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MD part ses, 2/3 down, 1/3 to go
MD Part ses
I started this a little late, so there may be some mistakes and missed things. Dates, times, people and more will get lost, misremembered, misordered or just darn wrong. Let’s see how this goes.
WARMING SLOWLY
I get brekkies on the way and start stretching out on Gatehouse alone. Richard finally arrives as I have finished the physical and vocal warm up and am already finishing my hair. Soon after Ciaran McCoy shows up for the first time with his yoga mat and starts a warm up that reminds Richard and I that we are not as young as we once were. Once I am stretched and ready, I head to the costume house. Stitch has arrived and I head in to get suited up. As I am getting dressed, I notice that my tights are ripped at the seams in a bad spot. I realize that that no one sees that spot, so I let it go for now knowing I will have to fix it later today. I pull out my ribbons and find that they are separating and I have to put them together again. Ok, so it’s going to be one of THOSE mornings.
SINGING IN THE SUN
SQUEEE! SMLiz is back to help out this weekend. I am bouncing out of my skin happy…as are most of the rest of the other cast members. We do so love our Liz. I finish getting dressed and winged and head to the Lyric. I am meeting some other ladies to run a song with them, potentially for another pub sing. We get part way through and are still having some issues. We are running out of time and agree to meet at a specific time later to make this happen. Morning meeting begins and we find out how many people we will be saying goodbye to at the end of this month. It is done with some lightness, but it still can be very sad to have some performers move on for the rest of the season. We get some more details about the next few weekends and BEEP on our way.
NEW COMFORTS
William McCoy has become a staple at the front gate with us. He has his own patter and amusing comments. I am especially fond of the giving lost kids espresso and a puppy line. One little girl even comes up and asks for her puppy. It makes me laugh. The crowd is heavy today. In that crowd is a face from CA that I haven’t seen in many years. Matt gets shrieky chittery hugs before he heads into the village. I also see friends who have headed to warmer climes and Jay and Richard get hugs too. While the first big rush enters, they are still coming in pretty fast and furious. I decide to eventually go outside with around 200 programs and rest them on my head. My hair is still a bit more slippy, but it’s not too bad. At least this year, everyone knows I am a person. In Stupina, they often couldn’t tell and got shocked when I moved. People ask me questions and I reply in fairy. This amuses me quite a bit. Often they will say “oh yes, wait. What did you just say?” more as if they couldn’t hear it rather than it wasn’t English. Hee. The programs are gone and it’s time to go in.
PRETTY POSES
I head to the blue chair and sit there. I pose with guests, answer questions, give out a few ribbons or stones with wishes in them, or just act silly. It goes in waves. I might be sitting there for 30 sec to a minute (which feels like an eternity) with no one talking to me. Then next thing I know there is a crowd and they all want their time. I give hugs to big and little people alike. It’s a nice way to spend the morning. Time passes and it’s time for me to move on.
MUSICAL INTERLUDES
I head into the city and see Roseanna McCoy who I chat with briefly…well, she gets most of what I say, but I leave it as she got it all right. Nothing is that specific or urgent, ya know? I wander near Piland’s and am called in to look at something special. It is so close to done. I am rather excited for it as it has been about 3 years in the making or more. I spend a moment sharing some history from years past with those who can appreciate it, then head back out into fairy world. Once in the path singing, I begin to have fun. I have found myself singing showtunes mostly. Today, the new edition that is haunting and pretty is “Bring him home” from Les Mis. It works in gibberish. I do some of the other standards I have had and sometimes find myself in a lull and am glad for interactions. I get pictures taken and time flies quickly. I get up, dust myself off and head farther into the village.
STROLLING NEAR NOBILITY
I wander down Kenwood and spend some time in the food court fanning people in the sun or rubbing the heads of men with very little hair. It seems to be one of Mustardseed’s favorite things. She always gets permission first, but when she does, she rubs her hands o the heads of men with stubbly heads while saying “Wubwubwubwubwubwub”. This amuses her…and truth be told, me as well…and their family and friends more often than not. I wander down the rocky road to the boardwalk interacting with patrons along the way, using my umbrella as coverage for one person in a larger group, until they notice. Eventually, I head toward the shade of the boardwalk by way of the Chapel. I see some courtly gents and ladies there and steal a grape or two as well as I am threatened with a piece of roast pork that I try. Quite tasty. I continue along the way across the boardwalk until I come to my favorite bench.
CALMING THE MASSES
I put down the umbrella and sing again. I have many people stop and take pictures. I am stopped by a family who are fascinated with the fairy. I end up gifting all the little ones with special trinkets. Soon enough, it is time for my show. I head to the wall to get my things. Patterns are back to normal and I get to the stage. I am there as the ladies are singing their last song and once they are clear, I take the stage and set my props. Today’s show includes all kids (after some work to get them involved) as well as a friend from the past in the audience. It’s great to see him and he is relieved when I don’t pull him up. I am a little disturbed when I find my bottle of fairy juice is growing something. I have no choice but to drink it…bleah. I do find that many people don’t seem to know how to make a door open until I show them. The “door” sometimes hits them if they don’t move fast enough. The audience enjoys that. Overall, the show goes well. I have a woman and her daughter come up to let me know how happy they are and how they enjoyed the show.
