Land of Spirit

It’s 11:45 PM and my day at the theater began today around noon. . . that’s close to 12 hours and two performances later!  But, what a jam packed 12 hours - they just flew by and now we’re down to two remaining performances of Gas Sugar Nylons and Chocolate Bars! 

Tickets are still available for Thursday July 2 and Friday July 3 and then, “That’s All Folks.”   If you’re reading this blog and have not seen the show - stop and call right now for tickets!  The number is 706-356-1926!  OR, 706-356-8202 -

We had a Tour Bus today from Lawrenceville, GA. - carrying “Seniors on the Go.”  These 52 seniors were so full of life and each one left the theater laughing, shaking hands and saying “We’ll be back next year, but let us know if you have a show any time sooner!”  They were so friendly and it gave the cast the boost they needed for staying on a high for two shows. 

And, there were other groups:  Martin Baptist Church; Frolicking Friends Red Hat Group from Anderson, SC; New Salem Baptist Church; Young Harris Methodist from Athens, GA; and, groups from Washington, GA;  Centerville, GA. and family groups with members coming from several cities across Georgia.  It was a packed house for the Matinee and almost a packed house for the evening performance.

I don’t know if I have said so before, but I tabulate the Audience Evaluations for each show.  I have yet to tabulate both shows for today, but I did glance through many of the returned forms and read a few comments.  There were a couple comments re: cast members adding lines to the play re: current political situations.  The responding audience members felt this might have been in poor taste.  And, I personally tend to agree with the audience.  It’s easy to get caught up in the hype of the news media and forget the feelings of people involved.  Also, Land of Spirit is about real, true life stories of people who grew up or have lived in Franklin or surrounding counties at one time or another - and, adding lines to the play can take away from the original intent of the scene.  We thank our audience for their comments and we promise we’ll try and do better in the future. 

Tabulating these evaluations can be time consuming, but we feel it’s critical to the success of  Land of Spirit for us to be aware of  what our audience thinks and feels about their experiences in our theater - and, in our community.   We put in months of hard work, mostly by volunteers, and it’s important for us to feel good about what we do.  You’ve heard the saying, “If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.”  Well, that’s similar to what we feel - “If audiences aren’t happy, then we’re not happy!”   We take each and every comment seriously and we aim to make you comfortable and to entertain you - thanks for telling us how we do!

And, there was a bit of a sad note for the Matinee show.  Jules Corriere announced that Ester Mabel Yoder  from Virginia passed away this morning.  Mr. and Mrs. Yoder had given Jules her first chance at being a Playwright (in Yoder Barn) - about 20-30 shows ago.   They were so close that when Land of Spirit opened last year and Jules said this was one of her best shows ever, the Yoders drove all the way down from Virginia to see it!  Now that’s a pretty long drive for a couple in their 80’s! 

I remember when the Yoders arrived in Lavonia.  They came walking in to 211 Main Street for dinner prior to the show.  When I saw them walk in, something told me they were the Yoder’s.  So being in a small town, I walked over to the table and said - ” You must be the Yoder’s from Virginia.”  I can still remember the smiles on their faces - they said “Yes we are, but how in the world did you know.”  I just smiled and said, “Welcome to small town Lavonia and the Land of Spirit.”  They were a lovely couple - both with a gleam in their eye for the theater(and for each other).  I know that it was only this morning that Ester Mabel left this world to be with her maker, but I suspect she may already be looking for a way to start a new play there.  And, I just bet with her determination she will be successful!  In our prayer circle we prayed for the Yoder Family and cast played the show this afternoon in honor of Ms. Ester Mabel!

We had several folks to come visit this weekend from other projects similar to Land of Spirit, and who work with Jules and Richard from CPI, Inc..  Friends were here from Allendale, SC; Birmingham, AL; and Asheville, NC.  It’s nice to be able to meet leadership personnel from other projects, we learn from each other. 

