In good Company with Nia Vardalos, a taste of Cuba and BBQ improvisations

I was back in Toronto at the theatre on Saturday.My buddy Adam Brazier's theatre group Theatre 20 was doing a production of Stephen Sondheim's Company. This was a show that I wanted to see when I first heard they were doing it, mostly because I usually like Sondheim and curiosity because I didn't know much about this particular show . I wanted to see it all the more when I heard that My Big Fat Greek Wedding star/writer Nia Vardalos was going to be in it.

For those who don't know Stephen Sondheim is a legendary Broadway composer whose works include Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum, and the lyrics for West Side Story. Back in December 2010 I actually met Stephen Sondheim. Sadly it was not a great stage door experience. If you've read my old myspace blog, you'll know this story, but forgive me while I recount it. There was an evening with Stephen Sondheim with Q&A etc, afterwards I stage doored. One of the theatre employees told the crowd Stephen had left, I had to go to catch the Subway, and came across Sondheim sneaking out another exit about to get into a car, I asked him if I could get a picture. He replied with a "no." Not I am sorry, no explanation, just flat out "no." Nothing else was spoken between us, talk about being unappreciative of your fan base!

My stage door experience on Saturday on the other hand was quite the opposite. Nia  was a complete and utter sweetheart. The Berkley theatre has this outdoor patio stage door area, and eventually I was the only one waiting left there, I was worried I had some how missed Nia even though I was out there right away. I would be surprised if I had, because I am sure people would have been stopping to talk to her. I guess that is the matinee crowd for you. One of the theatre employees was kind enough to double check for me, and as soon as she heard a fan was waiting for her she came right down. She introduced herself, asked me my name. I was able to tell her that I really related to Toula of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, and she said she was Toula too deep down, I even got my DVD signed. She asked me how to spell my name, but the pen I had brought actually had my name one it, so I pointed it out.  That was definitely the cherry on a great afternoon. Here's a pic of us and the DVD:

As to the show itself, I enjoyed it, although at times I thought the vocals were overpowered by the band. I didn't find the songs particularly catchy, nothing got stuck in my head. (Although I really like the song Getting Married Today which was featured on Glee) The performances were great, I really didn't like Louise Pitre's character, which was a testament to her ability because I have met Louise and seen her perform a couple of times and she is a really nice lady. It was strange I didn't even recognize of the actress Marisa McIntyre from when she was on the signing competition show How Do you Solve a Problem like Maria?and she was my favourite, unfortunately I didn't get a chance to tell her because I didn't find that out until after. (Through out my theatre going I have actually seen 4 out of the 10 finalists on that show. 

I had purchased an onstage seat. I had only ever done that once before and I got hit by the actor but that a story for another day/post. There was only me and another lady with seats on stage, and she decided not to sit there during act 2, so I sat in the audience as well. I was too self conscious being the only one up there. I didn't really like the sideview anyway, but at least I can say now I was onstage with Nia Vardalos and Brent Carver. (I had hoped to meet him and have him sign my Kiss of the Spiderwoman soundtrack but that didn't happen.) The seat in the audience wasn't much better because of the guy in front of my kept moving his head.

Before the show thanks to the helpful box office clerk I found myself in the distillery district at a Barcardi Cuban festival.Not really knowing where the theatre was I showed up uber early, and never been to the distillery before. I got to lunch on a pina colada and cubano sandwich (Which if you have seen the movie Chef, you'll understand my curiosity to try one) It felt like I was on a mini vacation exploring new culture, foods and shops etc Here are a couple of pics:

 

Definitely a better than the weekend before when a bad element on my stove was accidentally turned on and it basically exploded and there were sparks and there was need for the fire extinguisher. Even though the element was replaced there was a short in the stove, and so it couldn't be safely used. That happened on the Sunday but I didn't get a new stove until the Wednesday (Of course Canada Day was on the Tuesday so nothing was open and very few people were working). The incident led to some creativity my boyfriend suggested a cookie sheet as a griddle on the barbeque and that is how I made french toast one morning. I became quite adept at using the propane camp stove over the next few days. I will leave you with pics:

