Photos!

So as I was filming everyone, my amazing camera also has the ability to take pictures. So... I've decided to share some with you... Prepare for amazement:

None of the ladies are having any fun... :(
Biiigggg finish!
Hey Nonny Nonny Nonny NO
SHY!!!!!
Don't drop Dobry

The Lovely Ladies in Waiting
"Go... And Get the Prince a Royal wife!"

Pity Kyle Dobry too... (jk, siona)"Blow the Trumpet"

Whispers...

Of OUAMs and Webdings

Zoë, Kelly and I are venturing to the land of the Amish today. We'll see the other OUAM. I think Laura, Kirsten, and Brock (of course Brock would go) are seeing it too.

I'll be sure to bloggy about it later.

Oh! And on a side-note, I love webdings. (webdings.)

I was on my b, when I saw e in the middle of the road. Suddenly, a m came up to me and said "this is for you." Well, was like, s Next thing I know, I blank out, and the same m has me on a j to Puerto Rico. I live captive there for several months and play w. Finally, ninjas attack and use their l to kill the m , and set me free.
Moral of the story? z

Commercials

Im making a commercial for our amazing production of Once Upon a Mattress. Hopefully we will play it/them on the morning announcements.
If anyone has any ideas for a commercial or would enjoy being of use, please comment me!!
Gracias!

I study under things: My ode to being Fred for a night

First off, thank you Will for that loverly post about understudies. Good timing.

When I read I would be understudy for Fred, I was actually more excited about that than Lady Rowena (who turned out to be pretty cooky and funny anyway). I knew no one would see my performance, and I always hear complaints about being an understudy...

You have to learn all the lines and blocking and notes but never go out and get the same recognition.

Despite this, I decided to give my all to Mini-Fred.

I went to Laura's practices, scribbled notes and felt silly being there, but all the same I showed up.

For a while I familiarized myself with Fred's lines, but not doing it daily and focusing on Lady R's blocking made my memory fade.

But Laura always shows up, right?

Not exactly. Not tonight.

I was nervous. I thought people would be mad at me for not knowing everything, so I decided to put all my energy into it.

Laura, you go girl, have Fred back, but being her for one night, although via speed-through, was an AMAZING experience for me. I had sugar-high feel the whole two hours.

I didn't know the blocking well enough for "Happily Ever After," and I didn't get the "Out lumps!" part down, but the rest I really put my all into.

And now I'm exhausted.

So, for all you understudies out there, please learn your lines, your blocking. One night, even if it isn't an official night, you may need to stand in.

And knowing your stuff makes you, and everyone else, have a great time.

As Will said, yay for understudies!

I Ain't Scurred.

MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH. MACBETH.

(how many times are you supposed to spin around and curse?)

In Praise of the Understudy

When sitting down to start to design the show program, I usually start off with the cast list. Usually because it's the only thing that's complete at this point--there's still bios that need to be typed, and ads we're waiting for. It was in cobbling together that list, that I realized that OUAM has what is probably the best set of understudies for any show I've ever done! ('cept for those Anne Frank understudies who actually went on during the school preview--but there's a little overlap there anyway)

At some point or another, most of our understudies have done their duty and stood in for their missing counterpart and learned most (if not all) of that person's blocking and lines. All on the off chance that the worst possible scenario should happen. (Though if it were to happen, I'm not too scared about the understudies going on--I have had many a nightmare in the past about just such things...)

So, it's because of this dedication to the show that I salute the understudies. The ones who deserve recognition for all the work they put in so that the show may go on!

Coming closer...

We're drawing nearer and nearer to the show...only 2 1/2 weeks to go! Suddenly everything seems rushed, and everything I wanted to accomplish (more character work, perfecting that knee slide) has to be done...quickly.

The crew is hurrying to finish the set and build a horseshoe, the pit and the cast still need to coordinate songs, we've got tech...it seems like so much in such a short amount of time!!! Don't worry, it always pulls together.

