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ptpgradOk, it will be long, as normal, wordy, as normal, full of fun and mostly correct information, as normal, and I will definitively miss people, places, events, and names…as normal. I preapologize and disclaim as needed.
AND SO IT STARTS
I am informed earlier in the week that the lady who has been out ill is still not well and I should expect to perform again in Opening Gate. This is fine. We got our pattern down as to how to get me from one costume to the other, so I am not worried. I head into site after drinking my protein shake and much calmer than last Saturday morning. I stretch, sing to my walkman from Gatehouse to Fortune (and get a few compliments along the way) and set up for the Lelios. They arrive and we run the fight and the sound check. I head out while they finish their stuff. They have a lot more stuff too as they are performing Treasure Island for Adventurer’s Weekend. They have the 10:30 slot on Gatehouse.
READY TO FLOAT
I go and wait for the costume house to open. It’s not till 8:45 or so that we get in, still earlier than official time, but I love that extra time. It helps that I am not playing in the romance wars. I get my props up to the Gatehouse, set them up, head down to get dressed and add the second costume on top of mine. It has HUUUUUUGE shoulder “pads.” I have also discovered that having these day-glo orange “lady’s lumps” incurs a repetitive number of jokes that are called out to me every morning…sadly, they are the SAME jokes…over and over. Or, my shoulders get felt up. Joy. I am not sure if it is sexual harassment for someone to squeeze your big shoulder pad thingies, but it is a constant attack on anyone’s personal space. I don’t know how the other actress put up with it. It’s funny, but my withering look has been getting A LOT of action lately.
BOOM, RUN, RUN
Cast call is informative. We are all worried about the supposed “weather from hell” that is predicted for this weekend and are not looking forward to it. I am preparing to have to cancel shows and reschedule people. None of this is looking fun. There is a Pirate Costume contest at 1:30 and I plan on showing up to help if needed. We Beep and head to gate. The opening gate cast has been asked to come to the gate quickly so we can run lines for me once more. It goes smoothly and we head on up after I run to have my pre-gate pee. Today, the crowd is BIG and we all pump our voices up appropriately. I am mentally comparing my volume with the rest of the cast. It’s sad that the men’s voices seem to travel so much better. Zach Rackham stands by me for a moment and I feel my eardrum melt…which only serves to make me feel I am not loud enough and I pump up more volume. The King enters, the cannon has its delayed boom, and away we go.
MUMSIE IS ON HER WAY
I go to one of my short term “daughters” and tell her we need to get to the king. She looks confused. I think she needed more of her morning coffee before I could act in her general direction. I head down off gate and stop at the bottom of the stairs where I know the Lacing Goddess will be ready to help me out of my dress and provide me with Stupina. I “suit up” and head out onto the street. The first crowd is STILL walking in, so I know it’s going to be big today. I say hello and welcome the crowds. It’s the AFR Invasion, and sadly, I have learned that that means I will not see anyone visiting at the shows, as they book events when I am on stage, and have changed from ones who hang out at the pubs rather than attend shows en masse anymore. I do get to see Mercie and Roland as well as EJ and her sweetie. We have a new addition to the fountain as Robin Hood is gone and Captain Kidd has joined us for the morning. The Lelios show has a huge crowd and is well received.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
I head backstage to wait for them to finish so I can set the stage and start, but their show runs much longer than the Children’s Theater show that was there before, so I am now with only 3 minutes to hawk. My own fault for not revamping, but we start with a smaller group than I would like. The show has Mistress Elizabeth Holland reading. She does a good job and I am not “off” but the audience is staring blankly. There are laughs, they MUST be enjoying it, but it just feels REALLY off to me. I am confused and a bit unhappy with the final show. I know not every show can be perfect, but it felt like things were going right…just not sure what went wrong.
BACK TO THE DIRT
I finish and pack up. T-shirt boy and I head down to the costume house to put props away. I am rather drenched from the humidity. Urgh. I grab my face and head out. My voice is a bit tired, even Pirate Jean noticed, and I have a long way to go now, so I decide NOT to sit in the dirt and sing, but instead to wander the village. I go and dust people off, I wander the lanes. I head toward the Dragon Inn, across the boardwalk, by Ghoster5390 briefly, up the hill and see my favorite nut boy. He gives me some almonds with I share with villagers as I continue down my path. Later, I see Johnny working the booth himself. I think this is odd, but hey, if he isn’t adverse to getting his hands dirty, that works for me. I wander back toward the front of the village and after the circuit, head backstage to go and change.
WHAT WAS I DOING?
Mrs. Pugh helps me switch out of the costume into the more dry, but heavier layered outfit. I touch up my eyes, which have sweated off the makeup in the heat. I also notice that I am down another notch on my belt, which will make Lelio happy. I think that there was something I wanted to do, but I can’t think of it, so I head to the steak on a stake booth and grab something to eat. I sit and chat with patrons, but I really have to squeeze in between groups as it is PACKED. Scary packed. Soon after the meal, I see Mrs. Pugh and she says she is about to check the privy lines. I tell her I will grab one while she checks the other, but NONE of them need help. This is very unusual for a day this crowded.
