)
In today's News From The Motherland... those wacky British teenagers...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/devon/7546558.stm
Obama In '08!!!
FLT3
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Viva!!!
Ever wonder what the Gilligan theme sounds like in Spanish? This made me smile... I love the way Thurston is described as "El Millionario!" :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HzmC5xX9pU&feature=related
Wonderful way to segue...today is Lovey's birthday, which is a very special day indeed...many happy returns, my dear! :-)
I have recently taken the plunge into the world of Facebook. I am still a newbie, but I can see where it could get addictive...like I need anything to keep me on the computer more hours per day...
In today's News From The Motherland...good news for the butterfly...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/7542779.stm
Obama In 08!!!
FLT3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HzmC5xX9pU&feature=related
Wonderful way to segue...today is Lovey's birthday, which is a very special day indeed...many happy returns, my dear! :-)
I have recently taken the plunge into the world of Facebook. I am still a newbie, but I can see where it could get addictive...like I need anything to keep me on the computer more hours per day...
In today's News From The Motherland...good news for the butterfly...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/7542779.stm
Obama In 08!!!
FLT3
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