So I sit and write
Wondering what sounds right
Nothing ever does
And it fills me with woes
I think it’s truly a sin
Since you’re so amazing
That writing you a song
Is where I belong
Now I sit waiting for you
Wondering what to do
Looking at the time fly
Watching the world go by
My feelings tend to grow
But they shouldn’t show
Its best on my part
That I keep us apart
For you have enough
Its what we talk of
When I feel so useless
I can’t relieve your stress
And there’s something I miss
Much more than your soft kiss
It’s just how soft you are
And how you shine, just like a star…
Friday, November 21, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Another Story Excerpt
[This is a speech by the main character. At this point in the story he has swayed to evil due to how the common folk treat him. He is making a speech about what he will do and is asked one simple question by his higher up; "and what will you do to them?"]
{Another note is that this speech is highly influence by Frank Miller's The Watchmen. You will know what I mean.}
They deserve nothing of the sort. To "do" something to them is to grace them with my presence, the same presence that they have rejected. They don't realize that they need help, they don't realize what is right in front of them. Had it been a light, and not I, then they would have gone blind. I will protect them no longer, nor will I hurt them. They deserve nothing more than insects do. As I do nothing, the Army of the Black Monarch will continue to break through, and they will succeed. The generals and soldiers will steal, rape and pillage. They will ravage everything for what its worth. They will set fire to the homes and forests that lie within range. As if that wasn't enough, they will proceed to destroy all the sky scrapers and all the monuments. Then the people will realize how much they truly "love" and "miss" me. It is then that their filthy faces will turn to the sky to find none other than me, standing high above them. I will be an emblem of hope. The triumphant hero returns just in time to save them all from the horrible fate that waits for them. I will spread my wings and in that their eyes will swell with hope. the children will cheer, the mothers will cry, the fathers will be humbled and the soldiers will fight ever so valiantly. They will all turn to me and say "Oh, save us, please save us," and other meaningless crap like, "You're the only one who can do something stop this horrible event." I will then look down and I will say... "no". I will simply walk away and remind them of the wrongs they committed.
{Another note is that this speech is highly influence by Frank Miller's The Watchmen. You will know what I mean.}
They deserve nothing of the sort. To "do" something to them is to grace them with my presence, the same presence that they have rejected. They don't realize that they need help, they don't realize what is right in front of them. Had it been a light, and not I, then they would have gone blind. I will protect them no longer, nor will I hurt them. They deserve nothing more than insects do. As I do nothing, the Army of the Black Monarch will continue to break through, and they will succeed. The generals and soldiers will steal, rape and pillage. They will ravage everything for what its worth. They will set fire to the homes and forests that lie within range. As if that wasn't enough, they will proceed to destroy all the sky scrapers and all the monuments. Then the people will realize how much they truly "love" and "miss" me. It is then that their filthy faces will turn to the sky to find none other than me, standing high above them. I will be an emblem of hope. The triumphant hero returns just in time to save them all from the horrible fate that waits for them. I will spread my wings and in that their eyes will swell with hope. the children will cheer, the mothers will cry, the fathers will be humbled and the soldiers will fight ever so valiantly. They will all turn to me and say "Oh, save us, please save us," and other meaningless crap like, "You're the only one who can do something stop this horrible event." I will then look down and I will say... "no". I will simply walk away and remind them of the wrongs they committed.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
The Story
I am the hero in my story;
I cannot die just yet.
I am the hero in my story;
I will marry my princess.
I am the hero in my story;
I must be courageous and strong.
I am the hero in my story;
I will face the danger.
I am the hero in my story;
I will prevail.
I am the hero in my story;
And as such I must be born, die, and be reborn.
I am the hero in my story;
You cannot finish the story without me.
I am the hero in my story;
And my villain is more than I.
I am the hero in my story;
But the villain in yours.
I am the hero in my story;
But the sidekick in yours.
I am the hero in my story;
But the bystander in yours.
I am the hero in my story;
And I love you.
I cannot die just yet.
I am the hero in my story;
I will marry my princess.
I am the hero in my story;
I must be courageous and strong.
I am the hero in my story;
I will face the danger.
I am the hero in my story;
I will prevail.
I am the hero in my story;
And as such I must be born, die, and be reborn.
I am the hero in my story;
You cannot finish the story without me.
I am the hero in my story;
And my villain is more than I.
I am the hero in my story;
But the villain in yours.
I am the hero in my story;
But the sidekick in yours.
I am the hero in my story;
But the bystander in yours.
I am the hero in my story;
And I love you.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
New Song; Always, For You
When you see the bullet
Prepare to not dodge it
When you think it missed
And you felt its air
And heard its last hiss
You'll find me there
Not hiding behind you
Or pushing you aside
I'll know how to hold you
I'll protect you in a bind
[Chorus]
I'll always be with you
I'll always be there
I'll always know what to do
I'll be everywhere
All you need is to call
I'll hear it near or far
And I'll catch your fall
And save your tortured heart
When you feel so alone
all trapped in the dark night
I'll always be the one
The first, the last, your shining knight
With your hand firmly in mine
Everything will be real
You'll see the new world just fine
as we pass through our strawberry field
[Chorus] x2
Always, for you
I'll take the bullet
Always, for you
And don't forget
Always, for you
I won't forget
Always, for you
That I took your bullet
[Chorus]
[Chorus] (cut after third line)
Prepare to not dodge it
When you think it missed
And you felt its air
And heard its last hiss
You'll find me there
Not hiding behind you
Or pushing you aside
I'll know how to hold you
I'll protect you in a bind
[Chorus]
I'll always be with you
I'll always be there
I'll always know what to do
I'll be everywhere
All you need is to call
I'll hear it near or far
And I'll catch your fall
And save your tortured heart
When you feel so alone
all trapped in the dark night
I'll always be the one
The first, the last, your shining knight
With your hand firmly in mine
Everything will be real
You'll see the new world just fine
as we pass through our strawberry field
[Chorus] x2
Always, for you
I'll take the bullet
Always, for you
And don't forget
Always, for you
I won't forget
Always, for you
That I took your bullet
[Chorus]
[Chorus] (cut after third line)
Saturday, October 11, 2008
My Poem
Its really cold, I think you know,
Its also cold inside my home,
It feels like it could snow,
Far far too cold to go and roam
but gladly I have something warm
Its long and wide
it causes no harm
and on my floor I can glide
have you guessed what it is?
do you still not know?
I'll tell you for a kiss...
nevermind, It's my poncho!
It's been this way since four;
we are both cold too;
there's room for one more,
and I saved it just for you.
in my poncho we are snug,
we are warm inside here
embracing in a hug,
whilst I whisper pretty things in your ear.
Sadly its time for my leave.
I have to go home too.
I have to go and weave
a beautiful dream just for you
so enjoy the warmth I gave
think of me as I drive;
our memories are to save;
Its for you that I strive.
Its also cold inside my home,
It feels like it could snow,
Far far too cold to go and roam
but gladly I have something warm
Its long and wide
it causes no harm
and on my floor I can glide
have you guessed what it is?
do you still not know?
I'll tell you for a kiss...
nevermind, It's my poncho!
It's been this way since four;
we are both cold too;
there's room for one more,
and I saved it just for you.
in my poncho we are snug,
we are warm inside here
embracing in a hug,
whilst I whisper pretty things in your ear.
Sadly its time for my leave.
I have to go home too.
I have to go and weave
a beautiful dream just for you
so enjoy the warmth I gave
think of me as I drive;
our memories are to save;
Its for you that I strive.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Nightmare Revisited Review: 5 out of 5
Nightmare Revisited
Released September 30, 2008
By Walt Disney Records
For those of you who don't know, I love The Nightmare Before Christmas. To me it is a masterpiece work of art. It is technologically amazing, the script is top of the line, the songs breathtaking, music is amazing, the voice work and synchronization better than most and the art style is simply captivating. I've bought (on iTunes of course) the 2006 re-issue of the 1993 soundtrack to the movie and loved it, I also loved the 11 bonus tracks that accompanied the OST (Original Soundtrack); among those were 6 demo songs as originally composed by Danny Elfman and 5 covers of songs. 2 of those were covers of [This Is Halloween]. Now when I first heard of this new CD I thought it to be just a remastered version of the OST, but lo and behold, I found me a nice little surprise. Remember those five covers I mentioned earlier? Well, Apply that idea to the entire soundtrack!
That's right, 20 tracks are covered by different artists. By technicality it is only 18 as 2 of the songs ([Opening] and [Closing]) are redone by Danny Elfman rather than Patrick Stewart. The only song to return from the 2006 CD is Marilyn Manson's version of [This is Halloween]. This is fairly unique as a lot of this bands are too well know here in the States, but you do have your fair share in this kooky mix. You have several artists such as All-American Rejects, Flyleaf, Korn and Amy Lee (lead singer of Evanescence) along side many others who you may not have heard of such as Amiina, RJD2, The Polyphonic Spree and Yoshida Brothers. They all unite to make single covers of each song, although each song has a distinct feeling brought from their respective band, they all create a sense of unity as they still carry on that eery Nightmare Before Christmas sound that was originally created by Danny Elfman.
If you don't believe that the whole soundtrack has been covered, then do what I have already done and compare the track listings to both of the albums. Another little surprise is that if you bought the album from the iTunes Store (like me) then you get a bonus song. The Bonus song is a cover of [Oogie Boogie's Song] by Tiger Army (a psychobilly band) which is a nice alternative to the original all guitar cover of the song by Rodrigo y Gabriel.
All the songs in the album are just fantastic, although one or two lyrical songs are now pure instrumentals (in the respective band's style), but don't let this turn you down since the songs are quite genius and you might find yourself attracted to some new artists.
Now as much praise as I can give, I do have to be judgmental and complain a little bit about the album; there are some artists on this album who I personally don't like and although I do like their version of the song I just have to ask... Who told the singer of All American Rejects that he could sing? seriously? His voice is not at all appropriate for the voice of Jack Skellington!
I'm done with the negatives.
Overall This is a fantastic album to listen to, whether for yourself or as a gift to a fanatic, should be bought.
I would rate this album with a 5 out of 5 stars.
A truly unique take on a cult classic, taking that which we know and love and making it feel fresh and new to fans of both the old and new.
Some Trivia for You:
This album contains the last song to be record by the band Korn before their announced hiatus.
Amy Lee of Evanescence performs solo rather than with her group.
The covers from the 2006 re-issue do not return with the exception of Marilyn Manson's [This Is Halloween] which takes its respective place near the top of the track listing.
This means that the covers by:
Fiona Apple,
Fall Out Boy (which I also dislike greatly),
She Wants Revenge,
and Panic! at the Disco are not seen on this CD.
The album was release September 30, 2008.
This is the cover to the 1993 OST.
This cover features the iconic yellow moon a swirling hill, along with Jack singing [Jack's Lament].
This is the cover to the 2006 re-issue.
Still featuring the iconic yellow moon this now presents Jack the the gate of the cemetery in [Jack's Lament].
This is the cover to the 2008 edition titled as [Nightmare Revisited] rather than The Nightmare Before Christmas.
This cover has no scene from the film, but rather shows an illustration/portrait of Jack with the album's title surrounding the image.
Released September 30, 2008
By Walt Disney Records
For those of you who don't know, I love The Nightmare Before Christmas. To me it is a masterpiece work of art. It is technologically amazing, the script is top of the line, the songs breathtaking, music is amazing, the voice work and synchronization better than most and the art style is simply captivating. I've bought (on iTunes of course) the 2006 re-issue of the 1993 soundtrack to the movie and loved it, I also loved the 11 bonus tracks that accompanied the OST (Original Soundtrack); among those were 6 demo songs as originally composed by Danny Elfman and 5 covers of songs. 2 of those were covers of [This Is Halloween]. Now when I first heard of this new CD I thought it to be just a remastered version of the OST, but lo and behold, I found me a nice little surprise. Remember those five covers I mentioned earlier? Well, Apply that idea to the entire soundtrack!
