This week I did something I haven't done in years.
I bought a new music accompaniment track.
Years ago, I was very involved in the music ministry of my church, singing solos, acting in our huge Christmas and Easter productions, etc., etc., etc. But then came the difficult years and my voice was striken from me.
Not to mention my heart and soul.
As many of you know, in the last few years I've been on a quest to find my voice again. My doctor put me on some thyroid medication. Then we changed it after it seemed I might have an allergy to the binding agent in that particular brand.
Since then, I've gotten alot of my voice back but not to the capacity, clarity, and dependability that it once was, which has been very difficult for me to accept. Used to I never had to think twice about my voice cracking or just disappearing on me suddenly, but it is something I've had to work on and try to adapt to in order to sing these days (and some days are better than others).
A few years ago I wrote about having participated in a musical Christmas play at my church. Still not the best singing job but better, and it felt so great to be acting again and reaching others. Recently my music pastor has had me do some poems and scripture readings in services - can't tell you how wonderful that has felt. This week he also asked me to participate in the praise team in a couple of weeks.
That's gotten me to thinking.
When you've been used to having a clear and lovely voice, it's hard to accept anything less from yourself. But what if - just what if - God could still use whatever voice I have to reach others? No it isn't perfect, no it isn't what I've grown up being used to, but maybe just my willingness to put myself in the hands of my Lord, He might touch someone through the words of a song. I long to once again be an instrument played beautifully by the hands of God again, have His light shine through me and touch others. It's truly the most incredible feeling in the world.
So even though I expect perfection from myself, perhaps the little I have to give is all He needs to touch a life or two. I'll never know until I make myself available to Him in that way again.
Just can't help but remember what He did with a few loaves and fishes.
Showing posts with label plays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label plays. Show all posts
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Reminiscing About Norma
Had something pretty interesting happen this week.
A young lady from Kentucky is playing my part.
As I wrote this time last year, I tried out and made the leading female role in my church's production of the play "I'll Be Home For Christmas", set near the eve of Pearl Harbor and the United States' official entrance into World War II.
Apparently they're doing it somewhere in Kentucky this year too.
She was looking for information about the play/musical after landing the part of Norma, where she proceeded to stumble across my blog.
Imagine that! The Chatter's Block came up under a search engine - wow, I feel important now (or pretty, but that's another musical).
So for a couple of days we've been commenting back and forth through the blog about the role, some of the music, and background from what I remembered. It was so nice revisiting those memories. Initially we were looking at doing it again this year, but other important things have come up this year at our church - namely the Michael W. Smith concert that our choir is participating in.
But that's fodder for another blog entry.
I certainly hope she touches base after their production to let me know how she felt about the character. She just found out she'd landed the role and hasn't even read the script - goodness gracious! I hope she's a fast learner.
Just glad to be getting some traffic going on the blog again - even if it is my own.
A young lady from Kentucky is playing my part.
As I wrote this time last year, I tried out and made the leading female role in my church's production of the play "I'll Be Home For Christmas", set near the eve of Pearl Harbor and the United States' official entrance into World War II.
Apparently they're doing it somewhere in Kentucky this year too.
She was looking for information about the play/musical after landing the part of Norma, where she proceeded to stumble across my blog.
Imagine that! The Chatter's Block came up under a search engine - wow, I feel important now (or pretty, but that's another musical).
So for a couple of days we've been commenting back and forth through the blog about the role, some of the music, and background from what I remembered. It was so nice revisiting those memories. Initially we were looking at doing it again this year, but other important things have come up this year at our church - namely the Michael W. Smith concert that our choir is participating in.
But that's fodder for another blog entry.
I certainly hope she touches base after their production to let me know how she felt about the character. She just found out she'd landed the role and hasn't even read the script - goodness gracious! I hope she's a fast learner.
Just glad to be getting some traffic going on the blog again - even if it is my own.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Headshot
Feeling a bit under the weather tonight, so in lieu of writing about something I'm just going to post the headshot picture from the Christmas play last month. Our music pastor recently sent it to me. The bottom contained my name and character, but for privacy sake I had to crop that off.
It would have been fun to have gotten shots of us in our updo's and costumes too, but I haven't seen any of that from rehearsal night. I think our hair actually got more elaborate as the days went on that week anyway, so dress rehearsal probably wouldn't have done it justice. Plus my friend, Lori, played with my costumes all week too until I had some of the best outfits I could possibly imagine.
So here's to the 1940's, Pearl Harbor, and Christmas. May the memories never die.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Ready To Enjoy The Season
My son and I have spent a well-deserved afternoon resting, playing, and just plain relaxing. We're getting ready to watch a movie I taped last night during the last play performance.
I think we deserve the relaxation time. :-)
It sure was hard to get up for church this morning, but I stayed home last Sunday to try and get some rest and leave the coughing behind once and for all. Didn't quite go away completely, but at least I made it through performances alright.
Ruth and Pastor Clint discussed it after Friday night's performance, and it's now official. We're doing "I'll Be Home For Christmas" again next year. They may even schedule two weekend performances instead of one.
