Throw-back Thursday: City Rep Memories

Once upon a time, I was 16 and did 8 plays/festivals in one year, most of which overlapped (if you count classes, it was more like 10). I recently had some of the film negatives from that year transferred to DVD. I'm a little disappointed in the quality, but I guess there's only so much you can do with scratched-up, almost 20 year-old negatives.

Still, some turned out okay! Here are three of my favorites:

The Little Mermaid

Tom Sawyer

The Secret Garden

Was I really ever that young? And was my hair really that long? *Nostalgic sigh*

Sweet harmony

The other day as I was driving, a song popped up in a playlist I hadn't listened to in awhile. I had to listen to it at least five -- possibly six -- times before I could move on:


I'm in love with listening to and learning the harmonies in songs like this. In this particular song, I can flip from the melody to the high part to the low and back to harmony pretty easily (at least, I could until Saturday when I realized the low part is a bit different than I thought, resulting in the three last repeats and a blown mind). I'm always a little amazed when people tell me they have a hard time picking out the harmony in songs. I have a hard time focusing on the melody because I WANT to sing harmony! It's one of the reasons I don't choose to sing soprano in plays whenever possible.

Karaoke on the 2010 Western Caribbean Cruise

Though I love to sing and do it a lot, I'm very aware that I'm not much of a musician. I read music ok, but if I'm learning something new, I rely quite a bit on the person next to me (hoping they CAN sight read).

As an exercise in practicing sight reading and figuring out intervals between notes, I make it a point to sing all of the parts -- Soprano, Alto, Tenor (an octave higher), and Bass (also an octave higher) -- of the hymns during church each week. I've grown up singing many of those songs, and my mom always sang Alto and my dad Tenor, so I have a good jumping off point. It's the best when there are four verses; if there are fewer I skip the Soprano. I always at least try to pick out the Tenor. I'm not saying I always do a good job, but I try! It's a little frustrating when the song doesn't have any written parts. I may not remember the names of the notes, but I can tell if I'm singing out of tune (and am often surprised at some of the choices the composers/arrangers made). I also try not to sing the same part as whoever is sitting next to me (or behind me, if they are loud). It's fun to hear the rich harmony in the song, as it was written to have.

There are quite a few songs I have a tough time just listening to once. Here are a few of my favorites:

• I've toyed with teaching this to my brothers and making them sing it for our Christmas Eve family talent show, but I'm not sure if I'm up to teaching:

• Start at 1:25 for this one. I love this one because both parts weave seamlessly from melody into harmony and back. It's so, so cool!

• Lest you think I only listen to musicals, I'm a little obsessed with this song right now, too; I'm disappointed when there isn't one more repeat of the chorus. Such a happy, uplifting song, and some of the things they do with harmony are so unexpected!

• And I can sing any part in this classic:

What do you like most to sing? And where? I'm pretty partial to blasting music in my car and singing along... that way I can pretend I sound just like the person in the recording ;)

Happy Tuesday!

Megan reads The Children of Hamelin

The Children of Hamelin by Danny Lasko
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was a little nervous to read this book, because it was written by a friend, and what if I didn't like it?

In the end, my worries were unfounded. I DID like it! The concept is a cool one, the adventure and mystery were intriguing, and Danny's descriptions are gorgeous... if maybe a little too flowery, considering they were supposed to be relayed to us by a 17 year-old boy. Then again, we're told early on that he's a pretty special boy and takes creative writing classes.

For fans of classic young adult literature such as the Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland, and fans of dystopian future novels, I thoroughly recommend this one. This is the tale of a young man discovering his potential, learning to trust himself and others, and eventually accepting his fate. Danny was able to put his own spin on the genres, and answer questions I didn't even know I had: What happened to the children who were lead out of Hamelin in the classic tale? What would happen if California fell into the sea? Just how much control over our lives does the government have, and are we brave enough to challenge their authority when necessary?

