May to March?

Well well well. As things were going so well, something was bound to screw up. It's a law. So today I got a message from Craig at good ole Barter only to be informed that he had some bad news. We could still use the space, but only in March now. Not the scheduled May, but March 9- 11 to be exact. WHAT?! Not only is that less than a month to put together an amazingly deep show, The Baltimore Waltz, but igt heinously interferes with the school musical. The musical opens on the 12th of March and we'll be in tech for it the whole week leading. As if I could even be at Baltimore tech. Ugh! So I called Craig back and told him that if they couldn't change the dates, we wouldn't be able to do it. I had to leave a message though because he wasn't in, so we'll see what happens tomorrow. I really hope they change it. This would be such an awesome artistic exploration if we're given the opportunity. And we need this play.

So as I sit here listening to the original cast recording of Assassins and write on my blog, I can't help but think how much I really don't want to do the musical, but I really can't leave it now. I love Assassins. Such a great show. I really wish that I would have seen it when I was in NYC last. Ah well. I've got to go and take care of some rehearsals crap for my monologue. Only two weeks before I'm off to the city for auditions!

And for those of you who know him, I stumbled across John Hall's blog. The address is http://www.johnxiv.blogspot.com/ if anyone would like to go there, do. It's very funny, his witty writing will make you laugh.

The New Form of Racism

When one thinks of racism, they usually think back to the sixties and the civil rights movement and all that jazz. They normally wouldn't associate it with today. But I am here to tell you that it exists still, in many ways. Or maybe what I am about to tell you is sheer stupidity on the AHS administrations behalf. But whatever you deduce it to be, I must say that it has enraged me very much to the point of publicly proclaiming so.

Today as you may or may not know was Martin Luther King's birthday, a day nationally accepted as the day on which to celebrate black history month and give it the full spotlight. Most schools across America received this day off to attend community programs or remembrance walks. The Washington County school system however kept on trucking and attended school on this day. One reason given for this by the superintendent was that this is a "very teachable day," meaning he felt that students would benefit more if they stayed in school and had class discussions with teachers on the subject as well as an array of various other activities. I agree completely with this statement, that there is potential for learning here. But there was one problem: nothing happened. I would almost bet money that there were children who left Abingdon High on this momentous day without even knowing it was a national holiday! Teachers were asked in first period to turn their tv's on to show a movie on the subject. The movie however lasted shorter than five minutes and really had nothing to do with the subject. The teachers led no discussion afterwards either. And no more was mentioned to students for the remainder of the day.

That is unless you are in A.P. Government or a minority! Here's the clincher. Abingdon High School did have a guest speaker! A local african american pastor by the name of William Austin came to share his experience growing up in a segregated community. But as I said before, only A.P. Government students and minorities were given the oppotunity to go to this assembly. Two assemblies were held, one sixth period and one seventh, in order to accomodate both AP classes. And I must say that the audiences were very small at each assembly. The administration set up this event in a SEGREGATED form! If someone was not in an AP government class, i.e. 98% of the student body, they weren't allowed to attend. And then the retarded guidance office called every student from a minority race out of class to ask them if they'd like to attend! Not to say that there is anything wrong with their attendance, but this event should have been a school wide thing. Not for just a select few. And having this event for a room full of african americans seems a bit redundant to me. Isn't that a bit like preaching to the choir? Wouldn't white people benefit most from learning of times as this? And isn't this day about meshing and coming together as a whole and celebrate equality? The way Abingdon High School conducted this was utterly ridiculous and unacceptable. They felt like they HAD to have this for those minorities at AHS and didn't care what it meant! I believe the administration owes an apology to those who were discriminated against by not being allowed to attend, those who were racially profiled by being called to the guidance office, and to the speaker who didn't even get a chance at spreading his message to the students! I did attend the ceremony in lieu of taking yearbook photos, and I must say that I enjoyed it very much. Reverend Austin gave a very wonderful speech. He did note, however, in his speech how racism still exists today, EVEN AT AHS! He said that! He spoke about how he's fought with the school in the past because of unfair treatment and how the inequality still exists today! And I couldn't help but think, as he talked about this, how relevant it was to the problem today and wonder if maybe he'd realized that! As he said, "this school is riddled with politics," I felt in complete agreement with him, and that I must do something! Too little was done at AHS to celebrate such a grand day. It's inexcusable and some sincere apologies are in order. After todays pathetic display of compassion and understanding, I'm embarrased to say I attend AHS. But then again, I always have been. This isn't the first time the administration has completely screwed up and been retarded, and it certainly won't be the last!