That's right, 20 tracks are covered by different artists. By technicality it is only 18 as 2 of the songs ([Opening] and [Closing]) are redone by Danny Elfman rather than Patrick Stewart. The only song to return from the 2006 CD is Marilyn Manson's version of [This is Halloween]. This is fairly unique as a lot of this bands are too well know here in the States, but you do have your fair share in this kooky mix. You have several artists such as All-American Rejects, Flyleaf, Korn and Amy Lee (lead singer of Evanescence) along side many others who you may not have heard of such as Amiina, RJD2, The Polyphonic Spree and Yoshida Brothers. They all unite to make single covers of each song, although each song has a distinct feeling brought from their respective band, they all create a sense of unity as they still carry on that eery Nightmare Before Christmas sound that was originally created by Danny Elfman.
If you don't believe that the whole soundtrack has been covered, then do what I have already done and compare the track listings to both of the albums. Another little surprise is that if you bought the album from the iTunes Store (like me) then you get a bonus song. The Bonus song is a cover of [Oogie Boogie's Song] by Tiger Army (a psychobilly band) which is a nice alternative to the original all guitar cover of the song by Rodrigo y Gabriel.
All the songs in the album are just fantastic, although one or two lyrical songs are now pure instrumentals (in the respective band's style), but don't let this turn you down since the songs are quite genius and you might find yourself attracted to some new artists.
Now as much praise as I can give, I do have to be judgmental and complain a little bit about the album; there are some artists on this album who I personally don't like and although I do like their version of the song I just have to ask... Who told the singer of All American Rejects that he could sing? seriously? His voice is not at all appropriate for the voice of Jack Skellington!
I'm done with the negatives.
Overall This is a fantastic album to listen to, whether for yourself or as a gift to a fanatic, should be bought.
I would rate this album with a 5 out of 5 stars.
A truly unique take on a cult classic, taking that which we know and love and making it feel fresh and new to fans of both the old and new.
Some Trivia for You:
This album contains the last song to be record by the band Korn before their announced hiatus.
Amy Lee of Evanescence performs solo rather than with her group.
The covers from the 2006 re-issue do not return with the exception of Marilyn Manson's [This Is Halloween] which takes its respective place near the top of the track listing.
This means that the covers by:
Fiona Apple,
Fall Out Boy (which I also dislike greatly),
She Wants Revenge,
and Panic! at the Disco are not seen on this CD.
The album was release September 30, 2008.
This is the cover to the 1993 OST.
This cover features the iconic yellow moon a swirling hill, along with Jack singing [Jack's Lament].
This is the cover to the 2006 re-issue.
Still featuring the iconic yellow moon this now presents Jack the the gate of the cemetery in [Jack's Lament].
This is the cover to the 2008 edition titled as [Nightmare Revisited] rather than The Nightmare Before Christmas.
This cover has no scene from the film, but rather shows an illustration/portrait of Jack with the album's title surrounding the image.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Cupid and his tricks
I have bad luck when it comes to girls. I've only had 2 girlfriends my whole life, and about 4 dates... maybe 6. But still, I've found that if other people can blame their dating life on cupid... then why can't I?
So I decided to start re-evaluate my dating life and have realized that Cupid hates me. I feel that he really does, but you know what, Cupid is running out of tricks on how to screw me over. He has played just about every card that he can with the girls that I've liked, because of this I've learned to move on quickly.
So lets start at the beginning.
My first crush moved away, this only happened once.
Then my second crush thought of me as a brother, this happened once more.
Another girl won't date me because I'm brown, this happened a total of 2 times.
Another girl thought I was gay, I stopped it at 1.
2 Girls already had boyfriends.
One girl I like (a lot) went out with my friend and got pregnant (they're getting married in a couple of months; I'm the baby's godfather!). It didn't end up too bad since we're all still best friends, but this happened with 2 other girls. (how screwed up is my life that 3 of my crushes have ended up pregnant by my friends?)
And then when I have a moment of glory, Cupid just lets me look like an idiot... twice.
So the way I see it is that although Cupid screws with me and total rips me apart, he is running out of tricks. I can only him to repeat the whole girl moving away thing and for a girl to think that I am gay. I think at this point I can handle it, but I should give myself credit since out of 13 crushes I've had... I've paired up at least 6 of them with their current boyfriend/fiancee.
I think I am blessed with a matchmaker ability at the cost of my own dating life... Kinda like Will Smith in HITCH... oh man.
Dating is harsh.
So I decided to start re-evaluate my dating life and have realized that Cupid hates me. I feel that he really does, but you know what, Cupid is running out of tricks on how to screw me over. He has played just about every card that he can with the girls that I've liked, because of this I've learned to move on quickly.
So lets start at the beginning.
My first crush moved away, this only happened once.
Then my second crush thought of me as a brother, this happened once more.
Another girl won't date me because I'm brown, this happened a total of 2 times.
Another girl thought I was gay, I stopped it at 1.
2 Girls already had boyfriends.
One girl I like (a lot) went out with my friend and got pregnant (they're getting married in a couple of months; I'm the baby's godfather!). It didn't end up too bad since we're all still best friends, but this happened with 2 other girls. (how screwed up is my life that 3 of my crushes have ended up pregnant by my friends?)
And then when I have a moment of glory, Cupid just lets me look like an idiot... twice.
So the way I see it is that although Cupid screws with me and total rips me apart, he is running out of tricks. I can only him to repeat the whole girl moving away thing and for a girl to think that I am gay. I think at this point I can handle it, but I should give myself credit since out of 13 crushes I've had... I've paired up at least 6 of them with their current boyfriend/fiancee.
I think I am blessed with a matchmaker ability at the cost of my own dating life... Kinda like Will Smith in HITCH... oh man.
Dating is harsh.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Toenails and Kids Meals
Ingrown toenails suck, and they can come from many different sources; It can come from wearing shoes too tight, genetics or just bad luck. Well I had ingrown nails several years ago and still continue to have them. Its partly from my genetics and wearing shoes a bit too tightly. Well, I had the ingrown nails on both of my big toes on my feet and had them removed about 3 times. Well, this time around they came back and with a vengeance. I went to Dr. Taylor, an awesome pediatrist, and told him I wanted both nails removed... only this time I wanted the whole nail gone and permanently. Well, apparently it wasn't possible this time around because of an infection form the wound. Well, he numbed my toes and took out both of the nails in their entirety (even getting his assistants to take picture while I recorded it on my phone). When he was done (which only took five minutes, max) he told me to return in about 3 months in order to get the permanent procedure.
For those of you who don't really know, I've had the nails for about 6 months growing progressively more and more painful. In the last two months the nails starting growing almost hook like and started to cause bleeding and infection in the toes. Well, I was also so busy I couldn't afford being out of comission for 2-4 days. So I decided to get this done before winter set in and I couldn't use sandals anymore.
Well, after the whole event, I was going home ready to take some pain killers for when the anasthesia wore off and decided to stop by McDonalds to buy a Mighty Kid's Meal in order to get a Star Wars bobble head... I got Boba Fett... My day was complete. I will post videos or video links at a later time for your viewing pleasure.
For those of you who don't really know, I've had the nails for about 6 months growing progressively more and more painful. In the last two months the nails starting growing almost hook like and started to cause bleeding and infection in the toes. Well, I was also so busy I couldn't afford being out of comission for 2-4 days. So I decided to get this done before winter set in and I couldn't use sandals anymore.
Well, after the whole event, I was going home ready to take some pain killers for when the anasthesia wore off and decided to stop by McDonalds to buy a Mighty Kid's Meal in order to get a Star Wars bobble head... I got Boba Fett... My day was complete. I will post videos or video links at a later time for your viewing pleasure.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
How much can a child do to help the world?
So at about october 2007 I made a free website. Mind you, I still hadn't decided to make websites for my career, So the quality of the website is not reminiscent of my true ability. The website was a donation website to help a small girl named Kasandra. She was deported and had lung cancer and her family could not pay for the chemotherapy. It was truly sad and I did what I could, make a website. We had it linked to information about her, about lung cancer, and a link to donate money into an account for the parents to access and pay. I was never told how much money was made and how many treatments she received, but she didn't pull through. So I decided to pull down the website (not before taking some screenshots for my portfolio).
This got me to thinking... how much can 1 person do? I don't really know, but sometimes I don't think I do too much. It's not because of my own ability, but because the people around me. People like Glen, Raul, Nick and several others. Why do I let them decide what I do or how much impact I can have on the world?
If I had not made that website would Kasandra have died earlier? would she have hurt more? I don't know and I don't really want to bring up the topic to her parents... but the question still arises...
... How much can a child to to help the world?
Because afterall... According to everyone (or most) I am still a child.
This is a series of screenshots that I took for my portfolio.
Kasandra2007 (The .com website is taken down, or should be by the time anyone reads this)
This got me to thinking... how much can 1 person do? I don't really know, but sometimes I don't think I do too much. It's not because of my own ability, but because the people around me. People like Glen, Raul, Nick and several others. Why do I let them decide what I do or how much impact I can have on the world?
If I had not made that website would Kasandra have died earlier? would she have hurt more? I don't know and I don't really want to bring up the topic to her parents... but the question still arises...
... How much can a child to to help the world?
Because afterall... According to everyone (or most) I am still a child.
This is a series of screenshots that I took for my portfolio.
Kasandra2007 (The .com website is taken down, or should be by the time anyone reads this)
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Seussical The Musical (5 out of 5)
Regardless of my own personal stories and experiences Seussical is one heck of a show. It is great and has to be watched more than once. Anyone who tells you that this musical is anything short of great has a gun to their head or hearing things. I'm going to tell you about Seussical The Musical here at the Empress.
The story line is great as always, how can anything by Dr. Seuss be horrible... oh right, Mike Meyers' Cat in the Hat... but that isn't the case here. In fact, this is the total opposite of it. The storyline is adapted by a separate writer (not Dr. Seuss) and draws from many of Dr. Seuss original stories. The main story is a beautiful mix of both Horton Hears A Who an Horton Hatches The Egg. Horton is fulfilling both story lines at once all the while several story lines are also taking place. This is not to say that the entire musical is based on a string pf separate stories that never get finished. in fact the stories that are presented come full close and even present a sense of 6 degrees of separation. Focusing on Horton we see him as he protects the Who's from the Jungle Creatures and court, Hatching an egg through a traveling circus, hunters and a terrible storm. We also zoom in on Who-ville to meet a retired Grinch, Mr Mayor, Mrs Mayor and their thinking son Jojo who is also the main character from the intro to the show. Jojo gets thrown into war and giant mishaps happen. All the while the Cat in the Hat is playing the narrator, minor characters, and Jojo's (along as our) guide. The show, songs and even the set have many references from the works of Dr. Seuss. We hear about Sneeches on Beaches, Truffula trees, Judge Yertle the Turtle, The Battle of Butterhill, McElligot's pool, The Places You'll go and a large number of even more references.
The acting in this musical is fantastic and top of the line. Although most of the time you will be focusing on the Cat's antics you will be introduced to many characters along the way. Mayzie is a self-centered beauty who does her own thing, Gertrude is ever vigilant and trying to win the heart of the ever so innocent and kind Horton. Many of the characters seem to just have been born from these books as the actors have don't a fantastic job of capturing the essence of Seuss. Apart from the main characters it should be noted that you keep and eye out for the background characters that give and breathe even more life to this storybook tale brought to life. In numbers you will find the wanna-be-G's Wickersham Brothers picking up random things and eating them and even passing them along to be eaten by another. The Mayzie wanna-be Bird girls constantly fighting with one another for the spotlight (yet never taking it from Gertrude or Mayzie), you will find them pushing each other or fighting for the love and attention of the Cat in the Hat.
The singing is fantastic. The voices are powerful and passionate in two words (3 if you count "and"). They envelope a lot of emotion and enunciation is great... and that's just the solos and small group numbers. The giant group numbers are fantastic with various lyrics being sung at the same time, all the while creating a sense of chaos on stage.