**Spoilers**
A portion of this story takes place in Disneyland, and the descriptions of the place are enough to make any Disney-phile drool. It's obvious the writer loves the park, and if you know it even fairly well, you know exactly where Horatio and his friends are during those chapters. There's a conversation in the apartment above the Fire station that made me cry. I had to read it a couple of times. Golly, Walt Disney was a genius. It was my very favorite part of the book!
**End spoilers**

However, it took me awhile to get drawn into the book. The primary reason was that it came from the first-person point-of-view of the protagonist, Horatio... and I didn't like him. He came off as really arrogant, cynical, and ungrateful, and he analyzed everything to death. Even when he is injured and his mind is supposed to be cloudy, he continues to notice everything around him in unnecessarily-specific detail. His relationship with his girlfriend is just a little obsessive and too perfect; I couldn't help but wish that she had at least a couple of flaws, other than disagreeing with Horatio once in awhile.

It also took me several chapters to figure out what the instructions in the different font was for. I kept thinking it was a choose-your-own adventure novel, and was frustrated that nothing happened when I chose one. Once I (and the protagonist) realized the purpose behind the different-fonted instructions, it stopped being a distraction and the story really took off.

The ending was satisfying... and happily left plenty of room for more stories from this future world. I now join with the others hoping for a sequel. I want to know what happens next, and would be especially intrigued to read it from several points of view, specifically Linus or even Horatio's little sister Lizzie.


View all my reviews

Happy Birthday, Disneyland!

58 years ago today, Disneyland park opened in Anaheim, California.

(I haven't had a chance to watch this yet. Hopefully tonight!

My dad grew up in California in the fifties, and I think Disneyland is a special place for him. He's worn a Mickey Mouse watch for as long as I can remember.

There are photos of me at the park from when I was younger than two years old.

I have several elementary-school memories of my parents picking me up after school on Friday, driving to Disneyland until late into the night, playing all day Saturday, and driving home on Sunday.

Tours Departing Daily -- photos of Disneyland

Baby Megan on Tom Sawyer Island

I even remember what my mom wore during one of these trips, because she said, "Now, if you get lost, find a Disneyland employee and tell them I am wearing red jeans and a white shirt." (I mentioned this to Mom last week, and she has no memory of every owning red jeans.) I still remember the year the original Star Tours opened, and we actually had to wait in the freakishly long -- and awesomely detailed -- line for two hours. That year, Dad took my two youngest brothers to the hotel for naps in the afternoon, and Mom told Aaron, Adam and I we would ride each of our favorite rides. I don't remember what Aaron chose, but Adam picked Star Tours, and I chose Thunder Mountain Railroad. 

Spring Break Senior Year

Thanks to high school show choir, I got to perform on one of the stages in the park -- the one that used to be across the street from Sleeping Beauty castle. There is nothing like singing and rocking out to "Footloose" while the sun shines on that gorgeous castle! I also broke up with my first boyfriend on one of those trips. (Luckily, it was mutual and amicable.)

I'd wanted to go to Disneyland before going on my mission, but ran out of time. The day I returned home, my family announced plans to go over Thanksgiving. It was the first time I'd seen Disneyland dressed up for the holidays, like the Nightmare Before Christmas-themed Haunted Mansion. Since then, I've only been twice when it wasn't in November or December!

Aaron and I went together the next year, and that's when we discovered Fast Passes :D

The family went again for the holiday several years later. It was the first time my nephew had been, and it was awesome to see it all through a child's eyes.

When I got my latest job, I celebrated by taking a two-day trip to the park... all by myself. Turns out, Disneyland is still fun even if you're alone. I got to ride all the rides I wanted to -- most of them twice -- and ate all the churros I wanted. Single-rider tickets rock!

I don't know how many times I have been in my lifetime, but I haven't yet tired of the place.

You know you go to Disneyland too much when...

The G-child's first visit

I have only been to Disneyland twice in the last four years... but I must talk about it a lot, because my friends and family seem to think I don't vacation anywhere else. I guess I can't blame them, because my next big vacation is to Disneyland! It'll be my nieces' first trip, and I can't wait to play with them there. We already have tickets to eat breakfast with the princesses. Woooooot! I can't wait!

There are many people who have never been to Disneyland, or have been and don't quite appreciate the appeal, and that's okay. To me, however, Disneyland really is a magical place. There is always something new for me to experience (I didn't experience the Tiki Room for the first time until about three years ago), and it's always a lot of fun.

