This quote showed up in my inbox today (thanks Goodreads Quote of the Day!) I think the next time someone asks me what I'm up to, I'll give that answer. Haha! It feels true!
How is it August already? My summer is disappearing before my very eyes! Hope you're all having as much fun as I am!
Wicked with my grandma -- so hard to mourn the wicked when you're so delighted by the show, and thrilled to take a 90-year old to something she hasn't seen and wanted to!
Leatherby's with my Earnest buddies after they saw my performance of The Marvelous Wonderettes. They were pretty understanding about the eyeshadow.
Demolition Derby in Heber with my friend Rob and a huge group from our ward.
Baby blessing for a dear friend, which allowed me to spend time with a group of friends and their tiny babies
Lunch with some favorite former co-workers, now just regular awesome friends.
Ladder ball and other crazy activities with the family.
Rehearing Little Women -- we open in less than four weeks!
Doesn't look like much, you say? Well, when you rehearse as much as I do, you enjoy the intermittent days off and time with friends that much more! August is looking very promising, too. Looking forward to all the adventures, planned and unplanned ;-D
Hope you all are enjoying the summer! What in the world have you been up to? (Golly, I haven't heard from some of you in a long time!)
I complain a lot about still not having a washer and dryer at home, but on Sunday, I discovered one of the perks of dragging my dirty laundry to my mom's house every-other Sunday.
One of my nieces found my sorted laundry and immediately came up with the brilliant idea to play "Super Spy." Obviously, my clothes were perfect disguises! She started handing me my sweaty clothes and instructed me to put them on (in new and fancy ways), and was all too happy to put my black stretch-pants on her head to hide her blonde hair, and patiently waited while I tucked a towel into her swimsuit for a cape. She put on her sunglasses and was good to go.
The coolest of spies. Her turban kills me!
As soon as she deemed me fit for duty, she said, "Come on, Super Spy! Let's go, Super Spy!" and we headed downstairs to ferret out the bad guys (or watch cartoons, same diff).
Of course, as soon as my other niece saw us, she wanted to get in on the game, too. I didn't mind giving her my disguise (I had about 6 layers of clothes on before Zonks was satisfied).
Go get 'em, Super Spy!
A little later, I put my newfound bubble-gum bubble-blowing skills to good use (thanks again, Wonderettes!). I had no idea how fascinated those girls would be by them! It kept them entertained for the better part of half an hour. At first, they just wanted to see how big I could get them ("Again!" "Again!" they'd yell as soon as one popped). I'm proud to say, I'm no slouch in the blowing department. Then, they wanted to help me pop them. It takes no small amount of trust and love to let a three-year old repeatedly (unintentionally) hit you in the face. They then asked for their own gum so they could try the trick themselves. I explained and showed the best I could, but they'll need a little practice before they can meet my skill level, as it should be, right? ;-) I must say, I'd been wondering what I'd be able to do with my bubble-blowing skills; I'd hate for them to go to waste!
This is his "I'm smiling 'cause I know it'll make you happy" face.
I even got to spend some quality time with my nephew this weekend. Friday night, my rehearsals ended early, and the G-child was staying with my mom, so I picked him up at her house and we went to 7-Eleven for Slurpees, where I learned that his favorite flavors are orange and banana. He likes cherry, too, but didn't get it because it tends to overtake the other flavors -- oh, how I love that kid! We drove back to Mom's house where Mom had recorded the Opening Ceremonies of the London Olympics on DVR. The beginning was a little dull for someone his age, so we talked a lot about what the Olympics are, why they're special, and how often they go on. Since we're British descendents, my mom and I talked a little about that, too. G-child thought that was pretty cool, until we told him we're related to peasants and tradesmen. Kind of sad to burst that bubble. Doesn't everyone want to believe they're royalty? (Heaven knows I always imagine myself as a Lady in those Jane Austen books!) He fell asleep about half an hour into the program, but it was still fun to spend some time with him one-on-one.
Sometimes I feel like something of a wet blanket, and then I have those quiet moments with my brother's kids that make me feel like I'm a decent aunt, and that they'll remember me as someone they like to hang out with. I'm not quite Aunt Bea, yet, but I sure do love those kids! I'm so lucky to be their aunt!
