MD part otto, three is better than none…
Oct. 17th, 2012 05:06 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ptpgradSo here we are, with the dust slowly clearing from our eyes and mouths and throats and lungs…and you are just wondering what I did this weekend past. I am not sure I will remember, but let’s see what I can regale you with. I expect to misremember names, times, order and more, but it should be a good show! Away we go…
CHANGING GEARS
My friend who had my video camera brought it over Friday after I dropped everything off at site. I charged the battery, rolled the hair and got some sleep. The next morning was chilly, like almost freezing chilly. I still warm up outside though, to acclimate my body, but I had to be prepared, so I wore around 4 layers on top (one being fleecy) and 2.5 layers on the bottom. I got out to my car to find frost on it which I scraped off with a rainbow slinky…don’t ask…and once I could see out, off I drove to site after grabbing brekkies on the way. On site, I headed to gatehouse and could see my breath for most of my warm up. I did manage to get stretched safely and only started getting stiff as I sat to put on the first round of make up for the day. Since you don’t see much on Stupina, I only do the eyes and a general base that will last through the next transition. Less I put on now, less I have to clean off to change to later. Once Richard S arrived and we chatted for a bit, I headed to the costume house to get changed.
STITCH LOVES HER ACTORS
Stitch gets there soon after and we head inside after the 6 or so early rises are arrived and have started making themselves pretty, or just trying to stay warm. Once the doors are open, she brings out hot chocolate and other goodies she organized for everyone…and duck tape. Don’t ask. I head in and switch layers. I realize that since I am wearing long socks, the chiropractor tape won’t show AND I can stick the thermal capri-ish things into them and no one will see them…which also helps to make my legs warmer. On top, I have the thermal shirt under her shirt and a lovely fluffy scarf, plus gloves. I put the under wrap on my head early to keep in the heat, add the Renn Rally donation, camera and tripod to my bag and grab the Free Hugs sign before I head out.
THE STREETS FLOWED CRIMSON
I get to the Lyric and see a familiar face. I tell him to wait for a moment, he says he just wants to say hi. I restate, that if he waits for me to run this one very quick errand, I will have time for a whole conversation rather than a run by. He agrees to wait. I drop off the donation for the RESCU rally and head back. THEN, big hugs about for the CD “wench” for the Crimson Pirates as well as the pirates themselves. It’s great to have them visit, though they are missing a very charming tall man who has relocated to far away to sing with them. I ask the chocolate man if he would be able to make something special for closing weekend and he tells me to ask the Man-in-Charge. I plan on doing that in the evening.
CHILLY BEEPS
The morning is still cold, even with the sun, though not as bad as the cold/wet am last week. Morning meeting is amusing as directors and SM give notes. We get our marching orders, BEEP and away we go. I have been checking out the fire sale row of the glass blowers. I missed out on the set I should have bought last week, but oh well. I will see what’s there next week and hopefully add to my collection at home. I head to the fountain and drop everything off, then head over to pee. Back, I re-stretch, chat with the king, cause I can do that, and face up a bit early, as it will just be warmer. I have been greeted by people who remembered the Free Hugs sign and asked me why I don’t have it on earlier weekends. Um, it’s a cold weather or wet weather thing. The sign is great for protecting my papier mache face in the rain and it’s great exercise when it’s cold. Today, it’s about the cold. The cannon booms and I greet the crowds. With a large sign, it makes such a statement, that I find I often don’t say as much with it in my hand. I see people asking their kids if they want hugs or making the decision if they want them for themselves. The regulars hug me anyway, but the novelty of the sign makes them happy. Many people want to pose for a pic with me and the sign, mid hug, which is fine. I am glad my back is back to normal since that piece of plywood is NOT lightweight.
SHARED SPACE
Master Yaxley takes my sign from me and tries to give out hugs. Today, he isn’t very successful and I get my sign back. The Dueling Fools have taken to sharing the fountain with us in the morning and I enjoy sharing that time with them, Harry Knuckles and the Pirate Queen…and the Yaxleys. We give a tour or two and I am amused at some of the new calls that these new people are yelling. Nice for new perspective. I get tempted to use a line I hear, but that was their creation and I really try not to steal bits. I share or hand down bits (such as the tour, which has been going on for around 18 or so years…or more), but I don’t like to say, that’s a funny bit, I am going to do that exact same thing. I can’t say I have always been that good, but I try to keep it in my consciousness. Laugh at it then figure out what is funny about it and shape it into something else that is identified with you and funny for a new reason.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
The crowds pour in more slowly, and today’s crowd is a constant flow. I finally look at the time and realize it’s 10:30. I should be at my chair, so I hop off and scurry over. I set the sign up on the side and bring out Mr. Pig. There is much activity and people really just trying to get in and see what’s there. I again offer advice and some will take me up on it. I also am still giving out the surplus hugs left over from last weekend’s rain. Can’t keep hugs, they spoil. A young woman stops and asks me if I was giving them out last year. I tell her yes and she pulls up the pic she had taken of us hugging last year. She turns to her friend to take a pic this year, and we hug again. Within a few blinks of an eye, my time is up and I am gathering my sign, pig, and hanging sign, which fell (now I know why people looked at me oddly when I pointed to it behind my head). I head backstage and place my props and face away, taking a moment to say hello to Robin Starveling’s puppy. She gives me the sad eyes and I can’t ignore her…it’s not allowed.
TRANPOSTION
I head back into the dressing room and put away my sign. I am luckily not freezing. Of course, now I have to change clothes. Joy. I peel off the outer layers and place on the second costume. Then, I pull out the makeup for the second time and paint leaves and flowers in eyeshadow. Finally, I put that away and pull out the bag to gather all the curlers which pull out unwillingly sometimes in ringlets. I pull out the jewelry made by Stitch put on the headdress, set a prop, gather my umbrella and fuzzy gloves, pee (in a privy), leave Columbina’s scarf with Oberon to help him not freeze, then head out to the street. I have plenty of time to wander and chat with the people. I love looking at the faces transition from Oh, that’s not English, to “what IS that”, To “What are they saying”…it’s amusing. I am often accused of being French, but I realized it’s because of how I ask their name. And you, becomes “ay oo?” which does sound a bit French. Today, one man sure he can figure out the language, keeps trying various ones hoping I will hear one I know. To each their own. I stop and give directions with sound and hands. I follow men with no or very short hair and, once given permission, rub their pates with delighted glee. It seems to be Mustardseed’s favorite thing in the world these days. I am over near the stage and we are a bit early, so I go yell at the Smoking Dragon then chat with people who are waiting for the show, or at the first picnic tables.
