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coastline
> Teenager of the Year <
USA
3111 Posts |
 Posted - 08/22/2007 : 14:54:11
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That's great, tranny. And he nailed your real-life persona, too: "aptly cynical and vaguely amoral."  |
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TRANSMARINE
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
2002 Posts |
Posted - 08/22/2007 : 15:21:01
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Go figure.
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His name is Dalton. He's got a degree in philosophy.
-bRIAN |
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Daisy Girl
~ Abstract Brain ~
Belize
5305 Posts |
Posted - 08/22/2007 : 15:58:22
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Congrats! Your name in print!
bluefinger |
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Carl
- A 'Fifth' Catholic -
Ireland
11546 Posts |
Posted - 08/23/2007 : 04:47:17
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Congratumalations, Trans!
"I hate how the reptile dreams it's a mammal. Scaley monster: be what you are!!" - Erebus. |
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TRANSMARINE
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
2002 Posts |
Posted - 08/23/2007 : 15:36:53
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2nd review...the one I was dreading. The OC WEEKLY is a very lefter-than-left-winged magazine who's spirit is constantly known for it's bitter and angry ranting. But everyone is allowed their opinion. I just hope the guy wishes he still had the $18 bucks he gave our theatre to lambast it. But read on...at least I get some good remarks. Actually, as stated in a previous post, he (the reviewer) called our theatre a couple days after seeing it asking questions about me. I found out he wondered if I was related to actor William Fichtner! Hahaha. I'm not.
Days On End
Lanford Wilson's Book could stand to lose a few pages
By LUKE Y. THOMPSON
Thursday, August 23, 2007 - 3:00 pm
It’s easy to pick on small-town America. We know, just know, they still like George W. Bush there, love their religion while totally ignoring its basic tenets, and have an unhealthy obsession with guns. But they also tend to have convincing southern accents, unlike approximately half the cast of Stages Theater’s production of Lanford Wilson’s Book of Days. And those who get it right are often doing entirely different types of southern accent from one another (yes, folks, there’s more than one kind). That may not be an issue for the target audience, but for this West Virginia-born, North Carolina-raised reviewer, it’s a big distraction.
Not that it’s a deal breaker, especially since lead actress Mo Arii is utterly convincing as Ruth Hoch, the firebrand wife of a cheese maker in the small town of Dublin, Missouri. She may live a simple life without much book learnin’, but she’s not stupid, and she doesn’t stand for sass, unless she’s the one giving it out. During Act I, this spirit lands her the role of Joan of Arc in a community-theater production of George Bernard Shaw’s St. Joan. Her audition is the most effective scene in the film, as she is assessed by a director (Brian Fichtner) who is actually seated at the back of the auditorium, behind all of us patrons, thrusting us into the scene. It helps that she and Fichtner are by far the strongest actors in the cast, and their few scenes together are the most captivating.
The meat of the story is a murder mystery that involves the cheese factory at the heart of the town, but Wilson doesn’t seem overly concerned with moving the actual plot forward. Using the play within the play as a creative device, he gets all meta on us a time or two, occasionally allowing Boyd to step out of his role within the play and let him become the actual director, most effectively in the scene in which he recasts one of the key characters, just for a moment, because the actress portraying the role originally refuses to use profanity.
But aside from that, the play often feels contrived just for the sake of contrivance. Any members of the cast not directly featured in a given scene tend to act as a Greek chorus of sorts, when one Our Town-type narrator would do. And much of the narration is superfluous: Do we really need to know on what date each scene is taking place, especially since successive scenes are almost always the day after the previous one? The artifice of the structure seems to trip the actors up rather than bringing out the best in them.
None of that is the cast’s fault, of course, but one would suggest to them that those shakier on the accent aspect should simply speak normally. As the wife of the town hero, Nakisa Aschtiani loses her accent the more agitated and emotional she gets, and her performance is better for it. Conversely, Sean Rowry as the Reverend Bobby Graves seems to force the accent more as he ratchets up the intensity, and he is just awful at it; he’d be fine in the role if he simply spoke naturally.
Major props to set designer Jon Gaw and light designer Kirk Huff—their creations are simple but effective, with silhouetted trees on a white background that changes lighting schemes many times, including an intense, backlit-strobe effect during a tornado that’s a real winner. If only the play itself were simpler and more focused. You want to see these characters live real lives, but Wilson’s contrived structure mostly prevents that from happening.
Book of Days at Stages Theater, 400 E. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, (714) 525-4484; www.stagesoc.org. Fri.-Sat., 9 p.m.; Sun., 6 p.m. Through Sept. 16. $15-$18.
