Vacation (part two)

On the second half of my vacation I rose early and drove north from Sechelt to catch a ferry boat at Earl's Cove. Last time I did this (three years ago) it was so dark I couldn't see anything. Much better views this time. There's something so peaceful about the wilderness in this area that I just love.

The Earl's Cove ferry goes to Saltery Bay, and from there it's a short drive to Powell River. It seems like such a nice, peaceful place that if I had the money, I might consider moving there. It was a Sunday morning when I arrived, so while waiting for the next ferry, I took a walk. Discovered a nice little book store and just took in the surroundings.

The next ferry travels between Powell River and Comox. Then there is the drive southeast on Vancouver Island to the Pacific Coast Highway that heads through Port Alberni (another nice little town), alongside Sproat Lake, winds through the mountains (an actual black bear crossed the road in front of my car) over to the coast and my destination, Tofino.

I'd heard for the past couple of days that the Olympic torch had arrived on Vancouver Island and was making stops at several different places. Little did I know as I reached the final stretch, the torch was nearby on Long Beach. I did notice a lot more traffic on this stretch of road (and a few police cars), but didn't find out why until I arrived at the Long Beach Resort.

Vacation (part one)

I've been back a couple of weeks now, but wanted to do at least a couple of posts on my recent vacation. I'd better hurry for all the details slip away.

Took a few days and headed north to Canada. Spent three days at the Creekside Cottage outside Sechelt, B.C. I've been there before and love the peace and quiet. Especially in late October. The trip north was relatively painless (there always seems to be so much traffic in and around Vancouver), and I do love the view at the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal.

Friday night while I was there the skies let loose and the wind and rain were intense. Pinecones hitting the roof. Kind of exciting and scary all at the same time. Also, watched the movie "1408" that night. A scary movie I'd never seen before. And it's based on a Stephen King short story. Good stuff.

On Halloween I went into Sechelt (the nearby town) to use the computer at the library for a bit. I love the look of the library from the outside and the feel of the town. Basically just walked around a bit. Went down to the pier, then drove back to the cabin and hung out. Read some. No one came trick or treating. Fine by me.

Post #13

BWAH HA HA! Did I scare ya? No? O.K. I'm not superstitious about the number 13, just making an observation.

The murder mystery went off Friday night without too much hassle. Not a big fan of the improv.

Lots of talk at work about scary movies. Two of my favorites are (the original versions of) "Halloween" and "The Haunting." Both pack a lot of scare without much gore. I also enjoyed "The Others" (2001) starring Nicole Kidman. Great, spooky stuff.

Halloween is coming, so is my trip to Canada. More soon.

Butlers, Egg Nog and Placido

Over the last week, its been raining like a son-of-a-gun. I do love the rain, but...Wow.

You may have wondered where my blog title came from (No? I'll tell you anyway). I've played so many butlers in my career that I always thought it would be a good name for my autobiography (picture to the right is me as Etienne in "A Flea in Her Ear").

Last night I saw my first Egg Nog in the dairy section at an Albertsons in Federal Way. As a friend responded when I mentioned my discovery, "Could we get Halloween out of the way first?! Slow down and smell the candy corn people!"

I've been rehearsing a lot. I have to sing a bit of "Vesti la Giubba" from "Pagliacci" for the murder-mystery/fundraiser. Been watching a lot of YouTube clips to prepare. Here's my favorite. I have always loved Placido Domingo's voice.

Bremerton to Federal Way. Tacoma to Des Moines and finally, "Snowbound."

Blogging live from a reading of the new play by TM Sell, "Snowbound." It will be performed this winter by Breeders Theater at E.B. Foote Winery.

BT is a theatre troupe I've been working with for years. We perform twice a year at the winery. I actually won't be involved with "Snowbound." But they needed help with this reading, so here I am.

After having breakfast in Bremerton yesterday (see previous blog entry), and an afternoon rehearsal in Federal Way for the murder mystery, I pretty much collapsed on the sofa Sat. night.

Today I was up early. Breakfast at the most excellent Joe Bar, then off to Tacoma to spend the afternoon with Mom. Housework, watering plants and grocery shopping. Mom seemed o.k. Not as peppy as usual, but her leg was bothering her again. Now in Des Moines for the reading.

"The Legend of the Thermos Museum"

So goes the legend, told by friend Nick and my cousin Melina, of a "Thermos Museum" located in mysterious Bremerton.

I was not sure if such a thing could possibly exist, but today sister Jenny and I travelled by ferry boat to the wonderous land of fountains, Pyrex and (after a short drive) a little cafe with a groovy-looking van out front. Not until I sat down, took a glance at the breakfast menu and then looked up, did I realize that everything I'd heard was true.

Thermoses everywhere. On shelves high and low. Lunchboxes and a surfboard too. Breakfast was great. The company even better, and in the restroom there was a special treat. Just look for the small sign marked "Disco switch."

As we made the return ferry-trip aboard the mighty Hyak. I vowed someday I will return. Oh Hi-Lo's 15th Street Cafe, you are a thing of wonder.

And take heed, oh unbelieving city-dweller. The overheard whispers of this legendary place are more than mere folly.

"I Got the Horse. Right. Here."

"The Producers" hasn't been closed for even a week, and now I'm involved in two new shows. I previously mentioned the murder mystery/fundraiser for Centerstage (first rehearsal is tonight), but now I'm going to be playing Harry the Horse in "Guys & Dolls." My friend Loretta contacted me that she might need someone for the upcoming production that she's directing and it was all finalized today. I'll start rehearsal next week.

The funny thing is, I just did a production of "Guys & Dolls" this past spring at SMT. I played Rusty Charley. Bring back the gambling and the dames.