There is nothing like live theatre. Every play and every performance is different. Just want to write these Wonderette-specific experiences down before I forget about them:
The Marvelous Wonderettes circa 1958 - closing night
Rehearsals
Sitting around the table and learning the harmonies. Who knew "Mr. Sandman" was going to be so dang hard, especially when we had to learn two different versions!
Paige saying "I don't play the harmonica" and then totally rocking out her song on one two days later.
Jumping rope while wearing my pregnant belly.
The day I was 15 minutes late to rehearsal because the drive-through line at Taco Bell took forever and I got boxed in :P
"Woot! Be marvelous!"
My director would have been a far cuter Suzy than I was -- I could never successfully deliver the lines the way she would demonstrate them.
Remembering that my grandma shared a name with one of the characters... though they were completely opposite personalities.
Getting tips from 8 months pregnant Janzell and Lindsay on how to act pregnant, and not posting any photos of me in the belly, no matter how much fun I was having.
Karen and Galen saying they keep forgetting I'm not pregnant ;)
Buying 1 1/2 inch heeled character shoes when my right foot kept falling asleep in my 3 inch shoes, and then discovering that the same thing happened in the shorter shoes... and the flats, too. I must just be standing wrong...
Driving Janzell to my house after rehearsals and her husband meeting us there to take her the rest of the way home.
Performing a few "preview" songs before the Army Band a week before we opened. We were all so nervous, but it sure was fun handing out flyers afterwards. Before then, I felt I was being too wacky as my character, but after I knew I needed to be bigger. Thank goodness for live audiences!
Realizing about five seconds into the preview performance that I forgot to put gum in my mouth before going onstage... hope the audience wasn't too confused when I supposedly swallowed the fictional gum later. (I never forgot again after that.)
The awesome performance shirts Stephanie gave us. I'll definitely be wearing this one during regular life!
Performances - Act I
Director Karen and I in our Marvelous Wonderettes shirts
Stage manager Alicia asking me three times before every performance whether I had gum (I asked her to do this, and she never forgot).
Freaking out when I realized I could see the reviewer was sitting on the front row with his notebook, and wondering what he was writing every time he picked up his pencil.
Stressing out about the storm clouds that always seemed to gather every day at 3p.m. I might have to retire from outdoor theater after this show -- I can't take the stress! I've never had a show get rained out before, and for this one we moved indoors three times. Thank goodness for that alternate stage!
The mic check when I wanted to sing "In His Kiss" instead of one of my own songs, and then I totally nailed it. Being able to belt is FUN!!!
Forgetting during every performance that the standing microphones didn't work, and leaning in to sing when I wanted to be louder.
Squinting into the sun for the first 20 minutes on the park stage.
Singing to Stephanie every night, and the way it made her laugh when I'd request to sing "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me" totally deadpanned.
Jumping between Melody and Paige while they're slap-fighting, and crying as I shout "L-O-V-E, that spells love!" Those girls slapped hard, and I have the bruises to prove it. It always reminded me of that episode of Friends where Rachel takes everyone on a ski trip, and Ross has to save them when they run out of gas. They start yelling at each other and Chandler does a little dance to try to deflect the tension... yep, I was totally Chandler in this show!
Mr. Lee: from the guys who hammed it up, to the ones who just looked embarrassed, to my older brother who I had to pretend pinched my backside, to the guy to almost refused to come on stage -- they were all different and all funny! What awesome guys to play along.
I told Mrs. MacPherson every night that she didn't have to count the ballots for the Prom Queen, but every night she did. I even won the popular vote a couple of times! Closing night, Mrs. MacPherson refused to play the part until I told her she didn't have to get up on stage :)
The night I wasn't sure who Mrs. MacPherson was, so I picked someone and forgot to tell Kristen who it was... she covered the mistaken identity really well!
The night Melody's mic wasn't working and had to have the batteries changed during the ballot-gathering. If Kristen and I thought we couldn't ad lib before that, we know we can now!
The night the gum fell off my mic, and I had to use the reserve stick I'd hidden in the pitch pipe case (after forgetting the gum entirely, I wasn't taking any chances).
