Thursday, June 06, 2013
Working Retail With Cocktail In Hand
"Working Retail With Cocktail In Hand"
(by FLT3 with apologies to Noel Coward)
When ringing the clothes
Or hankies for the nose
Of the lady with the charge plate in hand,
I often reinforce myself
More specifically, re-course myself
Towards the oldest respite in the land...
A slug of gin
Will quite do in
Any of the workaday blues.
And a beer surreptitious
Is always delicious
While dealing with the afternoon to-do's.
From dustman to surgeon
They all must submerge in
The claret from time to time,
And be not perjorative
Re the powers restorative
Of a lightly chilled vodka and lime...
Working Retail With Cocktail In Hand
Is what maintains civility
To the best of ability
Throughout this sceptered land.
'Tis no jest or joke,
That a bourbon and coke
Keeps a smile on the face and a pistol out of hand.
When an elderly matron is shouting with anger
And you wish she were bludgeoned or banned...
Don't bother to ask,
Take a nip from your flask,
Working Retail With Cocktail In Hand...
Eggroll With That...?
Today I visited one of my favorite hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurants for lunch. I would tell you the name of it, but quite honestly, I don't recall. I'm not entirely certain I've ever known it. (I have a tendency to refer to most Chinese places as "Happy Chinese.") Anyway, as I waited for my order, I began to think about the striking similarities among most such establishments...
First, there are rules of classification for Happy Chinese places. With very few exceptions, they can not be Chinese buffets. While the food provided at both is usually quite similar, buffets occupy a different sphere. Most buffets also have several extremely random offerings that have only the most tangential (if any) connection to standard Chinese fare. While I certainly enjoy vanilla pudding, pigs-in-blankets and spaghetti, it always seems a bit unsettling to contemplate how they might have wound up alongside the General Tso's chicken and sesame shrimp. Call me paranoid, but I often wonder if the cooks sometimes bring in things from home that were about to spoil. One buffet of my acquaintance didn't even bother to remove the pizza from the DiGiornio's box before nestling it snugly amongst the french fries, bacon-wrapped chicken livers, and (hand to God) Froot Loops. There was also a salad bar, which offered standard Westernized salad makings...and what must have been pickled squid. Or octopus. (All I know is that if it has tentacles and suckers, include me out.) I am sorry to say that this fine temple of gastronomic delights is no longer amongst the operating. I miss it.
Chinese buffets also distinguish themselves from Happy Chinese places (and I use "distinguish" loosely) in the realm of desserts. The soft-serve ice cream machine is de rigeur, as is the assortment of crappy cookies. Crappy does not mean inedible or even unpleasant, but that's the only way to describe them. There's usually the crumbly, dry teacake-like treat with the almond sliver pressed into the center. This may be meant to suggest almond flavor, but do not be fooled...this item has no almond flavor, or any flavor, for that matter. It's just a sawdusty disc that multiplies in your mouth as you chew, much in the manner of raw carrots. (A thimble-sized nibble will have the approximate dimensions and digestability of a bowling ball with a goiter when swallowed.) There's also the vaguely spice-flavored windmill cookie, which I must confess holds a sentimental spot in my heart. When I was a kid, I would have sworn that my grandparents were the only people in the world who had those cookies. We never had them at home, nor did anyone else I knew. (Come to think of it, my grandparents were the only people I knew ever to have those big marshmallow peanuts that tasted like Pepto-Bismol or the middling-grade caramels with the white used-to-be-creamy centers.) Perhaps there is a secret market where such things are sold...a market known only to the aged. I live in fear of the day when someone says "Come on, Frank...it's time you knew where this place is...oh, and please pick up some ice milk and Cream of Wheat while you're there..."
Anyway, I do digress. Also among the desserts can be found Jello in a wide variety of primary colors, but absolutely no variety in flavor. (Each could be described as "sweet and jello-y", and that's about it.) Of course, the raison d'etre of just about any buffet worth its salt (of which there is plenty, BTW) is The Biscuit Thing. The Biscuit Thing is, quite simply, a canned biscuit which has been pan-warmed and doused in granulated sugar. It's a blobby carb-wad, a mass of semi-cooked dough which carries enough sugar in a single bite to make an entire platoon of third-graders uncontrollably hyper until puberty. It has no real taste other than sugar, and that wears off after a second, yet I have seen reasonable, intelligent adults come to blows over the last Biscuit Thing. There may have even been a stabbing or two.
Happy Chinese is also not the same as Mall Chinese. Manchu Wok is a taste unlike any other, always reminding me of baked ham. No matter what I order, it tastes like baked ham. The entree, the rice, the soft drink, the fortune cookie...they all taste like Christmas dinner meets school lunchroom food. The staff at Manchu Wok is seldom Chinese or even Asian. The one in Birmingham's Brookwood Village Mall, for example, frequently had a large afro-sporting black man working alongside a petite hispanic woman. While I applaud the cultural harmony this bespeaks, I would be lying if I said it gave me much confidence in the authenticity of the cuisine (as if the corporate homogeneity hadn't already taken care of that.) Mall Chinese is usually tasty, but not really even in the same world as regular Chinese food. It is sui generis. It has no relatives.
Nor is Happy Chinese the same as Nice Chinese. Nice Chinese usually involves tablecloths, matching cutlery, unchipped plates and chopsticks offered without waiting for them to be requested. Nice Chinese usually has some of the decorative trappings of Happy Chinese, but without the intensity and passion. Nice Chinese places are usually streamlined, hip, and perhaps even a bit glossy. There may be a gold dragon at the hostess' station, but most likely the rest of the decor will be vaguely IKEA-ish or extremely sleek and minimalist, as will most of the patrons.
Moving on, now that we have established what a Happy Chinese place is not, let us proceed to the discussion of what it is...
A Happy Chinese place is usually, but not exclusively, in a sketchy-to-downright- bad neighborhood. This is not snobbery, but simply fact. One doesn't have to be terribly haughty to realize that the badly-scrawled "No Loitering Or Begging" signs and quintuple-lock doors so often adorning such places are not to be found at Maxim's or Lutece. Neither is one likely to encounter a bold CASH ONLY written on a lined notecard and affixed with yellowing tape to the front door of The Savoy Grill. If you're wondering if a certain bistro is, indeed, of the Happy Chinese variety, look around the parking lot. Can you see an auto parts store, check-cashing/payday loan place, coin laundry and/or down-at-heel liquor store? Pardner, you're in Happy Chinese country.
Once inside, one will quickly discern whether this is a takeaway or sit-down Happy Chinese. If sit-down, expect a garish assortment of Chinese kitsch that looks as if it came from a touring production of THE KING AND I produced by Swedes or Australians who had only the most passing of familiarity with Chinese culture. (Yes, I know THE KING AND I took place in Siam. That's my point.) Twangy sitar music will fill the air, usually a notch or two louder than would be ideal. The booths will be well-worn, but for the most part, the whole dining area will be quite clean. The hostess will either be ridiculously sexy in a bored/out of it/stoned sort of way or she will be approximately 375 years old. Either way, she will mumble in an unintelligible accent, presumably asking a question or offering some pleasant comment. (I have found that a smile and a cheerful "a-ha!" will generally suffice as a response.)
At your table will be one of those molded metal contraptions which hold two small tureens, one containing a pinkish duck sauce, the other a flat yellow mustard which will open your sinuses and relieve you of your breath for a few moments. The same Chinese Zodiac placemat that we have all seen in countless other Happy Chinese places will await you, as will the obligatory chuckle/comment should someone in your party happen to have been born in the year of the cock. Do not be this person, please. The service will be friendly and efficient, and it will be obvious that there are several "regulars" at nearby tables. These regulars always include an overweight businessman in a shirt and tie that are a bit too snug, a couple of pretty women from the bank/office/department store down the street, a policeman or two and an elderly couple. The wait staff will make much more of a fuss over these people than they will over you. Don't take it personally.
The takeaway Happy Chinese will consist of a single room, the kitchen being sectioned off by a flimsy pressboard wall which was clearly slapped up without much attention to detail or true lines. Pictures which bear no real resemblance to the dishes they supposedly represent will line the wall. Judging by the film quality and overall look, there was a large Chinese meal cooked somewhere around 1975. It was photographed, the results were offered to lazy restauranteurs for a pittance, and the same plate of shrimp in lobster sauce is seen adorning Happy Chinese Takeaways from Maine to Miami. The menu itself will be printed in microscopic font on a single sheet of paper, about the size of a placemat. Anticipate lots of choices, but please be advised that a vast majority of the patrons will only order the 5 or 6 most popular items, so don't take this as an opportunity to explore strange and exotic new tastes. Stick with Mongolian beef and chicken wings unless you want to befuddle the staff.