One helpful bit of advice: If you're the lead in a musical, do not get sick. Not even with a cold. It sucks. Especially if your voice was already giving out. That said, please remind me whenever you see me not to use my vocal cords as much as possible--I tend to make that mistake.

Another week and I'll be free of Regionals music and ready to devote my voice entirely to the musical! Although that was kind of happening anyway...

Happy Easter, and cast members, I'll see you at practice.

Yet another OUAM

Hey all. Former SHS acteur (isn't that a cool way to misspell actor--I'm copyrighting it) Brock Cheek wished me to pass on information regarding Millersville University's production of OUAM. The production is entirely student run (actors/directors/crew are all students.) Here's all the info you needs to know.

Millersville University's All-Campus Musical Association

PERFORMANCE DATES

8:00pm Thursday March 27, 2008

8:00pm Friday March 28, 2008

8:00pm Saturday March 29, 2008

2:30pm Sunday March 30, 2008

Lyte Auditorium, Millersville University (Only about an hour from SHS)

Ticket information :

Tickets can be purchased at the Student Memorial Center Ticket Window,

Monday- Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Call (717) 872-3811

ADVANCE SALES: Students and Senior Citizen Tickets are $5.00/General Admission Tickets are $7.00

AT THE DOOR: All tickets are $10.00


http://marauder.millersville.edu/~acmo/current.html

Cast Spotlight: Casey Shelley

Full Given Name: Casey Shelley A. K. A. Shell

Role: Ensemble

Most Played song on your ipod (or cd player)? "Gimme Chemical" by The Pink Spiders

What was the first play/musical you ever saw? Wizard Of Oz

What do you like most about being on stage? That I can finally be noticed and not be a nerd

Are you learning any skills in theatre that you will be able to use after high school? That I can tell my left from my right stage lol

Are you involved in any other extracurricular activities? (If so, which?) no

Any shows you're just dying to be in? I want to play Sandy in Grease

Who would play you in a movie about your life? Jessica Alba XD

Anything else you want people to know about you?hm.........oooo look a butterfly!

Cast Spotlight: Caitlin Ramirez

Full Given Name: Caitlin Maureen Ramirez

Role: Lady in Waiting/ensemble

Most Played song on your ipod (or cd player)? Dear Maria, Count me in. by All Time Low and I dare you to move by Switchfoot

What was the first play/musical you ever saw? Beauty int he beast on broadway

What do you like most about being on stage? I like not feeling self conscious and worrying about what other people think, when I'm on stage I can express myself and be me =]

Are you learning any skills in theatre that you will be able to use after high school? I guess acting and being in front of a large auidience and working with other people

Are you involved in any other extracurricular activities? (If so, which?) Ummm I am in Dance Team and Freshman Class Council =]

Any shows you're just dying to be in? Rent,West side Story, Hairspray and if we did Legally Blonde the Musical =D

Who would play you in a movie about your life? Reese Witherspoon...subtract like 15 years off her for the role though

Anything else you want people to know about you? I love to dance and I am very friendly and outgoing so if you don't know me talk to me =]

Cast Spotlight: Mia Wentworth

Full Given Name: Emilia Ann Wentworth

Role: Mime

Most Played song on your ipod? The Crane Wife, by The Decemberists. Closely followed by the lovely Kenny Chesney, Zac Efron (I really have no excuse for that), the Weepies, some good wizard wrock, Say Anything, and Mika.

What do you like most about being on stage? I always like to believe that someone out in the audience is really enjoying themselves. When I watch a good show, I get so wrapped up in it that I feel like I’m part of that world. I admire each character and want to know more. Theatre in general just really intrigues me. Knowing that I’m providing that sort of entertainment to at least someone out there is a really neat feeling.

Are you learning any skills in theatre that you will be able to use after high school? Studying characters helps me see all sorts of things from different points of views. Expands my mind and all. I guess that’s a skill anyone could use.