Anyway, on a lighter note that I must include, I received confirmation today from the Barter Theatre for The Baltimore Waltz. The show is a go! We'll be holding auditions the first and second of February! Whew! So much going on at once.

We had musical rehearsals this afternoon and must say that I wasn't impressed. Martin, the director, go upset with me for no good reason! I was talking to Ryan Cury and he told me to "please not make a comment" after everything he says. WHAT! Anyway, I think he thought I was talking about him, but I wasn't. I think Martin's a good guy and all, but that really upset me. He's just paranoid because he overheard two people talking about him rudely when he directed the musical two years ago. So he wouldn't direct it last year. He's back now though, and apparently very weird about stuff. Anyway, if this is how it's gonna be I don't need to put up with it. I've got bigger and better things to worry about. And I could leave the musical at a hearts bet. Suffice it to say that if an incident like this happens again, they'll be searching for a new Buffalo Bill. lol. That' sounds sooo weird. But it upset me that he called me down like that. He should get over that paranoia really quickly!

Continuity

Oh my goodness it's been a long time since last I posted and so very much has happened. The wonderful duo of Evalyn Baron and Peter Yonka are back in NYC now and having a blast I'm sure. They'll be heading off to England very soon to see shows and experience the place.

Madame Payne posted the musical audition results and I must say that I am all but satisfied. I am honestly considering dropping the whole project and picking up something worth while! I was cast as Buffalo Bill. BUFFALO BILL! HOLY MOTHER OF GOD! That part is so obviously not for me! We have parts that we were born to play and parts that we weren't. This is a part not meant for me, ever! There are many other casting mistakes too besides this one, many of which I cannot type on my blog in the case that a person might read about themselves in an unparticularly unflattering light. But suffice it to say that there are people who shouldn't have been cast at all playing leads while those who should have more than a walk on role are joining the chorus! So anyway, we'll see how this journey ends. Maybe the director has some grand vision that I'm just not getting yet and it will be the best thing ever at AHS. But I highly doubt that. Time will tell, and my nerves wll just have to go onto auto pilot as I undergo the retarded direction of Mr. Lester. My saving grace will have to be the drama club play: The Baltimore Waltz. Auditions can't come soon enough. Although I'm directing, it's still very exciting.

I saw White Noise this weekend at teh cinemall with my friend Ryan Cury. The movie was rather good. I think we both enjoyed it. It contained it fill of jumps and loud noises so clad with horror movies these days, but I liked the fact that they've finally produced a movie about a real type of paranormal research and haven't stretched it too far from reality. It was still believable.

As days go by and my audition nears, I must admit my nerves are resurfacing. I am very excited about getting to NYC though. I also found out that I can get ridiculously cheap tickets to see The Phantom of teh Opera on Broadway for $30!!! Crazy! But very exciting. So we'll see how this goes too.

Well that's about the lot of the current events in my life over the past few days. Life continues and keeps getting more thrilling and exciting as days go by. Who knows where tomorrow will lead. Although the continuity of life may make it seem more monotonous than it really is, the opportunities are there if you search fore them and are willing to take them. Even in a small town like Abingdon, expect the unexpected. Adieu!

To be in the musical, or not to be in the musical...

Well today was the day that Evalyn Baron and Peter Yonka, armed with their 24-foot truck, began their journey back to New York City. I'm sure they'll have a wonderful time and have many exciting adventures in store for them in the future there.