For a few minutes tonight , during the play, I sat next to newcomers Mark Foster and Roy Benifield - I was taking photos of a few scenes I had missed and they were in between scenes.   I watched as they congratulated other cast members as they walked by - saying “good job tonight” - “you played that really well” - etc.  Now, Mark and Roy are doubles for the Walker Scene.  Tonight was Roy’s night to play the scene and when he finished and came off stage, Mark said, “You were really good tonight Roy, great job.”   Now, to others that might not meant much - but, to me it was an expression of professionalism for these two new cast members - both making their first appearance in any theater.  These two guys are not in competition with each other - but, are helping each other to become better and better in their individual performances - in order to have a more perfect show!  It made my heart smile. . . 

My heart smiles every night as I watch Land of Spirit kids.   You can’t help but find yourself captivated by all the little ones - their smiles, their hugs, their laughter, and their love of acting!  Each one of these kids bring trememdous talent to the stage - and, it’s amazing to see how each of them grow from show to show.   From age 4 up, they learn their lines, all the songs in the show - and, most know everyone else’s lines, as well.  If you watch them real closely on stage you can sometime see them ‘mouthing’ other people’s lines. . . 

In Gas Sugar Nylons and Chocolate Bars, my favorite scene to watch Spirit Kids is when they dance to the song “ Trouble Won’t Last.”  It’s when all cast are at one end - facing Main Stage - leaving LOS Kids to the back of adults.  Cari Turner spells out the name HITLER and cast “cringe and express fear.”  Spirit Kids have this choreography down pat - what can I say except they are “adorable” - they sing, dance, and perform as veteran actors!

While I am speaking of kids, let me say we missed the Arp family (Megan, Courtney, Brittany and Spencer) this weekend.  They were on a church mission trip and we look forward to having them back for the last two shows.  Caitlain May was gone this weekend, too - and, we look forward to having her back, as well.  Marilyn Montemayor played Trudy in the absence of Megan Arp and Caitlain May this weekend and did a superb job - and to think she only had week’s rehearsal. 

Okay, time for bed.  I’ve rambled until 1:20.  Now, I cannot spell so it’s time to get some rest - 

See you at the theater, Judy        

Whew, what a night.  The show has been over for a little over two hours and I am still wound tighter than a string, I am hyper and tired.  It was a wonderful evening, with a great audience - and, the cast continues to gets better and better with each performance!  My mind is filled with lots of thoughts but they don’t go together as a theme for tonight’s blog - so, I will ramble. 

First, there was a woman who called today from Toccoa, wanting tickets to see the show.  She said she had never heard of Land of Spirit but she went to (I believe) a water arobics class at the Y and she said the show was the talk of Toccoa.   Everyone at the Y was saying how wonderful it was.

Next, the Matinee for tomorrow is already a sell out!  Another tour bus (with 52) is coming, along with four or five church groups with 20-25 each.  Very few seats were purchased by individuals.    We’re looking forward to a fun afternoon - groups seem to be on a natural high and are ready for fun as they enter the door.  The smiles, the laughter, it makes all the hard work at LOS worthwhile.

There is a scene in the play called Morgan’s Liar’s Club - written about those real people who sit around and talk each morning at Morgan’s Hardware.   In tonight’s audience were several of Morgan’s Liars - including owners Martha and Larry Floyd.  And, their son Eddie who is at Morgan’s is in the play, too, long with his children Regan, Eliza Kate and Perrin.  It was good to have Morgan’s Liars in the audience and for them to see the gentlemen (did I really refer to them as gentlemen?) who play their characters.  This is a ‘hoot’ of a scene or must maybe there are a lot of “hoots IN the scene.”

Each night at intermission Jim Gothard asks all active or those who have served in the military to stand and be recognized.  Then, he announces they are to be treated with a free Chocolate Bar in the USO Canteen.  I don’t know how many have gone and collected their candy, but I do know it is through the kindness of Roy Benifield this is done.  Roy pays for each and every candy bar that goes to a veteran.  He says it is the least of what he can do for them - just look at what they have done for us.   

