Connect

I’ve been doing theatre for a long time. My first play was the 7th grade production of Julius Caeser, in which I played Strato and held my dagger while Brutus ran onto it. I had one line. “Give me your hand first. Fare you well, my lord.” I came out for one other scene, if I remember right. And I hardly remember anything else about the production, except Megan teaching me how to draw horses, Rachel telling people that she had been in movies/TV shows, and Mr. Talcott, the crotchety band teacher adding some music to the show.

I’ve been doing theatre a long time. Almost 20 years. A few of those years, I only did 1 or 2 shows. Some years, I worked on probably 10 shows in some capacity. I’ve been doing this a long time.

My estimation is that I’ve probably been involved with around 100 shows in some way. In all that time, I can count on my two hands the amount of experiences that I’ve absolutely LOVED. That’s a relatively small amount.

So why do I keep doing it?

It’s not for the money. My latest show bought me some furniture from Ikea and is helping me to pay off some bills, but it’s nothing substantial.

It’s not for the attention I get. I HATE getting attention. I hate being in front of groups of people without a script of someone else’s words. I hate meet and greets after I’m in a show. That’s probably the ONLY thing I don’t love about being in a show at the Hale.

It’s not for the friends I make. Okay, maybe that’s part of it. Some of my best friends are friends I met through the theatre. And honestly, if I hadn’t been doing theatre, I never would have met Lauren. Okay. That’s a big part of it.

The biggest reason I do theatre is because I have a story to tell. All the time. It’s not my story – at least not in my own words. It’s my story through someone else’s words. It’s my chance to take a story which may or may not be a great story to tell, and infuse it with my ideas. My style. My life.

Some of the most fulfilling projects I’ve ever done have been from the last few years. I’m getting pickier in my old age. I used to take any job, because I was a theatre whore (when you’re single and you’re making a decent amount directing and/or music directing multiple shows at the same time, it can very easily be about the money). Since I got married, I have a much higher criteria for accepting jobs, because I don’t want to be away from home if it’s not a project I’m going to love or have a major connection to the material.

My current show, Little Shop of Horrors, is one of those shows that I’ve absolutely loved. As I directed it, I tried to make it personal. From a religious standpoint, I focused on the redemption of one character and the fall from grace of another. I can relate to both.

Last year at this time, I did Little Women, and I focused on the bond between siblings and especially the devastation of losing one. It was incredibly therapeutic, coming just after the 4th anniversary of my brother’s death. I cried or nearly cried every night when Beth died.

Also last year, I did Seussical. As the character of Horton, I related to being an outcast who desperately wanted somebody to believe in him. I related to looking for love and not seeing it right in front of my face. And I related at the time to not knowing how to be a father (although, if I were to do the show again, I’d have A LOT more experience to pull from).

I’ve had other great experiences in the last few years, and I’ve had some TERRIBLE experiences in the last few years. Even Little Shop, which has been an amazing experience, had some REALLY rough times, and some people within the theatrical organization seemed to be out to get me. But gosh darnit, I prevailed, and the story was told. The Wizard of Oz, earlier this year, was such a bad experience that I was ready to swear off theatre. I’m glad I didn’t. For every Oz, there’s a Little Shop. For every Pinocchio, there’s a Secret Garden.

I don’t believe in theatre for the sake of entertainment. I disliked Wicked and The Lion King when I saw them on Broadway, because they were all about spectacle. There was no heart. No story. Just big puppets and special effects.

I believe in theatre for the sake of art, and art, to me, creates thought. After seeing In the Heights on Broadway, I couldn’t stop thinking about leaving my childhood behind and missing my Grandma. After seeing White Christmas, I reflected back on the great holidays I’d spent with family, and looked forward to the new ones I’d spent with Lauren. After seeing Mary Poppins, I vowed to be a good father, should I ever have a family of my own. After seeing South Pacific, I reflected back on the racial prejudices of my own upbringing and determined to never revert back to thinking certain behaviors and attitudes were okay.

And that’s what theatre is all about, Charlie Brown.

It’s not about “oh my gosh, she actually FLEW up over the stage!” It’s about relating to somebody feeling so free that they could fly.

As soon as Little Shop closes, I’m planning to take a break. A needed, deserved break. I’m going to focus on the next stories I have to tell, and the new audience of one. And she’ll love it. And we’ll have so much fun, but we’ll learn, and we’ll grow together. But I’ll be back. And then I’ll have more stories.

