A Little Less

I am sitting in my living room at 10:50 PM on New Year's Day with a little less. Usually "less" gives a negative connotation, and some of my "less" is negative. I have a little less money than last year, less time off, but I also have less debt, less stress and less sickness. This past Christmas, more than any other in recent years, I bought less. I'm not sure if it was because some counted on money didn't come through, or I found just the right things, but I knew I didn't have the money, and I made it work. Thanks to my little angel, Georgi, the house was clean, and we were able to enjoy all of our Christmas decorations, 3 trees and lighted garland on the mantle. I didn't feel rushed, and I probably had less time to prepare for Christmas this year than I have in years. What was the difference? I'm pretty sure I was happy this year, not that I haven't been happy in years before this year, I have, but I always let a lot of negative crap get in the way. It's amazing when you look back on something from a different place. The things I used to let bother me were so petty. I know. I'm rambling, but I guess what I'm trying to say is no matter what is going on around you life is what you make it. Yes, I realize that is cliche', and I've heard it thousands of times, but I really lived it this year. I can choose to be happy or not, and I'm sorry to say, for years I let myself be unhappy. I chose to focus on the negative and complain about it. Sorry girls! I'm not really a resolution type girl, but I am resolving that in 2018 I will try to be positive, and at the very least I will not dwell on the negative. Some very profound losses happened in 2017 that really made me think about what is important. Time is fleeting, and I am determined to make the most of it even if it's with a little less.

An After Christmas Gift

I first met Duke Lafoon back in 1995. I was doing a little play called Rip Van Winkle at Swift Creek Mill Playhouse. Duke was Rip, and I was a troll. Even back then I knew Duke was mega talented! He just has "it". The big cherry on the top of this sundae is that he is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. He moved to New York long ago, but occasionally, he will return to his roots here in Richmond to play a role. I try never to miss him when he is in Richmond. This was my main reason for asking my daughter could she get us comps to A Christmas Story at Va-Rep, one of her perks as an actor in their touring company. This was the last week, and chances were slim, but we got 2 seats in the balcony. I have never seen the movie, I know, I know, but I haven't, and I wasn't sure what to expect. Here's the other thing... I don't like shows with big kid casts. Usually, there's a little too much "cuteness" for my taste. Yeah, yeah, I know, I'm a bitch. This show surprised me in a BIG way. If you read this blog at all, or if you know me, I don't hand out praise easily. I never say something I don't mean. THIS SHOW IS FANTASTIC!!!!!! From start to finish it shines. The boy who plays "Ralphie" could step onto Broadway tomorrow without batting an eye, and the kids ensemble are nothing short of phenomenal. Their vocals and dancing and general presence on stage are through the roof fabulous! I was so impressed! The adults in the cast have their moments too, especially in the "Major Award" number with Duke! True to Va-Rep's form, the production values are superior, sets, costumes and lights, all so spectacular. Who could forget the running (literally) gag of the neighborhood dogs. And one more thing.....Susan Sanford YOU ROCK!!!!!! And of course I can't forget to mention Duke. He, once again, did not disappoint! Duke, Richmond is so lucky to have you as one of their beloved sons, and I am even luckier to have you as a friend.
There are only 3 more performances of A Christmas Story. Get a ticket....if you can!

It's Coming!

I went to bed early last night, well early for me, around 10:30. My body is used to barely 5 hours, so sleeping a full eight is almost impossible, but last night I did. If you're doing the math, 8 hours puts me up at 6:30. This week, thanks to a generous invitation by my sister, I am at the beach for Thanksgiving. The house is oceanfront, so there was a good amount of light in the room at 6:30. I checked my Weather Channel app on my phone,  6:56. I hadn't missed it. I quickly put on sweats and a sweatshirt to step out of my room onto the deck into the 35°air to watch the sunrise. There's nothing quite like sunrise at the beach. There was a thin line of clouds just above the horizon that had a pink hue as the sun teased behind them. I checked my phone, 6:40, 16 more minutes of waiting for the sun to appear. Standing in the freezing wind. Did I give up and go inside? No, I didn't.  I waited, my body huddled in a ball to keep warm, camera phone at the ready. I checked the time again, 6:53, 3 minutes. I looked out on the horizon, the to p of the ridge of clouds was on fire with gold. Standing out there alone, I got so excited! I actually said aloud, "It's coming!" I started to snap pictures as the sun rose, what seemed like, out of the ocean, and then I stopped to just watch it, right there in front of me. Let me say that again, I stopped to watch it. Today, the day after Thanksgiving,  for me, is the official start of the Christmas season.  The next  4 weeks will be jam-packed with all kinds of activities. Waiting for the sunrise today made me think how excited I used to be for Christmas. It was filled with things I wanted to do, not things I had to do. IT'S COMING! I'm really going to try this year to "stop and watch it," because, like the sunrise, it will be over before I know it, and I will have been to busy "taking pictures," to enjoy what is right in front of me.

