An amazing night I will NEVER forget.
Last nights performance of "The Comedy of Errors" at The Delacort Theater for Shakespeare in the Park will be an experience I will remember forever. It will go down as one of the most moving nights I have EVER had as an actor. Here is what happened:
About 30 minutes into our 90 minute show it began to rain. Nothing new for an actor doing out door theater. We continued for about 10 more minutes until it began to down pour. Buckets. At that point our stage manager, Cole made an announcement to the audience over the sound system that we would hold until the storm passed. The audience cheered, encouraging us that they were willing to wait out the rain with us. After all, they waited all day for the free tickets that got them into the theater in the first place! (New York theater goers are the beasts. I love them!)
The rain only got worse. I began to realize it would be very unlikely for us to be able to continue. Our dancers would slip, the expensive sound equipment that we were wearing to amplify our voices would be ruined. Still, the audience stayed, only cheering harder when the rain increased.
Finally, the storm lightened and Cole announced that we would begin again shortly which was met with applause and cheers from the audience AND the cast.
Then something beyond mother natures control happened: the sound board fried and shut down. Apparently there wasn't enough time to properly cover all the equipment and now the entire sound system was down. No mics to amplify. No speakers to play music for the dancers. Nothing. Stage Management was about to announce to the audience that we would have to unfortunately call the show.
Then Hamish and I had an idea.
Did George C. Scott have a body mic when he did "The Merchant of Venice" back in 1961 at this same theater?
(Granted, he didn't have to worry about helicopters or private jets flying over the Delacort Theater on their way to the Hamptons).
Lets finish the show wireless. Unplugged!
To my amazement Rebecca Sherman, our company manager took a deep breath and just said "Do it. It will be amazing."
Hamish and I ran out on to the soaking wet stage and announced to the equally wet audience that we would continue! Using Hamish's mother's famed "Linklater Technique" we explained to the audience that they would have to move down as close to the stage as possible to hear. (Only 600 brave people from the originally sold out 1800 seat house had stayed).
What proceeded was one of the most magical hours of my life.
The brilliant De’Adre Aziza started where we left off, with her jazz influenced version of "Sigh No More", the audience snapping along to keep the beat.
One of the dance fueled transitions started with Bryan Langlitz, our dance captain yelling out : "And a 5,6,7,8" as the dancers leapt and flew across the puddled stage.
During a moment that required a sound cue of a bell, I pointed at the church that was meant to be producing the sound and exclaimed "BONG! BONG!"
When Emily Bergl knocked a gun out of Tyler Caffall's hand the entire company, in unison yelled "BANG" and then produced the dying cat sound that was meant to follow.
At one point it started raining sheets again... only this time Cole had no one of stopping us. We just spoke louder to be heard over the rain that was pounding down upon us.
Hamish called it the greatest game of "Chicken" ever played. The audience wasn't leaving because we kept going and we continued on only because the 600 strong stayed put. Everyone was soaked but at this point, who cared. (Apologies to our brilliant costume designer Toni Leslie James who probably cared a little.)
The end of the play ends with a quiet moment I share with my long lost twin. The audience stayed completely still and silent to hear the final words of the play, laughing where the jokes were but then silencing immediately to hear the next lines. That's when I lost it. You never would have been able to tell because I was soaking wet but I started to ugly cry.
I was so moved by this shared moment. It truly personified why I am fueled to put on silly costumes and wigs and pretend to be someone else in front of a collected group of strangers.
When we finally reached the end of the play the audience exploded into applause. We didn't bow though....all we could do was applaud right back to THEM.
From this day forward when I am asked why I want to act I will think upon last night. Thank you to the cast of "Comedy of Errors"! Thank you to the crew at the Delacort for being so game.
Thank you to the staff at The Public Theater and to the ushers who never flinched. Thank you to the wardrobe and hair department who had to dry all of our clothes and reset our wigs...and again, sorry. Thank you to our Stagemanager Cole and our company manager Rebecca who told us to just go and have fun. Most of all: Thank you to the 600 amazing audience members who cheered us on and stayed. You have no idea what joy you gave ALL of us.
Also, R.I.P. old soggy sound board. You will be missed.
This was about an outdoor HELLO DOLLY where the parade got rained on before it passed by:
(ELEMENTS - alternate version, to tune of ELEGANCE)
Yes, you dorks
It’s raining here
Why are you still remaining here?
