#magic valley repertory

[sleepboysummer]

janes i have an emotional attachment to!!

[idk-tbh-idk]

Yellowp!!

1, 2, 3

1, 2, 3

1, 2, :, 4

This is a new song we sing for birthdays

Bouncy and dressed up

And not quite as fucked up

The new birthday song!

These are, USF, Beck Center and Magic Valley Repertory’s Noel respectively

Also a redraw of Lola Lola dressed up as C3P0

[daily-rtc-ships]

Blackrose, Magic Valley Repertory Theatre

[constances-no1-fan]

Daily Constance Blackwood

Day 13 - Magic Valley Repertory Theater [Grey Cast]

[ofbluesandyellows]

Seven: Jitterbug Love - Eddie Munson/Reader

Word Count: 7,575

Previous chapter

Friday night, that was the day that got settled as movie night, this had only happened once before but it had happened midweek, still it was your favorite thing to do with your fellow musketeers plus the teens. You were never going to admit it, at least not to Steve who was the one that came up with the idea and always tried to remind you all about it.

As far as you knew the girl called El and Mike were out of town with Nancy, Jonathan and a guy called Argyle. The latter seemed like a fake name but who knew, the 80’s were crazy times.

That left you with Dustin, Max, Lucas and Will. Will was so passionate about films and D&D that you were actually interested in knowing more.

The chosen movie was My Neighbor Totoro, no one saw that coming when Steve put it out on display in his living room. The teens quickly started arguing about why they had to watch some cartoon movie when Blade Runner was practically there, existing.

“It’s a damn masterpiece! We went to see Nausicaä and the Valley of the Wind and you said you loved it, Henderson. If I'm not wrong I saw you tear up.” Steve was defending Miyazaki with all he had.

“What!” Dustin squealed “that’s not true, that was Robin, she was crying.”

“I’m not denying anything, it was an epic battle, I got very emotional.”

“Just admit you cried Dustin,” Max said, tired already.

“I’ll watch it, Miyazaki has a great animation.” Will was already seated with a bowl of popcorn on his lap, you followed suit sitting by his side. He smiled at you.

“Whatever, just put it on… assholes.” Dustin muttered the last word, flipping you all his middle finger.

Steve smirked, he had won the argument… again.

Lucas fell asleep within the first twenty minutes, Dustin remained silent the whole film but you saw him enjoying the part where they made the tree grow big and when they traveled on the Bus-Cat thing.

Will commented occasionally, you nodded every time, mostly you were amazed by the imagination of the people that had created the film. Like you, Robin and Steve were ‘wow-ing’ every time something magical happened, your heart melted when the little girl found Totoro’s secret house, and you three were barely holding tears when the little kid disappeared.

“That was really cool.” Max said at the end, credits rolling.

“See? not everything has to be about spaceships and guns.” Steve looked at Dustin as he pointed this out.

Dustin kicked Lucas' feet, the latter almost fell off his seat.

“Uh, is it over already?”

“Yeah man, you missed it.” Steve took the tape out of his VHS player. “You, kids and ladies, want to order some pizza?”

Everyone cheered and the reunion moved to the kitchen. Steve put out beers for you and Robin only with the condition to not get drunk, he said it giving Robin a furtive glance. She didn’t care just drank a can within minutes.

“Jeez, Robin, keep it cool.”

“Shut up Steve, I’m with my best friends, I wanna celebrate.”

Music played softly in the background as everyone chatted, the pizza arrived in fifteen minutes and considering it was Friday night that was quite the record. Laughs were heard and you felt incredibly at ease, not worried or bored, you liked being there. Steve and Robin were fun and knew when to listen, their advice was trash but somehow it had worked so far, still they had no clue of when to keep their mouths shut.

“So are you excited for tomorrow, lover boy must have a whole repertory ready to serenade you.” Robin chucked, tipsy already.

You nudged her, widening your eyes as if she would get the hint to not say a word… too late.

“Wait… did it work? You and Eddie?” Lucas asked, cheese hanging from the corner of his mouth, he looked shocked.

“Lucas, told you to not say anything!” Max said with greeted teeth, the whole group heard her.

“Uh… Dustin? Did you tell them?” you knew the answer already.

“Shit!”

“DUSTIN!!”

“Y/n, sorry. Max can be persuasive and very scary at times.”

“I’m not scary!”

“Yes, you are.” All the boys said at the same time.

“Of course, and she told Lucas and I bet Will and your friend El and Mike and the whole town now knows I like Eddie. Fucking awesome dude.”

You let your head fall over the kitchen counter making a horrible thud.

“You fucked up man.” Steve said nonchalantly, eating his pizza.

“Hey, why are you so against me today, Steve. Thought we were like Batman and Robin or Doc Brown and Marty McFly.” Dustin threw his hands up in the air, clearly bothered.

“I mean we are, but come on dude, this is y/n we’re talking about, have some respect over the lady’s heart. Look at her, she already has enough on her plate just by liking Munson.”

If only you had laser vision, you would’ve burnt Steve’s hair.

“Sorry, I take that back, it was a bad joke.” He apologized.

“Well, now we all know, so what’s the plan for tomorrow.” Will intervened, patting your shoulder. It was nice of him to do so.

“Nothing. I just want to enjoy the night and then… we’ll see.”

“But you’re like totally kissing him, right?” Max said, with that wry smile.

The rest of the boys didn’t agree, they all made gaging noises or just grunted.

“If the time feels right, hell yeah.” More grunting. “But I don’t want to make it weird, I’m leaving in a couple of weeks so I don’t know.”

“This is so exciting! Love is in the air, that’s why I have some news guys.” Robin exclaimed, jumping and clapping her hands. “I kissed Vickie this morning.”

“No way!”

“Are you for real?”

“That’s the way to go!”

Everyone spoke at the same time giving Robin all the support and greetings she deserved. She’d been so in love with Vickie since forever and now they were finally making progress.

You hugged her and then Steve did the same, slowly everyone joined the ball of hugs until Robin pushed you all away because you were causing her anxiety. Still she was smiling so wide, she seemed to be glowing.

The teens were dancing and Steve started to make drinks with lemon and mint, you weren’t sure what he was doing but he was enjoying himself, this gave you time to put Robin aside, Steve’s garden was calm and the air was making your hair dance and finally with a little bit of privacy you hugged Robin properly.

“I’m really so happy for you, you and Vickie!! Oh god it’s been long enough Robs,” Robin’s face went red, bright and cute.

“Thanks, yes it took us a lot, right? But I guess it was totally worth the wait, she was so so sweet and it wasn’t even planned nor I felt like I had to do it, the total opposite; we were simply walking. She walked me home after I went to give her a few books she lent me so we were there and literally was like a swift move, our hands kinda brushed and she was already so so red, like it matched her hair and I was laughing and she was too but I said to myself ‘Robin you gotta hold her hand’ next thing I knew bam! I was holding her hand and even though our palms were all sweaty she didn’t let go, can you believe that y/n she didn’t!” Robin gasped for air, “And when we got to my place, we talked a bit more about going to the cinema next week and it just kinda happened, we were close and still fidgeting with our hands and,” she grinned, and let out a low shriek as she grabbed both of your hands. “We were kissing and it was cute and nice and yes very self-conscious and nerve-racking afterwards but it was perfect, and that’s what I want for you and Eddie, to feel all that all at once but perfect and unique in its own way.”

You felt the tug at the ends of your lips, your friend was finally receiving the love she deserved, but a sigh scared you, “Robin I know you want that for me because that’s all I want for you but stop that, this isn’t about me, this moment is about you and Vickie and you being happy and in love for once.”

“I love you so fucking much. I’m so glad you are here.” She engulfed you into the most loving and peaceful hug ever. Tipsy Robin was just the same as sober Robin, the only thing was that she was clumsier.

“I love you so much more but please you are standing on my poor feet.”

“Shit sorry.”

“Come, let’s have a drink to celebrate you and only you”

“I like the sound of that.”

In that moment the chatting inside the house became louder, you and Robin traded looks. These quickly turned into shocked ones.

“You’re late man” Steve said, patting the new addition to the party.

“You fucking called me with an hour notice Harrington, I had plans already.”

Eddie’s eyes found yours. It made your breath hitch and Robin had to nudge you slightly so you stopped gawking.

“Hello everyone!” Eddie waved to the teens but for you and Robin he winked.

Bitch!

Dustin threw himself at Eddie playfully pushing him to what he laughed and soon enough the tension of his sudden appearance dissolved into innocent jokes and playful banter. Steve rolled his eyes because even when he tried his best to hide his jealousy, it was kind of obvious he felt threatened by Eddie taking the spot of Dustin’s best friend. But Steve was too cool and cared too much about the young boy to try and sabotage his happiness.

You on the other hand tried to ignore his presence as much as you could. But the furtive glances started to become too obvious and too intense that they had to be interrupted by Steve’s deliberate glass clatter over the table or by Dustin’s fake cough.

“Are you avoiding me? After I showed you how to play guitar… low blow y/n!” Eddie clutched his chest as he softly laughed sitting closer to you on the grass.

Everyone was scattered around the Harrington’s garden, you were near the edge of the pool drink in hand and the summer night as the only witness of that gathering.

“I’m definitely not, you are the one chatting with everyone except me” you half shrugged hiding a smile behind your drink.

That's what happened, Eddie was happily exchanging stories with Will and Dustin, Lucas intervening ever so often, then Eddie went to Max and Robin, he even helped Steve prepare drinks–alcoholic and none alcoholic–there was something for everyone, Steve was actually a good bartender, which was surprising. The thing was that Eddie had only approached you because Robin was half passed out a couple of feet away from you, leaving you an easy target.

“Pff, okay, but look at us now, free range to talk all night long if necessary,” Eddie cocked an eyebrow, “I don’t have a joint this time but we have extremely sweet drinks instead.”

“Steve likes them too sweet, right?” Eddie nodded once, still both of you drank the lemony stuff. “So… I heard you were busy. Practicing I suppose?”

He gulped, “er, yeah, it’s gonna be a great show, a lot depends on how tomorrow goes so no pressure,”

Max was smirking from afar watching the interaction with Will by her side eating whatever Steve had left at his place.

“You’re gonna do great, I know it, I can feel it in my soul.”

“Yeah man, your band is really good.” Steve sat down near you, he had a jar of his creation ready to fill up your cups.

You of course didn’t deny Steve the pleasure so you drank and Edie drank which allowed the conversation to flow, all walls that usually were put up too high by Steve when it came to trying to maintain his image in front of Eddie crumbled a little, giving the feeling that in that moment you could talk about anything without the other person getting offended.

You had to ask about this  particular idea that had been circling in your brain like a fly on food, “how do you meet? Like I know we all went to school together but you sure weren’t friends so how did this happen?”

You blinked a few times feeling the drowsiness of alcohol, the lightness of your body. The feeling of fluffy grass under you kind of distracted you from their reaction but you heard Eddie sigh.

Steve snorted, “it’s a long story, but basically, we bonded over…trauma …and mostly because we found ourselves in a situation where we needed to protect Dustin”

“Basically it was a forced friendship, ”

“Yeah, pretty much.”  

“I can give you a fun fact, we share a mutual dislike for bats.” Eddie pushed Steve’s leg with his white tennis. “Right Harrington?”

Steve gave the long haired boy a grin, it was the kind you share with a friend with a hidden meaning, some private joke going between them and their funny glances. “We practically bled for each other.”  

You only watched, sipping alcohol to knock yourself out. “Hmm sounds fake but if you don’t want to tell me it’s fine.”  

Steve rolled his eyes at you, while Eddie just looked at you with a wry smile.

“Nothing seems to satisfy you woman.” Eddie said.

