May 31, 2005

Auditions!

Well, I'm back from yet another round o'auditions. Yeah for me. I decided to audition for both of the shows at the last minute. I figured it couldn't hurt, and it might prove amusing to try for it, right?

So I sang fairly well, even with the accompaniest messing up after about a measure and a half and asked to start over (and she even had a copy of the sheet music with her). At least it wasn't me! :) Janina was there, and made her big sister proud. My 8th grader, Tess, also did a good job.

And, I got called back. I didn't even put any parts down on my audition sheet, because I didn't feel overly passionate about anything. I figured that Crazy for You was a no-go (though it would be fun to work with Bob again). A daughter would be fun in Fiddler on the Roof, but so would the chorus.

Well, I did get called back; for both shows!!! I got a callback for the roleTzeitel, and so did Nina! That'll actually be fun, I think. I also got a callback for Polly--and I find out Friday after two vigorous days of callbacks. Ugh.

The title of this post comes from the song of the same title from Forbidden Broadway. Fun stuff!

The Music of the Night

Devon did this, and passed the baton to me. Seeing as I like almost anything that allows me to procrastinate somehow (dreadful habit formed in college which I cannot seem to shake), I'll indulge.



1. The person who passed the baton to you.
Devon, whose highly entertaining blog can be read at talkofsummertime.blogspot.com

2. Total volume of music files on your computer.
I've actually not done a lot of this. I probably have about two or so CDs fully recorded, ready to be burned on my computer. I mostly use the computer for the internet and for saving my volumes of tests, study guides, project/paper outlines . . .

3. The title and artist of the last CD you bought.
I found a Fernando Ortega CD I didn't have, and was kind of in a harried mood. So I bought it. I don't know about anyone else, but I find his style and voice very soothing. I needed it this last week.

4. Song playing at the moment of writing.
Song in my head? The CD player? Right now, Charlotte Church is singing "Voi che sapete" in English ("Tell Me What Love Is"). In my head, I'm rehearsing my audition song "Hold On".

5. Five songs you have been listening to of late (or all-time favorites, or particularly personally meaningful songs).
Keep in mind that this changes a heck of a lot. Lately, I'm in a random mode.

1. "On My Own" from Les Miserables
2. "You Raise Me Up", ah, Josh Groban
3. "Let's Fall in Love" on a CD my Aunt Laurie burned for me, but I don't know who the singer is.
4. "I'll Be Seeing You", sung by the astounding Ann Hampton Calloway
5. "Anthem" sung by Anthony Warlowe

6. The five people to whom you will ‘pass the musical baton.’
Kelly, Chris, Janina, Kelsey, Esther

The title is from the song from The Phantom of the Opera. As if you didn't know! Cheers!

May 30, 2005

Open your arms to this warm, bright moment embracing us!

Well, here I am at the Jesse household. I've been here exactly a week--I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!! I love being in a house again! I love having a dog! I love being in a mountain looking area! I love having a spa! I love doing laundry for free or without hauling it all to Dayton! I love parking in a carport! The whole thing is wunderbar. It's been pretty smooth sailing. It's also been fun to have guests: Chris, my cousin Halley (who is up for the week), and my family. Good times.

So school is ending soon. I can't believe there are only two weeks left of the year. 7 1/2 official days of school. Actually, since I'll be a chaperone on the 8th grade trip, it's technically 6 1/2 school days left. I am excited to go to Great America again. The last time I went was in 9th grade, just before we moved to Colorado. We went for my dad's birthday. My mom made it like a scavenger hunt. He only had directions to drive when she gave them to him (Get onto Hwy 99 until I tell you differently). That was the year I bragged for about three weeks to him, "My birthday present for you is the most expensive gift you've ever received, dad!" He kept trying to tell me that money didn't matter (although I'm sure he was dying with curiosity as to what it was and how I could afford the most expensive gift he'd ever received). When we gave our gifts, I saved mine for last. He opened the tiny box it was it. "Uh, Lynette, what is it?" "MY BRACES!!!!!!!" I'd had them taken off about three days before. Yes, it's gross, but I got the biggest kick out of that. C'mon, I was 14! He was a good sport and laughed with the rest of us.