We find out tomorrow the results of our audition efforts as the cast list is posted for Annie Get Your Gun. I feel so mixed about this whole thing. First of all I hate chorus and anything it attempts to do. Second, the musical is all politics and no talent usually. And last, there is so much turmoil on so many different levels for so many reasons that I don't know if I want to be involved in such a mess. I love theatre though, and that true actor inside calls and backins me to do the show, even against my will. We'll see what turns out of it. I just don't believe that theatre should be done "for fun" or as a hobby. By respecting the art and having a passion for it you will ultimately have fun, but it won't be a hooby but rather your being. It makes me angry to see theatre mocked by a poorly done show.

Other than that, nothing really happened today. Very uneventful, a normal January day I guess. I hate January.

Observation

I awoke this morning to the news that my aunt had had a heart attack and was in the hospital. This horrible and unfortunate event les me to Wellmont Hospital tonight on a pilgrimage of sorts to visit the sick. The events on this surreal trip though seem to play back endlessly in my mind. I first met my mom at her office: the United Way of Bristol, where I followed her to the hospital. She had to stop by the post office first, so as I followed I couldn't help but to notice the remarkably beautiful, newly restored Custom House in downtown Bristol. It's just off State Street and is quite a remarkable sight. I've been in it only once to see the touring exhibit on the holocaust from the National Holocaust Memorial in Washington, D.C. but I've never seen or noticed it before at night. The way it's lit and the shadows of light on the brick make it look like something straight out of NYC. That's what other buildings lack on State Street, beauty and modernization mixed to create something wonderful.

Then as we continued our trek, on West State Street was a man riding a unicycle down the street! It was very interesting to watch, something so unique and rare to this area. As I watched he teetered his way down the lane, turning a sharp right and loosing his balance for a second, only to regain and continue his way. Very fun.

At the hospital I waited in the CICU waiting room. As I sat there I tried to soak in every detail to use in my upcoming production of The Baltimore Waltz. The play is set in a hospital lounge our corridor type area, we're using a waiting room scenario. I noticed how the room was laid out and what the color scheme consisted of. The stiff greens and pale pinks. The calming watercolor prints on the walls. All combined to give me the sense of vomit, maybe not to others though. It all seemed too grungy for me. I think I'll use more white in my set design to promote the sanitary idea, and maybe some yellows to highlight the pee jokes (I'll really be capitalizing on this aspect). As I watched, one lady cried beside a seemingly uncaring man while another couple of people laughed carelessly, obliviously. It's odd how many emotions can occur in a set space. The awkwardness of waiting in a room with other people for distant but closely connected reasons. I don't know if I'll use this feeling for this show or not, I don't know if it will fit yet. But I will use it soon. I shall commit it to that little mind bank all actors have.

I HAVE SOO MUCH TO DO, AND NOTING SEEMS TO BE GETTING DONE! NYC auditions(which I haven't been as loyal to as I should be), planning the trip to NYC, planning the trip to NYC ofr the AHS drama dept., getting The Baltimore Waltz together, the musical, school, work, family!!! Ah well, it will happen I hope. I checked on rates and stuff tonight for my trip this month. I think I've persuaded my dad to let us stay in the Hudson Hotel! I'm so excited! It looks like and awesome place. Really chic and modern, yet classy and antique.

The chorus musical had auditions for seniors and juniors last night. I was there. I don't know why, but I was. I LOVE THEATRE, don't get me wrong, but my love of theatre really persuades me not to audition for the AHS chorus musical because they never do them justice. If you haven't guessed, I'm really anti-chorus at Abingdon High. This is because it's just too ridiculous and unnecessary too often. There's a whole schpeel I could go into about why I hate the chorus, but I'll save that for another post, as it would take an entire post to completely list my loathing. Anyway... I usually pray before auditions that God may help me obtain the role I want and that I do my best. I didn't do that for this audition. Mainly because I just don't care. If I get in I get it, if I don't - the better, and I'll be able to put more time into The Baltimore Waltz. So we'll see the outcome on Friday. I may be able to post the cast list earlier if Mrs. Payne reads it aloud to us in jazz choir as is tradition. Well, back to work for now...

