I'm sleeping on the couch tonight.
Well, not the couch, really, but the sofa-bed.
It's been a long week. Tech week for a show, Jeanne and the kids have been busy with their projects, and we haven't had much QFT*. I got home from rehearsal tonight and chatted with my beautiful wife (who was getting ready for bed.) After she went to sleep, I sat down to watch TV and have a snack. A few minutes later, my son appeared in the family room doorway!
"Dad? I woke up and heard the tv. I thought it might be you!"
I turned the tv off as he sleepily jumped onto the couch to snuggle up and put his head in the crook of my arm.
"Did I wake you up, buddy? You should be sleeping!"
"I know, but I didn't see you much the last few days and when I heard the tv I thought maybe... Can I just sleep here with you? I mean, maybe we can both sleep out here?"
You bet your ass we can.
So now the sofa-bed is pulled out, my little boy is sleeping curled up next to me with one arm thrown over my chest, and I'm wishing there was enough light in here to take a picture so I could preserve this moment. There's not, so I thought I'd write it down instead.
Of course, typing this on my iPhone is tough, because there's a 9-year old laying on my right arm.
I don't mind, though...
Tonight I'm sleeping on the couch.
*Quality Family Time
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Walked over to the coffee place, got coffee, saw another couple of folks I know and had similar conversations.
Got into the office, and realized that only the top couple of buttons on my shirt were buttoned.
So, that leaves the bottom 4 buttons undone, shirt flapping in the breeze, presenting a good, professional, put-together image for all to see: my belly hanging out!
"HI! I'm Tony - I run the theatre in town! This is my belly! I'm on a diet, it's getting a lot smaller, so I thought I'd just NOT COVER IT. Hey, there's my belly button! See it? Yeah, it's a innie. I'd stay to chat but I've got to go press my belly up against all the windows on Grand River!"
*sigh*
My kids will love this story.
The set is coming along very nicely! As usual, Bart Bauer is doing some great work. For this show we've essentially created a storytelling "universe", similar to the one in the film version of our play, and populated it with a handful of more realistic "iconic" pieces.
This show is a lot of fun to work on. It's also got some neat challenges. It's a one-man show, and I've done one of those (Fully Committed), and it's also got a lot of story-theatre elements to it. I've directed one of those, also (Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol). So I'm glad I've got those two shows, and what I learned during them, to reflect on as we tackle this one. Not that we'll be copying anything, but experience with those styles is proving helpful! Of course, this is also unique in that it's an adaptation of a film, which lends itself to some fun opportunities (as well as a couple of dangerous traps, if you're not careful!)
And I've said it before, and I will undoubtedly say it again: it's amazing how many times you can learn the Keep It Simple Stupid lesson! (and by "you", I mean "me"!) (And by amazing, I mean amazing.)
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Surrounding yourself with quality, smart, talented people you can work with and learn from is a good way to get good work done.
That phone call that you keep meaning to make? Make it before it's too late.
Life is good when good friends are embraced and false friends are dismissed.
Low-Carb ice cream sprinkled with Ovaltine is an awesome snack.
Sometimes you just have to go down the wrong path, just to confirm that it's wrong and see what you learn from that journey.
Ask questions... even if you think you know, ask questions...
...then really listen to the answer.
- Mood:awake
Edgar Watson Howe (American Editor, Novelist and Essayist 1853-1937)
“It takes application, a fine sense of value, and a powerful community-spirit for a people to have serious leisure.”
Paul Goodman (American poet, 1911-1972)
“What is virtue? It is to hold yourself to your fullest development as a person and as a responsible member of the human community”
Arthur Dobrin
"When we become a really mature, grown-up, wise society, we will put teachers at the center of the community, where they belong."
Charles Kuralt
“It is vain to talk of the interest of the community, without understanding what is the interest of the individual”
Jeremy Bentham quotes ( Philosopher and Activist. 1748-1832)
- Mood:awake
Financial Woes Put BoarsHead Theatre On Hiatus
The BoarsHead is cancelling their upcoming show and going on hiatus until after the first of the year.
Running the only other professional theatre in the immediate Lansing area, I can tell you that this is a disheartening and disappointing turn of events. I hate to see those folks out of work, and I fear for what this could mean to the theatres in the area. (At the Williamston Theatre we are definitely feeling the effects of the economic downturn like BoarsHead, as are most theatres - I truly hope this is not the beginning of a trend that could be devastating to the Michigan Theatre industry.) Send good vibes and prayers to everyone affected by this.
BoarsHead, as an insitution, has been around for a long time and has meant a lot to a lot of folks - and still does. I hope the temporary break will allow them to come back strong.
In other worrisome news, the local school millage didn't pass - this is also extremely upsetting. Frankly, I'm shocked. I can't believe that we're allowing our education systems to take these hits over and over, and yet still expecting them to turn out students competitive with students from other countries that are, according to the research, passing us by in educating their youth. ("What research?" you ask - See this Washington Post Article on the PISA test.)
