That, in my opinion, is what the Denver theatre scene could really use.
I have been mulling over John Moore's recent article about the strengths and weaknesses of Colorado theatre, and I must say that he echoes many of the sentiments that have kept me away from my blog here. That is largely because, well, I don't think I would have put things as nicely as he has. If you've not read the article yet, I highly encourage you to do so. John has a good deal more access to facts and figures than I would have. If I could add anything to the article, it would be to point out that, in addition to seasons becoming "progressively more banal" (to use John's well-chosen words) I believe that there is a lot of "copycatting" in that banality.
Can we not rest until every theatre company in the area has mounted their very own production of Escanaba in da Moonlight?
I do also agree with much of John's praise of this theatre community, though, as he pointed out the many strengths of theatre in our state. The support for theatre is here. The talent is here. However, 97 companies in the state all mounting at least one production in a given season leads to:
1) a lot of repetition
2) unnecessary competition for audience
3) a "thinning" of the available talent pool at any given time
Last year I saw somewhere in the neighborhood of seventy plays or musicals -- that's more than one per week on average -- and I barely saw a quarter of what was produced in town, if that.
The less ambitious theatre-goer won't be able to see anywhere near that many.
The 97 producing theatre companies in Colorado need to, I believe, take a long hard look at just why they exist.
As with non-profits (which a great majority of theatre companies are) the question should be asked, "Are we filling a need that is not already being filled?"
Yes, every baritone wants a crack at playing the Beast in Disney's Beauty and the Beast, and every ingenue wants to play Belle, but after how many separate productions do we acknowledge that it is now merely a vanity production. Now, I'm not pointing the finger at any particular productions of that show that have been or are about to be produced. I'm simply using it as an example. At the same time, for the intensely curious, it might be interesting to count just how many productions of that particular show have been (and will be produced) inside of five years and inside of 100 miles of the Front Range.
Just a thought.
And speaking of a shot in the arm, check out this trailer for Performance Now's upcoming production of Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical:
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?
Maybe some of you have already heard this story. I just heard about it today.
It made me pretty angry.
From TCPalm.com:
Teacher lets Morningside students vote out classmate, 5
By Colleen Wixon
Saturday, May 24, 2008
PORT ST. LUCIE — Melissa Barton said she is considering legal action after her son's kindergarten teacher led his classmates to vote him out of class.
After each classmate was allowed to say what they didn't like about Barton's 5-year-old son, Alex, his Morningside Elementary teacher Wendy Portillo said they were going to take a vote, Barton said.
By a 14 to 2 margin, the students voted Alex — who is in the process of being diagnosed with autism — out of the class.
Melissa Barton filed a complaint with Morningside's school resource officer, who investigated the matter, Port St. Lucie Department spokeswoman Michelle Steele said. But the state attorney's office concluded the matter did not meet the criteria for emotional child abuse, so no criminal charges will be filed, Steele said.
Port St. Lucie Police no longer are investigating, but police officials are documenting the complaint, she said.
Steele said the teacher confirmed the incident took place.
Portillo could not be reached for comment Friday.
Steele said the boy had been sent to the principal's office because of disciplinary issues. When he returned, Portillo made him go to the front of the room as a form of punishment, she said.
Barton said her son is in the process of being diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a type of high-functioning autism. Alex began the testing process in February at the suggestion of Morningside Principal Marcia Cully.
Children diagnosed with Asperger's often exhibit social isolation and eccentric behavior..
Alex has had disciplinary issues because of his disability, Barton said. After the family moved into the area and Alex and his sibling arrived at the school in January, Alex spent much of the time in the principal's office, she said.
He also had problems at his last school, but he did not have issues during his two years of preschool, Barton said.
School and district officials have met with Barton and her son to create an individual education plan to address his difficulties, she said. Portillo attended these meetings, Barton said.
Barton said after the vote, Portillo asked Alex how he felt.
"He said, 'I feel sad,' " Barton said.
Alex left the classroom and spent the rest of the day in the nurse's office, she said.
Barton said when she came to pick up her son at the school Wednesday, he was leaving the nurse's office.
"He was shaken up," she said.