You squinted at him, a smile tugging at your lips, “I have a few things in mind that could.”

“Okay, I’m not willing to hear this.” Steve stood up from his spot.

Eddie was laughing at your side, you watched Steve wobble a little as he closed his eyes and extended his hands to try and find some balance. He held a finger up, “I’m all right.”

His drowsy smile made you chuckle. “You sure?”

“Just sit down Harrington”

“Promise not to talk about anything dirty in front of you.” You said sipping from your cup.

“Even though it’d be an interesting conversation.” Eddie mumbled only for you to hear.

The heat immediately reached your cheeks. You had to clear your throat, your eyes moved from the green grass to Eddie’s dark eyes, he was smirking.

“What? Feeling a little hot?” that smug tone was doing something to you.

“What?” you said in a pitched tone.

His fingers traveled in slow motion to your cheek, he stroked it slightly with this thumb, “your face is red, like blazing red, and it’s… warm.”

It was as if your body reacted without your permission, you leaned to the touch and Eddie couldn’t stop watching you, maybe the alcohol was doing a little too much.

“It’s the… you know… the drinks.”

Your breath hitched, as his thumb went a little closer to you lower lip and it was making you buzz from the inside, as if something was bubbling inside you like pop rocks fizzing all over your skin.

“Where am I?!” Robin startled all of you in the garden, she jerked up too fast she had to hold her head, but started to look around.

You missed Eddie’s touch the moment he stopped caressing your skin. He got up and kicked the lounge chair Steve had perched himself on. The breath you took next was met by several giggles coming from the teens who were running inside the house, it took you a moment to regain composure.

Dustin and Lucas put a video game on as you helped carry Robin to Steve’s room, she was talking nonsense about a dream she had about some dinosaur and an ice rink until she finally passed out at three in the morning. The teens were still going hard, but of course they did, with zero alcohol in their system the advantage was on their side and their youth. However you didn’t feel so young when your head started spinning the moment you sat down on the floor of the room. Steve was drunk and that’s when he decided it was the perfect time to show you how he did his hair every morning, step by step. You and Eddie traded glances, both still under the soothing effect of booze. Sometimes you giggled as Steve kept going, Eddie nodded because he didn’t feel like talking and he was enjoying how the boy by the mirror was humiliating himself without even noticing.

Steve was now on the last steps of his routine, the spray made a cloud around his head making him choke a little too hard he had to run to the bathroom… you held his hair back, not because he needed it but because he asked you to. Eddie’s laugh soundtracked the moment.

“Please, y/n don’t let it get dirty, it’ll be my ruin.” He threw up and you almost did too but you swallowed it down. Someone needed to give you an award for being the best of friends.

You had to call the boys to help you put him in bed beside Robin and soon after that you all were sleeping in Steve’s room, with pillows from his parent’s bed, towels and covers you found in a closet. Eddie's warmth clashed against your arm, he was lying on the carpet right next to you, his hand found your hair and he started brushing it, strand by strand absentmindedly, just like you once did.

“Are you nervous? for tomorrow?” you whispered. You back on the floor, Eddie on his side, watching you, not that he could because it was pretty dark but your eyes became used to the obscure room.

“I am a little, but it’ll be fine because you are going to be there… all of you.”

“Right.” you closed your eyes, “I’m glad you came tonight.”

“It was fun, I should be getting some sleep, but I don’t know if I can with this noise,” an orchestra of snores was all you heard apart from your low voices.

“Yeah, I won’t have a problem with that because the way you’re playing with my hair is making me very sleepy right now.”

“I’m stroking it as if you were a cat.” He said, closer to your ear. “Goodnight, y/n”

He kissed your cheek, but you were almost out so all you did was half smile and whisper “goodnight.” back.

Surrounded by the people you loved and Eddie’s fingers on your hair lulled you to the land of dreams.

★★★

After a good breakfast—more like lunch—made by you and Lucas and a cold shower the drunk musketeers were brought back to life, still a little hungover but nothing a few aspirins couldn’t handle.

Eddie had disappeared before any of you had the chance to wake up, he left a napkin with a thank you on it and a lopsided smiley face. You had been sighing non-stop, but no one dared to say anything to you except for Steve’s comment when you were alone washing the dishes.

“Your flirting last night was disgusting, you think I didn’t hear all the shit you were saying?” Steve shook his head, “get a room next time.”

“Now you know how Robin and I feel when you flirt with every girl you see.”

He scoffed, “That's different! They just want me for my looks. Munson is so head over heels for you, he almost moaned whenever you made a move, gross really.” The smile on your face made Steve chuckle, “Take things slow okay?”

“I am, we flirted like once, chill mom.”

“Funny,” he nudged you and threw the towel over your head as he gave a loud clap, catching the group’s attention “we need to get going everyone. There’ll be no bathroom stops so please empty those blades, you have half an hour, and no more… yes I am talking to you Sinclair!”

Robin added a little eyeliner to you as you fixed each other’s outfits. The ones you chose days in advance. You were ready in no time, not like Steve who took the longest time in the bathroom just because his hair wasn’t falling on the right spot on his forehead. But yes, between squeals, running feet and malicious laughs from the boys Steve managed to take them all out in time.

Dustin, Max, Lucas and Will were sitting on the backseats of Steve’s car. You had no license, neither did Robin and Steve was the only one with a car, so you all had to squish each other inside. Robin and you were sharing the co-pilot spot, the seatbelt was choking you as Steve drove as smooth and as fast as he could.

Age of Consent played. You and Robin nodded your heads to the beat, the kids were singing and eating snacks, Steve tapped his fingers on the steering wheel.

“Hey, no crumbs on my leather seats, or you’ll clean them. This is the first and only time I’ll say it,” Steve was indeed the mom of the group.

“Yeah guys do what mom Steve says, or he’s not driving us anywhere again” you said pouting.

The kids started chuckling and talking all over one another making Robin laugh and Steve to give you a severe look.

“Really y/n? Was that necessary?”

“It’s pay back for this!” you pointed to yourself. “I’m gonna end with a big bruise on my neck and Robin will have to amputate her leg because of lack of circulation; I’m literally over her. Get yourself a bigger car!” You snapped just before Steve pushed the break a little too harsh making you gag.

“Oops,” he said in faux sorriness.

You flipped him the finger, Robin folded your finger down and wiggled her body to try and find a better position. “Fuck, Steve how long is it going to take?”

“As long as it takes, Robin!”

“Damn, they’re worse than my parents.” Lucas casually said.

“Shut it, Sinclair.” Steve snapped.

“Just the facts.” The teens said all at the same time.

“Jeez, I can’t believe we all hang out for fun, need to get myself some male friends my age.” Steve pointed, shook his head clearly annoyed but you knew he loved every single one of the teens in the group.

After more banter and lots of shouting you all arrived at the place. In neon lights the name of the bar made you all sigh in relief. Robin pushed you out of the car, you almost fell on your knees, she apologized several minutes later, her leg had lost all sensitivity. Steve walked in first, teens in the middle, Robin and you right at the back, your poor friend leaping her way through.

You all had to give your names to the man at the door, he nodded and checked his list, as Eddie had promised you, you were on the list. The place was crammed. From afar you could see Jeff fixing some cables around the stage and giving his bandmate a thumbs up, when he looked your way he waved, smiling. You would be lying if you said you weren’t racked with nerves, and excitement with anticipation of seeing Eddie in action for real this time, the first time you didn’t remember if he sang nor the guitar solos he played but now you were there for him, to try and record every moment in your mind.

It’d be nice if your stomach stopped churning and jumping whenever a longhaired person appeared in your line of vision, unfortunately none of them were Eddie. The memory of his fingers on your skin and his lips on your cheek made you want to run away.

“He’s gonna be here any second, you’re making me nervous y/n. Stop moving your leg.” Steve handed you a glass of lemonade.

“Yeah, sorry I’m anxious.”

“Why? It’s obvious the guy likes you, he is probably just waiting for the right time, at least I would.” He half shrugged.

“Right, I know I said I wanted to enjoy the night and not preoccupied myself with these feelings but it’s impossible.” You gulped the fresh liquid.

“We’re all here for support, Porthos and Aramis, always here for Athos.” he put his arm over your shoulders, squeezing you lightly. “Right, Robin?”

“What?” she leaned closer to you two.

“That we’re here for y/n.”

“Of course we are! We are the three musketeers. You’ll be fine, otherwise I’d like to show Munson these muscles.” Robin flexed her inexistent biceps.

You snorted, “okay, thanks for that Robs, it really helped with the nerves.”

Dustin came to you running, “they are about to start, it’s going to be amazing, fucking hell I feel like this is the start of something big, do you guys feel it too? They’re gonna kick ass!”

“You need to drink some water Dustin, too much sugar is going to kill you.” You patted his head.

“It’s been like three sodas and a packet of sour patch kids, nothing to worry about.” He was already jumping all around your spot.

You looked at Steve, his eyebrows shut upwards, clearly perplexe. The worst part, he had to deal with him later on.

Dragging Max and Robin to the front row was not easy, especially when there were other girls waiting for the main band, still you had to keep your part of the promise. The stage was just a couple of meters aways as some guards tried to keep distance from it and the crowd.

Like the first time the lights went off, and your pulse turned on in a rush, you felt your palpitations drumming against your chest, too fast to be safe. The white noise of guitars being plugged and the taps on mics made the girls by your side smile your way and shriek in excitement.

The reflectors shining on the boys you knew, They were all looking like rockstars, leather pants, chains and some had eyeliner. Eddie had some kind of golden glitter on the high points of his cheekbones which made you gasp, who the hell does he think he is?

It took them a minute to finish prepping, his doe shiny eyes found yours. In that second was like the world stopped, you knew you were just as doomed as you had told Robin she was for Vickie, you were falling in love with this boy and he was up there winking at you.

“Did he just-?” Max yelled at you.

“Fuck, y/n you are soooo doomed.” Robin confirmed it.

“I—wish I could say something.”

Robin laughed.

Eddie took the mic, his poise of someone who belonged up there, who knew how to handle attention and he loved it. “Hello everyone!”

Crowds losing their minds, or was it just you.

“We are Corroded Coffin and we’re ready to give you one hell of a night, let’s get started shall we?” That cheeky grin had your knees wobbling.

“If you are going to pass out let me know so I can try and catch you, okay?” Robin said, with real worry in her eyes.

“Yup, yeah, ok.” You gulped, mouth dry.

It was good to know she had your back. They started with a song called Storm, your mind would never recover from Eddie’s singing voice even though you had heard him sing before but this was a whole new level of hot. You let yourself get lost in the music, Robin and Max dancing by your side, jumping mostly and screaming when the chorus hit, you didn’t know the lyrics but it didn’t matter. What mattered was how Eddie threw looks your way and smiled or winked or simply watched. He looked so damn good and happy, he was enjoying himself, it was crazy to you how you hadn’t paid attention to him that first night you saw him play.

Next song was a cover of Kiss and the crowd was singing along. Guitar solo came in and your insides melted, feeling suddenly very hot everywhere. Robin had to push you softly to bring you back to life.

There was a lot of screaming and pushing and jumping and it got sweaty real fast but it felt good, so good. A few original songs got played until there was this pause, Eddie grabbed the mic again. Pushing his hair aside he chuckled against the microphone, guitar pick in one hand as the other pushed the guitar to the side.

“Are you having a good night or what?” shouts and some cups of beer went flying. “Well, you better because we definitely are… this is our last song. It's a little bit of a last minute addition but there are people here that will enjoy this, I have someone special in mind. This is a classic and from one of the coolest bands… this is for an even cooler person.” He pointed a finger at you, “this is 20th Century Boy by T Rex .”

