pmvirgin

Salom
May 18th thru June 1st

[Update 6/2]:
The run went pretty well, we all enjoyed ourselves.

Unfortunately, there wasn't sufficient (non-comp) attendance to recoup costs - so nobody got paid. But, at least it's something to go on my resum.

Willamette Week's Steffen Silvis gave a us (or, rather, my director) a scathing review - but failed to give any constructive critism. The amusing thing is, on the website, Salom was a Pick of the Week
The great god Melqert, in his infinite wisdom, has suffered to exist such plays as Mrs. McThing, You Can't Take It with You, and The Odd Couple so that fledgling directors could hone their craft within them and, with any luck, uncover a personal style in the process. It is suicidal for the untrained to try their hand at a daunting piece of work, such as Oscar Wilde's hothouse Salome, which is itself highly stylized. Yet first-time director Samantha Van Der Merwe has symbolically slashed her own throat before us with this leaden and often ludicrous production. The acting aside (which runs the gamut from catatonic recitation to frantic bit hunting) is best left unmentioned, as Van Der Merwe really is the problem here. First, there is no style, and no amount of blaring pop music (Prince and Dead Can Dance) can cover for the absence. Secondly, the staging is really quite bad, particularly in the handling of Iokanaan's cell, which, being center stage, detracts from the focus and, with the bizarre lighting scheme the director has settled upon, kills any tension between the characters. The result is no better than enduring an old chestnut, so virgin Van Der Merwe (who supposedly has trained in London but now runs a children's theater program) would be better directed toward trying to out-Harvey Harvey next time.
I think he might have had trouble watching the show with his head up his ass.

We had our cast party on Sunday night - by the end I'd had a glass and a half of Peach Fruitezia Wine, 2-3 bottles of Mike's Hard LimeAid, and sips of verious other beverage; so I was a little tipsy. My Stage Manager, a cast-mate, and I stayed up until about 9am - mostly discussing my life (Quick version: I need to "step up to the plate" and "make my moments").

After the cast party, I got a lift to 82nd to catch the bus home. On the way, I passed a Value Village that was having a 50% off Memorial Day sale. I went in and contructed myself a nice suit (Vest, Sport coat, and slacks), shoes, and a leather jacket - total cost $15.49. So far I've gotten numerous complements on the suit (somebody even said I looked "Dapper").

After the final show on Wednesday, we all went to the Galaxy to sing some Karaoke. I ended up singingAnother Postcard, the punny Wet Dream, and Grow for Me.

Once more, thanks in part to the Cast Party discussions, I have resolved to move out of my folks house. I've almost met my minimum savings goal of $3000 and have offers from my Dad and Brother-in-Law to teach me how to drive. I'm nervous about moving out, but I know that it's necessary for my development - I'm stagnating otherwise...