I realised that Stratford Festival in particular, theatre in general, is my mistress. I'm ok with that. Stratford makes me think, makes me prioritize, puts my heart on my sleeve to rediscover what has been hidden for so long. Stratford gives me a hug when I need it. It kicks me in the gut when I need it, too. It never disappoints me and fills my heart with hope.
There are far worse things I could be doing far worse things with my life. Plus, I almost always have one of my kids with me. It's not as if I am abandoning them while I am off cavorting. I think I have only been to Stratford twice this summer alone. One was for Romeo and Juliet. The other was Tommy.
Plus, the youngest had their play, The Grunch, until just before school ended. This week, 3/4 kids volunteered for Driftwood Theatre's Bard's Bus Tour. They were ushers, greeters, and helped Steven at the concession stand. Oh, Cordelia loved helping and being around someone who let her be her, and let her help out. She had a blast.
It is a great season so far at Stratford. The boy who played Charlie Bucket last year in their production of Willy Wonka plays one of the 10 year old Tommy's. Luke played his dad last year. I still need to take the kids to see him. I had to see it first. With a molestation scene, and 10 year old Tommy being brought to a prostitute by his dad, I had to make sure they'd be ok with seeing Josh up there. It's pretty benign, those scenes. I still need to bring them. Dakota was on stage with Josh, too, in The Music Man.
Tommy itself is quite the spectacle (don't see it if you have a concussion). The singing is extraordinary. Jeremy Kushnier has a most incredible voice. Well, all of the cast does. Paul Nolan, who played Christ in Jesus Christ Superstar, plays Cousin Kevin is fantastic. He is quite versatile. Kira Kuloien as Mrs Walker has the poise of a mother of that time. She's hopeful and gentle with Tommy (Josh). I adore her. And wow - is she beautiful! And, of course, there is Lee Siegel. We love Lee.
Romeo and Juliet has grown on me. Cordelia had tweeted Antoni Cimolino last year requesting Stratford to do it this season. Coincidence? She takes all the credit. We saw the show May 1 in all her glory. Jonathan Goad is perfection as Mercutio. Sara Topham is adorable and heartbreaking as Juliet. Daniel Briere is a wonderful Romeo (and quite the rock star at the stage door - great hair cut). Kate Hennig plays The Nurse in all her daftness incredibly well. Antoine Yared`s Paris is fantastic. I always thought of Paris as a bit of a priss, but he doesn`t play him like that at all. Tyrone Savage plays Tybalt. I don`t think there are many actors at Stratford with his swagger and projection. I love watching him onstage.
I`ve seen this play 2 more times since May. The third time I was struck dumb. I don`t know what changed, but it became magical on that stage. It`s like fairy dust from Queen Mab was sprinkled over it. It has more finesse, but also much more heart. It captivated me like I didn't expect.
The Three Musketeers is good fun. it starts off with the sound of a sword fight. In my family, that demands attention and begs to be seen multiple times. Luke Humphrey knocked my socks off as D'Artangnan. It's a great show for children of all ages, like the circus, except here, it's costumes and swords and love - not clowns (thank goodness). It's great to see Mike Shara on stage again. Cordelia really to a liking to him in The Matchmaker last year.
Going back to my childhood, Blithe Spirit was one of the first plays I saw with my mom. It is the show I was most looking forward to this season. It certainly did not disappoint. Seana McKenna can do no wrong. As Madame Arcati - wow. I will only ever see her in the role from now on. Michelle Giroux (possibly distant relative because my maiden name is Giroux - she's also Graham Abbey's wife) was out of this world (no pun intended). The command she has of her voice, the tones of her voice, lead me along like a puppy after treats. Sara Topham (young Juliet in R&J) transformed herself into an angry and controlling wife by play's end. I want to steal her costumes. Well, the patterns of her costumes. It was also funny seeing Ben Carlson be picked on by 2 very strong female characters. I want to go back.
I want to go back to Blithe, but I need (read NEEEED) to go back to Waiting for Godot. I won tickets and took Luke, who is almost 12. It was his turn to go since his siblings had already been this season. I had trepidation bringing him to a Samuel Beckett play, but I am very glad I did. Godot is a master class in acting. It got my heart racing (Randy Hughson). Made me cry (my favourite from last year as Pistol, the Swooney Tom Rooney). Made me raging mad (Brian Dennehy). Made me wince and feel melancholy (Steven Ouimette). And my Luke? He got it. He understood the play.
I've been going to theatre my entire life, except for maybe the first 5 or 6 years. This is by far, the best production I have seen. I wish I was a wordsmith. I knew by the cast that it was going to be a remarkable production, but in my imagination (and I have a large and healthy imagination), I could not have envisioned anything close to this. When can I go back?
A note about our trips to stage doors. Actors and actress at Stratford are kind, patient, and very loving to the kids when I bring them to the doors (I never go by myself). I see it that the kids need to understand that they actors aren't their characters (important for Cordelia last year after 42nd Street and Sean Arbuckle). The kids can ask questions, which sounds pretty basic. But, if you are a child, or a shy teenager, speaking to the stars of show takes courage, takes them out of their safety zone. While I may be the one who starts the conversation with the actor/actress, they always turn the conversation to the kids, without fail. I love them for that. Sure, I get my own questions in and make small talk, too, but the focus is on the kids and them. It teaches them that actors or actresses really are just regular people with high profile jobs. They encourage the kids to keep up their acting (Tom Rooney made sure to get Luke talking about doing Shakespeare) and they encourage me to keep bringing the kids.
Theatre teaches so many things about life, important lessons that people would be hard pressed to learn in more singular professions. Teamwork (cast AND crew), trust, learning about others you work with, or on the pages of the plays, being ready and available, reliability, fun...the list goes on. We have never met anyone who has not been patient, even if they were in a rush. The kids learn that they are important to people. That people will listen and take the time to get to know them. And thank them for coming. The kids will remember that feeling more than anything, I would wager. They have their favourites - all of them.
I'm off to play a board game with the eldest boys and my mom. We are going to play crokinole. That is a blast from the past. I don't think I've played since I was 12. This should be fun. Next post will be about Driftwood Theatre and what we are doing in Kids4Bard this year. We are having a BLAST!
Showing posts with label Mike Shara. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mike Shara. Show all posts
Saturday, 20 July 2013
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
End of my season
I am so far behind my blogging. I don't have a computer of my own (first world problems) and I detest blogging when someone is awake. But, I'm afraid the month-gone visit to finish my season at Stratford will not have the exclamation point I was hoping it would.
Let me tell you about my friend, Mary. She and I, in the words of Anne of (won't you please call me Cordelia) Green Gables, is a bosom friend, in more than one sense. When we met, it was as if I had known her all my life. She just fit, you know what I mean? We met at the National Breastfeeding Conference in Toronto back in 2008 (hence, another meaning to 'bosom' friend, and I also spoke at that conference this year). We have been friends ever since. We are like 2 schoolgirls when we get together.
We don't see each other enough. Last year, the only time we saw each other was at - GASP - Camelot at Stratford, which just happened to be Cordelia's very first trip to Stratford. Otherwise, we have stolen a concert in Toronto together, gabbed away at other breastfeeding conferences, emailed, or texted.
Mary wrote her lactation consultant exam this summer, so she didn't have much time for relaxation while she was studying. I think I said something about needing a girl's day away as an award for finishing the exam. And, Stratford won our time away together.
But this day, it wasn't just the Festival we planned on enjoying - we intended to paint the town: find hidden bookshops, and resale stores...look for local stores which would steal our hearts...and eat.
These pursuits were accomplished and then some. We found gems everywhere we went - from the wonderful bookstores to quaint tea shops to a ... well, for lack of better word, a wiccan store (great place for Harry Potter type items), and inexpensive gifts for us and our children, an early start to Christmas shopping. shhhhh
Oh - the weather was sublime. Perfect. Late summer weather in October, but not too hot. We could not have scripted a more beautiful day away.