The story line is great as always, how can anything by Dr. Seuss be horrible... oh right, Mike Meyers' Cat in the Hat... but that isn't the case here. In fact, this is the total opposite of it. The storyline is adapted by a separate writer (not Dr. Seuss) and draws from many of Dr. Seuss original stories. The main story is a beautiful mix of both Horton Hears A Who an Horton Hatches The Egg. Horton is fulfilling both story lines at once all the while several story lines are also taking place. This is not to say that the entire musical is based on a string pf separate stories that never get finished. in fact the stories that are presented come full close and even present a sense of 6 degrees of separation. Focusing on Horton we see him as he protects the Who's from the Jungle Creatures and court, Hatching an egg through a traveling circus, hunters and a terrible storm. We also zoom in on Who-ville to meet a retired Grinch, Mr Mayor, Mrs Mayor and their thinking son Jojo who is also the main character from the intro to the show. Jojo gets thrown into war and giant mishaps happen. All the while the Cat in the Hat is playing the narrator, minor characters, and Jojo's (along as our) guide. The show, songs and even the set have many references from the works of Dr. Seuss. We hear about Sneeches on Beaches, Truffula trees, Judge Yertle the Turtle, The Battle of Butterhill, McElligot's pool, The Places You'll go and a large number of even more references.
The acting in this musical is fantastic and top of the line. Although most of the time you will be focusing on the Cat's antics you will be introduced to many characters along the way. Mayzie is a self-centered beauty who does her own thing, Gertrude is ever vigilant and trying to win the heart of the ever so innocent and kind Horton. Many of the characters seem to just have been born from these books as the actors have don't a fantastic job of capturing the essence of Seuss. Apart from the main characters it should be noted that you keep and eye out for the background characters that give and breathe even more life to this storybook tale brought to life. In numbers you will find the wanna-be-G's Wickersham Brothers picking up random things and eating them and even passing them along to be eaten by another. The Mayzie wanna-be Bird girls constantly fighting with one another for the spotlight (yet never taking it from Gertrude or Mayzie), you will find them pushing each other or fighting for the love and attention of the Cat in the Hat.
The singing is fantastic. The voices are powerful and passionate in two words (3 if you count "and"). They envelope a lot of emotion and enunciation is great... and that's just the solos and small group numbers. The giant group numbers are fantastic with various lyrics being sung at the same time, all the while creating a sense of chaos on stage.
The choreography is great, although when compared to previous plays such as Joseph, they can seem simplistic. A lot of the solo number are mostly standing in places, although the magic truly comes from the larger group number which just like the singing causes amazing chaos on stage. This is not to say that its unorganized, in fact it is the total opposite. With so many characters on stage, your eyes will be wandering catching so glimpses and funny moments such as Horton running and hiding from the Sour Kangaroo and the Sour Kangaroo running right past him, Wickersham Brothers flirting with the Bird Girls and even the Cat in the Hat just waving a red flag of war or fishing. Although one number is simply genius and nothing short of genius. Having a Hunch (which I will not describe) will not only catch your eyes and ears it will creep you out in many ways. as you watch you will be enveloped in a dark atmosphere and the music will send a chill through your back. Truly a one of a kind experience that makes the entire production even better.
The costumes are great and colorful. Whether you are watching the jungle creatures, whos, Bird Girls or the Wickershams you can absolutely tell who belong where. With the costumes creating more cartoon-like people rather than creating animals on stage you can still feel a Seuss like atmosphere to each character. Whether you are looking at the psychedelic Sour Kangaroo, the overall wearing pair of Gertrude and Horton or the Tuxedoed up Cat in the Hat.
Technically the show is great as well with Lights truly adding to the show. Whether in the darkness of Having a Hunch, the green jungle setting or blue ocean of McElligot's pool the Lights add an essence of awe. You will even see shooting stars on stage. Sound does a great job as well using high quality minus tracks provided by the MT Pit of Utah. And even the stage is well drawn. It feels like a Seuss book expanded on stage along with the Field of Clovers drawn out in the first act. Also put an ear out for some sound effects such as bird chirps and dog growls as an example.
Overall the show is great and perfectly done. I give this production 5 out of 5 stars. the actors personify the characters well, great singing, fantastic choreography and little bits and tidgets that will make anyone who sees this show more than once (which I highly suggest) smile and giggle with glee.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Seussical Thoughts
So I'm here at opening night for seussical. Its going on as I sit here and type this, but why am I not watching it? Well I was, I came to finally relax and watch it in peace and see how well sound was going to be ran. It was kelly's show now and I wasn't required to work on it since as of thursday my job as sound designer was over. Last guy got into trouble for going up to the sound booth so I decided to avoid that and just try to peacefully watch the musical.
Yeah Right, I never even stepped foot into the audience as I was going to just listen the show because I didn't want to deal with Glen's smug little face. So as I sit outside in the lobby just talking to Bob and listening to the show, Glen pops out and orders me to fix some mic problem that's going on. Now, I hate Glen with a passion, but I love the show, so for the sake of the show I take care of it and take the mic up to Kelly the Stage manager to see what she can do. As I turn around to return to the lobby I see the one thing that made me oh so happy. Trent is up in the sound booth with the sound operators, that gave me a little peace of mind, why? Well during my time as Sound Designer I was constantly having problems with the mics, volume balance, and just all around cue problems, All the time getting yelled at, glared at, insulted at and receiving death threats from Glen. My self esteem was shot to hell, my own abilities are doubted by me and my stress level was through the roof all because I couldn't find the balance.
So seeing Trent up there made me feel good, if anyone could fine the balance, it was Trent.
So after that little ordeal I decided to head up to the rehearsal room and kinda just post this, considering that I hadn't done a proper post in a long while. All the while, listening to the magic that is the great and wonderful show, Seussical The Musical (while receiving musical help from Trent).
Now, Why do I hate glenn with a passion?
Well, he's a jerk to technical crew. He doesn't understand that we are handicapped because we are dealing with DVD audio rather than our regular computer. He tells me he can't hear a balance, but won't tell me what he want. He tells us he wants music louder, but when we make it louder, it is TOO loud. Then the DVD won't cooperate and messes up the last cue and that his junior high students could do our job better than us (then bring them over so I can call it a night). That's basically it, well there's more but I've vented what needed to be vented. Although I have heard that as a director he is a great guy, but that's only word of mouth.
Yeah Right, I never even stepped foot into the audience as I was going to just listen the show because I didn't want to deal with Glen's smug little face. So as I sit outside in the lobby just talking to Bob and listening to the show, Glen pops out and orders me to fix some mic problem that's going on. Now, I hate Glen with a passion, but I love the show, so for the sake of the show I take care of it and take the mic up to Kelly the Stage manager to see what she can do. As I turn around to return to the lobby I see the one thing that made me oh so happy. Trent is up in the sound booth with the sound operators, that gave me a little peace of mind, why? Well during my time as Sound Designer I was constantly having problems with the mics, volume balance, and just all around cue problems, All the time getting yelled at, glared at, insulted at and receiving death threats from Glen. My self esteem was shot to hell, my own abilities are doubted by me and my stress level was through the roof all because I couldn't find the balance.
So seeing Trent up there made me feel good, if anyone could fine the balance, it was Trent.
So after that little ordeal I decided to head up to the rehearsal room and kinda just post this, considering that I hadn't done a proper post in a long while. All the while, listening to the magic that is the great and wonderful show, Seussical The Musical (while receiving musical help from Trent).
Now, Why do I hate glenn with a passion?
Well, he's a jerk to technical crew. He doesn't understand that we are handicapped because we are dealing with DVD audio rather than our regular computer. He tells me he can't hear a balance, but won't tell me what he want. He tells us he wants music louder, but when we make it louder, it is TOO loud. Then the DVD won't cooperate and messes up the last cue and that his junior high students could do our job better than us (then bring them over so I can call it a night). That's basically it, well there's more but I've vented what needed to be vented. Although I have heard that as a director he is a great guy, but that's only word of mouth.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Scott Richardson
So today I was ordering my graduation pictures online. I was doing it last minute and I found out that I could order anyone's graduation picture. My curiosity was peaked and started looking around until I found his picture.
Scott Richardson.
He was my friend since 5th grade. He was the first person to talk to me when I moved to Magna, He would then become my friend for life. Always busy and aspiring to become a doctor Scott is determined to become someone great, not that he already isn't, and he worked for it. He sacrificed his drama classes in order to take medical classes at the GTI during high school and constantly worked to pay for school and to have fun. This drained time and energy from him, yet he always found time to be with his friends.
He eventually made time to be able to come to my improv show at The Empress (I was running sound that night) and that night he told me he was leaving in two days to go join the Army. They were going to pay for his medical schooling. I told him he was brave and that I wouldn't be able to do that, I hate the military, and for that I salute him.
These pictures are from graduation, I found them online and kinda took them for myself (I didn't order them, just a screen shot). I'm afraid of not seeing him again, I know I won't see him for at least 4 years. I hope he contacts me somehow... maybe through and e-mail or a text message. I just want to be sure that he is alive and well.
He has only been gone a couple of weeks... I miss him already. He was like a brother, like my own blood.
Please, keep Scott in your prayers (regardless of believes, he deserves that much) and hope for his safe return.
Scott Richardson.
He was my friend since 5th grade. He was the first person to talk to me when I moved to Magna, He would then become my friend for life. Always busy and aspiring to become a doctor Scott is determined to become someone great, not that he already isn't, and he worked for it. He sacrificed his drama classes in order to take medical classes at the GTI during high school and constantly worked to pay for school and to have fun. This drained time and energy from him, yet he always found time to be with his friends.
He eventually made time to be able to come to my improv show at The Empress (I was running sound that night) and that night he told me he was leaving in two days to go join the Army. They were going to pay for his medical schooling. I told him he was brave and that I wouldn't be able to do that, I hate the military, and for that I salute him.
These pictures are from graduation, I found them online and kinda took them for myself (I didn't order them, just a screen shot). I'm afraid of not seeing him again, I know I won't see him for at least 4 years. I hope he contacts me somehow... maybe through and e-mail or a text message. I just want to be sure that he is alive and well.
He has only been gone a couple of weeks... I miss him already. He was like a brother, like my own blood.
Please, keep Scott in your prayers (regardless of believes, he deserves that much) and hope for his safe return.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
My Dear Graduating Class
My dear graduating friends. We are all in a transitional period. A period where we truly change from child and adolescent into adults. we are trading in our naivety for awareness. We are truly learning the meaning of the words The Real World.
Myself for example. and I am sure many of you can relate. I have lost the one thing that has kept me sane the last 3 years, my drama class. I forum for similar minds and my sanctuary. a place where no one could hurt me, and if I was hurt, a place where I could heal. The one place I could walk into and find someone who knew my name. Yet, as a graduate, I too had to say my good bye to the drama class.
The real world is a place more vicious than we realize, but its not to say its scarier than what we've already been through. many of us have faced puberty, lost a parent or loved one, had a friend move away and have maybe once or twice contemplated suicide. But we are all still here, moving on in life, some of us to become a doctor, a lawyer, an electrical technician, a navy seal or maybe even just another average joe. But what is it that has kept us here still? perseverance? luck? maybe even both or even an unnamed item, but all in all, Friendship.
Friends are what drive us to be ourselves, to better ourselves and to lower ourselves. Friends are what keep us sane when everything goes wrong and what makes us insane when everything goes correctly. You may come to find that friends in the real world are easier to lose than to gain. For every two friends that leave, we find comfort in one. And when we see that that one friend is suffering we try to better ourselves in order to help them. We push ourselves to the limit and do whatever thoughts come to mind that even hint at being helpful, yet sometimes its not enough. The thought counts, but our actions still need to impact... but they don't always.
This is when we realize that the real world is hard. it is harsh and if you let it, it will eat you alive. But it will only do it if you let it... and that's by doing everything yourselves. you have to accept help and learn to ask for it.
Don't let yourselves be alone, don't reject help from others, don't forget your friends. Remember my graduating class... although this message is months late, that it is friendship that has kept us strong, let it be what helps you grow stronger.