The showtimes were better attended than expected. There weren't enough programs to hand out to each individual so they had to limit it to one per family. I think next year they might be more prepared for attendance. :-)
Who knows - we might even get more people to help out with the sets next year. Many attendees and performers were pleasantly surprised by how it all turned out. We even received some surprising comments.
Several of the ladies who came in to assist our hairdresser with styling (there were so many of us who needed 40's updos that one person couldn't handle it all) thought we were all paid performers after she saw the dress rehearsal. Made me laugh out loud!
But the best compliment of all came from a friend of our director, Ruth. This friend is the owner and director of a small theatrical company in a nearby community. In the twenty years since Ruth's been involved with Christian theatre, schedules have always conflicted and kept Ruth's friend from attending. However, schedules amazingly didn't coincide this year so the friend decided to show up Friday night.
What incredible accolades she placed on us! We were very touched to hear of her comments. All of this has truly been amazing, and it makes all the months of hard work and late nights so completely worth it.
No guarantees about next year, but if schedules work out I may try out for a part again. It's always wonderful to be a part of something that touches so many hearts.
For now, we're ready to just sit back and enjoy the remainder of the Christmas season.
I think we deserve the relaxation time. :-)
It sure was hard to get up for church this morning, but I stayed home last Sunday to try and get some rest and leave the coughing behind once and for all. Didn't quite go away completely, but at least I made it through performances alright.
Ruth and Pastor Clint discussed it after Friday night's performance, and it's now official. We're doing "I'll Be Home For Christmas" again next year. They may even schedule two weekend performances instead of one.
The showtimes were better attended than expected. There weren't enough programs to hand out to each individual so they had to limit it to one per family. I think next year they might be more prepared for attendance. :-)
Who knows - we might even get more people to help out with the sets next year. Many attendees and performers were pleasantly surprised by how it all turned out. We even received some surprising comments.
Several of the ladies who came in to assist our hairdresser with styling (there were so many of us who needed 40's updos that one person couldn't handle it all) thought we were all paid performers after she saw the dress rehearsal. Made me laugh out loud!
But the best compliment of all came from a friend of our director, Ruth. This friend is the owner and director of a small theatrical company in a nearby community. In the twenty years since Ruth's been involved with Christian theatre, schedules have always conflicted and kept Ruth's friend from attending. However, schedules amazingly didn't coincide this year so the friend decided to show up Friday night.
What incredible accolades she placed on us! We were very touched to hear of her comments. All of this has truly been amazing, and it makes all the months of hard work and late nights so completely worth it.
No guarantees about next year, but if schedules work out I may try out for a part again. It's always wonderful to be a part of something that touches so many hearts.
For now, we're ready to just sit back and enjoy the remainder of the Christmas season.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
It's Final
Getting ready to leave to prepare for our final performance tonight. I'll be going against my norm and posting tomorrow to let you know all about it.
If you're bored and have nothing to do tonight (and are in the Wichita area), feel free to stop by Central Community Church before 7:00.
You'll be dazzled!
If you're bored and have nothing to do tonight (and are in the Wichita area), feel free to stop by Central Community Church before 7:00.
You'll be dazzled!
Friday, December 5, 2008
First Performance Down
The first performance is behind me. Sure going to miss it after tomorrow.
It's been very late nights all week. Last night I didn't get to bed until after midnight. Getting up for work this morning was just peachy.
Can you hear the sarcasm dripping from my voice? It's kinda hard for a girl who has learned to go to bed between 9 and 9:30. Maybe I should have taken vacation time this week too.
Couple of nights I left work and went straight to the church. Didn't see my son until breakfast the next morning. Kinda warned him that this was going to happen this week, but I have a feeling it's not just my kitties missing me.
It's kinda nice being missed, but I'll enjoy having a life with my son again.
Was very nervous early on but after the first scene I really got into it. Got into it so much that I cried more tonight in all the right places than I have any other time. Have to admit, I was afraid I'd be so nervous that I wouldn't be able to relax and get into the scene enough to cry.
No problemo.
Tonight some dear friends and co-workers came to see. Tomorrow there'll be even more friends, co-workers, and a little bit of family coming back to town to see the performance. I sure hope I can forget they're out there.
The pressure's on!
It's been very late nights all week. Last night I didn't get to bed until after midnight. Getting up for work this morning was just peachy.
Can you hear the sarcasm dripping from my voice? It's kinda hard for a girl who has learned to go to bed between 9 and 9:30. Maybe I should have taken vacation time this week too.
Couple of nights I left work and went straight to the church. Didn't see my son until breakfast the next morning. Kinda warned him that this was going to happen this week, but I have a feeling it's not just my kitties missing me.
It's kinda nice being missed, but I'll enjoy having a life with my son again.
Was very nervous early on but after the first scene I really got into it. Got into it so much that I cried more tonight in all the right places than I have any other time. Have to admit, I was afraid I'd be so nervous that I wouldn't be able to relax and get into the scene enough to cry.
No problemo.
