Again, I did little but study my part yesterday. Over and over, I listened to the tape and repeated the words in answer to the recorded cues.
Did take out time to make spaghetti sauce for the first time in my life. Yes, and--ta dah!--I actually used fresh tomatoes. As my friend, Leslie, had assured me, it wasn't difficult. I chopped tomatoes, onions, garlic,and seasonings, then simmered it for about an hour and a half. Added some sausage I had in the freezer, and had a bowlful (without pasta--I didn't want to take the trouble to cook it) and, if I say it myself, it's terrific. I have plenty left, so will just eat that until it's gone.
Annoyingly, it started to rain the minute I pulled out of the garage, but I got to Surflight with no problem. Even more annoyingly, we were again short several of the cast, and didn't start until about 7:00, although rehearsals are called for 6.
Well, it's shaping up, but barely. My "sister," Chris, was so stressed, she had an emotional breakdown, but we all rallied around and assured her she'd be fine in the role. Did the first part of act one, tonight we'll do the other, and boy, I still have to keep my nose to the you-know-what.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
All Play
It was practically all play, all day--not fun and games, of course, but Arsenic. I took time out at 11:30 to attend a R.H. meeting and we discussed upcoming activities for the rest of the year.
Other than that, I just went over and over my lines with the help of my tape recorder. Act three had been scheduled and I naturally hadn't paid a lot of attention to it earlier.
I really dislike this piecemeal, "pages 34 to 65" kind of rehearsing. It's difficult to grasp the full story-line and it doesn't lend itself to smooth memorizing, either. I'm anxiously awaiting a straight, full run-through and hope it comes soon.
Loaded the car with my costumes, as we had been told we'd have pictures taken last night. Took off about 5:00 and stopped on the way at Acme, but was still early.
Got to Surflight to be told picture-taking was postponed until Thursday, as Scott, the photog, was sick. So was Neil, one of the principals and several others had class, or were keeping another important commitment, or had been kidnapped and spirited off to Ethiopia, for all I know. (I can hardly believe they can be so unserious about this project.)
Director Lou said he'd take all the other parts necessary, but first, my "sister," Chris, he, and I would go over third act blocking. We sat down and went over our moves for 45 minutes or so, while a number of people were working on the set. We then hung around until 8, when Lou said we might as well go home.
So we never rehearsed at all last night and Lou has assigned the first part of act one for tonight. Yoicks! This casual direction, along with the set problems and general messiness of the theatre is making me crazy.
One bright spot was getting to know a little better my opposite number, Chris R., in the long stretches of time in which we weren't doing anything. We shared family lore and had some good talk.
When Lou said we could go, I dropped my tape recorder and--damn!--it doesn't seem to work now. I'll try it plugged in instead of with batteries and hope it's all right.
Okay, tonight I'll be well prepared for the first act.
Other than that, I just went over and over my lines with the help of my tape recorder. Act three had been scheduled and I naturally hadn't paid a lot of attention to it earlier.
I really dislike this piecemeal, "pages 34 to 65" kind of rehearsing. It's difficult to grasp the full story-line and it doesn't lend itself to smooth memorizing, either. I'm anxiously awaiting a straight, full run-through and hope it comes soon.
Loaded the car with my costumes, as we had been told we'd have pictures taken last night. Took off about 5:00 and stopped on the way at Acme, but was still early.
Got to Surflight to be told picture-taking was postponed until Thursday, as Scott, the photog, was sick. So was Neil, one of the principals and several others had class, or were keeping another important commitment, or had been kidnapped and spirited off to Ethiopia, for all I know. (I can hardly believe they can be so unserious about this project.)
Director Lou said he'd take all the other parts necessary, but first, my "sister," Chris, he, and I would go over third act blocking. We sat down and went over our moves for 45 minutes or so, while a number of people were working on the set. We then hung around until 8, when Lou said we might as well go home.
So we never rehearsed at all last night and Lou has assigned the first part of act one for tonight. Yoicks! This casual direction, along with the set problems and general messiness of the theatre is making me crazy.