REPAIRS AND ADJUSTMENTS
I go to put the props back and try to clean the bottle a little, it doesn’t seem to work and there are more floaties in the fluid. Crap. There is no way to clean the bottles by tomorrow, but I KNOW I will be doing that this week (they are machine washed and sparkly now). That day, though, it was a bit distressing to look at. I also am out of juice and have to bring more this week…fairy juice doesn’t grow on trees. I head back up the hill and across site. Once at the Costume House, I remove the leggings and sew up the inappropriate holes so I don’t have to worry tomorrow. I fix the hair, clean the face and hang and febreeze the outfit, then get changed and head up as Stupina.
TIME WITH A LADY
I set my props and head out on street. I chat with a few patrons then head toward my favorite chair. The Lady Devere is there and I sit at her feet again. We chat with the crowd and take MANY pictures. We talk a bit about history with the patrons and someone just wants to know what I am…my name just isn’t enough for her. Ah well. Soon I see the crowd starting to leave Gatehouse, so I go and grab my props and put them in place for the show. Today, the Earl of Devon is reading with me. He is already there and checked in with me. Always a good thing. I start the show and they are listening, but not very responsive. I get some laughs, but a lot of quiet…which is unnerving with what I do. The Earl is concerned and I assure him it was not his reading. This day’s crowd is very much about the beer and from what I heard, not much for shopping (depending on the booth you had). I finish the show, sweatier than I wanted to be, and head to the costume house after packing my props and sucking down some water.
MUSIC IS THE SPICE OF LIFE
I have begun to change my hair when I see all the ladies I needed. We gather before one of them needs to head back out for a show and run the song for posterity. Once done, I head back and continue the transition into Columbina. I have songs stuck in my head now. Mary Boleyn comes in and lets me know that she will have bracelets for me tomorrow. I am not sure which day will be warmer, but decide to go with the burgundy. Eventually, I am trussed up and ready to head out. I bring my bowl and get a fruit plate with cheese (no bread) and then head to get a sausage on a stick. They have a variety of mustards, so I grab some of all 3. I am most taken with the honey mustard. I find some patrons to eat with and we chat about their day and what I do (both during this day and as a character). They are fascinated by the history. I am happy to share. I wander through the food court and near O’Shucks chatting up more adults. Eventually, I head back to the hiding place to receive many hugs from little girls as I get my materials and head out. One gent from the ribs place asks me my name backstage. I let him know both and then head back out to the street.
FLIRTING WITH FAMILIAR
I head to the Boar’s Head and set up the stage with SMDave (nice to have him back). I need to figure out how to weight that darn sign so it doesn’t go flipping everywhere. I start to wander about making sure that little ones with kids know that the show might not be appropriate for them and so that they can leave for others who want to see the show to sit down. This stage often has eaters that show up and eat till maybe 5-10 minutes into the show and then leave. This makes many watching the show have to stand. I am always grateful when they are able to sit and enjoy the show. Some people I know have come to see me are standing at the outskirts of the pub until a family gets up in the very center of the house. They come in and take seats finally. I was glad they didn’t give up. When it’s time to pull someone up. I end up having to pull up another gent who I didn’t pull up for the fairy tale show. He is silly and playful and behaves much better than the guy from last weekend. The show ends well and I pass the stage to Cu Dubh then clear. I harass my friends and help one of them take me home with him. Then I head back with my props.
PUBING IN SILENCE
I head to the Pub Sing. I am not on the official bill, but come to hang out and support the performers as needed. I jump in when the king is “alone and lonely” which is always fun. The show is upbeat and energetic. Soon enough, the Queen fires the cannon (after a false start) and the day is done. We head back to the Costume House and I change into something warmer, as the temp has dropped rather significantly. Tonight, there is confusion about dinner with the RESCU Rally and props to be made by others and a lot of confusion. I see a friend is having an off moment and take her away to chat for a bit. Then, I end up with a couple friends at Red Robin, where they get so much of my meal incorrect that they end up comping my sandwich. I wasn’t angry, I just wanted food I could safely eat. Soon enough, I am crawling home into bed.
HOW OLD AM I?
Today, I am MUCH stiffer today and having issues moving. I get to site a bit early and use ALL of that time to stretch. It makes a big difference and when I am starting to put on makeup, I almost feel human. Richard joins me and we have a happy moment chatting and discussing how to “piss off” the king. I have nothing to do with it, but I can be amused. Once I am completed, we go our separate ways and I head to get dressed. I spend a little time fixing the breaking umbrella (hot glue here we come baby) and some other props that need spiffing up, then finish getting dressed. I head to morning meeting and run a song with a gent. We have realized we won’t get to do it on stage, but it may still be fun to play on street. Morning meeting is time to say goodbye to some wonderful performers who we will miss. Then BEEP and off we go.
