121/365 In the words of Brother Manilow, "Looks Like we Made It!"

Two weeks ago we were waiting to see if the radioactive isotope indicated the location of the torn dura, the cause of the leaking cerebro-spinal fluid, and the resultant postural headaches and diplopia. Yesterday he taught 7 classes, then prepared the stage and dressing room areas for a perfomance by 80+ elementary kids. Preparations included an attempted unassisted lifting of chorus risers (we can all kill him for that one). He accompanied the 85 minute show on piano, delivered closing remarks, greeted the audience, and then helped to move tables and chairs to return the performance venue to its daytime cafeteria status. A stop for a Sonic treat and a couple of hours of channel surfing finshed the day. Not bad for a guy who couldn't sit up for a month.

120/365 Opening Night

Show nights at the school are crazy! The kids take extra loony pills, parents are on edge. We have the whole rush on the door to get the best stage view in the cafe-audi-gyma-torium. We want everything to go well. One thing I wish I could enjoy more are the returning "alumni." At tonight's Aladdin showing we had former players going back to shows we did 7 and 8 years ago. They've all grown up, but they come back because the shows they did on this little elementary school stage have helped to define who they are. One alum was my own kid, who definitely looked like she's way out of elementary school. She hooked up and spent the evening with an old BFF, ST, who joined us for a post-show Sonic treat. Still goofy together, but too much grown-up. Somebody slow down the clock!

117/365 tired

Today I ran to school, picked up the 10 Genie Dancer costumes, and ran them to the shop on Parental Home and Beach. I stopped at Whole Foods ( we love their Bagels) and then came down to school. Onstage I moved the soundboard, installed and taped down the 50 foot VGA cord and relocated 2 hanging microphones. I ran to the printer to pick up the t-shirt order, then returned to sound-check the system and set the stage for rehearsal. By 5:15 all 80 or so kids were dismissed, and we had time to shut the lights and clear the scenery. Down to San Marco for a quick Moe's stop and then Into the Woods from 7-10 PM. Back home: laundry, lunch preparation, feed cats, empty dishwasher, homework check. He looks as tired as I feel. Off to bed.

115/365 Same old, same old...

...maybe for Hansel. But for the humans in the house we went from bed rest to busy, busy, busy. The "Aladdin" to-do list never seems to be completed. And we can't neglect our "Into the Woods" scripts. James Lapine must've enjoyed a good laugh, imagining his actors working to memorize the book. Every reprise of the fast-paced theme has a different set of words:

1. To see-To sell-To get-To bring-To make-To lift-To go to the Festival-!
2. To have- To wed, To get, To save,To kill, To keep,To go to the Festival!
3. Wife: To shield..Jack: To slay..LRRH: To flee..Baker: To find..Cinderella: To fix..Wife: To hide..LRRH: To move..Jack: To battle..Cinderella: To see what the trouble is...
4. To Mind- To heed- To find- To think- To teach- To join- To go to the Festival!

114/365 Roadie for Hire - Free

Hanging microphones in position. 10 body mics ready to go. Sound system snaked for 19 inputs (including piano, pc and special effects) and snaked out to house speakers, 70 volt treble speakers and stage and green room monitors. All wires taped and protected. Scenery decorations complete. Costumes received and inventoried. Props gathered, labeled and arranged on prop table. 44 windows covered with dark plastic to enhance lighting effects.

Starting with tomorrow's rehearsal the work really begins.