Edo Wonderland (Nikko, part 3)

Unfortunately the weather is not cooperating with us on this trip of a lifetime. This is the second day (out of five) where it rained most of the day. Again the Japanese all have umbrellas and rain ponchos. We have jackets with hoods. After spending a year in Belgium without an umbrella, I’ve never warmed up to them. I feel as if I get just as wet carrying an umbrella as I do just wearing a hat and a rain jacket.

We were given the choice between two “amusement” parks: EdoWonderland or Tobu World Square (a place with miniature buildings of places from around the world). Figuring we came to Japan to learn about Japan and not about the rest of the world, we chose Edo Wonderland.

We were there most of the day. In the rain, it was not a most-of-the-day kind of place. It is a lot like the Japanese equivalent of Williamsburg. Lots of people walking around in period attire, lots of buildings that explain Japanese history from the 17^th-19^th centuries, and some entertainment. There were also a bunch of gift shops and places to buy food. Each food stand seemed to sell about five different food items, so we felt the need to visit a few different places to piece together a meal. To be cute, in that Williamsburg-y way, the prices were listed in the 17th-19th century format (i.e, non-Western numbers) so not only did we have to ask what they were selling, we had to ask how much it cost.

There were vending machines for drinks. A word about the vending machines, this is the first time I have encountered a vending machine that sells cans of hot drinks (the hot drinks have red labels, the cold ones have blue labels). Tom was cold (okay, we were all cold). He bought a can of coffee that was warm to the touch. He couldn’t believe we never saw a vending machine with hot cans of drinks in them.

The first show we went to was a comedy about a rich man who time traveled back to the Edo time period. Don was chosen from the audience to play the part of the rich man. Before being taken backstage to be fitted with his costume (a kimono), the man in the cast interviewed Don in Japanese. He asked Don how much Japanese he knows. At this point, about 4 words. The first one he said was “Arribiata,” (Italian for spicy sauce) when he meant to say “arigato” (thank you in Japanese). They got the idea. We are basically illiterate: a good lesson for everyone to experience at some point in their lives to better appreciate people who live a life of illiteracy.

The curtain opened and he was seated in a powerful looking position. He said afterwards he tried very hard to not sneeze as he has already caught a cold on this trip. The man in the cast put cue cards in Japanese in front of him with phrases such as “that’s tasty” and “she is beautiful” written on them. Don had no idea what he was saying, but Masumi translated for Ashley and I. He also had to chug sake in one big gulp. It was Don’s first stage performance with lines. He was a great sport and seemed to have fun with it. He also gained an appreciation for the shows Ashley does.

We were so cold all day long! We tried to hide in theaters to see shows. This wasn’t always the best move as some of the places were highly air-conditioned, though it was nice to be dry.  I think Ashley’s favorite show was of “Kitty Kitty” (who has a different name in Japanese, of course) fighting the bad guys. The 15 minute film was shot at Edo Village. “Kitty Kitty” was helped by his friends – a Samurai monkey, panda bear and a few others. Ashley loved the panda the most. Unfortunately Edo Wonderland missed a marketing opportunity and did not sell any Samurai panda souvenirs.

We also saw a Samuri fighting show and an ancient water show. The tricks in the latter one were quite spectacular.

On our way out we had a group photo taken with Samurai Kitty.

After the village, we were told to choose where we wanted to go for dinner. The three of us were united in our desire for non-Japanese food. They found us an “American Restaurant.” In some ways it was like a diner in that it had a little bit of everything – including a kid’s menu. Ashley had a hamburger, with the obligatory side of rice. Don had a margarita pizza. I had spaghetti with a bolognaise sauce. Hiroko had noodles. Masumi had soup. I’m not sure what Tom had. I splurged for the drink area – lots of hot and cold drink choices. I was thrilled to find ‘Tropical iced tea,” which tasted a lot like peach tea.

After dinner we returned the rental car and hung out at the Nikko train station (a different station from the one we arrived in the day before). According to the tour book, one of the stations was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Honestly, they both looked like generic circa 1950s- 1960s architecture. So much of Japan was destroyed during WWII that they rebuilt during one of the most boring time periods from the standpoint of architectural beauty (or lack thereof). The mountains do provide a beautiful, natural backdrop.

