Zen and Freud's Last Session

Our Thursdate started with dinner at Zen... on our realtor's dime.  Yep, when asked about our favourite restaurant (Um... do we have one?), we figured sushi was pretty special and chose one on that.  Some time later, (thank-you) gift certificates showed up in the mail! 

Paul's never been to Zen.  But even though I had, I noticed different details such as tell-tale signs that this was once a Brewster!  Though, I guess the etched name and beer mug logo on the table could just mean Zen bought their tables...

Anyway, we briefly mulled over the menu, acknowledged we didn't have a lot of time to choose, and picked the Love Boat (which had a selection of items chosen for us). 

A wooden boat arrived not long after -- in real ship shape!  It was delightfully covered in sushi.  A lot of sushi. 

Some of the items were standard familiars, but others were a bit strange. 

Clustered near the middle were maki rolls that looked deep fried.  The menu revealled these were "Golden Philadelphia" rolls.  They were something just so utterly wrong in my mind to the whole sushi esthetic (Beef?  DEEP FRIED?!  CHEESE?!).  It was too weird for me.  Good thing Paul liked them. 



With our time constraint, we ate all that food a little too fast for my liking.  But it was still so good.  Certainly more than adequate motivation to send more friends our realtor's way.  

We speed-walked to Holy Trinity Church (Fringe rules still applied to holdover shows) and made it! We even managed to find seats together (if a bit far away from the stage). 





Freud's Last Session, was listed in the Fringe program as Comedy and Drama.  I think that was alphabetical.  My call for the fictional meeting between Dr. Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis the night before the outbreak of WWII: drama with a little bit of comedy.  Though... it could have been because so much of it was above my head.  I definitely need a history lesson and to read more. This post before hand would have helped too.  But even so, it was good.  Paul laughed really loudly at one point. (Wonder if I can find the quote...) 

Afterwards on the bus, my head was buzzing that feeling I was too awake and on the edge of something big... but was too tired to flesh it out once turning our attention to things like getting home.  The magic / high of good theatre?  Maybe.

The stylish set for Freud's Last Session at Edmonton Fringe 2013 highlighted the dream like quality of theatre.

Living the Dream.

"First in line!  Yeah!"


Yes, Dear.  By showing up almost two hours before show time, we were first in line for A Midsummer's Night Dream, the comedy for this year's "Shakespeare in the Park".  I opened my packed picnic lunch and ate sitting down on the grass nearby.  Paul stayed near the gate (don't want to lose that spot!) and the first people to follow us chatted with him before lining up behind me.  It was pretty satisfying see the long line behind us, but it didn't seem quite as long as past years'.

Things were much less organised once we got our tickets.  We (mostly) got the pick of any seat we wanted, but Paul and I wanted different seating areas!  We compromised for approximately the middle and eyed the set.

 

I immediately coveted the "moss-covered" cubes on the stage.  Oh, to have them for the house!  (My storage ottoman obsession might be getting out of hand.) 

 

We watched the actors in shades of turquoise and purple run up and down the grey steps and then climb and tumble onto those moss cubes.  As expected, it was a spirited and entertaining production. But, I admit, I was lost.  The main plot was fine with fairies and love spells and a donkey... But what of those fairie bits at the beginning and end?  Who are they supposed to be?  That's what I get for not reading the play first!  :P 

Tea for Eight, and Annie too

"You look good with a baby," Mike told me, while giving a "You should be worried" look to Paul.  What could I say?  Sarah's a very good dancer and had me trained in no time: Keep moving!  We tangoed in the kitchen as others sipped tea (more Jammie Dodgers to make up for the cheese scones attempt that didn't rise for the occassion). 

It was great to finally meet the latest addition to Char and Mike's family, and to see everyone doing well.  Jade zipped around the room - appearing fuzzy in every photo I took of her.  Jesse and Jazzy ended up showing some tongue, but I don't think Alannah (or Paul) knew quite what was happening.

It seemed a little too soon, but right after Catherine arrived, Paul and I had to head out - For tonight, there was Annie. 


"This is my girlfriend, who wears too many clothes."  ~ How Paul wanted to introduce me

I have to admit, when Paul pulled out his diary to plan the week with me (months ago), I saw every third day marked with another woman's name and I was upset.  Who was Annie?  Well, Annie is Annie.  Paul had been asked, and said yes to be in a local production - and with that there were rehearsals. 

There is no dancing-six foot tall-tuba-playing orphan in Annie... that I knew of.  But there is definitely a tuba part in the orchestra (so I was told). 

We arrived at Festival Place with little time to spare.  As he warmed up, I read cast bios and found my assigned seat (coincidentially, right in front of my family doctor).  The curtain rose and I watched Annie's story unfold. 