Your mouth dropped as the first riff played, Max was gawking looking at you, as Robin laughed so loud her raspy voice almost disappeared. Next thing you knew it was how you were jumping and singing the lyrics as hard as you could. If your smile could only go wider you would crack your face in two, yet, it was all about you and Eddie, you were trying hard to not think of the meaning of the words he was singing so fucking amazing at you or how he showed his tongue when he repeated.

20th century toy, I wanna be your boy

20th century toy, I wanna be your boy

Or when your eyes locked and he mouthed the words ‘told you.’ You were floating in a bubble of love and adoration. His rings caught light as he played the last chords, raw and loud, the whole place was on fire, metaphorically. Corroded Coffin was the best opening act ever.

Literally being dragged away from the stage by Max, you and Robin were laughing in incredulity, it felt like a dream like something that only happened in movies.

The boys welcomed you with lemonade, chips and grossed faces. Bet you looked indeed gross. You felt so sweaty and sticky but you were in a trance, literally daydreaming.

“That was for her right?” Dustin said first looking at Max, to which she nodded gulping down her lemonade. “Fucking knew it, I knew he wanted my cassettes for a reason.”

“Wish I could lie but that–that was great, even I was on my toes.” Steve said, probably just as mesmerized as you. “Munson, that bastard has to show me a few tricks.”

“She looks dead, is she okay?” Will asked, pointing at you.

“I’m fantastic, never better.” You sighed.

“Shit, we lost her.” Dustin confirmed.

“Now we need some air.” Robin stated, taking your hand and Max’s. “We’ll be right back.”

The boys nodded once letting you go, not before hearing mom Steve, “put your sweaters on, don’t want you to catch a cold.” He threw the jackets at you, practically hitting you on the face, zero reflexes activated, just a stupid grin on your face, “wow, she is like a zombie.”

“A zombie in love” Lucas corrected.

The crowd noise muffled as you stood outside, just a few people smoking and chatting were around. Robin shook you a couple of times until you finally connected back to earth.

“Was that real?” you were trying to wrap your head around the whole situation.

“I know, it was unbelievable, so cool, and romantic are you kidding, y/n. Eddie is so so in love with you, no one would do that just for a friend you know, if he did that for friends Dustin would’ve had a song dedicated to him a long time ago.” Max was pacing around as she talked.

Robin agreed with everything, “and he pointed at you, it was so obvious and yes, romantic. So if he doesn’t kiss you tonight I’ll kick his ass, yeah you heard me I look weak and I am weak but I’d do it for you, anything for you.”

“Oh I’d kick his ass too if he doesn’t kiss me or at least declares his love to me, I swear I can’t believe this happened, like what!!”

You chuckled, both of your palms holding each side of your face, feverish that’s how you felt. You were in cloud nine, that was stated, it took you a second to notice Robin’s features, she had gone silent, your eyebrows furrowed. She threw the jacked over her shoulder and looked at Max.

“Max?” you muttered.

It took the red-haired girl a second to react, “I think we should go back inside, but you stay here!”

Both girls ran back inside, you turned around to find a sweaty Eddie jogging to you. He was glowing, literally. His grin was so big your stomach fluttered.

You were so fucked, bad bad bad.  

“Hi” he said, pushing hair out of his rosy lips.

“Hello, there… that was— wild!” you couldn’t help it, you felt the adrenaline still running. “Can’t believe you played the song!!!”

“I said I would, and it was a hit, if I knew people liked it so bad I would've added it since the beginning.”

You hummed, “so it wasn’t for me, it was for the crowd, now I see how it is. Look who’s throwing low blows now eh, Munson?”

Eddie chuckled, “now you are fishing for compliments, but fine I’ll give them to you.” He crossed his arms over his chest, his outfit was so distracting, all of him was distracting your brain right now, “it was for you y/n. Wasn’t it obvious enough?”

You shrugged, feeling your cheeks go extra warm, “I don’t know,”

“What can I do to fix my lack of clarity then?” there was a playfulness in his words, you thought of asking the one question, the request you felt appropriate enough to fix it but you were afraid of his answer so you played it safe.

“Wanna buy me a beer?”

Eddie’s reaction surprised you, he let out a laugh, “do you want to go back inside?” a crease formed on his forehead. He lowered himself a little to be on the same eye level as you, “I don’t think I want to… I’ve seen the band a few times now.”

“I guess we can… go?”

He smiled, eyes sparkling along with his shimmery cheeks, “That sounds about right.”

His hand extended your way, ringed fingers and a couple of blisters on his finger pads, your eyes traveled up to his face, but his gaze had frozen on a spot past your back.

“What?” you asked.

You turned on your heels and there, you saw. Chrissy in a beautiful dress beaming at the man you had now by your side, you couldn’t help but look at Eddie, he waved a hand at her, your stomach dropped.

You took a step aside when Chrissy’s heeled boots clacked on the pavement, making her way to Eddie, she was practically running, she launched herself into his arms. They hugged and it was bad. Eddie closed his eyes and when he opened them they were watching you, you felt the tears prickling the rims of your eyes, but you held them. This was humiliating enough as it was.

“I’m sorry that I missed it! My dad didn’t want to lend me the car and had to practically get here on the bus last minute.” She giggled. Grabbing Eddie’s hand, the one he had extended to you, “was it good? I bet it went amazing.”

She said cheerfully, Eddie’s gaze was one of pain, but he didn’t say a word, he just stood there.

“It was pretty awesome actually.” You said your voice low, it almost cracked.

Chrissy finally looked at you, her big eyes and smile too kind for your liking.

“I bet, ugh so bad I missed it, but next time I��ll be there.” She said, “you can tell me all about it on the way.”

Eddie’s hand went to his hair, he mumbled a low “fuck,” and looked at Chrissy with a grimace.

“You forgot, didn’t you?” She wasn’t upset but you were, and you needed to get away from there.

“Nice to see you Chrissy, I have to go back with my friends… bye Munson.”

You backed out, hearing Eddie calling your name but you ignored him, the warm air from inside hit you, you had to step aside taking a few deep breaths to avoid the tears. A big knot was forming on your throat, your hands shaky. You saw Robin wave at you, you jerked up fake smiling.

Keep it together, keep it together. Was all you could repeat to yourself as you walked back to the table.

The main band was already on stage. the lights were low which you internally thanked because it would hide the pain a little better.

“Hey, you okay?” Robin, asked.

“Yeah why?” you busied your hands drawing with the condensation of your cup.

“You seem a little… weird. Did Eddie say something?”

You scoffed, “nah, he just had to do some stuff with his band and I wanted to stay with you guys. It’s all good.”

“Hmmm, ok.”

The rest of the concert you passed it with them, faking happiness, pretending everything was fine, that your heart was not getting ripped out of your chest. It was all going to pass… at some point, at least you hoped so.

On the way back, everyone kept on talking about Corroded Coffin and how Eddie had performed a T Rex song so perfectly. You nodded and laughed when everyone did, trying your best to stay in the moment, not letting your mind drift off, not letting intruding thoughts drown you, it was hard and you didn’t want to be alone, not tonight.

Dustin and Will were the first ones Steve dropped, Will staying with the Hendersons until his brother came back, Joyce was with Hopper in California for a week, or that’s what he said to everyone. Lucas next, he was kind enough to give you the last chocolate he hid in the car for later that night. It was supposed to have a rabbit shape, instead it looked like a deformed cat. That's when you noticed that maybe you were not as good of an actress as you thought. Max got out of the car with furrowed eyebrows.

“Had a great time… hey y/n… whatever happened you got this, okay? Love you!” She ran down until she reached her home.

“Love you too.” Robin shouted.

You three watched her get inside.

“My place?” Steve suggested.

“Yes.” From the corner of your eye you saw Eddie’s empty home, your chest squeezed.

“Let 's go.”

It would’ve been cool to say that the topic remained untouched, but the first thing Steve did was go to his backyard, grab his spiked bat and hand it to you as he tried to take something from his garage.

“Steve, what’s this for?” The bat was heavier than what it appeared.

Steve dragged some kind of mannequin/scarecrow figure, it was pretty damaged already so you guessed this was a thing he did often.

“Just hit it, whatever shit went down you need to release it or else it’ll pop into something worse, trust me.”

You sighed, “why do you think something went down”

“Uh, I don’t know, maybe that horrible face of yours, I mean… no offense I mean it like you’ve been quiet and just wincing whenever we talked about Munson.” Steve said, hands on his hips, “so if you are not going to tell us at least let it go.”

“You should try it.” Robin pointed.

“It’s not that I don’t want to tell you it’s just that… I feel… stupid.”

It was true you were feeling like you could curl into a ball and cry,

“You are not stupid,” Robin went to side hug you, “you can always tell us what’s up.”

Your fingers scratched your forehead, letting the bat fall at your feet, “it’s so dumb but, Chrissy showed up and I’m not entirely sure but—Eddie and her had plans for something and he had just asked me to ditch the concert and go with him… we were flirting, okay? and then… we weren’t.”

Steve crossed his arms, looking at the floor. Robin simply pursed her lips, “well… that’s kinda fucked up if you ask me.” he said.

You saw Steve clench his jaw, with a swift move his foot sent the bat upwards, catching it with his hands. In a second he swung it straight to the scarecrow thing. You and Robin winced.

“Maybe it was nothing… like they could be hanging out as friends you know?” optimistic Robin showed up, you felt like crying again.

“Robin we know that’s not true, he has this crush on Chrissy and they were probably going on a date and I was stupid enough to believe he had feelings for me.”

You curled against Robin’s embrace as Steve hit the thing once more.

“The signals were pretty clear, even I saw them!” he said abruptly, “we all saw how he did the rockstar shit and winked at you like- come on man!” Steve was panting, his face red. “you don’t go to a lady’s house twice for nothing.”

You threw Steve a sharp look, as Robin gasped. He cocked an eyebrow “I don’t mean it like that, Jesus. You two have a dirty mind.”

Whatever he meant it didn’t matter now, your whole body felt so heavy, so tired. “I’m so pathetic Steve, you don’t have to cover it up with theories.”

“He is not covering anything!” Robin said, taking the bat from Steve’s hold, “We all saw it, Dustin noticed and proved it! If he is actually dating Chrissy, well that’s low.” She started punching the scarecrow as obscenities came out of her mouth.

“Yeah! Robin, show him who’s boss.” Steve clapped prodding her to keep going.

“You should totally try it Y/n it feels good,” she yelled.

“Come on, you need to take it all out.” Steve took your hand and guided you to the target.

Robin placed the bat which tilted in your grasp. A moment later you hit, over and over again. Loud growls, bad words and cheers were all that one could hear coming from Steve’s house. The good thing was he didn’t have neighbors close enough to complain about the noise.

It was all shits and giggles until you couldn’t continue, the bat falling to the ground. The horrible feeling of dread and the intrusive thoughts of not being enough, not being good to keep people around. This time you were not alone, Steve and Robin sat you down, you didn’t even notice you had started crying until Robin wiped a tear from your chin, she even cried a little too, Steve sniffed but he hid it well. You three had gone through similar shit, understanding the other was easy. You grabbed their hands and sobbed the pain away, at least until you were too tired and too hungry to keep going.

That night, none of the three musketeers was left alone, you all slept in the living room, Steve handed you and Robin clothes to sleep in, he put what used to be your cassette on. George Harrison doing his best to band-aid the cracks of your heart with his sweet voice and poetic lyrics. A little comfort came when Here Comes The Moon echoed in the house, Steve gave you a sad lipped smile and Robin pushed away the hair of her face.

“It will be okay, y/n. Everything finds its way back around, and that idiot will regret it.”

“I’ll make him regret it.” Steve said deadpan.