We had two new cast members in tonight’s show.  One might think that strange since we have already completed 15 shows with only four remaining - but, the two new cast members were Cassidy and Ian Corriere, children of Playright Jules Corriere.   What an experience for these children to be able to tour with their Mom, visiting various communities across the United States.  That, in itself, is an education that cannot be purchased - it’s a rare experience and one I hope is treasured by the youngsters.  

This is only our second season for Land of Spirit, but again tonight we had people come up and say - “Next year, I’m going to be on stage and not in the audience.  I don’t know when I have seen people having so much fun.”  And, they do - no, WE do!   And, another audience member commented ” you have the best and most friendly volunteers I have ever met.” - And, yes WE do!    We are so blessed to live in a community which really is “The Land of Spirit.”  It’s the spirit of her people that makes Franklin County a place we’re  proud to call home! 

Kathy Beecham of Franklin Springs and one of AGLC’s newest board members, along with her brother and sister in law , were in the audience tonight.  Kathy said it brought tears to her eyes when their Mom and Dad were remembered by Zadie Gaines.   And, Kathy has now become an active LOS Volunteer.  She has ushered severed nights and is already talking about what she can do for LOS 2010!   

And speaking of LOS 2010 - there is lots of fundraising to do in order to pay for the 2010 show.  Since we are down to the last case of Cookin’ in the Land of Spirit cookbooks, we’ve decided to ask AGLC about sponsoring an ALL NEW COOKBOOK with a publication date of late Fall 2009.   We’ll be asking cast members to submit recipes just in case we get approval at the next AGLC board meeting.  With only two shows next weekend (Thursday and Friday), it’s imperative we have recipes before they leave for the remaining days of summer.

The 2010 cookbook is in planning stages but thoughts going round seem to be shaping into a terrific layout!  There will be reicpes for CHOCOLATE, SWEET SWEET CHOCOLATE; SUGAR SUBSTITUTE recipes since sugar was rationed during the war( perfect for diabeties); and,  recipes that have anything to do with VICTORY GARDENS - all type VEGGIES and FRUITS, maybe even a canning recipe or two like they learned in Home Demonstration Clubs long ago.  Or, maybe a recipe for “Olivia’s Corn Jelly.”    We’re hoping to get ”Recipe Forms” out to cast and crew tomorrow or via email on Monday - this will allow the forms to be returned next weekend, the last two show nights (July 2-3).

And, speaking of July 2 - we’re having our 2009 Story Tellers come as guests that night.  At 5:30 PM we’ll be having the OFFICIAL 2009 CAST PHOTO made by Ken Moulder.  And,  FOLLOWING Thursday night’s performance we’ll be serving light refreshments to AGLC Board Members, Cast, Crew and Story Tellers and Lavonia officials in appreciation for this year’s production! 

I said at the beginning it would be a night of rambling, and that it has.  Now that I have wound down and my eyes are heavy - it’s time I said good night.  Tomorrow will be another wonderful day as we perform TWO OF OUR REMAINING FOUR SHOWS!  

See you at the theater, Judy

Only six shows left - where has the time gone?    Gas Sugar Nylons and Chocolate Bars will be put to rest after the July 3 show!  If you have not yet seen the show - remaining  dates are June 25, 26, 27 (matinee and evening on the 27th) and July 2 and 3 evening shows.  The Matinee on June 27 is almost a sell out but tickets are still left for other performances.  Call 706-356-1926 or 8202 for your ticket reservations.

This third weekend was the best yet. . . with attendance and performance!  I feel absolutely drained of energy after four shows this weekend!   The Saturday matinee was a “sold out” audience.  People were everywhere. . . even sitting around the sides where cast normally wait for their next scene and crew members were standing in corners watching as best they could!  So of course with large audiences the cast rose to the occasion and performed at their best.

We had folks come this afternoon from “Salkehatchee Stew”  over in South Carolina and a group from Ashville, North Carolina  who are still in the planning stages of their new show.  Both these groups have employed Community Performance, Inc. to assist with their folk life shows, just as Land of Spirit has done.  They came to learn from us, just as we have done in the past with Swamp Gravy down in Miller County Georgia.   The group from Ashville were caught in a traffic jam coming down and were late arriving.  With a full house it was tough finding seats since they arrived after the show had begun.  However, they were patient, sat around with cast until intermission, and finally we were able to locate eleven seats for them.

