Md part Nove, et fini
Oct. 29th, 2005 11:23 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ptpgradDamn, I hope I got all of this...I have been going back and adding/rewriting for a week. Forgive the typos.
The faire is over and I am slowly realizing it. I have been manicured, pedicured and soon will have hairs cut (this is now done). Props and such are home, and I must say goodbye to a great season…but before I do, just LET ME TELL YOU what happened THIS weekend…All the standard disclaimers apply, time, order, people, things will be missed, no matter how much I loved the moments, but here we go…
CRAPITY CRAP CRAP CRAP
Much had been rumoring about during the week and I was dreading the weekend for both the gossip and the weather. Luckily, as we got closer, they promised better weather, so I had hopes for a better Sunday. I wake up to the sounds of steady rain on Sat. I hadn’t gotten to sleep as early as I wanted so I am a bit draggy. I get up, do the braids and makeup and make my protein shake for the morning. The Lelios are driving in this morning and we pile into their car. We park as close as we can to the road as the mud is already starting and we know how bad it gets. Once on site, we check the mics in the lightened drizzle and they head off to breakfast as I go warm up.
RESCHEDULING
I go to the top of Gatehouse to stretch. I don’t find much dry space, so I am limited in what I can do. I head toward the costume house and I am early. My voice is mostly back, but not completely, so I am cautious. I get to the costume house, and no one is there yet, but I am early. I sit and try to keep warm. Stitch enters and I head in to get changed. Notice, I did not say “set props.” The rain has been steadily picking up, and I am running between doing the girlie show or not. As I think on it, a slight deluge of rain kicks in and makes up my mind for me. Damn. I talk to both the ladies who were scheduled to read this weekend and agree that Mrs. Pugh will make a pass for this year. If I do it again, she will be on the schedule to do it. Sunday should be fine and Princess Mary will still be performing that day.
QUIET AND LOW KEY
There is a hushed feeling in the space. No one is pleased with the cold and wet weather and there has been a lot of information in the media during the week. We read that this will affect the weekend, but don’t know anything official yet. We hear that the cast call is going to be at the costume house and take our time getting ready. I get laced into Columbina, as Stupina can’t go out in the weather. I am really bummed about this. I have friends in from out of town and I wanted to give them a chance to see the shows, but they will most likely not get it. Cast call is mostly brief. The rain has slowed and I am starting to feel guilty about not putting on the mask, but others assure me that it is still to wet and slippery to safely do the show. I know in my mind they are right, but I really wanted to do both shows this weekend. We BEEP, and no one really moves far. Eventually, we head to gate.
OAKEN MUSIC
I realize with the wet weather, Marian, Mrs. Pugh and I can sing again. The gate show opens and the crowd, um, well not pours, but lightly flows in. Ironically, it is pretty steady and heavier traffic than the rain day two weeks ago. Marian joins us and we begin to sing. Oaken Leaves, then Rose Red. We sing and hug/greet/waves at the entering people. As we finish Rose Red for the second time, I see familiar faces from CA. The Grants have arrived (yes, the mighty mighty boss wench is here). I get hugs and hellos and questions for Stupina. I sadly tell them, as I have told others, that it is too wet for her. As we stand there, I again voice my concern about the lack of water and my feeling guilty…and the rain begins to pick up. Yeah, I talked the rain up. The ladies and I sing a few more times, sad that we can’t find more songs in common and agreeing to work on this in the off season.
AIMLESS WANDERING FOR ROMANCE
Without my girlie show, I have time to wander. I head out and remember I have to be back at the gate at the end of my show to let people know I am unable to do it. I duck into some shops and greet people where it is dry. I meet the massive puppy at Dancing Pig Pottery, I say hello to a few friends, and I organize the delivery of my final romance war hit. Ok, so I can let the official cat out of the bag. I was hitting the manager of the Rose Booth. No, most of you don’t know her. Why? Because she never leaves her booth, in the back, where patrons never go, and many workers too. I have traditionally made a mask for my final hit, but nothing was inspiring me this year, and I came up with a plan. I began to ask around to my friends if they had footage, or could get some, of the faire…but it was special footage. The first person mind’s eye view of the faire. I then, interspersed moments of being her (buying a rose, getting on the guess your weight game, taking an elephant ride). I took all the footage and blended it into a movie on my new mac. I make it a dvd and had it delivered to her. I am informed that she is frantic to find a dvd player on site. This amuses me.
TURNING AWAY
I get back to see the very end of Princess Mary’s Story. I head toward the stage and offer to help SMJ with clearing the stage and she lets me hold open the curtain for her…which I fumble with. I stay and end up turning away a number of people. This makes me even MORE sad. Once it is a few minutes into show time, I head back onto the streets. I take a very mushy tour of revel grove. My new announcement for the weekend is “welcome to Revel Grove, where YOUR shoes, belong to US!” It gets laughs. I take a full walk through the village getting damp the whole time. I don’t want to wear my cloak as I want it dry tomorrow so I suffer the wet today. It’s not pouring, but it’s damp and uncomfortable now. I wander to the boardwalk and run into Crimson Tom and his lovely finance. After walking the entire village, I go and get my steak. I don’t need to go change, cause I am already ready. I eat mostly standing.
LOSING LOST
I am approached by one of the actors who informs me that LP has arrived, but is so very sick that she is dizzy. I rush to the costume house to check on her. I see SMK and ask her to come in with me. LP is on the floor wrapped in layers. When I ask how she is, she can barely make noise, says she is fighting a fever, and looks exhausted. I inform her she is NOT going on the my show and she needs to sleep. I tell her I will get her other directors to find her to make their decision. I head out and almost immediately see the directors in question. I inform her of how she is, what I done, and that she is still willing to do their show, if they want her to. The go in, look at her, and send her home. She gratefully leaves to sleep…another show cancelled. No, I wasn’t on stage for it, but it’s a special thing to me. SMK has to inform a group of small girls that the lost princess is not well and can’t perform. She is sad about that, but I simply couldn’t let her perform in good conscience.
WANDERING WITH THE WELL-DRESSED
I am about to head back out and the Sherrif notes he needs someone to wander the village with. Away we go. We make comments about changing characters and going back in 17 years of Revel Grove History to Collier and Columbina, but we do not. Close to Bullseye/Pilands area, we are stopped by The Justice of the Peace, Richard Southwell. He tries to put the Sherrif and I on charges, but Reggie just tells him how he was protecting me from an evile man who tried to attack me. I cry loudly on Reggie’s shoulder and all is forgiven. We ask Southwell to join us and he does. I am now walking through the village with the 2 most powerful villagers…life could be worse.