Disney Parks Blog

Walt Disney summed it up the best during his dedication speech:

How could he have known how great it would be? That's faith. Good thing it worked out :-D

Happy Birthday, Disneyland! You are the first and the best of the parks, and I am grateful for the part you've played in my life. See you again, soon!

New Year's Eve 2012 dance party at It's a Small World

DON'T break a leg!

During a performance of Bye Bye Birdie at the Grand, I was conked in the head by a huge set of double-doors on a rolling wagon, and ended up being taken to the hospital in an ambulance, strapped to a gurney.

Opening night of Oklahoma, I stepped on my skirt while running, fell and -- again -- conked my head on the cement stage, ending up with a concussion (I was able to finish the show, thanks to a young man who held me up during the song "Oklahoma").

Opening day of Tom Sawyer, during the final run-though rehearsal, I turned a glass candle the wrong way, and the bulb shattered in my hand, cutting my thumb pretty badly. Did I mention I was wearing a white dress at the time?

I had a sinus infection for most of run of Little Women at CenterPoint Legacy.

Luckily, my latest theater-related maiming didn't happen during a performance of Robin Hood: Legend of the Sherwood Bandit.

Unluckily, it happened right after the preview performance, and I was not recovered enough the next day to perform.

What happened?!! you ask.

The actors were asked to help set up the props and sound equipment before the show and then put them away afterwards. I was happy to do so to spare the stage manager and light technician hours of extra work. That's what community theater is all about -- helping out where ever you can!

Well, I was backstage in a poorly-lit area, moving a box that the sound equipment rested on. I could see the black lawn v the greyish sidewalk, and I remember thinking, "Oh, I should make sure not to fall on that curb." Two seconds later, that's exactly what I did! My left foot caught on the curb in just the wrong way, and got stuck so that when I fell, I fell right on my foot... with the box on top of me.

Now, if you know me at all, you know I'm a bit of a klutz. These things happen to me -- possibly because I think they're hilarious -- and I'm usually really good at falling without getting hurt. This time, my immediate reaction was "Oh, Megan. You silly!" And then.... then I realized that my ankle hurt. A LOT.

The stage manager came rushing over to check on me, and I calmly and with some surprise and annoyance said something along the lines of, "Oh. Oh, no. That hurts!" People kept asking if I was ok, and I said "I'm probably in shock 'cause I'm not freaking out" (they agreed). My ankle swelled up almost immediately. I was more worried about making everyone else upset and inconveniencing everyone. Our costumer is a nurse, and she came over with an ace bandage, and someone else appeared with a bag of ice. The stage manager and costumer both agreed it was probably just a bad sprain, because I would have been unable to move my foot if it were broken. Everyone was so concerned and wanted to help. One kid found my box of stuff, my music director drove me to my car in a parking lot a block away, and my carpool buddy drove me first to the costumer's house (to pick up some supplies) and then to our rendezvous point. I assured him (and everyone else) that I could get myself home. Like I said, it was my left ankle, and my car is an automatic. I was annoyed that there was construction blocking my normal freeway entrance, which forced me on a 20 minute detour, but I drove slowly and managed to make it home all right.

It wasn't until I reached my apartment building that I realized I somehow had to lug my laptop, my box of theater stuff, and myself up three flights of stairs without being able to walk.

That is when I started to cry.

I must have been a pretty pathetic figure crawling up those stairs, moving the box and laptop a few stairs above me at a time. I made it to the top, though. I tried to put aside all stress of injury and wondering whether I'd be able to perform the next day aside. I needed to sleep.

I woke up at 7 a.m., unable to fall back asleep. I sent a few e-mails, including one to work declaring a "sick day", and at about 8 a.m. I called my mom to tell her what had happened, and left a message for my director letting her know that it didn't hurt as much. Actually, thanks to the salves the costumer gave me, there was hardly any swelling at all anymore.

