Md part Cinque
Sep. 26th, 2007 11:37 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ptpgradSorry about last week gang, but health and all caught up with me. I hope that this one gets done in a more timely fashion. Lots to be forgotten, not intentionally, I promise, but let’s see what we can remember of this fun and festive weekend…
PREPARATIONS
Friday, I waited for Trinket to come over and we hit errands and site together. We had some special plans for our costumes on Adventure weekend, and were excited to get moving. We hit a fabric store, the bank, and a few other exciting places, including site. We dropped off most of our stuff, I got some tickets for friends, and then we headed back home to eat dinner with the Lelios…or should I say the Hoods. Then, whilst I did some other multitasking, Trinket began to create…the hat. Yes, that frightening monstrosity you all saw, was made from scratch by her, with a little help from me…like blistering her hands with the glue gun…unintentionally…honest. I make a few feathers with Florist wire and maribou and the hat becomes appropriately festive. We head to bed a bit too late, her staying up later to take care of some other business, and we are prepared.
THE PRE PIRATE INVASION
We are up early, have a bowl of cereal and get to site a bit early. Today, we stretch, vocalize, sing (especially a new song we are trying to have ready for the next day), and begin make up and hair. I add a few special curls to my do to set underneath Stupina’s hood. Then off to sound check. The system isn’t up yet, so we are a bit concerned as we purchased a new receiver and body pack this past week and need to find out if it works. Um. Well, it’s not lighting up, so we realize we need new batteries. The sound lady arrives and we check our stuff. Um, ok, well, it’s still not working, until we remember to fix the channel so we aren’t on the same one ringing on each other’s sound.
WHEN WHO DO I SPY
As we are working, a familiar face comes walking toward the White Hart. I begin to shriek and strand poor Trinket, but who can blame me. Ensign Stubbs has returned for the invasion and I am bouncing for joy. I hug him many times, for what would normally be called inappropriate lengths of time, but there is nothing more that I want than just the comfort of hugging an old friend…and that man gives the BEST DAMN HUGS ever!. I welcome him back and Then, off to get ready. The costume house is quiet this morning. I get props, preset the water, and head up to gatehouse to get everything ready. Then, back to prepare.
INVADING CREATIVITY
I realize that I can’t find my pirate eyepatch for Stupina. This takes some creative wrangling and I pull out the defunct hair band I was using for Columbina, it fits over the mask perfectly. Then, I get changed and am done far earlier than I expected. I take the video camera I have to the costume house to leave for a friend. I head over to cast call a bit early and chat with the people who are equally prepared. One asks me what is happening special this weekend, so I go over the list I have, to which he says, but what is happening. I thwack him. Meeting starts and the updates of what I told the other gentleman are repeated, plus more I didn’t know. The Corsairs are welcomed twice since they missed the first calling of their names. We BEEP and are off for our day.
WELCOME BACK
I head to gate, have my pee, and hug Stubbs once more (this will become a theme). Off they go to make their strolling invasion (hey, let’s invade for cappuccino!) The cannon goes boom, the gates open, and the HUGE crowd comes pouring in. We were warned this was a huge day last year, and it proves to be one today. Even after the initial rush, whch lasted the longest so far since we opened, the people are still pouring in. I “q” at them (since Stupina doesn’t like the letter “r”). I see babies, and jewels of purple, and other friendly faces new to the village. They tell me of the traffic to get inside as I greet them, they ! with me or stare confused. This is supposed to be Invasion Weekend, but I only recognize a few out of towners (hi lady privy and Katie Scarlett), including the ever elusive MMario. I squee and hug him. I let him know when my shows are and he promises to be there…he follows through so nicely. I see some of my regulars and greet many new people. I am dusting, helping, and wandering the fountain in circles with the constant changing of the audience base. They really seem to be rushing into the village.
STICKY
It’s hot, more humid though, and I am feeling it in the mask. I am stopped by two regulars who hand me a little whale on a popsicle stick. It’s a whale on a stick. This amuses Stupina who then goes to everyone she can and shows off her whale on a stick. As one performer put it, I had hit the “zone” for Stupina. The new “toy” effect when she must tell everyone about what she has. It’s a charming quirk and most are amused. I even get a few of them to pet the whale. Then, it’s Story Time with Bertilda Spriggans (the fairy Godmother…yeah, she did have a name, for those who didn’t realize it). Today, I help her tell the story of Old Yeller, in which we discover that old yeller did not actually have rabies, but rather had been hired to do a commercial with Barbasol and had not remembered to wipe his mouth. Always a happy ending, we have a small crowd and then come in for wands, spider rings, and more. Fairy Godmother is very loving to her kids and they respond very well. It’s time for me to prepare, so I take my leave.
DOWN AND UP...BELIGERANCE STYLE
So I head to the back to take off the face, drink some water and cool down a bit before the show. Slaveya is singing on Gatehouse. I head back out at 15 after 11 and start to hawk with Mr. Pig. I get a few people from my calling, but many are still pouring in and want to go elsewhere. Slaveya finishes and I head to the stage. I have only a minute to spare and then go to start the show. Today is a full house, but not the most agreeable. I think the humidity is affecting them as well. My parent does volunteer, and is good, but my sidekick is older, you know, that age when they have to be right, and I get more arguments then help. Eventually, it does happen and we all end with our happy tale, pigs given to my helpers. Backstage, Trinket and I note that the show was a tough one, but the audience did seem to have a good time. Now, time to head down and make a new transformation.
