Ever been hypnotized by a marsupial?

[PatchOBlack]

I've gotta disagree. Liver and Brussels sprouts are horrible.

Well, I didn't say that nothing was bad, just that because you don't like something doesn't automatically mean that it is bad. After all, if liver and Brussels sprouts were universally hated, no one would still be selling them. Yet, there are folks who gladly eat a dinner of liver and onions, and I'll admit to having occasionally eaten some well-prepared Brussels sprouts, though I would still say they are not my favorite side-dish.

[delsdad]

I just have to say that this is the most awesome thread divergedness I've ever witnessed. Completely loving the analysis of modern theater productions.

Delsdad, you a gypsy?

Not any more. I've got the seniority and skills to stay home and work constantly. I do miss it tho. Lots of friends still in the road. I haven't done any long term touring since 2001. Since then its just 2-3 week programming gigs. I don't want to miss seeing my daughter grow up. And my wife would kill me!

[Zazu]

I've gotta disagree. Liver and Brussels sprouts are horrible.

Well sure, if you put them in the same dish....

[LadySiren]

Not any more. I've got the seniority and skills to stay home and work constantly. I do miss it tho. Lots of friends still in the road. I haven't done any long term touring since 2001. Since then its just 2-3 week programming gigs. I don't want to miss seeing my daughter grow up. And my wife would kill me!

I wanted to be one, Dad said no. I went into politics, then the game industry...and ended up as pseudo gypsy anyway (I moved every 18 months or so while making games).

[techie-13]

My favorite theater story: we did Jesus Christ, Superstar one year at my rep theater. There were some grumbles, especially since our college happened to be next to a convent (which came in handy, BTW, when we did Sound of Music).
We also got a hydraulic lift with a crossbar at the top where he was "crucified" every night.

Ahhhh, good times. :D:

Your story of the crucifixion reminded me of one I heard back during my first trip through my local community college. (I'm now on my 2nd trip but that's another story.) Anyway, the community college is located on a hill with an amphitheater that is used for summer productions and the parking lots further down the hill. Near the college is a convent and an old mission. The drama department was doing a production of Jesus Christ, Superstar where they would raise the performer in the role of Jesus on a cherry-picker each night and light him from behind with a VERY bright spotlight from one of the parking lots. One night there were clouds near the top of the hill behind the school and when they lit the performer up... It was the Jesus Christ Bat-signal! :D:
The school got calls from both the convent and the church asking if they would kindly get the performer down as soon as possible. :D:

[delsdad]

I wanted to be one, Dad said no. I went into politics, then the game industry...and ended up as pseudo gypsy anyway (I moved every 18 months or so while making games).

It can be a tough life or a fun life, its luck of the draw and timing. You are basically on the clock 24-7, but only get OT when the company actually asks you to do something outside of your standard week. Even with private hotel rooms, you will travel with, eat with, and party with the people you work with. My wife referred to our road crew as "her boys". Whenever she flew out to visit she brought stuff from home for the guys.

It was one of the most rewarding times for me professionally. We were making our own kind of magic. Show up at the theatre at 8am with 6 trucks, our crew of ten, plus 60 local helpers, and at 8 that evening give the good people of ________ a broadway show with all the trimmings.

A good friend is contemplating going out on a Cirque tour. Those are long tours, they can last years. He has 2 kids under 6 at home, I think he is out of his mind. But the lure of the road never leaves you, and he is dying to get back out there. He has been off the road for 7 years, but the money is so much better when on a good tour, its hard to say no. I don't think I could do it though. I enjoy watching my daughter grow up too much!

I know several guys who have been on the road for 25 years or longer, and actually never put down roots. they figure that when they retire (soon) they will have enough money banked to live almost anywhere they like (except Maui!) and never work again. Imagine if you had no housing or food costs for 25 or thirty years, it was all covered by your employer...... its a great way to save money!

[Main Streeter]

Anyway, the community college is located on a hill with an amphitheater that is used for summer productions and the parking lots further down the hill. Near the college is a convent and an old mission.

Ca. Missions are my passion/interest so I must ask - sounds as though you might be describing San Mateo, but there is no old Ca. Mission there. Is the old mission Mission San Jose de Guadalupe (1797) in Fremont? Nothing left of old Mission Santa Clara. I "think" you are near San Jose. Give me a hint. ;)

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

I've gotta disagree. Liver and Brussels sprouts are horrible.

They are not so bad if you use your Bass-o-matic!

[LadySiren]

Your story of the crucifixion reminded me of one I heard back during my first trip through my local community college. (I'm now on my 2nd trip but that's another story.) Anyway, the community college is located on a hill with an amphitheater that is used for summer productions and the parking lots further down the hill. Near the college is a convent and an old mission. The drama department was doing a production of Jesus Christ, Superstar where they would raise the performer in the role of Jesus on a cherry-picker each night and light him from behind with a VERY bright spotlight from one of the parking lots. One night there were clouds near the top of the hill behind the school and when they lit the performer up... It was the Jesus Christ Bat-signal! :D:
The school got calls from both the convent and the church asking if they would kindly get the performer down as soon as possible. :D:

Um, that college wouldn't be in Fremont, CA, would it? Also, you might know it by it's nickname: Cardiac College. :D:

[LadySiren]

Ca. Missions are my passion/interest so I must ask - sounds as though you might be describing San Mateo, but there is no old Ca. Mission there. Is the old mission Mission San Jose de Guadalupe (1797) in Fremont? Nothing left of old Mission Santa Clara. I "think" you are near San Jose. Give me a hint. ;)

I'm almost positive that's our production of JCSS that Techie is talking about. The college indeed has an outdoor stage, as well as a box theater, as well as the mission and convent nearby. The kindly nuns at the convent loaned us their habits once, when we did Sound of Music. We did have the tall crossbar with the spotlight on Paul every night when he was crucified. Funny, I don't recall the Jesus bat signal, but it's pretty likely. I do remember us getting complaints about our scanty costumes, LOL.

Anyway, that is indeed Mission San Jose down there...it's a beautiful old place. I was part of a choir that did a big Christmas concert; they almost refused to let us sing at first, since we wanted to do a few secular carols. In the end they relented, but that concert was a bitch and a half - the acoustic delay is incredibly screwy.