THE MIDDLE
So here I am back in Toronto in a lovely little coffee shop opposite Christie Pits called Linxus. The great guy who owns it is presently making me a special salad as they had sold out and I can’t have anything else on the menu. Bless!
So back to NY. Friday March 2. I met Bec for brunch and then we decided to have a little walk around the hood to try and find Jasmine (Bec’s daughter) a little pressie. I must admit that I was all in a daze and I can’t really tell you where exactly we went. I know we had a moment on 5th Ave. We went into Saks. It was hilarious in the perfume hall. We were set upon by several over eager sales women. When we finally escaped we smelt like a worked in a French brothel and Bec looked quite disturbed. I loved it. Those women (and gay men) are such characters, with their thick New York accents and thick makeup. Brilliant.
We then stumbled on the Austrian Arts Foundation building. The architecture was so great and different from everything around it that we decided to go back in. It was cool. I didn’t really get most of it but I remember not really getting any of the contemporary art when I was in Vienna. Give me a Klimt or a Schiele I’m all over it. The recent stuff – I don’t know. Sometimes I think modern art is so modern that I will get it in 50 years and then, well I will have missed the boat on the cutting edge scene of art. Oh well.
We then went into St Osburg’s on Park Ave. Very interesting place. It’s quite dark and dingy in there but beautiful. The pews were occupied with the homeless (catching naps and talking to themselves) and tourists looking around in wonder. I had an unsettling feeling in there and lit a candle for all of those in the church. They seemed to need the grace of god more than most. To the transient souls of New York.
After a walk over to Hells Kitchen to a flea market that was held only on the weekend (obviously I had a little difficulty reading on Friday – it had been a bit of a week!) We went back to the hotel so that Bec could get to the airport in time for her flight. I was very sad to see her go. We had a really great 48 hours and I had the feeling that I might be on my own from then on in.
Saturday March 3, 2007
I love Adam my beautiful Power book. I love the fact that he is wireless and that I can get on the internet anywhere, anytime there is a wave. However I hate the fact that sometimes the wave just disappears. I had to come to the realization that I just could not get internet in my room for long enough to actually send the show report and that I would have to come up with another idea. I also couldn’t get a signal in the lobby. So the morning was spent at Starbucks sending show reports and checking email. Pretty great to be doing that while looking out of the window at the Chrysler Building though! Oh mad NY.
I ran lights for the matinee and thoroughly enjoyed it. We had quite a fun afternoon. Alex (Front of House Manager at PS122) told us that there was going to be a school group of 50 in. Then he updated me to tell me they were probably College Students. Just before the 15 he told me that they were a group of Special Needs adults from an education facility. I warned the actors that there may be some inappropriate vocalization ect. Then had a look at the corridor to see what we were to expect. Al l the people in the corridor were older and did not appear to be exhibiting any sort of behaviours. When I challenged Alex to this he said he thought they must be high functioning. I agreed with him and carried on. It was only until the leader of the group made himself apparent that we found out the were actually the Psychoanalyst Group of New York, who go to different events and have discussions afterwards. How funny! I chuckled about it all day. After the show they had a talk back with Michael Redhill and talked about the ‘id’ of the piece…blah, blah, blah.
Quite an exhausting day all in all but a good one!
My power is running low so I will blog again later.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Saturday, March 10, 2007
I didn't realise quite how tardy I had been about my blog. Shame on me. So much has happened in the month that I haven't blogged as well. I will note that I need to tell you about my trip to see Cam, My illness in prep week and my visa hell during rehearsal week.
However I have started my New York diary whilst sitting in my favourite coffee shop called Mud on 9th and 2nd inbetween shows. So here is the beginning:
THE BEGINNING:
I arrived in NY on Wednesday Feb 28th after a torrid day of consulate visits. Sailing through Immigration and having a very short flight (I didn’t get to see the end of my House episode. Very annoying – I have no idea if the boy lived.) and went straight to the theatre. I arrived half way through the first act and loitered in the corridor until I could take it no more and snuck into the theatre. It was such a relief to be in a dark theatre seeing the guys onstage. I must admit as soon as I got there I started to put my stage manager stamp on the proceedings which in retrospect wasn’t very graceful but I had been sitting around for two days chomping at the bit.