Value is given high priority at Happy Chinese takeaways. Today, for example, I paid about seven dollars for enough food for three meals. I ate until I was stuffed and made only a medium-sized dent in the pile of food crammed into my lidded styrofoam box. What makes it so surprising is that the food is almost of Nice Chinese quality. (Take out the bulletproof glass separating the counter clerk from the patrons and insist that the kitchen staff all wear shirts, and you would have a hard time telling them apart.)
Another distinguishing characteristic of takeaway Happy Chinese is to be found in what I will generously (damn near philanthropically) call "customer relations." Unlike the borderline-obsequiousness found at sit-down places, the service at takeaway Happy Chinese is usually of the shouted "WHAT YOU WANT???" variety. The language barrier will be most pronounced here, and if you even indicate that you might not understand what the person taking your order is trying to say, he or she will simply say it louder. And faster. And with a palpable sense of hatred. Again, don't be offended...it's part of the experience.
Across the board, the fortune cookies will be the same. Vaguely lemony, hard as rocks and impossible to resist. Bon appetit!
FLT3
In Case Anyone Was Wondering...
A bottle of ketchup with a thin but definite layer at the
bottom. A knife can touch it, but can't move laterally because of the
shape of the bottle. Smacking the bottom dislodges nothing, and a tiny
drip of ketchup juice only reminds you of what lies teasingly close.
Attempting to access a website via phone, running into multiple "this app doesn't support that activity" roadblocks, forgetting an old password and/or login name and then running out of battery just when you think you have it figured out. Then having a fairly good idea on how to fix it, but being too frustrated/bored/tired to start over.
When the game of Monopoly has gone on much too long, and you're beyond done, yet one person insists that the game be played to the bitter end. You're sitting on Ventnor Avenue (mortgaged), one Railroad, and Marvin Gardens, you have just enough money to not go bankrupt for at least thirty minutes, and you're having dinner/drinks after the game. You can hear the ice tinkling and smell the food.
Getting in line behind the older lady at the grocery store. You know the one I mean...110 if she's a day, smells like White Shoulders and vanilla, moves at about the pace of a drugged snail. And has coupons. And checks the receipt before she moves. And finds that she was overcharged three cents on Circus Peanuts or tinned pears. And requires the services of three managers and a priest before the three pennies can be refunded. And the countergirl is out of pennies. And there are five people behind you.
Trying to explain the internet to an older person.
Having a younger person explain the internet.
Any airport experience post 9-11.
Walking across a muddy field in rubber boots about half a size too large. One foot rests on an insubstantial pile of muck, sinking slowly into the mire, only to be pulled out with effort. The result is just sludge, and any forward momentum requires pushing through even more glop. After a while it all seems like too much trouble, but now you're too committed to the walk. So you shlorp and gurlunk and floosh your way through, stopping every foot or two to retrieve a lost boot.
Trying to get back to the hotel after New Year's Eve in a large city. Take one step, stand still for three minutes. Take two more steps, stand still for five. Sometimes inspiration strikes, yet to no avail. The taxi you saw turned out to be off-duty, the cozy bar where you thought you could rest for a minute just locked the door, and the subway station that has been a beacon for half an hour has been closed for repairs since yesterday. And you have to pee. Urgently.
Contemplating an event, holiday, or experience that's about six weeks away, knowing that you have to do something difficult and frustrating between now and then. Extra points if the unpleasant task will somehow facilitate the reward.
Trying to repair or replace something involving a spring, more than one latch, and a specific order of events that must be followed in order to make the object work. Without instructions or a diagram. Outside during the summer. With sweat getting in your eyes and something itchy on your back that you can't scratch until you finish.
...that's what writer's block feels like.
Attempting to access a website via phone, running into multiple "this app doesn't support that activity" roadblocks, forgetting an old password and/or login name and then running out of battery just when you think you have it figured out. Then having a fairly good idea on how to fix it, but being too frustrated/bored/tired to start over.
When the game of Monopoly has gone on much too long, and you're beyond done, yet one person insists that the game be played to the bitter end. You're sitting on Ventnor Avenue (mortgaged), one Railroad, and Marvin Gardens, you have just enough money to not go bankrupt for at least thirty minutes, and you're having dinner/drinks after the game. You can hear the ice tinkling and smell the food.
Getting in line behind the older lady at the grocery store. You know the one I mean...110 if she's a day, smells like White Shoulders and vanilla, moves at about the pace of a drugged snail. And has coupons. And checks the receipt before she moves. And finds that she was overcharged three cents on Circus Peanuts or tinned pears. And requires the services of three managers and a priest before the three pennies can be refunded. And the countergirl is out of pennies. And there are five people behind you.
Trying to explain the internet to an older person.
Having a younger person explain the internet.
Any airport experience post 9-11.
Walking across a muddy field in rubber boots about half a size too large. One foot rests on an insubstantial pile of muck, sinking slowly into the mire, only to be pulled out with effort. The result is just sludge, and any forward momentum requires pushing through even more glop. After a while it all seems like too much trouble, but now you're too committed to the walk. So you shlorp and gurlunk and floosh your way through, stopping every foot or two to retrieve a lost boot.
Trying to get back to the hotel after New Year's Eve in a large city. Take one step, stand still for three minutes. Take two more steps, stand still for five. Sometimes inspiration strikes, yet to no avail. The taxi you saw turned out to be off-duty, the cozy bar where you thought you could rest for a minute just locked the door, and the subway station that has been a beacon for half an hour has been closed for repairs since yesterday. And you have to pee. Urgently.
Contemplating an event, holiday, or experience that's about six weeks away, knowing that you have to do something difficult and frustrating between now and then. Extra points if the unpleasant task will somehow facilitate the reward.
Trying to repair or replace something involving a spring, more than one latch, and a specific order of events that must be followed in order to make the object work. Without instructions or a diagram. Outside during the summer. With sweat getting in your eyes and something itchy on your back that you can't scratch until you finish.
...that's what writer's block feels like.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Yet Another New Beginning...
"A shark bite a Howell? He wouldn't dare!"
-Thurston Howell III
Happy New Year to all of my readers! I do hope my recent lapse in posting has not cost me any of my admittedly few followers. As is often the case, I open this little missive with a renewed vow to blog daily. (After the less-than-stellar shelf life of last year's "Julie and Julia"-esqe effort, I will refrain from placing any real promises here...I'll just try to write more and more often.)
I am now in week three of my long-term sub job at McAdory High School. (Actually, as I write, my Advanced Theatre kids are here with me in the library researching their period duet scenes.) So far so good...some of my classes are more enthusiastic about theatre than others, but for the most part I have a very good group. I am particularly fond of my advanced kids...so much talent and such good attitudes! I will definitely miss them come April.
The holidays were delightful, capped off by a week in London with my very good friend, Goldstein. We saw a few shows, a few of the touristy spots (we had both been before, so we didn't feel the need to see all the first-time attractions) and the inside of enough pubs to keep everything interesting...as always, just breathing the air of The Motherland was good for my soul. :-) God Save The Queen!
Upon return, I worked for a week and then missed a week due to Vertigo/Inner Ear trouble. I had never suffered from such before and hope never to again. Imagine spending a week on a Tilt-A-Whirl, or of being extremely drunk without any of the fun associated with that particular endeavour. Yeah, it's bad...
At any rate, Yours Faithfully is back at the helm and feeling much better, if not 100%.
On the theatre front, I am looking forward to getting started on IT'S A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING, which I am directing in April. I think I am also going to perform, which will be fun. As an audience member, I am seeing both JEWTOPIA and BUDDY HOLLY:THE MUSICAL this weekend, so much entertainment awaits me...I am helping out with SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK at MHS, while Melissa directs (no joke) THE PRINCESS AND THE PEE at Hueytown. We are doing our best to spread a love of the arts to the younger generation, which is a good thing. I am going to let my advanced kids watch CenterStage's THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE next week for a critique, which should be fun. I told them that they would get extra credit for praising my performance. Just kidding. Maybe. ;-)
That should bring my readership up to speed. Perhaps 2010 will be my most prolific year to date...we shall see...