The super charismatic and energetic, red-haired orphan girl inspires an incredible number of things to happen in the next few hours.  Most importantly, she awoke the workaholic heart of Mr. Warbucks.  Oh, and gave an uplifting boost for the New Deal, on the side - All in time for Christmas!

I waited for the apple seller to drop an apple (which happened at another performance causing a drum to ring) or for a dog to miss a cue.  Instead, it all seemed to flow quite well, and familiar tunes, I didn't know were from this musical, had me tapping and murmuring along: "It's a Hard Knocks Life", "Tomorrow", and "I Think I'm Gonna Like it Here." 

The kids were cute (the smallest girl being so completely adorable you could almost forget the off tune voice). The adults, however, were the main talents - Miss Hannigan, the ophanage matron, was deliciously evil and had a fabulous voice.

Definitely a fun production.  This "other woman" was pretty cool after all. 

There are a few more nights to go (it closes 27-Feb).  For more information and or tickets check out Festival Place.

Bashir Lazhar, Griffin & Sabine

I sniffle while watching Bashir Lazhar.  Partially from another summer cold, mostly because this Fringe holdback play is sad.  Recent immigrant, Bashir Lazhar, is hired on as a substitute teacher for an elementary school.  Through dreamscapes and flashbacks super-imposed on his current experiences, one learns he has lost his wife and children to war.  I watch puzzled, trying to piece together the story and figure out what the second actor, a dancing, flitting figure exactly is (A halluciantion? A memory of his dead children?).  Still not quite sure still at the end, but Paul and I both agreed it was overall, really well done. 

On the way back to Paul's, luck would have it, we come by another yard sale!  Paul gained some dishes and I some sparkly bits. 

Back at the house, Paul showed me the troublesome couch now comfortabley inhabiting the otherwise empty garage. 

We started reading Griffin and Sabine: An Extraordinary Correspondence by Nick Bantock.  The beautiful book is made of postcards and removable letters written and illustrated by the characters Griffin and Sabine.  A mystery from the very start as to why Sabine can see in her mind Griffin creating his art.  Paul played Griffin well, but did have to comment, "[Griffin] has anger management problems."  I kind of had to agree.

A Non-Work Week

A whole week off from work!  Time for Fringe, some niggly stuff, and getting ready for the wedding. 

Stage a Fringe Revolution

More of the same volunteer wise for the Festival.  I felt a little silly wearing the revolution logo (definitely not one I can give Dad to wear), but as required, wore the shirt for all my shifts.  Was paired up, at one point, with a new to Edmonton theatre design student.  John was passionate about the shows and had a whole pocket full of tickets for plays.  I really think he would have slept on site if he could.  Was unexpectedly paired up with Micah for a shift as Mobile Front of House and saw what it really was like to be on the inside - she knows everyone! 

Erik changes Movie Night to Fringe Night.  We watch Grimmer than Grim - a bloody, and cartoony version of lesser known Grimm fairytales.  The theme song is still in my head, but I didn't think it was really my kind of play.  Will have to have to look up some of the tales in my book of collected Grimm.  Later, loitered at "the Sev" with Chris, his friend, Paul, and Catherine after picking up a slurpee.  There was a hole in the wall (that I refused to stick my hand into) and we sang the Inspector Gadget theme.  Chris has a motorbike! 

Didn't watch a play with Catherine or Andrea as originally planned.  Instead, caught the Be Arthurs Reunion Tour with Drew.  He had no idea what I was dragging him to, but I briefed: Edmonton's "official" ukelele cover band reunites after their huge breakup!  Catherine saw it the other day and gave it good reviews.  And of course, it's the Be Arthurs!  What I didn't expect it to be organised in two parts: A documentary (a large screen played interviews of fans, past tour clips, and a gave a history of the band - Jill Pollock made an appearance as creepy-stalkerish fan) and a concert.  The band arrived in the second half in a cloud of smoke and play something awesome, followed by a Snoop Dog cover (slowed down to ballad), plus, to tempo with dance, of Beyonce's Single Ladies.  Hilarious!  Would have been a wonderful night, except afterwards I realised my cell phone had at some point fallen out of my pocket.  Dang. 

"For a young girl you're really falling apart."


Definitely not something one wants to hear from their doctor.  Yes, annual check up time... um... about 2 months late.  Better late than never.  I really hope he was joking. 
My Love's an Arbutus

"What modern stuff your friends did!  The piece had semi-tones... and quarter tones... and interesting time changes..." ~ Meaghan, with a possible response to our performance

I'm told the tenors got a good part.  I don't notice this much... I'm busy trying to get the melody (my part) in my head.  And to sing out. And not fall into Meaghan, who is super strong.  And to SING-OUT.  It hurts, and it's hard, but it sure feels good to be singing again (and very glad not to be doing the alto part).  More rehearsal this afternoon!