Tonight some dear friends and co-workers came to see. Tomorrow there'll be even more friends, co-workers, and a little bit of family coming back to town to see the performance. I sure hope I can forget they're out there.
The pressure's on!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Into The Fire
Life is about to get insane this week. I apologize now if I'm unable to keep up with the blog during this time.
Out of the frying pan and into the fire - finished with Thanksgiving and now the Christmas play production is this week. We're having full runs, tech rehearsals, and dress rehearsals all week. First performance is Friday night.
After church today was set-up. It's always neat getting to see all the pieces come together. Was a little surprised there were so few who showed up, but it made it all the more fun - at least that is what my son thought. However, after four hours we had to step away and drive on home. They were getting the final set pieces into place so that tech can work out the lighting issues during the day tomorrow. Then we'll have our first big run-through tomorrow night.
The days will be long. The nights longer. It will be so nice when it is all said and done. That satisfied feeling is always a tad bittersweet.
What in the world will I do with myself once this is finished?
Sure I'll figure out something - I always do!
Out of the frying pan and into the fire - finished with Thanksgiving and now the Christmas play production is this week. We're having full runs, tech rehearsals, and dress rehearsals all week. First performance is Friday night.
After church today was set-up. It's always neat getting to see all the pieces come together. Was a little surprised there were so few who showed up, but it made it all the more fun - at least that is what my son thought. However, after four hours we had to step away and drive on home. They were getting the final set pieces into place so that tech can work out the lighting issues during the day tomorrow. Then we'll have our first big run-through tomorrow night.
The days will be long. The nights longer. It will be so nice when it is all said and done. That satisfied feeling is always a tad bittersweet.
What in the world will I do with myself once this is finished?
Sure I'll figure out something - I always do!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Off To The Races
The final push is on. I've spent all day today cleaning and preparing for guest arrivals. Mom and Dad come in tonight, while everyone else will be coming tomorrow afternoon/evening.
I can't believe it is finally almost here.
Lost alot of time yesterday running around trying to find my last few costumes for the play, but I cannot complain. DAV had some great period piece tweed suits actually from the 1940's. Found one that fit almost perfect, so my friend Lori is going to do a small amount of tweaking for me.
She should get a byline in the program for costume mistress. I'm a little hard to fit in a particular area so nothing fits quite right off the rack, especially clothes cut from a less generous time in our history, fashionably speaking. So Lori has gone with me on all my costuming expeditions since she's an expert seamstress. Great eye for details and tucks.
It's all beyond me.
Anyway, don't have alot of time to write tonight. The dinner bell is about to ring and the house still has a few areas that require attention.
Off to the races!
I can't believe it is finally almost here.
Lost alot of time yesterday running around trying to find my last few costumes for the play, but I cannot complain. DAV had some great period piece tweed suits actually from the 1940's. Found one that fit almost perfect, so my friend Lori is going to do a small amount of tweaking for me.
She should get a byline in the program for costume mistress. I'm a little hard to fit in a particular area so nothing fits quite right off the rack, especially clothes cut from a less generous time in our history, fashionably speaking. So Lori has gone with me on all my costuming expeditions since she's an expert seamstress. Great eye for details and tucks.
It's all beyond me.
Anyway, don't have alot of time to write tonight. The dinner bell is about to ring and the house still has a few areas that require attention.
Off to the races!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Gettin' Interesting
Tonight was the final play rehearsal before adding the choir. They'll come in next week.
This might just get interesting.
There's all sorts of music cues and timing issues that have to be spot on. Of course, we haven't had the opportunity to work out any kinks. That's where Monday comes into play. Rehearsal is only supposed to last for two hours. I've a feeling it could go a bit long.
Those of us in the cast know just how important bringing the two components together is going to be. Don't think those in the choir have a CLUE! Plus once the sets go up we won't be able to cheat and watch each other. That's for the tech crew to worry about when they come in the following rehearsals for production week.
It may be dicey. It may not be pretty. But you know what? Every single play or musical I've ever been in, no matter how bad it may have been right up to performance, has always turned out just fine.
There's always a first time for everything though!
This might just get interesting.
There's all sorts of music cues and timing issues that have to be spot on. Of course, we haven't had the opportunity to work out any kinks. That's where Monday comes into play. Rehearsal is only supposed to last for two hours. I've a feeling it could go a bit long.
Those of us in the cast know just how important bringing the two components together is going to be. Don't think those in the choir have a CLUE! Plus once the sets go up we won't be able to cheat and watch each other. That's for the tech crew to worry about when they come in the following rehearsals for production week.
It may be dicey. It may not be pretty. But you know what? Every single play or musical I've ever been in, no matter how bad it may have been right up to performance, has always turned out just fine.
There's always a first time for everything though!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
A New TV Show - I'm Hooked!
I came across a completely different kind of TV show this week. It definitely engages my mind - literally!
Monday night we finished up our play rehearsal a little early. Made it home just before nine o'clock, said goodnight to my son and proceeded to do my workout on the treadmill.
