By Suzanne Dietz of EGGS ON ICE, a Cackleberry Club mystery by Laura Childs
In the spirit of the season the Kindred Players were having a dress rehearsal for A Christmas Carol. Toni and I had decided that helping with costumes, lights and set designs was much more important that finishing the decorations at the Cackleberry Club Café. So there we were watching friends and neighbors transformed into 19th Century residents of England and speaking Dickensian lines with delicious accents.
We were particularly tickled that Allan Sharp, or as Toni calls him “our town curmudgeon” was playing the part of Ebenezer Scrooge. Talk about type casting. Still, he was doing a good job.
Toni had trouble with the lighting and for a minute the stage was completely dark, but she got control and made it light enough that we could just see Scrooge sitting at his desk. I was operating the smoke machine in anticipation of the ghost who showed up right on cue. He seemed to hug Scrooge for a moment and then floated off into the wings opposite us. It was so well done that I nearly jumped out of my skin when Bill Probst came up behind me and called my name. I was shocked to see him in a long gray ghost outfit. When he apologized for missing his cue, I was perplexed. Who was the ghost on stage? And why is Allen Sharp slumped at his desk, not moving? In fact it looked as though he wasn’t breathing.
I’m bursting to let you know what happens next, so we are giving away a copy of EGGS ON ICE to one lucky commenter below. Just tell us anything at all about amateur theatrical productions. You’ve been in a show; you were in the audience; you were a stage hand; you don’t spend money off-off Broadway. Whatever it is, tell us and you will be entered for a chance to win. Don’t forget to include your email addy in this format: name (AT) server (DOT) com to avoid the spam bots. No email; no entry. Giveaway closes at midnight your time Saturday, December 22nd .
Posts
We have a great theater in a town near us. We have attended many great productions over the years!! lindaherold999(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThe drama department at the college I went to put on a number of good shows every year.
ReplyDeleteturtle6422 at gmail dot com
I have never been involved in a theater production, but it sounds like fun! mbradeen (AT) yahoo (DOT) com
ReplyDeleteI went to several plays from traveling groups. I love them debby236 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteHave never been in a theater production, sounds interesting.
ReplyDelete[email protected]
In college, I worked as a stage hand for a local theater. It was such fun.
ReplyDeletema(underscore)ward(at)Hotmail(dot)com
Every year when I was in grade school I was in the Christmas play. I still have nightmares about it once in awhile and it has been many years ago. Thanks for the chance to win. [email protected]
ReplyDeleteI enjoy attending theatre performances which are amateur and give me great pleasure and enjoyment. They are so memorable. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWe attend at least one each year. Our town and a neighboring town put on 2-3 productions each year with local performers that are very good.
ReplyDeleteHave seen both good and bad amateur productions, sometimes the bad ones are too funny for words.
ReplyDeleteAmateur productions were well done and the audience loved the acting. The play was packed and amazing. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWe are in a very rural area, and to beat the winter doldrums, the different communities all put on plays in February or March. Our town's play proceeds go to support the American Legion Hall where the play is put on.
ReplyDeleteI’m a big supporter of the Dartmouth Players and have enjoyed their shows for years. Community theatre is alive and well in Nova Scotia, and I wouldn’ have it any other way! roswita.hildebrandt at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI participated in several amateur productions in high school. It was hard work but also great fun. a4h(dot)cloverbud(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteAlas I sit in the audience.
ReplyDeleteThe productions I attend are usually at the local schools, but still fun! [email protected]
ReplyDeleteNever was in a play but saw children in them.
ReplyDeleteMy two sons were in a high school murder mystery dinner. One was the butler and the other was the detective. It was fun!
ReplyDeletemarypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann
I was never into theater or a stage hand. I did get to see an local theater production of Madame Butterfly. I honestly could not understand any of it and my date kept falling asleep (he snored too).
ReplyDeleteWe have a small playhouse here in our area and we went years ago to see White Christmas. It was lovely and so much fun. Vickiela3(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWe actually have a couple of wonderful little theaters in town. I've only been twice but it was so fun both times! [email protected]
ReplyDeleteWe do a few professional actor theatre productions a year and with three grandchildren in school, we usually have a couple there and one pageant at church plus my oldest granddaughters dance performances. After 11 years in dance she very "professional" looking for being only 15. I was only in a play in high school and college but none since.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway.
Cynthia Bayer Blain on FB.
Have not been to an amateur production in years, but did enjoy going to the productions that my high schools did.
ReplyDeleteNancy B
nlb1050 (at) yahoo (dot) com
have not been in plays but my children all were (all six daughters). [email protected]
ReplyDeleteI am bursting to know what happens next! I worked with someone for a number of years who was quiet, efficient and kept to herself. And then one day she told us about her involvement in front of a behind the stage at amateur theater productions and she came alive. What interesting stories she had to tell. Thanks for the giveaway and Happy Holidays.
ReplyDeletesallycootie(at)gmail(dot)com
Although I've never been in any form of theatrical productions, I have been part of several skits or performances. First I must tell you that both hubby and I were clowns at one time. We were friends with and got the chance to clown with Emmett Kelly Jr. the reason I start off with this is that we are use to doing "strange" things in the course of our "hobby".