Our whole cast of Hello Dolly
Is stunned you stayed but well oh golly
If you don’t leave
We’re stuck up here
I just stepped in muddy muck up here
We’ve got elements
If you brave the elements
The producers will not call the show off
Though the stage is puddly
We all beg so subtl-y
If you sit there in your ponchos
We can not stop, per our head honchos
They say the show is going on
Note the rain gear that we’re throwing on
We’ve got elements
Soldier on with elements-
Have you noticed that the orchestra is slightly out of tune?
That’s because the grand piano is home to a wet raccoon
Ooooh, we’ve got elements
We’ve got live-in elements
Despite elements, elements, elements –
They won’t let us off!
Have fun DR GINNY. Don't spend your $50 all in one place!
And the word of the day is: LENITIVE!
Have fun DR GINNY. Don't spend your $50 all in one place!
I kinda have to, DR JRand, because it's a gift certificate from a company...
Good bye for now.
Back in the Grand Ballroom for the Public Library Association Awards Ceremony and keynote speech by author Ann Patchett. I have an even better seat than for Giada - who ROCKED!Love Ann Patchett.
I can hear the crowds yelling and cheering Edie Windsor as the parade has reached 16th Street and 5th Avenue. It's not horribly hot (not as hot as CA or TX or AZ) but it's humid enough and crowded enough that we are refraining from joining the crowds.
I'm not sure if this is only a one day sale.
But Divergent is only $1.99 on kindle today (e-book):
This is going to be a huge movie. It's a dystopian trilogy and this is the first book. If you like YA dystopia this book is excellent.
(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a532/singdaw1/pridefruit_zps3c5f6f28.jpg)
Sunday morning greetings from the Grand Ballroom at McCormick Place. I got here early enough to get a great aisle seat for Giada De Laurentiis' presentation, which starts in about 20 minutes. And I've already won $50 in spending money from a vendor. Good day, so far!
I've been trying to post a photo of my library, but it keeps telling me my file is too large and I don't know how to make it smaller. I've been collecting books since I was twelve....starting with Tarzan and Edgar Rice Burroughs. I now have between 5-6,000 books. The collection consists of mostly adventure, fantasy, mystery, historical fiction from the late 19th century through the 20th century. Then there's all the books on theatre, plays, and film. The rest is history, bio, and mythology. I don't collect exclusively first, but have enormous number. I've built two different libraries in two different homes to house the collection. I always intend to read any book I buy and have never bought a book as an investment.
Not only was To Kill A Mockingbird a great book, the movie was wonderful too.
You are so lucky to have a First Edition of it BK!
I've been trying to post a photo of my library, but it keeps telling me my file is too large and I don't know how to make it smaller. I've been collecting books since I was twelve....starting with Tarzan and Edgar Rice Burroughs. I now have between 5-6,000 books. The collection consists of mostly adventure, fantasy, mystery, historical fiction from the late 19th century through the 20th century. Then there's all the books on theatre, plays, and film. The rest is history, bio, and mythology. I don't collect exclusively first, but have enormous number. I've built two different libraries in two different homes to house the collection. I always intend to read any book I buy and have never bought a book as an investment.
DR Jennifer I thought of you when I saw that DR td enjoyed reading THE INFERNAL DEVICES TRILOGY. Sure enough I see you have it marked to read.
I'm not sure if this is only a one day sale.
But Divergent is only $1.99 on kindle today (e-book):
This is going to be a huge movie. It's a dystopian trilogy and this is the first book. If you like YA dystopia this book is excellent.
My library actually has this so I put it on my wish list.
Yesterday the y/a (?) book RANSOM by Lois Duncan popped up on my library new list and it was available so I downloaded it. So far I'm enjoying it.
DR Jennifer I thought of you when I saw that DR td enjoyed reading THE INFERNAL DEVICES TRILOGY. Sure enough I see you have it marked to read.
I actually have one of the books. But I want to read the other series by that author first (Mortal Instruments). I have the first book City of Bones on my kindle. The movie is coming out at the end of the summer. So I want to read it before then.
Did he read that series first? They are sort of connected.
DR Jane I'm not surprised that your library has Divergent. IT was the most popular YA book of 2012 (or 2011 or whenever it came out).
Okay. BK says this resized pic should work. This is the library.
