Today was an exceptional day. The calendar read like it wouldn’t again for 100 years. Granted, there will be a similar event late next year but today’s date won’t come again for 100 years.  11/12/13.

A nice sunny day, a bit cold but the sun helps me feel like it’s warmer. So, I did what I seldom do – I shopped.  Amazing what one sees when one leaves the confines of their home. I saw a woman driving with her knees or elbows while eating an ice cream sundae, people making right turns from any old lane they wish, and not a turn signal used.  The stores weren’t exceedingly crowded this day after veterans day so the experience was good.

This week promises to be a theatrical delight.  Off to see The Wiz at the Coterie on Friday.  I know it will be delightful as are all Coterie shows and I am enthused about seeing Brad Shaw’s performance. He is a grand talent.

Then Saturday evening off to Spring Hill to see Smile.  I am told it is a seldom produced musical that didn’t fare too well on Broadway. It will be interesting to see what the high school students do with it.

Finally on Sunday, off to Topeka to see a college production. I periodically go to productions at Washburn and am looking forward to this one. Evan Gamsu has invited me to this one but has yet to tell me the name of the play. Surprises are always good.

Hope you had a good 11/12/13.  See you again in 100 years.

After a long hiatus I returned to NYC last week for an infusion of city life, energy, friends, diner food, subways and fun. Doing the tourist thing was great.  I visited the 9/11 memorial and marveled at the beautiful pools, took a tour of the island of Manhattan via the Circle Line and spent a grand afternoon at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

But, a visit to NYC demands Theatre with a capital T.  Ticket prices have gone through the roof for many shows but the musical Big Fish and a cabaret show at Don’t Tell Mama’s gave two great evenings of entertainment without totally breaking the budget.

Big Fish is a simple story told in sweet song and dialog. There wasn’t a weak link in the cast, the dancing and singing moved the story along smoothly.  The imaginative costuming gave depth to the characters and the story. As an actor I was trying to picture the number of dressers needed backstage for the myriad of quick changes by leads and chorus members alike.

Projections were utilized in scene changes and in production numbers but were smoothly intrinsic to the action. The projections served the production well and never seemed to scream, “Look what we did – because we can”.  Got need for some pure entertainment? Big Fish might be just the thing to lighten your mood.

The cabaret show starred new friends, Paul and Rochelle Chamlin at Don’t Tell Mama.  The show consisted of a selection of solos and duets by Paul and Rochelle with a traveling theme in this well known, intimate setting. Directed by Teresa Fischer, a NYC cabaret artist herself, the show played to an appreciative audience.

An added perc for me was meeting Ray Jessel after the show. I have had the great good fortune to sing one of his comedy songs “Wanna Sing a Show Tune” in cabaret shows here. He was most impressed to hear that we do indeed have such shows in Kansas. What a delightful gentleman. His next performance was scheduled at Don’t Tell Mama for after we had left the city.  I am sorry to have missed that performance. He began his cabaret performances after age 70 so – guess there is still time.

Wait for me NYC – I’ll be back.

Home again and all unpacked.  The Abilene experience was grand from day one.  Our outstanding crew, the theatre staff and the volunteers added to the success of the show. This was a Steel Magnolias never seen before; director Doug Nuttleman gave us a vision for the show and established a collaborative environment which led to some fun – and real – characters. Thank you Doug.

We joined Gary Houser at station KABI for an hour radio show featuring conversation about the real lives we live as well as the lives of the characters we were portraying.

Next up for me is a short trip to New York with my daughter. Haven’t picked out any shows yet but know we will catch a couple.

Autumn begins on Sunday!  The closing Day of Steel Magnolias currently running at the GREAT PLAINS THEATRE and boy oh boy we hate to see it close!  Great cast members join me for this well known show.  Rebecca Young, Cassandra Nary, Anita Jo Lenhart, Samantha Disney and Laurie Pascale take the audience on a roller coaster ride of laughter and tears.

Such a roller coaster of a ride that EVERY show has ended with a STANDING OVATION!

So don’t be left wondering what a great evening of theatre is!  Still time to catch the show.  Great Plains Theatre is the ONLY Equity theatre between Kansas City and Denver.

Abilene is an easy day trip from the Kansas City area or make plans to stay overnight in one of the many motels or B&Bs. Many other interesting attractions in Abilene will let you enjoy a weekend away…but it has to be THIS weekend.  Hope to see you there!

Watching the days fly by. Planning for my next show at the Great Plains Theatre in Abilene, Kansas. I love visiting this town and needless to say, love performing at Great Plains Theatre. It is a most welcoming and supportive atmosphere.

My character, Ouiser Boudreaux, brings a grouchy but lovable presence to Truvy’s beauty shop in Steel Magnolias.  Many patrons will identify with at least one of  the well-defined characters in this play. If you have ever established a strong relationship with your hairdresser and other regular customers you will be right at home. And, the gentlemen in the audience will get an inside peek at just why some women are so anxious for their next appointment.

So, make plans now to see Steel Magnolias.    The show opens on September 13 and runs through September 22. Check out the Great Plains Theatre website for show times and ticket information.  Abilene is an easy day trip from the Kansas City area or make plans to stay overnight in one of the many motels or B&Bs. Many other interesting attractions in Abilene will let you enjoy a weekend away.  See you soon.