It was opening night of my show, and I wanted to perform if I could. I had quite a few friends and family planning to come that night, not to mention the reviewer for Utah Theater Bloggers -- also a friend of mine! I spent the day doing everything I could to get my ankle well. I called a nurse practitioner friend to take a look, and she agreed it was probably just a sprain. She said if it was still really bad in a few days I should get it X-rayed. My mom was a saint. I think she spent the whole day running errands for me. She bought me meds, and lunch, and a huge boot, and a less-intense sleeve-thing, and I don't remember what else.

I didn't say anything to anyone else about the sprain, because I wasn't sure if I'd get to perform. If yes, I didn't want people thinking about my ankle. I'm still haunted by people coming up to me after that Oklahoma performance and saying "That looked really bad; are you ok?" instead of "Wow! You worked so hard and are so talented and cute!" I couldn't bear for that to happen again if I could avoid it. So, I quietly kept my mouth shut, and plugged the show on Facebook and here on my blog.

At 4 p.m., I met the director, music director, and producer at the Clearfield Arts Building. On the drive up, I felt good. I felt positive. I knew that I had done absolutely everything I could, and that regardless of whether I did the show, I wasn't going to be upset. We all agreed that whether I performed that night needed to be a group decision. I walked up and down stairs and ran a bit in the boot. It wasn't too painful with the huge boot -- going without was unthinkable -- but while wearing that boot, it was very obvious that I had been injured, and it might prove to be distracting. I didn't want to mess up the show for anyone. The other three felt that if I took it easy on opening, my foot would be better healed to perform the rest of the shows (I can't tell you how grateful I was that I wasn't being replaced altogether). Yeah, I'd worked my butt off and I loved my character and the play, and I hated giving away a performance (we only had 5 scheduled)... but it was almost a relief to say I really wouldn't mind if the director filled in for me that night.

Once we made the decision, we all started working towards getting Liz ready. I walked her through my blocking (thank goodness she made up the choreography, and I lurked in a lot of the scenes), the music director ran through the music (again, thank goodness I sang the melody!), and the costumer took in my costume a tiny bit.

The cast was so supportive. Every single person asked how I felt, and expressed sadness I couldn't perform with them that night. The producer said I was "classy" to put the show first. It probably would have been more difficult for me emotionally, if I weren't so used to being double-cast; I'm pretty used to watching other people play my roles :-) I said the cast prayer that night. I love those people. I wanted the show to be good and nothing else to go wrong.

Liz (the director/my understudy), Kellie (Maid Marian),
 and Elinor (Sophie) on opening night

The upside was that I got to watch the performance opening night! (That's the downside to single-casting: you don't ever get to watch the show.) I can't tell you how proud I was of everyone. I knew that the show was good, and that everyone was terrific in their roles, but getting to see what's going on while I lurk in the back, or dance in the front, or languish backstage, and hear Alan's part in the songs (that guy owned the stage), and actually see the cool arrow effect (our view during the tournament was blocked by the coach -- we relied entirely on sound to time our lines), and laugh at Much's brilliance, and cheer along with the audience as Robin and King Richard saved the day... it was a terrific experience. There were funny little gaffs here and there - things people unfamiliar with the show probably wouldn't notice and that I don't think happened in any of the subsequent performances. Liz was right when she said the difference between good community theater, and "community" community theater is a great ensemble; ours definitely was. After watching, I could honestly tell people that it was a quality show, and didn't feel a bit guilty asking them to trek all the way to Clearfield to see it. Sure, I'm biased, but that doesn't mean I was wrong!

The reviewer, Andrea, liked it, too. Here's a link to her very kind and thoughtful review. I was thrilled that my character of Rowena was mentioned, and tried not to be sad Andrea didn't see me in the role. Oh, well. Thanks for letting me sit with you, Andrea!

There is a bit of a happy ending, in that I did get to perform in all of the rest of the shows. Liz changed some of the choreography and blocking so I wouldn't have to move quite so much, and my nurse practitioner friend taught me how to wrap it with sports tape the way athletes do. The limp was less painful each night. Some claimed the limp was pretty obvious (especially during the second act, when I did a lot of running), others kindly said it was hardly noticeable. One friend who came on closing -- who magically hadn't heard about the accident -- didn't realize from my performance that I was injured, and when I posted a photo of my boot a few days later assumed the accident must have happened after closing!

