Sports Season

It's that time of year again. Where my two favorite sports collide.

Philadelphia Flyers are in the Stanley Cup Play Offs...2nd round. Staying in strong and I am so very proud of them!! Even though they get blacked out a lot here at school, I am able to listen on the radio or get score updates via my brother texting me. I love this time of year, especially when we do good. We are playing very well this season even though the beginning was very shaky.

Philadelphia Phillies are just beginning their season and they have had a pretty good April season. They are on a nice little winning streak and I hope that it continues. I think we have a great team with lots of potential. Even so...the Phils, like the Flyers, are my boys and will always be my boys. I hope they continue to do well.

I love Philly sports. It's true what they say....Philly Sports Fans are die hard fans whether or not their teams win or lose. I am a very strong Philly Sports fan because I grew up outside of Philly and they have always been my boys. It has taken them a while, and yes the do choke...but they will always be my boys.

Right now I am watching the Phils on TV but listening to the FLyers on the radio.... life is good.

Your Friend In Thespis...

So today is a wonderful day!
You'll have to forgive me if I go astray, I only got 3 hrs of sleep last night because we were busy hanging out with our Pledges.

15 of the most wonderful, caring, and energetic people I know.
They will be Inducted into Thespians today and I will finally be able to call them Friends in Thespis.

I am so EXCITED!

These guys have worked their butt off this semester. Some of them have taken on huge leadership positions and have proven themselves to be extremely capable of handling this club. My little is amongst them and I am so very very proud of her. She has worked extremely hard this semester and has plans to continue to invest in the club.

That is something that I think we need. People who are going to invest in the club and make it something more than it already is today. Because right now I feel as if we have gone in decline since my freshman year. I love the Thespians and those that have made my ride with them worthwhile, I thank you! But it hasn't been easy and we have a long way to go. There are issues we just can't ignore any more. I am excited because today we get to pick the new leadership for next year. Even though I will be missing the first half of the year and graduating the second half, I feel as if this new leadership has potential. Those who have been nominated are bright and have big ideas for this club. I only wish that I could be nominated again for something, but since I won't be here...that would be hard.

Today is going to be an amazing day and I looking forward to calling 15 more people my Friends in Thespis by the end of it.

You all should be proud of yourselves. I know I am extremely proud of you all!

Love
Me~

We've been waiting for an hour...you said it would be 30 minutes.

So my cousin came to visit me this weekend. Nice break from the crazy world of my life. We had a very nice weekend...kinda.

My aunt gave us $100 for food this weekend. I barely eat out...which is to say that I barely eat anything at all. I don't have time, yet somehow I am still on the hefty side. Anyways, The first place we went to was Applebee's. A nice place usually tasty. Well we got our fave app. Queso dip with chips. The Queso was like hard as a rock...we just kinda stared at it. haha.

The next day we went to the all famous Waffle Shop for some tasty breakfast before we headed up to the Stadium for the again famous Blue and White Game (which was boring as per usual). The place was packed, so it was understandable if the service was not so great. But the service seemed exceptionally off. I'm a waitress at a diner that gets really busy like this place. I know when service is bad.
Later we decided to hit up Chili's for dinner. Good Idea we think. There is only two of us so the wait shouldn't be horrible. We were so wrong. We put our name in and said First available. They told us 30 min maybe 45 at the most. So we sit no more than a foot from the hostess stand. We wait. and wait. and wait. As we are waiting we see people literally walk in and get seated. We understand about call ahead seating but this was getting bad. So after an hour of waiting we go up and ask what's up. They said they either called us and we missed it...oh, or they skipped us. WTH? We were sitting right there and we def would have heard them call us. They seat us, cause we were mad. We sit at a way dirty table that hasn't even been wiped. the waitress we got was really nice and really good. But when my food came it was on a plate that was already dirty (it looked like there was bbq sauce or something on it that didnt come off in the dishwasher. Ugh it was bad. We left our waitress a really good tip though.

I guess it was just a string of bad restaurant luck.