Are you involved in any other extracurricular activities? (If so, which?) Art club, lit mag.

Any shows you're just dying to be in? …Xanadu!

Who would play you in a movie about your life? Oh, you know, Laura Dzwonzyck. She’s a brilliant actress and I trust she knows enough about me ;)

Anything else you want people to know about you? I sleep in a night gown. I love mandarin Oranges. I’m eating a piece of my aunt’s birthday cake as I fill out this survey. I am a beast at Tetris. Seriously. Don’t mess. :]

Cast Spotlight: Kelly Chick

Full Given Name: Kelly Jean Chick

Role: Queen Aggravain

Most Played song on your ipod (or cd player)? Well, I won't say it's my favorite song, but it just so happens that the most played song is "Why don't we do it in the road?" by The Beatles.

What was the first play/musical you ever saw? Annie

What do you like most about being on stage? Whether they're laughing or crying, I love being able to provoke emotions from the audience.

Are you learning any skills in theatre that you will be able to use after high school? How to be an effective liar!! Just kidding! Seriously, I'm developing communication skills as well as learning how to interact with people.

Are you involved in any other extracurricular activities? (If so, which?) Concert Choir, Select Ensemble, Company of Praise (church choir), and International Thespian Society.

Any shows you're just dying to be in? It's too hard to pick just one!

Who would play you in a movie about your life? I find this to be a strange question - I'm going to answer it as if I've lived my life but I'm choosing from actors as they are right now in 2008 (I've aged, but they haven't - that's why this is a weird question - does that make sense??). Anyway, my younger self would be played by Ellen Page, my middle self (yes, I said middle self) would be played by Tina Fey, and my older self would be played by Meryl Streep. I think I took this question too seriously ...

Anything else you want people to know about you? I'm single - anyone interested?? Ha!

Cast Spotlight: Melanie Morgan

Full Given Name: Melanie J. Morgan (The 'J' is for my two-letter middle name, peeps, I'm paranoid about internet kooks)

Role: Princess 12 (I should have everybody going around calling me Twelve, 'cuz it's awesome)

Most Played song on your ipod (or cd player)? Undignified --David Crowder*Band

What was the first play/musical you ever saw? I can't remember the names of the ones I was in in 4th and 5th grade, but 6th grade was The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. I was the wolf's lawyer, oh yeah. I think the ones in 4th and 5th grade were the best though, even though I don't remember their names.

What do you like most about being on stage? Being able to become someone and just transport myself into another world, like the way kids pretend all the time(I still do)

Are you learning any skills in theatre that you will be able to use after high school? Working with people together to create and bring to life a huge project, which is really cool, especially when you get to bond with them and you become an almost twisted family-like structure! This'll help me greatly; I'm going to be going into animation, and most animators have to be great actors and be able to work well with people on a project to be able to bring it to life and do their job. I also want to do a little acting/voice acting on the side.

Are you involved in any other extracurricular activities? (If so, which?) Art Club, Yearbook, Baccalaureate committee(if that's considered an activity), and The PULSE! Don't know what it is? -evil laugh- Ask me!

Any shows you're just dying to be in? Hm, The Beauty and the Beast, some cartoon and Disney movies that I'm just dying to make into musicals, and this one(Once Upon a Mattress). Although I would like a second shot at this one, 'cuz it's just that cool.

Who would play you in a movie about your life? Are you kidding? No one plays the Mel better than the Mel. I kinda doubt there would be someone out there that would quite do me justice anyway. Plus, God didn't create me to be replicated.

Anything else you want people to know about you? Hardcore Die-Hard Jesus Freak with a passion for living it LOUD and sold out for Christ! Also the Queen of Peanut Butter and self-dubbed nickname, "The Cheeseball."

A little extra info- That picture beside my name...if you ever see that scene in real life, it may be the last thing you ever see...that's purely joking...