Ramma Lamma Ding Dong Forever!

Since October of 2013 I have been involved with an original theatre production called A Lugnuts Christmas. We began rehearsals on October 21st and we just closed the show last Sunday, January 5th, 2014. It was a small cast of 6, so you can imagine that we got to know each other pretty well. I had worked with and known 2 of the members of the cast for years, but the other three were brand new to me. As an actor, there are many times that you do shows, and there is at least one person who is difficult to be around, to put it mildly. Not so in this case. We all got along GREAT! Rehearsals were challenging, to say the least. Learning 4 and 6 part harmony is not easy, especially for this gal. I have sung soprano in choir all of my life for a reason, it's the melody. I found my self singing every part but Bass in this show and many times I felt inadequate which brings me to the first person I want to mention in this post, our musical director and arranger, Jason Marks. Jason was beyond patient with all of us, and if it had not been for him, this show would have fallen flat on it's face. His arrangements were beautiful and the harmonies were tight. My personal favorite was What Child is This? He spent countless hours laying down rehearsal tracks for us, making orchestrations that would rival any live orchestra or band, and finally plunking out our parts over and over again. Jason, you will never know how much I appreciated you, and I am sure my cast mates would feel the same!
As the title reveals, this was a Christmas show. GEEK ALERT!! When I was a teenager and it would snow, I would wander outside and walk in the softly falling snow, and sing Christmas songs pretending I was filming a Christmas Special, a la Andy Williams or Perry Como or Bing Crosby. I know, lame, right? I have also said often that if I ever get enough money to record an album, it will be a Christmas album. Suffice it to say, I love Christmas and Christmas music! I grew up watching those family Christmas specials, so you can imagine that I was thrilled to be able to be in one of those Christmas Specials just live and on stage. All that being said, the thing that made this experience wonderful for me was the people.
We started rehearsal with an incomplete cast. We were missing our high tenor. Boy, were we lucky when Steve Travers walked through the door! Not only did he have the voice of an angel, he could sight read like a mad man, a big plus for this show! On top of that, he's a pretty nice guy, and I am so glad to have a new friend!
Before rehearsals even began, I found out I would get to work with 2 guys that I have known forever. The first was Eric Williams. I have known Eric since 1975. He was in the very first professional show I ever did, The Music Man, at Swift Creek Mill Playhouse. I was 10. Okay, put away your calculators. I'm 50. Eric is just a shade older, but you'd never know it to look at him. He hasn't changed a bit, and I mean that. He looks exactly the same. Amazingly as much as both of us work in Richmond Theatre, Lugnuts was the first show we had done together since '75. Eric is also the nicest person I have ever known, and I mean that sincerely! I have never seen him when he was not smiling. He is supportive and loving and never has a mean thing to say about anyone or anything! It was a joy to see him 5 times a week. The second was Ford Flannagan. I have known Ford since 1986. We did a show together at Theatre IV called Scapino. Ford's comic skills are unmatched, on stage and off. He is quick witted and always has a great comeback for everything. Ford surprised me when we did a show together a few years ago for Stage 1 called Nor mal. I had always seen Ford do comedy, but he kicked major ass in a very serious role of a father to an anorexic daughter. I was privileged to work beside him. I had the wonderful fortune to work with him twice this year in To Kill a Mockingbird and Lugnuts with Va-Rep. Ford worked his tail off learning the music for this show, and it was evident. He played the character of "Moe", and I kidded that "Moe" was my character's favorite. Aside from his amazing talent, Ford is a true gentleman and an all-around nice guy. I got to know Ford a little bit better personally this show, and I am really glad I did.
The other two people rounding out the cast were Jody Ashworth and Mandy Williams. I had seen Jody in a few shows but had never worked with him on stage. Jody is an AMAZING bass, and he was the foundation that made all the Doo Wop just incredible! It is hard to find a good bass, but it is impossible to find a bass that sings with the authority that Jody does. His low notes are the kind that make your toes tingle. I was also lucky to add Jody to my list of friends, and he and I were always the last ones out of the dressing room. Truth be told, he probably could have gotten out earlier, but was nice enough to hang around so I wouldn't have to walk to my car by myself. Mandy came to us from New York. If I had to use one word to describe Mandy, it would be vivacious! She came in full of energy and ready to dive in. She was very easy going and easy to work with. Certainly no drama there. And every night when she sang "Let Me In" with the boys, she took us to church! Hallelujah! And for one week I got to work with Ben Houghton who came in to replace the vacationing Steve. I don't know how you did it, buddy, but you did it well! I hope we get to work together again.
No show is complete without crew. It is a blessing to have a great crew to support us. Without them we would be nothing. Kim Pawlick was a wonderful stage manager. I was shocked to find out at the cast party that she is only 18. She definitely has a future in this capacity, she was amazing. This was not an easy show for the stage manager as she is the Jill of all trades at the Tavern, sound cues, light cues, and microphones, she did it all flawlessly! And my beloved little Snowbear, Katie Peterson who knows how to shake tail, Snowbear tail that is. Thanks for making sure I was attired properly every night to hula!
Last but not least, I have to thank Bruce Miller, our director, for bringing us all together. Obviously we were a good fit because we didn't have a show that did not get a spontaneous standing ovation every night. People  had a great time, and that's what it's really about. People laughed and sang along and tapped their feet and smiled. We, as actors, couldn't ask for anything more.

