"I enjoy being a girl"

I didn't have a sister, but I have a daughter. While I love my boys to tears, it is fun having a fellow female in the house. It`s not that she doesn`t love swords, but she`d rather dress up than sword fight - unless she can swordfight IN her pink, girly clothes.

I wasn`t a girly-girl. I am still not one - not the lace and bows-type anyway. I honestly did not wear any pink until I after I had Cordelia (2004). She brought colour to my world in many ways, not just clothing. I hate clothes shopping. She loves it. When we went to Value Village the other day to buy me some new, smaller, dress pants (yay), she was so patient making suggestions, and not taking offence when I didn`t agree with her choices. She`ll be great in retail when she grows up.

But, before I go into this Girl`s Day, let me tell you about Henry V, 2 days prior. It was a long day for the younglings. They had to get up at 5 to go with Jeff to London to drop off the older boys at the Youth Leadership Camp at Western.

We had some extra money that particular day, so we spent some at the Theatre Store, after bills were paid, of course. Other than the `Stratford Behind the Scenes`book, my favourite item was the magnet I am holding. The day Luke was born (July 23, 2001), a meteorite flew overhead in Ontario, and landed in Pennsylvania. I`m not kidding. http://articles.cnn.com/2001-07-23/us/flash.boom_1_meteor-showers-flash-and-boom-sky-and-hearing?_s=PM:US

We were so lucky to have a quick meet & greet with my favourite Stratfest actress, the incredibly talented, Claire Lautier.  We all enjoyed meeting her, even if for a few moments.  The kids were so tired (Cordelia fell asleep in the 2nd half of Henry V and missed the kissing scene - only girly part of the entire play), so they didn`t talk too much. But now, they feel they have 2 Claires in their lives - Claire Senko (their director and great friend), and Claire Lautier (Stratford Claire). They are both equally wonderful in our books. http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/OnStage/productions.aspx?id=16168&prodid=41226&id2=869

Back to Girl`s Day:

Cordelia won tickets to Stratford Festival`s `The Matchmaker.`She had me submit a picture of us at the same age, explaining why we are the perfect match.

 Yep - kind of similar.

We don`t just look alike. She doesn`t have a sister. No chance one is coming her way, either. So, we are both stuck in a testosterone-filled house. Lovely.

Cordelia has taken dance the past couple of years (acro, then ballet) and she was unsure of what to take this coming year. I thought taking her to see 42nd Street on the matinee could lean her to my side (I favoured jazz).

So, with this in mind, I planned a Girl`s Day in Stratford. Just us.

The day started with a trip to the Stratford`s Exhibition (my 2nd time through). The legendary Martha Henry was presenting an hour long discussion about her career, including her history with Stratfest. She had played Cordelia - I was sad I had forgotten that, and didn`t introduce my Cordelia to her. http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/OnStage/productions.aspx?id=11162&prodid=36314&id2=1423

Ms Henry told us many stories. The one which resonated the most with me happened during her first season (I believe) at Stratford. A fellow actor (who had acted at Stratfest for seasons prior to her arrival and whose name I forget - oops) brought her to the permanent, original Festival stage. She and he sat there in the seats, looking at the stage, then relaxed. After a few moments, she said she could see the stage breathing, ever so slightly - it was as if it had been distrubed by their presence at first, then when it realized all was well, came back to life. I can still see her hands slowly moving up and down of the stage`s breathing motion - probably as much as she still remembers watching it happen. I`ll never forget it.

We were very blessed all day, starting with hearing her speak. Sitting beside us (on original under-the-tent-chairs), a woman had made room for Cordelia and I (Cordelia sat on my lap). No problem - she`s still little. We made small talk with the woman beside us who was so kind. She was FULL of information about the festival. Ms Henry had given this woman a bag of what turned out to be Stratford Festival season programmes from each season Ms. Henry had worked.  (And, we also got an early peak at Mr. Sean Arbuckle, who snuck in last minute to the presentation. Stratford people are awesome - Learn! Learn! Learn!)