Something else I’ve never seen in the states was a hot springs bath for us to soak our feet in while we waited for the train. It really was a good way to warm up after a day of being outside in the rain.

Tom rode the train with us half way to Tokyo. Ashley and Don fell asleep on the train while I am typing out the adventures of our past couple of days. Tonight we will spend one night in Tokyo. Tomorrow morning we leave for a four day trip to Nara, Osaka and Kyoto. Fortunately we will spend two nights in each hotel (I always sleep better the second night in a hotel, this bouncing between places is hard on my sleep rhythms).

Unfortunately the weather for the rest of our trip is not looking good. There is a typhoon south of us that is moving in our direction. Behind that typhoon is another one. Typhoon season usually starts in July. Unfortunately for us it is early this year. We keep saying “we won’t melt,” but it is still draining being out in the rain all day long.

More pictures from Nikko

Quick trip to NYC

Continuing with the recent theme of things I could or should be doing with all that free time while Ashley is in school (Thunder game, movie) was a quick jaunt into NYC to see a show.

We are lucky we live close to both New York City and Philadelphia. People in our neighborhood commute to those cities. We, though, only go to each one a couple of times a year. Our most recent trip to NYC was earlier this month when we saw "Newsies." 

There are lots of excuses for not going into NYC -- it isn't cheap, it is only easy-ish (parking is a hassle, the trains don't run as often as I would like, it takes about 2 hours to get to NYC from our house when you factor in driving to the train station, catching a train, etc.). Still, we are lucky it is so close to us.

This week Noemi, a friend from Sustainable Lawrence, is starring in a one-woman off-Broadway show that she wrote and is also producing called "The Fountain of Youth." Anyone in theater will tell you that is a lot of hats to wear for a show.

I took the train in with Noemi -- thus eliminating the hurdle of finding parking at the Princeton Junction Train Station. Since I was going to her show, I took the train back with her and her husband, Ron.

While in NYC, I made a pilgrimage stop to the New York Public Library to visit old friends from the 100 Acre Wood. They moved to NYC in 1987. It was a quick visit. 

I had dinner at The Counter -- a burger place on the corner of Broadway and 41st Street. Bill told us about this place during our last visit to NYC. It is amazing -- I had a vegan veggie burger with goat cheese, grilled pineapples, roasted red peppers, roasted onions and artichokes on a ciabatta roll with a side of sweet potato fries. They also have chicken, turkey burgers, beef, and bison. Lots and lots of choices.

The play was the first half of a double bill. It was fun. I was most impressed that Noemi could easily switch between 10 different characters with a shift in her body language, voice and minimal props. She even played a man. The play was very thought provoking. We talked about it during the ride home.

The other play was "Cowl Girl." Three actors each only playing one role. The actor playing Jason reminded me of my eye doctor. The actor playing Alex bore a strong resemblance to someone I know from SVP. I kept thinking it was them on the stage! Each role showed significant growth in 75 minutes. Both shows were part of an acting workshop. The hope is to hone the productions and keep finding new venues (and new funding) for future productions.

It is always fun supporting a friend in the arts.

I was a bit beat today, though. Not used to coming home after midnight, being up in time for the school bus, and having a full day. I'm ready for the weekend!

March Madness

For most, the term March Madness evokes images of basketball games. For us, 2013 March Madness was school plays.

The month began with seeing Seussical at Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville, NJ. It was phenomenal! Some of the leads were played by Saint Ann School alumni. We look forward to continuing to go to Notre Dame productions to continue to see our stars become their stars.

The next day Ashley and I saw Guys and Dolls at Lawrence Middle School. The 7th and 8th graders did a good job with the tough material.

Ashley's friends from "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe", "It's a Wonderful Life," and "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," were cast in Hillsborough High School's production of "Beauty and the Beast." It was so much fun seeing familiar faces on stage and hugging them afterwards. The production was amazing. You can see the number of hours they put into rehearsing. 



Then, all too quickly, it was time for the Saint Ann School production of "Willy Wonka." Auditions took place last December. Rehearsals began every weekend right after winter break. All of a sudden it seemed it was time for the show.

Ashley was cast as Mrs. Gloop -- Golden Ticket winner Augustus Gloop's mother. This role involved singing a small 2-line solo (her first) and speaking in a German accent. She says the toughest part was having to eat chocolate on stage. It is tough to be an actress.