We, as human beings, need time away from everything. Women, especially, because we put ourselves on the bottom of life a lot of the time. We need time to charge our batteries, take stock in what happiness is to us and embrace it. It's healthy. We owe it to our families and ourselves to take that time just for us.
Our matinee was, "Much Ado About Nothing," which I was so happy I didn't miss (it closed just a couple of days later). It was so much fun. I adore Claire Lautier and Ben Carlson. It was a light play compared to Cymbeline and Henry V, but worth the wait. We had fun. [I actually had to check the birth day of Luke Humphrey because he, uh, knows how to dance, let's say. Eek. He's going to play Dartagnon next season (Three Muskateers). Hip hip hooray! That's a book I need to buy - next time I go to the Waterford Old Town Hall book sale.]
Miss Mary hadn't gotten her LC exam marks, as of that date. They came out earlier in the week. I tried to help her look it up during lunch, but we were missing the special code for her exam. She sent out some emails to people at work when the play started.
We sat in the very top row in the balcony and heard every word. It was a much quieter play than Henry - much less people walking in the background.
During intermission, out on the balcony with the sun streaming down on us, Mary received her code for the exam pass/fail. I knew how she felt - I was there last year...so many years of work, hours studying to write the exam, co-workers eager and hoping you passed...she was too nervous to check, so I did it for her.
I will never forget the ecstatic look on my dear friend's face when I told her she passed. Relief, happiness, peace, bliss...I'm so glad that I was a part of it. When I found out my marks, I was alone in my office and ran to the main midwives' office, jumping up and down to the point where my supervisor (whose office was directly above) came down to find out what the emergency was. Yes, I know how Mary felt...
With the feeling of imminent "what if" removed from us, we thoroughly (even more so?) enjoyed the second half.
Claire L helped Braeden to have an extremely happy birthday back in September, so he made her a special gift as thanks, which I gave her after the show. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture of his final project. What he did was write her favourite Sonnet in Elvish. It was beautiful! He's got talent.
We found a great tea shop, and an olive oil place (chocolate olive oil, ladies!) before we headed to Down the Street for dinner. We had packed lunch, so we splurged a bit on dinner because Mary passed! And, we deserved it. If you haven't eaten there, go. Their menu is wonderful!
We gabbed and reminisced throughout dinner. She and I have never run out of things to discuss. But, I bet even silence would be great with her. It's been a while since I've had a close friend like her. We don't seem to have them like we do when we are children, do we? Why is that? Why do we let life get in the way?
Our evening show was, "The Matchmaker." I could have seen this show a dozen more times and I would have laughed as hard each time. Poor Mary, I think she ran out of kleenex. Our abs were sore from laughing so ferociously. If you missed this show, you really missed out. Stellar cast, hilarious script, clockwork comical timing, gorgeous costumes, men singing...(had to slip that in there). Oh - and I finally met the dashing Mike Shara. He was quite wonderful. He'll be a Muskateer, too (hint hint).
If anyone remembers, waaaay back in the summer, I wrote I felt badly about what I construed as laughing at Josh Epstein when he asked me if Boing Boing was my first play in New York. Anyone remember? I wrote that I'd make it up somehow. I let Braeden's talent make it for me (thank you, Braeden). He wrote, in Elvish, "Studio 58" "Hop the Twig" and "Wait for Rain" for him. That I have pictures of, but not here. I'll post them later. I'm glad I was able to give it to Josh after the show because I didn't know then that he wasn't going to come back the next season. Ack! Since I really 'got into' Stratford the past 2 seasons, Josh has been there in my most favourite shows (Titus, Cymbeline, Matchmaker).
I just didn't think about him not being here. And not only him, but others are gone, too - like Cara. Oh, Cordelia did NOT take that news well at all. Poor girl. I'm just going to have to bribe Miss Cara to come back and help Kids4Bard one day, when she's not busy. Her career is shooting straight up. We'll have to wait a bit. And Josh is back in BC, where Cordelia wants to be (she was born there and has a very deep yearning to see it, since we moved back to Ontario when she was 7 months).
I still have yet to hear about my other favourites...Sean and Claire mostly. I hate wait.
I think The Matchmaker is a show I will go to the archives to watch when I'm old., not just to laugh again, but to reminisce about the days when I saw it. The day with my lovely Cordelia, dressed up like a princess, being treated like a princess, meeting Sean, Cara, Marilou, wearing Peggy's head piece...a day of perfection for my daughter - watching her watch "We're in the Money," will be one of the highlights of my life.
Then, the heavenly day with my mom, which I thought I'd never feel again. The magic of theatre enveloping us, protecting us, binding us together like The Force...laughing with Cara, talking with Josh - having the light bulb go on that if it wasn't for my mom, I wouldn't have been in Stratford, then and there. The ride home where anything and nothing and everything was talked about with no regrets, no disillusionment, no hiding...I'll never forget that day.
Then, this day with Mary: making us a priority, giggling without a care in the world, finding treasures and treasures we had forgotten we had lost (resale stores will do that)...seeing her face, giving her the biggest hug in the world when I told her she passed...talking about life, boys, theatre, blessings, regrets...the perfect weather...It was the perfect day to end my season at Stratford.
Where will I be when I see it in the archives? Will my children be grown? What will they be doing? Will I be a grandma? What will I be doing, other than breasfeeding and midwifing? Will I feel peace and happiness in every aspect of my life? Will there be a Cornelius Hackl to my Irene Milloy? Will my children's dreams be fulfilled? Will mine be realised?
All I believe is that whatever we are all doing, where ever we go, we will all look back at this 60th season in Stratford and be grateful for those we shared it with, those we met, those emotions we felt. We will realise that this summer changed us, permanently, for the better.
And with this, I say good night...nya:weh for sharing this with me, whoever you are that reads this. Write me a word or two...
I will be back soon with my autumn reading (which is the reason I started the blog in the first place - literature)....stay tuned. xoxo
Let me tell you about my friend, Mary. She and I, in the words of Anne of (won't you please call me Cordelia) Green Gables, is a bosom friend, in more than one sense. When we met, it was as if I had known her all my life. She just fit, you know what I mean? We met at the National Breastfeeding Conference in Toronto back in 2008 (hence, another meaning to 'bosom' friend, and I also spoke at that conference this year). We have been friends ever since. We are like 2 schoolgirls when we get together.
We don't see each other enough. Last year, the only time we saw each other was at - GASP - Camelot at Stratford, which just happened to be Cordelia's very first trip to Stratford. Otherwise, we have stolen a concert in Toronto together, gabbed away at other breastfeeding conferences, emailed, or texted.
Mary wrote her lactation consultant exam this summer, so she didn't have much time for relaxation while she was studying. I think I said something about needing a girl's day away as an award for finishing the exam. And, Stratford won our time away together.
But this day, it wasn't just the Festival we planned on enjoying - we intended to paint the town: find hidden bookshops, and resale stores...look for local stores which would steal our hearts...and eat.
These pursuits were accomplished and then some. We found gems everywhere we went - from the wonderful bookstores to quaint tea shops to a ... well, for lack of better word, a wiccan store (great place for Harry Potter type items), and inexpensive gifts for us and our children, an early start to Christmas shopping. shhhhh
Oh - the weather was sublime. Perfect. Late summer weather in October, but not too hot. We could not have scripted a more beautiful day away.
We, as human beings, need time away from everything. Women, especially, because we put ourselves on the bottom of life a lot of the time. We need time to charge our batteries, take stock in what happiness is to us and embrace it. It's healthy. We owe it to our families and ourselves to take that time just for us.
Our matinee was, "Much Ado About Nothing," which I was so happy I didn't miss (it closed just a couple of days later). It was so much fun. I adore Claire Lautier and Ben Carlson. It was a light play compared to Cymbeline and Henry V, but worth the wait. We had fun. [I actually had to check the birth day of Luke Humphrey because he, uh, knows how to dance, let's say. Eek. He's going to play Dartagnon next season (Three Muskateers). Hip hip hooray! That's a book I need to buy - next time I go to the Waterford Old Town Hall book sale.]