AMOK AMOK AMOK
I comment to someone that I should dip my entire cloak in whiskey to help me stay dry…it would be scotch guarded. Bad evile moaning follows. Finally, the Sherrif has to leave and I have to head toward the Fortune stage for the Wedding. The Justice and I separate, and off I head. We can do the show with mics, so we wire up and get ready to head out. The rat show is not happening this weekend as Emrys is gone for the run. The stage is “empty” for the moment, but when I arrive, it is still covered with the props of the previous act. We want to get our own things set, but can’t as the prior act is talking on the side of the stage and ALL of his props are still littered all over the stage, etc. Lelio then turns on his mic and announces that there are free props for sale on the fortune stage. LOL. This alerts the performer that he needs to clear so we can get on. It also makes me laugh a lot.
WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT
Ok, so you have shows that are “chaotic” but go swimmingly. Everyone is being crazy and having a good time…think Pub Sing…it reads as chaos, but it is meticulously organized. This was not that show. It had it’s form, it’s small audience, but we picked two people out of the audience to be bride and groom that were near each other…who turned out to be the daughter and boyfriend of the same woman, the same VERY DRUNK woman who seems to have theatrical leanings in her spirit…or something. She is on the verge of enraged when we pull them both up, I am afraid they are dad and daughter, which wasn’t the case. While Lelio is doing his thing, I see her stand up and start to head toward the stage, yelling a lot…not terribly coherently. I start to move toward that side of the stage to head her off at the pass. This does not work and she comes to the bottom of the stage and starts screaming. “YOU CAN’T MARRY MY BOYFRIEND”. Um, it’s a comedy gang. I do my jealous bit and again, she wants to be part of the show. We let her have her “say,” Lelio generously gives her a round of applause, and then notes “Let this be a lesson to you, Beer is bad for you.” She eventually sits happily and the show goes on. Once she realizes I am only talking about food, she calms down more and I am not afraid for my life. This is not a trusting woman gang. Yeesh.
MOVING ON
The show ends on a much more pleasant note and we send them all on their way. Scary Lady even gives us big smiles and, I think, a hug since she now knows it is all in fun. I unwire and get even more depressed when I realize that that was my only show today. The Lying Valet has been cancelled due to the same actress being so very ill. This means, I have time to kill, and a lot of it. I can’t bring out Baby Stupina, I can’t DO Stupina, I can’t do anything standard. I feel rather at odds. I wander the streets again and run into a friend from CA. I help he and his friend find good pants to go with the new doublet and catch up quickly. Then, I am off again.
ROMANCE: SIGNED, SEALED, AND DELIVERED
I am heading back out and am approached by a rose seller who informs me that they found the DVD player and had a big group crowded around it watching the movie. luckily, one of them was in on the secret and when my hit went to turn the movie off, she told her to wait. Much laughter ensued. Well, I hadn’t figured out how to edit the music, so the credits were VERY long to fill out the music. I stop by on my way out and ask her if she has seen any good movies lately. She said yes and asked me if she could get copies. She hands me a stack of DVD-R’s and I tell her I will try to make copies after closing day. I am then stopped by a rose seller who hands me my final hit and tells me that the person who was hitting me decided not to play after she got my name. This woman and her husband decided to pick up the slack and had been hitting me as well s their regular people. It makes everything received so much more special…oh, and JustShowtune? I didn’t realize those were from you. I thought they were part of the hit. Thank you, the pears are yummy and the earrings are lovely. I am overloaded as the lady who I was hitting has ALSO provided a thank you gift. I head toward the front area to drop things off and hear Cat and the Fiddle playing in the front area…there is a dry spot in the tree near them…DAMMIT, Baby Stupina is coming out. I hand off my things and grab her. We dance for two songs and manage to get people to stop IN THE MUD and watch. The day was starting to feel better again.
SANITY WITH THE SEYMOURS, OR HOW TO WATCH YOUR LIFE FLASH BEFORE YOUR EYES
Ok, so in rehearsals, we set it up that Columbina DESPISES Daisy Seymour…but Daisy is related to the queen, and Columbina isn’t dumb. Daisy has decided that she and “Bini” are best friends because they both wear yella. Ok… Daisy sees Bini and grabs her hand and says “we’re friends now, let’s play” and starts dragging Columbina through the village in a death grip. Patrons laugh as they look at my panicked and pained look as I pass. I mouth “help” to some of them, but they will have none of it. I am brought to Seymour J. and he is introduced to his sister’s friend, who then drags me to the King’s daughter. Luckily, the lady in blue velvet sets me free and I try to run, but am stopped by Princess Mary, who wants to trade places with Daisy and ALSO begins dragging me through the village. Lady in Blue to the rescue again and I run panicked toward the gate. I run into the Queen and try to explain my disheveled and panicked expression. She understands completely. Pity it wasn’t drier, or I would have fallen on the ground.
FAREWELL AT A GREAT HEIGHT
It is finally toward the end of the day, so I head up on the gate to say goodbye. I bring Master Weatherby with me. He brings Juliet, his lovely pet sheep puppet. We chat with the people exiting, including…VERY DRUNK WEDDING MOM. She is in great spirits, had a great time and thanks me for such a wonderful show…whod’ve thunk. Juliet is saying Bahh-baah as people leave, I am saying arrivederci and ciao. The energy of the day is feeling better. I am looking forward to the day to come and am mostly dry. This is good. My time is done and we head downstairs. I am hungry and head for a scotch egg.
IT’S LOST JOHNNY
I get the egg and it is wonderfully tasty and steaming in the cold air. I head to the pub and go to put my gloves on when…I can’t find one of them. I walk my path again…no glove. I walk back and forth to the scotch egg booth and back with one or another friend. Nothing…damn. I am then approached by Master Rackham who shows me the show list and notes that he had heard I might be looking for this item…they are singing Leave Her Johnny, which I love. I determine that I need to find somewhere to sit. I do, in the tables with the regular patrons, which I NEVER do. I find a few friends who have a thin body with space if I straddle the bench.
FRIENDLY CLOSENESS
My friend notes how chilly I am and wraps his arms around me…my friends are cool, We are asked to scootch a bit forward and I try, but I am right up against a lady who can’t move forward. My friend and I are cosy. I am not watching pub sing as I haven’t in about 10 years. From the patron’s point of view. I am still restless, but there is a goal. The song comes, I hear the excitement in the rest of the crowd and let myself travel on the high seas with the rest. I cry. And since Am isn’t there, it only seems right. Sitting with her old gang and crying in the regular seats. Soon enough it is over and I say goodbye to the others…but this is closing weekend, so there is more. I stay till the court leaves, and off we go. I change and begin to take stuff home. Tonight, there is discussion on where to eat. We go to one place, but the wait is over 45 minutes and there is clothing to dry tonight. We end up eating Chinese and I “share dumplings” with the nice lady and split the peking duck with SMJ and PM. Yummy dinner.
