Well, dear readers, the high point of yesterday was the Melodyland rehearsal. It is so much fun to watch this show when Melody is firing on all cylinders, which she was. It’s also very gratifying to see a young pro who is able to take notes, address them, make them her own, and then deliver them. The new stuff we’ve added is all working perfectly – several bits of patter and business all have to do with her being fourteen (she will have just turned fourteen two days before the act). It’s hard to believe I’ve been working with her now since she was twelve. She’s about five inches taller, and she’s entered her teens with ease and poise. That was one of my goals when her folks asked me to put together her act – I didn’t want to do a “kid” act or an “Annie” act – I wanted to take this wildly talented young girl into her young adult years – as I told her the day I first met her, “You can’t play Annie anymore – you have to be willing to try new things and go to some new places that I’m sure will initially be scary for you and out of your comfort zone.” But she and her folks were so willing to go on this journey and what a journey it’s been. I have watched this girl grow into a performer who is not afraid of ballads, not afraid to be small and subtle, but who can still belt like crazy when necessary, and I’ve watched her develop some pretty amazing comedy chops, too. She is fearless and will try anything. I said that at the beginning too – the word “no” is not in our vocabulary while doing the act. I said we’d be trying a lot of things, some of which would work and some of which wouldn’t – but we wouldn’t know unless we were bold and took all kinds of chances. Part of what’s helped her grow is doing the monthly Kritzerland shows, where I throw really difficult material at her – and no matter HOW difficult, she shows up for the first rehearsal letter perfect and we hone from there, and I am here to tell you there hasn’t been a show yet that she hasn’t stopped cold. So, if you’re in the LA area or environs, really try to make it on April 29th to see her show. Just search her name on Facebook and you’ll find the event page.
Prior to that, it was a TGIF kind of Friday – I got up early, did work on the computer, had telephonic conversations, then went and had an omelet and a bagel to tide me over to dinner. After that, I picked up some packages and an important envelope, did some banking, and came home and did a few things around the home environment. Oh, yeah, and we shipped the STAGE CDs. Also, musical director and a couple of singers picked up their stuff, so just two more to go and they should be getting their stuff this weekend. Then it was rehearsal, after which we all went for a fun meal at Mo’s, where I had a grilled artichoke and a Caesar salad, both yummilicious. Then I came home, didn’t feel up to watching a motion picture, and so instead sat in the Jacuzzi for a bit, which was very lovely. It’s been like summer here for the last few days – yesterday was in the high 80s.
Well, why don’t we all click on the Unseemly Button below because she of the Evil Eye will be here all too soon so I must get as much beauty sleep as possible.
Today, I shall do errands and whatnot, then the STAGE people are coming to pick up their boxes o’ CDs (they get 300 of each title), hopefully I’ll pick up some packages, I may try to jog, and then I shall eat something soft and amusing, after which I shall relax and watch motion pictures, unless something fun comes up.
Tomorrow is, of course, the book signing – from two to four. I’ll spend the morning choosing what I want to read – I’ll keep that part short and sweet. Then I’ll pick up the CAKE, do the signing, and then we have a Melody rehearsal and then we’ll go sup afterwards. Next week I have lots to do – I’ll probably see Teddy for a haircut, I’m going to an estate sale (I’ve never been to one before – this is the estate of the recently deceased LACC teacher and the proceeds benefit the Theater Department), I have meetings and meals aplenty, Melody rehearsals, and then recording the new STAGE show and doing Melody’s show.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, try to do a jog, do errands and whatnot, give STAGE their nine boxes of CDs, hopefully pick up some packages, and relax. Today’s topic of discussion: Who are your favorite fictional characters – not movies or TV – novels of any kind. Of course, if the novel were turned into a film or play or whatever, that’s fair game. Let’s have loads of lovely postings, shall we, whilst I hit the road to dreamland, where I shall dream lovely dreams. Last night I dreamed of The Randy Vicar and the Ball Peen Hammer.