E.T. phones home

Make it big, make it big, make it BIG!

I love musical theatre. It's a wonderful excuse to be loud and over-the-top. I'm outrageous and eccentric enough as it is, so this is a great outlet for my crahazzy self.

For one, my character Lady Rowena is an absolute nut-case. (And she wonders why she'll never get married). She laughs outrageously several times in the show. When we did the read through, I glimpsed at the bottom of the page to see: Lady Rowena hysterically giggles. My stomach did a flip. I'm used to doing that normally, but in front of everyone? Oh well, I went for it. And boy was it hysterical. The night of blocking, I refrained a little, thinking I over did it. But Will told me: "Can you be more obnoxious?"

Never again will anyone ask me to laugh more obnoxiously. I loved it.

So act like you just drank a full cup of coffee before going onstage. Pump it up!

On a side note, if one wears a brown blanket to practices, get ready to be compared to: a bag lady, Anne (&Margot) Frank, Sweeney Todd's crazy wife, and, my favorite: E.T.

Next, on a very special episode of the OUAM blog...

If I may digress...

I have been notified that my choice for the 2008 Fall play has been approved.

Seniors, sorry.

Juniors/Sophomores/Freshmen...brush up your Shakespeare & dust off your cowboys hats.

THE ONLY SPOTLIGHT YOU EVER NEED TO READ!

Full Given Name: Judi "Witchie" Fisher

Role: Dinner, Pecan, ohhh...Costume constructor, Mom of Minstrel who only wears tights for plays...I think.

Most Played song on your ipod (or cd player)? Witchie Women....duh

What was the first play/musical you ever saw? Wizard of Oz....of course

What do you like most about being on stage? Height has no bounds..I look tall from the audience

Are you learning any skills in theatre that you will be able to use after high school? Yes, that High School is great, but life outside is mystical, magical, full of experiences, growth, and that people are all the same...be patient, kind, tolerant and loving.

Are you involved in any other extracurricular activities? (If so, which?) When I'm not making costumes for the earth, I travel on my broom to a far off land called "home" (there's no place like it!) where I am a mom, wife, sister, friend, housekeeper, chauffeur, cook, gardener and all around busy witchie.

Any shows you're just dying to be in? Death of a Saleswitch; Le Miserable Witch, and...WICKED!

Who would play you in a movie about your life? Idina Menzel did an accurate job of protraying me, especially my vocal talents.

Anything else you want people to know about you? That I love SHS & SUMC theatre, I was a giraffe in my past life, and, I taught Will Jenkins everything he knows.

Staff Spotlight: Heather Jenkins

Full Given Name: Heather Michelle Jenkins

Day Job: Project Accountant for Kinsley Construction

Most Played song on your ipod (or cd player)? According to iTunes it is Fly Me to the Moon by Tony Bennett.

What was the first play/musical you ever saw? Mame at Dallastown High School when I was in elementary school.

What was the first show you were ever involved in & what did you do? I was in the chorus of The Wizard of Oz. Although I do also remember being an elf in a Christmas show in the second grade. I had to pretend to make toys while the chorus sang a song.

What do you like most about promoting? While the show is running, I like to walk into the house and know that I had a hand in putting all those butts in the seats. I like being able to make Will’s job smoother and being able to take some of the stressful things for him and get them accomplished.

What do you do for fun? Play with Cordy, hang out with Will, play the piano, go to NYC, and I really like putting things in order and organization.

Any shows you’re just dying to work on? Assassins!! The Wedding Singer. Mamma Mia. Xanadu.

Who would play you in a movie about your life? Hmm. Grown up Cordy Jenkins.