The productions at Ashley's school are completely parent run -- from the directors, choreographers, costumers, set designers, set painters, back stage crew, ticket sellers, etc. You name it, a parent is doing the work. Well, a couple of alumni come back to help at the last minute.
I use my talents to take pictures of the cast during dress rehearsals, plus I sneak a few in during the show when they are wearing their full costumes. Don's work is ideally not seen, but very important. He works back stage moving sets and props. Ashley helped him during the fall production and said it was so hard, she won't do it again!
Saint Ann's is fortunate to have so many students involved with the show that they have two full casts -- which means twice as many rehearsals for the parent directors, etc. They had so many strong girls auditioning that they had four Wilhamena (Willy) Wonkas and four Charlene (Charlie) Buckets, which also added to the rehearsal schedule.

By the last curtain call, we were all a bit tired. I continue to cull my 1000 pictures down to a couple of hundred. These will be added to the DVDs that are given to each member of the cast and crew during the cast party. It is a labor of love and we love that so many parents are willing to give that love.

March might be over, but we continue to support our friends and family in shows.

Ashley as Lucy in "Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe"

For this entry, I'm trying something new. Click on http://pillspress.shutterfly.com to see a bunch of pictures from the Somerset Valley Players production of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" (as well as other stray pictures, mostly ones from Ashley's school). I wasn't even trying very hard, yet I'm most pleased with how much I like the pictures. This is a testament to the quality of the lighting, costumes, and other details that make the show flow so magically.

The show runs through December 16. Tickets can be found at: http://svptheatre.org/Seasons/2012-45th_season/default.html .

The pictures tell the story of the classic C.S. Lewis novel.

I'm so proud of Ashley and all the hard work she, and the rest of the cast and crew, put into making this holiday show a must see production.

Opening Night "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe"

Three and a half months ago Ashley auditioned for "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" at Somerset Valley Players in Hillsborough, NJ. This is the same theater where we had our stage debut four years ago in "It's a Wonderful Life." Like IAWL, LWW has been a magical experience.

Ashley was thrilled when the phone rang back in August and she was offered the part of Lucy, the little girl who discovers Narnia. Huge grins! The cast met for a read-through a few days later on what was supposed to be call-back night.

For the first two months the cast mostly rehearsed in the director's basement in Flemington, NJ. It seemed like a giant play date as Ashley bonded with Julia, the girl playing her sister, Susan. Julia is also the director's daughter, so rehearsals were in her house.

Last month, the cast moved to the theater. That's where the true magic takes place. Slowly the scenery, costumes, music and lighting were added. Two days before the invited dress rehearsal (SVP invites the local senior citizens to a free show) it seemed impossible that everything would fall into place. Anyone involved with theater will tell you this is normal. 

As if by Narnian magic, the show opened. Everyone was fully dressed. The lights and music were happening as they should. The audience breathed life into the show simply by reacting to the story as it unfolded on stage.

Opening night was a sell out! The theater only seats 100 people. The audience was mostly made up of family members, and theater friends. Afterwards they have an opening night party. We stayed for about an hour catching up with friends. Big grins were seen on the faces of the entire cast! Way to go, Narnians!

Here are a couple of teaser pictures from the play. Many more will be posted after everyone has a chance to see the production.

Tickets are selling quickly. They anticipate sell outs. You can order your tickets HERE. Autographs are available after the show. ;) 

Click here for Cast Photos

Summer Fun

I think the Summer of 2012 has been one of my favorite summers thus far. We spent most of it at home, or close to it. We saw lots of friends and family. I'm sad to see it come to an end.

I summed up our summer recently to a friend in the following message (since edited):

* Ashley thinks having a bearded dragon is even better than she ever imagined. I still can't believe we own a reptile.

* Ashley taught herself how to do a handstand and a cartwheel. She enjoys doing them over and over and over again. Skills I never mastered! 

* We survived our "cruise to nowhere" out of NYC. This satisfied my desire to see the inside of a cruise ship -- a wish that dated back to the 1980s when I watched "The Love Boat" each week. Not sure if we will go on a cruise again, but if we do I want to go somewhere -- preferably someplace without rain.

* Don rode his bike 200 miles in June. I'm tired just thinking about it.

* Our contractor finished our master bathroom project. We now have 2 1/2 working bathrooms again (the 1/2 being the downstairs powder room). It will be nice not having to wait in line for a shower again. Reminded me too much of college days. Ashley is happy to have "her" bathroom back again.

* I'm thinking I am insane for signing up for two more half marathons (Columbus, OH on October 21 with family, and Trenton on November 10 alone since my friends signed up for the 10K). Hopefully once school starts and the humidity disappears I'll enjoy running again.

* Ashley was cast as Lucy in "Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe." November 30-December 16 at Somerset Valley Players. I see lots of drives to Hillsborough in our near future. She sees lots of lines to memorize (120 of them). Should be a good show as the director is insisting on British accents for the family members and is treating the children as adults.

* I signed up to join a couple of committees -- Sustainable Lawrence and Somerset Valley Players. Trying to gain some grant writing experience. I believe strongly in both of these organizations and look forward to seeing where this takes me.

* One of my Patch articles received the WPIX Pix of the Day award earlier this month. With it comes bragging rights and nothing else. Freelancing was light this summer. I'm looking for more steady income once the school year starts again.

* Ashley loved Terhune Farm Camp, Lenape Camp (Junior Counselor again this year), VBS, and a few days in Williamsburg with my parents. Most of the days she was in camp I was running in the heat and humidity. I'm really looking forward to more pleasant running weather. What doesn't kill me just makes me stronger, right?

* Saw all three plays at Edison's Plays in the Park as well as a couple of other community theater productions. Wish I saw more shows.

* We loved going to Music in the Park almost every Thursday this summer. We only missed the one week to cover the Sustainable Jersey Farm to Table Fundraiser at Terhune for the Lawrenceville Patch.

* We learned how to Skype this summer! Ashley had several Skype playdates with Emma, her best friend from kindergarten who now lives in Michigan.

* I was thrilled to get together with Melanie and her family in NYC, Karin and Michelle at Quiet Valley Historical Living Farm, and Heather and Jolie at their house. Play dates with Sophie, Maia and other friends too far to see regulary, in addition to play dates with closer friends, such as Emily, plus pool dates with my parents, and a visit with Aunt Barbara and Uncle Al. Don couldn't believe he got together with Tony in NYC after all these years. We enjoyed three Kappa parties (thanks Pattersons, Kaspers, and Trish) -- one in each part of New Jersey. (If I left anyone out, blame it on my old brain cells and not on our lack of having fun with you -- the joy of an online newsletter is that I can edit it in a flash.)

* We all read lots of books, most of which we borrowed from our local library.

The best part of summer, though, was seeing Ashley's spark return. Her eyes twinkled. She became animated and really fun to be with again. I want that 

spark to always remain with her.

Guess it has been a busy summer after all. 

Tell us about your summer!

Plays in the Park

Now celebrating their 50th anniversary, Plays in the Park has been creating high quality musicals each summer in Edison, NJ for only $7 a ticket ($5 for Senior Citizens, children under 12 are free).  The catch is, you have to bring your own chair, and it is outdoors so a lot depends on the weather.

Over the years we have seen some amazing productions. A couple of years ago we saw "Singing in the Rain" three times (once with my parents). I felt the star out-danced Gene Kelly. After all, Gene Kelly only had to perform a scene or two a day and had lots of opportunities for retakes, and these actors had to tap dance their hearts out each hot summer evening under the lights for two weeks (plus rehearsals).

A different year we saw "Thoroughly Modern Millie." I overheard someone in the audience say the costumes were straight from the recently closed Broadway show. Yes, it is that level of a production.

Last month we saw "My Fair Lady." I wish I had taken a picture of the set -- it was two stories high complete with a usable spiral staircase. They must have worked closely with a diction coach because the accents were each unique and consistent. The costumes at the horse race rivaled those seen in the movie with Rex Harrison. It was a top-notch production in every way -- and yes, still only $7.

Friday night's slight drizzle cancelled the production of "Damn Yankees." The conductor did not want to risk damaging the instruments or the rented music. Don and I will try to go later this week.

The season will close out with "Grease."

For as much as I bump into friends in Mercer County, that never happens to me in at Plays in the Park. I hope to see my theater loving friends there later this summer.