Yes, I know - throwing money at the problem isn't the way to fix it. Of course it's not the only solution. But it helps, and schools NOT getting money and having to layoff teachers and cut programs is NOT helping either. Properly spent money WILL help improve conditions and results for schools - more money DOES equal more resources, research, staff, faculty and opportunities for our children. This rejected opportunity to help our kids grow is extremely disappointing.
- Mood:bothered
Erik Christopher Zeeman
“Above all, we are coming to understand that the arts incarnate the creativity of a free people. When the creative impulse cannot flourish, when it cannot freely select its methods and objects, when it is deprived of spontaneity, then society severs.”
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
“Creativity is more than just being different. Anybody can plan weird; that's easy. What's hard is to be as simple as Bach. Making the simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity.”
Charles Mingus
“We need creativity in order to break free from the temporary structures that have been set up by a particular sequence of experience: Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way.”
Edward de Bono
“Mystery is at the heart of creativity. That, and surprise.”
Julia Cameron
- Mood:
thoughtful
This story just kills me. I'm just going to spend the day wanting to go home and hug my kids, and trying to come up with manly excuses for why my eyes look red and puffy.
This little 6-year old knew that she was very sick and, as cancer took her voice, and her life, she hid notes around the house for her family to find.
I need to spend a day with my kids.
-Paul Arden
Today was a wonderful Fall day - had the good fortune to take several walks, the air has that awesome Autumn smell.
Currently watching the New York and Anaheim game... hoping Anaheim makes a late-inning comeback! (But it's not looking good!)
As I watch the game, I'm surrounded by a pile of scripts, notepads and pages of scenes. I'm preparing to start rehearsals (in about 10 days) for This Wonderful Life at the Williamston Theatre, which will be a lot of fun. I've also spent the weekend working with students on some scenework, so I've got those next to me here. It's been a good, productive weekend.
So as I sit here at the computer, on my screen I've got my to-do list open, my Evernote account with a bunch of notes open, a screen with my calendar open. A whole bunch of the things that are waiting for me to take care of are all here, and lots of things that aren't here are lurking quietly in the background ("Hey, Tony, remember how you need to paint the outside trim on the house? I'm still heeeeeere!")
My son has a fever and is feeling a little yucky. That's worrisome. We'll see how he's feeling in the morning... may need a doctor's visit.
Ah, the fun escapes, the daily chores, the fun work, the less-fun work, the many reasons we do them all.
And the Angels, after scoring a run to make it a hopeful 3-2 game, just gave up two more to the Yankees, so they're losing 5-2 now, and they've got the bases loaded with Yankees, bottom of the 8th. Nope, not looking good!
Back to my scripts!
Life really can be a wonderful balancing act, can't it?
Fortunately, it was a DTE Technician.
Turns out there was an electrical problem a few houses down the road, so they were checking everyone's houses in the area. I called DTE to find out/verify, and to chew them out a little.
I mean, it's 9:15 at night. And there's a guy outside my son's window with a flashlight. You can imagine that created more than a little excitement in the house.
How stupid do you have to be to not knock on someone's door and say "Hey, I work for DTE, here's my ID. it's pitch black in your yard, and I'm going to be back there with a flashlight, tinkering with the back of your house. Please don't shoot me, call the police, send your dogs out to kill me, or any combination of the above."
So the guy and I had a brief chat. Then I let DTE know that a good way to piss people off is to scare the crap out of their families by sending people into their yards after dark.
"Well Mr. Caselli, some of our crews work until 10pm."
"Well sir, we live out in the country, and some of us own guns and big dogs to protect our families from intruders who are skulking around our windows at night. A service call after dark should be announced, not a surprise."
I mean, come on.
Dumb.
- Mood:
annoyed
Charles R. Swindoll was born on October 18, 1934 (American writer and clergyman)
- Mood:
relaxed
"Trying to convince people that you're not an asshole is much harder than just not being one."
-Shane Nickerson
Yep, we've all known some of those guys, eh?
I'm currently trying to go to sleep. The "I'm starting to feel lousy" from this morning has turned into a full-blown "I feel really lousy and achy and gross now", which is always fun...except that it's not at all fun.
Unfortunately, as I'm feeling lousy I'm also trying to get a job done, so I'm looking over lots of scripts for scenes and rejecting most of them. I expected to be finalizing these next week, but it turns out the preferred deadline is this week - unfortunately this week has been crazy busy, and that coupled with the aforementioned "feeling lousy" may get in the way of the preferred deadline. Still, I've got some better options than I had at the beginning of the week, so we're getting close.