Miss Mary hadn't gotten her LC exam marks, as of that date. They came out earlier in the week. I tried to help her look it up during lunch, but we were missing the special code for her exam. She sent out some emails to people at work when the play started.
We sat in the very top row in the balcony and heard every word. It was a much quieter play than Henry - much less people walking in the background.
During intermission, out on the balcony with the sun streaming down on us, Mary received her code for the exam pass/fail. I knew how she felt - I was there last year...so many years of work, hours studying to write the exam, co-workers eager and hoping you passed...she was too nervous to check, so I did it for her.
I will never forget the ecstatic look on my dear friend's face when I told her she passed. Relief, happiness, peace, bliss...I'm so glad that I was a part of it. When I found out my marks, I was alone in my office and ran to the main midwives' office, jumping up and down to the point where my supervisor (whose office was directly above) came down to find out what the emergency was. Yes, I know how Mary felt...
With the feeling of imminent "what if" removed from us, we thoroughly (even more so?) enjoyed the second half.
Claire L helped Braeden to have an extremely happy birthday back in September, so he made her a special gift as thanks, which I gave her after the show. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture of his final project. What he did was write her favourite Sonnet in Elvish. It was beautiful! He's got talent.
We found a great tea shop, and an olive oil place (chocolate olive oil, ladies!) before we headed to Down the Street for dinner. We had packed lunch, so we splurged a bit on dinner because Mary passed! And, we deserved it. If you haven't eaten there, go. Their menu is wonderful!
We gabbed and reminisced throughout dinner. She and I have never run out of things to discuss. But, I bet even silence would be great with her. It's been a while since I've had a close friend like her. We don't seem to have them like we do when we are children, do we? Why is that? Why do we let life get in the way?
Our evening show was, "The Matchmaker." I could have seen this show a dozen more times and I would have laughed as hard each time. Poor Mary, I think she ran out of kleenex. Our abs were sore from laughing so ferociously. If you missed this show, you really missed out. Stellar cast, hilarious script, clockwork comical timing, gorgeous costumes, men singing...(had to slip that in there). Oh - and I finally met the dashing Mike Shara. He was quite wonderful. He'll be a Muskateer, too (hint hint).
If anyone remembers, waaaay back in the summer, I wrote I felt badly about what I construed as laughing at Josh Epstein when he asked me if Boing Boing was my first play in New York. Anyone remember? I wrote that I'd make it up somehow. I let Braeden's talent make it for me (thank you, Braeden). He wrote, in Elvish, "Studio 58" "Hop the Twig" and "Wait for Rain" for him. That I have pictures of, but not here. I'll post them later. I'm glad I was able to give it to Josh after the show because I didn't know then that he wasn't going to come back the next season. Ack! Since I really 'got into' Stratford the past 2 seasons, Josh has been there in my most favourite shows (Titus, Cymbeline, Matchmaker).
I just didn't think about him not being here. And not only him, but others are gone, too - like Cara. Oh, Cordelia did NOT take that news well at all. Poor girl. I'm just going to have to bribe Miss Cara to come back and help Kids4Bard one day, when she's not busy. Her career is shooting straight up. We'll have to wait a bit. And Josh is back in BC, where Cordelia wants to be (she was born there and has a very deep yearning to see it, since we moved back to Ontario when she was 7 months).
I still have yet to hear about my other favourites...Sean and Claire mostly. I hate wait.
I think The Matchmaker is a show I will go to the archives to watch when I'm old., not just to laugh again, but to reminisce about the days when I saw it. The day with my lovely Cordelia, dressed up like a princess, being treated like a princess, meeting Sean, Cara, Marilou, wearing Peggy's head piece...a day of perfection for my daughter - watching her watch "We're in the Money," will be one of the highlights of my life.
Then, the heavenly day with my mom, which I thought I'd never feel again. The magic of theatre enveloping us, protecting us, binding us together like The Force...laughing with Cara, talking with Josh - having the light bulb go on that if it wasn't for my mom, I wouldn't have been in Stratford, then and there. The ride home where anything and nothing and everything was talked about with no regrets, no disillusionment, no hiding...I'll never forget that day.
Then, this day with Mary: making us a priority, giggling without a care in the world, finding treasures and treasures we had forgotten we had lost (resale stores will do that)...seeing her face, giving her the biggest hug in the world when I told her she passed...talking about life, boys, theatre, blessings, regrets...the perfect weather...It was the perfect day to end my season at Stratford.
Where will I be when I see it in the archives? Will my children be grown? What will they be doing? Will I be a grandma? What will I be doing, other than breasfeeding and midwifing? Will I feel peace and happiness in every aspect of my life? Will there be a Cornelius Hackl to my Irene Milloy? Will my children's dreams be fulfilled? Will mine be realised?
All I believe is that whatever we are all doing, where ever we go, we will all look back at this 60th season in Stratford and be grateful for those we shared it with, those we met, those emotions we felt. We will realise that this summer changed us, permanently, for the better.
And with this, I say good night...nya:weh for sharing this with me, whoever you are that reads this. Write me a word or two...
I will be back soon with my autumn reading (which is the reason I started the blog in the first place - literature)....stay tuned. xoxo
Monday, 8 October 2012
A Day with Braeden, Pirates, and Cymbeline
Braeden loves swords. He has loved swords since before he could walk. He used to sword fight our Malamute's tail when he meandered by him. No one else could do that with Nanuq. Just Braeden.
When I saw Cymbeline with Luke earlier this season, I knew this was a production Braeden had to see. This was not a Braeden would just get a kick out of it production. He needed to see the fight scene.
My mom wanted to help this day be special to us, so she gave us money for rush seats to a matinee. Braeden had to chose between, "Much Ado About Nothing" (which I still have to see) or "Pirates of Penzance." I fell off of my seat when he chose Pirates. I didn't complain, mind you, but I would have bet money that he would have chosen anything but a musical.
I'm a sucker for a man who can...oh nevermind, I repeat myself.
I repeat myself.
I think Braeden eventually enjoyed the show. He didn's sleep much the night before. Do teens ever get enough sleep? To be honest, he did start to nod off, but the Major General song woke him up for good. He was quite impressed with the extra verses regarding Stratfest's 60 years. It was a great moment in the show.
True to form, the men and women sang their hearts out. Amy Wallis is devine. Kyle Blaire gorgeous and perfect as the Slave to Duty Frederick. Sean Arbuckle is quite the sexy Pirate King (up there with the Dread Pirate Roberts and Jack Sparrow). Gabrielle Jones, in my opinion, steals the show, as she does with 42nd Street. She is a force to be reckoned with. Amazing job. What I would give to be able to sing like that - or even closer to that!
The family who sat around us were great. They had 2 small children. The grandmother played Nell in a production (and her husband was a stage hand) in Pirates when they were younger. She sang as we were all leaving and I complimented her. She apologized for it. I have been told far too many times these past years to stop singing - no one will ever be told to stop around me, only complimented. She had a gorgeous voice.
We went to the stage door and talked with new people, Mark Cassius and Kyle Blaire. Mark was in Jesus Christ Superstar. Look him up on twitter - his tweets are always positive influences on my day, without fail. I'm glad I told him so. Life is too short to not give sincere compliments to people.
Kyle Blaire was ever so much taller than I thought he would be. He was so kind to Braeden and I. I made sure to tell him about how much 42nd Street influenced Cordelia with her tap dancing (she now practices her math flash cards, with her tap shoes on...she has me play Stratford's 42nd Street videos off of youtube...when she gets a question correct, she taps to the music....I really need to tape her doing it). I hadn't realized how dreamy Kyle Blaire was before. Perhaps I need to look at and stop just listening?
I will admit that I was high on men singing Saturday afternoon. I remember myself talking about 'men who can sing' ad nauseum...poor people who were listening to me - and Braeden. We made a quick stop at the Exhibition again. The woman working was the same woman from Braeden's birthday trip there. I really have loved, and continue to love, every Stratford employee I have met, on or off the stage. How do they find such treasures?