ACTING FOR THE FIRST TIME
Today, that is. Soon enough, it’s time, I dance backstage and drop my stuff. I head out immediately and start saying hi to the Audience. I get them all to speak in fairy then gibber at them for a bit, sometimes as a large group, sometimes to one at a time. Once the musicians are set, I head to the back of the house and watch the show. After each scene, I move a little more forward and to the left. The wind and crowd noise is severe today and at the back row, I am having a really hard time hearing the others on stage, with the exception of 1 or 2.Today, I make it to the front row so when Bottom is told he can not be a lion, I am in place quickly. The show goes well, though I screw up my line…yeah, with as little as I say, I continue to have to remind myself not to transpose two words. It works either way, but I want to be correct. The scene goes relatively well and I am stretching backstage.
FAIRY SHENANIGANS
Today, we have make arrangements to play a round of Tudor Twister. Don’t know what I mean? Think “Twister” with period language (dexter and sinister for right and left) and the colors are social strata (noble, clergy, merchant and peasant). Then add bodices and tights and you have some amusing visual entertainment. We grab our things and move more quickly and with less ADD to the appointed place near Pilands. The Countess is there and for a short time has to see us to make the game work. The first game is Oberon, Peaseblossom, Cobweb and myself. I am on a team with Peaseblossom (flowers unite) and the game is on. It’s rather amusing and because of bumping, I find myself standing up while others are twisted. We are joined in running commentary by John Rugby who takes over calling the game when the Countess has to leave. I lose my team member and Oberon falls leaving Cobweb and I. She is starting to get a cramp in her shoulders and has me help her throw the game. So I “win”…which I jump around and dance about cheering myself for. We run another round, but it’s Moth and Peaseblossom against me and a young girl who jumps on the board. FYI, we DON’T use patrons so don’t expect to get to play, just come for the show. We can’t actually “Say” anything about it in fairy, so we are careful and by the end, it’s Peasblossom and I and she wins, fair and square. We shake out and fold the board and head on our way.
SALMON SEASON
We are all trying to make our way to the Gatehouse stage, but its um…difficult. I am near O’Shucks and walking toward Lyric near the pork booth and I begin to feel like a salmon swimming upstream. I take my umbrella and put it high over my head then walk in a single line a la tight rope and sing through the crowd…then alternate it with making swimming motions as I wade through. Once on the other side, I can drop the umbrella. It’s a mad house, or a mad village. I see my Yellow Garland seller and he is swamped, so I don’t stop to say Adaboo. Again, its crowded and busy everywhere you look. At the gate, I sit at the blue chair for a bit and in just a couple minutes find my picture taken more than once. It’s almost time, so I head backstage and drop off the umbrella, belt and grab a scarf for Titania which I hide under my scarf. Once Blades of Fury is cleared, I head out and welcome the audience while the musicians set up. I find many men with fuzzy heads to play with, much to the audience’s and my amusement. As the music begins, I head to the stage and dance with the ladies then head back out to watch Demetrius and Helena. The show goes relatively smoothly, though getting that scarf off of me and onto our queen is tough. The audience is a bit quieter, but over all is responsive and continues to fill as the show continues. There are some nice changes overall that I see and connections made that amuse me. Eventually, the show is over. I head backstage to drop off props, get my bowl, find a Cobweb and head out for lunch.
IT’S ON A STEEEK
We head out and today, I am not in the mood for exactly our same meal. We agree where we are to go and then head in that general direction…which always takes longer as we are both a bit ADD and stop to chat with people and interact every few steps. We see lines and interact a bit with them. Then, I see what I never see…a privy line at Kenwood. I pull Cobweb in and together we move the line along. She had mentioned to me a few weeks ago that she hadn’t done much of any privy duty before and wasn’t sure how to make it work once we couldn’t communicate normally. Well, firing squad it was. She got the hang of it quickly and she kept her eyes on the back while I moved them forward and in. Within five minutes it was gone. That meant we could treat ourselves to lunch…after stopping by and chatting with others on the way…and sneaking by the hanging fairy booth. I made a decision a few weeks ago that Mustardseed was scared and sad for the captured fairies, so she tries not to look at the booth much.
YUM YUM
We head to the food court and I get a sausage (with me on it…get it, Mustard? Ok, never mind) and some garlic mashed potatoes. They are warm and yummy. We try to sit with patrons and get some conversation going, but no one really seems to want to sit there. They are all looking for their groups. I am thirsty now, but also want something a bit sweet and I recommend the fruit cart. On the way, we get stopped by the lines. There are 2 beer lines, one turkey leg line and the ATM line, all next to each other. We go in and out of the lines, help even a few out, chat with the patrons, direct people to the correct lines and find more heads to rub. We get into “conversations” once the people realize we are on cast and helping. It becomes fun but time is running late.
THIS IS HOW WE ROLL
I get to the booth and the fruit cart guy is working furiously. He is making peppermint lemons for a number of patrons. I notice between his lemons that his hands are shaking. Having worked over the years with diabetics, I know that is a surefire sign that the body is in great stress and needs food. Once he finishes with them, he gets me the watermelon I request and I open it and tell him to take a bite. Please note, I don’t break character on street, I just don’t, but for this, I just spoke English. I told him his hands are shaking and he needed to eat. He is surprised when he looks at his hands as he didn’t realize. He tells me they are short staffed and he has some nuts set aside, but he just hasn’t gotten around to eating them. He asks me the time and when I tell him it’s 3:30, he is shocked and says he will eat right away as he didn’t realize how long it had been. He stops for another customer, but I hope he will eat soon as I was very concerned for his health. It’s just what we do, look out for one another. Cobweb and I munch on watermelon, play with patrons and head our separate ways.
SWITCHING GEARS
I head back to the costume house to transform again. There, I check with John Rugby if I am needed at Pub Sing. He lets me know what the final song is and that I am welcome to join. I then begin the process of leaving the fairy behind for the Italian in front. Today, because of the cold, I will be wearing the yellow outfit, since it has the coat and is warmer. I switch out the make up then change clothes. Makeup for this is a total clean off of everything that was on and a start from scratch face of street makeup for Columbina. I finish the hair, accessories and everything else, including peeing (that’s not an accessory and stays in the privy), and FINALLY put on the corset. It’s just not fun bending in the damn thing. I have the intent to bring out Baby Stupina, but things are against me and I instead hit the street and find people to chat with.