“Steve, please don’t.”

“I’ll cancel his Family Video membership,” Robin quickly said.

“Or we can charge him extra.” Steve added.

“Ugh, you always do what you want, don’t you?” you knew what they were going to respond.

“Just when Keith isn’t around, so basically all the time, yeah.” Steve agreed.

“At least give us that, our little fuck you to the guy.”

“Fine,”

Steve got up and turned the lights off as well as the stereo, on his way back you clearly heard the high five he gave Robin. After a couple of minutes of silence someone had to corrupt the peacefulness.

“Girls.” Steve mumbled, softly.

Both of you hummed, already feeling the drowsiness of sleep crawling its way up your body.

“You know I’d do anything for you, right?”

“Of course we know dingus. We are family.” Robin quickly reassured his friend.

“Exactly, I’d do anything for you too, all for one—” you said

“And one for all.” your two best friends ended the phrase.

Giggling and sighing you three were.

“You are the best friends one could ask for. I love you.” Steve added.

“I love you way more guys” Robin mumbled.

“I love you musketeers, forever.”

Next chapter

[sleepboysummer]

yeah i had suggested magic valley repertory, one of the janes hair isnt short but it is red and the others is short but brown, and they all wear pinafores, as well as her doll has a yellow dress but idk :3

okay finally gonna post this here bc my research has done nothing. a while ago on reddit someone described some ride the cyclone footage they came across (and couldn't find again) and described some of it and asked if anyone knew what production it was. i've researched 70+ productions at this point and have found nothing that fits so i figured i'd post it here in case anyone else knew. - Jane Doe had a short orange wig - Jane Doe's doll had a yellow dress - Ocean had long brown hair - The girls were wearing pinafores

[kneipho]

Via: Bay Area Plays   

Full List as of 8/31/18: San Francisco - Peninsula - North Bay -East Bay - South Bay

-

SAN FRANCISCO

42nd Street Moon – “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” – Oct. 3rd – 21st

African-American Shakespeare Company – “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf” – Sept. 15th – 29th

American Conservatory Theatre (ACT) – “Sweat” – Sept. 26th – Oct. 21st “Men on Boats” – Oct. 17th – Dec. 16th

Awesome Theatre – “Terror-Rama III: Dead the Whole Time” – Oct. 12th – 27th

Bay Area Musicals –

Beach Blanket Babylon (OPEN-ENDED)

Bindlestiff Studio – “Stories High XViii” – Through Aug. 25th

Brava Theater Center –

Crescent Moon Theater –

Crowded Fire Theater – “Church” – Sept. 13th – Oct. 6th

Curran –

Custom Made Theatre Company – “The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?” – Sept. 20th – Oct. 20th

The Department of Badassery

Exit Theatre – “San Francisco Fringe Festival” – Sept. 6th – 15th

Faultline Theater Company –

Ferocious Lotus –

foolsFury –

Golden Thread Productions – “Kiss” (presented at Shotgun Players in Berkeley)- Aug. 23rd – Sept. 23rd

Killing My Lobster – “North by North Lobster” – Oct. 18th – 27th

Lamplighters – “The Pirates of Penzance” – Aug. 4th – 26th

Landmark Musical Theatre –

Lorraine Hansberry Theatre –

The Magic Theatre  – “The Resting Place” – Oct. 10th – Nov. 4th

The Marsh – “The Clyde Always Show” – Through Aug. 29th “Keeping Up With the Jorgensons” – Through Aug. 25th “Bravo 25: Your A.I. Therapist Will See You Now” – Sept. 20th – Oct. 27th “The Waiting Period” – Through Oct. 28th “Why Would I Mispronounce My Own Name” – Oct. 25th – Dec. 8th “Acid Test: The Many Incarnations of Ram Dass” – Sept. 21st – Nov. 4th

New Conservatory Theatre Center – “Red Scare on Sunset” – Sept. 21st – Oct. 21st “Cardboard Piano” – Oct. 26th – Dec. 2nd

The Playwright’s Center of San Francisco –

Playwrights Foundation – “Bay Area Playwright’s Festival” – July 20th – 29th

Ray of Light Theatre – “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” – Sept. 14th – Oct. 6th

The Refuge – “Cabaret” – July 6th – 15th

San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Company –

San Francisco Mime Troupe – “Seeing Red: A Time-Traveling Musical – Begins July 4th (various locations)

San Francisco Playhouse  – “You Mean to Do Me Harm” – Sept. 18th – Nov. 3rd “Sunday in the Park with George” – Through Sept. 8th

Shelton Theater – “Baby Doll” – Sept. 13th – Nov. 3rd

SHNSF – “Les Miserables” – Through Aug. 26th “The Phantom of the Opera” – Sept. 5th – 30th “On Your Feet! The Emilio and Gloria Estefan Broadway Musical” – Sept. 11th – Oct. 7th

Theatre Rhinoceros –

Thrillpeddlers

Troupe Theatre – “The Future is in Eggs” – Aug. 25th – 26th

Virago Theatre Company

Z Space – “#GetGandhi” – Aug. 10th – 26th

PENINSULA

Broadway by the Bay, Redwood City – “Saturday Night Fever” – Aug. 10th – 26th

Coastal Repertory Theatre, Half Moon Bay – “Avenue Q” – July 27th – Aug. 26th “Death of a Salesman” – Sept. 28th – Oct. 28th

Dragon Theatre, Redwood City – “The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence” – Sept. 14th – Oct. 7th

Fuse Theatre, Redwood City –

Hillbarn Theatre, Foster City – “West Side Story“ – Aug. 30th – Sept. 16th “Noises Off!” – Oct. 11th – 28th

Pacifica Spindrift Players – “My Fair Lady” – Aug. 10th – Sept. 2nd “It Can’t Happen Here” – Oct. 19th – Nov. 4th

Palo Alto Players – “Tarzan” – Sept. 8th – 23rd

The Pear Theatre, Palo Alto – “Northanger Abbey” – Aug. 31st – Sept. 23rd “Hedda Gabler” – Oct. 12th – 28th Stanford Repertory Theatre, Palo Alto –

TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, Palo Alto/Mountain View – “Native Gardens” – Aug. 22nd – Sept. 16th “Fun Home” – Oct. 3rd – 28th  

NORTH BAY

6th Street Playhouse, Santa Rosa – “Comedy of Errors” – Through Sept. 2nd “Guys and Dolls” – Sept. 14th – Oct. 7th

Bay Area Stage Productions, Vallejo – “I Ought To Be in Pictures” – Through June 10th Lucky Penny Productions, Napa – “Into the Woods” – Sept. 7th – 23rd “Blithe Spirit” – Oct. 19th – Nov. 4th

Marin Shakespeare Company –

Marin Theatre Company, Mill Valley – “Oslo” – Sept. 27th – Oct. 21st

Novato Theater Company – “A Chorus Line” – Sept. 7th – 30th “God of Carnage” – Oct. 26th – Nov. 11th

Ross Valley Players – “Twelfth Night” – Sept. 28th – Oct. 21st

Sonoma Arts Live – “Hello, Dolly!” – Oct. 5th – 21st

Spreckels Theatre Company

– “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time”  – Sept. 7th – 30th“Addams Family Musical” – Oct. 12th – 28th

EAST BAY

Actor’s Ensemble of Berkeley – “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged” – Through Sept. 3rd

Altarena Playhouse, Alameda – “Clybourne Park” – Oct. 5th – Nov. 11th “One Man, Two Guvnors” – Through Sept. 9th

Anton’s Well Theater Company – “Dirty Butterfly” – Sept. 21st – Oct. 7th

Aurora Theatre Company, Berkeley – “Detroit, ’67” – Aug. 31st – Sept. 30th

Bay Area Children’s Theatre, Berkeley – “The Cat in the Hat – El Gato Ensombrerado” Sept. 15th – Nov. 4th

Berkeley Playhouse – “Dreamgirls” – Sept. 21st – Oct. 21st

Berkeley Repertory Theatre – “A Doll’s House, Part 2” – Sept. 6th – Oct. 21st “Fairview” – Oct. 4th – Nov. 4th

Center REPertory Theatre, Walnut Creek – “Mamma Mia” – Aug. 31st – Oct. 7th “Dancing Lessons” – Oct. 19th – Nov. 7th

Central Works, the New Play Theater, Berkeley – “Chekhov’s Ward 6” – Oct. 13th – Nov. 11th

Chanticleers Theatre, Castro Valley – “Don’t Dress For Dinner” – Oct. 19th – Nov. 11th

Contra Costa Civic Theatre – “Allegiance” – Sept. 21st – Oct. 21st

Douglas Morrisson Theatre, Hayward – “Once Upon a Mattress” – Sept. 13th – 30th

The Marsh, Berkeley – “Each and Every Thing” – Through Sept. 29th “One Life Stand” – Through Sept. 29th “Can You Dig It” – Through Sept. 9th “Latin Standards” – Oct. 5th – Nov. 17th

Masquers Playhouse, Point Richmond –

Piedmont Center Theatre, Piedmont –

Pittsburg Community Theatre – “Spamalot” – Sept. 28th – Oct. 7th

Ragged Wing Ensemble, Oakland –

Shotgun Players, Berkeley – “Women Laughing Alone With Salad” – Oct 12th – Nov. 11th “Kiss” – Through Sept. 23rd

Stage 1 Theatre, Newark –

Those Women Productions, Berkeley – “Woman on Fire” – Through Sept. 9th

Town Hall Theatre, Lafayette – “The Revolutionists” – Sept. 29th – Oct. 20th

Tri-Valley Rep, Livermore –

Ubuntu Theater Project – “Pool of Unknown Wonders” – Aug. 31st – Sept. 23rd

UC Berkeley TDPS –

Woodminster Amphitheater, Oakland – “In the Heights” – Aug. 31st – Sept. 9th

SOUTH BAY

Broadway San Jose – “On Your Feet” – Oct. 9th – 14th

Center Stage Performing Arts, Milpitas –

Children’s Musical Theater San Jose – City Lights Theatre Company, San Jose – “In the Heights” – Through Aug. 25th “God of Carnage” – Sept. 13th – Oct. 14th

Foothill Music Theatre, Los Altos Hills –

Lyric Theater, San Jose – “The Wizard of Oz” – Oct. 13th – 28th

Naatak Indian Theater – “Mahabharat” – Sept. 2nd – 23rd

Norcal Academy of Performing Arts –

Northside Theatre Company, San Jose –

Pintello Comedy Theater, Gilroy –

San Jose Stage Company – “The Lieutenant of Inishmore – Sept. 26th – Oct. 21st

San Jose Theaters

San Jose Youth Shakespeare –

Santa Clara Players – “Exit the Body” – Oct. 26th – Nov. 17th

Silicon Valley Shakespeare, San Jose – “Much Ado About Nothing” – Through Sept. 2nd

South Bay Musical Theatre, Saratoga – “Mame” – Sept. 22nd – Oct. 13th

Sunnyvale Community Players – “Grease” – Sept. 15th – Oct. 7th

Tabard Theatre Company – “Another Roll of the Dice” – Sept. 14th – Oct. 7th

Teatro Vision, San Jose – “Departera” – Oct. 11th – 21st

OPEN-ENDED RUNS/IMPROVISATION

Bay Area Theatre Sports (BATS), San Francisco

Comedysportz San Jose

Made Up Theatre, Fremont

Synergy Theater, Walnut Creek

Un-Scripted Theater Company, San Francisco

OPERA

Bay Area Opera Collaborative

Island City Opera, Alameda

Opera San Jose

[dulwichdiverter]

From sitcoms to Shakespeare

BY MARK BRYANT

Best known as the dapper but rather snooty Captain Peacock in the long-running BBC TV sitcom, Are You Being Served? which aired from 1972 to 1985, Frank Thornton was born in Dulwich, attended Alleyn’s School and carved out a distinguished career in theatre and film that spanned more than seven decades.