Barton said the nurse told her to talk with Portillo, who told her what happened.
Alex hasn't been back to school since then, and Barton said he won't be returning. He starts screaming when she brings him with her to drop off his sibling at school.
Thursday night, his mother heard him saying "I'm not special" over and over.
Barton said Alex is reliving the incident.
The other students said he was "disgusting" and "annoying," Barton said.
"He was incredibly upset," Barton said. "The only friend he has ever made in his life was forced to do this."
St. Lucie School's spokeswoman Janice Karst said the district is investigating the incident, but could not make any further comment.
Vern Melvin, Department of Children and Families circuit administrator, confirmed the agency is investigating an allegation of abuse at Morningside but said he could not elaborate.
EDIT:
Again, thank you to the Autism Awareness MySpace page for the following:
CONTACT INFO for the Port St. Lucie School District:
Morningside Elementary School Principal:
Mrs. Marcia Cully
cullym@stlucie.k12.fl.us
(772) 337-6730
St. Lucie County Schools Superintendent:
Michael J. Lannon
4204 Okeechobee Road
Ft. Pierce, FL 34947-5414
Phone: 772/429-3925
FAX: 772/429-3916
lannonm@stlucie.k12.fl.us
St. Lucie County School Board Chair:
Carol Hilson
772-519-0397
hilsonc@stlucie.k12.fl.us
Vice Chair:
Judith Miller
772-528-4545
millerj@stlucie.k12.fl.us
It made me pretty angry.
From TCPalm.com:
Teacher lets Morningside students vote out classmate, 5
By Colleen Wixon
Saturday, May 24, 2008
PORT ST. LUCIE — Melissa Barton said she is considering legal action after her son's kindergarten teacher led his classmates to vote him out of class.
After each classmate was allowed to say what they didn't like about Barton's 5-year-old son, Alex, his Morningside Elementary teacher Wendy Portillo said they were going to take a vote, Barton said.
By a 14 to 2 margin, the students voted Alex — who is in the process of being diagnosed with autism — out of the class.
Melissa Barton filed a complaint with Morningside's school resource officer, who investigated the matter, Port St. Lucie Department spokeswoman Michelle Steele said. But the state attorney's office concluded the matter did not meet the criteria for emotional child abuse, so no criminal charges will be filed, Steele said.
Port St. Lucie Police no longer are investigating, but police officials are documenting the complaint, she said.
Steele said the teacher confirmed the incident took place.
Portillo could not be reached for comment Friday.
Steele said the boy had been sent to the principal's office because of disciplinary issues. When he returned, Portillo made him go to the front of the room as a form of punishment, she said.
Barton said her son is in the process of being diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a type of high-functioning autism. Alex began the testing process in February at the suggestion of Morningside Principal Marcia Cully.
Children diagnosed with Asperger's often exhibit social isolation and eccentric behavior..
Alex has had disciplinary issues because of his disability, Barton said. After the family moved into the area and Alex and his sibling arrived at the school in January, Alex spent much of the time in the principal's office, she said.
He also had problems at his last school, but he did not have issues during his two years of preschool, Barton said.
School and district officials have met with Barton and her son to create an individual education plan to address his difficulties, she said. Portillo attended these meetings, Barton said.
Barton said after the vote, Portillo asked Alex how he felt.
"He said, 'I feel sad,' " Barton said.
Alex left the classroom and spent the rest of the day in the nurse's office, she said.
Barton said when she came to pick up her son at the school Wednesday, he was leaving the nurse's office.
"He was shaken up," she said.
Barton said the nurse told her to talk with Portillo, who told her what happened.
Alex hasn't been back to school since then, and Barton said he won't be returning. He starts screaming when she brings him with her to drop off his sibling at school.
Thursday night, his mother heard him saying "I'm not special" over and over.
Barton said Alex is reliving the incident.
The other students said he was "disgusting" and "annoying," Barton said.
"He was incredibly upset," Barton said. "The only friend he has ever made in his life was forced to do this."
St. Lucie School's spokeswoman Janice Karst said the district is investigating the incident, but could not make any further comment.