CHIVALRY AND ROMANCE
I end up in the main food court and get into conversations with a number of people. As I am approaching, I see a table of men and women and the men are trying to surreptitiously turn and look at my cleavage but not get caught…which of course I have to call them on. We begin a conversation that provides a great deal of laughter. It eventually digresses to a conversation about how chivalry is or isn’t dead. The men are on opposite sides of the fence with 2 saying it has died and 2 saying it still exists. The most disgruntled of the men shares tales of his trying to be a gentleman by opening a door or offering a seat on the metro and how the young women today respond with “oh he’s only doing it because he wants you” and being very rude and negative. He feels that there is no reason to try now. I turn to him and tell him to look around. I point to a group of patrons in costume. I tell him, those people do not work in this village. They come in costume to grab hold of what they dream of, of the epitome of romance and manners, consideration and chivalry. They want it, but are afraid of it in the “real” world. Here, it is ok, it is encouraged and it is respected. It’s not dead, but people are afraid because this culture instills fear and distrust. But here, you can find it again and many of us want it desperately. He looks at me thoughtfully and tells me I have given him much to think about and perhaps he won’t give up on it. I consider that a huge success…and perhaps, we will have a return visitor who will get lost in the joy of the world we provide for him each year.
OTHER CONVERSATIONS
I find another table, which includes some loyal fans and one new beau of the lady in the group. They voice their sadness that I am not singing, but I assure them that they can still find me around the pub sing and the like. The new gent then informs me he is a jeweler and she shows me some of his work. He is sad that it’s hard to get into the MD show, and I understand. He asks if I have pull, and I tell him honestly that I don’t. He is in his cups though, and I confirm that the lady will be driving. Her friend, a sweet gent by the name of Christian has sadly over booked himself that evening and has to leave. I also take my leave as the Pub Sing has already started. Once there, I join in the singing. I also get my camera back and am lucky that another woman, who I know I will see backstage, can hold it for me while I am still on street. I do spend some time toward the back in conversation with a patron or two who ask me a question. By the time the end of the show has come, there isn’t an appropriate time or way to head to the stage, so I sing from my table. I haven’t heard music much from the house in many years. Y’all have some interesting and impressive harmonies in the crowd. The cannon booms and it’s time to go home.
EXHAUSTION
The dust has been heavy and I am exhausted. I know there is a RESCU rally, but I don’t have the energy to go. I have actors staying at my house and I need to make sure I can get them in. I meet up with a small group for cheeseburgers then head home, curl my hair, welcome my assorted houseguests, show them around, then get to bed FAR TOO LATE. Morning comes too early. I get up, layer up and head back to site grabbing brekkies again. It’s not as cold this morning, but it’s still rather chilly. I arrive on site and head to Gatehouse to stretch. I am finished both physical and vocal warmups when Richard arrives. We touch base on our weekend and talk a bit more about an item I had mentioned to him last evening. It appears to have gotten some gears moving.
LAYERS AND LAYERS
I head to the costume house and touch base with a performer who is not feeling well. We agree to cancel the song we were planning for Pub Sing and I let them know I will let the organizers know. Stitch, being the wise woman she is, informs us that she did not put out all the hot chocolate and there is much rejoicing amongst the actors. I finish getting changed and grab the Hugs sign. I head to the Lyric. I notice it’s warmer, so I don’t take my gloves. I keep reminding myself I need to get my leaking bota bag fixed as I have only been able to half fill it for the last few weeks. I chat with Robin Starveling who informs me that he is going to be Robin Hood today and sits in his seat. JQ takes Maid Marian’s seat. SM Liz arrives and I get into line to check in just behind the men with halberds. Morning meeting is relatively quick and we hear and learn much for the day. Once we BEEP, I let SMDave know about the issue for Pub Sing and provide him with options. I also let the people potentially affected know. Then I head out and begin the day. I hit the privies, stretch a bit more and face up pretty early to avoid the chill that my hands are starting to feel.
LINING UP
After the boom, the first rush is pretty heavy. Somewhere in the middle, Master Yaxley steals my sign and tries to garner some free hugs. He starts getting a few then we share my sign for a bit. I eventually take it back and hold it over my head. I do get a number of people of all ages rushing up to hug me. I am often surprised by who wants a hug or which little ones are brave enough to hug me with abandon vs hiding behind mom. I see the Mayor and his wife arrive and ask them what time it is. They inform me it’s 10:30 and I hop quickly off the fountain and head to the chair, which is occupied by a patron at the moment. Once she finishes her pic, I set my signs and stuff up. I am finally warm from all the hugs. There, I still give advice, but overall, it’s about the hugs when I have that sign with me. I am hoping to get a few more stories out before the season is over, but today is not the day. Faster than I realize, it’s time for me to head backstage to transition.
SWITCH AND SWISH
I put Stupina’s things away and scritch the pup. I have to remove the warm layers to put on the new costume, but I know this costume will be warm enough that I may not need all the layers. I keep the leg layers, but remove the excess on the top. I pull the gloves and make sure I have a way to put them away for the show. I set up my makeup and begin painting away. I am dressed and heading out to the street with plenty of time to get to the stage. I chitter and play, I see Yellow, but he is selling almonds instead of garlands. I am confused for the moment, but wander on. I sit with a patron on the bench. I stand behind one person with a group and put my umbrella over their head, then just stand looking around waiting for them to notice. Usually, one other person of their group notices first, as does this one gentleman who starts giggling and giving his girlfriend room as I “protect” her. She finally starts to realize something is “wrong” and turns around to see me. She bursts out laughing as does her beau. It amuses me greatly. Once near Fortune, I find “Bob” and his lady waiting to see the show and chitter with them for a while. I also place my umbrella over a gent in a group who without looking calls me Cobweb. I pout mercilessly and hug all of his friends except him. Turns out, he is a friend of Cobweb’s, but that won’t mean I have to forgive him. ;-)
MAY YOU ACT ON INTERESTING STAGES
So, as an audience member, you hopefully never see the issues that come up while we are performing, but sometimes it isn’t possible to hide them. And act 1 of Midsummer is both. We get the stage a bit late and once I throw down my items, I head out to the stage to have fun with the crowd. One of the musicians provides me with some dance music to take me down the aisle, which makes me happy. The show begins and when the Fairies are preparing their entrance, a metal pole that is suspended up in the trees is dislodged by the moving silks and begins to fall toward the stage and the Mechanicals. The entire audience screams to the actors to watch out. It didn’t get close to them, but Snout is rather tall and I had a moment of panic as I saw it swinging toward them. It stops short and they continue. Once we get to the stage, I go to place my hand down and slide through Puck’s legs when I see there are tiny shards of glass on the stage. We do a number of acrobatics in this scene and one person isn’t able to see her hands as they go down, so place my hand in front of my face and whisper to her that there is glass. As we get into the first move, she hides her face from the audience and tells all of us she is not going to do the regular move and we go to the modified version. I misheard her and started the wrong move, but the other two are able to cover and make the changed version. Then, Cobweb’s skirt starts to fall to her knees and when Oberon lifts Titania, she kicks and her shoe goes off the stage again. Cobweb, skirt held in hand jumps off the stage to grab the shoe and make her exit. While we all survived and no one is hurt, the overall agreement is that we hope to never do the show like that again.