Seeing the Lion King and meeting Adam Beach

Sorry it's been a while since I've posted, what can I can say I have been out enjoying the beautiful weather getting tanned. First let me get this off my chest, I can't believe the guy I couldn't stand as the Genie in Aladdin has now won a Tony, ugh! Also from what I've seen on the Tony's I need to go see Neil Patrick Harris in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, like yesterday. His Tony performance was AMAZING! (Ramin Karimloo may have lost fair and square as much as I was blown away by his performance as Jean Val Jean back in January)

That being said, I am now cautiously optimistic Disney musicals again after seeing the Lion King on June 7. They had me from the giraffe costumes. (Not that I am biased because I love giraffes or anything) They stayed true to the movie which is important to me  -I watched it the day after- although I was a little worried in the beginning of act two that they were going to have this sub plot of Scar pursuing a grown up Nala, fortunately that wasn't the case. I ended up watching the movie the next day. Sadly it seems I have lost my Lion King soundtrack, I've got the case but not the CD. I think it is a good thing the music wasn't fresh in my head, I think that may have detracted from my enjoyment of Chicago because I had pre-watched the movie etc.

I was in the upper balcony of the no longer to be torn down Princess of Wales Theatre (YAY!) so I didn't get to see any costume detail up close. It was especially neat to see how the animals were done because I had gone to a zoo the week before and had seen Lion's and giraffe's up close. Anyway I bought a souvenir programme and couldn't believe all the intricate beading and shell-work.  The ingenuity and the amount of work that went to everything was really impressive. There probably close to 150 costumes. I loved how the person wearing the giraffe costume was using stilts for their hands and feet and their head became the base of the giraffes neck.I still think the hyenas were well done and captured the hunched heads just like the cartoon.

The staging itself was phenomenal.  The elephant grave yard scene I think would have been scary if I were a kid. The way they handled the stampede scene was pretty cool. I don't even want to think about all the time that went into making the wildebeest costumes. Julie Taymor is a genius.

The cast was uber talented too. I though the guy who played Scar was fantabulous. The delivery of Scar's snarky comments was spot on just like in the movie. He was deliciously evil. He's my favourite.

Either way after seeing Lion King I am willing to see another Disney musical. Right now they are batting 50/50 that I'll like it. I am not overly familiar with Newsies, so I wonder what I would think of that show... it is coming next year maybe I'll go.

June 19 marked 10 years since my Aunt Mel passed it is hard to believe it's been that long. So there was something I wanted to do when I saw Lion King, we have a picture of her in front of the Princess of Wales Theatre when she took her son to see Lion King, so I got my friends to take one of me. I guess it was my way of trying to feel close to her some how, that probably doesn't make much sense.  I kinda wish I had remembered to pick the same spot, but the spirit is there.Here are the pics, Mel on the left and me on the right.

 

 A couple weeks after Lion King I got to meet actor Adam Beach, a fellow aboriginal.There was a screening of one of his movies for National Aboriginal Day. It is a sad state of affairs that there aren't more prominent aboriginal actors out there, case in point I can't even name one prominent female native actor, Adam is one of the biggest. You would probably know him from the TV shows Arctic Air or Law and Order:SVU or the films Windtalkers and Smoke Signals. I didn't even find out about the screening until the morning of, definitely how I expected my day to turn out when I woke up! 

The movie that was screen was an indie pic, with themes still relevant to aboriginal society today. There were 5 members of the cast there as well, which was neat, four of them signed my little flyer for the movie, and Adam signed my newly purchased copy of Smoke Signals. The Q&A after was really interesting. I found out all about Adam trying to bring the full movie theatre experience to remote reservations with pop up theatres. Also he is starting a film institute in Winnipeg. He's all around just a really cool guy, a little goofy and funny, not to mention easy on the eyes.. sigh. total crush. His mannerisms and speech remind me of my aboriginal relatives, a total 'nish not a Hollywood hotshot and I respect him all the more for it. His answer to the last Q&A question was "Yes, I'm single" even though that wasn't remotely what the question was. I will leave you with a pic of Adam and I.

That's a wrap and We Will Rock You (again)

Last weekend was a whirlwind. The show has closed and we've had our cast party. All that work and time and suddenly it's all over.(Well I still have to go to the unit and put the cleaned clothes away) There may have been a few jello shots consumed, speeches made and presents given. I love the little stuffed frog I got from the cast. It has a little t-shirt with customer designer on the front and the show's name on the back along with the year. So cute! I will keep him always, I am going with the name Dior.