Vern Melvin, Department of Children and Families circuit administrator, confirmed the agency is investigating an allegation of abuse at Morningside but said he could not elaborate.
I was absolutely fuming after I read this. I hope you were, too. That's why I posted it. I also want to point out that -- while families living with autism is an important subject to me -- imagine if this was done to a 5-year-old without Asperger's -- any 5-year-old for that matter.
What kind of a cowardly person places the onus for dealing with a difficult child on a room full of five-year-olds? Shame on this "teacher."
Here's a link to the story (including a family photo of little Alex).
Thanks to the MySpace Page "Autism Awareness" for bringing this story to my attention.EDIT:
Again, thank you to the Autism Awareness MySpace page for the following:
CONTACT INFO for the Port St. Lucie School District:
Morningside Elementary School Principal:
Mrs. Marcia Cully
cullym@stlucie.k12.fl.us
(772) 337-6730
St. Lucie County Schools Superintendent:
Michael J. Lannon
4204 Okeechobee Road
Ft. Pierce, FL 34947-5414
Phone: 772/429-3925
FAX: 772/429-3916
lannonm@stlucie.k12.fl.us
St. Lucie County School Board Chair:
Carol Hilson
772-519-0397
hilsonc@stlucie.k12.fl.us
Vice Chair:
Judith Miller
772-528-4545
millerj@stlucie.k12.fl.us
Friday, May 23, 2008
Where's the party?
I have been out of school now for just about a week but have not blogged until now.
Partly, I needed to re-group, and, partly, I just haven't known what to write about lately.
I'm holding off on writing about the theatre scene at the moment, because, in my present frame of mind I would probably over-use words like "pandering", "limpid", and "shallow," and, I'd rather not do that right now.
I expect that I will soon fall back in love with Denver theatre, but, for the moment, we're "taking a break."
It's not you, it's me. Really.
As for movies, Iron Man was great, in my opinion, Speed Racer was a lot of fun (no sequels this time though, please, Wachowski brothers) and Dan in Real Life was well-acted but predictable. I haven't mustered up the courage to see the latest Indiana Jones yet. I'm a big Harrison Ford fan, but I'm just not sure that this movie needed to be made.
So, today, dear readers, I am going to broach a subject that I normally eschew: politics. The DNC is coming to Denver in August, and there are some bloggers up in arms that they aren't invited because they have been critical of party leadership.
Now, I'm not a Democrat (or a Republican, for that matter), but I think I can see both sides of this.
On the one hand the DNC wants to throw a big mutual admiration, pat-each-other-on-the-back, ain't-we-just-grand, feel-good family shindig, and they'd just as soon not have the bickering cousins sitting at the head table. Well, it's their show. I guess they can invite whomever they want.
On the other hand, these bloggers show their loyalty to their party through their willingness to yell "BS!" from time to time, to keep everyone on track. They are just doing their part, and should probably be allowed to join the fiesta.
Honestly, though, I think that this country's inexplicable need to be an "either/or" when it comes to political affiliation is a great hindrance to democracy and efficiency.
Ideologically speaking, there are moderate Democrats and moderate Republicans who are nearer to one another than they are to the center of their own parties, not to mention the extremists. Yet, these two individuals of nearly identical minds will vote completely opposite of one another simply because they identify themselves as being part of one "club" versus another because of their upbringing or their geography. Plus, they're lazy.
"I don't have to know the platforms of every candidate on the ballot. I just need to know their party."
Democracy in action. Democracy inaction.
Add to this the fact that, once elected, the representatives of each side spend so much more time throwing mud (on-camera whenever possible) at the other team that not much really seems to get done. At this point, there are only two ways for government to be more fruitful under the current system:
The first way is for one side to dominate another in the elections and seize power. The major downside to this is that a significant portion of the population will feel highly under-represented, and we don't need another "Mason-Dixon Line" in this country.
The second way is through the "miracle" of bipartisanship. This is a big deal when this happens, it seems, because it always manages to get plenty of coverage in the press.
"Oh. look! One of the red guys is shaking hands with one of the blue guys! They're working together, isn't it amazing?"
