Saturday Morning Musings

My friend Tim saw Frindle last night and he experienced the opposite feeling about the cast than I did. Isn't that interesting? That's why theatre is so incredibly powerful; it happens live, and that night happens and then disappears instantly at the end of the performance. It's a paradox indeed...every night is the same, but every night is different. I'm in Pippin right now at the Barn Players. I acknowledge that it's not a wonderfully awesome piece of theatre, but it sure is fun and there are some talented folks involved. And isn't it great to just have fun on stage now and then? I think as theatre artists sometimes we forget that enjoying the work is a necessary part of becoming stronger theatre practitioners. We have to love what we do. And Pippin is a reminder to me of where I've come from, and where I want to go. "Think about your life." We can all benefit from that message. Also, had a blast last night doing Broadway karaoke with the cast and some others at the Barn. I definitely suggest attending their fundraising after hours at the Barn. And crap, those people are super good at karaoke. It's great fun and entertainment. They use the money to fund a scholarship for a promising senior going on to study theatre in college. A great cause too! Check it out next time.

Frindle

As I watched Frindle, all I could think about was my High School debate coach Mrs. Reynolds. She had high expectations for me and all of her students, but those expectations were matched by undying love and care for our successes. This passion paired with educational standards helped all of us excel, and for me, made me the person that I am today. And therein lays the success of this play. We all have a teacher that we admire to this degree and if we don’t, it’s maybe because we haven’t seen the benefits reaped in our lives…yet. Based on Andrew Clements’ award winning book the playwright, adapted by William Massoli, has created a play that evokes nostalgic empathy and tickles funny bones in children and adults alike. Albeit quite charming, the already short running time of ninety minutes may be a little too long for its targeted audience. During the last twenty minutes, the children who sit on the floor immediately at the foot of the stage began to squirm, talk to their neighbors, and stare at various points around the room besides the stage.

Some highlights of the show include Mrs. Granger (Peggy Friesan), Nicholos (inventor of the word “frindle” played delightfully by Cooper J. Scott) alongside his posse of young peers (Melanie Humphrey, Nick Grant and Aaron Elias Branch), and the well designed set (James Holborow) and costumes (Kelly Kasper). Friesan shines as the essence of a good, solid educator with a massive heart for her students. Her ease and relaxed demeanor onstage allows her character to be transmitted both truthfully and effectively; she serves the story impeccably. Scott shows much promise as a budding actor, bringing energy, charisma, and a natural skill with him to the precocious Nicholas. The trio of adolescents in the play continually makes the story both funny and endearing. Particularly Nick Grant; he reminds me of a blooming Disney channel star, but with added talent to mere commercial appeal. Holborow’s set allows for easy shifts from scene to scene while creating atmosphere from giant letters, letters that can be adapted to tables, chairs, couches, desks, etc. I found Kaspar’s costume design to be modern and appropriate, but more importantly stylish and comfortable. I particularly loved the “mom” look. For such a rewarding tale that reminds us of childhood and old teachers, the fresh look of the cast helps the audience follow that journey. 

In general, and with the exception of Freisan and a few other scenes and character-bits, the adult ensemble seemed a bit lethargic in comparison to their younger counterparts, but that did very little in harming the over-all effectiveness in the play. I did find the actors playing Nicholas' parents ill-suited choices; the two actors (Molly Denninghoff and Alex Epsy) have previously impressed me with their work, but this time I felt they were mismatched as a pair and also not appropriate choices for these roles. Denninghoff is far too young to pass as a mother to a junior-high-aged boy. However, I did appreciate both actors' bits in other scenes, Denninghoff as a quirky secretary and Epsy in a newscast/camera role, both were quite funny in those scenes.

Director Ernie Nolan creates an impressive ninety minutes of nostalgic, captivating theatre. It's certainly worth seeing. Frindle is lovely; touching the hearts of both teacher and student alike. 

Oh, my students...

I don't know if all of my two readers know this or not ;) but I teach a section of Foundations of Theatre on Tuesday/Thursday evening. It's a great experience and I absolutely love doing it.

But there are those days when I think, what is wrong with you people!? For example, last night I was going over their Play Presentation projects that are due in a few weeks. Everything seems to be going according to plan, until on of my "prize" students asks the following questions: Do we need to actually read the play?

Silence.

Because, duh, YES, you need to read the play.

I couldn't believe it and I'm still a little shocked. The more I think about it the more worried I get about young adults right now...a culture of immediate gratification. Tell me EXACTLY what I need to know. What's the minimum I can do to get a desired effect or result.

How did we get here?

I RAN a half marathon!! 2 hours 32 minutes and 20 seconds

Anxiety

Being mindful. Finding calm. Enjoying peace.

These are things that I'm having trouble finding in the last 24 hours.

I am so incredibly nervous about Sunday's race. I know rationally that I'm ready, but there is a side of me that is a bundle of anxiety. I have worked really hard in my life to let go of those feelings, because they are slightly destructive...and I'd say I've been successful. But when I'm hit with something new, or maybe challenging, I switch to my inclination to worry.

I am reminding myself to breath. To enjoy the ride. If y'all could send some of those vibes my way I would be eternally grateful. The more the merrier in an attempt to calm down and just run; to enjoy the ride.

California in about 24 hours!!

<3 to you all

The Two Week Mark

So in the last week, I've been to the doctor dealing w/ asthma issues. My asthma had improved with my running, however, after getting a cold after Christmas, I have since been super congested and had difficulty breathing. Which meant using my emergency inhaler too often. I registered a fairly low peak flow and am now on a five day pack of a steroid called prednisone. As a result of this ROID, I have been experiencing anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and having difficulty relaxing. My breathing and running, however, have never been better.

I ran 7 miles yesterday so easily and did not have to use my inhalers at all. Brilliant!! I am ready for this race in about 2 weeks...officially two weeks from Sunday. Very excited.

The rest of my runs:

Friday-5 miles

Sunday-5 miles

Monday-3 miles

Wednesday-7 miles

Friday-4 miles

Sunday-3 miles

Monday-3 miles

Wednesday-4 miles

Saturday-1 mile

SUNDAY---RACE DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

10 miler # 2

I haven't updated in awhile...I guess that's what happens with Christmas and having a foreign exchange student living in your home.

I have been learning some valuable lessons about children, some little wonders to lock away for the day when I have one or two or three of my own...(or four? let's not get carried away). It's interesting dealing with a child anyway, but one where there is a language barrier and some spoiled issues?? Makes it difficult and throws in some extra challenges. But I found out that she was having her, what I like to call, "Chocolate Week," so that explains a lot of the moodiness. Not to mention that she's 12 and thousands of miles away from home. Sigh. Lots going on there.

ANYWHO on to the running portion. Last week I ran ten miles. Yes, you read that correctly. I RAN TEN MILES LAST WEEK ON WEDNESDAY. Yes. Victorious. I am so ready for this race on Super Bowl Sunday, I can't even tell you. What will make me feel more ready? Running my last ten miles tomorrow. That will really be my peak. After that, I get to pull back on the mileage for the next 2 weeks before race day.

I am almost there! I have almost reached my goal. It feels good.

I am annoyed though that I had to buy wide leg dress pants bc my old ones don't fit. Too much muscle.