Not much else to report. Our readthrough went okay. Auditions are on Tuesday, and for once I'm not obsessing. I know I'm singing "Hold On" from The Secret Garden. Actually, I'm more nervous for Janina, who is auditioning!!!!!!!!!!! Possibly, anyway. I think she's only trying out for Crazy for You, which isn't the smartest, since she doesn't tap dance. But, she doesn't want to be in a show through November, which is when Fiddler is. I just hope she makes it, because that would be cool.

The title of the post comes from the song "Vivez" from The Scarlet Pimpernel. I just felt like embracing all that is new and/or good in life.

May 23, 2005

No one fights like Gaston, douses lights like Gaston!

The show has closed. Wild applause is over. Standing ovations at every performance. I've never seen a reaction to a song from the onstage side as we received for "Be Our Guest" every single performance. It was kind of an incredible feeling, I have to admit. I'm glad it all worked out. Gina is absolutely amazing!

So, I continued with "An injury each performance" streak. How excited I was to be run into (hard) by Maurice and Belle on Friday. Saturday afternoon, I fell a little differently during "The Battle" and ended up with a new bruise (I've never received so many bruises during a show!). Sunday afternoon, Paul (aka My Stalker! More about this soon) tromped on my foot pretty hard during the "Gaston" song, making me forget about Saturday evening's injury.

Saturday evening was a DOOZY!!!! Weston, one of our techies, liked to joke around with me backstage. He's kind of an odd duck, and comes across pretty strong. He's a nice kid, though, and can make me laugh. Anyway, I was standing, and he decided to do a Bogart impression "Here's looking at you, kid" as he chucked my chin. I think he did it a little harder than he meant to (though it should NOT have resulted in the injury I received). As soon as he did, I felt so much pain! I whispered "OUCH!!!!" and ran to the other side of the stage to my dressing room. Weston tried to follow me, "What did I do?" "Stop! Leave me alone!!" I grabbed my ibuprofen, swallowed it, and clutching my right lower chee/jawline ran back to stage left and onstage for "Gaston!" My cheek hurt soooooooooooooo much, it was hard to smile and look like I was having fun in the tavern. I had to run and change after that for "Be Our Guest." Amy, the resident pediatritian in the cast, checked it out. It was swollen pretty well. We got ice, checked my teeth (all fine) and applied it for the rest of the show. It was kind of obnoxious to have literally every person in the cast come up to me, "Lynette, what HAPPENED?" "I was accidentally punched by Weston." Then, with eyes narrowed, "Do you want me to hit him?" or "I could make him disappear." or "Did you hit him back?" I felt sorry for the poor guy. Sunday, he brought me flowers, along with many other apologies. Apparently, everyone was pretty upset with him! It was an accident, so I think I feel worse for him than myself. Sunday, it looked as though I was growing a second head from my cheek. I've been taking Aleve, since it's an anti-inflamatory, and therefore cannot take any ibuprofen. I'm still applying ice packs, so I can numb it and not feel the pain. Ugh.

So, my stalker. Yeah, that's been . . . interesting. Chris and I, being the good friends (I'm even counting him as one of my best friends here in Carson) would talk a lot during rehearsals and shows; when we could. During Hell Week, Paul (my stalker) came up to us once and talked to us, then left. Chris turned to me, "He seems to like being around you a lot." I started to pay attention to that. YES, HE WAS!!!!! He wasn't always talking to me, but would purposely come and sit nearby me. It's kind of creepy. Then, he would do/say weird things. Like, one performance, I was sitting on a bench backstage, kind of away from everyone else. I wanted the quiet, and it was a great place to watch the show without being seen. He came up to me. "Are you okay?" "Yeah, I'm fine." "You sure?" "Yup." "Okay," (in a tone of slight disbelief). He sat on the floor, at my feet. After about a minute, he looked up, "Tell me a story, teacher!" Sadly, that was not the only time he did it. The first time he did, I said, "Once upon a time, there was a redhead who hated everybody. So, whenever someone came near her, she'd kill them. People soon learned to stay away from her, and she lived happily ever after. The end." Clearly, it was a joke, but he took it seriously for awhile! Weird, weird, stalker-boy.