Some Days Are Hard

Anyone who knows me or reads this blog with any regularity knows that I am an actor. I relish in being on stage and performing. I have been blessed to have been able to work pretty consistently since I started over 40 years ago, and in this past year I have stayed busier than usual. Right now I am doing a Christmas show, and I am very thankful because singing those Christmas songs for audiences night after night is helping fund a nicer Christmas for me and my girls. All is well, right? Wrong! When you are in a family of performers, as all 3 of us are, sometimes things conflict. Today was one of those days. It is very hard to be an actor and a mom. Ever since I became a single parent when my girls were 2 and 5, I have tried to be at every event in their lives. Every field day, school play, awards assemblies, winter and spring programs and chorus concerts. Most of the time I have made it. I can think of one other thing I missed, my oldest daughter's dance recital, but I did see the dress rehearsal. I missed that because of performing too. Today I missed my baby's final high school Christmas chorus concert because I was on stage myself 45 minutes away. She, of course, was very understanding and knows it was unavoidable, but it still didn't make it any easier for me that I missed my girl as she sang at her final Christmas concert. I will see a DVD, but it's not quite the same thing. I was not there to yell as she finished and clap louder than any other person. So today I write this to tell her how much I love her and I know that she rocked today! And to let her know how very grateful I am that she is so supportive
of my life in the theatre. I love you sweet girl! Thanks, as always, for understanding!

Where Are You, Christmas?

