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There is a thing in this industry known as a theatre widow.  Or at least there should be if there isn't.  It would perfectly describe a situation in which a couple never get to see one another due to a crazy theatre rehearsal/performance schedule.  That's what my family is going through right now as Justin starts into tech rehearsals for the second of three shows in The Norman Conquests, in which he plays the title character.  Certainly no schedule could be crazier than the one associated with this(these) show(s).

Ahhhh..... Just finished opening weekend of play #1 in the Norman Conquests, and what a weekend (rather, weekEND)!  Previews Friday night, rehearsal Saturday day, opening Saturday night, matinee on Sunday, then rehearsal until midnight Sunday night!  'Bout 27 hours at the theater, all told.  Why go home?  May as well just crash on a cot in the dressing room....  You won't hear any complaints from me, though - I LOVE IT!  All in a day's work.  Bring it on!!!

I hope most of you reading this were able to catch our exceptional production of Conor McPherson's The Seafarer, which just closed a successful run last Sunday.  We received a wonderful note from Betsy Cummings, Entertainment Director for the North Texas Irish Festival, and I thought I'd share part of it:

On Saturday night, Stage West will serve dinner to a sold out house celebrating Valentine's Day.  We'll provide a special menu:

Spicy Citrus Chicken topped with a tangy tomato and zucchini relish.

Grilled Salmon with a sourcream, lemon-dill sauce garnished with the zest of lemons, limes & oranges.

Each meal will be paired with an almond rice pilaf, fresh steamed veggies, a dinner roll and a small side salad.

I have known many people who've managed to reclaim their place on stage after having children.  I have always admired them, but until I had my own baby, I didn't fully appreciate what a challenge it is to juggle the theatre with parenthood!  

Last week, I auditioned for "The Norman Conquests", my first audition since having my daughter. All in all, it was pretty routine.  Nothing earth-shattering.  I may or may not get the role.  Indeed, much of the decision will probably come down to the number of AEA contracts available. 

Though I am not directly involved with this production, I am extremely excited to see it.  The acting promises to be very strong, and plus it's peppered with the fresh directorial eye of Rene Moreno.   Not to mention it's a brilliant script.

I'll be spending the majority of the run as the front of house manager.  i enjoy it: greeting patrons as the arrive; making sure the cafe runs smoothly; giving the curtain speech. 

So many people are making short videos these days!  I'd love to feature one or two of them on our website. 

-It needs to be on YouTube. 

-It should be less than 10 minutes long and not contain anything offensive. (Porn would definitely fall into the offensive category.)

Just send me a link at dana [at] stagewest [dot] org.  I'll watch it and, who knows, I might choose to feature it at StageWest.org

Thanks!

Blithe Spirit closes on Sunday...which means our 30th season begins on Monday when the company begins rehearsals for Code of the Woosters.  Jerry has assembled a fantastic cast for it.  Of course, he had lots of great people to choose from; Stage West always has a great turn out for shows in the Thanksgiving-to-New Years time slot, because it tends to be an extreme amount of fun both on-stage and off.

On September 5, 2008, we had to hold the curtain because one of our actors was stuck in Dallas traffic.  That meant I had to go into the theatre and tell the waiting audience that the wait was going to take a little longer.  Now, we sometimes have late curtains due to one reason or another but I've never experienced a hold like this!  On this particular night, we were looking at a nearly 30 minute delay. 

We're delighted to announce that on Sunday morning, Sept. 7, just after 1:00 am, Director of Development Dana Schultes gave birth to a healthy 7 lb. baby girl!  Mother and daughter (and father Justin) are doing just great.  We thought you'd want to know, and know you'll welcome baby Matilda to our family!  I'm sure they will post pix to the Stage West Facebook page, so check back...