Our new friend turned out to be Ann Stuart, current Stage Manager for Cymbeline, but who has worked on over 70 productions. She also works with Ms. Henry at the Birmingham Conservatory. http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/OnStage/productions.aspx?id=16159&prodid=41236&id2=1625  There was no air, no ego - here, beside us, helping Cordelia feel welcomed and safe, was a piece of Stratfest history itself. I could have talked with her forever, but she told me, and I quote, "I have to get to a little something called Cymbeline."

We walked around the Exhibition after it cleared, sadly for Cordelia, not finding any Cordelia clothes (only Regan's). By the time I found a picture of A Cordelia (Ms. Henry), Cordelia was engrossed in the lighting set. Aren't all kids?

Cordelia did find an interesting piece that I missed - a maquette there also had paper dolls, just like we do at Kids4Bard. Good find!

We had packed a lunch and set off to find a lunch spot, which would have been impossible, had I not had the Aveo that day. It is about half the length of the van. We ate, not on the river (yet) but near the playground. That was a sad temptation for Cordelia, at which I should have denied eating. She was so pretty and pink that day. I wanted her to stay that way for at least one show!

We made our way to the Festival Theatre for a preshow by performers in "Wanderlust." (thinking back now, it may have been prior to The Matchmaker...sorry) Wow - I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I love men who can sing. Tom Rooney made me swoon - dang what a voice (ahem, he is Pistol in Henry V, too)! A few lines into his song, Cordelia touched my arm and asked, "momma - do you have goosebumps yet?" I didn't at that point, but didn't take long. Go see this show - I'm trying to find room in my calendar to go. The songs are beautiful, at times funny, but always from the heart. I need to go. Here is a sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbnmMB_LUwc&feature=plcp

We found our seats and waited for 42nd Street to start. I'll say here that for the past 2 hours, I had heard how beautiful Cordelia was, how well behaved and how wonderfully dressed she was for the theatre. Yes, we dress to impress (well, she does at any rate).

 

42nd Street was even better the second time. Say it with me now, "I love men who can sing!" Goosebumps galore. It was not the awesome storyline which made me cry at the end of the first half - it's the pure talent. I cried - like Oprah says, "ugly cry." It was even worse this day because I turned to my daughter to see her eyes - her eyes - they shined, they glowed, they danced along with those on stage...her eyes were like when a mom looks at her baby for the first time (I'm a midwife, I've seen that look; I know that look). Ugly cry commenced...

To sum up second half, Cordelia decided to take tap dance this year (jazz, but louder?). She thought Julian Marsh was quite mean. She loved the costumes, loved everything about the entire production (glitz, shiny, sparkly)...no swords. Wow, what a difference.

Stratford has a Q & A almost every week with a member of the cast or crew. We made sure we always put in a question or 2. During the q&a with Sean Arbuckle (who played the mean Julian Marsh), the lightbulb moment which became Kids4Bard was born. Nya:weh! Cordelia wanted to show Sean our sets and paper dolls for Dream. (bio for Sean: http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/OnStage/productions.aspx?id=16148&prodid=41220&id2=809)

He was so sweet and kind to her. He sat down and really looked and asked her questions about them. Cordelia loved talking with him about what we had done as a group. I was very glad she was able to talk with 'him' because she really didn't like Mr. Marsh. Sean was very kind. We also talked about Titus and swords (I can't stay away from them). Quickly, I told him about the birthday present I have planned for Braeden (I will not reveal it here). Sean knows the person with whom it is arranged. Cordelia asked what it was, but I told her she was no good with secrets!

I loved Sean Arbuckle in Titus Andronicus last year. He makes quite a sexy Pirate King this season. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gI3SMDDT3Xg Costumes are gorgeous, too (steampunk). Fabulous, fabulous production.

In Sean's left hand are pictures which Cordelia coloured just for him, to thank him for taking the time to talk with us. He said he'd put them on his fridge. She wants to check...[On Cordelia's head is her mask which we bought prior to Henry V a couple days earlier. She didn't take it off. Note her blue bracelets, too. There's a story coming up about them.] I would go into more detail about this particular time but I fear I would come across as too schoolgirlish. It was heavenly. Nya:weh, Sean (and Christi for help setting this up)!