One bright spot was getting to know a little better my opposite number, Chris R., in the long stretches of time in which we weren't doing anything. We shared family lore and had some good talk.
When Lou said we could go, I dropped my tape recorder and--damn!--it doesn't seem to work now. I'll try it plugged in instead of with batteries and hope it's all right.
Okay, tonight I'll be well prepared for the first act.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Another
Another full one. Picked Leslie up at 11:00 in a driving rain and we went to the cemetery. Betty met us there and we talked about Pat, sometimes laughing, sometimes not. Stopped at Jay's grave, too, of course, then left to go back to the land of the living.
We had a good lunch at Italian Gourmet, then parted to go home, still through rain. I spent most of the rest of the afternoon studying my lines, until my dinner guest came. We ate, said goodbye, I dressed, then left for rehearsal.
I had known that the theatre, Surflight, had been hit hard by the hurricane, but had understood it was thoroughly restored. When I walked in, though, I was stunned to see how far from the truth that was. Geez, it looks horrible. It had been carpeted, but of course, that was saturated by water when the storm hit, so carpet had been torn up and the bare concrete floor is what now shows. In addition, there were all kind of other problems. Even some of the seats need to be re-bolted to the floor--there are downright hazards all over the place.
Rehearsal was a shambles, too. Of course, at this stage, they usually are. I was annoyed with myself for not knowing a lot of my lines, but at least others weren't completely off-book, either.
Anyway, we went through a portion of act two and finished at 9:00. Driving home down half the length of Long Beach Island was an eerie, not to say frightening, experience. It's a summer community, so is always sparsely populated in the winter, but now, it's essentially deserted. Almost no businesses are open and hardly a house in a hundred was lighting. In addition, a heavy fog hung over the island and I expected a Stephen King spectre to come looming out of the mist.
However, I made it home okay. I have a R.H. meeting and luncheon scheduled today, but I've decided to jettison the lunch. It's on LBI itself and I'm just not willing to go that far twice in a day. Besides, I want to devote myself to studying my lines--we do act three tonight.
We had a good lunch at Italian Gourmet, then parted to go home, still through rain. I spent most of the rest of the afternoon studying my lines, until my dinner guest came. We ate, said goodbye, I dressed, then left for rehearsal.
I had known that the theatre, Surflight, had been hit hard by the hurricane, but had understood it was thoroughly restored. When I walked in, though, I was stunned to see how far from the truth that was. Geez, it looks horrible. It had been carpeted, but of course, that was saturated by water when the storm hit, so carpet had been torn up and the bare concrete floor is what now shows. In addition, there were all kind of other problems. Even some of the seats need to be re-bolted to the floor--there are downright hazards all over the place.
Rehearsal was a shambles, too. Of course, at this stage, they usually are. I was annoyed with myself for not knowing a lot of my lines, but at least others weren't completely off-book, either.
Anyway, we went through a portion of act two and finished at 9:00. Driving home down half the length of Long Beach Island was an eerie, not to say frightening, experience. It's a summer community, so is always sparsely populated in the winter, but now, it's essentially deserted. Almost no businesses are open and hardly a house in a hundred was lighting. In addition, a heavy fog hung over the island and I expected a Stephen King spectre to come looming out of the mist.
However, I made it home okay. I have a R.H. meeting and luncheon scheduled today, but I've decided to jettison the lunch. It's on LBI itself and I'm just not willing to go that far twice in a day. Besides, I want to devote myself to studying my lines--we do act three tonight.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Rehearsal, Ham, And A Martini
Shortly after our walk, I was pleased to get a call from Susan, who asked if I had dinner plans. Nope. Would I like to come over about 5:30 for a ham dinner, preceded by a martini? You bet!