I feel really proud because someone likes the outfit I picked out that they bought it for their own personal use! The shoe covers eventually worked, and apparently looked great so they wouldn't let me burn them. Ah well. Something I forgot to mention in my last post is that when I was turning the shoe covers inside out, I had to trim and zigzag stitch all 60 elastic ends so they weren't flopping all over the place. So I have a couple of pics too, I forgot to share this pic of one the actors helping to set the lights in my last post, one of Dior and a cast and crew pic taken after the last show. (I finally got to be in the back row, that's me in the blue!)

Last Saturday was a total blast from the past. I went to see the Queen musical We Will Rock You for the 17th time. (Not a typo 1-7 ). I mostly did the lottery when it was in Toronto from 2007-2009 other wise I couldn't afford to go that many times. (It was unfortunate that they didn't have the lottery this time around). The sad part is I know people have seen the show over 50 times or more. It's not one of my favourite shows, but I think the audience really connected with the cast and band at the stage door; that is what kept them coming back. When I heard that Erica Peck who played the role of Scaramouche was now playing the role of Oz this time around curiosity got the better of me and I couldn't stay away. (have to say though I miss her in her original role) There were four people in the show that I knew from the old days, but there were a few fans from the old days that I recongized. There were lots of hugs around.

The show was changed a bit from 5 years ago, but it still felt like stepping back in time. Some of the jokes and references were given a modern update. Most of the Canadian specific jokes and references were taken out like Sharon Lois and Bram,like getting a suit at Zellers, or Celine Dion perforrming in Vegas, and the fact that a videotape has been recorded over by Degrassi. One character was completely changed, but I didn't hate it, I think it made the show more cohesive, as much as I liked the actor portraying him back in the day. Overall I am glad I went, it brought back a lot of pleasant memories from the stage door. One of my favourite is when Erica took my sister her friend and I back stage after I had mentioned it was my sister's 13th birthday. One of my more embarrassing moments is when my hair blew into the lead guy's mouth when our pic was being taken. We Will Rock You is a whole other post on its own for another time. I will leave you with a couple pics one of my sis, Erica, me, the other lead Yvan, and my sis's bff. (Yvan is in a McDonald's filet o fish commercial these days) and one my embarrassing moment caught on camera.


 

Last minute fixes and opening night at last!

The show's opening night has come and gone not with out some last minute panicking on my part despite my attempts to avoid that.The shoe covers I made didn't glow, I had assumed the director who selected the fabric had tested it under a black light, but no dice.When we first found out three days before opening so our plan B was to try spray painting a swatch of the fabric but that didn't work either. We found this out with less that 2 days until opening! Plan C was making new shoe covers for the song's lead, and getting white ankle socks.This had me in tears because of the thought of all the hours of hard work would be down the drain. Finally going with plan D I followed a co workers suggestion and ended up painting the vinyl covers with black light reactive paint the night before which with 4 hours to go until opening I was testing them at a glow in the dark mini putt and they glowed. Here's a pic of them all painted (I colour coordinated based on their costumes):

 

Of course this was all in amidst medical testing that had to get done because it was a week over due for an appointment later this month.I had scheduled the appointments the day before opening, thinking I was safe because I was done. I also had to plan for the testing because there was fasting involved, so I was cranky. Of course that morning I also got a call saying that there was a last minute cancellation for that day for another test I needed to get done sure, please pile more on my already filled plate really! (Don't worry I am fine, nothing to worry about I am being referred to a new doctor for my Turner's Syndrome and they have just ordered a battery of routine tests) I was so stressed I bummed a cigarette of a co worker, you know it's bad when I smoke. I maybe have one every couple of years.

Anyway the shoe covers have remained the bain of my existence! After opening one pair kept slipping off, so I had to add extra elastics. Then there was the issue of the paint flaking off and them back to barely glowing. So then I had to turn them inside out and paint the insides because the paint wouldn't flake off that. I am up to about 20 hours of work for something that is barely on stage for half an hour and I know didn't even get used for at least one performance. I am hoping we can have a cathartic shoe cover burning at the cast party!