As we were going back to buy some food at the Festival Theatre (I finally had a good parking spot), I saw someone and stopped walking. I found Cordelia's hand and brought her back with me.

"Bruce (Dow)?" "Yes, do I know you?" I said that I was Cordelia's mom, from HIS q&a (earlier than Sean's). He remembered her (everyone remembers at least her name). He was as wonderful as I thought he would be. I said to Lisa M. once that Bruce is one guy I would love just to sit and talk with over coffee (I don't drink coffee but that's besides the point). He told me a few times how 'gorgeous' Cordelia was and how pretty she looked. We talked about the show and he told me how good of a job as a mom I was doing having my children involved in theatre (he even remembered the question from Dakota on his q&a about The Laramie Project).Thank you, Bruce! They were off for a quick dinner and I forgot to take a picture. I hope I get a chance for coffee one day. And get a picture. Bruce, by the way, was Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar last year. My first introduction to him was in The Tempest - he took the time to chat up the audience during a taping - he was hot and we were freezing. Here he is as King Herod on Broadway: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmycB0hIOn4 Yowza!

We bought a fruit salad and a pop and headed to the river for a picnic. My brilliant daughter even remembered to pack a game for us to play between plays. That's "Guess Who" in front of her.

I took lots of pictures - some pretty good ones, too. But my favourites are Cordelia dancing her heart out. Oh, to be young and not care what people think....

But here's one of my nature-favourites

 

Keep in mind, it is now almost 8:00. We arrived in Stratford at 10:30. It was a full day, just us two. She was still in a good mood! Impressive feat for an 8 year old girl.

The Matchmaker was so funny! It had clockwork timing. It reminded me of, "Boing Boing" (someone please tell me they have seen that play - and mean it). Cara Ricketts was incredible - her body language difference between Cymbeline's Innogen and this comedic role was amazing. Mike Shara (who I have only seen in Shakespearean plays - Titus and Cymbeline) was hilarious. The whole cast was perfect. It was a blast! The costumes were so pretty (hat shop, ladies). This was my first comedy on stage since Boing Boing, probably (back when I was Cordelia's age). What a wonderful change from tragedies and war. No singing, but it didn't matter. We all laughed until our bellies hurt.  There are lines that ring true, though - so pay attention when you go. Chick Reid - I love her, and Tom McCamus...and Seana McKenna (ashamed to say, my first play with her in it -WAIT - I may have seen her as Lady Macbeth - I feel better now), Geraint Wyn Davies (Claire Lautier's husband)...Take a look at the cast.. wonderful, all of them. http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/OnStage/productions.aspx?id=16267&prodid=41223

I had asked Ms Cara Ricketts if she wouldn't mind meeting Cordelia by the stage door to look at our sets, too. She was wonderful to Luke and I after Cymbeline, so I was quite happy to talk with her again.

My favourite part of the night (outside that look in Cordelia's eyes) was when we were in between the stage doors. Cordelia was on the floor sorting out the dolls and putting up the bristol board sets, other cast members walking by and commenting. I asked Cordelia if she could remember the 2 lines from A Midsummer Night's Dream, "Set your heart at rest:/The fairy land buys not the child of me." Then as if from a dream, beside me, Cara continued, "His mother was a votaress of my order:/And, in the spiced Indian air, by night..." I know my mouth fell open...it wasn't only that she knew and remembered the lines (she said she played the part a few times), but it was her heart that was in the words as she spoke them....as with Ms. Henry's story and Cordelia's eyes, I will never forget that moment. THAT gave me goosebumps.