Contact us about this article.
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His name is Dalton. He's got a degree in philosophy.
-bRIAN |
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 08/24/2007 : 12:35:11
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congrats Tranny. sounds like you're having a lot of fun
i can't believe you're play is in Fullerton (my hometown).. my parents house is like a mile from there
if i'm ever down there on the weekend i'll try to check out your play |
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TRANSMARINE
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
2002 Posts |
Posted - 08/24/2007 : 16:25:05
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quote:
Originally posted by floop
congrats Tranny. sounds like you're having a lot of fun
i can't believe you're play is in Fullerton (my hometown).. my parents house is like a mile from there
if i'm ever down there on the weekend i'll try to check out your play
That would be awesome! Dare I say, rad? We run through September 16th. Fred Willard will be doing stand-up there for a benefit thing on Sept. 29th. If you come, floop, be sure to stick around afterward and throw a dummy at me.
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His name is Dalton. He's got a degree in philosophy.
-bRIAN |
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 08/25/2007 : 10:57:12
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i'll try to scounge up one of my old dummys.
ps, i'm not sure how familiar with the area you are, or if you're a vegan or whatever, but i would strongly recommend trying Taqueria De Anda if you're in the mood for some tacos. my favorite place probably in the whole world (despite being mugged there once at knife-point). excellent carne asada. open 24 hours (bring some weapons if you're going there drunk after 2am)
http://taqueriadeanda.com/locations/
also, the best bar is probably The Continental Room. if you and your theatre friends are ever looking for a post-performance nightcap
http://www.yelp.com/biz/Knf8chcBbxzXTv8RouGskw |
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TRANSMARINE
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
2002 Posts |
Posted - 08/25/2007 : 14:06:49
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quote:
Originally posted by floop
i'll try to scounge up one of my old dummys.
ps, i'm not sure how familiar with the area you are, or if you're a vegan or whatever, but i would strongly recommend trying Taqueria De Anda if you're in the mood for some tacos. my favorite place probably in the whole world (despite being mugged there once at knife-point). excellent carne asada. open 24 hours (bring some weapons if you're going there drunk after 2am)
http://taqueriadeanda.com/locations/
also, the best bar is probably The Continental Room. if you and your theatre friends are ever looking for a post-performance nightcap
http://www.yelp.com/biz/Knf8chcBbxzXTv8RouGskw
Have spent many a day in Fullerton in my life. Was actually born there. Have been to The Continental Room on endless occasions. I know some folk who perform there often. Our theatre is actually right there on Commonwealth and Lemon...hop, skip and a jump. I will try the tavos, however, as I don't think I've been there. Angelo & Vinci's is a fav of mine. Have you been to Mulberry's on Wilshire? They actually have some killer fish tacos.
Oh, and the play went well last night. It was an odd performance...we had too much energy, and it threw things off at points. But the audience had no clue we were flubbing. I had a blast! What can you do? Can't wait till tonight!
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His name is Dalton. He's got a degree in philosophy.
-bRIAN |
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 08/26/2007 : 00:19:39
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have i been to Mulberry? i am fullerton! seriously though, there probably isn't much in fullerton that i don't know about, having grown up there and all. i love Angelo & Vinci's too. especially the "annex" that is open during the day, where you can get slices of pizza and sandwiches. have eaten there many o time... i could talk fully with you all day. let's talk fully
really though, you should check out Taqueria De Anda. it's not far from where you're at. even though i live in LA now (taco mecca of the world) i still in my heart believe that Taqueria (de anda) is one of the best tacos in the world. pure simple true Mexican taco. get some carne asada and al pastor.
anyway, congrats again on your play. sounds like you're doin great
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TRANSMARINE
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
2002 Posts |
Posted - 08/27/2007 : 14:59:50
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This second weekend of performances was downright bizarre. Friday night started out great, then became frought with disasters. Minor disaters the audience wouldn't really pick up on...nevertheless, it was bizarre. People dropping lines, making up lines (!), completely missing cues and not showing up on stage...it was a nightmare...however it was hilarious. Luckily, I only flubbed one line...I substituted a word...no biggie. But there is still no excuse for that lack of focus. I think we were over energetic having not performed the play for four days.
Saturday night felt okay...somewhat on auto-pilot. I have a very long 2 person scene which felt 'by the numbers' to me, but our director swears it was our best show to date. One of our main cast members decided to pull weird stunts in an attempt to make us laugh on stage. Thank god he failed...it was pretty funny.