POPPING AND SPARKLEY
So, if you were at faire, you might have noticed a costume change for us this past weekend. As a lark for adventure weekend, Trinket and I (thanks to the instigation of Kitteblue) decided to up the costume ante. Trinket was a vision in pink. Barbie pink, baby pink, hot pink…just pink. Ironically, she doesn’t much like the color pink, but she looked fabulous in it. I pulled out a dress that I have had for 3 or so years, but had never worn at MD. Modeled after the Dangerous Beauty fight dress and Let’s meet the wives dress, it was a glowing vision in bright turquoise. Underneath, also thanks to Kitteblue, I had fabulous new Venetians (otherwise known as sexy pants part 2). Rich brown in a velvet leaf cut pattern with gold and cream cuffs. I added sparkling new jewels I purchased years ago at NCRF. I was able to dress myself and let Mrs. Pugh enjoy her lunch without having to lace me. I also got the general consensus to not have the skirt open at the bottom, but to surprise people when I moved about and the Venetians popped out. The reaction was…well, overwhelming. EVERYONE who saw it loved the color and thought it looked tremendous on me. It was quite the compliment and it looks like it is going to become my permanent costume for this season…as is the pink for Ms. Trinket…though we may vary hers a bit. We added pirate hates (hers, a frightening vision in pink, mine a black pirate hat with extra plumes made by me the night before in blue and turquoise.
THE WALKING PHOTO OPP
Visions of pink and blue, we head out into the village. Trinket and I make a splash and are noticed and asked for portraiture on a regular basis. We see Lady Foxchase, and she approves of Trinket’s outfit with great enthusiasm. Others complain of their eyes bleeding. We make our stop at OShucks to temp the patrons to see us, then head to the White Hart. We mic up, which is a bit different as our bodices are lower in the back than the prior outfits and they are harder to hide…not that the head mic is easy to hide. The pub is full. The group before us runs a minute into our time again, but luckily, our show should still fit and stay on schedule. I set up the stage by hanging our new sign and turning off the stage mics so our body mics can be pumped up in volume and people can see our faces. We do a quick introduction to our costumes, which doesn’t go exactly as planned (the great plans of mice and men). I see a face sitting in the rocks up front that has been sadly missing from this village for too long. The show is fun and the crowd seems to get the jokes. MMario is there on his wall spot. Kissandra Serenade is in the house. She laughs a lot. This makes me very happy.
INTEPRETATION PART 5A
We are having fun and finish on time. I think the Pyrates know our show well enough now, they wait to hear Parting Glass before they head to the stage. As we pass the stage over and clear, we are again met by many people who want to talk to us right up front. We try to move away from the stage, but get stopped every time. I am gifted with a kindness from MMario, compliments from others we know and like bunches, and some people we don’t know at all. It’s a fun energy. We put our sign and other items away and notice our back room area has gotten VERY crowded with items from others who are not as neat or organized as we are and we are starting to trip over stuff and not be able to get to our items without doing and acrobatic step over dance. Back out in the pub, Handsome Dave is as charming as ever and I am informed that Xandriel’s daughter is finally in town. I am very excited to see her as it has been over 5 years, and likely longer since I have seen her. She is not visible at the moment, but I make a plan to find her today.
DUST PROTECTION
The dust, which was wetted down this morning, has started to grow. Numbers this high and the heat, you know something will start flying in the air. Trinket and I need to go eat and, preemptively, try to go at least 6 times before we actually make it out of the White Hart area. There are lines for food, one of the sure signs it’s a high number day, so we sneak behind to order our steaks. Rare pieces of meat greet us and Trinket heads backstage with hers while I take mine to the street. I find a table of patrons to share my sup with and again, I am between two groups. I bounce between conversations. It is fun. Once that is done, I go check for privy lines. I don’t see them anywhere. With the dust rising, I want to avoid the jousting field area, so I head toward the front and gather Baby Stupina. She is a quiet, but large street bit. I take her through the front of the village a bit, then head toward front gate to say goodbye to the crowd already leaving. There are a lot of them. I remind those wearing garlands to take showers upon their return home, as there are things growing in their hair. The waves of people laugh. I see Elephant Child in the distance and only catch a few lines here or there when they project loudly. Not much time to focus there, so we do what we can.
DRINKING AND PRIMPING
I head back after about an hour with Baby Stupina to hang her back. One of the ladies at Dragon Wings is rather hot and hanging out in the shade near the window in back of the booth trying to catch a breeze. I gather my cup and head down to the costume house to refill. While there, Trinket is reapplying her face, so I do the same since we have been asked to help out during Pub Sing again. Once primped and hydrated, I fill my tankard a second time and head out to street. I chat with patrons sitting about, I flirt with strangers at O’Shucks (yeah, my job is so difficult), I show off the outfit and continue to get great compliments on it. I am starting to think that this outfit needs to stay with me…more encouragement.
CHEERING THE CROWD
Today, I am back in the pub preshow. The normal SM is not there, so someone else steps into the event. I help her set and clear the table. I pull off my hat to hold the space…and my belt, and my mug, and my…well, I didn’t have much else. Luckily, others start to show. Even a few of the court ladies join us. As they come in, I get up and go to house right, my traditional spot…for now. Today, Fletcher is running the show, after an amusing start up by Zach Rackham and the Not-Middle person. Mid way through the show, Fletcher has raffle to kill time till Cercamon arrives. The winner, a Tim, wins the right to sing a song at pub sing. He isn’t good with the volume control on the mic and he likes the word nutsack. He notes that since he is not a performer for the show and not hired by faire, he can use that word… He sings Itsy Bitsy spider, all the way through…and the crowd sings along. He is yelled at, and he instead sings Blowed and Torn. Master Jack Rackam is not far from “home.”
DANCING AND SINGING
Cercamon arrives and I find a bench to jump up on and start dancing. It’s actually a bit difficult to do, as the pub is getting more crowded and I don’t want impeded the view of anyone to see the stage to take pics or see what is going on. This relegates me a bit to the back, but those up front are right in the stage, it’s those in the back that need to realize they are part of the show too…sing along and all. I jump, aware that this bodice is not as supportive as my previous, but careful not to look…um, improper. Dinty sings lead for a few songs and is having fun. Stubbs is there and makes my heart go pitapat…more hugs are going to be required. We are near the end and are called up to join the stage and share a Parting Glass with the audience. It was really interesting. We are aware how much we have personalized the piece, and how much the song affects those around us. It’s really nice to hear the whole pub joining along with us. We stay up with the rest of the crowd on stage and join in the last songs. We are handed lyrics to a song we don’t know. We sing along as best we can, not worrying about harmony, but trying to blend in (to the back) of the group. The song is touching and sad. The Royals arrive and, while we are rather late, ask for one more song. I mumble “Leave her Johnny” and, for the first time this weekend, my suggestion is accepted. We oblige with a song we haven’t heard much recently. I love those voices together. The stage is turned “off” for the night, and we head out to get to the costume house before it has to close.
