Oh Look! Faries!

The University of Missouri 39th Season of Summer Repertory Theater, is in full swing and I hope to catch every play they’re committing to the boards at their two theaters, The Corner Playhouse and the Rhynsburger. To start things off, a friend of mine scored a couple of comp-tickets to see Laughing Stock, and I about giggled myself into traction, it was so funny.

Still no summer repertory theater season, would be complete without a musical. Now my official position on musicals, is that I don’t like them. They have all that singing and dancing and who wants to see that? But off the record, I have to confess that when I go to one, I find myself tapping and humming out the door. Quite frankly, it’s embarrassing.

Still I’m happy to state for the record, that the Rhynsburger’s production of Dames at Sea, had no such effect on me. Really. Unfortunately I haven’t faired so well in the past with previous productions of The Will Rogers Follies and Chicago. (And yes, I still dance around the house in my underwear, to the movie soundtrack of the latter. Please, don’t tell anyone.) The Will Rogers Follies, was particularly trying (and highly entertaining) given the fact, I’m actually related to Will Rogers. I tell you, it’s a really surreal experience, to see a musical about a family member, however distant they may be. And when you catch yourself, singing and dancing around afterwards, you feel especially strange.

Thunder and the Faries.

On this occasion, while effectively concealing my enjoyment of Dames at Sea, I ran into previous partners in theatrical crime, Shaun and Shannon Kelly, during the intermission. Theatrically charmed twins, they played the devoted fairies to my Titannia, in a previous production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, performed at the Vineyard a couple of years back for the Shakes and Grapes Company. (They’ve grown a little taller since then.) Later that week, Shaun opened in the Rockbridge Highschool production of Disney’s Highschool Musical. And yes, their mother talked me into going. I know, I’m a pushover.

Shaun after her wonderfully funny performance

in the High School Musical.

Ryan, after a show of giggles and singing.

After the show I ran into another former cast mate in Ryan . (Seemed to be the day for that.) Previously, Ryan hit the boards with me in an age old production of Twelfth Night for the Maplewood Barn Theater. (And yes, I played a guy in that one too. Must be the low voice.) Right now Ryan is appearing in Dames, as part of the chorus and shines in an unexpected solo. He’s also playing an over worked theater assistant, in the wildly funny comedy Laughing Stock. I don’t want to give too much away about the character, but whatever you do, just don’t ask the guy for a pencil.

A Few Pix for the Road

Here’s a few visual blubs, that came my way, when I found myself at Starbucks, after my musical adventures. Quelling my usual tendencies toward hermit-like behavior, I made myself go out for after-theater-coffee. I’m glad I did, as I made some new acquaintances over java and enjoyed some nice table conversation. Playing with the digital camera, I snapped some more pics over coffee and tried not to hurt myself. It’s surprising how many people, complete strangers in fact, will pose for you when you say, "I just got this new camera and don’t have the foggiest idea, what I’m doing."

The incriminating evidence, is displayed below.

Farewell to Cyrano

We just closed with the play, this last Sunday and from what I can tell, our last performance was perhaps our best. And if you have to end a play that you love doing, it’s always wonderful to go out on a streak of light. Of course now, I’m going through Cyrano withdrawals and find I’m missing taking on the guise of the impetuous guardsman and lovelorn poet. Of course, all I have left to show for it, is what I started out with- the nose. Well, that’s okay. I wanted a little souvenir from the production anyway and this one is actually attached to my face.

Still it would have been lovely to spend more time playing this wonderful character. And the dialogue! I swear, some of the best lines ever written, can be found in this play and like nibbling potato chips, you just can’t say one. If you’re an actor (or actress), looking for a stunning role, you simply have to play Cyrano de Bergerac, if you get the chance. Of course, it’s an incredibly demanding part, but it has everything from the physical, the intellectual, to the emotional with one of the most dynamic death scenes ever seen on stage. However, the rebellious aspect of the character was the most intriguing, as the real-life Cyrano de Bergerac, (and yes, he was a real life person), was always calling to task the political and religious powers that ruled his day. A stunning example to take to heart, in this time where there is so much to question.