The Haasienda on Shroyer…

Remember:

If someone is talking about others to you, chances are pretty high that they are talking to others about you, or have.

And trust me… they have!

Question: “What does the Bible say about gossip?”

Answer: The Hebrew word translated “gossip” in the Old Testament is defined as “one who reveals secrets, one who goes about as a talebearer or scandal-monger.” A gossiper is a person who has privileged information about people and proceeds to reveal that information to those who have no business knowing it. Gossip is distinguished from sharing information in two ways:

1. Intent. Gossipers often have the goal of building themselves up by making others look bad and exalting themselves as some kind of repositories of knowledge.

2. The type of information shared. Gossipers speak of the faults and failings of others, or reveal potentially embarrassing or shameful details regarding the lives of others without their knowledge or approval. Even if they mean no harm, it is still gossip.

The Human Race Theatre Company Presents

the 2012 Festival of New Musicals

Three days in August; three exciting new musicals, August 3 – 5, 2012

For tickets:

Ticket Center Stage box office phone: (937) 228-3630

Box office hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Schuster Center Box Office, and two hours prior to performances at The Loft Theatre Box Office.

Online: www.humanracetheatre.org or www.ticketcenterstage.com
Ticket prices: $15 per play in advance, $20 per play at the door.

2012 Festival of New Musicals performance schedule:

Friday, August 3

• 6:00 p.m. Kick-off reception in The Loft Lobby
• 7:00 p.m. Dani Girl
• 10:00 p.m. Red-Blooded, All-American Man

Saturday, August 4

• 12:30 p.m. Meet the Writers discussion in The Loft Lobby
• 2:00 p.m. Dani Girl
• 7:00 p.m. 33MM: A Musical Exhibition

Sunday, August 5

• 2:00 p.m. 33MM: A Musical Exhibition
• 7:00 p.m. Red-Blooded, All-American Man
• 9:00 p.m. Wrap-up party in The Loft Lobby (time approximate)

(Dayton, OH) — The Human Race Theatre Company, dedicated to the development of new musicals, is pleased to announce the three-play line-up for its 2012 Festival of New Musicals. This marks The Human Race’s fifth annual festival that showcases musicals in development, and the second year of including a new work from Encore Theater Company. Human Race Producing Artistic Director Kevin Moore has selected two musicals that are very close to his heart—Dani Girl and Red-Blooded, All-American Man. The third musical is Encore Theater Company’s production of 33MM: A Musical Exhibition. The festival will kick off with a welcome session on Friday, August 3 at 6:00 p.m. in The Loft Lobby. The productions perform in The Loft Theatre in rotating repertory over the course of the three-day festival. Audiences will have a chance to meet the writers of the shows during a discussion session on Saturday, August 4 at 12:30 p.m.

Dani Girl, a beautiful, touching and unexpectedly humorous story of a 9-year-old girl battling leukemia. Her incredible imagination takes her on a fantastical quest to get her hair back when she loses it to chemotherapy. With the help of a fellow patient, 10-year-old Marty, and her imaginary friend, Raph, she confronts Cancer and asks him, “Why?” Created by the award-winning team of Michael Kooman, music, and Christopher Dimond, book and lyrics, the show has been developed in a number of festivals, including the 2011 National Alliance for Musical Theatre Festival of New Musicals, the Kennedy Center and the ASCAP/Disney Musical Theatre Workshop, and during productions in Canada and Australia. Kooman and Dimond have received the much-coveted Jonathan Larson Award, and most recently became the first recipients of the Lorenz Hart Award presented by the ASCAP Foundation. “The show is a tribute to the children and families dealing with serious medical issues,” said Moore. “It is not a weepy melodrama or a bleak tragedy, but a spiritual journey accompanied by an upbeat, contemporary score that evokes feelings of hope and joy.” Dani Girl is directed by Marya Spring Cordes and music directed by Scot Woolley. The cast includes Abby E. Cates, Brendan Plate, Jamie Cordes and Katie Pees. Performances of Dani Girl are Friday, August 3 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 4 at 2:00 p.m.

Native Daytonian and Human Race alumnus Todd Lawson and his writing partner, Carter Anne McGowan, have joined with the New Orleans rock n’ roll band Cowboy Mouth, to create Red-Blooded, All-American Man, the story of a regular guy having a pre-midlife crisis. Tucker, our main guy, has a beautiful fiancée and a good job, but he’s still not happy. His mind wanders—with the help of the rock band in his head that comments on everything he does. Unsure of his life and afraid of his future, he’s ready to throw it all away for the chance to make his dreams come true only to discover that sometimes getting everything you wish for is not as great as you imagine. Originally workshopped at the Penobscot Theatre Company’s Northern Writes New Play Festival, this “coming-of-age” musical “is sure to connect with our new musical audience,” says Moore. “And we are equally thrilled to be working with Todd Lawson again.” Lawson appeared in Three Days of Rain and The Vertical Hour—both directed by The Human Race’s late artistic director, Marsha Hanna. Red-Blooded, All-American Man is directed by Kevin Moore, music directed by Jay Brunner and vocal directed by Scott Stoney. The cast includes Todd Lawson, Amy Leigh, Paige Dobkins, Scott Stoney and Sara Mackie, with band members Jay Brunner, Allison Kelly and Kevin Anderson. Performances of Red-Blooded, All-American Man are Friday, August 3 at 10:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 5 at 7:00 p.m.

