Quintin has been enjoying his time with the Fairmont Winter Percussion ensemble, which has been sweeping up contests, left and right.
Here is a glimpse of Quintin’s primary love at the moment. Several of the photographs are courtesy of Patti Rogers.
Edward Baker “Eddie” Lincoln (March 10, 1846 – February 1, 1850) was the second son of Abraham & Mary Todd Lincoln. He was named after Lincoln’s friend Edward Dickinson Baker, and the youngest Lincoln son to die. Eddie died one month short of his fourth birthday.
Eddie’s remains are buried at Lincoln tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois, USA. Both parents were devastated. Some historians believe Eddie’s death began Mary Todd’s journey to instability. A week after Eddie’s death, a poem entitled “Little Eddie,” was printed in the Illinois State Journal (a newspaper). Despite a century dispute over the authorship of the poem, the author of this blog firmly believes it was written by Mrs. Lincoln for his mother spelled his name “Eddie,” while his father spelled it “Eddy.”
Those midnight stars are sadly dimmed,
That late so brilliantly shone,
And the crimson tinge from cheek and lip,
With the heart’s warm life has flown –
The angel of Death was hovering nigh,
And the lovely boy was called to die.
The silken waves of his glossy hair
Lie still over his marble brow,
And the pallid lip and pearly cheek
The presence of Death avow.
Pure little bud in kindness given,
In mercy taken to bloom in heaven.
Happier far is the angel child
With the harp and the crown of gold,
Who warbles now at the Savior’s feet
The glories to us untold. Eddie,
meet blossom of heavenly love,
Dwells in the spirit-world above.
Angel Boy – fare thee well, farewell
Sweet Eddie, We bid thee adieu!
Affection’s wail cannot reach thee now
Deep though it be, and true.
Bright is the home to him now given
For “of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.”‘
The final line is on the boy’s tombstone. The next child of Abraham and Mary, William Wallace Lincoln, was born ten months after Eddie’s death.
* The photograph included in this post has been in dispute since its discovery. Some believe it is Eddie Lincoln, some believe it is his younger brother, Willie. I, personally, have always believed it to be Eddie Lincoln.
“All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible.”
from T. S. Lawrence’s Seven Pillars of Wisdom
Thursday, a Facebook friend sent me a private message.
“Several of us think you post too many things on Facebook. It gets old reading all your posts. Why don’t you only post the most important things.”
I had to laugh because the person reporting this information posts slightly less than I do. I replied that:
I went ahead and assisted the individual. They won’t be able to read any of my posts.
I think Facebook is a wonderful tool for connecting with the rest of the world: family, friends, hometown friends, college friends, colleagues, students, former students, parents of students and former students, etc.. I have gotten to stay in touch with so many folks these past four years, and have loved renewing life with cousins, and friends in distant places.
Most of my posts occur in the morning. I work at my desk writing, or researching, for fifty minutes, and then take a 10 minute break. This is when I generally scan down my Facebook page, and hit the “share” button so I can read things late at night before going to sleep. Most of the motivational quotes are specifically for me so I can stay focused, and continue pushing forward. If it has anything to do with American history, it will find its way on to my Facebook page so I can read. If I find things of interest for others, I send it to their page, or acknowledge them so they, too, can read the article. Sometimes I post things to serve as my personal journal, filled with quotes, items from my day, thoughts about my day, photos, etc.. So often, folks post such positive comments, and some even send me private notes. This note, written two months ago, I just discovered this morning:
Darin, I just wanted to say thanks to you. I read your posts every day and they are filled with joy for all of us who read them. You have a wonderfully positive attitude that turns a dark day into one with hope and inspiration! Even though a subject may be dark, you have a look of light through the darkness. For this, I thank you! You are a bright spot. I am glad that we have reconnected!
So, for the petty little group of individuals complaining, to the one who sent me the private message to complain, to the band director from another community, to the bitchy band parent who was upset I don’t post photos of their child, and to anyone who doesn’t like the number of posts… too bad. You can easily delete me on Facebook. You can adjust your settings so you do not see my posts. If these items are a challenge, then, I invite you to get a life. Find something productive, and more positive to do with your time, and with your life.
