130 - Rehearsal

Nope.  Not a rehearsal for a show; rehearsal for a gig.  Daytona, early afternoon, for the Independent and Assisted Living Residents of Olds Hall.  Our women's motorcycle club has spent time at Christmas with them since 2001; caroling started in 2002.  My BFF and I are leading the caroling again ...

Tonight we "rehearsed" (though I'm sure what we did was a very loose definition of rehearsing).  We had our notes from previous years, so we had the song list.  What key we do the songs in, well that's a different story.  The first song we pulled out, I had 3 different keys written down on 3 different lists.  I think that was the progression through the years of trying to find the key that fits best for the old folks.

Anyway, here's how we "rehearse."  "What key do you have?"  "Ok, yeah I have that too."  If we changed the key, I was having to transpose in my head because I didn't have my keyboard with me (that will transpose for me).  We'd get part way through the song, and most likely, I'd stop playing.  Or both of us would saying, yeah, that's fine.  Whatever.  "Oh, did we do that song last year?"  We feel like we're on top of it, until we get to Olds Hall on Saturday.  Then you're liable to hear, "What key are you in?  I didn't think we were doing it in that key."  It's almost comic caroling, but the residents love it.

Positve - spending time with my BFF doing what started our friendship in the first place ... playing and singing together, then talking.  With our busy lives, we don't have much time to spend together, and I miss her.  But, I think/hope the new year will bring us learning some new music to play/sing together.  It's too much fun!

TTFN!

129 - Monday, Monday

Today was a good Monday. No crisis at work; got some stuff done. Bowling stunk, but I wasn't surprised. Had an awesome conversation on the way home though.




To make me laugh, though, it was back to the cats. My fav is the last one.
 

Enjoy. :-)

128 - IT

There's an elusive "it" that actors try to find with each performance.  It's a centering of your character; a point where the emotions of your character aren't work any more but flow naturally with the lines.  In my opinion, the most difficult thing is to find "it" because that's when the performace feels real.

Sunday's matinee ... "it" was found.  It's funny because even while on stage, there was a part of my brain thinking, "Ah, finally."  I knew that my solo was soaring and that the emotions in the scenes were real and felt.  That's not bragging; it just is. 

I'm also EXTREMELY fortunate to be working with SCW.  Her presence on stage is always so centered ... it's even evident in this photo. <3

I wish all performances could feel like that.

TTFN!

127 - It Didn't Read

For whatever reason, the Saturday night performance (after opening a show on Friday) is always difficult.  I could not center my character to save my life.  Mama Key was elusively flitting just out of reach.  The positive - our director told me that it didn't read that way to the audience.  They couldn't tell, so it's all good. 

TTFN!

126 - Opening Night

Opening Night.  Rarely is it the best performance, but there's definately something special about it.  Tonight it was even more special because many of the family the show is about were in the audience.  Teddy Trager Key (the main character) was there on the front row next to her sister Merle (who also married an American service man and came to America).  At the reception after the show, they all had name tags on with their relationship to either Teddy or Frankie.

In the first pic:  Our "young" Teddy, the real Teddy Trager Key, and our "adult" Teddy in the show.  In the second pic, adult Teddy, Australian Mum, and American Mama.  Or:  Teddy with her Mum and Mama-in-law.  :-)

9 more performances.  It's not enough though.

TTFN!

125 - High Praise

Thursday night found us in our "preview".  We had a small audience of friends and family to allow us that last rehearsal with an audience.  Afterwards, I went up to Frances to give her a hug and thank her once again for writing this wonderful show.  She told complimented me highly on my role.  She even said she liked what I'd done with the "Country Man" song.  That's high praise coming from the composer.  There's always the fear that the composer won't like your take on a song, your phrasing and interpretation.  It warms me to know she's pleased.

124 - Mouth of Babes

Wednesday night's rehearsal found us all crammed backstage for the first time.  The kids have a long stretch where they are not on stage, basically in the middle of the show.  Our young Teddy (who is unbelievably good) captured us with her philosophy on life.  She says that adults and kids need to work as equals; that while adults know all the rules, the kids know how to have fun.  She looked around and said that of course the adults were people over 30.  Then she looked at me, and ultimately busted out laughing while trying to backpedal.  It was so cute that I can't even remember how she tried to get out of that one.  I told her she needed to write a book about this as it would probably sell well.  (She's already working on a different book, so it will have to wait.)

Follow-up from yesterday ... we have a show!!!  There were some rough spots, but all in all, we're ready for Friday.  I stayed last night to be able to watch the last scenes again, and trust me - you need tissues.  I don't know how our music director can see to play.  The end of the show is simply exquisite.  I know this is the most poignant, moving show I've been a part of ... maybe that I've seen.

TTFN!