I was listening to the radio the other day and heard one of my new favorite Christmas songs by Faith Hill. It's called Where Are You, Christmas?, and it was written for the soundtrack of the 2000 film,  How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Ron Howard's spin on the classic tale by Dr. Seuss. Unlike the book, much of the film centers around Cindy Lou Who and her quest for what Christmas is all about. The song is sung by her character in the film. The first lyrics are: Where are you, Christmas?
               Why can't I find you?
               Why have you gone away?
               Where is the laughter you used to bring me?
               Why can't I hear music play?
I must confess that I have felt much like Cindy Lou Who this year. You would think that given the fact that I am performing in a "Christmas" show that I would be more in the Christmas spirit than any other year, but I'm just not. Somewhere along the way, I lost the wonder and excitement. Maybe part of it is the fact that every day, almost every moment is filled with something I have to do instead of something I want to do. I am usually the first to jump on the Christmas band wagon. Day after Thanksgiving my tree is up and decorated. My flag is out front. My wreath is on the door. Not this year! My tree is up and the lights on, but that is it, and it's sitting in the midst of my messy house. Now, to cut myself a little slack, we ran out of time to decorate before my oldest daughter had to be back at college after the Thanksgiving break, and so we have held off to do it as a family, but Christmas is creeping closer and closer. We have 14 days before the big day. If I decorated it tonight it would only be up for two weeks before it all was over. When did decorating for Christmas become a chore? Time was when I couldn't wait to decorate the tree! Where are you, Christmas? Why do I jam my life so full of going here and having to be there that I have no time to just enjoy what I used to love? Why can't I find you? I was watching a little Christmas movie last night, and it took place in a small, quaint little town. That's what I want! I want to live in the movies. I want to live in Bedford Falls or Stars Hollow, but I don't, so what do I do?
Today a company called Westjet propelled me, no pun intended, out of my funk and into what Christmas is all about, the spirit of giving. Watch the video below.

What an amazing thing this company did to bring joy to these families! Where are you, Christmas? Westjet knows. They found you and brought you to others, and that's what I need to remember! Thank you for reminding me that it's not about me! The joy of Christmas is found in the giving of myself to others.
                                                     

ZuZu's Petals

I have been remiss, as the last two weekend days have been jam packed with Christmas errands and such, so, today, on Christmas Eve, I will share my favorite, the one I absolutely must see.
CHRISTMAS EVE: IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
I don't even remember the first time I saw this, but I was an adult. In fact, the first time I saw the story, it was not this movie. It was a made for TV movie starring Marlo Thomas and Wayne Rogers called It Happened One Christmas.(Note to Self: Find a copy of that version someday) If you've never seen It's a Wonderful Life, and I'm sure there are not many who haven't at least caught bits and pieces when switching channels in the wee hours of Christmas Eve, you owe it to yourself to watch it from start to finish. It has been remade in all shapes and forms. Every sitcom and TV drama has done an episode based on this movie where the hero or heroine sees what his world would have been like if he'd never been born. Jimmy Stewart plays George Bailey, the all-around great guy that everybody loves in a fictional town called Bedford Falls. Through circumstances beyond his control, he finds himself in extreme financial trouble, and is contemplating suicide when an angel, Clarence, comes to his rescue. As they begin to talk, Clarence grants George the wish of having never been born, and George is able to see just what would have happened. I won't spoil things for you by telling the ending, but this has always been one of my favorite quotes: "Remember, George. No man is a failure who has friends." This is THE classic Christmas film, and as many times as I've seen it, I never fail to cry at the end. Because even through all of my trials and disappointments, I really do have a wonderful life.

Can You Hear It?

Day 5: THE POLAR EXPRESS

First let me start by saying I absolutely LOVE the book by Chris Van Allsburg. I read it to both of my girls every year and always choked back tears at the end struggling to get the last lines out. Because of my deep love for the sweet story, I was super hyped about the movie! As has become a tradition in our household, we try to see a movie, in the theater, on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, usually a Christmas movie. There was no question in 2004 when The Polar Express was released which movie we would be seeing that year. Now, at the risk of my oldest daughter disowning me, I will share with you that I did not like it as much as I wanted to. The book is short, but it tells a sweet story and certainly makes its point. In fact I wondered even before I saw the movie how they were going to stretch this story into a feature length film. There are characters and scenarios that are added to the plot to give us a film rather than a 30 minute TV Christmas special. At this point, you may be asking yourself why I have this film on my Christmas movie tradition list. The movie, itself, is visually stunning! It was the first film that I remember employing the animation process called live action performance capture technique. Eventhough you know you’re watching an animated film, the characters look almost like real people. Tom Hanks plays most of the male characters from the little boy who’s grown too old for such silliness as Santa Claus, to the Conductor of the train to the North Pole, the one who most resembles Hank’s physical appearance, to Santa himself. The same, sweet message is there that is in the book, it just takes a little longer to get there. If you’ve never seen it, you owe yourself the visual treat at the very least. If you’ve never read the book, you’ll love it.