A QUIET AFFAIR
Trinket and I rush to get changed, as we are always a bit late when we are helping at Pub Sing. We get in to find a full dressing room and a crowded outside. We finish changing just about when Stitch calls for closing time of the room. I do so hate rushing. We make agreements to meet a couple of friends at California Pizza Kitchen in the mall. Once there, I go and exchange an item purchased for my birthday for something equally useful. Upon returning to the restaurant, I see my friends waiting outside. I walk into hug one as she turns to leave and her forehead whacks my mouth. Damn that hurt! I ask if they see blood, because I tasted a tiny bit, but no, it looks like just a tiny cut inside. Ok. (it hasn’t quite healed yet, but it’s better). I nurse my wound while some others make a quick run to a shop and we wait to be called. Once we are together, we are seated and begin our meal. We do not have our favorite waiter, but we do get to talk to him briefly. Dinner is a fun, if disjointed affair and we head home to do laundry and shower with steam to get some of the dust out of our lungs. Then, blissful sleep.
RISING AND PREPARING
We get up early again, eat our cereal for breakfast and head to site, getting there a bit early. We stretch, warm up, fix hair and make up, then head to the White Hart. T he system is up and sounds great. We head toward the costume house. I stop to see C A T, Zenobia’s cat. She has been a bit distant as of late. As I again get back end walking, I ask the cat if she is upset with me. She turns, comes back and begins to lick my hand. Don’t know if she understood me, but damned if it didn’t seem like she did. I scritch her a bit and head to get props. Again, it’s quiet in the costume house, so soon after I set props, I get to change with relative quiet, though my corner is crowded and there is explosions of bags. I have to ask a fellow performer to move their stuff to consolidate in their area. Another performer thanks me. I consolidate my area too, as it gets a bit largish while I am changing. I head out and go toward the Lyric for cast call.
BEEPING AND BOPPING
It is now time for cast call and we are informed about exactly how crowded it was yesterday. I still can’t believe we had no privy lines yesterday, but I am thrilled about it. We beep and head toward opening gate. Final pee break, a walk through the costume shop, and I am ready to suit up early. I am always amused to watch the faces of those watching my transformation. When they start to realize it’s me, they have a rather bemused look on their faces. It’s fun. The show begins, the invaders charge in the gates, and soon enough, the cannon booms. I do “Q” some nobility as they walk by, then, the gate opens. I Q, goodbye, and hug the crowd, depending. After the first large wave enters, I start to wander in. Trinket is there in her pink glory, contact juggling on occasion as the situation warrants. I dust, chat, teach, and play. Eventually, it’s story time and I sit with Fairy Godmother. Today, we tell the story of Hansel and Gretel. I play both of the title characters. The audience that gathers is mildly amused. I say my goodbyes and prepare for the Stupina Show.
IF THEY COULD ALL GO LIKE THIS
After a quick cool off and copious amounts of water, I head back out with Mr. Pig and hawk for the show. I get a decent crowd by the time I start and in a few minutes, the house is rather full. I have a dad offer to read for the show and is not one to stand in one place, but he starts to get the hang of it. When I suggest that he will be the arch nemesis, he says he doesn’t want to. I look at him in shock and say “but it’s the best part of the entire show.” So he says ok. He then begins to have fun with it. My sidekick is one of my regulars (who I was informed goes to Robin Hood’s shows, EXCEPT during mine…as my show is set in their schedule each time them come). She is helpful and between the two of them, the show goes well, Then, upon the “death” of the bad guy, his daughter (whose name is Destiny ironically) comes running up on the stage in her purple fairy outfit hugging her “dying” daddy. I think quickly and inform the audience that a beautiful fairy came down and healed the bad guy and he rises a good person…She got the pig for that one. The sidekick also gets her pig. Its one of the shows where you feel the audience really with you. I clear the stage and head back totally glowing, if you can believe Trinket’s assessment backstage. Once packed up, I head down to the Costume House, after answering a few questions from Bob.
AND WHO ARE YOU AGAIN?
So when I arrive back in the costume house, someone has strewn their clothing all over the floor. I can’t figure out who on cast would be so stupid as to leave their crap everywhere, as we all have assigned areas. Trinket looks at it and notes that there was a young woman that was walking out of the dressing room the day before. Hrm? That’s not good. I continue to get ready to be Columbina when the same girl comes in wearing costume pieces that aren’t hers. I know they aren’t hers, because after a few moments, I start to recognize them. I ask her where she is from and she answers vaguely, but eventually, she notes where she works and that she didn’t realize she wasn’t allowed in this area. A number of us note to her that it is not an open place, her clothes should come from another area or brought with her etc. She dumps the costuming in the other room and changes back quickly. We don’t leave her alone in the space. She leaves, but not until Trinket manages to get a clear record of her. A number of us, as a group go to inform the main office of this incident. Soon after that, Stitch arrives and we share what we know with her as well. All seems to be ok, though mixed information seems to be an issue for a few minutes. Once dressed, Trinket and I head out on street.
ECHOES OF WHAT IS TO BE
On the way, we stop and watch a few moments of Hey, Nunnie Nunnie. Someone had recently commented that our show was much like there’s, but not nuns and much dirtier. Understanding character dynamics, I tend to agree. We are character-based comedy with music, not a music show. Subtle difference, I know, but it is how we designed the show. We laugh and then head toward O’Shucks for the brief “gonna come see us” stop. Next, to Southern Exposure to wow one of the vendors with the new getups, since he wasn’t here the day before. Then, to the White Hart to mic up. We are stopped by Management who need to check with us again about the person in the dressing room. Once that is done, I see a few old friends, hug some new ones, and head into the pub. Today, we have a minute or two till our show start time. The show’s energy is good today. There are friendly and new faces in the crowd. The audience seems to enjoy the show and we add a new song. I am slightly concerned as I see the crowd watching us, staring with slight consternation. I am thinking something is wrong, when it dawns on me…they have NEVER heard this song here. Ever. No group that I know of has ever done it. They are LISTENING. They laugh at the right points, react properly and seem to have a great time. Whew. We end in our normal way and the full house, both inside and outside the pub cheer. It was a really fun set.