I usually watch a little TV to make the time pass a bit faster when I work out. Started on Channel 2 and proceeded to flip my way through the channels to see if there was anything interesting. Boy, I'll say there was.
Apparently I happened to catch the very first episode of a new show - "My Own Worst Enemy". Had Christian Slater as the lead character. That immediately grabbed my attention. I used to think he was hot when I was younger. He played in a movie, something about Billie Jean and had Helen Slater in it (no relation).
This sucker is so cool (except for the gratuitous sex scene at the beginning - this is television now days? Where've I been?), and engaged my brain all the way through it. Supposedly this guy, Edward, is a super-spy, speaks 13 different languages, can hold his breath underwater for five minutes, received the Congressional Medal of Honor, you name it. However, when he gets back from a mission they put the normal side of his brain to sleep and awaken his alter ego personality, Henry, a loving husband with two children who know nothing of his "dark" side.
Sort of a take on the Jekyll and Hyde thing I guess.
Anyway, the programming starts to go south and they lose control over when Henry is awake and when Edward is awake. Henry awakens right in the middle of Edward's assassination mission and can't figure out how he ended up in Russia with a sniper rifle in his hands.
Eventually Edward (who volunteered for this project 19 years before) communicates with Henry to try to save his/their life because the bad guy Edward was supposed to assassinate in Russia is coming after him/them. Edward mails a CD recording of himself to Henry with a message. The end of this particular episode is Henry sending Edward a CD recording of himself to thank him for the message that ultimately saved his/their life.
It's a little confusing, but I've got to say that Christian Slater does a masterful job of switching between the two personalities. You can see his facial expressions change before your eyes when he is Henry the docile businessman and then becomes Edward the cutthroat spy.
Needless to say, I'm kinda glad we're not having rehearsal this coming Monday night. I just may have to dust off my old blank VHS tapes and start taping this thing until the play is over with. Don't want to miss a single episode if I can help it.
It's been almost 16 years since I last followed a TV show. Maybe it's okay to start up again.
Monday night we finished up our play rehearsal a little early. Made it home just before nine o'clock, said goodnight to my son and proceeded to do my workout on the treadmill.
I usually watch a little TV to make the time pass a bit faster when I work out. Started on Channel 2 and proceeded to flip my way through the channels to see if there was anything interesting. Boy, I'll say there was.
Apparently I happened to catch the very first episode of a new show - "My Own Worst Enemy". Had Christian Slater as the lead character. That immediately grabbed my attention. I used to think he was hot when I was younger. He played in a movie, something about Billie Jean and had Helen Slater in it (no relation).
This sucker is so cool (except for the gratuitous sex scene at the beginning - this is television now days? Where've I been?), and engaged my brain all the way through it. Supposedly this guy, Edward, is a super-spy, speaks 13 different languages, can hold his breath underwater for five minutes, received the Congressional Medal of Honor, you name it. However, when he gets back from a mission they put the normal side of his brain to sleep and awaken his alter ego personality, Henry, a loving husband with two children who know nothing of his "dark" side.
Sort of a take on the Jekyll and Hyde thing I guess.
Anyway, the programming starts to go south and they lose control over when Henry is awake and when Edward is awake. Henry awakens right in the middle of Edward's assassination mission and can't figure out how he ended up in Russia with a sniper rifle in his hands.
Eventually Edward (who volunteered for this project 19 years before) communicates with Henry to try to save his/their life because the bad guy Edward was supposed to assassinate in Russia is coming after him/them. Edward mails a CD recording of himself to Henry with a message. The end of this particular episode is Henry sending Edward a CD recording of himself to thank him for the message that ultimately saved his/their life.
It's a little confusing, but I've got to say that Christian Slater does a masterful job of switching between the two personalities. You can see his facial expressions change before your eyes when he is Henry the docile businessman and then becomes Edward the cutthroat spy.
Needless to say, I'm kinda glad we're not having rehearsal this coming Monday night. I just may have to dust off my old blank VHS tapes and start taping this thing until the play is over with. Don't want to miss a single episode if I can help it.
It's been almost 16 years since I last followed a TV show. Maybe it's okay to start up again.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Life Being Lived
Gotta admit - I'm not sure what I'm writing about tonight.
We've had a busy week, but a good one. That's the best of both worlds (wait a minute - I think I've had too much Disney exposure over the years).
My cats have noticed my absence around the house a little bit lately. Every time I walk around the house my feet are tangled with the rascally things. The moment I take time to just sit down, my lap is filled with fluff.
It's kinda nice to be missed.
They've still got my son around the house, but I'm the one that spoils them rotten. Matter of fact, we just finished our movie night and almost the entire time my lap had Paws filling it. Now that I've sat here at the computer, he's sitting in the office window intermittently looking out the window then staring at me.
Aw - he just meowed all cute-like.
My son's been enjoying some additional time to himself, but I think he's glad to have me home a bit more this week. He's enjoying some last free evenings until he gets a job. I think he'll be making a few follow-up calls tomorrow at some of the places he's applied.