LUNCH AND LULLABIES
We head over to the village picnic for a brief visit. There, I flit around to the people at the chapel seats and near the pillories. Someone comments on how they love the umbrella to which I drop and spin it saying in gibberish “boo ah betty berry teepee, berry berry teepee”…um, translated “you are getting very sleepy, very very sleepy.” This gets a laugh, as it normally does, and this time the person acts as if they are going under a spell. I love when they play along. They villagers have too much food and I take a small bunch of grapes they have offered. As a thank you, the fairies and I sing a lullabye, which puts all the villagers on the blankets to sleep. We sneak away and head into the village. We are running a bit late as the knighting ceremony has begun and we are normally not here by this time. As we are heading back, I see the fruit man from yesterday and he stops me and thanks me for reminding him to eat. I am glad he is well. I run into Yellow and he drops an almond in my mouth. We head toward the stage. Key consort is playing today, so the maypole area becomes an area to walk around rather than do bits. I am glad the Fidos for Freedom seem to be doing well around the drums.
MUCH SMOOTHER
We get to the stage and I drop off my props, grab some water, and as the stage is cleared, head back into the audience. I find friendly faces who are willing to play. I chitter with some audience, hug others and continue to pout at the man who thought I was Cobweb earlier in the day. I hug his wife, I hug the guy next to him, I hug the guy in front of him, and pout at him. Everyone, including him, laughs. The show is about to start and I dance on the stage. Once off, I grab the “blanket” for Titania and we dance. The show goes smoothly and actually rather fun especially the odd perspective that Peasblossom and I have when Bottom and Titania first meet. It was just a trick of the costume, but it amused us. Once the show ends, we drop off props, grab bowls and figure out what to eat.
DECISIONS DECISIONS
I am having the darndest time figuring out what the heck to eat. I finally decide on chicken and chips and Cobweb goes for the pretzel hot dog bites. We take our food to a bit up Kenwood and sit on a bench near people at the ATM/Turkey/Turkey/Beer lines. We chitter at people who take a little bit of time to figure out who we are. Once they get it, they are having fun. Soon, Robin Starveling and Snout the tinker come by and seem to “feel an odd presence”. Cobweb steals Snout’s Tinker toy Gable and wears it much to the horror of the Mechanicals. I am “explaining” that they can’t see us and laughing with the crowd. Eventually, after fanning and poking and picking on them, we give the gable back and they run off in fear. Lunch is finished and we stop by the fruit cart to get a snack. They are out of watermelon, so I go with the pineapple, since it is yellow, like me. Cobweb finds a pear. We eat and wander, stopping and chatting with patrons. Cobweb tends to drop and move rather sinewy. It’s cool to watch and the kids respond to it well. We find a couple in “love” and sing to them. It makes them laugh…a lot, especially as the song goes on for a while. I find another head or two to wubba and eventually, it’s time to change. I head backstage to find Columbina.
RUNNING IN PLACE
The Gent who is helping me replace the original song in Pub Sing meets me and we run the song a couple times and clean up the schtick. Then, he finishes his break and I head in to change. I do put the thermal undershirt on again since this shirt is sheer and will get cold. Oberon gives me back my shawl that he has been wearing under his sash to keep him a bit warmer. Leave it to Columbina to have clothing fit for fairy kings and queens. I had lent another scarf to Titania over the last few days a well. I was actually getting a bit warm out there, so the change isn’t awful this time. While I am changing, I am hearing tales from others of drunk or rude patrons. It’s really disturbing what some inebriated people think they have the right to do at this venue. And the worst part is it will cause their own demise for their stupidity, and we would get blamed. And when we try to stop or protect them, they get angry and belligerent. Joy. I continue to get dressed and am transformed. I head out and start conversations on my way. I check into the camp and hear some other musicians practicing. I am fascinated to hear how the music continues to blossom as each new voice is added. I see the patron who had dissed Mustardseed previously and introduce myself. The bastard speaks Italian…well…Sigh. We all have a lovely chat but they have to leave early as they have other obligations. We joke about how the Idelway’s are frighteningly similar in looks. (If you’ve seen the two maids in blue and white walking around, you will know what I mean). It’s time for the show and I head into the pub.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES
Yeah, that was a special show. I do enjoy pub sings where the performers are brought to tears with laughter, as is the audience. The running commentary was beautifully highlighted throughout. Our song seemed to go over well with the appropriate laugh at the end and the incredible voices on the chorus. I can’t stress enough how amazing it is to have other musicians behind and supporting you when you perform. I am glad it was a recognizable tune and everyone could join in. Toward the end of the show, I join John Rugby and eventually join the stage with the King, et al for the final song. Once the cannon booms and the lights go out, I am stopped by a gent who had read a previous recap. He tells me he didn’t realize how much we all did in a day and was a bit in awe. I am touched…a, that he took the time to read the LONG tale, and b, that he appreciates and respects the work we put into the show. These actors are amazingly hard working and incredibly talented. I just happen to be the schizophrenic one with 3 personalities. I am not the only one doing that either, so I share those Kudos with everyone on cast.
DISSAPOINTMENTS AND PLEASURES
I stop by the booth I was told to ask about the chocolate on the way to change and am informed that what I wanted to try is not possible…but that’s ok, I have already made my plans and am prepared. I get to the costume house and change and pack my laundry. I make plans for a quiet dinner tonight with a small group, which suits me fine. We are met by another lady from cast who is picking up her dinner. It appears I have corrupted her taste buds and she is getting the same thing I just ordered. We eat, laugh, tell stories, and just enjoy our company. It’s a great way to end the weekend.