The rest of the day was all Arsenic. This is about the time when you begin to wonder why in the hell you ever thought it was a good idea to take to the stage. I went over and over my lines, with the tape recorder and otherwise. We're doing pages 34 to 65 tonight and to me, the cues and blocking in those pages seem particularly difficult to follow. Oh, well, I know I'll get it in time not to disgrace myself.
Interspersed studying lines to wash and iron some of my costume components. We have to take them tonight for pictures. Decided against taking the mourning clothes in which I appear in the second act; too cumbersome, so I'll take the long green skirt and white blouse. Along with the apron I was alloted and some brooches I have, my costumes seem appropriate.
Got a call from Lillian of R.H.'s to say we'll have a meeting on Tuesday, then lunch on the island. Okay by me, as that'll be a good time to hand out blurbs on Arsenic to members of the group.
Went across the street to Susan's and Walter's at 5:30 to be treated to a superb martini--Sapphire gin infused--and a terrific ham dinner. Had good talk, too, and I stayed until 8:00.
This is Pat's birthday; he would have been 82. I'm taking my friend, Leslie to the cemetery and we'll meet sister Betty there.
The rest of the day was all Arsenic. This is about the time when you begin to wonder why in the hell you ever thought it was a good idea to take to the stage. I went over and over my lines, with the tape recorder and otherwise. We're doing pages 34 to 65 tonight and to me, the cues and blocking in those pages seem particularly difficult to follow. Oh, well, I know I'll get it in time not to disgrace myself.
Interspersed studying lines to wash and iron some of my costume components. We have to take them tonight for pictures. Decided against taking the mourning clothes in which I appear in the second act; too cumbersome, so I'll take the long green skirt and white blouse. Along with the apron I was alloted and some brooches I have, my costumes seem appropriate.
Got a call from Lillian of R.H.'s to say we'll have a meeting on Tuesday, then lunch on the island. Okay by me, as that'll be a good time to hand out blurbs on Arsenic to members of the group.
Went across the street to Susan's and Walter's at 5:30 to be treated to a superb martini--Sapphire gin infused--and a terrific ham dinner. Had good talk, too, and I stayed until 8:00.
This is Pat's birthday; he would have been 82. I'm taking my friend, Leslie to the cemetery and we'll meet sister Betty there.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Busy Day Again
Enjoyed an early Skype call from London and saw the adorable little girls. I was happy to see they had gotten the little pillows I sent for Valentine's Day and am thrilled I'll see them in California in April.
Was not so thrilled with the snow outside, but it was cleared off pretty quickly and I had no real problem with it.
Got an e-mail from nephew Dave W., who's soon to leave for Rome with the Foreign Service. He said he and Polly, who now live in Washington, D.C., would like to come to my play and stay over. That will be fun and I'll invite Betty, Joan and Jim, and another couple for brunch the next day.
Thought I'd spend the day studying lines, but about 11:00, I just decided to can it and go into Atlantic County. Stopped for gas, called Betty to see if she could meet for lunch, and found Mary H. was there, too. Said I'd join them and Betty made me a nice chicken sandwich.
Said goodbye and drove off, then impulsively decided to see if Dee G., who owns our old house on Rosborough Avenue, was in. She was, greeted me with delighted cries (really), and I stayed twenty minutes or so with her. She again has the house up for sale, but it's anybody's guess if it'll sell.
Home about 4:00 and checked the Arsenic Facebook page to see a post from wardrobe mistress Nicole to the effect that she was at the costume depository at that moment trying to select clothing for the cast. She had left a number, I called, and said I'd be right there. I went and joined her, my "sister," Chris, and love interest, Stacey.
I was amazed at the huge amount of costumes, furniture, and props in the very large, warehouse-like space; geez, LETCO never had anything like this. Chris and I each wear three costumes in the play and we tried on the components of each, which Nicole had selected. They include mourning outfits, with hats and gloves; we'll supply our own shoes.
After two hours there, my costumes were assembled and I piled them all in the car. We're expected to wash, iron, and generally make presentable our own costumes, which is reasonable--after all, this isn't Broadway. The only thing I lack now is a wig, if I decide to use one. Otherwise, I'll spray my hair grey.
