Grandpa Returns the Favor

Thanks to a belated birthday celebration at my inlaws, and a trip to the Blue Max.

Four of these beers, I've actually had before. I'm looking forward to them all; in particular, the Arcadia Ale London Porter.

Happy Valentine's Day

It doesn't get any better than that (except for Rose, who looks as though she may have seen better times).

Ruminations After the Big Night

Just a quick mention that the show went very well.

Right from the get-go, it was obvious that the audience was really into the performance. Indeed, an added element was the need to hold for laughter following a few exchanges that, prior to the live show, we would not have even guessed would have elicited a response. Having the sense that the audience is fairly rapt is a good way to spur one on to a more confident delivery and performance, and I definitely felt good about how things came together, through the whole show and on to the end.

Very rewarding, very satisfying, and very fun.

Ruminations on the Eve of the Big Night

Tomorrow at 7:30 pm is the big show. "Big show" is entirely relative, of course, but it certainly seems to apply when you're directly involved. In the last few days I have begun to realize that it is probably the biggest part I've ever had in my dozens of plays; I've had a "lead" here and there, but never a role in which I've been onstage for an hour and a half in a play with a cast of two.

It's great fun. As I mentioned in a post a week or so ago, I could be considered to be a bit outside my comfort zone. To me, comedy acting has always seemed a pretty simple process of bringing an audience along by dropping in cultural signposts. Except in its most sophisticated form, I don't think comedy acting requires an audience to suspect their belief and "believe" in much of anything. Sure, they buy in to the theatre concept, but they're generally just happy enjoying one moment of mirth and preparing for the next. If, at the end of the night, something more powerful or transformative has occurred, so much the better. Provided the concept and writing is solid, and provided the actor has been born with a sense of comedy timing, the actual execution is relatively easy. Relatively. It still takes concentration and it still takes energy, but I'm talking relative to dramatic acting.

Of course, this is just all from my perspective, but dramatic acting requires so much of you. It was suggested last night after our dress rehearsal that I was, perhaps, a "method actor," which (to grossly oversimplify) is someone who subscribes to that philosophy of "becoming the character." I think I must be, because frankly, I don't see any other way to go about it. In fact, it seems only fair, in light of the fact that if you're acting in a dramatic role, you're more or less asking your audience to be "method." You want them to suspend belief, to believe for a few hours that you are someone other than yourself. And I think the concentration level of the audience is so much higher during a dramatic performance. They're not just watching for those signposts. They're trying to relate. Not in the overall situation facing the character(s), but in how the characters relate to what's going on around them. Not everyone can act, but everyone knows what real people act like, and they can smell someone being "out of character" from a mile away. And so, as a method actor you "become" your character. It's not just delivery of lines. It's how you hold your hands, how you breathe when frustrated, the direction your eyes wander when you're lost in thought, how tightly or loosely you clench your jaw. And it's not a simple, one-time transformation. Putting aside how you react to the world around you and all your own thoughts and concerns, you must grow; line by line and scene by scene, as your character grows. It's not a single thread, but a stem that continually branches out, with every new scene and line carrying the weight and influence of all that has come before.

Of course, in spite of this entire transformation, you need to remain somehow aware that there is an audience that needs to be able to see you, hear you, and understand your enunciation. There's no break (well, intermission, if there is one). You're "on" for an hour and a half (in tomorrow night's case). It takes an enormous amount of concentration and energy. And it takes a hell of a lot out of you. Out of me, at least. Maybe there's natural "dramatic actors" to whom this comes easily. They pain & strain over comedy and I'm fighting against the current in their world.

Anyway, that's all for now. More to report after the show, I'm sure.

The Speeds of Light and Sound Remain Constants

But the speed of crap accelerates like a rocket luge on Crisco Mountain.

So reads the first line of Jim Ridley's small review of Epic Movie on page 57 of the January 31, 2007 City Pages. I will never, ever see that movie. I would not have, anyway. But I'm sure glad I was treated to the review. A handful of people will ever read this it, but here's to enabling just a handful more. Of course, there are many more fine and clever writers (a small contingent, even, amongst my small readership), whose various and wonderful witten labors of love will be quickly lost and forgotten.

But here's to any and all writers I know, have known, or will never konw; who care enough about the craft of wit and words to put their hearts into Wanking Off Into the Void. Your efforts are appreciated.

