My talented friends!!

I have so many talented friends being in theater. Like seriously talented!! I have been blessed to meet so many people who I could fall asleep daily listening to sing. I wish that I could name them all, but alas ... this is about one specific friend. Casey is auditioning to sing at the Scott Alan master class in Salt Lake in a few weeks. Her video is below ... Enjoy!!

Talented, right? Right! She was just cast as Roz in 9 to 5 at Hale Centre Theatre. So best of luck to you Squitch! I hope they pick you! Love you, sis!!

Blue

Sometimes, with my overwhelming lack of natural hormones, I have really low days. Conversely, I have really high days. Having “off” hormones is a bit of a bipolar, out-of-body experience. Often I have one single quote going through my head. It is from the brilliant Broadway show The Drowsy Chaperone by Lisa Lambert, Greg Morrison, Bob Martin, and Don McKellar. Man in Chair starts the show including  this gem: “Hello. How are we today? A little quiet? I’m feeling a little blue myself. You know, a little anxious for no particular reason, a little sad that I should feel anxious at this age, you know, a little self-conscious anxiety resulting in non-specific sadness: a state that I call “blue”. Anyway, whenever I’m feeling this way, blue, I like to listen to my music. So I was going through my box of records this morning – yes, records – and I was about to put on the 1962 sound track recording of Meredith Willson’s The Music Man – I had a craving for a young Ronny Howard. But then I said “no! Let’s have a treat! Let’s disappear for a while into the decedent world of the 1920’s. When the champagne flowed while the caviar chilled and all the world was a party” – for the wealthy anyway. So, I dug about and what did I find – but one of my favorite shows Gable and Stein’s “The Drowsy Chaperone;” Remember? Music by Julie Gable, lyrics by Sidney Stein. It’s a two record set, re-mastered from the original recoding made in 1928. It’s the full show with the original cast including Beatrice Stockwell as the Chaperone. Isn’t she elegant? This is a full 15 years before she became Dame Beatrice Stockwell. Can you believe it? Let me read to you what it says on the back – it says “Mix-ups, mayhem and a gay wedding!” Of course the phrase gay wedding has a different meaning now, but back then it just meant fun. And that’s just what the show is – fun. So. Would you … indulge me? Let me play the record for you. Please.” Isn’t it amazing how music can match ones mood? It can either lift my spirit, encourage the tears, or enhance the particular mood I am in. 

A Tony Sized Tweet

So last night, while watching the Tony's, Candice casually says "Did you know Scott Alan is coming to Utah?" She is the one who introduced me to his music years ago. Scott Alan is a brilliant composer! I have 3 of his CDs and am looking forward to his next one coming out. I follow him on Twitter because he has a show opening on Broadway soon called Home. I cannot wait to hear the whole show. He is brilliant!! 

Well last night he had been tweeting throughout the Tony's. I shot him a tweet ... just because I could. And he replied! I admit that I thought it was pretty cool. 

What you want to see it closer? Sure ... here you go. 

Well he is indeed coming to Utah for voice classes, master classes, and a concert. I was pretty excited! Sure he is not bringing any of the stars he has worked with in the past such as Shoshana Bean and Stephanie J. Block, but to hear his music ... I am all in!!


Check out Shoshana Bean singing Home





And Stephanie J. Block singing Never Neverland (Fly Away) ... there might be a swear in this one ...





The word excited is not even enough ... extracited is more like it. More info about his visit to Salt Lake can be found HERE!

Urban Farmers

I recently bought my Grams house which has a big yard and many memories. The garden that Grams used to plant was huge and on the side of the house. I remember helping to plant, weed and pick the veggies there. Peas were a particular favorite of mine; I loved sitting on the driveway shucking peas with Grams. Well now the garden is smaller, it is in the back of the house, and it is in planter boxes that my Uncle Ed built. We have a nice crop this year that includes some of my favorites and a few things I detest, but that others in my family like (cough green beans cough).

