Sound Of Music: Opening Night

Yesterday we discovered an undone area which was this room visible through the french doors.  Here, I'd been assuming that there must be curtains that would obscure the view inside. Nope.  Apparently not.
We arrived at lunch thinking I'd only have to arrange some of my aged and era appropriate objets; the painting of the red room was still in progress but that was okay because last night Rick decided that the exterior fireplace needed some texture and was too dark. I knew full well what it needed but balked at the task until actually requested.  He did have a student crew ready to go but I stepped in and it probably went on way faster with me at the sponge.  I made Rick sponge the highest 18" of brick so now he know how it's done!  It's all a matter of selecting just the right size and texture of sponge.

At one o'clock Rick gets a text from his co-director Tina: we need topiary painted on either side of the french doors.  Lucky for them, TwinB jumped wholeheartedly into the task. Darn good thing she's been here on the project...despite nearly igniting a mutiny a couple of nights ago... because there were several nice details she was able to add that I wouldn't have had time to devote to finicky picking.

The chapel backdrop was hung a few days ago.  Really like how the crucifix that TwinB spent about 4 hours on, turned out.  I concentrated on the two stained glass windows.

I didn't fall in love with the set until this afternoon.  It would have been nice to arrive at this stage a week ago when I could have enjoyed adding final details (a vine up the sides of the exterior fireplace) and savor an even more finished product.  Came together at the very end anyway and now I'm looking forward to seeing The Sound of Music on closing night next Saturday.

The Set Painters Hutson; Mere et Fille

Missing the old accent grave on the Mere, there.  Supposed to represent the french version of Mother and Daughter.
Pronounced Mare ay fee, with a subtle draggy whisper in the throat or back of the mouth. ( I suspect these words are where the English speaking derived our words mare and filly for horses).

So what were we doing on this sudden, glorious day in May? Spending 8 hours indoors painting sets.  At least we got to see the sunshine from the cafeteria where we spent most of our time on the regular-as-clockwork last minute backdrop. You know...the one that has to be designed and painted on the last weekend before the production.  TwinB is crouched down painting a crucifix in the chapel scene for the Sound Of Music.  Turned out mighty nice and I am rather sure it will present nicely when hung and lighted on stage.  I divided my time between doing plain old house painting on the set pieces (mundane, crappola roller shit) and the stained glass windows that suddenly sprang into elaborate being following an extensive Google search last night.  I'd been resolutely plain, simple and pragmatic until I discovered several examples that inspired and ignighted me in a frenzy of near medieval level of self imposed apprenticeship in the design and implementation of church chapel  leaded and stained glass design.

We're hoping it will be Gasp-worthy or at least notable. We didn't compose the overall scene and I really hope the two fellas who did the original design don't mind that I amped up the level of finish and detail  on the stained glass windows.

But ...got to hang out with and paint and admire the efforts of my Little Girl!
A Happy pre Mother's Day and one of my favorite afternoons evah\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Back In the Scene Shop Again

You take the key- that extra key in your collection that you posess illicitly, the one that gives you an odd sense of priveledge - you turn the lock then enter.
Years of relationships and collaborations and problems encountered then conquered are contained in the unique, nostalgic scent of The Scene Shop.  Almost every painted surface bears your style.  Hanging over the doors are the portraits, one painted by TwinB and one by you from Murder's In The Heir a production from 5 or 6 years ago. This is where you live.

The illicit key doesn't really bestow privelege as much as responsibility but it makes your life so much easier when called upon to make scenery happen.
Front of a double sided set piece: the top floor of an apartment building for a play to be performed by High School students for the zone drama festival.

Tonight's Specials

On Friday night I (AND The Husband!) attended the most recent Dinner Theatre offerings by On Cue. It was such a surprise that The Husband wanted to attend I'd nearly gone out and purchased only one ticket.  Good thing I waited...
I enjoyed it immensely - there were 5 very well presented short plays, with some rather amazing performances - and our table mates were fun and entertaining.
TwinA collaborated with me to create this poster for the event and I'm very happy as to how it turned out.  Working online with the offspring really help to bring them closer to me and mitigate any empty-nestie type feelings.

Head Bangin' Blues

Wednesday evening saw the return of epic blues singer-guitarist Matt Anderson.
Kitimat loves Matt Anderson.
I'm so glad I squeezed in to this nearly sold out performance.  His voice is HUGE, his slide guitar skills amazing and the vibe was wonderful.  He had far more challenging songs that revealed all his various musical skills and vocal range but I simply loved this beautiful song.
He had us all singing to his final number which was purely delightful.
It was like a mini vacation.

From Panic To 'Perfection' (Halfway Pleased) In 30+ Hours

My Great Adventure began 2 weeks ago, today.  First 6 days we hung out at our lot in Fraser Lake then I spent the night in Prince George before boarding the bus for a 15 hour journey to Grande Prairie.  (the actual drive is only about 7 hours but construction delays, an Amber alert and long layover in Dawson Creek stretched it out).