I AM a little annoyed that even now -- two weeks later -- I still have to tell people that I see almost every day what has happened. I sent an e-mail while I was out to everyone at work explaining how I'd sprained my ankle, and when I returned they asked me to tell them the story again. Even today, someone asked me to tell the story. At this point, I'm tempted to let people make up their own reasons. "Was it a skiing accident?" "Maybe." Oh, wait, isn't this July?

As of now, I'm off the boot, and just wearing a black sleeve-y thing to help give my ankle some support. I'm doing stretching and strengthening exercises, and the ankle seems better every day. It might take another week or so to heal fully, but it's getting there.

After the injury, pretty much everyone who wanted to wish me luck on the show said, "Don't break a leg!"

I'm happy to report that I didn't! I am very grateful. It could have been so much worse!

Disney prince boy band

I want this to be real so I can buy the CD!


Happy Friday!

Dating Rant

In regards to dating, 2013 has not been a great year for me so far. I'm not going to pretend it's been all bad. I have had some fun, I've learned a lot, and I have grown a little more comfortable with standing up for myself as an equal participant in a relationship. Hooray!

However, several things have happened that feel like the proverbial punch in the face. With that in mind, I just want to vent for a moment.

Note: I am not allowing comments on this post, because I'd prefer not
to do deal with them on this subject. My own thoughts are enough to
be going on for now. Thanks for your love and support!

• If I hear/see one more 19-22 year old girl whine about how hard it is to be single, I may have to smash something. Admittedly, I probably was one of those annoying girls. With the exception of this post, I tend to try not to dwell on being single. I would like to be married and yet I simultaneously acknowledge that I have a lot to be thankful for. I'm so tired of these girls posting their grief all over Facebook. 

• Dear #1 cheerleader: I signed up for online dating. You can stop pestering me about it now. If it works, great, but if it doesn't, please be ok with it. (I can live with the "I told you so's" if it does work. Everybody wins in that scenario!)

• What is up with the profile photos certain men put up on dating websites? Are they not really trying to attract women? Kind of a turn-off to only post photos of you wearing sunglasses (preventing me from seeing your actual face), photos you took of landscape and flowers on vacation (seriously?), photos of just your kids or past girlfriend (um... what?), half-hearted, blurry photos you took from your Mac at 2am where you aren't even smiling (sigh), or just not posting photos at all. Uh... I'm not trying to be extra-shallow, but I want to see what you actually look like, so that if we did arrange to meet I would know who you are! (Note, it bothers me only slightly less when people use these kinds of profile photos on Facebook, single or married.)

• Sometimes, I want to post something on Facebook like, "What is wrong with men? Why are they all such jerks?" And then I don't, because when I think about it I know quite a lot of non-jerky men, and there are likely a lot of other good men that I haven't met yet. It's unfair to blame all men when I'm really just mad at one guy.

• If we go out on one date and I say I don't want to go out again because I'm seeing someone else, it's not ok for you to throw a tantrum and make my life as difficult as possible after that. (Ideally, I wouldn't tell you about the other guy, but it was kind of unavoidable in this scenario.)

• I can totally relate to the girl in Larissa's guest post on The Cultural Hall blog who feels like the "token single friend." Thanks to all who don't make me feel this way. I have married friends, single friends, single-parent friends, teenage friends, empty-nester friends, etc. We all have different stuff going on. It can get exhausting trying to dissect "The Singles Problem" with those who aren't actually dealing with it... and boring when that's all my single friends want to talk about :P

• Actually, I love this post on A Blog About Love about 6 tips for single women (that also probably apply to men). I still hate it when married people give advice, but her heart is in the right place and it's also really good advice!

• But, seriously, married friends, don't post some jokey 121 reasons to date me and call me out saying you think I'd like it. I was unable to find it funny because so many of the items implied that the person writing (I guess in this instance, me) is a crazy idiot. I know you meant well, but it came off as condescending. You found your guy. Don't rub it in.