It was a special afternoon for me.  My Uncle Bill, his wife Christine and his four (grown and gone) daughters came to the Matinee.  He is from Cartersville and the daughters are from Calhoun, Woodstock, and Marietta.  They all met here and celebrated Father’s Day (one day early).  And, joining them for the show were our long-time friends from Augusta, the Wilsons.  We were able to join them for dinner at 211 Main Street Restaurant between the matinee and evening performances.   Although it made for a very long day, it was exciting and fun to have family and friends come see the play and to spend a little time talking with them.

I though Caitlain May put on a refreshing performance this afternoon as Trudy and her double, Megan Arp, came right back with another one tonight.  These two ladies have really ‘blossomed” in this role of a young woman who drove people to work in Toccoa during the war and who would then go to her on job at at Camp Toccoa. 

The husband and wife teams of Marvin & Lula Lowry and Jim and Priscilla Gothard continue to entertain audiences each week with their comedy roles.  Having personally known these two couples before Land of Spirit, I would never have believed they would have made such terrific comedians - these retirees have found new careers - even if it’s in non paid positions!  All four are a joy to watch in Gas Sugar Nylons and Chocolare Bars!  

And, speaking of comedians - newcomers Bruce Gregory and John Thompson (edited - don’t know why I called him Williams - escept it was after 2:00 AM when I originally wrote this - sorry John) continue to draw lots of laughter in their roles.  One would never know this is their debut into the world of theater!   

We’ve missed Leslie McFarland in this year’s production but we’re happy she was able to allow her children, Cari and Alex McDuffie, to continue with their second year in LOS.  These kids have given wonderful performances and are a joy to work with.  In 2010 we hope to see all the family back for our new production.

And speaking of families, last year we had Owen Thomason and Chloe in the show.  This year Owen and Chloe returned, and daughter Addie joined the cast and son Malone joined the LOS technical crew.  An extrememly talented and thoughtful family - now, in 2010, we would like to see Mom Gena join the cast - making it a full family affair! 

Others who I think give very good performances include:  Suzanne Spears; Bethany Petty;  Roy Benifield; Brett McCluskey; Taylor Thomas; Marilyn Montemayor and Maddie McRee.   And, Jeanette Greer and Zadie Gaines continue to amaze me with the theater talent they possess.  

Okay, I’ve wound down from this busy day and time to get some rest.  I’ll try to blog again real soon. 

 See you at the theater, Judy 

I could not believe it had been a week since I wrote the last blog - again, where did the time go?   We just finished the second weekend of the 2009 show - performances on Thursday and Friday evenings and today there was a matinee and evening show.  With the economy being so tight, we were extremely pleased with attendence this weekend - even though there were no sold out shows!  

As I looked through tonight’s evaluations I was pleased and surprised to see so many attendees from far away places. . . there were 6 from Denver (making me wonder if our Director Richard Geer’s family had slipped in - just kidding); and, 2 from Seattle, Washington.   In Georgia they came from Dahlonega, Athens, Gainesville, Commerce, Toccoa, Lilburn, Stone Mountain, Clarkesville, Riverdale, Hull and Winterville.  On Friday night there were large church groups from Westminister, South Carolina and Clarkesville, Georgia and a bus full of folks from South Georgia.  On Thursday evening we had 27 from the Young at Heart group of the Catholic Church in Hartwell and at the Saturday Matinee there was a group from Cobb Gables in Royston - and, there were lots of family groups including my husband’s - the Hulsey Family!  And, the Methodist Church from Toccoa was here one evening. . . I know I am leaving out groups, but in writing this from memory I am sure to miss some (especially with my memory)!

And, I know our local businesses have been pleased, as well.  Almost of all of these groups had lunch or dinner in our local restaurants and many had overnight lodging at our motels or B&B on the lake.  And, our cast has to eat, too!  You see them running in restaurants all over town to get a bite to eat either before or after a show - or, like this afternoon it was between shows.  And, family members of our cast come to see their loved ones perform - and, to share meals together - it creates a wonderful bonding time for families.