Okay. BK says this resized pic should work. This is the library. As you can see the back wall has five bookcases with eight shelves in each. There are also five flanking up the other wall. The back cases also have a seating area that jutts out with lids that raise and provide storage under each unit for comics, magazines, etc. On the other wall are two bookcases the same size that flank the fireplace. More cases in my office next door to the library carry most of the non-fiction and reference materials. The back units hold my Edgar Rice Burroughs, Rider Haggard, Conan Doyle, Talbot Mundy, Robert E. Howard, Sax Rohmer, Harlan Ellison, P.C. Wren, A. Merritt, Thomas Burnett Swann, and a few other odds and ends. The shelves below the seating unit everything from William Goldman to Terry Pratchett. The fireplace units are both mysteries. The other five unit cases carry a case and a half of historical fiction...and the rest is all theatre, theatre bio, and plays. There are also two revolving racks...one for paperback and pulps, the other for acting editions of plays. The film books are mostly in the media closet next to the TV room (for ready reference when I need to know about some obscure actor or film) except for the film bios which are in the office.
Next year, they are re-naming the festival from "Taste of Tacoma" to "Taste of TCB."
I am trying to decide if I want to start to delve into the film version of Les Mis (I have not seen it yet).
And the birthday treat for today is applesauce!
Just think, TCB - next year, they'll only have to walk as far as your place! :)
we need a frenzy
Really, we need a frenzy or five.
"If you could take a time machine to see a matinee that you missed by mere accident of, well, time, what would you see?"
(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a532/singdaw1/pridefruit_zps3c5f6f28.jpg)
Had truffled scrambled eggs and melon for breakfast with a glass of chenin blanc. That's my idea of civilized.
Happy Sunday to all!
BK, I LOVED "Harpo Speaks". I used to have a paperback copy, but I think I loaned it to someone and never saw it again. What a wonderful book!
Still too hot here. *sizzle*
Here's a little topic that an old friend of mine just posted on FB minutes ago. Could stir up some interesting response posts:
"If you could take a time machine to see a matinee that you missed by mere accident of, well, time, what would you see?"
A few of the responses so far, were his own - Ruth Gordon's Dolly Levi.
Had truffled scrambled eggs and melon for breakfast with a glass of chenin blanc. That's my idea of civilized.
Dang ! Was that today? I here I am with the chilled champagne
Okay. BK says this resized pic should work. This is the library. As you can see the back wall has five bookcases with eight shelves in each. There are also five flanking up the other wall. The back cases also have a seating area that jutts out with lids that raise and provide storage under each unit for comics, magazines, etc. On the other wall are two bookcases the same size that flank the fireplace. More cases in my office next door to the library carry most of the non-fiction and reference materials. The back units hold my Edgar Rice Burroughs, Rider Haggard, Conan Doyle, Talbot Mundy, Robert E. Howard, Sax Rohmer, Harlan Ellison, P.C. Wren, A. Merritt, Thomas Burnett Swann, and a few other odds and ends. The shelves below the seating unit everything from William Goldman to Terry Pratchett. The fireplace units are both mysteries. The other five unit cases carry a case and a half of historical fiction...and the rest is all theatre, theatre bio, and plays. There are also two revolving racks...one for paperback and pulps, the other for acting editions of plays. The film books are mostly in the media closet next to the TV room (for ready reference when I need to know about some obscure actor or film) except for the film bios which are in the office.
I am trying to decide if I want to start to delve into the film version of Les Mis (I have not seen it yet).SPOILER
DR Singdaw, thank you so much for sharing Jesse Tyler Ferguson's post-really enjoyed it.
"If you could take a time machine to see a matinee that you missed by mere accident of, well, time, what would you see?"
Robert Preston and Rosemary Harris in "A Lion in Winter".
That's a lot o' lightning!
(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a532/singdaw1/lightning_zps78fb40df.jpg)
bk, there will not be many postings today.
Everyone is at DR Sandra's birthday party.
:)
And the birthday treat for today is applesauce!
Had truffled scrambled eggs and melon for breakfast with a glass of chenin blanc. That's my idea of civilized.
Dang ! Was that today? I here I am with the chilled champagne
vixomom, did you get any rest this weekend?
Her name is Fur.
I can't stop thinking of DR Danise. The neighbor's tree fell on her house and her car. She and the dogs are fine but it isn't safe for her to go inside. :(Mega vibes for her. And after all the work on her house!
MEGA VIBES FOR DR DANISE!!!!!
"If you could take a time machine to see a matinee that you missed by mere accident of, well, time, what would you see?"
Robert Preston and Rosemary Harris in "A Lion in Winter".
I did, three.DR Singdaw, thank you so much for sharing Jesse Tyler Ferguson's post-really enjoyed it.
yes , thanks Seesaw! I too enjoyed that
Had truffled scrambled eggs and melon for breakfast with a glass of chenin blanc. That's my idea of civilized.