They say a picture is worth 1,000 words, but what about a song? Can one picture inspire a song? How about fifteen photos? In 35MM: A Musical Exhibition, each photo creates a different song completely disconnected from the other, creating fifteen different and unique moments frozen in time; a glimmer of a life unfolding, a glimpse of something happening. This stunning new multimedia musical explores a groundbreaking new concept in musical theatre. With music and lyrics by Ryan Scott Oliver (composer of Disney Theatricals’ upcoming stage musical Freaky Friday) and the contemporary photography of Matthew Murphy, this intricately woven collection of stories told through song re-imagines what the modern American musical can be. 35MM: A Musical Exhibition is produced by Encore Theater Company, directed by its artistic director, David Brush, and music directed by Zachary Jordan Steele. The cast includes Elizabeth Wellman, Melissa Hall, Drew Bowen, Zachary Jordan Steele. The band includes Zachary Jordan Steele, Amy Gray, Melissa Hall, Allison Kelly and Jeremy King. Performances of 35MM: A Musical Exhibition are Saturday, August 4 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 5 at 2:00 p.m.

The 2012 Festival of New Musicals is sponsored by the 25th Anniversary Fund, The Producers’ Circle and a grant from The Dramatists Guild of America.

All performances are at the Metropolitan Art Center’s Loft Theatre, located at 126 North Main Street in downtown Dayton, Ohio. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door for each production and are available online at www.humanracetheatre.org or by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630, and in person at the Schuster Center box office.

CALENDAR EDITORS, PLEASE NOTE:

The Human Race Theatre Company presents The 2012 Festival of New Musicals featuring

Dani Girl

music by Michael Kooman

book and lyrics by Christopher Dimond

directed by Marya Spring Cordes

music directed by Scot Woolley

Red-Blooded, All-American Man

book by Todd Lawson and Carter Anne McGowan

music and lyrics by Cowboy Mouth

directed by Kevin Moore

music directed by Jay Brunner

vocal directed by Scott Stoney

33MM: A Musical Exhibition

music and lyrics by Ryan Scott Oliver

photography by Matthew Murphy

directed by David Brush

music directed by Zachary Jordan Steele

produced by Encore Theater Company

August 3 – 5, 2012

Performances are at The Loft Theatre
Metropolitan Arts Center

126 North Main Street (between First and Second streets)

Dayton, Ohio 45402

The Human Race Theatre Company presents its fifth annual Festival of New Musicals, featuring three uniquely diverse productions—Dani Girl; Red-Blooded, All-American Man and 33MM: A Musical Exhibition. Productions perform in rotating repertory. It’s a rare opportunity to see new musicals still in development, created and performed by theatre professionals.

Steven Box

Director of Marketing and Communications

The Human Race Theatre Company

126 North Main Street, Suite 300

Dayton, Ohio 45402

Phone: 937-461-3823 x3112

Fax: 937-461-7223

Email: steven@humanracetheatre.org

www.humanracetheatre.org

2012–2013 — Our 26th Season!

Subscriptions on sale now.

Tickets on sale starting August 7

Available at 937-228-3630 or online at ticketcenterstage.com

# # #

The Human Race Theatre Company was founded in 1986 and moved into the Metropolitan Arts Center in 1991, taking up residence at the 219-seat Loft Theatre. In addition to the Eichelberger Loft Season, The Human Race produces for Victoria Theatre’s Broadway Series, the Musical Theatre Workshop series, and special event programming. The Human Race, under the direction of Producing Artistic Director Kevin Moore, also maintains education and engagement programs for children, teens and adults, as well as artist residencies in area schools, Muse Machine In-School Tour, and summer youth programs. Human Race organizational support is provided by Culture Works, Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District, the Shubert Foundation, the Erma R. Catterton Trust Fund and the Ohio Arts Council. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Human Race’s Loft Series Season is sponsored by the Jack W. and Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation, with additional support from Morris Home Furnishings, Premier Health Partners, the Sam Levin Foundation and Jim and Enid Goubeaux.

Joshua Lockwood Logan  ~  5 October 1908 – 12 July 1988

(from http://www.pbs.org/wnet/broadway/stars/logan_j.html)

A director, producer, actor, and author, Joshua Logan had more Broadway hits than almost anyone else. In the late 1940s Logan directed and co-authored two of Broadway’s most popular productions — MISTER ROBERTS, written with Thomas Heggen, and SOUTH PACIFIC, for which he shared a Pulitzer Prize in drama with RichardRodgers and OscarHammerstein. His many other director’s credits include the Broadway shows ANNIE GET YOUR GUN and THE WORLD OF SUZIE WONG and the films BUS STOP and CAMELOT. Logan worked in theater and film throughout his career, showing talent from the time he was a young student at Princeton University. He acted on stage before achieving his first major success as a director with I MARRIED AN ANGEL, in 1938; he also produced several shows. For many years Logan struggled with manic-depressive illness, and late in life he toured the country to offer encouragement to fellow sufferers. In addition to plays, his writings include the screen adaptation of MISTER ROBERTS; its sequel, ENSIGN PULVER; and the autobiographies JOSH: MY UP AND DOWN, IN AND OUT LIFE and MOVIE STARS, REAL PEOPLE, AND ME.

In his first book of memoirs, JOSH: MY UP AND DOWN, IN AND OUT LIFE, Logan “re-creates an era that has almost entirely disappeared — a time when New York was the center of America’s theatrical universe and a nude male torso on a Broadway stage was a subject of controversy,” John Houseman commented.

