As previously mentioned, I did back-to-back shows again this fall. And they were two of the most wonderful shows, I have ever done. All three shows of 2023 (three! Remember the days of thirteen a year?? …ah, youth. And by “youth”, I mean, like 2016) were just fantastic experiences, full of giving, warm people, gorgeous costumes and sets (and not just because I largely wore my own clothes in both), and lacking any sort of *drama* drama (at least that I knew anything about!).

9 to 5

I absolutely adore this show. The first time I auditioned for it, shortly after I moved to the Triad, I only auditioned because the theatre was hiring an admin assistant. I sent my résumé and in my cover letter was all “oh, sorry I can’t audition, but I’m in rehearsals for another show…” — and then they went and added another night of auditions, so, dang, I figured I had to go. However, I was not about to drive half an hour for a free ensemble position, so based on the advice of two of my trusted advisors, I said I only wanted Judy — the Jane Fonda role.

And I got it. (I mean, they did add that extra night of auditions because no one showed up haha)

I told my papas and they were all YOU GET TO SING THE SONG. And I was all WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT.

And they almost disowned me.

In case you are not familiar, the 11 o’clock number, the last big belty ballad of the show, belongs to Judy. Sung originally on Broadway by the great Stephanie J. Block, it is a beautiful, emotive piece where Judy really comes to terms with the fact that she is, in fact, over her cheating ex and living a good life on her own. It starts quiet and bothered (the MD this time told me sing less, if that gives you a clue) but ends with strong and long money notes. It’s perfection for my weird little range. And because the song is such a modern classic, the audiences were with me even before the final note… which may or may not never have been perfect, but the penultimate riff was gold ifidosaysomyself. In fact, other people said so, too, and I have the screenshotted receipts to prove it and debated sharing them here — because where else can I brag — but, like, Mary, I think I shall just ponder all these things and treasure them in my heart.

ANYway… I love this show for more than just “Get Out and Stay Out”. It’s fun and silly, with the right amount of innuendo and the right amount of heart. Dolly herself makes an appearance at the beginning and end, and it was super exciting this time to have the full video projections.

…and full pictures, fullstop. My last production forgot (?) to hire a show photographer, so a friend brought his good camera to a performance so we would have SOMEthing. Therefore, these pics from dress rehearsal bring me great joy. Wonderful memories of a wonderful experience.

Once again, my Violet and Doralee were perfect playmates, and the director and MD allowed for lots of play. The nights were long, but the reward was great. So, so much fun.

As You Like It

Just as 9 to 5 went into tech, the day of sitzprobe, in fact, I started rehearsals for As You Like It with the School of Drama at UNCSA. This condensed, musical retelling of Shakespeare was originally commissioned by the Public Theatre of New York, as part of their Public Works program. With Public Works, the theatre performs free shows in Central Park, and also does outreach to locally underserved populations. (Take that, Broadway ticket prices.) The original production of this show had 200 cast members between a gospel choir, actual luchadores for the wrestling scene, and others.

UNCSA went with a community ensemble of 25. Close enough.

Much of that ensemble was made up of dancers from Greater Vision Dance. We also had some folks from the Enrichment Center, Senior Services, and the Winston-Salem Street School. Then there were a couple of choir singers and a few of us who do things wherever. You can read the school’s official press release here.

This was so much fun. A – after the enormity of 9 to 5 with multiple quick changes and lots of lines, it was really exciting to not speak in a show with a dedicated community ensemble stage manager who told us when it was places for each of our handful of scenes and to have one costume, that I walked to and from campus in.

B – the talent of folks onstage and off, from the cast to the tech crew to the designers, was just outstanding. And these kids aren’t just talented, but they’re also grateful and gracious, appreciative of the education they’re getting and wanting to use their skills to bring more art and beauty and truth to the world. I can’t wait to say I knew them when! Also, this opened up other opportunities: the freelance MD is also a yoga teacher and I had the chance to do two of her classes, one of which was an immersive sound bath experience with UNCSA Arts & Health, led by a former percussion professor, who also used to lead workshops at my previous employer with residents of a retirement community. Good stuff on multiple levels.

C – like 9 to 5, this show is just *cute*. The score is pop-y and folk-y with some R&B and gospel for good measure. One of the writers was actually a student of our director, which is a neat connection. The “our love is like a hamburger” verse of Orlando trying to woo Rosalind is one of my favorite things ever written in musical theatre. And I love any show that ends with a dance party.

Long Winter’s Nap

Wednesday concluded my 2023 cantata season, and just after Thanksgiving, I had the opportunity to conduct the “Pilot Express” to usher in Christmas on a trolley around (and around and around) the scenic town of Pilot Mountain.

Adult ballet may be on winter break, but both afternoons this weekend, I volunteered as a greeter/parking lot attendant for prep dance’s Nutcracker tea parties. It was a good excuse to get out of the house and get some walks in on a weekend when I would probably not leave the house — especially when it poured all afternoon — because there have been a lot of social events and seeing shows on top of the performing so now… we sleep. OK, we read and we cook and we snuggle puppies. But, sleep, metaphorically. Sleep for the soul. And to all, a good night.

[all 9 to 5 photos from Brad McMillan; As You Like It rehearsal photos from Allison Lee Isley of the Winston-Salem Journal; AYLI performance photos from Wayne Reich]