We meandered around the Festival Theatre Store for a while, where I picked up last year's programme (which Cordelia feasted on, picking out anyone she knew, figuring out what else they were in, finding her favourites - Cara Ricketts and Stephen Patterson). I didn't realize how many shows I missed last year, and how lucky I was this year to see so many. I am so blessed to be in the twitter club, and have generous parents, and win a contest or two. I'm glad my gas is cheap on the rez.
Now, Cymbeline has been built up by me to Braeden since June 9. I'm sure Braeden became sick of me telling him how great it was and how he needed to see this fight scene. I hoped I didn't build it up too high.
It turned out, I didn't build it up enough.
Here's my boy ready for the show:
If you look up "mytimeatlast" on youtube, you will find 2 videos of Braeden from last season, when we saw Titus. My son grew up. He loves to wear suits. He wears one to school every Friday (he sings Barney Stinson's song, too, "Nothing suits me like a suit.")
I'm not sure how to write about my experience at Cymbeline. The production had morphed these past 3 months into a new show. It was the same actors and actresses, but it was a new show to me.
And I, even I who am a sucker for men who can sing, honestly could only say after Cymbeline, "Sean who?" Men singing seemed trivial compared to what I experienced with Cymbeline that night. It was extraordinary. I love musical theatre, I grew up on musical theatre, but that night, it was the beauty and strength of words, of full-hearted acting...I'm not sure how to explain it...
If Christopher Plummer wrote A Word or Two for people to 'get' into language again, to learn and fall in love with words, to expand our minds away from the digital age...this is what he meant. We were all changed by it that night.
I've never experienced anything equal to it. We had the lovely Monique Lund beside us, and hearing her gasp, clap and laugh was great. But it wasn't just her...it was all of us...
All of us in the theatre that night had an experience I wonder if it will ever be repeated. I felt the energy of the audience move up and down...be dangled by a string, and crunched like a bug. Maybe people who go to the theatre more than I have felt it before, but to me, this was a singular experience.
It was magic.
Being the final show, they gave it their all. Cara was phenomenal (a description even the new AD, Antoni Cimolino agreed with when we spoke after the show). I saw a new attack on the language in the play from her, a new power I haven't seen from from her before. She was, like Gabrielle Jones, a force to be reckoned with. I was completely floored. Comparing this to previous Cymbeline and to The Matchmaker - her Innogen was a stunning transformation. She had us all eating out of her hand. I gave her such a huge hug afterwards...
We also spoke with the awesome Josh Epstein. He is a great guy (have I mentioned he can sing, too?). I enjoy talking with him. I can't wait to see "The Matchmaker" again. I forgot his promised treat from me (that's if he reads my blog, if he hasn't read my blog, I owe him nothing teehee). I'll try to remember for my final show of the year on the 25th (Thank you, Mary!). He has great eyes.
I was able to introduce Braeden to a few others that night, too. They were so nice, even with the closing of, not just Cymbeline, but of the Tom Patterson this season. Graham Abbey was great and excited about Braeden getting a part in a local play -
WAIT ! I haven't mentioned that yet!? I'm a terrible mother!!
Braeden and Dakota have parts in a local production, Christmas Truce - 1914, about the peace treaty of Christmas Eve on No Man's Land. They are playing soldiers. I am SO excited and happy for them. I can't wait to see them on stage together.
We also spoke to the ever-incredible John Vickery (who I discussed Art of Time's War of the Worlds as a staged radio play later this month). He's so laid back.
I still have to officially meet Mike Shara. Dang, he is one talented human being.
Plus, when I conjured up enough nerve to introduce myself to Antoni Cimolino, he recognized me from the "Family Experience" videos I was in. I almost fell over. Like I said almost 2 years ago when I was retweeted by Mr. C, I feel as giddy as I was when Bon Jovi retweeted me. I will never meet Jon Bon Jovi, thought, so Mr. C wins.
Braeden was able to keep his hands off of my eyes so I could enjoy the Shirtless Wonders one more time (thank you all). What does it say when shirtless men is at the bottom of the list of my favourite things of the day? It means the actors, director, stage crew, lighting, music melted together into the most perfect night in the theatre I have ever experienced.
While all the shows I saw this season left an impression on me, this was the pinnacle of what theatre should be, at least, should strive to be. While it did not help me see life in a new way (like Wanderlust) nor make me cry because of pure talent (like 42nd Street), nor have me gaga over singing (take your pick), it was the most powerful 3 hours I have seen on stage. Ever.
Nya:weh to everyone involved in this night. As Braeden and I left the Patterson Theatre, coincidentally walking behind the last remaining cast member, Graham Abbey (because our vehicles were parked next to each other), I saw the behind-the-stage crew, who couldn't show up at the bar anytime soon for the drinks. I saw wonderful Marilu (Master Tailor and Cara Rickett's dresser) and her compatriots lugging arms-full of clothes to be washed, hung, packed up (what DO they do with the wardrobe after the closing night? How long will it take to put the into the costume warehouse?).
After the fight scene, I shook Braeden's shoulders like an excited schoolgirl. I dare say the look on his face after that scene was equal to Cordelia's eyes during, "We're in the Money." And I was blessed to experience them with my children.
There were 2 moments on stage which moved me to put my head on Braeden's shoulders in awe of the play, and in love with my son. If those 2 moments are the last I get to snuggle Braeden before he becomes too cool to snuggle his mom, I will be a very happy and content mom. Those moments of love are memories intertwined with our love of theatre and the magic of that night. If this is a taste of what is the future holds for Stratfest under the direction of Mr. Cimolino, it is in very good hands.
THIS is what theatre is about. It made me forget...everything. I was a clean slate coming out, with my heart intact, my head on straight, but together, my soul has been permanently expanded.
When I saw Cymbeline with Luke earlier this season, I knew this was a production Braeden had to see. This was not a Braeden would just get a kick out of it production. He needed to see the fight scene.
My mom wanted to help this day be special to us, so she gave us money for rush seats to a matinee. Braeden had to chose between, "Much Ado About Nothing" (which I still have to see) or "Pirates of Penzance." I fell off of my seat when he chose Pirates. I didn't complain, mind you, but I would have bet money that he would have chosen anything but a musical.
I'm a sucker for a man who can...oh nevermind, I repeat myself.
I repeat myself.
I think Braeden eventually enjoyed the show. He didn's sleep much the night before. Do teens ever get enough sleep? To be honest, he did start to nod off, but the Major General song woke him up for good. He was quite impressed with the extra verses regarding Stratfest's 60 years. It was a great moment in the show.
True to form, the men and women sang their hearts out. Amy Wallis is devine. Kyle Blaire gorgeous and perfect as the Slave to Duty Frederick. Sean Arbuckle is quite the sexy Pirate King (up there with the Dread Pirate Roberts and Jack Sparrow). Gabrielle Jones, in my opinion, steals the show, as she does with 42nd Street. She is a force to be reckoned with. Amazing job. What I would give to be able to sing like that - or even closer to that!
The family who sat around us were great. They had 2 small children. The grandmother played Nell in a production (and her husband was a stage hand) in Pirates when they were younger. She sang as we were all leaving and I complimented her. She apologized for it. I have been told far too many times these past years to stop singing - no one will ever be told to stop around me, only complimented. She had a gorgeous voice.
We went to the stage door and talked with new people, Mark Cassius and Kyle Blaire. Mark was in Jesus Christ Superstar. Look him up on twitter - his tweets are always positive influences on my day, without fail. I'm glad I told him so. Life is too short to not give sincere compliments to people.
Kyle Blaire was ever so much taller than I thought he would be. He was so kind to Braeden and I. I made sure to tell him about how much 42nd Street influenced Cordelia with her tap dancing (she now practices her math flash cards, with her tap shoes on...she has me play Stratford's 42nd Street videos off of youtube...when she gets a question correct, she taps to the music....I really need to tape her doing it). I hadn't realized how dreamy Kyle Blaire was before. Perhaps I need to look at and stop just listening?