Cara was as sweet (or sweeter, if possible) with Cordelia as she was with Luke. She brought Cordelia (and me as her tag-along) backstage. Oh my goodness! We met up with her dresser - and Master Tailor - Marilou who gave us a quick rundown of how the wardrobe department switches the wardrobe of the 4 shows at that Theatre (Matchmaker, Henry V, 42nd Street, and Much Ado). We learned COOL facts (like it takes 16 hours to get the costumes ready for 42nd Street after a performance, there are 20-40 costume items that need to be fixed after each show, and that one of the shirts with chainmail from Henry V weighs 25 pounds). The artistic people behind the scenes are as much stars as those on the stage, in my opinion. The acting is just the final aspect we, as the audience, sees. I'll put up 2 pictures.

This is from 42nd Street. The debate is: Is this taller than her or heavier than her? It is exquisite. Marilou talked about how hard the show is on the costumes because of the vibrations, and it made it tricky to balance these out.

The stars themselves - Marilou, Cara, and Cordelia.  Look at Cordelia's bracelets. Now, look at Cara's. The night before our Girl's Day, we went to the mall. Cordelia wanted to buy something for Cara to thank her for taking her time to talk with her. She asked me to buy 2 - so they would match.

My first annual Girl's Day in Stratford was more than I could have daydreamed. TWO, sorry THREE men who sing and 'do' Shakespeare (and as I was talking to Cara, put 'abs' on my Trifecta list due to the Shirtless Wonders in Cymbeline and Titus.

Cordelia lasted about 7 minutes in the car, then she passed right out.

When I drive home with sleeping children after a day in Stratford, I sing, or daydream, or listen to music. But this night, like I said, there was nothing left to daydream.  We met Sean and Bruce (I love men who can sing). I heard from a few people that it was a "great!" thing I was doing, having the kids involved in theatre & Kids4Bard. My soul was filled beyond capacity watching the utter pure, unrelenting talent I saw on stage - and saw the birth of a dream in my daughter. We got backstage, saw the Festival Theatre stage from the other side (oh, I forgot to talk about Cara's eyes when she pointed it to the stage...her tone even changed. It became more hushed and soft - she truly reveres that stage). Cordelia got to wear a HAT from a real SHOW. In all honesty - there was nothing else that could have made that one day more perfect.

But, my favourite, favourite part - was spending the day with my daughter, enjoying theatre with her - not forcing it on her. It changed her this day. I know it did. I think it changed me, too. It solidified the choices I have made about making the arts a priority for the children. (I'll blog more about that later). I spent the day with my daughter, sharing something that is my 'safe' spot - my theatre therapy. My daughter and I became closer that day because of it.

I wasn't a girly-girl. My Darling Cordelia is bringing it out in me (that being said, I love ball gowns - but where does one have a chance to wear them). What would I be if I didn't give birth to a girl in 2004? Would last Saturday have happened? I doubt it, and my life would be less than what it is today - not just because it was 'Stratford,' but because it was my daughter and me, intertwining our hearts in the love of girlhood (and theatre) in Stratford.

Makers of Miracles

Let's just say, I won't be finishing Mr. P's book prior to Wednesday. I'm about 350 pages away. And I've been distracted. But, let me go back in time a wee bit first...

I think June is a good time to begin.

It was a loverly June morning for Luke and I. With the other kids on the bus, Luke and I started our trip to Stratford. I had taken him to the Island to see The Bench (picture above).  But, Luke found something far more exciting than a bench. 

(6 weeks later, when I took Luke back to see Henry V, he pointed out Tom Patterson Island. That night, we didn't have time to stop. He also pointed out Tom Patterson Theatre.)

The reason for our early trip to Stratford, was because 2 other moms and I were asked to be a part of an interview of sorts about how to have our children be involved, take part, in the theatre, and about the wonders of Stratford itself. I wished I could have lived out this day prior to the interview, because this was quite possibly, the best day I have had to date in Stratford.

For about an hour, Lisa D-C, Mara S, and myself, along with Lisa M from Stratfest (and the attending cameramen) discussed theatre. What a glorious hour it was! I felt uplifted, inspired. What an absolute joy it was to share that time discussing 2 of my favourite parts of my life - my children, and the magic of theatre, Stratford Festival specifically. We laughed until our sides hurt. I wish I could see the blooper real. One part about taking my teenage son to his first "titty show" [Grapes of Wrath - read the book] was my favourite. I wondered why Dakota took to that show so much.