Applauding Kristen after "Secret Love" -- that was not acting, my friends. She killed that song every night!
I wasn't choreographed to do anything specific when singing my songs, but my backup singers/dancers knew exactly what they were doing :D
Those times when I actually got to sing the melody -- woo-hoo!! First alto is tough. Good thing I love to harmonize!
Chewing gum and blowing bubbles while jumping rope frontwards, backwards, and in a circle. Suzy had skills!!
The night I blew a bubble so big that it popped all over my face and microphone. I chose the bubble-gum flavored Extra, but the strawberry shortcake was definitely more elastic and durable.
Being afraid every night that I'd forget the Chipmunk Cheer (why am I always in front for these things?!) Also, trying not to laugh whenever the audience cracked up at "We'll pick your nuts!" There are some lines I had to say straight-faced to keep from braking character :D
Melody and I realizing that we were the only one who actually rolled around on the ground in our prom dresses.
Paige's daughter told her mom frequently that Suzy was her favorite character and voted Suzy for Prom Queen every night... even though her mom was playing BJ.
Intermission
Four ladies with four assistants trying to age 10 years -- by changing costumes, hair, and make-up -- in 15 minutes.
Sucking on cough drops during every intermission.
Blue eyeshadow that never seemed to completely wash off.
Melody's and my suspenders.
Performances - Act II
Singing backup to "Son of a Preacher Man" and "Maybe", feeling totally relaxed and knowing they were among the best moments of the show.
Accidentally forgetting the words to the first song and blaming it on pregnancy brain.
Melody's ginormous tattoo that we somehow didn't see until after her first song.
The audience laughing whenever I cried during "Maybe I Know" -- I was so worried they didn't know I was trying to be funny!
My forehead hurting by the end of the show because of all of the fake crying.
Trying to figure out what to do with my handkerchief... it was different every night :P
Drinking as much water as I could while onstage -- that punch bowl idea is genius!
Those few nights when my voice wasn't completely dead after "Respect."
Everyone's advice during "Respect", especially Kristen telling me to "channel Aretha" and Melody telling me to "own it." It always helped me (not Suzy, but me) gain more confidence to get through my toughest song. But hey, having the whitest of white girls singing the soul song is what made it funny, right? I hope so!
Never remembering what order we were acknowledging the crew, Mr. Lee, and Mrs. MacPherson during curtain call.
Going out wearing said blue eyeshadow; the staff at Chili's, Denny's, and Leatherbys are pretty nonchalant :)
Going to 7-Eleven and Wal*Mart with Janzell... still wearing the blue eyeshadow.
Kristen's brilliant idea to make shadowboxes with items specific to our characters as a cast gift for the production team, and Karen's reaction when we gave her hers. Such a cool idea!
The Marvelous Wonderettes circa 1968 - closing night
I'll miss you, my Wonderettes cast and crew! Thank you for absolutely everything. I love you and hope to work with all of you again soon!!
What do I miss most? Going to baptisms. There's a spirit there that I haven't been able to find anywhere else. A person has chosen to follow the counsel Jesus Christ gave in the Bible and Book of Mormon, and follow His example.
My nephew was baptized a few weeks ago, and it was awesome. My brother, my nephew's dad, performed the ordinance. My mom and my sister-in-law's mom both gave little lessons about baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. My sister-in-law's dad played beautiful music while we waited for the G-child to shower and dress in dry clothing. Two of my other brothers said prayers. We all went over to the G-child's house for ice cream after... it was a perfect day and one I am grateful I got to share. I feel so proud of my nephew for making this big step. He probably doesn't even realize how much it will affect his life, but I know he knows that the church means a lot to his parents, and that he feels good when he's there. Someday he'll understand why and have a testimony of his own. His baptism was a step, and I hope he never takes that choice for granted.
I was baptized when I was eight, and I remember it wasn't necessarily because I knew a ton about the church and had a strong, amazing testimony. I just knew it was the right thing to do, so why wouldn't I? As I've grown and learned more about my Savior and about my church, I am more and more grateful for that choice. I know that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me, knows me, wants to bless me, and has a plan for my life. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that through him the power of God was returned to the earth, and I know that Thomas S. Monson is the prophet today. I know that I can pray to Heavenly Father and He will listen and answer. I know that the Book of Mormon and Bible are true. I know that even though I make a lot of mistakes, I can repent, be forgiven, and do better the next time so that someday I will be worthy to live with Heavenly Father again.
