Not quite sure what happened to October and November in the blogging world. They certainly came and went in my blogosphere. I'm not even sure I read anyone else's blogs either. Although that's not altogether true as I do have in my possession, well on my iphone actually, a number of odd snippets and even one attempted blog so forgive me if I at least put that one up here. It's out of date now, but just imagine you, like me, haven't been reading blogs for the last couple of months so you're having a good old catch up session.
Here goes.
So it's the end of 'Desire Under the Elm's, but despair not as Hannah has been overlapping rehearsing for her next job. There is probably a proper acting word for that, but I have no idea and the likelihood is neither will you, so 'overlapping' will do. Basically she's been rehearsing during the day and then in the show at night. Lots of hard work but hey it's what she's signed up to do, so no sympathy from me. At least she avoids that weird 'come down' that I'm sure happens at the finish of a show. I bet there's a word for that too! She came home the other day with 'sitzprobe'. Had never heard of it, so after nodding enthusiastically and total pretence that I knew what she was talking about, I went and looked it up.
Sitzprobe n. a first rough rehearsal of an opera or musical stage play with singers and musicians, but without acting, scenery or costumes. Apparently. Thank you google and A Way With Words. I have digressed . Where was I? Ah, yes, next job!
She has indeed a next job, Cinderella. A pantomime. Which will immediately confuse any American readers and I believe there are a few, as they really don't have the equivalent over the pond and will right now be thinking painted white faces, gloves and mime. Oh no it isn't. Which right there is humour which will bypass you guys as this is all part of Pantoworld where many families visit over the Christmas period. It's a world where men dress up as women and girls dress up as boy's (no it's not Shakespeare but it is as British!) and the audience shout at the cast and the cast shouts back. Where there is thigh slapping, sweet chucking (that's going to really confuse the Americans), custard pie throwing and lots and lots of laughter. It's usually a fairy tale and there is often famous people as the main characters. Do you know what, just do what I do and nod enthusiastically, then go and google it. Better still come and stay over one Christmas and experience it for yourselves. You won't know our famous people, understand the jokes or even know the lines the audience are allowed to shout but never mind. It's British, so you'll love it!!!
Anyway all that just to say that Hannah is in one. So she's happy and I get to keep on looking after Kai. The pushy mum part of me (silence all those who wonder at the accuracy of this, as I hear you cry. "What! Alyson. Pushy mum? Never.") is of course very happy too.
I had always intended to give my review of the play, Desire Under the Elms, and I must say how totally blown away by it I was. In so many ways. It's the kind of play that made me want to discuss it, lots. And as I naturally want to discuss far too much in life, I would probably wear you down in my desire (yes I purposely chose that word) to work out, question, understand and basically bore you with my own opinion. It's all completely subjective anyway and that's what makes reviews a bit lacking, as if you read enough of them you're bound to find one that you agree with. The 'real' reviews were mainly very good. With a few 5 stars, many 4 stars and a tiny sprinkling of 3 stars.
Simply, the set was wonderful in it's tiny, separated box/rooms. A fragmented house for a fragmented family. There was a stand out performance from Denise Gough playing Abby, for which she has rightly been nominated for awards. The blue grass, slide guitar music thing (don't you love my terminology ) just added to the whole atmosphere and boy was there atmosphere. I'm a bit of a sucker for that whole sound as it takes me back to the other country that I love so much.
Yep, that's her dancing right there.
I did get a teeny bit excited yesterday as Hannah brought home her costume which she had cheekily asked for and they kindly agreed to let her have. So instead of sitting in
their wardrobe taking up space for however long, just on the off chance that the same costume in that particular size was ever needed it will now sit in
her wardrobe taking up space, just on the off chance that she might need it ever. Fancy dress party anyone? I am a bit soft when it comes to costumes as we still have all of hers from her dance shows and competitions.
Just in case!