LESSONS IN LOVE
I am wandering by the white hart and pass by some friends. Quick greetings and they introduce me to one of their guests. He …tries…to kiss my hand. Um, oh no, if you are going to do it, you do it right. I begin my lessons in proper hand kissing. I draw a small crowd. He learns relatively well, and THEN one of the crowd asks if he can try. He does VERY well. I mention my show and head off into the sunse…well, sun. No rain yet. They said 30%, so we might miss it. Ok. I head toward the Dragon and do my normal chatting up of the guests. Finally, it’s time and I head to set up at the Fortune.
ITS TOO HOT TO LAUGH
The normal act for that stage is away celebrating the new year, so we have another gentleman I know rather well performing that weekend. His show is a bit shorter and he ends on time and the stage is moving well. We get the stage in time and start on time and clear on time. But in the meantime, the show is not quite there. You know, some days you just don’t feel right. It wasn’t bad, but who knows. I was making a conscious effort to adjust how I am playing the show. It does have a better effect and it seems a bit better, but I know it’s still not quite there yet. I do see an improvement, but the audience is hot and not laughing up the storm we hoped for. Our death was pretty damn good though and I felt good giving the shirt to him.
YES OR NO
Normally, I remove the props that need to go offside on Saturday, but Lelio wasn’t sure if it was still needed, so he said he would take it back. I still had some other things to take back, so I headed quickly to the costume house to drop it off and then head back to site. I wander over to get a Scotch Egg and sit with patrons. They stare at my food and I explain it to them since it is new to them. We chat until it is time for pubsing. I head over and half watch the show. I am distracted by the large number of annoyingly drunk people we find in the pub. I head toward the outer edge to protect myself from the eyes and possible spillage factors.
SPARKLIES
I see Thomas Culpepper near the edge and he asks my advice on jewelry. Little known fact, I used to sell fine jewelry years ago, so I often have a decent eye for it. I head out with him to Moon Angel. On the way we are stopped by loud bagpipes walking through the village. It’s the Rogues and they are playing and marching patrons out the gate like the pied pipers of Hamlin. There was great energy as everyone danced behind them and I was quite impressed. Energized music worked really well. Once at Moon Angel, we pick a proper finger for his single ring (middle finger does NOT cut it) and the right stone (onyx was too dark). He likes his final choice and says he will purchase it on the morrow. As we are there, we hear the cannon’s boom and head backstage to change. A short time later, I am out of the bodice and skirts and back in my comfortable clothing…the sweater of which I seem to have lost. Anyone see a tight fitting black sweater? I think it fell out and went into never never land. Sniff.
FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD
Again, a small group gathers and heads out to eat. Tonight, I split four regular dishes with another, so we both get appetizer, salad, entrée and dessert for half the price and half the calories. It’s almost 9:45 by the time we leave, so I flatfoot it home and to bed. I am tired and really need the rest.
DOOOOOOOOM AND GLOOOOM
Today’s forecast is an 80% chance of rain/thunderstorms with very likely hail and tornados. GREAT. One woman called an 80% chance of Armageddon. The day is breezy and still nice in the morning, but I don’t expect it to last. Yesterday, we just got lucky. I get to site and listen to my music as I warm up. I am sure I look insane dancing away to music no one else hears. I take extra care with legs and feet as they feel a bit tender and voice as I don’t want to lose it. Then, off to Fortune and sound/sword check. Again, some dancing time as I set out stuff and then they arrive. Sound is balanced and I head off. I have lots of time and sit down to close my eyes for a moment. One of the other actors arrives and we talk about random things, including the actor I like that he knows. Fun conversation. Eventually, Stitch arrives and we all pile in.
ORDER BACKWARDS
I get half dressed, then go set the props for the show, THEN head back to add Edina’s outfit over mine. I am still rather amused that I am, if only for gate show, playing my own archenemy. Makes me chuckle. I head out toward meeting and get their comfortably early. More people are playing with my shoulders or throwing the EXACT same jokes out that I heard yesterday. Wow. That costume is like a magnet for abuse. LOL. I hear that the count from yesterday is much larger than I thought it was. We compliment the trashrats because the site looks amazing if that was our crowd that day. They mention the insane crowd at the pirate costume contest…DAMN, THAT was what I forgot. I imbed it into my memory for today because they will need help, if we don’t get rained out. We BEEP and off we go.