I thought all the Arp family cast members played their parts really well today - Courtney wound up playing Vanessa in both shows - the matinee and the evening performances(both Christie and Jordan were out); while sister Megan was on as Trudy tonight; sister Brittany was excellent in Patriotic Duty; and, brother Spencer is cute as can be in Goat Pooling!   What a wonderfully talented family. . . now, if we can just get Mom and Dad in next year’s show along with all the children!

The Thomason family was also on top of their roles today!  Father Owen is in his second year with LOS and plays the Air Raid Warden; Chole is making her second appearance in LOS as a head scrapper;  and, Addie is doing great in her first year with LOS in the Patrotic Duty scene - and, all are in the musical scenes.   Not on stage but working with LOS is son Malone who is a member of the Technical Crew - Another extrememly talented family that we’re fortunate to have in Land of Spirit.

There is another young man I want to mention tonight - Matthew Sosby from Canon.  Matthew joined LOS this year and was cast in the role of Joe McGinnis - a man who is writing the ration board for tires.  He was suppose to “read his letter to the ration board” but upon seeing other cast memorize their lines, Matthew has done so, as well.  And, Matthew serves in lots of other roles as general cast - including the Black Market scene.  He is a quiet young man who doesn’t communicate very much with others, but because of his dedication and perserverance to the show cast members have grown to love and appreciate what Matthew is contributing.  And, I can see what LOS is contributing to Matthew’s life - it’s a win-win situation in all respects.  We’re fortunate for the opportunity to work with Matthew Sosby, one of God’s special young people.

And, we’re thankful for newcomer Mark Foster.  He had to play so many roles today that one would have thought he was a veteran community player.  If someone is out, he steps up and plays their roles, too!  And he was GOOD in all of them - bet the audience didn’t even know this was not his usual performance.

And, Josephene Bratcher is becoming a veteran actor - she is a hoot in her roles of an angry lady in the Ration Board Line and in the Home Demonstration Club.    Now we know from where Vivian ( LOS Stage Manager, Assistant Director, and actor) gets her love and talent for acting - from her Mom!  Vivian is just a chip off the old block.

And, then there is the Floyd Family in the show.  Father Eddie (a City of Lavonia Council Member), and daughters Regan, Eliza Kate, and Perrin.  Perrin, at age 5, is the youngest cast member in LOS 2009, and cute as a button.  The audience oohs and ahhs every time she makes an appearance.  However, Eliza Kate is the family member who appears to love acting the most - even though Regan is making her second appearance in Land of Spirit and doing a terrific job.    Again, we’re fortunate to have such a talented family as cast.   

There are more ‘families’ in LOS, but I’ll have to wait until another night to blog about them.  It’s late and Sunday morning will be here before I get rest. . . and, we’re off to North Georgia Technical College for Alumni Day tomorrow.

Next show dates are June 18-19-20.  We have friends coming from Augusta for Matinee on the 20th and it has been much too long since we’ve seen them.  They’re coming especially to see the show - they came last year and loved it.  I have no doubt they will love this one even more! 

See you at the theater, Judy  

It was a small crowd tonight,  but one would have never known by the energy of the cast.  They played as if it were a full or sold out house - they played for one woman - Nita Jones!  In our prayer circle, prior to the show, Playwright Jules Corriere told cast members that Nita would be in the audience tonight.  And, she explained how it was Nita’s story that was the spine of this year’s play  - The character Joyce is Nita and Vanessa is Nita’s daughter Jinger who died in an accident when she was a young woman. 

In her interview, Nita told the story of how Jinger loved butterflies and had once said that she didn’t know if there was a here after -  where she would come back as something else - but if she did, she wanted to come back as a butterfly - because they are so beautiful and free.  In the early 1970’s while still newly weds, Jinger and husband Dewey died in a tragic accident during Christmas holidays(on a foggy night they ran off the road into Lake Hartwell).  Nita was not able to look at the scene of the accident for several months.  When she did go to the lake there was a beautiful yellow butterfly flying over the spot where Jinger had died.  Nita remarked that she looked over the lake and smiled - she said she could here Jinger saying, “Look Mamma - see how beautiful I am and how free.”  Since that day, Nita has surrounded herself with butterflies - lots and lots of beautiful butterflies. 

