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.