By Suzanne Dietz of EGGS ON ICE, a Cackleberry Club mystery
by Laura Childs
In the spirit of the
season the Kindred Players were having a dress rehearsal for A Christmas Carol. Toni and I had decided
that helping with costumes, lights and set designs was much more important that
finishing the decorations at the Cackleberry Club Café. So there we were watching
friends and neighbors transformed into 19th Century residents of
England and speaking Dickensian lines with delicious accents.
We were particularly tickled that Allan Sharp, or as
Toni calls him “our town curmudgeon” was playing the part of Ebenezer Scrooge.
Talk about type casting. Still, he was doing a good job.
Toni had trouble with the
lighting and for a minute the stage was completely dark, but she got control and made
it light enough that we could just see Scrooge sitting at his desk. I was operating
the smoke machine in anticipation of the ghost who showed up right on cue. He
seemed to hug Scrooge for a moment and then floated off into the wings opposite
us. It was so well done that I nearly jumped out of my skin when Bill Probst
came up behind me and called my name. I was shocked to see him in a long gray
ghost outfit. When he apologized for missing his cue, I was perplexed. Who was the
ghost on stage? And why is Allen Sharp slumped at his desk, not moving? In fact
it looked as though he wasn’t breathing.
I’m bursting to let you know what happens next, so we are
giving away a copy of EGGS ON ICE to
one lucky commenter below. Just tell us anything at all about amateur
theatrical productions. You’ve been in a show; you were in the audience; you
were a stage hand; you don’t spend money off-off Broadway. Whatever it is, tell
us and you will be entered for a chance to win. Don’t forget to include your
email addy in this format: name (AT) server (DOT) com to avoid the spam bots. No
email; no entry. Giveaway closes at midnight your time Saturday, December 22nd
.
We have a great theater in a town near us. We have attended many great productions over the years!! lindaherold999(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThe drama department at the college I went to put on a number of good shows every year.
ReplyDeleteturtle6422 at gmail dot com
I have never been involved in a theater production, but it sounds like fun! mbradeen (AT) yahoo (DOT) com
ReplyDeleteI went to several plays from traveling groups. I love them debby236 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteHave never been in a theater production, sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleterjprazak6@gmail.com
In college, I worked as a stage hand for a local theater. It was such fun.
ReplyDeletema(underscore)ward(at)Hotmail(dot)com
Every year when I was in grade school I was in the Christmas play. I still have nightmares about it once in awhile and it has been many years ago. Thanks for the chance to win. bessert57@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI enjoy attending theatre performances which are amateur and give me great pleasure and enjoyment. They are so memorable. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWe attend at least one each year. Our town and a neighboring town put on 2-3 productions each year with local performers that are very good.
ReplyDeleteHave seen both good and bad amateur productions, sometimes the bad ones are too funny for words.
ReplyDeleteAmateur productions were well done and the audience loved the acting. The play was packed and amazing. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWe are in a very rural area, and to beat the winter doldrums, the different communities all put on plays in February or March. Our town's play proceeds go to support the American Legion Hall where the play is put on.
ReplyDeleteI’m a big supporter of the Dartmouth Players and have enjoyed their shows for years. Community theatre is alive and well in Nova Scotia, and I wouldn’ have it any other way! roswita.hildebrandt at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI participated in several amateur productions in high school. It was hard work but also great fun. a4h(dot)cloverbud(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteAlas I sit in the audience.
ReplyDeleteThe productions I attend are usually at the local schools, but still fun! Fgraley@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteNever was in a play but saw children in them.
ReplyDeleteMy two sons were in a high school murder mystery dinner. One was the butler and the other was the detective. It was fun!
ReplyDeletemarypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann
I was never into theater or a stage hand. I did get to see an local theater production of Madame Butterfly. I honestly could not understand any of it and my date kept falling asleep (he snored too).