This is how you sing "Haben Sie Gehoert Das Deutsche Band"

Things I will remember about "The Producers" (we closed today). In no particular order.

Sitting and shooting the bull with Ryan and Buddy in the dressing room during the opening numbers.

The opening strains of my "Old Bavaria" number and audience reaction to the pigeons. My two fingered gesture for the "two coats" line. Always got a great laugh. "Der Guten Tag Hop Clop" (all the while thinking...will I remember all the hand gestures?).

Watching the end of the "Keep It Gay" scene with Josh in full Indian headress, Adam as Sabu and everyone in the conga line. The clomp clomp of the walkers at the beginning of "Along Came Bialy." My one-winged plastic pigeon that I carry out for the Act I finale. And singing that finale. What a joyous experience!

The audition scene in Act II, the tassels and getting to sing "Haben Sie Gehoert Das Deutsche Band" downstage center. Singing "You Never Say Good Luck on Opening Night" with Buddy, Ryan and Justin. Josh indicating the very last sound of glass breaking backstage after my character breaks his leg.

"Springtime for Hitler" (nuff said). Hopping around onstage with a crutch and the ever unpredictable gun.

The curtain call and that "Goodbye!" number.

Sigh. Thanks to the amazing cast and crew and all involved at SMT. I will cherish this one for a long time.

SA-TUR-DAY Night

I had drinks Fri. night with friend/actress Michelle (whose "friend" Aunt Dottie does a great stage show). It was so nice to catch up. She's good people.

Saturday was all about errands, tv ("Grey's Anatomy," "Saving Grace" and "Pushing Daisies") and rest.

I had a nice little chat with my landlord/apt. building owner this afternoon. God, I've lived here 12 years.

The show rocked tonight. I'm havng such a blast playing Franz Liebkind. Friends Darcey, Brian, Mary Kae and Kelland were there to cheer me on. It was good.

Happy Holidays, "Parade" and Talkin' Broadway

My day began at work with a meeting about our annual Holiday Guide (yes, the Hol-i-days), to be published on Thanksgiving Day. I spent the rest of the day contemplating nutcrackers, Christmas ships, and of course, Scrooge.

Took a nice walk at lunch and enjoyed the changing leaves and the "fall"-ness that's in the air.

I also heard recently that T.R. Knight (late of tv's "Grey's Anatomy") is opening in one of my favorite recent musicals, "Parade" at Center Theatre Group in L.A. on Sunday. I don't know anyone in the show, but want to give a shout out to all involved. Break legs!!

Then when I got home, I saw that David-Edward Hughes had posted a review of "The Producers" on the Talkin' Broadway Web site. Very nice.

Superior Donuts

It's Thursday, kids! What are you up to?

Another day of work at the coal mine, and am now backstage at Seattle Musical Theatre waiting for the start of our 7:30 performace of "The Producers."

Heard a great radio story in the car on my way to the theater about a new play called "Superior Donuts" opening tonight on Broadway. It's by Tracy Letts ("August: Osage County") and sounds intriguing. And come on, you gotta love that title.

Work. Shop. Glee.

Another day with no rehearsals or performances, but I need to rest up for the our final weekend of "The Producers," so nothing too crazy today.

Work was it's usual Wednesday self. Hectic with all sorts of deadlines to meet and things to finish. A co-worker is on vacation this week, so I got to do the movie chart that he usually prepares, so that put a little spin on things.

Went downtown and bought a few kitchen items. A stopper/drainer for the sink, a scrubber (that holds liquid soap in the the handle) and some new Method dish soap. I stocked up on a few Halloween cards at Hallmark then home (I really didn't mean for this paragraph to sound like an advertisement, sorry).

Some good tv tonight. I love the new show, "Modern Family," Heidi Klum was funny as always on Ellen DeGeneres' talk show and what can I say about Kristin Chenoweth on "Glee" tonight? Very, very nice.

A Change in the Weather

The weather folks said thing would change today, and boy were they right. When I left work it was downright chilly (and I'd worn shorts today, so brrr).

Another Monday at work. Lots of stuff to do, but still feeling tired from the shows this weekend. Nice compliments from my co-worker Madeline who came to the show on Sunday with Rob.

I got an offer to do a fundraiser/murder mystery for Centerstage Theatre in Federal Way on Oct. 23. Since that's when I'd planned on being on vacation, I did some juggling and will now be in Canada over Halloween. Don't know if that means anything, but there you are.

Watched a bunch of tv tonight. "Desperate Housewives," "Mad Men," "Eastwick," "The Big Bang Theory" and "Parks and Recreation." Pretty big night for me.

Brunch. Show. Dinner. Race.

Big day today. Friends Sara and Mike are coming over from Yakima to see the show. I met them for some pre-show chat and nosh. Two great people.

Another great peson who's also coming to the show today is Rob. I haven't seen him for a long time. His wife (and my former co-worker) passed away earlier this year. Still miss her terribly, and it will be great to see him again.

AND my wonderful mother is coming to the show today. She's still recovering from the back surgery she had earlier this year. She's getting around better all the time. Still needs more time to heal.

Oh, and my favorite reality show starts its 15 (!) season tonight. Go "Amazing Race"-ers!

Another blog...Really?

Does the world really ned another blog? Hmmm, probably not, but heck, I'll give it a try.

I'm presently backstage at Seattle Musical Theatre. We are 10 minutes in to our fifth performace of "The Producers." I'm playing Franz. Don't go on 'till about 8:45.

Yes, I'm an actor (God, another one?). Have been most of my life.

Gotta go. More soon.