A Plea to all theatre brethren...and...sistren....

Hey ya'll...as many of you know I'm finishing up a run of COLORED MUSEUM at KSU this weekend. Our Thursday night house was really good and the show went well, but tonight's house was small and many of my kids were down (it being Easter weekend- unfortunately, as many of you in academia know, we have very little conrtrol over scheduling in these venues...)
Anyhoo...if any of you are interested in seeing a fun show tomorrow on me, come out and support us. I have 4 seniors in the cast and would hate for them to go out with a tiny crowd...and yes, I know the size of the crowd is not the important thing, but it would mean alot to my kids...
SO...if you're game, holler at me on this here blog. The show is on the kSU campus in Frankfort, and it starts at 8 pm tomorrow.
Thanks,
x

"Toro Toro, Taxi..."

So- in regards to tommorow night's festivities w/ Laurie at El Toro- We'll be there at 6pm. Laurie is supposed to come around 6:30, I believe. SOmeone had posted earlier inviting "anyone who wants to come"... while that's cool, I had asked for a specific head count, so we could have a number to give the good folks at El toro tomorrow so's we can all sit together and commune and such. So far, I have a go from Ryan and Natalie, Mike and Erin and the little guy, Josh B. and Missy (whom I am not sure if they are coming stag or w. a partner) and Joy, myself and baby makes three.
If anyone else is planning to come please confirm via the blog (or my personal email if you have it) so we can get an accurate count of folks...
Lookin' forward to it! Let's party!
(30 points for the reference this time out...)

"...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)

"They say there's a heaven for those who will wait..."

WOW! Talk about your famous people dying in 3's- it's been a lousy 24 hours for fans of cl;assic TV. Actors Don Knotts, Darren McGavin(X-mas Story/ The Night Stalker) and now Dennis Weaver (McLoud/ DEUL) have all passed.
I grew up on the work of these three men, and it's fair to say that part of the reason I'm in this business was the superb work they did in so many great shows and films of the 60's and 70's. No, it wasn't MASTERPIECE THEATRE , but dammit quality work is quality work! Has there BEEN a funnier sidekick than Barney Fife? Has there been a more humorus take on the "fish out of water" than Weaver's Mcloud? An has there EVER been a more bizarre, wonderfully funny perfomance than MacGavin gave in A CHRISTMAS STORY?
I think not...RIP all three of you guys...we'll not soon forget you.

5 pts for the easy reference- feel free to take up valuable bandwidth with your reactions/comments.

"I read the news today, oh boy..."

Hey everyone , it's my 50th post!!!!! How bout that? Who knew we would last so long???Thanks to all of you regulars who come to share thoughts and ideas daily...keep it up!

Anyhoo...my last comment actually got ME to thinking...perhaps I was too harsh, and spoke out of turn, so you tell me, theatre folk. DO you read your own reviews? Many folks say that don't- that's always struck me as the kind of thing we're SUPPOSED to say...but in my head, I just don't think most who say it are sincere. I'm not intimating that we all live and die by them. I certainly don't: A good review is nice, and it's also useful to me (we teachers need such things for our doissiers- they're very helpful for tenure and promotion purposes and for use in our CV's) and sure: I'll man up and say it...I LIKE gettiing good press! It ain't gonna kill me if I don't , but it's nice when I do...so you tell me. Yes or no, and why?

Points for the reference...BUT...not the original. Most will know this comes from A DAY IN THE LIFE by the Beatles, BUT...what British artist paraphrased this line in one of his own tunes in the mid-70's? SIXTY NINE points for the answer!!!!

"...pickin down in Jacksonville..."

So, I'm finally starting to recover from my ACTF trip , which saw me on the road 26 hours in a 72 hour period (and that's NOT counting all the damned driving around Jacksonville I had to do- for some odd reason our hotels we're all about 20 minutes away from each other). It was a splendid trip, though, and my students had a blast. At least one was so inspired by the festival that it helped her to decide that she did want to go to Grad school for theatre. I got to see a few former DIVAS (Darren M. and Dori G.) as well as getting to chat with all my "February friends" as Jim Wren of UNCG calls us...Our hotel was also very nice, as it was right on the beach. I actually got to catch a few minutes of zen outby the water one morning, so that, too, was pleasant. So for all the hoopla surrounding these festivals, and all the bitching and moaning that most of the "bigger" schools in our state do regarding the legitamacy of said events, I still love em! It does recharge my batteries as a Theatre instructor, and it's nice to see good work and catch up with everyone. That's ot even to BEGIN to mention all the opportunities for the students...
In that vein- if you ever went to an ACTF, SETC, URTA, UPTA, or even a high school Thespian tourney, tell me about your best experience doing so...spare no details...bide no denay...post no bills...whatever, I'm still tired!
10 points for the fine southern reference...and an EXTRA ten if you can tell me WHO was 'pickin down in J-ville"...

Oscar!!!!

