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eggwardsA continuation of last weekend's goings on, hanging out with Randy (![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
lostncove), John (blithwulf), Sean (schnitz_mi) and Shawn (ombraorsa).
Act Two, Scene One
The Fishladder Performance Center is a collection of shops and rooms that's more of a training area than a theater. I knew going in that I felt more like I was going to attend a Driver's Ed course than a play. Still, I understood why Randy put it on here. There was seating for about 40, all facing a small riser in the room, that was backed by black curtains. It was an intimate space. It wasn't a pretentious stadium seated area, or one with a proscenium arch that would keep the players away from the actors, not allowing a connection. Randy's play, or should I say collection of short plays is about language. It's sometimes subtle, sometimes big, but to be a part of the experience, you need to listen.
Sean sat to one side of me, John on the other as we had left Shawn back at the house. He was a bit to tired to come to the show. We sat in the second row, and the first row remained unoccupied. I had seen the play before, in Austin. It seems like it was a long time ago. I knew that Randy was going to be interested in what I thought of the play. I would be watching for the differences in direction, in the choices that were made and the acting decisions. I was giving the play a critical eye, and I still had to allow Sean and John the ability to enjoy the play, not giving things away.
Randy was in the back, I didn't ask, but I know he was helping with the tech guy. Lights, Camera, Action.
The play came off well. The Thirty or so people who made it in on a damp Saturday night got a kick out of it. There was good reaction from my fiends and the crowd. The larger troupe of actors was good, changing things up. I was surprised by subtle difference than I saw months ago, but I knew this was Randy's vision, not another director's. It was interesting seeing his interpretation. One of the actors was also in the Austin staging and I was surprised when he didn't show up in roles I had seen him in before, but Randy had many more actors to choose from. In fact, the actors seemed to be a sort-of Randy's All Stars. I got the feeling that Randy had worked with all of them before.
I could cover the plays, but seeing that there is ten of them, it would be difficult. The ones that stood out to me this time were The Darryl, a pseudo Greek Tragedy about a man who thinks he knows all and those he keeps hostage. The Sweet Sounds of Shutting Up, this is the play that gives others trouble, because it's written without a big backstory, so it took a little bit for me to understand it. It's about a family, where the mother is struggling for perfection, but ends up creating a bigger dysfunction. It isn't paced like the others, so I'm sure it comes off differently to the audience. The there's Depart Mental, probably the biggest laugh-getter where a store transaction becomes a window into, just what are these people really thinking. "My you're creepy." It's hard to explain here.
After the performance, we met Randy and the three of us gave him hugs and kisses. It was a good show.
Act Two, Scene Two
Coffee Shop. Ian was pouring lattes at the counter. Sean, John and I were waiting for Randy to close down the performance center and Sean needed a cup of coffee. It's best to keep Sean full of caffeine. He bought some chocolate-covered expresso beans from the gumball machine. Later these would be known as SchnitzSnacks™. We were getting hungry so we shared this large, strawberry-chocolate brownie thing, and talked about the play. It was interesting to hear their thoughts on Shutting Up as they looked at their own families growing up.
I could see some of the same conflict in my own family, mother striving for things she couldn't have in a family, my family experience comes out to more of British Television's Keeping Up Apperances, though. My mother would love to have up live more upscale, more proper and upper middle class. I explained to them how my mother was trying to shame me into leaving Chicago early this week so she could present the perfect family at the wedding of one of Laura's good friends (I babysat him when he was younger). We've known the family for years, but the fact is that they are close to my sister, not me. Laura's mother growing up wasn't my mom, but rather Sue, Seth's mom. My mom doesn't understand why Laura has a connection with Sue, and not herself. So now, she'd like to show Sue and company one family, but I won't be there to make it complete, and I know that's grating on her. Good times.
At the coffee shop, we got silly with the cameras.
Act Two, Scene Three
Randy was ready, and we picked up Shawn from the house. As we drove to Friday's I rode in Randy's Ford Escort while the rest travelled in Sean's BPW™. Randy and I discussed the differences in the Austin and Grand Rapids staging. He seemed to take in all of what I had to say and I appreciated that. I called him on some interpretations he had made, including one in the Darryl that I thought was just the actor, but it actually was the way Randy had intended it. I found it fun to be able to talk to him about his work again. Theater fascinates me and it was fun.
We reach Friday's and there's a section of table left for us. The group recognizes us as part of tonight's audience and that obviously we know Randy. As people come up, Randy introduces us. I didn't know, but we were sitting next to a group of folks from Cornerstone University, the conservative Baptist College that Randy attended and occasionally has taught at. He's not out to this group, officially. Here was a group of Bears sitting next to the Christian right and Randy was having to span both worlds. Most of the actors in the cast were sitting at another table.
