Betty got here about noon and we had a leisurely time before the 2:30 show. Arrived at Frog Pond School in plenty of time. Greeted some of my Little Egg Theatre Company colleagues Sunrise Bay neighbors and settled into our front-row seats. Sat next to Barb D., my next-door neighbor and Frank's wife.
What a fabulous show! It was so, so funny, and every one of the actors were spot-on with delivery, comings and goings, and the intricate moves--including a sword fight--of which there were many. Standing ovation after, in which we enthusiastically joined.
The cast, as it always does, came out to mingle and chat after, and I had a wonderful time with my colleagues. Of course, I wanted to be in the show, but I'll try for the next one, Night Must Fall, to be staged in February.
Frank D., who was the producer (and general factotum) caught me ahead of time and asked if I'd meet him and Judy K., who ran concessions, at the food pantry today at 5:15. We're going to donate the rest of our packaged refreshments to them and he asked me to take a picture and write something up. Will do.
Decided to make dinner instead of eating out, which was fine with Betty. I had made a salad and sliced up onions, peppers, and mushrooms before she got here. Whipped them out, added garlic, and stir-fried that with chicken. Along with the salad and a basket of pumpernickel, it made a tasty meal for the two of us.
Daughter Ellen called on Skype, so we both had the chance to see and talk to her--can't wait to see her at Christmas. Betty and I then talked an talked; went to bed a bit after 9:00 and I, for one, slept like a log. Betty had to work today, so we'll be saying goodbye after a good, sisterly visit.

Duplicated and put Blithe Spirit flyers in the post office and two branches of the library. Decided not to put out any signs yet, as the wind has been fierce and I'm afraid they'll blow down.
Went to the Sunrise Bay Players show with Dennis and Leslie last night. It was pretty good, very funny in spots, a bit risque in others, and deadly dull here and there. This is, of course, "readers' theatre," which means participants read their lines, usually with the script on a music stand in front of them. I had been involved in the group as a writer, director, and actor for several years. I just tired of it, and the real thing--memorizing lines, actually acting, and performing on a real stage in front of a paying audience--is so enticing, the other stuff seems tame.
Going pumpkin picking today!

The show last night was a smash hit! Mind you, this wasn't Broadway, off-Broadway, or even anything that could be mentioned in the same breath with Broadway, but still--.
There were a few glitches, but nothing terrible. The most serious was probalby that people at one of the twelve tables complained they couldn't hear the actors. The clubhouse venue, being large and high-ceilinged, was acoustically challenged and there was a lot of extraneous noise. A few lines were dropped here and there and, as the hostess, I started calling tables too early, then had to announce it was a mistake, but all that was no big deal.
A major part of this type of show is for the audience to guess the identity of the murderer. I was gratified that, even though I wasn't even listed on the printed ballots, I got thirteen "votes." Maybe I came across as outwardly sweet and demure, but inwardly possibly diabolical--dunno.
The thing that happened we all wish hadn't could not have been prevented with more rehearsal or anything else: Toward the end of the show, a woman with a heart condition became faint and had to go outside. Jim, one of our cast members, is a doctor and he went out to stay with her until the ambulance came. He missed a key segment, but the rest of us covered for him and I don't think anyone noticed.
Generally, things went smoothly and, most important, the audience was very receptive and appreciative. They were intent on enjoying themselves and that's always a great boost for performers.
After, we went to a local bar, drank beer and ate nachos, and had a ball hashing over the evening. What fun to be with these people, all much younger than I am, and feel part of this active, engaged, creative life!
Anyway, it was a terrific experience and now I'm looking forward to--yoicks!--playing the much longer and pivotal role of Ivana, the Hungarian psychic, next Sunday.

Gee-oh-gosh, we're really getting down to the wire with the show. Rehearsal last night went okay, although it was a bit disconcerting to play both parts, the hostess and the psychic. Also, the psychic part, which I'll play in Surf City, has been altered to fit with Shar-Pai Rescue, the organization sponsoring the Surf City gig. (Just looked at their web site, and boy, are those dogs ugly. Why anyone would want one is beyond me.) Got the new script today and will look at it later.
Another change is that the producer part, which Frank Next Door will play on Saturday, will be assumed by Rick Somebody, who just blew back into town. I remember him from the Seaport show last month. He's a big presence, with a big, booming voice and I understand he improvises a lot. He did a funny monologue at the Seaport, telling the "story" of the clams or something. He was good, but I think it lasted too long.
I was told I have to increase my volume/ I don't think I have a teeny-tiny voice, but clearly, it isn't as strong as it needs to be. Not sure, at this late date, what I can do about it, but I'll try just talking louder.
Tonight: dress rehearsal.