Morat's Blog » Plays

Two To Go

jamiahsh — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 03:33:55 +0000

Everything is falling nicely into place… of course, there are a few minor details to be worked out before Friday’s opening, but I would be even more surprised if there were not. I definitely have found a role that rivals even the visitor from another country in terms of ranking. It is so funny that fellow cast members who were at the audition site told me that I nailed the role of Henry F. Potter right then! Am I really that good at playing evil? There’s that oxymoron again. I did get my ears lowered this afternoon. I don’t think a man in the 1920s-40s would have long hair, particularly a gentleman of stature. I noticed that my goon, admittedly, was looking rather shaggy tonight as well (not to mention his attire). It is rather late in the game so there is really no chance of finding a replacement. I must say that good help is so hard to find!

There was a photographer taking shots for the paper tonight. She noticed my character and mentioned that if this kept up, I would become typecast. Why? Well… you will just have to come and see for yourself.

The Holiday Season Can Now Begin

jamiahsh — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 05:12:43 +0000

I have seen Miracle on 34th Street… not the 1947 classic, not the made for TV redux, nor the most recent big screen treatment. Tonight, I treated my sister and her two little angels to a live production. I absolutely LOVED IT! The entire cast was magnificent… from the smallest child, to the briefest cameo, to the big guy himself. The set was a stroke of genius. The entire production flew by. Everything that makes the classic film such a treasure was in place along with a few added bits that were pure delights.

Since purchasing the tickets on-line Tuesday, I had been overwhelmed by shrieks of anticipation by a certain 6 and 4 year-old. Finally, the night arrived and I treated everyone to McDonald’s before going to the theatre. A miracle in itself was that the girls actually were done eating BEFORE the time I said we had to head out.

During the show, Sydney was on my lap the whole time and was totally enthralled by the magic on stage. Alyssa, on the other hand, was asleep before intermission. After going down to the “confession” stand (as the 6 year old calls it), Sydney began to share her M&Ms with Megan and I. How cute was that? And on the other side of me, Alyssa was again sawing logs.

After the show in the reception line, I told the girls to go sit on Santa’s lap but they wouldn’t… until I apparently moved down the line. I didn’t see it.. I saw some fans in the audience who asked why I was not on stage and I put in a plug for a little show coming up in a mere 5 days. I CANNOT WAIT!!!!

Once again… brilliant job one and all. You created the Christmas spirit in everyone in the audience and made us all believe. BRAVO! My favorite part as it is in the movie… I just love the little Dutch girl who hasn’t a friend but sits on Santa’s lap and they begin singing a song from her native land.

Tech Sunday

jamiahsh — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:31:03 +0000

WAIT A MINUTE! Isn’t this a week early?! We still have another full week and a few days before curtain. Weell… that may be but the Huber is always in a bind this time of year: school programs, civic gatherings, etc. So, we must share the space with others. Mr. Potter would definitely find this situation downright despicable. But, I guess we will make nice. Yes, we did have the lights and mics going for the first time four our nearly 4 hour rehearsal… which was to be expected. However, it went rather well for the first time on stage, off book, all the way through with lights, sound, and set thrown in. I was pleasantly surprised how well I did with the lines. There was only one spot I really noticed where I forgot a line but the same is repeated only two lines later, so I will just pick it back up Thursday night.

Poor George… I’m not entirely sure that I would like to be in his shoes. All those lines. I have a great many, but.. OH, MY! In one of our scenes together, he asked me why I did not have my script. It was in the house being used for prompting.

I am also happy that I have been able to come up with my full costume… minus a hat… in my own personal wardrobe. I had to take my jacket to be cleaned, but that is to be done by Tuesday afternoon… good to go!

I must say that I think we have another heart-melting, scene-stealing little tyke on our hands. It’s a good thing Mr. Potter and Zuzu do not share time on stage because I’m not sure I could keep the mean demeanor.

So… another 12 days before curtain. Just need to keep reading over my lines, getting my cues in order. I did get a new line tonight… added from the movie

Week The Third

jamiahsh — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:19:48 +0000

Ok… former director and current fellow cast member, this is for you (I expect a comment, btw ) Tonight began the third week of rehearsals and there was A LOT GOING ON! We have posters to distribute and I grabbed enough to paste all over E-town. We were all informed that Hicks-TV (or is it HIX=TV?) is going to be by tomorrow night to film a piece on the show. My aforementioned former director/current fellow cast member mentioned that this was her least favorite part of her directorial debut? I thought my debut on the news was a blast. Even Travis said it was very humorous as I threw the interviewer for a whirl. Here is a link, Beth… just for you (you can have something to watch as well as read). I must also commend our director in his continued efforts to step into multiple roles for missing cast members… male and female alike.

As for rehearsal, it is coming along quite nicely (which is subjective… I don’t think nice is a good way to describe Mr. Potter). Apparently, my evilness is improving but he said I need to slow down a bit… which I have heard before. Well… as soon as my goon decides to show himself, it will be easier to make my entrances and exits. But even going through the scenes, I am developing even more ideas and with just under a month to go…

Oh, yes. On the way to my car following rehearsal, I was flashed by said cast member and she had her young son with her as well… SHAME ON YOU! I AM SHOCKED!

Not So Evil… YET!

jamiahsh — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:52:34 +0000

So… we are now in week two of rehearsals. Last night was exceptionally fun. We had our first injury and it wasn’t even stage related. It seems that our director had a bit of a spill earlier in the day and had a humongous gash on his forehead. Someone made the crack that he should have dialed 9-1-1 and he could have answered his own call.