"SANTA! I know him!"

DAY 4: ELF

What makes a movie a classic? Well, I used to think classic films had to be old and only in Black and white, but I've come to believe that a classic is any film that is watched over and over again and delights the viewer each time. Elf is one of those movies! Elf was released in 2003, and I actually saw this one for the first time in the theater, rare, as I hardly ever go to the movies anymore. I went with my girls, ages 11 and 8 at the time, for a Christmas treat. The movie stars Will Farrell as a "human raised by elves" who sets out on a quest to find his human father after he discovers by accident that he is not "biologically" an elf. If you know Will Farrell from Saturday Night Live and movies like Talladega Nights and Step Brothers, and those characters weren't exactly your cup of tea, don't shy away from Elf. Farrell is so innocent and sweet in his portrayal of Buddy. His childlike discovery of everything in the "real" world is touching and endearing! Don't get me wrong, this movie is not short on laughs. There were moments in the theater where I was openly guffawing. The elevator scene in the Empire State Building struck me so funny, and I laughed so long, that I'm sure I was disturbing the patrons around me. The supporting cast around Farrell is wonderful, Zooey Deschanel, Mary Steenburgen, Bob Newhart, Ed Asner, and James Caan. A true sign of a classic for me is the fact that I will quote it randomly when situations bring those lines to mind. I can't tell you how many times scenes from this film bring a smile to my face. Make this a new classic for your tradition and always remember, "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!" 

Let's go to the movies!

Christmas Eve is a week from today. I have a ton of stuff to do, and it will all get done even if I am still driving around next Monday for the last, final thing I need. Because life has been so hectic, I have not been able to do something I love at this time of year, watch my collection of Christmas movies. I have caught a some bits and pieces of a few standards on television, and actually made a point to sit down to watch one, but there are some that I never miss, and so I thought in this last week I would pass on a pick a day to you. So, pop a big bowl of popcorn and settle in front of the TV and try to see some of these before the holiday is over.

DAY 1: SCROOGE

It is no secret that there are countless renditions of Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" out there on film. They run the gamut from Silent film to Cartoon animation. This 1970 musical version starring Albert Finney in the title role is one of, if not the best! I first saw this in the theater at the age of 7. I had been invited to a classmate's Christmas birthday party, and we were all taken to the movie. I remember sitting in the theater alongside my other second grade friends with a scarf I had worn to the party strategically placed near my eyes so I could cover them during the particularly scary scenes. As I grew older, I would catch it on television occasionally, and then the invention of the VCR and videotape. I was able to find a copy several years ago on VHS. I hope I can soon find one on DVD as I am sure my VHS will wear thin with time, and this is one I want to preserve. The score is amazing with songs like Father Christmas, December the 25th, and Thank You Very Much, but what makes this version of the classic tale so enthralling is Albert Finney's portrayal of Ebeneezer Scrooge. When this film was released he was only 34. You would never believe the Scrooge you are watching is a man in his early 30's. I remember watching the film years later and realizing that the actor playing the dashing young Ebeneezer in Fezziwig's shop was actually Albert Finney, the same actor playing Scrooge. He won the Golden Globe that year, and deservedly so. 

If you've never seen it, you are missing out. Don't write this one off as just another rendition of "A Christmas Carol". It's not. And after you've seen it, don't blame me if you find yourself singing, Thank You Very Much while you're wrapping your Christmas presents.

♪♫ Drifty, the Snowman ♫♪

Tradition #6: SEEING THE CHRISTMAS SHOW AT SWIFT CREEK

I have been in the theatre most of my life. I started when I was 10. That's over 37 years. Not only has it brought me great joy but also some wonderful friendships. You can be sure that almost every show that goes up in Richmond has somebody in it that I know, but this post is about a very special group of friends that have been doing a series at Christmas time that revolves around the chararcter of Drifty the Snowman. I believe this year marks Drifty's 20th anniversary. I went to see my first Drifty show when my girls were 1 and 4. They are now 18 and 14. They were mesmerized. That's not a small feat to  mesmerize a 1 year old. It became a tradition. We went every year until the girls were at the end of elementary school.

