remod66

First things first: our personal/family/job situation is by no means "resolved," but my wife and I each got some encouraging news yesterday (for example, I'm NOT out of the running for the Sheriff's office job, but as they're currently expending all of their energy on Deputy Sheriff background checks, my own such check slowed to a crawl. But at LEAST they called me to explain, so I haven't given up). And our son got an award for outstanding achievement in his English class, which is quite the turnaround... I'm cautiously optimistic!

I almost didn't survive rehearsal of CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION (at the Stardust Playhouse) with a straight face last night.

See, one of our props is a yoga ball, which our director was still busy inflating...


("Violet? You're turning VIOLET, Violet!")

...now, on Tuesday, it merely sounded like a rude audience member was hissing us, but LAST night three of us were standing in the "wings" (read: hallway) waiting for our entrance cue while the other two characters were having an awkward makeout scene... and we were treated to sound effects along the lines of "wunka-wunka-wunka-wunka!"

Oh, that was bad...

On a far more bittersweet note--do you think I look anything like this man?



I MAY have put on a few extra pounds over the years, but picture me in 1994 (if you can). I'm tall, I'm thin, I'm blond, and I'm essentially the exact physical opposite of the late, great Paul Bearer (William Moody). Nevertheless, I'm in the San Jose Arena with my bride-to-be and we're enjoying the WWF "Hart Attack Tour" en route to the Survivor Series. And the audience participation segment is announced as a "Paul Bearer Lookalike Contest." Now, since I looked nothing like the man (except for the fact that I had a mustache), I dismissed the idea... but then the announcer said that it wasn't enough to look like him... you also had to SOUND like him. And THAT, my friends, I could DO.

Stealing Steve Allen's line from AMAZON WOMEN ON THE MOON (a wonderful comedy compilation you should all see if you haven't already), I stood in the center of the ring and wailed "Ohhh, Yokozuna... when my Undertaker closes the lid on your casket... you will be in death... as you are in life... A STIFF! OOOOHHHH, YEEESSSSSSS!!!!!"

Competition demolished. I can say for the rest of my life that I know exactly how it feels to have an arena crowd "pop" for me while I stood in the center of the ring.

I will miss "Paul Bearer" as an entertainer, but I'm told by some very close friends that a lot more people will miss William Moody as an exceptionally kind and empathetic human being. I wish him a respectful "Rest In Peace."

Now, to lighten the mood, here's a picture of blazing. Because I really like her.



And of course, this sets the stage for NEW SETS...

This brand-new multi consists of not one, but two Classic SGs... let's hear it for Mnislahi and Ryker!



Former Hopeful Friendlies include Lu...



EmmaJean...



...and Chrysis!



We have wonderful Hopeful Friendly Encores from the unforgettable Ursidae...



...and the quality-packed QueenMabb!



And it's debut time for the magnificent MaggyLee...



...the shattering sheenarose92...



...the sparkling Sapphire_...



...the purr-fect Perr...



...the mellifluous MelonpanKholia...



...and the jubilant (what else?) jubilee_!



Cadavre Countdown: 11 days to go!!!



In the meantime, share the love, be kind to animals, patronize the Paper Wing ("Big Baby" opens this weekend!) and the Stardust Playhouse (WE open before the month is out!), visit the MANOR (this weekend it's LASER MISSION with Brandon Lee and Ernest Borgnine) and wish me luck!

Your friend,
Remo D.