As the meal finished, I went to talk to Josh, (fuxupyo, yes he's on LJ) who performed in both the Austin and this version of the show. He too was interested in my thoughts about the show. He sat me down with Amy (who John, fauxbear had already labeled Amybear) and we talked a while. Again, being able to come into the conversation intelligently and be able to talk about theater, since it was a big part of my growing up, was great, and they listened. Josh asked me what my theater background was. I sort of gave him a quick version while thinking, "Why don't I do this any more?" Part of it is, that I can't act, but want to.
Still, Randy was juggling the three different groups had at the restaurant. Bears, Christians, Theater People. Randy Wyatt, This is Your Life.
Act Two Scene Four
The Monument to Fluoride. Randy wanted to take the Bears to see one of Grand Rapids true treasures. Actually, I had asked about seeing it. Grand Rapids has three things it's proud of, churches, Gerald Ford and that it was the first US city to subject it's citizens to the cavity fighting-cancer causing benefits of fluoridated water.
The monument was close to the Fridays. I think it was Randy's intention to just take the bears, but as people asked where he was going, more people wanted to go. There was about 20 people heading down the couple of blocks to where this tiny little stonehenge arose. The monument is marble, place in a circle, and the marble slabs raise in height as the go around. The tallest features a drinking fountain and all have words carved in them attesting to fluoride's healthful benefits. One of the actresses dropped into tour guide mode, leading us to the monument and then prattling of several inane facts about it. She was absolutely hysterical. (Pics I posted Yesterday)
We took pictures around the monument. I thought it was one of the silliest pieces of civic pride I had ever seen, still I was insanely happy to share the moment with so many fun and talented people, you wouldn't believe the one-liners coming out of people's mouths. Absolutely hysterical people.
The night didn't end there, though. We then went to the waterfront, where we learned from our guide that the Rapids aren't actually rapid anymore, it's just a river, the Grand River.
Then we kept going, why not see some other sights? It was only midnight, right? So off into the skywalks, taking us to the Amway Hotel. A whole hotel for Amway...amazing. I walked in and immediately said "I'm not listening to your sales pitches, la, la, la!". I also said "Is there anyone who has some soap here?"
As the skywalk out of the hotel was closed, we had to escape the hotel through the back way, in order not to be brainwashed. In fact, we found ourselves in a construction site and had to be let out by a security guard. We then moved to city hall.
According to the tour guide, city hall was supposed to have a large fountain, but some busy body wife decided that GR needed some giant crazy piece of monumentally stupid modern art, so here's the Caulder. It's a giant orange - something. I was told it was red, but the citizens of the city thought that red was too passionate, so now, whatever it is, it's orange. Citizens unite for decency. There were picture taken and we all felt like we were a new 16 member rock band posing for an upcoming album cover.
Nearby was the giant tire swing, our last destination. 16 people getting into a large tire, then swinging around in the middle of the night was pretty wild. We swung very far, very fast, in circles. Dizzying was the word. Most of the Bears jumped off early, though Sean stayed on for sometime, swinging with the cast of Said and Meant.
Act Two Scene Five
We walked back to the cars. I was talking with some of the cast members about the show, and walking with Sean and Shawn. John and Randy were bringing up the rear, getting to know each other. I hop into Randy's car and see that Randy's both tired, excited about our adventure, but also freaked out by this meeting of the worlds that just happened. Randy's worlds had very few overlaps, but tonight that had changed. I think he was worried about the Cornerstone people and those that hadn't know he was gay, but I don't think that he'd actually outed himself. He did show that he was gay friendly with the Bears.
It was a new dynamic in his life. I can't speak from him, but I think he's been working to be more and more out in his life, but he's worried about hurting the connections he's made that allows him to do what he does. Randy's ability to live out his aspirations amazes most of us, though I'm sure that he would tell you that it's very difficult to do so. To change relationships with the Grand Rapids community could make thing more difficult for him, but it's the questions we all ask about being open, what's more important? Keeping the status quo or living your life truthfully and honestly. Don't get me wrong, I don't thing Randy is hiding, or is trying to fool anyone, just sometimes circumstances state that you have to hold your tongue. Oh well, that's for Randy and his life, I can only be supportive and watch with awe.
We got back to the house and worked on turning in to bed. Randy was exhausted, and Sean dropped off quickly. John and I talked for hours, and the sun was coming up by the time we went off to sleep.