God bless!
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Forward email
Posted in Blogroll
Leave a comment
Human Race Theatre 2012-2013 Season General Auditions
Posted in Blogroll
Leave a comment
…25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE…
Today was the first time I’d ever seen the musical, THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. One of my voice students, Heather Barker, portrayed Logainnr Schwartzandgrubenniere, and Heather was absolutely hilarious!
Heather began studying with me when she was in high school, and I had the pleasure to serve as the music director/conductor for Beavercreek High School’s production, THE PAJAMA GAME, in which Heather played the lead, Babe Williams. Heather, then a senior in high school, was so impressive during the rehearsal process – always well-prepared, attentive, mature, and very professional in her manner, and behavior. She ventured on to Arizona State University, and is now returned to Ohio to study theatre at Cedarville University. It is a joy to be reunited with Heather as student and voice teacher, and to be a part of her continued growth as an actress. Today’s performance as Logainne was re-confirmation that Heather is a very capable, talented theatre student. I am so proud of her! I was also very impressed with the quality of this Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre production! It was class from the parking lot to the curtain call. The facility, located on Miami University’s campus in Hamilton, Ohio is a very nice venue. I would like to see more productions by this company! It is definitely worth the drive! And, again – KUDOS, Heather!!!
…The King Has Left The Building…The pure, the bright, the beautiful “I just have to do something,” said Rev. Bob Smitley, interrupting his own closure to his brilliant homily for Rev. Greg King’s service of celebration. “When we go to a great show what do we always do at the end to show we loved the show?” The applause began immediately, and the enormous crowd, nearly filling the large cavernous Ascension Catholic Church of Kettering to capacity, rose to its feet.
To know the King family is to know God’s truer message… love one another, and for crying out loud, laugh as much as you can. I’ve been fortunate to know Greg’s beautiful wife, Patti, and two of his equally beautiful four children, Greg and Kristen. I mostly saw Rev. Greg at band concerts, band contests, musicals, and at the church for a production of GODSPELL, directed by his wife. I did not know him as well as Patti, but upon each meeting I was greeted with a deep warmth, and joy, that always re-ignited my own inner joy. He definitely had “a way” with people… with life.
Within twenty minutes of the service honoring Rev. King, I was thinking, “I wish I could have known him.” The timid hand stretched forth to aid The tributes from two of his children, son Greg’s through song, as well as his brother, sister, nephew, and nieces, were moving, inspiring, filled with hilarious anecdotes, and so much love, and magnificent affection. It was one of those rare moments when I realized that this is the type of man I aspire to be. Greg King is my role model. I was overjoyed when I learned that he, too, wrote notes to his children all the time. I believe this, as a dad/parent, is vital. Mother has written me notes, and sent cards, since I was a tiny fellow, and I believe I have nearly every one in my collection. As a dad, I write little notes, and letters, to my sons. I always believed I would find them tossed in the waste basket, but they are always tucked away in a special place.
Once we become adults, we tend to let go of heroes, role models, and fellow teachers. I love moments when my path crosses that of another who offers hope, confidence, and an opportunity for me to “look up” to someone. Greg King has become that person for this chapter of my life. Since childhood my number one hero has been Abraham Lincoln, and it only seems ironically appropriate that I write of Rev. King on President Lincoln’s birthday. Let nothing pass, for every hand I heard the word, legacy, mentioned several times. And what a legacy Rev. Greg King has with those who who loved him, and knew him best. It is the kind of legacy we often dream of leaving… Greg King’s legacy is one we should all leave. The King, as in Greg King, has left this earthly building; however, the spirit of the man – the husband, the father, the son, the brother, the uncle, the minister, the neighbor, the friend, the counselor, the mediator, the organizer, the worker, the leader, the follower, the instigator of pranks, the laugher, the clown, and the ultimate servant with a great servant’s heart – remains. He shared with the world his own personal recipe for life. Sadly, so many of us seldom realize that the same ingredients are also within our own reach until we are reminded by great men like Greg King. I am so grateful that I have been reminded that this same recipe is imprinted in my own spirit, in my own mind, and on my own heart. Photos I obtained/stole from Patti’s Facebook site.