THRONGING AND LONGING
We are again beset by people at the stage as we are trying to leave the front of the stage. I don’t want to be in the way of the Pyrates, so I try to move quickly. Fletcher asks if we can do a song at pubsing tonight. We thing about it and choose one. Then, we head to get steak on a stake. MmmMMmm. Food with patrons again. I head to the camp to let them know what we will be doing and to whimper a request. Fletcher is busy and then isn’t there, he is off to the White Hart to see…WHAT? SEAMUS KENNEDY IS HERE? Seamus is one of the most famous Irish music performers in the country, if not the world. I am blessed to have met him and been inspired by his work. I head to the pub to take care of business and to give him a hug. Inside, I am there when the moment strikes Brad to have Seamus perform at Pub Sing. What a treat. I have to take my leave and head back onto the streets. I can’t wait for Pub Sing now. I go to begin good bye duty, sans Baby Stupina. I start alone, get some company for a little while, and then end by myself. I thnk I was there for around an hour or so. I like to give them one last laugh before they go. I am eventually relieved and head back in to the village, by way of the Costume House.
TOUCH UPS AND KISSES - BUSTED
I go to touch up my makeup, etc. since we will be singing tonight. I am noticing that my bodice isn’t tight enough as I am starting to sag in to the dress. I have to fix this for next week. Trinket and I head out and go our separate ways. I stop at the other side of O’Shucks to chat with people. I meet up with a table of gentlemen and chat and flirt. As I go to leave, one of them speaks to me in Italian. I have NO CLUE what he said, but I ½ recognized a word from it. I smile slyly, touch him on the nose and walk away, DAMN BUSTED! Oh well. A little later, I am back in the area and run into a kind lady who has donated lemony goodness to my cause….mmmmmm. I am introduced to her friend and take it upon myself, with permission, to teach him to kiss a hand. Small crowd later, I have him practice on the lady. He breaks a few rules, she doesn’t seem to mind, besides her blushes. Job well done!
EVENING PREPARATIONS
I do a check for lines, and still don’t find them. Aren’t people peeing? Eventually, I head over to the White Hart as it’s almost time for Pub Sing. Outside of the pub, I am again approached by a gentleman who was enamoured of our show. He sees that Trinket has many roses, but I have none. He decided to remedy it. I am much appreciative. The Rogues are playing and Trinket hears the call of the crowd near Lady and Lord Foxchase. Contact juggling draws a huge crowd around her and they applaud heartily when she finishes. Damn that girl is good with that. She has a great energy and puts on a good show. It is almost time, so into the pub we go.
SINGING WIH PYRATES
I go to help grab and clear the tables. The cloths from the day before aren’t around, but there are new ones. I lay many things down till others can come and grab spaces to hold it. We are getting closer. I am wildly amused by the pre-show conversation, and finally, the show begins. There is much laughter, cheering, silliness, etc. Unfortunately, the hijinks ran long in a number of situations and for time, we had to be cut from the line up. We were not the only casualty, but at least Seamus got up to do Barley Mow, which used to be a standard at pub sing years ago and both Stubbs (by the ED’s request) and Louis sang their trademark songs for the adoring crowd. The court ladies came and announced the results of their Catch and Release Jack Sparrow program. They were hysterical. Emrys told a joke for his last pub sing. Toward the end, I sat down with a friend for the bells of 8. Because of the particular person, the particular memory, and the particular moment, we both shed some tears. She had held it together until then, so I take credit…blame…for it. A song or two later, the pub sing was over and we all had to go home.
CHANGING FOR PAY
I head to the costume house to get changed and realize that it’s also payday. I begin to rush changing and am almost together when I hear “last call for paychecks,” about 10 minutes early. I grab what I can and bolt to the line. Once business is taken care of, I head back to get the items I forgot, but they were left inside. Poor rose won’t make it till I can save it. Le sigh. I am now headed out to a birthday dinner for another peformer. Chinese food, hot towels, lots of laughter, good impressions, men who are dead to others, seating placements that disappear…it was a good evening. There was a small amount of stress for me, but so minute as to not be an issue at all. I get to catch up with coworkers I don’t get to see at all during the faire day, or much during the year. I am pleased. Eventually, we must all go home. Trinket and I head back by way of a grocery store for cat food, then to bed. Trinket crashes as she is equally exhausted. Time for bed and sleepies.
It was a great weekend. The Interpreters will be adding a 5:30 show this Sunday. Saturday there are other plans, so we can’t do the show. Hope to see you all at faire… if all goes well, we will be adding ANOTHER new song this weekend on Sunday.
PREPARATIONS
Friday, I waited for Trinket to come over and we hit errands and site together. We had some special plans for our costumes on Adventure weekend, and were excited to get moving. We hit a fabric store, the bank, and a few other exciting places, including site. We dropped off most of our stuff, I got some tickets for friends, and then we headed back home to eat dinner with the Lelios…or should I say the Hoods. Then, whilst I did some other multitasking, Trinket began to create…the hat. Yes, that frightening monstrosity you all saw, was made from scratch by her, with a little help from me…like blistering her hands with the glue gun…unintentionally…honest. I make a few feathers with Florist wire and maribou and the hat becomes appropriately festive. We head to bed a bit too late, her staying up later to take care of some other business, and we are prepared.
THE PRE PIRATE INVASION
We are up early, have a bowl of cereal and get to site a bit early. Today, we stretch, vocalize, sing (especially a new song we are trying to have ready for the next day), and begin make up and hair. I add a few special curls to my do to set underneath Stupina’s hood. Then off to sound check. The system isn’t up yet, so we are a bit concerned as we purchased a new receiver and body pack this past week and need to find out if it works. Um. Well, it’s not lighting up, so we realize we need new batteries. The sound lady arrives and we check our stuff. Um, ok, well, it’s still not working, until we remember to fix the channel so we aren’t on the same one ringing on each other’s sound.