LAST ADJUSTMENTS
I grab a security guy and ask his help to stand there while I use him to balance and stretch. Once he knows what is going on, he’s totally cool with it. Then, the cannon booms and Isobel joins us on the wall for a few. Knuckles and McCoy start to hint at an old routine I like and I let them know how great it would be for them. I start to chitter and bounce as I see famila-r faces outside the gate. My nephews, brother and mom are visiting today. I give them hugs and hear them all planning to meet up at my 12:30 show. We give a few tours with brass in the back. The rush ends but again, there is a flow and I head out with programs. They take this opportunity to climb over the gate and start to heckle the crowd. Again, they start re-enacting Pinky and the Brain in their characters and its tough for me not to giggle enough that my programs don’t fall. They are amusing and having a great time to boot.
PRETTY PICTURES
I head in after my 4 stacks of programs are gone, then sit on the blue chair. There are many people stopping by and asking for pics. I am happy to see little girls and even some little boys faces light up when they see the fairy. Other adults want to sit next to me as I pose with them. Soon enough, it’s time to move on.
LITTLE SURPRISES
I head near the tables by O’Shucks to chat with some people at the tables. I see a group of adults and approach them to cause some ruckus. They see me and suddenly call to the ground. It seems this large group of adults has one little girl with them. She is playing in the dusk and rocks. I chitter with her a bit and she seems happy. I give her her own mustard “rock”. I head up the way and chat at the food tables and greet fellow characters, except for Sam Hatfield, who I make faces at since he can’t see me. He even admits he has no joy in his heart, but I am informed later that someone made him laugh, and he suddenly saw me leaving. I end up at the street near Piland’s and sit in my spot to sing. There are many strolling photographers, some who catch me here after spending time seeing me up front. I have even seen a pic or two from here online already. There are many waves of pics. Today, a lady is having a bad day and sits with me. I give her a stone with a wish for her, then sing her “Scotsman” in gibberish, with hand gestures. She is laughing by the time she has to move on. Today, I sing Amazing Grace, Red is the Rose and some more showtunes including The Last Midnight. I think I seem a melancholy fairy, but the ambiance is mystical, or so I hope.
THE OLIVE LAZZI?
It’s time to move on. I head down Kenwood and chitter at little ones and adults alike. I even get to hold a baby. Um, ok. I give directions, which I hope make sense, then head toward the shade of the boardwalk after stopping to say hi to the ladies at the Chainmail booth. Then, up the hill I see 2 gents at a sup and come by to steal 2 grapes. Then an olive…which I spit the seed out messily, to the subtle amusement of Master Skelton. It tastes SO GOOD. Then I grab 2 more grapes and head on my way. I meander down the boardwalk and find my favorite seat. There is a group there, so I join them, but they were getting ready to leave.
PERFECT HARMONY
It’s a peaceful morning and as I sit, I chitter with children and sing. Soon, R and J wander by and sit on the bench below me. I begin to sing Amazing Grace and J joins in with me in a deep baritone. It’s lovely. Soon enough, its time to move on and I say my “mabadoo’s” to them before I leave. I grab my props and am happy to see not too many floaties in the juice today. I head to the stage as the ladies are finishing and take the stage with a moment to spare.
KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY
I start and as is often the case, find no hands for Papa Bear. Finally, my nephew (theater runs in the family) volunteers. Boy, he’s a tall HS kid. His wife and kid are half his size, so as a gentleman, he gets down on his knees to play the part. The audience loves it. Again, I have no appropriate guys, so Goldilocks is an older girl. I need someone who can listen and be ok with the fall, so I can’t use a little one. The show goes pretty well with the crowd enjoying the antics. They even get it when I curse…I think I figured out the physicality of it so it’s more clear. Yeah, come to the show, it will make more sense.
TECHNICALITES
So when I drop off the props, I take bottles home in my pouch so I can wash out the floating things and clean the corks. I feel safer drinking now. I head back to the Costume House to begin the change. Mary Boleyn is there finishing the bracelets and tests the size on me. I have TINY wrists, so he does some quick fixing and they are done. Today, I am changed, redone and cleaned up in no time and am heading up to the Gatehouse as the show before me is JUST starting. I am able to head out to the street earlier. I can’t go much farther, but I can try to pitch the show. Today, the Countess of Devon is reading for me, so she stops by to find me at my chair. There is a LARGE family that comes and wants their picture with me, then another one, then another one, then they ALL pile in with the Countess and me. I can’t figure out how they can do this, until I see the dad sticking a camera on an extended pole out and uses his cell phone app to direct the picture so all 20-30 relatives are in the picture. THAT was bizarre techno stuff.
GIRLIE SHOW
Today, Both the Countess and I have family in the audience. The show is doing ok, but there is one guy that really gets it. I pull him up to be my Bob. Once over, I clear the stage and come out to say goodbye to mom and my brother who has arrived late. I clear the stage and head down the hill with my props. Once I drop them off and grab the Columbina ones, I go and begin to transition. It’s not cold so I put on the golds, but add the brown pants and don’t put on the jacket. I prettify and head back out with my bowl and props to get my lunch. On the street, I see Thomas T talking to a charming man. He sits down at the virginal and plays a bit. He is flirtatious, but conversation makes it clear he would be more interested in Thomas than myself. I still need food, so I move on. I see two ladies who saw Stupina’s show and they note that they didn’t remember how funny it was. That is nice to hear as one never knows if material is still relevant or interesting.