SMOOTHER SAILING
The Gate Show, while tiring on voices, is easier today. Both Zack and I have momentary voice cracks, but the show goes well. I kiss my “daughters” goodbye and head downstairs. As I have just changed into Stupina, they also arrive downstairs and, while looking at me, say “Mumsie, you’ve changed” to which I respond “yes’ girls, this is my natural look and one day you will look like this too.” They almost cried. LOL. Out I go and greet the incoming crowd. Everyone is saying the same thing… “Get here early and try to get in as much as I can before the rain.” This is great as it means that we have a much better crowd than we expected. I wander about a bit and realize I left something at the costume house. Come up and set my stuff, then head back out into the streets. I go out to hawk from the fountain and then go set up with 5 minutes to spare.
HAPPIER SHOW
It always fascinates me how different the show is when an audience member “gets” it. In the house today are 3 groups of regulars…at least for the show. Two people from AFR, a father and two daughters who won’t miss my show every time they come, and another woman and her family who see the show ALMOST every time they are here. Ironically, they are each sitting in a different section of the audience. Today, the laugher is much more comfortable for the audience. There are always those people who do not “get” Stupina, but the kids and adults in this one are doing better with a few people who get what is funny. We adlib a bit away from the script and we run till 28 minutes, ouch. I rush to clear the stage for the Pee Wee Pirate show as fast as I can and then go and say a quick hello to a few of the regulars. Then, backstage to breathe.
FUN ON STREET
I head back with the props then head back out on street. Today, I feel better vocally and decide to sit in the dirt and sing. I invent a new song for pirate weekend “Welcome to the Village, Please don’t stop to pillage, Because pirates like that, instead wear a nice hat.” I begin to sing it to the pirates that pass me by. I also sing the “lovely day in the village” song, the “sitting in the dirt” song and the “I see someone” song. I have a regular repetoire. Finally, it is time to go in. I head back and Mrs. Pugh helps me switch. TODAY, I remember that the pirate contest is happening. I also remember that WRNR is outside. As I wander up, the Pyrates Royale have just finished their set and the station doesn’t need anyone for a while. I head back in to see EXACTLY where Seb threw the death cape today. Lordy, that man must be trying to get rid of that costume piece. I swear it went up 15 feet into the tree behind him. The show ends well, I make sure they don’t need anything and then head into the audience to help organize the kids.
PIRATE CONTEST THE FIRST
The wall is coated with kids who are hoping to win. Many have prebought their costume pieces, only a few look handmade. Some kids are very brave, others are VERY terrified and have to be walked across the stage. Jean Cabot is hosting the crowd and looks great. She has a wonderful way with the kids and comes up with creative names for them all. I am standing at the back of the lines so they know when it is done. As I am standing there, a few families run up last minute. Finally, the line is finished and they begin deliberating. Sadly, a minute later, a little boy runs up with his family asking if he can try. I explain they have already finished and are deliberating and apologize. I go the stage and ask if I can get the special candy treat for the boy that the others got. I get some and a few extras as back up and give the boy and his family two lollipops skulls. The parents are grateful and I am glad I could give them something to enjoy. I hate to send them away empty handed.
PIRATE CONTEST THE SECOND
When I went up, I am surreptitiously asked if I can step in for Jean for the second contest as she has to run to the joust at 2. I say sure and after she offers some words of warning to the adults who forget children are around, I take over. This includes announcing each contestant as they cross the stage. There are some…interesting characters. One man has a treasure chest with booty he bribes the pyrates with, one woman enters in a crocheted mini dress and a pirate hat, many have creative names and others are very normal. Even the infamous wandering Jack Sparrow joins the fray. As the judges are deliberating and the Pyrates are singing, I ask what is in each package to tell the crowd. I get a scribbled list I can read and go to announce them. The award bag is pulled from me as it turns out Jimmy Alexander from 107.3 is going to hand over he prizes. I announce the 3rd prize, which includes two different sets of tickets to events. Then the 2nd prize, which includes Tickets, and tickets, and EVEN Tickets. Finally, the first prize not only has tickets (I tell the crowd) and not only does it have tickets, and NOT ONLY DOES IT HAVE TICKETS, but it has ….” And the crowd yells back “tickets.” I like when there is an obvious build to play with.
WHAT IS GOING ON?
The winners all looked pretty damn good and I was happy with the results. I am asked if I need a lozenge and I show off the one in my mouth. I belatedly announce a thank you to the winners, a thank you to the sponsors, a thank you to Mr. Alexander, and finally, that Dinty the Moor will be next upon the stage. I wish my brain was thinking faster on that, but I can’t project and listen to the informative buzzing in my ears simultaneously. Overall, it went ok for an impromptu and I was glad to help. But NOW, it was time for lunch. I head over to the steak on a stake booth and get my lunch. I sit with new patrons. This time, an older man who had never been there before and his family who were regulars. We are having a great chat and when I say I am from Italy, he points to his daughter who is part Italian. That was the weird thing, I swear EVERYONE and their BROTHER wanted to speak to me in Italian this past weekend. I would really like to know more of it so I could pass muster when they start this. We chat a bit more and I head away.