REPLAY…NOT
Since this time I did not want to deal with the 12:30 cleaning crew, I kinda put my foot down on how things got dried. We did the wet stuff (no boots) and the wash. Then put the wash in with the slightly wet stuff, once that was done around 11:30, I pulled all that safely out and put in his boots…and left. They were dry by morning from what he said. All in all, a MUCH better plan and Stupina was not covered in mud. Sleep, and the last day began…
URGH, THE LAST
Morning comes all too soon. It is no longer raining and the promise of sunlight is inspiring. I get up and have my last protein shake. I have been promised by the Lelios that they will drive, as long as I promise to drink enough to be sufficiently unable to drink. Considering I have been sober since July 27, I don’t expect that to be a problem. We pile in their car and head to site. Off to Fortune to check sound. It’s on the edge of ringy, but with the crowd, it will be fine. They are off for brekkies and I am off to the stretch. The stage is mostly dry and I can do most of my morning stretches, being creative in my placement of a shoulder stand so that nothing gets too muddy. I won’t be wearing this outfit tonight, so I am not SO worried, but enough.
DRESSING THE LAST
I get to the costume house first and am met by Stitch. I grab the Stupina props and head to the stage. When I return, PM is waxing poetical about how this is her last day to change in the costume house, the last day to put on this dress, the last day…you get the point. I understand her melancholia as I am preparing to do Stupina for the last day this season. I know it is going to be chilly, so I gather my cloak, my mask, my odds and ends for the day and head to my meeting. Thank yous are the order of the morning and I leave with a small and very happy giftie…it has chocolate gang, I love anything with decent chocolate. I head to cast call and we go over the final notes, comments about the evening’s event and reminders to take your damn stuff home tonight. We sing our final BEEP and head out to start our shows. I look out and see the crowds aren’t bad. My litmus test proves this to be a rather nice day all around.
BOOM! AND GOODBYE
I have forgotten to go out and prehand out programs (since yesterday was so slow and off). I grab a bunch and Mrs. Pugh and I call to the crowd and tell them of our offerings. I don’t see Dash, and this makes me sad, but the double cannon needed extra help I assume. Time is up and I head briefly outside to hand out more programs until my stack is gone. Then, in I go. I find a small piece of dryness near my favorite tree and sit in the dirt for one more time. I can hear how rough my voice is still, but hey, let’s go for broke, I have a few months to heal. I manage to get a crowd to sing with me. At least 15 people join me and sing along with the full bowls song. What a pleasant rush for the last day (I have had people singing all year, but not a large group, only 1-6 at a time or so). It is time for me to head to the stage.
STUPINA HAS AN ANGEL ON HER SHOULDERS
So I took a class in hoop and silks this week with the Arial Angels head honcho. I learned much, but with the limited attendance, I didn’t get as much acro practice, so she invited us to play with her in the morning. I haven’t been able to find them, when I hear they are at the front area. I arrive and am informed that Kissy can help. With Dodo spotting, Stupina gets Kissy to stand on her shoulders. And stands. The mud is so bad though, that I don’t want to walk from the clean rug and risk their outfits. Next, I put my clean white scarf (no longer clean) on the rug, place my feet on the rug, knees up, and balance Kissy in a handstand into my hands. It is so very cool and she is really sweet. Time is up for me and I don’t want to distract from the hoops and silk work they are doing, so I head backstage for the Girlie Show.
MARY AND THE GRAPES
I am backstage a bit earlier than normal and tell the Princess Mary cast about my exciting adventure. Mary removes her kneepads and goes back into the house for my show, as she is my reader. I go out and see two angels there as well as many patrons I met and some regulars. I go to hawk a crowd and yell, hey, David…David Smith…how’s that for specific for getting an audience member. Turns out a friend of mine from MotionFest was walking by and stops in to see the show. I now feel this urgent need to make the show amazing…and, luckily, it was a blast. The crowd is laughing up a storm, Princess Mary is getting angry with me and coaxing me along with grapes. Even Bob gets a grape in the end. The show ends happily and I say my goodbyes. I have many hugs and handshakes at the end and head backstage. I touch base with Mimi who is unable to perform her show. I am sad for that, but hopefully, all will be well in the future. I pack my props for the last time and head back to the costume house.
PREEMPTIVE STRIKE
Ok, so normally, but this time, I see the lost princess eating lunch…even yesterday, she was here by this time. Since she was so sick the day before, I am worried. I call for the Powers that be and ask if they have heard from her. They haven’t. I ask for a script. I know the blocking since I directed the darn thing, so I should start reading the script and see if I need to step in. I am going over the breakdown of sections when we see her arrive. The next ten minutes or so consist of me running around saying “yayeeeeee” over and over. I didn’t think in ½ hour I would do the text justice. This was a much better way to end the season.
INVISIBILITY
Once the worst fear is over, I realize I have only 10-15 minutes left till I am to change costume…crap. Precious little Stupina time and no clear idea of what to do to make an impact in that short of a time. I head out and it hits me… go to the center of the muddy area, hug a tree, and begin to yell out. “I’m hiding, I’m invisible. You can’t see me! There’s no one here but us trees!” People all turn and look at the weird creature in the bright cloak hugging a tree and screaming. I get a lot of attention and laughter. Some people look around as if confused, some just laugh, others think I am insane. A dad and his daughter approach through the mud and come up to me. I “reappear” (stepping away from the tree) and talk to them. It is a lovely chat and it ends my Stupina time perfectly. I head backstage to put her away for another season. Le sigh…
THE LAST “SUPPER”
So I was prepared and brought a bowl today. I head to the Pork Pocket booth and ask them to dump the fries, meat and slaw right into the bowl. Being kind, they OVERFILL my already large bowl. I beg them to stop as I know I can’t eat that much. I go to sit and start my meal. I see a court lady who joins me and eats part of my food, after I give her the pickled pig intestines I was given for her (don’t get grossed out. It was a joke bit from her Dear Hoosband – in the show). I am looking for more people to help me eat as this is too much. After a small amount of more help, I manage to finish the bowl, but I am STUFFED, uncomfortably so. Ok, well, still have work to do, so I head over to the Fortune stage.
WEDDED BLISS
The brass quartet is playing when I get there. Oddly, they are surrounded by all of the Squire on the Wire’s props who has seemed to not clear the stage in time again. Once they are done playing, he goes out and clears the stage as we set our props. The show runs well, playfully, and the audience has fun. It is a full house and they are enjoying themselves. We keep BeerPam happy by selling a tshirt (you are so good to her). Our Mom is great, everyone gets their cues and we are having a great time. It was a wonderful way to conclude our last wedding. I leave all the props and the sign packed up there (since I don’t need to get it till the next day). I head out and back to the front to see if I can get Baby Stupina out.