Great weekend with my cousin though...very chill. There's too much drama here. I think I created some. Anyways I can't wait to leave this place. A great summer with my fam and an internship...still have to find a paying job. Then Disney in the Fall and Graduation in the Spring. Life is good. The only thing I am going to miss is theatre. Because that's the only reason why I stay here.

When I threatened to quit the club this year my friend asked what I would do. I said, "I don't know. If I quit Thespians I would want to leave Penn State. I can't leave Penn State because i have a year left...so I guess I'm not quitting."


Life. Is. Rough. But we can't afford to play it safe by wearing a helmet.

"Spring Awakening: Causing Sexual Tension In Audiences Everywhere"

I am just going to fawn over Spring Awakening a little more. I have had some thoughts on it these past couple days....things I didn't mention perviously I guess.

I think my title should be a headline for the show. I mean seriously though, and maybe this only happened to me, but it makes you want to go out, find a sweet, good looking guy and just kiss him. Besides making you feel awkward and somehow, free at the same time, this show has a lot to offer.

I was thinking about certain characters:

Wendla: In the original play, it opens with Wendla's 14th birthday. The musical doesn't yet this play is focused on how the kids are too young to know what is going on with them. I think it is an important thing to leave out. There is no mention of age at all in the musical....we know they are in school, that's it. Strangely enough, when Lea Michele was cast as Wendla, she was 14 years old. She was cast when it was in workshop. Woah. She does a great job at playing Wendla, she has a soft, childish, almost innocent voice. In the play we get a sense the Wendla is a female version of Melchior, but not so education driven. She is curious and wanting. She needs to learn, she wants to understand. In the musical....we get that, but to a much lesser degree. However, we do see that she is a lot like Melchior in wanting to learn things and this is something that might attract Melchior to her.

Moritz: Probably one of the best characters in the show. I really felt like Blake knew what he was getting into. Maybe he really was that kid who wasn't the brightest in the class, who tried but just couldn't focus, who got picked on, or maybe he wasn't. I don't know how John Gallagher Jr. played Moritz, but I know Blake did a great job. To put that much into a character and to really know or at least make the audience really feel what is happening. It was great. Mad props Blake!!

Melchior: I loved how we saw this character develop. In the play it's laid out for us. We understand that he understands but at the same time he is so confused. We know his parent's stance on things is more relaxed then the others. We know he is smart, charming, and the girls love him. The musical helps us see this even more. The songs Melchior sings, are ones that show struggle and angst and even though he is not like Moritz in wanting to die for it, he wants it to change. He doesn't know how, but he wants it to change. His journal, the prop (there are no props in the play written at least), adds so much to that character. Wendla getting a hold of it and having a purpose to find him in the barn and give it to him, makes the audience go...what is going to happen? We see Melchior throw two fits of rage and we understand why. In terms of the character of Melchior, the musical and the play are very similar...except at the end. I will not ruin the end for anyone so I won't make mention of it here. John Groff....I give you props. A character like this requires a lot and you were extremely believable.

Those being the three main characters that I wish to explore, I have nothing else really to say. Perhaps I will see it again before Michele and Groff leave and have more to comment. Perhaps I will see it again after the leave and have even more to say. I laughed and I cried. I was touched to the core. It was amazingly beautiful. This is a broadway show that screams to the world. I want to scream to the world to see it. We need to understand, we need to know, we need to learn, and most importantly the world needs to let us grow.

My thoughts.

My name is Kiiira.... Oh I believe

So yesterday my stress and hard work paid off. Well sort of. People still managed to piss me off over this New York trip by not telling me they weren't going and then when I called to ask if they were so I could have a final head count they said no...so now the club has to pay more money that we don't have. But oh well.

I was able to see two shows and eat at the Jekyll and Hyde Club...after eating there for the third time, I realize it's time to find some place new...so that's my next trip's quest, find a new place to eat.