WHEN WHO DO I SPY
As we are working, a familiar face comes walking toward the White Hart. I begin to shriek and strand poor Trinket, but who can blame me. Ensign Stubbs has returned for the invasion and I am bouncing for joy. I hug him many times, for what would normally be called inappropriate lengths of time, but there is nothing more that I want than just the comfort of hugging an old friend…and that man gives the BEST DAMN HUGS ever!. I welcome him back and Then, off to get ready. The costume house is quiet this morning. I get props, preset the water, and head up to gatehouse to get everything ready. Then, back to prepare.
INVADING CREATIVITY
I realize that I can’t find my pirate eyepatch for Stupina. This takes some creative wrangling and I pull out the defunct hair band I was using for Columbina, it fits over the mask perfectly. Then, I get changed and am done far earlier than I expected. I take the video camera I have to the costume house to leave for a friend. I head over to cast call a bit early and chat with the people who are equally prepared. One asks me what is happening special this weekend, so I go over the list I have, to which he says, but what is happening. I thwack him. Meeting starts and the updates of what I told the other gentleman are repeated, plus more I didn’t know. The Corsairs are welcomed twice since they missed the first calling of their names. We BEEP and are off for our day.
WELCOME BACK
I head to gate, have my pee, and hug Stubbs once more (this will become a theme). Off they go to make their strolling invasion (hey, let’s invade for cappuccino!) The cannon goes boom, the gates open, and the HUGE crowd comes pouring in. We were warned this was a huge day last year, and it proves to be one today. Even after the initial rush, whch lasted the longest so far since we opened, the people are still pouring in. I “q” at them (since Stupina doesn’t like the letter “r”). I see babies, and jewels of purple, and other friendly faces new to the village. They tell me of the traffic to get inside as I greet them, they ! with me or stare confused. This is supposed to be Invasion Weekend, but I only recognize a few out of towners (hi lady privy and Katie Scarlett), including the ever elusive MMario. I squee and hug him. I let him know when my shows are and he promises to be there…he follows through so nicely. I see some of my regulars and greet many new people. I am dusting, helping, and wandering the fountain in circles with the constant changing of the audience base. They really seem to be rushing into the village.
STICKY
It’s hot, more humid though, and I am feeling it in the mask. I am stopped by two regulars who hand me a little whale on a popsicle stick. It’s a whale on a stick. This amuses Stupina who then goes to everyone she can and shows off her whale on a stick. As one performer put it, I had hit the “zone” for Stupina. The new “toy” effect when she must tell everyone about what she has. It’s a charming quirk and most are amused. I even get a few of them to pet the whale. Then, it’s Story Time with Bertilda Spriggans (the fairy Godmother…yeah, she did have a name, for those who didn’t realize it). Today, I help her tell the story of Old Yeller, in which we discover that old yeller did not actually have rabies, but rather had been hired to do a commercial with Barbasol and had not remembered to wipe his mouth. Always a happy ending, we have a small crowd and then come in for wands, spider rings, and more. Fairy Godmother is very loving to her kids and they respond very well. It’s time for me to prepare, so I take my leave.
DOWN AND UP...BELIGERANCE STYLE
So I head to the back to take off the face, drink some water and cool down a bit before the show. Slaveya is singing on Gatehouse. I head back out at 15 after 11 and start to hawk with Mr. Pig. I get a few people from my calling, but many are still pouring in and want to go elsewhere. Slaveya finishes and I head to the stage. I have only a minute to spare and then go to start the show. Today is a full house, but not the most agreeable. I think the humidity is affecting them as well. My parent does volunteer, and is good, but my sidekick is older, you know, that age when they have to be right, and I get more arguments then help. Eventually, it does happen and we all end with our happy tale, pigs given to my helpers. Backstage, Trinket and I note that the show was a tough one, but the audience did seem to have a good time. Now, time to head down and make a new transformation.
POPPING AND SPARKLEY
So, if you were at faire, you might have noticed a costume change for us this past weekend. As a lark for adventure weekend, Trinket and I (thanks to the instigation of Kitteblue) decided to up the costume ante. Trinket was a vision in pink. Barbie pink, baby pink, hot pink…just pink. Ironically, she doesn’t much like the color pink, but she looked fabulous in it. I pulled out a dress that I have had for 3 or so years, but had never worn at MD. Modeled after the Dangerous Beauty fight dress and Let’s meet the wives dress, it was a glowing vision in bright turquoise. Underneath, also thanks to Kitteblue, I had fabulous new Venetians (otherwise known as sexy pants part 2). Rich brown in a velvet leaf cut pattern with gold and cream cuffs. I added sparkling new jewels I purchased years ago at NCRF. I was able to dress myself and let Mrs. Pugh enjoy her lunch without having to lace me. I also got the general consensus to not have the skirt open at the bottom, but to surprise people when I moved about and the Venetians popped out. The reaction was…well, overwhelming. EVERYONE who saw it loved the color and thought it looked tremendous on me. It was quite the compliment and it looks like it is going to become my permanent costume for this season…as is the pink for Ms. Trinket…though we may vary hers a bit. We added pirate hates (hers, a frightening vision in pink, mine a black pirate hat with extra plumes made by me the night before in blue and turquoise.
THE WALKING PHOTO OPP
Visions of pink and blue, we head out into the village. Trinket and I make a splash and are noticed and asked for portraiture on a regular basis. We see Lady Foxchase, and she approves of Trinket’s outfit with great enthusiasm. Others complain of their eyes bleeding. We make our stop at OShucks to temp the patrons to see us, then head to the White Hart. We mic up, which is a bit different as our bodices are lower in the back than the prior outfits and they are harder to hide…not that the head mic is easy to hide. The pub is full. The group before us runs a minute into our time again, but luckily, our show should still fit and stay on schedule. I set up the stage by hanging our new sign and turning off the stage mics so our body mics can be pumped up in volume and people can see our faces. We do a quick introduction to our costumes, which doesn’t go exactly as planned (the great plans of mice and men). I see a face sitting in the rocks up front that has been sadly missing from this village for too long. The show is fun and the crowd seems to get the jokes. MMario is there on his wall spot. Kissandra Serenade is in the house. She laughs a lot. This makes me very happy.