I will admit that I was high on men singing Saturday afternoon. I remember myself talking about 'men who can sing' ad nauseum...poor people who were listening to me - and Braeden. We made a quick stop at the Exhibition again. The woman working was the same woman from Braeden's birthday trip there. I really have loved, and continue to love, every Stratford employee I have met, on or off the stage. How do they find such treasures?
We meandered around the Festival Theatre Store for a while, where I picked up last year's programme (which Cordelia feasted on, picking out anyone she knew, figuring out what else they were in, finding her favourites - Cara Ricketts and Stephen Patterson). I didn't realize how many shows I missed last year, and how lucky I was this year to see so many. I am so blessed to be in the twitter club, and have generous parents, and win a contest or two. I'm glad my gas is cheap on the rez.
Now, Cymbeline has been built up by me to Braeden since June 9. I'm sure Braeden became sick of me telling him how great it was and how he needed to see this fight scene. I hoped I didn't build it up too high.
It turned out, I didn't build it up enough.
Here's my boy ready for the show:
If you look up "mytimeatlast" on youtube, you will find 2 videos of Braeden from last season, when we saw Titus. My son grew up. He loves to wear suits. He wears one to school every Friday (he sings Barney Stinson's song, too, "Nothing suits me like a suit.")
I'm not sure how to write about my experience at Cymbeline. The production had morphed these past 3 months into a new show. It was the same actors and actresses, but it was a new show to me.
And I, even I who am a sucker for men who can sing, honestly could only say after Cymbeline, "Sean who?" Men singing seemed trivial compared to what I experienced with Cymbeline that night. It was extraordinary. I love musical theatre, I grew up on musical theatre, but that night, it was the beauty and strength of words, of full-hearted acting...I'm not sure how to explain it...
If Christopher Plummer wrote A Word or Two for people to 'get' into language again, to learn and fall in love with words, to expand our minds away from the digital age...this is what he meant. We were all changed by it that night.
I've never experienced anything equal to it. We had the lovely Monique Lund beside us, and hearing her gasp, clap and laugh was great. But it wasn't just her...it was all of us...
All of us in the theatre that night had an experience I wonder if it will ever be repeated. I felt the energy of the audience move up and down...be dangled by a string, and crunched like a bug. Maybe people who go to the theatre more than I have felt it before, but to me, this was a singular experience.
It was magic.
Being the final show, they gave it their all. Cara was phenomenal (a description even the new AD, Antoni Cimolino agreed with when we spoke after the show). I saw a new attack on the language in the play from her, a new power I haven't seen from from her before. She was, like Gabrielle Jones, a force to be reckoned with. I was completely floored. Comparing this to previous Cymbeline and to The Matchmaker - her Innogen was a stunning transformation. She had us all eating out of her hand. I gave her such a huge hug afterwards...
We also spoke with the awesome Josh Epstein. He is a great guy (have I mentioned he can sing, too?). I enjoy talking with him. I can't wait to see "The Matchmaker" again. I forgot his promised treat from me (that's if he reads my blog, if he hasn't read my blog, I owe him nothing teehee). I'll try to remember for my final show of the year on the 25th (Thank you, Mary!). He has great eyes.
I was able to introduce Braeden to a few others that night, too. They were so nice, even with the closing of, not just Cymbeline, but of the Tom Patterson this season. Graham Abbey was great and excited about Braeden getting a part in a local play -
WAIT ! I haven't mentioned that yet!? I'm a terrible mother!!
Braeden and Dakota have parts in a local production, Christmas Truce - 1914, about the peace treaty of Christmas Eve on No Man's Land. They are playing soldiers. I am SO excited and happy for them. I can't wait to see them on stage together.
We also spoke to the ever-incredible John Vickery (who I discussed Art of Time's War of the Worlds as a staged radio play later this month). He's so laid back.
I still have to officially meet Mike Shara. Dang, he is one talented human being.
Plus, when I conjured up enough nerve to introduce myself to Antoni Cimolino, he recognized me from the "Family Experience" videos I was in. I almost fell over. Like I said almost 2 years ago when I was retweeted by Mr. C, I feel as giddy as I was when Bon Jovi retweeted me. I will never meet Jon Bon Jovi, thought, so Mr. C wins.
Braeden was able to keep his hands off of my eyes so I could enjoy the Shirtless Wonders one more time (thank you all). What does it say when shirtless men is at the bottom of the list of my favourite things of the day? It means the actors, director, stage crew, lighting, music melted together into the most perfect night in the theatre I have ever experienced.
While all the shows I saw this season left an impression on me, this was the pinnacle of what theatre should be, at least, should strive to be. While it did not help me see life in a new way (like Wanderlust) nor make me cry because of pure talent (like 42nd Street), nor have me gaga over singing (take your pick), it was the most powerful 3 hours I have seen on stage. Ever.
Nya:weh to everyone involved in this night. As Braeden and I left the Patterson Theatre, coincidentally walking behind the last remaining cast member, Graham Abbey (because our vehicles were parked next to each other), I saw the behind-the-stage crew, who couldn't show up at the bar anytime soon for the drinks. I saw wonderful Marilu (Master Tailor and Cara Rickett's dresser) and her compatriots lugging arms-full of clothes to be washed, hung, packed up (what DO they do with the wardrobe after the closing night? How long will it take to put the into the costume warehouse?).
After the fight scene, I shook Braeden's shoulders like an excited schoolgirl. I dare say the look on his face after that scene was equal to Cordelia's eyes during, "We're in the Money." And I was blessed to experience them with my children.
There were 2 moments on stage which moved me to put my head on Braeden's shoulders in awe of the play, and in love with my son. If those 2 moments are the last I get to snuggle Braeden before he becomes too cool to snuggle his mom, I will be a very happy and content mom. Those moments of love are memories intertwined with our love of theatre and the magic of that night. If this is a taste of what is the future holds for Stratfest under the direction of Mr. Cimolino, it is in very good hands.
THIS is what theatre is about. It made me forget...everything. I was a clean slate coming out, with my heart intact, my head on straight, but together, my soul has been permanently expanded.
Saturday, 1 September 2012
I enjoy being a girl, part 2
On Tuesday...let me back up...last week, I asked my mom if she wanted to see a play in Stratford while she was visiting the grandchildren (I know my place). She said yes to one play, The Matchmaker, but I couldn't quite talk her into 42nd Street....until roughly an hour after she and my dad arrived.
Maybe I should back up some more for any newbie readers: my mom brought me up in the arts. Not to say that we read Shakespeare to each other, or attended art class together, but she brought me to as many artsy things which she could. There were free concerts galore in Windsor way back when (I haven't lived there in a long time, so correct me if I'm wrong). Big band was my favourite. That was probably my dad's only 'arts' inspiration to me. He was born in 1930 and loved music of the 30's and 40's.
She also took me to plays. Lots and lots of plays. So many plays, that I do not remember what was my first play. It was never Shakespeare (I didn't see Shakespeare performed until I was in my late 30's, a, ahem, few years ago - Ben Carlson's Hamlet). I know she loved Shakespeare, but I don't remember having any of his works in the house.
Then, there was Windsor Light Opera. I won't go through our full history of that great organization - you will have to peruse my blog to find the story. [What a great word...peruse....have you ever said that into a fan? Try it!]
My mom did make-up and backstage work for WLO for years. I don't know when she started. It always seemed to be there - it was my mom's night out. And, it became my first volunteer experiences as a child.
Now, back to this week...
When mom and dad arrived, I showed her pictures from Cordelia's & my day in Stratford....then coyly asked her if she wanted to see 42nd Street in 3 hours. Okay, I admit it - that was an underhanded move on my part. I had to see it again...but with my mom along for the ride.
My mom and I - well, I've been a teenager and a know it all at the same time (aren't we all?). Our relationship has had its ups and downs. Down right rocky at times, but we love each other. A lot of who I am today as a person is attributed to my mom and her example.
So, I saw this chance as not only to see S....42nd Street & The Matchmaker again (such a coincidence that they were the same 2 plays my daughter and I saw), and to bring my mom and I closer together - as mom/daughter, using theatre as our jumping off point. Jumping off...maybe flying up from the hanger point.