In today's News From The Motherland...fewer eels in the Thames...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8473965.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
-Thurston Howell III
Happy New Year to all of my readers! I do hope my recent lapse in posting has not cost me any of my admittedly few followers. As is often the case, I open this little missive with a renewed vow to blog daily. (After the less-than-stellar shelf life of last year's "Julie and Julia"-esqe effort, I will refrain from placing any real promises here...I'll just try to write more and more often.)
I am now in week three of my long-term sub job at McAdory High School. (Actually, as I write, my Advanced Theatre kids are here with me in the library researching their period duet scenes.) So far so good...some of my classes are more enthusiastic about theatre than others, but for the most part I have a very good group. I am particularly fond of my advanced kids...so much talent and such good attitudes! I will definitely miss them come April.
The holidays were delightful, capped off by a week in London with my very good friend, Goldstein. We saw a few shows, a few of the touristy spots (we had both been before, so we didn't feel the need to see all the first-time attractions) and the inside of enough pubs to keep everything interesting...as always, just breathing the air of The Motherland was good for my soul. :-) God Save The Queen!
Upon return, I worked for a week and then missed a week due to Vertigo/Inner Ear trouble. I had never suffered from such before and hope never to again. Imagine spending a week on a Tilt-A-Whirl, or of being extremely drunk without any of the fun associated with that particular endeavour. Yeah, it's bad...
At any rate, Yours Faithfully is back at the helm and feeling much better, if not 100%.
On the theatre front, I am looking forward to getting started on IT'S A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING, which I am directing in April. I think I am also going to perform, which will be fun. As an audience member, I am seeing both JEWTOPIA and BUDDY HOLLY:THE MUSICAL this weekend, so much entertainment awaits me...I am helping out with SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK at MHS, while Melissa directs (no joke) THE PRINCESS AND THE PEE at Hueytown. We are doing our best to spread a love of the arts to the younger generation, which is a good thing. I am going to let my advanced kids watch CenterStage's THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE next week for a critique, which should be fun. I told them that they would get extra credit for praising my performance. Just kidding. Maybe. ;-)
That should bring my readership up to speed. Perhaps 2010 will be my most prolific year to date...we shall see...
In today's News From The Motherland...fewer eels in the Thames...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8473965.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
Saturday, November 14, 2009
DAMES In Dock...
Day 53: "Nobody can pull the wool over my eyes! Cashmere, maybe, but wool? Never!"
-Thurston Howell III
The last two nights have brought successful performances of DAMES AT SEA, and tonight concludes our all-to-brief run. I love doing shows at Hoover Library, but three performances just aren't always enough. C'est la vie...we still have one left tonight.
This afternoon I return to A CHRISTMAS STORY, with a 2pm rehearsal. Paul has done a tremendous amount of work during my time at sea, and I am excited about seeing all the progress that has been made. Who knows...maybe Ralphie will actually get that Red Ryder 200 shot carbine action range model air rifle...but the sunzabitchin Bumpuses will still let their mangy hounds run wild and that no good ding blang fuzzlewhizzin furnace will keep producing clinkers...
I love that show. :-)
In today's News From The Motherland...an issue with the BBC website. Will post two links next time...
Cheers!
FLT3
-Thurston Howell III
The last two nights have brought successful performances of DAMES AT SEA, and tonight concludes our all-to-brief run. I love doing shows at Hoover Library, but three performances just aren't always enough. C'est la vie...we still have one left tonight.
This afternoon I return to A CHRISTMAS STORY, with a 2pm rehearsal. Paul has done a tremendous amount of work during my time at sea, and I am excited about seeing all the progress that has been made. Who knows...maybe Ralphie will actually get that Red Ryder 200 shot carbine action range model air rifle...but the sunzabitchin Bumpuses will still let their mangy hounds run wild and that no good ding blang fuzzlewhizzin furnace will keep producing clinkers...
I love that show. :-)
In today's News From The Motherland...an issue with the BBC website. Will post two links next time...
Cheers!
FLT3
Thursday, November 12, 2009
DAMES Sets Sail...
Day 52: "Of course, we'll be rescued! You don't expect Thurston Howell III to spend the rest of his life on an island without a stock ticker, do you? Not to mention a fox hunting season!"
-Thurston Howell III
Once again, I am attempting, dear readers, to resume daily blogging. Oh, to have a dollar for every time I have sworn to be more diligent with these scribblings...
Last night was final dress rehearsal for DAMES AT SEA, with a small invited audience of about 35 or 40 people. I am happy to report that all went very well, with the exception of two costume changes (both mine) that have to take place with lightning speed. Although I made it onstage, to call me anything but bedraggled and rumpled would be obscenely generous. I do believe the problem(s) have been solved, however, so tonight's opening should be quite successful.
SANTA IN SPACE is going well. The kids should love it, and there is enough cheeky humor in the script to keep the adults from falling asleep.
I have been very philosophical lately...the concept of sadness has been on my mind as I have been fighting off a bit of a funk. There are those among us (good and learned people, all) who view sadness as a chance for growth, inner knowledge, a greater texture of being, etc. I respect this outlook intellectually, but it is not for me.
My view on sadness is that it is a cancer on the soul and must be wiped out. Our lives are so short...to waste a moment of the truly precious time we have been given is a sin, and sadness absolutely destroys the quality of the time we have on Earth. With apologies for the shallow philosophy, I have to quote the great philosopher Sally Bowles..."start by admitting from cradle to tomb isn't that long a stay..."
If sadness means growth, I'll stay ungrown. Take me to the island, strike up the orchestra, and bring on the dancing girls, falling coconuts, and spiffily-dressed upper-crust Englishmen (and women) singing about the Ascot Opening Race or histrionic Ohioan parents wondering what's the matter with kids today...I'm here to be happy.
And there it is. Feel free to disagree, but that's my viewpoint.
In today's News From The Motherland... a push to legalize...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8357082.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
-Thurston Howell III
Once again, I am attempting, dear readers, to resume daily blogging. Oh, to have a dollar for every time I have sworn to be more diligent with these scribblings...
Last night was final dress rehearsal for DAMES AT SEA, with a small invited audience of about 35 or 40 people. I am happy to report that all went very well, with the exception of two costume changes (both mine) that have to take place with lightning speed. Although I made it onstage, to call me anything but bedraggled and rumpled would be obscenely generous. I do believe the problem(s) have been solved, however, so tonight's opening should be quite successful.
SANTA IN SPACE is going well. The kids should love it, and there is enough cheeky humor in the script to keep the adults from falling asleep.
I have been very philosophical lately...the concept of sadness has been on my mind as I have been fighting off a bit of a funk. There are those among us (good and learned people, all) who view sadness as a chance for growth, inner knowledge, a greater texture of being, etc. I respect this outlook intellectually, but it is not for me.
My view on sadness is that it is a cancer on the soul and must be wiped out. Our lives are so short...to waste a moment of the truly precious time we have been given is a sin, and sadness absolutely destroys the quality of the time we have on Earth. With apologies for the shallow philosophy, I have to quote the great philosopher Sally Bowles..."start by admitting from cradle to tomb isn't that long a stay..."
If sadness means growth, I'll stay ungrown. Take me to the island, strike up the orchestra, and bring on the dancing girls, falling coconuts, and spiffily-dressed upper-crust Englishmen (and women) singing about the Ascot Opening Race or histrionic Ohioan parents wondering what's the matter with kids today...I'm here to be happy.
And there it is. Feel free to disagree, but that's my viewpoint.
In today's News From The Motherland... a push to legalize...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8357082.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
Friday, November 06, 2009
Dance With Me...Or Not...
Day 51: "Cesar Romero would attend the opening of a napkin."
-Jim Backus
Well, once again, I have missed a day or two of blogging. C'est la vie, I suppose, but I do need to resume my daily scribblings. Now that my readership is in the low double-digits, I suppose I have an obligation to The Thinking Public. ;-)
Lots of fun things going on..."Dames At Sea" opens one week from yesterday, and last night we did a full run through without stopping, which is great. We now have time to polish and refine. If anyone is interested in seeing it (no pressure, just FYI) tickets are almost completely sold out for the (admittedly short) 3-performance run.