INTEPRETATION PART 5A
We are having fun and finish on time. I think the Pyrates know our show well enough now, they wait to hear Parting Glass before they head to the stage. As we pass the stage over and clear, we are again met by many people who want to talk to us right up front. We try to move away from the stage, but get stopped every time. I am gifted with a kindness from MMario, compliments from others we know and like bunches, and some people we don’t know at all. It’s a fun energy. We put our sign and other items away and notice our back room area has gotten VERY crowded with items from others who are not as neat or organized as we are and we are starting to trip over stuff and not be able to get to our items without doing and acrobatic step over dance. Back out in the pub, Handsome Dave is as charming as ever and I am informed that Xandriel’s daughter is finally in town. I am very excited to see her as it has been over 5 years, and likely longer since I have seen her. She is not visible at the moment, but I make a plan to find her today.
DUST PROTECTION
The dust, which was wetted down this morning, has started to grow. Numbers this high and the heat, you know something will start flying in the air. Trinket and I need to go eat and, preemptively, try to go at least 6 times before we actually make it out of the White Hart area. There are lines for food, one of the sure signs it’s a high number day, so we sneak behind to order our steaks. Rare pieces of meat greet us and Trinket heads backstage with hers while I take mine to the street. I find a table of patrons to share my sup with and again, I am between two groups. I bounce between conversations. It is fun. Once that is done, I go check for privy lines. I don’t see them anywhere. With the dust rising, I want to avoid the jousting field area, so I head toward the front and gather Baby Stupina. She is a quiet, but large street bit. I take her through the front of the village a bit, then head toward front gate to say goodbye to the crowd already leaving. There are a lot of them. I remind those wearing garlands to take showers upon their return home, as there are things growing in their hair. The waves of people laugh. I see Elephant Child in the distance and only catch a few lines here or there when they project loudly. Not much time to focus there, so we do what we can.
DRINKING AND PRIMPING
I head back after about an hour with Baby Stupina to hang her back. One of the ladies at Dragon Wings is rather hot and hanging out in the shade near the window in back of the booth trying to catch a breeze. I gather my cup and head down to the costume house to refill. While there, Trinket is reapplying her face, so I do the same since we have been asked to help out during Pub Sing again. Once primped and hydrated, I fill my tankard a second time and head out to street. I chat with patrons sitting about, I flirt with strangers at O’Shucks (yeah, my job is so difficult), I show off the outfit and continue to get great compliments on it. I am starting to think that this outfit needs to stay with me…more encouragement.
CHEERING THE CROWD
Today, I am back in the pub preshow. The normal SM is not there, so someone else steps into the event. I help her set and clear the table. I pull off my hat to hold the space…and my belt, and my mug, and my…well, I didn’t have much else. Luckily, others start to show. Even a few of the court ladies join us. As they come in, I get up and go to house right, my traditional spot…for now. Today, Fletcher is running the show, after an amusing start up by Zach Rackham and the Not-Middle person. Mid way through the show, Fletcher has raffle to kill time till Cercamon arrives. The winner, a Tim, wins the right to sing a song at pub sing. He isn’t good with the volume control on the mic and he likes the word nutsack. He notes that since he is not a performer for the show and not hired by faire, he can use that word… He sings Itsy Bitsy spider, all the way through…and the crowd sings along. He is yelled at, and he instead sings Blowed and Torn. Master Jack Rackam is not far from “home.”
DANCING AND SINGING
Cercamon arrives and I find a bench to jump up on and start dancing. It’s actually a bit difficult to do, as the pub is getting more crowded and I don’t want impeded the view of anyone to see the stage to take pics or see what is going on. This relegates me a bit to the back, but those up front are right in the stage, it’s those in the back that need to realize they are part of the show too…sing along and all. I jump, aware that this bodice is not as supportive as my previous, but careful not to look…um, improper. Dinty sings lead for a few songs and is having fun. Stubbs is there and makes my heart go pitapat…more hugs are going to be required. We are near the end and are called up to join the stage and share a Parting Glass with the audience. It was really interesting. We are aware how much we have personalized the piece, and how much the song affects those around us. It’s really nice to hear the whole pub joining along with us. We stay up with the rest of the crowd on stage and join in the last songs. We are handed lyrics to a song we don’t know. We sing along as best we can, not worrying about harmony, but trying to blend in (to the back) of the group. The song is touching and sad. The Royals arrive and, while we are rather late, ask for one more song. I mumble “Leave her Johnny” and, for the first time this weekend, my suggestion is accepted. We oblige with a song we haven’t heard much recently. I love those voices together. The stage is turned “off” for the night, and we head out to get to the costume house before it has to close.
A QUIET AFFAIR
Trinket and I rush to get changed, as we are always a bit late when we are helping at Pub Sing. We get in to find a full dressing room and a crowded outside. We finish changing just about when Stitch calls for closing time of the room. I do so hate rushing. We make agreements to meet a couple of friends at California Pizza Kitchen in the mall. Once there, I go and exchange an item purchased for my birthday for something equally useful. Upon returning to the restaurant, I see my friends waiting outside. I walk into hug one as she turns to leave and her forehead whacks my mouth. Damn that hurt! I ask if they see blood, because I tasted a tiny bit, but no, it looks like just a tiny cut inside. Ok. (it hasn’t quite healed yet, but it’s better). I nurse my wound while some others make a quick run to a shop and we wait to be called. Once we are together, we are seated and begin our meal. We do not have our favorite waiter, but we do get to talk to him briefly. Dinner is a fun, if disjointed affair and we head home to do laundry and shower with steam to get some of the dust out of our lungs. Then, blissful sleep.