2009 in Review

Last year I posted a 2008 in Review blog and said that I was going to try to make it an annual occurrence. Well, it now officially is, except I accidentally published this one over the old one. Guh! Oh, well. Out with the old, in with the new, I suppose…

Best Overall Experience: Dating & Marrying Lauren
Gosh, I love that girl. I can’t believe that we got this far without her being freaked out by me and running. Also, we’ve gotten this far without ever having an actual fight (unless you count play-fights, which I don’t.) She doesn’t feel the need to change who she is for me, and she doesn’t expect me to change who I am for her. She can take care of herself, but she lets me do what I can to take care of her. She’s slowly converting to all my loves (Saved by the Bell, horror movies, Friends, Buffy, etc.). Best of all, she loves me at least half as much as I love her.

Favorite Personal Theatrical Experiences: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Chess, Little Shop of Horrors
I loved my staff of Joseph, and despite all of the crap that happened with the cast, it was an amazing, rewarding experience to see my vision end up on stage. Chess wasn’t the greatest show I’ve ever worked on, but it was such an incredible personal experience, and I loved almost every single cast member. Also, I have a major man crush on Dave Tinney, and he’s one of the best directors I’ve ever worked with. This also leads to Little Shop. Other than one obnoxious person, I DID love the entire cast. And Dave and the Hales/Swensons were fantastic to work with. Also, the quality of the show was outstanding.

Runners-Up: The Monkey’s Paw

Least Favorite Personal Theatrical Experiences: Stellaluna, Shakespeare Competition
Stellaluna was a nightmare. The music was TERRIBLE. The cast tried their best, but it was just ugly music. Also, the director seemed to not have any organizational skills (and one director left halfway through the process) and my time was wasted a lot. Then, they didn’t get into runs, so I never got to go and actually help polish the music. I orchestrated the music, though, and I made it tolerable (to myself, at least). Getting my kids ready for Shakespeare was ridiculous. They were not committed, not focused, and many of them were just plain lazy. Then to go to the competition and have the kids not get a single award was pretty stinky, although when we calculated rehearsal hours, it was obvious why they didn’t. Blargh.

Runners-Up: None.

Favorite Local Theatre Productions: Singin’ in the Rain (HCTO), As You Like It (HCTO)
I hate Singin’. HATE. But they did a fantastic job with it. Music aside (which I arranged/orchestrated and even composed some), AYLI was FANTASTIC. I was able to see both casts, and it was really tough trying to choose a favorite cast. Each actor was very well cast. Chris Clark is a freaking genius. Even people I know who usually don’t “get” Shakespeare seemed to enjoy themselves. Except for the horrendously fat people next to Teri and me, who left at intermission. Not that we complained.

Runners-Up: None.

Favorite Professional Theatre Productions: White Christmas, In the Heights (Both Broadway)
I never really cared for the movie of White Christmas, but I had heard that the Broadway version had been fixed up and made more “Christmassy.” I had to find out. It was true, and it was incredible. It had the feel of a golden age musical, but a modern feel to the pace (not unlike the current Broadway production of South Pacific). The cast was amazing, the choreography was stunning, the sets were to-die-for, and the tech was fantastic. Loved every aspect. In the Heights was almost as good the second time. Most of the leads were the originals, with the exceptions of Usnavi, Vanessa, Piragua Guy, Graffiti Pete, and Kevin (who was SO much better than the original). I would have probably been completely consumed by the story, had it not been for the fact that the audience was less classy than before, and people talked and shuffled throughout.

Runners-Up: None.

Least Favorite Professional Theatre Production: Aida (Tuacahn)
I don’t even want to talk about it because of the post-traumatic stress. It was so much about the spectacle that I forgot there was a small story. The stage-flooding was ridiculous. The camel was just silly. Of the leads, the only one who was consistently on pitch was Aida, and the others were so far off sometimes that it was pathetic. I was embarrassed for the cast, and as my first show at Tuacahn, it left me unimpressed with the company.

Runners-Up: None.

Favorite Movies: Drag Me To Hell, Up, Star Trek
Drag Me was the return of classic Sam Raimi, and I loved every second. Up made me cry, multiple times. It was an incredible story with very relatable characters. Star Trek was the first time I’ve ever not only just enjoyed a Star Trek movie, but loved it.

Runners-Up: Paranormal Activity (Until the ending), Michael Jackson’s This Is It, Disney’s A Christmas Carol

Least Favorite Movie: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
SO terrible. Even though it was the first movie Lauren and I saw as a couple. It gave me one of the worst headaches of my life.