Day 6 of the "Transition to Earthlink

Sander' says: Thank you for contacting EarthLink LiveChat, how may I help you today?

Dan: Hello-so, I'm having a crazy issue here. I signed up with a live chat representative for cable modem service just a few days ago. I was previously a Comcast customer, but was trying to take advantage of Earthlink powered by Comcast, in order to not have my rates go up $15/month. My account got set up and everything, but I was unable to reach anyone in customer service that was able to get my Comcast service stopped and my Earthlink service started. SO...finally, I reached someone that told me (after I got my account set up, sent out emails to all my contacts about the address change & everything) that Earthlink is, in fact, no longer available in my area (Minneapolis, MN), but that a lot of the national sales reps didn't know it yet. Before I go sent another email out to everyone I know and give up on this, can you confirm or deny for me that Earthlink is, indeed, no longer an available option?

Sander: Hello, I’ll be glad to assist you in resolving the issue.

Dan: Wonderful.

Sander: Please stay on hold while I read your message.

Sander: Thank you for staying on hold.

Dan: Yup.

Sander: I understand that you are unable to connect using cable modem.

Dan: Wrong. I AM connected, using my Comcast cable modem.

Sander: Are you with me?

Dan: Yup.

Sander: Do you have the billing issues with comcast?

Dan: No no no. I signed up for Earthlink, and am now told that Earthlink is not available in my area.

Sander: To best assist you, you need to speak with a BroadBand Customer Service Representative. Please standby while I transfer you.

Davin S' says: Thank you for contacting EarthLink LiveChat, how may I help you today?

Dan: Can you read the discussion with the Earthlink rep that led to me getting transferred here?

Saul B' says: Thank you for contacting EarthLink LiveChat, how may I help you today?

Dan: ? Hi, Can you read the discussion with the Earthlink rep that led to me getting transferred here?

Saul B: Yes, I can read.

Dan: ? ? OK..so I'll await your response...

Dan: I wasn't clear from your "Yes, I can read" response that you understood my question-just making sure you're still there.

Dan: I had a big long discussion with the first rep I chatted with that led to me getting tossed back into "the queue." Do you wish for me to re-post my original question?

Saul B: No, one moment.

Saul B: I see we are not charging you anything it is the cable company that is charging.

Saul B: We will not also not charge

Dan: What about my Earthlink account? Is that esstentially just a free Webmail account?

Saul B: Yes, it is a free webmail account.

Dan: I see. Then I need to call Comcast and give them hell. Thanks.

Saul B: I am sorry but I did not get you.

Dan: Comcast bought up Earthlink in my area. I was told by an Earthlink rep I would be able to sign up for Earthlink powered by Comcast and get a cheaper rate than I would with regular Comcast. Apparently, that is not the case, as Comcast shut down Earthlink's cable internet capability. And caused me an unbelievable amount of hassle in the meantime.

Saul B: I see the account is fine, have you not tried to login.

Dan: No NO, nevermind! I think I'm done for today. Thanks.

Take-Your-Breath-Away Cold

Temps in the Twin Cities ranging from minus 15 to minus 20 degrees this morning.

I don't think we've seen it like this since, like, 1994.

Hi, Jeff!

Jeff likes to report back on all the things he learns about me from surreptitiously reading my blog on a regular basis; but he told me that he's too shy to actually post any comments, since everyone who does is on a "nickname" basis. But then I thought "You know, all Jeff needs is a little encouragement."

What do you say, fellas? Can we all chime in and let him know there's nothing to be afraid of? Tell us what's on your mind, Jeff!

Why We Might Have Turned the Corner as a Society

In at least these few instances...

Where but a few years ago big media conglomerations threatened the end of the independent film, Netflix has ushered in its new golden age.

Ditto big media conglomerations with respect to the independent musical artist. Enter digital music.

Half a decade ago, we thought email was threatening the end of grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure in the written word. Now, nearly every one of millions of bloggers are suddenly holding their writing to a higher standard.

Of course, there's still war, disease, and poverty. But perhaps this bubble is actually bursting because it got poked by the top of Maslow's Pyramid, and the residual hope for the world has to trickle down the sides.