We didn't listen to the radio or ipod on the way, as is my usual 'thing' (whichever child I bring to Stratford that day gets full control of the music - but I maintain control of the volume, thank you). We talked. We talked and talked and talked.
It was great, just the 2 of us. We didn't have to watch our words (I remember saying 'damn' in front of her and felt terrible - and that that thought was terribly funny). We didn't have to make eye contact - sounds bad, but it isn't. We could just say whatever we wanted, no holds barred.
Waiting for the show to start, my mom perused (dang - a great word) the programme for 42nd. She looked at the cast, the crew...looked up bios....does this sound familiar to anyone? I taught Luke, and Braeden, and Dakota, and Cordelia to do the same thing. Here I was, thinking it was my great idea. Nope - it was my mommy's.
Sigh...42nd Street was even more spectacular the 3rd time. I will never tire of it. I wish to see it every performance, but alas, I need to make a living. I discovered that my mom has the same...let's just name it 'passion' for men who can sing, as I do. Sean Arbuckle and Kyle Blair did not disappoint. I need to see Pirates again...
I will be the first to admit that I have not given the women in this production their due. I have been neglectful. Jennifer Rider-Shaw as Peggy Sawyer - how to describe her? Beautiful (love those dimples). A triple threat, most definitely. I don't understand how someone with her enormous talent was in the chorus for Jesus Christ Superstar and Camelot last year. Honestly - if that is the 'supporting cast'...it's mind-boggling. Jennifer was PERFECT for the role of chorus girl-to-star. Her talent is awe-inspiring. I bow at her feet (actually, I rise to my feet - but that was for the entire cast). (http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/OnStage/productions.aspx?id=16148&prodid=41220&id2=6383)
Cynthia Dale was a surprise. Again, my apologies. She's sexy and has a most incredible singing voice. I feel like I was the last one to know. I didn't know until she was announced last season that she had been at Stratford before - many times - 11 (ELEVEN) seasons! (http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/OnStage/productions.aspx?id=16148&prodid=41220&id2=16413).
My other favourite was Gabrielle Jones (http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/OnStage/productions.aspx?id=16148&prodid=41220&id2=17204). I want to sing like her...so powerful!! I love her - and love and appreciate her more each time I go (oh, may I please see it ONE more time before closing). I can't imagine anyone else playing her role.
See? I love women who can sing, too!
My mom hadn't been to the Stratford Festival since high school (in Waterford - where my oldest is graduating in June - my mom didn`t graduate from there, but that`s another tangent). We didn`t know what year that was...our answer was waiting at the Exhibition.
My mom was amazed at 42nd Street - the talent, the costumes, seats, the music (her feet didn`t stop dancing the whole show), the Festival Theatre...She remembered where she sat when she saw Christopher Plummer in Romeo & Juliet. She told me that the cast had messed up a scene that day, and they came back to the stage after the play was finished and re-did that scene, then took a Q&A from the high schoolers there that day (wow - my mom did a q&a with Stratford before I did, but I don`t think she actually asked a question). hehehe That`s actually funny, if you knew how many q&a`s the kids and I have done this year on Stratford`s facebook.
I realized the 42nd Street head piece Cordelia wore (picture in a previous blog) may have been worn by Miss Peggy Sawyer, herself. Awesome! Thank you Marilou and Cara! If you go onto Stratford's home page, you can see it there.
We ate at York Street Kitchen, again, wanting their delicious food to fill my tummy - and hoping to point out local cast to mom. But, no one came by that day. The food more than made up for it. Their soups are deeeeelicious.
We had a great talk during dinner. It`s always so nice to have someone to speak with after a show. I have been to too many plays where there was no discussion about what we saw. It`s sad - as if you look at a Matisse, shrug, and pass it by without a word. After A Word or Two, I understand how being alone with your thoughts after a play can be satisfying, but when there are 2 people together...it just doesn`t seem right. Granted, there are times and moments when no words can express, or no words have to be said. But, they are far and few between, for me.
As my mom was paying for dinner (thank you mom), I began a conversation with the lovely retired couple from New York behind us. They were delightful. They had been coming to Stratford for many seasons. They had so much knowledge...they were a joy to speak with. As I stood up and pushed my seat in, I found this. If it wasn`t an important moment in the play (the play itself, and the ugly cries it gave me during the play), I would have left it for our waitress:
It`s a Canadian dime. I want to get it framed. Is that weird? The gentleman from Verona, I mean NY, told me I had to dance in order to keep it. I indulged a wee bit, but said I was hoping Kyle or Sean would show up and sing to me instead. Again, is that weird?
I took my mom to the Exhibition next. Why is it I hear so little about this wondrous place? It being my 4th time through, and the staff busy with other tours, I gave my mom the tour. [My mom and I used to be museum guides - at the same museum - 8 years apart.] When I did have unanswered questions (my own or my mom's) I asked Laura at the desk (I really hope I have her correct name). She gave me my first 2 tours. There was another woman working that night whose name I did not get (sorry, but I am bad with names). She told the story of the hockey jersey - go to the Exhibition and find out! Great story with William Hutt.
Thanks to this most excellent tourist-trap-for-a-history-major-and-Stratfest-lover, we uncovered when my mom was last in Stratford. It was 1960 - Bruno Gerussi was Romeo. Mr. P was Mercutio (one of the best parts ever written by Shakespeare) and Kate Reid was the Nurse. There was a picture on the wall of Mr. Gerussi, I believe - or was it Mr. P? I think there are more pictures up of him than anyone else. But, it settled that puzzle piece down for us. 1960. Mom was .... oh nevermind. She'd kill me if I said her age! Come to think of it, I don't think I've given my age...
We strolled through the Theatre Store at the Festival Theatre (because the Avon was closed - who knew it closed on a week night). I wanted to show her the architectural drawings of the Avon, and the pictures of the river which runs underneath it. Something to do next season, I suppose. She must come back and see Romeo & Juliet, at any rate.
I tried to take a picture of her and I together, but was saved by a woman who offered to take it for us. As we were talking, I mentioned the last time my mom was here - and as strange as it sounds - they, too, were here in 1960, and it sounded like the same performance. AND, they have relatives in Waterford. Wow. Small world.
We settled in for The Matchmaker, again reading our programmes (and me tweeting about our great day). Three minutes to opening and my heart dropped - so many empty seats, they moved an entire section over. I heard ticket sales were slow, but that was ridiculous.
My mom was a great seamstress. Her favourite (and mine - qu'ell surprise) is the early 1890's - the same as The Matchmaker. My mom, as she told Cara Ricketts later, used to sew these great outfits, and wear them to work, when she worked for the Deputy Prime Minster, Herb Gray. I think I wrote about him in a previous blog...
The Matchmaker was superb. I truly think if one watched it everyday, it would count as crunches caused by all the laughing. Mike Shara and Josh Epstein are so frigging funny! Maybe it's because I have only seen them do Shakespeare (Titus to begin last year, and Cymbeline this year), but they are hysterical. Good looking, too.
I must divert from the 'we' story to an 'I' story. My mom, who says she has bad eyesight, spotted a man the row behind us and down a bit, and asked if he was the 'cowboy' in 42nd Street. It wasn't him...there...he was sitting down the row a few more seats. He is one of the most talented actors Stratford has, an equally nice man, and quite dashing, Steve Ross (http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/OnStage/productions.aspx?id=16148&prodid=41220&id2=907).
Secret may be out (hahahaha) but I don't make it a habit to talk to actors or actresses on my own. I feel out-of-place, and geeky. But, Steve Ross did such a great q&a on facebook, I had to thank him for answering my kids questions. He was great to talk with, and remembered my kids questions (honestly - how many little girl Cordelias are there - or Kids4Bards). I mentioned to him that I brought Dakota (who was 15 at the time) to Grapes of Wrath last year, and that it was his first 'titty' show. If you have read the book, or seen the play, you will know what I'm talking about. [And it just so happened that Chilina Kennedy (Rose of Sharon, and Mary from JCS) was just a few seats down from us, but I didn't mention THAT to her. I did tell her that after Luke saw JCS, he said he wanted to be an actor, and I thanked her for inspiring him. And, another by-the-way - she's tiny...where did her singing voice come from? wow]
When Steve and I spoke about Grapes of Wrath...he got that look - the same look Cara Ricketts had with with Cordelia. He is so in love with what he does...it was an honour to speak with him, and see that look...I wonder if I look like that when I tell my favourite birth or breastfeeding stories? I wonder...I hope I do. He was the first actor I have spoken with (not just Stratford actors) who knew the play, Boing Boing. He understood what I was talking about when I mentioned they had the same clockwork timing.