Next week is closing, and the last chance for me to wreak havoc as a fairy or to give Stupina hugs. I hope you will join us! See you there!
CHANGING GEARS
My friend who had my video camera brought it over Friday after I dropped everything off at site. I charged the battery, rolled the hair and got some sleep. The next morning was chilly, like almost freezing chilly. I still warm up outside though, to acclimate my body, but I had to be prepared, so I wore around 4 layers on top (one being fleecy) and 2.5 layers on the bottom. I got out to my car to find frost on it which I scraped off with a rainbow slinky…don’t ask…and once I could see out, off I drove to site after grabbing brekkies on the way. On site, I headed to gatehouse and could see my breath for most of my warm up. I did manage to get stretched safely and only started getting stiff as I sat to put on the first round of make up for the day. Since you don’t see much on Stupina, I only do the eyes and a general base that will last through the next transition. Less I put on now, less I have to clean off to change to later. Once Richard S arrived and we chatted for a bit, I headed to the costume house to get changed.
STITCH LOVES HER ACTORS
Stitch gets there soon after and we head inside after the 6 or so early rises are arrived and have started making themselves pretty, or just trying to stay warm. Once the doors are open, she brings out hot chocolate and other goodies she organized for everyone…and duck tape. Don’t ask. I head in and switch layers. I realize that since I am wearing long socks, the chiropractor tape won’t show AND I can stick the thermal capri-ish things into them and no one will see them…which also helps to make my legs warmer. On top, I have the thermal shirt under her shirt and a lovely fluffy scarf, plus gloves. I put the under wrap on my head early to keep in the heat, add the Renn Rally donation, camera and tripod to my bag and grab the Free Hugs sign before I head out.
THE STREETS FLOWED CRIMSON
I get to the Lyric and see a familiar face. I tell him to wait for a moment, he says he just wants to say hi. I restate, that if he waits for me to run this one very quick errand, I will have time for a whole conversation rather than a run by. He agrees to wait. I drop off the donation for the RESCU rally and head back. THEN, big hugs about for the CD “wench” for the Crimson Pirates as well as the pirates themselves. It’s great to have them visit, though they are missing a very charming tall man who has relocated to far away to sing with them. I ask the chocolate man if he would be able to make something special for closing weekend and he tells me to ask the Man-in-Charge. I plan on doing that in the evening.
CHILLY BEEPS
The morning is still cold, even with the sun, though not as bad as the cold/wet am last week. Morning meeting is amusing as directors and SM give notes. We get our marching orders, BEEP and away we go. I have been checking out the fire sale row of the glass blowers. I missed out on the set I should have bought last week, but oh well. I will see what’s there next week and hopefully add to my collection at home. I head to the fountain and drop everything off, then head over to pee. Back, I re-stretch, chat with the king, cause I can do that, and face up a bit early, as it will just be warmer. I have been greeted by people who remembered the Free Hugs sign and asked me why I don’t have it on earlier weekends. Um, it’s a cold weather or wet weather thing. The sign is great for protecting my papier mache face in the rain and it’s great exercise when it’s cold. Today, it’s about the cold. The cannon booms and I greet the crowds. With a large sign, it makes such a statement, that I find I often don’t say as much with it in my hand. I see people asking their kids if they want hugs or making the decision if they want them for themselves. The regulars hug me anyway, but the novelty of the sign makes them happy. Many people want to pose for a pic with me and the sign, mid hug, which is fine. I am glad my back is back to normal since that piece of plywood is NOT lightweight.
SHARED SPACE
Master Yaxley takes my sign from me and tries to give out hugs. Today, he isn’t very successful and I get my sign back. The Dueling Fools have taken to sharing the fountain with us in the morning and I enjoy sharing that time with them, Harry Knuckles and the Pirate Queen…and the Yaxleys. We give a tour or two and I am amused at some of the new calls that these new people are yelling. Nice for new perspective. I get tempted to use a line I hear, but that was their creation and I really try not to steal bits. I share or hand down bits (such as the tour, which has been going on for around 18 or so years…or more), but I don’t like to say, that’s a funny bit, I am going to do that exact same thing. I can’t say I have always been that good, but I try to keep it in my consciousness. Laugh at it then figure out what is funny about it and shape it into something else that is identified with you and funny for a new reason.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
The crowds pour in more slowly, and today’s crowd is a constant flow. I finally look at the time and realize it’s 10:30. I should be at my chair, so I hop off and scurry over. I set the sign up on the side and bring out Mr. Pig. There is much activity and people really just trying to get in and see what’s there. I again offer advice and some will take me up on it. I also am still giving out the surplus hugs left over from last weekend’s rain. Can’t keep hugs, they spoil. A young woman stops and asks me if I was giving them out last year. I tell her yes and she pulls up the pic she had taken of us hugging last year. She turns to her friend to take a pic this year, and we hug again. Within a few blinks of an eye, my time is up and I am gathering my sign, pig, and hanging sign, which fell (now I know why people looked at me oddly when I pointed to it behind my head). I head backstage and place my props and face away, taking a moment to say hello to Robin Starveling’s puppy. She gives me the sad eyes and I can’t ignore her…it’s not allowed.
TRANPOSTION
I head back into the dressing room and put away my sign. I am luckily not freezing. Of course, now I have to change clothes. Joy. I peel off the outer layers and place on the second costume. Then, I pull out the makeup for the second time and paint leaves and flowers in eyeshadow. Finally, I put that away and pull out the bag to gather all the curlers which pull out unwillingly sometimes in ringlets. I pull out the jewelry made by Stitch put on the headdress, set a prop, gather my umbrella and fuzzy gloves, pee (in a privy), leave Columbina’s scarf with Oberon to help him not freeze, then head out to the street. I have plenty of time to wander and chat with the people. I love looking at the faces transition from Oh, that’s not English, to “what IS that”, To “What are they saying”…it’s amusing. I am often accused of being French, but I realized it’s because of how I ask their name. And you, becomes “ay oo?” which does sound a bit French. Today, one man sure he can figure out the language, keeps trying various ones hoping I will hear one I know. To each their own. I stop and give directions with sound and hands. I follow men with no or very short hair and, once given permission, rub their pates with delighted glee. It seems to be Mustardseed’s favorite thing in the world these days. I am over near the stage and we are a bit early, so I go yell at the Smoking Dragon then chat with people who are waiting for the show, or at the first picnic tables.