Myself for example. and I am sure many of you can relate. I have lost the one thing that has kept me sane the last 3 years, my drama class. I forum for similar minds and my sanctuary. a place where no one could hurt me, and if I was hurt, a place where I could heal. The one place I could walk into and find someone who knew my name. Yet, as a graduate, I too had to say my good bye to the drama class.
The real world is a place more vicious than we realize, but its not to say its scarier than what we've already been through. many of us have faced puberty, lost a parent or loved one, had a friend move away and have maybe once or twice contemplated suicide. But we are all still here, moving on in life, some of us to become a doctor, a lawyer, an electrical technician, a navy seal or maybe even just another average joe. But what is it that has kept us here still? perseverance? luck? maybe even both or even an unnamed item, but all in all, Friendship.
Friends are what drive us to be ourselves, to better ourselves and to lower ourselves. Friends are what keep us sane when everything goes wrong and what makes us insane when everything goes correctly. You may come to find that friends in the real world are easier to lose than to gain. For every two friends that leave, we find comfort in one. And when we see that that one friend is suffering we try to better ourselves in order to help them. We push ourselves to the limit and do whatever thoughts come to mind that even hint at being helpful, yet sometimes its not enough. The thought counts, but our actions still need to impact... but they don't always.
This is when we realize that the real world is hard. it is harsh and if you let it, it will eat you alive. But it will only do it if you let it... and that's by doing everything yourselves. you have to accept help and learn to ask for it.
Don't let yourselves be alone, don't reject help from others, don't forget your friends. Remember my graduating class... although this message is months late, that it is friendship that has kept us strong, let it be what helps you grow stronger.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Accept that you are beautiful...
People probably tell you this, but you just don't accept it. Guys look at you, yet you don't understand. You just cannot accept the fact that you are beautiful. Why?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but is there only one beholder? You seem to think so. Why can't you accept that there may be more than one beholder, its a consensus. And the population agrees, You are Beautiful.
I think you should know this, I think that you need to accept your beauty; or the fact that people know you're beautiful.
And don't ask what makes you beautiful... It's everything about you. It can be all of you or just one thing. It could be your eyes, your hair, your lips, your waist, your laugh, your personality, or some guys don't even know or can pin-point what makes you beautiful, they just know you are.
What I'm saying is, Yes...
You are beautiful... in every way.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but is there only one beholder? You seem to think so. Why can't you accept that there may be more than one beholder, its a consensus. And the population agrees, You are Beautiful.
I think you should know this, I think that you need to accept your beauty; or the fact that people know you're beautiful.
And don't ask what makes you beautiful... It's everything about you. It can be all of you or just one thing. It could be your eyes, your hair, your lips, your waist, your laugh, your personality, or some guys don't even know or can pin-point what makes you beautiful, they just know you are.
What I'm saying is, Yes...
You are beautiful... in every way.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Girls are confusing too...
So recently I was reading some of my friends blogs... (They finally updated) and I read one post that seemed a bit one sided in my opinion... but as I was reading this I realized that it went both ways... and she did say that if guys founded something confusing about girls to tell her. Well I decided to not just tell her... but to mirror her whole deal. but before you read mine.. Read Hers.
1. Its hard for a guy to tell if a girl likes you. Its not all of the time but it can be. Girls can bat their eyes or make eye contact, but its not always true. so its not the one girl... its the consensus. 10 girls will suggest that they like you, but 6 of them will have boy friends, 2 of them are just playing a sport and the other two probably genuinely like you.
2. That damn text on girls' shirts! why do they wear that clothes and yell at men for reading it. I can understand if the guy is "reading" for more than 3 minutes, but at every guy. I've been slapped because during conversation she took her sweater off and I read her shirt. The girl then proceeded to tell me "Just because I take off my sweater does not mean that you are invited to stare." awkward... My solution; if you are so paranoid about guys "reading" your shirt, just don't wear those shirts.
3. Why do girls always travel in packs? okay... packs is too animalistic but it's true; girls travel in packs, mobs, unions, schools, groups, entourages, leagues, classes, or some sort of word that is synonymous with "A group of 3 or more". I say 3 because rarely do you find them in 2's.. and if you do... the other girl is like that uncomfortable tumor that you cannot stop staring at. Some times they separate from their giant alliance... but they separate with their partner, and usually just to go to the bathroom. This is why guys hardly ever approach a girl... because she is covered with leeches... I mean friends.
4. Why are girls so obsessed with the phone. Its not just the whole "you have to call" deal but it's also out and about. Its not 100 percent of girls but pretty close to 90 percent of girls. Many girls seem to be attached to their phone. they won't leave without it, they will not miss a call or a text. even when you are on a date, in the movies or just kicking back. They seem to have the phone. Here's the stinger too, if they miss a phone call, it's because they were busy or something but there is no excuse if a guy doesn't pick up.
5. I understand the whole male dominance crap, but if girls want equal rights and treatment, then they can start by asking the guy out. I wouldn't find it odd, I'd find it somewhat relieving. It seems it would be easier and with less mixed signals. Like that if a taken girl asks you out and the boyfriend catches you... you can say she asked AND IT WOULD BE TRUE!!
6. Now here's another thing that I haven't personally dealt with, my friends have, but I haven't and I feel it should be addressed. Why do girls tease and offer, but when the time comes they don't deliver? That's all I am gonna say. Only because I don't really have a say in this topic.
7. Why do girls expect the guy to be 100% aware of everything going on. All I understand is that if your crying then you are sad, if you are red then you are angry, and so on. I cannot understand every emotion that flows through you. I also don't know what the problem is. If I'm not trying to fix my mistake, its because I don't know what the problem is. If I don't know its for a reason, maybe miscommunication, ignorance or just stupidity... point is: If I don't know what the problem is, Then I'm not gonna try to fix it.
8. Here's something that I also feel should be addressed. Boobs. not some guys will definitely differ with me when it comes to this topic and specially with what I am about to say, but put those things away. Yeah I like boobs... sue me, but I don't like it when they're sticking halfway out of the shirt and you see them popping out gasping for air from how tight the shirt is. My solution? cover them up completely or not at all. now I'm not saying wear turtle necks but please do cover them... although I do like the v-cut shirts... but thats just personal preference. tee hee.
9. Now I don't really want to seem superficial because almost everything that I'm talking about now is physical, but these things should be addressed. Anorexic girls... If I can see the white of your ribs through your skin... you need a baconator from Wendy's... please. I personally find it disgusting, I mean if the girl is stretching it's fine but if your just lounging around and those thing are having a conversation with me... then I'm pretty sure that's not healthy. Now, I'm not telling girls to go out there and gorge yourself into obesity, but I do like a LITTLE something to hold on to when I give a girl a hug. Just not too much.
9.5. Yes this is the second half about peoples bodies... it's short and simple. Girls, don't expect every guy to be either Orlando Bloom thin or Fat Bastard FAT.
10. Why do girls want the guy that ignores them and treats them like crap? why do they go after the third grade education jock? they go after them and complain that they don't pay attention to them, or that they hurt them, or just complain. what girls don't realize is that the guy you call "Just a Friend" is the guy that will go to the end of the earths for you, He will treat you like the most beautiful rose in the world regardless of how you feel or look, he is also the guy that will be there for you always and will be totally honest with you. The reason he is still a friend after you call him "Just a Friend" is because he likes/loves you enough to endure that title for you. Like a Wall. He will always be there to support you. He is also the guy that you so cruelly ask "Why are you still single?" yep, that's just salt on the wound. He likes/loves you enough to accept that you are happy with another man and just wants to see you happy... with or without him.
Why is this longer than others? because that's the one that I feel strongest about. Many times I have been given the title (and currently someone else has given it to me... joy) and been forced to sit on the sidelines... So I just feel strongly about being Just a Friend/Wall.
So that's basically my side of the situation. I don't know how many guys or girls would agree with me. But that's basically it. If you have anything to say just leave it in a comment... I love logging in to find my blog covered in comments... please. you are officially encouraged to post comments on my blog!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Dead Projects, Revivals, and New Birth
So if any of you were aware, I was working on some writing projects. I was fairly proud of them, but they proved to just be little ambitions. I've decided to just kill them off. all of them. And as school just ended, me not getting call backs and just contemplating life, have decided to keep some of them. They show promise and giving up on those would be the equivalent of me giving up on... me.
[Dead Projects] Original Projects
Queen - The Musical
Aldo - The Fictional True Story
Choirs - A Story of Angels
Bardiel - The Fetus Eating Angel
Chronicles of Madness - Comic Coalition with a Friend
[Revived Projects] What I decided to keep and revise
"Queen" - A Show for the Ages
Bardiel - A tale of a Fallen Angel
Chronicles of Madness - Still just a coalition with a friend
[Newly Birthed Projects] Projects that recently popped up and taken over
"Awkward" - A play about the struggle in all of us
So there you go. Its just things to keep me busy, and they help me reach my goal of being a playwright... maybe the Empress will perform Awkward one of these days.
Eventually as these projects start taking off I'll start making separate blog journals to show their project and stuff. Just to kinda keep stuff separate.
[Dead Projects] Original Projects
Queen - The Musical
Aldo - The Fictional True Story
Choirs - A Story of Angels
Bardiel - The Fetus Eating Angel
Chronicles of Madness - Comic Coalition with a Friend
[Revived Projects] What I decided to keep and revise
"Queen" - A Show for the Ages
Bardiel - A tale of a Fallen Angel
Chronicles of Madness - Still just a coalition with a friend
[Newly Birthed Projects] Projects that recently popped up and taken over
"Awkward" - A play about the struggle in all of us
So there you go. Its just things to keep me busy, and they help me reach my goal of being a playwright... maybe the Empress will perform Awkward one of these days.
Eventually as these projects start taking off I'll start making separate blog journals to show their project and stuff. Just to kinda keep stuff separate.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Thespian Inductions (May 19, 2008)
So Thespian Inductions was awesome. This year we went with a "Costume Party at the Oscars" sort of theme... I was death. Death is in every movie, lol. so basically after school ended... I didn't go home. I stayed at school and played errand boy most of the night. I help set up mostly everything, I blew up Oscars, picked up éclairs and ice, took Nicole to her job and got Cellophane wrapping... It was interesting. Point is that it was awesome... as far as preparing something goes. The actual Induction ceremony was interesting. When it was my turn to "light" the theater candles... I had troubles. Then when I had to present the new Senior Representative, I forgot that it was Jake Terry. It was embarrassing, but fun nonetheless. It got emotional as we presented the new Officers and especially when we had to leave the room... I even dropped a tear or two. You bond with people, and your environment... having to leave it is harsh. After that, we ate... and it was delicious. One of the things that stood out was the fact that I got the "Thespian of the Year Award" while Max Garret won the "David Burton Award" (the same award I received last year). It was a special year... this year was hard on all of us, emotionally and mentally. So many hardships, but we managed to pull through.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
PSA on Swearing
So, Recently at school we made a PSA on swearing. It was made like a movie trailer, so its cheesy and entertaining. Now, not to sound egotistical, but I recorded, Directed, and Edited the footage into the final product. The Video Stars...
Matt Curtis as The Word Avenger
Rossana Moreno as Censor Girl
Mike Thrall as Lord Foul Mouth
Extras: Nicole Nice, Mike Mayhew, Jake Terry, Kayli Christensen
Matt Curtis as The Word Avenger
Rossana Moreno as Censor Girl
Mike Thrall as Lord Foul Mouth
Extras: Nicole Nice, Mike Mayhew, Jake Terry, Kayli Christensen
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Debate Banquet
This is the one event that I have looked forward to almost all year. although this year we really didn't have any games we did do some pretty special stuff. To point out, there was a lot more emotional talking. We almost had Maddi getting ready to cry, because she was complimented the most. We had a special video that we showed to everyone, and a slide show prepared by Justin Fracchia. It was a special event that I am proud to have been a part of.
Most of all, I would like to state that this has seriously been one of the greatest years of my life, to have lived and and interacted with the people that were there this year.
Thank You Mrs. Daley for introducing me to the world of Debate.
