Revisiting the theatrical past
Tonight, in a fit of narcissistic enthusiasm (or, perhaps, enthusiastic narcissism), I watched recordings of Starlight Theatre's 2006 production of "Oklahoma!" and Waukegan Community Players' 2005 version of "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown". The contrast between the two in production quality was staggering. "Charlie Brown" actually put me in the mind of some kind of experimental theater put on by hippies -- like that show performed by the kids (including Howard Hesseman) in "Billy Jack". And yet, if you ask me, the Book Report and Baseball songs more than make up for the minimalist set and costumes (and audience), and humor that was middle of the road 40 years ago. Those songs rock my casbah.
Dan on 07.28.06 @ 10:16 PM CT [link]
Tuesday, July 25th
Leisure Goals
I think I'd like to do something like this, a Highpointers Club (registration required, I'm sure) kind of thing. Well, except for the states where you'd have to climb mountains. That's no good. But the idea of doing "some thing" in each state appeals to me. Another similar example would be, like many middle-aged guys do (Hello, Tom Hanks! -- albeit in a scaled-down version), visiting every Major League baseball stadium, preferably in one summer. That would be sweet.
Dan on 07.25.06 @ 01:30 PM CT [link]
Sunday, July 23rd
Oklahoma!
There were 9 performances of "Oklahoma!" scheduled, weather permitting. Who would have thought the weather would be so permitting? Not one night was cancelled. But all good things must come to an end. Let's go to the big board. Wow, the last 6 shows I've done have been with 6 different directors. Big change from the first six shows. Have I finally had enough? I am pretty exhausted from all those late nights and long drives. But there do seem to be reasons to continue. I wish I could go back four years and see what it was that I did with all my time back then.
Dan on 07.23.06 @ 05:46 PM CT [link]
Wednesday, July 19th
Wasted on the young...
After tonight's rehearsal, some of the teenagers were talking about taking a swim. It's like 9:30, dark and scary, storm's a-brewing. At that time the beach is closed and there's no one there to force you to pay to get in. And it's right across the parking lot from where we're doing "Oklahoma!". I wish I was that wild and youthful and free-spirited and carefree. "Hey, let's jump in the lake!" "Cool, dude!" The sad reality is that, even ignoring my current reasons for not doing something like that -- which are many -- there's probably no point in my life when I would have done anything that spontaneously adventurous. And/or fun.
Dan on 07.19.06 @ 11:47 PM CT [link]
Saturday, July 15th
world series of pop culture
I've seen the first 2 episodes of this "World Series Of Pop Culture" and I think I like it. Now, do I like it because it's a good show or because I tried out for it with a couple other guys (as the phenomenally named team, "Elvis Needs Boats"). That's a tough call. You're part of a team, but you play by yourself. That's good. And if you make one mistake, you're not out -- although you might be seriously down. That's good, too. From what I've seen so far -- which is 4 first round matchups -- the questions don't seem as tough as the written test they gave people at their auditions. That was one hard test. [The first 4 shows -- covering all 8 first round matchups -- premiered in the last week before the final 4 shows started premiering in their regular Thursday slot.]
Dan on 07.15.06 @ 03:39 PM CT [link]
Friday, July 14th
Oklahoma!
I seriously underestimated the crowds at "the bowl". I heard an informed estimate -- from someone who's been around this theater for a while -- that there were over 1500 for last Saturday's show. They do say it can hold thousands, if filled. The lawn area gets a nice crowd, plus there are people on the benches. So I'd have to guess it's safe to say that at least 500 people see each show. Yeow. That's a lot of peoples. Now I'm off for night 5. Hmm. I wish I had me some of that Elixir of Egypt.
Dan on 07.14.06 @ 05:13 PM CT [link]
Thursday, July 6th
Oklahoma!
It's opening night at the Bowl. The Wallace Bowl. The current forecast for curtain time (8 pm) is Sunny and 70 degrees. The forecast for whatever you call the end of a show (potentially 11 pm) is Clear and 62. The entrance to the park is at Lake and Michigan and I believe parking is open to the public after 6:30 (according to the park district) -- at least until the lot is full. 
And, as usual, all Starlight Theatre productions are presented free of charge.
How many times will I fall to the ground? How many of those falls will be a deliberate part of the show? Who among us can predict the future?
Dan on 07.06.06 @ 01:19 PM CT [link]
Monday, July 3rd
The Two W's
Yesterday was a long one. And it wasn't even a weekday. I got up to Bowen Park around 10 to help set up WCP's booth for Waukegan's 4th of July celebration. WCP always sells lemonade and knickknacks -- dewdads, if you will -- to raise money and try to promote the next season. And the promoting includes a spot in the parade, which means walking several miles and handing out flyers. The parade itself takes up a couple hours, once you get moving. Near the back of the line, at postion 88, we didn't start until at least half an hour after the front of the line took off.
But then I had to rush off to Gillson Park in Wilmette to try on my wacky peddler's outfit. It's pretty perfect for the out-of-place merchant. I immediately thought used car salesman. Herb Tarlek. But the best part -- I mean, the worst part? -- is that the pants and jacket are oh, so very thick. Heavy. I'm talking warm. My scheduled time for costume fitting was before 5. And the call for rehearsal was 6. And yet, it was still after 11 when I left. Good rehearsal? Let's call it sweaty.
The set isn't noticeably different, so I took a peek at the sound board. Pretty cool. |
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Dan on 07.03.06 @ 12:42 PM CT [
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