Right next door to me are true farmers, though. Adam and Dianna have one of the prettiest gardens I have ever seen. They run a nice business similar to the one where you go pick up a basket of food ... I cannot remember the name ... weekly. Anyway the one run by Adam is called Adam's Heirlooms. They have 4 farm sites in the neighborhood where they have built planter boxes and grow a variety of spring, summer, and fall produce. They grow their starts and sell them (I have their onions in my garden this year) and then during the summer months they sell their crop shares to the public. What a great idea! They love gardening and it is nice to see them do something they love.

Adam's garden from their website

In addition to the vegetables, they also have bee hives in the back yard ... which is why I think my garden is doing as well as it is. My favorite thing about living next to them is their compost pile. The first time they asked me to throw over my excess food and weeds I was like "um ... I do not think I can do that!" Honestly for the first few months I felt like I was doing something wrong by throwing my crap over the fence into the neighbor's yard! The time last fall when I raked my leaf pile to the fence and it all went over made me feel like I was the worst neighbor. I am so over that now! The weeds from my garden went over the fence last night and I finally did not feel like I was doing anything wrong. In fact Dianna was at the fence line working and smile broadly when the weeds went over. I loved throwing my rhubarb leaf pile over a few weeks ago. (btw I have some extra rhubarb washed and in the fridge if anyone wants some.)

Their compost pile got pretty high last fall and I guess they had an adventure with one of their chickens ... oh yes they have chickens too. Well on my side of the fence there is an apple tree, which I hope they use this fall! One of the chickens, apparently, saw a low hanging apple; said chicken climbed up on the pile, up to the fence, and came on over to try to get it. I apparently had a chicken loose in my yard because the creature could not figure out how to get back over the fence. Adam said he came to retrieve the chicken, I had no clue was over my fence. They raked down the compost pile so that did not happen again. I had no clue chickens ate apples. Insert your own mental image of a chicken eating an apple now...

Moral of the blog post? If you are looking for some produce this summer, I know a guy who can help you out. Check out the website for more information. When they claim to be locally grown, they mean it! So local, in fact, I can see it from my backyard! And some of the crap from my yard will fertilize their produce. I bet that will make them taste better to my friends!

FAQ: Theater

I am asked often about being a producer and director for theater and what I like more and what is my least favorite part. So here is a list of my FAQ about theater ...

Which do you like more: Directing or Producing?
I prefer directing a show. However, my job on the Arts Council is to produce. There are some changes coming to the Midvale Arts Council which will make me officially in charge of all productions. I.E. I get to choose what show we do, hire all of the staff, and help cast the show. I am not prevented from directing under these new rules, but it is hard to do both. I will be training some people to help me produce (they have to sit on the Arts Council to do this) so that I can direct as well.

What is the difference between directing and producing a community show?
The producer chooses the show that the council performs. The producer then is in charge of all of the budget and funds. As the producer I hire the staff, I pay the royalties for the show, I have to arrange musicians or recordings for musicals, I pay all of the bills along with the City reimbursing me, I oversee auditions and make sure that the show is cast right, in addition I have to make sure that the audition notices are sent out. During the rehearsals I drop in from time to time to make sure that the interests of the council are met and that it is still a (fairly) family friendly show. I take care of the program and advertising for the run of the show. During performances I make sure that the ticket sales are tracked and deposit the income from the sales.

As the director I get to let my artistic mind run wild. So I admit that I can usually read a script and see the staging come together in my mind. It is certainly fun to see that vision become a reality. The director gets to cast the show, with help from the producer, and gets to play every day with the actors. As the director I get to design the set and costume ideas that work with the vision of the show. I am a pretty laid back director where I let the actors come up with their character, then I step in with ideas of how to build their performance. I also let the actors do what feels natural to their character in regard to blocking. I step in with help in blocking when something just does not look right on stage. I think it is much more fun to direct because it is like moving chess pieces around the stage to win an imaginary game I play with myself.