The final reviews came out for An Infinite Ache, and overall they were very good - hopefully good enough to sell a lot of tickets. I love this show. The spirit, the odd structure, the magic of it, the performances and the simplicity of the production - everyone involved was really operating at the top of their game, and it's definitely one I feel honored to be a part of.
I no longer have the strength to look at scripts, computer screens, or anything but the inside of my eyelids for the next several hours.
- Mood:
sleepy
Chinese Proverb
"I get bored at the theatrea lot because I notice that there's not always a connection between the actors. They may be technically proficient, but they're not surprising each other. I'm thrilled by actors who make choices that are surprising."
Lusia Strus
"The theater is a job you have to do. You have no time to indulge because you are making, quote, "art," end quote. Show up on time, get the work done. That's a huge thing to learn."
Hal Prince
- Mood: thoughtful
Overall, they've been very positive - phrases like "Gribble and Rivera are marvelous", "No excuses to miss this one!", and "Heart-wrenching punch".
Hopefully they'll help sell some tickets, that's a challenge all over with the economy the way it is!
(Incidentally, the EncoreMichigan review, while being very positive about the production, did say some things about one of the actors that I completely disagree with - I'm thrilled with the performances in this show, and have watched the audiences both laugh and weep from the strength of those performances - so, like most reviews, you have to just accept that they're one person's opinion, respect the fact that everyone's entitled to their opinion, and move on to the next project! )
This show strikes an interesting chord with audiences, as well - we're getting a lot of feedback early in the run of this production, with things like "Hauntingly wonderful" and "Flawlessly beautiful" being said or emailed or posted! I like that the audiences are going with the show, following the journey and being able to really relate to it, and the fact that they're taking the time to tell us how it's moving them is a nice sign that A) it IS moving them, and B) we're continuing to grow the connection between the company and our audience. This last one is really, really important to us - I love that our paying regulars now feel comfortable enough to really let us know what they're feeling!
So there it is - the 4th season is underway!
- Mood: pleased
While drinking from a glass of blood with an eyeball floating in it.
It's a spooky time of year!
The kids created a haunted house for us in the basement last night, and it was wonderful!
We knew what they were up to, because they asked if they could unpack the Halloween decorations and use them, then disappeared into the basement. They spent almost 2 hours decorating and setting up, and then a very scary, short version of the killer from "Scream" showed up at the doorway to the family room.
Come With Me, Mortals!, proclaimed the creepy little cloaked figure.
So we did. (I mean, who argues with creepy little cloaked figures?)
Slowly we made our way down the stairs (or The Hall Of Skulls, as we were informed by our guide as he pointed out the many skulls newly adorning the walls). Fighting our way through the giant cobwebs that had appeared at the bottom of our staircase, we wound our way through the dark streamers blocking our way, and aimed for the spooky orange and purple glow around the corner.
Reaching our destination, Jeanne and I were greeted by a much taller cloaked figure, this one with a big pumpkin for a head.
The pumpkinhead showed us the highlights of the Haunted House, which included a fun game of "Toss The M&M Into The Cup" (complete with prizes!), a game of "Link's Crossbow Challenge" on the Wii, and refreshments. The refreshments were the highlight, with edible eyeballs (marshmallows with chocolate chips for pupils), glasses of "blood" with floating plastic eyeballs in them, and a beer for me... specifically, a "Blood Light". :)
After the refreshments we sat on the floor and played the Wii, having a fun time with "Crossbow Target Practice"! At first I did well, but the pumpkinhead and the creepy little cloaked figure wound up outscoring me in the end...
Normally I think I'd be able to win against a couple of ghouls like that, but, well, what can I say...
I was pretty distracted by the eyeballs floating in the blood.
(Click the Pic to see the big version)
- Mood:proud
by Jim Fordyce, www.mientertainment.biz
Oct 10, 2009 at 04:12 PM
It is hard to believe it has been four years since the Williamston Theater opened in a converted store front in the small town just east of Lansing. Since then, the professional theater has given us some very good plays and the season opener is no exception. “An Infinite Ache” is a delightful play about a couple we meet on their first date. While it is painfully obvious it is not going very well, we are immediately whisked away on a journey that shows us “what if?”
Aral Gribble and Jasmine Rivera take us on a whirlwind ride through this couple’s life. From laughter to life’s tragedies, you will remain on the edge of your seat as you get to know Charles and Hope. Gribble and Rivera are marvelous. They take us from scenario to scenario in the blink of an eye and go from angry to happy and young to old just as quickly.
The script, by David Schulner is crisp and clear and the simple set changes before your eyes as props and lights set the mood. Hats off to the Set Designer and the Lighting and Sound people in this one, and here is another feather to put into the cap of director Tony Caselli.
This play (which has adult themes) gets the perfect 4 out of Fordyce..It runs through November 8, so there is no excuses to miss this one.
