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One of my favorite parts of community theatre is the wonderful group of people involved. I've had the pleasure of working with an amazing cast on the production of "Alibis" and I'm going to miss them greatly. The people in this cast have certainly been one of the highlights of being in this play.
Today is bittersweet, as it will be our final performance. While I'll enthusiastically enjoy having some of my "free time" back, and my backside will benefit greatly from the decrease in fast food, it will be somewhat sad not seeing this group several times a week.
In this cast I've had a chance to reconnect with old friends and former cast mates as well as meet several new ones. Debbie (aka Hope Leslie Trite) and I shared the role of "Truvy" a few years ago in "Steel Magnolias" so it has been great fun actually being on the stage with her at the same time. Doug (Detective Solvedd) and Neil (Sir Tanley A Fraud) were both involved behind the scenes on "Steel" but it has also been a joy and honor to share the stage with them.
The remainder of the cast were all strangers to me prior to the play and I feel blessed to know each of them now and call them friends. Joe (the Butler) and I haven't spent much time together, as he dies early in the first act, but it has been fun doing the "potty dance" with him. Alex (the Stranger) and I also don't share any lines or really many scenes together but it's been great getting to know her. Keyona (Dr Hyde) and I have a love/hate relationship on the stage but she's a sweetheart backstage and in "real life". Norman (Mr. Sandy Links) cracks me up both on and off the stage and it's been a joy working with him as well. And who can forget Fara (ze French maid, Monique)...she's been a ton of laughs from the dressing room to under the bright lights. In fact, it's been a difficult task to keep a straight face with her and the antics we share on stage.
It's also been great getting to know our production crew - from Stacey (sounds/lights), Eddie (set construction), Daniel (stage manager), Jordan (Asst Director) and Melanie (Director). All have shown true professionalism and have each been wonderful to work with. I'm really going to miss all of them but am so glad I had the chance to know and work with everyone involved.
In fact, it's time I head out for our final performance. I'm going to soak up every wonderful moment today, from my final walk into the dressing room to put on my costume (which I WON'T miss!), to every funny scene, to our reception that follows the show. I know it will be full of laughter, great friends and talented performances. And as sad as I'll be to take that final bow, I'm so happy for the opportunity and the memories made with this cast!
Showing posts with label CHP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CHP. Show all posts
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Break a Leg!
Mom might say my love for theatre began very early, from the amount of drama I could bring into any given situation. I'd say my passion for theatre came in high school, under the direction of Mrs. Ranney and Mrs. Elmore, our Drama Club leaders. Either way, I've long had a love and appreciation for the performing arts.
Back in March, I auditioned for an upcoming play, "Alibis" at our local community theatre. It's a whodunnit mystery with a comedic twist and although I'd never read the or heard of it prior, I tried out for the role of the nun. Performing in the role of a nun sounded like fun on it's own, maybe because I've always enjoyed "Sister Act" movies, who knows. When I learned this particular nun had taken a vow of silence though, it sparked my interest even more. Happily, I was given the part!
The past several weeks have been a bit crazy, juggling work and the regular busy season that spring tends to be, along with opening a photography business with my cousin. Tossing in several play practices a week certainly hasn't been easy, or the best timing, but it has been loads of fun. I adore this character and still laugh at every line in the play.
I've had a blast being back on the stage again. I'm not just comfortable on a stage, I feel whole when I'm there. While some may be surprised that the sometimes-quiet-and-reserved-Heather could enjoy being on stage in front of a crowd, it's who I am and what I love to do. From memorizing the lines...to the mess-ups during practice that lead to laughter...to the nervous excitement of opening night...to the first glow of the spotlight...all the way to that final bow, I joyfully soak up every moment.
Last night was our first show and, for opening night, it went very well. Waiting backstage for my first cue, I took a deep breath and tried to hide the big smile I felt inside. Because, after all, once I entered through the front door on stage I was no longer Heather, but instead, "Sister Bella Donna" - the silent nun! However hidden Heather was though, she sure did have a ball...and can't wait to do it all again tonight!
Back in March, I auditioned for an upcoming play, "Alibis" at our local community theatre. It's a whodunnit mystery with a comedic twist and although I'd never read the or heard of it prior, I tried out for the role of the nun. Performing in the role of a nun sounded like fun on it's own, maybe because I've always enjoyed "Sister Act" movies, who knows. When I learned this particular nun had taken a vow of silence though, it sparked my interest even more. Happily, I was given the part!
The past several weeks have been a bit crazy, juggling work and the regular busy season that spring tends to be, along with opening a photography business with my cousin. Tossing in several play practices a week certainly hasn't been easy, or the best timing, but it has been loads of fun. I adore this character and still laugh at every line in the play.
I've had a blast being back on the stage again. I'm not just comfortable on a stage, I feel whole when I'm there. While some may be surprised that the sometimes-quiet-and-reserved-Heather could enjoy being on stage in front of a crowd, it's who I am and what I love to do. From memorizing the lines...to the mess-ups during practice that lead to laughter...to the nervous excitement of opening night...to the first glow of the spotlight...all the way to that final bow, I joyfully soak up every moment.