What is the hardest part about doing theater?
Easy! The hardest part about doing theater in the South Valley of Salt Lake is that I am friends with MANY of the people who audition for me. It is hard to have to turn my friends away from shows. I have had to do it often, and it never gets easy. Never. This past Saturday I had to turn away 2 friends from a show that we had auditions for; they are both super talented, and I have worked with them on multiple times. The community of theater here is small. I have been blessed to work with so many talented people. I hate turning friends away from being cast. I always worry that people will take it personally and that it will affect our friendship. I have been turned down by friend I have auditioned for. In fact I was not cast in a show where there are only 2 women parts. 2 women auditioned for the show so I thought I was a sure thing. Not so much. They went out looking for another person to do the role. It was very hurtful at first, then I remembered that the director has the whole picture of what he or she is looking for and I did not fit in that vision. So I remembered to be gracious to him for not casting me because I have had to be that person and want people to treat my decision with the respect that friendship dictates.

What is the worst part about doing theater?
The drama. I do not mean in the script. I hate the drama that some actors will bring to rehearsal or performances. There is enough drama on stage, leave the crap home! I like to come to rehearsal or performance ready to leave all of my personal crap at home and become someone new on stage.

What is your favorite show you have ever done?
This is a hard question to answer because I have worked with so many GREAT people and amazing scripts. I admit I like to direct plays more than musicals; I also like smaller shows than the bigger ones. That being said I think my favorite show I directed was Cash on Delivery in 2001 because it was my first. My favorite musical was Nunsense in 2004 because the cast was small and easy to direct. I loved working with the cast and crew of Birdie and Seuss in 2008 and 2009 respectively because the kids in those shows worked pretty well with the adults.

What is the best part about doing theater?
I love seeing someone who normally would not shine as an actor make an impression on me. I have seen little kids come into their own as a force to be reckoned with on stage. I love playing pretend when I am on stage, and it is fun to see someone else do it as the director. I love working with volunteers in community theater because they want to be there and they put their whole soul into their part. I saw this happen with Seussical. I had actors dressed up as cats, birds, elephants, kangaroos, etc. I remember one girl dressed as a bird who owned the stage when she was on it because she owned her super sexy character. The other bird had to tow around an outrageous number of tail feather and would whip that tail around for the audience to see and you could tell she was proud of her work. I loved also in that show when the Cat would do little things to the other actors while they were performing (with permission) like spray the elephant with water during a rain storm. Often times the funnies things in the show are adlibed by the actors during rehearsal and I keep in the show.

Do you have a favorite person to work with?
Yes.

Are there people you will never work with again?
Absolutely.

Will you tell me who?
Um ... no. But thanks for asking!

Why don't you perform on stage more often?
Oh that is easy! I like to boss others around. But stay tuned because there is a dream role coming up and I hope to play the part!

Is there anything I can do to ensure getting cast?
Really no. However if you have talent, a pure desire for a part, and are willing to play any part it can go better for you. People who are only willing to play a certain part, ie a lead, might not get cast in the show at all. If you are willing to do any role offered I, as a director, am more likely to give you a shot. I honestly think that even really talented people who have played leads in the past should take a part in the chorus from time to time just to really appreciate the leads when they get them. I also think that not assuming you will get a part will make you fight for it more!

Are you a fan of people pulling pranks on stage or inserting lines?
That depends on the show. Usually I am not a fan at all. I do not think it is fair for the other actors and sometimes it is in the contract we sign that the council could be in trouble if caught. But I certainly think there are shows where it is appropriate depending on the reason. I.E. if there is some sort of technical issue and the actor needs to explain away an issue. An example is when we did Pirates years ago there was a HUGE skip in the cd one night. So an entire song was skipped. One actor quickly summarized the finer points in the song that were important for the plot and moved on. But doing it just to break another actor's concentration or character is not appropriate. The audience that comes closing night deserve the same show as those who came the rest of the time. They pay the same price for the ticket, they deserve the same show.  I do like having fun, do not get me wrong, but that is what the cast party is for.

So, that is it. That is all I have the time or energy to write about that. These are just the ones I am asked most frequently. Since I have not been a regular on my blog, I thought it would be an interesting topic ... at least for me!

Audition Notice for The Marvelous Wonderettes

I am producing another show for the Midvale Arts Council. I am looking for some really talented women to be in this show. This show calls for 4 women who can play 18-28. Information is below for those interested in more information. 