End Act Two
Coming up, the last act, with the appearance of the worst-dressed reviewer ever, and Leaving GR.
lostncove), John (blithwulf), Sean (schnitz_mi) and Shawn (ombraorsa).Act Two, Scene One
The Fishladder Performance Center is a collection of shops and rooms that's more of a training area than a theater. I knew going in that I felt more like I was going to attend a Driver's Ed course than a play. Still, I understood why Randy put it on here. There was seating for about 40, all facing a small riser in the room, that was backed by black curtains. It was an intimate space. It wasn't a pretentious stadium seated area, or one with a proscenium arch that would keep the players away from the actors, not allowing a connection. Randy's play, or should I say collection of short plays is about language. It's sometimes subtle, sometimes big, but to be a part of the experience, you need to listen.
Sean sat to one side of me, John on the other as we had left Shawn back at the house. He was a bit to tired to come to the show. We sat in the second row, and the first row remained unoccupied. I had seen the play before, in Austin. It seems like it was a long time ago. I knew that Randy was going to be interested in what I thought of the play. I would be watching for the differences in direction, in the choices that were made and the acting decisions. I was giving the play a critical eye, and I still had to allow Sean and John the ability to enjoy the play, not giving things away.
Randy was in the back, I didn't ask, but I know he was helping with the tech guy. Lights, Camera, Action.
The play came off well. The Thirty or so people who made it in on a damp Saturday night got a kick out of it. There was good reaction from my fiends and the crowd. The larger troupe of actors was good, changing things up. I was surprised by subtle difference than I saw months ago, but I knew this was Randy's vision, not another director's. It was interesting seeing his interpretation. One of the actors was also in the Austin staging and I was surprised when he didn't show up in roles I had seen him in before, but Randy had many more actors to choose from. In fact, the actors seemed to be a sort-of Randy's All Stars. I got the feeling that Randy had worked with all of them before.
I could cover the plays, but seeing that there is ten of them, it would be difficult. The ones that stood out to me this time were The Darryl, a pseudo Greek Tragedy about a man who thinks he knows all and those he keeps hostage. The Sweet Sounds of Shutting Up, this is the play that gives others trouble, because it's written without a big backstory, so it took a little bit for me to understand it. It's about a family, where the mother is struggling for perfection, but ends up creating a bigger dysfunction. It isn't paced like the others, so I'm sure it comes off differently to the audience. The there's Depart Mental, probably the biggest laugh-getter where a store transaction becomes a window into, just what are these people really thinking. "My you're creepy." It's hard to explain here.
After the performance, we met Randy and the three of us gave him hugs and kisses. It was a good show.
Act Two, Scene Two
Coffee Shop. Ian was pouring lattes at the counter. Sean, John and I were waiting for Randy to close down the performance center and Sean needed a cup of coffee. It's best to keep Sean full of caffeine. He bought some chocolate-covered expresso beans from the gumball machine. Later these would be known as SchnitzSnacks™. We were getting hungry so we shared this large, strawberry-chocolate brownie thing, and talked about the play. It was interesting to hear their thoughts on Shutting Up as they looked at their own families growing up.
I could see some of the same conflict in my own family, mother striving for things she couldn't have in a family, my family experience comes out to more of British Television's Keeping Up Apperances, though. My mother would love to have up live more upscale, more proper and upper middle class. I explained to them how my mother was trying to shame me into leaving Chicago early this week so she could present the perfect family at the wedding of one of Laura's good friends (I babysat him when he was younger). We've known the family for years, but the fact is that they are close to my sister, not me. Laura's mother growing up wasn't my mom, but rather Sue, Seth's mom. My mom doesn't understand why Laura has a connection with Sue, and not herself. So now, she'd like to show Sue and company one family, but I won't be there to make it complete, and I know that's grating on her. Good times.
At the coffee shop, we got silly with the cameras.
Act Two, Scene Three
Randy was ready, and we picked up Shawn from the house. As we drove to Friday's I rode in Randy's Ford Escort while the rest travelled in Sean's BPW™. Randy and I discussed the differences in the Austin and Grand Rapids staging. He seemed to take in all of what I had to say and I appreciated that. I called him on some interpretations he had made, including one in the Darryl that I thought was just the actor, but it actually was the way Randy had intended it. I found it fun to be able to talk to him about his work again. Theater fascinates me and it was fun.
We reach Friday's and there's a section of table left for us. The group recognizes us as part of tonight's audience and that obviously we know Randy. As people come up, Randy introduces us. I didn't know, but we were sitting next to a group of folks from Cornerstone University, the conservative Baptist College that Randy attended and occasionally has taught at. He's not out to this group, officially. Here was a group of Bears sitting next to the Christian right and Randy was having to span both worlds. Most of the actors in the cast were sitting at another table.
