What the...?

Last Day

So here it is. My last day of employment. I'm a liitle freaked out by it. But at the same time I'm looking forward to it.

Mary pointed out to me today that in the seven years we've known each other I've been a freelancer for five of them. I kind of need that to strike that work/life balance that people talk about.

I'm just not a corporate kind of guy. More of an artist kind of guy. It only took me 41 years to figure that out.

So if you are looking for art, corporate or otherwise, let me know....

Who, did you say?

I've been recording the new Doctor Who series on my DVR. I haven't had a good deal of time to watch them until just recently, what with the show and all. But back in the day, I assure you, I was a massive Dr. Who fan. I've met a few of the actors over years and collected all sorts of...well, crap really. Including a ceramic coin bank of the T.A.R.D.I.S. that somehow has survived all the moves back and forth across country and sits on Mary's dresser in our room. I've had that since 1985 I believe.

Strange what survives of my formally huge collection of "stuff".

At any rate, I've quite enjoyed getting back into Doctor Who. It brings up that same sense of whimsy and fun that it did when I was younger. There have been 11 regenerations now. I'm currently watching the tenth Doctor who is going to regenerate in about six more episodes.

The special effects have gotten a good deal better, although it's still nice and cheesy when it wants to be. If you’re so inclined it’s worth watching. I saw an episode last night that seemed to be blatant parody (or is it a warning?) about Fox News or even the media in general. But definitely a shot at how ridiculous our country has become. It was called The Long Game. It’ll be repeated a few times before next Friday’s new episode on the Sci-Fi channel.

Great stuff, unless of course you're anybody in my house but me. The rest of 'em all hate it that I embrace my geekiness like an old sweater.

The Notorious Bettie Page

I haven't seen this movie yet. I hadn’t even heard of it until last Friday.

I’ve heard of Bettie Page of course. Who hasn’t by now?

But like a lot of people my age I didn’t know anything about her until Dave Stevens started doing the Rocketeer at Pacific Comics in the ’80’s.

Dave (and Bettie) really influenced my comic style back then. They still do I suppose. You know I’d actually like to draw or ink comics again. I kinda miss it. I suppose that’s why I’m even mentioning this movie. A little nostalgia is a good thing now and again.

I’m interested in seeing the movie, but lately, I tend to see most movies on DVD. I just never seem to have any time to go to movies anymore.

This is my last week of full time at work. I’m pretty sure things are lining up pretty well for my leap back into freelance. I’m hoping that this will allow me more time to start painting, drawing, doing my own thing again.

We’ll see…

Recovering

Man, I'm still tired. It always takes me about a week to recover from doing a play. It's so mentally/emotionally difficult to focus for so long. But I've spoken to several people that saw the show. Considering what a very short rehearsal time we had I'm happy to say that it was passable.

I've gotten several accolades personally for my performance. That's pretty cool. Apparently my mom recorded some of it. I'm hoping I'll get to see that at some point.

She taped the Saturday night show. Which is good because that was one of the better shows. Although at one point during my opening monologue I was completely lost and Ariel had to push me stage left to get me back on track. Ah, my delicate Ariel. I shall miss thee.

My friend Reier suggested we audition for Hamluke. A 75 minute play base on Hamlet and Star Wars going up at the Loring Playhouse next month. Hmmm?

Closing Night

All my labors have ended. The show is done. I woke up all last night thinking I had to be at the theater and then (thankfully) realized this morning I was done. Typical. Now I get actor's nightmares.

This has truly been an amazing learning experience. I made some wonderful new friends and strengthened existing friendships. We all found some real moments here and there. As for myself, I feel that I learned so much about trusting and caring for my fellow actors. There is a complete energy exchange that takes place with your other actors. When it’s flowing, like an electric charge, it’s something that is palpable and truly remarkable.

Now, for the next two weeks, I can just come home and relax. See my family and just settle.

Then of course we start in our Light Night of Comedy over the summer. Honestly after this show I feel like some comedy would be well worth sinking my teeth into.

Opening Night

We opened last night.
By and large it was a success. I dropped a few a lines here and there but for once I didn't say "Shit! That's not the line..."

Honestly, I wasn't sure we could pull this off. Given my druthers I would most likely want a much longer rehearsal process for a role like this. I was, up until the curtain opened last night, trying figure out intention for my Prospero.

Mary said I was good. I'll take her word for it. My father was almost crying when he hugged me after the performance. It felt pretty damn good I have to say.

My friends, family, and colleagues came last night so I felt very supported. At some point I would like to reprise this role. I feel as if I’ve only begun to crack the surface of this character. Prospero is so full of his rightness, then all his control slips away and he’s making these major choices about who he is, and how he behaves. It’s all so internal...but, I digress.

I suppose I’ll still be making choices about Prospero for many years to come.

As an added bonus, we've had some problems with two or our nymphs. One of them in fact can't be at the saturday matinee. So, Mary, professional that she is, is stepping in for her. Literally since she is playing the dancing nymph/goddess Ceres.

Dress Rehearsal

Despite my initial misgivings, we had our first dress rehearsal last night. Okay, there were some rough edges, but I am confident we can pull this off now.

So come see me in The Tempest this week from Wednesday-Saturday at 7:00 p.m. with a matinee on Saturday the 15th at 1:00 p.m.

It's at The Whitney Fine Arts Theatre, 1424 Yale Place on Loring Park.

Admission is FREE please bring non-perishable food items to donate to local food shelves.

Call 612-659-6118 for more information.

If you've never read/seen a live Shakespeare performance before, this show might be for you. If you have, well, please forgive me my trespasses. At any rate it's a fun night of theater and a grand way to say goodbye to winter and welcome spring.

I hope to see you there.