I was able to see two shows: Xanadu and Spring Awakening

Xanadu

WOW. Ok so when I first heard about this show I was think, "What stupid idiot would write something like that and put it on broadway?" Then I saw it....first of all Kerry Butler was perfect for the role and so was Chyenne Jackson. No only was the show funny, but the music was great. Two of us saw the show in the afternoon and then a group of people saw it at night. Alex and I understood the story quite well...the people who saw it at night were like, "I don't know what the story was about but there were 40 disco balls at the end." A lot goes on during the show and I think you have to pay very close attention to understand it all. However, I thought it was a really good show and I'm not saying that because I like ELO.

Spring Awakening

I understand that hype. It's a GREAT show. Lea Michelle and John Groff did a great job and props to Blake who filled his role to wonderful expectations, having to follow Johnny Gallagher Jr was a tough gig. I had read the play by Wedkin this past semester and had to do an analysis on it for class. I know the story pretty well and therefore I had some what higher expectations. While the musical is very different from the play, I think they did a good job at following the story and pulling the key points. I just wished they developed it a little more. Especially Moritz. I mean we get a good picture of why Moritz does what he does and it helps, but I think that there is more we need to understand. The relationship between Wendla and Melchior was well played. Very well played. I think those who have seen the musical without reading the play were impacted. I mean I was impacted but because i knew the story i was hit really hard. I cried, I didn't find things very funny (they tried to make it a bit funny).

Set and Lighting and Staging. WELL DONE! The set was simple and there were barely any props. I believe this relates back to Wedkin's lack of stage direction in his original work. What is the purpose of this? Why no stage direction or props? Well I'm not sure if this is what Wedkin was going for but this is a show that you need to rely on the actor's to provide the message, it requires them to put more thought and emotion into what they are doing. They need to make us feel. The message of the actor has the potential to be really strong. The lighting was amazing. Great job. There were times I felt like I was at concert, but that's ok. The lighting seemed to say, here are the actors singing, listen to them, they have a story to tell that may affect your life, LISTEN TO THEM. The backdrop that "disappeared" to look like bricks were removed like a world was falling apart. Great effect. The staging was EXTREMELY well done. To have everyone on stage, to use the apron of the stage, to have audience members sitting on stage, and more. It was all great! I think one thing that grabbed my attention is the "audience members who sang" . *Edit thanks to Erica..see comments* Cast members are seemingly modern kids, not dressed like the others, with mics who sing in all ensemble numbers. I saw this as an attempt to say...This is their story, but look...It is still happening today. It could happen to you, look at the world around you, question it.

All in all I really enjoyed Spring Awakening. I have had the Cd since the summer and the musical is fantastic....but the show is eye opening. I hope others were able to get out of it all that I did.

Other than that, I had a few drinks, hopped on the bus, and slept most of the way home. I had a great time with friends. I didn't get to stage door but that's ok because they were doing Broadway Cares stuff and that's why I didn't stage door, I'm really glad they do Broadway Cares, because it is so important.

The day was great, warm with no rain. Simply fantastic and I was able to enjoy myself....even if i was stressed out about it.

Until beautiful spring days
~Me

She Should Get It Through Her Head...

I saw the touring cast of Evita tonight here at good old school...

I must say the show was good. Modernized, but good. They need to get rid of the projector screen....it served no purposed and pissed me off. Besides that the casting was good. Che was amazing What is Evita without Che? Nothing. The Waltz between Eva and Che (my fave number) Lived up to and surpassed my expectations. It was good. Something else I didn't like...they cut songs and then changed who sang some of the songs...I was like YOU CAN'T DO THAT...but apparently they can.

Lighting and set design was good....the mural that served as a curtain was very effective. I was hooked from the moment I walked into the theatre. The Lighting...Amazing. Mad Props to the lighting designer...I bet they took a ton of pictures during photo call...do they even have photo call in professional theatre? They must.


That's really all I have to say on the topic of Evita. So why did I title my entry such?

Well....I've been down for about a week. A bout with depression as I like to call it. Post-show depression. Since there are no rehearsals to go to, no crazy cast mates to deal with, I am lonely. In fact tonight was the first night I went out all week. Another thing is...I am having an extremely difficult week.