Oh, there's one other thing I need: to know my lines! Today, I'm going to do nothing but memorize my part.
Was not so thrilled with the snow outside, but it was cleared off pretty quickly and I had no real problem with it.
Got an e-mail from nephew Dave W., who's soon to leave for Rome with the Foreign Service. He said he and Polly, who now live in Washington, D.C., would like to come to my play and stay over. That will be fun and I'll invite Betty, Joan and Jim, and another couple for brunch the next day.
Thought I'd spend the day studying lines, but about 11:00, I just decided to can it and go into Atlantic County. Stopped for gas, called Betty to see if she could meet for lunch, and found Mary H. was there, too. Said I'd join them and Betty made me a nice chicken sandwich.
Said goodbye and drove off, then impulsively decided to see if Dee G., who owns our old house on Rosborough Avenue, was in. She was, greeted me with delighted cries (really), and I stayed twenty minutes or so with her. She again has the house up for sale, but it's anybody's guess if it'll sell.
Home about 4:00 and checked the Arsenic Facebook page to see a post from wardrobe mistress Nicole to the effect that she was at the costume depository at that moment trying to select clothing for the cast. She had left a number, I called, and said I'd be right there. I went and joined her, my "sister," Chris, and love interest, Stacey.
I was amazed at the huge amount of costumes, furniture, and props in the very large, warehouse-like space; geez, LETCO never had anything like this. Chris and I each wear three costumes in the play and we tried on the components of each, which Nicole had selected. They include mourning outfits, with hats and gloves; we'll supply our own shoes.
After two hours there, my costumes were assembled and I piled them all in the car. We're expected to wash, iron, and generally make presentable our own costumes, which is reasonable--after all, this isn't Broadway. The only thing I lack now is a wig, if I decide to use one. Otherwise, I'll spray my hair grey.
Oh, there's one other thing I need: to know my lines! Today, I'm going to do nothing but memorize my part.
Saturday, February 09, 2013
Snow
Just got up to see a winter wonderland outside. A few inches, I guess, not too bad. I tested it and it seems dry, so we can still take our walk. Already have my new Totes boots on and they seem fine.
Yesterday, it was all rain, all day. Fine by me, as after our walk, exercise, and a trip to the bank, I stayed in to study my lines. Talked to Betty twice. She was a bit worried at possible flooding, but it seems not to have materialized.
At exercise, I chatted with the daughter (Diane) of a resident, (Eunice). Found that Diane has a house in Ventnor, which is up for sale, but is staying with her mother temporarily. Had a nice talk and I'm going to call them for a "Blowin'..." profile.
Well, I thought the age thing had missed me--ha!--but apparently not: All day yesterday, I believed it was Saturday, but it weren't.
Other than the above, it was just a nose-to-the-(memorizing)-grindstone day.
Short Time Later Note: Just got back from a truncated walk. I didn't realize that either it's still snowing or the wind is whipping the snow around. Anyway, it was very uncomfortable walking, the snow stinging my face and my glasses fogging, so I turned back after about a half mile. Bitter-ender Susan went on. One good thing: I'm pleased that I bought the new boots so recently. After their baptism by--uh, the elements--they proved themselves to be a good purchase.
Yesterday, it was all rain, all day. Fine by me, as after our walk, exercise, and a trip to the bank, I stayed in to study my lines. Talked to Betty twice. She was a bit worried at possible flooding, but it seems not to have materialized.
At exercise, I chatted with the daughter (Diane) of a resident, (Eunice). Found that Diane has a house in Ventnor, which is up for sale, but is staying with her mother temporarily. Had a nice talk and I'm going to call them for a "Blowin'..." profile.
Well, I thought the age thing had missed me--ha!--but apparently not: All day yesterday, I believed it was Saturday, but it weren't.
Other than the above, it was just a nose-to-the-(memorizing)-grindstone day.