Jessica, Jason, Leigha, and Brianna came out from Colorado to see it. They loved it. Jess said that it was the best community production she'd ever seen. Leigha wanted to meet everyone. I introduced her to Lumiere (Chris), Beast (Leoney), Gaston (Jerry), Belle (Juliana), Mrs. Potts (Caitlyn), The Silly Girls (Hana, Therese, and Mandy), Monsieur D'Arque (Dave Anderson), Cogsworth (Dave Tillett), and several chorus people. It was so fun! Everyone asked her what her favorite part was. Guess what she said? My adorable 5 year old niece told everyone, "When Aunt Lynette danceded." Ahhh! She sat with Kristen. Apparently Kristen pointed me out the first time I was onstage, and every other time, Leigha was able to find me! She even spotted me as a table before Kristen did! I adore my niece. Oh, and she had to show Juliana her new sandals which have Cinderella, Belle, and Aurora on them!

So, once again, a crazy weekend. And the stage is struck. I will probably never have another opportunity to be in this show, so I am glad I stuck with it! I got to meet so many great people, start the SSS, have a lot of laughs, and at least one moment of pain each show. Talk about a magical experience! :)

I start rehearsals for Shrew on Tuesday, and have to be late because I'm singing at WNCC's graduation. I'm auditioning in a week and a day for Crazy for You and Fiddler on the Roof with WNMTC. Huzzah! I love being involved in theatre again--real theatre. I was kinda going nuts without that creative outlet. I'm not sorry I took the time off, but I am so relieved to be back.

The title of this post comes from the song "Gaston" from, what else, Beauty and the Beast. Thank you Weston for inspiring this post!

May 19, 2005

Something frenetic!

Silly Lynette, slow weeks don't exist! Here I thought--"Ah, I only have one rehearsal this week. I can relax." Relax? RELAX?????????????? What was I thinking? I have a pile of grading taller than me, still (though it's diminishing, the addition of the 11th/12th grade papers, and the 7th/8th Book Reports tomorrow will double the size!). I have a rehearsal tonight. I had dinner with Claudia, Jeanne, and Dave (Jeanne's housesitting for Claudia and Dave this weekend). I have to meet with Gladys and Herb, because my housesitting job begins on Monday. I tutor Jason twice. I had to shop for the Author's Tea (Tomorrow!!!!!!!!!! Huzzah!!!!!!!!!!). I had dinner with my family. I also threw in grading, a trip to Barnes and Noble, dinner with Chris and Jeanne. Breathing? Sleeping? Eating? Occasional breaks for fun reading? Not really. It'll be nice to sit and say, "Hmm . . . what can I do now?" I miss that luxury.

And no, in case you're wondering, my schedule does not slow down! Rehearsals for Shrew begin, auditions for Fiddler on the Roof and Crazy for You are creeping up soon. Grades, end of the year goofiness, etc.

Oh, I am getting excited about the Tony Awards this year. Much as I like Sutton Foster, as everyone knows, I'm really rooting for Victoria Clark to get Best Actress in a Musical. She's long overdue! Also, overly kind! In high school, I saw her in Titanic on my first trip to NYC. I was so impressed, that I was the nerd who occasionally wrote to Broadway stars. She wrote back! I still have the letter, it was actually more than she probably should have written. It was an actual "sit-down and write this random kid in Colorado a letter that will make her month!" So kind. Plus, she's a redhead!!!! I was sad that I didn't get to see her in Urinetown as Penelope Pennywise (I missed her by a month! Carolee Carmello was amazing, though). Anyway, there are some interesting contenders this year. I find it hilarious that Spamalot is leading the nominations! And, Hugh Jackman will be fun as the host again. If for no other reason than something appealing on the screen! ;)

The title comes from "Comedy Tonight" from A Funny Thing Happened to on the Way to the Forum. I feel consumed by obligations at the moment. But excited by them, too! Like tomorrow! I get to have tea for an hour with Charles Dickens, Charlotte and Emily Bronte, C.S. Lewis, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, and C.S. Forester! How cool is that?

May 15, 2005

I was born to entertain!