• Also, married men friends, don't tell me that if you were single you'd snap me up in a minute. The fact is that you are NOT single. Again, I know your heart is in the right place (and I would marry some of you if you WERE single), but this feels a little condescending. You're already married, so you're off the hook. And it makes me wonder why my single guy friends don't see what you apparently do.

• What is it with guys that don't want to be set up? Wait, let me rephrase that: I understand why some people don't want to be set up, and I respect that choice. However, consider this scenario: Your friend tells you that there is this awesome girl they think you would get along with. They give you the girls' number and you don't call. Then by some weird happenstance you end up in the same room with the girl, say, you separately are involved in a one-night-only variety show. You walk over to say "Hi" to the mutual friend, and the guy sees you and literally runs away at the first opportunity. This has happened to me twice in the last few months. I am a nice person and I hope I'm kind of pretty. It's really hard on the self-esteem when men can't try to be civil, or even look me in the eye. It's not like I'm trying to trap you! Sheesh! Relax! I can deal with men not being interested, but I can't deal with them actively being rude.

• Also, mutual friends trying to set us up: If the guy doesn't call me, give him a break. There are worse things than a guy who isn't interested (like a guy who runs away from me because you've put so much pressure on him and teased him mercilessly about it).

*Snarl*

*Sigh*

I think I have it out of my system now. Back into the pool!

Happy Independence Day!

However you choose to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the sacrifices of many Americans in establishing and defending our freedoms, and the country you love, I hope you have a great day!

Robin Hood: Legend of the Sherwood Bandit

My latest show, Robin Hood: Legend of the Sherwood Bandit, opens tonight! We've been rehearsing for three months, and by golly we are ready for an audience! It's been so fun discovering my character, getting to know and work with the cast, and seeing it all come together. I am very proud of our little show. Hope you all (or at least some of you) take the chance to see it!

June happenings

As you all know (if you were paying attention, and I don't blame you if you weren't), I didn't blog much during June. It isn't that nothing happened -- plenty did -- and there were definitely things I wanted to blog about but...

For once, I decided not to feel guilty and just enjoy my life without stressing about trying to document it all. 

Will I regret this later? Possibly. Did things happen last month that I still want to blog about? A few. Will I? We'll see.

For now, here's a recap of some of the stuff that kept me busy and happy:

A bonfire and s'mores with some hilarious people

Yes, this is photoshopped to mash two photos together.
I love their faces!

I saw 12 Angry Jurors at CenterPoint Legacy -- it was great!

I gave it a shout-out on Facebook, which was included
in a promotional e-mail  later that week.

My visiting teacher gave me some sweet "I'm thinking of you" gifts.
She's so nice (and knows me so well)!

 

This terrific kid had a birthday...

and was pretty excited about receiving new sports equipment :D

Went to the Salt Lake Temple on a really windy day

Saw Kristen, Larissa, and several other friends in Doo Wop Wed Widing Hood, which was completely adorable. My three dates and I all loved it.

About one minute after Larissa as the Fairy Godmother appeared
on stage, Zonks said to me, "She's just like you!"
Breezy commented that Kristen's Evil Queen was mean,
and Lindsey responded, "She was my favorite!"
(Note: It's almost impossible to get Breezy to sit still
for a photo. The one bottom left with Riss is what
happens when you tell her to strike a "Princess" pose.)

My brother Peter had a birthday, which included a new experience for the kids:

The G-child was pretty indignant when he realized
we purposely pulled the pinata out reach when he swung
at it, and then delighted to pull it away during Peter's turn.

The G-child created this card especially for Pete. Peter laughed so hard he started crying.
Birds of a feather!

I finished a huge, stressful, long-term, self-esteem-killing project at work (the main reason why I didn't blog during the day), at the end of which I wanted to do this:

And, of course, more Robin Hood rehearsals

Playing with puppets during a speed-through

Hanging out

Tech week last week
(Note that the stuffed goat is wearing a hood)

During this next month, I'll perform my show, catch up with a bunch of friends, celebrate two holidays, hopefully go to the Shakespearean Festival, see a bunch of movies and plays, sit by the pool, and... see what else is in store.

The year is now half over, but there's still so much to look forward to. Isn't life great?

Happy Monday!