Auditions for The Midvale Arts Council's production of "The Marvelous Wonderettes" will be held on Saturday, June 2nd at 11 am - noon. Callbacks will immediately follow. The address for the Midvale Performing Arts Center is 695 West Center Street (7720 South.) Auditioners should come prepared with 16 bars of an upbeat Broadway song or a song from the 50s. A pianist will be provided. Headshots and resumes are preferred. The show is being directed by Karen Chatterton with music direction by Janzell Tutor. Show dates are July 13 - 24 at the Midvale Outdoor Stage in the Park. Roles are available for 4 women (16 & up) and all roles are open. No appointment is necessary. For more information email Stephanie@midvalearts.com. Visit www.midvalearts.com for additional information.

The Marvelous Wonderettes takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom where we meet the Wonderettes, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts! As we learn about their lives and loves, we are treated to the girls performing such classic '50s and '60s songs as "Lollipop," "Dream Lover," "Stupid Cupid," "Lipstick On Your Collar," "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me," "It's My Party" and over 20 other classic hits! You've never had this much fun at a prom and you will never forget The Marvelous Wonderettes-a must-take musical trip down memory lane!

Character Descriptions

CINDY LOU (plays 18 & 28) she knows she is the prettiest girl at Springfield High. She knows she will be named Prom Queen and acts out against her best friend Betty Jean when things don’t go her way. She makes the biggest change between Act 1 & 2, having learned the lessons of true love and loss. MEZZO SOPRANO BELT– sings lead line on most songs. Among the songs she sings are: ‘Allegheny Moon’, ‘Son of a Preacher Man’, ‘Maybe’.

MISSY (plays 18 & 28) She is the over-achiever of the group. Very controlled, very concerned that everything at the prom turns out wonderful and perfect. Head of the prom decorations committee; and absolutely smitten with her music teacher. Her best friend is Suzy. SOPRANO – WIDE RANGE, VERY HIGH VOCALS AND BELTS THROUGHOUT THE SHOW. Among the songs she sings are: ‘Secret Love’, ‘You Don’t Own Me’, ‘Wedding Bell Blues’.

BETTY JEAN (plays 18 & 28) the class clown, tomboy, always vying for attention with Cindy Lou, her best friend. It’s also highly probably that Betty Jean wants to be with Cindy Lou herself, but just doesn’t even know what those feelings really are. Cindy Lou steals Betty Jean’s boyfriend away, which causes a lot of the friction at the prom. She holds this grudge against Cindy Lou until they make up at the 10 year reunion. ALTO WITH A STRONG LOW RANGE. Among the songs she sings are: ‘Lipstick on Your Collar’, ‘I Only Want To Be With You’, ‘That’s When The Tears Start.”

SUZY (plays 18 & 28) Best friends with Missy, she is the happy-go-lucky one of the group –sometimes stereotyped as the ditzy blonde. Always smiling and giggling, nothing ever seems to bother her. In love with the lighting operator, completely surprised when named prom queen. Frustrated, sad, hormonal, and pregnant in Act 2. MEZZO ALTO, BOTH SWEET AND SOUL VOICE. Among the songs she sings are: ‘Stupid Cupid’, ‘Hold Me, Thrill Me’, ‘Rescue Me’. This role requires a consummate belter, excellent part singer and expert comedienne. Do not hire a ditzy person to play the ‘ditzy blonde.’

A Personal Post ...

This blog post is rather personal containing information that you may or may not find comfortable to read. I do not think it is an uncomfortable subject, but it is rather personal. A week ago I had a total hysterectomy. I have been suffering for over 20 years with painful menstrual issues. I will not go into too many details because of the 2 male readers I know I have and frankly this is the interweb and once something is out here, it is always out here! So if you are uncomfortable with this subject of girlie bits, this is probably not the blog post for you to read! I am not one to make up cute names for anatomy, I usually use the real words. Plus this is going to be a LONG post! You have been warned ...