In the book he discussed his associations with such theatrical giants as Margaret Sullavan, Henry Fonda, James Stewart, William Inge, David Merrick, Oscar Hammerstein, RichardRodgers, Mary Martin, Helen Hayes, and Ethel Merman. Also included is a reminiscence of the great master of the theater, Stanislavsky, under whom Logan studied in Russia after graduating from Princeton. Logan was also extremely candid in discussing the two nervous breakdowns that were linked to his career.

MOVIE STARS, REAL PEOPLE, AND ME begins where the first book left off, and covers Logan’s 1956 direction of the film, PICNIC, to the time of the memoir’s publication, although not chronologically. Seymour Peck declared in his review of the book: “In many, short, fast, intense chapters, Mr. Logan plunges ahead, as if he were pacing one of his smash hits or urging an EthelMerman to sing louder. Much of it is gossipy and inconsequential; much of it is funny and bawdy; much of it is impassioned and illuminating. Mr. Logan’s emotions are usually at high pitch and catch the reader up. The pages whizz by.”

When director John Ford became sick, Logan reluctantly returned to Hollywood to complete the filming of Mister Roberts (1955). Logan’s other hit films includedPicnic (1955), Bus Stop (1956), Sayonara (1957), and South Pacific (1958). He was nominated for an Academy Award for Directing for Picnic and Sayonara.

His later Broadway musicals All-American (1962) and Mr. President (1962) and the films of Lerner and Loewe’s Camelot (1967), and Paint Your Wagon (1969) were less well received. Logan’s 1976 autobiography Josh: My Up-and-Down, In-and-Out Life talks frankly about his bipolar disorder. He appeared with his wife in the 1977 nightclub revue Musical Moments, featuring Logan’s most popular Broadway numbers. He published Movie Stars, Real People, and Me in 1978. From 1983-1986, he taught theater at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. He was also responsible for bringing Carol Channing to Broadway in Lend an Ear!.

Logan was married briefly (1939–1940) to actress Barbara O’Neil. After the divorce, he was married to Nedda Harrigan from 1945 until his death from supranuclear palsy in New York City in 1988.

JOSHUA LOGAN AWARDS

• 1962 Tony Award^® Best Direction of a Musical  All American [nominee]
• 1959 Tony Award^® Best Play  Epitaph for George Dillon [nominee] Produced by Joshua Logan
• 1953 Tony Award^® Director  Picnic [winner]
• 1950 Tony Award^® Best Director  South Pacific [winner]
• 1950 Tony Award^® Best Musical  South Pacific [winner]  Book by Joshua Logan
• 1950 Tony Award^® Best Musical  South Pacific [winner]  Produced in association with Joshua Logan
• 1950 Tony Award^® Libretto  South Pacific [winner]
• 1950 Tony Award^® Producer (Musical)  South Pacific [winner]
• 1950 Pulitzer Prize for Drama  South Pacific [winner]
• 1948 Tony Award^® Author  Mister Roberts [winner]
• 1948 Tony Award^® Best Direction  Mister Roberts [winner]
• 1948 Tony Award^® Best Play  Mister Roberts [winner]  Written by Joshua Logan

JOSHUA LOGAN:  BROADWAY STAGE PRODUCTIONS

South Pacific [Revival, Musical, Drama]

• Book by Joshua Logan
• Originally directed by Joshua Logan

Horowitz and Mrs. Washington [Original, Play, Comedy]

• Directed by Joshua Logan

Trick [Original, Play, Comedy, Thriller]

• Produced by Joshua Logan

Look to the Lilies [Original, Musical]

• Directed by Joshua Logan

Ready When You Are, C.B.! [Original, Play, Comedy]

• Directed by Joshua Logan

Tiger, Tiger Burning Bright [Original, Play, Drama]

• Staged by Joshua Logan

Mr. President [Original, Musical, Comedy]

• Directed by Joshua Logan

All American [Original, Musical, Comedy]

• Directed by Joshua Logan

There Was a Little Girl [Original, Play]

• Directed by Joshua Logan

Epitaph for George Dillon [Original, Play, Drama]

• Produced by Joshua Logan

The World of Suzie Wong [Original, Play, Drama]

• Directed by Joshua Logan

Blue Denim [Original, Play, Drama]

• Staged by Joshua Logan

Middle of the Night [Original, Play]

• Directed by Joshua Logan
• Produced by Joshua Logan

South Pacific [Revival, Musical, Drama]

• Libretto by Joshua Logan

The Wisteria Trees [Revival, Play, Drama]

• Written by Joshua Logan

Fanny [Original, Musical]

• Produced by Joshua Logan
• Directed by Joshua Logan
• Book by Joshua Logan

Kind Sir [Original, Play, Comedy]

• Produced by Joshua Logan
• Directed by Joshua Logan

Picnic [Original, Play]

• Directed by Joshua Logan
• Produced by Joshua Logan

Wish You Were Here [Original, Musical, Comedy]

• Produced by Joshua Logan
• Directed by Joshua Logan
• Book by Joshua Logan
• Dances by Joshua Logan

The Wisteria Trees [Original, Play, Drama]

• Directed by Joshua Logan
• Produced by Joshua Logan
• Written by Joshua Logan

South Pacific [Original, Musical, Drama]

• Directed by Joshua Logan
• Produced in association with Joshua Logan
• Book by Joshua Logan
• Musical Staging by Joshua Logan