Here's a list of this years Oscar nominees! Take up valuable bandwidth with discussion/predictions.
List of the 78th annual Oscar nominations announced Tuesday in Beverly Hills, Calif., by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences:
1. Best Picture: "Brokeback Mountain," "Capote," "Crash," "Good Night, and Good Luck," "Munich."
2. Actor: Philip Seymour Hoffman, "Capote"; Terrence Howard, "Hustle & Flow"; Heath Ledger, "Brokeback Mountain"; Joaquin Phoenix, "Walk the Line"; David Strathairn, "Good Night, and Good Luck."
3. Actress: Judi Dench, "Mrs. Henderson Presents"; Felicity Huffman, "Transamerica"; Keira Knightley, "Pride & Prejudice"; Charlize Theron, "North Country"; Reese Witherspoon, "Walk the Line."
4. Supporting Actor: George Clooney, "Syriana"; Matt Dillon, "Crash"; Paul Giamatti, "Cinderella Man"; Jake Gyllenhaal, "Brokeback Mountain"; William Hurt, "A History of Violence."
5. Supporting Actress: Amy Adams, "Junebug"; Catherine Keener, "Capote"; Frances McDormand, "North Country"; Rachel Weisz, "The Constant Gardener"; Michelle Williams, "Brokeback Mountain."
6. Director: Ang Lee, "Brokeback Mountain"; Bennett Miller, "Capote"; Paul Haggis, "Crash"; George Clooney, "Good Night, and Good Luck"; Steven Spielberg, "Munich."
7. Foreign Film: "Don't Tell," Italy; "Joyeux Noel," France; "Paradise Now," Palestine; "Sophie Scholl — The Final Days," Germany; "Tsotsi," South Africa.
8. Adapted Screenplay: Larry McMurtry & Diana Ossana, "Brokeback Mountain"; Dan Futterman, "Capote"; Jeffrey Caine, "The Constant Gardener"; Josh Olson, "A History of Violence"; Tony Kushner and Eric Roth, "Munich."
9. Original Screenplay: Paul Haggis & Bobby Moresco, "Crash"; George Clooney & Grant Heslov, "Good Night, and Good Luck"; Woody Allen, "Match Point"; Noah Baumbach, "The Squid and the Whale"; Stephen Gaghan, "Syriana."
10. Animated Feature Film: "Howl's Moving Castle"; "Tim Burton's Corpse Bride"; "Wallace & Gromit in the Curse of the Were-Rabbit."

"But the joke's on those who believe the system's fair..."

OK ! Befroe the posts digrees too much (well, probably too late for that) here's a new topic: This is one we put on Millsy's ill-fated blog the first time, but most all of you didn't chime in there. It's one that I, and obviously a few others, feel very strongly about:
Which is more important in the hiring of a Theatre professor in a University program: professional experience and union affiliation OR teaching / classroom experience and the ability to work well with students?

Go nuts...but be warned- it may get ugly! Allthough it CAN'T possibly get uglier than a naked Harvey Keitel!

15 points for the reference!

"Everyone can see we're together..."

Greetings, ya'll! Hope everyone's new year is off to a flying start. I just started back to work this week, and have auditions here in Lex-vegas for EARNEST this weekend. Advance word says it should be an awesome turn out...I can't wait!

It got me to thinking about the process of auditioniong and what a "pride swallowing siege" it can sometimes be. SO here's the question for this week: What was your best and/or WORST audition experience? This can be as an actor or from the director's perspective- or for you technical folks maybe an interview, or possibly an audition you sat in on? We are ALL INCLUSIVE here at the clone-spot...
And a big 'ole good luck to our good friend and fellow Boonie Jenny, who'll be giving birth any minute now! God bless you child- your world is about to get rocked...but in a really good way! (I'll withhold last names for privacy's sake, but many of you posters know of whom I speak! Drop her a line and wish her all the best...)

"Everyone can see we're together..."

"I will begin again..."

Happy New Year to all!!! Hope the holidays treated you all well ,and that , like me, you're all rip-roaring to go in 06! Lots to do- lots to see- lots to discover...I love a new year. It feels like a rebirth of sorts. Unfortunately, they have to come in January, the shittiest month of the year! But, nevertheless, I'm excited about all thats to come for me and mi faimilia in the coming months.
I thought today, what with award sesaon already getting into high gear, I'd poll the peanut gallery on this: Name the top three films you saw this year! (Gonna be hard for me, as I don't think I SAW three films from this year!) AND bonus points as always for the lyric. AND - COMING SOON- I'll announce the WINNER of the lyric contest! I know I promised it earlier, but hey- I lied! What can I say?
FYI - rick8- gimmie a buzz today on the cellphone re: Saturday night.
AND- For all you diehards, and those that are uninitiated, check out the season three premiere of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA on SCI FI tonight at 10 eastern. I, personally, think it's the best show on tv...don't let the "genre" thing get in your way. It has great acting, fantastic dialogue and wonderful story lines.

" Peace on Earth, Can it be?..."