Jumping In on The Movie Review Haiku

This, being the most recent movie I've seen; and in homage to the Mixdorf sensation that is sweeping the web:

Being John Malkovich

Funniest first half

In my recent memory

Most depressing last

Also, since it's been a recent topic of discussion...

Napoleon Dynamite

Teen misfit goes wild

Laugh yet pity to sweet end

Hmmm...Sixteen Candles?

Love Letters

The name of our next Reader's Theatre production, in which I have a co-starring role. In the words of our company:

Written by A.R. Gurney, the play follows a lifelong string of correspondence between staid, dutiful lawyer Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and the vivacious, somewhat unstable painter Melissa Gardner. From second grade through middle-age, the details of their poignantly funny friendship and ill-fated romance emerge from what is written- and what is left unsaid- in their letters.

So-poignant romantic comedy. I'm a little outside of my normal comfort zone of sketch comedy, playing a bit of a starched-collar go-getter, but it's that sort of new realm that I am really seeking in my born-again acting life. We know I can play a spaz, but how do I tackle the the meaty, tearful delivery? Reader's Theatre is really cool, because so much depends on the delivery. Not hiding behind technical wizardry or even blocking. The audience hangs on the words, going up for the highs and being brought down with the actors for the lows, moreso than in any other theatre I've seen. I'm so excited to take on the challenge of not only playing a character that is a bit outside myself (though one to which I can relate for a couple of different reasons, not the least of which is my own personal history with love letters to Paraguay), but a character at all ages of his life between eight and 55.

We had our first readthrough Tuesday night, and I'm paired up with a couple of pros (literally); in the director and female lead, both of whom have an employment resume that includes Minneapolis' Brave New Workshop, a place in which I have at one time or another considered "plying my sketch comedy craft."

More on this show, undoutedly, as the rehearsal process continues.

Sure, It's Good For The Kids and All...

But, in the heat of the various monetary stresses involved with Sharon quitting, it's easy for me to overlook some of the more subtle benefits that, now that I sit down for a lunch of squash chili and homemade cornbread leftovers, don't seem quite so subtle.

NSE

From the wildly successful show my theatre company put on Friday night (great reaction from a sellout crowd) to pulling off a somewhat last-minute booked visit by T-Clog, this past weekend was Non Stop Excitement in its purest form.

First-I had been sweating out the situation with the Reader's Theatre show, since we'd had a glitch in our mass email system and had reason to believe a vast majority of our contact list did not receive two email that were sent out in the runup to the show. So, we really didn't know what to expect. But whether it was the exposure we got via the huge turnout we got for our Christmas Show or that our audience base is growing as a result of word-of-mouth from our small but deep set of "regulars," the community was out in full force. We literally had to turn a couple of people away when we topped out our seating capacity at 50. I was overwrought with nerves, prior to the show. Performing does not bug me in the least; but the prospect of "winging it," as I was expected to do in some pre-show remarks, was making me a basket case; as was the prospect of hitting all my technical cues (a light flip, sound) at the right time. I just hate doing that stuff-my brain is not hard-wired to pull that type of thing off very well. But everything went about as smoothly as possible, and after the show I was awash in what is becoming a familiar blend of relief and satisfaction.

Then, late Saturday morn. Hanging out at the coffee shop with my family; one T-Clog stops in, as per the arrangement. And, from that point on, a potentially delicate balancing act between a Daddy-starved family and a friend who has made a journey to visit was pulled off by all parties with grace and good cheer. The Clog and I remained around enought to ease my daughters through some of the touch-and-go moments of the day and, in fact, performed the "nighttime ritual" that night; Lucy's 2nd story read while sitting on the lap of a close friend of mine in just over two weeks! Things didn't get too raucous over the weekend-it was "NSE" of a rather domestic sort, but we all understood that going in. Activities included checking out a few local haunts (including two coffee shops), "forest football" actually played on a nearby jogging path, a visit to the "zero-G" slide that was built in local park, beer, pizza, Mouse Trap, Trivia Pursuit, a couple of Star Trek episodes, some good conversation, YouTube exploration, my first viewing of Napoleon Dynamite and...I'm sure I'm forgetting something...

Thanks for the visit, Clog.

The Producers

Actually, the Producer: me.

