Weekend Assignment #319: Plays

This week Karen picked a topic that I think Jenn will find funny.

Nowadays we get most of our comedy and drama from television, from movies and even from internet downloads. Perhaps we sometimes forget that all of these evolved from a much older art form, the stage play. Do you ever attend plays, musicals or operas? Why or why not?

See, I'm not a fan of plays, musicals, or operas. Especially operas. I know. I'm an uncultured jerk, but I'm okay with that. Actually, I'm sure there are some plays that I might enjoy if I gave them a chance. Maybe.

This is not to say I've never gone to anything. A long time ago we went to see Phantom of the Opera. Jenn got some tickets from the company she used to work for so I couldn't get out of it. Was it terrible? No. But I did not walk out of the saying, "Damn, I've missed out on so much!" I think it has to do with everything being sung. I don't know why that bothers me since I enjoy music. Like I said, I'm an uncultured jerk, I have no other excuse.

We also saw Blue Man Group a long time ago. (See how everything is "a long time ago?") This I enjoyed. The music was good. The show was fun. We even have a Blue Man Group CD. I would have enjoyed it even more if I didn't feel lousy that night. I remember having a bad cold and really wanting to sleep, but the show kept me awake. I highly recommend this show if you haven't seen it already.

Extra Credit: Have you ever seen anything by Shakespeare performed live?

No, I have never seen any Shakespeare performed live. I'll leave it at that.

Go check out the Weekend Assignment blog for the other responses. Join in, too. It's fun. All the cool kids are doing it.

I used to be a star

Yes, more old pictures. Aren't you glad we bought a scanner a few months ago? Here's me, back in fifth grade as Jim McShay, host of the White Whirl of Sorts. At least I think that's what it was called. It was a long time ago you know.

How did I get this awesome gig? Was it my rugged good looks? Charisma? Nope. It was my memorization skills. Seriously. I remember my teacher saying he needed someone who could memorize a lot of dialouge so they could act as the host of the show. So, I got my big (only) acting break because of my ability to memorize a lot of words. Yeah.

Actually, I don't think he really meant it that way and I certainly didn't take it that way at the time. I don't think I have every been so nervous and excited all at the same time. Do you know what is a bad idea before a big show like this? A pot luck dinner. I really though I was going to toss up the cucumber salad in the locker room as I got dressing in my sport jacket. I was a fake sport show host, I had to wear a sport jacket.

I don't remember everything about this show (again, long time ago), but I do remember one part clearly. See, the teacher, Mr. Ford, came up with the idea to make an 'Applause' sign for the bit where we ran into technical difficulties and had to have someone come out to tell jokes. By the way, the technical difficulties bit killed. Anyway, it was going great, the silly jokes were working; then it happened. I don't remember the joke but the punchline included the word delicatessen and the other kid couldn't remember how to say it. So, instead of bringing the crowd to it's knees by flashing the 'Applause' sign, I panicked and tried to help him remember the word. Nobody in the audience knew about the sign so they didn't notice my failure, but I did. But,after a few bourbons, I got over it. (Ha, kidding. It was scotch).

Overall, the show was a lot of fun. At least as much as I can remember. Which is kind of funny since I got the part due to my memorization skills. I was also the wizard in The Wizard of Oz and got to ride bicycle built for two on around the gym during a talent show on two different shows over the course of my junior high years.

So, yes, I used to do theater stuff, but only in grade school. I had a lot of fun, but never did anything after that. Well, except when I was an extra in Lucas. But I've already talked about that.

I hope these old photos and stories aren't getting old. I've been enjoying going through this old stuff and talking about them.