Tamera (the NY stage manager) did a brilliant job considering she had no idea or feeling for the play. However you could feel the tension in the room and everyone had obviously had a pretty hard day. As soon as intermission was called I said hi and Rebecca ran across the theatre and gave me a huge hug. Just what I needed. Ross was close behind. Ross had decided that a light run through was needed before opening and under duress everyone agreed. I thanked them all as it was basically due to me that the rehearsal was called.
We got back to the hotel and Rebecca and I went out for a drink around the corner to ‘The Chill Lounge’ – very New York. She gave me the low down on the previous two days. Things it seemed had been a little fraught down to miss communication and the fact that the company didn’t have their stage manager. It’s interesting in situations like these when you realize how important the position is. I always think that my book should be good enough that any joe could run the show and although I still believe this to be true, it’s not as simple as that is it?! After my weeks of uncertainty about my ability and career I realized that I had been dwelling on an insecurity that was founded in falsehood. There are definitely areas that I need to work on but basically I am good at my job and it was great to get back at it.
Bec and I stayed up talking until something crazy like 2:30am. She is such a wonderful person and I am so glad I got to hang out with her. Even if it was for only two days.
We decided that we would get in early on Thursday. I wanted to have a look at some of the costumes and do some notes and basically get a feel for things and Bec had some board notes to do. It was decided that I would run lights as the sound desk is in the house and the lighting is in the booth. We all felt that it was a bit to much to throw at me on Thursday so Tamera ran lights for the Opening and Bec ran them for the afternoon run. Derek (PS122 PM) hired Tamera to run lights for Friday and Saturday as well.
The afternoon run went really well. It was awesome to see a run with lights as I had only seen it in the rehearsal hall. You could tell everyone was relieved that the run had gone so well and they all went back to the hotel looking a little more relaxed than when they had turned up. I decided to stick around the theatre. Ross, Bec, Roxanne (Volcano’s intern) and myself decided to walk down to Mud (a brilliant coffee house 5 minutes from the theatre where I am writing this now) and have a bit of dinner. I was starving a I hadn’t eaten all day – nerves! (Note – New York is very good for Celiacs. Everyone is very accommodating and go out of their way to feed you. Very enjoyable.) Interesting chats occurred and I realized how bloody lucky I was to be working with Manson. I think he is a genius. A genius of the good kind – the kind that doesn’t really know it and doesn’t get hung up about himself or the work. He just works. Need I say that this experience has been a breath of fresh air.
Opening went really well. Keith (our main tech and who ran sound for the run) is one of those techs you dream about. A bit like Dano. Smart, intuitive, passionate in a very quite way and most of all accommodating. He has been an oasis in the sometimes rough water that is PS122. I must say I was relieved to get the show over with. Carol and Kent took us to a lovely restaurant about 15 minutes from the theatre for dinner after the show. I glammed up with my black dress and red heels but to be honest I was knackered. All the adrenaline and panic had gone and left a void. I had a great evening though and it was great to see everyone letting off steam. Carol and Kent are brilliant (oh it was The Carol Tambor Award the guys won in Edinburgh. Carol decided that there were so many great shows in Edinburgh that she wanted her friends to see that every year she would bring her favourite to New York. Pretty amazing. I love her. She has such a great personality and when you get talking to her she’s had an amazing life. Kent is the logistics side of the partnership. Ying and Yang. Wonderful. After a great night with the gang (including Michael Redhill, the playwright and his lovely wife Ann) I sloped off about 2:00am. Sloped because by then the glamour had gone and all that was left were very sore feet and extremely high red shoes.
I will continue later with the middle as I have to run back to the theatre.
I will do this with in the month - I promise!