ReplyDeleteWe have a small playhouse here in our area and we went years ago to see White Christmas. It was lovely and so much fun. Vickiela3(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWe actually have a couple of wonderful little theaters in town. I've only been twice but it was so fun both times! awilcox1182@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWe do a few professional actor theatre productions a year and with three grandchildren in school, we usually have a couple there and one pageant at church plus my oldest granddaughters dance performances. After 11 years in dance she very "professional" looking for being only 15. I was only in a play in high school and college but none since.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway.
Cynthia Bayer Blain on FB.
Have not been to an amateur production in years, but did enjoy going to the productions that my high schools did.
ReplyDeleteNancy B
nlb1050 (at) yahoo (dot) com
have not been in plays but my children all were (all six daughters). jcook22@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI am bursting to know what happens next! I worked with someone for a number of years who was quiet, efficient and kept to herself. And then one day she told us about her involvement in front of a behind the stage at amateur theater productions and she came alive. What interesting stories she had to tell. Thanks for the giveaway and Happy Holidays.
ReplyDeletesallycootie(at)gmail(dot)com
Although I've never been in any form of theatrical productions, I have been part of several skits or performances. First I must tell you that both hubby and I were clowns at one time. We were friends with and got the chance to clown with Emmett Kelly Jr. the reason I start off with this is that we are use to doing "strange" things in the course of our "hobby".
ReplyDeleteThe two that stand out so vividly in my mind were around the same group of clowns. The first was at a very refined banquet we "got" a friend on his 50th birthday after he said he couldn't be got. He was dressed in tuxedo presiding over the banquet. Hubby complete with mustache dressed in fully as a bride attire on cue from the music of "Happy Trails" came down the aisle to claim his "groom" that had left her standing at the alter when he forgot about his wedding. The bride slung him over his shoulder and carried of her true love. Needless to say he got had on his 50th which was recorded as well. The other was similar but with many more participants. All the men dressed as saloon gals and has to walk the streets of Tombstone, AZ asking for "donations". All the money was for a college scholarship and the winner was the one that collected the most money. It was a production that lasted all day and took a lot of behind the scene work to get these rough and rugged men to look like woman that would attract $$.
Although not on a stage, believe me they were productions including an audience, stage hands with the intent to bring entertainment and laughter to many.
Thank you for the fabulous chance to win a copy of "EGGS ON ICE" by Laura Childs!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
I have helped make scenery when in high school.
ReplyDeletea.connolley@gmail.com
I like see both Broadway in Chicago shows as well as local theater productions. Hamilton is still on my bucket list.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
The only experience I have is being a stage "mom" for my kids High School plays and musicals. That involved costumes,. props, and anything else you can think of. Thank you for this chance. 1cow0993(at)gmail(dot)com.
ReplyDeleteI just saw Elf musical production at our local dinner theater. I love that place. nerdsrgood AT msn DOT com
ReplyDeleteI worked backstage in college productions and saw The Fantastics off Broadway in 1968.
ReplyDeleteI go to as many shows as I can. I love theater! lkleback at hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI loved going to our schools Jr and Sr high productions. Such amazing talent
ReplyDeleteOur town has a theater group that puts on wonderful plays 6 times a year.
ReplyDeleteI go to all my local theatre productions. I have seen many fine plays.
ReplyDeleteFolks, don't forget to add you email addy to your post. Name (at) provider (dot) com
ReplyDeleteI worked props and publicity for my University Drama Dept. for four years and we had such fun. I had to make cold mashed potatoes and color them for the hobbit. They had to look like several different items. Real food wouldn't work because the Actors ate it...the Director used to stop by and check out my progress and make unrepeatable remarks about it lol...
ReplyDeleteMarilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
Our county has a high school for the arts that does amazing musicals. I’ve been to several of their productions.