Runners-Up: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Paranormal Activity (Because of the ending)

Favorite Movie-Going Experience: Toy Story & Toy Story 2 in 3-D
Lauren and I had the entire theater to ourselves for the latter, and it was a really nice change of pace.

Runners-Up: Disney’s A Christmas Carol with the Varneys (Do families REALLY all go to movies together?!), GI Joe with Phil & Nick

Least Favorite Movie-Going Experience: None.

Strangely enough, nothing was TOO bad this year.

Runner-Up: None.

Favorite New TV Shows: Buffy the Vampire Slayer & Angel, Community
Neither of the first two was actually on TV new this year, but I watched them both in less than 6 months, and they were fantastic. Community is fast-becoming as clever as the first few seasons of The Office. I love the characters, I love the situations, and I love the humor. I haven’t really started watching any other new shows this year (which is good), although I really wanted to watch V. I’ll catch it on DVD.

Runner-Up: Parks and Recreation, Glee

Least Favorite New TV Show: Accidentally on Purpose
I tried to get into it because my friend Rachel sings on it, apparently. After a few episodes, I didn’t hear/see Rachel, and I wanted to die over how stupid it was.

Runners-Up: Glee (so hit and miss that sometimes it’s a favorite, sometimes I despise it)

Favorite SNL Sketches: “Say Anything,” “Digital Short: Doogie Howser Theme”
Loved them.

Runner-Up: “what up with that?” with Mindy Kaling as the guest. Her expressions were priceless.

Favorite Albums: Kelly Clarkson’s All I Ever Wanted, The Fray’s The Fray, OneRepublic’s Waking Up, Mat Kearney’s City of Black & White
Even though I don’t love Kelly much anymore, her album was my favorite of the year. It was perfect, except for one song (you know, Matt). I had it on repeat for WEEKS, and it got me through student teaching. The Fray was fantastic. Nothing new, but it was more of the classic Fray sound I love. Same with OneRepublic. Nothing too different (except maybe the children’s choir), but I loved it. Ryan Tedder is a brilliant producer, no matter what Kelly says. Mat’s newest was fantastic, too.

Runners-Up: Rodney Carrington’s Make It Christmas, Jack’s Mannequin’s The Glass Passenger (new to me), Vedera’s The Weight of an Empty Room (also new to me)

Least Favorite Album: None.
I didn’t purchase any this year that I didn’t like.

Runners-Up: None.

Favorite Trips: Southern California with family, New York honeymoon 
Everyone got along fairly well for once (other than one person, who I “kindly” chastised a couple times) and despite Glenn’s car getting burglarized, and the fact that the San Diego Zoo is boring when you’re not an animal lover, a good time was had by all. New York was great, for many reasons. Most of which, I won’t share, due to the fact I’m a gentleman.

Runners-Up: None.

Least Favorite Trip: St. George/Las Vegas with family
All we did was shop. I DID get some fantastic hats, though.

Runners-Up: None.

Favorite Class: Student Teaching
Yes, it counted as a class. Yes, I complained while it was happening. However, I learned SO MUCH, and I’ve bumped into some of the kids since I finished, and I DID make a difference in their lives.

Runner-Up: None.

Least Favorite Class: Classroom Management II
Remember the education professor that I NEVER liked? Yeah. He taught it. Enough said.

Runners-Up: None! I only had two this year!

Best Concerts: The Fray & Jack’s Mannequin, The Killers, Mat Kearney & Vedera
The first was amazing because of the music, the second had great spectacle (which fit the music), and the third was the first intimate club-setting I’ve ever attended (also, probably the last).

Runners-Up: Jim Brickman, Rascal Flatts

Worst Concerts: Kelly Clarkson, Lonestar

Kelly sang a short set, and the experience itself was miserable. Lonestar just wasn’t the same without Richie as the lead singer.

 

Here’s to an incredible 2010!!!

Random Photo Memories

Remember that one summer, when my hair was mysteriously turning blonde, and then I later found out that it was being bleached by a nasty face wash? And then remember how I got to meet Jim Brickman and hang out with him backstage because of the fact that we have a mutual good friend named Diane? And then remember how months later, I remembered to ask Diane for a copy of the pictures she took of me with him, and suddenly I remembered the awful blonde hair fiasco? UGH.

And then remember that one time how Stephanie took awesome engagement photos of Lauren and me, and Matt was our special guest for the shoot?

And then remember that one time that we took Nick to the Haunted Forest for his 16th birthday and I had glowing gum? And how Nick & Phil were a little scared?