Sunday I didn't like my performance at all. Was sure it was crap. Didn't feel focused or energetic, and for the first time, was genuinely nervous. It was an odd show...nothing went wrong, it just didn't feel right. However, our audience was ecstatic with it. I had four friends in the audience who were very gracious, and apparently excited by my performance. One friend who hasnt acted in a couple years felt compelled to return to acting after seeing the show. So I guess the 'bad' performance was all in my head.
Hopefully next weekend will feel more secure. I can't wait! This is just so fuckin' fun.
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His name is Dalton. He's got a degree in philosophy.
-bRIAN |
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TRANSMARINE
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
2002 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2007 : 12:11:09
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Last night was our best performance yet. It seemed fresh again, and the audience was totally digging it.
It was 109 degrees here yesterday, and on my way to the theatre my car began to overheat (of course). I had to drive in the swealtering heat with the heater turned on full blast to keep the radiator from hiking its temperature. Good times!
After the show, a few cast members, the director and I sat around backstage and had a beer and unwound. I drove home at a very decent hour and was asleep by 1am. I awoke 3 hours later unable to move, for my back was in the most excruciating pain. I attempted to go back to sleep, but no position would alleviate the torture. It is still bad...I can barely turn my head or move my arms...the pain goes into my arms and down my legs. I have not lifted anything, or strained myself in any way that I can think of.
Whatever.
Tonights performance should be interesting! Perhaps I'll become paralyzed onstage! No refunds, though. See y'all later!
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His name is Dalton. He's got a degree in philosophy.
-bRIAN |
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shineoftheever
> Teenager of the Year <
Canada
4307 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2007 : 09:51:23
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do you have an understudy?
The waxworks were an immensely eloquent dissertation on the wonderful ordinariness of mankind. |
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coastline
> Teenager of the Year <
USA
3111 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2007 : 10:16:57
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How'd it go, Brian? I hope you're feeling better.
 Please pardon me, for these my wrongs. |
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TRANSMARINE
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
2002 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2007 : 13:16:32
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Thanks, Coasty. Yes, it went fine...feeling better as well. I think it was just tension and stress...work related stuff. My neck is still stiff, but everything went good. Shineoftheever, no, we have no understudies.
After the show last night, we got drunk. That seemed to help the pain! However, my head isn't feeling so well today. But that's my own damn fault.
We had a full house both nights so far this weekend, so that is encouraging. I think Friday was our best performance, and last night was our weakest. I am looking forward to tonight. There is a party at a castmembers house tonight after the show...her husband is making tacos and margaritas! I cant decide if I should eat anything today or not...just wait for the tacos and go crazy.
Oh! We had an earthquake earlier...I love 'em!
Until tomorrow...
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His name is Dalton. He's got a degree in philosophy.
-bRIAN |
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2007 : 15:23:36
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quote:
Originally posted by TRANSMARINE
I cant decide if I should eat anything today or not...just wait for the tacos and go crazy.
Oh! We had an earthquake earlier...I love 'em!
sometimes it's better to eat a lot during the day when you're expecting to have a huge feast. stretch out your stomach for maximum capacity
i didn't feel the earthquake. when was it? i was in Harry Potter and the Azkeban Phoenix or whatever
"I am a troll.. and a fag." -LBF |
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TRANSMARINE
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
2002 Posts |
Posted - 09/03/2007 : 13:57:38
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The earthquake was at about 11am yesterday. Wasnt big...lasted literally 5 seconds...but it was nice and jolty.
The show went well yesterday...bu the theatre air conditioning began to peter out....this fucking heat is beyond ludicrous.
Tacos and margaritas were exceptional last night.
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His name is Dalton. He's got a degree in philosophy.
-bRIAN |
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Carl
- A 'Fifth' Catholic -
Ireland
11546 Posts |
Posted - 09/03/2007 : 14:31:51
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Good for you, TRANS! If your show can survive earthquakes, you know you're alright!
"I hate how the reptile dreams it's a mammal. Scaley monster: be what you are!!" - Erebus. |
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 09/04/2007 : 12:21:45
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quote:
Originally posted by TRANSMARINE
this fucking heat is beyond ludicrous.
indeed, this heat wave is sucking balls.