Last night was our first show and, for opening night, it went very well. Waiting backstage for my first cue, I took a deep breath and tried to hide the big smile I felt inside. Because, after all, once I entered through the front door on stage I was no longer Heather, but instead, "Sister Bella Donna" - the silent nun! However hidden Heather was though, she sure did have a ball...and can't wait to do it all again tonight!
(If you'd like to come see this play and amazing cast....join us, there's still time!
The show will start tonight, Saturday May 14, at 7:30 and continue tomorrow, Sunday May 15, at 2:30. Next weekend will be our last showing Fri & Sat, 7:30 - Sun 22nd at 2:30. All shows are in the top floor of the Courthouse in Hartford in the Courthouse Players Theatre. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 children. Hope to see you there!!)
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
The Silent Nun...
Did that get your attention? If not, how about the fact that I'll be playing a nun who took a vow of silence in an upcoming CHP production!
Last night, I auditioned for the play, "Alibis" which will be showing at the Courthouse in May. It's a typical "who-dunnit" mystery with a comedic twist. I'm excited to get my feet back on the stage, even if my voice will get lots of rest in this role. As I haven't even read the script yet, that's about all I can say, except that I believe it will be tons of laughs, both on and off the stage. I'll be sure to post more about the dates as we get closer and hope to see many of my "silent readers" among the crowds!
For those of you who didn't know I love to be on stage, now you do. I caught the theatre bug way back in high school when two beloved teachers, Mrs. Ranney and Ms. Elmore, shared their love of the arts with us. I think I was in every play the school performed throughout my four years there and was VP of the Drama club my senior year.
I came a long way from my first small role of "Angel #3" in "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," where my one line was some whine about my wings being broken. By the end, I'd had a taste of every level of the theatre from on the stage, behind the stage, lights/sound, and even directing. And I owe it all to Mrs. R and Elmom. They molded and shaped us as actors, invested numerous hours for us, and most of all instilled a love of theatre that will be with me forever.
Over the years, I'd often thought about auditioning for our local theatre group - the Courthouse Players, but life and work and kids seemed to trump in priority. Actually, one of the biggest reasons I didn't, and couldn't, for years was because of position I had with Relay and the many nights and weekends I was already away. I figured I either would miss every practice, because of the meetings I had, or didn't want to miss a night with the boys on the rare occassions I was home. When I changed jobs a few years ago, auditioning was one of my goals.
In 2008, I was in Steel Magnolias, at that time my favorite movie, and I played the role of Truvy. I made lasting friendships with a group of women and above all am grateful for those relationships. Never would I have imagined though that the lines we practiced and cried over would come so true for me, just four short months later when I lost Austin. I will always remember and treasure the moment at the funeral home when all those ladies came as a group, gathered around me in one giant hug, and whispered some of those quotes to me.
Some people may think it strange that you could grow so close with a group of strangers in just a matter of weeks, but that's what happens. Often there are better stories behind the stage than on at any production you go to see. There's drama (of course!), lots of laughter, and often tears. And that's what I'm looking forward to again. A new play, new strangers who I'm sure will quickly become friends, and spending time doing something I so passionately enjoy. I can't wait!
Last night, I auditioned for the play, "Alibis" which will be showing at the Courthouse in May. It's a typical "who-dunnit" mystery with a comedic twist. I'm excited to get my feet back on the stage, even if my voice will get lots of rest in this role. As I haven't even read the script yet, that's about all I can say, except that I believe it will be tons of laughs, both on and off the stage. I'll be sure to post more about the dates as we get closer and hope to see many of my "silent readers" among the crowds!
For those of you who didn't know I love to be on stage, now you do. I caught the theatre bug way back in high school when two beloved teachers, Mrs. Ranney and Ms. Elmore, shared their love of the arts with us. I think I was in every play the school performed throughout my four years there and was VP of the Drama club my senior year.
I came a long way from my first small role of "Angel #3" in "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," where my one line was some whine about my wings being broken. By the end, I'd had a taste of every level of the theatre from on the stage, behind the stage, lights/sound, and even directing. And I owe it all to Mrs. R and Elmom. They molded and shaped us as actors, invested numerous hours for us, and most of all instilled a love of theatre that will be with me forever.
Over the years, I'd often thought about auditioning for our local theatre group - the Courthouse Players, but life and work and kids seemed to trump in priority. Actually, one of the biggest reasons I didn't, and couldn't, for years was because of position I had with Relay and the many nights and weekends I was already away. I figured I either would miss every practice, because of the meetings I had, or didn't want to miss a night with the boys on the rare occassions I was home. When I changed jobs a few years ago, auditioning was one of my goals.
In 2008, I was in Steel Magnolias, at that time my favorite movie, and I played the role of Truvy. I made lasting friendships with a group of women and above all am grateful for those relationships. Never would I have imagined though that the lines we practiced and cried over would come so true for me, just four short months later when I lost Austin. I will always remember and treasure the moment at the funeral home when all those ladies came as a group, gathered around me in one giant hug, and whispered some of those quotes to me.
Some people may think it strange that you could grow so close with a group of strangers in just a matter of weeks, but that's what happens. Often there are better stories behind the stage than on at any production you go to see. There's drama (of course!), lots of laughter, and often tears. And that's what I'm looking forward to again. A new play, new strangers who I'm sure will quickly become friends, and spending time doing something I so passionately enjoy. I can't wait!
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