(Do yourself a favor. Look into the etymology of "Congress" sometime.)
Am I saying that we need a third party? Yes, and a fifth, and a seventh. (Odd numbers tend to work out better when one reaches an impasse.)
It's time that we ask ourselves why am I in this club? If you know the answer and like the answer, then cool, be a DNC'er or a GOP'er, by all means. However, if you find yourself with doubt in your heart, embrace that doubt.
Take responsibility for your vote, a lot of people fought very hard that you may have it. Vote for people and ideas, not "colors" or "animals."
Do your representatives represent you? If not, then you've got nobody to blame but yourself.
Okay, I'm going to step off of the soapbox now.
It's a good thing, too, because you don't want me to get started on the electoral college . . .
Partly, I needed to re-group, and, partly, I just haven't known what to write about lately.
I'm holding off on writing about the theatre scene at the moment, because, in my present frame of mind I would probably over-use words like "pandering", "limpid", and "shallow," and, I'd rather not do that right now.
I expect that I will soon fall back in love with Denver theatre, but, for the moment, we're "taking a break."
It's not you, it's me. Really.
As for movies, Iron Man was great, in my opinion, Speed Racer was a lot of fun (no sequels this time though, please, Wachowski brothers) and Dan in Real Life was well-acted but predictable. I haven't mustered up the courage to see the latest Indiana Jones yet. I'm a big Harrison Ford fan, but I'm just not sure that this movie needed to be made.
So, today, dear readers, I am going to broach a subject that I normally eschew: politics. The DNC is coming to Denver in August, and there are some bloggers up in arms that they aren't invited because they have been critical of party leadership.
Now, I'm not a Democrat (or a Republican, for that matter), but I think I can see both sides of this.
On the one hand the DNC wants to throw a big mutual admiration, pat-each-other-on-the-back, ain't-we-just-grand, feel-good family shindig, and they'd just as soon not have the bickering cousins sitting at the head table. Well, it's their show. I guess they can invite whomever they want.
On the other hand, these bloggers show their loyalty to their party through their willingness to yell "BS!" from time to time, to keep everyone on track. They are just doing their part, and should probably be allowed to join the fiesta.
Honestly, though, I think that this country's inexplicable need to be an "either/or" when it comes to political affiliation is a great hindrance to democracy and efficiency.
Ideologically speaking, there are moderate Democrats and moderate Republicans who are nearer to one another than they are to the center of their own parties, not to mention the extremists. Yet, these two individuals of nearly identical minds will vote completely opposite of one another simply because they identify themselves as being part of one "club" versus another because of their upbringing or their geography. Plus, they're lazy.
"I don't have to know the platforms of every candidate on the ballot. I just need to know their party."
Democracy in action. Democracy inaction.
Add to this the fact that, once elected, the representatives of each side spend so much more time throwing mud (on-camera whenever possible) at the other team that not much really seems to get done. At this point, there are only two ways for government to be more fruitful under the current system:
The first way is for one side to dominate another in the elections and seize power. The major downside to this is that a significant portion of the population will feel highly under-represented, and we don't need another "Mason-Dixon Line" in this country.
The second way is through the "miracle" of bipartisanship. This is a big deal when this happens, it seems, because it always manages to get plenty of coverage in the press.
"Oh. look! One of the red guys is shaking hands with one of the blue guys! They're working together, isn't it amazing?"
(Do yourself a favor. Look into the etymology of "Congress" sometime.)
Am I saying that we need a third party? Yes, and a fifth, and a seventh. (Odd numbers tend to work out better when one reaches an impasse.)
It's time that we ask ourselves why am I in this club? If you know the answer and like the answer, then cool, be a DNC'er or a GOP'er, by all means. However, if you find yourself with doubt in your heart, embrace that doubt.
Take responsibility for your vote, a lot of people fought very hard that you may have it. Vote for people and ideas, not "colors" or "animals."
Do your representatives represent you? If not, then you've got nobody to blame but yourself.
Okay, I'm going to step off of the soapbox now.
It's a good thing, too, because you don't want me to get started on the electoral college . . .