ACTING FOR THE FIRST TIME
Today, that is. Soon enough, it’s time, I dance backstage and drop my stuff. I head out immediately and start saying hi to the Audience. I get them all to speak in fairy then gibber at them for a bit, sometimes as a large group, sometimes to one at a time. Once the musicians are set, I head to the back of the house and watch the show. After each scene, I move a little more forward and to the left. The wind and crowd noise is severe today and at the back row, I am having a really hard time hearing the others on stage, with the exception of 1 or 2.Today, I make it to the front row so when Bottom is told he can not be a lion, I am in place quickly. The show goes well, though I screw up my line…yeah, with as little as I say, I continue to have to remind myself not to transpose two words. It works either way, but I want to be correct. The scene goes relatively well and I am stretching backstage.
FAIRY SHENANIGANS
Today, we have make arrangements to play a round of Tudor Twister. Don’t know what I mean? Think “Twister” with period language (dexter and sinister for right and left) and the colors are social strata (noble, clergy, merchant and peasant). Then add bodices and tights and you have some amusing visual entertainment. We grab our things and move more quickly and with less ADD to the appointed place near Pilands. The Countess is there and for a short time has to see us to make the game work. The first game is Oberon, Peaseblossom, Cobweb and myself. I am on a team with Peaseblossom (flowers unite) and the game is on. It’s rather amusing and because of bumping, I find myself standing up while others are twisted. We are joined in running commentary by John Rugby who takes over calling the game when the Countess has to leave. I lose my team member and Oberon falls leaving Cobweb and I. She is starting to get a cramp in her shoulders and has me help her throw the game. So I “win”…which I jump around and dance about cheering myself for. We run another round, but it’s Moth and Peaseblossom against me and a young girl who jumps on the board. FYI, we DON’T use patrons so don’t expect to get to play, just come for the show. We can’t actually “Say” anything about it in fairy, so we are careful and by the end, it’s Peasblossom and I and she wins, fair and square. We shake out and fold the board and head on our way.
SALMON SEASON
We are all trying to make our way to the Gatehouse stage, but its um…difficult. I am near O’Shucks and walking toward Lyric near the pork booth and I begin to feel like a salmon swimming upstream. I take my umbrella and put it high over my head then walk in a single line a la tight rope and sing through the crowd…then alternate it with making swimming motions as I wade through. Once on the other side, I can drop the umbrella. It’s a mad house, or a mad village. I see my Yellow Garland seller and he is swamped, so I don’t stop to say Adaboo. Again, its crowded and busy everywhere you look. At the gate, I sit at the blue chair for a bit and in just a couple minutes find my picture taken more than once. It’s almost time, so I head backstage and drop off the umbrella, belt and grab a scarf for Titania which I hide under my scarf. Once Blades of Fury is cleared, I head out and welcome the audience while the musicians set up. I find many men with fuzzy heads to play with, much to the audience’s and my amusement. As the music begins, I head to the stage and dance with the ladies then head back out to watch Demetrius and Helena. The show goes relatively smoothly, though getting that scarf off of me and onto our queen is tough. The audience is a bit quieter, but over all is responsive and continues to fill as the show continues. There are some nice changes overall that I see and connections made that amuse me. Eventually, the show is over. I head backstage to drop off props, get my bowl, find a Cobweb and head out for lunch.
IT’S ON A STEEEK
We head out and today, I am not in the mood for exactly our same meal. We agree where we are to go and then head in that general direction…which always takes longer as we are both a bit ADD and stop to chat with people and interact every few steps. We see lines and interact a bit with them. Then, I see what I never see…a privy line at Kenwood. I pull Cobweb in and together we move the line along. She had mentioned to me a few weeks ago that she hadn’t done much of any privy duty before and wasn’t sure how to make it work once we couldn’t communicate normally. Well, firing squad it was. She got the hang of it quickly and she kept her eyes on the back while I moved them forward and in. Within five minutes it was gone. That meant we could treat ourselves to lunch…after stopping by and chatting with others on the way…and sneaking by the hanging fairy booth. I made a decision a few weeks ago that Mustardseed was scared and sad for the captured fairies, so she tries not to look at the booth much.
YUM YUM
We head to the food court and I get a sausage (with me on it…get it, Mustard? Ok, never mind) and some garlic mashed potatoes. They are warm and yummy. We try to sit with patrons and get some conversation going, but no one really seems to want to sit there. They are all looking for their groups. I am thirsty now, but also want something a bit sweet and I recommend the fruit cart. On the way, we get stopped by the lines. There are 2 beer lines, one turkey leg line and the ATM line, all next to each other. We go in and out of the lines, help even a few out, chat with the patrons, direct people to the correct lines and find more heads to rub. We get into “conversations” once the people realize we are on cast and helping. It becomes fun but time is running late.
THIS IS HOW WE ROLL
I get to the booth and the fruit cart guy is working furiously. He is making peppermint lemons for a number of patrons. I notice between his lemons that his hands are shaking. Having worked over the years with diabetics, I know that is a surefire sign that the body is in great stress and needs food. Once he finishes with them, he gets me the watermelon I request and I open it and tell him to take a bite. Please note, I don’t break character on street, I just don’t, but for this, I just spoke English. I told him his hands are shaking and he needed to eat. He is surprised when he looks at his hands as he didn’t realize. He tells me they are short staffed and he has some nuts set aside, but he just hasn’t gotten around to eating them. He asks me the time and when I tell him it’s 3:30, he is shocked and says he will eat right away as he didn’t realize how long it had been. He stops for another customer, but I hope he will eat soon as I was very concerned for his health. It’s just what we do, look out for one another. Cobweb and I munch on watermelon, play with patrons and head our separate ways.
SWITCHING GEARS
I head back to the costume house to transform again. There, I check with John Rugby if I am needed at Pub Sing. He lets me know what the final song is and that I am welcome to join. I then begin the process of leaving the fairy behind for the Italian in front. Today, because of the cold, I will be wearing the yellow outfit, since it has the coat and is warmer. I switch out the make up then change clothes. Makeup for this is a total clean off of everything that was on and a start from scratch face of street makeup for Columbina. I finish the hair, accessories and everything else, including peeing (that’s not an accessory and stays in the privy), and FINALLY put on the corset. It’s just not fun bending in the damn thing. I have the intent to bring out Baby Stupina, but things are against me and I instead hit the street and find people to chat with.
