Rebecca Redshaw - It's About Time

It’s been more than two weeks since a new posting of TAKING THE PLUNGE has appeared. Why, you ask? Well, in spite of more than six promises of delivery from six fascinating individuals, none has responded as yet.

Everyone’s “busy”, although, if we’re at all similar, I would be hard pressed to breakdown my hours of time dedicated to useful endeavors 24/7.

To that end, I’ve designated an hour each morning to reading, anything I desire except research on my latest project (that occupies the remainder of my morning and is constantly on my mind – more on this later, in another column).

This morning, after browsing the headlines on my Smartphone and doing the crossword puzzle and responding to the three compadres who play Words with Friends (also on my phone), I dove into “Zealot” by Reza Aslan while sipping my first cup of tea at my favorite table at the local bagel shop. Realizing my brain was on overload trying to remember Bible school lessons from long ago and comparing them with historical realities, I closed down my iPad mini and turned to my Kindle where I searched for something more than a little less erudite. A sampling of Jim Gaffigan’s “Dad is Fat” made me smile (which never happens while ingesting “Zealot”). Even though I hesitate to click the “Buy” button on my Kindle while more than 25 books await my attention in my well-intentioned queue, I know I’ll be buying “Dad is Fat” before the end of the day.

Back to TAKING THE PLUNGE: I’ve avoided blogs, mostly because I despise the word. It’s not the only word by any means that rubs me the wrong way. I won’t eat at an establishment that serves “grub” either.

But since starting TAKING THE PLUNGE I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the positive response and growing readership to my efforts. Plus, I have fun writing it, mostly because the “blog” (the word sticks in my throat like a fur ball) writes itself. My job is to find interesting people and to date those who have contributed haven’t disappointed! Like the old Frank Sinatra lyric, “I’ve been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn & a king,” I’ve interviewed a philanthropist, a playwright, a pilot, a pet-lover, a place & two teens!

Rather than be discouraged by my somewhat stalled production schedule, I, with great reluctance, will TAKE THE PLUNGE. If I’m not willing to answer five questions posed with honesty, how can I expect others to do the same? Here goes!

1. Who are you? List 5 nouns that define you!

Writer – Friend – Teacher – Musician – Thinker

2. What have you done that you’re most proud of?

Professionally? Writing 3 novels and 6 plays. The first two steps of the artistic process – writing and sharing – are accomplished. Now the real work needs to happen – getting the work out there more. I’d love to see Tyne Daly perform FOUR WOMEN!

Personally? Taking care of my parents. My mother was quite ill from the time I was 16 until she died eleven years later. Having witnessed her angst surrounding my grandmother’s death, I vowed not to waste a moment of time and left nothing unsaid. After her death, my father and I became closer and in spite of miles between us, we talked weekly at first and then daily in his last year.

3. If you could change one thing in your past, what would it be?

I don’t know where to begin. Again to quote the Chairman of the Board, “Regrets I’ve had a few, but then again too few to mention”. 

As a writer, I ride the roller coaster of emotions on a daily basis. When I hit the low point, which can be fairly often, I’m saved by the rapid movement of the car climbing to the top again.

Years ago my brother and father hopped on the Jack Rabbit at Kennywood Park in Pittsburgh. It was a slow day and each time they came to the end of the ride, the attendant said “Wanna go again?” My brother was thrilled, my dad, not so much. I feel both those emotions daily because I can’t/don’t want to get off the ride. But change my past?

4. On a personal level, what drives you crazy? What gives you joy?

I have no patience for ignorant people and as I get older I seem to have no problem voicing my displeasure.

Janey and Stevie give me joy every day. A turn of a musical phrase, a witnessed kindness, a glass of a fine Cabernet, and the first scoop from a new jar of peanut butter also bring me joy.

5. Given no restrictions (i.e. money/physical capabilities) – what would you most like to do?    

Travel, travel, travel. Last year at this time I visited Vietnam and Cambodia and sailed along the Mekong delta. I love learning and travel never fails to open my eyes and heart to the beauty of our differences and the world we live in.

 

 

Think he's green with envy?

Chely Wright and yours truly. Both excellent reads!

Stevie, Janey, me, & Kay

New Year's Eve 2012 - Thank you, Washington State

Last, but not least, my favorite picture of me and Turner!

 

If you're dying to know more or are a producer, go to www.rebeccaredshaw.com

Ann Katz - "Dogs Best Friend"

          The question was raised on our first day in the blue waters of the Sea of Cortez. “What if we actually see whales? And what if they’re not in the distance, but really, really close?”

          “Just tap the sides of the double kayak. The whales will sense where you are by the vibrations. Not to worry.”

          “Not to worry? Not to worry? For the next six days Ann paddled and I tapped, then I paddled and Ann tapped. I guess we got a pretty good rhythm going because sure enough a whale fin waved to us not 20 yards ahead of our kayak!

          There may have been a lot of laughter on that adventure, albeit nervous, but the memories are long lasting and fun to recall and a lifelong friendship was sealed in spite of miles and miles of separation.