** THINGS THAT NEVER DIE, by Charles Dickens, and inserted throughout the blog.
From the 1927 Grand Council of American IndiansFrom the 1927 Grand Council of American Indians
…Preble County Historical Society – November 2010…Photographs of the Preble County Historical Society park, taken November 2010.
Posted in Blogroll
2 Comments
…The Ten Commandments of Success…I walked into a classroom in The Teachers’ College at Ball State University one day, and on my student’s desk was a sheet of paper with the following life instructions from Charles Schwabb. I read the information, and slipped the sheet into my folder. For the past twenty-eight, or so, years, I have lived by these rules. I still have the sheet at my desk. 1. Hard Work: Hard work is the best investment a man can make. 2. Study Hard: Knowledge enables a man to work more intelligently and effectively. 3. Have Initiative: Ruts often deepen into graves. 4. Love Your Work: Then you will find pleasure in mastering it. 5. Be Exact: Slipshod methods bring slipshod results. 6. Have the Spirit of Conquest: Thus you can successfully battle and overcome difficulties. 7. Cultivate Personality: Personality is to a man what perfume is to the flower. 8. Help and Share with Others: The real test of business greatness lies in giving opportunity to others. 9. Be Democratic: Unless you feel right toward your fellow men, you can never be a successful leader of men. 10. In all Things Do Your Best: The man who done his best has done everything. The man who has done less than his best has done nothing. -Charles M. Schwab
Posted in Blogroll
Leave a comment
…Navi's Surgery…Navi went into surgery at 10:00am. After driving into Gratis to get some coffee, and take photos of the cemetery, I returned to the Preble County Historical Society to take photos of the cabin, and other items. Navi was ready to go by 12:15pm. She is home, alert, and being protected by Chief who will not leave her side.
Posted in Blogroll
Leave a comment
…All in a Few Days…This morning at 8:30am I was at the endocrinologist’s office for a bi-monthly check-up, and blood draw. After that I hurried to the middle school to teach until 1:00pm, rushed home to scarf down some lunch, take a 30 minute nap, and then teach. As always, our Wednesday Pizza-TV night was filled with Papa John pizza, and tons of laughter with the ABC line-up of THE MIDDLE, SUBURGATORY, and MODERN FAMILY. Thursday morning, I will drive Navi to Gratis for her surgery (spaying), return home for teaching. Quintin will have his percussion lesson after school, and percussion ensemble later in the evening. Friday I get a fairly low-key day. A few lessons, and time alone while Quintin has percussion until 8:00pm. Saturday morning will be a bit harried as I accomplish a few house items, get Quintin out the door for percussion ensemble rehearsal, and his late-afternoon MEPA competition at Nutter Center. At 2:00pm I will attend the life celebration of Rev. Greg King, and hurry to Nutter Center to catch Quintin’s competition at 5:42pm. Sunday morning will see Quintin out the door again for more rehearsal time, followed by another MEPA competition at Trent Arena on Fairmont’s campus. I will head south to Hamilton, Ohio to watch a student perform in THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. I am looking forward to seeing her in this performance. A busy weekend filled with percussion music, moments to celebrate the life of a great man, and musical theatre. This is life!
Posted in Blogroll
Leave a comment
…Old Photos…Since Jeffrey Carter and Mark Rogers have posted old photos of themselves, I thought I should follow suit…
Posted in Blogroll
Leave a comment
…An End of an Era: Mother Retires from EPD…This morning, my brother, Destin, and I received an email from Mother: As of February 3rd, I am retired from the Elwood Police Department.
I was sixteen, and a sophomore in high school, when we became a part of the police family. I suddenly had about 15 police-uncles, several police-aunts, and a ton of police-cousins. I knew that I always had folks looking after my family. This was especially comforting when I left for college. The police department was like any other family – the good times, the not-so-good times, celebrations of weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, births, graduations, and successes. The family came together at those less celebratory moments, especially when death shrouded a family unit. The worst was the loss of officers’ children who were teenagers with me. For the past thirty-one years, I’ve seen Mother joyfully embrace her work with the Band of Blue, and even during the more stressful moments, I never knew her to waiver in her dedication. Mother was often a big sister, a confidant, a friend, and whether appreciated, or not, always honest with requested advice. One of her most incredible talents is her ability to organize, and produce. I am so grateful I received this genetic component from Mother!