It was hard for me to watch the show tonight and not watch Nita’s reactions to the show.  She sat on the edge of the wheel chair - smiling and nodding approval throughout each scene.  Her granddaughter Amy, Amy’s brother and husband sat behind them.   Nita is a lady who displays strength and courage - faith in God -  and, who says God had a purpose for her life. When she lost Jinger she was drawn to teaching homebound children  - some of who were terminally ill.   She says having lost a daughter helped her relate to the parents of these children she taught and to give them strength and encouragement to face their future as she had done.

When Nita entered the theater, cast lined up to shake her hand or hug her neck - there was not time for all to speak before show time so at intermission, the line formed again.  And, after the show there were more cast - young and old alike -  making their way to speak to Nita and her family.

And, there were tears in Granddaughter Amy’s eyes.  During the last scence when cast do Remembrances, someone had remembered Nita’s other daughter and Amy’s mother Beth Jones McGriff.    They lost Jinger in the early 1970’s but its been only about 18 months since they lost Beth (in her 50’s) to the terrible disease of cancer.   

As Nita was leaving, she hugged my neck and told me that we would never know what this night had meant to her - and that’s probably true.  No one can understand what it’s like to loose a daughter and son-in -law when they are just beginning life together, or to loose your other daughter to cancer when she’s only in her 50’s, and she lost her dear husband Bailey - no we probably will never walk the road Nita has walked nor can we fully understand how she felt tonight.  But, there is one thing I do know and that’s all the hard work and long hours we’ve put into making this play was worth it tonight  - just to see the smile on Nita’s face and the twinkle in her eyes as she listened to the beautiful music and saw the excellent performance given by this great cast!  They put their heart and soul into this performance and played for Nita.

See you at the theater, Judy 

It finally arrived - Opening Night for Gas Sugar Nylons and Chocolate Bars!  As one would expect, there were a few opening night jitters; but, for the most part, actors were ready to go.  The first few scenes moved a little slow but as soon as the jitters were over they all picked up steam and never slowed down again!

I don’t want to give away any secrets, but the show opens with a monolog by Joyce - played tonight by Beverly Thompson.   She is such a wonderful actor and has the voice of an angel.  Every time she sings her solo in Victory Garden it brings tears to my eyes - and, sometimes to hers.  Beverly is a true actor in that she has taken this part and made it her own - feeling and expressing the joys and sadness the real Joyce (Nita Jones) must have felt in her life.   

Several of Beverly’s family are in the show, as well:  husband Jeff ( a  talented, veteran community player who by the way is a High D as described in an earlier blog) who plays the role of Colonel (in real life the Colonel is Beverly’s grandfather); her Mom Peggy Bruce plays the Colonel’s Secretary; and, brother Chip has several roles - and, is most outstanding in Morgan’s Liar’s Club and the Walker. . 

Peggy Bruce’s double is Mary Ann Treace who also plays the role of the Colonel’s secretary.  These two ladies are as opposite as can be in their portrayal of this person but yet they both give excellent performances!  Just as a similar situation in which Cari McFarland plays opposite Marvin Lowry -  two different age groups - one female and the other male .  Yet, their performances of this role are both outstanding.  That’s an indication to me of excellent casting by our playright and director.   They could see the talent each would bring to these characters.

Luther Dixon had his best performance yet in the role of Rudy(I know this is opening night - I am thinking of rehearsals) , a young man who trains at Camp Toccoa and become a Glider Pilot!  Luther attends Franklin County High and has great potential for the theater - and, he has the most charming personality!  An all around good guy who make his parents really proud.   I have the pleasure of knowing Luther’s Grandfather, Dan Dixon, who retired from teaching Brick Masonry at North Georgia Tech in Clarkesville and who supervised student’s who built the President’s Home in the late 1950’s.  The home in which I had the pleasure of living during my tenure as President from 1995 - 2000.   In the 1960’s Mr. Dixon taught my husband Kenneth to lay cement blocks in an evening class.  Guess Luther just comes from “good stock” - and, we’re happy to have him in the LOS Family.  Luther says his Grandfather is coming to see his performance - I hope so, it will be good to see Dan again!