FABULOUS
I head back to leave my props and am attacked by cheering daughters with hugs who fight over whether I am Mustardseed or Columbina. I am in yellow, which makes one adamant that I am Mustardseed, but the older one knows that this outfit is Columbina. It’s amusing. I head back out and over to the fruit stand for another fruit and cheese plate today. I transfer the items to my bowl and head down the lane to see the ATM line. I let those in the back know that there is one that is NOT on the map…yes gang, listen up if you don’t already know. Next to the Lemonade stand and Heinieke’s knife booth, there are two hidden ATMs. There is virtually never a line and I think you will be pleased if you use them. Some take my advice and leave the long line for the very short one. Then, back to the food court and a sausage on a stick. Today, I avoid the spicy mustard and just use the other 2. I see a table of men (my demographic) and sit down. Within a minute, I realize they are my other demographic. FABULOUS gay men. They won’t get into my show, but they love to talk shop. I make them laugh and we talk about shows they saw years ago and more.
ALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE
As we sit, I hear the chants of a tiny redhead, Roseanna McCoy who is bound and determined to get everyone to chant to Save Fluffy. I stand up to hear, then tell my gents the story line and what is going on. I even let them know they can miss my show and go to the Globe to see how it turns out. I take my leave then walk about and offer advice on shows to others at various tables. I give directions and hopefully make people happy. I grab my props backstage and head to the pub. Once there, SM Dave wires me up and I wander into the crowd to let them know what’s about to happen on stage (especially those with kids). As I am chatting with a couple, I see a man come up and ask to take my pic. My instinct kicks in and I put my mug in front of my chest. He asks for another and again another, but I am always blocking my cleavage and I see him wanting to say something, but not. He turns away and I start my conversation back up, but I see him turning again, when he thinks I am not looking and try to get a cleavage shot. I block him with my mug. He keeps moving from side to side of me and my mug moves as well. I mention this to the couple and they are rather horrified. He starts to wander away and I head to the stage letting SM Dave know about creepy guy. He says “that one in the white shirt?” who is again behind me. Yup. SMDave now is my body block and keeps letting me know when I should start facing the other side of the stage. He finally gives up and leaves. Dollface, it’s MY cleavage. I decide who gets to have the image and when.
BETTER BEHAVED
I start the show rather relieved he’s gone, as I can’t really cover myself mid show. I sing Captain’s Daughter and the audience is happily enjoying the show. The audience is having fun and I pull up a young, well-behaved man, Nick. He says his job is “helping people” to which I reply, “He’s a nice guy! I’ve never had one of those before!” At the end, I go to leave the stage and I hear a woman tell another, just put it in her cleavage. I see the other woman heading toward me with money. I inform them that I am paid by the king’s purse and thank them, but do not accept tips. She is shocked and tells us that at her fest in South Florida, they all accept tips. I let her know that here we don’t need to pass the hat as they pay us our worth. She doesn’t have enough for a CD, but asks to buy me a beer. I regretfully inform her that I only drink water but I thank her profusely. I realized, I could have asked for banana. It would have fulfilled her need to thank me, it would have been funny, and I’d have a banana. Perhaps another day.
JOYOUS GOODBYES
I am heading back with my props and see the end of the Renaissance Man’s Witch Trial. The audience is packed to the gills with people standing for rows back. They are cheering him and he is generous and sweet to them. 20 years doing this and his last show here for this season. Seeing that moment between him and that adoring audience brought a tear to my eye. I was so very happy for him.
QUICK CHANGE
I head to the costume house and a frantic Molly McCoy asks for help getting changed. I drop my props and come to lace her in, I have the F-Me red lipstick and eye shadow that she is missing and grab my coat as she is doing her final touches. Once I know she is ok, I head to check into Pyrate Camp for the Pub Sing. I am there only minutes before we start and head into the pub. I am standing to the side these days to leave room for the Fly Girls. We sing Health to the Company with the trad lyrics and I click tankards and any other type of drinking vessel I can. I clap along to the music and when it’s my turn, I join the gazillion other musicians, fling my coat over my head (I have faith they will catch it and perhaps make a bit out of it) and lead them in Pump Away, well, except for when Fletcher has to regale us of a sad sad night that he doesn’t want to remember in #7. Later is a great bit by Barely Balanced who are also leaving for the season. They are a bit stickier for the trick, but it went over really well. I join the gang for the last song of the evening and the cannon. Soon enough, it goes boom, we finish our song and it’s time to go home.
LAST MINUTE ERRANDS
I rush to the booth up the hill to grab a costume a friend has been making for me, and remaking for me. Who knows, 10th time’s a charm? I grab it and hide it under my coat and head back to the Costume house. I change, pack up all my things that need to be fixed, and get out of the costume house. I am not sure what am going to do for dinner as many are going home or to other rehearsals, etc. I find some friends (some returning) who decide to get food, but we find ourselves waiting for an errant 17 year old. It gives us time to catch up in quiet. We eventually head out for food, losing one that couldn’t stay that long and head to dinner. It’s a quiet dinner and I order and take home a lot (great dinner the next day). It was a good weekend overall and I am glad to have been able to play.
This upcoming weekend threatens to be hotter than opening, so we shall see how that goes. For Stupina’s show, this week, the village rules with:
Saturday: Nikolai Petrov
Sunday: Molly McCoy
You won’t want to miss them. See you soon in the Grove!