My grandfather, Leroy ‘Red’ Barmes, joined the department in 1952. Sixty years later, our immediate family’s connection to the Elwood Police Department has finally come to a close. I must admit, it is a tad bittersweet. Mother: Congratulations on 31 years of such fine service to the department, and the community; and, congratulations on your well-deserved retirement. I am so grateful for, and proud of your career, and so happy (and a little tearful) to know this chapter has now moved on to the next. Know you are loved…
Madonna at the Super Bowl…I’ve been entertained by a plethora of varying reports on Madonna’s Super Bowl half-time production. The boards are lighting up with armchair-choreographers and directors this evening, and critiquing the 53 year old Queen Mum’s performance. Fifty-three? Wow! And she can still move! Impressive! It seems that most of the reports, both amateur and professional, were extremely favorable. Quintin and I watched the performance on: http://idolator.com/6167342/madonnas-super-bowl-halftime-performance-watch-it-now The basic critique from the camp that were not as impressed:
My thoughts…
Honestly, I thought it a great production. This is 2012. We expect spectacle. In past years we even got a peek at some boobage during a half-time show. How’s that for spectacle? Madonna delivered a very entertaining product for the Indianapolis Super Bowl. Mount Vernon's windows…For a number of years I have always wondered why the West-front windows of Mount Vernon were off-set. I found a “Ask Mount Vernon” link at George Washington’s Mount Vernon I sent the following note: I’ve wondered, for several years, why the windows on the right side of the Western entrance are off-set. During the phases of remodeling was the staircase relocated to its present location thus forcing a shift in the window placements? Thank you for your time in response!
This morning I received the following note: “Ask Mount Vernon” Dear Darin, Thank you for contacting us with your question re: the irregular spacing of the windows on the west front of the Mansion. You have accurately deduced the reason why the windows to the south of the front door are off-set. The windows originally aligned with those in the basement when the house was built in 1735. When George Washington raised the building from 1.5 to 2.5 stories in 1758-59, he also I hope that this is the information that you were looking for, and thanks again for your interest in Mount Vernon. Sincerely, I so appreciate the countless individuals, and organizations that help to keep history alive!
An Excellent ExamSTUDENT WAS GIVEN 0% ON AN EXAM… I would have given him 100% Q1. In which battle did Napoleon die? Q2. Where was the Declaration of Independence signed? Q3. River Ravi flows in which state? Q4. What is the main reason for divorce? Q5. What is the main reason for failure? Q6. What can you never eat for breakfast? Q7. What looks like half an apple? Q8. If you throw a red stone into the blue sea what it will become? Q9. How can a man go eight days without sleeping ? Q10. How can you lift an elephant with one hand? Q11. If you had three apples and four oranges in one hand and four apples and three oranges in other hand, what would you have ? Q12. If it took eight men ten hours to build a wall, how long would it take four men to build it? Q13. How can u drop a raw egg onto a concrete floor without cracking it?