If interested (and you should be, if you have children, or love theatre, and Stratford): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qymNR0HEBbk&feature=plcp. The videos are a great watch. Have fun - let me know what you think. I noticed I have trouble speaking in complete sentences.

After the interview, we ate at Boomers Fries who make gourmet fries/poutine. Amazing, and I don't eat fries, usually, but I made an exception to my rule.  It was worth it. SO good.

We saw, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" again, and again, I cried. I think that play speaks to the innocence of childhood - something that was lost long ago. Parts of growing up sucks.

We spent 90 minutes (not even close to enough time) in the Exhibition, learning about Stratfest's history (and me being a history major was enthralled): costumes, sets, a monkey...it was awesome. I must go back, by myself, and ask the other 80% of the questions that were in my head. We sat on original Stratford Festival seats! 
We drove down to the Festival Theatre and more tree climbing...and ducks. Lots of baby ducks. I discovered Luke has a great eye for photography. There were some photos I still am not sure if he took them, or I did. Either way, they are good!

Luke also had the trees. I dare say, Luke would go to Stratford just to climb the trees along the Avon. I know he would. We walked (and climbed) up and down the river for close to 3 hours. I don't know how many trees that included, but I can say that Luke 1) didn't fall and 2) his clothes came home with no rips, tears, nor grass stains.  He's a pro.

We met a wonderful couple to retired to Stratford 3 years ago. I wish I could remember their names. They had come down to the river to hear the music on the barge. I had not heard of this barge before. They played big band!! It was heavenly. The 3 of us talked about Stratfest, our histories with theatre, big band music (they could cut a rug!), midwifery, and how great it was to bring Luke to the Festival while so young. Another hour discussing theatre...such a great day - but still not the highlight.

The highlight started when Cymbeline began. Luke sat up in his seat. His ears perked up. He was entranced. Did he understand the show? Not entirely.

He invented a genius way to ask me questions without bothering other patrons around us. He rolled up the programme, put one end to my ear, and asked his questions in the other end.  It worked very well.

Cymbeline is magical. It is brilliant. It has the best fight scene I have ever seen. It had shirtless men. Yes, the perfect show.  Luke sat still the entire 3 hour performance. He loved every minute of it. So did I. As much as I loved the show (and I still have to see it again), watching Luke watch his first Shakespeare play and be so enveloped in it...that was my favourite part. The swords helped, too. And the bows and arrows.

I took Luke to the stage door when the show was done. Wow. I didn't expect what happened next.

That is Luke. Holding a severed head and a bloody sword, with Graham Abbey (Posthumous, and one of the Shirtless Wonders). This wonderful man, at the suggestion of a friend of his at the stage door, brough Luke (and I) backstage. I was in awe. Luke? I'm not sure if they have a name for the emotion he had right then. He was shy but so polite, my son. When Graham told him he started at Stratfest when he was Luke's age, I'm pretty sure something clicked in Luke's soul.  He has a dream...

We saw the scenery be taken down, crew in the back grabbing clothes for the laundry, Jupiter's ride (go see the show and you will know what I'm taking about). Luke also became a Roman soldier:

As we walked out the stage door, I saw John Vickery (one of my favourites at Stratfest). He was very kind (he was in Titus last year, along with a local Simcoe boy who played Lucius). We saw and spoke with Ms. Cara Ricketts last. She was so incredible with Luke. We had a great talk about him being in Willy Wonka...and worms. (We won't talk about worms here)

If Tom Paterson was the Maker of Miracles, these fine actors are keeping that dream alive. I thank them for that.

On the list of top days of my life, this day is included. I couldn't have asked for anything more. I don't think I could have felt anything more. My cup was full. Luke's was full. His adrenaline from holding the swords lasted until about 20 minutes into our drive. I think I still feel mine.