I am, despite my overall good feelings about the show, terribly concerned that my dancing abilities (or lack thereof) will be the one tiny flaw in an otherwise excellent production. Jack and Kim (my director and choreographer, respectively) keep insisting that I am making great improvement, they can tell that I am working, etc. etc. etc.... but let's be honest, friends. I have the coordination and physical grace of a drunken moose. George Wallace was a better dancer than I am. If a role calls for singing and acting, I'm your man...if the words "dance break," "second act ballet," or "anything more than a box step or a grapevine" are applicable to a given part, it's most likely going to be above my skill set...
Oh well, maybe The Captain was wounded in the Boer War and has a shattered fetlock or something. Perhaps that can be part of my back-story...
I also learned a lesson in stage combat safety this week...basically, if you're six feet tall and someone five-foot-two is throwing a punch at you, leaning in to her as she does it is not a good idea. Yes, for most people with the sense God gave a turnip, this would be obvious, but yours faithfully has never claimed an excess of common sense...
In today's News From The Motherland...one does so hate to hear of head-butting at a wedding...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/south_west/8346279.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
-Jim Backus
Well, once again, I have missed a day or two of blogging. C'est la vie, I suppose, but I do need to resume my daily scribblings. Now that my readership is in the low double-digits, I suppose I have an obligation to The Thinking Public. ;-)
Lots of fun things going on..."Dames At Sea" opens one week from yesterday, and last night we did a full run through without stopping, which is great. We now have time to polish and refine. If anyone is interested in seeing it (no pressure, just FYI) tickets are almost completely sold out for the (admittedly short) 3-performance run.
I am, despite my overall good feelings about the show, terribly concerned that my dancing abilities (or lack thereof) will be the one tiny flaw in an otherwise excellent production. Jack and Kim (my director and choreographer, respectively) keep insisting that I am making great improvement, they can tell that I am working, etc. etc. etc.... but let's be honest, friends. I have the coordination and physical grace of a drunken moose. George Wallace was a better dancer than I am. If a role calls for singing and acting, I'm your man...if the words "dance break," "second act ballet," or "anything more than a box step or a grapevine" are applicable to a given part, it's most likely going to be above my skill set...
Oh well, maybe The Captain was wounded in the Boer War and has a shattered fetlock or something. Perhaps that can be part of my back-story...
I also learned a lesson in stage combat safety this week...basically, if you're six feet tall and someone five-foot-two is throwing a punch at you, leaning in to her as she does it is not a good idea. Yes, for most people with the sense God gave a turnip, this would be obvious, but yours faithfully has never claimed an excess of common sense...
In today's News From The Motherland...one does so hate to hear of head-butting at a wedding...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/south_west/8346279.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Our First Milestone!
Day 50: "Ah, the bar-room! A place of good cheer and conviviality!"
-Jim Backus (as Mr. Magoo)
Well, dear readers, we have hit day 50 in our "year of daily blogging." Okay, so a few days have been missed...well, more than a few, but there you are...the spirit is true and the goal clearly stated, so if we stumble, so be it. Our marathon started on 19 August, which was...a few days longer ago than 50, but still we persevere... ;-)
So far this has been a fairly productive morning...things have been accomplished, goals achieved, deadlines met, and generally all done well. Let's hope that this trend continues...
This afternoon I must pay a visit to the local "Doc In A Box" to get a TB test, which will hopefully complete all my requirements for subbing in the Jefferson County system. I do believe one could get married, buy a home, and perhaps even bring home slightly rotten fruits and vegetables from Haiti with less paperwork. Quel dommage to be sure, but at least I am almost done...
I bought a new computer this weekend, and after tomorrow's visit from the Bright House Cable service rep, it will actually work! For months, my cable has been a bit fuzzy, but I don't watch much TV, so I never bothered to have it fixed...however, the same snowy reception seems to be preventing the whatsit in the cable wires to get through the thingmabob and make connection to the doohickey that makes the thingy work.
Am I being too technical for anyone?
On other fronts, it has recently come to light that in the recent unpleasantness regarding Larry Langford's unfortunate turn of fortune he was actually offered a plea deal that would have only presented him with a few years in prison. LaLa rejected the deal, and now faces up to 800 years. Probably not his wisest decision. Oh, Larry, Larry, Larry...
In today's News From The Motherland...banking changes at Lloyd's and RBS...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8340627.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
-Jim Backus (as Mr. Magoo)
Well, dear readers, we have hit day 50 in our "year of daily blogging." Okay, so a few days have been missed...well, more than a few, but there you are...the spirit is true and the goal clearly stated, so if we stumble, so be it. Our marathon started on 19 August, which was...a few days longer ago than 50, but still we persevere... ;-)
So far this has been a fairly productive morning...things have been accomplished, goals achieved, deadlines met, and generally all done well. Let's hope that this trend continues...
This afternoon I must pay a visit to the local "Doc In A Box" to get a TB test, which will hopefully complete all my requirements for subbing in the Jefferson County system. I do believe one could get married, buy a home, and perhaps even bring home slightly rotten fruits and vegetables from Haiti with less paperwork. Quel dommage to be sure, but at least I am almost done...
I bought a new computer this weekend, and after tomorrow's visit from the Bright House Cable service rep, it will actually work! For months, my cable has been a bit fuzzy, but I don't watch much TV, so I never bothered to have it fixed...however, the same snowy reception seems to be preventing the whatsit in the cable wires to get through the thingmabob and make connection to the doohickey that makes the thingy work.
Am I being too technical for anyone?
On other fronts, it has recently come to light that in the recent unpleasantness regarding Larry Langford's unfortunate turn of fortune he was actually offered a plea deal that would have only presented him with a few years in prison. LaLa rejected the deal, and now faces up to 800 years. Probably not his wisest decision. Oh, Larry, Larry, Larry...
In today's News From The Motherland...banking changes at Lloyd's and RBS...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8340627.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
Monday, November 02, 2009
Stage Update and LaLa...
Day 49: ...and we're back!
Again, apologies for the missed days of blogging. I suppose my resolve to mirror "Julie and Julia" has been somewhat less than successful thus far, but the effort continues. Once we hit day 365, dear readers, we can have fun seeing how many actual days have passed... I am, as the saying goes, a flawed man, but my efforts will not cease...
The various shows with which I am involved are going swimmingly. Dames At Sea sets sail in two weeks, and it is coming together extremely well. We are under the direction of The Great (and I do not exaggerate) Jack Mann who can, as far as I am concerned, do no wrong. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was actually DIRECTED to play my 2nd act role as Jim Backus...oh what a treat, but when the eye-rolling commences, I hope anyone with that knowledge will explain that I was only following my director's instructions...by George! The rest of the cast is doing a great job, and the show will be a success...even more so if I can somehow get through the dance numbers without utterly embarassing myself...which may or may not be possible...
A Christmas Story, as of last night, is completely blocked and now we can really start the fun work. (A special shout-out to my dear friend and Assistant Director, Paul McCracken, who has been as good as gold from running rehearsal when I have been at Dames, to helping organize everything from props to publicity, and generally helping the train run smoothly.) I won't bore the reader with a list of names (for there are many) of those who are making A Christmas Story a joy...let it suffice to say that everyone involved is adding immeasurably to the warmth and high quality of the experience. Sonsabitchen Bumpuses... ;-)
Santa In Space begins rehearsal next week at BCT. More as it develops, but I have read the script and it is charming, funny, and cute...perfect fare for the kids at Christmas time.
Larry remains free. Long may he wave. Although I still mourn the departure of quite possibly the most amusing political figure in Birmingham history (and that's saying quite a lot) I have launched my own Facebook "campaign" for mayor...so I don't live in the city limits? Who cares? That never stopped Larry...
In today's News From The Motherland...Trouble at The Tower...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8337367.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
Again, apologies for the missed days of blogging. I suppose my resolve to mirror "Julie and Julia" has been somewhat less than successful thus far, but the effort continues. Once we hit day 365, dear readers, we can have fun seeing how many actual days have passed... I am, as the saying goes, a flawed man, but my efforts will not cease...
The various shows with which I am involved are going swimmingly. Dames At Sea sets sail in two weeks, and it is coming together extremely well. We are under the direction of The Great (and I do not exaggerate) Jack Mann who can, as far as I am concerned, do no wrong. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was actually DIRECTED to play my 2nd act role as Jim Backus...oh what a treat, but when the eye-rolling commences, I hope anyone with that knowledge will explain that I was only following my director's instructions...by George! The rest of the cast is doing a great job, and the show will be a success...even more so if I can somehow get through the dance numbers without utterly embarassing myself...which may or may not be possible...