Born Frank Thornton Ball on January 15, 1921, his father William Ernest Ball was a bank clerk who was also the organist at St Stephen’s Church on College Road near Sydenham Hill Station. His mother was Rosina Mary Thornton, the daughter of Joseph Thornton, a musician.

Both of Frank’s parents lived locally. At the time of their marriage, in April 1912 (at the Emmanuel Congregational Church on Barry Road in East Dulwich), William Ball was living in Dulwich Village with his own parents at “Charnwood” – a large house on the south side of Court Lane immediately next to the entrance to Dulwich Park and opposite Eynella Road. The family had previously lived at 244 Barry Road.

Frank’s mother Rosina, a music teacher, was then living in East Dulwich with her parents at 349 Lordship Lane, on the corner of Crystal Palace Road and opposite what is now the Plough Cafe near Sainsbury’s Local and Dulwich Library.

According to the electoral rolls, in 1920, shortly before Frank was born, his parents were living at 127 Barry Road. However, in 1923, when his older brother John joined Alleyn’s School, John’s home address was given as 347 Lordship Lane, next door to his maternal grandparents.

Like his father, his two paternal uncles, his older brother John and his two younger brothers Edmund and Alan, Frank was educated at Alleyn’s, where he was a pupil from 1932-37.

Here he was a contemporary of Kenneth Spring OBE, who later became an art teacher at Alleyn’s and co-founded the National Youth Theatre; the composer and conductor John Lanchbery OBE; and the distinguished civil servant Sir Philip Woodfield.

As a child Frank described himself as “a bit of a loner, not one of the lads. I think I was probably a bit of a prig because I seem to have been stuck with this supercilious persona for as long as I can remember.”

While he was at Alleyn’s the family lived at 149a Devonshire Road in Forest Hill and then, from 1935, at 11 Zenoria Street in East Dulwich, which runs off Lordship Lane near Goose Green.

Though Frank had appeared in school performances of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado and The Yeomen of the Guard (playing cello in the orchestra), and was keen to become an actor from a young age, his father insisted that he should first get a “proper” job.

As a result, after leaving Alleyn’s he worked as a clerk for an insurance company, like his brother John, while taking evening classes in acting at the London School of Dramatic Art on Bute Street in South Kensington. After two years, he was offered a place as a full-time day student and managed to persuade his father to finance the course.

Frank was 18 when the Second World War broke out and he and his fellow students were evacuated to Oxfordshire. Shortly thereafter he landed his first professional acting job in a touring production in Ireland of Terence Rattigan’s comic play French Without Tears.

In 1941 he returned to London where he worked for the famous actor-manager Sir Donald Wolfit, who had reopened the Strand Theatre to stage lunchtime productions of abridged versions of Shakespeare plays.

In one of these, Richard III in January 1942, Wolfit played King Richard, Frank was Sir William Catesby and Eric Maxon, who was born in Balham, was Edward IV. It was while Frank was playing Bassanio in The Merchant of Venice for Wolfit that he met his future wife, the actress Beryl Evans – who had been cast as a page.

In 1942 he had a small part in John Gielgud’s acclaimed production of Macbeth at the Piccadilly Theatre. Gielgud played the starring role and also directed.

The same year Frank appeared as Corporal Wiggy Jones in the first production of Terence Rattigan’s RAF play, Flare Path, at the Apollo Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. Its original cast included a number of fellow south Londoners – Catford-born Leslie Dwyer, Tooting-born George Cole and Kathleen Harrison, who had been to school in Clapham and whose father was borough engineer for Southwark.

In 1943, Frank was conscripted into the RAF and after training as a navigator, he eventually joined the Air Ministry’s Entertainment Unit.

As he later said: “At the end of the war I was redundant aircrew doing various jobs waiting to be demobbed, and I ended up in the Air Ministry Entertainment Unit which ran the RAF gang shows. I had to go round and watch all the shows, meeting all the participants...”

These included a number of airmen who later became celebrated actors and comedians, such as Peter Sellers, Tony Hancock and Dick Emery.

On June 1, 1945 Frank was promoted to the post of flying officer and got married four days later. He and Beryl had a daughter, the TV producer and curator of the Eden Valley Museum, Jane Thornton Higgs MBE.

After he was demobbed in 1947 he joined a repertory company. During the 1950s he continued to work on the stage and also began appearing in films and on television.

In November 1950 he made his TV debut in The Secret Sharer, part of the BBC drama series Sunday Night Theatre. Then in 1953 he was cast as a barman in The Silent Witness, an episode of the television series Scotland Yard, which was hosted by Edgar Lustgarten.

His first credited film role was as Inspector Finch in Radio Cab Murder (1954), starring Jimmy Hanley. He went on to appear in more than 60 films.

In November 1957 he starred as PC Cox in an episode of the BBC’s Dixon of Dock Green, written by Ted Willis, whose granddaughter, TV producer Beth Willis, went to JAGS in Dulwich. Then in January 1959 he appeared in ITV’s new swashbuckling series The Adventures of William Tell, which began in 1958 and starred Conrad Phillips as the legendary Swiss rebel.

Frank’s fellow actors in his first episode included Wilfrid Brambell, with whom he would later appear in Steptoe and Son (five episodes, 1962-65) and in the film, Steptoe and Son Ride Again in 1973.

Also in 1959 he was cast in nine episodes of the ATV drama series The Four Just Men, based on a story by Edgar Wallace, who had been at school in Peckham.

In 1961 he appeared in a number of classic television series. These included Danger Man, The Avengers, The Rag Trade and Michael Bentine’s comedy It’s a Square World, in which he was a regular cast member.

He also appeared in Hancock’s Half Hour – notably in The Blood Donor episode in 1961, but not the earlier episode The Alpine Holiday in 1957, in which Kenneth Williams played Snide, the yodelling champion of East Dulwich...

In 1964 he was cast as Commander Fairweather in the ITV comedy series HMS Paradise with Richard Caldicot, who had attended Dulwich College. It was a spin-off from BBC radio’s The Navy Lark, in which he also appeared briefly, and from 1966-68 he starred in another radio spin-off of the series, The Embassy Lark.

He also later appeared in The Goodies, Love Thy Neighbour and other comedy series as well as in shows hosted by such household names as Dick Emery, Benny Hill, Frankie Howerd, Harry Worth, Reg Varney, Tommy Cooper, Spike Milligan, Ronnie Corbett and Kenny Everett, on whose show he appeared dressed as a punk rocker.

Frank continued to be cast in films, mostly comedies, during the 1960s and 70s. These included Carry On Screaming! (his only appearance in the famous Carry On series), The Bedsitting Room (written by Spike Milligan and John Antrobus), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (as the one-armed doorman of the Diogenes Club) and No Sex Please, We’re British, with Ronnie Corbett and Arthur Lowe.

In April 1964 he even played the part of a chauffeur in The Beatles’ film, A Hard Day’s Night, but sadly his appearance ended up on the cutting-room floor. However, he did have an uncredited role in cult film The Magic Christian (1969) which starred Peter Sellers and Beatles drummer Ringo Starr.

In addition he worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company and at the age of 50 he played the part (singing) of Eeyore in a musical version of Winnie the Pooh at the Phoenix Theatre.

Ten years later in 1982 he played Sir Joseph Porter, First Lord of the Admiralty, in Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. Interviewed at the time he said: “I made my singing debut at 50, my operatic debut at 60 – and I shall look forward to dancing with the Royal Ballet at 70.”

However, despite a long and varied career, Frank will always be best remembered as Captain Stephen Peacock, the pompous floor manager of Grace Brothers’ department store in the popular BBC sitcom Are You Being Served? which in 1979 reached a peak viewing audience of 22 million.

He appeared in every episode from 1972 until 1985, starred in a 1977 film of the same name and later reprised the role in a TV sequel, Grace & Favour (1992-93). In the early episodes of Are You Being Served? he wore an Alleyn’s School tie.

While playing Captain Peacock he also took on other kinds of roles. In the 1980s these included the part of Sir John Tremayne in the hit London musical, Me and My Girl (starring Robert Lindsay) – which earned him an Olivier Award nomination – and acting with John Cleese in Jonathan Miller’s BBC television production of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. He also worked with Derek Nimmo’s touring theatre company in Asia and the Middle East.

In addition Frank had small roles in Emmerdale, Casualty and Holby City, appeared as Judge Geoffrey Parker-Knoll in comedian Julian Clary’s All Rise for Julian Clary, and from 1997 until the show ended in 2010 he played the retired policeman Herbert “Truly” Truelove in Last of the Summer Wine. He also appeared as Mr Burkett in Robert Altman’s Oscar-winning period drama Gosford Park, which came out in 2001.

His last film part was in the farce, Run for Your Wife, released in 2013, in which he was one of 80 celebrities to make a cameo appearance. This also had a Dulwich connection as it was written and co-directed by Ray Cooney, who had attended Alleyn’s School.

Frank died at his home in Barnes, west London, on March 16, 2013 aged 92.

 Dr Mark Bryant lives in East Dulwich, close to many of the childhood homes of Frank Thornton and his family, in particular Underhill Road where Frank Thornton’s uncle Alfred John Ball lived shortly before Frank was born

[darlacook]

Why Amazon HQ2 should come to St Louis aka Why I love the Lou and you should too.

Hey Jeff Bezos! I know you are being inundated by every city and state that wants the new Amazon HQ2. They are going to tell you about the great tax deal they can offer and the business climate. About how many employees you can find in their area. The housing costs, the schools, the land they will give you. 

All good and I am sure super important to you. But that shouldn’t be the only consideration. And given who you are and your Seattle campus I am sure it is not.  (I know someone who works there, and may I say I am jealous! Puppies in the office!).

I want to tell you about the other side. The personal side. The fun side. After all, no one, even you works all the time. All work and no play makes even Jeff a grumpy boy I am sure. Welcome to what I call "the Lou and you". Not the official city slogan, but one I think is more fitting.

So let me tell you about the other St. Louis. Not the business side, though it will have businesses in it. But the fun side, all within easy driving distance. About the places and things St Louis offers. We are more than fly over country. We are fun, vital and exciting. Let me show  you my favorite spots. I have been to them, or they are on my bucket list which is rapidly dwindling.

Standard disclaimer: I have nothing to do with the cities bid. I am sure they are properly horrified and sure I am totally ruining the chance by addressing you directly. But what the heck, I don't know what they told you and I thought you should see it from the other side. Who knows it better than its own folks.

Once you are done I hope you can see what a great city we really are. We are nothing like we are sometimes portrayed on the news, or by other cities. After all this is a competition, and may the best man, or rather city win. And if you ever come to St Louis,we would love to show them to you in person. At least let us treat you to City Museum and a nice drink, on my dime.Even if we don’t win.  Ever slide down a whale? Hang over the side of a building in a school bus? Ride a Ferris Wheel above the city? Wanna?

So here is some of the things I love! I hope you will too.

Arch. Kinda looks like an A if you allow the cross bar fell off. But a great ride to the top if you’re not too claustrophobic. Well worth the tram ride in the egg which is a funky experience of its own. - Art Hill - the destination to sled in winter and have hot chocolate. - Adventure Valley Paintball Park - shoot a friend (with paint). - Architecture - we have amazing buildings that awe.

St. Louis Black Repertory Company - Nations largest African American theater company - Butterfly House - just what it says, see the butterflies -  Beer! from big brewer to small craft we got it covered - Big Muddy Blues Festival - Blues music! - Blue Berry Hill - Excellent food, great drinks! - BB's Jazz, Blues & Soups - world class jazz, blues and food. - Bi-State Pet Food Pantry - feeding pets for those in need.