Since that time, I started a Kids4Bard group. We are taking a Shakespeare play and breaking it down. We started with A Midsummer Nights Dream. We did costume study. We designed sets. Our group has grown to 10 kids and adults. The kids are having fun. One of the midwives I work with brought 2 of her girls (5 and 20-something, Emily and Amanda). Amanda graduated from Emily Carr out in BC. I was so grateful she came to share her talents with us. Sharon (her mom) has great talent, too. I would not have known if it were not for Kids4Bard.

Braeden had his day in Stratford seeing Henry V. But, that is another story for another blog. As is Henry V that we saw this week. And my new book.

Tomorrow, Cordelia and I are having a Girl Day - no swords shall be mentioned. But, if I do not get to sleep soon, I will be grumpy .... No, not a chance. Tomorrow will be making more dreams come true.

17 Days until A Word or Two

What I've learned about Mr P on a personal level? He was (is?) shy, yet over confident. Loved his drink. Seems to always have held the Stratford Festival in highest regard, even if he was blacklisted for 3 seasons from it. He doesn't think velvet (or the over-use of velvet) should be used as costumes or for large hats. And, dressing rooms should always be above water level.

He had a respect for early tv; relatively none for it now. Listen to this:

        pp 121 Those were the early warning signs that this explosive new invention was about to get out of hand and go too far, that one day soon it would tell us how to eat [I have to say it - formula and other junk food], how to dress, how to live. Drunk with power it could dictate policy, bring down corporations, swings elections, toppel governments. Newscasters were turned into opinionated superstars. Nothing would be sacred anymore, neither the dignityof high office nore the sanctity of the ruling classes. All would become an open book - what was caviar to the general was not popcorn for the masses. Today we have become quite accustomed to being fed intravenously with thirdrate dogma; like some insidious germ warfare it all seems painstakingly planned, carefully calculated. Oh, sometiems something fine comes along to momentarily redeem it, but not enough.
                     In the early fifties, however, television promised everything. There was nowhere it couldnèt go; its horizons were limitless. It was also wonderfully brave, young, fresh, even innocent.

Profound.  Mr. P is a seer! Or at his age, 20/20 vision is in perfect focus.

Reading this book for the 3rd time, it astounds me what I missed my first rounds. First - the word "lugubrious" is a delicious-sounding word.

Christopher Plummer writes in the Queen's English. Yes, the "u's" make a difference!

There doesn't seem to be many Old Hollywood types with whom he did not act. The names are familiar to me because my dad would tell me about them, too. He'd tell me about the movies he would see when he was young. Seeing as my dad is only 3 weeks younger than Mr. P, it only makes sense. Perhaps that is why I find some refuge reading this book? If you're a new reader, you should also know that my dad is also French Canadian, but raised in a French neighbourhood, outside of Windsor, Ontario. He had school and church in French. I miss hearing him speak the language to his sisters. I miss him trying to help me read it. I was always a good French student because I wanted to make my dad proud. I sorely regret not keeping it. I can read it ok - which is helpful in this book because I can understand the bits of French Mr. P sneaks in.

Some of, well actually, a lot of Mr. P's break out came from him acting for a year down in Bermuda. He met people who would change his life: Edward Everett Horton and Ruth Chatterton. Mr. Horton gave him a job touring after Bermuda finished, and Ms. Chatterton connected him with the who's who in New York and, most importantly, Jane Broder - his first agent.

Mr. Broder bailed him out of trouble more times than I think even he admits in this book. He not only found him jobs. She paid debts, found him a place to stay - was a Mother Hen to him. It didn't seem she ever made a bad choice for him. My favourite quote of her by him is, "If Jane had ever looked Sin straight in the eye, Sin would have just wilted away, riddled with remorse."  The times I have read this book, I always cry when she passes away. His writing makes us love her, too.

He meets lifelong friend, Roddy McDowall, who Mr. P grew up admiring as a child. At the inaugural season of the American Shakespeare Festival with Jerry Stiller, Jack Palance, and Raymond Massey. Jerry Stiller doing Shakespeare. With my generation growing up with him on Seinfeld, who woulda thunk it?