A Christmas Story, as of last night, is completely blocked and now we can really start the fun work. (A special shout-out to my dear friend and Assistant Director, Paul McCracken, who has been as good as gold from running rehearsal when I have been at Dames, to helping organize everything from props to publicity, and generally helping the train run smoothly.) I won't bore the reader with a list of names (for there are many) of those who are making A Christmas Story a joy...let it suffice to say that everyone involved is adding immeasurably to the warmth and high quality of the experience. Sonsabitchen Bumpuses... ;-)
Santa In Space begins rehearsal next week at BCT. More as it develops, but I have read the script and it is charming, funny, and cute...perfect fare for the kids at Christmas time.
Larry remains free. Long may he wave. Although I still mourn the departure of quite possibly the most amusing political figure in Birmingham history (and that's saying quite a lot) I have launched my own Facebook "campaign" for mayor...so I don't live in the city limits? Who cares? That never stopped Larry...
In today's News From The Motherland...Trouble at The Tower...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8337367.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
The Color Purple (my feet)
Day 48: "I find the moment I let a woman make friends with me she becomes jealous, exacting, suspicious and a damn nuisance...and I find the moment that I make friends with a woman I become selfish and tyrannical."
-Henry Higgins on the relationship between the sexes in My Fair Lady.
Well, now that Professor Higgins has brightened the day with his thoughts on love, let's take a look at something I truly adore...IRONING!!!!
I will pause for laughter here.
This week brings a fun little gig ironing costumes for the national tour of "The Color Purple." The money is quite good and my co-workers most congenial, but Sweet Mother of God, they certainly do have a lot of clothes! MY FEET ARE KILLING ME after standing and ironing all day.
I know...bitch, bitch, bitch, as they say... I may not revel in the work itself, but I look forward to the paycheck, and hey...I'm working in the arts...sort of... ;-)
The Trial Of Larry Langford continues with no real fireworks thus far. This is sure to change.
In today's News From The Motherland...Mr. Brown encourages compromise...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8319679.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
-Henry Higgins on the relationship between the sexes in My Fair Lady.
Well, now that Professor Higgins has brightened the day with his thoughts on love, let's take a look at something I truly adore...IRONING!!!!
I will pause for laughter here.
This week brings a fun little gig ironing costumes for the national tour of "The Color Purple." The money is quite good and my co-workers most congenial, but Sweet Mother of God, they certainly do have a lot of clothes! MY FEET ARE KILLING ME after standing and ironing all day.
I know...bitch, bitch, bitch, as they say... I may not revel in the work itself, but I look forward to the paycheck, and hey...I'm working in the arts...sort of... ;-)
The Trial Of Larry Langford continues with no real fireworks thus far. This is sure to change.
In today's News From The Motherland...Mr. Brown encourages compromise...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8319679.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
More Noel Coward...
Day 47: Another day, another dollar.
Today I am subbing at Hueytown High School, which is my first job in the Jefferson County system. So far, so good...my classes are all listening to "To Kill A Mockingbird" on CD, which is quite pleasant. It has been years since I last read the book, yet I find myself mentally reciting along with the narrative voice whenever a favorite passage arrives. Good writing stays with one for a while...and excellent writing for a lifetime. At present, the reprehensible Bob Ewell offers his testimony.
Well, The Trial Of Larry Langford is underway, and since I have a little time on my hands, I have decided to have another go at lyric composition in the style of Noel Coward...
"Lucky Larry"
By FLT3 (with apologies to NC)
Though 'tis true that Larry would not turn up his nose
At a gift of cash or (for style and dash)
A swell new suit of clothes,
To accuse him of malfeasance, see,
Would lack a common decency,
A lapse his counsel surely would oppose.
With a strong defense in hand, which
Will set him free (most gloriously)
He'll celebrate with a fried egg sandwich
And (not to belabor it)
A Grapico (his personal favorite)
And laugh at the sentencing of Blount (the grand snitch.)
Oh Lucky Larry, you'll beat the rap, you will.
The scales of justice will tip in your favor
From your flagon of chicanery we all drink our fill,
Your antics are sweet, our favorite flavor.
LaPierre made a bargain to quite sell you out,
He's a cad and a bounder, a rogue and a rounder,
With a mouth like a chasm and nose like a snout.
Though ugly and scary
He can't harm our Larry.
LaLa's followers all remain strong and devout.
To the land of Bear Bryant the trial relocated
Where publicity grew and (as everyone knew)
The ensuing enthusiasm ne'er once abated.
Larry's every caper
Made the daily newspaper
And acquittal is fervently anticipated...
Oh Lucky Larry, you'll beat the rap you will.
The scales of justice will tip in your favor.
From your flagon of chicanery, we all drink our fill,
Your antics are sweet, our favorite flavor.
In today's News From The Motherland...a clean Amy Winehouse...?
(For some reason "Copy/Paste" isn't working...will add link ASAP.)
Cheers!
FLT3
Today I am subbing at Hueytown High School, which is my first job in the Jefferson County system. So far, so good...my classes are all listening to "To Kill A Mockingbird" on CD, which is quite pleasant. It has been years since I last read the book, yet I find myself mentally reciting along with the narrative voice whenever a favorite passage arrives. Good writing stays with one for a while...and excellent writing for a lifetime. At present, the reprehensible Bob Ewell offers his testimony.
Well, The Trial Of Larry Langford is underway, and since I have a little time on my hands, I have decided to have another go at lyric composition in the style of Noel Coward...
"Lucky Larry"
By FLT3 (with apologies to NC)
Though 'tis true that Larry would not turn up his nose
At a gift of cash or (for style and dash)
A swell new suit of clothes,
To accuse him of malfeasance, see,
Would lack a common decency,
A lapse his counsel surely would oppose.
With a strong defense in hand, which
Will set him free (most gloriously)
He'll celebrate with a fried egg sandwich
And (not to belabor it)
A Grapico (his personal favorite)
And laugh at the sentencing of Blount (the grand snitch.)
Oh Lucky Larry, you'll beat the rap, you will.
The scales of justice will tip in your favor
From your flagon of chicanery we all drink our fill,
Your antics are sweet, our favorite flavor.
LaPierre made a bargain to quite sell you out,
He's a cad and a bounder, a rogue and a rounder,
With a mouth like a chasm and nose like a snout.
Though ugly and scary
He can't harm our Larry.
LaLa's followers all remain strong and devout.
To the land of Bear Bryant the trial relocated
Where publicity grew and (as everyone knew)
The ensuing enthusiasm ne'er once abated.
Larry's every caper
Made the daily newspaper
And acquittal is fervently anticipated...
Oh Lucky Larry, you'll beat the rap you will.
The scales of justice will tip in your favor.
From your flagon of chicanery, we all drink our fill,
Your antics are sweet, our favorite flavor.
In today's News From The Motherland...a clean Amy Winehouse...?
(For some reason "Copy/Paste" isn't working...will add link ASAP.)
Cheers!
FLT3
Monday, October 19, 2009
A Certain Perspective...
Day 46: "I can't believe I'm saying this...but can you make him a little more Thurston Howell?"
-Jack Mann, uttering a very rare statement to FLT3 at "Dames At Sea" rehearsal.
I hope this post sparks conversation, but not any arguments...I have been thinking a lot today about the perspective one brings to an artistic evaluation. I must, unfortunately, repeat a small amount of gossip to illustrate my point. Names will be scrupulously witheld to protect friendships and feelings.
Yesterday I saw an outstanding performance of a musical revue. I went mainly to be supportive of several friends who performed in it, and to be honest, I was not sure what to expect. Several other friends (all of whom are in the Bham theatre community) had told me it was "cute," "okay," and "not bad." Nobody trashed it, but the endorsements were somewhat lukewarm. Therefore, with glad heart but moderate expectations, I bought my ticket and took my seat...
Without exaggerating, I will say that the performance I saw was on par with most of what I have seen in NYC and London. The musicianship was first-rate, the performers were energetic and committed to the choreography, and the direction was sparkling and lighthearted when appropriate, and quite touching at times. I would not have felt cheated had I paid twice the ticket price or more. It was, in a word, delightful. (Incidentally, the theatre was all but sold out, and the crowd was quite enthusiastic.)
Do I think the tepid praise I heard in advance was mean-spirited? Absolutely not. I just think that we (performers in the arts community) are sometimes less than objective when evaluating the work of our friends. This does not make anyone a bad person...it's just a fact.