At this point in my college career I should be doing a lot of things. I should be interning, looking for jobs, making sure my grades are in check. I should not being going to Disney World for a semester. But I am. I am because I need a break. As much as it will kill me to be away from my family for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, I will have to. I hate it. I'm going to miss a thespian Barn Show and a Mainstage. What they are, I have no idea yet. I'm going there alone, no friends or family. So why should I feel this way now?

Well there's a lot going on behind the scenes. Pressure from dad to get an internship (got one) and a job (still working on such) for the summer to make some money. Pressure from mom which is really from dad. Grandfather being sick again. Trying to keep up with school work. Planning the new york trip and so on. I have also lost another good guy friend and I think that it might just be me pushing guys away with the things I do. I need to feel secure and comforted. I'm sorry.

I feel like a nobody. I feel like I don't matter. I want to feel differently, but I don't and it hurts. I want someone to care and it doesn't seem like anyone does. I'm lost...and no matter how many times Michael Buble tells me "Babe you're not lost" I don't believe him.

So where do I go from here?
I just pray things will be ok.

Until then... me

"I've missed you before I met you."

CONGRATS TO MY BEAUTIFUL CAST AND CREW!!!! WONDERFUL JOB THIS WEEKEND!!!!

I love this group so much that I was the only one who cried at ceremonies when it was my turn to talk. I mean everyone loves everyone...I just get emotional.

Not going to lie director man surprised me when he got up and started ranting about us...oh and he did. He told us at the end that he was proud of us...but he ranted. It was odd.

I'm super proud of my cast because they were amazing. Mr. Peduzzi I admire you so much..simply a freshman with so much talent. You jumped into Jekyll's part with only 4 weeks to learn it and we love you for how amazing you were. Not to mention that you are beautiful and every time you did confrontation I melted a little.

The rest of my cast....LOVE TO YOU ALL!!!!! Jimmy..I do not appreciate the Act II break nerf gun death of myself...but thanks for the memories. Rich Bitches...I love you and Court that dress is so perfect for your wedding day haha jus playin. Whores....well we never really liked you anyway. Just kidding you all were amazing and I love you. Meredythe I don't think anyone could have pulled of that red outfit but you! Sexy! To the rest of the men in the cast...what can I say? I enjoyed your dressing room more than the girl's dressing room....duh. You guys are beautiful! Shields... sing "those bastards hold the reigns" to me any day and I will have your children.

haha Well there I go proclaiming my love to you all as per usual...I did get the "Hot Tranny Mess" paper plate award... duh!

So SO SOOOOO Proud....

and here's another thing to boost Mr. Ross' ego a little more. A whole article on how much Sta Fed LOVES him.


To my Crew...You were amazing!!!!!! Couldn't have done it without you.


To everyone: Here's to Late Night Tech Week after parties at McDonalds, Huge games of Apples to Apples where AIDS loses to the KKK, Shamrock Shakes, "Do You", Goose warm ups, and asking every day..."What is really behind the facade?"

Love you guys!!!!
SO EXCITED TO HEAD TO NYC WITH YOU THIS WEEKEND!!!

~Me~

Tonight I'll plunder heaven blind steal from all the gods

It's a dangerous game we play here.

Jekyll opened last night and it was amazing. THere was a pretty good sized audience and we did a good job at freaking people out. TO be honest Ross had never sounded better.

I'm really proud of this cast and crew. We had some really hard times and we pulled this off wonderfully. I mean the original Jekyll quit halfway through the rehearsal process...seriously?

We all hit up McDonalds last night after the show because we were so hyper. Thank God for Shamrock Shakes! I love hanging out with these kids and after this weekend...I dunno what's gonna happen.

THe pics above are:
Ross as Jekyll/Hyde in confrontation
Ross and Alex during Utterson find Hyde in the Lab
and Meredythe and Ross during Lucy's Death.

We have 3 more shows and it's going to be great!

Until I discover what really is behind the facade...