Dang ! Was that today? And here I am with the chilled champagne
Here's a little topic that an old friend of mine just posted on FB minutes ago. Could stir up some interesting response posts:
"If you could take a time machine to see a matinee that you missed by mere accident of, well, time, what would you see?"
A few of the responses so far, were his own - Ruth Gordon's Dolly Levi. Others were Brando in Streetcar, My Fair Lady, and Fanny Brice in The Zeigfeld Follies.
My thoughts went to Frank Langella's Dracula, Len Cariou's Sweeney Todd (both of which I saw but I've love to revisit), and the original cast of Company with Dean Jones.
Anyone?
Had truffled scrambled eggs and melon for breakfast with a glass of chenin blanc. That's my idea of civilized.
Dang ! Was that today? And here I am with the chilled champagne
Sorry, but there are more. The greater part will be next weekend.
waking up at 8:20 threw a spanner into the works
waking up at 8:20 threw a spanner into the works
I would say that's an understatement.
RYacko, where do you think these Facebook wags get these topics? :) We've done the Time Machine topic specifically about theatre many times. I do feel that soon we will be the most popular site on all the Internet, which is why you see our influence EVERYWHERE :)
I'll tell you whose birthday is today - Nancy Dussault. We love her.
waking up at 8:20 threw a spanner into the works
waking up at 8:20 threw a spanner into the works
I would say that's an understatement.
The Vixter had served as assisting minister at the Saturday evening service (between her job at the steak house and her job as the church Sexton) so she was planning on sleeping in before going to work at 11 am at the steak house
instead the poor child was wakened by a wild eyed crazy woman who demanded that she immediately drive to church and make coffee and set out pastries for 250 so I could perform my duties as assisting minister
God bless her, she did it, and without complaint.
Watching a motion picture I've only seen snippets of - The Piano. It's very - arty and I could live without the vomit scene the occurs but five minutes into the film. I do like the actors very much and had no idea a child Anna Paquin was in this.
I can't stop thinking of DR Danise. The neighbor's tree fell on her house and her car. She and the dogs are fine but it isn't safe for her to go inside. :(
MEGA VIBES FOR DR DANISE!!!!!
I didn't like the movie.
Last night, I watched, for the first time uncut and without commercial, "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?" which was showing on my local PBS station
I can't stop thinking of DR Danise. The neighbor's tree fell on her house and her car. She and the dogs are fine but it isn't safe for her to go inside. :(
MEGA VIBES FOR DR DANISE!!!!!
:(
Thanks for telling us what we were sending vibes for.
Will we never get to page twenty?
Watching a motion picture I've only seen snippets of - The Piano. It's very - arty and I could live without the vomit scene the occurs but five minutes into the film. I do like the actors very much and had no idea a child Anna Paquin was in this.
I can't stop thinking of DR Danise. The neighbor's tree fell on her house and her car. She and the dogs are fine but it isn't safe for her to go inside. :(
MEGA VIBES FOR DR DANISE!!!!!
:(
Thanks for telling us what we were sending vibes for.
Vixmom, can we assume you've got a good second wind and are planning to pull an all-nighter before heading off to work in the morning?
We do really need to get to page twenty in the next ten minutes.
God bless her, she did it, and without complaint.
I can't stop thinking of DR Danise. The neighbor's tree fell on her house and her car. She and the dogs are fine but it isn't safe for her to go inside. :(
MEGA VIBES FOR DR DANISE!!!!!
:(
Thanks for telling us what we were sending vibes for.
That was movie making - the story was told without showing any gore - all violence took place just out side of the camera's eye - and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time
much preferred it to ANYTHING Quentin Tarratino has ever directed
I can't stop thinking of DR Danise. The neighbor's tree fell on her house and her car. She and the dogs are fine but it isn't safe for her to go inside. :(
MEGA VIBES FOR DR DANISE!!!!!
:(
Thanks for telling us what we were sending vibes for.
I see she posted some pictures on FB from her phone- it looks pretty bad - that poor woman first the evil contractor who destroyed her home and now she is finally back in her house with a new kitchen and THIS happens!
How was your weekend, TCB?
Horrifying story coming out of Arizona right now. 19 firefighters dead.
~ ~ ~ ALL KINDS OF CARE & COPING VIBES ~ ~ ~ for DR Danise! Hope that the insurance company comes through for you, and quickly.
No question, for me - the original Broadway production of Follies. :)
Anyway, my friend Margo and I are meeting for dinner first, and then we're going to see Elizabeth talk about her "Swimsuit Area"...yup, it's about that. It's frakking hot here and hopefully the theater won't be horrible, but it probably will be. I'm bringing a fan.