Shakespeare in the Park 2009

"There, there... it's not real." Celina comforted me as sobbed*. It was just so sad.

I had some warning that Titus Andronicus was one of Shakespeare's early tragedies and one of the most gorey of his plays, and thought I'd be ready for it. However, the sight of a recently mutilated (bleeding, handless, tongueless) and raped Lavinia, was just too much.

You're probably wondering why I take Celina to this play. She wanted Shakespeare! She wanted sword fights! She wanted tragedy! But she didn't seem that all that interested. Only the costuming (the Goths were dressed in a very modern way) was worth a her comments afterwards.

Definitely not something I'd like to see again. Though I do have to say the stage design was quite effective. (There had to be a way to manage all that fake blood, and the answer was a sand pit.) The occassional crash of real thunder also added to the atmosphere.

It has been very rainy. Yesterday there was so much downpour, that there were reports of floods in the LRT stations. Generally, this was not good outdoor theatre conditions. So, Jazzy called off going to see the other Shakespeare in the Park play, Comedy of Errors.

I kept an eye on the forecast. The response I got when I emailed the Free Will Players, "The show will go on." So, along with Kirsten, we met Catherine, Jackie, Samatha, and Steph.

I had not expected how cartoonish and goofy this play would be. This was a slightly updated version (to the 1920s?) with slapstick comedy (bobby chase scenes that involved a lot of bumping into each other and into walls), and clownish makeup and clothes (which makes it a little easier to create "twins"). The sun also came out from the clouds, which in made me very happy.

It was very neat in my mind to see Nadine and Belinda play such different roles in the two plays (mild mannered Lavinia became "shrewish" Luciana / Tamora, Queen of Goths, the great villainess in TA was also Lady Abbess).

Anyway, next year, I think I'll stick to the comedy.


* Further thinking: Was it because it was too unrealistic that Celina didn't respond? She, who if not really thinking something was sad, would at least declare "That's so sad!", had just looked bored. Hm... though I have to admit I did laugh at one point - the decapitated heads sure looked like bagged frozen chickens.

Jazzy's bachelorette / bridal shower on Saturday was a blast! Diana booked the Matahari (fusion restuarant) on 124th street and we got a special room to ourselves. Jazzy arrived in costume.

(Right: Diana adding finishing touches to Jazzy's ensemble)

After kicking out Howie, us girls caught up with food and games. Haven't seen Shauna in ages so it was great to hear about the state of things, and her trip to Ireland.

After the food - time for more games and presents! There was definitely a theme in Jazzy's gifts (Below: Combination of scrapbooking, and lace).

By the end of the night, my cuthroat (annoying) ways won a prize. The group headed out for bowling and I went home.

Next day, through a whirlwind of last minute planning during the week, I was taking Celina to Shakespeare in the Park's "As You Like It". Sophie, Rhianne, Dave, Steph, Catherine and Andrea were going too.

It was a gorgeous day with blue skies and sun. We ate ice cream sandwiches while waiting in line for tickets, and had popcorn during the show. Rhianne kept Celina busy as I tried to understand the "twisted" plotline. It seemed like another sad commentary on how people treat each other, and how we end up "loving" the wrong person, mixed with gender switches and song and dance... ending with Christopher Marlowe's poem set to music (Catherine: "I wonder if the Free Will Players were making a comment on the TRUE identity of Shakespeare . . . dum dum dummmmm. (dramatic music)"). I definitely liked the costumes.

Headed home and in the car Celina complained about the heat. I asked her what she thought of the play. Surprise! Singing, dancing, comedy and action did not equal excellent. She said it was o.k. and what she really wanted to was to see some swordfights. Mental note: Tragedy next time.

Back her house, we start a game of Scrabble with Kevin. Celina shows off her trash talk skills - which I have to admit make the game a little more um... lively. They must be practicing when I'm not there - strategy, spelling, and vocabulary are much improved (and no more trying to use the letter "Z" to pluralize).

More minor worries about Celina turning into a "teenager": I wonder if when she tacks on "No offence" when commenting on how I'm not good at piano or driving, etc. is because she thinks it constructive in some way... or if she's figured something out... like in Dilbert:


Hm... that would make me the pointy-haired boss.

And in baby news: Baby J was baptised this weekend. Congratulations, Char!

It's Too Darn Hot!