DANCING IN THE MUD
Today, Cat and the Fiddle are alone (no Vince today) and they are just about to finish, but they have time for one more song. I borrow a tambourine from them and Baby Stupina dances the rhythm on the tambourine with her feet. We finish and are suddenly doing what we can to not get mud soaked as the Marchioness arrives with Lord Cromwell, Lady N and Chapuys. She asks for a polka and an Irish Jig. What can they do but oblige? Cromwell and the Lady Exceter dance. Cromwell then switches to others and Chapyus dances with Exceter…IN THE MUD. I am actually sad that I have Baby Stupina as I miss polkaing a lot. Next, the Lady Exceter does an Irish Jig in the MUD. It reminded me of many days past when she was one of the telepubbies and the highland fling dancers. How time flies…
LYING ONCE MORE
It is time for the Lying Valet preparation. When I get to my area, I see a box of chocolates left for my by one of the ladies in the show I directed. It was very sweet of her. I begin to get all my accoutrement gathered for the show. Mrs. Pugh arrives and we do my last lacing in. I gather my other items and get them all ready for the show. While we wait, my castmakes trick or treat at a booth and come back with…passionfruit almond joy? They even sneak the candy onto the stage in amusing fashions, but don’t eat during the show. It is amusing, fun and silly. We play two rounds of cards, but I can feel I don’t have my full range of voice and my squeal is not as good as it has been in the past. Bugger. We take our bow and head out.
FROM ON HIGH
I grab my cloak and, since I don’t expect to be back, grab my mug, and head toward the top of the gate. Here, I begin to wave at the crowd. Soon, Master Weaherby joins me and we call down again. Next we are joined by the YAES. They are all staying till the end, so they have time to kill. They have lots of energy and we all have fun. It is time for Hugh and I to leave and we head downstairs. I had “work” to do. I head first to Renfield’s to fulfill a promise. Then, I head down the boardwalk to Sleeping Dragon to get the prize…the thing I have been waiting for for most of the season…CHOCOLATE. DARK KRON BUDAPEST CRÈME TRUFFLES. Go online, order them, eat them SLOWLY…it’s worth it. I now have everything I need to end the day and head toward the pub.
A LEATHERY GOODBYE
I make one stop on the way at Leather Rose. I hand off everything I have, EXCEPT for the chocolate, and eat my first piece for the crowd. I begin to sob…literally, heartfelt sobs. I am simultaneously bouncing up and down and occasionally starting to laugh and smile through the tears…yes, gang, it is THAT good and I miss chocolate THAT much. Especially that one…don’t worry about handing me milk chocolate, I can turn it down, but really good dark chocolate makes me happy. They are amused/amazed by the reaction and I say my goodbyes to them for the season. Now, to the White Hart.
THE OFFICIAL TASTING
I find Am and crew at the side of the pub. She asks if I have it and says we should toast as last year. I warn her I already had one, so it might not be too strong. I give one to her, BeerPam, and LadyFoxchase. We all eat and melt…BeerPam’s eyes bug out of her head and I begin to sob again which makes Am sob. Only Lady Foxchase seems calm from the event. I give a taste to a few others, including Theresa_Grant, whose response was to also bug her eyes out of her head, yell, “OH MY GOD” and try to turn to me. She has since agreed with my assessment of other chocolate.
ENJOYING THE SONGS
I head in and offer one to the lady of the “house” who is not feeling well and turns it down. I then sit and watch the Angels balancing while Gypsophilia plays an aching tune. I see various Macabre people wandering about as the had a Danse Macabre this year. Lady Kytson, in all her black, is sitting with us in her veil. Kinda spooky, but cool. I am reminded I can’t sit on the ground after I am scratched on the head by a kind pub owner. I find a seat near SM-J and Lady Nic. I offer them both one as they have heard SO MUCH about them. SM-J also bugs out her eyes in intense confusion and shock. Yes, gang, they are that good, and you have to get your own…www.krondc.com. Budapest Crème Truffles. You must like dark chocolate or it will be a waste.
ONE MORE SONG
Tonight, Jack and gang are being cruel, they pull out every tearjerker. Boatman, Wilde mountain Thyme, and more. Tonight, Zack shoots Nymblewyck, who shoots back. And Zack opens his mouth to show he caught the bullet in his teeth. The crowd roared. There were standing ovations and more…and then the bastard did it. He took text from a friend of mine’s live journal, and read it (edited) at the end of the day. To say I started sobbing from shock, the accuracy of the text, the expectation of how it would affect others in the room…that would be an understatement. Wow, that one really blew me away. Thank you Jack and WD for that extremely special moment. There was one annoying and on the edge of scary patron that almost created an issue, but it was handled very well. Finally, it was truly the LAST song, and the cannon sounded. This was the first year I wasn’t holding onto someone while the end came. I had many friends, but they were scattered. I had a HUGE desire to run over to the steps of the stage to join my friend, but I held back. I didn’t want to get in anyone else’s way. Three cheers for his and her maj and off we went.
WHAT A CROWD!
All season, at the end of the day, I come to the costume house and can change right away. There are people, but only about 8-10 of us left changing. Tonight, there are around 20-25 people changing all at once. I can’t even get to my corner to start. I just begin peeling the layers I can and tossing them in to the corner. I am just about to be able to get to my corner when I hear “two minutes to closing.” There is NO WAY IN HELL I can get done in time, but I rush as much as I can to make it happen. I reorganize as quickly as possible and get out of there. I fix makeup and jewelry outside. I stand in line for checks and get my things, then join the Lelio’s in blowing this popsicle stand.
THE RULES
Ok, so the rule is if I don’t drive, I have to drink. This is applicable on closing day only. So, not to break the rules, I drink. I had one cider at pub sing (my only one for the entire season) and when we get to the cast dinner, I order a cosmo…ok, by the end of the night, I have 4 (in gimlet glasses), one purchased by a charming young man. I also have crab cakes and am handed the special chocolate drops that were saved for me by strumpetsrus. They are not the same as THE chocolate, but they are very good. I share one or two around the table. Getting seats is a bit odd and I am concerned about the table that is open for me. I don’t want to invade people’s space on this kind of a night, and I am edgy that I might be. I am informed more than once by SMJ that I have every right to be at the table and no one will mind as I did become a director this year. Um, ok. Dinner was cheery and pleasant. I watch the antics around me and am pleased at the positive energy floating around.
AND NOW, THE END IS NEAR…
I ask for a box to pack up my second crabcake and step away from the table to chat. Before leaving, I go to pay the check to have the paper ripped out of my hand. I start to panic because I am thinking this person is trying to pay for my meal, and I didn’t think that was appropriate. I clarify and pay my tab. Then I leave and have a grand time talking with people who want to ‘convert” me. I just laugh lots. I am complimented on my work by another clown, which means a huge amount for me. If another clown sees the joy in your work and commends your creativity, THAT is a huge compliment. I turn back to my table to see my crab cake is gone…totally gone. AAAUUUGGGH. I head to the staff to find out what happened and no one knows. Finally, after the busboy was no help, a waitress gets the manager. I tell him I only want the one crabcake that was removed and he tells me he will make me two. But I ate one, you get two…ok. (They were yummy when I ate them two days later.) We head out, the last group to leave, a festival year completed. As we leave, I notice romance budding in the air. The circle continues.
Till next year dear friends…in this life, or the next, keep the faith, keep the joy, and keep it inside till the warmth of the summer makes it bloom again…and don ‘t forget to wish me happy birthday on opening day next year.