Benjamin Roper, a member of my church - Lavonia United Methodist - plays opposite Luther in the role of Rudy - and, he too is a fine young man.  Come this fall Ben is off to UGA - having graduated from FCHS this year. 

And, speaking of the Lavonia United Methodist Church - Pator Tom, and daughter Maddie, came tonight to see all our church members perfrom:  Lula and Marvin Lowry (wonder what Tom though of the role Marvin played as a “drunk”????????); Peggy and Chip Bruce; Jeff and Beverly Thompson; Lucy Long; Benjamin Roper; Megan, Brittany, Courtney and Spencer Arp.  I sure hope I have not left someone out - but, while typing in family names it reminded me that I need to blog another night and just talk about families in the play.  I mentioned the Bruce family tonight - but, there are many others in the play.  I’ll do that one night when I am no so brain dead (if that’s possible)!   

And, I should blog about the LOS children - this year they are ”Scrappers” playing the role of students of Mrs. Mamie Robinson, a school teacher, who organized a scrap drive  during World War II;  some Kids are playing in Goat Pooling - the role of Bobby McMurry who had a Goat Wagon and gave other children rides; and, they are  ’cute as a button’ while singing Gas Sugar Nylons and Chocolate Bars - when they need a new pair shoes.  So much to write about and so little time.

That’s enough rambling for tonight - got to get some sleep!

See you at the theater, Judy 

It felt so good to walk up into the stands, sit down and enjoy the show - and, NOT through the eyes of a camera or while taking notes!  It was VIP night and first my husband Kenneth and I attended the reception then we attended the performance.  I had said last night the cast was ready - but, wow -  were they ever ready! 

Yep, “ever ready” like the battery - they had that high energy levels and it showed in their perfromance.   And, although I have attended most all rehearsals this is the first time I had seen the full show!  My first impression was beautiful - my second was that it held surprises even for me.

I guess the most noticeable surprise was in costumes.  You see, I have been working with costumes since the beginning and I can asure you a couple or more of the costumes that walked on stage tonight were NOT what I had purchased, seen hanging in the dressing room or had approved for cast to wear - not that there was anything wrong with waht they wore - but, just a surprise!  Guess tomorrow I will have to check that out. . .

Back to the performances -  I thought Mark Foster was superb in his roles tonight, especially for his debut into the world of acting.  His first ever appearance came over very well!  I hope he was pleased because I know his Mom and Dad will be beaming with pride for thier son!

91 year old Lousie Allison should have gotten into comedy a long time ago - she got lots of lots of laughs tonight in her roles. . . just as new-comer John Thompson.  John was helarious in Morgan’s Liar’s Club. 

Marvin Lowry and Jim Gothard were both in LOS 2008 and are back in 2009.  Both gave great performances tonight - Marvin makes an excellent Moonshiner and Sheriff!

George Garriss, an AGLC Board Member, and his wife Marvella were in the audience tonight.  They take lots of bus tours to various plays and special events.  George came out of the theater laughing and said:  “If this doesn’t bring in Tour Bus groups, I don’t know what will - it was terrific - it even made ME cry.   I believe it’s better than last year’s show and I had thought it could not be beat.”

Comments similar to those above were echoed by most of the folks leaving the theater tonight.  Chairty Moon Henry, Drama Teacher at Franklin County High, stayed after the show and told cast how impressed she was with their performance.  I saw her talking with a group of high school students (thinking they were her students) and asked if she ws critiquing their tonight’s performance and she responded - “NO, I’m recruiting.  They were wonderful.”      

I thought the children looked especially cute tonight - the little girls love the dresses and bows they wear this year - they’re almost like those in the picture of Bobby McMurry’s goat cart from the 1940’s - or earlier????  Perrin Floyd seemed to steal the audience’s attention with her cute little smile and actions while singing.  She is just a darling little girl!