RISING AND PREPARING
We get up early again, eat our cereal for breakfast and head to site, getting there a bit early. We stretch, warm up, fix hair and make up, then head to the White Hart. T he system is up and sounds great. We head toward the costume house. I stop to see C A T, Zenobia’s cat. She has been a bit distant as of late. As I again get back end walking, I ask the cat if she is upset with me. She turns, comes back and begins to lick my hand. Don’t know if she understood me, but damned if it didn’t seem like she did. I scritch her a bit and head to get props. Again, it’s quiet in the costume house, so soon after I set props, I get to change with relative quiet, though my corner is crowded and there is explosions of bags. I have to ask a fellow performer to move their stuff to consolidate in their area. Another performer thanks me. I consolidate my area too, as it gets a bit largish while I am changing. I head out and go toward the Lyric for cast call.
BEEPING AND BOPPING
It is now time for cast call and we are informed about exactly how crowded it was yesterday. I still can’t believe we had no privy lines yesterday, but I am thrilled about it. We beep and head toward opening gate. Final pee break, a walk through the costume shop, and I am ready to suit up early. I am always amused to watch the faces of those watching my transformation. When they start to realize it’s me, they have a rather bemused look on their faces. It’s fun. The show begins, the invaders charge in the gates, and soon enough, the cannon booms. I do “Q” some nobility as they walk by, then, the gate opens. I Q, goodbye, and hug the crowd, depending. After the first large wave enters, I start to wander in. Trinket is there in her pink glory, contact juggling on occasion as the situation warrants. I dust, chat, teach, and play. Eventually, it’s story time and I sit with Fairy Godmother. Today, we tell the story of Hansel and Gretel. I play both of the title characters. The audience that gathers is mildly amused. I say my goodbyes and prepare for the Stupina Show.
IF THEY COULD ALL GO LIKE THIS
After a quick cool off and copious amounts of water, I head back out with Mr. Pig and hawk for the show. I get a decent crowd by the time I start and in a few minutes, the house is rather full. I have a dad offer to read for the show and is not one to stand in one place, but he starts to get the hang of it. When I suggest that he will be the arch nemesis, he says he doesn’t want to. I look at him in shock and say “but it’s the best part of the entire show.” So he says ok. He then begins to have fun with it. My sidekick is one of my regulars (who I was informed goes to Robin Hood’s shows, EXCEPT during mine…as my show is set in their schedule each time them come). She is helpful and between the two of them, the show goes well, Then, upon the “death” of the bad guy, his daughter (whose name is Destiny ironically) comes running up on the stage in her purple fairy outfit hugging her “dying” daddy. I think quickly and inform the audience that a beautiful fairy came down and healed the bad guy and he rises a good person…She got the pig for that one. The sidekick also gets her pig. Its one of the shows where you feel the audience really with you. I clear the stage and head back totally glowing, if you can believe Trinket’s assessment backstage. Once packed up, I head down to the Costume House, after answering a few questions from Bob.
AND WHO ARE YOU AGAIN?
So when I arrive back in the costume house, someone has strewn their clothing all over the floor. I can’t figure out who on cast would be so stupid as to leave their crap everywhere, as we all have assigned areas. Trinket looks at it and notes that there was a young woman that was walking out of the dressing room the day before. Hrm? That’s not good. I continue to get ready to be Columbina when the same girl comes in wearing costume pieces that aren’t hers. I know they aren’t hers, because after a few moments, I start to recognize them. I ask her where she is from and she answers vaguely, but eventually, she notes where she works and that she didn’t realize she wasn’t allowed in this area. A number of us note to her that it is not an open place, her clothes should come from another area or brought with her etc. She dumps the costuming in the other room and changes back quickly. We don’t leave her alone in the space. She leaves, but not until Trinket manages to get a clear record of her. A number of us, as a group go to inform the main office of this incident. Soon after that, Stitch arrives and we share what we know with her as well. All seems to be ok, though mixed information seems to be an issue for a few minutes. Once dressed, Trinket and I head out on street.
ECHOES OF WHAT IS TO BE
On the way, we stop and watch a few moments of Hey, Nunnie Nunnie. Someone had recently commented that our show was much like there’s, but not nuns and much dirtier. Understanding character dynamics, I tend to agree. We are character-based comedy with music, not a music show. Subtle difference, I know, but it is how we designed the show. We laugh and then head toward O’Shucks for the brief “gonna come see us” stop. Next, to Southern Exposure to wow one of the vendors with the new getups, since he wasn’t here the day before. Then, to the White Hart to mic up. We are stopped by Management who need to check with us again about the person in the dressing room. Once that is done, I see a few old friends, hug some new ones, and head into the pub. Today, we have a minute or two till our show start time. The show’s energy is good today. There are friendly and new faces in the crowd. The audience seems to enjoy the show and we add a new song. I am slightly concerned as I see the crowd watching us, staring with slight consternation. I am thinking something is wrong, when it dawns on me…they have NEVER heard this song here. Ever. No group that I know of has ever done it. They are LISTENING. They laugh at the right points, react properly and seem to have a great time. Whew. We end in our normal way and the full house, both inside and outside the pub cheer. It was a really fun set.
THRONGING AND LONGING
We are again beset by people at the stage as we are trying to leave the front of the stage. I don’t want to be in the way of the Pyrates, so I try to move quickly. Fletcher asks if we can do a song at pubsing tonight. We thing about it and choose one. Then, we head to get steak on a stake. MmmMMmm. Food with patrons again. I head to the camp to let them know what we will be doing and to whimper a request. Fletcher is busy and then isn’t there, he is off to the White Hart to see…WHAT? SEAMUS KENNEDY IS HERE? Seamus is one of the most famous Irish music performers in the country, if not the world. I am blessed to have met him and been inspired by his work. I head to the pub to take care of business and to give him a hug. Inside, I am there when the moment strikes Brad to have Seamus perform at Pub Sing. What a treat. I have to take my leave and head back onto the streets. I can’t wait for Pub Sing now. I go to begin good bye duty, sans Baby Stupina. I start alone, get some company for a little while, and then end by myself. I thnk I was there for around an hour or so. I like to give them one last laugh before they go. I am eventually relieved and head back in to the village, by way of the Costume House.