Opening Weekend. What a trip! I was soooooo worried about this production! Yes, we've been practicing since January, but most of us only had to come about once or twice a week to rehearse. We were nowhere near ready last week. Somehow, we've pulled it off, though! [Blogger is not letting me push Enter at the moment, so please pardon the lack of paragraphs and breaks! Break for Paragraph] I've actually been calling "Be Our Guest" "See Our Mess," because it was so chaotic. We have 60+ people in the number. And, of course, we can't just be normal. Oh, goodness, no! We have Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, Chip, Babette, and Madame Bouchere (spelling? The Opera-singing Wardrobe) alongside Belle. We have a line of 8 featherdusters/can-can dancers. We have 3-4 cakes. We have rugs. We have a footstool, and a table with stuff on his head. We have a line of about 8 tapdancing silverware. We have 11 redheaded dancing tables (myself included). We have 8 flappers/dishes. We have about 3 teacups. We have 4-5 saucers. We have salt and pepper shakers. We have about 4-5 dancing candles. I can't even continue the list, because I've exhausted my mental picturing of all involved in the number. That could be all, but it's insane. And we all have our "moment" leading up to our end of number kick line and confetti guns going off. Oddly enough, it's been recieved with cheering and huge applause every night--to the point where the scene afterwards had to wait at least two minutes for the audience to be done celebrating this number. I'm in shock. Break for Paragraph. So, I've found that the key to my having a good show (if I were to be superstitious) is to get some kind of wound/pain every performance. Opening night: Belle whipped me in the face with her hair, and ran into me in the course of two minutes during "The Mob Song," which I ended by pulling my fist up and back--and hitting the lady behind me in the eye! Saturday Matinee: During "Gaston" we have to do this crossing line shuffle-thing. I hit our Gaston in the back (hard) with my left cheek--ended up with a tiny bruise and a headache. Saturday Evening: I run off with two others in the middle of "Belle," and then we turn around to come back on in a line quickly. Yesterday, as I turned, I banged my elbow into a random podium. In "The Battle," I get "kicked in the face" by one of the featherduster/can-can dancers and fall. I fell on my knees, hard. Three new bruises. Sunday Matinee: Belle and Maurice ran into me pretty hard during "The Mob Song." Well, four performances next week and we're done. Here's hoping I don't end up in a cast or coffin! :) Break for Paragraph. I've decided that I'm also the "Louella Parsons" or "Hedda Hopper" of this show. All gossip must come through me. It's the funniest thing. I just happen to always be in the right place at the right time, or people tell me things. If there were to be a newspaper, I'd have to be elected the gossip columnist. I literally get it all. I used to think it'd be awesome to know all the gossp in junior high and such; I'd be considered popular or something. Now, it's a way to laugh and be entertained. I don't really have a niche that I fit into in this show like the others. I kind of float. Break for Paragraph. I also have come to discover that I am a "Powerful" person in this show. This is only to say, I've found that I seem to have a lot of influence for some unfathomable reason. I've not yet decided whether to use this influence for good or evil, yet! ;) Here are a few examples: 1) Chorus people are always asking me things like, "What is the lyric after this?" or "Could you show me this move?" etc. Last Thursday, we tables practiced in the hall for 45 minutes for our 2 or so minutes at the end of "Be Our Guest." They actually had me keep coming forward to be the model for this number! 2) There's a guy in the cast named Ryan. I once referred to him as "College Boy," because I didn't know his name. Everyone laughed and started calling him that. I apologized, but he said he doesn't mind it. As a result, about a good 20% (if not more) of our cast calls him that. Chris actually had him help him with his costume today, and said something along the lines of "Thanks, College Boy. By the way, what's your name?" I've also started the trend of calling Jen (who plays a fork) "Space Age Barbie" which has caught on, too. 3) Opening night, at intermission, I decided to sit on some of the steps since it was quiet, and I wanted to sit. A couple of people said, "This was smart. Can we join you?" Of course! Yesterday, at the matinee, a few others joined us. Last night, there were probably twenty of us!!!!! I jokingly suggested we call ourselves the "Stair Sitting Society, aka the SSS." It caught on. Today, people were racing for seats, afraid they wouldn't get them. Others were asking to join the SSS. Weird. All we do is sit and talk about how funny the SSS is, or random things to do with the show. Today, Caitlyn (Mrs. Potts) got us going on the philosophical discussion of Plot Holes in BATB. It was hilarious, partly because it was so serious! Break for Paragraph. So, the show has been an amazing success so far, and I'm pleasantly surprised. What with our backstage dramas, and chaos galore, it seems to work. We've had almost full houses at every performance, and standing ovations every night! Insane! Break for Paragraph. The title of this post comes from the song of the same title from Ruthless. I figured it completely covered this post. The first time I heard the song was not when I saw the show, though. It was sung by adorable Amanda Braun at Camp Timber Tops' Talent Show. She was an 8 year old, and blew me away. She had one of the leads in Aladdin when we did it, and her older sister Nancy played Marian Paroo in our production of The Music Man. Their brother Scott, who was between them, apparently was also an amazing singer/dancer/actor. Three triple threats in one family. YIKES!!!!!!!!!