Gotta admit, I'm enjoying doing the play more than I realized I would. Just feels good being back on the stage again. Now if only I can get my voice to cooperate, this will be a great performance to be a part of.
Okay - I didn't know what to write about when I sat down so I just spilled out a little bit of everything at the moment.
Gee, I need to call my friends and play a little catch-up this weekend too.
Life - it never ends. And that's a good thing.
We've had a busy week, but a good one. That's the best of both worlds (wait a minute - I think I've had too much Disney exposure over the years).
My cats have noticed my absence around the house a little bit lately. Every time I walk around the house my feet are tangled with the rascally things. The moment I take time to just sit down, my lap is filled with fluff.
It's kinda nice to be missed.
They've still got my son around the house, but I'm the one that spoils them rotten. Matter of fact, we just finished our movie night and almost the entire time my lap had Paws filling it. Now that I've sat here at the computer, he's sitting in the office window intermittently looking out the window then staring at me.
Aw - he just meowed all cute-like.
My son's been enjoying some additional time to himself, but I think he's glad to have me home a bit more this week. He's enjoying some last free evenings until he gets a job. I think he'll be making a few follow-up calls tomorrow at some of the places he's applied.
Gotta admit, I'm enjoying doing the play more than I realized I would. Just feels good being back on the stage again. Now if only I can get my voice to cooperate, this will be a great performance to be a part of.
Okay - I didn't know what to write about when I sat down so I just spilled out a little bit of everything at the moment.
Gee, I need to call my friends and play a little catch-up this weekend too.
Life - it never ends. And that's a good thing.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
What's With The Waterworks?
Last night I FINALLY received my practice CD for the play. There are a few songs I have to sing but one is a solo/duet. I think it is important for me to get a little bit of time to rehearse it too.
What's with the waterworks in this play????????
The song starts as my character is listening to the radio. She and her father have just had a discussion about life, loss, love, and moving on. Then her pop goes off to bed and she turns up the radio again to hear Miss Stella Ashton singing "Everytime I Turn Around".
My character is already missing her husband after not seeing him for five months. He was supposed to try and be home for Thanksgiving. Didn't happen. The Christmas season has begun and she's not sure he'll make it home then either. The thought of a Christmas without him is just tearing her apart.
Then the song comes on.
It's one of those old crooning songs. The words speak of seeing reminders of him from the ceiling to the ground, everytime she turns around - a favorite book, his hat, the footfalls on the stairs, his laugh, his smile.
Once again, when I think about my character I can't help but just have tears welling up in my eyes at the hurt she feels. The song is very powerful. What the heck am I going to do if I start crying during the song at performance time?
I mean, we just finished a difficult walk down memory lane that makes me tear up. I'm already going to feel emotional and sniffly (won't that sound great in the microphones) and then I'm supposed to sing a song with an already only halfway there voice?
This is not going to be pretty.
Maybe I've let my head get too deep into this story. Maybe I need to not think about it so much. Okay, I know there's no way I can do a play without immersing myself into it completely. Never was able to do ANYTHING halfway - why start now?
Just remember - if you come I've already warned you.
What's with the waterworks in this play????????
The song starts as my character is listening to the radio. She and her father have just had a discussion about life, loss, love, and moving on. Then her pop goes off to bed and she turns up the radio again to hear Miss Stella Ashton singing "Everytime I Turn Around".
My character is already missing her husband after not seeing him for five months. He was supposed to try and be home for Thanksgiving. Didn't happen. The Christmas season has begun and she's not sure he'll make it home then either. The thought of a Christmas without him is just tearing her apart.
Then the song comes on.
It's one of those old crooning songs. The words speak of seeing reminders of him from the ceiling to the ground, everytime she turns around - a favorite book, his hat, the footfalls on the stairs, his laugh, his smile.
Once again, when I think about my character I can't help but just have tears welling up in my eyes at the hurt she feels. The song is very powerful. What the heck am I going to do if I start crying during the song at performance time?
I mean, we just finished a difficult walk down memory lane that makes me tear up. I'm already going to feel emotional and sniffly (won't that sound great in the microphones) and then I'm supposed to sing a song with an already only halfway there voice?
This is not going to be pretty.
Maybe I've let my head get too deep into this story. Maybe I need to not think about it so much. Okay, I know there's no way I can do a play without immersing myself into it completely. Never was able to do ANYTHING halfway - why start now?
Just remember - if you come I've already warned you.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Enough Said
Well we finished up with the first run-through of the final scene tonight.
Gosh, I tear up easy during this thing - even if it is only rehearsals!
The final scene encompasses some sad goodbyes, letting go of dreams, and accepting the hard spots in life even when we don't understand why God allows them. The sister to my character has to say goodbye to a man she didn't realize she loved until he was gone - off to war. My character gets a telegram from the war department.
Enough said.
But even in the midst of the sadness and fear of the unknown, a ray of sunshine comes strolling in.
I'll leave it at that.