There was a lot involved getting ready for opening night. We moved into the theatre the last Saturday of April. After the last rehearsal at our unit the cast all went out for karaoke, and it was obvious why I am the costume designer not on stage. I am not trained and am quiet and shy. Anyway normally for a move in I would be setting up costumes after having set them up for transport, but because of the small cast and the fact it was more or less one outfit each the cast was responsible for bring their own stuff to the theatre. I came in the afternoon to help with the lighting, basically it was supposed to involve moving around the stage in various spots while the lighting is being set. Unfortunately it was a big waste of the afternoon, because the theatre wasn't reset to it's default lighting layout after the last production, and so we couldn't get done what we need to get done. I never knew lightening was so complicated. The director was nice and took those who were helping out for nachos and sweet potato fries.

The next day was the first of three dress rehearsals. It was the first chance to see the costumes with the sets and lighting. Fortunately nothing clashed or was suddenly sheer under the lights!  It wasn't until the next dress rehearsal with the black lights that the problem with the shoe covers was discovered.

For the most part rehearsals allowed me to see things like using a yellow bobbin when sewing on the red gingham for the cape was a good call because it would have drawn the eye having red squares on the cape's underside. My other choice would have been to line it.

The dress rehearsal was mostly me fighting my urge not to rush the stage and fix little nit picky things like please wear white or black socks not red,  making sure knee socks are not one higher than another, and that the shirt collar is all the way overtop the jean jacket collar. Just really small things, like pre teens tend not to have big diamond rings ;) etc.

Opening night was exciting. N. and I brought our moms and my Dad as an early mother's day present. There were a few mistakes that the audiences wouldn't have noticed like the fact somehow the last song of act one was missed! It was inserted seamlessly into the beginning of act two I guess the problem was our dress rehearsals went to well. The superstition is that you want a bad dress rehearsal so opening night goes well! In live theatre anything can happen, so it is to be expected. I was so anxious to see how the shoe covers would look, I was squeezing N's hand tightly. My parent's enjoyed themselves, I didn't realize until the day off that I mayn't of mentioned to my Dad when I invited him that it was a musical.  There was a reception in the theatre lobby, afterwards the cast and crew went out for drinks. This one actor very secretively bought everyone a round, what a sweetie! Anyway here's a pic of me and my parents:

It has been exciting seeing the show advertised in the newspaper and on TV. I heard an ad for the show on the radio too. I was tickled when the producer brought us all advance copies of the programmes at the dress rehearsal. It gave me such a thrill seeing my picture and albeit misspelled name with the words costume designer beside it. Also seeing my pic and title our little cast/crew marquis filled me with such happiness! I love hearing the reactions from my friends/co workers who have seen the show. I am glad for this experience, I got to know some great new people, but I think I might take a little break before working on another show.  I easily put in over 50 hours of labour not including going to rehearsals etc. It's not over yet after our last performance I get to bring home everyone's dirty laundry and after washing it putting it back in storage. Yes it's been a lot of work and I may sound like I'm complaining, but despite the frustrations and some times sleep deprivation I've loved every minute of it!

Finishing touches and unexpected emails

It is a little over a week until opening night. We had a mini dress rehearsal last weekend. I almost want to cry from happiness, it was so wonderful seeing my designs coming to life, this one character's whole look is practically my sketch!  (If I am like this now I wonder what I will be like on opening night! )   I would say I am 99% done at this point. I brought home everybody's smelly shoes home Thursday night and spending Good Friday and Saturday making white shoe covers. I have never made them before, it was interesting to say the least. Here's a pic of the process pinning the wrong side of the fabric, and an original shoe and a covered one.

 

 There hasn't been a lot of alterations to do other then hemming a kilt by hand. It's been tons of shopping. At least four cast members are all wearing completely new outfits I purchased. Two are half pulled from either their closets or storage and the rest bought, and three of the guys supplied their own clothes, but I was provided options and then decided.  The director wanted me to get a new shirt for someone and take in the side of a pair of pants as well as shorten them for the next night. (They were practically ready to cut up my Tommy Hilfiger shirtdress and use it as the top! ) When I ran to Wal-Mart - as it was the only thing open on Sunday night - I found a new shirt similar colour palette to my dress, and I just bought new pants that worked better for $12 and saved myself the work I didn't really like the drawstring waist on the other pants anyway! Although the irony because I have to make them in to shorts with a border around the leg. It was a challenge because I only had the material from one partial sleeve to worth with, but I made it work. I am honestly really pleased with everything that will be going on stage. Here is a pic of the shorts and one of the cast at rehearsal. 

