Life On the Wicked Stage: Act 2

Tragic Weekend

This is turning into a tragic weekend when it comes to world events. The horrendous murders by what appears to be a pyschopath in Norway are certainly an act of evil that can't be denied. His deranged acts are almost beyond comprehension in the scope of the tragedy for the children and all of those injured. Unfortunately the politicizing about what happened in the hours and the news gathering around the events continue to prove that we like to fire from the hip in the same way these derganged madmen fire at their victims.

This afternoon word is richoceting around the Internet about singer Amy Winehouse's premature death. Lots of folks are calling this a tragedy, and of course it is, however probably a predictable one. Sadly the story is one told too often with troubled artists (who get the publicity) and troubled everyday young people (who don't get the PR.) Apparently Winehouse is joining what is called the 27 Club of popular musicians who died at that age. I guess the list includes Joplin, Hendrix, Morrison, and Cobain. I was a big fan of Joplin, Hendrix, and Morrison. Winehouse and Cobain had no interest for me. As tragic as any young person's too early death is, isn't it also equally tragic that they are surrounded with a close circle of acolytes who keep reinforcing or enabling destructive behavior? I'm  not sure what it is called when you participate in the destructive behavior of those who you depend on, knowing that a fatal move will end what you know of your own life as well. I do know that it happens far too often.

Of course that happens in all walks of life. Witness politics as an example. Witness the charade or farce or well, let's just call it bull shit that's going on in Washington right now. Also witness the followers of all sides (there are more than two here) cheering on their champions. We're all going to lose in whatever deal comes out. Unlike the followers of Winehouse and the families of the Norweigian victims, we won't be going to a funeral to try and find closure (and in the case of Winehouse's followers absolve themselves of any guillt), with the tragedy. In the polticians' cases they'll continue to bamboozle as they all try to claim victory in that age old dance. But their followers are going to be the ones left standing around asking who turned off the music.

Best Birthday Present Ever: A Great Opening Night

So, today is my birthday and last night I had the best present ever. Wayside Theatre gave a wonderful opening night performance of The Nerd that had laughter filling the theatre and everyone in a celebratory mood. The cast is amazing group of actors who have overcome some real challenges. Led by Jim Fleming as the title character though, this group and Larry Shue's script can make you forget what ails you for a couple of hours with its silly hijinx.

So, thanks guys for a great birthday gift. Now let's keep the laughter flowing for the next month.

Laughter Can Be The Best Medicine

Yesterday we had two sensational previews of The Nerd at Wayside Theatre. They came after a particularly difficult week for me and for our cast and the show's director. Earlier in the week I was dealing with some family health drama and that seems on its way to being rectified, but as you can imagine that added some stress to the always stressful tech week.

Fortunately I had hired Bill Diggle to direct this production of The Nerd and that alleviated some of the stress. Bill and his cast were doing a fantastic job. And then one of our cast members took ill as we were approaching the big tech day on Thursday. When we got the call it was one of those "we won't know for awhile" situations that make adjusting and adapting a real challenge. But our team put together various plans to cover all contingencies.

After the actor gave things a try at Friday's rehearsal it was determined that it was best that he take some time to get better before going forward again. So, Bill agreed to step in to the role for the previews and the Opening Night, which is tonight as I write this. The cast rallied around Bill and did splendid work in the final dress but it was one of those situations where everyone's nerves were right on the edge as we left the theatre on Friday night, all aiming for a bit of rest before Saturday's two preview performances.

By the time the first preview ended on Saturday afternoon you could tell that the hard work had paid off. They say comedy is hard. That's no joke. It's even harder when your cast is adjusting to different rhythms on the fly. But the cast was sensational as was Bill feeding off of the audience's joyous response throughout the show. The evening preview was magnificent with the house rocking and rolling with laughter throughout. As the cast and the team gathered for notes you could tell everyone was completely wrung out, but felt very good about their work and efforts.

So, we're on to opening night tonight, hoping that we can coax some laughs out of that tough crowd and move the show forward. Bill will do a sensational job along with the rest of his cast. (Jim Fleming's performance as the title character is unreal good, R. Scott Williams is brilliant, Ilona Dulaski, Jody Lee, and Dana Colagiovanni are all wonderful.) When all is said and done, we'll be both celebrating the culmination of what we've been through this week, and also be thinking about our colleague who we hope rejoins us this next week for what looks to be a laughter filled summer run into August.

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Forget +1. I Want a Stupid Button

Google+ is all the rage. Twitter is still rolling along. (Although Tweetdeck is just a steaming pile of Fail Whale since Twitter bought it.) Facebook is still booking faces. And of course the thing that drives them all (or supposedly will) is advertising.

Each of the social networks has a "Like" button or a +1, or a retweet, or something for others to follow along. But you know what these services and websites, and blogs, and headlines really need? A Stupid button, or some form of a Total Rejection Button. I know folks have talked about "disklike" buttons before, but when it comes to Ads and how that scam actually works on websites and social services, etc... I think we need to start measuring just how stupid some of these things are.

Happy Independence Day

It's the 4th of July here in the US, so if you're here I hope you have a safe and Happy Independence Day. Of course these days, Independence seems to be taking on all sorts of new meanings, especially from those who seem to declare their Independence from reading and comprehension as some sort of badge of honor.