For those of you in the area, you're just going to have to take time out of your busy schedules the first weekend of December to come and see how it all turns out. Yes, Brian, it is in a church but this isn't heavy-handed. It has some very real moments that relate to what we see on the news even today.
And it even bears relavance to the world where it was 2,000 years ago. Humanity - we've changed so little in our years on this earth.
Enough said.
Gosh, I tear up easy during this thing - even if it is only rehearsals!
The final scene encompasses some sad goodbyes, letting go of dreams, and accepting the hard spots in life even when we don't understand why God allows them. The sister to my character has to say goodbye to a man she didn't realize she loved until he was gone - off to war. My character gets a telegram from the war department.
Enough said.
But even in the midst of the sadness and fear of the unknown, a ray of sunshine comes strolling in.
I'll leave it at that.
For those of you in the area, you're just going to have to take time out of your busy schedules the first weekend of December to come and see how it all turns out. Yes, Brian, it is in a church but this isn't heavy-handed. It has some very real moments that relate to what we see on the news even today.
And it even bears relavance to the world where it was 2,000 years ago. Humanity - we've changed so little in our years on this earth.
Enough said.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Cattle Prods and Casting Calls
Oh boy - next week we're supposed to be off book for ongoing play rehearsals.
I'm not even near ready.
In years past, I was a very quick memorizer (is that a word?). I'd pick up on lines very quickly and even knew everyone else's lines too. This evening I did okay on my lines but it's the lead-in line that is still getting to me.
My brain just doesn't have the capacity it once had. And no, don't you dare say it is age talking. Seems to me it is being out of practice with learning how to memorize.
Why can't I get this? It's frustrating the living tar out of me that I haven't memorized the entire thing in just two weeks.
Am I expecting too much? Ya think?
Okay, I'm not the living, breathing, walking computer brain I once was, but there's still got to be a better way to get all of this in my head. How did I used to do this? I just cannot remember doing anything other than reading through a script over and over and then reading it out loud to myself.
One of the ladies this evening said she tapes herself reading the entire script with blank places where she's supposed to say her lines. Then she burns it on a CD and takes it with her everywhere she goes to play it over and over and over again. That way she gets away from the book and HAS to get her line in during the silent sections.
Maybe it's going to take doing something new like that. I don't know, but I'm getting a little stressed about being able to handle all of this. Deep breaths - shake it off.
It will come. It's just going to be a little slower than it used to be. It isn't like I'm going to be electrocuted with a cattle prod if I don't get my lines correct.
Hmmm, wouldn't put it past Ruth to try something drastic when you get right down to it.
I'm not even near ready.
In years past, I was a very quick memorizer (is that a word?). I'd pick up on lines very quickly and even knew everyone else's lines too. This evening I did okay on my lines but it's the lead-in line that is still getting to me.
My brain just doesn't have the capacity it once had. And no, don't you dare say it is age talking. Seems to me it is being out of practice with learning how to memorize.
Why can't I get this? It's frustrating the living tar out of me that I haven't memorized the entire thing in just two weeks.
Am I expecting too much? Ya think?
Okay, I'm not the living, breathing, walking computer brain I once was, but there's still got to be a better way to get all of this in my head. How did I used to do this? I just cannot remember doing anything other than reading through a script over and over and then reading it out loud to myself.
One of the ladies this evening said she tapes herself reading the entire script with blank places where she's supposed to say her lines. Then she burns it on a CD and takes it with her everywhere she goes to play it over and over and over again. That way she gets away from the book and HAS to get her line in during the silent sections.
Maybe it's going to take doing something new like that. I don't know, but I'm getting a little stressed about being able to handle all of this. Deep breaths - shake it off.
It will come. It's just going to be a little slower than it used to be. It isn't like I'm going to be electrocuted with a cattle prod if I don't get my lines correct.
Hmmm, wouldn't put it past Ruth to try something drastic when you get right down to it.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
A Sad Goodbye
Well - I said goodbye to my critique group tonight.
It's only for a little while and then I'll be back tearing up the pages again. I can hear the sarcastic, "oh goodies" already.
Really hated parting from the group, and even though I think I'm Wonder Woman some days, I just can't do it all. This play is a real opportunity to reconnect to something I thought I'd probably never do again. It's feeling so great too!
Being away from home four nights in a row is just too much for me. The house is looking pretty garish right now too, but once again it will pass. At least I have Monday off of work for Columbus Day! Maybe I'll find some time to work on my lines - ya think?
Writing is also a deep part of my soul, but the well has been very dry in that regard. When singing disappeared for me, writing filled that empty place. I am the type of person that desperately needs a creative outlet.
My son even noticed something and voiced it last night. He observed that even though I'm kinda tired and sit around the house a little bit more when I'm home, he thought that I really seemed happy to be doing the play.
He's right, you know.
So to my writing buddies - I'll miss you alot over the next two months. Please continue to keep me included in your submissions so I can keep up on the stories you're writing for when I come back. If I find a Thursday when I'm a bundle of energy and just can't contain myself, I'll sneak into Borders and surprise you!
Otherwise I expect to see you one of the play production nights at my church.