I started this a little late, so there may be some mistakes and missed things. Dates, times, people and more will get lost, misremembered, misordered or just darn wrong. Let’s see how this goes.
WARMING SLOWLY
I get brekkies on the way and start stretching out on Gatehouse alone. Richard finally arrives as I have finished the physical and vocal warm up and am already finishing my hair. Soon after Ciaran McCoy shows up for the first time with his yoga mat and starts a warm up that reminds Richard and I that we are not as young as we once were. Once I am stretched and ready, I head to the costume house. Stitch has arrived and I head in to get suited up. As I am getting dressed, I notice that my tights are ripped at the seams in a bad spot. I realize that that no one sees that spot, so I let it go for now knowing I will have to fix it later today. I pull out my ribbons and find that they are separating and I have to put them together again. Ok, so it’s going to be one of THOSE mornings.
SINGING IN THE SUN
SQUEEE! SMLiz is back to help out this weekend. I am bouncing out of my skin happy…as are most of the rest of the other cast members. We do so love our Liz. I finish getting dressed and winged and head to the Lyric. I am meeting some other ladies to run a song with them, potentially for another pub sing. We get part way through and are still having some issues. We are running out of time and agree to meet at a specific time later to make this happen. Morning meeting begins and we find out how many people we will be saying goodbye to at the end of this month. It is done with some lightness, but it still can be very sad to have some performers move on for the rest of the season. We get some more details about the next few weekends and BEEP on our way.
NEW COMFORTS
William McCoy has become a staple at the front gate with us. He has his own patter and amusing comments. I am especially fond of the giving lost kids espresso and a puppy line. One little girl even comes up and asks for her puppy. It makes me laugh. The crowd is heavy today. In that crowd is a face from CA that I haven’t seen in many years. Matt gets shrieky chittery hugs before he heads into the village. I also see friends who have headed to warmer climes and Jay and Richard get hugs too. While the first big rush enters, they are still coming in pretty fast and furious. I decide to eventually go outside with around 200 programs and rest them on my head. My hair is still a bit more slippy, but it’s not too bad. At least this year, everyone knows I am a person. In Stupina, they often couldn’t tell and got shocked when I moved. People ask me questions and I reply in fairy. This amuses me quite a bit. Often they will say “oh yes, wait. What did you just say?” more as if they couldn’t hear it rather than it wasn’t English. Hee. The programs are gone and it’s time to go in.
PRETTY POSES
I head to the blue chair and sit there. I pose with guests, answer questions, give out a few ribbons or stones with wishes in them, or just act silly. It goes in waves. I might be sitting there for 30 sec to a minute (which feels like an eternity) with no one talking to me. Then next thing I know there is a crowd and they all want their time. I give hugs to big and little people alike. It’s a nice way to spend the morning. Time passes and it’s time for me to move on.
MUSICAL INTERLUDES
I head into the city and see Roseanna McCoy who I chat with briefly…well, she gets most of what I say, but I leave it as she got it all right. Nothing is that specific or urgent, ya know? I wander near Piland’s and am called in to look at something special. It is so close to done. I am rather excited for it as it has been about 3 years in the making or more. I spend a moment sharing some history from years past with those who can appreciate it, then head back out into fairy world. Once in the path singing, I begin to have fun. I have found myself singing showtunes mostly. Today, the new edition that is haunting and pretty is “Bring him home” from Les Mis. It works in gibberish. I do some of the other standards I have had and sometimes find myself in a lull and am glad for interactions. I get pictures taken and time flies quickly. I get up, dust myself off and head farther into the village.
STROLLING NEAR NOBILITY
I wander down Kenwood and spend some time in the food court fanning people in the sun or rubbing the heads of men with very little hair. It seems to be one of Mustardseed’s favorite things. She always gets permission first, but when she does, she rubs her hands o the heads of men with stubbly heads while saying “Wubwubwubwubwubwub”. This amuses her…and truth be told, me as well…and their family and friends more often than not. I wander down the rocky road to the boardwalk interacting with patrons along the way, using my umbrella as coverage for one person in a larger group, until they notice. Eventually, I head toward the shade of the boardwalk by way of the Chapel. I see some courtly gents and ladies there and steal a grape or two as well as I am threatened with a piece of roast pork that I try. Quite tasty. I continue along the way across the boardwalk until I come to my favorite bench.
CALMING THE MASSES
I put down the umbrella and sing again. I have many people stop and take pictures. I am stopped by a family who are fascinated with the fairy. I end up gifting all the little ones with special trinkets. Soon enough, it is time for my show. I head to the wall to get my things. Patterns are back to normal and I get to the stage. I am there as the ladies are singing their last song and once they are clear, I take the stage and set my props. Today’s show includes all kids (after some work to get them involved) as well as a friend from the past in the audience. It’s great to see him and he is relieved when I don’t pull him up. I am a little disturbed when I find my bottle of fairy juice is growing something. I have no choice but to drink it…bleah. I do find that many people don’t seem to know how to make a door open until I show them. The “door” sometimes hits them if they don’t move fast enough. The audience enjoys that. Overall, the show goes well. I have a woman and her daughter come up to let me know how happy they are and how they enjoyed the show.