Pages 161 - 169 is the beginning of our mecca of Canadian Theatre - the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. The town truly rallied behind the dream of Tom Patterson's, "The little maker of miracles."  We are also introduced to Tanya Moiseiwitsch, who left a mark on Stratford (set and costume design). Her stage was set under a circus tent (yes, even built by Skip Manley from Barnum and Bailey Circus) who even kept working to finish the tent when they ran out of money, as did other construction crew members. The Chicago Tribune said, "The Stratford Festival of Canada has been born with a silver spoon in its mouth. The New York Times said, "This is the sort of stage that lovers of Shakespeare have often dreamed about and seldom seen." Not bad for a first season!

For me, Mr. Patterson' vision is what brought me hear, on a magic carpet. If my mom hadn't seen Mr. P in Romeo & Juliet at Stratford while she was in high school, would I be searching out literature for my heart now? Would I be introducing my little ones (8-17) to Shakespeare? Kids4Bard is a success so far. Why? Because most of my children can explain A Midsummer Night's Dream in just a few minutes, longer if you let them use their paper dolls. They can explain Athenian clothes, why Lysander has brighter clothes than Demetrius, why Puck is a silly goofball, and steals the show. Not too bad. Thank you to Lisa and Christi at Stratford for forwarding our questions to Stratford cast members who do Q&A's on facebook. They are helping us immensely!

I decided after we 'finish' a Shakespeare play, we will pull out a book from A Word or Two to read, starting with Steven Leacock. My kids, especially the older ones, will love that!

The question is, I guess, how will this section get me ready for A Word or Two? It is the first time that I heard of Ibsen, Medea. He mentions authors I know (qu'elle suprise - TS Eliot, Tennessee Williams) and many I don't (list too long lol). It goes to prove my original thought for using this book as a text for books to read. My mom filled my heads with Brontes, Montgomery, a respect of Shakespeare  of course, but never read it to/with me.

School gave me Shakespeare, Richler, Rostand, and Atwood. But never an Ibsen, nor the many playwrites still to be named. I feel so out of place, like my life is on another place where, though my imagination is good, my love of language was blocked. Can you love language if you only read Rostand or Shakespeare? Yes, but it's also like loving chocolate after only eating an Aero Bar - when there's double chocolate cheesecake to savour. Mr. Plummer is giving me, and my kids - some other plane of thoughts. I'm so excited for us!

Thanks, Mr. P!

25 Days and Counting

I am going to see A Word or Two in 25 days. It will be a day by myself in beautiful Stratford. A treat, to be sure. A trip to the Exhibition is in store, too.

It's been far too long since I solemnly declared that I was back. It is a busy household in which I live. My younglings in Willy Wonka were fantastic. Luke, as Mr Bucket, and josh, as Charlie Bucket, brought the house down each night with their swinging duet of, "Think Positive.". Or, at least made me cry each show...

Cordelia was an Oompa Loompa. She had that certain je ne sait quoi. Claire, the director, said after most shows, someone invariably would come up to her and say, "Who was the one Oompa...?" "That would be Cordelia." She put her heart into each song each performance. Which is saying something, too, because the week it opened, she had 2 dress rehearsals (ballet included), a preview, show Friday & Saturday night, matinee Sunday then ballet recital Sunday night. I had no idea they were going to be the same weekend. They also had 2 shows Tuesday and Thursdays for the local schools. She rocked it every night.

I became the unofficial photo-documenter of the rehearsal and shows for Willy Wonka. Thousands of pictures. I loved it.

Dakota was also on stage at school. He was in The Music Man and The Laramie Project. I loved both, but Laramie was exceptional. Dakota's best friend at school is lesbian. Her sexuality is not an issue at their school. Awesome. Not so in Laramie. It was heartbreaking.

Braeden also made his flute debut at the spring concert. He has a gift. I can't believe he was only playing since February. I played for year's before I sounded that good.

I became an official photographer for the local SNAP newspaper (Halimand/Norfolk). No pay. No matter. I'm having a blast meeting people, going to social events. My intrepid assistants usually attend with me (younglings). I'm having a blast.

I have been published a few times, too. In yummymummyclub.ca and for TheSilo.ca. Check them out (ie google).

I have been to a few shows in Stratford this season. I wish I lived closer and could go more. So far, I have seen: You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Cymbeline, Pirates of Penzance, 42nd Street, Machomer, and Henry V. I can't pick favourites. Sorry. Singing men vs Shakespearean men? That is far too close to call.

But, I love men who can sing.

And recite Shakespeare.

See my issue?

Cymbeline was awe-inspiring. The best fight scene I have seen to date. It was exquisite. Luke and I went to the stage door where Graham Abbey proceeded to give Luke a tour of backstage (and I) including holding the bloodied sword, a cut-off head, and seeing the crew start to change the scenery from one show to the next. We also saw the laundry being taken to the wash. Every part of a production is important. The acting is only what we see.

The kids and I also started a group I've named, Kids4Bard. Where the idea germinated was from Bard on the Bus. They are a travelling group from Driftwood Theatre who visit towns and cities to perform. This year was A Midsummer Night's Dream. My favourite! And Lear.

My idea was/is to take a play and break it down. We started with characters. Then we did scenery. I want them to see something other than the final acting performance.

We read about them and designed costumes based on what we learned. Braeden also designed a now and sword. They looked great.

On our second night, we had 3 others join us: Sharon (one of my midwife co-workers), and 2 of her daughters (one 5, the other over 20 who went to Emily Carr for art). They helped us with our scenery and our paper dolls.

Instead of us acting them out, I thought we'd start just acting with the puppets.

We didn't get done as much as I would have liked, but on July 19, we took or sets (on bristol board), and people that were finished or cut out, to see Driftwood's production. Dakota and Braeden volunteered as ushers. We added another child to our numbers, too. It was great.

The show was spectacular. It was a musical. A brilliantly acted and sung musical. I can't say enough good a out it. I ordered the cd and bought a shirt. I love men who can sing. Oh, sorry. But they were SINGING Shakespeare!

We spent what was supposed to be a few minutes with the cast, but turned out to be around 20 minutes with most of them. They loved the sets and our "cast" of dolls. I was told by a few of them that it was great to be doing this with them. If they weren't interested , I wouldn't be doing it with them.

One of the cast is an assistant fight director (swords) who Braeden immediately loved, of course. It was a wonderful night for all of us.

Kids4Bard is now on twitter and Facebook. Follow if you would like. We are open. Also, we have the gmail account Kids4Bard@gmail.com.

In there, I also took part in a webinar with the RSC about teaching Shakespeare to kids. I learned so much. Most importantly, I learned what I had to do to get out of myself to help the kids. Namely, as the wonderful Sean Arbuckle would call, movement (not dancing). In time, we will get there.

My kids have also been sending questions to the Stratford Q&A's on Facebook. We have learned so much! It's been great watching the wheels in their heads turn to think of something new to ask. Nya:weh to Lisa and Christi for reminding me of the days and members.

Which brings me back to my 25 days. I am reading Mr P's book again. I will blog everyday about what I read. The last time, I looked for authors and actors, this time will be on Mr Plummer himself.

Tonight's reading showed me that I am not related to him on my maternal grandmother's side. My dad's family is from Quebec and the Jesuits knew how to keep records! We will see what happens when I do my paternal grandfather's side.

Mr P is an only child with much maternal/womanly influence on him. But this influence also included an aunt who was a world leader if congenital heart defects in the early 20th century. These women were not passive. They were acclaimed sportswomen, too. And well read. Very well read.

They were rich. They went to concerts, and theatres. They listened on the radio to operas from the USA. Such a simpler life than 100 cable stations which show rare value.

Reading this book has not only inspired my love of reading, but in turn, is helping my children's love of literature grow. Kids4Bard has been a great past time for them, for us, this summer. I'll continue as long as they want.

And Braeden will love to read Mr Leacock (whose book I have misplaced, again). He loves the oddness of life. The books will be perfect for him.