Most of all, I would like to state that this has seriously been one of the greatest years of my life, to have lived and and interacted with the people that were there this year.
Thank You Mrs. Daley for introducing me to the world of Debate.
Awkward: The History
Basically, Awkward is a small play that I wrote based on when i first asked out Annalyn. the names are closely tied, you can tell. The original script is shorter with less characters, in fact the first draft is closer to what actually happened. The second draft (which is the currently posted one) is actually very heavily edited. it adds in more conversations with characters and gives more personality to Anna, CW1 and CW2, and Neil. all these characters are based on people that i actually talked to that night, with the exception of Neil (who is based on Nolan). Neil was added and heavily edited in order to give him a sense of power, and to kind of give Al an antagonist, although in reality that is not his enemy. in the story Al's enemy is the same as mine... his natural shyness that prevents stuff from going as he sees it in his mind. Now the Idea for the Thoughts is that during the whole night that I actually asked her out, my mind was extremely loud. every thought was like thunder, yet, as loud as it was I still couldn't do what I wanted to do.
Awkward is a play that I hold close to myself because it is a reminder of a night, a night that set off a chain of events that changed my life, as a person and as a writer. Awkward is not just a small scene that has been written, it may have started that way, Awkward is only the part of the first act of a full play that I am currently writing. It is based on my recent adventures, but it is higly changed. although many of the first drafts will be close to the actual events, the Final draft will probably stray.
I will post the First draft of awkward one of these days, or if enough people ask for it, which I doubt because no one visits my blog. ha, people are missing out.
Awkward is a play that I hold close to myself because it is a reminder of a night, a night that set off a chain of events that changed my life, as a person and as a writer. Awkward is not just a small scene that has been written, it may have started that way, Awkward is only the part of the first act of a full play that I am currently writing. It is based on my recent adventures, but it is higly changed. although many of the first drafts will be close to the actual events, the Final draft will probably stray.
I will post the First draft of awkward one of these days, or if enough people ask for it, which I doubt because no one visits my blog. ha, people are missing out.
Awkward: A Play in One Act in One Scene
Written by: Aldo Gomez
Based on a True Event
Characters
• (Al) Al - Male Lead; 17 years old; a confident guy, but when it comes to girls he is as shy as they come.
• (Tht) Al's Thoughts - Main Character; He is the physical manifestation of Al's thoughts.
• (An) Anna - Female Lead; 17 years old; relaxed girl, easy going, caring and loved by everyone; seems shy to many people; Al's main interest.
• (Nl) Neil - Minor character; mid 20's; the producer of the current play going on in the theater; It seems as if he is always last to leave.
• (Cm 1) Companion 1 - 17 years old; another actor in the current play; seems to be friendly with everyone, but tends to be a klutz.
• (Cm 2) Companion 2 - 18 years old; another actor in the current play; a little more mature than others in the cast, but just as easy going.
• Extras - varying ages; extras and other actors in the current play.
Setting
• It is midnight and all, if not most, of the cast at the theater are getting ready to leave. The lobby is devoid of patrons as the scene starts, but it is quickly filled and emptied by the hustling and bustling of the actors.
Notes on "Al's Thoughts"
• Al's Thoughts must never be physically acknowledged by anyone. Even though he seems to take up physical space, he is not really there. Al's Thoughts are not allowed to physically move any items by itself, however if Al's Thoughts make contact with anyone, then they must ignore the action and totally ignore the thoughts presence. These rules do not apple to Al. Al is still not allowed to look at or make eye contact with his thoughts as they are technically within his head, but he is allowed to react to what his thoughts say and his thoughts physical presence. It must also be noted that since they are the pure entity of Al, Al's Thoughts must be exaggerated when it comes to reactions, ideas, or just anything. Anything that Al does, feels or reacts to must also be done by the thoughts... but ten times larger. Remember, Al is a confident and fun guy and his thoughts must show that, also his thoughts must be filled with tremendous amounts of energy. Although Al's Thoughts may seem to be the star of the show, it is truly the relationship between Al and Anna that must be the main focus of both Al and Al's Thoughts.
The Stage
• The whole scene takes place in the lobby of a small theater. There are two entrances/exits on both sides. Stage right entrances/exits lead into the street; stage left entrances/exits lead backstage of the theater.
Scene 1
Al walks into the lobby (stage right) with his thoughts following behind.
Tht - good thing we got here in time. I hate closing time.
Various extras enter (stage left), they are extremely social towards themselves and al. they can, if they choose hug and hi-five Al.
Al will ask a series of questions towards the group (see below) and they reply with "I don't Knows" and shrugs of confusion.
Questions asked by Al
Have you guys seen Anna?
Did Anna leave yet?
How was the performance tonight?
Has anyone seen if Anna is backstage?
Extras leave as they continue to reply
Tht - I think she might've left already
Al - No, she couldn't have left
Tht - if anything, she might still be backstage
Al - yeah, she might still be getting changed
Companions 1 and 2 enter (stage left), the are talking to each other until Al interrupts
Al - hey guys! How was the show?
Cm1 - oh, hey Al! Um, it was good.
Al - smooth sailing?
Cm1 - for the most part
Cm2 - -- up until funny pants here decided to move around all the props
Al - what
Cm1 - well I didn't think anyone would notice a missing sword
Cm2 - but that's not the case... she took the king's sword!
Cm1 - it was still awesome to see him have to beat the intruder to death with his bare fist though
Tht - see, we should've been earlier and seen the show!
Cm2 - yeah that was awesome. Al, so what brings you to our humble little theater at this time of night?
Al- well you guys know Anna right? (They nod) well, I’m here to ask her out on a date
Tht - FO sho!
Cm1 - oh, really?
Tht - what’s that supposed to mean?
Al - yeah... is there something wrong with me trying to ask her out
Cm1 - I guess not
Cm2 - hey, leave Al alone. I'd date al if he asked, I'm sure Anna will say yes to him.
Tht - I guess that’s a good thing...
Al - thanks? So do you know where Anna is?
Cm2 - well, I think she might still be getting changed
Tht - see that! I knew it! You said she left, but I said she was changing! HA!
Al - cool, so do you know when she's coming out
Neil enters (stage left)
Nl - when does who come out?
Cm1- Anna
Cm2 - have you seen her?
Nl - yeah. I think she forgot something in the dressing room. But, what are you two doing here still?
Cm1 - we're talking to al
Nl - really, I couldn't notice
Cm1 - well he’s gonna ask o--
Cm2 injures cm1
Cm2 - -- actually, were on our way out. Al just brought me my car keys...
Tht - your car keys? What
Nl - right, you two get out of here, I need to talk to al... Privately
Cm2 - okay...
Cm1 - fine...
Cm1 and cm2 exit (stage right)
Al - so what did you want to talk about
Nl - listen al, I'm the producer here. And our show is running well, but here’s the thing. I know what your planning
Tht - how did you know
Nl - your wondering how I know, aren't you?
Al- yeah...
Nl - well, I have to make sure that in order for the show to run smoothly, so do my players. And if you hurt Anna --
Al - -- Why would I hurt Anna
Tht - what are you getting at?
Nl - I'm just saying that you should just have a good time. If it isn't meant to be, then don't push it and save yourself some stress
Al - oh -
Tht - - I see
Nl - I'm just looking out for the show itself, if after the show you wanna stress yourself out, then go for it
Al - I understand
Nl - and you two can stop eavesdropping
Cm1 (offstage) - we weren't eavesdropping! Ow! Stop hitting me!
Cm2 (offstage) - just shut up and go home
Nl - I swear those two bicker as if they're related. (Beat) ok, I have to go home and do some... fill out papers
Al - I thought you finished all the paperwork
Nl - I meant lock up! Lock up house... yes
Tht - what?
Nl - I will just leave you here alone... without distractions... and eavesdroppers!
Neil Exits (stage right)
Cm1 (offstage) - we weren't eavesdrop -- OW that one actually hurt
Nl (offstage) - I told you to go home
Cm1 (offstage) - but I want to know what happens next
Cm2 (offstage) - what are you still doing here?
Cm1 (offstage) - well... why are you back?
Cm2 (offstage) - you have my keys!
Nl (offstage) - JUST GO HOME!!
Silence to acknowledge the characters have left
Tht - All right... so how are we doing this?
Al - well when she gets here --
Tht - -- we butter her up
Al - I’ll get straight to the point
Tht- ... what? No! Sweet talk her
Al - maybe I should try to impress her
Tht - do something big!
Al - it should be something small
Tht - fine... SING
Al - but what would I sing?
Tht - sing "Ave Maria” chicks love a guy who can sing. Especially a guy with LUNGS OF STEEL
Al - maybe I should just play it cool
Tht - even better! Impress her with our natural coolness.
Al - yeah, just a simple conversation
Tht - yeah, she'll fall for us after she hears our suave conversational skills
Anna enters
Tht - ok here’s the moment of truth. Now, as your thoughts, emotions and cool I highly recommend that you listen to me without questioning my judgment!
Lights dim out, focus lights on Anna
Tht - now listen we have to...
Tht, al - oh my god...
Al - she looks --
Tht - listen... we have... to... um... she’s so pretty
Lights up
An - oh, hi Al
Al - uh... hello
Tht - what was that? What happened to suave?
Al - uh you look --
Tht - -- Gorgeous! Beautiful! AMAZING --
Al - -- tired
Tht - WHAT
An - I am... I guess. So.. What’s up
Tht - say something witty
Al - not much
Tht - I SAID WITTY
An - really? So, why are you here this late? It seems kinda late to try and catch the show
Al - oh. It is... umm, I'm here to talk
An - oh. Are you here to talk to Neil? Because he already left.
Al - I know, I'm here to talk to somebody else
An - oh I see. It’s a girl isn't it? Who’s the lucky girl?
Tht - its you, baby!
Al - I'm here to talk to you.
Tht - ok this is it you are the man here. You will act as such. Be strong be forward
An - oh. Umm, what about
Al - I was wondering if you needed a ride home
An - no, I’m fine (shows him car keys. drops them as she puts them in her purse, but doesn't notice)
Al - oh... maybe I should get straight to the point
An - okay what do you need to talk about?
Tht - ok.. BUTTER HER UP!!
Al - well, I well I wanted to talk to you in person
An- uh huh...
Tht - because I care about you
Al - because its something that should be done in person.
An - okay...
Awkward silence
Tht - JUST ASK ALREADY!!!
An - well?
Tht - JUST ASK!! IT’S NOT THAT HARD!!
Al - (under breath) gosh, this is hard
Tht - NO ITS NOT!! JUST ASK
An - what’s hard?
Al - well I was wondering if you wanted to go on a date... with me?
Tht - please say yes. Please say yes (must be continuously repeated until Anna’s next line)
Al - that is if you want to. You don't have to if you don’t want to. I’m not forcing you, but
An - sure (Al's thoughts abruptly stop), when did you want to go?
Tht - SHE SAID YES! SHE SAID YES TO US!!!
Al - umm, when's good for you?
An - umm I’m not really sure
Tht - now’s your chance. Take the initiative and tell her Tuesday!
Al - does Tuesday work for you?
Tht - no don't ask! I said tell!
An - yeah. Sure thing.
Al - ok.. So I guess I’ll call you later then, and get your address
An - yeah.. Sure... (Awkward silence) ... so I guess I’ll see you later then? (Stands expecting some sort of goodbye)
Al - yeah, I guess so
An - so... (Slightly opens arms, inviting a hug from al)
Tht - AAHH!! What do I do?! Should I shake her hand? No, I should hug her! What if I try to go in for a kiss? Would that be too awkward, too forward, too aggressive? I always thought that the ladies liked aggressive, like a TIGER! After all, a tiger is just a big kitty, and the ladies like soft kit…
Al – so… (Takes a step forward to attempt contact)
Tht – Oh right! Hug! Kiss! Shake hands! Make love! Love her sweetly! Just love her! Show her you care! Just do anything!
Al sticks out his hand for a handshake, he is stiff and nervous
Anything but shake her hand! Do you know how awkward it just got in here! Ahhh, you’re an idi…
Anna holds his hand and pulls him in, rather than shake his hand; she uses her free hand to hug him.
