Fabulous, Gypsy! I have always had a mini-dream of becoming an actor, myself... I think some of those instense, emotional scenes would definitely be cathartic.
I am having soooo much FUN with the show!!! This is the beginning of tech week.. or what those with experience call hell week. Opening night is this coming Friday. I still stumble on some lines.. so do others.. the director wants the best from everyone.
My exit monologue is getting stronger (and funnier) as I blast the bullying boss as I leave. Apparently my face turns bright red, spit goes flying (a good sign I've heard) and I'm totally in the moment. I see myself as a little volcano about to blow.
After rehearsal today we went out to a local pub. I am so unaccustomed to going out, I had to work on doing it. But it was fun socializing and focusing on listening.
And it's really a hilarious show. Apparently there's no budget.. so the set is phenomenal (painted, wallpapered, wood trim, baby grand piano, partially curved stairway). It's just.. amazing.
Come on down! But bring an umbrella if you're in the first row... just in case.
At the end of the day, we were able to go see our own Gypsy in her first acting performance. She stole the show, really - the only actor who was individually applauded after her dramatic (and funny!) scene.
Donna came to see the show. It was great seeing her and her friend.. and so neat that they came. The hugs were fantastic, too.
The audiences love my character. I was supposed to react to the nasty things the lead says ("Your hands have the touch of a sex starved cobra".. etc.) Now I just give a hurt, miserable look. And I have a lot of flexibility as long as it doesn't look contrived.
I thought it would be different in front of an audience.. but I didn't have the jitters. I listen to their reactions adjust what I'm doing. Backstage is a different story. Props make or break you. And I screwed up one guy's props TWICE.. unwittingly. It can get things tense prettttty quickly!
Thanks for your support and well wishes. It is great overcoming a fear and reaping its rewards. Oh yes.. I auditioned for another show which coincidentally has a supporting but comedic role. Those are just great. You have a few lines, but not too many. We'll see if I'm cast. I wasn't going to audition since it's a 9 week commitment between now and Christmas.. but I figured there's no guarantee I'd get the part and it gets me out of the house and socializing if I am cast.. making my own path.
I've been so frustrated with my oldest son (24) who moved out as soon as I asked him to contribute a modest amount to the household several months after he finished college. He said he'd rather spend five times that amount and live on his own than pay to live at home.
Y'all helped me through that.. reminding me that it's good for kids to be independent.. something I heartily agree with. The problem now is that he won't communicate, contact or reply to any calls, emails or messages I leave him. His phone works.. since I can see the activity on the bill which I pay for.
So.. he won't come around so I can sign over the car to him.. etc. etc. And I kinda had my fill of it. I'd been annoyed to begin with.. but... but... when I saw on the bill that he'd communicated with his father (at least enough to answer the phone) something just *blonked* inside. I just felt heart-hurt.. a major sense of disrespect.
So.. I sent him an email. I'm not even sure if it goes to him but it has in the past.. It went as follows.. (and no.. I didn't give myself the 48 hours, 24 hours, 1 hour review period)
Tom..
What is going on? I call, send texts and am ignored. I won't make assumptions on this behavior but need to set some boundaries.
I'm immensely proud and impressed that you're developing your own independent life. That takes a lot of responsibility and maturity.
But avoiding, evading, ignoring contact with me seems like the exact opposite.
If you don't want the car, return it. If you do, come down and I'll sign it over to you. If you want your cell phone, let me know or I will cancel it. If you have a problem with me, talk to me about it.. or not.
It's your choice. You're an adult. An incredible son I will always love but I'm done with this level of disrespect.
Mom
Good.. bad... just saying what was on my mind? Input, please. Ugh... I'm such a weenie at being direct.. but I've recently found that being direct is the best way to communicate..
I am sorry that your son and you seem to be estranged right now. I wonder how much of it relates to his father.
Your letter is good and direct. However, I then tried reading it with the mindset of a 24 year old man who has a bit too much pride and an "I'm Owed" attitude. It possibly wont go over well with him. You may still be in a Detente.
I hope that I am wrong and it does cause a bell to go of in his head that he needs to respect and communicate with his mother as an adult.