Today, we in Utah celebrate "The Days of '47", or "Pioneer Day" to celebrate the day that Mormon refugees first came to the Salt Lake valley. They sacrificed so much for the freedom to worship the way they felt was right, and I am grateful for them... and also grateful that I have different trials than walking 2,000 miles in intense snow or heat, or worrying about being tarred and feathered.
I am so thankful for my mission, the people I met, the opportunities to
teach (myself and others) about my church, and my own personal life
lessons. I am thankful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, and for the examples of others who show me that, no matter how difficult life gets, there are blessings, too, and the good outweighs the bad. I sure do get to experience a lot of wonderful things, and I hope never to forget them or take my blessings for granted.
Only two performances left of The Marvelous Wonderettes. If you've been planning to come, you're quickly running out of time!
Just to make the last couple of performances a bit more exciting for you, the viewer, I propose a little game that I like to call "The Suzy Simpson Drinking Game." My character in The Marvelous Wonderettes has a lot of catch
phrases. In fact, there are only a few times in the show where she
doesn't use some form of her signature phrases. It's a lot of fun to
play, but sometimes confusing to remember which one I'm supposed to be
using, and where the heck to put it.
Now, I don't drink, and I don't think it's actually allowed at the park (I'm too lazy to look it up, so I don't know for sure). Plus, this is a family-friendly show. Instead, I suggest the following whenever I use the associated phrase:
"Hi Ritchie!" or "I/we love you Ritchie!": Eat three Skittles
"Thank you, Mr. Lee" or "We love you, Mr. Lee!": Eat one Starburst
"Oh, okay, so...": Eat three peanut butter M&Ms
"L-O-V-E! That spells love!": Drink four sips of a sprite
"[Being] a butthead.": Eat a bite of Twix
"That's the Prom Queen!": Take a bite of a Snickers*
Blow a bubble: Eat a handful of peanut M&Ms
"Oh my golly!": Chug a root beer
The first person to get sick, or have to return to the concessions stand for more, wins!
*All of these items can be purchased at the concessions counter. All proceeds go to future Midvale Arts Council shows!
It's been a really good run. Our producer says it's successful in the
sense that we've had a very, very positive response from those who have
seen it. The reviewer from Utah Theater Bloggers loved it, we've had a ton of wonderful comments on the Facebook event page, and Larissa liked it so much that she came twice AND blogged about it both times!
I am so grateful. All I want as a performer is to have fun, tell the
story, and entertain an audience. I believe those goals have been met
this time.
There's always a danger when doing a play
outdoors that we'll be rained out. However, none of the five outdoor
shows I've done previously ever were. During the run of this show
(so far), we've had rain three of those nights, including opening
night. Luckily and happily, we have an alternate location right behind
the outdoor stage. I happen to love performing in the Bowery, because it
feels more like a high school... but those have been the nights we've
had the smallest audiences. Still fun and appreciative audiences, but I
get frustrated whenever someone says "I was going to come, but then it
rained..." Grrr! There's nothing I can do about the rain. I can only be
grateful we weren't cancelled and people still came, and they were
terrific shows (last night was my best vocal night yet, tied with last
Saturday).
Maybe I forgot to chew gum for one of the
performances (which is pretty crucial to my character in the first act).
Maybe we've all forgotten a line or two, and stepped on each other's
lines a couple of times. Maybe the audience participation aspect didn't
go quite as planned... it's those kind of things that makes me love live
theater! Our performances and voices are stronger every night, and I'm
still amazed that I have been able to sing the way our music director
hoped. I never knew I could belt like that and am looking forward to
another opportunity!
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I feel very blessed to be able to do this show with so many people I love, and even more blessed to share the experience with others. I hope that we have large, happy audiences for our final two performances, that the rain stays away long enough, and that everyone has a good time!
We don't sing this song in the show, but I think about this video sometimes when running the choreography. Enjoy! Happy Friday!