Posted in Blogroll
Leave a comment
THE HUMAN RACE ANNOUNCES ITS 2012-2013 SEASONMEDIA RELEASE THE HUMAN RACE THEATRE The Beginning of A Second Quarter Century of Great Theatre The Human Race, Dayton’s own professional theatre company, will begin its second 25 years with a season with something for everyone, and whole lot for theatre fans. The subscription series includes a beloved musical, a notorious musical with beloved puppets, the latest from one of America’s foremost contemporary playwrights, a merry (and horny) widow, and even a little football. And for those who think the mix needs a serial killer, there’s a Loft Season Extra. The five shows of the 2012-2013 Eichelberger Loft Season of The Human Race are (more information on each and the dates of each run at the end of the release): MANAGING MAXINE – a new comedy of septuagenarian sexiness and matronly merriment, as a widow hits the dating scene OLIVER – consider yourself in for fun, glorious fun as the classic musical gets sized just right for The Loft LOMBARDI – a winning drama about the legendary Packers coach isn’t everything, it’s the only thing RACE – when David Mamet fights the law, the law doesn’t necessarily win AVENUE Q – Mama never told you a puppet musical would be like this Each of the regular season shows is scheduled to run three weeks, with the same special events in each run at The Loft Theatre, downtown: a Thursday night preview, preceded by the Inside Track discussion with the director in the Loft lobby; Friday Opening Night followed by a party with the cast; a Tuesday night Lite Fare at The Loft; a While We’re on the Subject talkback after a Sunday matinee; and a Saturday signed and audio-described performance opportunity. Subscriptions are available in 3-, 4-, and 5-show packages as well as in Flex plans. Both renewing and new subscribers may place their order at https://www.ticketcenterstage.com/hrtc/subs , or by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visiting the Schuster Center Box Office. New subscribers will not get seats assigned until after the April 23 deadline for renewing subscribers to have their seats guaranteed. The Loft Season Extra, part of The Human Race’s effort in development of new plays begun under its 25th Anniversary project, unveils the dark side of noted children’s playwright and author Michael Slade. FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE 2012-2013 LOFT SHOWS MANAGING MAXINE Actually, nobody has the slightest chance of managing Maxine. She’s a 71-year old widow, hot on the dating trail for the first time in 45 years and ready for love, or at least lust. The former teacher and writer finds a retired judge to her liking, and they find fireworks with offspring and friends that their coupling ignites. The Human Race production is the Midwest Premiere of this southern belle who is managing just fine, thank you. OLIVER The musical version of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist has been a major hit around the world since it took the London stage in 1960 and captured Broadway in 1963, garnering 10 Tony nominations. The tale of the orphan being led down the pickpocketing path has been redesigned with a Twist that makes it perfect for the intimacy of The Loft, but rest assured the music, from the rollicking “Food, Glorious Food” to the soulful “As Long As He Needs Me,” is as stirring as ever, and a terrific holiday treat. LOMBARDI There aren’t many coaches in any sport who gain such fame they’re instantly recognizable by last name alone, and Vince Lombardi is definitely a member of that select group. The legendary leader of the dominating Packers of the 1960s bullies and cajoles a cub reporter through weeks of interviews, and on the way the audience comes to grips with Lombardi’s struggles, his passion for winning, his home life, and his relationship with players like Paul Hornung, Jim Taylor and Dave Robinson. Oh, and a little football, too. RACE David Mamet skewered American business and businessmen in such earlier masterpieces as Glengarry Glen Ross and American Buffalo. This time he takes off after both the practice of law and race relations, led by a black-and-white lawyer team that puts the sin back in cynical. The two are hired by a wealthy and powerful white man accused of raping a young black woman, and they and their new African-American female associate cross and re-cross all sorts of ethical and racial lines in inimitable Mamet style. AVENUE Q Oh, my, did this show ever turn the idea of a puppet musical on its head. AVENUE Q swept the Tony Triple Crown of Best Musical, Best Score and Best Lyrics in 2003, captured Broadway for six years, and is still going strong off-Broadway. With drinking and sex and songs like “It Sucks to Be You” and “Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist,” it’s not for the little ones or the faint of heart, but it’s an incredible night of fun, presented in collaboration with the puppetmasters at Dayton’s Zoot Theatre. LOFT EXTRA UNDER A RED MOON It’s 1949. John George Haigh, Britain’s infamous Acid Bath Killer, has been arrested after six years of homicide and somewhere from six to nine murders. He has confessed to the killings, but a big question remains – is he sane or insane? One means hanging, the other life in a psychiatric ward. A female psychiatrist comes to examine Haigh and the tension mounts as he twists and turns her thoughts and you begin to wonder just who is examining whom. 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 the 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 outreach programs for children, teens and adults, as well as artist residencies in area schools, The Muse Machine In-School Tour, and summer youth programs. Human Race organizational support is provided by Culture Works, Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District, 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 25th Anniversary Season is sponsored by the Miriam Rosenthal Memorial Trust Fund.