Mister Roberts [Original, Play]

• Directed by Joshua Logan
• Written by Joshua Logan

John Loves Mary [Original, Play, Comedy, Farce]

• Directed by Joshua Logan
• Produced in association with Joshua Logan

Happy Birthday [Original, Play, Comedy]

• Directed by Joshua Logan

Annie Get Your Gun [Original, Musical, Comedy]

• Directed by Joshua Logan

This Is the Army [Original, Musical, Revue]

• Additional direction by: Joshua Logan

By Jupiter [Original, Musical, Comedy]

• Staged by Joshua Logan

Charley’s Aunt [Revival, Play, Comedy, Farce]

• Staged by Joshua Logan

Higher and Higher [Original, Musical, Comedy]

• Directed by Joshua Logan
• Book by Joshua Logan

Higher and Higher [Original, Musical, Comedy]

• Directed by Joshua Logan
• Book by Joshua Logan

Two For The Show [Original, Musical, Revue]

• Sketches directed by Joshua Logan

Morning’s at Seven [Original, Play, Comedy]

• Staged by Joshua Logan

Stars In Your Eyes [Original, Musical, Comedy]

• Staged by Joshua Logan

Knickerbocker Holiday [Original, Musical, Comedy]

• Directed by Joshua Logan
• Staged by Joshua Logan

I Married an Angel [Original, Musical, Comedy]

• Staged by Joshua Logan

On Borrowed Time [Original, Play, Comedy]

• Directed by Joshua Logan

A Room in Red and White [Original, Play, Drama]

• Performer: Joshua Logan [Robert Humphreys]

Hell Freezes Over [Original, Play, Tragedy]

• Staged by Joshua Logan

Most of the Game [Original, Play, Comedy]

• Stage Manager: Joshua Logan
• Performer: Joshua Logan [A Waiter]

To See Ourselves [Original, Play, Comedy]

• Produced by Joshua Logan
• Staged by Joshua Logan

It’s You I Want [Original, Play, Farce]

• Staged by Joshua Logan

I Was Waiting for You [Original, Play, Comedy]

• Performer: Joshua Logan [Edouard]

Carry Nation [Original, Play]

• Performer: Joshua Logan [Mart Strong]

JOSHUA LOGAN:  MOTION PICTURE DIRECTION

 Paint Your Wagon

 Camelot

 Ensign Pulver

 Fanny

 Tall Story

 South Pacific

 Sayonara

 Bus Stop

 Picnic

 Mister Roberts (uncredited)

 I Met My Love Again

JOSHUA LOGAN:  MOTION PICTURE WRITING

 Live from Lincoln Center (TV series) – South Pacific

 Great Performances (TV series) – ‘South Pacific’ in Concert from Carnegie Hall

 South Pacific (TV movie)

 Mister Roberts (TV movie)

 Ensign Pulver (based on a play by / screenplay)

 Fanny

 South Pacific (adapted from the play “South Pacific”)

 Mister Roberts (based on the play by / screenplay)

 Tonight on Broadway (TV series) – Mister Roberts (1948)

 Higher and Higher (book of musical play)

JOSHUA LOGAN:  MOTION PICTURE MISCELLANEOUS CREDITS

 Mister Roberts (TV movie) (consultant)

 Fanny (production: produced on the stage by: Based upon the play “Fanny”)

 The World of Suzie Wong (original stage director)

 Middle of the Night (stage director)

 Indiscreet (“Kind Sir” was produced on the stage by)

 South Pacific (originally produced on the stage by)

 Picnic (produced on the stage by)

 Suez (diction coach: Annabella – uncredited)

 History Is Made at Night (dialogue director – uncredited)

 The Garden of Allah (dialogue director – uncredited)

JOSHUA LOGAN:  MOTION PICTURE PRODUCTIONS

 Ensign Pulver (producer)

 Fanny (producer)

 Tall Story (producer)

JOSHUA LOGAN TELEVISION & MOTION PICTURE

Marilyn Monroe: Beyond the Legend (documentary)  Himself – Interviewed Director

Josh, the Logan Legend (documentary) Himself

Rodgers & Hammerstein: The Sound of American Music (TV documentary) Himself

One on One (TV series) Himself – Guest

– Joshua Logan: Part 2 (1983) … Himself – Guest
– Joshua Logan: Part 1 (1983) … Himself – Guest

The Rebels: Marlon Brando (video documentary)  Himself

The Kennedy Center Honors: A Celebration of the Performing Arts (TV special)  Himself

The Merv Griffin Show (TV series) Himself

– Episode dated 6 January 1978 (1978) … Himself
– Episode dated 23 August 1976 (1976) … Himself

The David Frost Show (TV series) Himself

– Episode #2.41 (1969) … Himself

Cinema (TV series documentary)  Himself

– Joshua Logan (1967) … Himself

Main Street to Broadway  Himself

This feels like the official last weekend of summer for us.

• Quintin will have marching band percussion rehearsals from 9:00am-9:00pm, Monday through Friday
• The following week, the last week of July, is marching band camp
• The first week of August is my prep for the fall teaching schedule – and the hectic swarm of juggling schedules with schools on different calendars;
  • marching band’s daily six hour rehearsals will be in full swing – or should I say, “full swim” since their show’s title is “Water Works”
• The second week of August is show choir camp week for me
  • Quintin continues with daily marching band rehearsals
• The third week of August is the start of school, and my fall teaching schedule

We will celebrate this weekend with a trip to Indiana.  Friday we’ll spend time with the family, and Saturday Quintin and I will spend the entire day at Indiana Beach Amusement Park.