Casinos - we have several and sorry I don't hang there though my mom does. - City Garden - fun for the whole family. Splash and play. - Chess Hall of Fame - play a game - Crown Candy - providing the best candy and milkshakes since 1903 - Cherokee St - shop until you drop! - Casaloma Ballroom - Dance like no one is watching - City Museum - Adult and kid playground, simply amazing - Crystal City Underground - fun in the caves, try boat rides or disc golf, all underground. -  Cahokia Mounds - pre-Columbian Native American city and site of solstice celebrations. - Chuck Berry Statue - and memorabilia. - City Cycling Tour - see St Louis from a bike.  - Creepyworld Haunted Screampark - 13 haunted houses in one location.  - Creve Couer Lake -320 acre lake and recreation area. - Cathedral Basilica - Roman Catholic church - graced by many artisans.

Dance St Louis - see internationally renowned dance troupes. - Delmar Loop Planet Walk - Take a three-billion-mile walk (2,880 ft.) from the Sun to Neptune.

Entertainment. We got it all. Muny for musicals, Cracked Fox for DJ's, Voltaire and burlesque. Festivals, halls, you name it. Don't miss the Greekfest or St. Patty's Day parade. Or join First Night on the New Year for family fun. - Eckerts Orchards - pick your own strawberries, apples, pumpkins, pet a goat.

Forest Park - Former site of a World's Fair and one of the largest urban parks in the USA is amazing and hosts many great events: Pagan Picnic - just what it sounds like. - Strange Folks - a place to buy and sell amazing hand made stuff - Great Forest Park Balloon Race  - Hot air balloons.

The Gardens aka Botanical Gardens - Festivals, flowers, what more do you need? - Fabulous Fox - live theater in a Art Deco venue, gorgeous! - Mari Gras - the second biggest in the USA - Fair St Louis - one of the biggest 4th of July events anywhere, on the Arch grounds! Grafton Flea Market - One man’s junk really is another’s treasure! - Graffiti Wall - Amazing artworks. -  Golf - we got putt putt - miniature, 9 and 18 holes.  - Gooey Louie - The Place for Gooey Butter Cakes. - Indescribably delicious. - Great Rivers Greenway - More than 110 miles of off-street greenways.

The Hill - Italian food. Bakeries, restaurants, fun! - Hidden Valley - Skiing! Sledding, Tubing - Moonrise Hotel - boutique hotel with roof bar on the Loop. - St. Louis Haunted History Tour - walk through history, see a ghost.

Immigrants - We have lot of varied immigrants from all over the world. They bring their own unique cuisine and festivals. Never a shortage of stuff to learn and try.

Jewel Box -  The jewel of Forest park and public horticultural facility. - Jefferson County Pet Food Pantry/Thrift Store - reselling donated goods to raise money to keep pets home and out of shelters. Also arranges spay/neuters/shots.

Kiel Opera House -  major venue for opera, ballet, and orchestral since 1934! - Katy Trail - bike, hike, jog all 237.7 miles.

The Loop - 6 blocks of funky and eclectic shops and restaurants - Lacelede’s Landing - riverfront dine and shop - Lemp Mansion/Brewery - aka Suicide Caves! - Libraries - St Louis is one of the best read cities!

Museums - Chess museum, Art, History, - did we mention they are all free to get in? - The Muny- theater under the stars - Science Center - hands on museum for all ages, -Magic House -interactive museum for kids -  Grants Farm - home to Ulysses S Grants cabin and the Busch family home with trams and animals

National Blues Museum -Celebrating the genre- The National Black Tourism Network - Black History Tour.

Onondaga Cave - Meramac Caverns - Take a tour underground. - Old Chain of Rocks Bridge - Historic Route 66 crossing over the Mississippi River. One of the world's longest bicycle/pedestrian bridges. - Open Door Animal Sanctuary - No kill rescue.

Parks - Powder Valley - Nature center see the bees! - Laumier Sculpture Park - just as described and see a giant eyeball. - Purina Farms - come see the animals and dog park - Six Flags- theme park -  The Pagent - amazing touring site for musicians - Pulitzer Art Foundation - contemporary art. - PBR St. Louis - country music. - Pin-Up Bowl - bowling and martinis.

Queeny Park - ice skating, animals, fun all around.

Raging Rivers Water Park - slip and slide all day. - Repertory Theatre of St. Louis - Live professional theater. - Renaissance Faire - join a joust! Sing with the pirates. Have a turkey leg. - Riverboat tours - take a ride down the Mississippi.

Seasons - We have all 4! - Sports - baseball, hockey, soccer - St Louis Fringe - arts festival - Soulard Farmers Market - oldest farmers market west of the Mississippi - St. Louis Symphony - orchestras at their finest.  - Stray Resuce - stray animal rescue.

Ted Drewes - frozen custard at it's tastiest - Turtle Playground - where else can you climb turtles! - Tiger Sanctuary - Big cats! They even purr. - TechShop - do it yourself tech with lots of machines. - Transport - we have light rail and it is expanding. We have bike trails and bike lanes.

Union Station - Former train station now a hotel and excitement destination.  Universities - we have several world class universities.

Vaughn Cultural Center/Urban League - African American arts and cultural center.

Wolf Sanctuary - come howl - Wild Bird Sanctuary - more raptors than you can shake a stick at - Wineries - come to wine country, have a drink - Wax  Museum - 200 figures! see stars, leaders, zombies. - World Aquarium - pet a stingray. - Weber Grill Restaurant Grilling Academy - learn to grill. Give it that dad vibe.

Xtra special folks. We got them! And they will welcome you. You can go from urban, to suburban to rural in just a short time.

Yucandu Art Studio - hands on art studio for all ages.

St Louis Zoo - free to get in and animal friendly! - Zip lines - race through the park way above the ground. - Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club - literacy charity and a personal fav.

I tried to keep it kind of short so it is readable. This isn't even all of it. Just my favs. So come on down, we would love to have you.

[showbizchicago]

Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to continue its 15th Anniversary Season with the world premiere of BEWILDERED, a musical parody of the classic TV sitcom Bewitched, told from the perspective of Gladys Kravitz, Samantha Stephens’ iconic nosy neighbor. Featuring a book by Ron Weaver, music and lyrics by Aaron Benham and Ron Weaver and direction and choreography by Brigitte Ditmars, BEWILDERED will play September 27 – November 11, 2017 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are currently available at www.handbagproductions.org and stage773.com, by calling (773) 327-5252 or in person at the Stage 773 box office. 

 A parody and reimagining of the beloved ‘60s/‘70s television sitcom Bewitched, this spellbinding throwback is told from the point of view of Gladys Kravitz, the poor, misunderstood neighbor who keeps seeing crazy things at the home of Samantha Stephens, a beautiful witch, and her ‘ordinary family.’ Gladys’ husband Abner has had enough and is about to take drastic measures. Can Gladys prove her visions are real without destroying the Stephens family – or is she doomed to a life of pills and institutions? Gladys finally gets her due in this fun and magical musical parody.

BEWILDERED features ensemble members David Cerda as Endora, Caitlin Jackson as Gladys Kravitz, Ed Jones as Uncle Arthur, Michael S. Miller as Mr. Tumer and AJ Wright as Darrin G. The production also features Steve Kimbrough as Larry Tate, Matt Miles as Abner, Elizabeth Morgan as Samantha, Scott Sawa as Darrin S. and Robert Williams as Tabitha/Louise. Rounding out the cast are Kira Gaudynski, Jennifer Ledesma, Travis Monroe Neese and Sarah Taylor as Magic Stage Hands.

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The production team for BEWILDERED includes: Roger Wykes (scenic design), Rachel Sypniewski (costume design), Cat Wilson (lighting design), Sydney Genco (make-up design), Mealah Heidenreich (props design) Becca Holloway (assistant director) and Keith Ryan (wig design).

PRODUCTION DETAILS:

Title: BEWILDERED

Book: Ron Weaver

Music and Lyrics: Aaron Benham and Ron Weaver

Director/Choreographer: Brigitte Ditmars

Cast: David Cerda (Endora), Kira Gaudynski (Magic Stage Hand), Caitlin Jackson (Gladys), Ed Jones (Uncle Arthur), Steve Kimbrough (Larry Tate), Jennifer Ledesma (Magic Stage Hand), Matt Miles (Abner), Michael S. Miller (Mr. Tumer), Elizabeth Morgan (Samantha), Travis Monroe Neese (Magic Stage Hand), Scott Sawa (Darrin S.), Sarah Taylor (Magic Stage Hand), Robert Williams (Tabitha/Louise) and AJ Wright (Darrin G.).

Location: Stage 773 (Box Theater), 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago

Dates: Previews: Wednesday, September 27 at 7:30 pm,Thursday, September 28 at 7:30 pm, Friday, September 29 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, September 30 at 7:30 pm

Press performance: Sunday, October 1 at 7 pm

Regular run: Thursday, October 5 – Saturday, November 11, 2017

Curtain Times: Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 3 pm. Please note: there will not be a performance onSunday, October 15 due to Handbag’s Annual Benefit.

Special Halloween Show: Tuesday, October 31 at 7:30 pm

Tickets: Previews $22 in advance ($25 at door). Regular run $34 in advance ($39 at door). Tickets are currently available at www.handbagproductions.org and stage773.com, by calling 773-327-5252, or in person at the Stage 773 box office.

About the Creative Team 

Ron Weaver (Book, Music and Lyrics) moved to Chicago 18 years ago as an Equity Stage Manager at The Writers Theatre in Glencoe. A long-time fan of Hell in a Handbag Productions, he is currently working as box office manager at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, and on numerous other theatrical projects. Ron holds an MFA in Theatre Technology and Management from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign. This is his first play to be produced.

Aaron Benham (Music and Lyrics) First time in the bag!  Chicago credits: Side Show, Scottsboro Boys, Putting it Together (Porchlight); Xanadu (ATC); The Wild Party (Jeff Award), Carrie (Bailiwick Chicago); Always Patsy Cline, A Tribute to the Andrews Sisters (Jeff Award) (Theo-Ubique); also work with About Face, Chicago Opera Theater, Montana Shakespeare, Second City, Writers. BFA, Emerson College.

Brigitte Ditmars (Director/Choreographer) is a proud Handbag Alumni having performed in several Handbag productions including the original Poseidon! An Upside-Down Musical, multiple Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeers and originated the role of Mary Anderson in the 2006 production of Caged Dames. She provided choreography for countless other Handbag productions including multiple incarnations of Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer, the original Lady X and the 2010 remount of Poseidon! An Upside-Down Musical, for which she received a Joseph Jefferson Award Nomination. Previous directing credits include Rock of Ages (Timber Lake Playhouse); Maybe Baby, It’s You and Nunsense (Fox Valley Repertory); Model 736 (Collaboraction). She has received two Joseph Jefferson Awards for Achievement in Choreography for Reefer Madness (Circle Theatre) and Pinafore! (Bailiwick Repertory), as well as three additional nominations. Notable choreography credits include Peter and the Starcatcher (Metropolis Performing Arts Center); Xanadu (American Theatre Company); The Producers (Mercury Theatre); American Idiot (Northwestern University); Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play (Theater Wit); Hey! Dancin’! Hey! Musical! (Factory Theatre); Cinderella (Emerald City Children’s Theatre); Forever Plaid (Fox Valley Repertory); Improbable Frequency (Strawdog Theatre).