ANOTHER LESSON WELL LEARNED
I wander toward O’Shucks and hear a patron with a cell phone and her table singing happy birthday to someone on the other end. I come up and ask if they want it in Italian. Excitedly, she says yes and I oblige. She is thrilled and I stay a while to chat. Also at her table is an attractive gentleman who when asked, says he has no idea how to kiss a woman’s hand. Oh REALLY. And the challenge is begun. I make him stand and we begin. By the time we are done, I am projecting to a crowd of 40 or so people who have formed a circle around us. He can’t seem to keep eye contact, but he is much improved at the end. A woman says she thinks she can do better, and wearing my hat over her elfin ears, impresses me to no end. It’s sad how many women are better at this than men. I thank them all and go on my way.
TOWARD THE DRAGON INN
Inside, VicNaz is playing Cast and Woggle(sp) with some patrons who happened to sit with him. I chat briefly and head into the pub. There, I see my pirate from the day before who proves to me that he remembers how to kiss my hand well. Then, they challenge one of their friends to learn and I give the entire lesson to a new crowd. He does admirably. I begin to wander but am stopped again to ask for a bit of etiquette. Turns out the lady of the group is the captain of the wild ferret or something and is going to get a letter of mark from the king but doesn’t know the etiquette of how to approach or ask for leave. I give her advice on what I know. They thank me and I take my leave of them. I find a table of rowdy and drunk 20 somethings. I chat with them a bit and shock them with my quick turn of phrase and lack of fear of them. I leave them with laughter on their lips and smiles on their faces. My day is going well.
THAT’S IT! SHOW
The rain has been threatening all day and no more so than now. I am setting up props when I hear the actor on stage fighting to keep the crowd that is starting to leave in fear of the dark clouds and intense winds. I am half-heartedly getting things set, because if it starts pouring, I have to adjust everything. I quietly tell the sky it has to wait till after our show to rain. Patrons are pouring out and away for fear of the impending storm…that never comes. Once we are set and it’s time for our show, we adjust for ringing mics and then call to a crowd. We get a small group, maybe 50-100 and encourage them to come closer, As the show goes on, we do gather a few more. We warn them about he language and the bangy thing.
SMALLER IS BETTER
There is something about a slightly more intimate crowd that allows more room for play. The show is a lot of fun today including the unusual disarm and the sheath coming out on it’s own. At least they got both laughs and oohs as appropriate. My hairband has fallen off and when I go to put it on, it pops and breaks, so my hair is falling all over the place. Joy. It made things kinda impromtu. Those moments allow us to play with the crowd even more and everyone seems to have a really great time. The bang was REALLY loud and even hurt my ear, but weather will do that. The show ends and we make sure to greet the people who want to chat with us while the stage is being cleared. Today is my turn to take out the stuff, since it was done by the Lelios yesterday, so tshirt boy and I head toward the front. I get my keys, walk to the road and see my car COVERED in dirt. Joy. Because it didn’t rain, the dust is up really badly and I can barely see my car through it (ok, and exaggeration, but it was ¼ inch thick on the car.)
FRIENDS AND FESTIVITY
I head back in and see Culpepper’s final ring, which looks faboo. I head onto the site and am debating what to eat. I don’t want to have another scotch egg, and, against my better judgement, get a sausage on a stick. Spicy brown mustarded, I head back toward the patrons and pub. It is rather yummy. I run into the handkissing boy from earlier today and he walks me to the pub. I meet 3fingeredsalute and he is the only one who makes lewd comments about my food choice. Do I know my friends or do I know them? I am recognized by a stranger who saw me at another venue and we chat briefly. I walk HK boy to the bar and wander away as he gets his drink. I head toward friends and find…Haaaaammmm. Really good Haaammmm. It took that edge off. I ran into HK boy again and we chatted a bit more. He was off to Heineke to catch up with his friend who made the stylish leather goods he was wearing.
GOOD COMPANY AND PRESENT TIMES
I sit with friends and chat a bit more and watch some of the show. Finally, BOOM and it’s time to go. Emrys is walking with us again, since I whimpered at him the other day. I miss his “cmon! We’re leavin!” that he yells as we exit toward the front. My feet are in agony today, so I beg my leave of them at the end of the walk and head backstage. There, it is hard to decide where we want to eat. I end up eating with a number of ladies, the Lelios and Culpepper, On the way to the car, I am reminded that we did not get the promised rain as my car is at the road and coated thickly with dust from the other cars driving by. My throat is a bit raw, so I order some hot water and lemon at dinner. Not pleased about that. We listen to a jukebox playing songs from the movie Grease and scare away other diners by hand jiving through entire songs (well, they do, my salad had arrived). Eventually, after causing Lelio to laugh hysterically, it is time to go. I head to my now-beige car and drive on home.