As the meal finished, I went to talk to Josh, (
fuxupyo, yes he's on LJ) who performed in both the Austin and this version of the show. He too was interested in my thoughts about the show. He sat me down with Amy (who John, fauxbear had already labeled Amybear) and we talked a while. Again, being able to come into the conversation intelligently and be able to talk about theater, since it was a big part of my growing up, was great, and they listened. Josh asked me what my theater background was. I sort of gave him a quick version while thinking, "Why don't I do this any more?" Part of it is, that I can't act, but want to. Still, Randy was juggling the three different groups had at the restaurant. Bears, Christians, Theater People. Randy Wyatt, This is Your Life.
Act Two Scene Four
The Monument to Fluoride. Randy wanted to take the Bears to see one of Grand Rapids true treasures. Actually, I had asked about seeing it. Grand Rapids has three things it's proud of, churches, Gerald Ford and that it was the first US city to subject it's citizens to the cavity fighting-cancer causing benefits of fluoridated water.
The monument was close to the Fridays. I think it was Randy's intention to just take the bears, but as people asked where he was going, more people wanted to go. There was about 20 people heading down the couple of blocks to where this tiny little stonehenge arose. The monument is marble, place in a circle, and the marble slabs raise in height as the go around. The tallest features a drinking fountain and all have words carved in them attesting to fluoride's healthful benefits. One of the actresses dropped into tour guide mode, leading us to the monument and then prattling of several inane facts about it. She was absolutely hysterical. (Pics I posted Yesterday)
We took pictures around the monument. I thought it was one of the silliest pieces of civic pride I had ever seen, still I was insanely happy to share the moment with so many fun and talented people, you wouldn't believe the one-liners coming out of people's mouths. Absolutely hysterical people.
The night didn't end there, though. We then went to the waterfront, where we learned from our guide that the Rapids aren't actually rapid anymore, it's just a river, the Grand River.
Then we kept going, why not see some other sights? It was only midnight, right? So off into the skywalks, taking us to the Amway Hotel. A whole hotel for Amway...amazing. I walked in and immediately said "I'm not listening to your sales pitches, la, la, la!". I also said "Is there anyone who has some soap here?"
As the skywalk out of the hotel was closed, we had to escape the hotel through the back way, in order not to be brainwashed. In fact, we found ourselves in a construction site and had to be let out by a security guard. We then moved to city hall.
According to the tour guide, city hall was supposed to have a large fountain, but some busy body wife decided that GR needed some giant crazy piece of monumentally stupid modern art, so here's the Caulder. It's a giant orange - something. I was told it was red, but the citizens of the city thought that red was too passionate, so now, whatever it is, it's orange. Citizens unite for decency. There were picture taken and we all felt like we were a new 16 member rock band posing for an upcoming album cover.
Nearby was the giant tire swing, our last destination. 16 people getting into a large tire, then swinging around in the middle of the night was pretty wild. We swung very far, very fast, in circles. Dizzying was the word. Most of the Bears jumped off early, though Sean stayed on for sometime, swinging with the cast of Said and Meant.
Act Two Scene Five
We walked back to the cars. I was talking with some of the cast members about the show, and walking with Sean and Shawn. John and Randy were bringing up the rear, getting to know each other. I hop into Randy's car and see that Randy's both tired, excited about our adventure, but also freaked out by this meeting of the worlds that just happened. Randy's worlds had very few overlaps, but tonight that had changed. I think he was worried about the Cornerstone people and those that hadn't know he was gay, but I don't think that he'd actually outed himself. He did show that he was gay friendly with the Bears.
It was a new dynamic in his life. I can't speak from him, but I think he's been working to be more and more out in his life, but he's worried about hurting the connections he's made that allows him to do what he does. Randy's ability to live out his aspirations amazes most of us, though I'm sure that he would tell you that it's very difficult to do so. To change relationships with the Grand Rapids community could make thing more difficult for him, but it's the questions we all ask about being open, what's more important? Keeping the status quo or living your life truthfully and honestly. Don't get me wrong, I don't thing Randy is hiding, or is trying to fool anyone, just sometimes circumstances state that you have to hold your tongue. Oh well, that's for Randy and his life, I can only be supportive and watch with awe.
We got back to the house and worked on turning in to bed. Randy was exhausted, and Sean dropped off quickly. John and I talked for hours, and the sun was coming up by the time we went off to sleep.
End Act Two
Coming up, the last act, with the appearance of the worst-dressed reviewer ever, and Leaving GR.
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no subject
Date: 2003-07-22 07:49 pm (UTC)Sounds like a blast. I'm v. jealous.
Well not the lead exactly
Date: 2003-07-22 10:13 pm (UTC)Really, the piece is terribly unfair. The actor playing Reuben (the guy who gets all frustrated) has to do all the work, while the actor playing the clerk gets all the laugh lines. Fortunately both actors that I've played opposite for this piece have been ensemble performers (not to mention extremely talented) so they don't mind too much.
Glad you enjoyed it =) Thanks for the compliments.