Indiana Beach is one of my favorite past-times.  It is not spread out like Kings Island, and the amusement park on the peninsula just has a different, and very neat appeal.

I remember going with my parents when I was a very small child, and twice with my Uncle Garry.  One weekend, Uncle Garry, my father, my cousin Todd, and I spent the entire weekend there, and stayed in one of the cottages.  The best ride – which was actually the scariest – was the haunted house.  Just as the ride got to the end, your car turned and right before you was a huge facade of a semi-truck, flashing its lights and honking its horn. Uncle Garry laughed – quite often – how he could hear Todd and me screaming.  And it is not lost on me that of my uncle, father and cousin, I am the only currently surviving… one of those sharp moments of awareness…

There was another visit to Indiana Beach with Uncle Garry, my cousin Todd, and my new aunt, Jenny.  Todd and I left our favorite ride – the haunted house – and found Uncle Garry and Aunt Jenny eating a strange arrangement of ground beef, cheese, onion, sauces and lettuce, all contained within a half shell of a large crunchy chip.  Aunt Jenny explained that it was called a taco.  I tried my first taco at Indiana Beach, and every time I return, I always make a visit to the taco stand.  I love saluting memories, and especially ones associated with wonderful loved ones.

Several years ago, my entire family spent a fun-filled day there.  My nephew, Parker, was probably 2 years old, and Stacia was pregnant with Freddie (who is now 4 1/2 years).  On that trip, I actually agreed to bungee jump over the lake – and it was a blast!

In 2009, I took my son, Jose, there for the day.  We were one of the first to enter the park that morning, and one of the very last to leave.

It is just the neatest place!

After supper, Quintin and meandered over to the Fraze Pavilion, and heard, for the first time, Puzzle of Light.

The evening was about as perfect as it could get:

• comfortable temperature
• a lovely breeze
• the setting sun
• a very appreciative audience
• an absolutely fantastic, tight, talented ensemble of guitar, flute, percussion set, percussion/drums, bass, vocals, a musical sculpture created (and performed) by Michael Bashaw

It was an incredible way to end my work week, and spend time with Quintin, who was obviously enjoying the ensemble.

Before leaving the stage, Sandy Bashaw said to the audience, “You honor us with your presence.”

Puzzle of Light – you blessed us with your music, your artistry, your talents, your time, and your love and passion for sharing your incredible gifts.

Last week, the Miami Valley’s very own, The Human Race Theatre Company, sponsored a Face book contest.  People were to visit HRTC’s Facebook page, and vote on the person they wanted to see win.

The prize:  2 passes our 2012 Festival of New Musicals (August 3 – 5).  You get tickets to each of the three shows in the festival, at performance times of your choosing.

I am grateful to several of my friends who took the time to vote, sponsoring me to win two (2) free packages to the company’s upcoming New Musicals Festival.

Accompanying me to the festival will be Mr. Andrew Koslow, a remarkable young talent, who is recently graduated from Oklahoma University’s theatre program. I watched Andrew in a number of MUSE Machine musicals, in ALTAR BOYZ, and was honored to direct him in the 2009 production, SOUTH PACIFIC, in which he played Emile de Bec.

Andrew is currently performing in musicals in Oklahoma City, and will soon be venturing to NYC to begin his career.

This will be a fun time.

Here is the letter I received from HRTC:

Hi, Darin!

Congratulations on winning our “Who Loves New Musicals The Most?” contest. You won in a landslide.

As the winner of the contest, you get two free tickets to every one of the three shows in the Festival of New Musicals. You decide which performance of each you would like to attend. The schedule is listed below:

http://humanracetheatre.org/mtwfestival.php#schedule

You, of course, are welcome to attend the kick-off reception on August 3 and the wrap-up party on August 5, as well.

We’d also like to give you two more free tickets (sorry, not full passes) to any one show of your choosing. These you can give to anyone you like. They can come with you to any of the performances you’ll be attending, or to another performance on their own.

Thanks for playing. And a more deserving guy could not have won.

Talk to you soon.

Steven Box

Director of Marketing and Communications

The Human Race Theatre Company

I seldom get to go to these kinds of events due to my teaching schedule, or due to things previously scheduled. However, Andrew Koslow and I are going to be kickin’ it up the weekend in August, enjoying and experiencing new works by our esteemed colleagues!

Thank you, Human Race Theatre Company!

And thank you to all who took a few seconds to vote!

Last night after teaching a long day, I opened up the house to welcome the cooler temperatures.  It needed a boost from the fans, but it was still comfortable.  However, last night, I began swimming as the cool air from outside refused to enter the house.  This morning the air is still at a stand-still inside.

Outside?

Beautiful. Around 6:50am, the sunlight began pouring in through the kitchen windows, and crawled through the round hall outside my bedroom, filling up that small space.  When the sun creeps along the floor each morning, I am always reminded of the Indiana Jones’ movie where he is down inside an Egyptian tomb-like area over a miniature city.

Quintin returned home around 11:00pm with Aaron Jacobs.  The two seemed to enjoy the DCI (Drum Corps International) contest in Centerville.

Today is a long day of teaching, 9:00am – 8:00pm with a 45 minute break.  I had three emails/calls from prospective new students, yesterday.

