Land of Spirit

It’s hard to believe REHEARSALS BEGIN TONIGHT - musical that is…  Richard & Jules are over in South Carolina with a new show opening this weekend.  Meanwhile, Heather McCluskey is starting music rehearsals for Land of Spirit’s new play Gas Sugar Nylons & Chocolate Bars!   The theater will “come alive” after having been quiet during the cold winter months.  I can hardly wait to hear the voices of 85 actors when they begin the Land of Spirit theme song.  After all of last year’s rehearsals and 34 performances I still get goose bumps when I hear them sing that song. . .

Tickets sales were going well last week - I was only in the office a few minutes, and while there, two calls came in from out of state for tickets. . . one was from a former Lavonia resident who said they came to last year’s show and their family is going to meet once again and come together for this year’s performance.  Brothers and sisters are scattered but they are all coming “home” to see the show. 

 I even had a call this weekend from a group planning a high school reunion - they’re going to have it in June so the class can come as a group to see this show!  How exciting to have the community finding ways to market the show!  And, by them coming to the show I just might recognize some folks I went to school with - even though they were not in my class.  Lavonia High Class of 1959 - whew, this means they are celebrating the BIG 50 reunion - and, they’re coming home to do it in style. . .

While rehearsals are beginning, others associated with the show are still searching for costumes and props; others are working on marketing the show; and, decorating the USO Canteen (aka Concessions area) began last week.  It’s going to be fun so make your ticket reservations soon!

See you at the theater, Judy 

I cannot believe the last post on this site was March 25 - where has the two weeks gone?  When I did log in tonight,  if I had a nearby hole I would be crawling in it right now.  We missed a wonderful opportunity to meet with the Arts Development Council of Georgia & to share with them info on Land of Spirit - due to MY neglect of checking for comments on the blog!  I hope they have a forgiving heart and invite us back again.

On Saturday March 28th, three days after the last blog post, we held a Hobo Supper to raise money for Land of Spirit.  Our local businesses and individuals came through as usual and profits amounted to $1,979.00!   Our thanks to all who helped and to all who came to eat with us.  It was a wonderful night - a win-win situation for the community. 

After the Hobo Supper it was back to writing the Lavonia United Daughters of the Confederacy 100 Years History Book!  Chapter 1216 is celebrating their 100th Anniversary on June 7 at 2:00 PM in the downtown park(opening weekend for Land of Spirit)and the book must be completed and back from the printer before this day - time is almost gone and I am still not finished - close but not complete!  Following the UDC event, the Historical Preservation Commission is sponsoring a Guided Burgess Cemetery Tour where twelve former citizens will come to life and tell you about their experiences of living here in Lavonia.  Talk about a fun weekend. . .

And, remember Lavonia’s first ARTs Walk begins the first weekend of Land of Spirit, as well.  Coordinating all ART events for the month of June is a challenge but one that will be well worth the effort when it comes to reality!  If you are an artist reading this site and want to come join us, call Genny Cole at 706-356-1926 and see if she has space available!

Now, back to catching up with the play - Casting came in from Playwright Jules Corriere at the end of last week, along with full play corrections that were made after the first reading.    Once into our hands - 80+ copies had to be made of the play; rehearsal schedule; organizational rules for the theater; costume information forms;  and,  CD’s copied with music and lyrics of the first two songs.  All of this had to be run off in the office, placed in three ring binders, and then last Sunday afternoon we met with cast members - by scenes! 

 Small groups of cast members were scheduled 30 minutes a part and they came to receive their casting assignments and to review the rhearsal schedule and performance schedule.  It was a fast paced afternoon and when it was over - all were exhausted and this was just the first day with cast.  However, as you can imagine - we had worked long hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday getting everything ready for Sunday!  

And, somewhere in between  -running the copy machine -  I was “running” to the Garden Club’s annual Flower Show on Friday.  I had 10 entries in the show and those were somehow “arranged” on Wednesday & Thursday - and, taken to the show on Friday morning.  After making photographs of the flower show, I ran back to the office and assited Genny with making copies - then back to the flower show for more pictures and to remove my entries after the public viewing!   And, yes I kept saying - “I am too old for this- I am too old for this.”

But, while copying the CD’s for cast, everytime I heard the Land of Spirit theme song I got those goose bumps - saying to me that I am ready for the play to begin.  And, Composer Heather McCluskey has now completed two NEW songs for this play - with more to follow.  As I have said before - she is one of the most talented individuals you will ever meet!  Her music and lyrics fit right into Jules’ scenes and she and Jules work so well together.  Jules says I need a song here - and, Heather whips one out( I know it’s more work that it sounds - but she does it)!  One of course, is the title of the play - Gas Sugar Nylons and Chocolate Bars and the other is Our Victory Garden!  Can hardly wait for you to hear them.

And somewhere between March 25th and, today, April 7 I also had to work in:  a meeting with Barbara Busby on the Land of Spirit Gazette (program) for 2009; food prepration for 5th Sunday Night Church services when churches in our community come worship together; a monthly Chamber of Commerce luncheon; purchase of fabric for some Land of Spirit costumes & supplies for LOS name tags; attend the Pilot Club Fashion Show & dinner; and, take care of my dear sweet hubby!

Yes, it’s been a busy two weeks and LOS 2009 has just gotten started.    Land of Spirit tickets are in and on sale at the Wlecome Center.  Don’t wait - get yours soon!

See you at the Theater, Judy