(Above photo: Heather and her other husband, Broadway, TV and Movie Star Roger Bart)

Street Fightin' Man

Just thought I'd let all you lovely OUAM-er's out there know about a little something I ran across today. York Little Theatre is currently taking registrations for their spring theatre arts education programs. There are many different classes for different ages...but one I'd like to point out especially would be the Stage Combat workshop on April 12 & 19th. (It won't interfere with the show!) I'd especially recommend it if it's something you're interested in learning more about (I AM! I'm thinking about attending), not to mention it may be useful if the fall play I've chosen is accepted. I can pretty much guarantee it'll be a lot of fun, as I've worked with the workshop teacher, Mitch, before. (He was one of my directors in a certain "Horror Show" at YLT). You can check out all the classes here.

Enough of my shilling for YLT. :)
(In the sake of fairness, If you know of any other classes or programs, feel free to mention them here, or drop me a line and I'll post them!)

8th Graders...

I was working the stand/booth/place/thing at the 8th grade orientation tonight along with Mrs. Pam, Kelly, and occasionally Laura. We got a few kids interested; many girls, one guy, one crew guy, and a bunch of parents who were much more interested in the topic than the kids were. It wasn't that awesome of a turnout, but one nonetheless.
To everyone who has 8th grade friends: tell them to JOIN THE THEATRE!!! Preferably cast, but crew and pit are also noble areas. I don't know if it's just me who thinks this, but turnout for shows (especially males) has decreased (?). [if someone wants to prove me right/wrong, please tell me]

But tell all of your younger friends to joing the theatre, regardless of whether we have a lot of people trying out or not.

:D

One Month!

To everyone associated with OUAM - ONE MONTH LEFT!! Opening night will be here before you know it!

Cast Spotlight: Julia Yeilding

Full Given Name: Julia Kathleen Yeilding

Role: Dancer/Larken Understudy

Most Played song on your ipod (or cd player)? Any song by Taylor Swift

What was the first play/musical you ever saw? Cats

What do you like most about being on stage? It's so much fun!

Are you learning any skills in theatre that you will be able to use after high school? Definitely; being in front of people is no big deal now.

Are you involved in any other extracurricular activities? (If so, which?) Yes - Marching Band, Jazz Band, Vocal Ensemble, York Youth Symphony

Any shows you're just dying to be in? Hm, not really, I enjoy being on stage no matter what show it is.

Who would play you in a movie about your life? Alexis Bledel - I'm told we look alike.

Anything else you want people to know about you? I play the clarinet - which is the BEST instrument ever!

Cast Spotlight: Marisa Silva

Full Given Name:Marisa Nicole Silva

Role:Dancer

Most Played song on your ipod (or cd player)? Part Of Your World- Little Mermaid... (don't ask)

What was the first play/musical you ever saw? probably the Lion King On Broadway

What do you like most about being on stage? The fact that you can be anyone you want

Are you learning any skills in theatre that you will be able to use after high school? Definitely social skills, and being comfortable in front of a crowd

Are you involved in any other extracurricular activities? (If so, which?) Track and Field, the Martial Arts, soccer, ...In Atomic Proportions, Marching Band, Orchestra,

Any shows you're just dying to be in? POCOHANTAS!

Who would play you in a movie about your life? ME?, or Marisa Tomei

Anything else you want people to know about you? i hate the words mirror and iron, because they sound just wrong...

Reminder

Bio forms and T-shirt order forms can be found on the website in the cast area. T-shirt orders will be due Thursday April 20th, and bios are due ASAP.

Cast Spotlight: Elisabeth Hittie

Full given name: Elisabeth Ann Hittie

Role: Jester

Most played song on iPod: "On the Radio" by Regina Spektor

What was the first play/musical you ever saw?: "Cats." I was 5 years old and I believe to this day that it is one of the worst musicals ever done. I slept through the entire musical.

What do you like most about being on stage?: For me, there's this feeling of warmth and comfort when I finally get to be out on the stage. It is the one place that I can be as dramatic and outrageous as I truly yearn to be, and it's completely fine.

Are you learning any skills in theatre that you will be able to use after high school?: Of course. Oration skills especially, being able to speak clearly, put emotion into what you're saying, and portray what you have to say to your audience.