We rehearsed a few of Mr. Potter’s scenes and while I tried my best to be good and evil, I was having a bit of difficulty. For one thing, I kept hearing someone humming the “Imperial March” (or Darth Vader’s theme) from The Empire Strikes Back. No goon to lead me in so I improvised which did not help matters at all. So, while fun, I don’t think we got a great deal accomplished.

After rehearsal, I went home and watched my new rental, the second X-Files big screen extravaganza entitled, I Want to Believe. It was definitely the uncut director’s edition because there were a few rather gruesome scenes that would have NEVER made it to movie screens rather long the television series. But, being a fan of Agents Mulder and Scully, I enjoyed it.

Back to the Bronx

jamiahsh — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:17:07 +0000

After returning from being booed at rehearsal… second time we have read through and I’m already being booed… I’M LOOOOOVIN’ IT!!!!! I Returned to see the Yanks down 3-1 in the second and it did not get much better after. I’m pleased to say that they never gave in. That dratted combination of Lee-Utley killed us again. Mr. Utley tied Mr. October (Reggie Jackson… even named a candy bar after him) for the most home runs in a single World Series with five… so far, NO MORE FOR YOU!!!

So tomorrow night, we go back to ‘da Bronx for the magic game six. I have said for the past week or so that it would be six and BACK TO THE NEW DIGS!

Final: Yanks 6… Phillies 8.

Deliciously Evil

jamiahsh — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:32:57 +0000

Today at our second rehearsal, we got to watch the original 1947 classic film starring Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed, and Lionel Barrymore. I now wonder why It’s A Wonderful Life has not been a holiday tradition along side the myriad versions of A Christmas Carol and other movies. I thought it was extraordinary for the first time. Primarily, Travis wanted us to watch and listen to line inflection and deliveries since many of the lines in the script are taken verbatim from the film, but I think watching Mr. Barrymore’s performance will help even more in developing my take on Mr. Potter. Producer Mare asked if I could channel Drew’s great-uncle. I thought the performance was stupendous and I can see why many in the cast have congratulated me on getting the role.

I also had time today to highlight my lines with the extremely cool erasable highlighters. Whatever genius at Crayola came up with these deserves millions. I highly recommend them to every actor.

And ONE MORE WIN TO GO! but I will not be so bold as to predict a five game series. But I will ask… how many HBPs does it take before it becomes intentional? In his first at bat, A-Rod was hit for the third time in two games. A warning was immediately given to both pitchers. Coincidental? I realize that pitchers like to come inside to him but jeez…

Final score…. Evil Empire 7… Defending Champs 4

A Character Of Pure Evil

jamiahsh — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:36:17 +0000

Tonight, the cast of It’s a Wonderful Life met to have a mass read-through of the script. I must say that I did not know that there were so many characters of such evil intentions in the literature surrounding what is traditionally known as the “most wonderful time of the year.” First, we have Ebenezer Scrooge (I really want to see the new version coming next weekend). Years later, the Grich very nearly stole Christmas from “every Who down in Whoville.” Now, I have been introduced to a character who has so many unredeemable qualities that he puts both of them to shame. Henry F. Potter is going to be a magnificent role to portray. I have been an evil HENCHMAN before; however, I have never before been THE evil character with his own entourage. Just reading the script, I could tell how delicious this will be.

I will once again be on the glorious Huber stage with a large cast both young and older and some of which I have been fortunate to work with before. Another WCCTer will be making his debut on the stage. He was even taking pictures of the bare stage and marveling at the size. People have asked me where I prefer to perform: anywhere they will have me. How’s that for a diplomatic answer?

I did manage to get home by the third inning of Game 2. I had to call my pals and relate my excitement! Sorry I interrupted The Office. I could not believe that they were actually able to watch as it was broadcast. And I am extra excited because the series is now tied 1-1 and tomorrow is a travel day to the City of Brotherly Love. Four Games to go!!!

Overall, A Series-ly Wonderful Day

jamiahsh — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:03:19 +0000

Ok… the big item. The Yankees are off to THE WORLD SERIES! After a bit of speculation about the pitching decision (I thought all along that Andy Pettite was the way to go since he as pitched in numerous big games and now has the most post-season wins of any pitcher). Once again, a great game and I was flabbergasted when the combo of Buck and McCarver began to be silenced when the Angels remarkably made two errors in a row. The quartet of players who were flying high in the late ’90s (Captain Jeter, Pettite, Jorge Posada, and closer extraordinaire, MARIANO RIVERA) will be joined by second year skipper, Joe Girardi (who was also the catcher in the late 90s and now is the fourth person to play on a World Series Yankee team and later coach another to the series).

NOW, for even better news on a personal level (close but yes even better), I will be playing the role of the eeeeeevil Mr. Potter in the Village Players’ production of It’s A Wonderful Life. Travis called me earlier and informed me that I need to put on my mean face. I love playing the villain. Can’t wait to get started! And it is now projected to run 2 weekends (December 11-13 & 18-20).

GO YANKEES!!!! AND NOW I CAN TRY OUT THOSE ERASABLE HIGHLIGHTERS (I was hoping that it would not be a long wait). BOOYAH!

Often Imitated But Never Duplicated

jamiahsh — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:04:53 +0000

Tonight, following an extra long day at work, I will be heading over to the Huber to audition for a role in the holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life. There are so many great roles in the show starting with George Bailey, himself. I’m tempted but 300+ lines sounds a bit daunting to me. I thing Clearance would be fun to play. I love playing an evil villain so Mr. Potter is definitely on my radar. Of course, there is the duo of Bert and Ernie whom I have been looking into and the people behind Sesame Street state uncatagorically that it is mere coincidence that the muppet friends are named as such. Of course, I will be pleased to accept any role offered to me. So many great roles in the beloved tale that ironically was a flop when it was released in 1946. So many variations on the theme but has it ever been duplicated?