AHHH, Chicago… great band that saw its heyday in the 1980s, but this is not about one of their signature songs.

My tale begins nearly two weeks ago when I had admin, taylhis, and their 4 young’uns over for an evening of fun.  Of course when you get a group of kids together one thing inevitably arises: SLEEPOVER!  I was young once upon a time and remember those days quite well.  So, I helped arrange a date which my niece (not to be confused with another) Elizabeth could possibly stay over with her new chums.  This took a bit of doing since Elizabeth would be spending a week or so with her mother.

Finally, we decided that we would all go to the opening of the WCCT’s youth theatre extravaganza.  This was not a problem with my brother – at first.  When I first asked, there was nothing going on.  Then everything snowballed.  Thursday night was fine… BUT… Elizabeth had to be home the next morning by 10AM.  Wednesday, I was informed that she had to be home by  9AM so they could make their way to Columbus before COSI closed.

Now for the title of the post, Elizabeth rode her bike to the store to fill me in.  In so doing, she kept insisting that it was Thursday instead of Wednesday.  I kept offering logic to the contrary but there was no convincing the 9 year old.  It was nearly 6PM; I get off Thursday at 2PM.  But there was no convincing her.  I wonder if she really thought that it was indeed Thursday or she really does need to be in the youth production next summer.

I hope the little ones had as much fun as the older kids.  The 37 kids on stage were all adorable.  Maybe Tay will post about the experiences the kids had during the sleepover.

maybe not for fightin’ but good times.  I wanted to go to church at 4 at one of our sister churches.  However, I had forgotten that the 4 o’clock mass is no longer in existence after the recent twining (or tripling since it involves three churches).  I wanted to attend the Weekender this to show my support of one of my former castmates: Andrew who was in Idol Night and School House Rock with me.  Tonight’s offering was a mixed bag of Broadway tunes performed by a group of young adults.  Pretty good for their age.  I must say that Andrew has improved much in the past 2 years… a very deep bass which is developing very nicely.  His rendition of “I Am I Don Quioxte” was one of my favorite numbers of the evening.  He also sang “Send in the Clowns” from A Little Night Music. At first, I thought… oh great.  Not that I am not a big fan of the song (I think it is one of Sondheim’s masterpieces) but I have heard it so many times.  However, when was the last time I heard it sung by a guy?  Not often.

When the group of performers took the stage, I asked Megan…”Where’s Andrew?”  I did not recognize him at all!  Gone was the beard and longish hair I had become accustomed to.  He looked that different!

The rest of the performances were good as well.  A very strange arrangement of “Someone Like You” from Jekyll and Hyde.  A choral performance of “Bui Doi” from Miss Saigon (good but Mr. Whatever’s rendition was better… not biased here, Chris’s performance just brought chills both times) and a few songs from Songs from a New World, a show I am not very familiar with  And the Little Theatre was just packed… hopefully, the free will brought in a few dollars.

Once again… great job Adam, Jason, McKenzie, Preston, Andrew, and Jessi.  Plus, Patti’s job as accompanist was no small feat.  Some of those songs had to be killers to play!

One more post from the evening later… stay tuned.  Different Bat Time, Same Bat Site.

While at work tonight, my sister and cousin came into the store with some bad news.  The director for Little Shop called the house to inform me that I was not cast in any role… apparently my attempt at a Jewish accent did not meet with the director’s approval?  Have to work on that…. I would hate to think that he only one I am good as is one from Liswathistan 😉 .  I will have to think about the offer to work backstage this time.  It has happened previously and while it was fun, I really want to be on stage.  I know that the Village Players are doing a murder/mystery soon.  Another area theatre usually has a fall production… although the drive is a bit longer.  As I have noted before, I have been on different stages in the area and have had great times on each of them.  I dunno… is this wrong of me?   I love to be a part of the theatrical experience in any way especially when great friends are involved (two of them are producing Little Shop), but I am definately an on stage person.