About Hell in a Handbag Productions

Hell in a Handbag is dedicated to the preservation, exploration, and celebration of works ingrained in the realm of popular culture via theatrical productions through parody, music and homage. Handbag is a 501(c)(3) Not for Profit.

For additional information, visit www.handbagproductions.org.

  Hell in a Handbag Productions’ World Premiere of BEWILDERED – Sept 27 – Nov 11 at Stage 773 Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to continue its 15th Anniversary Season with the world premiere of 

[brothermarc7theatre]

"The Wizard of Oz" show #652

A charming production of L. Frank Baum’s enchanted story, The Wizard of Oz, has opened up at Tri-Valley Repertory. Under the crafty direction of Brian Olkowski and with jazzy choreography by Marissa Joy Ganz, this staging of …Oz has the right amount of nostalgia combined with legitimately talented musical theatre performers. Never a small order to fill, this tale of Dorothy and friends meets the expectations set forth from the award-winning film, which boasted many heavy-hitting actors of the time. This cast is more than up to the challenge of providing the multi-generational audience a tribute to the past but still with a fresh take in making it their own.

(Ally Murphy (Dorothy); Photo credit: Josh Milbourne)

In search of a way back to Kansas is gifted actress Ally Murphy, whose rendition of “Over the Rainbow” has all the vocal splendor, vibrato, and understanding of the lyrics needed for this standard. Miss Murphy’s young, naïve, motivated delivery of Dorothy’s dialogue is a consistent strength throughout the production. As the Wizard of Oz, Bruce Kaplan urges one to not pay attention to the man behind the curtain; however, Mr. Kaplan is no actor to ignore during his wonderful turns as Professor Marvel/The Wizard. Mr. Kaplan has the twinkle, gift of comedic delivery, and enough warmth among his co-actors to propel him as the worthy Wizard in this production.

(L to R: Rune Lauridsen (Scarecrow), Max DeSantis (Tin Man), Ally Muprhy (Dorothy); Photo credit: Josh Milbourne)

The friends Dorothy encounters are a trio of entertaining gentlemen. Rune Lauridsen is our first friend, the Scarecrow, and through his charisma, excellent baritone voice, and physical abilities that rival any Scarecrow I have seen prior (this is my fifth time seeing The Wizard of Oz), Mr. Lauridsen showcases not just why he is the Scarecrow, but why any triple-threat role in his future is well-deserved. “If I Only Had a Brain” isn’t just a one-man marathon though; Miss Joy Ganz’s slick choreography of the three crows, who are anything but scared of the Scarecrow, is the right dose of visual comedy to enhance Mr. Lauridsen’s physical/vocal performance. Matt Busbee, Leo Diaz, and Jim Rupp execute Miss Joy Ganz’s backup choreography with flash and pizazz, while eloquently delivering some beautiful harmonies. Second up to bat (or chop, for that matter) is Max DeSantis in a scene-stealing turn as the Tin Man. From the moment Mr. DeSantis is loosened up by the oil can, his dancing, acting, and singing are all welcomed additions to Miss Murphy and Mr. Lauridsen’s duo. “If I Only Had a Heart” certainly doesn’t lack heart, as Mr. DeSantis leads the ensemble of trees in a lovely soft-shoe dance and a swell jig. Rounding out Dorothy’s trio of friends is a magnificent Robert Sholty, whose turn as Lion stops the show in Act Two with a fantastic performance of “If I Were King of the Forest.” Complete with booming vibrato and truly a lion’s-size enthusiasm for the role, Mr. Sholty doesn’t need courage to make his turn as the Lion a standout performance.

(Sheila Viramontes (Wicked With of the West); Photo credit: Josh Milbourne)

Sheila Viramontes dons the green face and black hat of the Wicked Witch of the West, doing justice to the role in all her evil glares and shrill laughs. Her brooding chemistry opposite Sarah Sloan’s lovely, warm Glinda provides all sorts of juicy rivalry moments, giving both witches time to shine. Miss Sloan adds a dose of sass when taking on Miss Viramontes’ Witch, giving her Glinda more than just a twinkle and a giggle, but a backbone and empowering presence as the good witch. Mr. Olkowski and Miss Joy Ganz’s use of the versatile ensemble is excellent, balancing splendidly between using everyone just enough to fill out Munchkinland, the Emerald City, and the excitingly-jazzy “Jitterbug” dance number.

(L to R: Robert Sholty (Lion), Max DeSantis (Tin Man), Ally Murphy (Dorothy), Rune Lauridsen (Scarecrow); Photo credit: Josh Milbourne)

Larry Knigge and Vance Entertainment’s scenery fill the large Bankhead Theater well, effectively encompassing the dance numbers, house(s), and intimate moments. Providing a nice wash of brights and specials is Paul Vega’s most-beautiful lighting design. One of the difficulties The Wizard of Oz presents is its need for a certain amount of “movie magic” in order to transition between locations, and Mr. Vega’s lighting certainly accomplishes this with fluidity and a nod to the film’s style. An all-around great evening at the theater, Tri-Valley Repertory’s The Wizard of Oz is a surefire entertaining night out, whether you’ve seen the film more times than you care to admit, or if you’re introducing a young one to the story for the very first time. The Wizard of Oz will continue playing through July 30th, so don’t delay catching Dorothy find her way back to Kansas.

[sleepboysummer]

this is the most noel photo ive ever seen

[zayzaycom]

VERTICAL ENTERTAINMENT Presents A Forrest Films and ESX Entertainment Production Film by Alex Ranarivelo

Theatrical Release Date: June 16, 2017 (DVD July 18) Running Time: 92 minutes Rating: “PG-13” by the MPAA Facebook: www.facebook.com/prayforrainfilm Twitter: www.twitter.com/PrayforRainFilm Instagram: www.instagram.com/prayforrainfilm

SYNOPSIS A young New York journalist returns to the idyllic Central California farming community where she was raised only to find it has been ravaged by drought and has become a place ruled by gangs, violent threats and greed. She is forced to investigate the suspicious circumstances of her father’s death even though it puts her in great danger

Q&A WITH DIRECTOR ALEX RANARIVELO

Q) You’ve made multiple films with ESX Entertainment. What is the process like for you when you decide which projects you want to direct? When deciding on what project I’d like to direct next, it all starts with the story. Does it have an interesting hook and does it have heart? Like the main character in PRAY FOR RAIN, I knew very little about the water crisis in the Central Valley when I first read the script. I had no idea how important this area was for the country and it made me want to find out more about what’s going on there. That is how I hope audiences will respond to the film.

Q) Did much change between the script and the production while on set? There weren’t many changes between the script and what ended up on screen; mostly some dialogue and adjustments for location changes.

Q) How did the communities in Northern and Central California react to the production? The communities we filmed in – Petaluma and Coalinga – were very receptive to us. John Harris of Harris Ranch was a tremendous supporter and gave us unlimited access to his properties.

Q) What was it like working with the main cast, including Jane Seymour, Annabelle Stephenson, and Nicholas Gonzalez? I had a dream cast on PRAY FOR RAIN. Everyone was perfect in their role. Jane Seymour and Annabelle Stephenson got so in sync as mother and daughter that at one point I stopped needing to give any direction. Maybe just small adjustment here or there. Nicholas Gonzalez was a total team player and brought strength and vulnerability to his role of Sheriff Nico.

Q) How do the themes in the film reflect our current environment following the election? President Trump said last year that the water problem is “insane” and “we are going to solve your water problem.” I hope he sticks to that promise.

Q) What should audiences know most about the film before seeing it? Audiences should know that we are not proposing a solution for the water problem. We want to present the argument and we want to raise awareness for what’s going on. Do your own research and come to your own conclusions, but in the meantime, just enjoy watching this story.

ABOUT THE CAST

JANE SEYMOUR (“Olivia Gardner”) A multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winner, recipient of the Officer of the British Empire (OBE) in the year 2000, which was bestowed upon her by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, Jane Seymour has proven her talents in virtually all media, the Broadway stage, motion pictures and television.  Her love of art and color has led to her great success as a painter in watercolors and oils and as a designer.

Seymour currently stars opposite Adam Sandler in the Netflix original feature film “Sandy Wexler” and co-stars with Malcolm McDowell in the stirring independent film “Bereave Me Not”, a film which she also produced.   She also made a stunning return to series television in the Sky TV drama “Hooten and the Lady” which debuted in the UK in September of 2016.

Most importantly, Seymour continues to raise much needed funds and gives through donations of her artwork to numerous local and national charities which help children in need, raising awareness for women’s heart health and various other important issues dear to her heart. Seymour resides in Malibu, is mother to six adult children and a grandmother of six.

  ANNABELLE STEPHENSON (“Emma Gardner”) Annabelle Stephenson was born in London, England. Her family emigrated to the Gold Coast, Australia when she was an infant. Her breakout role was in 2006, when she landed the role of ‘Miriam Kent’ in the hit children’s TV show “H20: Just Add Water”.

After graduating high school, Annabelle was one of the select few accepted into the prestigious school NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art) in Sydney. She joined the alumni of successful Australian actors, such as Cate Blanchett, Baz Luhrmann and Sam Worthington, and graduated with a B.A. in Acting. Since graduating NIDA, Annabelle has had a stellar career in TV, film, theatre and radio in Australia.

She is now based in Los Angeles. Since moving to LA her credits include Series Regular on ABC’s “Revenge”. Starring in Amazon pilot “Point of Honor”, working with Randall Wallace (Braveheart) and Carlton Cuse (Lost); Lead actress in MTV’s “Hot Mess” pilot. Annabelle also has another film “Escape Room” (Voltage Pictures) soon to be released.

  NICHOLAS GONZALEZ (“Nico Reynoso”) Nicholas Gonzalez continues to impress with a substantial list of current and upcoming projects. On television, he’s presently starring on Freeform’s smash hit PRETTY LITTLE LIARS as Detective Marco Furey, Netflix’s hit show NARCOS, and the new CW series FREQUENCY. He is recurring on Amazon’s critically acclaimed series BOSCH as Detective Ignacio Ferris, CW’s THE FLASH as Cisco’s brother Dante Ramon, and BET’s BEING MARY JANE. He can also next be seen on ABC’s HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER.

A graduate of Stanford University with a BA in English, Nicholas first burst onto the scene in the critically acclaimed Showtime series RESSURECTION BLVD. where he played boxer/medical student Alex Santiago. He followed that with a steady stream of roles, most notably as Detective Mike Sandoval in NBC’s LAW & ORDER: SVU and as Detective Luke Morales in Fox’s hit SLEEPY HOLLOW. Additional television roles include appearances on JANE THE VIRGIN, MODERN FAMILY, BOJACK HORSEMAN, BONES, BORDERTOWN, TRUE BLOOD, and GREY’S ANATOMY. On the big screen, he has been seen in THE PURGE: ANARCHY, ANACONDAS, DIRTY, SWAT: FIREFIGHT, and BEHIND ENEMY LINES II. He will next be seen in PRAY FOR RAIN, opposite Jane Seymour. He also can be seen as the lead in BATTLEFIELD: HARDLINE, the fifth installment of the celebrated video game series BATTLEFIELD from Electronic Arts (EA).

Gonzalez is originally from San Antonio, Texas, and currently resides in L.A. with his wife, actress Kelsey Crane. Charities dear to him include Friends of El Faro and Children’s Hospital LA.

  PAUL RODRIGUEZ (“Francisco Reynoso”) Longtime comedian Paul Rodriguez has been making audiences laugh all over the world (in Spanish and English) for three decades with his unique brand of humor that is a perfect blend of his Latin heritage, the American dream and his undeniable universal appeal. As an actor and comedian, Paul Rodriguez’s multi-faceted career includes starring roles and featured appearances in over 45 films and countless television series and comedy specials.