 

Ann Katz

Ann Katz

I was fortunate to injure my knee on a University of Texas ski trip 40 years ago. After the cast was removed, I went to physical therapy. After that, I changed my college major for the last time. 

I love being a physical therapist. I am allowed to enter the lives of people when they’re most vulnerable and I’m given permission to treat them physically and emotionally. I have to admit that usually there’s not much of a challenge in transforming them into more productive and happier people, but I so love to help. And I learn from these people, especially the seniors. 

Over the years I have met and treated people who interviewed Amelia Earhart, talked with Eleanor Roosevelt, and can tell stories about many other well-known people. One gentleman was involved in counting election votes in Texas and was present when LBJ captured his Texas Senate seat (when he had a 20,000 vote deficit through fraud in the 1940's - counting votes of the deceased). And then there were the clients who were captured by the Japanese in WW2.

I’ve been fortunate to have become friends with many of my nonagenarian patients.

I have two grown sons who it was my pleasure to raise. When they were in college ten years ago, I felt a need to prevent them from becoming "boomerang children," not because they each required an induced labor, but to make sure they knew I had expectations that they could be successful, and not return home. 

I sat them down and told them, "This is my house. It is not your house."  The look they gave me was one of betrayal. I explained that I knew once they graduated from college, they would find a job, support themselves and "make their own home." I guess it worked, as they never moved back to Austin and never asked for financial help. 

In fact, Josh, my 30-year-old moved to Japan where he met his bride. They currently live in the San Francisco area. My 28-year-old, Ross is very grounded and will be successful in anything he puts his mind to, including finding a nice wife like his brother.

My third passion includes animals. I am involved in animal rescue and nature, which is where I had the opportunity to meet the greatest comedienne, Rebecca Redshaw.*  I have never laughed as hard and as long as the week I spent kayaking and camping with Rebecca in the Sea of Cortez.  Her rendition of rat races around our tent never ceases to bring a smile on my face.  Thank you for these memories, Rebecca.

Blogger Disclaimer: I make no claims to be a comedienne, but we did giggle at the field mice (not rats!), and the sand storms, and about everything else that tickled our fancy on a very fun whale watching/kayak vacation! 

 

1. Who are you?  List 5 nouns that define you!  

Animal-lover – Nature-lover – Friend – Mother – Worrier

2. What have you done that you’re most proud of?

Raising two wonderful young men.

    3. If you could change one thing in your past, what would it be?

I wouldn't change anything.  I have tried to learn from my mistakes and have become stronger from many incidents. 

    4. On a personal level, what drives you crazy? What gives you joy?

People who act irresponsibly: those who have children, but aren't competent to raise them, those who do not wear helmets on motorcycles, those with no car, home, or health insurance and expect the government to rescue them, drivers who feel entitled to drive recklessly despite the lives that are at stake, and when I sound like my father.  :-)

I feel joy on a sunny day, when I wake up face to face with my terrier who proceeds to wag her tail, when I work, when I hear from my sons, when I see rolling hills and lakes and blooming plants, and day-dreaming. I feel joy when I am playing tennis, walking, and kayaking. I feel joy almost all the time.

    5. Given no restrictions (i.e. money/physical capabilities) –

        what would you most like to do?   

I would like to magically help my sons find a career that is meaningful to them.  But, we are not talking magic, plus we know that they must learn from their mistakes like we did.

I would provide free spay/neuter throughout the world to control overpopulation and buy acreage in every state and hire committed and capable people to supervise and care for homeless animals. This would provide employment, and an opportunity to take care of those in need, as well receive the love of animals. Convicts could begin this process while incarcerated, and children in poverty would have summer scholarships.

Ann was treated to lunch on her 60th by her 92 year old patient/friend.

 Ann, her sons, and family members

      

          Ann's favorite sites to help save animals:

There are so many worthy rescue sites.  

In Austin, we have Austin Pets Alive  http://www.austinpetsalive.org/ and the Austin Humane Society  http://www.austinhumanesociety.org/ which NEVER kills adoptable pets.

Most of my local donations go to: Emancipet http://www.emancipet.org/ because they actually help eliminate the cause of overpopulation by providing free and sliding scale neutering and spaying.

Scott C. Sickles - Playwright and much, much more!

Taking the Plunge

          On the second floor near a movie theater in Oakland, Pennsylvania (near what passes for the campus of the University of Pittsburgh, I sat in the back room listening to fledgling playwrights have their work read by talented actors happy to voice their own talents.

          I had adapted my novella, “Dear Jennifer” into a play and after reading a small release in the paper, braved this strange territory for the first time.

          Scott Sickles, then a student at Carnegie Mellon, created this event and took it a step further by not only selecting “Dear Jennifer” for production but creating opportunities for other works I had written that were languishing in my proverbial desk drawer (really my computer files).

          Years have passed, but through the magic of Facebook, we are once again in touch, albeit on opposite coasts.

          I’m happy to introduce readers to Scott who is hard-working, super-talented, funny, and – well, read on! He is a writer and why not let someone who describes themselves as a “wordsmith” have his way.

         

         

Scott C. Sickles on the High Line in NYC with deceptively flattering lighting. 