Hiya all! To any regular posters and ALL MS Divas, post any holiday greetings here! Give a shout out, tell us what you want for Xmas, what you're doing for Christmas, WHO you're doi...oh hell, you get the point! And feel free to leave Happy birthday wishes to my son Logan, who turns the big ONE of Dec 28th! (Strangely, I have aged roughly 15 years in the past 12 months...hmmm...) Even if (hell, especially if...) you've only lurked and never posted before, Go for it! Tis the season!!!
Joy and I are celebrating the holidaze in TN as always, and hope you are all well, happy, warm and surrounded by loved ones. For any in South MS or NOLA who might see this and are still reeling from Katrina's effects, God bless, and know that tonight and all through the season you are in our hearts, our minds and our prayers...the people of the gulf south are strong, resiliant, salt of the earth people and they WILL rise up again!
ALSO if you want to hear some groovy new music from some cool unsigned bands, check out www.skypiecesradio.blogspot.com Frequent poster Mike T is the Daddy of this site, and it's a good one...and if you listen, you might hear my Hank Hill in one of the episodes!
PEACE ON EARTH AND GOOD WILL TO ALL!

HOLIDAY DINNER

Hey Lex-town folk-
Joy and I would like to get a group of folks to go out for an early holiday dinner this Thursday at 6pm at EL TORO Mexican Resturant on Nicholasville Rd (Right next to Dennys)
If you think you can make it, let me know either by email (or phone if you happen to have my #) or leave a message here at the bolg by tomorrow evening.
Love to see you there!
...and keep those great holiday memories comin!

"So when spirits grow lighter,and hopes are shining brighter, then you know that Christmas time is here..."

A Merry Christmas season to all...hope everyone is having a grand old time buying presents without sending your family to the poorhouse, navigating the mall parking lots, desperately picking over a group of over-priced, crappy looking trees to find one that doesn't look like it'll catch fire in your living room...do I sound a little blue? Well, I am. I normally don't profess any emotional crap on this here blog, as that ain't it's purpose. But I gotta tell you, I'm feeling overworked, underappreciated and less than festive right now. I have more than my share of things to be thankful for, and I realize that, but sometimes the old workload just gets to be a bit much. But, no pity party here. I realize you all have your own workloads and burdens...I guess my reason for saying this is that I need a little Christmas, right this very minute! Sooo....hit me with your all time BEST yuletide season memory. It can be from when you were a kid, or from last year...
22 points for the reference (it';s one of my fav rock and roll x-mas songs- AND one loyal poster should recognize it from his childhood record collection!)

"The Christmas we get we deserve..."

Ho Ho Ho....it's that time of year again! My, how the time flies. This time last year my wife and I were anxiously awaiting Logan's arrival (Dec 28 was the day, FYI) and enjoying our last few weeks of "freedom" from parenthood. It's been a long, strange trip of a year, filled with the kinds of ups and downs only those who have experencied parenthood firsthand can relate to (sorry, Nephews, neices and cats are all wonderful, but the just don't count!If you think that's the same thing as parenting, you are delusional in the first degree!) but I gotta tell you: I wouldn't have it any other way. As crazed and tired as I've been over this year, that little guy has made me better in every respect. And I am SO looking forward to experiencing Christmas through the eyes of a child again...I'm truly blessed to have that oportunity!
Anyhoo...in the spirit of the holiday...nay the CHRISTMAS season (sorry, but that's what we celebrate here at DIVA CLONES- normally, I revel in my card carrying liberal-ness, but doggoneit I like saying Merry Christmas! Apologies to any ACLU's, Muslems, or Quanza celebrators amonst you...) ...what do you consider the top five Christmas movies of all time? New, old, serious and dramatic, cheesy, funny, cartoon or live action....go nuts! But a warning....anyone who rags ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE or A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS on this blog will get a nice seasonal Ass whuppin from yours truly! HO HO HO!!!!!!
13 points for the seasonal reference! it's one of my favorites... and yes, I know CHARLIE BROWN is not a movie...still and all....

"Over the River and through the woods..."

Well, we're here in TN visiting the family for Turkey day...came in a little early to be with my Mother in Law who's been a bit under the weather. I always like coming home for the holidays, in theory anyway. Many times it just turns in to one big cluster you know what, but there are those occasions where the stars line up and we all have a beautiful time...hoping this is one of those years.
Soooo....here's the topic, and it's a simp;le one. (Once again, in theory) What are YOU most thankful for? Think about it and get back to me.
BTW- no points for this song...Too easy...(Gimme a break- I don' t know any other thanksgiving songs!)

"...don't you know, that life is a bitch!"

BOY! Lots o' college-like theatre stuff in the past few weeks. Did the ACTF state festival in Greensboro, NC and followed that up this weekend with KTA fest in Hazard, KY (insert your Bo, Luke, Coy or Vance joke here...) where I ran the SETC screening auditions. Saw some really good auditons (and I must brag- 3 of my four students made the cut, including one student who had the 11th highest score out of the 125 in-state auditionees! ) and some not so good, but all around it was a smoothly run, well attended festival.
SOOO- here's your latest question- Are things like SETC and ACTF really valuable for college theatre students or is it all a big waste o time?? Discuss....
13 points for the reference...and I want the ALBUM TITLE too!
Also, as my home PC has died, I will only be able to respond occasionally for the next few weeks. But don't give up on us, baby...we'll be back at full strength in no time!