CHIVALRY AND ROMANCE
I end up in the main food court and get into conversations with a number of people. As I am approaching, I see a table of men and women and the men are trying to surreptitiously turn and look at my cleavage but not get caught…which of course I have to call them on. We begin a conversation that provides a great deal of laughter. It eventually digresses to a conversation about how chivalry is or isn’t dead. The men are on opposite sides of the fence with 2 saying it has died and 2 saying it still exists. The most disgruntled of the men shares tales of his trying to be a gentleman by opening a door or offering a seat on the metro and how the young women today respond with “oh he’s only doing it because he wants you” and being very rude and negative. He feels that there is no reason to try now. I turn to him and tell him to look around. I point to a group of patrons in costume. I tell him, those people do not work in this village. They come in costume to grab hold of what they dream of, of the epitome of romance and manners, consideration and chivalry. They want it, but are afraid of it in the “real” world. Here, it is ok, it is encouraged and it is respected. It’s not dead, but people are afraid because this culture instills fear and distrust. But here, you can find it again and many of us want it desperately. He looks at me thoughtfully and tells me I have given him much to think about and perhaps he won’t give up on it. I consider that a huge success…and perhaps, we will have a return visitor who will get lost in the joy of the world we provide for him each year.
OTHER CONVERSATIONS
I find another table, which includes some loyal fans and one new beau of the lady in the group. They voice their sadness that I am not singing, but I assure them that they can still find me around the pub sing and the like. The new gent then informs me he is a jeweler and she shows me some of his work. He is sad that it’s hard to get into the MD show, and I understand. He asks if I have pull, and I tell him honestly that I don’t. He is in his cups though, and I confirm that the lady will be driving. Her friend, a sweet gent by the name of Christian has sadly over booked himself that evening and has to leave. I also take my leave as the Pub Sing has already started. Once there, I join in the singing. I also get my camera back and am lucky that another woman, who I know I will see backstage, can hold it for me while I am still on street. I do spend some time toward the back in conversation with a patron or two who ask me a question. By the time the end of the show has come, there isn’t an appropriate time or way to head to the stage, so I sing from my table. I haven’t heard music much from the house in many years. Y’all have some interesting and impressive harmonies in the crowd. The cannon booms and it’s time to go home.
EXHAUSTION
The dust has been heavy and I am exhausted. I know there is a RESCU rally, but I don’t have the energy to go. I have actors staying at my house and I need to make sure I can get them in. I meet up with a small group for cheeseburgers then head home, curl my hair, welcome my assorted houseguests, show them around, then get to bed FAR TOO LATE. Morning comes too early. I get up, layer up and head back to site grabbing brekkies again. It’s not as cold this morning, but it’s still rather chilly. I arrive on site and head to Gatehouse to stretch. I am finished both physical and vocal warmups when Richard arrives. We touch base on our weekend and talk a bit more about an item I had mentioned to him last evening. It appears to have gotten some gears moving.
LAYERS AND LAYERS
I head to the costume house and touch base with a performer who is not feeling well. We agree to cancel the song we were planning for Pub Sing and I let them know I will let the organizers know. Stitch, being the wise woman she is, informs us that she did not put out all the hot chocolate and there is much rejoicing amongst the actors. I finish getting changed and grab the Hugs sign. I head to the Lyric. I notice it’s warmer, so I don’t take my gloves. I keep reminding myself I need to get my leaking bota bag fixed as I have only been able to half fill it for the last few weeks. I chat with Robin Starveling who informs me that he is going to be Robin Hood today and sits in his seat. JQ takes Maid Marian’s seat. SM Liz arrives and I get into line to check in just behind the men with halberds. Morning meeting is relatively quick and we hear and learn much for the day. Once we BEEP, I let SMDave know about the issue for Pub Sing and provide him with options. I also let the people potentially affected know. Then I head out and begin the day. I hit the privies, stretch a bit more and face up pretty early to avoid the chill that my hands are starting to feel.
LINING UP
After the boom, the first rush is pretty heavy. Somewhere in the middle, Master Yaxley steals my sign and tries to garner some free hugs. He starts getting a few then we share my sign for a bit. I eventually take it back and hold it over my head. I do get a number of people of all ages rushing up to hug me. I am often surprised by who wants a hug or which little ones are brave enough to hug me with abandon vs hiding behind mom. I see the Mayor and his wife arrive and ask them what time it is. They inform me it’s 10:30 and I hop quickly off the fountain and head to the chair, which is occupied by a patron at the moment. Once she finishes her pic, I set my signs and stuff up. I am finally warm from all the hugs. There, I still give advice, but overall, it’s about the hugs when I have that sign with me. I am hoping to get a few more stories out before the season is over, but today is not the day. Faster than I realize, it’s time for me to head backstage to transition.
SWITCH AND SWISH
I put Stupina’s things away and scritch the pup. I have to remove the warm layers to put on the new costume, but I know this costume will be warm enough that I may not need all the layers. I keep the leg layers, but remove the excess on the top. I pull the gloves and make sure I have a way to put them away for the show. I set up my makeup and begin painting away. I am dressed and heading out to the street with plenty of time to get to the stage. I chitter and play, I see Yellow, but he is selling almonds instead of garlands. I am confused for the moment, but wander on. I sit with a patron on the bench. I stand behind one person with a group and put my umbrella over their head, then just stand looking around waiting for them to notice. Usually, one other person of their group notices first, as does this one gentleman who starts giggling and giving his girlfriend room as I “protect” her. She finally starts to realize something is “wrong” and turns around to see me. She bursts out laughing as does her beau. It amuses me greatly. Once near Fortune, I find “Bob” and his lady waiting to see the show and chitter with them for a while. I also place my umbrella over a gent in a group who without looking calls me Cobweb. I pout mercilessly and hug all of his friends except him. Turns out, he is a friend of Cobweb’s, but that won’t mean I have to forgive him. ;-)
MAY YOU ACT ON INTERESTING STAGES
So, as an audience member, you hopefully never see the issues that come up while we are performing, but sometimes it isn’t possible to hide them. And act 1 of Midsummer is both. We get the stage a bit late and once I throw down my items, I head out to the stage to have fun with the crowd. One of the musicians provides me with some dance music to take me down the aisle, which makes me happy. The show begins and when the Fairies are preparing their entrance, a metal pole that is suspended up in the trees is dislodged by the moving silks and begins to fall toward the stage and the Mechanicals. The entire audience screams to the actors to watch out. It didn’t get close to them, but Snout is rather tall and I had a moment of panic as I saw it swinging toward them. It stops short and they continue. Once we get to the stage, I go to place my hand down and slide through Puck’s legs when I see there are tiny shards of glass on the stage. We do a number of acrobatics in this scene and one person isn’t able to see her hands as they go down, so place my hand in front of my face and whisper to her that there is glass. As we get into the first move, she hides her face from the audience and tells all of us she is not going to do the regular move and we go to the modified version. I misheard her and started the wrong move, but the other two are able to cover and make the changed version. Then, Cobweb’s skirt starts to fall to her knees and when Oberon lifts Titania, she kicks and her shoe goes off the stage again. Cobweb, skirt held in hand jumps off the stage to grab the shoe and make her exit. While we all survived and no one is hurt, the overall agreement is that we hope to never do the show like that again.