However I have started my New York diary whilst sitting in my favourite coffee shop called Mud on 9th and 2nd inbetween shows. So here is the beginning:
THE BEGINNING:
I arrived in NY on Wednesday Feb 28th after a torrid day of consulate visits. Sailing through Immigration and having a very short flight (I didn’t get to see the end of my House episode. Very annoying – I have no idea if the boy lived.) and went straight to the theatre. I arrived half way through the first act and loitered in the corridor until I could take it no more and snuck into the theatre. It was such a relief to be in a dark theatre seeing the guys onstage. I must admit as soon as I got there I started to put my stage manager stamp on the proceedings which in retrospect wasn’t very graceful but I had been sitting around for two days chomping at the bit.
Tamera (the NY stage manager) did a brilliant job considering she had no idea or feeling for the play. However you could feel the tension in the room and everyone had obviously had a pretty hard day. As soon as intermission was called I said hi and Rebecca ran across the theatre and gave me a huge hug. Just what I needed. Ross was close behind. Ross had decided that a light run through was needed before opening and under duress everyone agreed. I thanked them all as it was basically due to me that the rehearsal was called.
We got back to the hotel and Rebecca and I went out for a drink around the corner to ‘The Chill Lounge’ – very New York. She gave me the low down on the previous two days. Things it seemed had been a little fraught down to miss communication and the fact that the company didn’t have their stage manager. It’s interesting in situations like these when you realize how important the position is. I always think that my book should be good enough that any joe could run the show and although I still believe this to be true, it’s not as simple as that is it?! After my weeks of uncertainty about my ability and career I realized that I had been dwelling on an insecurity that was founded in falsehood. There are definitely areas that I need to work on but basically I am good at my job and it was great to get back at it.
Bec and I stayed up talking until something crazy like 2:30am. She is such a wonderful person and I am so glad I got to hang out with her. Even if it was for only two days.
We decided that we would get in early on Thursday. I wanted to have a look at some of the costumes and do some notes and basically get a feel for things and Bec had some board notes to do. It was decided that I would run lights as the sound desk is in the house and the lighting is in the booth. We all felt that it was a bit to much to throw at me on Thursday so Tamera ran lights for the Opening and Bec ran them for the afternoon run. Derek (PS122 PM) hired Tamera to run lights for Friday and Saturday as well.
The afternoon run went really well. It was awesome to see a run with lights as I had only seen it in the rehearsal hall. You could tell everyone was relieved that the run had gone so well and they all went back to the hotel looking a little more relaxed than when they had turned up. I decided to stick around the theatre. Ross, Bec, Roxanne (Volcano’s intern) and myself decided to walk down to Mud (a brilliant coffee house 5 minutes from the theatre where I am writing this now) and have a bit of dinner. I was starving a I hadn’t eaten all day – nerves! (Note – New York is very good for Celiacs. Everyone is very accommodating and go out of their way to feed you. Very enjoyable.) Interesting chats occurred and I realized how bloody lucky I was to be working with Manson. I think he is a genius. A genius of the good kind – the kind that doesn’t really know it and doesn’t get hung up about himself or the work. He just works. Need I say that this experience has been a breath of fresh air.
Opening went really well. Keith (our main tech and who ran sound for the run) is one of those techs you dream about. A bit like Dano. Smart, intuitive, passionate in a very quite way and most of all accommodating. He has been an oasis in the sometimes rough water that is PS122. I must say I was relieved to get the show over with. Carol and Kent took us to a lovely restaurant about 15 minutes from the theatre for dinner after the show. I glammed up with my black dress and red heels but to be honest I was knackered. All the adrenaline and panic had gone and left a void. I had a great evening though and it was great to see everyone letting off steam. Carol and Kent are brilliant (oh it was The Carol Tambor Award the guys won in Edinburgh. Carol decided that there were so many great shows in Edinburgh that she wanted her friends to see that every year she would bring her favourite to New York. Pretty amazing. I love her. She has such a great personality and when you get talking to her she’s had an amazing life. Kent is the logistics side of the partnership. Ying and Yang. Wonderful. After a great night with the gang (including Michael Redhill, the playwright and his lovely wife Ann) I sloped off about 2:00am. Sloped because by then the glamour had gone and all that was left were very sore feet and extremely high red shoes.
I will continue later with the middle as I have to run back to the theatre.