Al stands frozen in the “hug” pose, Anna walks away, smiling and sweetly chuckling at the situation, she exits (Stage Right)
Tht, Al – Yeah!! I did it! I’m a piece of uber sexiness in one tightly packaged chocolate layer!! I am muy, muy delicioso! (Starts making party noises and dancing oddly and embarrassingly)
Anna walks in on Al (and his thoughts) doing his weird party celebration dance
Al - Oh, did you forget something?
An – yeah… umm, I forgot my keys… I think I dropped them
Al – Oh… umm…
Tht – They’re by your foot stupid
Al – ah, here they are! (Hands her the keys)
An – yeah… I’ll see you tomorrow then
Al – sure thing (Anna exits)
Tht – I hate you
Al Thought’s physically injure Al, leaving Al on the floor, in pain, the Thoughts exit (Stage Right)
Black out on Al in pain
Finite
Based on a True Event
Characters
• (Al) Al - Male Lead; 17 years old; a confident guy, but when it comes to girls he is as shy as they come.
• (Tht) Al's Thoughts - Main Character; He is the physical manifestation of Al's thoughts.
• (An) Anna - Female Lead; 17 years old; relaxed girl, easy going, caring and loved by everyone; seems shy to many people; Al's main interest.
• (Nl) Neil - Minor character; mid 20's; the producer of the current play going on in the theater; It seems as if he is always last to leave.
• (Cm 1) Companion 1 - 17 years old; another actor in the current play; seems to be friendly with everyone, but tends to be a klutz.
• (Cm 2) Companion 2 - 18 years old; another actor in the current play; a little more mature than others in the cast, but just as easy going.
• Extras - varying ages; extras and other actors in the current play.
Setting
• It is midnight and all, if not most, of the cast at the theater are getting ready to leave. The lobby is devoid of patrons as the scene starts, but it is quickly filled and emptied by the hustling and bustling of the actors.
Notes on "Al's Thoughts"
• Al's Thoughts must never be physically acknowledged by anyone. Even though he seems to take up physical space, he is not really there. Al's Thoughts are not allowed to physically move any items by itself, however if Al's Thoughts make contact with anyone, then they must ignore the action and totally ignore the thoughts presence. These rules do not apple to Al. Al is still not allowed to look at or make eye contact with his thoughts as they are technically within his head, but he is allowed to react to what his thoughts say and his thoughts physical presence. It must also be noted that since they are the pure entity of Al, Al's Thoughts must be exaggerated when it comes to reactions, ideas, or just anything. Anything that Al does, feels or reacts to must also be done by the thoughts... but ten times larger. Remember, Al is a confident and fun guy and his thoughts must show that, also his thoughts must be filled with tremendous amounts of energy. Although Al's Thoughts may seem to be the star of the show, it is truly the relationship between Al and Anna that must be the main focus of both Al and Al's Thoughts.
The Stage
• The whole scene takes place in the lobby of a small theater. There are two entrances/exits on both sides. Stage right entrances/exits lead into the street; stage left entrances/exits lead backstage of the theater.
Scene 1
Al walks into the lobby (stage right) with his thoughts following behind.
Tht - good thing we got here in time. I hate closing time.
Various extras enter (stage left), they are extremely social towards themselves and al. they can, if they choose hug and hi-five Al.
Al will ask a series of questions towards the group (see below) and they reply with "I don't Knows" and shrugs of confusion.
Questions asked by Al
Have you guys seen Anna?
Did Anna leave yet?
How was the performance tonight?
Has anyone seen if Anna is backstage?
Extras leave as they continue to reply
Tht - I think she might've left already
Al - No, she couldn't have left
Tht - if anything, she might still be backstage
Al - yeah, she might still be getting changed
Companions 1 and 2 enter (stage left), the are talking to each other until Al interrupts
Al - hey guys! How was the show?
Cm1 - oh, hey Al! Um, it was good.
Al - smooth sailing?
Cm1 - for the most part
Cm2 - -- up until funny pants here decided to move around all the props
Al - what
Cm1 - well I didn't think anyone would notice a missing sword
Cm2 - but that's not the case... she took the king's sword!
Cm1 - it was still awesome to see him have to beat the intruder to death with his bare fist though
Tht - see, we should've been earlier and seen the show!
Cm2 - yeah that was awesome. Al, so what brings you to our humble little theater at this time of night?
Al- well you guys know Anna right? (They nod) well, I’m here to ask her out on a date
Tht - FO sho!
Cm1 - oh, really?
Tht - what’s that supposed to mean?
Al - yeah... is there something wrong with me trying to ask her out
Cm1 - I guess not
Cm2 - hey, leave Al alone. I'd date al if he asked, I'm sure Anna will say yes to him.
Tht - I guess that’s a good thing...
Al - thanks? So do you know where Anna is?
Cm2 - well, I think she might still be getting changed
Tht - see that! I knew it! You said she left, but I said she was changing! HA!
Al - cool, so do you know when she's coming out
Neil enters (stage left)
Nl - when does who come out?
Cm1- Anna
Cm2 - have you seen her?
Nl - yeah. I think she forgot something in the dressing room. But, what are you two doing here still?
Cm1 - we're talking to al
Nl - really, I couldn't notice
Cm1 - well he’s gonna ask o--
Cm2 injures cm1
Cm2 - -- actually, were on our way out. Al just brought me my car keys...
Tht - your car keys? What
Nl - right, you two get out of here, I need to talk to al... Privately
Cm2 - okay...
Cm1 - fine...
Cm1 and cm2 exit (stage right)
Al - so what did you want to talk about
Nl - listen al, I'm the producer here. And our show is running well, but here’s the thing. I know what your planning
Tht - how did you know
Nl - your wondering how I know, aren't you?
Al- yeah...
Nl - well, I have to make sure that in order for the show to run smoothly, so do my players. And if you hurt Anna --
Al - -- Why would I hurt Anna
Tht - what are you getting at?
Nl - I'm just saying that you should just have a good time. If it isn't meant to be, then don't push it and save yourself some stress
Al - oh -
Tht - - I see
Nl - I'm just looking out for the show itself, if after the show you wanna stress yourself out, then go for it
Al - I understand
Nl - and you two can stop eavesdropping
Cm1 (offstage) - we weren't eavesdropping! Ow! Stop hitting me!
Cm2 (offstage) - just shut up and go home
Nl - I swear those two bicker as if they're related. (Beat) ok, I have to go home and do some... fill out papers
Al - I thought you finished all the paperwork
Nl - I meant lock up! Lock up house... yes
Tht - what?
Nl - I will just leave you here alone... without distractions... and eavesdroppers!
Neil Exits (stage right)
Cm1 (offstage) - we weren't eavesdrop -- OW that one actually hurt
Nl (offstage) - I told you to go home
Cm1 (offstage) - but I want to know what happens next
Cm2 (offstage) - what are you still doing here?
Cm1 (offstage) - well... why are you back?
Cm2 (offstage) - you have my keys!
Nl (offstage) - JUST GO HOME!!
Silence to acknowledge the characters have left
Tht - All right... so how are we doing this?
Al - well when she gets here --
Tht - -- we butter her up
Al - I’ll get straight to the point
Tht- ... what? No! Sweet talk her
Al - maybe I should try to impress her
Tht - do something big!
Al - it should be something small
Tht - fine... SING
Al - but what would I sing?
Tht - sing "Ave Maria” chicks love a guy who can sing. Especially a guy with LUNGS OF STEEL
Al - maybe I should just play it cool
Tht - even better! Impress her with our natural coolness.
Al - yeah, just a simple conversation
Tht - yeah, she'll fall for us after she hears our suave conversational skills
Anna enters
Tht - ok here’s the moment of truth. Now, as your thoughts, emotions and cool I highly recommend that you listen to me without questioning my judgment!
Lights dim out, focus lights on Anna
Tht - now listen we have to...
Tht, al - oh my god...
Al - she looks --
Tht - listen... we have... to... um... she’s so pretty
Lights up
An - oh, hi Al
Al - uh... hello
Tht - what was that? What happened to suave?
Al - uh you look --
Tht - -- Gorgeous! Beautiful! AMAZING --
Al - -- tired
Tht - WHAT
An - I am... I guess. So.. What’s up
Tht - say something witty
Al - not much
Tht - I SAID WITTY
An - really? So, why are you here this late? It seems kinda late to try and catch the show
Al - oh. It is... umm, I'm here to talk
An - oh. Are you here to talk to Neil? Because he already left.
Al - I know, I'm here to talk to somebody else
An - oh I see. It’s a girl isn't it? Who’s the lucky girl?
Tht - its you, baby!
Al - I'm here to talk to you.
Tht - ok this is it you are the man here. You will act as such. Be strong be forward
An - oh. Umm, what about
Al - I was wondering if you needed a ride home
An - no, I’m fine (shows him car keys. drops them as she puts them in her purse, but doesn't notice)
Al - oh... maybe I should get straight to the point
An - okay what do you need to talk about?
Tht - ok.. BUTTER HER UP!!
Al - well, I well I wanted to talk to you in person
An- uh huh...
Tht - because I care about you
Al - because its something that should be done in person.
An - okay...
Awkward silence
Tht - JUST ASK ALREADY!!!
An - well?
Tht - JUST ASK!! IT’S NOT THAT HARD!!
Al - (under breath) gosh, this is hard
Tht - NO ITS NOT!! JUST ASK
An - what’s hard?
Al - well I was wondering if you wanted to go on a date... with me?
Tht - please say yes. Please say yes (must be continuously repeated until Anna’s next line)
Al - that is if you want to. You don't have to if you don’t want to. I’m not forcing you, but
An - sure (Al's thoughts abruptly stop), when did you want to go?
Tht - SHE SAID YES! SHE SAID YES TO US!!!
Al - umm, when's good for you?
An - umm I’m not really sure
Tht - now’s your chance. Take the initiative and tell her Tuesday!
Al - does Tuesday work for you?
Tht - no don't ask! I said tell!
An - yeah. Sure thing.
Al - ok.. So I guess I’ll call you later then, and get your address
An - yeah.. Sure... (Awkward silence) ... so I guess I’ll see you later then? (Stands expecting some sort of goodbye)
Al - yeah, I guess so
An - so... (Slightly opens arms, inviting a hug from al)
Tht - AAHH!! What do I do?! Should I shake her hand? No, I should hug her! What if I try to go in for a kiss? Would that be too awkward, too forward, too aggressive? I always thought that the ladies liked aggressive, like a TIGER! After all, a tiger is just a big kitty, and the ladies like soft kit…
Al – so… (Takes a step forward to attempt contact)
Tht – Oh right! Hug! Kiss! Shake hands! Make love! Love her sweetly! Just love her! Show her you care! Just do anything!
Al sticks out his hand for a handshake, he is stiff and nervous
Anything but shake her hand! Do you know how awkward it just got in here! Ahhh, you’re an idi…
Anna holds his hand and pulls him in, rather than shake his hand; she uses her free hand to hug him.
Al stands frozen in the “hug” pose, Anna walks away, smiling and sweetly chuckling at the situation, she exits (Stage Right)
Tht, Al – Yeah!! I did it! I’m a piece of uber sexiness in one tightly packaged chocolate layer!! I am muy, muy delicioso! (Starts making party noises and dancing oddly and embarrassingly)
Anna walks in on Al (and his thoughts) doing his weird party celebration dance
Al - Oh, did you forget something?
An – yeah… umm, I forgot my keys… I think I dropped them
Al – Oh… umm…
Tht – They’re by your foot stupid
Al – ah, here they are! (Hands her the keys)
An – yeah… I’ll see you tomorrow then
Al – sure thing (Anna exits)
Tht – I hate you
Al Thought’s physically injure Al, leaving Al on the floor, in pain, the Thoughts exit (Stage Right)
Black out on Al in pain
Finite
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Prom: The Wildest Ride
Prom; the biggest gala event in a teenagers life... or it should be. not for me, at least I don't think it was. it was fun... and it ran me about 200 dollars into parental debt. Its all good, I had fun. although, the emotional, physical, and psycological ride started long before it. in order to understand everything that happened and what i went through you will have to read some "selected reads". I will post the reads as I reach them so you can follow along.