There is an old saying that I love..."when you point a finger at someone else, there are three fingers pointing back at you." (Try it...it's true...) I will admit that I have been guilty of this tendency myself. I have sometimes been a bit more harsh about performances than (in retrospect) I should have been. It just makes for an interesting point to ponder...does an artistic inclination rob one of some objectivity? As much as we all love our friends who are also our fellow performers, do we tend to hold them to a higher standard than the average audience member would?
At any rate, I was thoroughly entertained and got much more than my money's worth...and I am going to do my very best not to view the work of others from beneath an arched eybrow, so to speak...
On other subjects, I am looking forward to subbing with a new school system tomorrow. (I will continue to sub for Vestavia and Mtn. Brook, but have now added Jefferson County Schools to my list.) There is hopefully a very substantial job forthcoming...more on that as it develops...
"Dames At Sea" continues her voyage towards the stage. Tickets are going fast, so make reservations now if you are interested in seeing the show. We have only three performances, November 12, 13, and 14.
In today's News From The Motherland...Firefighters On Strike...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/south_yorkshire/8315417.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
-Jack Mann, uttering a very rare statement to FLT3 at "Dames At Sea" rehearsal.
I hope this post sparks conversation, but not any arguments...I have been thinking a lot today about the perspective one brings to an artistic evaluation. I must, unfortunately, repeat a small amount of gossip to illustrate my point. Names will be scrupulously witheld to protect friendships and feelings.
Yesterday I saw an outstanding performance of a musical revue. I went mainly to be supportive of several friends who performed in it, and to be honest, I was not sure what to expect. Several other friends (all of whom are in the Bham theatre community) had told me it was "cute," "okay," and "not bad." Nobody trashed it, but the endorsements were somewhat lukewarm. Therefore, with glad heart but moderate expectations, I bought my ticket and took my seat...
Without exaggerating, I will say that the performance I saw was on par with most of what I have seen in NYC and London. The musicianship was first-rate, the performers were energetic and committed to the choreography, and the direction was sparkling and lighthearted when appropriate, and quite touching at times. I would not have felt cheated had I paid twice the ticket price or more. It was, in a word, delightful. (Incidentally, the theatre was all but sold out, and the crowd was quite enthusiastic.)
Do I think the tepid praise I heard in advance was mean-spirited? Absolutely not. I just think that we (performers in the arts community) are sometimes less than objective when evaluating the work of our friends. This does not make anyone a bad person...it's just a fact.
There is an old saying that I love..."when you point a finger at someone else, there are three fingers pointing back at you." (Try it...it's true...) I will admit that I have been guilty of this tendency myself. I have sometimes been a bit more harsh about performances than (in retrospect) I should have been. It just makes for an interesting point to ponder...does an artistic inclination rob one of some objectivity? As much as we all love our friends who are also our fellow performers, do we tend to hold them to a higher standard than the average audience member would?
At any rate, I was thoroughly entertained and got much more than my money's worth...and I am going to do my very best not to view the work of others from beneath an arched eybrow, so to speak...
On other subjects, I am looking forward to subbing with a new school system tomorrow. (I will continue to sub for Vestavia and Mtn. Brook, but have now added Jefferson County Schools to my list.) There is hopefully a very substantial job forthcoming...more on that as it develops...
"Dames At Sea" continues her voyage towards the stage. Tickets are going fast, so make reservations now if you are interested in seeing the show. We have only three performances, November 12, 13, and 14.
In today's News From The Motherland...Firefighters On Strike...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/south_yorkshire/8315417.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
Saturday, October 17, 2009
From The Deck Of The Ship...
Day 45: I remember Pensacola...
-From the musical Dames At Sea.
As I write, the cheerful tones of "Choo Choo Honeymoon" are being played and sung behind me. Yes, I am at rehearsal, and so glad of it. Dames At Sea is a musical so happy it makes Anything Goes look like an Ibsen drama...well, that's an exaggeration, but you get the point. We perform November 12-14 at Hoover Library Theatre, for those who may be interested.
Well, the Trial Of The Century begins next week, assuming Larry doesn't cop a plea. (The Larry in reference is Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford, for those who do not follow our local politics.) As blatantly guilty as he appears to be of all sorts of malfeasance, I can't help admiring (albeit with a shake of my head) a pure charlatan showman, which describes Larry to a T. He is a real-life Harold Hill, but zanier. His trial is sure to be a circus, and he may well emerge as ringmaster. More on this as it develops...
In today's News From The Motherland...shark bites man.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/8312805.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
-From the musical Dames At Sea.
As I write, the cheerful tones of "Choo Choo Honeymoon" are being played and sung behind me. Yes, I am at rehearsal, and so glad of it. Dames At Sea is a musical so happy it makes Anything Goes look like an Ibsen drama...well, that's an exaggeration, but you get the point. We perform November 12-14 at Hoover Library Theatre, for those who may be interested.
Well, the Trial Of The Century begins next week, assuming Larry doesn't cop a plea. (The Larry in reference is Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford, for those who do not follow our local politics.) As blatantly guilty as he appears to be of all sorts of malfeasance, I can't help admiring (albeit with a shake of my head) a pure charlatan showman, which describes Larry to a T. He is a real-life Harold Hill, but zanier. His trial is sure to be a circus, and he may well emerge as ringmaster. More on this as it develops...
In today's News From The Motherland...shark bites man.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/8312805.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Remembering Jack Parrish
Day 44: Requiem In Terra Pax
It isn't often (well, this is the first time actually) that I will give over my blog to another writer, but today I feel compelled to share the news of the passing of a good friend and fine actor. I met Jack Parrish when we were both performing in "The Lost Colony" in Manteo, NC, in 1994. He was a true gentleman, both onstage and off. I had not seen him for years, but was quite saddened to hear of his death via a mutual friend, who posted the memoriam below. (Our mutual friend, for the record, was not the author...I have never met Bruce Miller, but I thank him for a wonderful remembrance.) RIP, Jack Parrish. You will be missed.
The following is written by Bruce:
Sharing the sadness that so many in the Richmond theatre community are feeling this evening, I’m sorry to report on the passing of Jack Parrish (pictured to the right with Cathy Shaffner standing and Jan Guarino in Money Matters). Jack was an outstanding Richmond theatre artist and a longtime friend to many of us who’ve been walking these boards for a while. After a lengthy battle with lung cancer, Jack only recently went into hospice care and died this afternoon.I met Jack in the early 70s when I was rising in the ranks of the theatre program at U of R and Jack was similarly placed in the theatre program at VCU. One of my favorite Jack memories from those early days was when he starred in a wonderful VCU production of As You Like It, I think during one of the FanFare summers. FanFare was VCU’s erstwhile summer theatre operation.Jack moved out of town after graduating from VCU, worked a few years in New York, landed some soap opera work, and then worked mainly in regional theatre. He played Dexter Haven in The Philadelphia Story, Uncle Ernie in The Who’s Tommy, Petruchio in The Taming of the Shrew, and many other dashing roles (Jack was good at dashing). He appeared at prestigious professional theatres including The Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Asolo Theatre in Florida, and Mill Mountain Playhouse in Roanoke.Jack returned to Richmond in the late 80s, maybe early 90s, to star at Theatre IV as the dashing spy in the classic Civil War melodrama, Secret Service. His other major Theatre IV roles were as The Man in the Yellow Suit in Tuck Everlasting, and as an unforgettable Captain Hook in Peter Pan.At Barksdale, Jack starred in Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde, The Little Foxes, The Crucible, James Joyce’s The Dead, Scapino!, the world premiere of Money Matters, and Anything Goes.Shortly after his foray into Cole Porter, Jack moved to Lexington KY to share a city with his great friend, Rick St. Peter, and to lead the theatre program at a local university. He returned to Richmond during the summers to star in the Henry plays at Richmond Shakespeare, having to leave his role two summers ago when he was first diagnosed and began chemotherapy.Jack also was an acclaimed director, rallying the forces of several of Theatre IV's touring productions. His contributions to Richmond theatre are immeasurable, and he will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathies go out to Jack’s wife, Kathy, their son, Clay, and the rest of his family.With love and respect, Barksdale will dedicate The Grapes of Wrath, our upcoming co-production with TheatreVCU, to Jack’s abiding memory.--Bruce Miller
In today's News From The Motherland...Tories push for re-opening murder case...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8310722.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
It isn't often (well, this is the first time actually) that I will give over my blog to another writer, but today I feel compelled to share the news of the passing of a good friend and fine actor. I met Jack Parrish when we were both performing in "The Lost Colony" in Manteo, NC, in 1994. He was a true gentleman, both onstage and off. I had not seen him for years, but was quite saddened to hear of his death via a mutual friend, who posted the memoriam below. (Our mutual friend, for the record, was not the author...I have never met Bruce Miller, but I thank him for a wonderful remembrance.) RIP, Jack Parrish. You will be missed.