"I am a troll.. and a fag." -LBF |
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darwin
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
USA
5454 Posts |
Posted - 09/04/2007 : 12:24:07
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| Ocean breeze pussies |
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 09/04/2007 : 12:27:18
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hodad
"I am a troll.. and a fag." -LBF |
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TRANSMARINE
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
2002 Posts |
Posted - 09/06/2007 : 13:34:21
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Okay...a bit nervous here. I'm getting sick. Sore throat, chest congestion with pain, bit of a cough, dizzy, body aches, somewhat nauseated. This CANNOT happen before this weekend. Any suggestions for remedies other than going to the doctor (I have no time or money to do so)? I am drinking hot tea, water, and resting. What else should I do? I'm afraid to wake up tomorrow with no voice and something horrible like strep throat or larangitis. I will do the show, no matter what. There is no choice in the matter. But I'd rather do it seemingly healthy. Maybe, worse case scenario, I will have to lip-sync my lines.
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His name is Dalton. He's got a degree in philosophy.
-bRIAN |
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Carolynanna
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Canada
6556 Posts |
Posted - 09/06/2007 : 14:02:21
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Mega-doses of echinacea always works for me,
and I'm always dodging sickness from all these little rugrats around here.
__________
Fuck off I got work to do. |
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TRANSMARINE
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
2002 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2007 : 14:50:37
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Been feeling okay...just a touch of the flu I think...nothing that's causing any trouble with the play, thank goodness.
Last nights performance (our first since last Sunday) was beyond interesting. At 15 minutes before the show started, one of our main characters calls to tell us he's stuck in traffic...30 miles away!!! No problem, we all thought...the house can hold 15 minutes...20 at most...hopefully he'll make it. Well, it wasn't looking good by 8:20pm, and the audience was getting restless. Our wonderful director bursts backstage and announces that we had to go on without him (!), and that she (the director) is going on stage with script in his place (!!)!!! We all looked at each other, and decided unanimously, well, that there was nothing else to do! I became excited! I thought it was great! Hilarious! I couldn't wait! Within seconds, the audience was notified of the situation, and we flew out onstage right into it. Luckily the actor arrived within 15 minutes, and everything went perfect...in fact, it was our best show yet. We needed that extra 'zest' to perk us up. The poor actor was beside himself with embarrasment, shame, and guilt. We all assured him we weren't mad, everything was okay...shit happens! It wasn't his fault traffic was backed up because of an accident. The audience ate it up! They loved the fact we were dealing with this weird situation...in fact, about 60% of them were college theatre students, so it was a great lesson for them to see what can potentially happen in theatre!
I can't wait for tonight. I got a bunch of people coming to see it.
We'll see what happens tonight!
Floop....you comin'? If you come Sunday, Fred Willard MIGHT be in the audience as he is seeing the show going on before ours. We could get tacos at that place! hahaha
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His name is Dalton. He's got a degree in philosophy.
-bRIAN |
Edited by - TRANSMARINE on 09/08/2007 14:52:17 |
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2007 : 20:42:10
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hey tranny. don't think i'll be able to make it tomorrow. . i'd like to check it out though.. how long is your play going on for?
"I am a troll.. and a fag." -LBF |
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VoVat
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
USA
9168 Posts |
Posted - 09/09/2007 : 04:46:51
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quote:
Mega-doses of echinacea always works for me
You eat egg-laying mammals when you're sick?
"If you doze much longer, then life turns to dreaming. If you doze much longer, then dreams turn to nightmares." |
Edited by - VoVat on 09/09/2007 04:47:18 |
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TRANSMARINE
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
2002 Posts |
Posted - 09/10/2007 : 10:00:19
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quote:
Originally posted by floop
hey tranny. don't think i'll be able to make it tomorrow. . i'd like to check it out though.. how long is your play going on for?
"I am a troll.. and a fag." -LBF
Next weekend is our last weekend. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I can't believe it's almost over.
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His name is Dalton. He's got a degree in philosophy.
-bRIAN |
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TRANSMARINE
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
2002 Posts |
Posted - 09/11/2007 : 10:57:43
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I had been depressed the last couple of days knowing our play is coming to an end, wondering what I would be doing until December when the next available auditions will be at this particular theatre. Even week nights have become dull and long because I am back to doing nothing productive other than watching DVD's.
Lo and behold, I check my email this morning.
Our director is now directing a play called YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU at another, more prestigious Orange County theatre called the Curtis Civic Light Opera Theatre in the city of Brea. Rehearsals are already under way, and apparantly a cast member has dropped out. She asked me if I would be interested. It is a very minor character, only ONE scene, but pivotal to the plot (an IRS officer). Even better, once again, a role falls into my lap without having to audition! Even better, this is a PAYING GIG! Wow! How could I say no?
Things just get better and better!
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His name is Dalton. He's got a degree in philosophy.