The faire is over and I am slowly realizing it. I have been manicured, pedicured and soon will have hairs cut (this is now done). Props and such are home, and I must say goodbye to a great season…but before I do, just LET ME TELL YOU what happened THIS weekend…All the standard disclaimers apply, time, order, people, things will be missed, no matter how much I loved the moments, but here we go…
CRAPITY CRAP CRAP CRAP
Much had been rumoring about during the week and I was dreading the weekend for both the gossip and the weather. Luckily, as we got closer, they promised better weather, so I had hopes for a better Sunday. I wake up to the sounds of steady rain on Sat. I hadn’t gotten to sleep as early as I wanted so I am a bit draggy. I get up, do the braids and makeup and make my protein shake for the morning. The Lelios are driving in this morning and we pile into their car. We park as close as we can to the road as the mud is already starting and we know how bad it gets. Once on site, we check the mics in the lightened drizzle and they head off to breakfast as I go warm up.
RESCHEDULING
I go to the top of Gatehouse to stretch. I don’t find much dry space, so I am limited in what I can do. I head toward the costume house and I am early. My voice is mostly back, but not completely, so I am cautious. I get to the costume house, and no one is there yet, but I am early. I sit and try to keep warm. Stitch enters and I head in to get changed. Notice, I did not say “set props.” The rain has been steadily picking up, and I am running between doing the girlie show or not. As I think on it, a slight deluge of rain kicks in and makes up my mind for me. Damn. I talk to both the ladies who were scheduled to read this weekend and agree that Mrs. Pugh will make a pass for this year. If I do it again, she will be on the schedule to do it. Sunday should be fine and Princess Mary will still be performing that day.
QUIET AND LOW KEY
There is a hushed feeling in the space. No one is pleased with the cold and wet weather and there has been a lot of information in the media during the week. We read that this will affect the weekend, but don’t know anything official yet. We hear that the cast call is going to be at the costume house and take our time getting ready. I get laced into Columbina, as Stupina can’t go out in the weather. I am really bummed about this. I have friends in from out of town and I wanted to give them a chance to see the shows, but they will most likely not get it. Cast call is mostly brief. The rain has slowed and I am starting to feel guilty about not putting on the mask, but others assure me that it is still to wet and slippery to safely do the show. I know in my mind they are right, but I really wanted to do both shows this weekend. We BEEP, and no one really moves far. Eventually, we head to gate.
OAKEN MUSIC
I realize with the wet weather, Marian, Mrs. Pugh and I can sing again. The gate show opens and the crowd, um, well not pours, but lightly flows in. Ironically, it is pretty steady and heavier traffic than the rain day two weeks ago. Marian joins us and we begin to sing. Oaken Leaves, then Rose Red. We sing and hug/greet/waves at the entering people. As we finish Rose Red for the second time, I see familiar faces from CA. The Grants have arrived (yes, the mighty mighty boss wench is here). I get hugs and hellos and questions for Stupina. I sadly tell them, as I have told others, that it is too wet for her. As we stand there, I again voice my concern about the lack of water and my feeling guilty…and the rain begins to pick up. Yeah, I talked the rain up. The ladies and I sing a few more times, sad that we can’t find more songs in common and agreeing to work on this in the off season.
AIMLESS WANDERING FOR ROMANCE
Without my girlie show, I have time to wander. I head out and remember I have to be back at the gate at the end of my show to let people know I am unable to do it. I duck into some shops and greet people where it is dry. I meet the massive puppy at Dancing Pig Pottery, I say hello to a few friends, and I organize the delivery of my final romance war hit. Ok, so I can let the official cat out of the bag. I was hitting the manager of the Rose Booth. No, most of you don’t know her. Why? Because she never leaves her booth, in the back, where patrons never go, and many workers too. I have traditionally made a mask for my final hit, but nothing was inspiring me this year, and I came up with a plan. I began to ask around to my friends if they had footage, or could get some, of the faire…but it was special footage. The first person mind’s eye view of the faire. I then, interspersed moments of being her (buying a rose, getting on the guess your weight game, taking an elephant ride). I took all the footage and blended it into a movie on my new mac. I make it a dvd and had it delivered to her. I am informed that she is frantic to find a dvd player on site. This amuses me.
TURNING AWAY
I get back to see the very end of Princess Mary’s Story. I head toward the stage and offer to help SMJ with clearing the stage and she lets me hold open the curtain for her…which I fumble with. I stay and end up turning away a number of people. This makes me even MORE sad. Once it is a few minutes into show time, I head back onto the streets. I take a very mushy tour of revel grove. My new announcement for the weekend is “welcome to Revel Grove, where YOUR shoes, belong to US!” It gets laughs. I take a full walk through the village getting damp the whole time. I don’t want to wear my cloak as I want it dry tomorrow so I suffer the wet today. It’s not pouring, but it’s damp and uncomfortable now. I wander to the boardwalk and run into Crimson Tom and his lovely finance. After walking the entire village, I go and get my steak. I don’t need to go change, cause I am already ready. I eat mostly standing.
LOSING LOST
I am approached by one of the actors who informs me that LP has arrived, but is so very sick that she is dizzy. I rush to the costume house to check on her. I see SMK and ask her to come in with me. LP is on the floor wrapped in layers. When I ask how she is, she can barely make noise, says she is fighting a fever, and looks exhausted. I inform her she is NOT going on the my show and she needs to sleep. I tell her I will get her other directors to find her to make their decision. I head out and almost immediately see the directors in question. I inform her of how she is, what I done, and that she is still willing to do their show, if they want her to. The go in, look at her, and send her home. She gratefully leaves to sleep…another show cancelled. No, I wasn’t on stage for it, but it’s a special thing to me. SMK has to inform a group of small girls that the lost princess is not well and can’t perform. She is sad about that, but I simply couldn’t let her perform in good conscience.
WANDERING WITH THE WELL-DRESSED
I am about to head back out and the Sherrif notes he needs someone to wander the village with. Away we go. We make comments about changing characters and going back in 17 years of Revel Grove History to Collier and Columbina, but we do not. Close to Bullseye/Pilands area, we are stopped by The Justice of the Peace, Richard Southwell. He tries to put the Sherrif and I on charges, but Reggie just tells him how he was protecting me from an evile man who tried to attack me. I cry loudly on Reggie’s shoulder and all is forgiven. We ask Southwell to join us and he does. I am now walking through the village with the 2 most powerful villagers…life could be worse.
AMOK AMOK AMOK
I comment to someone that I should dip my entire cloak in whiskey to help me stay dry…it would be scotch guarded. Bad evile moaning follows. Finally, the Sherrif has to leave and I have to head toward the Fortune stage for the Wedding. The Justice and I separate, and off I head. We can do the show with mics, so we wire up and get ready to head out. The rat show is not happening this weekend as Emrys is gone for the run. The stage is “empty” for the moment, but when I arrive, it is still covered with the props of the previous act. We want to get our own things set, but can’t as the prior act is talking on the side of the stage and ALL of his props are still littered all over the stage, etc. Lelio then turns on his mic and announces that there are free props for sale on the fortune stage. LOL. This alerts the performer that he needs to clear so we can get on. It also makes me laugh a lot.
WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT
Ok, so you have shows that are “chaotic” but go swimmingly. Everyone is being crazy and having a good time…think Pub Sing…it reads as chaos, but it is meticulously organized. This was not that show. It had it’s form, it’s small audience, but we picked two people out of the audience to be bride and groom that were near each other…who turned out to be the daughter and boyfriend of the same woman, the same VERY DRUNK woman who seems to have theatrical leanings in her spirit…or something. She is on the verge of enraged when we pull them both up, I am afraid they are dad and daughter, which wasn’t the case. While Lelio is doing his thing, I see her stand up and start to head toward the stage, yelling a lot…not terribly coherently. I start to move toward that side of the stage to head her off at the pass. This does not work and she comes to the bottom of the stage and starts screaming. “YOU CAN’T MARRY MY BOYFRIEND”. Um, it’s a comedy gang. I do my jealous bit and again, she wants to be part of the show. We let her have her “say,” Lelio generously gives her a round of applause, and then notes “Let this be a lesson to you, Beer is bad for you.” She eventually sits happily and the show goes on. Once she realizes I am only talking about food, she calms down more and I am not afraid for my life. This is not a trusting woman gang. Yeesh.
MOVING ON
The show ends on a much more pleasant note and we send them all on their way. Scary Lady even gives us big smiles and, I think, a hug since she now knows it is all in fun. I unwire and get even more depressed when I realize that that was my only show today. The Lying Valet has been cancelled due to the same actress being so very ill. This means, I have time to kill, and a lot of it. I can’t bring out Baby Stupina, I can’t DO Stupina, I can’t do anything standard. I feel rather at odds. I wander the streets again and run into a friend from CA. I help he and his friend find good pants to go with the new doublet and catch up quickly. Then, I am off again.
ROMANCE: SIGNED, SEALED, AND DELIVERED
I am heading back out and am approached by a rose seller who informs me that they found the DVD player and had a big group crowded around it watching the movie. luckily, one of them was in on the secret and when my hit went to turn the movie off, she told her to wait. Much laughter ensued. Well, I hadn’t figured out how to edit the music, so the credits were VERY long to fill out the music. I stop by on my way out and ask her if she has seen any good movies lately. She said yes and asked me if she could get copies. She hands me a stack of DVD-R’s and I tell her I will try to make copies after closing day. I am then stopped by a rose seller who hands me my final hit and tells me that the person who was hitting me decided not to play after she got my name. This woman and her husband decided to pick up the slack and had been hitting me as well s their regular people. It makes everything received so much more special…oh, and JustShowtune? I didn’t realize those were from you. I thought they were part of the hit. Thank you, the pears are yummy and the earrings are lovely. I am overloaded as the lady who I was hitting has ALSO provided a thank you gift. I head toward the front area to drop things off and hear Cat and the Fiddle playing in the front area…there is a dry spot in the tree near them…DAMMIT, Baby Stupina is coming out. I hand off my things and grab her. We dance for two songs and manage to get people to stop IN THE MUD and watch. The day was starting to feel better again.
SANITY WITH THE SEYMOURS, OR HOW TO WATCH YOUR LIFE FLASH BEFORE YOUR EYES
Ok, so in rehearsals, we set it up that Columbina DESPISES Daisy Seymour…but Daisy is related to the queen, and Columbina isn’t dumb. Daisy has decided that she and “Bini” are best friends because they both wear yella. Ok… Daisy sees Bini and grabs her hand and says “we’re friends now, let’s play” and starts dragging Columbina through the village in a death grip. Patrons laugh as they look at my panicked and pained look as I pass. I mouth “help” to some of them, but they will have none of it. I am brought to Seymour J. and he is introduced to his sister’s friend, who then drags me to the King’s daughter. Luckily, the lady in blue velvet sets me free and I try to run, but am stopped by Princess Mary, who wants to trade places with Daisy and ALSO begins dragging me through the village. Lady in Blue to the rescue again and I run panicked toward the gate. I run into the Queen and try to explain my disheveled and panicked expression. She understands completely. Pity it wasn’t drier, or I would have fallen on the ground.
FAREWELL AT A GREAT HEIGHT
It is finally toward the end of the day, so I head up on the gate to say goodbye. I bring Master Weatherby with me. He brings Juliet, his lovely pet sheep puppet. We chat with the people exiting, including…VERY DRUNK WEDDING MOM. She is in great spirits, had a great time and thanks me for such a wonderful show…whod’ve thunk. Juliet is saying Bahh-baah as people leave, I am saying arrivederci and ciao. The energy of the day is feeling better. I am looking forward to the day to come and am mostly dry. This is good. My time is done and we head downstairs. I am hungry and head for a scotch egg.
IT’S LOST JOHNNY
I get the egg and it is wonderfully tasty and steaming in the cold air. I head to the pub and go to put my gloves on when…I can’t find one of them. I walk my path again…no glove. I walk back and forth to the scotch egg booth and back with one or another friend. Nothing…damn. I am then approached by Master Rackham who shows me the show list and notes that he had heard I might be looking for this item…they are singing Leave Her Johnny, which I love. I determine that I need to find somewhere to sit. I do, in the tables with the regular patrons, which I NEVER do. I find a few friends who have a thin body with space if I straddle the bench.
FRIENDLY CLOSENESS
My friend notes how chilly I am and wraps his arms around me…my friends are cool, We are asked to scootch a bit forward and I try, but I am right up against a lady who can’t move forward. My friend and I are cosy. I am not watching pub sing as I haven’t in about 10 years. From the patron’s point of view. I am still restless, but there is a goal. The song comes, I hear the excitement in the rest of the crowd and let myself travel on the high seas with the rest. I cry. And since Am isn’t there, it only seems right. Sitting with her old gang and crying in the regular seats. Soon enough it is over and I say goodbye to the others…but this is closing weekend, so there is more. I stay till the court leaves, and off we go. I change and begin to take stuff home. Tonight, there is discussion on where to eat. We go to one place, but the wait is over 45 minutes and there is clothing to dry tonight. We end up eating Chinese and I “share dumplings” with the nice lady and split the peking duck with SMJ and PM. Yummy dinner.
