Monday, August 29, 2005

The Fantasticks Kelly Balch, Anne Kennedy, and Sam Lai We closed The Fantasticks last Saturday night...another tremendous experience that I will remember for some time. What a great time to share the stage with such amazing friends. First off, thanks again to Karen Lund, for yet another great experience. She made some beautiful choices as she directed the play, masterfully mixing humor and pathos as she told the story, which she always does so well. (I might have taken the play darker, but then that's me, and look who directed the play successfully...not me!) Karen, thanks for the choice with the Mute...it was great to have Kelly as a daughter. Speaking of...hats off to Bob Borwick (Mortimer) and Kelly Balch (The Mute)...this is the first time I've worked with this spectacular pair, and it was a true joy. Sam Lai (Matt) is a man who impresses me more and more with every conversation we have, and Anne Kennedy (Louisa) did a beautiful job with her role, exhibiting grace, confidence, and openness that made playing scenes with her a real pleasure. (See Anne next in Exchange Theatre's production of Alan Ayckbourn's Taking Steps, October 2-11. I've got it on my calendar.) Pat Sibley and Faith Russell were wonderful as the mothers (see my friend Faith in Village Theatre's upcoming Once On This Island opening September 14th) and Candace Vance and director Karen Lund did outstanding work as those same mothers the last week of the run. And last, but not least, Rick Waites (the Old Actor) was a pleasure to watch night after night, a talented gentleman who I wish I'd seen play baseball-I bet that man could hit! And of course, to Debbie Evans (Piano) and Michele Bradford (Harp), a huge thank you for all your work and patience with us. ...deep in December, it's nice to remember... 11:11:11 AM    comment []

Thankfulness I hope I'm not too obnoxious about it (I probably am), but I'm celebrating my kids these days... My daughter Amy turned 17 this past week, and besides celebrating the amazing gift that she is in our life, we also feted her triumphant summer at Interlochen Arts Camp in Interlochen, Michigan this summer. where she sang the role of Bella in their musical theatre production of Rags. She won tremendous reviews. Hearing her sing these days is an amazing joy...she found a freedom this summer that was a tremendous key, unlocking sounds that should serve her well when she goes to audition this fall for some of the best university musical theatre programs in the country. I am excited about what God is going to do through her voice and acting. Most of all, she retains that wonderful, kind heart that she's always had. A joy of a human being. Daniel sang the role of Jean Valjean (yes, that Jean Valjean) in Taproot Theatre's Teen Acting Studio's (Musical Theatre Supercamp) production of Les Miserables (School Edition) this past weekend, and was a joy to listen to as well. There's a music gene in there somewhere on the Mayfield/Berryman side, and both my kids seem to have gotten it. The play, directed by Sam and Candace Vance, was a tremendous testimony to the energy and talent of youth. These young actors attacked these demanding roles with great gusto and commitment, and really told the story of Valjean. Dick Staub mentions the experience in his blog today...check out what he said about the play.... ...so thankful... 10:53:26 AM    comment []

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