Bloggers Cramp?

I write today from the rear of the yearbook room at AHS. I'm "at lunch" at the moment so I thought that I'd take a moment to pause and write on my blog since I didn't have anything else important to do. I apologize for not posting last night, it has really bothered my conscience that I did not. I think I have a fear of getting out of habit and no longer posting on my blog, but I really want to continue this. I think it's a vital thing that I'm growing more attached to as the days wind on: writing and expressing my feelings through electronic wires. It's theraputic.

Yesterday I finally recieved via UPS two scripts which I had ordered last Monday. LAST MONDAY! They were supposed to be delivered on Thursday but they couldn't make the trek from Roanoke to Abingdon in time, so four more days were added. Ridiculous. But they did come, and now I've read on and have the other to enjoy hopefully tonight. The Baltimore Waltz by Paula Vogel because I'm considering it for performance by the AHS drama club (and I love the script), and Only You by Timothy Mason because it's the play my audition monologue is from. I read The Baltimore Waltz last night and loved it as much as I thought I would. I first learned of it when I purchased the "soundtrack" to Marry Zimmerman's Metamorphoses which is another great play. The CD consisted of a compilation of music composed by Willy Schwarz that was used in the production as well as other shows directed by Zimmerman. By-the-way, I adore Mary Zimmerman! She is one of my role models when it comes to directing. Her wonderful style of whimsy and delight is one that I hope I am able to capture and recreate as I progress in my art. Anyway, the CD had a few songs that she used in her production of The Baltimore Waltz and I first fell in love with the "feel" of the show, which is something I do often. And by reading the script, I was able to fall in love with it for numerous more reasons. Its wonderful use of language and weaving in and out of "being." Vogel, who wrote the script, is a master at this. She is wonderful when it comes to the metaphors and allusions on stage, making you always second guess what is real and what should be real. The fact that the story is based on the true life relationship of Vogel and her brother makes it all the more entriguing and understandable. Vogel's brother died of aids shortly after having asked his sister to accompany him to Europe, which she refused. She had no idea he was HIV positive, and later regretted this decision. The play was a result of an imaginary trip to Europe she had with Carl after his departing. Knowing this, I was able to appreciate and undertand the script all the more.

It's a wonderful script for many more reasons, but at the moment I cannot think very well due to the incisive noise behind me now. The students have returned from lunch and their loud mouths never cease to blabber and talk in loud, obnoxious tones. So I have to go now and save you from having to read bad writing.

Chasm

Today I have a slight sense of depression enstilled within me for various reasons. First of all I must say that I HATE January! I always have and I always will. Nothing good ever comes out of it and nothing eventful occurs during it. No holidays, religious fasts, nothing. The Barter Theatre is also very much closed in January too. As they resume rehearsals from a holiday, no shows are on stage nor will be until February. NOTHING HAPPENS IN JANUARY!

School reopens tomorrow after our Christmas "vacation." If you can call it that. Two weeks is not, to me, a vacation from that hell place! We deserve a whole month off for the miseries we endear at Abingdon High! And besides, colleges not only let out earlier, but most don't resume until the twelfth of January at the earliest! This is one of the major contributors to my "depression" as I hate school. I don't hate learning at all! I actually love to learn, and invite challenges to overcome, so it's not that either. It's just that I hate learning things I HATE. Sure, they're supposed to give me more logical thinking skills, but I'm sure that there's anotehr way of doing this. If I were to study the views Henrik Ibsen had on life instead of telophase and interphase all day, I'd have no problem and actually look forward to returning to school. Ah well, one more year! That's what I keep telling myself, and I think it's the only thing keeping me sane...