May 12, 2005

The key! I've found the key to the garden!

Quick post.

I'm stressed.

And how do I know?

My stupidity regarding keys, that's how.

I always seem to be pathetically moronic when dealing with keys--a sure sign I'm stressed.

I rode last night to rehearsal with Chris. I got back too close to midnight to be specific. I immediately took a shower and crashed.

I went downstairs this morning, only to discover I'd neither locked nor deadbolted our door. Oops!

Right before I left for school, I was searching for my car keys. Nowhere. I was recalling my last recollection of having them. I remembered that I had had to retrieve my shoes from my car prior to getting in Chris's. I looked outside. Sure enough, in the passenger door, my key was in the door! For over 12 hours!!!!!!!!!!!! Much as I like my place, I'll readily admit to not living in the most safe of places. It's no BAD, it's just not in the most secure part of Carson. I'm a complete idiot.

To be fair, this title is actually not a song lyric. It is, however, on the soundtrack for the musical The Secret Garden, right after the song "Show me the Key."

May 10, 2005

Look there she goes, that girl is so peculiar

Hell week has officially had a great kick-off. We couldn't do a run through last night because for the first time in the 15 years of the company, the Community Center had a meeting in the theatre, so we couldn't get in until 8. We didn't start rehearsing until 9, of course. We just ran "Belle" and "The Mob Song", though we did rehearse our "Ba-da-bop-bop"s for "Be Our Guest." From here on out, I'll be stunned if I get home before 11.

And, I might have pink eye (though it's the worst case scenario, and I really don't think I do). I noticed after I got home yesterday that my right eye was pretty red between the iris and the part where your skin starts, right next to the nose. Lovely. It had felt dry for three or so days--really dry, so I was rubbing it more than usual. Anyway, last night, everyone thought I'd been crying! I thought perhaps it was allergies. Amy, a friend in the chorus, is a pediatritian and said it looked like pink eye. Alisha, another chorus member, is a pre-school teacher and started asking rapid-fire questions:

"Does it itch?"
"No."
"Does it burn?"
"No."
"Does it feel like you've been punched?"
"No."
"Well, maybe it's not pink eye."

Amy suggested that perhaps my contact had irritated it, or (less likely, since it's only affecting one eye) that it's allergies. She was very concerned about the potential pink eye, though, so she's going to check it out tonight. If she still thinks so, she said she'd prescribe something. And, if I want a second opinion, I could ask Dave (Cogsworth), since he's also a doctor. I think it looks less red today, so I'm praying that I'm not sick.

Dave got some fun pictures, so he said he'd make me copies. I may scan a few of them at my parent's house, and put them up. It would be good, since I've talked about these people a lot, and then the readers could have visuals. It would also be great, so then I can show off our costumes. Overall, I think they look good.

Oh, and I'm singing at WNCC's graduation, now! Stephanie A. asked me last week at rehearsal. Apparently it's supposed to be somewhat hush-hush from the cast. Whatever. Dave, Leoney, Maria and I will be singing "You'll Never Walk Alone" from Carousel. I think that'll be a fun group. Each of them is very strong musically, so here's hoping I can keep that alto line strong!

I'm also serving as a chaperone for the 8th grade graduation trip to Great America in June. Seeing as I am their homeroom teacher, I'm okay with it. It may be an overnight trip, and I'd only have to pay for food and souveniers (if I so choose). Yeah! Good times to be had.