Another great supporter suggested I research a theatre even farther away in Fort Wayne where they are doing Joseph in the near future.  I signed up to join their email list to be informed of audition dates and info.  That would be a GREAT BIG WONDERFUL adventure.  We shall see.  Until then…

Tonight was the second and final night of Little Shop auditions.  Tonight, I did not travel from E-town alone.  A friend commented on my Facebook space that she would like to go and put her foot in the door of the world of community theatre.  If you are frequent guest of my blog, you know that one of my 50 high school classmates has been cast in a B-horror movie.  Peg told me that she would like to try auditioning for a live stage show.  Never having been on film (aside from a certain television news broadcast a year or two ago), I could only say how much I adore the smell of the greasepaint and the roar of the crowd.

I thought Peg did fine her first time out.  She just lacks the confidence that only repeated auditions and experience will bring.  She has a lovely voice but just needs to project her voice more so that it can be heard.  When she read scenes from the script, I could see a bit of the ‘tude necessary for one of the trio of Skid Row gals come through.

Another newbie (well… someone who was not available to attend yesterday’s round) continued to amaze me.  Chris may have been running on fumes but his excerpt of “Love Changes Everything” was brilliant.  He asked me to keep him awake if we were ever called down to read together… never happened.  Dunno… too much talent to put on stage at once?  His plant voice was tremendous and brought a tear to my eye from laughter.  I did catch him dozing in his seat a time or two, but his stage presence still rocks!

I once again read mainly for Mushnik, a bit for Orin, and once for the voice of the plant, Audrey II.  I would be happy with either of the roles.  However, I think the part of the florist would be a hoot.  I was tempted to ask to read for Seymour but I thought why when I had already read for two of the supporting roles who have ample opportunity to shine.  I’m just not sure that I could do justice to the plant.  A bit of off the wall reading was asked of the men when we were asked to read a few lines as women.  Weird, to say the least.

Well, we were informed that we would learn of our sentencing tomorrow.  I have waited longer than that to find out the results of show casting  (one I will not mention).  So… good luck to all and once again… great job, Peg.  Hope to see you again!

Tonight began auditions for WCCTs newest venture: Little Shop of Horrors.  I knew of at least two others who would be joining me.  Mare and Travis from my stint with the Village Players in Meet Me in St. Louis.  However, I began to wonder if they were going to show as Mary promised that they would be early.  Early turned out to be about 7.05 PM.  There was a wide range of talent… some young high schoolers to twenty somethings to the older set (30ish).

To break the ice, we all went around and introduced ourselves (including the director and asst. director).  We then sang our selected audition piece.  SOMEONE so kindly volunteered me to go second.  So, I handed my excerpt to piano man/producer.  I thought I did well.  Honestly, there were a few who I could barely hear singing.  Apprehension, nerves, but there were some who barely opened heir mouths.  Some sang with the MIDI track from the show provided by the director.  Only two others bothered to bring music that was not “canned.”  I have to mention Tim who sang something called “Ladies Choice”  (I have no idea where the song comes from), but the performer was flamboyant to say the least.  So much so, that he was asked to perform the song again.  This time with his hands in his pockets and not moving so much across the stage.

The role of Seymour (after night one of tryouts) seems to be down to two.  If it were up to me, Travis would have had it from the start.  In my eyes, the poor sap should have a whiney voice, totally lacking from self-confidence, and shy.  Travis not only had the voice, but the mannerisms.  He projected well while maintaining the meek, humble character.

As expected, Mary totally rocked as one of the pivotal doo-wop girls.  Her stage presence and “ghetto tude” was exceptional.  Until the director asked the girls on stage to develop a Spanish(?) accent.  Thankfully, that request was quickly abolished.

We also had a lot of readings done for Orin Scrivello, D.D.S.  Tim once again brought some chuckles from the audience.  I attempted to be sly, slippery, and sadistic, as I led Seymour to the chair (“Say, AHHHHH”).  Squirmy put a southern twang into his performance.  I’m just not sure that I could do justice to the dentist’s songs.

Only two were asked to read for the voice of Audrey II.  Tim put his own spin on the voice.  There was a young high schooler who seemed to have the voice.  For his audition piece, he sang with the vocal track for “Feed Me/You Can Do It.”