In trying to spread the load a bit in our current Reader's Theatre season, the other two members of my theatre company have picked up producing duties from our artistic director. I've never truly been in this role before and, though I can't say I'm surprised by the number of things to try and stay on top of, actually being in this position definitely gives me an appreciation for it all. Producer is basically in charge of making sure everything comes together for a production. That there is someone for every role, onstage to off (consider: actors/director, sound, lights, tickets, etc. etc. etc.); that all logistics are coming together (from a cash box for the ticket booth to designing & printing all promotional materials and programs to making sure a buttload of chairs get loaded into the performance space a day before the show). And so much more.

So, tomorrow night is the performance. My load is lessened significantly by the fact that this is Reader's Theatre, and every so more slightly by the fact it is a one-man show, starring our Artistic Director, Jeff. You can read a little about the show here.

Of course, I wouldn't know what to do if I wasn't scrambling about like a duck on speed. After the whirwind visit by T-Clog this weekend, I'm back to having a company meeting Monday night and then doing the first read-through of our February show (in which I return to the stage) on Tuesday night. This is all in and around care for two-month-old Rose (to the extent I am around to offer it) and self-imposed pressure of Project 365, and various other projects that hang over my head, like music recording and CMC. Oh yeah, and that Beatles tribute recital in which I will play guitar and sing to help out music teacher friend and former bandmate Krista in March.

Zowie.

Anyway, tonight is dress-rehearsal. There is a distinct possibility that P-365 will feature theatrically-related photos over the next couple of days, if shots present themselves.

The Undiscovered Country

Well, it's official. Sharon just called in and announced her resignation. She is officially a stay-at-home mom.

The thing that's really nuts about it is how she had pretty much one of the most idea set-ups in the world: working part-time only in a job she loved (taking kids on nature hikes-are you kidding me?). But staying home with Rose and keeping her out of the day care mill, as well as the idea of helping to keep our collective lives a little less crazy, just won out in the end. And, of course (to add nuts to nuts), I continue on in Barad-Dur.

It would be an understatement to say that we're dialing back our budget a few notches. For anyone who comes to visit and wonders why I balk at going out for a "night on the town," consider that we weren't quite keeping our heads above water as it was, and we just lost a net income of around $15k a year.

DDS

Are there any library science theorists out there trying to improve upon the Dewey Decimal System? I mean, a system for cataloging books that dates to 1874? Structured to categorize all areas of human scholarship in order "...from the divine (philosophy and religion) to the mundane (history and geography)." It's such an old-world view of knowledge and fields of study that it would be laughable if it weren't currently holding hostage our nations' books.

Book lovers? Your thoughts?

Somehow, the general acceptance of this obsolete holdover reminds me of our Minnesota law whereby you can't sell alcohol on Sunday. WTF?

Underground!

So it seems that I've come full-circle. Or maybe half-circle-as we're talking a hundred & eighty degree turn.

After being hailed by Stephen as one of the most open & revealing bloggers he's seen (in terms how I've tended to blog about my personal life), I have decided to remove The Oliopolis from the public blogroll. Off Blogger's listings, and out of my profile view. The more I think about it, the more I realize that my various thoughts & mini-essays are really intended for a small audience; those who know me & generally share my perspective. I may wish to preserve my "bloggins" at some point in the future for my own personal satisfaction, but I have no particular need to shoot everything that occurs to me out the the world at large. If and when I produce something in this forum that I wish to "take public," I'll look for the appropriate forum. Till then, I'm generally satisfied with my "readership," and can point "2nd tier readers" to specific posts if & when it seems appropriate.

The turning point, really, was my Project 365. Link from this page is one way, baby. It occurred to me how it is possible that there are those people in my life that I may wish to point towards this photographic endeavor that I wouldn't want within 50 miles of some of the rantings that go on in The Oliopolis (I'm thinking of work associates and family in Iowa in particular, here).

Anyway, for the others in this particular corner of the Blogosphere - I'm sorry this is not going to turn out to be the traffic generator you expected.

I'm Gonna Regret

This.

Beatles Anthology, Part IV?

Sugn by Lucy in real-time, as I type...

He's a real nowhere man/
He lives in Ashraka eating all the mines/
He'll eat you, if you try/
He's a real nowhere man.

He's a real tri-minute/
He does a lot of things/
His mom says he's not a nice man/
He lives in Ashraka, eats a lot of food/
He doesn't know what to do, a lot of things/
He's knows of a bread of your friend/
You know his mind, you would even say it glows in the dark.