My friend, Patti King, continues on her adventures out West, while the Kress family(student family) is hitting many of my favorite, or Bucket List, sites on the East Coast. Last night they stayed at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont.  I wish, so desperately, they could travel down to Manchester to see Hildene: the home of Robert Todd Lincoln.  It is something else!

My time on the deck is nearing its end. In 25-minutes I will need to shower, and prepare for my first student of the day.

Photos of Hildene in Manchester, Vermont:

Photos of the Trio from yesterday:

PRESS RELEASE:

Ashley Webb to Announce Candidacy for Montgomery County Commission on July 16th

Campaign to focus on Leadership in Job Creation, Support for Law Enforcement and Veterans, and Government Accountability.

Kettering City Council Member Ashley Webb will hold a press conference on July 16th at 11:30 a.m. at Sinclair Community College to formally announce his Campaign for Montgomery County Commission. The event will take place on the west patio next to Building 12, across the street from the County Administration Building. The announcement will take place in Building 12 if there is inclement weather. Parking passes will be available for attendees who park in Lot C under Building 12.

The citizens of Kettering elected Ashley Webb to serve as an At Large City Council Member in 2009. Earlier this year, Republican voters chose Webb as their candidate for one of two County Commission seats to be contested in November. A West Point graduate and Iraq War Veteran, Webb has been endorsed by Ohio Veteran’s United as well as Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 104, and numerous local elected officials and business leaders.

“Ashley’s background running the operations of a family owned business is what really sets him apart in my mind,” said Tom Becker, CEO of Becker Electric, “He understands that encouraging businesses to grow is how we are going to get Montgomery County back to work. I am excited to see a proven business leader step up and run for County Commission.”

In response, Webb commented, “I am humbled by the support I have received from the business community, veterans’ groups, law enforcement, and everyday citizens who are anxious for new leadership in our County Government. I look forward to sharing my vision for Montgomery County at our formal announcement on Monday, July 16th.”

Ashley will face off against Democrat Debbie Lieberman in the General Election on November 6th.

For further information please visit www.ashleywebb.com.

Most people dread the start of the work week.  I’ve always wondered if it was due to lack of interest in a job, or perhaps, not being as relaxed as they were over the weekend.  I must admit, I do look forward to my four-day weekends, and spending time with Quintin grabbing movies, hiking (in non-hell-degree weather), attending outdoor concerts, and all sorts of other fun things we abandon during the school year.

The deck is beautiful this morning. “The breeze is so busy it don’t miss” the wind chimes, the leaves, and me!  It feels so good to have this 71-degree air surrounding me, and wrapping it’s cool arms about me this morning.

The past week, I’ve begun each day by taking in a fantastic blog-journey with a wonderful person.

A beautiful lady, and friend, Patti King, is taking the THE ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP out West with her sister, father, and nephew.  Her first paragraph captured me, and I eagerly look forward to each day’s posting.

Begin this adventure with a spirited Grandpa wanting to give his newly graduated Grandson the gift of  the American West.  Add the loving Mother hoping for a little more time with her Son before he goes off to college in the fall.  And just for fun, sprinkle in the slightly goofy Aunt, who is on her own journey of discovery.

Patti always has a refreshing outlook on life that is founded in sheer love, inner-joy, and laughter.

Last January Patti’s world was turned upside down, spun around in every conceivable direction, jostled, tossed through the air like King Kong throwing the air plane, destroyed… She sustained terrible injuries in an automobile tragedy that also injured her daughter, and claimed the life of her wonderful husband. As many of us were reeling from this horrible event, the gifts, and blessings, of Patti, and her children, began shining through the hideous dark clouds, guiding the rest of us through shock, loss, and grief.  Those who lost the most were actually giving the most.  They were giving each of us valuable life lessons about love, living, music, God, family, and something I’ve come to love so much about this family: LAUGHTER!

Over the past few years, Patti has become one of several role models in my life.  I know she would balk at the idea, but I am sure she has her own role models.  Sometimes, I believe our role models are actually our disguised guardian angels, or as I like to call them, “my angel team.”  I believe there are spiritual, perhaps even winged, beings who guide, guard, and watch over us, but since my college days, I’ve come to believe that some of our earthly travelers serve as earthly-angels.

Patti has become one of them over time.

I met Patti six years ago, and was immediately doused in her generous, loving, and witty spirit.  I am so glad that God navigated our individual journeys so they would continually cross through musicals, marching band, percussion ensemble, Dollar General, the parking lot after rehearsals, or the Dollar Tree before band camp.  Each time I am in Patti’s presence I walk away feeling exhilarated.  I like to think of those moments as Baptisms by Patti – she is one of those who, even with a smile, can refresh, and replenish the soul.

What I am enjoying most about this ‘ultimate journey’ is how Patti explores her own growth on different levels.  She is enjoying a soulful adventure while absorbing the beauty of our nation’s Western-side, and basking in togetherness with her family.

I love the phrase, God Winks. I want to say I borrowed it from author, Philip Gulley, however, I am not absolutely certain.  God Winks are those little reminders that serve a guiding, or reassuring purpose when they occur.  My life seems to be full of God Winks.  I’ve begun calling them Winkies, and even hum the “Winkie’s Song” from THE WIZARD OF OZ when one occurs.

Whenever I am near Patti King, I feel as though a jet engine is blasting its powerful fan as God just seems to wink greatly through Patti!

Click on the link to Patti’s blog and get your own blast of God’s fluttering eye-lid!

Wow!