I was asked to read a segment of Mr. Mushnik’s lines.  After my first reading, I was told to be more Jewish.  After my second and third, I heard no comments.  Maybe I will rewatch some of Vincent Gardenia in the movie version before going back tomorrow night.  No one else was asked to read the role… no one else old enough, apparently.  Guess I am too old for Seymour… did not get asked to read for the role.  But, I think Mushnik would be a fun challenge… he gets eaten, anyway.

I don’t remember too many reading the role of Audrey.  Dunno, maybe tomorrow night.

So… if anyone else is interested, round two tomorrow night at 7.

Talk me out of it!”

This is my favorite line from one of the most classic movies of all time.  If there is one person within posting range who has never seen the 1939 version of The Wizard of Oz, I would seriously have a hard time believing it.  The scene involves Scarecrow and Tin Man attempting to bolster the Lion’s courage as they are about to enter the Witch’s castle to rescue Dorothy.  Just as he is on the verge of charging into the Lion’s den, the feline returns to his old ways.

Back in the days when cable television was in its infancy, I remember well a Friday night around Halloween when the movie was played annually.  Friday night because The Dukes of Hazard and Dallas (ho hum) were preempted.  Tonight, it was shown on Turner Classic Movies so this was my yearly trip down the Yellow Brick Road.  It’s funny, I can almost remember where all the commercial breaks were inserted.  Yet another classic I wish I could see again for the first time.  A five year old screamed with delight and a four year old hid her eyes whenever “the green witch” was on screen.

A few years ago, I had the pleasure of assisting in the production of the musical for EHS.  Although very faithful to the cinematic version, there were a few additions.  There was a covered bridge that the quartet and Toto attempted to cross; however, the Wicked Witch of the West enchanted the bridge making it revolve so Dorothy and her companions got nowhere fast.

Another addition was the Jitterbug sequence which was actually cut from the movie.  On screen, the Witch  makes mention of the insects as she sends her army of winged monkeys to the Haunted Forest.  The dance sequence was filmed and put on the cutting room floor.

I know there is at least one person who would possibly (if not probably) agree that Oz would make a good addition for a community theatre season.  If we are looking for famous, well-known name shows, is there any more famous, well-known, sure to get butts in the seats and people to audition (ahhem).  Just a thought.

Tonight, I HAD to attend the opening night performance of the WCCT’s latest melodrama to show my support of one of my dearest friends who had a couple of roles in the show.  When I arrived, I knew I was in for a treat.  There was a duo of western lawmen who began to harrass me (?) with the rifles.  They even went so far as to frisk me.  They made sure that I made my donation of a canned item for the area food banks.  The officers repeatedly told audience members to look out for me and threatened harm upon my person if I got out of line.

In the preshow address, the three stooges pointed out that the audience show boo, hiss, and cheer but in no way were we to throw anything.  I thought that was totally unfair.  Two summers ago, I was in Love Rides the Rails and was unmercifully pelted by popcorn, Skittles (you know who you are), and other things I am sure.  I thought I was the hero of the piece but judging from the audiences’ reaction, I was anything but.

Wild Oats has all the traditional elements of the best of cornball melodramas: heroes, villains, damsels in distress, mistaken identity, and plot twists galore.  The strong-willed heroine (the aptly named Kate) and the hero Jack were both wonderful.  The villainous Ike Gammon had a slimy appearance and a voice that just made you want to hiss and catcall.  The duo of Croftus Thunder and his trusty Indian sidekick (astride his mount) Corporal Crow were a hoot.  I must say that my favorite roles were a duo of hilarious stock characters named Mr. Kliegle and Mr. Leko who drew applause each time they made an appearance.  And don’t forget the all-important cameo of the Marshall who saves the day.  There is also Ephraim Smooth a smooth preacher who steals several moments.