Posted in Blogroll
Leave a comment
Go see JERSEY BOYS at Schuster CenterI’ve never had the opportunity to see this musical, but have always been fascinated with it. The music is incredible, and the arrangements for the musical are invigorating! Go see it! Enjoy it! (For you, Mr. S___ with great thanks!) About JERSEY BOYS… (from Wikipedia) Jersey Boys is a jukebox musical with music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe and book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. It is a documentary-style musical, based on one of the most successful 1960s rock ‘n roll groups, the Four Seasons. The musical opened on Broadway in 2005, and has since had a North American National Tour, along with productions in London’s West End, Las Vegas, Chicago, Toronto, Melbourne, Sydney and Philadelphia. Jersey Boys won four 2006 Tony Awards including Best Musical. SynopsisThe story dramatizes the forming, rise and eventual break-up of the original four members of The Four Seasons. The musical is separated into four “seasons”, each narrated by a different member of the band. Act 1 comprises Spring (Tommy DeVito) & Summer (Bob Gaudio); Act 2 comprises Fall (Nick Massi) & Winter (Frankie Valli); each member has a different perspective on the band and his contribution to it. Act I
The show opens with a performance of “Ces soirées-là“, a modern pop-rap song that was released in 2000. Tommy DeVito then enters the stage, introducing himself and explaining how the song is a cover of The Four Seasons’ “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)“. He offers to tell the story of the band, explaining how he started out with the group “The Variety Band” with his brother Nick DeVito and friend Nick Massi, eventually discovering teenager Frankie Castelluccio and taking him under his wing, teaching him everything he knows. (“The Early Years: A Scrapbook”) During these early years Nick Massi helped train Frankie to sing, Tommy went in and out of prison, Frankie changed his last name to Valli, Tommy and Frankie developed a good relationship with mob boss Gyp DeCarlo, and Frankie fell in love with and married Mary DelGado. Musically, the band was still struggling and kept changing their name and sound but without any dramatic success. One day friend and fellow Jersey boy Joe Pesci comes up to Tommy and says that he knows a singer-songwriter who’d make the perfect fourth for their band: Bob Gaudio.
Bob Gaudio takes over the narration, starting by telling the audience that no matter what Tommy says, he wasn’t plucked from obscurity by him, since he already had a hit single with “Short Shorts“. Bob goes with Joe Pesci to see the band perform, and is immediately impressed by Frankie’s voice. Bob performs a song he’d just written: “Cry for Me” on piano, which Frankie, Nick Massi and then Tommy joining in with vocals, bass and guitar respectively. They negotiate an agreement, though Tommy is at first skeptical that Bobby (then still a teenager) will be good for the band. The band eventually gets a contract with producer Bob Crewe but only to sing back-up (“Backup Sessions”). Crewe insists that the band has an “identity crisis” and needs to make a firm decision on a name and a sound. The band name themselves after The Four Seasons bowling alley, and Bobby writes them three songs that finally propel them to stardom: “Sherry“, “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Walk Like a Man“. In the wake of their success, Bob also chalks up a personal first by losing his virginity. (“December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)“) The band’s success means that they tour a lot more, along the way discovering the girl band The Angels (“My Boyfriend’s Back“). Unfortunately, the constant touring strains Frankie’s marriage to Mary, and they eventually divorce (“My Eyes Adored You“). The band continues to enjoy chart successes (“Dawn (Go Away)“) until after a concert the band is approached by a loan shark out to claim money owed by Tommy (“Walk Like a Man (reprise)”). Act II
The second act opens with “Big Man in Town“. Nick Massi explains that Bob was so focused on the band’s musical success and future that he couldn’t see that the band had been in trouble for some time. Tommy’s been racking up debts, and a forgotten bill during a previous tour lands the band in jail over the weekend, which strains things between Tommy and Bob. Nick observes that Tommy became jealous of Frankie’s success and closeness with Bobby, and attempted to seduce Frankie’s new girlfriend Lorraine. The two never confronted each other about it, but the old friendship was not what it used to be. When the loan shark approaches the band for the $150,000 owed by Tommy, Frankie approaches Gyp DeCarlo for help despite Tommy’s insistence that he doesn’t need it. (“Beggin’“) The band, Gyp, and the loan shark come to agreement: Tommy is to be “sequestered” in Las Vegas where the mob can keep an eye on him, and the band will willingly cover all of Tommy’s debts. The band continues for a while as a trio until Nick declares that he wants out. (“Stay/Let’s Hang On!“)