ReplyDeleteThe two that stand out so vividly in my mind were around the same group of clowns. The first was at a very refined banquet we "got" a friend on his 50th birthday after he said he couldn't be got. He was dressed in tuxedo presiding over the banquet. Hubby complete with mustache dressed in fully as a bride attire on cue from the music of "Happy Trails" came down the aisle to claim his "groom" that had left her standing at the alter when he forgot about his wedding. The bride slung him over his shoulder and carried of her true love. Needless to say he got had on his 50th which was recorded as well. The other was similar but with many more participants. All the men dressed as saloon gals and has to walk the streets of Tombstone, AZ asking for "donations". All the money was for a college scholarship and the winner was the one that collected the most money. It was a production that lasted all day and took a lot of behind the scene work to get these rough and rugged men to look like woman that would attract $$.
Although not on a stage, believe me they were productions including an audience, stage hands with the intent to bring entertainment and laughter to many.
Thank you for the fabulous chance to win a copy of "EGGS ON ICE" by Laura Childs!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
I have helped make scenery when in high school.
ReplyDelete[email protected]
I like see both Broadway in Chicago shows as well as local theater productions. Hamilton is still on my bucket list.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
The only experience I have is being a stage "mom" for my kids High School plays and musicals. That involved costumes,. props, and anything else you can think of. Thank you for this chance. 1cow0993(at)gmail(dot)com.
ReplyDeleteI just saw Elf musical production at our local dinner theater. I love that place. nerdsrgood AT msn DOT com
ReplyDeleteI worked backstage in college productions and saw The Fantastics off Broadway in 1968.
ReplyDeleteI go to as many shows as I can. I love theater! lkleback at hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI loved going to our schools Jr and Sr high productions. Such amazing talent
ReplyDeleteOur town has a theater group that puts on wonderful plays 6 times a year.
ReplyDeleteI go to all my local theatre productions. I have seen many fine plays.
ReplyDeleteFolks, don't forget to add you email addy to your post. Name (at) provider (dot) com
ReplyDeleteI worked props and publicity for my University Drama Dept. for four years and we had such fun. I had to make cold mashed potatoes and color them for the hobbit. They had to look like several different items. Real food wouldn't work because the Actors ate it...the Director used to stop by and check out my progress and make unrepeatable remarks about it lol...
ReplyDeleteMarilyn [email protected]
Our county has a high school for the arts that does amazing musicals. I’ve been to several of their productions.
ReplyDeleteskforrest1957(at)gmail(dot)com
DeleteIn High School we did a version of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Our play director changed the pronunciation of one the names to go with the town we were in. We had so much fun! I love all types of theater and have attended many plays, from grade school plays to Broadway, and everything in between. I love the theater. I love this series! I'm so glad the Cackleberry Club is back. Thank you for this chance. areewekidding(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to anything since high school and I don't remember what the plays were. I was in the audience as my friend was in the play. Thank you for this chance. pgenest57(at)aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed being in and watching plays at my public school. They were always so much fun
ReplyDeleteareadingmum(at)Gmail(dot)com
Our choir put on the musical Brigadoon when I was a senior in high school. End of my career...nettiem(at)toledotel(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI was in The Sound of Music and My Fair Lady in high school! Great experience and loved it!!!
ReplyDelete[email protected]
When I was little, about 5 years old, my bio dad took my to an off off broadway production of Snow White and I was chosen to go upon stage and be one of the 7 dwarves. It ignited my love of live theater and live music. [email protected]
ReplyDeleteWhen I was 11 I was on stage at my school Duchess Day School in Millbrook, NY. It was a play by Gertrude Stein. I had to stand on a ladder and say my lines. Quite a fumny memory!!
ReplyDeleteCathy Furtak
[email protected]
I've attended performances at my niece's high school.
ReplyDeletejtcgc at yahoo dot com
I tried out when I was in middle school, but didn't make it and was relegated to backstage anajs95 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI have been in the audience. Thanks for the great giveaway. doward1952(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteSeveral years ago, hubby & I were in a play. Our town didn't have a little theater group, but one of the men in town had written a play and wanted to put it on. He had been a part of a theatrical group in another town so felt he could do it. It was fun, and I if I do say so myself, I think it turned out quite good. Hubby played an outlaw, a bad one -- while in real life he was a pastor. He did it well though.
ReplyDeleteHubby and I have also attended Little Theater group plays in other towns, as well as school performances of plays. I always enjoy them, and wish we could go to more. I would also like to be in another play -- but memorizing a part might be hard anymore.
I have also attended big Broadway type productions when they go on the road and land in OKC. Someday I'd like to actually go to New York and see a production. But I understand tickets to those things are very pricey.
donna (dot) durnell (at) sbcglobal (dot) net
I was in a production of Meet Me In St. Louis when I was in school - elementary or early jr. high. I played Tootie. I don't know if that is when I learned to project my voice, or if I just do it naturally. Normally soft spoken, I can speak to a room without any microphone.
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