I was 10 or 11 when I started having menstrual periods. By the time I was 17 they were so painful and erratic that it affected every aspect of my life. Once when I was a junior in high school my cramps were so bad that I passed one day missing a chemistry test. I remember vividly going to the ob/gyn the first time at 17. He was a funny funny man! After the exam he told me that I probably have endometriosis which means that my endometrial lining grows outside of the uterus. This lining adheres to various body parts. The body then reacts like it would to any injury and tries to form scabs, or adhesions, which in the case of someone with endo forms scar tissue which between organs. This causes pain worse than cramps. He put me on birth control that day and I have been on it since. I knew at 17 that one day I would eventually have to have a hysterectomy.  He told me if I could make it to 30 I would be doing good.

When I was getting ready to serve a mission for the LDS Church it was decided I needed to have a laparoscopic surgery to clean out the endo and adhesions. I had my mission call, but decided to postpone leaving so I could have the surgery. That went well, I was able to leave for Michigan a few months later. I lived relatively pain free for a while after the surgery for about 2 years. After the mission I moved back to Chicago and after a year the cramps were so bad I needed to move back home and take care of the issues.

By this time my male ob had been involved in an accident that left him paralyzed, but I was able to get into see one of his colleagues who has been my doc since. She is amazing! She got me on some new birth control that made it so I only had a period every 6 months. Then we went to 3 months. After about 5 years of this treatment the pain came back and we tried shots that put my body into a medical induced menopause. This jumped started my body to reboot, in essence. I was pain free for almost 3 years! So that is how normal women feel monthly! After 3 years the pain came back and we did the shots again. This time they did not work as well. The pain returned after 2 months, but worse ... much much worse. There is a new medication out of Europe that I tried that did not work. I had horrible weight gain, joint pain, irritability, and cankles that you would not believe!!

I have known for years that I would one day have to make the hard decision to have a hysterectomy. I put it off as long as I could. I hoped that one day I would get married and have children before I had to make this hard decision. I am now 36, I am single, and I have no children. But I also had daily cramps which were often debilitating. Cramps for me are not like normal cramps for many other women. I get nauseous from the pain, I have passed out on more than one occasion from the pain, and it is a daily, constant thing. I do not have cramps just a few days of the month. More like I do not have cramps for a few days of the month. If I could go more than a day without pain I thought it a victory.  

A few months ago I talked with Dr. L about my options. I had a few to choose from. I could have another laparoscopic surgery to clean everything out again, I could live with the pain, I could investigate IVF or surrogacy options, or I could have a hysterectomy. I weighed every option very carefully. I am a true believer that the Lord answers prayers. I included Him in my decision. I talked with some of the wisest women I know: my Mom and sisters. While all of the options posed to me serious options, the only one that was right was the hysterectomy. After prayer and reflection I knew it was right. I knew I had made a tough decision. But I knew it was the right one. So I scheduled my surgery for April 24.

I went through some very interesting emotional turmoil after making the decision. I mourned for the children I would never have, I knew I was making a decision that would affect the rest of my life and the life of a possible future husband. This mourning lasted about a week, and then there was peace. I knew I had made the right decision, I knew I would be alright regardless of what the future brought, and I knew that any future relationship would be alright as well. The hardest part became the wait. I scheduled my surgery early in February, and I had to wait until the end of April for it to be over with.

Last week I faced a finality I had never experienced before. Not only would it be the end of my child bearing ability, but an end to the pain I have been experiencing for 20 years. I truly believe that the painful cramps have had a positive effect on my life, even though it has been hell. It has shaped me with more compassion for those in pain, it has made me a stronger person physically, it has been my constant companion for 20 years of my life. But it was time to let the pain go. I had the memory of when I was younger and would play with my young girlfriends they would talk about having babies; I would talk about adopting babies. The thought came to me that if the Lord will have me raise children, He will give them to my care in His time and in His own way. I truly believe that the Lord gives us blessings and trials for our benefit and growth. Crams have been a constant trial in my life, having a hysterectomy at 36 is a trial in my life. However, the blessing of raising a family comes in many different forms. I have the blessing of 4 beautiful nieces and 2 amazing nephews that I get to help shape and form into good and righteous people. Sure these are not my children, but they are my family.