Then, another thing that's made me a little more sadder over the past few days is the departure of Peter Yonka and Evalyn Baron from the Barter Theatre back to their home in New York City. This very unique and ridiculously over talented couple have been acting at the Barter for the past three or four years and have contributed greatly to the artistic efforts in this area. Their talents, however, are only preceeded by their unprecedented kindess which seems to be never ending. Evalyn and Peter are two of the nicest people I have ever met, and probably ever will meet. I truly hate to see them leave. It will be most unfortunate for Barter. By reading Evalyn's blog (www.compostmoi.blogspot.com ) I sense that she hates to go too, but is very excited about returning to the big apple. Reading her thought's, I think I'm able to connect with her feelings, which makes me feel very depressed, empty and hollow, yet strangley warm and optimistic at the same time. But mostly depressed, added with the fact I hate to see them leave. But that's ok, because Evalyn is an AMAZINGLY awesome writer as well, and only a good writer could create such emotion in a reader. I love reading her blog to not only see what's she's into, as she's such a neat person, but because I can get those emotions through her writing. It's like a natural high. I know that's weird, but I really hate to see these people go and I hope they come back soon and often! And I know that they'll prosper and do wonderfully in the city. As Evalyn has already been on the Broadway stages a few times, I know she'll have no problem and I think we'll be seeing Peter's name in light's shortly. Evalyn and Peter: I wish you the best of luck in the city as with your careers (even though I know you don't need it). God bless you and may you have a wonderful and prosperous life in the city! Keep in contact with me! Read my blog, and I'll read yours, and send the occasional e-mail. And hopefully when I'm in the city, we'll be able to catch up and have coffee, lol.

Anyway, that's why I feel the way I feel. The culmination of it leads of to a trapped, endless feeling. I guess I'm not really depressed, and that was a bad way of saying it. I just hate January. After this month though, will come happiness and wonderful, wonderful bliss when I can again usher or work on a new project! But now I must sleep, for school begins again tomorrow!

Let It Snow

Can it truly be the winter season out there? Who forgot to turn on the snow machine this year? It's really rather depressing to me because winter is my favorite season of all and I really wish it would snow. When I came home from work today, I was shocked by seeing all of my neighbors outdoors doing lawn care and even cutting the grass. There's something surreal about seeing a person mow the lawn only six days after Christmas, not to mention the first day of the new year (They must not have attended any parties worth mentioning, or else they wouldn't have the stamina for yard work...). It's the middle of the winter season people! Let your John Deere's and straw hats go into hibernation! I do hope the weather turns cold soon so I can wear my scarf. I received a wonderful new scarf from my good friend Amber as a Christmas present this year and so far haven't had a decent reason to wear it. Although I've worn it twice it hasn't been cold enough and I know I've looked ridiculous. But I really want to wear it, and they are in fashion this year... Anyway, I've been staying up too late and must get back on a routine schedule before school starts, so I'm off now.

I've Got A Golden Ticket!

I just returned home from seeing the new movie "Lemony Snicketts: A Series of Unfortunate Events" starring Jim Carrey and was a little unimpressed. That's beside the point though, as I wish to center this blog on something else. There were three trailers before the movie though that made me really excited, one of which I am bursting at the seams to see the film of.

They're turning the classic Orson Wells novel War of the Worlds into a movie. It look s rather decent, at least from the previews. Although I have no word on cast or creative, it looks promising just from the idea that someone is daring enough to bring back such a classic book into movie form. I only hope that they don't downplay Mr. Well's wonderful example of thirties sci-fi writing in turn for new, instantly gratifying special effects (even though we all know that's what Hollywood has become). I believe Ray Bradbury summed it up best in an interview I once read of him when he spoke of how many millisecond clips there are out there in the cinema. All of these shorter-than-a-second frames are visually stunning and instantly pleasing to our minds. Bradbury used The Moulin Rouge (one of my favorite films) as an example. Moulin Rouge contained thousands and thousands of half second clips that resulted in nothing but an instant, semi-second sense of thrill. You don't think anymore. We don't think anymore. Whereas in a book, or, as I must add, in the theatre, these short snipids are not possible and you have to realize, think, and conclude over a series of pages or actions that lead to an intelligible ending. These outlets are far more gratifying overall in the end, moreso than a movie of quick thrills that will leave you feeling dumb and unfulfilled in the end (and not to mention eight to ten dollars poorer!). Anyway, that's all I'll comment on with my philosophies of a mindless society, because film does have the potential for good, just not the demand. I do buy recorded Broadway productions on DVD though....

