You Say Tomato

Caught Mesquite Community Theatre's final performance of A Bad Year for Tomatoes. This was my first trip to MCT's Black Box at the Mesquite Arts Center. The space is a bit odd and difficult for staging shows.

The show itself was fine. I had Assistant Directed this play a couple of years ago, but because I also served as Stage Manager, I never really got to see it once we were in full tech and costumes.

In Mesquite, Act 1 lasted an hour and forty-five minutes. I know some of that is just because the Act is written long, but I think the pacing could have been a bit tighter. I saw folks leaving at intermission. I don't know if it was because they weren't enjoying it, or if they just had to get home and were afraid that Act 2 would be just as long. Act 2 only ran 25 minutes, which did make the total time fairly reasonable.

When I was involved with this show, the Director suggested that we move intermission to after Scene 2 of Act 1. That would have made the balance better, but there are costume and makeup issues that would make such a break difficult to pull off. However, it would make more sense because Scene 3 is a couple of months later than Scene 2, and then Act 2 follows Act 1 Scene 3 later the same day. It seems that the entire reason for the Act break is because of the costume and makeup issue.

Grease is the Word

I managed to catch the final Dress Rehearsal for KCCT's production of Grease. I'll be getting back for a real performance before the run is over. I was told that opening night was Standing Room Only, and chairs were brought in along the aisles. KCCT hadn't had a sell-out since 2003's production of 42nd Street. We came close with Anything Goes and Annie but never quite got there.

Congrats to Sarah, her production team, and the cast for a successful opening weekend. Hope the whole run goes great.

The Draw of the Theatre

I have friends and family who don't understand why the theatre means so much to me. I've tried my best to explain it, but for some reason, I can't seem to get it across.

It's about passion.

Some people are passionate about sports. Others are passionate about cooking. Or reading, or sewing, or music, or their pets, or any of a number of other things. For me, theatre makes me feel alive and gets my blood pumping. It may not be rational, but then again, passion and reason seldom go hand-in-hand.

For several years, I was not involved in acting. When I look back at those times, I can see that I was drifting in many ways. I filled my days with school for most of that time, but once I finished my formal education, I was wandering aimlessly, without passion for life. Getting back up on the stage brought that passion back to me. I re-discovered my talent and tapped back into my creative side.

To those of us who are passionate about performing, it's not just something we do; rather, it is part of who we are.

Three Down, Three to Go

We made it through opening weekend, despite some technical problems on both Friday and Saturday. Because of the disjointed rehearsal schedule, there are still parts of the show that I have not seen, but I can hear them through the monitor in the Green Room.

This show has been a tremendous experience. I've made some friends with whom I hope I'll be able to keep in touch after we close next Sunday.

So, to all the Actors, Singers, Dancers, and Crew, see ya Thursday at brush-up. Get some much needed rest this week.

Surviving Tech Weekend

Saturday and Sunday brought hellacious rehearsals for Kiss Me, Kate. We had to start and stop to work the scene changes and for the lighting and other techie matters. Friday evening, I was already wiped out after the full week of work and rehearsals. Then, Staurday, we rehearsed for 8 1/2 hours. I was completely exhausted by the end of the night.

I didn't get to sleep in Sunday because I had to get up to mow my lawn in order not to run afoul of the HOA Gestapo.

However, today, I actually feel fairly refreshed. Despite the sleep debt I am accruing, I've been pretty chipper.

I'm looking forward to opening night on Friday. More than that, I'm looking forward to next Monday evening.

A New Experience

We open Kiss Me, Kate two weeks from tomorrow. In the community theatre shows I've done, by two weeks before opening, we are usually running the show nightly to polish. Most, if not all, props are in hand. Most, if not all, of the set is built. In this show, we haven't even blocked everything. I know it's gonna all come together, and I'm not nearly as nervous about it as I usually am, but it is out of the ordinary for me.

Having Fun

Rehearsals for Kiss Me, Kate have been pretty fun. I admit that I've been a little tired this week due to rehearsals going until 11 pm. My drive home is 30 minutes, so I'm not in bed until after midnight.

I've enjoyed meeting lots of new people. The only folks I knew in the cast before we started were the two Davids. I clicked pretty quickly with Josh (we're close in age) and Tyler (who is a fellow Baylor alum). There is a fair amount of "cutting up" during rehearsal. In fact, I have been amazed at how much we get away with.

First Kiss Me, Kate Rehearsal

Tonight, we got our choral books and the scripts. We learned all the songs in which the ensemble sings.

AND, if things stay as they are now . . .

I have a line.

One whole line of dialogue.

I am a couple of ensemble characters, and one of them gets to speak. I actually didn't expect to have any lines. This is cool.

GSM Cancels Show

I learned last Sunday evening that Garland Summer Musicals had to cancel the Sunday matinee on the 18th because Andy Gosnell, who plays Cosmo Brown, was injured during his "Make 'Em Laugh" number Saturday night. I have not heard if Andy is okay or what the plan is for the coming weekend's performances.