Frankie takes over narration, explaining that though he owes Tommy a great deal, he’s aware that their relationship wasn’t ideal, and he never understood why Nick decided to leave. Frankie and Bob find replacements to keep the band a quartet (“Opus 17 (Don’t You Worry ‘Bout Me)“) until Bobby announces that he’s never been comfortable in the spotlight and that Frankie should be a single, i.e. Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. In his personal life, Frankie’s relationship with his daughter Francine is strained and he breaks up with girlfriend Lorraine. (“Bye, Bye, Baby (Baby, Goodbye)“) Frankie continues to have success thanks to Bobby’s songs, and hits jackpot with (“C’mon Marianne“) and the almost-never-released (“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You“) which Bobby fights to get airplay for. Along with the success of “Working My Way Back to You“, Frankie and Bobby finally finish paying off Tommy’s debts, and Frankie’s life is good until his daughter Francine dies from a drug overdose. (“Fallen Angel”)
The final scene is The Four Seasons’ 1990 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, announced by Bob Crewe and reuniting the original four members on stage one last time. (“Rag Doll“) Each member takes a moment to address the audience one by one, explaining their pride of being with the band and what they did after. (“Who Loves You“) ADOPTION: The Online Matching Event
Posted in Blogroll
Leave a comment
…The Wonderful Weekend of Rah's…The weekend was a delightful world-wind of activity, all centered around music and friends! Friday evening after teaching, Quintin and I headed for Beavercreek High School where I served as a judge for the show choir’s invitational. Friday was middle school show choir night. Five competing show choirs and two exhibition show choirs from Beavercreek. Saturday morning at 8:30am I was heading back to Beavercreek High School where I spent sixteen hours judging soloists, judging show choirs, eating a delicious lunch and supper, and catching up with colleagues, fellow judges, show choir parents, and friends. I always enjoy Beavercreek’s weekend, but this seemed to be an exceptionally fun year. Sunday morning was filled with house-activity of playing catch-up with items. At 12:10pm we were out the door to UNO’s pizza downtown before heading next door to The Victoria Theatre to see Muse Machine’s production, THE WIZARD OF OZ. I was seated next to three adorable elderly sisters who could easily have been USO girls during The War Between The States – they had me howling! As I nestled into my seat I looked at my neighbor, and said, “I can tell you are gonna be trouble the whole time.” She slapped her knee, and said to her companions, “He’s already got my number!” The one sister had brought her fellow octogenarians to see her granddaughter perform, and each time the young performer was located in the mass of young folks on stage, they pointed, and without whispering, loudly exclaimed, and explained to one another where the girl was. At one point, the lady next to me (who was slightly deaf) asked, “Are you enjoying this?” I smiled, nodded. She responded to my silent response with, “I am, too. I saw the movie as a girl.” She then turned to her sisters, and loudly said, “He likes the show, too,” accompanied by more verbal interaction. Normally, I am usually irritated by loud talking during a show, but these ladies were so adorable that I did not mind. After the show, we burst through the crowd to hurry home for three evening lessons – just making it in time. Quintin and I closed out the weekend with a meal at Taco Bell, and spent a good 45 minutes chatting about life. Back at home, I finished up some items and was sound asleep by 10:00pm. A wonderful, wonderful weekend! Research Opportunities at Wells Institute for Health AwarenessTell them Darin sent you!
Posted in Blogroll
Leave a comment
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dear Friends,
Callie Hawkins, Curator of Education at President Lincoln’s Cottage and the creator of Can You Walk Away?, recently had the opportunity to sit down with Bradley Myles, Polaris Project CEO, to discuss the work Polaris Project does to fight modern slavery.
The Haasienda on Shroyer... 