Are you involved in any extracurricular activities? (If so, which?): I am very involved with dance. I take ballet, tap, jazz, modern/contemporary/lyrical, and musical theatre at Experimental Movement Concepts in New Freedom. I am a Featured Dancer (and an original member) of EMC's Repertory Ensemble and I am a Demi-Soloist in the Susquehanna Youth Ballet. I am entering my fifth year of teaching at EMC as well. As for school, besides the theatre program, I am involved in Concert Choir as an Alto.

Any shows you're dying to be in?: "42nd Street", "Hairspray", "Rent", and "Aida."

Who would play you in a movie about your life?: I have no idea.

Anything else you want people to know about you?: As a person, I am high-strung and have energy pouring out my ears. I love my job as a teacher because I love to work with children. Even though when people hear the term "dancer" they assume someone who is overly concerned about their weight and what they eat...I eat probably more than a full-grown man does, and I am nowhere near a healthy eater.

Cast Spotlight: Ahmae Messersmith

Full Given Name: Ahmae messersmith

Role[s]: Kitchen Wench, Emily, Lady Beatrice, Dancer

Most Played Song On your Mp3: La Vie Boheme From RENT

First play or musical you ever saw: The Wizard of Oz

What do you like most about being on the stage: It gives me a chance to be crazy and over expressive and no one really judges me cause there all doing the same thing, also its a great place to just forget everything thats happening in your life and have a great time with your friends.

Are you learning any new skills in theatre that you will be able to use after high school: Yes one thing that has and will help me are the auditions they teach you that you need to be responsible for yourself and you need to have things done and memorized when there due. Anothor thing we all have learned is how to meet new people and not sit out, to get involved in things.

Are You in any other extracurricular activities: Yes, Football and basketbal Cheerleading.

Any Shows your just dying to be in? Definitely Bye Bye Birdie and Hairspray! and it would be super cool if our school could do wicked but i don't think thats happening.

who would play you in a movie about your life? ummm myself?

Anything else you want people to know about you? I'm auditioning for Willy Wonka the musical! its a summer theatre and if you want to come see it its July 25-27 and august 1-3. Ask me an email if you want to know were to buy tickets!

Cast Spotlight: Brittany MacFadden

Full Given Name: Brittany Jeanette MacFadden

Role: Dancer

Most Played song on your ipod (or cd player)? hmm either Taylor Swift- Our song, or When You look me in the Eyes by the Jonas Brothers : )

What was the first play/musical you ever saw? hmm probably Lion King? or Radio City Music Hall the Christmas show in NYC

What do you like most about being on stage? just acting with my friends is so much fun and you really feel like you've accomplished something when the end result turns out great*

Are you learning any skills in theatre that you will be able to use after high school? Yes, confidence on stage because that'll help me later on being in front of people and it has also made me more outgoing because it built my confidence up

Are you involved in any other extracurricular activities? (If so, which?) Cross Country, Cheerleading, Swimming, Track and Field, Class council, FCA, Big Sister Little Sister, Ski Club, NHS, and I also teach Sunday School every week* : )

Any shows you're just dying to be in? High School Musical!!!!

Who would play you in a movie about your life? Me!

Anything else you want people to know about you? well... i love seeing people happy so im always trying to help people with their problems and i just love being kind, caring and giving and most of all- i love my family more than anything!! : )

Cast Spotlight: Logan Markiewicz

Full Given Name:Logan Scott Markiewicz

Role:Knight/Castle Steward

Most Played song on your cell MP3 player? Apologize by One Republic.

What was the first play/musical you ever saw? saww? i guess the Phantom of the opera. [[on broadway]]

What do you like most about being on stage? Being myself. Not having to worry about what anyone thinks about me.

Are you learning any skills in theatre that you will be able to use after high school? pshhyea. will (our director) teaches us a lot about acting skills. since i'm interested in going into musical theatre, he helps a lot.