This weekend reading:
Saturday – Reginald Sharp (and he’s ALWAYS good for a bit of drama, hee)
Sunday – Maid Marian (which is always a good show)
AND SO IT STARTS
I am informed earlier in the week that the lady who has been out ill is still not well and I should expect to perform again in Opening Gate. This is fine. We got our pattern down as to how to get me from one costume to the other, so I am not worried. I head into site after drinking my protein shake and much calmer than last Saturday morning. I stretch, sing to my walkman from Gatehouse to Fortune (and get a few compliments along the way) and set up for the Lelios. They arrive and we run the fight and the sound check. I head out while they finish their stuff. They have a lot more stuff too as they are performing Treasure Island for Adventurer’s Weekend. They have the 10:30 slot on Gatehouse.
READY TO FLOAT
I go and wait for the costume house to open. It’s not till 8:45 or so that we get in, still earlier than official time, but I love that extra time. It helps that I am not playing in the romance wars. I get my props up to the Gatehouse, set them up, head down to get dressed and add the second costume on top of mine. It has HUUUUUUGE shoulder “pads.” I have also discovered that having these day-glo orange “lady’s lumps” incurs a repetitive number of jokes that are called out to me every morning…sadly, they are the SAME jokes…over and over. Or, my shoulders get felt up. Joy. I am not sure if it is sexual harassment for someone to squeeze your big shoulder pad thingies, but it is a constant attack on anyone’s personal space. I don’t know how the other actress put up with it. It’s funny, but my withering look has been getting A LOT of action lately.
BOOM, RUN, RUN
Cast call is informative. We are all worried about the supposed “weather from hell” that is predicted for this weekend and are not looking forward to it. I am preparing to have to cancel shows and reschedule people. None of this is looking fun. There is a Pirate Costume contest at 1:30 and I plan on showing up to help if needed. We Beep and head to gate. The opening gate cast has been asked to come to the gate quickly so we can run lines for me once more. It goes smoothly and we head on up after I run to have my pre-gate pee. Today, the crowd is BIG and we all pump our voices up appropriately. I am mentally comparing my volume with the rest of the cast. It’s sad that the men’s voices seem to travel so much better. Zach Rackham stands by me for a moment and I feel my eardrum melt…which only serves to make me feel I am not loud enough and I pump up more volume. The King enters, the cannon has its delayed boom, and away we go.
MUMSIE IS ON HER WAY
I go to one of my short term “daughters” and tell her we need to get to the king. She looks confused. I think she needed more of her morning coffee before I could act in her general direction. I head down off gate and stop at the bottom of the stairs where I know the Lacing Goddess will be ready to help me out of my dress and provide me with Stupina. I “suit up” and head out onto the street. The first crowd is STILL walking in, so I know it’s going to be big today. I say hello and welcome the crowds. It’s the AFR Invasion, and sadly, I have learned that that means I will not see anyone visiting at the shows, as they book events when I am on stage, and have changed from ones who hang out at the pubs rather than attend shows en masse anymore. I do get to see Mercie and Roland as well as EJ and her sweetie. We have a new addition to the fountain as Robin Hood is gone and Captain Kidd has joined us for the morning. The Lelios show has a huge crowd and is well received.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
I head backstage to wait for them to finish so I can set the stage and start, but their show runs much longer than the Children’s Theater show that was there before, so I am now with only 3 minutes to hawk. My own fault for not revamping, but we start with a smaller group than I would like. The show has Mistress Elizabeth Holland reading. She does a good job and I am not “off” but the audience is staring blankly. There are laughs, they MUST be enjoying it, but it just feels REALLY off to me. I am confused and a bit unhappy with the final show. I know not every show can be perfect, but it felt like things were going right…just not sure what went wrong.
BACK TO THE DIRT
I finish and pack up. T-shirt boy and I head down to the costume house to put props away. I am rather drenched from the humidity. Urgh. I grab my face and head out. My voice is a bit tired, even Pirate Jean noticed, and I have a long way to go now, so I decide NOT to sit in the dirt and sing, but instead to wander the village. I go and dust people off, I wander the lanes. I head toward the Dragon Inn, across the boardwalk, by Ghoster5390 briefly, up the hill and see my favorite nut boy. He gives me some almonds with I share with villagers as I continue down my path. Later, I see Johnny working the booth himself. I think this is odd, but hey, if he isn’t adverse to getting his hands dirty, that works for me. I wander back toward the front of the village and after the circuit, head backstage to go and change.
WHAT WAS I DOING?
Mrs. Pugh helps me switch out of the costume into the more dry, but heavier layered outfit. I touch up my eyes, which have sweated off the makeup in the heat. I also notice that I am down another notch on my belt, which will make Lelio happy. I think that there was something I wanted to do, but I can’t think of it, so I head to the steak on a stake booth and grab something to eat. I sit and chat with patrons, but I really have to squeeze in between groups as it is PACKED. Scary packed. Soon after the meal, I see Mrs. Pugh and she says she is about to check the privy lines. I tell her I will grab one while she checks the other, but NONE of them need help. This is very unusual for a day this crowded.
