I accept your applause

While doing our first read-through for The Sound of Music, I noticed the following stage direction in the script (which I helpfully highlighted for the photo):

"They accept the audience's applause."

When I posted this photo on Instagram, my cousin Emily said "If it's not written in the script, do you reject the applause???"

I had the same thought, which is why I started giggling. My friend Kenn asked me what was so funny, so I pointed out the direction and said, "I accept your applause." Then HE started giggling, sang the end of the song, and we both said together, "I accept your applause" at which point a few people turned around to see what was going on. We were supposed to be listening to the people reading, so we were being very rude, but we couldn't get over how funny that direction was.

So, just know that the next time I get any applause, I will curtsey or bow or whatever the director deems appropriate, but in my head I will be thinking "I accept your applause." Because, apparently, if I don't formally accept it, it will be the same as rejecting it, and I really do appreciate the gesture!

The hills are alive...

...With the sound of music, of course!

My next show will be The Sound of Music at CenterPoint Legacy Theatre in March (Tues/Thurs/Saturday cast), plus at least one matinee, I'm sure. I get to play Sister Sophia and sing "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?"(if you watch the video, I'm the second nun who sings) and other gorgeous songs. I also get to work with a lot of ridiculously talented and nice people, including my double from Little Women who will be playing Liesl in my cast :D (It's a mini-Little Women reunion, with my Marmee directing, and Jo assistant music directing!)

Ever since they called to ask me to be in the show, I've wanted to go back and rewatch Call the Midwife, because I completely love the nuns in that show, and cannot stop thinking about Sister Bernadette. What's that you say? You haven't watched this show? If you're a fan of Downton Abbey, you'll like Call the Midwife. Try it.

And I digress, as usual.

I love The Sound of Music and am very excited to finally play a part in it. The first rehearsal is tomorrow, so I hope to get a script and meet people and get a better idea of what's going on. Fortunately, I'll have Christmas and New Year's off before we start rehearsing in earnest!

Put it on your schedule now so you don't forget! Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in March!

Hobbit-related videos

In honor of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug coming out in theaters today, I present you with these brilliant videos. Enjoy!

"Gollum" from the Draw My Life series


"Lord of the Crumbs" by Sesame Street


Honest Trailer's treatment of the first Hobbit movie (which is pretty accurate, as usual, but I liked the second half of the movie a lot 'cause Gollum makes everything better):


And just for fun (because it delights me more than it reasonably should):


Happy Friday!

*Updated* Happy Friday videos

A few videos from this week (mostly today) that made me laugh.

Happy Friday!

Tina Fey and Amy Pohler promo for the Golden Globes (for all my singer friends!)

Benedict Cumberbatch reads R. Kelly's "Genius." I cannot stop laughing!


This isn't a funny one, but I completely love hearing Idina Menzel sing "Let it Go" from Frozen. Her voice and this animation are amazing!!

Post by Walt Disney Animation Studios.

I can't believe I forgot to include this gem pieced together with clips from Star Trek: The Next Generation!

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2014 Smyth family calendar

It's that time of year when I put together the family calendar for the next year*, using photos from the previous year (in this case, Christmas 2012 to Thanksgiving 2013). I started doing it about five or six years ago because my mom specifically requested one, and I continue to do it because she absolutely loves it. I'm thrilled that this little thing makes my mom so happy!

Every year I'm so afraid I won't have enough photos to use, and it feels like pulling teeth to get people to contribute, and every year my family comes through with a TON of hilarious, beautiful, heart-warming photos... and every year I put myself through the overwhelming task of trying to narrow down the ones I'm going to use. Good thing it's hard to choose wrongly 'cause I would love to use them all ;)

In looking through this year's submissions, I've noticed a few trends. These are some of the favorites:

• Crazy facial hair/haircuts

• G-child on an electronic device

• G-child being athletic

• Breezy makes faces while eating

• Zonks and Megan -- best friends!

• My brothers are adorable

• Mom will hate this photo of herself, even though she looks great

(Note: I was wrong about this one. Mom LOVES this one!!)

I admit, it's exciting trying to find the cutest template for the best deal, and putting it all together. Hope that those who requested a copy for the coming year like what they get. I know I'm looking forward to it!

*Is it almost 2014 already? Hope I'm ready!

November is over

The biggest events in November were, of course, Pie Night and Thanksgiving. Other than that, it wasn't a terribly exciting month. Good thing I'm perfectly content with low-key hanging out!

Some of the highlights:

Brian Stokes Mitchell in concert with the Utah Symphony

(Taken during intermission)
BSM can sing to me any time he likes. I love a good baritone, especially with a voice as smooth and powerful as his. He sang a fun assortment of things, and proved to be an unapologetic goof. The symphony was in fine form and seemed to be having as good a time as the rest of us. The audience couldn't help but give a standing ovation at least 5 times during the show. I'm so glad I went!

This lovely lady had a birthday

My mom made and decorated those sugar cookies. My mouth is watering just thinking about them!
Lindsey has great taste in birthday treats!

I discovered Butterbeer at Starbucks

I've had three so far, and will need at least three more before it's discontinued at the end of the month. I haven't tried the warm version yet, but the cold version is YUM!! Give it a shot if you have a sweet tooth or like Harry Potter. You'll just need to give the barrista the recipe.

I won tickets to see Doctor U at the Off-Broadway Theatre

Thanks to Salt Lake Comic Con, I got to see this play even though I missed it's initial run in the Spring. Woot!
These guys were spot-on as the 10th and 11th Doctors (called Doctor U and Doctor Two in the play). I didn't really notice until this show just how much the 11th Doctor flails around. Theresa and I are both Doctor Who fans, and laughed and cheered. A really faithful and pleasing production if you like the show (and don't mind the usual Off-Broadway brand of silliness and puns).

Red light! Green light!
(For once, the Weeping Angels weren't completely terrifying)

Doctor Who 50th Anniversary, November 23

How many other television programs can boast of having a 50th anniversary? Doctor Who is older than Star Trek, Saturday Night Live, The Simpsons, and pretty much everyone else, and it's still running new episodes. Sure, it went off the air for awhile in the 1990's, but it's back and more popular than ever. I've been a fan since I caught up on the reboot last year, and have been slowly acquainting myself with the older Doctors ever since.

Before watching the 50th Anniversary special "The Day of the Doctor", I watched the 20th Anniversary special "The Five Doctors." I'm glad I did, because it was referenced quite a bit in "Day" and made it even funnier! Being a nerd is awesome!

An advance screening of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Girlz on Fire!
We saw the movie two days before it officially came out in theatres -- lucky!
Mandie and Carrie are a hoot!

The Nutcracker by the Clytie Adams School of Ballet

I hadn't seen The Nutcracker in years, so I was thrilled when Suzanne invited Shilene and I to see her dance. Such wonderful music, and the choreography was beautiful. Bonus: the principal dancers were from Ballet West!
Must go again next year!

Now that Santa Claus has appeared in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, the holiday season is in full force. Hope you have some fun things planned to celebrate -- I know I do!