REPLAY…NOT
Since this time I did not want to deal with the 12:30 cleaning crew, I kinda put my foot down on how things got dried. We did the wet stuff (no boots) and the wash. Then put the wash in with the slightly wet stuff, once that was done around 11:30, I pulled all that safely out and put in his boots…and left. They were dry by morning from what he said. All in all, a MUCH better plan and Stupina was not covered in mud. Sleep, and the last day began…
URGH, THE LAST
Morning comes all too soon. It is no longer raining and the promise of sunlight is inspiring. I get up and have my last protein shake. I have been promised by the Lelios that they will drive, as long as I promise to drink enough to be sufficiently unable to drink. Considering I have been sober since July 27, I don’t expect that to be a problem. We pile in their car and head to site. Off to Fortune to check sound. It’s on the edge of ringy, but with the crowd, it will be fine. They are off for brekkies and I am off to the stretch. The stage is mostly dry and I can do most of my morning stretches, being creative in my placement of a shoulder stand so that nothing gets too muddy. I won’t be wearing this outfit tonight, so I am not SO worried, but enough.
DRESSING THE LAST
I get to the costume house first and am met by Stitch. I grab the Stupina props and head to the stage. When I return, PM is waxing poetical about how this is her last day to change in the costume house, the last day to put on this dress, the last day…you get the point. I understand her melancholia as I am preparing to do Stupina for the last day this season. I know it is going to be chilly, so I gather my cloak, my mask, my odds and ends for the day and head to my meeting. Thank yous are the order of the morning and I leave with a small and very happy giftie…it has chocolate gang, I love anything with decent chocolate. I head to cast call and we go over the final notes, comments about the evening’s event and reminders to take your damn stuff home tonight. We sing our final BEEP and head out to start our shows. I look out and see the crowds aren’t bad. My litmus test proves this to be a rather nice day all around.
BOOM! AND GOODBYE
I have forgotten to go out and prehand out programs (since yesterday was so slow and off). I grab a bunch and Mrs. Pugh and I call to the crowd and tell them of our offerings. I don’t see Dash, and this makes me sad, but the double cannon needed extra help I assume. Time is up and I head briefly outside to hand out more programs until my stack is gone. Then, in I go. I find a small piece of dryness near my favorite tree and sit in the dirt for one more time. I can hear how rough my voice is still, but hey, let’s go for broke, I have a few months to heal. I manage to get a crowd to sing with me. At least 15 people join me and sing along with the full bowls song. What a pleasant rush for the last day (I have had people singing all year, but not a large group, only 1-6 at a time or so). It is time for me to head to the stage.
STUPINA HAS AN ANGEL ON HER SHOULDERS
So I took a class in hoop and silks this week with the Arial Angels head honcho. I learned much, but with the limited attendance, I didn’t get as much acro practice, so she invited us to play with her in the morning. I haven’t been able to find them, when I hear they are at the front area. I arrive and am informed that Kissy can help. With Dodo spotting, Stupina gets Kissy to stand on her shoulders. And stands. The mud is so bad though, that I don’t want to walk from the clean rug and risk their outfits. Next, I put my clean white scarf (no longer clean) on the rug, place my feet on the rug, knees up, and balance Kissy in a handstand into my hands. It is so very cool and she is really sweet. Time is up for me and I don’t want to distract from the hoops and silk work they are doing, so I head backstage for the Girlie Show.
MARY AND THE GRAPES
I am backstage a bit earlier than normal and tell the Princess Mary cast about my exciting adventure. Mary removes her kneepads and goes back into the house for my show, as she is my reader. I go out and see two angels there as well as many patrons I met and some regulars. I go to hawk a crowd and yell, hey, David…David Smith…how’s that for specific for getting an audience member. Turns out a friend of mine from MotionFest was walking by and stops in to see the show. I now feel this urgent need to make the show amazing…and, luckily, it was a blast. The crowd is laughing up a storm, Princess Mary is getting angry with me and coaxing me along with grapes. Even Bob gets a grape in the end. The show ends happily and I say my goodbyes. I have many hugs and handshakes at the end and head backstage. I touch base with Mimi who is unable to perform her show. I am sad for that, but hopefully, all will be well in the future. I pack my props for the last time and head back to the costume house.
PREEMPTIVE STRIKE
Ok, so normally, but this time, I see the lost princess eating lunch…even yesterday, she was here by this time. Since she was so sick the day before, I am worried. I call for the Powers that be and ask if they have heard from her. They haven’t. I ask for a script. I know the blocking since I directed the darn thing, so I should start reading the script and see if I need to step in. I am going over the breakdown of sections when we see her arrive. The next ten minutes or so consist of me running around saying “yayeeeeee” over and over. I didn’t think in ½ hour I would do the text justice. This was a much better way to end the season.
INVISIBILITY
Once the worst fear is over, I realize I have only 10-15 minutes left till I am to change costume…crap. Precious little Stupina time and no clear idea of what to do to make an impact in that short of a time. I head out and it hits me… go to the center of the muddy area, hug a tree, and begin to yell out. “I’m hiding, I’m invisible. You can’t see me! There’s no one here but us trees!” People all turn and look at the weird creature in the bright cloak hugging a tree and screaming. I get a lot of attention and laughter. Some people look around as if confused, some just laugh, others think I am insane. A dad and his daughter approach through the mud and come up to me. I “reappear” (stepping away from the tree) and talk to them. It is a lovely chat and it ends my Stupina time perfectly. I head backstage to put her away for another season. Le sigh…
THE LAST “SUPPER”
So I was prepared and brought a bowl today. I head to the Pork Pocket booth and ask them to dump the fries, meat and slaw right into the bowl. Being kind, they OVERFILL my already large bowl. I beg them to stop as I know I can’t eat that much. I go to sit and start my meal. I see a court lady who joins me and eats part of my food, after I give her the pickled pig intestines I was given for her (don’t get grossed out. It was a joke bit from her Dear Hoosband – in the show). I am looking for more people to help me eat as this is too much. After a small amount of more help, I manage to finish the bowl, but I am STUFFED, uncomfortably so. Ok, well, still have work to do, so I head over to the Fortune stage.
WEDDED BLISS
The brass quartet is playing when I get there. Oddly, they are surrounded by all of the Squire on the Wire’s props who has seemed to not clear the stage in time again. Once they are done playing, he goes out and clears the stage as we set our props. The show runs well, playfully, and the audience has fun. It is a full house and they are enjoying themselves. We keep BeerPam happy by selling a tshirt (you are so good to her). Our Mom is great, everyone gets their cues and we are having a great time. It was a wonderful way to conclude our last wedding. I leave all the props and the sign packed up there (since I don’t need to get it till the next day). I head out and back to the front to see if I can get Baby Stupina out.