LESSONS IN LOVE
I am wandering by the white hart and pass by some friends. Quick greetings and they introduce me to one of their guests. He …tries…to kiss my hand. Um, oh no, if you are going to do it, you do it right. I begin my lessons in proper hand kissing. I draw a small crowd. He learns relatively well, and THEN one of the crowd asks if he can try. He does VERY well. I mention my show and head off into the sunse…well, sun. No rain yet. They said 30%, so we might miss it. Ok. I head toward the Dragon and do my normal chatting up of the guests. Finally, it’s time and I head to set up at the Fortune.
ITS TOO HOT TO LAUGH
The normal act for that stage is away celebrating the new year, so we have another gentleman I know rather well performing that weekend. His show is a bit shorter and he ends on time and the stage is moving well. We get the stage in time and start on time and clear on time. But in the meantime, the show is not quite there. You know, some days you just don’t feel right. It wasn’t bad, but who knows. I was making a conscious effort to adjust how I am playing the show. It does have a better effect and it seems a bit better, but I know it’s still not quite there yet. I do see an improvement, but the audience is hot and not laughing up the storm we hoped for. Our death was pretty damn good though and I felt good giving the shirt to him.
YES OR NO
Normally, I remove the props that need to go offside on Saturday, but Lelio wasn’t sure if it was still needed, so he said he would take it back. I still had some other things to take back, so I headed quickly to the costume house to drop it off and then head back to site. I wander over to get a Scotch Egg and sit with patrons. They stare at my food and I explain it to them since it is new to them. We chat until it is time for pubsing. I head over and half watch the show. I am distracted by the large number of annoyingly drunk people we find in the pub. I head toward the outer edge to protect myself from the eyes and possible spillage factors.
SPARKLIES
I see Thomas Culpepper near the edge and he asks my advice on jewelry. Little known fact, I used to sell fine jewelry years ago, so I often have a decent eye for it. I head out with him to Moon Angel. On the way we are stopped by loud bagpipes walking through the village. It’s the Rogues and they are playing and marching patrons out the gate like the pied pipers of Hamlin. There was great energy as everyone danced behind them and I was quite impressed. Energized music worked really well. Once at Moon Angel, we pick a proper finger for his single ring (middle finger does NOT cut it) and the right stone (onyx was too dark). He likes his final choice and says he will purchase it on the morrow. As we are there, we hear the cannon’s boom and head backstage to change. A short time later, I am out of the bodice and skirts and back in my comfortable clothing…the sweater of which I seem to have lost. Anyone see a tight fitting black sweater? I think it fell out and went into never never land. Sniff.
FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD
Again, a small group gathers and heads out to eat. Tonight, I split four regular dishes with another, so we both get appetizer, salad, entrée and dessert for half the price and half the calories. It’s almost 9:45 by the time we leave, so I flatfoot it home and to bed. I am tired and really need the rest.
DOOOOOOOOM AND GLOOOOM
Today’s forecast is an 80% chance of rain/thunderstorms with very likely hail and tornados. GREAT. One woman called an 80% chance of Armageddon. The day is breezy and still nice in the morning, but I don’t expect it to last. Yesterday, we just got lucky. I get to site and listen to my music as I warm up. I am sure I look insane dancing away to music no one else hears. I take extra care with legs and feet as they feel a bit tender and voice as I don’t want to lose it. Then, off to Fortune and sound/sword check. Again, some dancing time as I set out stuff and then they arrive. Sound is balanced and I head off. I have lots of time and sit down to close my eyes for a moment. One of the other actors arrives and we talk about random things, including the actor I like that he knows. Fun conversation. Eventually, Stitch arrives and we all pile in.
ORDER BACKWARDS
I get half dressed, then go set the props for the show, THEN head back to add Edina’s outfit over mine. I am still rather amused that I am, if only for gate show, playing my own archenemy. Makes me chuckle. I head out toward meeting and get their comfortably early. More people are playing with my shoulders or throwing the EXACT same jokes out that I heard yesterday. Wow. That costume is like a magnet for abuse. LOL. I hear that the count from yesterday is much larger than I thought it was. We compliment the trashrats because the site looks amazing if that was our crowd that day. They mention the insane crowd at the pirate costume contest…DAMN, THAT was what I forgot. I imbed it into my memory for today because they will need help, if we don’t get rained out. We BEEP and off we go.
SMOOTHER SAILING
The Gate Show, while tiring on voices, is easier today. Both Zack and I have momentary voice cracks, but the show goes well. I kiss my “daughters” goodbye and head downstairs. As I have just changed into Stupina, they also arrive downstairs and, while looking at me, say “Mumsie, you’ve changed” to which I respond “yes’ girls, this is my natural look and one day you will look like this too.” They almost cried. LOL. Out I go and greet the incoming crowd. Everyone is saying the same thing… “Get here early and try to get in as much as I can before the rain.” This is great as it means that we have a much better crowd than we expected. I wander about a bit and realize I left something at the costume house. Come up and set my stuff, then head back out into the streets. I go out to hawk from the fountain and then go set up with 5 minutes to spare.