Are you involved in any other extracurricular activities? (If so, which?) Select ensemble. =]]

Any shows you're just dying to be in? The phantom of the opera. <33

Who would play you in a movie about your life? me. duhh =]

Anything else you want people to know about you? ummmm.. hey look! a penny!! =]]]

Cast Spotlight: Brandon Cwalina

Full Given Name: Brandon Nicholas Cwalina

Role: King Sextimus

Most Played song on your ipod (or cd player)? "Grace Kelly" by Mika

What was the first play/musical you ever saw? South Pacific at the High School, but The Lion King on Broadway

What do you like most about being on stage? Being another person

Are you learning any skills in theatre that you will be able to use after high school? Acting ;D

Are you involved in any other extracurricular activities? (If so, which?) Spanish Club and the Play/Musical.

Any shows you're just dying to be in? The Producers, Fiddler on the Roof, and Sweeney Todd.

Who would play you in a movie about your life? A really awesome, attractive actor. (To answer the question, I have absolutely no idea)

Anything else you want people to know about you? There really isn't way too much to know about me... Im kind of dull.

Cast Spotlight: Zoë Heatwole

Full Given Name: Zoë Lotus Heatwole

Role: Mime/Statue/Human Disco Ball/Ensemble

Most Played song on your ipod (or cd player)? Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra.

What was the first play/musical you ever saw? Sound of Music. I used to watch it at least once a week when I was little. I wore those poor tapes down.

What do you like most about being on stage? Definitely being able to be someone else for just a little while. You're basing everything you have off of a line or two about your character from the script. So you need to make the character yours, and it takes work. It's a challenge, but that's the fun.

Are you learning any skills in theatre that you will be able to use after high school? Learning how to meet deadlines, cooperation with others, memorization, being big and loud!

Are you involved in any other extracurricular activities? (If so, which?) The Warrior TV crew.

Any shows you're just dying to be in? West Side Story.

Who would play you in a movie about your life? Anyone, so long as they have the big hair!

Cast Spotlight: Lily Kotansky

Full Given Name: Lily Katherine Kotansky

Role: Lady "Sheets" Rowena

Most Played song on your ipod (or cd player)? Billie Jean by Michael Jackson

What was the first play/musical you ever saw? Peter Pan

What do you like most about being on stage? Playing pretend

Are you learning any skills in theatre that you will be able to use after high school? How to handle crowds

Are you involved in any other extracurricular activities? (If so, which?) Literary Magazine, Spanish Club, YDR Teen Takeover, Susky Courier

Any shows you're just dying to be in? Spring Awakening

Who would play you in a movie about your life? Gene Wilder. What? He's talented.

Anything else you want people to know about you? I'm going to live in England.

Wowee wow wow.

I'm impressed by the amount of cast members who have turned in their Cast spotlight already. Keep 'em coming in if you want to see your name up in electric light (haha). I'm putting them up a little at a time, so don't be a-feared if you don't see yours right away. I got a show to direct, y'know?

Cast Spotlight: David Stewart

Full Given Name: David Alexander Stewart

Role: Sir Studley

What was the first play/musical you ever saw? Singin' in the Rain in 8th grade music class

What do you like most about being on stage? The reactions from the audience when you do something well

Are you learning any skills in theatre that you will be able to use after high school? Time management, working well with others, express yourself in anyway possible

Are you involved in any other extracurricular activities? (If so, which?) Tennis

Any shows you're just dying to be in? Les Miserables, Springtime for Hitler(If they ever actually made it a musical, HAHA!)

Who would play you in a movie about your life?...myself, I guess... I never understand this question!