I will do this with in the month - I promise!
Monday, February 05, 2007
Last week when I sat down to write my blog I decided that I should get my photo's organised so they could be linked. Anyway I spent so much time sorting that out and changing the look of my blog that I didn't get around to writing anything! So here i am this morning having already packed to go to Ottawa and finding myself at a loose end - time to blog.
I have had a lovely two weeks looking after Jack. He is such a great kid and a real breath of fresh air. On friday night we watch a movie, 'Hellboy' (brilliant movie, Guillermo del Toro is a genius) and eat pizza. I had a take out from Ill Fornello and it was amazing. Jack had an ingrowing toenail that we went to the foot doctor about when I first started to look after him. It was very painful at the time but it is totally on the mend now. Funny how one week you can be all consumed with what the new kitchen and bathroom should look like and the next your life is consumed with ingrowing toenails and walking the dog.
I have just realised that I have missed Kelly and Regis - bit upset with myself!
Anyway I had a fun weekend at Chez Miller. We chatted all saturday afternoon not going out until 4 because we were straving. After a bit of shopping we decided to get some movies in. How great is 'Devil wears prada'! I got a bit hungry at 11 which we thought was too late for anyone to deliver but we were wrong. Saigon Gourmet delivered us a lovely chinese at midnght. Yes i know - horrible behaviour but it was delicious. Then ofcourse yesterday was Superbowl Sunday which is always a highlight on the social calendar due to the tradition of Ms. Millers ribs. Shanna's cooking is exceptional and the ribs, jerk chicken wings and butter chicken that was on offer was devoured. If the food hadn't been so wonderful I think Liz and myself would have not made it. For two girls whoare used to their 90minute soccer the FOUR HOUR game took it out of us. Sarah and Neven came over and so did Doug. Shanna and Nevan had their customery duel - Bones went for the bears, as did Doug, Sarah and myself, and Shanna and Liz were for the colts. Snug was very active throughout the game. I think he might like the football or it may have been a reaction to Shanna's enthusiasm!
Now I am off to ottawa to see Cameron, Kate and Arras not forgetting Nero! I can't wait! I have myself organised for the trip - DVD's to play on Adam, Chuckles juiced up - I need to get some snacks and then I will be sorted!
Oh Mum and Dad are in Cyprus with Robbie. They phoned yesterday. Sound like they are having a great time. When we were saying Goodbye Robbie said 'Cheerio Crocodile' - How cute! Oh I love him.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Well I am so impressed with Ms. Macdonnell's blogging I thought I better spend sometime today and update mine.
I arrived in Toronto on Thursday after a very enjoyable, relatively empty flight. There was a beautiful man sitting on the row infront of me on theopposite aisle so I could discretly eye him up for 8 hours. In true Jones fashion I didn't say a thing to him but he definitely made the flight alot more enjoyable. So did Adam, my new boyfriend! Yes I know he is just a computer (A Mac Book Pro - 17") but really he is so wonderful. I spent alot of time tinkering with my slideshows on my iphoto. My memory book form CV One slide sow is particularly great. No one has red eye, it's all captioned, put to music and slides in and out beautifully! Very enjoyable.
So I have been staying with Shanna Miller at the old pad. It's lovely to be back in Toronto. I 'm really quite lucky to have the opportunity to live here and england. So on Thursday night we (Shanna, Liz and myself) went to Mitz's sister on Queen West and met Doug, Michelle, Lindsay and Paula. I forgot how great it is to be served a drink at your table! Then on Friday I was at CanStage for Bonnie Green's leaving do. I don't really have time to write about that at the minute because it had quite an amazing affect on me. So when I've processed it I will write another blog. Then last night we hung out with the pregnant Stoski's. They are blooming - literally. Sarah took us to Villa, an amzing italian restuarant across the road from their pad, where they serve all their pizza's and pasta dishes with a gluten free option! Amazing. It took me ages to decide what to have because I could have anything-ish. I can't remeber the last time I went to a resturant and had choice. It was fantastic. Then we met Mr. Kruse at the paramount and saw Pan's Labyrinth. It was so beautiful and horrific and thought provoking and Spanish! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
So there is the last couple of days briefly. Shanna and Liz have driven up to Ottawa today to see Cam, Kater and Arras. I can't wait to go in a couple of a weeks! I'm off to Bonnie's this afternoon to look after Jack - or really visa versa!