ReplyDeleteskforrest1957(at)gmail(dot)com
DeleteIn High School we did a version of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Our play director changed the pronunciation of one the names to go with the town we were in. We had so much fun! I love all types of theater and have attended many plays, from grade school plays to Broadway, and everything in between. I love the theater. I love this series! I'm so glad the Cackleberry Club is back. Thank you for this chance. areewekidding(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to anything since high school and I don't remember what the plays were. I was in the audience as my friend was in the play. Thank you for this chance. pgenest57(at)aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed being in and watching plays at my public school. They were always so much fun
ReplyDeleteareadingmum(at)Gmail(dot)com
Our choir put on the musical Brigadoon when I was a senior in high school. End of my career...nettiem(at)toledotel(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI was in The Sound of Music and My Fair Lady in high school! Great experience and loved it!!!
ReplyDeleteOneponychick66@hotmail.com
When I was little, about 5 years old, my bio dad took my to an off off broadway production of Snow White and I was chosen to go upon stage and be one of the 7 dwarves. It ignited my love of live theater and live music. lighthouselove76@aol.com
ReplyDeleteWhen I was 11 I was on stage at my school Duchess Day School in Millbrook, NY. It was a play by Gertrude Stein. I had to stand on a ladder and say my lines. Quite a fumny memory!!
ReplyDeleteCathy Furtak
cathysbs@yahoo.com
I've attended performances at my niece's high school.
ReplyDeletejtcgc at yahoo dot com
I tried out when I was in middle school, but didn't make it and was relegated to backstage anajs95 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI have been in the audience. Thanks for the great giveaway. doward1952(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteSeveral years ago, hubby & I were in a play. Our town didn't have a little theater group, but one of the men in town had written a play and wanted to put it on. He had been a part of a theatrical group in another town so felt he could do it. It was fun, and I if I do say so myself, I think it turned out quite good. Hubby played an outlaw, a bad one -- while in real life he was a pastor. He did it well though.
ReplyDeleteHubby and I have also attended Little Theater group plays in other towns, as well as school performances of plays. I always enjoy them, and wish we could go to more. I would also like to be in another play -- but memorizing a part might be hard anymore.
I have also attended big Broadway type productions when they go on the road and land in OKC. Someday I'd like to actually go to New York and see a production. But I understand tickets to those things are very pricey.
donna (dot) durnell (at) sbcglobal (dot) net
I was in a production of Meet Me In St. Louis when I was in school - elementary or early jr. high. I played Tootie. I don't know if that is when I learned to project my voice, or if I just do it naturally. Normally soft spoken, I can speak to a room without any microphone.
DeleteMy grandchildren were in theater groups and I was in the audience every time. I was so proud of them doing something I would not have the courage to do at their age. Thanks for a chance to win.
ReplyDeletebabemomara@att.net
My parents encouraged my love of musicals, taking me to many of them since my teens. My hubby got me into running spotlights for the Opera de Lafayette (Lafayette, Indiana) back in the early 1980's. I look forward to reading this story. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteematov (at) comcast (dot) net
I've never been involved, but have attended several plays put on by the community college, including local actors, making it a truly community production. I have enjoyed them
ReplyDeletekaye.killgore(at)comcast(dot)net
I have never been in a play or attended any kind of play!
ReplyDeletemarthalawson8 at gmail dot com
I’ve never participated nor have I ever been to any type of productions. Now when I was about 8 my Grandma took me to see the Nutcracker Ballet. Thank you for the chance!!
ReplyDeletetiggercat24alisha(at)yahoo(dot)com
We do murder mystery wine and food pairing dinners. I write a basic script, 5 rehearsals and the production. We always sell out. Cheers (at) MarjimManor (dot) com
ReplyDeleteI was in some amateur theatrical productions in high school. Lots of fun.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I have not been in any productions, but I think it would be fun!
ReplyDeleteWendy C
clarksrfun at gmail dot com
I was in one play in high school, Dracula. I was one of the "witches". Not a glamorous or stand out role to say the least!