The following is written by Bruce:
Sharing the sadness that so many in the Richmond theatre community are feeling this evening, I’m sorry to report on the passing of Jack Parrish (pictured to the right with Cathy Shaffner standing and Jan Guarino in Money Matters). Jack was an outstanding Richmond theatre artist and a longtime friend to many of us who’ve been walking these boards for a while. After a lengthy battle with lung cancer, Jack only recently went into hospice care and died this afternoon.I met Jack in the early 70s when I was rising in the ranks of the theatre program at U of R and Jack was similarly placed in the theatre program at VCU. One of my favorite Jack memories from those early days was when he starred in a wonderful VCU production of As You Like It, I think during one of the FanFare summers. FanFare was VCU’s erstwhile summer theatre operation.Jack moved out of town after graduating from VCU, worked a few years in New York, landed some soap opera work, and then worked mainly in regional theatre. He played Dexter Haven in The Philadelphia Story, Uncle Ernie in The Who’s Tommy, Petruchio in The Taming of the Shrew, and many other dashing roles (Jack was good at dashing). He appeared at prestigious professional theatres including The Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Asolo Theatre in Florida, and Mill Mountain Playhouse in Roanoke.Jack returned to Richmond in the late 80s, maybe early 90s, to star at Theatre IV as the dashing spy in the classic Civil War melodrama, Secret Service. His other major Theatre IV roles were as The Man in the Yellow Suit in Tuck Everlasting, and as an unforgettable Captain Hook in Peter Pan.At Barksdale, Jack starred in Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde, The Little Foxes, The Crucible, James Joyce’s The Dead, Scapino!, the world premiere of Money Matters, and Anything Goes.Shortly after his foray into Cole Porter, Jack moved to Lexington KY to share a city with his great friend, Rick St. Peter, and to lead the theatre program at a local university. He returned to Richmond during the summers to star in the Henry plays at Richmond Shakespeare, having to leave his role two summers ago when he was first diagnosed and began chemotherapy.Jack also was an acclaimed director, rallying the forces of several of Theatre IV's touring productions. His contributions to Richmond theatre are immeasurable, and he will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathies go out to Jack’s wife, Kathy, their son, Clay, and the rest of his family.With love and respect, Barksdale will dedicate The Grapes of Wrath, our upcoming co-production with TheatreVCU, to Jack’s abiding memory.--Bruce Miller
In today's News From The Motherland...Tories push for re-opening murder case...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8310722.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Hello, Again...
Day 43: Sorry I missed a week. I thought it was leap year.
-FLT3
Well, I have once again slacked off a bit in re my daily postings, but with the renewed vigor which I always bring apres-vacances I resume today. This "year" of writing may turn out to contain 500 or so days...
Rehearsal is underway for both Dames At Sea and A Christmas Story, and all is "so far so good." I took a few rehearsal photos of Dames rehearsal last night, and if I can ever figure out how to get them from cell phone to computer, I will post them.
The weather is slate grey and wet, as usual. As depressing as it may sound, I have actually been quite enjoying it. After the nuclear-hot summers we have had of late, the cool semi-darkness of a hydrated autumn is delightful.
If I am already reduced to a discussion of the weather by paragraph three, one might assume that I had little to say today. Perhaps one would be correct...
In today's News From The Motherland...a yogurt advert stirs controversy...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8305918.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
-FLT3
Well, I have once again slacked off a bit in re my daily postings, but with the renewed vigor which I always bring apres-vacances I resume today. This "year" of writing may turn out to contain 500 or so days...
Rehearsal is underway for both Dames At Sea and A Christmas Story, and all is "so far so good." I took a few rehearsal photos of Dames rehearsal last night, and if I can ever figure out how to get them from cell phone to computer, I will post them.
The weather is slate grey and wet, as usual. As depressing as it may sound, I have actually been quite enjoying it. After the nuclear-hot summers we have had of late, the cool semi-darkness of a hydrated autumn is delightful.
If I am already reduced to a discussion of the weather by paragraph three, one might assume that I had little to say today. Perhaps one would be correct...
In today's News From The Motherland...a yogurt advert stirs controversy...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8305918.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
A Brief Hello
Day 42: Come dancing...
-The Kinks
The above quote merely points out the fact that I like the song. It has nothing to do with actual dancing, which is not my strongest talent, to put it mildly...
Tonight brought another rehearsal for DAMES AT SEA, which has left the "Echo Waltz" as well as the title number playing on a semi-perpetual loop inside my head. This time last year it was providing GREASE tunes, which were ever so slowly transforming into the WWII-era tunes of THE 1940's RADIO HOUR. Such is the soundtrack of my life...
Nothing terribly interesting or unusual today. This is not a bad thing.
In today's News From The Motherland...Royal Mail workers strike...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8296660.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
-The Kinks
The above quote merely points out the fact that I like the song. It has nothing to do with actual dancing, which is not my strongest talent, to put it mildly...
Tonight brought another rehearsal for DAMES AT SEA, which has left the "Echo Waltz" as well as the title number playing on a semi-perpetual loop inside my head. This time last year it was providing GREASE tunes, which were ever so slowly transforming into the WWII-era tunes of THE 1940's RADIO HOUR. Such is the soundtrack of my life...
Nothing terribly interesting or unusual today. This is not a bad thing.
In today's News From The Motherland...Royal Mail workers strike...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8296660.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Dames At Sea and BCT
Day 41: HINES: I told you once...I'm not jealous!
GLADYS: I didn't say you were jealous, Vernon, I said you were drunk!
HINES: Well, you can't have everything...
-From the musical The Pajama Game.
Tonight brought the second rehearsal for DAMES AT SEA, which shows a great deal of promise. The cast is small (only 6 actors) and everyone in it (with due modesty) is extremely talented and the show itself is delightful. We perform in November at Hoover Library Theatre...only three performances...get your tickets now...
I am playing a dual role, which is always fun. In the first act, I am Hennesey, the highly stressed theatrical producer, and in the second act, the clueless/befuddled ship's captain. Both roles are going to be very enjoyable to play, but at first glance, The Captain is my favorite.
Today also brings a costume fitting for the previously-heralded SANTA IN SPACE at Bham Children's Theatre. I have no idea how the playwright has managed to launch Pere Noel into the ionosphere, but I am sure it will be a show the kids will enjoy. We perform in the "Wee Folks" theatre, which is an intimate space, to say the least. Having done Wee Folks shows before, I feel qualified to state that there is no theatrical venue (at least not in my experience) that provides such...shall we say...immediate feedback on one's performance. Playing in a very small space is sometimes a bit claustrophobic under any circumstances, but when the average audience member is six years old...believe me, you know pretty quickly when they have lost their focus.
As silly as it may sound, children's shows sometimes force the best and most considered acting. Adults will usually politely accept a decent but not brilliant performance. With kids, you have to stay on your game from entrance to exit. ;-)
Onward, onward...
In today's News From The Motherland... a new role for a Tory leader...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8294670.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
GLADYS: I didn't say you were jealous, Vernon, I said you were drunk!
HINES: Well, you can't have everything...
-From the musical The Pajama Game.
Tonight brought the second rehearsal for DAMES AT SEA, which shows a great deal of promise. The cast is small (only 6 actors) and everyone in it (with due modesty) is extremely talented and the show itself is delightful. We perform in November at Hoover Library Theatre...only three performances...get your tickets now...
I am playing a dual role, which is always fun. In the first act, I am Hennesey, the highly stressed theatrical producer, and in the second act, the clueless/befuddled ship's captain. Both roles are going to be very enjoyable to play, but at first glance, The Captain is my favorite.
Today also brings a costume fitting for the previously-heralded SANTA IN SPACE at Bham Children's Theatre. I have no idea how the playwright has managed to launch Pere Noel into the ionosphere, but I am sure it will be a show the kids will enjoy. We perform in the "Wee Folks" theatre, which is an intimate space, to say the least. Having done Wee Folks shows before, I feel qualified to state that there is no theatrical venue (at least not in my experience) that provides such...shall we say...immediate feedback on one's performance. Playing in a very small space is sometimes a bit claustrophobic under any circumstances, but when the average audience member is six years old...believe me, you know pretty quickly when they have lost their focus.