If the Lord wants me to raise children of my own, I know He will provide a way for that. If there are no children for me in the future, then I am okay with that. I am not saying that it will always be easy to not have children, but the Lord's will be done. I will never begrudge those who are blessed with children their joy and happiness just because I will never have any of my own.

So last Tuesday my wonderful Mom drove me to the hospital at the butt crack of dawn to have all of my lady bits removed. They took everything: ovaries, tubes, uterus, and cervix. I was calmer for this surgery than I have been for any procedure that I have been through in the past. I thought my blood pressure was going to be through the roof, but it was 129 over 75, which is just slightly above my normal. Dr. L came in and walked me through the surgery. I told my Mom I love her, and they wheeled me in.

When I woke up a few hours later, I still had peace though a bit more pain than when I had gone in. The surgery went well. They were going to do it all laparoscopicly, but ended up being able to do a dual surgery. There are three ways to do a hysterectomy: cut the abdomen open like a c-section, lapro, or vaginally. In the case of women who have had children most are able to do it vaginally which is a vastly easier recovery. Since I have not had children I would not be able to do it that way. But they were able to only cut 3 small holes in my abdomen, laser out all of the scar tissue and endo they found, cauterize the organs and remove them vaginally. Doing this will make my recovery time much easier and faster. I am truly grateful for this. Any time I have had any moment of doubt that I might have made a bad choice I remember the scripture: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46: 10.

I stayed in the hospital overnight, but I am home now. Mom moved in with me to take care of me and I have been well taken care of! I have some amazing people who have brought me more chocolate than I think I can eat, movies to keep me occupied, and books to entertain me. I am doing well. I actually am doing much better than I thought I would both physically and emotionally. I still can do very little for myself but the women in my congregation at church have been coming over daily to help me make lunch and Mom takes care of me at night. In addition Mom has been working for me full time so I can take time off of work to heal.

I know that being a mother is important, and I would like to one day have that opportunity. But I know that I have made the right decision for me. I know that I have made the right decision for my life. There may be some who think I have made the wrong choice as a woman because who wants to purposefully take their reproductive ability away at 36? I have actually had people judge me for this decision. However, until they have walked in my shoes, and experienced the pain I have had to endure for the last 20 years, they have no right to judge me for my actions to my body. That being said, most of the people I told prior to my surgery were sympathetic to the circumstance and supportive of my decision.

I share this experience for some selfish reasons, frankly it is easier to share in one place than to tell people individually. I also hope that sharing this may explain some personal demons I have overcome. I share this also because the decision making process increased my faith in prayer and answers. It has increased my faith in the power of the Lord. “Be still and know that I am God” I hope will power my life forever as it has these last few months. I am by no means advocating hysterectomies as the answer for all women who have endometriosis. It was the hardest decision I have ever made in my life. I would hope that any woman who is facing this decision does not have to do it alone. I would hope that any family that faces infertility or a myriad of other issues will remember my simple story. Decisions that are hard to make are made easier with the help of the Lord. That decisions made with the help and faith in the Lord are easier to endure because He is with you. Who knows what the future holds for this 36 year old. I may be single my whole life, I may get married in a year, I do not know. But I do know that I can do anything with the love of my family and friends, and the health and strength I find through my knowledge and faith in my Heavenly Father.

Chemo Brain

A cancer patient who has had to go through many rounds of chemotherapy will often experience a lapse in memory and can claim that he or she (he/she) has chemo brain. It is a real thing, and many patients truly do experience it. The question I pose is, what about the caregivers? Can they claim it too ... by mere association? Because by golly I am lately experiencing an outrageous bout of chemo brain. I have had too many conversations that I do not remember lately and it seems they all seem to be happening with one person. I swear I pay attention! And once I am reminded of it I totally remember! So I think I have what I now will call "associated chemo brain." ACB, as it is now commonly referred to, is now an official, real malady that affects caregivers of those who have had chemo. So say we all.

On an completely unrelated note I saw the husband of a dear friend today, only it turns out it was not him ... because his name is not Juan and he does not speak only Spanish. So that happened!