LUNCH AND LULLABIES
We head over to the village picnic for a brief visit. There, I flit around to the people at the chapel seats and near the pillories. Someone comments on how they love the umbrella to which I drop and spin it saying in gibberish “boo ah betty berry teepee, berry berry teepee”…um, translated “you are getting very sleepy, very very sleepy.” This gets a laugh, as it normally does, and this time the person acts as if they are going under a spell. I love when they play along. They villagers have too much food and I take a small bunch of grapes they have offered. As a thank you, the fairies and I sing a lullabye, which puts all the villagers on the blankets to sleep. We sneak away and head into the village. We are running a bit late as the knighting ceremony has begun and we are normally not here by this time. As we are heading back, I see the fruit man from yesterday and he stops me and thanks me for reminding him to eat. I am glad he is well. I run into Yellow and he drops an almond in my mouth. We head toward the stage. Key consort is playing today, so the maypole area becomes an area to walk around rather than do bits. I am glad the Fidos for Freedom seem to be doing well around the drums.
MUCH SMOOTHER
We get to the stage and I drop off my props, grab some water, and as the stage is cleared, head back into the audience. I find friendly faces who are willing to play. I chitter with some audience, hug others and continue to pout at the man who thought I was Cobweb earlier in the day. I hug his wife, I hug the guy next to him, I hug the guy in front of him, and pout at him. Everyone, including him, laughs. The show is about to start and I dance on the stage. Once off, I grab the “blanket” for Titania and we dance. The show goes smoothly and actually rather fun especially the odd perspective that Peasblossom and I have when Bottom and Titania first meet. It was just a trick of the costume, but it amused us. Once the show ends, we drop off props, grab bowls and figure out what to eat.
DECISIONS DECISIONS
I am having the darndest time figuring out what the heck to eat. I finally decide on chicken and chips and Cobweb goes for the pretzel hot dog bites. We take our food to a bit up Kenwood and sit on a bench near people at the ATM/Turkey/Turkey/Beer lines. We chitter at people who take a little bit of time to figure out who we are. Once they get it, they are having fun. Soon, Robin Starveling and Snout the tinker come by and seem to “feel an odd presence”. Cobweb steals Snout’s Tinker toy Gable and wears it much to the horror of the Mechanicals. I am “explaining” that they can’t see us and laughing with the crowd. Eventually, after fanning and poking and picking on them, we give the gable back and they run off in fear. Lunch is finished and we stop by the fruit cart to get a snack. They are out of watermelon, so I go with the pineapple, since it is yellow, like me. Cobweb finds a pear. We eat and wander, stopping and chatting with patrons. Cobweb tends to drop and move rather sinewy. It’s cool to watch and the kids respond to it well. We find a couple in “love” and sing to them. It makes them laugh…a lot, especially as the song goes on for a while. I find another head or two to wubba and eventually, it’s time to change. I head backstage to find Columbina.
RUNNING IN PLACE
The Gent who is helping me replace the original song in Pub Sing meets me and we run the song a couple times and clean up the schtick. Then, he finishes his break and I head in to change. I do put the thermal undershirt on again since this shirt is sheer and will get cold. Oberon gives me back my shawl that he has been wearing under his sash to keep him a bit warmer. Leave it to Columbina to have clothing fit for fairy kings and queens. I had lent another scarf to Titania over the last few days a well. I was actually getting a bit warm out there, so the change isn’t awful this time. While I am changing, I am hearing tales from others of drunk or rude patrons. It’s really disturbing what some inebriated people think they have the right to do at this venue. And the worst part is it will cause their own demise for their stupidity, and we would get blamed. And when we try to stop or protect them, they get angry and belligerent. Joy. I continue to get dressed and am transformed. I head out and start conversations on my way. I check into the camp and hear some other musicians practicing. I am fascinated to hear how the music continues to blossom as each new voice is added. I see the patron who had dissed Mustardseed previously and introduce myself. The bastard speaks Italian…well…Sigh. We all have a lovely chat but they have to leave early as they have other obligations. We joke about how the Idelway’s are frighteningly similar in looks. (If you’ve seen the two maids in blue and white walking around, you will know what I mean). It’s time for the show and I head into the pub.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES
Yeah, that was a special show. I do enjoy pub sings where the performers are brought to tears with laughter, as is the audience. The running commentary was beautifully highlighted throughout. Our song seemed to go over well with the appropriate laugh at the end and the incredible voices on the chorus. I can’t stress enough how amazing it is to have other musicians behind and supporting you when you perform. I am glad it was a recognizable tune and everyone could join in. Toward the end of the show, I join John Rugby and eventually join the stage with the King, et al for the final song. Once the cannon booms and the lights go out, I am stopped by a gent who had read a previous recap. He tells me he didn’t realize how much we all did in a day and was a bit in awe. I am touched…a, that he took the time to read the LONG tale, and b, that he appreciates and respects the work we put into the show. These actors are amazingly hard working and incredibly talented. I just happen to be the schizophrenic one with 3 personalities. I am not the only one doing that either, so I share those Kudos with everyone on cast.
DISSAPOINTMENTS AND PLEASURES
I stop by the booth I was told to ask about the chocolate on the way to change and am informed that what I wanted to try is not possible…but that’s ok, I have already made my plans and am prepared. I get to the costume house and change and pack my laundry. I make plans for a quiet dinner tonight with a small group, which suits me fine. We are met by another lady from cast who is picking up her dinner. It appears I have corrupted her taste buds and she is getting the same thing I just ordered. We eat, laugh, tell stories, and just enjoy our company. It’s a great way to end the weekend.
Next week is closing, and the last chance for me to wreak havoc as a fairy or to give Stupina hugs. I hope you will join us! See you there!