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Falsettos in Denver
I do wish that I had more time for the prose that I sometimes write here. I haven't ticked anyone off in so long, I'm jonesing a bit. (I did get a hate-filled text message the other day, so I guess that's something.)
Anyway, I did find time to make it to see Next Stage's Falsettos at the new Aurora Fox Studio Theatre, and I wanted to make sure I put it on my recommended list for you all. It's a terrific show, even if the space itself could use some work, which John Moore details in his review here.
Now, in linking to to John's review, I'm not saying that I wholly agree with it. I believe I liked the show more than he did, and I believe that you will, too. John does bring up some points about sound and sight line issues, though, that I think are valid and that I hope will be addressed by the Fox for future productions.
Back to the show, however, I must confess that Falsettos is one of those shows that has sort of been "under my radar." I sort of knew it was about a family man who comes out of the closet, but that was about it. However, more research was warranted after two of my close Denver friends garnered the lead roles: Tyler Collins as Marvin and Janelle Christie as Trina.
If you want to find out more about the background and history of the show, here's a useful link.
It probably should have been employed by the young woman who sat behind me before she bought her ticket. Her audible "Ewww" at the first on-stage kiss between Marvin and his male lover and her inappropriate snickering through the final scene suggest that she was expecting a choir concert in head voice, rather than a poignant and moving examination of the nature and variety of love.
Still, it probably did her some good. Even as I heard her proselytizing to her friends on the way out the door about "sins against God," I believe that, on some level, she was challenged by the piece, and we could all afford to be challenged more often. (Are you listening Denver theatre producers? Are you?)
Kudos to Next Stage on their challenging and highly entertaining production. Don't miss it.
By the way, are you familiar with The Trevor Project?
Anyway, I did find time to make it to see Next Stage's Falsettos at the new Aurora Fox Studio Theatre, and I wanted to make sure I put it on my recommended list for you all. It's a terrific show, even if the space itself could use some work, which John Moore details in his review here.
Now, in linking to to John's review, I'm not saying that I wholly agree with it. I believe I liked the show more than he did, and I believe that you will, too. John does bring up some points about sound and sight line issues, though, that I think are valid and that I hope will be addressed by the Fox for future productions.
Back to the show, however, I must confess that Falsettos is one of those shows that has sort of been "under my radar." I sort of knew it was about a family man who comes out of the closet, but that was about it. However, more research was warranted after two of my close Denver friends garnered the lead roles: Tyler Collins as Marvin and Janelle Christie as Trina.
If you want to find out more about the background and history of the show, here's a useful link.
It probably should have been employed by the young woman who sat behind me before she bought her ticket. Her audible "Ewww" at the first on-stage kiss between Marvin and his male lover and her inappropriate snickering through the final scene suggest that she was expecting a choir concert in head voice, rather than a poignant and moving examination of the nature and variety of love.
Still, it probably did her some good. Even as I heard her proselytizing to her friends on the way out the door about "sins against God," I believe that, on some level, she was challenged by the piece, and we could all afford to be challenged more often. (Are you listening Denver theatre producers? Are you?)
Kudos to Next Stage on their challenging and highly entertaining production. Don't miss it.
By the way, are you familiar with The Trevor Project?
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Playing Catch-up: Millie and Oz
Oh wow!
It's April 19th already! Where does the time go?
Performance Now's Thoroughly Modern Millie is already running!
Featuring the ever-enjoyable Alisa Vaughters as Millie, this is undoubtedly a show not to be missed. (I may have to catch it next weekend myself.) You know how this works: click on the brightly-colored link for more info.
I did manage, despite my monstrous schedule, to catch MSCD's The Wizard of Oz on Thursday. Now, I'm usually the first one to say, when it comes to staging the MGM musical version of Baum's classic fable, why not just put up a big screen and show the 1939 movie?
The answer, my friends, is on stage at the King Center this weekend and next. Very fun. Melissa Morris as Dorothy is a delight. Erica Johnson is absolutely bewitching as . . . oh, don't make me say it.
It's April 19th already! Where does the time go?
Performance Now's Thoroughly Modern Millie is already running!