 I am glad I was at rehearsal last weekend, because they were actually missing a costume change entirely! This one character is supposed to change into a white robe, but they hadn't been doing it even though the robe was there at the rehearsal space. When I noticed this I literally ran to the other room and grabbed the robe, when I was running back I wiped out. My knee is skinned a little and my elbow hurt when I moved it, but nothing was really injured, just my pride, because it kind of stopped rehearsal.

At that rehearsal I was kind of bummed though because one of the cast member's wasn't there and I had built his character's cape and I couldn't wait to see his reaction. The cape is supposed to look homemade, and I wanted it to read tablecloth, but the trick was is that it can't be too busy because it needs to go over top the tie dye shirt I made previously. Fortunately I found the perfect fabric, it was pricy at $19 per metre when I needed two metres, but there was a 40% off sale and I am doing good with my budget so I splurged. When it's right it's right. I ended up making the cape in about 50 minutes total from start to finish while my apple pie was baking. It's funny how that works needing such little time for something that is going to be on stage for most of the show, but spending close to 18 hours on something that is barely on stage for 2 minutes just to get a certain look. The director felt the cape was too yellow, so I spend 3 hours adding red gingham. My design concept being that the kid combined two table clothes. I definitely enjoyed his reaction to the ginghamed cape though; it's moments like that, which makes it all worthwhile. Here's a pic of the cape before and after the gingham. 

Finally last weekend when I was going through my programmes, I realized I no longer have one from Toxic Avenger which played in 2009 or 2010. I have three photo size storage boxes full of programmes in chronological order (I wasn't joking when I said I was a theatre addict!)  I like to keep them for souvenirs/ reference, plus more than a few are signed.  I decided to try and contact the theatre company Dan Cap Productions to see about getting another one. To be honest I wasn't even sure I would get a reply because I wasn't even 100% sure they were in in operation but the website was copywritten for this year. Dan Cap hasn't put on a show in a few years. (In the years prior there was a legal battle with Toronto theatre giant Mirvish Productions.)

I was definitely not expecting a very timely, kind and acquiescent reply from Dan Cap Productions founder himself Aubrey Dan! He said no promises but that it would take him a little time, but he would look for one for me! I can't imagine David Mirvish doing that for one of his subscribers. (I never did get a reply yet from the Rock of Ages production company) This has definitely given me a new respect for Mr Dan.

Thinking outside the box and finding balance

We are down to a matter of weeks now before opening night and things are in full swing. One of the things with working costumes in community theatre is thinking outside the box. One of the projects I worked on this week involved thinking outside the box. The director wanted legwarmers when we priced them out they were $11-$13 each and I needed 4 pairs, That would have really taken a chunk out of the budget plus there would possibly be time and cost involved of dying them. All this for a 3 or 4 minute number. We decided it would be cheaper to just make the legwarmers until I went to the fabric store. The perfect material was $18 a metre and I needed 4 metres, there was nothing cheaper that worked. So either way this working out the same, and it seems once factoring in the cost of the tutus to spend 20% of the budget on one number was more than a little ridiculous!  The director had a stroke of genius: she had seen fleece baby blankets in the right shade of ballerina baby pink at the dollarstore. For $18 -including the cost of elastic- I made 4 pairs of leg warmers and it took me about 4 hours of labour. The first pair took the longest as I was figure things out since I was straying from the pattern I found online. I think they turned out pretty cute not to mention that they are really warm and cozy and I really want a pair of my own! Here's a pic: (I had to try them on for purely research purposes of course)

 

There is also a lot of balance in costuming in more ways than one. Some actors are more hands on about their costumes than others, you have to balance keeping your cast and director happy while staying true to your vision. For example my $10 outfit find I mentioned in my last post isn't being used in the show after all, so I decided to deduct the cost from what I spent and keep the jacket and shirt for myself  (I totally rocked them at work earlier this week)

There is also the balancing, well more so juggling of your personal life and the show. I am trying to get things done, make time for my boyfriend, and not let my responsibilities around the house slip too much, it wouldn't be fair to leave a stack of dishes or have N. do all the cooking. Plus there is taking care of my physical self, ie finding the time/energy to do my exercises, not eating crap the majority of the time. All important to keep my diabetes reversed. There has been a little bit of a losing battle on this front this past week and a half, with our routines and schedules being out of whack.That is it for now back to work!