ReplyDeletetami.norman@gmail.com
I've been involved in amateur and semi-professional theater for many years as a stage manager, stage hand, and light board operator. I love all aspects of live theater and this book sounds right up my alley. Thanks for the opportunity to win! aut1063(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteLiving near Cleveland, Ohio we have a fantastic theater district. Although I only get to see a show maybe once a year it is amazing the work behind the scenes as well as the actors/actresses talent. Thanks for the opportunity to enter your giveaway. robeader53(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI’ve never been in one but went to many when I was in college. The best one was Much Ado About Nothing. Thanks for the chance! JL_Minter (at) Hotmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed being in school plays. kckendler at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI have many great memories of taking my children to the plays that DePaul University’s theater department put on in Chicago. My children loved going. My favorite one was a version of Peter Pan. It was hilarious! Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of Eggs on Ice. I love A Christmas Carol and watch all different versions of it. I think this will be a very entertaining book to read. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeletecristinaalaska(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I have only watched productions. Enjoyed them a lot.
ReplyDeletejwisley(at)aol(dot)com
I used to do Christmas Plays every year as a kid. One year I was even a Wiseman and I'm female lol!
ReplyDeleteFragilebutterfly@hotmail.com
I used to do Christmas Plays every year as a kid. One year I was even a Wiseman and I'm female lol!
ReplyDeleteFragilebutterfly@hotmail.com
I have never been involved but it sounds like something I would love.
ReplyDeleteKit3247(at)aol(dot)com
We saw an amateur production of Arsenic and Old Lace, it was really good (put on by a college) Tari H.
ReplyDeletebarbie17(at)gmail(d0t)com
A cult musical that started in a college in Canada for a musical theater class and then performed at local comedy club, staged as a workshop and then was performed at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal. It went to Off Broadway and is now being performed at colleges, is being seen around the country at performing arts centers and performed around the world with many local touring companies. Which musical is it? It's Evil Dead: The Musical.
ReplyDeleteIt's my favorite cult B movie and I'm so glad that the director and star of the movie gave permission to stage this musical. I've seen it three times, once in Montreal, once Off Broadway and once put on locally in my state.
What's my favorite part of the musical? It has to be sitting in the "splatter zone". That's where everyone in that section gets splatter with fake blood, although I would say splatter is an understatement. It's more like soaked.
It's a crazy fun time.
scarletbegonia5858(at)gmail(dot)com
I was in my town the bicentennial play about the founding of our town I was a kid. Thanks for the chance. Maceoindo(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my mom's favorite series. She loves your books!
ReplyDeleteYears ago a friend wanted to treat us with tickets to The Nutcracker Suite. She thought it would be a memorable event.
ReplyDeleteIt was!
One of the soldier mice fell into the orchestra pit and the kid who was supposed to be fighting him had to figure out how to disappear offstage! At the end of the number we could see the adult mouse sneaking out of the pit!
It was memorable, all right!
libbydodd at comast dot net
We have a couple local theater groups and I'm always amazed at how talented the amateur actor are.
ReplyDeletesuefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
In elementary school I was in a play; no lines, just in with the other kids who were singing. It was like the Hatfields and McCoys - two feuding groups: the Azmigooths and Chizzlewinks. One side wore red and the other side wore blue. I was on the red side and wore a red and white baseball shirt with Garfield on it and red pants.
ReplyDeletecatbooks72(at)gmail(dot)com
nani_geplcs(at)yahoo(dot)com....My daughter treated me to an amateur production of Grease! I totally enjoyed it..! I've also seen several others..Wicked being one. I've always enjoyed them. The actors really work hard, hard! Thanks and Merriest Christmas all!
ReplyDeleteI've done drama at different times throughout my school years. A couple of skits in elementary school, and I was part of the drama club for two years in middle school. Working on those plays were so much fun. Thank you for the chance to win. robbfan141729(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI have been I couple of church’s plays. I scared at first but once I got use to it I loved it. xzjh04(at) gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteThanks so very much to all who entered. The winner has been chosen by random and is now being notified.
ReplyDeleteAnd the winner is Mary Lynette Miller! Congratulations!
ReplyDelete