Oh, and Brian - at least I have the decency to show up at my temporary break up fest. Was it that hard on you?
He'll understand. :-) Take care, y'all!
It's only for a little while and then I'll be back tearing up the pages again. I can hear the sarcastic, "oh goodies" already.
Really hated parting from the group, and even though I think I'm Wonder Woman some days, I just can't do it all. This play is a real opportunity to reconnect to something I thought I'd probably never do again. It's feeling so great too!
Being away from home four nights in a row is just too much for me. The house is looking pretty garish right now too, but once again it will pass. At least I have Monday off of work for Columbus Day! Maybe I'll find some time to work on my lines - ya think?
Writing is also a deep part of my soul, but the well has been very dry in that regard. When singing disappeared for me, writing filled that empty place. I am the type of person that desperately needs a creative outlet.
My son even noticed something and voiced it last night. He observed that even though I'm kinda tired and sit around the house a little bit more when I'm home, he thought that I really seemed happy to be doing the play.
He's right, you know.
So to my writing buddies - I'll miss you alot over the next two months. Please continue to keep me included in your submissions so I can keep up on the stories you're writing for when I come back. If I find a Thursday when I'm a bundle of energy and just can't contain myself, I'll sneak into Borders and surprise you!
Otherwise I expect to see you one of the play production nights at my church.
Oh, and Brian - at least I have the decency to show up at my temporary break up fest. Was it that hard on you?
He'll understand. :-) Take care, y'all!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Let The Tears Flow
Tonight was the rehearsal with the very poignant scene. I almost teared up twice.
The older gentleman I play opposite has done several big roles in our church's productions. He's played Jesus in our Easter productions while I've played the younger Mary. He's played kingly roles while I've sung in the choir or danced. We've done alot together over the years.
This is the first time we've had the chance to portray roles actually with each other. He plays the father to my character. His wife died 24 years ago during the Great War (aka WWI) while my character lost a mother and became the family caretaker at a young age.
In the scene, they're sitting together on the sofa late at night - she staying up too late to listen to her husband's favorite radio show, he raiding leftover turkey from the fridge. The father gets his daughter to open up about her fears of her husband not returning home. Her questions jar his memories and they take a walk back to a better, more happier time.
Sometimes the memories hurt. Sometimes they laugh. But all in all, the memories, regardless of the emotion they dredge up, are good to remember.
We really got into this scene and enjoyed just letting it flow. I have a feeling that when we get our lines down pat, it might just feel completely natural to let a few tears rise to the surface. Sure hope we can get comfortable enough to allow for the possibility and not let our nerves get the best of us come production evenings. Truly is a beautiful scene.
You know, I'm really honored to be a part of this production.
The older gentleman I play opposite has done several big roles in our church's productions. He's played Jesus in our Easter productions while I've played the younger Mary. He's played kingly roles while I've sung in the choir or danced. We've done alot together over the years.
This is the first time we've had the chance to portray roles actually with each other. He plays the father to my character. His wife died 24 years ago during the Great War (aka WWI) while my character lost a mother and became the family caretaker at a young age.
In the scene, they're sitting together on the sofa late at night - she staying up too late to listen to her husband's favorite radio show, he raiding leftover turkey from the fridge. The father gets his daughter to open up about her fears of her husband not returning home. Her questions jar his memories and they take a walk back to a better, more happier time.
Sometimes the memories hurt. Sometimes they laugh. But all in all, the memories, regardless of the emotion they dredge up, are good to remember.
We really got into this scene and enjoyed just letting it flow. I have a feeling that when we get our lines down pat, it might just feel completely natural to let a few tears rise to the surface. Sure hope we can get comfortable enough to allow for the possibility and not let our nerves get the best of us come production evenings. Truly is a beautiful scene.
You know, I'm really honored to be a part of this production.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Scene Two
Second rehearsal tonight - why am I already so tired? I've got two and ahalf months of this!
I think I'm going to need to take a break from critique group until after the play. Don't kill me, guys! I'll see how things go, but at this rate I'm not going to have any time to look at submissions to critique, much less have anything of value to contribute. Something I really need to think about.
Scene two was a little more involved, but we got to experience our first scene with the crew portraying the radio actors doing a rendition of the Lone Ranger. Oh my gosh - absolutely hilarious. There's three of them and they have to do all the character voices and special effects sounds for the scenes. One says something about riding away on the horse, then two horses, three, four and five. The poor radio crew is trying to keep up at break-neck speed to sound like more and more horses until they collapse. It had us all practically rolling across the stage from laughing so hard.
I sure hope we get used to the scene so we don't laugh during performances. That would be bad!
Next week we do scene three. That contains a very poignant moment for my character. Maybe I'll have time this weekend to work on my lines.
I think I'm going to need to take a break from critique group until after the play. Don't kill me, guys! I'll see how things go, but at this rate I'm not going to have any time to look at submissions to critique, much less have anything of value to contribute. Something I really need to think about.