Since I look awkward with a half red eye behind my glasses (I've gotten several comments today), and I'm always off running, this title is from "Belle" in Beauty and the Beast. Oh, and I don't feel so hot about my performance on the three tests from Saturday. I'll know in six weeks. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

May 06, 2005

I LOVE Incarceration!

Boy, I must say one thing: I am so very fond of high stress weeks. I relish the lack of time to sufficiently grade, lesson plan, create study guides, and tests. I love how much crazier life seems with less sleep. I am a huge fan of spending 4-5 hours a night at rehearsal, while I end up waiting around for a good 40% of the time as lights get set. My time being spent whilst studying for the Nevada Law, Nevada Constitution, and U.S. Constitution tests on Saturday (to be fully certified in Nevada, these are three of the 8 tests I need that I didn't need in Idaho) can be described as nothing but delightful. Wow, is my life great or what?

Teacher Appreciation Week has been okay. Lots of food. Today, we're all supposed to receive a special gift from our PTF (Parent Teacher Fellowship) group. If it's like last year, I'll also receive gifts from the students. I really don't tend to do much with them--I think I have the bulk of them in the gift bags they came in last year. Is that bad? I appreciate the thought, does that count for anything?

The title of this post comes from the song, "The Maison de Lune" from Beauty and the Beast. Since I feel like I am well on my way to a massive meltdown, this was a great title.

May 03, 2005

It's May, it's May! That Gorgeous Holiday!

I'm so excited. It's supposed to be 73 degrees today! :) Yesterday, it got up to 65 degrees! It's almost like it's going to be spring for two days in a row. Sadly, tomorrow is supposed to be high 50s and rainy again; and stay that way for the rest of the week. URGH!! When is this "spring" supposed to happen????? I'd like some moment of transition between the winter and the summer. I fear it won't happen. Sigh.

Last night, Jeanne and I had dinner with the Jesses. Yeah for Gladys! She was in Mattress and Carousel with me. The day after we close BATB is when I begin housesitting for them. I'll be housesitting for them for three weeks. Jeanne and I will be staying in a huge house, with a spa, and a great dog for 20 glorious days--right up to graduation! And I'm getting paid. Could life be any better? I think not.

Today is exciting, too. Both Phantom of the Opera and Gilmore Girls Season 3 comes out. Huzzah! Season 3 is the only one I'm somewhat clueless about. It will be fun. I'm somewhat obsessed with the show, as one knows. So, in honor of the this great, witty show, I shall now choose a great quote to spread the joy that is Gilmore Girls, well, perhaps more than one. :)

"Think about this: cows never wrinkle! . . . the difference between cows and humans is hay! So, I've created a line of skin care products called Hay There!" Kirk

"Kirk, don't cows eat grass, too?" Lorelai

"Well, yes, sometimes, but I couldn't call the product Grass There!" Kirk

Kirk leaves

"We should really serve cocktails around him." Michael
or

"I can't do this." Paris

"What?" Rory

"Date. I'm not genetically set up for it!" Paris

"Not true." Rory

"I get no pleasure out of the prospect or preparation. I'm covered in hives. I've showered four times, and for what? For some guy who doesn't even have the brains to buy a Zagat, so we don't wind up in a resturant that's really just a front for a cocaine laundering ring?" Paris

or

"You found Willy Wonka? On the one hand, I'm glad it was in the rental store. On the other hand, what kind of world do we live in where people don't rent Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory?" Lorelai

or

"Mom, I'm never going to leave again!" Rory

"Ah, that's my emotionally stunted girl!" Lorelai

Okay, that is enough Gilmorisms now. Perhaps later, I'll share the wit again.

Saturday was Stephanie's birthday. We ate at an overly posh resturant at the El Dorado. Chris and I carpooled (it's nice to have someone to carpool with about 2 blocks away), and left before Shani and Stephanie did. Apparently Stephanie's purse was stolen about 30 minutes after we left! And, it had Shani's car keys--who of course had driven them both there! Everything was gone, so it's pretty bad.

The title comes from the song "The Lusty Month of May," from Camelot. I hope that the weather improves about 4000%. I keep thinking positively, but it doesn't seem to work to well. Drat. Too bad Professor Harold Hill's "Think System" didn't really work.