How about the time that I took my awesome friend, Shane, to Little Shop of Horrors, and he loved it? And how he said he even loved it as much as High School Musical – which is a LOT for Shane.

Or when I FINALLY got to hold my new niece after a month of being busy/sick, and I naturally tried to see if I could eat her?

Or! Or! When David and I went spider-hunting and captured/killed one to protect our womenfolk?!

Remember how I used to make food all the time, and was really good at making sorbet? And how everyone who ever tried it loved it (except for when I tried making chocolate sorbet & lemon sorbet – stupid Martha Stewart)?

Do you remember how Amesily got married, and Julie, Heidi, Kyle, Chase, Janessa and I were the most fun people at the whole event?

Yep. I remember all those things, too.

My Big Book of Grievances

• Some guy in the cast of Joseph keeps flirting with Lauren and flat-out propositioning her. And he KNOWS that we’re dating. That’s sexual harassment, right? If she tells him to back off because she has a boyfriend, and he still does it, then I’m fully justified to threaten to punch him in the face the next time he does, right?
• I’m so sick and tired of the few divas in Joseph. I’m done with the show, and haven’t been there for a few days, and I’m STILL hearing horror stories about these people. UGH. I want to go up to them after closing night and say “If I have my way, you’ll never be cast in Utah again.” I told Danielle today that I actually wish I was mean enough to say that. I won’t, but I definitely won’t ever recommend working with them to anyone.
• Have I ever confessed on my blog that in addition to my secret desire to be a Mormon pop star, I also want to create a Mormon soap opera? Well, I do. And it’s going to be based around negative stereotypes. I hate, hate, HATE negative stereotypes. But what I hate more than negative stereotypes are people who live up to them.
• I got a HUGE bug bite on my leg last weekend, and within a day, it was infected. How the?! As I type, I’m sitting here with my leg dipped in a bucket of water and Epsom salt.
• This new episode of Ghost Hunters is kind of boring.
• I really can’t stand it when people lie to me. I REALLY can’t stand it when people lie to Lauren and her brothers.
• I’m sad that I may not see the final performance of Joseph and that I’ll never see this production of Joseph again. I’m SO proud of it. If I do make it tomorrow night, I’ll probably bawl through the entire show. Maybe I shouldn’t try to make it after all.
• I don’t like people who get on power trips, say things they shouldn’t, and then don’t apologize, even though they KNOW they were wrong.
• I’m so sick of people who don’t know the word “please.” I drill that into my students’ heads. I won’t even acknowledge them if they ask for something without saying it. They’re called “manners,” people. Look into them.
• Why was I born with the world’s worst skin? I’m dreading the fact that I need to shave to go to Amesily’s wedding tomorrow. I could be a slob and not do it, but after seeing how shlubby the guy next to me looked at the temple the first time I went through, I made a goal to ALWAYS be completely clean-shaven when I’m there. Blah. Curse you, Amesily, for getting married in the temple!!! If I’m all razor burned tomorrow, it’s your fault.
• I was starving after rehearsal tonight, so I stopped at Del Taco. It’s starting to grow on me. It’s also starting to spill on me. Stupid fish taco. This stain better come out.
• I’m halfway through season six of Buffy, and even though the thought of Buffy and Spike together intrigued me at first, it now disgusts me. Also, how come when the show moved to UPN, it got trashier? The love scenes between Buffy and Riley, Buffy and Angel, etc. never seemed as trashy as Spike and Buffy. *shudder*
• The Wiggles.
• Dear Megan Fox, please put on some clothes and learn how to act.
• Facebook and Twitter are both bugging the snot out of me lately. They’re way too slow.
• Usually, when I see American remakes of Asian horror movies, I prefer the original. The only time this wasn’t the case was with Ju-On/The Grudge. The biggest reason I disliked the original was the pacing and the subplots. I’m finally getting around to seeing The Grudge 2, and it’s starting out with the most annoying subplot from Ju-On. Ugh.
• I got in a full-on argument with someone about a month ago about the fact that Little Shop of Horrors was not pre-cast. He swore it was, and told me some of the people who had been pre-cast. When he found out that I was the music director and that I had just recently talked to the director about it, he backed off and said that maybe I was right. I found out that just before auditions last week, he was STILL telling people that it was pre-cast. Out of all the rumors I heard about pre-casting, only one person ended up being cast the way it was rumored. However, she was not pre-cast. she was treated just like everyone else who auditioned. A few days after auditions, people were whining on Players Anonymous about how the show was precast. Ugh. Grow up. You didn’t get a part. Move on.