Just so you know, this will probably be the last blog I write about Annalyn. you will understand why if you read it until the end. so get ready to read what you already know, if you've been following the magical blog adventures of Aldo.
So, this whole story starts several months back, near the last and final weeks of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamCoat. Basically, I see one of the dancers in there, and i get a crush. then i decide to semi introduce myself to her one night, i just say hi and tell her my name and find out hers. then I find her on myspace and we talk. so i get to know her and stuff. then i decide to finally ask her out after a week or so after talking to her. we go on a date, it goes... okay. so thats the first part.
for the full details read April 15, 2008 on my Myspace Blog
then i go into a huge emotional breakdown, which happens every once in a while, but usually nothings going in when they happen. but this was going on. great frikin' timing. so i start being all weird about my emotions and don't talk to her directly about anything. and instead i decide to write about it on my blog, not a good idea. this was posted April 17, 2008 on my Myspace Blog.
so she talks to me, and i feel like a coward and an idiot. so i decide to talk to her about it. and it goes well. we're friends now at this point, and she makes me realize some thing, which i doubt that she realizes that she did this. So this is what i realize, in a Myspace blog titles "I Just Realized: Compilation".
I then proceed to explain the higher meaning of all this in a Myspace Blog titles "I Just Realized: Meanings + Closure".
so , that same day i had spoken to mike mayhew, who is in the basic boat as me, but he taught me about how to deal with it, and its not all bad to be just a friend, or as he so brilliantly placed it, A Wall (Another Myspace Blog)
so i find out, that im in a series of one acts and that my improv troupe is coming off of hiatus.
Annalyn becomes stage manager, and this means that we kinda get to hang out. all of a sudden, everything that could go bad... goes bad. it all starts out with my friend going on life support. the full story on Hell Week(s) (a Blogger Post).
the one acts finish and Work in Progress goes through some huge changes. yay.
so prom starts coming up and i decide, theres only one person i would want to go with. my only prom, and i know exactly who im going to ask. so i decide to ask her out during one of the Work in Progress Shows. it goes through an ordeal where Zach and i wrote a song but i jsut ended up improvising it live in front of everyone. heres the song and a bit of the ordeal in a Blogger Post. Norwegian Date.
so then comes all the stress of prom. i rent my tux, which is awesome by the way, and i have to find a group. 2 groups form... and then break away. then i get invited to a group, in which they are going paint balling. Annalyn prefers not to go paint balling, so we don't go with that group. instead we go Rock Wall Climbing at Momentum (Which i cant find and become lost for almost 45 minutes.). that was fun and cool, although it made me realize how physically weak and out of shape i am. but i find out that i am a good Belayer. and I want to go there more often, so i might get myself a membership, or i just might go there more often. but i will get a job and workout more often first. so then i take her home. and i go home. change and my mom is all "what's the matter" and i tell her im an hour late for prom. oh, and by the way, this whole time i've been stressing out because it mothers day, i dont have her gift, and shes being all emotional because i dont want to spend time at home or with her. so i leave to pick her up. i pick her up. and we go to Memory grove. we find the capitol building but (I) forgot that memory grove is below it to the east. so we go, and we don't get pictures. which im totally fine with (at the moment; i think i'm regretting it now) and we go inside the "dance hall" and just mingle and talk for quite a while. 'bout an hour and a half. i kinda teach her how to dance, and that didn't go too well. so we mostly talk and don't don't dance that much. i personally wanted to dance with her, but didn't, not even the last dance. oh well. so we go home, or at least i take her home. and we talk about religion; which was a bad idea because she is set to her religion, whilst i have VERY LOOSE views on religion. and then, in my evil religious tangent, i start talking about my fetus eating angel story. so i take her home, I go watch Improv at the Empress. become angered because my sound person was moved to concessions. ugh. anyways.
so why is this the last post about her? well, it finally hit me, that as much as i want to be her boyfriend, it won't happen if she doesnt want it. and she doesn't, its so clear but i was so blind. i see that we are opposites, far too opposite, Shes the active girl, im the sit down computer guy. shes an achiever, i'm a conformist. shes set on her religion, i think church is a sham, but am a strong traditionalist. shes beautiful... and im alright. lol. but yeah, i realize that, as much as i like... its not meant to be. maybe not now, maybe never. i tried so hard, even going beyond my fear of heights, breaking through my antisocial wall, talking to her while wearing purple and sparkly tights, and just becoming a totally new man.
its not bad, in the long run i gained and awesome friend, a new workout plan and new realization on life and dating. i won't stop talking to her. it just wont be as often. and i probably wont be trying as hard as before. i have to move along and find somebody else. although i do plan on giving her a final good bye. i want her to see how special it was for me to have asked her out the very first time i asked her out. thats why i asked her to some to our Play Productions Showcase. I wrote a scene, giving an insight on what went through my mind as i asked her out. its not completely true as i had to make the whole story, but the actual conversation between Al and Anna is extremely close.
this was one harsh ride for me. It started with seeing her inside a play, everyone making it seem as if she was on a pedestal. all the way to going to prom with her, realizing so much about life and love.
It so odd, you never know what life is going to throw at you, and you can never be ready for it. we think we are, and we set out to confront life head on, by ourselves. what we dont realize is that no matter how strong we are, life cannot be achieved alone. life is harsh, full of pain and sick tricks. alone, life is our hell... but with company, it is like a rollercoaster ride. it is fun and exhilarating, but it still has the unavoidable ups and downs.
Annalyn, if you do, by any chance, read this Blog, thank you ever so much. I hope you know that I will never be the same. for better or worst, I eternally thank you. and remember, you don't have to be hitched within the next four years. Live Life... how you want to. not by how you think life is telling you.
The Love Sick Aldo is Dead... But a Newer and Wiser Aldo Rises from the Ashes.
that's right... I ended with a dramatic statement.
Just so you know, this will probably be the last blog I write about Annalyn. you will understand why if you read it until the end. so get ready to read what you already know, if you've been following the magical blog adventures of Aldo.
So, this whole story starts several months back, near the last and final weeks of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamCoat. Basically, I see one of the dancers in there, and i get a crush. then i decide to semi introduce myself to her one night, i just say hi and tell her my name and find out hers. then I find her on myspace and we talk. so i get to know her and stuff. then i decide to finally ask her out after a week or so after talking to her. we go on a date, it goes... okay. so thats the first part.
for the full details read April 15, 2008 on my Myspace Blog
then i go into a huge emotional breakdown, which happens every once in a while, but usually nothings going in when they happen. but this was going on. great frikin' timing. so i start being all weird about my emotions and don't talk to her directly about anything. and instead i decide to write about it on my blog, not a good idea. this was posted April 17, 2008 on my Myspace Blog.
so she talks to me, and i feel like a coward and an idiot. so i decide to talk to her about it. and it goes well. we're friends now at this point, and she makes me realize some thing, which i doubt that she realizes that she did this. So this is what i realize, in a Myspace blog titles "I Just Realized: Compilation".
I then proceed to explain the higher meaning of all this in a Myspace Blog titles "I Just Realized: Meanings + Closure".
so , that same day i had spoken to mike mayhew, who is in the basic boat as me, but he taught me about how to deal with it, and its not all bad to be just a friend, or as he so brilliantly placed it, A Wall (Another Myspace Blog)
so i find out, that im in a series of one acts and that my improv troupe is coming off of hiatus.
Annalyn becomes stage manager, and this means that we kinda get to hang out. all of a sudden, everything that could go bad... goes bad. it all starts out with my friend going on life support. the full story on Hell Week(s) (a Blogger Post).
the one acts finish and Work in Progress goes through some huge changes. yay.
so prom starts coming up and i decide, theres only one person i would want to go with. my only prom, and i know exactly who im going to ask. so i decide to ask her out during one of the Work in Progress Shows. it goes through an ordeal where Zach and i wrote a song but i jsut ended up improvising it live in front of everyone. heres the song and a bit of the ordeal in a Blogger Post. Norwegian Date.
so then comes all the stress of prom. i rent my tux, which is awesome by the way, and i have to find a group. 2 groups form... and then break away. then i get invited to a group, in which they are going paint balling. Annalyn prefers not to go paint balling, so we don't go with that group. instead we go Rock Wall Climbing at Momentum (Which i cant find and become lost for almost 45 minutes.). that was fun and cool, although it made me realize how physically weak and out of shape i am. but i find out that i am a good Belayer. and I want to go there more often, so i might get myself a membership, or i just might go there more often. but i will get a job and workout more often first. so then i take her home. and i go home. change and my mom is all "what's the matter" and i tell her im an hour late for prom. oh, and by the way, this whole time i've been stressing out because it mothers day, i dont have her gift, and shes being all emotional because i dont want to spend time at home or with her. so i leave to pick her up. i pick her up. and we go to Memory grove. we find the capitol building but (I) forgot that memory grove is below it to the east. so we go, and we don't get pictures. which im totally fine with (at the moment; i think i'm regretting it now) and we go inside the "dance hall" and just mingle and talk for quite a while. 'bout an hour and a half. i kinda teach her how to dance, and that didn't go too well. so we mostly talk and don't don't dance that much. i personally wanted to dance with her, but didn't, not even the last dance. oh well. so we go home, or at least i take her home. and we talk about religion; which was a bad idea because she is set to her religion, whilst i have VERY LOOSE views on religion. and then, in my evil religious tangent, i start talking about my fetus eating angel story. so i take her home, I go watch Improv at the Empress. become angered because my sound person was moved to concessions. ugh. anyways.
so why is this the last post about her? well, it finally hit me, that as much as i want to be her boyfriend, it won't happen if she doesnt want it. and she doesn't, its so clear but i was so blind. i see that we are opposites, far too opposite, Shes the active girl, im the sit down computer guy. shes an achiever, i'm a conformist. shes set on her religion, i think church is a sham, but am a strong traditionalist. shes beautiful... and im alright. lol. but yeah, i realize that, as much as i like... its not meant to be. maybe not now, maybe never. i tried so hard, even going beyond my fear of heights, breaking through my antisocial wall, talking to her while wearing purple and sparkly tights, and just becoming a totally new man.
its not bad, in the long run i gained and awesome friend, a new workout plan and new realization on life and dating. i won't stop talking to her. it just wont be as often. and i probably wont be trying as hard as before. i have to move along and find somebody else. although i do plan on giving her a final good bye. i want her to see how special it was for me to have asked her out the very first time i asked her out. thats why i asked her to some to our Play Productions Showcase. I wrote a scene, giving an insight on what went through my mind as i asked her out. its not completely true as i had to make the whole story, but the actual conversation between Al and Anna is extremely close.
this was one harsh ride for me. It started with seeing her inside a play, everyone making it seem as if she was on a pedestal. all the way to going to prom with her, realizing so much about life and love.
It so odd, you never know what life is going to throw at you, and you can never be ready for it. we think we are, and we set out to confront life head on, by ourselves. what we dont realize is that no matter how strong we are, life cannot be achieved alone. life is harsh, full of pain and sick tricks. alone, life is our hell... but with company, it is like a rollercoaster ride. it is fun and exhilarating, but it still has the unavoidable ups and downs.
Annalyn, if you do, by any chance, read this Blog, thank you ever so much. I hope you know that I will never be the same. for better or worst, I eternally thank you. and remember, you don't have to be hitched within the next four years. Live Life... how you want to. not by how you think life is telling you.