As silly as it may sound, children's shows sometimes force the best and most considered acting. Adults will usually politely accept a decent but not brilliant performance. With kids, you have to stay on your game from entrance to exit. ;-)
Onward, onward...
In today's News From The Motherland... a new role for a Tory leader...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8294670.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
Monday, October 05, 2009
Redefining Age
Day 40: If they say I'm too old for you,
Then I shall answer "Why, sir!
One never drinks the wine that's new...
The old ones taste much nicer!
-From the musical "The Boy Friend."
This evening after rehearsal, I was talking to my good friend Goldstein about the concept of age. He and I agreed that while we are (as they say) "eyballing forty," we really don't feel much older than we did in college. This is not the first time I have had this conversation, and it seems that most people within my demographic do not truly view themselves as "middle aged." When we were teenagers, forty seemed (to paraphrase Garrison Keillor) unspeakably ancient, old, degenerate...and now it seems about my age.
I distinctly remember when Dear Old Dad turned forty...I was about eight years old, and could not comprehend why he chose to spend a sparkling, cheerful, two-weeks-before-Christmas weekend just lying on the couch and looking morose. I seem to recall going into the den and poking him with a stick or doing something comparably horrible...to which his only response was something along the lines of "enjoy being young while you can." After a few days of delicious self-pity, he pulled himself out of the ashes and soldiered on, regaining a good 98% of his former cheerfulness, which was still quite ample. In a typical moment of wisdom and insight, he assured me that there would be no more gloomy birthdays for him. Each of us has that one natal anniversary circled in black, and once it has passed, no others can harm us. At the time I was mystified by the concept of depression following a birthday.
My personal bete noir was thirty-five. It knocked me down for the count, and I followed my paternal example and wallowed in my decrepitude for a few days, and then rejoined the world with joie de vivre relatively intact. As forty approaches, I scoff at it. I thumb my nose. I guffaw in the visage of my fortieth year. I might even work up a respectable chortle.
I will neither belabor the point nor dredge up an old discussion, but I must admit that I keep returning to the "Cougar Town" posting of a couple of weeks ago. Again, I am finding levels of inaccuracy heretofore undiscovered. If so many people in my age group are either miserable, desperate, sexually frustrated beyond redemption, or over-the-hill, I have mercifully been spared their company. May that blessing continue.
One final point to share here, and I must give credit where it is due...this is Goldsteinian philosophy. It is not entirely applicable to age, but it holds at least a tangential connection. I have dubbed it "Stein's Theory of Relativity" and I expect it to overtake Einstein's any day now...
When people say how much faster time passes with age, they are correct from a certain point of view. When one is ten years old, a year is one tenth of one's life. When one is forty, one year is one fortieth of the life lived so far. Time DOES move faster when measured against one's entire life to date. It's all perspective.
In today's News From The Motherland...tougher gun laws?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8292525.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
Then I shall answer "Why, sir!
One never drinks the wine that's new...
The old ones taste much nicer!
-From the musical "The Boy Friend."
This evening after rehearsal, I was talking to my good friend Goldstein about the concept of age. He and I agreed that while we are (as they say) "eyballing forty," we really don't feel much older than we did in college. This is not the first time I have had this conversation, and it seems that most people within my demographic do not truly view themselves as "middle aged." When we were teenagers, forty seemed (to paraphrase Garrison Keillor) unspeakably ancient, old, degenerate...and now it seems about my age.
I distinctly remember when Dear Old Dad turned forty...I was about eight years old, and could not comprehend why he chose to spend a sparkling, cheerful, two-weeks-before-Christmas weekend just lying on the couch and looking morose. I seem to recall going into the den and poking him with a stick or doing something comparably horrible...to which his only response was something along the lines of "enjoy being young while you can." After a few days of delicious self-pity, he pulled himself out of the ashes and soldiered on, regaining a good 98% of his former cheerfulness, which was still quite ample. In a typical moment of wisdom and insight, he assured me that there would be no more gloomy birthdays for him. Each of us has that one natal anniversary circled in black, and once it has passed, no others can harm us. At the time I was mystified by the concept of depression following a birthday.
My personal bete noir was thirty-five. It knocked me down for the count, and I followed my paternal example and wallowed in my decrepitude for a few days, and then rejoined the world with joie de vivre relatively intact. As forty approaches, I scoff at it. I thumb my nose. I guffaw in the visage of my fortieth year. I might even work up a respectable chortle.
I will neither belabor the point nor dredge up an old discussion, but I must admit that I keep returning to the "Cougar Town" posting of a couple of weeks ago. Again, I am finding levels of inaccuracy heretofore undiscovered. If so many people in my age group are either miserable, desperate, sexually frustrated beyond redemption, or over-the-hill, I have mercifully been spared their company. May that blessing continue.
One final point to share here, and I must give credit where it is due...this is Goldsteinian philosophy. It is not entirely applicable to age, but it holds at least a tangential connection. I have dubbed it "Stein's Theory of Relativity" and I expect it to overtake Einstein's any day now...
When people say how much faster time passes with age, they are correct from a certain point of view. When one is ten years old, a year is one tenth of one's life. When one is forty, one year is one fortieth of the life lived so far. Time DOES move faster when measured against one's entire life to date. It's all perspective.
In today's News From The Motherland...tougher gun laws?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8292525.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
Sunday, October 04, 2009
My Man Godfrey
Day 39: "Where we used to have grocery stores, we now have liquor stores on every corner."
-Mentioned in a local politician's pitch for election. I wonder if that is good or bad...
I watched an old favorite this evening...MY MAN GODFREY with William Powell and Carole Lombard. If you haven't seen it, I recommend it highly. Yes, it's old, the acting is stilted, the script is far-fetched, and the glimpse into the inner workings of a moneyed but eccentric family is completely cartoonish.
It's wonderful. :-)
In today's News From The Motherland...Happy Birthday, Monty Python!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/montypython/
Cheers!
FLT3
-Mentioned in a local politician's pitch for election. I wonder if that is good or bad...
I watched an old favorite this evening...MY MAN GODFREY with William Powell and Carole Lombard. If you haven't seen it, I recommend it highly. Yes, it's old, the acting is stilted, the script is far-fetched, and the glimpse into the inner workings of a moneyed but eccentric family is completely cartoonish.
It's wonderful. :-)
In today's News From The Motherland...Happy Birthday, Monty Python!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/montypython/
Cheers!
FLT3
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Smarties
Day 39: Candy is Dandy but Liquor is Quicker
-Anonymous and oft-quoted.
Today's post is about candy. My sister and I have been discussing those sweet treats of childhood that still cling to the memory...my personal favorite to this day is called "Bottle Caps," and offers a series of soda-esque flavored discs in the shape of (you guessed it) a bottle cap. Her confection of choice is called "Smarties" and is quite comparable...small, sugar-constituted discs of joy, but not shaped like bottle caps.
"Candy" in the vernacular of ma soeur et moi, is applied only to sugary, most likely fruit-flavored, non-dairy sweets. A chocolate bar is "chocolate," and while delightful, has little in common with "candy." By the same token, an offer of a "Coke" is purely for a soft drink, with "Coke" being the cognomen for all things fizzy, sweet, and sold in bottles or cans.
Enough of this. Enjoy the sweet of your choice today. :-)
In today's News From The Motherland...a shot in the dark, so to speak...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/8289474.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
-Anonymous and oft-quoted.
Today's post is about candy. My sister and I have been discussing those sweet treats of childhood that still cling to the memory...my personal favorite to this day is called "Bottle Caps," and offers a series of soda-esque flavored discs in the shape of (you guessed it) a bottle cap. Her confection of choice is called "Smarties" and is quite comparable...small, sugar-constituted discs of joy, but not shaped like bottle caps.
"Candy" in the vernacular of ma soeur et moi, is applied only to sugary, most likely fruit-flavored, non-dairy sweets. A chocolate bar is "chocolate," and while delightful, has little in common with "candy." By the same token, an offer of a "Coke" is purely for a soft drink, with "Coke" being the cognomen for all things fizzy, sweet, and sold in bottles or cans.
Enough of this. Enjoy the sweet of your choice today. :-)
In today's News From The Motherland...a shot in the dark, so to speak...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/8289474.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
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