Day 68

Guys and Dolls.

Or.

When bad shows happen to good people.

When you are directing a musical that requires a specific stylization, and you disregard that stylization in an effort to make the show 'realistic', you risk losing the heart of the show.

And the audience.
And its a damn shame.

Day 67

Dr. Nemeh.

Dr. Nemeh is a healing Doctor. Blessed by the Holy Spirit, he has the ability to heal the sick.
Seriously.
He holds large prayer services around the United States and prays over anyone who is in need of healing.
He has worked several miracles in his career thus far and most likely assisted in healing many sick folk.
He is holding a healing service at my home parish of Sts. Peter and Paul in June.

I got to thinking on my drive to Sandusky last night:
Suppose you are someone relatively famous for being able to do something special.
You have a gift.
People all over the world recognize your abilities and honor your talents.

Suppose that gift is gone one day.
Finished.
Nothing happens.
The spirit has left you.
You ask for God's help to restore the powers but get no answer.

What do you do?
Do you continue to pray over people and offer your services, unsure if God is within you any longer?
Do you go into a quiet retirement?
Do you get angry?

Just a thought.
People say I love to play devil's advocate.
I think of it a different way. I like to imagine a twist, that would make a good story.
Devil's advocate sounds so heartless.
I prefer to think of myself as a journalist of life, trying to nab that one great story.

After all, its just in my imagination.
Isn't it?

Day 66

The Red Exerciser.

Maybe the saying that pets keep you young has some truth.
The kitten began day II of the uncle Brian/uncle Pierre stay by hiding under the couch.
By 10:00 pm, Sondheim hopped, jumped and climbed on every piece of furniture he had access to, claws at the ready.
I found myself laughing and using far more energy playing with him than I would have on a typical Tuesday.
A bizarre feeling.
I may actually be sad to see him go.
Possibly.

But seriously Dan, must you have suggested naming him Sondheim?
What kind of a cat name is that?
Its so archaic and somber.
Besides, I played some Sweeny Todd today and he much preferred a little Judy.

Day 65

Sondheim.

An idea.
Just a fleeting thought, really.
Bring two lonesome souls together.

Would it be a welcomed union?
Would the balance of their lives be upturned?
Would it fill a gap?

And how do you explain that the unification, which may be deemed truly random.

One girl named Cindi.
One kitten named Sondheim.
A world of possibilities.

Day 64

Outburst.

When your day begins with an unattended board meeting and concludes with a friend's emotional breakdown during a game of Balderdash, you know something is in the air.
Or the water.

When things are just 'off' and there is no apparent rhyme or reason, what do you do?

Let it be?
Work aggressively to solve all unanticipated glitches?
Get frustrated?

Or just laugh it off and trust that tomorrow, your universe will be back on its appropriate axis.

Day 63

Hellboy.

One of the most difficult things you ever has to do in life is say goodbye to a loved one.
Perhaps the hardest.
Especially when there is no definite date when your paths will cross again.

All we can really do is wish them well, say a prayer, and say another prayer that until we meet again, that person will stay safe, happy and healthy.

Goodbye Kyle, God Bless.

Day 62

It's Today.

A brilliant director once said that 75% of the success of a show is dependent on casting.
Casting is a very difficult, tricky and often trying business in the theatrical world.
When the obvious choice isn't available how to pick from what you've got left?

Do you pick an actor with a voice you could listen to all night long but may not have brilliant acting chops?
Do you go with the one who has a charisma and presence that draws you attention but possesses unsure vocal ability?
Do you go instead with a specific physical type that fits the mold of the character perfectly but may take some extra work?

Do you stress when someone doesn't have all of the above?

You bet your ass!