For tonight’s movie, Quintin suggested THE OUTSIDERS.

Wow!

The movie was released March 25, 1983, when I would have been up to my ears with the last two months of my senior year of high school.  It took me 29 years to see the movie, and I honestly do not recall knowing the movie, let alone the book, even existed.

I didn’t know it was a book, and Quintin said he had read the book in 7th grade, and then watched the movie.  I must admit, Quinny has more of a grasp on a wider range of movies than I do.  And I am impressed with how many movies he knows from when I was his age.

As the movie unfolded I kept exclaiming, “Oh my God! It’s ____!”  The actors, all around my age, were just getting their careers underway.  The cast line-up was exciting, and powerful!

I was visiting some sites about the Steven Spielberg film, LINCOLN. Daniel Day Lewis will portray Abraham Lincoln, and Sally Field will play Mary Todd Lincoln.

Some folks are in a stir because Sally Field is 64, and playing a 42 year old first lady.

Age is not always a great concern, nor consideration for stage or film. Throughout the years, actors have often been older than the roles portrayed. Mary Martin was 36 years old when she played a 19yo Nellie Forbush in the 1949 stage production, SOUTH PACIFIC, and 46 when she played a 19yo Maria in the 1959 stage production, SOUND OF MUSIC.  And Glenn Close was 54 years old, and playing a 19yo Nellie Forbush in the 2001 made-for-television movie, SOUTH PACIFIC.

Actress Barbara O’Neil was only three years older than her motion picture daughter, Vivien Leigh, in GONE WITH THE WIND. Ms. O’Neil was 29, playing a 31 year old Ellen O’Hara, and Ms. Leigh was 26, playing a 16 year old, Scarlett O’Hara.

Mary Martin & Cathy Rigby also played the young boy, Peter Pan.

Are the complaining voices also forgetting the magic, and artistry of make-up and lighting which have always done wonders?

Mrs. Lincoln, even at 42yrs, when she entered the White House, looked pretty much the same age as Sally Field at 64.

I am confident that Ms. Field will look age appropriate when the film is released. In the early to mid-1970’s, actress Sada Thompson, best known for the television hit, FAMILY, was Mrs. Lincoln to Hal Holbrook’s President Lincoln. Ms. Thompson possessed the warmth, the class, the fire, and the humor that was a beautiful mix of the troubled first lady.  I found Mary Tyler Moore’s Mary Lincoln in Gore Vidal’s film utterly deplorable. I am fond of Ms. Moore’s work, and guess that the script, based on Mr. Vidal’s description in his novel, grounded MTM’s portrayal in the erratic, one-dimensional role.

My concern?

Will Ms. Field have blue eyes?  Mrs. Lincoln’s eyes were reportedly a violet-blue, shade, and quite striking.

Other than that, I am glad Ms. Field will portray one of my favorite first ladies on the big screen (and later in my DVD collection).

This is the area that was burning after the 1:00am fire-works explosion this morning….

I had just looked over at the clock and saw it was 1:00am… still wide awake from watching the movie with Quintin, I picked up the remote to check what…

BOOM!

The windows in my bedroom were rattled by the exceptionally loud explosion.

I ran outside, thinking it was over on Rockhill, but quickly spied large flames in the grass across the street (right in front of the house where the neighbor lady lost her front porch in last week’s storm).

The neighbor man directly across the street, and the lady, in whose yard the fire was spreading, immediately pulled out hoses and began dousing the flames.  Shortly, a police officer arrived, sans Bill’s Donuts, and could not be coaxed to make a Bill’s Donut run for those of us gathered.  The firetruck, bearing four crew members (one a former Fairmont percussionist), pulled up and they determined it was a firecracker similar to a M80, packing enough punch to cause a fire.

By 1:15am it was all over, and we returned to our homes… still, sans Bill’s Donuts.

I’ve always loved the month of June, and still do.  Despite the brilliance of beauty, and new growth that accompanies the month’s arrival, I am always reminded of key loved ones in my life who are no longer with us. Aside from my mother, these four individuals, two uncles, and both grandparents, were major forces in my life, the three men often serving as “dads” in my life.

June 3rd, 2004 – Grandpa Leroy (Leroy Barmes)

June 8th, 1987 – Uncle Ron (Ronald Barmes)

June 27th, 1992 – Grandma Donna (Donna M. Clary – Barmes)

June 29th, 2002 – Uncle Garry (Garry Jolliffe)

But, soon after the rain comes the sun’s brilliant shining once again.  The reminders of these tender days often become a reflection of what these four gave me, the lessons they taught, the light they shared.  I was, indeed, blessed to have had two of the best grandparents, and two of the very best uncles.  Though they are no longer physically present in my world, I am assured that their winged-souls hover near, often reminding me that “they never truly leave us.”

May choirs of angels continue to sing each of you to your eternal rest….

Remembering my uncle, Garry Jolliff, one of my first childhood heroes (1944-2002) who passed away 10 years ago, tomorrow.

Uncle Garry fought in Vietnam, and was severely wounded. Indiana’s US Senator, Birch Bayh, finally succeeded in having Uncle Garry removed from the battlefield where he was left for quite some time. He recovered (or so we thought), and returned to the battlefield. Upon his return, shrapnel was discovered lodged near his spine, and despite countless lengthy surgeries, it could not completely be removed. Before he was even 30, the paralysis had begun, eventually consuming the brave soldier who then became the brave civilian, ravaging a battle against our government that would finally compensate other Vietnam veterans their disability. If I remember correctly, Uncle Gary, paralyzed from the neck down, was only receiving 10% disability!