Anything else you want people to know about you? I love hide and seek and am not afraid to be a kid. =)

Staff Spotlight: The Vocal Director

Full Given Name: Kathleen Gail Jenkins

Day Job: Promotions Assistant @ WJTL / Co-Host for Purple Door Radio / All around "do-it" girl

Most Played song on your ipod (or cd player)? You Know We're All So Fond Of Dying - Children 18:3

What was the first play/musical you ever saw? Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

What was the first show you were ever involved in & what did you do? Newsies - I was a Newsie...in like 3rd grade

What do you like most about vocal directing? Interaction with the cast and passing on what I know --and feeling like I'm a part of something awesome!

What do you do for fun? Sing, Watch TV, Plan my wedding, Hang out w/ my Fiancee and my Dog

Any shows you're just dying to work on? Les Miserables

Who would play you in a movie about your life? Molly Shannon or Idina Menzel

Staff Spotlight: The Director

Welcome to our brand new blog feature, the Staff Spotlight (soon to be joined by the Cast Spotlight), where you will find out just a little bit more about our adult staff. Naturally, first up is our fearless director...

Full Given Name: William Mark Jenkins, Jr.

Day Job: Graphic Designer

Most Played song on your ipod (or cd player)? Not my choice, but Cordy listens to Ghostbusters about 7,000 times a day. My personal most listened to would be any song by Warren Zevon.

What was the first play/musical you ever saw? The first play I remember seeing was (I believe) called Good Night Ladies. My uncle was in it, and he dressed up like an old woman for some reason (I think so that he could stay at an all woman dormitory??)

What was the first show you were ever involved in? Other than church or elementary school stuff, my first real role was as Motel Kamzoil, the Tailor in Fiddler on the Roof in 11^th grade. That was the show that started it all. My first chance to direct came when I was assistant director for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2000.

What do you like most about directing? Other than the ability to tell forty kids what to do and when to do it? I love both the research and brainstorming of putting together my idea of what the show should be like, and seeing that vision reach the stage in the hands of some very talented young thespians.

What do you do for fun? Play with my daughter, Hang out with my wife, go see plays and musicals whenever possible, watch movies, and play PS3 and Wii.

Any shows you’re just dying to direct? Lots! Among them: Les Mis, Sondheim’s Assassins (not coming soon to a HS near you), Plays by little-known playwright Bill Shakespeare, Drat! The Cat (look it up.), any of Martin McDonagh's plays (again, NOT coming to a HS near you)

Who would play you in a movie about your life? Have Meat Loaf and Jack Black had a baby yet? ‘Cuz it would be that kid.

York Catholic

So, as you all well-informed people know (Like the .5 of you reading and contributing to this blog. Way to go) Y.C. just did OUAM. Wham! I sadly did not get around to seeing it. I'm sure my insane laughter beats out Y.C.'s Lady Rowena's. And if it doesn't, well, just you wait. We're gunna be the goofiest ladies in waiting on this side of Camelot.

Anywho, I was wondering, for those of you who saw it, what was it like? Any good/bad/ugly parts? I'd like to know. Or, if you have intense carpel tunnel syndrome, just tell me later.

Yours not so truly,
Lily :)

SHIRT!

Wow. It's been a whole week without my blogging. Thankfully Lily and Laura picked up my slack a little. I'll return later this week with some good stuff, I promise. In the meantime, I'd like to show you the design for our wonderful Once Upon a Mattress T-Shirts! Designed by our very own Zoe Heatwole (Sorry...I'm too lazy to add the umlauts...)

No Fred

Today was odd. Laura had to go to a TT meeting (right, Laura?) and I went to dance practice. But, my food didn't agree with me, and I spent the whole time in the bathroom removing that food. So, the show must go on, even when the understudy needs an understudy. Everyone centered the songs around a non-existant Fred. Quite funny. Especially when Drew had to throw himself on the floor.

A Backstage Peek

I'm on this blog a lot more than I should be. What can I say? I'm a blogger for punishment.

Anyway, I figured I'd share some backstage antics with you.

This is Kelly, our Queen Aggravain, practicing her evil laugh.



And another video of Niall and Asten: