Loud noises...

PLAY 2

"Dude looks like a lady... you'll know what I mean later."

- Lisa Viertel (ACTOR)

PLAY 3

"Pull the audience into this world by finding the stillness... finding the danger of this world and how we can live in it."

- Carol Roscoe (DIRECTOR)

PLAY 5

"Word to your mother."

- Troy Fischnaller (ACTOR)

PLAY 6

"I think we should do an improv game."

- John Farrage (DIRECTOR)

FROM THE STAFF ROOM

"Good thing I'm not tired because then I don't say stupid things."

- Tim Hyland (after saying he spent some time with the pork roll)

"Do these people really need breakfast?"

- Alex Samuels

"That's some good pig right there."

- Shawn Belyea (upon eating some of the pork roll)

TECH - Cafeteria Blossoms by Celene Ramadan

5:45 - Teching show number six... As I walked to the theatre, sipping on my Big K Cola, I passed by show #1 rehearsing. In an amazing exhibit of multi-tasking, Troy Fischnaller managed to flick me off while rehearsing his play. The man seeks to amaze. Upon entering the theatre, Cafeteria Blossoms was getting set to start. Tina LaPadula was standing at the top of the steps holding her tray of mashed potatoes with ketchup and trying to keep her tights up. During her battle with her tights I learned that she was a part of the very first 14/48 held at the old Freehold space. Also, William Shakespeare was one of the playwrights that year and the stage was lit by torchlight. I kid, it wasn't that long ago. Just sat in on the tech long enough to see the beginning of the piece and this one is going to rock! Can't wait to see Peter and Tina display some teenage emotions.

Ho, ho, ho...

John Farrage just entered the staff room with a large bag filled with goodies. Troy Fischnaller informed John that he has a bag with a severed head in it. To this John replied, "No, we're killing a baby. I think we're good."

FISCHNALLER UPDATE

SLOOP: Troy, can you describe to me the show you're in today?

TROY: It's good. It's a Scot Augustson play and it's very good. The show is about three strangers who get stuck at an airport and must share a hotel room together.

SLOOP: I overheard you telling Carol (Roscoe) that you would not be wearing a clown outfit when you enter. What was this about?

TROY: Yes, I was just assuring Carol that I would not be wearing a clown outfit when the show started. You see, Chris, I have a bit of a reputation for being an a**hole.

ANNIE LAREAU (while passing by): I agree with this.

TROY: You see, Annie agrees.

*Thank you, Troy! Your candid answers are much appreciated and, I think I can speak for all of us when I say, we look forward to see you, Stan and Allison kick off the new decade with show number one!*

GOOD MORNING 14/48!!!

"GOOD MORNING 14/48!"

- This entry is for Peggy Gannon (14/48 VET) and all those working today

At this moment:

* 14/48 steering members are running around town picking up food and such

* Playwrights are putting the final touches on their masterpieces

* Troy Fischnaller is at his morning yoga class getting ready for the day ahead

* I'm about to slap some patchouli on and then hop a public bus down town

One last night cap...

Before I go and dream of flying goldfish and a talking whale named Gus, I leave you with a few more memorable quotes and moments from the evening...

* Mazen Winner Elizabeth Heffron drew the final show for night one - 3 Men, 2 Women

* "Andy Jensen is drawing for Paul Mullin." -Shawn Belyea (followed by a delightful chorus of boos which is the only appropriate response if someone is unable to attend the meeting.)

* In the above picture all of the playwrights have just drawn and are viewing their assignment for tonight, except Celene who is using the powers of telepathy to reveal the mysteries within the folded piece of office paper (another reason to adore Celene Ramadan!)

* And finally, a FISCHNALLER UPDATE! As Troy was leaving ACT I asked him how he was feeling about tomorrow. Troy responded, "I feel like... ummm..." and then proceeded to trip and stumble his way up the stair way. This makes me very nervous... is the pressure of COLLATERAL DAMAGE getting to Fischnaller... is he dealing with Swine Flu... only time will tell.

Good night sweet, delicate actors/directors, don't stay out too late band members and burn blisters in those fingers our dear writers... we all eagerly anticipate tomorrow's product!

Looking back on what was...

I wandered into the 14/48 meeting shortly after 8:15, craving a free beer served by a virgin and hoping the "ten minute" run down was almost over. To my satisfaction, I would get both.
Shawn Belyea was on the DIRECTOR portion of his high speed, bullet point presentation when I took my seat. "YES!" I yelled within the canyon between my brain lobes, "They're almost done!"
Almost done and I didn't miss the most heartfelt piece (presentation of the Mazen) and the most pertinent to the next day's action (presentation of the THEME.)
BOOM - first came the Mazen. Belyea had a beautiful introduction to the first weekend recipient and the Mazen went to... ELIZABETH HEFFRON!
The crowd, including the likes of Troy Fischnaller and the beautiful Kate Parker, jumped to their feet (a standing ovation for those of you not up on the lingo) and began to slam their hands together. Elizabeth gave us some wonderful words to sit on this weekend. "14/48 is alive, with each breath in and each breath out."
This point sticks out to me because it rings with truth... 14/48 is all about the moment. Don't let the moment pass. Embrace and squeeze as hard as you possibly can.
BOOM - next came the theme and Elizabeth drew - "Collateral Damage"... my roommate believes this was a movie. In fact, it was a movie I never saw starring the Governor of California. Not sure how I feel about the connection to Arnold... never-the-less... HOORAY!!!
And HOORAY to all of those who were out tonight and birthing the first weekend of 14/48... this is going to be something to hold onto forever!