Now, I just need to find someone who knows the musical, "Fanny."
I had tweeted Cara earlier in the night to mention my mom wanted to say hi. I had told my mom what Cara had done for Cordelia, so mom wanted to meet her.
While we waited patiently for Ms. Ricketts, I finally, after too long a time, officially met Josh Epstein. He (I really need to buy a thesaurus) was great to speak with, and very handsome. He remembered Cordelia (then me). We talked about the timing in The Matchmaker and asked him if he had seen "Boing Boing" he said he had, then asked me if I had seen it in New York. I'm afraid I giggled outright at the thought of me seeing it in New York. (I now feel quite rude about laughing 'at' him. I'll make it up - what is your favourite chocolate - anyone else know?) But, before I laughed, he asked me a profound question.
I had said that I saw Boing Boing when I was about Cordelia's age (he also knew the play) He then asked me if that was my first play....
I couldn't answer that. I don't know what my first play was that I saw. Theatre was always there. I have no before or after....isn't that wonderful? Thank you, Josh - for helping me to appreciate what my mom has given me...and during a mom/daughter day, too. Nya:weh.
Cara came out and oh, what a meeting that was! Stories came out from all of us - when WLO put on Yoeman of the Guard, my mom did makeup - and gave herself a beard - and ordered pizza with it on (apparently I refused to go into the pizzaria with her when she did so - I have no recollection of that - just the official picture they took that night of her in her Yoeman guard outfit, with beard). Cara is a wonderful woman.
I think Cordelia may love Cara more than I. She had me take this picture, saying she wanted to be Cara:
Cara made it her twitter profile picture, which made Cordelia absolutely speechless (an amazing feat by itself).
The ride home with mom was probably even better than the ride to Stratford. As I type, I wonder why. I think it was theatre magic - the magic of our experience.
You see, theatre, as I have said before, gives us a safe place to be, to feel, to act, to love, to hate...The most important word there is "safe." I asked my mom questions on the way home I have NEVER felt safe to ask. The same thing happened with her. It was as if the theatre gave us a magic safety zone. We told each other things that we probably swore we would never say. Strange, that...strange that it took a trip to a double bill at Stratford for us to open our hearts to each other like we haven't done...probably ever. It is sad it took so long. It is a great thing to have finally happen.
There were questions which weren't answered. I don't know if we will ever get there again, at least get there anytime soon. Phone calls are too cold, in many ways. You can't just call someone and have a 'safe' zone in which to speak. At least, I can't.
Mother/daughter day in reverse was a huge success. As it brought Cordelia and I closer, it also brought my mom and I closer, in ways I didn't think could ever happen, to be honest. Every performance, every cast member, every crew member, every Stratford-ian, every tourist we spoke with added to that day. Perhaps I was inspired, egged on by a higher force to take mom out that day - for the whole day. Maybe it wasn't my incessant desire for...music...or costumes...or dancing.
If culture is the magic of our experience, play on....
Maybe I should back up some more for any newbie readers: my mom brought me up in the arts. Not to say that we read Shakespeare to each other, or attended art class together, but she brought me to as many artsy things which she could. There were free concerts galore in Windsor way back when (I haven't lived there in a long time, so correct me if I'm wrong). Big band was my favourite. That was probably my dad's only 'arts' inspiration to me. He was born in 1930 and loved music of the 30's and 40's.
She also took me to plays. Lots and lots of plays. So many plays, that I do not remember what was my first play. It was never Shakespeare (I didn't see Shakespeare performed until I was in my late 30's, a, ahem, few years ago - Ben Carlson's Hamlet). I know she loved Shakespeare, but I don't remember having any of his works in the house.
Then, there was Windsor Light Opera. I won't go through our full history of that great organization - you will have to peruse my blog to find the story. [What a great word...peruse....have you ever said that into a fan? Try it!]
My mom did make-up and backstage work for WLO for years. I don't know when she started. It always seemed to be there - it was my mom's night out. And, it became my first volunteer experiences as a child.
Now, back to this week...
When mom and dad arrived, I showed her pictures from Cordelia's & my day in Stratford....then coyly asked her if she wanted to see 42nd Street in 3 hours. Okay, I admit it - that was an underhanded move on my part. I had to see it again...but with my mom along for the ride.
My mom and I - well, I've been a teenager and a know it all at the same time (aren't we all?). Our relationship has had its ups and downs. Down right rocky at times, but we love each other. A lot of who I am today as a person is attributed to my mom and her example.
So, I saw this chance as not only to see S....42nd Street & The Matchmaker again (such a coincidence that they were the same 2 plays my daughter and I saw), and to bring my mom and I closer together - as mom/daughter, using theatre as our jumping off point. Jumping off...maybe flying up from the hanger point.
We didn't listen to the radio or ipod on the way, as is my usual 'thing' (whichever child I bring to Stratford that day gets full control of the music - but I maintain control of the volume, thank you). We talked. We talked and talked and talked.
It was great, just the 2 of us. We didn't have to watch our words (I remember saying 'damn' in front of her and felt terrible - and that that thought was terribly funny). We didn't have to make eye contact - sounds bad, but it isn't. We could just say whatever we wanted, no holds barred.
Waiting for the show to start, my mom perused (dang - a great word) the programme for 42nd. She looked at the cast, the crew...looked up bios....does this sound familiar to anyone? I taught Luke, and Braeden, and Dakota, and Cordelia to do the same thing. Here I was, thinking it was my great idea. Nope - it was my mommy's.
Sigh...42nd Street was even more spectacular the 3rd time. I will never tire of it. I wish to see it every performance, but alas, I need to make a living. I discovered that my mom has the same...let's just name it 'passion' for men who can sing, as I do. Sean Arbuckle and Kyle Blair did not disappoint. I need to see Pirates again...
I will be the first to admit that I have not given the women in this production their due. I have been neglectful. Jennifer Rider-Shaw as Peggy Sawyer - how to describe her? Beautiful (love those dimples). A triple threat, most definitely. I don't understand how someone with her enormous talent was in the chorus for Jesus Christ Superstar and Camelot last year. Honestly - if that is the 'supporting cast'...it's mind-boggling. Jennifer was PERFECT for the role of chorus girl-to-star. Her talent is awe-inspiring. I bow at her feet (actually, I rise to my feet - but that was for the entire cast). (http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/OnStage/productions.aspx?id=16148&prodid=41220&id2=6383)
Cynthia Dale was a surprise. Again, my apologies. She's sexy and has a most incredible singing voice. I feel like I was the last one to know. I didn't know until she was announced last season that she had been at Stratford before - many times - 11 (ELEVEN) seasons! (http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/OnStage/productions.aspx?id=16148&prodid=41220&id2=16413).
My other favourite was Gabrielle Jones (http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/OnStage/productions.aspx?id=16148&prodid=41220&id2=17204). I want to sing like her...so powerful!! I love her - and love and appreciate her more each time I go (oh, may I please see it ONE more time before closing). I can't imagine anyone else playing her role.
See? I love women who can sing, too!
My mom hadn't been to the Stratford Festival since high school (in Waterford - where my oldest is graduating in June - my mom didn`t graduate from there, but that`s another tangent). We didn`t know what year that was...our answer was waiting at the Exhibition.