DANCING IN THE MUD
Today, Cat and the Fiddle are alone (no Vince today) and they are just about to finish, but they have time for one more song. I borrow a tambourine from them and Baby Stupina dances the rhythm on the tambourine with her feet. We finish and are suddenly doing what we can to not get mud soaked as the Marchioness arrives with Lord Cromwell, Lady N and Chapuys. She asks for a polka and an Irish Jig. What can they do but oblige? Cromwell and the Lady Exceter dance. Cromwell then switches to others and Chapyus dances with Exceter…IN THE MUD. I am actually sad that I have Baby Stupina as I miss polkaing a lot. Next, the Lady Exceter does an Irish Jig in the MUD. It reminded me of many days past when she was one of the telepubbies and the highland fling dancers. How time flies…
LYING ONCE MORE
It is time for the Lying Valet preparation. When I get to my area, I see a box of chocolates left for my by one of the ladies in the show I directed. It was very sweet of her. I begin to get all my accoutrement gathered for the show. Mrs. Pugh arrives and we do my last lacing in. I gather my other items and get them all ready for the show. While we wait, my castmakes trick or treat at a booth and come back with…passionfruit almond joy? They even sneak the candy onto the stage in amusing fashions, but don’t eat during the show. It is amusing, fun and silly. We play two rounds of cards, but I can feel I don’t have my full range of voice and my squeal is not as good as it has been in the past. Bugger. We take our bow and head out.
FROM ON HIGH
I grab my cloak and, since I don’t expect to be back, grab my mug, and head toward the top of the gate. Here, I begin to wave at the crowd. Soon, Master Weaherby joins me and we call down again. Next we are joined by the YAES. They are all staying till the end, so they have time to kill. They have lots of energy and we all have fun. It is time for Hugh and I to leave and we head downstairs. I had “work” to do. I head first to Renfield’s to fulfill a promise. Then, I head down the boardwalk to Sleeping Dragon to get the prize…the thing I have been waiting for for most of the season…CHOCOLATE. DARK KRON BUDAPEST CRÈME TRUFFLES. Go online, order them, eat them SLOWLY…it’s worth it. I now have everything I need to end the day and head toward the pub.
A LEATHERY GOODBYE
I make one stop on the way at Leather Rose. I hand off everything I have, EXCEPT for the chocolate, and eat my first piece for the crowd. I begin to sob…literally, heartfelt sobs. I am simultaneously bouncing up and down and occasionally starting to laugh and smile through the tears…yes, gang, it is THAT good and I miss chocolate THAT much. Especially that one…don’t worry about handing me milk chocolate, I can turn it down, but really good dark chocolate makes me happy. They are amused/amazed by the reaction and I say my goodbyes to them for the season. Now, to the White Hart.
THE OFFICIAL TASTING
I find Am and crew at the side of the pub. She asks if I have it and says we should toast as last year. I warn her I already had one, so it might not be too strong. I give one to her, BeerPam, and LadyFoxchase. We all eat and melt…BeerPam’s eyes bug out of her head and I begin to sob again which makes Am sob. Only Lady Foxchase seems calm from the event. I give a taste to a few others, including Theresa_Grant, whose response was to also bug her eyes out of her head, yell, “OH MY GOD” and try to turn to me. She has since agreed with my assessment of other chocolate.
ENJOYING THE SONGS
I head in and offer one to the lady of the “house” who is not feeling well and turns it down. I then sit and watch the Angels balancing while Gypsophilia plays an aching tune. I see various Macabre people wandering about as the had a Danse Macabre this year. Lady Kytson, in all her black, is sitting with us in her veil. Kinda spooky, but cool. I am reminded I can’t sit on the ground after I am scratched on the head by a kind pub owner. I find a seat near SM-J and Lady Nic. I offer them both one as they have heard SO MUCH about them. SM-J also bugs out her eyes in intense confusion and shock. Yes, gang, they are that good, and you have to get your own…www.krondc.com. Budapest Crème Truffles. You must like dark chocolate or it will be a waste.
ONE MORE SONG
Tonight, Jack and gang are being cruel, they pull out every tearjerker. Boatman, Wilde mountain Thyme, and more. Tonight, Zack shoots Nymblewyck, who shoots back. And Zack opens his mouth to show he caught the bullet in his teeth. The crowd roared. There were standing ovations and more…and then the bastard did it. He took text from a friend of mine’s live journal, and read it (edited) at the end of the day. To say I started sobbing from shock, the accuracy of the text, the expectation of how it would affect others in the room…that would be an understatement. Wow, that one really blew me away. Thank you Jack and WD for that extremely special moment. There was one annoying and on the edge of scary patron that almost created an issue, but it was handled very well. Finally, it was truly the LAST song, and the cannon sounded. This was the first year I wasn’t holding onto someone while the end came. I had many friends, but they were scattered. I had a HUGE desire to run over to the steps of the stage to join my friend, but I held back. I didn’t want to get in anyone else’s way. Three cheers for his and her maj and off we went.
WHAT A CROWD!
All season, at the end of the day, I come to the costume house and can change right away. There are people, but only about 8-10 of us left changing. Tonight, there are around 20-25 people changing all at once. I can’t even get to my corner to start. I just begin peeling the layers I can and tossing them in to the corner. I am just about to be able to get to my corner when I hear “two minutes to closing.” There is NO WAY IN HELL I can get done in time, but I rush as much as I can to make it happen. I reorganize as quickly as possible and get out of there. I fix makeup and jewelry outside. I stand in line for checks and get my things, then join the Lelio’s in blowing this popsicle stand.
THE RULES
Ok, so the rule is if I don’t drive, I have to drink. This is applicable on closing day only. So, not to break the rules, I drink. I had one cider at pub sing (my only one for the entire season) and when we get to the cast dinner, I order a cosmo…ok, by the end of the night, I have 4 (in gimlet glasses), one purchased by a charming young man. I also have crab cakes and am handed the special chocolate drops that were saved for me by strumpetsrus. They are not the same as THE chocolate, but they are very good. I share one or two around the table. Getting seats is a bit odd and I am concerned about the table that is open for me. I don’t want to invade people’s space on this kind of a night, and I am edgy that I might be. I am informed more than once by SMJ that I have every right to be at the table and no one will mind as I did become a director this year. Um, ok. Dinner was cheery and pleasant. I watch the antics around me and am pleased at the positive energy floating around.
AND NOW, THE END IS NEAR…
I ask for a box to pack up my second crabcake and step away from the table to chat. Before leaving, I go to pay the check to have the paper ripped out of my hand. I start to panic because I am thinking this person is trying to pay for my meal, and I didn’t think that was appropriate. I clarify and pay my tab. Then I leave and have a grand time talking with people who want to ‘convert” me. I just laugh lots. I am complimented on my work by another clown, which means a huge amount for me. If another clown sees the joy in your work and commends your creativity, THAT is a huge compliment. I turn back to my table to see my crab cake is gone…totally gone. AAAUUUGGGH. I head to the staff to find out what happened and no one knows. Finally, after the busboy was no help, a waitress gets the manager. I tell him I only want the one crabcake that was removed and he tells me he will make me two. But I ate one, you get two…ok. (They were yummy when I ate them two days later.) We head out, the last group to leave, a festival year completed. As we leave, I notice romance budding in the air. The circle continues.
Till next year dear friends…in this life, or the next, keep the faith, keep the joy, and keep it inside till the warmth of the summer makes it bloom again…and don ‘t forget to wish me happy birthday on opening day next year.