There were many more actors who helped make it such a successful opening. . . but, I’m exhausted and need to get some rest tonight.  I’ll try and mention them by name later in the run.  Four hours a night’s sleep is beginning to catch up on me!

Tell you what - get that ticket, come on out and critique this year’s play yourself - let us know if  you like Gas Sugar Nylons and Chocolate Bars better than LOS 2008 The Last Hard Times.  Better yet,  leave me some comments on this blog about what you think of the show!    I have lots of folks tell me they read the blog - but, they don’t leave me comments - at times, I feel like I talk to myself !  But, that’s okay, too  - I love talking about Land of Spirit - it’s my favorite topic!

See you at the theater, Judy

It’s after 2:00 AM on Wednesday, June 3 and tonight the Cast of Land of Spirit’s Gas Sugar Nylons and Chocolate Bars will have their first performance of the 2009 season!  They’re Ready - how, I do not know!  Changes in scene blockings were made even tonight and Cast Members took it in stride. . . just as they have for the past six weeks! 

This is only our second season so I’m not use to the last minute changes, but I guess those in the theater adapt better than those of us who have spent our lives in administrative type positions.  We tend to like everything layed out in order and completed well ahead of time.   With those in the theater, wanting to make a perfect production,  change is constant.  And, it’s down to the wire with set design, lighting, choreography and directing - and, even playwriting. 

Many years ago, while working at Georgia State University, I held workshops on the DISC  (Dominating - Influence - Steadfast - Compliant) Profile- determining how one’s basic personality traits effect their work and behavior.  And, knowing and understanding how different traits can create better work teams.   Vivian, our stage manager, and I have been discussing this in the last couple of weeks.  We’ve talked of our own traits and how they differ with those of CPI personnel and others associated with the show. 

Vivian and I both are high D’s. . . demanding, dominating, outspoken, do what it takes to get the job done type people.  We have very little patience with those who are non-productive, etc. - You get the message. . . if there is to be change in the organization we want to make it and get on with the business!    And, due to the nature of our talkative personalities we follow closely with a high I.  On the other hand, Genny is an S - the steadfast person.  She will do whatever it takes to get the job done and do it herself rather than ask others for assistance and to be sure it is done right.  She likes to make people happy and does not like adversity.   However, she too, follows with a high I. 

Sometimes folks wear a mask and try to change their basic traits, but in the end - the true self emerges.  It’s hard to get up each day and wear a mask, trying to appear to be someone other than yourself.  CPI because of the nature of their business try to have “I” traits when working with new groups.  I say “try” simply because “I” means one with influence.  They want to influence you into into doing things their way while facts and figures do not matter - But, all of them are different and each has their own way of working with new people they meet in each community.  

Now multiply these diffeent personality traits by 76 Cast Members and one can imagine the differences in opinion that might arise on any one topic;  or, in the case of the theater how each scene should be played, etc.  And, one can imagine the number of conflicts that can and will arise during the length of a play.  But because of these very differences, a great TEAM was created.  Just think how boring it would be if everyone had the same personality traits!

But, this diverse and talented  group created a “TEAM” and together produced a a wonderful folk life play for your enjoyment.  They’ve used the creative talents of many people to being stories of real people to life.  There has been lots of give and take on the part of 100+ people to get this never seen before production ready to open.  I think you will be please and surprised at the amount of work that has gone into this play - it’s evident in the beauty of the music, the scences and the stories. 

When the show opens tonight for the VIP Pre-View performances, all the differences will be put aside and the one major goal of the TEAM is to perform to its highest level!  And, when it’s over everyone who has worked so hard will be proud of there part in the show - no matter how small or large.  Take any of the jobs performed by one person and you still only have that one job - but, put the job of 100+ people together and you have a VERY SUCCESSFUL 2009 LAND OF SPIRIT FOLK LIFE PLAY Gas Sugar Nylons and Chocolate Bars!

See you at the theater, Judy