Blog you later!
I arrived in Toronto on Thursday after a very enjoyable, relatively empty flight. There was a beautiful man sitting on the row infront of me on theopposite aisle so I could discretly eye him up for 8 hours. In true Jones fashion I didn't say a thing to him but he definitely made the flight alot more enjoyable. So did Adam, my new boyfriend! Yes I know he is just a computer (A Mac Book Pro - 17") but really he is so wonderful. I spent alot of time tinkering with my slideshows on my iphoto. My memory book form CV One slide sow is particularly great. No one has red eye, it's all captioned, put to music and slides in and out beautifully! Very enjoyable.
So I have been staying with Shanna Miller at the old pad. It's lovely to be back in Toronto. I 'm really quite lucky to have the opportunity to live here and england. So on Thursday night we (Shanna, Liz and myself) went to Mitz's sister on Queen West and met Doug, Michelle, Lindsay and Paula. I forgot how great it is to be served a drink at your table! Then on Friday I was at CanStage for Bonnie Green's leaving do. I don't really have time to write about that at the minute because it had quite an amazing affect on me. So when I've processed it I will write another blog. Then last night we hung out with the pregnant Stoski's. They are blooming - literally. Sarah took us to Villa, an amzing italian restuarant across the road from their pad, where they serve all their pizza's and pasta dishes with a gluten free option! Amazing. It took me ages to decide what to have because I could have anything-ish. I can't remeber the last time I went to a resturant and had choice. It was fantastic. Then we met Mr. Kruse at the paramount and saw Pan's Labyrinth. It was so beautiful and horrific and thought provoking and Spanish! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
So there is the last couple of days briefly. Shanna and Liz have driven up to Ottawa today to see Cam, Kater and Arras. I can't wait to go in a couple of a weeks! I'm off to Bonnie's this afternoon to look after Jack - or really visa versa!
Blog you later!
Sunday, January 14, 2007
I think I have finally cracked my blog. I had quite a bit of trouble posting last night but it looks like I have fixed it. Hurray!!!!!!!
This is just a little test to see if I have. Today I am going to be a Godmother for the 3rd time. It is Ryan Gavin's christening today. My first Godson. I better start to get ready otherwise I'll be late.
This is just a little test to see if I have. Today I am going to be a Godmother for the 3rd time. It is Ryan Gavin's christening today. My first Godson. I better start to get ready otherwise I'll be late.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Here is my first entry. I realised as I departed the plane at Lester Pearson that I am no longer a one city gal. My heart & home are in two places and I need to find a way that I can live in both. I also realised that I am dreadful at keeping in touch with people I love. So on the advice of the very wise Kate Macdonnell and the inspiration of Jenn & Steve's blog I have decided to do my own. I am presently sitting in a very warm, underground internet shop on Bloor near Dufferin as I am on my way to the Duff Mall. Believe it or not I am very excited about my shopping trip. I have really missed the Duff! Anyways I am going to sign off now as it is getting hotter down here and I am dying to get to Walmart.
Jones xxx
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Well it has been a long time since my first blog but now I have a beautiful new lap top that works, there should be nothing but my terrible grasp of english grammar to hold me back. Here is a picture of me at my desk at CV One, in Coventry England, which I have now vacated. So much has happened since august but the main event is that I have left CV One and have embarked on my new journey. I have moved out of my apartment and have bought a house that I will time share with my folks. They're plan is to live half time in the UK and half time in Cyprus so a time share in Coventry should work out well.
I am off to Toronto on Thursday and can not wait to see everyone, especially Cameron - who I have not officially met yet as he only joined the world in December. I am also looking forward to meeting Snug who has not yet joined the world but I will be in Toronto when he decides it's time to say hi. Life is quite an amazing thing isn't it.
Well that is all for now.
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