I think that’s it for now. I’m thoroughly creeped out by The Grudge 2. I think I’m going to stop it and go watch Buffy until I fall asleep. I’ll finish it when I’m not so tired. God bless On Demand.

August 5, 2009

Dear Blogary,

I feel like we haven’t talked forever. And forever is WAY too long. I’ve had an amazing month, full of so much cool stuff!

First of all, there’s this super cute girl who I like a whole lot. Like a whole, whole, whole lot. Her name is Lauren. We’ve spent as much time as possible with each other the last month, and I hope we get to spend a lot of time together over the next month. And the next one. And the next one… I like her for lots of reasons. Here are a few:

• She’s hot. Even my 6 year old nephew agrees.
• She’s really smart, even though she says she’s not and pretends she’s not sometimes.
• She’s talented. She can dance real good, and she can sing real good, too.
• She brings me Dr. Pepper some mornings when I’m tired.
• She’s getting over her severe dislike of scary movies in order to watch them with me.
• She’s good at hugging and stuff…
• She’s into religion and stuff.
• She’s getting into Friends with me.
• She comes to church with me sometimes and then she wastes her Sunday afternoon/evening with me, when I’m sure she has better things to do.
• She’s never once tried to control my car stereo.

That’s enough for now. I don’t want to make you jealous, Blogary.

I also have a show running right now. It’s called Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and it’s playing at the SCERA Shell. Here are some reviews/write-ups:

http://www.heraldextra.com/entertainment/article_93ec55c7-7c60-5d51-b792-39bf91ea8f95.html

http://universe.byu.edu/node/1211

http://media.www.uvureview.com/media/storage/paper982/news/2009/08/03/Culture/Welcome.To.Fabulous.Egypt-3753762.shtml

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705320918/Joseph-good-but-he-needs-a-better-technicolor-coat.html

I’m getting ready to start another show called Little Shop of Horrors at the Hale Theater in Orem. Auditions are next week. I’m excited!

I’ve been teaching youth theatre workshops to kids and teenagers this summer, and it’s fun. When else can I find excuses to have kids perform scenes from Night of the Living Dead and Cash on Delivery, and songs from The Happiest Millionaire and Der Glockner von Notre Dame?

My favorite part of summer workshops so far was taking the acting class on a field trip to Macey’s. They had to spend 15-20 minutes shopping in character. It was really fun to see kids trying to stay in character in a public setting. The best part was the girl who was playing a shy character. She looked like she was going to die every time somebody tried to talk to her. When she was making a purchase at the end, the checker looked horrified as Lauren and I were giggling at “Annelle.” She made a valiant effort to pull “Annelle” out of her shell, but it didn’t work. The class did an awesome job!

I’m not really having any luck finding a job, but I’m not too upset. If I have a year off of teaching, I’ll live. I’ll just have to fill it with tons and tons of recording and show work.

I’ve been teaching Gospel Doctrine in Church, and it’s kind of fun. I try to do something different every time I teach, and so far, it seems to be keeping people on their toes and focused. It’s kinda fun.

My friend, Amber, took new headshots of me, and I like some of them a great deal.

Right now, this very second, there is the most insane thunder outside the window! I’m going to go see if it’s raining…

I can’t tell if it’s raining or not. I’ll check again when I’m done talking to you, Blogary.

I went to an AMAZING concert a few weeks ago. It was the Fray, with Meese and Jack’s Mannequin opening.

Holy crap! Lightning just struck RIGHT BY MY HOUSE!!! Also, it’s definitely raining now. I can hear it.

Back to the concert. I still am not a fan of Meese. I hope the Fray can find a new opening act the next time they come. Jack’s Mannequin was pretty good, and of course, the Fray was AMAZING. It was general admission, and we had really good spots. We didn’t really fight with anyone, but a family near us did. Teri and I took their side, and I kind of laid smackdown when a bratty teenage girl almost trampled a poor tween.

I went to the new Harry Potter at midnight with Teri, etc. We wore matching shirts that said “Show me your patronus.” They were AWESOME. We got lots of compliments. The next day, I wanted to die. I didn’t get to bed until almost 5, and then I had to be up by 8. I decided I’m too old for midnight movies. And yet, I’m taking Lauren’s brothers to G.I. Joe this week. Ugh. At least I can sleep in Friday.

I think that’s about it for now, Blogary. Now you’re caught up. I’m going to let you get on with your life now, and I’ll get on with me. We’ll talk again soon, hopefully.

Love,
Jeremy