My mom was amazed at 42nd Street - the talent, the costumes, seats, the music (her feet didn`t stop dancing the whole show), the Festival Theatre...She remembered where she sat when she saw Christopher Plummer in Romeo & Juliet. She told me that the cast had messed up a scene that day, and they came back to the stage after the play was finished and re-did that scene, then took a Q&A from the high schoolers there that day (wow - my mom did a q&a with Stratford before I did, but I don`t think she actually asked a question). hehehe That`s actually funny, if you knew how many q&a`s the kids and I have done this year on Stratford`s facebook.
I realized the 42nd Street head piece Cordelia wore (picture in a previous blog) may have been worn by Miss Peggy Sawyer, herself. Awesome! Thank you Marilou and Cara! If you go onto Stratford's home page, you can see it there.
We ate at York Street Kitchen, again, wanting their delicious food to fill my tummy - and hoping to point out local cast to mom. But, no one came by that day. The food more than made up for it. Their soups are deeeeelicious.
We had a great talk during dinner. It`s always so nice to have someone to speak with after a show. I have been to too many plays where there was no discussion about what we saw. It`s sad - as if you look at a Matisse, shrug, and pass it by without a word. After A Word or Two, I understand how being alone with your thoughts after a play can be satisfying, but when there are 2 people together...it just doesn`t seem right. Granted, there are times and moments when no words can express, or no words have to be said. But, they are far and few between, for me.
I took my mom to the Exhibition next. Why is it I hear so little about this wondrous place? It being my 4th time through, and the staff busy with other tours, I gave my mom the tour. [My mom and I used to be museum guides - at the same museum - 8 years apart.] When I did have unanswered questions (my own or my mom's) I asked Laura at the desk (I really hope I have her correct name). She gave me my first 2 tours. There was another woman working that night whose name I did not get (sorry, but I am bad with names). She told the story of the hockey jersey - go to the Exhibition and find out! Great story with William Hutt.
Thanks to this most excellent tourist-trap-for-a-history-major-and-Stratfest-lover, we uncovered when my mom was last in Stratford. It was 1960 - Bruno Gerussi was Romeo. Mr. P was Mercutio (one of the best parts ever written by Shakespeare) and Kate Reid was the Nurse. There was a picture on the wall of Mr. Gerussi, I believe - or was it Mr. P? I think there are more pictures up of him than anyone else. But, it settled that puzzle piece down for us. 1960. Mom was .... oh nevermind. She'd kill me if I said her age! Come to think of it, I don't think I've given my age...
We strolled through the Theatre Store at the Festival Theatre (because the Avon was closed - who knew it closed on a week night). I wanted to show her the architectural drawings of the Avon, and the pictures of the river which runs underneath it. Something to do next season, I suppose. She must come back and see Romeo & Juliet, at any rate.
I tried to take a picture of her and I together, but was saved by a woman who offered to take it for us. As we were talking, I mentioned the last time my mom was here - and as strange as it sounds - they, too, were here in 1960, and it sounded like the same performance. AND, they have relatives in Waterford. Wow. Small world.
We settled in for The Matchmaker, again reading our programmes (and me tweeting about our great day). Three minutes to opening and my heart dropped - so many empty seats, they moved an entire section over. I heard ticket sales were slow, but that was ridiculous.
My mom was a great seamstress. Her favourite (and mine - qu'ell surprise) is the early 1890's - the same as The Matchmaker. My mom, as she told Cara Ricketts later, used to sew these great outfits, and wear them to work, when she worked for the Deputy Prime Minster, Herb Gray. I think I wrote about him in a previous blog...
The Matchmaker was superb. I truly think if one watched it everyday, it would count as crunches caused by all the laughing. Mike Shara and Josh Epstein are so frigging funny! Maybe it's because I have only seen them do Shakespeare (Titus to begin last year, and Cymbeline this year), but they are hysterical. Good looking, too.
I must divert from the 'we' story to an 'I' story. My mom, who says she has bad eyesight, spotted a man the row behind us and down a bit, and asked if he was the 'cowboy' in 42nd Street. It wasn't him...there...he was sitting down the row a few more seats. He is one of the most talented actors Stratford has, an equally nice man, and quite dashing, Steve Ross (http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/OnStage/productions.aspx?id=16148&prodid=41220&id2=907).
Secret may be out (hahahaha) but I don't make it a habit to talk to actors or actresses on my own. I feel out-of-place, and geeky. But, Steve Ross did such a great q&a on facebook, I had to thank him for answering my kids questions. He was great to talk with, and remembered my kids questions (honestly - how many little girl Cordelias are there - or Kids4Bards). I mentioned to him that I brought Dakota (who was 15 at the time) to Grapes of Wrath last year, and that it was his first 'titty' show. If you have read the book, or seen the play, you will know what I'm talking about. [And it just so happened that Chilina Kennedy (Rose of Sharon, and Mary from JCS) was just a few seats down from us, but I didn't mention THAT to her. I did tell her that after Luke saw JCS, he said he wanted to be an actor, and I thanked her for inspiring him. And, another by-the-way - she's tiny...where did her singing voice come from? wow]
When Steve and I spoke about Grapes of Wrath...he got that look - the same look Cara Ricketts had with with Cordelia. He is so in love with what he does...it was an honour to speak with him, and see that look...I wonder if I look like that when I tell my favourite birth or breastfeeding stories? I wonder...I hope I do. He was the first actor I have spoken with (not just Stratford actors) who knew the play, Boing Boing. He understood what I was talking about when I mentioned they had the same clockwork timing.
Now, I just need to find someone who knows the musical, "Fanny."
I had tweeted Cara earlier in the night to mention my mom wanted to say hi. I had told my mom what Cara had done for Cordelia, so mom wanted to meet her.
While we waited patiently for Ms. Ricketts, I finally, after too long a time, officially met Josh Epstein. He (I really need to buy a thesaurus) was great to speak with, and very handsome. He remembered Cordelia (then me). We talked about the timing in The Matchmaker and asked him if he had seen "Boing Boing" he said he had, then asked me if I had seen it in New York. I'm afraid I giggled outright at the thought of me seeing it in New York. (I now feel quite rude about laughing 'at' him. I'll make it up - what is your favourite chocolate - anyone else know?) But, before I laughed, he asked me a profound question.
I had said that I saw Boing Boing when I was about Cordelia's age (he also knew the play) He then asked me if that was my first play....
I couldn't answer that. I don't know what my first play was that I saw. Theatre was always there. I have no before or after....isn't that wonderful? Thank you, Josh - for helping me to appreciate what my mom has given me...and during a mom/daughter day, too. Nya:weh.
Cara came out and oh, what a meeting that was! Stories came out from all of us - when WLO put on Yoeman of the Guard, my mom did makeup - and gave herself a beard - and ordered pizza with it on (apparently I refused to go into the pizzaria with her when she did so - I have no recollection of that - just the official picture they took that night of her in her Yoeman guard outfit, with beard). Cara is a wonderful woman.
I think Cordelia may love Cara more than I. She had me take this picture, saying she wanted to be Cara:
The ride home with mom was probably even better than the ride to Stratford. As I type, I wonder why. I think it was theatre magic - the magic of our experience.
You see, theatre, as I have said before, gives us a safe place to be, to feel, to act, to love, to hate...The most important word there is "safe." I asked my mom questions on the way home I have NEVER felt safe to ask. The same thing happened with her. It was as if the theatre gave us a magic safety zone. We told each other things that we probably swore we would never say. Strange, that...strange that it took a trip to a double bill at Stratford for us to open our hearts to each other like we haven't done...probably ever. It is sad it took so long. It is a great thing to have finally happen.
There were questions which weren't answered. I don't know if we will ever get there again, at least get there anytime soon. Phone calls are too cold, in many ways. You can't just call someone and have a 'safe' zone in which to speak. At least, I can't.
Mother/daughter day in reverse was a huge success. As it brought Cordelia and I closer, it also brought my mom and I closer, in ways I didn't think could ever happen, to be honest. Every performance, every cast member, every crew member, every Stratford-ian, every tourist we spoke with added to that day. Perhaps I was inspired, egged on by a higher force to take mom out that day - for the whole day. Maybe it wasn't my incessant desire for...music...or costumes...or dancing.
If culture is the magic of our experience, play on....
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