Featuring the ever-enjoyable Alisa Vaughters as Millie, this is undoubtedly a show not to be missed. (I may have to catch it next weekend myself.) You know how this works: click on the brightly-colored link for more info.
I did manage, despite my monstrous schedule, to catch MSCD's The Wizard of Oz on Thursday. Now, I'm usually the first one to say, when it comes to staging the MGM musical version of Baum's classic fable, why not just put up a big screen and show the 1939 movie?
The answer, my friends, is on stage at the King Center this weekend and next. Very fun. Melissa Morris as Dorothy is a delight. Erica Johnson is absolutely bewitching as . . . oh, don't make me say it.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Promoting a few of my friends . . .
Here's a couple of things that will probably slip under the "radar" if I don't mention them here.
Two CU Denver Students will be presenting their respective senior projects this month:
At What Cost? A Musical Drama
Written and directed by Melanie Meers
April 15th and 16th, 7:30 P.M.
Auraria Campus Arts Building, Rm. 278
Free to the public
Special Dinner Theatre Fundraiser Performance for Crossroads Baptist Church El Salvador Missions Trip, April 13th at Crossroads Baptist Church (I-25 & Grant).
6:00 P.M. $7 for Adults, $5 children under 10
Jennifer Dean's Senior Project
A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking
April 29th and 30th, 7:30 P.M.
Auraria Campus Arts Building, Rm. 278
Free to the Public
Also coming up:
Metro State College of Denver presents:
The Wizard of Oz
Eugenia Rawls Courtyard Theatre at the King Center
Auraria Campus
April 17-19 & 24-26, 7:30 p.m. and April 27th at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets $15, Free to Metro students
I'm really looking forward to seeing Melissa Morris step into the spotlight as Dorothy Gale.
Oh, and folks: Monkeys will fly.
Bring the kids.
Finally, this one probably doesn't qualify as being "under the radar," as I'm sure many of you have heard about this, but Gary Dean Hathaway will be holding auditions for Performance Now's upcoming production of Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical. I really feel that Gary is one of the few directors in the world who can bring this show to its full potential. Actors will count themselves lucky to be a part of it. Here's the audition info direct from the man himself:
Two CU Denver Students will be presenting their respective senior projects this month:
At What Cost? A Musical Drama
Written and directed by Melanie Meers
April 15th and 16th, 7:30 P.M.
Auraria Campus Arts Building, Rm. 278
Free to the public
Special Dinner Theatre Fundraiser Performance for Crossroads Baptist Church El Salvador Missions Trip, April 13th at Crossroads Baptist Church (I-25 & Grant).
6:00 P.M. $7 for Adults, $5 children under 10
Jennifer Dean's Senior Project
A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking
April 29th and 30th, 7:30 P.M.
Auraria Campus Arts Building, Rm. 278
Free to the Public
Also coming up:
Metro State College of Denver presents:
The Wizard of Oz
Eugenia Rawls Courtyard Theatre at the King Center
Auraria Campus
April 17-19 & 24-26, 7:30 p.m. and April 27th at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets $15, Free to Metro students
I'm really looking forward to seeing Melissa Morris step into the spotlight as Dorothy Gale.
Oh, and folks: Monkeys will fly.
Bring the kids.
Finally, this one probably doesn't qualify as being "under the radar," as I'm sure many of you have heard about this, but Gary Dean Hathaway will be holding auditions for Performance Now's upcoming production of Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical. I really feel that Gary is one of the few directors in the world who can bring this show to its full potential. Actors will count themselves lucky to be a part of it. Here's the audition info direct from the man himself:
Performance Now Theatre Company
Is holding auditions for
Jekyll & Hyde
Directed by Gary Dean Hathaway
AUDITIONS
Saturday April 19th, 12-5 p.m.
Sunday April 20th, 2-6 p.m.
CALLBACKS:
Sunday April 20th 7-10 p.m.
Auditions will be held at
Little Theatre Dance Studio
2670 E. County Line Road
Highlands Ranch 80126
(SE corner of University & County Line Road)
Call Performance Now at 303.918.1500 to reserve a time
Please call after 11 a.m.
