Hola spacefolk!
‘Tis Feburary time and last I left you I was in the midst of Dr. Horrible after having left the ghost land of Elsinore… and I still have Gonzo to look forward to. Before I hit the shows- Lydia, my dog’s mother, was diagnosed as having severe cancer but it was found out with enough time to do something about it. With the help of a collection from friends all over the US we saved this dog’s life. I humbly thank all of you and she has recovered well. Now, back to our other story already in progress… AGAIN we had issues with space during this one, but when do we not? I did have more support on this show from a one wonderful Aly Perez and most fantastic Diana Hagler. We had pretty good turn outs- which is always a plus… but still came up short dollar wise. This being my fist musical, I had obvious shortfalls- one being I can’t play piano. Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass- yes. Piano… no. I had no idea that pianist were as expensive as they are. Which devastated our strapped budget. It happens- but it won’t next time I do a musical. Another obvious issue is that long ago I hung up my dance shoes- per se. Bet many of you didn’t know I studied dance at my University. Alas the days of choreographing dances are behind me… or are they? With the exception of the centerpiece “Nobody Wants To Be Moist.†(Commentary the Musical)… the dances were blocked by yours truly. It was a blast all around, even with issues. We even reblocked the whole show in a day and moved it to the local gay Piano Bar- Petra’s to resounding success. Like most shows I end up directing, I -of course- was running lighting and what sound and video there was. I also ended up in the show playing the part of Bad Horse. I wore a tux with tails and a copper piping mask from a show called “Equusâ€. I played the part of Alan Strang when I was a junior in College and made the mask back then. Those of you who know the show might understand the fun I had wearing Nugget’s mask. Now let’s see- there were freeze rays, death rays, videos, remote controlled cars, lab coats…. And mics. That’s right we had mics on our actors! I have to give a shout out to CPCC (local community college) and James Duke for the assist there. Really made the show.
The following week (We only ran Dr. H one week, but did extend three days.), it was GONZO time once again. As always we had somewhat of a new show to present. We added full interactive video this time featuring some damn hippies, Nixon and J. Daly. Amongst others. The director and I are looking to take this show to Spoleto over in Charleston, SC next year. This was another crowd pleasing three day event which we only had 48hours to get ready. That’s not entirely true. We had been working on video when we could for weeks- usually from 11pm to 2am. My very good friend, Adam Parrish, was kind enough to donate his time, experience and equipment to make this show a success with the new elements. I can’t say how much I love visiting Hunter. I can’t say how much I hate shaving my head to the skin. But there I was- smack dab in the middle of GONZO land- and still running lights and sound for Dr. H. How did I do it? Well, one night I didn’t. Those lovely ladies I mentioned earlier- Aly & Diana- took the helm and sailed the ship with flying colors. The last show was packed- and immediately after the final bow I was hurrying to strike and off I was to Tampa! Literally. I walked out the dorr and into my truck and left town. In fact I was in such a hurry that I left some key items in Charlotte that I would later regret doing- like my extra glasses, the blue team work box, my tents and blankets… my love toys. Wait. No. Not my love toys! Anyway- I was rushed. I had said goodbye to my faithful dog (Alaska. I don’t have a Girlfriend these days. If I did I would call her a dog. I’d call her… hurm. I’m just going to leave that one alone.) but I made it safe and sound to our stage in Tampa. Tune in next time to see wat’s going at BARF! And no, I didn’t just throw up.
Alright boys and ghouls, I’m off to fight a space dragon or some such thing. Till the next captain’s log is intercepted, have a good time out there.
-x