The next trailer that drew my attention was for Bewitched, a new movie based on the 1960's sitcom of the same name. I hope it's a nice little retro romp, but only time will tell. It stars Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell as Samantha and Darren, respectively. I like Nicole Kidman in some thinks, and not at all in other. The Moulin Rouge, as I've mentioned before is one of my favorite movies, was a nice little role for her. I did feel she performed wonderfully and I enjoyed her voice, though many would contradict me. Although I may have liked the movie with anyone in her role just due to the fact that Baz Luhrman's a genius. One thing that does make me nervous with Nicole Kidman is the "retro" theme of the movie previously mentioned. If anyone has seen The Stepford Wives they know what I mean when I say that Kidman should steer clear of anymore period pieces. The problem with Stepford was that it wasn't period enough. In the remake, there time period was set to present day like the original was set to it present day. In the sixties, the idea the movie portrayed was relevant and made sense, it is not really an issue anymore, and when you bring it into the new millennium, it kind of clashes with the progress already made. The movie time setting should have been left where it was, an dthe little additions should have never happened. But back to Bewitched, I only hope that the directors don't mess up the once wholesome and pure idea of the sitcom by placing it in modern society with Kidman as an awkward Samantha. My next concern for this movie comes over the decision to case Will Ferrell as Darren. I am just not sure yet as to how this will go. Mr. Ferrell will either be genius or horrible. But I am cautious not to prejudge and "typecast" him in my mind after seeing such renowned actors as Jim Carrey leave the safe comic realm for something serious as he did for The Majestic and The Truman Show, both excellent films. Then again, his role in Bewitched will be a comic one, as it is a funny show. The sitcom was funny, and to preserve this the movie will be. But Darren needs a bit of serious stuffiness that Mr. Ferrell may lack. We'll see.

The last preview, the one I'm MOST excited about was that of the remake of Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory!!! I cannot WAIT until this movie hits screens! I really don't think this movie can go wrong, unless they make it too childish, which I don't believe they will just from the look of the trailer. It seem like it will be weird, freaky, odd, and a bit scary: all of the things I love and look for in a movie or piece of theatre. By the looks of cast and creative, I would almost nominate this movie for best film just by the preview. Johnny Depp, fresh back from Neverland will deliver, what I am sure will be, a wonderfully creepy and odd, yet real Willie Wonka. His performance is Finding Neverland was astounding, and I feel that film was one of the best of the year. Then, behind the camera, there is Tim Burton who will deliver, as always, without fail, a sense of magic thanks to his wonderful ability to blend the strange an unreal to the normal and real. This can easily be illustrated through his two films The Nightmare Before Christmas and his wonderful fairytale Big Fish. I am certain that with these two, you'll get a movie well worth seeing and cherishing throughout life.It will be weird, but "real" weird. I do not know if they'll be keeping the music from the original film version or not though, but a part of me wants them not to have it. From the looks of the preview, they left it in the sixties/seventies when the film was first made or at least left plenty of elements of it there. This makes for many fun costumes and sets, as well as music. The time era of the first filming was one of craziness and decadence, where drugs and music often mixed to make wonderful colors and visions. Not to say that this movie is based on marijuana or anything, but that feeling I'm sure has bled through. This movie will be very fun!

Now that I'm done with my movie mania/critiquing, I'll make another comment: Happy New Year! As I write this, it's after twelve. I missed the ball drop on the television, but not in my heart. I felt no urge or want to watch it this year. When my mother commented "Time's Square's on T.V." I replied that it wasn't anything we won't be seeing in a few weeks. This is true, as I'll be there for my audition soon....I guess New Years Eve wasn't as "rockin'" this year with the absence of Dick Clark. I kind of wanted to tune in and see how Regis was doing filling in, but got too lazy and decided to write on my blog instead and treat all of my devoted readers, if there are any. So feel special, and Happy New Years.