I, Me, My and Myself

"I am the center of the universe and everyone else revolves around me."

This must be the daily mantra of some people. They live totally for themselves and take whatever they can get from people around them.

When in need, they do not hesitate to demand for help. Notice, I did not say "ask". They actually make you feel like you owe it to them. In contrast, when they are asked for any help or favor, they try every ruse to avoid extending themselves in any way. When all excuses are exhausted, they make you go through the wringer and a whole lecture before they grudgingly give in to any request, no matter if you are asking the favor on someone else's behalf. What's more, they make sure that the 'help' they extend is rubbed in and never forgotten. I guess it's very seldom that they do something for others that they think they deserve a ticker-tape parade when it happens. It amazes me how anyone can morph into that kind of human being. What kind of nurturing have they had for them to turn out so darn selfish?

No, I haven't had any recent incidents that I have to vent about it here now. I'm just stating an observation on behavior that I have witnessed a few times. It makes me wonder how a person can live that way. It must not be a very happy existence.

Fame and Notoriety

A few weeks back, Hubby and I were listening to the news as usual before we left for work. Two of the biggest figures of pop in the early 80's are once again hogging the music headlines. As a teenager in that decade, I was an avid listener to both Michael Jackson and Prince's music. Both were the most notable acts in their niche in pop. Michael Jackson kept a wholesome image despite his fame and gargantuan pop idol status, while Prince had a huge following and was notorious for his edgy and risqué music. Today, Prince, who is making quite a comeback and is the biggest moneymaker of the year, has shown a more mellow side, while Michael Jackson, the wholesome boy, has become this unrecognizable, seemingly androgynous creature that resembles a wax figure and is in the headlines because he has been slapped yet again with another child molestation suit.

Eventhough I loved his music, Prince used to scare me a bit. He seemed like this lascivious (based on the double entendres in his songs) deviant that was headed for the deep end. I guess it was some sort of a phase or maybe his media packaging because now, he is as normal as a pop artist can be in the volatile world that is showbusiness. Who would have thought that twenty years later it was going to be Michael Jackson who would turn freaky?

Applause and Woohoos

I guess I looked like death warmed over yesterday. I had missed work the previous day but came to work to meet some deadlines. My boss told me, "It's going to be slow tomorrow. I'm serious, why don't you take the day off and get well?" He said it again right before I went home. So today, I decided to stay home and rest, physically and mentally preparing myself for the shows this weekend starting tonight.

Last weekend's run went very well. We had our best show thus far on Saturday night. The high energy of the cast and the great enthusiasm of the audience made for a highly-charged evening. The cast gave their all, and the audience lapped it up. They were reacting to everything, and crying and laughing at all the right moments. It was also the night that most of my 'posse' came to watch, so I had an extra warm round of applause and a lot of 'woohoos' when my turn to bow came along. Among those in the audience were M's family, a former roommate, some friends from my office, M's officemates, and a couple of friends from Manila. My friend, Mia, who was part of the German cast of this same show, flew in. She claims to be my biggest fan (right...) and wanted to see me perform. It was also a chance for her to reminisce when she played 'Gigi', which is the same role I was doing. A lot of the cast members were aware that she was coming and were quite pleased to meet her. She really enjoyed the show, as did everyone else that I know who came. Of course, Mia and I stayed up talking until 3:30 am just dissecting the Gigi character and discussing the show. It was fun, at least for us. M fell asleep!

It was a really enjoyable weekend. For an artist, there's nothing like doing a good show and a bunch of people that you love watching you perform in it. It is very special moment.

...And We're Open!

Opening weekend went quite well. In fact, it was so much better than we had hoped for, in terms of attendance and feedback. We knew we had a good show but were unsure of how people would react to a minimalist staging of a big show. Even some of the critics were pretty wary at first, but we have gotten great reviews so far. The only comments that we have had were about a mic not working properly for one actor, and a piece of set that a reviewer thought was crucial to a scene.

The next show is on Thursday but there is a forecast for a snowstorm. If we are fortunate, the storm will not be that bad and the show will go on. After the encouraging response, all of us are raring to go back there on stage and improve on an already 'good' show!

Here's hoping for an even better weekend.

:)

Break A Leg!

Well, this is it, folks! My theatrical debut in the United States happens today. It is community theatre, but is similar in many ways to my experience in Philippine professional theatre. Of course, the main difference is budget. But this theatre group, no matter how small has not balked in taking on a huge show, and it has done everything it could within its limitations. All the actors receive is a small stipend, but personally, I consider the experience really worthwhile and valuable, especially in terms of the new friends I have made. There's nothing like a bunch of people working together to try and put out something beautiful, for the love of the art.

Two and a half months of hard work, braving winter weather to attend rehearsals until late at night culminates tonight. Our show opens at 8:00 pm and will run for the next six weekends. Yes, I am nervous, not for me necessarily, but for the whole show. I want it to turn out as best as a big show in a little theatre possibly could. Pray for us!

Break a leg!!!