These ridges mark the where one exits the Pine Pass on the eastern side of the northern Rockies; the weather was wonderful and not only did I have both seats to my self, I had an entire section so could bounce around shooting photos from both sides of the bus.  It was at this point (when I realized I'd probably lose money on my pending venture that I decided to consider this a vacation that was mostly paid for)

Behold the grand vista one surveys from the Dawson Creek bus depot on a Friday evening! This is as good as it gets and I will be eternally grateful that I didn't have to wait on the bus during winter because the depot was locked and they didn't even have the lights on outside.  Fortunately there were decent passengers to wait with me.
On to Grande Prairie and my assignment...

View from the stage.  Yes, I found myself in a construction zone and now that I think about it, I'm lucky that was the case since it meant there were several people coming and going that I got to know over the 3 or 4 days I was there.  I was stashed away with my flats against the back wall of the stage so was out of everyone's way except when a young construction worker was grinding something where the emergency exit had to be installed:

Look closely; he's in there with his still pristine lungs.  I admonished him to wear a respirator since lifelong exposure will eventually bite him on the ass/lungs.

My job was to depict the strip club district of Bangkok circa 1975.  I chose not to go generic Broadway 'cause I just don't swing that way...

Instead, I researched scenes old and new from Bangkok and Saigon then mashed 'em all together for the final compositions.  I arrived with a fully developed sketch but the dimensions weren't what I'd hope for so had to scramble to re-design.  Thank goodness I had a helper who stepped forward from the chorus because otherwise I really don't know if I could have survived alone (he was a wonderful assist).   Technically I did get paid and it worked out to $1.38 per square foot. I believe I'd be paid more for painting a living room.  So I've graduated from painting for free in Kitimat.  I now travel 1100 kilometers in order to lose money painting sets.
And I'm still in a facility with no running water or bathrooms.
Could be good exposure though...will keep my fingers crossed and my web presence current...

Arts Festival 2011: Final Event

Spent a good chunk o' Monday striking the On Cue exhibit at the library then taking the various pieces back to their respective homes so I really wasn't planning on attending the final performance which was the Naden Band.  They're the Canadian Navy's west coast band so I was expecting marching band/military type stuff.  As I ran through the theatre I caught some very nice sounds while they rehearsed and warmed up so it seemed a shame to miss the closing event.  I cleaned myself up a bit, dressed in theatre black just in case I was pressed into service at the Front of House (and I was).
As I listened to the incredible music they were producing it occurred to me that I've never been in the presence of a real, professional live band before.  A Big Band, not a drony little marching band.
It. Was. Epic.
They played music from popular movies, jazz and swing, with a jaw dropping full length version of Sing, Sing, Sing featuring...well... what I can only describe as some ultra masculine drumming.
I'm glad that I went and I'm glad that it's over!
http://youtu.be/iInxEWAy8A4  ( here's a link to them on Youtube)

*Gasp* *Clutches Heart*

Remember this purdy thing??

Well today, when I visited the scene shop I witnessed the evidence of its demise.

*sigh* Kinda thought it might be saved but...guess not.  Bummer.



Wizard of Oz

Drama teacher skiing in to the high school last weekend.  We take theatre very, very seriously here. 

(It's a condition that's being considered for the DSM-5)

It's opening night for Musical Theatre's extravaganza !  I've slogged through snow and, picked my way through more sawdust than I care to recall and navigated around and between dozens of cans of paint and tonight's the night.  Didn't get to polish every set piece or the Munchkin backdrop to the extent that I would have prefered but I do have a couple more examples for the old portfolio. 
The husband and I will take our seats there at 8 pm and then settle in to enjoy the show.  Sure glad my part is over!  Just hope that all the rigging performs smoothly.

Neither Rain, Nor Sleet, Nor Snow, Nor Dark of Night...Or More Snow

...will stop us from performing our musical theatre duties.  This little patch of bare ground - quite possibly the only one in existence in Kitimat this morning is rather deceiving.  I had to trudge through drifted snow that was 6 to 18 inches deep to get here since the parking lots were completely inaccessable.  Spent 20 minutes driving past the school and then around town before deciding that the only option was to park the car back at home and walk in.  Was like traversing the tundra.  At least 10 of us did so. 
Maniacs, all.

This was yesterday afternoon and about a foot of snow ago.  It's snowing and blowing harder than ever so I don't know how on earth I'll make it into the school tomorrow.  I might have to ask the Theatre manager with The Amazing Subaru to pick me up and drop me there, where I'll work like mad to get the final backdrop as close to completion as I can and then clean up the evidence.  It's all in the cafeteria for now so I have no option but to ensure it happens. May God have mercy on our souls.

Finsh the Yellow Brick Road...Finish The Yellow Brick Road...

On Thursday and Friday I happened to be working at the theatre during B block so I was assigned all non rehearsing students to be my painting crew.  Had to find the right colour and paint brush or roller for up to ten kids so although it did take me away from actively painting, we got a lot of base work done. 
Bottom photo is a section of the large backdrop that I figure I decently completed today.  It could be a heck of a lot better but it's acceptable.