Short Time Later Note: Just got back from a truncated walk. I didn't realize that either it's still snowing or the wind is whipping the snow around. Anyway, it was very uncomfortable walking, the snow stinging my face and my glasses fogging, so I turned back after about a half mile. Bitter-ender Susan went on. One good thing: I'm pleased that I bought the new boots so recently. After their baptism by--uh, the elements--they proved themselves to be a good purchase.
Friday, February 08, 2013
Busy
I survived yesterday, but barely. Picked up Aline at 8:45 and got to the Stafford Library just after it opened. We went to the desk to check in and ask for a cart. We were then approached by a tall elderly man who introduced himself as Eric England, the guy who had done the piece on my program for The Sandpaper and other local papers. He said he couldn't stay for the program, but just wanted to meet me--very nice guy and I appreciate his articles.
As I customarily do, I had brought a fair number of Dionne artifacts in two big boxes and a small one, plus two large cloth bags. Boy, those boxes are heavy and the meeting room is down a flight of stairs. However, we made it and after covering two long tables with tablecloths, I set the stuff up.
I was surprised and gratified at the number of people who showed up; Doreen, vice president of the club, counted 62. She introduced me and I launched into the program.
It was so well-received and the audience so attentive, it was a pleasure to be there. There were lots of questions at the end, including the standard "What got you interested in the Dionne Quintuplets?" Even after, as we were having coffee and cake, a number of attendees came up to me, many of them to tell me they were born in the same years, or a relative had seen the Quints, or whatever.
After packing everything up and loading the car (luckily, we were went a cart and used the elevator to get up to ground level), it was close to 1:00 before we left. Dropped A. off and got home just in time to freshen up a bit before Leslie stopped for me and we walked to the Activities Meeting at the clubhouse. Along the way, we met up with Roberta O., president of the Women's Club and gave her our checks for membership.
The activities meeting, at which upcoming events were discussed, lasted about two hours, so I got home before 4:00. Changed into something else, studied my lines, then took off for rehearsal.
It went well, but I'm far from off-book, and I'm going to devote the weekend to memorizing. With my popcorn and wine, saw the rest of the Arsenic DVD Eric McD. had given me. Very cute and I may incorporate a bit or two into my character, but generally speaking, I think I have it down pretty well.
Monday, we start rehearsing at Surflight--can't wait!
As I customarily do, I had brought a fair number of Dionne artifacts in two big boxes and a small one, plus two large cloth bags. Boy, those boxes are heavy and the meeting room is down a flight of stairs. However, we made it and after covering two long tables with tablecloths, I set the stuff up.
I was surprised and gratified at the number of people who showed up; Doreen, vice president of the club, counted 62. She introduced me and I launched into the program.
It was so well-received and the audience so attentive, it was a pleasure to be there. There were lots of questions at the end, including the standard "What got you interested in the Dionne Quintuplets?" Even after, as we were having coffee and cake, a number of attendees came up to me, many of them to tell me they were born in the same years, or a relative had seen the Quints, or whatever.
After packing everything up and loading the car (luckily, we were went a cart and used the elevator to get up to ground level), it was close to 1:00 before we left. Dropped A. off and got home just in time to freshen up a bit before Leslie stopped for me and we walked to the Activities Meeting at the clubhouse. Along the way, we met up with Roberta O., president of the Women's Club and gave her our checks for membership.
The activities meeting, at which upcoming events were discussed, lasted about two hours, so I got home before 4:00. Changed into something else, studied my lines, then took off for rehearsal.
It went well, but I'm far from off-book, and I'm going to devote the weekend to memorizing. With my popcorn and wine, saw the rest of the Arsenic DVD Eric McD. had given me. Very cute and I may incorporate a bit or two into my character, but generally speaking, I think I have it down pretty well.
Monday, we start rehearsing at Surflight--can't wait!
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TUESDAY
As mentioned, I slept well. Did my morning stuff, then went to the 10:15 Bone Builders class. As ever, Lulu* came in when it was three-quar...