Taking time off to see Chicago, Rock of Ages and a Game of Thrones

I've taken a little time off this past week from costuming to go to the theatre.(I know doing something totally different right?) I couldn't resist the urge to see World Champion/Silver medal olympian Elvis Stojko tackle the role of Billy Flynn in Chicago and my mom got tickets for us to go see Rock of Ages at Casino Rama.

My first introduction to Chicago was the 2002 Oscar winning film which I immediately loved, in fact I even wrote a movie review in my university student news paper. Basically that is what I had to compare the performance to other than a community theatre production back in 2004 up in Sudbury that I don't really remember.

Right away I was put off by the vocals of Terra C McLeod in All That Jazz which is one of my favourite songs from the show. She did this weird vocal trick that I didn't like. I thought that the actress playing Roxie, Bianca Marroquin was okay. I guess I am used to the film version where it plays things very seriously, this production really played up the comedic aspects of the show, for me it didn't work. I was irritated for example during the cell block tango how the actress playing Mona shook her head from side to side like an airhead every time she she said Lipshitz. Elvis Stojko's voice and performance on the other hand took me by surprise and made the show for me. He has this really deep, rich voice that resonates, and he can hold that long note at the end of "We both reached for the gun."

It was kind of neat getting to see late broadway legend/Law & Order star Jerry Orbach's cousin play the role of Amos, a bit of trivia for you Jerry Orbach was the original Billy Flynn. I also recognized one of the ensemble members from when she was in We Will Rock You. Overall though I was underwhelmed and prefer the movie. The stage show leaves lloose ends that the movie doesn't *minor spoiler* like how exactly did Velma Kelly get out let of her murder charges? I am glad I got to see Elvis, but I am glad I didn't pay more than $25 for my ticket! Elvis sadly took of pretty quickly at the stage door so I didn't get an autograph or anything.

With Rock of Ages I had the exact opposite experience, where I liked the stage show better than the movie. I thought the story in the stage show made more sense and I didn't like the changes made for the movie. I had seen Rock of Ages with my sister back in 2010, I thought it was okay, we were familiar with some of the cast from their We Will Rock You days, that can make it hard to suspend belief as you see them as so and so playing a role as opposed to just the character. I think the movie had the same problem, I liked it, but for example you don't see the character of Stacee Jaxx you see Tom Cruise as Stacee. Because with this production the cast was all unknown to me it really allowed them to inhabit and become their roles for me. I quite enjoyed the actor who played Lonny he was great, I thought the character in the Canadian production played by Aaron Walpole was really annoying, but this guy was super funny. I did find that the actress Shannon Mullen who played the lead Sherrie tried a little too hard to emulate Julianne Hough from the movie.

Overall it was a lot of fun, and our seats were great so I got a close look at the costumes. There is a little irony though with the venue because a lot of the bands whose music they were playing Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, Foreigner, Whitesnake, Journey have played that exact stage. I had come straight to the show from work and we'd stopped at Arby's for dinner which turned out to be pretty funny because there were three different references to that restaurant in the show! One of my complaints is that as we were leaving my mom saw the actor who played Lonny and I missed him. My other minor complaint is that I didn't get a programme, because there was none. I have emailed the show's production company to see if I can get hooked up with one, if I don't I have a couple cool souvenirs a pic with the show's fictional band Arsenal's name on it and a protest flyer prop from the stage. Here's a pic:

         

As if the shows weren't enough this week with work I got to go the Chorus entertainment building on Thursday night for an advance screening of Game of Thrones season four episode one which premieres tonight. It was really fun, everyone's name was on a guest list, we had to check in. There was free booze and passed appetizers of lobster/phyllo puffs and coconut shrimp (Popcorn too of course) A good night! We also saw the pilot of this new series Silicon Valley which was pretty funny. It's been an interesting week to say the least now time to get back to work!