-bRIAN |
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Carl
- A 'Fifth' Catholic -
Ireland
11546 Posts |
Posted - 09/11/2007 : 11:23:54
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Nice Trans, congratumalations!
Don't forget to research the role! ;) |
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 09/11/2007 : 12:02:49
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congrats tranny.
"I am a troll.. and a fag." -LBF |
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TRANSMARINE
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
2002 Posts |
Posted - 09/13/2007 : 08:18:32
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So last night I started rehearsals for my new play. There is a cast of 19. It's a 1930's screwball comedy farce a la BRINGING UP BABY and ARSENIC AND OLD LACE. Very light, breezy, and inconsequential, nevertheless, fun.
My part is extremely miniscule, but can potentially be the part the audience remembers most. Yikes...big shoes to fill! But I'm up to the challenge.
The theatre itself is great! A real theatre! A HUGE stage, professional set...and the best is we have a real tech crew. None of the 'everyone does everything' routine. I'm not saying I prefer one to the other, but having the opprotunity to go from one type of theatre experience into another is priceless. I mean, for Christ's sake, we have men AND women's dressing rooms! A shower! A GREEN ROOM! A costume designer, properties person, and STAGE MANAGER! It's like the real deal. All I gotta do is show up and act...and my gas is reimbursed! And we are treated like royalty. It is totally ridiculous...that is slightly uncomfortable. I think EVERYONE involved is equally important, and this catering to stuff is quite silly. But again, all I want to do is absorb and learn...what I dont like I dont have to buy into, and what I do like I will take to the moon with me.
Anyway, as stated in a previous post, this weekend is my last weekend of performances of my current play, and I will be sad to let it go, but proud of the work we all accomplished. A totally rewarding and special time this is.
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His name is Dalton. He's got a degree in philosophy.
-bRIAN |
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TRANSMARINE
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
2002 Posts |
Posted - 09/17/2007 : 08:30:58
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The play was a success...last night was our final performance. I felt good about it. I feel a real sense of accomplishment and happiness about this experience, and am completely proud to have been a part of it.
A lot of actors tripped on the stage last night. I could hear it over our backstage speaker. Hilarious! We had a professional photographer tape (film? digitally capture?) our final performance, so we will have dvd's of that in a couple weeks. I can't wait to FINALLY see what we've done. It actually makes me nervous a bit.
So, after the curtain call and we all leave the stage, I rush quickly to the back to change so I can get out front and see two friends and my brother and sister who came to watch. I'm on my way through the lobby, there's various people chatting with castmembers and so forth...I walk by this guy and make eye contact...I didn't know who he was, but recognized him from sitting in the audience. I have a monologue where I have to address the audience, and saw this particular guy. Anyway, so I'm walking by him, and he steps forward and says my name. I stop wondering, "do I know this person from somewhere?" I think I smiled and said hello...and he introduced himself.
It was Floop!!!!
I was immediately shocked and amazed and humbled and extremely touched and excited that someone would actually take their time, donate it, and support someone else who basically exists only in computerland. He had bandied about the idea on this forum of coming
and I hoped he would...but I really didn't expect it to happen. He explained his girlfriend couldn't make it, but that he enjoyed the show. Wow! Amazing! It really was just the highlight and icing of the evening. I told my other castmates who were also like "really?! That is so cool!". We didn't get a chance to chat for long...I got accosted by a couple friends and got caught up in a lengthy conversation. I felt bad... saw floop outside talking on his cell. Anyhow, I excused myself and chatted with floop again for a few minutes. We talked about seeing Frank in L.A. in October.
Thanks floop for the kindness and support of coming out to see the show. It really does mean a lot!
I thought I'd be sad about the play coming to an end. Instead I feel pride.
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His name is Dalton. He's got a degree in philosophy.
-bRIAN |
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coastline
> Teenager of the Year <
USA
3111 Posts |
Posted - 09/18/2007 : 12:59:22
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floop is a genuinely nice man. Not sure I ever realized that before.
Please pardon me, for these my wrongs. |
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =
Mexico
15297 Posts |
Posted - 09/18/2007 : 13:17:18
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quote:
Originally posted by coastline
floop is a genuinely nice man. Not sure I ever realized that before.
you haven't read my review of the play yet
"I am a troll.. and a fag." -LBF |
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TRANSMARINE
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
2002 Posts |
Posted - 09/18/2007 : 13:22:06
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Uh oh
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His name is Dalton. He's got a degree in philosophy.
-bRIAN |
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I'm in a play!