HAPPIER SHOW
It always fascinates me how different the show is when an audience member “gets” it. In the house today are 3 groups of regulars…at least for the show. Two people from AFR, a father and two daughters who won’t miss my show every time they come, and another woman and her family who see the show ALMOST every time they are here. Ironically, they are each sitting in a different section of the audience. Today, the laugher is much more comfortable for the audience. There are always those people who do not “get” Stupina, but the kids and adults in this one are doing better with a few people who get what is funny. We adlib a bit away from the script and we run till 28 minutes, ouch. I rush to clear the stage for the Pee Wee Pirate show as fast as I can and then go and say a quick hello to a few of the regulars. Then, backstage to breathe.
FUN ON STREET
I head back with the props then head back out on street. Today, I feel better vocally and decide to sit in the dirt and sing. I invent a new song for pirate weekend “Welcome to the Village, Please don’t stop to pillage, Because pirates like that, instead wear a nice hat.” I begin to sing it to the pirates that pass me by. I also sing the “lovely day in the village” song, the “sitting in the dirt” song and the “I see someone” song. I have a regular repetoire. Finally, it is time to go in. I head back and Mrs. Pugh helps me switch. TODAY, I remember that the pirate contest is happening. I also remember that WRNR is outside. As I wander up, the Pyrates Royale have just finished their set and the station doesn’t need anyone for a while. I head back in to see EXACTLY where Seb threw the death cape today. Lordy, that man must be trying to get rid of that costume piece. I swear it went up 15 feet into the tree behind him. The show ends well, I make sure they don’t need anything and then head into the audience to help organize the kids.
PIRATE CONTEST THE FIRST
The wall is coated with kids who are hoping to win. Many have prebought their costume pieces, only a few look handmade. Some kids are very brave, others are VERY terrified and have to be walked across the stage. Jean Cabot is hosting the crowd and looks great. She has a wonderful way with the kids and comes up with creative names for them all. I am standing at the back of the lines so they know when it is done. As I am standing there, a few families run up last minute. Finally, the line is finished and they begin deliberating. Sadly, a minute later, a little boy runs up with his family asking if he can try. I explain they have already finished and are deliberating and apologize. I go the stage and ask if I can get the special candy treat for the boy that the others got. I get some and a few extras as back up and give the boy and his family two lollipops skulls. The parents are grateful and I am glad I could give them something to enjoy. I hate to send them away empty handed.
PIRATE CONTEST THE SECOND
When I went up, I am surreptitiously asked if I can step in for Jean for the second contest as she has to run to the joust at 2. I say sure and after she offers some words of warning to the adults who forget children are around, I take over. This includes announcing each contestant as they cross the stage. There are some…interesting characters. One man has a treasure chest with booty he bribes the pyrates with, one woman enters in a crocheted mini dress and a pirate hat, many have creative names and others are very normal. Even the infamous wandering Jack Sparrow joins the fray. As the judges are deliberating and the Pyrates are singing, I ask what is in each package to tell the crowd. I get a scribbled list I can read and go to announce them. The award bag is pulled from me as it turns out Jimmy Alexander from 107.3 is going to hand over he prizes. I announce the 3rd prize, which includes two different sets of tickets to events. Then the 2nd prize, which includes Tickets, and tickets, and EVEN Tickets. Finally, the first prize not only has tickets (I tell the crowd) and not only does it have tickets, and NOT ONLY DOES IT HAVE TICKETS, but it has ….” And the crowd yells back “tickets.” I like when there is an obvious build to play with.
WHAT IS GOING ON?
The winners all looked pretty damn good and I was happy with the results. I am asked if I need a lozenge and I show off the one in my mouth. I belatedly announce a thank you to the winners, a thank you to the sponsors, a thank you to Mr. Alexander, and finally, that Dinty the Moor will be next upon the stage. I wish my brain was thinking faster on that, but I can’t project and listen to the informative buzzing in my ears simultaneously. Overall, it went ok for an impromptu and I was glad to help. But NOW, it was time for lunch. I head over to the steak on a stake booth and get my lunch. I sit with new patrons. This time, an older man who had never been there before and his family who were regulars. We are having a great chat and when I say I am from Italy, he points to his daughter who is part Italian. That was the weird thing, I swear EVERYONE and their BROTHER wanted to speak to me in Italian this past weekend. I would really like to know more of it so I could pass muster when they start this. We chat a bit more and I head away.