You will have plenty of performances to choose from and this play is the perfect excuse to enjoy the newly remodeled WT. There are now more seats both in the new bathrooms and on the west side of the stage.
PS. Tuesday Night October 13 is going to be a fun night at The Red Cedar Grill in Williamston. There will be a Fund Raiser for the Williamston Theater. There will be musical guests, acts a plenty and my pal Deb Hart from WMMQ will be the Emcee. 20% of your tab will go to the Theater. (so eat a lot)
- Mood: pleased
Yep - an awesome evening with my son!
First, homework! That was followed by:
Orange chicken, his favorite, at the Chinese place.
Making a shopping/Christmas/birthday-money-spendi
Continuing the listmaking at Borders, where we browsed many excellent books.
Scouting possible Christmas presents for the women in our lives.
Ice Age 3 at the dollar movies, complete with popcorn.
Best part?
Hanging out and charting with my son.
Nice.
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Saw this on the internet, it was listed as "The Coolest Picture You'll See All Day"... and I agree!
Wil Wheaton posted this in his blog, click here to read more about it!
Tomorrow the Tigers play the Twins in a one-game playoff to determine the American League Central Champs. Totally disappointed that the Tigers let it come down to this, they should have played better baseball this week. Of course, it wasn't all their fault, despite all of the ridiculous claims of "Choke! The Tigers choked!" - the Twins also did something they haven't done all season - they went 16-4 in a span of 20 games in order to catch the Tigers. That's pretty impressive, and you have to give them credit. Now I'm hoping they forget how to play baseball for a couple of days, and the Tigers remember!
Saw Zombieland - lots of fun, Woody Harrelson is great, and so is the young guy in it (despite the fact that I can't remember his name right now!) A hilarious cameo in it was also pretty darned fun... but I won't give it away!
Sunday was a great day - we took the whole family for a walk at Hudson Mills MetroPark, which is only about 15 minutes from our house. It's just beautiful, and we had a great long morning walk with the dogs. (Oh, I guess I should say "We took the whole family, except the gerbil, for a walk") While we were there happened to be a fundraiser/rally/walk-a-thon to support research for Juvenile Diabetes, and so the place was packed with people walking with kids and other dogs. A great way to start the day!
- Mood: good
We've had First Preview for An Infinite Ache!
I was really happy to see the audience enjoy the show - I find this script charming, funny and moving, and it was great to see that others did too.
It's a challenge, though, I'll admit that. The structure of the piece is unique: Without giving away too many spoilers, I'll say this - After a short scene that establishes that a couple on their first date have come back to his tiny studio apartment, time stops working normally. Suddenly we're catapulting forward through time, seeing what their relationship could be (or WILL be? Or IS in an alternate universe? You decide.) With leaps in time happening constantly, the play takes us and our couple from their mid-20's through their Golden Years, with some leaps happening after only a few lines of dialogue!
It's an exciting structure, one that's fun to stage and fun to watch, and the challenge (like it is in so many things) is BALANCE. Balancing how blatantly we hit the audience over the head with a hammer and show "THIS IS A TIME JUMP", versus how simply we play the moment and just trust that the moment is clear and the audience is following the story.
Ultimately our job is to tell the story in a moving, clear, engaging method. Some plays make that simple. Some make it a challenge.
We're having fun tackling the challenge with this one.
I hope you'll come out and see it, and let me know what you think!
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chasethestars
chasethestarsTONY CASELLI
Hi! I'm Tony Caselli, a professional stage director, and Artistic Director of the Williamston Theatre, in Williamston Michigan.
For my bio, resume, or other info, visit my website in the "Links" section on this page!
On this LiveJournal, you'll find me rambling about lots of theatre stuff, as well as a bunch about my wife and kids, my love of baseball and science fiction, and probably a great deal of other things. Feel free to join in!
CURRENT SCHEDULE OF SHOWS I'M DIRECTING:
In an effort to spend more time at the Williamston Theatre, and with my family, I've turned down a fair amount of work this year so I could focus on the 3 shows coming up:
September 2009 - An Infinite Ache
This absolutely beautiful 2-person play had a great run at the Williamston Theatre! The cast was terrific, the show got great reviews, and more importantly, the audiences enjoyed the story and the production!
November 2009 - This Wonderful Life
This one-man version of It's a Wonderful Life is going to be a ton of fun to work on. I get to work with my pal John Lepard, and I think we're going to have a great time building a beautiful holiday show for the whole family!"
January 2010 - It Came From Mars, at the Performance Network Theatre.
This world premiere (by Joe Zettelmaier) is a laugh-a-minute riot, with a couple honest to goodness sweet moments built in. Set in 1938, it's about a Radio Theatre troupe who panic when they hear the Orson Welles "War Of The Worlds" broadcast!
Then, in March, I'll restage It Came From Mars at the Williamston Theatre.