Finally a bit of Sunshine in Chicago

[mrdreamjeans]

I'm moving slowly this morning, but things are already looking up. The sun is out, a surprise as it is the first time it has shone since we arrived in Chicago last Monday. Perhaps, I'll actually be able to see Lake Michigan today. I'm staying only two blocks away, but it hasn't been visible.

We were short-handed in the show yesterday. As I expected, Kathy (Eva) was out both shows and Angela, one of her understudies was on; Mary (who plays Eva's mom) was at her mother's 70th birthday party in Boston, so the female swing was on, covering two tracks. We were one Aristocrat down, so in the sections where we circle each other in pairs, I had to circle myself. I like to think I did it with panache:) Bradley (Che), despite his horrifying accident on Friday night, was on in both shows with the only mark of his fall a bandaged, sprained wrist. We were all very relieved to see him at work!

My friend Cheryl in Seattle had purchased house seats for last night's performance for her mother, sister and brother-in-law as an early Christmas present. They took me to dinner at a landmark restaurant called The Italian Village between shows and then were seventh row center for the evening show. What nice, down-to-earth people they are!

Despite the substitutions, the failure of a mechanized revolving door mid-number and several missed or missing lighting cues, they adored the show and thought it was excellent. It just goes to show that what I know is happening onstage, good and bad, is not necessarily what the audience reads. It reminds me to be patient when my desire for perfection gets the best of me:)

We have two shows today and then the cast is gathering after the second show to play whirly-ball. I'm not exactly sure how the game is played, but it combines bumper cars in teams of six, a whiffle ball and scoring like basketball. It sounds like a riot.

Tomorrow is a day off and I'm going to a local high school to speak to my friend Gabrielyn's high school choir and then to her drama class. Gaby and I toured in Phantom together, and after years on the road, she returned to her home town to teach. I'll have to work at summoning up some singing notes after this eight-show week, but it will be wonderful to see her. I haven't seen her since Christmas 1998. Spending time with her will certainly bring sunshine to my day in Chicago even if the weather doesn't cooperate.

Comments

[ciddyguy.livejournal.com]

I'm glad what incidents last night were nothing too major and that the audience didn't even notice them. Yay!

Glad Brad's sprained wrist didn't keep him from his appointed role. :-)

Enjoy the sun while you can.

[gyvyr.livejournal.com]

I stumbled on your journal through friends - I saw the production last Thursday and loved it... great efforts all around. And I loved the Aristrocrats and their choreography!

Also glad to hear that Bradley was ok from his accident on Friday. That must have been scary to experience. On Thursday evening, about 15 minutes before the curtain went up, someone on the main floor called for a doctor in the house, but it must not have been anything serious as there no paramedics were needed.

Take care!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Many thanks for the compliments! I'm proud of the production. Please feel free to "friend" me here on LJ. I don't know many LJ folks in the area. I'll do the same if you don't mind:)

[gyvyr.livejournal.com]

I don't mind at all!

I read through your last few posts before I commented and I loved hearing all about your experiences. I look forward to more.

[gotmoof.livejournal.com]

Gabrielyn is such a nice lady, please tell her hello!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Will do! She always asks how you are doing:)

[nlotic.livejournal.com]

Glad that Bradley (Che) is doing ok and the cast continues to roll with whatever happens.

Whirlyball sounds like fun

Have fun in Chi-town

[nlotic.livejournal.com]

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Been there, done that...tonight... other than a bit of whiplash, I had a great time! Despite my lack of expertise or expert tease, my team won:)!

[mncuddlecub.livejournal.com]

Hey Neil,

Sound like the tour is moving along pretty steadily, and it seems you're getting along fine. I'm glad. Sorry I haven't been around to give you grief as much lately, but I truly wish you the best during your tour.

Have you gotten any of my messages telling you, I've seen you in the show, though I didn't know it? Yeah! I saw the tour you were in some time around 1992, I was only in high school at the time, but still I saw you... it's weird, I had NO idea at the time that I would some day know you, and yet, here we are!

I still hope your current tour comes through Minnesota, I'd really like to see the show again, and this time (of course) meet you in person :o)

I hope to talk to ya more soon. Take care.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I've always loved playing Minneapolis. I have very fond memories of my times there. In 1980 I was there with "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas", playing an Aggie football player. I bought my Lhasa Aphsa puppy from a dresser at the theatre and had him for 11 years. I also visited the Minnesota State Fair where I bought a quilt.

I was indeed there in 1992 with "Evita" and also in 1999. In 1992 we were there in January. I remember because I went out hiking in the snow to take pictures and my beard iced over and pieces of it broke off in my hand! It's annoying that you were in high school when you saw me perform then, but I forgive you:)

In 1999, Tim and I went on vacation from there to Disneyworld. If I could find work in the Twin Cities, it would be one of the cities where I would really enjoy living...winter and all....

[mncuddlecub.livejournal.com]

PIECES OF YOUR BEARD BROKE OFF?! YIKES!!!

Thanks for forgiving me for my youth when I saw you the first time. It was only the second live musical I'd ever seen. I wish I could go back in time, find myself, and tell me, "see that guy right there? Go say hi to him after the show, he's gonna be a buddy of yours someday" :o)

I know how much you love your work in theatre, so I'd sooner encourage you to stay with that than anything else. But if you did ever leave it, and found a job here in the arctic lands of Minnesota, you are more than welcome :o) I know I'd think it was pretty nifty. Still for your sake, I say continue doing what you love, and hopefully your shows will tour through Minnesota then I'll get to see and meet you still. The best of both worlds!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I always enjoy it when I do. I've spoken to several high school classes while on tour, at audience participation nights and to a couple of classes at University of Houston- Downtown where my friend Marybelle is on faculty. I don't pull any punches. I answer any and all questions.

I tell the students that life on the road is difficult and often lonely, that it takes strength, persistence and confidence, even more than talent, to be successful as an actor. It is not enough any more to be just a singer, actor or dancer, that it is necessary to be good at all three in musical theatre... extraordinary at one of them.

I let them know that if the theatre is in their blood, no one will ever be able to dissuade them from pursuing it. I also tell them that theatre draws a type of person who needs a greater love than just their family can give them... that there are all kinds of people drawn to the field. Success is not determined or undermined by your sexuality.

It is an equal playing field where discrimination isn't tolerated...if you can't accept everyone for who they are, don't even think of theatre as a career, because your prejudice will put you in the minority!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Hey Brett! I posted some pictures a couple of weeks ago that were taken backstage and a couple from rehearsal. I have to tread a fine line with union rules to post any production photos, but if I purchase them or go through the correct channels, I might be able to come up with some. One of our actresses has started a website for a tour. I'll see if I can come up with the link for folks to check out. I'm glad you're following along:)!