A year in community theater

Now that "Christmas Carol, the Musical" is over, I have some reflections and comments on my year of community theater.

Firstly, Christmas Carol was a great experience. Mary Smirl's first shot at directing, and we came up with what I think was a great show. Some of the things that I didn't think would work, actually did. I didn't fall of the stairs where I made all of my Marley entrances, I only tripped on my chains once, and my eyes are now relatively clown white free. Mary, Kerri, and Larry, oh, sorry, Lara, all did great jobs. I saw frustration on all of those faces at different points, but it seems like when one was down, another stepped up to it. Reading Mary's blogs, I know she is relieved that it is over, and that she can move on to the next thing. I'm sure Kerri and Lara are too.

I've loved working (with? for? around?) these three women, each of them talented beyond my measurement in their own ways.

Plus, if you add the talents of the cast (and crew), I've been very fortunate to have been involved in the magic that is theater in Huntington over the last year. So many lovable new friends.

Since last fall I've done
Amahl and the Night Visitors (Shepherd) ARTS
Oliver (Mr. Sowerberry, Oom Pah Pah Drunk, Bow St. Runner) 5th Ave
1776 (John Dickenson) Maxxum Productions
Fiddler on the Roof (Lazar Wolf) ARTS
Christmas Carol, the musical (Ghost of Marley, Undertaker) 5th Ave
Welcome to Pauley's (Rick) River Cities Community Church Drama

I need to mention others who have directed or advised me over the last year, Beth McVey, Jerry Crank, Clint, Mark Smith, Danny Ray, Marla, Terry S., and Terri T. Plus there have been many others who have helped me be better in other ways. Too many to mention, except for Scott Black who always compiles a long list of notes for me. Scott and I were in Oliver, 1776, Fiddler on the Roof, and Christmas Carol, the musical. 4 in a row, baby. Oh, and Helga advised me several times to not touch her props if I wanted to keep my fingers. And Linda advised me to take a compliment when given, something I have trouble with at times.

If you know me well, you know also that doing theater has been therapy for me. So although, I do believe I put a lot into these shows, I got much more back. I don't know what would have become of me if Clint hadn't suggested I try out for Oliver, and even before that, if Eric hadn't mentioned that he was going to be a shepherd in Amahl.

That leads into another question. What is next for you now, Mark? Well, I'm glad you asked, Mark. I'm not sure. But, I have notified my landlord that I'll be moving as of January 1st. For the moment, I'm going to concentrate on working at my real job, and living closer to that will help. I will still be able to bop down to Huntington to see shows, I'll be able to take a couple of trips I have put off, and I'll be halfway between two great towns that I love, Columbus, Ohio, and Huntington, West Virginia. I'm thinking of taking a dance class. Not that I need it myself. Of course, not. I just don't want my gift to get stale. Piano lessons? Weightlifting? Guitar? A Howard Hughesian recluse? Lego builder? Day trader? The sky is the limit!

So, so long to acting for the moment. Taking a break. I need to decide where I want to live and buy a house where I can "live by the side of the road and be a friend to man". I'd love that to be in Huntington, or maybe Columbus. Or New York. Or California. Or New Hampshire. Or Canada.