All in all a wonderful performance.  I think the theatre should consider doing a summer melodrama every year.  They are very light-hearted and fun not only to watch but to be in.  Totally un-P.C. as a lot of issues get a fair amount of ribbing.  But why do they always pick on me?  Seriously, am I really that bad 😉

WOW… how hysterical!  I continued my part in establishing relations between the WCCT and the Village Players by attending a production of Greater Tuna.  I’m not sure if there could be a less politically correct, laugh out loud play.  Taking place largely at radio station OKKK (get it?) operating on 250 (help me out here Mare) watts in really backwater, hickville Tuna, Texas, two actors embody 20 citizens of the town.   Travis and Alex… man I don’t know how they did it… had accents for each character that were perfect and mannerisms that were a hoot.

Some of my favorite characters:

• Bertha Bumiller (married to Hank who is a member of such civic minded organizations as Smut-Snatchers and a committee to reduce the number of blacks in literature which has banned such books as Roots, Huckleberry Finn, and Romeo and Juliet.  And the group is also looking into Shakespeare’s other works)
• Stanley Bumiller (son of Hank and Bertha a juvenile delinquent)
• Charlene Bumiller (high school senior daughter who has been trying for 7 years to be make the cheerleading squad with no success whatsoever but seems to be the town’s poet laureate)
• Jody Bumiller (youngest child has a pack of 8-10 dogs provided by “puppy pusher” and humane activist, Petey Fisk who has a speech impediment)
• Reverend Spikes (Baptist minister and leader of the Smut-Snatchers.  Alex delivered IMHO the finest speech in the play by eulogizing the greatness of the deceased judge)

During the extraordinary amount of costume changes, there were PSAs broadcasted.  One of my favorites was an ad for Spatula Warehouse where if you buy 10 spatulas you can get one for a penny.  Definitely not for everyone, but if you can put aside most of your morals and are able to laugh with the play as they satirize almost every politically correct thing imaginable then definitely look for Greater Tuna and its sequels.

Well… it is official.  I have the results of the audition for the summer production of Joseph.  I don’t know what to feel somewhere between total bewilderment and depression.  Not because I do not know what part I might have gotten but that the show was totally cancelled because of “lack of bodies.”  I cannot believe that this area does not have enough talent to fill the roles of the show: it has been done in the area at least twice in the past 10 years by two different community theatres.  It is just a weird feeling knowing that a show was cancelled BEFORE it was even cast.  I just hope that the theatre can put this behind them and move on to their next musical production.  I really am upset about this and to say that we should move on and think about the next production is not helping a whole lot because I really did want to be a part of one of my favorite shows and hopefully be in it with one of the best performers and friends I have ever known… but there WILL be another time for that.

(Wait!  I think there is an actual children’s book of that actual title).  Tonight, a good friend and I attended the newest offering of the community theatre… BOY it seems like forever since I have been on stage… hopefully, that will change in a week or so.   Before the show, we decided to try the newest rave among fellow tangenteeers… The Four Seasons… a nice, cosy restaurant.  Some day, I will be brave and try some Meditteranean cuisine, but tonight I had lasagne which was quite good and extremely filling.  I was told that I was a bad influence as my companion skipped on the wrap she was going to get and decided upon fettucini alfredo instead.  The prices were quite reasonable and the food was quite excellent.  Sounds like this may become a new pre-show gathering place.

HONK! was extremely adorable.  Everyone knows the tale of The Ugly Duckling about the outcast duckling who grows into a beautiful swan, but this musical expands the tale introducing a gaggle of other animals and relates the beautiful story of the lengths a mother will go to show not only her son but those around her that it is not what is on the outside but what is inside that counts.

I will have to say that my favorite part of the show was a Busby Berkeley-inspired song and dance production number led by a bullfrog.  I also loved the wiley old cat.  Two characters I would have had fun portraying, but I was involved with another musical at the time of auditions.

I also ran into a gentleman who also tried out for Joseph last weekend.  He informed me that he auditioned for the role of “Geriatric Joseph.”  I, for one, am glad that I did not list the title role on my audition sheet because one of the requirements is the need to be comfortable on stage with out a shirt.  I may have the vocal chops, but I’m not quite to the point at which I am ready to be on stage bare chested.  I guess I need to work on that.

After the show, the three of us (we pick upa stowaway) headed back to what we were promised was a party at a local tavern, but when we arrived, it was closed so we headed to Taco Bell for a drink.  A great night of fun theatre.