While Uncle Garry was in Vietnam, we often recorded messages to him on a tape machine to send him. After listening to our messages, he would record for us. Those were exciting times in my childhood, and even more so when he returned home from the battlefield.

While vacationing in Washington, DC, in August 1969, we were seated around a fountain, soaking our tired feet in the cool water very near The Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial. A group of soldiers appeared, and thinking Uncle Garry might be in the mass of khaki, I excitedly stood to search for him, unaware that the slimy floor of the angled bottom would pull me underwater. My father grabbed me by the shirt, probably saving me from drowning, or experiencing near-drowning.

He was a wonderful uncle, and one who often filled in for his older brother as another dad in my youth. Some of my most fun weekend trips – Reds games, Kings Island, Indiana Beach, fishing, boating – were spent with him!

Rest in peace, Dear Uncle, and may the choirs of angels continue to sing thee to thy rest…

The gentle, cool breeze drifting across the deck is a sly mistress to the impending heat of 100+ degrees that is to arrive shortly. The windows are open for one last breath of fresh air before The Haasienda goes on A/C lockdown. The humidity is attempting to wrestle its way in with the breeze.

In the front yard while watering this morning, a bright yellow Mary Todd day lily greeted me.  This bloom is from a second of four plants, and it has a number of anthers surrounding it.

I prepared an omelet this morning with some left-over steak from last night, and a few tea spoons of Bisquik mixed in with the eggs.  Wow!  One of the best omelets I’ve ever made.

Quintin traveled to Fairfield, Ohio last night with Shawnee Breitenstein, her son, Patrick, who is one of my students, and one of Quintin’s godparents, Aaron Jacobs. They ventured South to see a DCI (Drum Corps International) competition, slating several fine ensembles to battle it out. Quintin had never seen a drum & bugle corps, save what I’ve shown him on You Tube.  He returned home with no comments, and a few of my questions received simple answers.  Hopefully, today, he will be more talkative.

Last night I discovered a note on my Facebook business page from one of the Drama-Keepers who doesn’t seem to know where her life stops, and mine begins. The other pests raised their voice of concern, and admonition, yet I am sure their one off-spring has failed to report to the parental units that they attempted to “friend me” recently on Twitter, and several months ago on Facebook. The individual expressed that I was to steer clear of them, yet, they are the ones stalking me via this blog, or attempting to “friend me” on social sites when they led the charge last fall to de-friend me.  The fierce-talking ogre needs to stop pushing  weight around with me, and keep his own line in check to make sure they leave me – and my family – alone.

Last week, someone decided to post something regarding a visit with me that was quite untrue.  However, the Drama-Committee, that enjoys serenading me in their Christian-covered guises, took the person’s claim at face-value, and chimed in. The one Drama Queen, who has high levels of nutty toxicity and wrote me the note last night, even went so far as to post about me on her Facebook page. I can remember this neurotic mess sitting in my living room and telling her son, “there are always two sides to a situation, and S__, don’t you get involved unless you know both sides.” Clearly, she’s forgotten the instructions she insisted her son follow.

These sad individuals will always dine at the drama buffet, pretending to be the hands and feet of Christ, yet, in reality, they are merely drama-excrement.  While I am going about my business, they will always continue to be “hidden stirrers” because it is the only way they know how to attempt to burrow beyond their holes of imprisonment.

Que sera… sera…

Tonight, I will teach two make-up lessons, and then will only have one day of teaching until Monday, June 9th!  My free time to write, and accomplish a few household chores.  Our friend, Snickers, will come to stay with us for a week while his family retreats to a Canadian island for a much needed break.

“You know, if you’re going to stalk someone, you should be less obvious. For starters, try not to standing in the middle of a field, gawking at your prey.”  – Kristin Walker, A Match Made in High School

Most soulish believers assume an attitude of self-righteousness, though often it is scarcely detectable. They hold tenaciously to their minute opinions we ought to lay aside the small differences and pursue the common objective. – Watchman Nee

Friday’s fun adventures in Indiana seemed to continue through yesterday, and perhaps, today.  It is so nice having Quintin home, and it feels so good to be laughing (out loud) at the things he says.

Saturday morning, I hurried up to ACTION Adoption to take photographs of the remodeling project, and then decided, at the last minute, to visit Wegerzyn Gardens – Five Rivers MetroPark.  If you live in The Miami Valley, this is something you really need to visit. Had I not been so anxious to get to the pow wow, I would have stayed longer.

Darin’s photos of Wegerzyn Gardens

At Noon, Quintin and I headed four miles over to SunWatch Indian Village: Darin’s previous blog entry & photos. It was a fantastic time, and Quintin seemed to enjoy himself.  In the 18 months he has been here, he has not been very communicative about his heritage. However, the past several months he has been more open. At the pow wow, I asked him questions, and he seemed eager to share responses, and offer more information.

We returned home to let the dogs out.  Abby Tarlano is staying with us this week, and she is always such a nice blend to The Haasienda.

By 7:00pm we were en route to the Dayton Mall area to watch DARK SHADOWS. I had heard/read mixed reviews, but Quintin and I, both, enjoyed the movie. Afterward, we hit Applebees for a late dinner.

There are no plans on the docket today, and I will wait to see what Quinny wants to do.

“The self-righteous never apologize.” – Leonard Ravenhill