REPAIRS AND ADJUSTMENTS
I go to put the props back and try to clean the bottle a little, it doesn’t seem to work and there are more floaties in the fluid. Crap. There is no way to clean the bottles by tomorrow, but I KNOW I will be doing that this week (they are machine washed and sparkly now). That day, though, it was a bit distressing to look at. I also am out of juice and have to bring more this week…fairy juice doesn’t grow on trees. I head back up the hill and across site. Once at the Costume House, I remove the leggings and sew up the inappropriate holes so I don’t have to worry tomorrow. I fix the hair, clean the face and hang and febreeze the outfit, then get changed and head up as Stupina.
TIME WITH A LADY
I set my props and head out on street. I chat with a few patrons then head toward my favorite chair. The Lady Devere is there and I sit at her feet again. We chat with the crowd and take MANY pictures. We talk a bit about history with the patrons and someone just wants to know what I am…my name just isn’t enough for her. Ah well. Soon I see the crowd starting to leave Gatehouse, so I go and grab my props and put them in place for the show. Today, the Earl of Devon is reading with me. He is already there and checked in with me. Always a good thing. I start the show and they are listening, but not very responsive. I get some laughs, but a lot of quiet…which is unnerving with what I do. The Earl is concerned and I assure him it was not his reading. This day’s crowd is very much about the beer and from what I heard, not much for shopping (depending on the booth you had). I finish the show, sweatier than I wanted to be, and head to the costume house after packing my props and sucking down some water.
MUSIC IS THE SPICE OF LIFE
I have begun to change my hair when I see all the ladies I needed. We gather before one of them needs to head back out for a show and run the song for posterity. Once done, I head back and continue the transition into Columbina. I have songs stuck in my head now. Mary Boleyn comes in and lets me know that she will have bracelets for me tomorrow. I am not sure which day will be warmer, but decide to go with the burgundy. Eventually, I am trussed up and ready to head out. I bring my bowl and get a fruit plate with cheese (no bread) and then head to get a sausage on a stick. They have a variety of mustards, so I grab some of all 3. I am most taken with the honey mustard. I find some patrons to eat with and we chat about their day and what I do (both during this day and as a character). They are fascinated by the history. I am happy to share. I wander through the food court and near O’Shucks chatting up more adults. Eventually, I head back to the hiding place to receive many hugs from little girls as I get my materials and head out. One gent from the ribs place asks me my name backstage. I let him know both and then head back out to the street.
FLIRTING WITH FAMILIAR
I head to the Boar’s Head and set up the stage with SMDave (nice to have him back). I need to figure out how to weight that darn sign so it doesn’t go flipping everywhere. I start to wander about making sure that little ones with kids know that the show might not be appropriate for them and so that they can leave for others who want to see the show to sit down. This stage often has eaters that show up and eat till maybe 5-10 minutes into the show and then leave. This makes many watching the show have to stand. I am always grateful when they are able to sit and enjoy the show. Some people I know have come to see me are standing at the outskirts of the pub until a family gets up in the very center of the house. They come in and take seats finally. I was glad they didn’t give up. When it’s time to pull someone up. I end up having to pull up another gent who I didn’t pull up for the fairy tale show. He is silly and playful and behaves much better than the guy from last weekend. The show ends well and I pass the stage to Cu Dubh then clear. I harass my friends and help one of them take me home with him. Then I head back with my props.
PUBING IN SILENCE
I head to the Pub Sing. I am not on the official bill, but come to hang out and support the performers as needed. I jump in when the king is “alone and lonely” which is always fun. The show is upbeat and energetic. Soon enough, the Queen fires the cannon (after a false start) and the day is done. We head back to the Costume House and I change into something warmer, as the temp has dropped rather significantly. Tonight, there is confusion about dinner with the RESCU Rally and props to be made by others and a lot of confusion. I see a friend is having an off moment and take her away to chat for a bit. Then, I end up with a couple friends at Red Robin, where they get so much of my meal incorrect that they end up comping my sandwich. I wasn’t angry, I just wanted food I could safely eat. Soon enough, I am crawling home into bed.
HOW OLD AM I?
Today, I am MUCH stiffer today and having issues moving. I get to site a bit early and use ALL of that time to stretch. It makes a big difference and when I am starting to put on makeup, I almost feel human. Richard joins me and we have a happy moment chatting and discussing how to “piss off” the king. I have nothing to do with it, but I can be amused. Once I am completed, we go our separate ways and I head to get dressed. I spend a little time fixing the breaking umbrella (hot glue here we come baby) and some other props that need spiffing up, then finish getting dressed. I head to morning meeting and run a song with a gent. We have realized we won’t get to do it on stage, but it may still be fun to play on street. Morning meeting is time to say goodbye to some wonderful performers who we will miss. Then BEEP and off we go.
LAST ADJUSTMENTS
I grab a security guy and ask his help to stand there while I use him to balance and stretch. Once he knows what is going on, he’s totally cool with it. Then, the cannon booms and Isobel joins us on the wall for a few. Knuckles and McCoy start to hint at an old routine I like and I let them know how great it would be for them. I start to chitter and bounce as I see famila-r faces outside the gate. My nephews, brother and mom are visiting today. I give them hugs and hear them all planning to meet up at my 12:30 show. We give a few tours with brass in the back. The rush ends but again, there is a flow and I head out with programs. They take this opportunity to climb over the gate and start to heckle the crowd. Again, they start re-enacting Pinky and the Brain in their characters and its tough for me not to giggle enough that my programs don’t fall. They are amusing and having a great time to boot.