"Like, die already..."

~ Jaclyn's take on Hamlet, Shakespeare in the Park

I passed! I passed! Almost 6 months here at the University, and I just had my performance appraisal. And Michael said "I don't foresee anything happening in the next 2 weeks." YES! That should carry me right through vacation, into the "no longer on probation" zone. I can head out to Melfort and Margaret & Morgan's wedding with one less worry.

A whole week since last posting. It has been too hot and very busy. Wednesday, caught Hamlet at the Heritage Amphitheatre in Hawrelak Park with Catherine, Jaclyn, Regina, Jazzy, Diana, Matt, and Malcolm. I was one of those annoying people who mouthed the words (silently) in certain sections... those couplets are just so catchy. A completely different experience to watch it with Jaclyn, who had never read nor seen versions of the play.

Then hid from the heat on Thursday at the Art Bar. Despite reading the placard on the bar tables, and consuming a serving of alcohol (with lots of complimentary munchies) I still don't understand what it was all about. Some neat decor though (loved the stenciling)... and it was a nice place to just sit and chat. Malcolm and Matt had me fantasize a little with the question: What do you see yourself zipping across the city on. They were thinking bicycle. I was thinking Vespa(!). Anne later showed up with her cool aunt Alison - who is librarian. This gave me hope. And then Matt revealed the receipe on how to make biodiesel (simply cool)

Evidently, all my outdoor training from Crimson Lake has left me: See bug on passenger side car mat in Lidia's car - let out a great scream. *laugh* The both of us were shivering, and laughing, and screaming, and generally not doing anything productive. It was great! Good thing we were stopped in the parking lot. The bug in question was dead, and the size of my thumb (which made it impressive), and finally Lidia used her sunglasses case to flick it out of the car. *still shivering at the thought* Perfect for a melting hot day.

The "at home" moments this weekend reminded me of: "For now, these hot days, is the mad blood stirring." (Romeo & Juliet III.i.6) My parents started having "heated words" over chopsticks. *mental eyerolling* I just stared into the bottom of my bowl, and concentrated on chewing.

Also managed a first visit EBC with Anne. In fanciful moments I still revert to my first impression: bicycle graveyard. Or a battle scene with a strawberry (Shortcake?) bicycle triumphant atop a heap of parts. Must take camera next time.

And tomorrow - I will start my vacation! Yay! Hm... sleeping in...

"Oh, that was a close one... Almost there... YEAH!!!" ~ What I thought was cheering for the Oilers, but was actually people encouraging a parallel parker. We should all have a cheer team for that.

My nephew is neurotic. I know: "Pot, kettle..." But I'm not the one pulling out my hair in clumps (waxing aside). He's turning six, not 26, and I'm not sure how I would relate to the troubles of today's children. A couple of hours with him, and I'm revising my statement about having kids (I should not have them now, maybe the right answer is never.)

Well, Friday Feast turned out pretty well. It was a small intimate group made up of Malcolm, Anne, Stephanie, and Catherine. I have a picture of them smiling and eating - proof positive that it was decent! And despite the mumurs of concern as "eeks" came out of the kitchen, and a questioning "Is something on fire?" I felt that they had confidence in me - which made a big difference. Thanks guys! It was a slightly more energetic Friday Feast (as compared to last week), and soon we were up to our old antics: Tickle fight! What I can't stand is that despite the knee surgery and knee brace (and probably painkillers), Malcolm still bested Anne and I *grr*. At least Stephanie got in a couple of good jabs. Catherine was "the bystander".

Started out with a lot of ambition for Saturday - it was time to attack the old scrapbook project. But I was sidetracked (as per usual), and instead joined up with Stephanie to attend "Nearly Normal" a one act reading (?) by Marty Chan. It was very good. By the end of it, we were both sopping up the tears with tissues. The other dozen or so attendees were fine. We're such saps :) We headed back home (um... that would be Steph & Rem's) and picked up groceries on the way. We encountered all these people heading towards Whyte Ave. After a bit of searching, I honked the horn (Darren would be proud). They guys had a guitar and this weird plastic hanger sculpture along with a sign... how could one resist?

Nicolas was in town for the weekend to catch "the riots". Met up with him briefly on Sunday... my how things change. He was doing more moving to Calgary - and is officially living at his own place. Went through the old house and I felt overly nostaglic: Remember that crack in the floor? How about painting those walls? Oh, and the tiling... That's what happens when you spend a summer helping with renovations / redecorating. Happy times.

The sun in shining - both in Edmonton and in Greece. (Thanks for all the updates and pictures, Rhianne.) And less than a week away until I escape to Crimson Lake... can hardly wait.