Bugsy Malone

I cannot say enough nice things about the drama program at Ashley's school. The program is entirely run by parents, who volunteer many hours to make sure every child who wants to be in a play has that opportunity. After holding auditions, the core drama parents divide the students into two casts. This gives everyone a chance to shine on stage, while creating built in understudies. The parents work tirelessly to get the best performance out of each student. It is a lot of work, but everyone loves it.


I've become the official photographer for the show. They grant me full access to take pictures non-stop during the dress rehearsal. In exchange, I give them 300 of my best pictures for them to disseminate to the cast with a DVD of the show.


This year Don worked stage crew. With two casts, there are also two sets of parent volunteers. In theory he was backstage the nights Ashley was not in the show. It didn't quite work that way, but he was able to sneak out and see her whenever she was on stage.


Ashley shined as the police officer who wanted to be a ventriloquist.


"Bugsy Malone" is not a very well-known show. It was a 1976 movie starring a very young Scott Baio and Jodie Foster as kids who were gangsters. Instead of killing people, they splurged them. No one dies. Everyone sings and dances and (in the end) gets along with each other. 


In many ways it was a lot of fun because it is an unknown show. The directors decided to have some fun with the plot and added vaudeville acts to keep it light. A stroke of genius was giving each showgirl a solo dance in which she held a sign announcing where the action was taking place next. The girls loved their solos and the stage crew appreciated a few extra moments to make sure the set was in place.


No more shows in the plans for now. We'll see what the future brings.

"Good Old Days"

Last weekend Ashley and I were both in the cast of a world premier play! How cool is that! From now on anyone who wants to see how "Queen Juliette" should look or act will study my version. Anyone who wants to know how to be a member of the Cleaning Corps will study videos of Ashley and her friends.

From the start I found the experience (more than a little) intimidating. Not only was I the first one to ever perform this role, but it was written by the director and one of the leads. Surely they know every single line? Surely they have precise opinions as to how the role should be portrayed?

Well, if they did they were kind enough to let me have a lot of leeway in how Juliette should act and interact with the rest of the cast.

This was by far my largest role -- 85 lines, plus I was on stage for most of Act 2 (and a big scene in Act 1). It was also my shortest rehearsal time (2 months) and came while training for a half marathon, while we had two vacations planned, and the beginning of the school year. Complete recipe for disaster!

The show, while coming at a stressful time in our lives, ended up being a lot of fun.

I learned a few things along the way:

1) It is never too early to learn your lines.

2) When you are having trouble SCREAM, don't whisper, someone has been there before you and will be able to help.

3) Don't do community theater during the school year -- no one needs that added stress.

4) One show a year is more than enough for me (I was also in "George Washington Slept Here" this year).

Theater

As many of you know, the three of us in addition to performing, we enjoy sitting in the audience. The experience is even more fun when we know someone in the cast.

Recent shows include seeing Chris Kubat as Motel in "Fiddler on the Roof"

Hayden Clark in "South Pacific."

Kate Mochnacz in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."











Tell us about the shows you are involved with and hopefully we can see you on stage, too.

Annie

Saturday night was opening night for Ashley's school production of "Annie." Ashley plays Orphan Kate, one of Annie's friends. She had a great time making new friends while singing and dancing to "It's a Hard Knock Life" and other famous tunes. It is a big commitment, but Ashley really thrives on stage.

After Saturday's show we went to local ice cream shop, The Purple Cow, for a celebration. All of Ashley's grandparents came to the show, along with theater friends: the Kubat and Levine families (plus Emily). It was great being able to visit with fellow actors and eat ice cream together.

The show continues again Friday night.

Theater

2010 found us spending more time in theaters as Ashley was in a few more plays. She really sparkles when she is on stage and with her fellow actors. In February she was a Villager in the play “The Grumpy Princess” with the Newtown Arts Council. July she returned to Somerset Valley Players as Rose (a white flower being painted red) in “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” Most recently she was Dinah in “Arrest these Merry Gentlemen” at Saint Ann’s School. She is looking forward to being Orphan Kate in her school’s production of “Annie” in April.

In February I will be returning to the stage as Hester, a maid, in the Newtown Arts Council production of "George Washington Slept Here." The show is very, very funny. More will be posted as we get closer to opening night. www.georgewashingtonslepthere.webs.com

When not on the stage, we all enjoying seeing shows. Productions take on a new perspective when we know someone in them.