Rockin' Out!

Bahaha!

The top story of the witch's castle which is roughly 28 square feet and since I painted it from black to that in about 7 hours...means I painted 4 square feet an hour.  Colour me happy!!
I'll have to line up the blocks once they're in place but that shouldn't take more than a few minutes.

Close up of the rocks and blocks o' stone.  I found a couple photos of old British castles that were this random and ramshackle which is nice because it means I don't have to paint well crafted, precisely laid brick or stone.  Cause this is waaaay more fun.

Wizard of Oz Updatie Thing

Cornfield set piece for the scarecrow; it consists of a flat with a 'truck' and fence posts which I just faux wood grained today ...in less than an hour. (sorry...I have been taking great pride in my speed)

Detail from the hay wagon; it's on the reverse side of the gypsy caravan.  Been trying to compose the large backdrop of the Yellow Brick Road leading to the Emerald City today and got good input from my one and only helper Gail...pretty sure we got it figured out so that was a gigantic plus.  Next time might be the finisher!
*woot*woot*
Also got a fairly good jump on a very challenging commission so that's good ...but...don't know if I can actually pull it off and TwinB had a most depressing comment on someone else's blog regarding one of the deaths of last year.
This shit is so up and down.

Burying Aladdin

I don't know why I'm actually smiling. 
Spent the afternoon obliterating the market scene from last year's production on Aladdin beneath the next layer of paint, blocking in the yellow brick road leading to the Emerald City.  I was about halfway through when the musical theatre class traipsed in and gradually lined up side by side to mourn the passing of the previous scene; their reaction and empathy for my having to kill previous work was very gratifying.

Off To See the Wizard...very, very slowly...

I'm back in the old theatre/set painting harness.  On Cue community theatre has been recruited to assist with every aspect of the high school's musical theatre production of The Wizard of Oz.  There are at least 9 of us on board - that's how many people it takes to replace former theatre technician John and his lovely and talented (slave) wife Heather.  It feels so much nicer knowing how many other people are lending their abilities to the production since I normally am the only one to get snagged.

That's my partially completed corn field.  Actually don't have that much time invested so far.  Maybe...3 hours??  Kind of shocking how unfamiliar I am regarding what corn looks like...probably one of the most alien and exotic plants I've ever depicted!  I even have way more experience with tropical foliage.

Coming in at a much heftier investment of time at 20 hours is the gypsy caravan.  I have a commitment from the Drama teacher that this will live on, so the helper and I took a bit more time on it.  She had studied tole painting and her skills really brought the perfect feel to this.  Incorporating authentic wagon wheels shipped all the way from Winipeg (which is where a former techie happens to live.)  

Alladin Opening Night

A little out of order but here goes...the photo above shows the final scene which featured a very lively musical number and we can see 'Leather John' wielding his sword.

The Market scene which was where the initial action took place following Act 1 where we were introduced to Abanazar and the genie of the ring.

Cafe scene. Guess I'll have to rustle up photos of the cave and sarcophagus scenes.

This has to be the best production On Cue has ever done. It was so well acted, funny and just a joy to watch. The pacing of the show was crack on and every detail worked. It feels like On Cue is growing and taking on a life of its own - I could see us being quite the theatre town in the near future, mill closure or not.

Magical Interlude

The Painting Crew was delayed for a couple of hours this afternoon while we were transported to an intimate and magical world of marionettes and puppets operated by a master in the craft from Iceland. He admired our sets and commented on how surprising it was to find such abilities 'at the ends of the earth'! ??
He carves each of his performers - this is his most intricate with articulated feet - but sometimes makes use of only his hands and a couple of simple props.
For more info about this amazing artist search Figura - The Art of Puppets

Eaten Alive!!

Backstage, while no one is looking Audrey II snacks on a scenic painter...

Racing Toward The Finish Line

Added the finishing touches to Skid Row last night - painted brick as high as I could reach and then added some really crudely done graffiti down below.
I am sooo done with this. No, wait...maybe I'll just pick at that section over there...

Here is the full set with the largest version of Audrey II sitting in the shop like a giant fungus.
It'll be a thing to behold once it's been painted and 'dressed' in leaves.
Three people can fit inside, though they'll soon expire due to the trapped heat.

Real, Authentic Graffiti

Following a bit of research into 1960's era graffiti for Musical Theatre's production of Little Shop of Horrors, I discovered/remembered that the art form was at a very primitive stage and so decided that I was more than qualified to apply the spray painted stuff and would open up the faux concrete stairs to contributions from any student who wished to participate. Members of the tech crew had the first go at it - the 2 girls who initially heard my offer gasped 'really??!' ran off to grab markers. I overheard one of them saying "I feel like such a rebel!"
I've warned them that their creation may be obscured by later graffiti but they already knew that it'll have to be layered to achieve the most authentic look possible.