PRETTY PICTURES
I head in after my 4 stacks of programs are gone, then sit on the blue chair. There are many people stopping by and asking for pics. I am happy to see little girls and even some little boys faces light up when they see the fairy. Other adults want to sit next to me as I pose with them. Soon enough, it’s time to move on.
LITTLE SURPRISES
I head near the tables by O’Shucks to chat with some people at the tables. I see a group of adults and approach them to cause some ruckus. They see me and suddenly call to the ground. It seems this large group of adults has one little girl with them. She is playing in the dusk and rocks. I chitter with her a bit and she seems happy. I give her her own mustard “rock”. I head up the way and chat at the food tables and greet fellow characters, except for Sam Hatfield, who I make faces at since he can’t see me. He even admits he has no joy in his heart, but I am informed later that someone made him laugh, and he suddenly saw me leaving. I end up at the street near Piland’s and sit in my spot to sing. There are many strolling photographers, some who catch me here after spending time seeing me up front. I have even seen a pic or two from here online already. There are many waves of pics. Today, a lady is having a bad day and sits with me. I give her a stone with a wish for her, then sing her “Scotsman” in gibberish, with hand gestures. She is laughing by the time she has to move on. Today, I sing Amazing Grace, Red is the Rose and some more showtunes including The Last Midnight. I think I seem a melancholy fairy, but the ambiance is mystical, or so I hope.
THE OLIVE LAZZI?
It’s time to move on. I head down Kenwood and chitter at little ones and adults alike. I even get to hold a baby. Um, ok. I give directions, which I hope make sense, then head toward the shade of the boardwalk after stopping to say hi to the ladies at the Chainmail booth. Then, up the hill I see 2 gents at a sup and come by to steal 2 grapes. Then an olive…which I spit the seed out messily, to the subtle amusement of Master Skelton. It tastes SO GOOD. Then I grab 2 more grapes and head on my way. I meander down the boardwalk and find my favorite seat. There is a group there, so I join them, but they were getting ready to leave.
PERFECT HARMONY
It’s a peaceful morning and as I sit, I chitter with children and sing. Soon, R and J wander by and sit on the bench below me. I begin to sing Amazing Grace and J joins in with me in a deep baritone. It’s lovely. Soon enough, its time to move on and I say my “mabadoo’s” to them before I leave. I grab my props and am happy to see not too many floaties in the juice today. I head to the stage as the ladies are finishing and take the stage with a moment to spare.
KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY
I start and as is often the case, find no hands for Papa Bear. Finally, my nephew (theater runs in the family) volunteers. Boy, he’s a tall HS kid. His wife and kid are half his size, so as a gentleman, he gets down on his knees to play the part. The audience loves it. Again, I have no appropriate guys, so Goldilocks is an older girl. I need someone who can listen and be ok with the fall, so I can’t use a little one. The show goes pretty well with the crowd enjoying the antics. They even get it when I curse…I think I figured out the physicality of it so it’s more clear. Yeah, come to the show, it will make more sense.
TECHNICALITES
So when I drop off the props, I take bottles home in my pouch so I can wash out the floating things and clean the corks. I feel safer drinking now. I head back to the Costume House to begin the change. Mary Boleyn is there finishing the bracelets and tests the size on me. I have TINY wrists, so he does some quick fixing and they are done. Today, I am changed, redone and cleaned up in no time and am heading up to the Gatehouse as the show before me is JUST starting. I am able to head out to the street earlier. I can’t go much farther, but I can try to pitch the show. Today, the Countess of Devon is reading for me, so she stops by to find me at my chair. There is a LARGE family that comes and wants their picture with me, then another one, then another one, then they ALL pile in with the Countess and me. I can’t figure out how they can do this, until I see the dad sticking a camera on an extended pole out and uses his cell phone app to direct the picture so all 20-30 relatives are in the picture. THAT was bizarre techno stuff.
GIRLIE SHOW
Today, Both the Countess and I have family in the audience. The show is doing ok, but there is one guy that really gets it. I pull him up to be my Bob. Once over, I clear the stage and come out to say goodbye to mom and my brother who has arrived late. I clear the stage and head down the hill with my props. Once I drop them off and grab the Columbina ones, I go and begin to transition. It’s not cold so I put on the golds, but add the brown pants and don’t put on the jacket. I prettify and head back out with my bowl and props to get my lunch. On the street, I see Thomas T talking to a charming man. He sits down at the virginal and plays a bit. He is flirtatious, but conversation makes it clear he would be more interested in Thomas than myself. I still need food, so I move on. I see two ladies who saw Stupina’s show and they note that they didn’t remember how funny it was. That is nice to hear as one never knows if material is still relevant or interesting.