Please do not call Little Theatre!
Casting:
20 Men
14 Women
ALL ROLES ARE AVAILABLE / NOTHING IS PRE CAST
Men: prepare 36 bars each from 2 contrasting songs. 1 ballad / 1 up tempo rock song, both showing your range and passion.
Director encourages singing something from the show. (I doubt that you'll have to do the whole 36 but just be ready)
If you are auditioning for Jekyll please be familiar with all of his songs.
You will be doing the Confrontation during the callbacks so you might want to prepare for that.
Ladies: prepare 36 bars each from 2 contrasting songs. 1 belt / 1 legit.
Director strongly suggests singing something from the show. (I doubt that you will have to do the full 36, but be ready just in case)
If you are auditioning for the role of Lucy please be familiar with all of her songs and be prepared to belt to an F#.
Everyone: You must have sheet music to audition. No CD’s or tapes, and no a capella
Looking for very strong singers & actors.
And because this production is going to be very dark and adult in nature I need people who are willing to go that extra step and aren't afraid to take risks.
Rehearsals: Saturdays and Sunday afternoons, beginning April 26
A few evening music rehearsals will also be held, TBA
Performances:
June 20-29
Confirmed shows:
Fridays 7:30
Saturdays 7:30
Sundays 2:00
Tentative shows (depending on ticket sales)
Thursdays 7:30
Saturdays 2:00
For updated info please visit: www.myspace.com/garydean
Saturday, March 29, 2008
"Dude."
This was the ominous one-word phrase spoken to me by the Mac Genius (that's what they call them) at the Apple store in Cherry Creek earlier this week when I came to them with my inoperable MacBook.
Roughly translated, "Dude" meant that my hard drive was completely dead and would need to be replaced and that the retrieval of any of my files from the dead hard drive would be costly if not nearly impossible.
Ugh.
But I am back now on my resurrected MacBook with a brand new drive (that I installed all by myself, thank you very much) and feeling a bit of the meaning within Thoreau's call to "Simplify! Simplify! Simplify!" (Rumor has it that his friend and mentor Emerson responded to this by saying, "I think one 'Simplify!' would have been sufficient." I don't know if there's any truth to this, but I really hope so.)
While my computer was down, I found time to empty my DVR of nearly all of the episodes of the Sci-Fi Channel's new take on Flash Gordon. I must say that I've been very impressed. While retaining the spirit of the original strip, the modern update is fresh, funny, and exciting. Eric Johnson is much more than just a pretty face (which he was on Smallville) as the charming Flash. (By the way, how can he be the only "Eric Johnson" in SAG? Isn't that like one of the top ten most common names?)
The Sci-Fi Channel is big on doing marathon re-runs, in fact, it looks like they're doing the whole season split across April 10th and April 30th -- definitely tune in (or program it in or whatever). And, if you've already seen the show, don't spoil it for me. I still have six episodes to go.
Roughly translated, "Dude" meant that my hard drive was completely dead and would need to be replaced and that the retrieval of any of my files from the dead hard drive would be costly if not nearly impossible.
Ugh.
But I am back now on my resurrected MacBook with a brand new drive (that I installed all by myself, thank you very much) and feeling a bit of the meaning within Thoreau's call to "Simplify! Simplify! Simplify!" (Rumor has it that his friend and mentor Emerson responded to this by saying, "I think one 'Simplify!' would have been sufficient." I don't know if there's any truth to this, but I really hope so.)
While my computer was down, I found time to empty my DVR of nearly all of the episodes of the Sci-Fi Channel's new take on Flash Gordon. I must say that I've been very impressed. While retaining the spirit of the original strip, the modern update is fresh, funny, and exciting. Eric Johnson is much more than just a pretty face (which he was on Smallville) as the charming Flash. (By the way, how can he be the only "Eric Johnson" in SAG? Isn't that like one of the top ten most common names?)
The Sci-Fi Channel is big on doing marathon re-runs, in fact, it looks like they're doing the whole season split across April 10th and April 30th -- definitely tune in (or program it in or whatever). And, if you've already seen the show, don't spoil it for me. I still have six episodes to go.
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