ANOTHER LESSON WELL LEARNED
I wander toward O’Shucks and hear a patron with a cell phone and her table singing happy birthday to someone on the other end. I come up and ask if they want it in Italian. Excitedly, she says yes and I oblige. She is thrilled and I stay a while to chat. Also at her table is an attractive gentleman who when asked, says he has no idea how to kiss a woman’s hand. Oh REALLY. And the challenge is begun. I make him stand and we begin. By the time we are done, I am projecting to a crowd of 40 or so people who have formed a circle around us. He can’t seem to keep eye contact, but he is much improved at the end. A woman says she thinks she can do better, and wearing my hat over her elfin ears, impresses me to no end. It’s sad how many women are better at this than men. I thank them all and go on my way.
TOWARD THE DRAGON INN
Inside, VicNaz is playing Cast and Woggle(sp) with some patrons who happened to sit with him. I chat briefly and head into the pub. There, I see my pirate from the day before who proves to me that he remembers how to kiss my hand well. Then, they challenge one of their friends to learn and I give the entire lesson to a new crowd. He does admirably. I begin to wander but am stopped again to ask for a bit of etiquette. Turns out the lady of the group is the captain of the wild ferret or something and is going to get a letter of mark from the king but doesn’t know the etiquette of how to approach or ask for leave. I give her advice on what I know. They thank me and I take my leave of them. I find a table of rowdy and drunk 20 somethings. I chat with them a bit and shock them with my quick turn of phrase and lack of fear of them. I leave them with laughter on their lips and smiles on their faces. My day is going well.
THAT’S IT! SHOW
The rain has been threatening all day and no more so than now. I am setting up props when I hear the actor on stage fighting to keep the crowd that is starting to leave in fear of the dark clouds and intense winds. I am half-heartedly getting things set, because if it starts pouring, I have to adjust everything. I quietly tell the sky it has to wait till after our show to rain. Patrons are pouring out and away for fear of the impending storm…that never comes. Once we are set and it’s time for our show, we adjust for ringing mics and then call to a crowd. We get a small group, maybe 50-100 and encourage them to come closer, As the show goes on, we do gather a few more. We warn them about he language and the bangy thing.
SMALLER IS BETTER
There is something about a slightly more intimate crowd that allows more room for play. The show is a lot of fun today including the unusual disarm and the sheath coming out on it’s own. At least they got both laughs and oohs as appropriate. My hairband has fallen off and when I go to put it on, it pops and breaks, so my hair is falling all over the place. Joy. It made things kinda impromtu. Those moments allow us to play with the crowd even more and everyone seems to have a really great time. The bang was REALLY loud and even hurt my ear, but weather will do that. The show ends and we make sure to greet the people who want to chat with us while the stage is being cleared. Today is my turn to take out the stuff, since it was done by the Lelios yesterday, so tshirt boy and I head toward the front. I get my keys, walk to the road and see my car COVERED in dirt. Joy. Because it didn’t rain, the dust is up really badly and I can barely see my car through it (ok, and exaggeration, but it was ¼ inch thick on the car.)
FRIENDS AND FESTIVITY
I head back in and see Culpepper’s final ring, which looks faboo. I head onto the site and am debating what to eat. I don’t want to have another scotch egg, and, against my better judgement, get a sausage on a stick. Spicy brown mustarded, I head back toward the patrons and pub. It is rather yummy. I run into the handkissing boy from earlier today and he walks me to the pub. I meet 3fingeredsalute and he is the only one who makes lewd comments about my food choice. Do I know my friends or do I know them? I am recognized by a stranger who saw me at another venue and we chat briefly. I walk HK boy to the bar and wander away as he gets his drink. I head toward friends and find…Haaaaammmm. Really good Haaammmm. It took that edge off. I ran into HK boy again and we chatted a bit more. He was off to Heineke to catch up with his friend who made the stylish leather goods he was wearing.
GOOD COMPANY AND PRESENT TIMES
I sit with friends and chat a bit more and watch some of the show. Finally, BOOM and it’s time to go. Emrys is walking with us again, since I whimpered at him the other day. I miss his “cmon! We’re leavin!” that he yells as we exit toward the front. My feet are in agony today, so I beg my leave of them at the end of the walk and head backstage. There, it is hard to decide where we want to eat. I end up eating with a number of ladies, the Lelios and Culpepper, On the way to the car, I am reminded that we did not get the promised rain as my car is at the road and coated thickly with dust from the other cars driving by. My throat is a bit raw, so I order some hot water and lemon at dinner. Not pleased about that. We listen to a jukebox playing songs from the movie Grease and scare away other diners by hand jiving through entire songs (well, they do, my salad had arrived). Eventually, after causing Lelio to laugh hysterically, it is time to go. I head to my now-beige car and drive on home.
This weekend reading:
Saturday – Reginald Sharp (and he’s ALWAYS good for a bit of drama, hee)
Sunday – Maid Marian (which is always a good show)
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Date: 2006-09-27 09:04 pm (UTC)You and me both.