FABULOUS
I head back to leave my props and am attacked by cheering daughters with hugs who fight over whether I am Mustardseed or Columbina. I am in yellow, which makes one adamant that I am Mustardseed, but the older one knows that this outfit is Columbina. It’s amusing. I head back out and over to the fruit stand for another fruit and cheese plate today. I transfer the items to my bowl and head down the lane to see the ATM line. I let those in the back know that there is one that is NOT on the map…yes gang, listen up if you don’t already know. Next to the Lemonade stand and Heinieke’s knife booth, there are two hidden ATMs. There is virtually never a line and I think you will be pleased if you use them. Some take my advice and leave the long line for the very short one. Then, back to the food court and a sausage on a stick. Today, I avoid the spicy mustard and just use the other 2. I see a table of men (my demographic) and sit down. Within a minute, I realize they are my other demographic. FABULOUS gay men. They won’t get into my show, but they love to talk shop. I make them laugh and we talk about shows they saw years ago and more.
ALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE
As we sit, I hear the chants of a tiny redhead, Roseanna McCoy who is bound and determined to get everyone to chant to Save Fluffy. I stand up to hear, then tell my gents the story line and what is going on. I even let them know they can miss my show and go to the Globe to see how it turns out. I take my leave then walk about and offer advice on shows to others at various tables. I give directions and hopefully make people happy. I grab my props backstage and head to the pub. Once there, SM Dave wires me up and I wander into the crowd to let them know what’s about to happen on stage (especially those with kids). As I am chatting with a couple, I see a man come up and ask to take my pic. My instinct kicks in and I put my mug in front of my chest. He asks for another and again another, but I am always blocking my cleavage and I see him wanting to say something, but not. He turns away and I start my conversation back up, but I see him turning again, when he thinks I am not looking and try to get a cleavage shot. I block him with my mug. He keeps moving from side to side of me and my mug moves as well. I mention this to the couple and they are rather horrified. He starts to wander away and I head to the stage letting SM Dave know about creepy guy. He says “that one in the white shirt?” who is again behind me. Yup. SMDave now is my body block and keeps letting me know when I should start facing the other side of the stage. He finally gives up and leaves. Dollface, it’s MY cleavage. I decide who gets to have the image and when.
BETTER BEHAVED
I start the show rather relieved he’s gone, as I can’t really cover myself mid show. I sing Captain’s Daughter and the audience is happily enjoying the show. The audience is having fun and I pull up a young, well-behaved man, Nick. He says his job is “helping people” to which I reply, “He’s a nice guy! I’ve never had one of those before!” At the end, I go to leave the stage and I hear a woman tell another, just put it in her cleavage. I see the other woman heading toward me with money. I inform them that I am paid by the king’s purse and thank them, but do not accept tips. She is shocked and tells us that at her fest in South Florida, they all accept tips. I let her know that here we don’t need to pass the hat as they pay us our worth. She doesn’t have enough for a CD, but asks to buy me a beer. I regretfully inform her that I only drink water but I thank her profusely. I realized, I could have asked for banana. It would have fulfilled her need to thank me, it would have been funny, and I’d have a banana. Perhaps another day.
JOYOUS GOODBYES
I am heading back with my props and see the end of the Renaissance Man’s Witch Trial. The audience is packed to the gills with people standing for rows back. They are cheering him and he is generous and sweet to them. 20 years doing this and his last show here for this season. Seeing that moment between him and that adoring audience brought a tear to my eye. I was so very happy for him.
QUICK CHANGE
I head to the costume house and a frantic Molly McCoy asks for help getting changed. I drop my props and come to lace her in, I have the F-Me red lipstick and eye shadow that she is missing and grab my coat as she is doing her final touches. Once I know she is ok, I head to check into Pyrate Camp for the Pub Sing. I am there only minutes before we start and head into the pub. I am standing to the side these days to leave room for the Fly Girls. We sing Health to the Company with the trad lyrics and I click tankards and any other type of drinking vessel I can. I clap along to the music and when it’s my turn, I join the gazillion other musicians, fling my coat over my head (I have faith they will catch it and perhaps make a bit out of it) and lead them in Pump Away, well, except for when Fletcher has to regale us of a sad sad night that he doesn’t want to remember in #7. Later is a great bit by Barely Balanced who are also leaving for the season. They are a bit stickier for the trick, but it went over really well. I join the gang for the last song of the evening and the cannon. Soon enough, it goes boom, we finish our song and it’s time to go home.
LAST MINUTE ERRANDS
I rush to the booth up the hill to grab a costume a friend has been making for me, and remaking for me. Who knows, 10th time’s a charm? I grab it and hide it under my coat and head back to the Costume house. I change, pack up all my things that need to be fixed, and get out of the costume house. I am not sure what am going to do for dinner as many are going home or to other rehearsals, etc. I find some friends (some returning) who decide to get food, but we find ourselves waiting for an errant 17 year old. It gives us time to catch up in quiet. We eventually head out for food, losing one that couldn’t stay that long and head to dinner. It’s a quiet dinner and I order and take home a lot (great dinner the next day). It was a good weekend overall and I am glad to have been able to play.
This upcoming weekend threatens to be hotter than opening, so we shall see how that goes. For Stupina’s show, this week, the village rules with:
Saturday: Nikolai Petrov
Sunday: Molly McCoy
You won’t want to miss them. See you soon in the Grove!