"...there is always one last light to turn out and one last bell to ring..."

Well, we're coming up on the closing week of EARNEST and overall, I'd have to say it's been a pleasure and a big sucess. I'm pretty sure we made our budget back already (ALWAYS nice...) and we are looking forward to three more well attended performances this weekend. I haven't been able to come watch as much as I'd like, but then again, I'm not a Director that believes you should "hang around" during the run. Let the show fly on it's own. My job is done. I'd like to give a special shout out here to Natalie C., my wonderful stage manager, and my good friend. As usual, Nat, I couldn't have done it without you!
So, if you get a chance, come give it a look. Really, it's not as awful as the paper (nor some of those within the ranks of Lex's "Theatre Elite") made it out to be! Quite honestly, we've had crowds that have fallen all over themselves laughing in this production, and after all...isn't that what a COMEDY is supposed to do??? Sorry...I'll stop before I start sounding pissy...
Anyhoo, in honor of my buddy Rick8, here's a THEATRE/SPORTS type question for you...You're the manager of a team for the new ALL PLAYWRIGHTS LEAGUE...you have the first three draft picks, and you can pick any playwright, man or woman, alive or dead...WITH THE EXCEPTION of Shakespeare...let's just say his Jersey is retired!
So , WHO ARE YOU'RE TOP THREE PICKS IN THE 06 PLAYWRIGHTS DRAFT???
Let me have it!
BTW- 15 points for the reference..one of my fave bands of the last decade.

"Trying to save the day for the old world man"

Ok, it's friday and I'm gonna VENT a little!
First off...if I see ONE MORE person with one of those ugly ass ear attachement cell phone things, I'm gonna smack them, rip that ugly ass thing out of their ear and crush it! It's annoying ENOUGH that we have to deal with people on their damn phones everywhere we go (even at the Theatre, right folks?) but NOW we have to deal with people seemingly talking to thin air! We can't even tell if they're on their phone or if they are in dire need of some serious drug therepy. And while I'm at it, OVER-technology, as I like to call it, is really starting to piss me off. This crap is supposed to make our lives EASIER? So yeah...I have to throw out all my cd's and start "file sharing", I have to buy a new TV in four years, cause mine isn't HIGH DEF, and my cell phone, which already has more functions than I'll ever use , is ALREADY woefully large and outdated? HOW IS THIS MAKING MY LIFE EASIER??? The answer IS.....IT AIN'T!!!! You wanna make my life easier? Use this wonderful technology to HELP people! Cure cancer (Hell, cure SOMETHING...as Chris Rock says "Dr's haven't cure SHIT in a LOOONNGGG time!") , find a way to give sight back to the blind, or a way to use this technology to get food and medicine to all the folks starving in the world. I could GIVE A SHIT if you make my cell phone small enough to fit in my nose! DO SOMETHING THAT MATTERS!


On a completely contardictory note....my new office computer IS pretty sweet!

There's my friday rant....I think I'll make this a weekly thing...it feels good!
ENJOY and please...take up valuable band width telling me what an old fogey I am! Or feel free to log in with your OWN friday rant!
In honor of the FINEST SPORTING EVENT IN THE NATION, a SWEET 16 points for the reference....

"Moving with a style and ease..."

OK- so I have to do it...for all you SPORTING geeks out there (and I know there are a few of you) ..
hit me with your final four predictions, final game, and big dance winner...
Here's my final four
BC
U Conn
Texas
UCLA
with a final game of BC and UCLA and
BC cuts down the nets!!!! (ps- almost got screwed here, as Pacific just took BC to double overtime, but WHAT A FINISH!!!! THis is , truly, what March Maddness is all about!!!
64 points for the lyric!

"This is no social crisis, This is you having fun"

Well, it's been a bitch of a couple of weeks, but it's coming to an end, and there is light at the end of the tunnel! EARNEST opens tonight, after a very encouraging couple of final dress/preview rehearsals. If you'd like to check out a cool slide show with pictures and audio commentary from yours truly and some of the cast, check out this link:
http://www.heraldleaderphoto.com/multimedia/being/earnest.html

Directing is a funny thing: I've always remembered one of my college professors words, when she told me that "If a show is good the actors get the credit: if it's BAD, the director gets the blame"...truer words were never spoken. I've even been guilty of this myself: How many times have I come out of a show saying "How could that director let those actors get up onstage and suck so bad?" It's one of those parts of the theatre that ain't fair, but it comes with the territory. I also find that I get more emotionally involved with shows that I direct. I'm NEVER nervous before going on as an actor (perhaps a little anxious or excited, but never really nervous) BUT as a director, I'm a wreck right before the show opens. But, I have to say, I'm really pleased with this one. We've had some bumps and snags, but I think it's all gonna be good in the end. But MAN am I ready for some rest! Show opens and I have spring break next week. Alas, we will be staying in Lexville, but I'll get lots of good quality time with the family unit, whom i feel I've been a little neglectful of lately, due to work and shows and conferences, etc...so here's to me getting a little bit of well deserved rest! And then, onto the next three or four projects!
So here's a nice non-confrontational question for you all- since I plan on watching alot of TV next week (NCAA Tourney action and all...) What is the best show on TV right now and why????
29 points for the song reference. It's a little tough, but it indirectly relates to EARNEST (a hint for those of you involved with the show)