Voted one of the most influential Hispanics in America and awarded the Ruben Salazar Award by The National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, Rodriguez has remained a constant force in his community and the world of comedy throughout his career.

Rodriguez’s film credits include “If” with Ryan Guzman, William Fichtner, and Columbus Short, “Mission Air” with Tom Arnold and Jamie Kennedy, “Without Men” with Eva Longoria and Christian Slater, “Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore,” “The Deported,” “I’m Not Like That No More” with comedian Felipe Esparza (2010 “Last Comic Standing” winner), Disney’s blockbuster hit “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” “The World’s Fastest Indian,” “A Cinderella Story,” “How to Get the Man’s Foot Outta Your Ass,” “Ali,” “Tortilla Soup,” “Crocodile Dundee in LA,” “Rat  Race,” “Bloodwork,” “Chasing Papi” and “D.C. Cab,” among others.

  JOHN DUCEY (“Adam Campbell”) John Ducey arrived in Los Angeles in 1991 with a Chevy Corsica and a dream. That dream was to one day own a better car than a Chevy Corsica. Since that day, John has had starring TV roles in NBC’s Bad Judge, WB’s Sabrina the Teenage Witch, ABC’s Oh Grow Up!, and Disney Channel’s JONAS. He has also guest-starred on many of your favorite shows, including Will & Grace, Bones, Castle, iCarly, How I Met Your Mother, Scrubs, Desperate Housewives, Ally McBeal, Frasier, and even Matlock. (He’s been doing this a long time, people.) His movie roles include Running Wild, Deep Impact, Space Jam, and the Christmas classic, The Search for Santa Paws (Spoiler alert: they find him). John has also dabbled in writing, including this bio, and Dirt, starring Kevin Dillon and the beautiful Christina Moore. John now drives a Toyota Corolla. The dream continues.

  JAMES MORRISON (“Patrick Waring”) Best known as the honest and stalwart head of CTU, Bill Buchanan, in four seasons FOX’s Emmy Award-winning series, 24.  He will soon be appearing in the much anticipated TWIN PEAKS reboot on Showtime.

James started his acting career as a clown and wire walker for the Carson and Barnes Wild Animal Circus in the mid-1970’s and served his theatrical apprenticeship with the Alaska Repertory Theatre during its 1977-79 seasons. Since then, he’s done about a hundred plays at theatres like Princeton’s McCarter Theatre, the La Jolla Playhouse, the Mark Taper Forum, the LA Stage Company, The Jupiter Theatre, The Salt Lake Acting Company, The Old Globe, and The Pasadena Playhouse with such wonderful directors as Emily Mann, Don Amendolia, Des McAnuff, Jack O’Brien, Charles Nelson Reilly, Jose Quintero and Harry Mastrogeorge, his acting teacher since 1982.  He also has appeared in the films The Meanest Man in Texas, The Jazz Funeral, Catch Me If You Can, The One, Falling Down, Raspberry Magic, Jarhead, and I Am I.

James and his wife and son are actively involved in charity work, raising money for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and Foundation ThinkAgain, which helps children who are cancer and brain tumor survivor.

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ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS

ALEX RANARIVELO, Director A prolific, visual, and collaborative storyteller, Alex Ranarivelo has directed six feature films for ESX Entertainment since June 2014 (“The Dog Lover”, “American Wrestler”, “Running Wild”, “Pray for Rain”, “Dirt” & “Ride”). He graduated at the top of his class with a B.F.A in film production from Art Center College of Design. His thesis film was a 35mm short film about street racing called “The Last Race”, based on his experiences as a street-racer.

He made his feature debut with a rough-and-tumble romantic comedy from a guy’s perspective: “Alpha Males Experiment” (aka “Knuckle Draggers”). It played at multiple festivals and placed in Best of Fest’s top 10 Comedies of the year. In 2010, Alex’s script “The Girl With No Name” won the GRAND PRIZE at the Slamdance Film Festival Screenwriting Competition and was subsequently optioned by Co-Op Entertainment.

Alex went back to his street-racing roots for his second feature “Born To Race”, a teen action film centered around a father/son story. He co-wrote the script and was hired to direct it. Born To Race was a hit domestically and internationally in the home video market. A rip of the movie showed up on YouTube and got over 7 MILLION VIEWS before being taken down. Alex also directed the sequel, “Born To Race: Fast Track”, starring Brett Davern and Beau Mirchoff of MTV’s “Awkward.”

When producer Ali Afshar first teamed up with executive producer Forrest Lucas to create ESX Entertainment, Alex was brought on to direct their first film, the suspenseful, character-driven “The Dog Lover” (starring James Remar and Lea Thompson). Next came “American Wrestler: The Wizard” which follows a 17-year-old Iranian refugee who becomes the high school wrestling champion against adversity during the Iran hostage crisis of 1980. In this period piece, Alex directed Jon Voight, William Fichtner and discovered newcomers George Kosturos and Lia Marie Johnson. The film won multiple awards on the festival circuit including “Best Picture” and “Best Ensemble” at the Boston Film Festival, the audience award at the Austin Film Festival and the audience award at the Napa Film Festival.

Next came “Running Wild”, where Alex was at the helm of a picturesque, dramatic piece about a California Ranch Socialite poised to lose everything who creates a Prison Rehabilitation Equine Program after finding starving wild horses on her property. Dorian Brown and Jason Lewis go head to head with animal lover Sharon Stone. Tommy Flanagan also stars.

Alex directed Jane Seymour and Paul Rodriguez in “Pray for Rain,” a murder mystery set against the backdrop of the Central California drought. A young girl begins to investigate the suspicious circumstances surrounding her father’s death and discovers that the idyllic farm community of her youth has been replaced by crime and desperation. Newcomer Annabelle Stephenson leads the cast. Nicholas Gonzalez also stars.

He went back to the motorsports world for “Dirt”, his 5th movie with ESX Entertainment. “Dirt” is about a weathered race team owner (Kevin Dillon) who can’t quite get his team to gel when he is asked to take on a kid (newcomer DeRon Horton) from the hood that needs a work furlough to avoid jail time. He reluctantly agrees and the unlikely pair create quite a stir in the redneck sport of short course off road truck racing.

Alex just wrapped production on “Ride”, about a troubled boy from a Neo-Nazi family who is sent to a juvenile detention center after stabbing his dad who ends up being fostered by an interracial couple. Based on the true story of John Buultgens, the young boy overcomes his past and soars into his future on a BMX bicycle.  The film stars Chris Bridges (Ludacris), Sasha Alexander, and newcomer Shane Graham.

  FORREST LUCAS, Executive Producer By any measure Forrest Lucas is an extraordinary presence in U.S. entrepreneurial success stories. Born in Jackson County and raised in Brown and Bartholomew counties in Indiana, Forrest purchased his first truck, a 1948 Ford dump truck powered by a ’55 Thunderbird engine, at the age of 18. Three years later he bought a new 1963 Chevrolet, C-60 series with a 327-cubic-inch gas engine and signed on with Mayflower Moving and Storage, serving as the youngest owner-operator in the fleet.

For the next few years his life consisted of building up his fleet and manhandling his trucks from coast to coast carrying freight one way and furniture the other. But, his maintenance problems caused by the poor quality of available commercial truck lubricants nearly forced him out of business until he began to mix and match and then market his own formulas.

Today Lucas Oil Products, Inc is the world leader of High Performance Lubricants and Problem Solving Additives and produces and markets more than 100 unique products in more than 34 countries around the world, and is growing market by market every year. Today you can purchase Lucas Products in Asia including China, Mongolia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam; Western Europe including the UK, Ireland, France and Poland; as far south as Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand; throughout Central, North and South America including Mexico, Colombia and Brazil and are currently opening new markets in Africa.

  ALI AFSHAR, Producer Raised in Northern California, Ali Afshar grew up in the green Sonoma Mountains of Petaluma but relocated to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. He learned from some of the most talented teachers available in Los Angeles and quickly booked principle roles in commercials and movies (credits include Three Kings, He’s Just Not that Into You), which enabled him to pay for tuition at California State University Northridge, from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology.

While pursuing his acting career, Ali also founded Easy Street Motorsports (also known as ESX), an automotive performance and race facility that eventually lead him to race for Subaru of America for over seven years and achieve a certain celebrity racing status. Ali also created the exclusive and highly anticipated “Ali Afshar Signature Series” line of Aston Martin and Subaru vehicles that are sold directly through Subaru and Aston Martin dealerships across the nation. Ali also built the one of a kind, carbon fiber, full tube chassis, 1400HP, all-wheel drive Subaru. This Subaru set the record for the Worlds Quickest and Fastest All Wheel Drive car and the Worlds Fastest Subaru! This Subaru thunders down the 1/4 mile in 7 seconds at over 175 MPH!

In 2014, Ali partnered with Forrest Lucas of the Lucas Oil empire, including the Indianapolis Colts Super Bowl Stadium “Lucas Oil Stadium”, Lucas Cattle and MAV TV, to create a slate of four social issue drama feature films.  This slate included: “The Wrong Side of Right”, filmed in late summer 2014; and “The Wizard”, starring Oscar winner Jon Voight in a story best described “The Karate Kid meets Remember the Titans with a touch of Rocky, which is a heartfelt coming of age story of perseverance in the face of adversity that filmed Summer 2015; “Running Wild” starring Sharon Stone; and “Pray for Rain” starring Jane Seymour.

In 2016 Ali produced “Dirt”, a high-speed action car racing film with heart, and in 2016 he also produced “Ride”, a true story of an underdog and abused young man who became a BMX bicycle world champion.

Ali currently resides in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles and is splitting his time between acting, producing, and racing. Stay tuned in for the most updated information from Ali by regularly visiting the following websites: www.aliafshar.com and www.esxproductions.com

  CHRISTINA MOORE, Writer/Producer Christina Moore, known for her success as an actress (HBO “True Blood”, The CW “90210”, The Disney Channel “Jessie”), has recently added writing and producing to her long resume.

“Running Wild” starring Sharon Stone and Tommy Flanagan was released in select theaters and VOD in February 2017. The film is a picturesque, dramatic piece about a Ranch Socialite who after finding wild horses on her property, risks everything to create a Prison Rehabilitation Equine Program. Moore co-penned the movie, produced it and stars as Stone’s evil sister, Jennifer Hutchins.

Moore also co-wrote and co-produced “Pray for Rain” starring Jane Seymour and Paul Rodriguez. The film is a gritty murder mystery set in Central California as it has been ravaged by drought.

Moore has another ESX Entertainment production under her belt called “Dirt.” She produced the film and plays the female lead as wife to Kevin Dillon. “Dirt” is a fun, action film set in the world of off road dirt track racing.  It will be released late 2017.

  PRAY FOR RAIN – Available on DVD July 18 VERTICAL ENTERTAINMENT Presents A Forrest Films and ESX Entertainment Production Film by Alex Ranarivelo Theatrical Release Date: …

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Daily Constance Blackwood

Day 12 - Magic Valley Repertory Theater [Blue Cast]

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also if anyones interested in who the janes are (from left to right, bottom to top): mtsu, imagine productions of columbus, penny lamb, mccarter, eureka high school my personal jane design, valencia high school, atomic vaudeville, jungle theatre, ohio university, uniform theatre boston uni stage troupe, arkansas uni, american tour, chance theatre magic valley repertory theatre, performing institute of minnesota, oklahoma city university, uni theatre arts, rgc theatre, spinning tree theatre, ofc theatre sudbury yes theatre, intermission theatre, magic valley repertory theatre, feds backyard theatre, 4 chairs theatre blue bridge theatre

progress on the jane doe project :3 officially digitalized the original painting and i have about 70 more janes to add now. sigh.