TOUCH UPS AND KISSES - BUSTED
I go to touch up my makeup, etc. since we will be singing tonight. I am noticing that my bodice isn’t tight enough as I am starting to sag in to the dress. I have to fix this for next week. Trinket and I head out and go our separate ways. I stop at the other side of O’Shucks to chat with people. I meet up with a table of gentlemen and chat and flirt. As I go to leave, one of them speaks to me in Italian. I have NO CLUE what he said, but I ½ recognized a word from it. I smile slyly, touch him on the nose and walk away, DAMN BUSTED! Oh well. A little later, I am back in the area and run into a kind lady who has donated lemony goodness to my cause….mmmmmm. I am introduced to her friend and take it upon myself, with permission, to teach him to kiss a hand. Small crowd later, I have him practice on the lady. He breaks a few rules, she doesn’t seem to mind, besides her blushes. Job well done!
EVENING PREPARATIONS
I do a check for lines, and still don’t find them. Aren’t people peeing? Eventually, I head over to the White Hart as it’s almost time for Pub Sing. Outside of the pub, I am again approached by a gentleman who was enamoured of our show. He sees that Trinket has many roses, but I have none. He decided to remedy it. I am much appreciative. The Rogues are playing and Trinket hears the call of the crowd near Lady and Lord Foxchase. Contact juggling draws a huge crowd around her and they applaud heartily when she finishes. Damn that girl is good with that. She has a great energy and puts on a good show. It is almost time, so into the pub we go.
SINGING WIH PYRATES
I go to help grab and clear the tables. The cloths from the day before aren’t around, but there are new ones. I lay many things down till others can come and grab spaces to hold it. We are getting closer. I am wildly amused by the pre-show conversation, and finally, the show begins. There is much laughter, cheering, silliness, etc. Unfortunately, the hijinks ran long in a number of situations and for time, we had to be cut from the line up. We were not the only casualty, but at least Seamus got up to do Barley Mow, which used to be a standard at pub sing years ago and both Stubbs (by the ED’s request) and Louis sang their trademark songs for the adoring crowd. The court ladies came and announced the results of their Catch and Release Jack Sparrow program. They were hysterical. Emrys told a joke for his last pub sing. Toward the end, I sat down with a friend for the bells of 8. Because of the particular person, the particular memory, and the particular moment, we both shed some tears. She had held it together until then, so I take credit…blame…for it. A song or two later, the pub sing was over and we all had to go home.
CHANGING FOR PAY
I head to the costume house to get changed and realize that it’s also payday. I begin to rush changing and am almost together when I hear “last call for paychecks,” about 10 minutes early. I grab what I can and bolt to the line. Once business is taken care of, I head back to get the items I forgot, but they were left inside. Poor rose won’t make it till I can save it. Le sigh. I am now headed out to a birthday dinner for another peformer. Chinese food, hot towels, lots of laughter, good impressions, men who are dead to others, seating placements that disappear…it was a good evening. There was a small amount of stress for me, but so minute as to not be an issue at all. I get to catch up with coworkers I don’t get to see at all during the faire day, or much during the year. I am pleased. Eventually, we must all go home. Trinket and I head back by way of a grocery store for cat food, then to bed. Trinket crashes as she is equally exhausted. Time for bed and sleepies.
It was a great weekend. The Interpreters will be adding a 5:30 show this Sunday. Saturday there are other plans, so we can’t do the show. Hope to see you all at faire… if all goes well, we will be adding ANOTHER new song this weekend on Sunday.
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Date: 2007-09-27 12:54 pm (UTC)2. The proper name of the color of Trinket's new outfit is Painful Pink -- ow! ow! ow! ow! ow! (last time for that joke, it's old already)
Congrats on a great weekend. *hug*
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Date: 2007-09-27 12:57 pm (UTC)We liked calling her Renaissance Barbie...one of the barbiery pirates.
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Date: 2007-09-27 01:15 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-27 01:20 pm (UTC)~grrrrOOOOOOaaaaannnnn~
I love these
Date: 2007-09-27 12:59 pm (UTC)Table cloths- If you all are ever short, send someone up to the booth, we have extra you can grab. (OK we have extra of everything I can think of. And if we don't have it, we'll have it from then on)
Re: I love these
Date: 2007-09-27 01:04 pm (UTC)I love that you are all so accomodating. Makes all our lives a happier place.
Re: I love these
Date: 2007-09-27 01:10 pm (UTC)Re: I love these
Date: 2007-09-27 01:10 pm (UTC)Re: I love these
Date: 2007-09-27 01:16 pm (UTC)Re: I love these
Date: 2007-09-27 02:27 pm (UTC)(That's one reason I have one of the more obscure verses memorized -- it was nice to actually sing it on stage again.)
Was the strange chick in the costume house even on cast? That's VERY disturbing...
And by the way -- you pasted your text in twice behind the cut ... halfway down, it repeats starting from "PREPARATIONS"
Re: I love these
Date: 2007-09-27 02:32 pm (UTC)No, the girl had been a relief person for a personally owned game, not even faire owned games. But her pass is pulled now, from what I know.
Yeah, I like the assorted verses that pop up. Keeps it interesting when the new mixes with the old.
Re: I love these
Date: 2007-09-27 04:09 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-27 01:10 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-27 02:32 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-27 03:44 pm (UTC)oooowwwwww
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Date: 2007-09-27 04:05 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-27 04:11 pm (UTC)also... the "Not-Middle person" is John Rugby. i asked him. :)
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Date: 2007-09-27 04:11 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-27 04:21 pm (UTC)I felt quite underdressed myself. It is rear that I am "out pinked" by anyone *g*
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Date: 2007-09-27 04:22 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-27 04:40 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-27 04:46 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-27 04:51 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-28 09:55 am (UTC)I felt dull by comparison, but in pics, we both really glowed. I like being noticeable on street.