The shows are little mini musicals about Christmas. Who doesn't love that? Drifty usually has some question to be answered or a dilemma to get out of, and he always needs the help of his North Pole friends, Cowboy Jim, Mrs. Claus, Pepita, (an Equadorian Elf), Christy, the Christmas Seal (think barking not stamp) and usually the "Big Guy" himself will make an appearance. The shows are filled with catchy little songs (just as good or better than anything you'd hear in a Rankin-Bass Christmas special) written by my very dear friend, Paul Deiss. The best part about it is the fact that it gives the child an experience with LIVE theatre. They can interact instead of sitting in front of a television screen. They feel like the characters are their friends and there's that little bit of Christmas magic we all need in our lives.
This year Paul has compiled a CD of songs from those shows through the years. It is available on iTunes and CDbaby.com. If you need to bring a little Christmas magic in your life all year long, consider ordering this CD, and next year make a trip down to Swift Creek Mill Theater to see Drifty and his friends. You won't be disappointed.

Christmas Gets a Bad "Wrap"

I am so sick of everyone saying, "Christmas has gotten too commercial." You're absolutely right! The Christmas season has become driven by money and spending and having the latest electronics and the most lights, and the biggest tree, and on, and on, and on. But Christmas, itself, is what you make it. I posted a couple of weeks ago about how much I love Christmas. I do! I love the music, the decorations, the surprises, the warm feeling I get on Christmas Eve when we sing "Silent Night" by candlelight, and everyone raises their candles and the Church sanctuary is bathed in a soft glow, and I never make it past the first verse because I'm crying. I like unwrapping each ornament to put on the tree and let the memories it brings wash over me like a flood, some happy, some bittersweet. Call me sappy, but I think it's a magical time. I always have. There is a lot of pressure to BUY! BUY! BUY!, but we don't have to give into that and let it bring us and everyone else around us down.
Dr. Seuss said it best in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas":
                "Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more."
Make Christmas, this year, what YOU want it to be.

Is this the way Paula Deen started?

Everyone who bakes or cooks in any way shape or form usually has a signature dish. It's the one thing that, when invited to a party of some sort, you are asked to bring. Well, I have had a few requested dishes in my time, my macaroni shrimp salad, my baked spaghetti, my pan-fried chicken, but the one thing I am always expected to make at the holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas both, is my carrot cake. I first baked this cake about 28 years ago, and I don't think I've missed a year since making at least one. It is a rich, moist cake full of texture with freshly grated carrots and, of course, it has cream cheese frosting made with real butter and real cream cheese (no cutting corners for me). Every time I bring it to a gathering, it's a hit. People always say, "That's the best carrot cake I've ever had," or "I don't usually like carrot cake, but that's really good." I even had a co-worker that wanted me to ship him one to South Carolina once he moved, and my sister will stage a coo if I don't bake one for  Thanksgiving and Christmas. Over the years I have toyed with the idea of selling them but never really did anything about it UNTIL I found out that my two daughters have a spring choral trip to NYC this year that is going to cost me $1600.00, $1600.00 that I don't have. So on November 10, 2010, I announced to the world via Facebook that I would be taking orders for carrot cakes for the holidays. I didn't know what to expect, and I was surprised when in about a week, I had 15 orders for Thanksgiving and thus 24 Carrot Cakes was born. I designed a logo, and I even have a slogan, "We only make 1 cake, because we make it the best!" I even set up an email account to do "business" 24CarrotCakes4u@gmail.com. Today I am down to the final 2 to be picked up. The whole adventure has been a little overwhelming. 1) It's hard to run a small side business when you have a full time job, and 2) I need to beg the services of a mathematician because I suck at converting measurement to purchase the right ingredients for multiple cakes, hence several trips to the store instead of ONE. So what began as a resource for a spring trip may turn into something bigger, and, who knows, by this time next year, everyone might be asking for my signature dish.