The Love Sick Aldo is Dead... But a Newer and Wiser Aldo Rises from the Ashes.
that's right... I ended with a dramatic statement.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Uncontrollable; John Lennon
Nobody controls me. I'm uncontrollable. The only one who can control me is me, and that's just barely possible. And that's the lesson I'm learning. If someone's going to impress me, whether it be a Maharishi or Yoko, then there comes a point where the emperor has no clothes 'cause I'm naive, but I'm not stupid. For all you folks out there who think I'm having the wool pulled over my eyes, well, that's an insult to me. But if you think you know me, or you have some part of me because of the music, and then you think I'm being controlled like a dog on a leash because I do things with her, then screw you, brother or sister, you don't know what's happening. I'm not here for you, I'm here for me and her, and now the baby
Monday, May 5, 2008
Golden Slumbers: A Play
So basically. I wrote this small play backstage of the Empress during the One Acts. I wrote it in one night. yay for me. Don't worry, this isn't based on any true events or anything like that. I just started typing until i finished it. oh well. i hope it makes you cry. and if it doesnt, then listen to the song and then youll cry. if you still dont... then you have some head problems.
1: Franklin - 9 years old
2: Jake - 15 years old
3: Cop - Middle Aged
4: Head Officer - Near retirement
5: Older Franklin - 19 years old
Time: Midnight
Place: underneath a highway bridge
Circumstances: both children are runaways, they are brothers abused by the same father. they are escaping to "The Safe Place".
scene 1
1- I'm cold
2- i know
1- did you bring any blankets
2- yes, but we lost them when we entered the city
1- oh... do you think father is looking for us
2- i hope not
1- but what if he is
2- -- then we keep running! (beat) i wont let him hurt you anymore
1- you know he didn't mean it
2- thats what he says
1- i think he meant it
2- he never means it
1- i think he actually mean--
2- -- HE NEVER MEANT IT!!!
1- I'm sorry
2- no... i am
1- why
2- i couldn't protect you... i always thought that if he hurt me...
1- if he hurt you...
2- then he would leave you alone... its getting late.... no one will see us underneath this bridge
(beat)
2- you should get some sleep
1- will you sing me asleep
2- sure... what do you want me to sing you
1- something by The Beatles
2- sure... (Golden Slumber)
scene 2
2- hey, wake up
1- huh
2- i heard some cops
1- and...
2- if they find us then they'll take us back
1- maybe he wont hurt us
2- no. he'll hurt us more. he'll make our lives hell
1- maybe he'll realize how---
2- -- HE WONT REALIZE ANYTHING!
3- whose there?
2- crap
1- he heard us
3- if your hiding you can come out
2- shh
1- okay
2- ugh.. he has a flashlight
3- hey listen... you kids
1- what do we do?
2- run!
1- no!
2- please, i don't want you to go back
3- are you kids runaways?
2- what if we are
3- i can help you
1- really
2- he's just lying
1- please help us, were cold and hungry
2- shut up, he just wants us to go back
3- please, if i can take you guys back to the station we can work this out
2- stay in here!
1- he's not lying!
3- please... i can you help you
scene 3
4- so what did you find out
3- the little one is nine years old. his name is franklin.
4- and the other
3- he wont talk
4- what about frank
3- franklin, he doesn't like frank
4- whatever, did he say anything else
3- yeah, his brother is fifteen years old, his name is jake
4- i meant why did we find them cold, hungry and underneath a highway bridge
3- they're runaways. their father apparently beats them
4- any bruises
3- several
4- what rooms are they in
3- they are in rooms 7 and 8
4- why are the doors open
3- they shouldn't be
4- my god, your an idiot! they ran away!
scene 4
1- they said they wouldn't take us back
2- can't you understand that they all lie
1- but he promised
2- its their job to take us back
1- where are we going now
2- were looking for the safe place
1- where is it
2- i don't know, someone is bound to know
1- how will we know when were there
2- because thats when we'll stop running
(beat)
1- brother, I'm cold
2- I'm sorry franklin
1- wheres our stuff
2- i forgot it at the station
1- oh
2- here, take my sweater
1- but then you'll be cold
2- its okay, i like the cold
1- brother... I'm tired
2- here, we'll go to sleep
1- will you sing to me again
2- sure thing (golden slumbers)
Scene 5
Older Franklin's Monologue
He is standing at a grave-site. the headstone reads "Jake, beloved brother, May you sleep with Golden Slumbers in your eyes"
so, it looks like you reached it. the safe place. i always thought it was going to have a sign or something I guess not. do you want to know what happened? you should know. after i fell asleep, you did too. the same cop found me again, and you. he woke me up, and then he tried to wake you up. but you wouldn't wake up. there were sirens all over the place, everyone would crowd you and no one would let me see what happened. they gave you CPR, then they shocked you... and then they just cried. they cried and put you in an ambulance. no one would tell me what happened, they just told me that you went to sleep, and that it was too cold to for you to handle it. and that you wouldn't be waking up. (beat) i guess everyones safe place is different. i guess the smiles that awaited you... never reached you. but the golden slumbers were in my eyes... and they're still there. every morning when i wake up. for the past ten years, i wake up... and the golden slumbers are there. you always protected me... and all i could ever do was ask you to sing for me. and you always sang that song. (beat) he's in jail now. i thought that you should know that. he's not allowed to come near me... ever. I'm going to college too... i thought you should know that. I'm studying music... my foster family gave me a guitar. they said that i had a good ear for music... i guess that was my golden slumber huh? your music... if only you could hear me. I've gotten so well... I'm in a band... and at the end we always play the same song... tonight were changing it... were moving on to the next track. because for ten years... i have been carrying that weight... and now i believe that i have to move on. you gave me your life... so i could live mine. thank you.
(Golden Slumbers - Carry that weight)
1: Franklin - 9 years old
2: Jake - 15 years old
3: Cop - Middle Aged
4: Head Officer - Near retirement
5: Older Franklin - 19 years old
Time: Midnight
Place: underneath a highway bridge
Circumstances: both children are runaways, they are brothers abused by the same father. they are escaping to "The Safe Place".
scene 1
1- I'm cold
2- i know
1- did you bring any blankets
2- yes, but we lost them when we entered the city
1- oh... do you think father is looking for us
2- i hope not
1- but what if he is
2- -- then we keep running! (beat) i wont let him hurt you anymore
1- you know he didn't mean it
2- thats what he says
1- i think he meant it
2- he never means it
1- i think he actually mean--
2- -- HE NEVER MEANT IT!!!
1- I'm sorry
2- no... i am
1- why
2- i couldn't protect you... i always thought that if he hurt me...
1- if he hurt you...
2- then he would leave you alone... its getting late.... no one will see us underneath this bridge
(beat)
2- you should get some sleep
1- will you sing me asleep
2- sure... what do you want me to sing you
1- something by The Beatles
2- sure... (Golden Slumber)
scene 2
2- hey, wake up
1- huh
2- i heard some cops
1- and...
2- if they find us then they'll take us back
1- maybe he wont hurt us
2- no. he'll hurt us more. he'll make our lives hell
1- maybe he'll realize how---
2- -- HE WONT REALIZE ANYTHING!
3- whose there?
2- crap
1- he heard us
3- if your hiding you can come out
2- shh
1- okay
2- ugh.. he has a flashlight
3- hey listen... you kids
1- what do we do?
2- run!
1- no!
2- please, i don't want you to go back
3- are you kids runaways?
2- what if we are
3- i can help you
1- really
2- he's just lying
1- please help us, were cold and hungry
2- shut up, he just wants us to go back
3- please, if i can take you guys back to the station we can work this out
2- stay in here!
1- he's not lying!
3- please... i can you help you
scene 3
4- so what did you find out
3- the little one is nine years old. his name is franklin.
4- and the other
3- he wont talk
4- what about frank
3- franklin, he doesn't like frank
4- whatever, did he say anything else
3- yeah, his brother is fifteen years old, his name is jake
4- i meant why did we find them cold, hungry and underneath a highway bridge
3- they're runaways. their father apparently beats them
4- any bruises
3- several
4- what rooms are they in
3- they are in rooms 7 and 8
4- why are the doors open
3- they shouldn't be
4- my god, your an idiot! they ran away!
scene 4
1- they said they wouldn't take us back
2- can't you understand that they all lie
1- but he promised
2- its their job to take us back
1- where are we going now
2- were looking for the safe place
1- where is it
2- i don't know, someone is bound to know
1- how will we know when were there
2- because thats when we'll stop running
(beat)
1- brother, I'm cold
2- I'm sorry franklin
1- wheres our stuff
2- i forgot it at the station
1- oh
2- here, take my sweater
1- but then you'll be cold
2- its okay, i like the cold
1- brother... I'm tired
2- here, we'll go to sleep
1- will you sing to me again
2- sure thing (golden slumbers)
Scene 5
Older Franklin's Monologue
He is standing at a grave-site. the headstone reads "Jake, beloved brother, May you sleep with Golden Slumbers in your eyes"
so, it looks like you reached it. the safe place. i always thought it was going to have a sign or something I guess not. do you want to know what happened? you should know. after i fell asleep, you did too. the same cop found me again, and you. he woke me up, and then he tried to wake you up. but you wouldn't wake up. there were sirens all over the place, everyone would crowd you and no one would let me see what happened. they gave you CPR, then they shocked you... and then they just cried. they cried and put you in an ambulance. no one would tell me what happened, they just told me that you went to sleep, and that it was too cold to for you to handle it. and that you wouldn't be waking up. (beat) i guess everyones safe place is different. i guess the smiles that awaited you... never reached you. but the golden slumbers were in my eyes... and they're still there. every morning when i wake up. for the past ten years, i wake up... and the golden slumbers are there. you always protected me... and all i could ever do was ask you to sing for me. and you always sang that song. (beat) he's in jail now. i thought that you should know that. he's not allowed to come near me... ever. I'm going to college too... i thought you should know that. I'm studying music... my foster family gave me a guitar. they said that i had a good ear for music... i guess that was my golden slumber huh? your music... if only you could hear me. I've gotten so well... I'm in a band... and at the end we always play the same song... tonight were changing it... were moving on to the next track. because for ten years... i have been carrying that weight... and now i believe that i have to move on. you gave me your life... so i could live mine. thank you.
(Golden Slumbers - Carry that weight)
Norwegian Date
So if any of you were there, i asked out Annalyn to prom during an Improv Show on a Saturday night. i did it in front of an audience as i improvised i song. i messed up the lyrics during rock opera and actually had to improvise. w00t. anyways, the original plan was for me to just perform a song with Zach on guitar. well that didn't go through as my nerves got the best of me.
Point is that the lyrics to Norwegian Date, are the lyrics i was going to sing. the musical structure is extremely similar to that of Norwegian Wood by The Beatles. the music was different (Thanks to Zach's genius skills). sadly, we never got a chance to perform it. oh well. and now you know. and knowing is half the battle.
Anyways, these are the words to "Norwegian Date", you can sing them along to Norwegian Wood. its pretty cool.
I wanted a girl, or should I say, she wanted me
That's what I had hoped, but that isn't how it was meant to be
Chorus
So I tried to meet so I could ask her out on a date
So I looked around and got a chance to talk to her late
We finally talked, and it got late, so came the stress
So I took my chance, finally asked, and then she said "yes"
Zach's Solo
Chorus
So I took her out on the date and she said that she had fun
What I'm trying to say is if you will go on another one
Don't worry right now, there's no need to answer, tell me at home
But there's nobody else that I'd rather take to prom
Point is that the lyrics to Norwegian Date, are the lyrics i was going to sing. the musical structure is extremely similar to that of Norwegian Wood by The Beatles. the music was different (Thanks to Zach's genius skills). sadly, we never got a chance to perform it. oh well. and now you know. and knowing is half the battle.
Anyways, these are the words to "Norwegian Date", you can sing them along to Norwegian Wood. its pretty cool.
I wanted a girl, or should I say, she wanted me
That's what I had hoped, but that isn't how it was meant to be
Chorus
So I tried to meet so I could ask her out on a date
So I looked around and got a chance to talk to her late
We finally talked, and it got late, so came the stress
So I took my chance, finally asked, and then she said "yes"
Zach's Solo
Chorus
So I took her out on the date and she said that she had fun
What I'm trying to say is if you will go on another one
Don't worry right now, there's no need to answer, tell me at home
But there's nobody else that I'd rather take to prom
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