Scene two was a little more involved, but we got to experience our first scene with the crew portraying the radio actors doing a rendition of the Lone Ranger. Oh my gosh - absolutely hilarious. There's three of them and they have to do all the character voices and special effects sounds for the scenes. One says something about riding away on the horse, then two horses, three, four and five. The poor radio crew is trying to keep up at break-neck speed to sound like more and more horses until they collapse. It had us all practically rolling across the stage from laughing so hard.
I sure hope we get used to the scene so we don't laugh during performances. That would be bad!
Next week we do scene three. That contains a very poignant moment for my character. Maybe I'll have time this weekend to work on my lines.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Opening Scene
Once again, this is going to have to be a quick post. We had our first rehearsal tonight for the big Christmas program at church. It was so much fun! We blocked and ran through the opening scene several times and it just came back to me so naturally.
Okay, okay - I guess it is like riding a bike.
The opening scene is the chaos of a family getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving in the days leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor. My character became the family matriarch at a young age and has had to juggle responsibilities of life, family, and holding it all together just when the world is getting ready to fall apart.
The director talked with us after we'd had a chance to play around in the characters a little bit. She wanted to see how we were reading the characters. I told her my character rather resonated with me on a personal level, the enormous responsibility, the independent spirit, the vulnerability she hides - then seeing the world she knew crumble into dust around her.
Wow, some Christmas play you say. Ah, but it has what sounds like a rather beautiful ending. Her husband is off as a pilot and airplane mechanic for the planes being sent off to the European front. Pearl Harbor comes and he's called off into the war. But the director added a final scene to bring closure to this part of the story. As a surprise he comes home for a couple of days before shipping off. Ruth felt it more uplifting this way and so added this scene to the end of the play.
There are some absolutely hilarious moments in the opening scene that set the family dynamics around the Thanksgiving table. Makes me think of my own Thanksgiving undertaking this year. I certainly hope it goes off without as many hitches as the play.
Better run - my fluffy bed is waiting and my eyes are drooping. We're doing Scene 2 tomorrow, so be sure and tune in to find out what happens!
Wait, didn't I say this was going to be a quick post?
Okay, okay - I guess it is like riding a bike.
The opening scene is the chaos of a family getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving in the days leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor. My character became the family matriarch at a young age and has had to juggle responsibilities of life, family, and holding it all together just when the world is getting ready to fall apart.
The director talked with us after we'd had a chance to play around in the characters a little bit. She wanted to see how we were reading the characters. I told her my character rather resonated with me on a personal level, the enormous responsibility, the independent spirit, the vulnerability she hides - then seeing the world she knew crumble into dust around her.
Wow, some Christmas play you say. Ah, but it has what sounds like a rather beautiful ending. Her husband is off as a pilot and airplane mechanic for the planes being sent off to the European front. Pearl Harbor comes and he's called off into the war. But the director added a final scene to bring closure to this part of the story. As a surprise he comes home for a couple of days before shipping off. Ruth felt it more uplifting this way and so added this scene to the end of the play.
There are some absolutely hilarious moments in the opening scene that set the family dynamics around the Thanksgiving table. Makes me think of my own Thanksgiving undertaking this year. I certainly hope it goes off without as many hitches as the play.
Better run - my fluffy bed is waiting and my eyes are drooping. We're doing Scene 2 tomorrow, so be sure and tune in to find out what happens!
Wait, didn't I say this was going to be a quick post?
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Oh No She Didn't
Audition results are in for the church Christmas program.
Ruth gave me the lead.
Part of me wanted it really bad and the other part knew I'd be in a bit of trouble if this be the case. The verdict is in - this be the case.
After being completely out of that arena for so many years, I'm stunned she went ahead and cast me in such an important role. Ruth didn't cast the role yet of my character's husband, so I have no idea who I will be play opposite. Hope she ends up picking someone who can put up with me having a tendency to make suggestions and take the lead. No pun intended.
That's at least how I used to be. Not sure how I will be this time around. My confidence level isn't really up there, if you know what I mean. And no, don't go telling me it's like riding a bike. I feel a little rusty in the acting department and yes, you can lose your edge.
Oh gosh, I'm just not sure how to feel about all of this at the moment. Perhaps when rehearsals begin it will all begin to come back to me.
Oh no! What if there's a kissing scene???
Ruth gave me the lead.
Part of me wanted it really bad and the other part knew I'd be in a bit of trouble if this be the case. The verdict is in - this be the case.
After being completely out of that arena for so many years, I'm stunned she went ahead and cast me in such an important role. Ruth didn't cast the role yet of my character's husband, so I have no idea who I will be play opposite. Hope she ends up picking someone who can put up with me having a tendency to make suggestions and take the lead. No pun intended.
That's at least how I used to be. Not sure how I will be this time around. My confidence level isn't really up there, if you know what I mean. And no, don't go telling me it's like riding a bike. I feel a little rusty in the acting department and yes, you can lose your edge.
Oh gosh, I'm just not sure how to feel about all of this at the moment. Perhaps when rehearsals begin it will all begin to come back to me.
Oh no! What if there's a kissing scene???
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