I do hope he's fine. As I said in my review, his performance was outstanding. It makes it even more impressive if he was fighting through pain for most of the show.

"Singin' in the Rain" Review

Gotta make this brief before the thunderstorm really gets rolling.

I caught the Saturday night performance of Singin' in the Rain at the Patty Granville Performing Arts Center in Garland. This was the first show of the the two show season for Garland Summer Musicals.

The show was entertaining enough to be worth the price of admission. The sound was uneven at times, but that's partly a function of the performance space and partly the result of the inherent unreliability of body mics. If you've ever seen the movie from which the show was adapted, you know the basic premise. Joseph Jones plays Don Lockwood, the established silent picture star who teams with Lina Lamont, played by Allison Rogers. One evening, Lockwood bumps into aspiring actress Kathy Selden, played by Emily Lockhart, and the chemistry is immediate. Or at least it's supposed to be immediate. I've now seen Jones and Lockhart play romantic leads in three shows at GSM (the other two were 42nd Street and Crazy For You), and I still don't believe them as a couple. Okay, so maybe Billy Lawlor isn't really the romantic lead, but you get my point.

The only time I really paid attention to Jones and Lockhart was when they were dancing together. They co-choreographed the show, and they both are at their best when dancing.

The supporting cast was good, with particular notes of praise needing to be given to Steven Beene as the Diction Coach and Linda Frank as Roz, the head of Publicity for Monumental Pictures. Delynda Johnson Moravec also turns in fine performances in two different roles.

Allison Rogers was strong as the conniving and imminently unlikeable Lina. Some around me had difficulty understanding her lines a couple of times, but she did a great job wih the character. Her song, "What's Wrong With Me" was a highlight of the show.

I cannot think of enough ways to praise the performance of Andy Gosnell as Cosmo Brown, Lockwood's best friend and former vaudeville partner. Gosnell stole every scene in which he appeared and routinely got large applause and cheers after his songs. "Make 'Em Laugh" may have been derivative from the original choreography in the movie, but Gosnell made in enjoyable nonetheless.

The show only runs through Sunday the 25th of June, so if you want to see it, don't delay. It isn't the best show I've ever seen, but it's worth the money.

KCCT People's Choice

Okay, so it wasn't as soon as I got the information, put congratulations to the People's Choice Award winners from the 2005-06 season at KCCT:

The Foreigner—Clint "Tex" Reese (Ellard Sims)

Nunsense—Cindy Woodrome (Rev Mother)

A Christmas Carol—Jeff Vaughan (Charles Dickens/Ebeneezer Scrooge)

Steel Magnolias—Denise Buckels (Shelby)

Oliver!—Rebecca Lewis (Nancy)

KCCT Awards

Major kudos to the winners at this year's Second Annual KCCT Awards Gala. I'll be posting the People's Choice winners as soon as I am sent the list.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A LEAD ACTOR IN A PLAY

Jim Holcomb, Charlie Baker, The Foreigner

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A LEADACTRESS IN A PLAY

Angie Bagert, Truvy, Steel Magnolias

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A LEAD ACTOR IN A MUSICAL

David Hasley, Mr. Bumble, Oliver!

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A LEAD ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL

Emily Hunt, Fagin, Oliver!

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A PLAY

Mark Reynolds, Frederick Dickens, A Christmas Carol

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A PLAY

Elli Rinebarger, Annelle, Steel Magnolias

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL

Randall Carpenter, Dodger, Oliver!

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL

Contrella Dixon, Sister Hubert, Nunsense

BEST COMEDIC PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A PLAY

Clint “Tex” Reese, Ellard Sims, The Foreigner

BEST COMEDIC PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A PLAY

Emily Hunt, Ouiser, Steel Magnolias

BEST COMEDIC PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MUSICAL

Randall Carpenter, Dodger,Oliver!

BEST COMEDIC PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL

Sarah Garland, Sister Amnesia, Nunsense

BEST FEATURED PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A PLAY

Fester Adams, Owen, The Foreigner

BEST FEATURED PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A PLAY

Jan Wallace Summar, Clairee, Steel Magnolias

BEST FEATURED PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MUSICAL

Rex Bowers, Noah, Oliver!

BEST FEATURED PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL

Debbie Dominguez, Sister Leo, Nunsense

BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MUSICAL

Cayman Mitchell, Oliver, Oliver!

BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL

Jennifer White, Widow Corney / Mrs. Bedwin, Oliver!

BEST DANCE PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MUSICAL

Randall Carpenter, Dodger, Oliver!

BEST DANCE PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL

Morgan Manuel, Ensemble, Oliver!

OUTSTANDING YOUTH PERFORAMNCE – BOY (UNDER 12 roughly)

Rex Bowers, Noah / Fagin’s Gang / Workhouse Boy, Oliver!

OUTSTANDING YOUTH PERFORMANCE - GIRL (UNDER 12 roughly)

Whitnee Bomkamp, Bet, Oliver!

OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE

Fagin’s Gang, Oliver!
Brooke Bowers, Rex Bowers, Brady Britten, Nikki Britten, Alex Dixon, John David Hasley, Zachary Hogberg, MaryBeth Johnson, Rachel Kucera, Jessica Lewis, Joshua Lewis, Michael Lewis, Courtney Tadlock, Francesca Willis, Joy Willis, Randall Carpenter, Cayman Mitchell

BEST SET DESIGN

Ron Harris / Jeff Vaughan / Victoria Vaughan, A Christmas Carol

OUTSTANDING ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT

Amy Thurmond-Bush, Contrella Dixon, Regina Bailey and Bob Brown for Oliver!

BEST DIRECTOR

Amy Thurmond-Bush, Oliver!

BEST SHOW

Steel Magnolias

The Final Curtain

Today, we closed the run of The Odd Couple. Nine performances. Eight of them pretty good. Last night, we don't want to talk about.

I had fun, and I enjoyed the challenge of carrying a show. Despite all my fears, I never "went up" one time.

I am looking forward to cutting my hair. I had let it grow out to maintain that sloppy look. I think I'm gonna chop it quite short. I have a month before rehearsals begin for Kiss Me, Kate, so it'll have time to grow out.

Congratulations

I want to wish a hearty congratulations to the new Officers for Kaufman County Civic Theatre.

President -- Lonny Schonfeld
VP Administration -- Dennis Gullion
VP Production -- Jeff Vaughan
Treasurer -- Regina Bailey
Secretary -- Sarah Garland

Best of luck to y'all.

Top 5 Shows I've Seen

Here are the 5 best shows I have seen in my life:

5. The Crucible - Snyder High School, U.I.L One-Act-Play State competition 1986

Snyder High School was a theatre juggernaut back in the 80's. This was the show that won First Place the year my alma mater made it to state. I mentioned that before here.

4. Cabaret - Watertower Theatre 2005

A good friend of mine, Lindsey Holloway, won a Leon Rabin Award for her portrayal of Fraulein Kost. The female Emcee worked much better than I thought it would. I'd like to do this show someday.

3. The King and I - Dallas Summer Musicals 1982 or '83

Yul Brynner's final tour.

2. The Producers - Dallas Summer Musicals 2005

I haven't laughed out loud as much in a long time. This show is extremely entertaining.

1. Wicked - Dallas Summer Musicals 2005

I don't like the happy ending that seems tacked on, but other than that, this is a wonderful show. The music is phenomenal, and the cast for the tour was terrific. The two leads sang the roles of Elphaba and Glinda even better than Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth did on the Soundtrack.

The Day that the Lights Went Out in Rockwall

Today, we had a matinee. Mother's Day. Ugh!

Well, I think the idea of having a show on Mother's Day is horrible, but I didn't notice the date when I auditioned for this show. But, being the consummate professional I am, I showed up as required. We were rocking along until about 3 minutes were left in Act One when BOOM! the power went out.

There wasn't an actual "BOOM" noise, but it was instantaneous. Okay, maybe not quite instantaneous. There was a slight power dip, then a surge, then the lights went out. I kept going with my lines. Felix was a little shaken, not knowing whether to plow ahead. He eventually started back up, but after a few lines, the Stage Manager pulled the curtain.

The audience was asked at the premature intermission what they wanted to do, and they all wanted the show to go on. Thankfully, there was enough light from the outside to be able to see on stage.

We did all of Act Two and most of Act Three before the lights came back on with about 3 minutes to go before the final curtain.

The audience was very responsive while the lights were out. I'm guessing that because there weren't many visual distractions, they were paying more attention to the lines than they might otherwise.

Opening Night

Good crowd. Not quite a sell-out, but close. Good performance.

Bruised the tar out of my left thumb when I slammed my hands down on the table. It's ugly, and it's just gonna be uglier tomorrow. When it happened, I actually thought I had broken my thumb. Thankfully, that does not seem to be the case.

You have to wonder about some people

Last night, my Director for The Odd Couple told me that one of the audience members at last night's preview show said that she thought I was better than Walter Matthau. I appreciate the compliment, really. But, come on, that's more than just a little absurd. Walter Matthau is Oscar Madison.

All I'm hoping for is to entertain the folks who come see the show and not bore them.

Getting Tea'd Off

In tonight's preview show for the Board of Directors of RCP, the glass of water that I am supposed to throw in Felix's face was not pre-set, and I had no idea until it was too late. So, when the fateful moment came, I had no choice but to dash all the way across the stage and grab my glass of "Scotch", which was really tea.

Felix's shirt was stained. I do hope the stain comes out because the actor was wearing his own shirt.

Other than that small glitch, I thought it went pretty well. I'm enjoying fleshing out this character now that I feel confident that I know the lines and won't go up completely on stage.

The Last Rehearsal

Tonight is our final rehearsal proper for The Odd Couple. Starting tomorrow, we have preview audiences every night leading up to Friday night's opening. The show has really come together well in the past week. I finally seem to have remembered all my lines, and most of the previous issues have been resolved. There are always things that could be better, but overall, it's a decent show.