Photo by Jade DaRu

Scott C. Sickles

Scott C. Sickles is a playwright, soap opera scribe, Off-Off-Broadway theater producer, movie lover, and Sagittarius, who is used to writing about himself in the third person for theatrical bios.

While movies were his first love, he turned to playwriting because he didn’t know how to produce his own films, but his own plays... that was doable, even in his hometahn (sic) of Pittsburgh.

A descendant (or at least alleged distant relative) of Congressman and Civil War General Daniel Edgar Sickles, whose amputated leg (along with the cannonball that hit it) is on display at the Smithsonian, Scott feels the temporary insanity defense is part of his birthright.

He currently serves as artistic director of the WorkShop Theater Company (www.workshoptheater.org), now entering its 20^th Anniversary Season. This spring, his play Moonlight & Love Songs opened GayFest NYC to critical acclaim. He recently received his first two Emmy nominations simultaneously as part of the Writing Teams of both One Life to Live and General Hospital (which he hopes you tune in to weekdays from 2pm to 3pm on ABC).

His comedy Intellectuals (published by Smith & Kraus in New Playwrights: Best Plays 2007) opens at Nevada’s Reno Little Theater in September. A very proud uncle to his nephew who just graduated from high school, Scott also freely admits he would be nothing and nowhere without his friends.

          

1.      Who are you? List 5 nouns that define you.

Friend – Romantic – Wordsmith – Over-compensator – Dreamer

2.      What have you done that you’re most proud of?

Personally: This spring I lost 100 pounds. Granted, I never should have gained it in the first place and I still have quite a ways to go, but I lost 100 freaking pounds! When I went to the gym that day, I picked up at 100-pound barbell and couldn’t believe I once carried that much additional weight around on my person.

Professionally: Viki’s Speech in the penultimate episode (on broadcast TV, that is) of One Life to Live. As the characters of Llanview gathered to watch the final episode of their favorite soap opera, Fraternity Row, they were first treated to a speech by the show’s matriarch Victoria Lord (Gordon-Riley-Burke-Riley-Buchanan-Buchanan-Davidson-Banks) about “Why We Love Soaps.”

I was entrusted to write the speech. I stood on the shoulders of a brilliant story outline, the show’s 43-year history, and an insanely wonderful genre and did my best to fashion an homage. The Speech has been very well received, in large part to the beautiful work of Erika Slezak and the entire OLTL team for putting together a landmark episode, and has since been reprinted in Soap Opera Digest and online.

Artistically: When he was 51, E.M. Forster fell in love with a much-younger policeman named Bob Buckingham, who eventually married an even younger nurse. The relationship between the three of them is the inspiration of my play Shepherd’s Bush.

After a staged reading at the Carnegie Mellon University Showcase of New Plays, a gentleman came up to me and said, “My wife and I weren’t sure we wanted to stay for the whole thing because of The Subject Matter, but we’re glad we did. A friend of ours came out as gay and ended up leaving his wife and family and we all condemned him for it. But seeing your play made us realize how hard that decision must have been for him.”

They say if you can change one person, you’ve succeeded. One down...

3.      If you could change one thing in your past, what would it be?

I have this saying that I conjure up when things are going either exceptionally well or have turned absurdly ridiculous: “Every moment of my life has led to this one.”

Since things have by-and-large turned out rather well so far, I try to live without regrets. Granted, I’ve made many, many huge mistakes over the course of my life and when I say them out loud, or type them out as it were, they seem maudlin, trivial, or way to embarrassing to share. So this is a difficult question because if it weren’t for those maudlin, trivial or humiliating events, my life could be markedly different in unwelcome ways.

That said, if I had to choose one thing... I wouldn’t have put so much stock in my detractors. Sometimes the people who point out our inadequacies “for our own good” actually aren’t doing so for that reason. Sometimes they are, but they’re not helping.

While I’m grateful for everyone who expected more from me, I do at times regret that I satisfied those who required less.

4.      On a personal level, what drives you crazy? What gives you joy?

My brain drives me crazy. Not because it’s crazy, but because the bastard is crafty. As someone with ADD, I am constantly hiding things from myself, getting distracted from tasks, losing track of time. When I look at the time, my brain will make sure I think that’s still the time, that no time is passing, while I end up doing other things and even more things in the middle of those other things.

When I ultimately look up and see half an hour has passed, my brain is like “Psych, Loser! Gotcha again! Now try to find that phone that was just in your hand. No seriously, TRY! But before you do that... FACEBOOK!” This is constant.

Another thing that drives me crazy: people who think the things that are happening to folks with ADD are “just things that happen to everybody.” Yes, everybody gets distracted or misplaces things or loses track of time, but it doesn’t happen to them CONSTANTLY. They don’t have to endlessly try to end-run their own brain. Their minds don’t wander into complex new scenarios a few seconds after they stop talking, almost every time they stop talking.

They have probably never put their underwear, shirt, socks, shoes, jacket, and backpack on and left the house only to reach for their keys and discover they forgot their pants. (That’s only happened a few times.) For everyone who’s ever said to me, “You’re not having any trouble paying attention to the conversation we’re having now,” I say, “You don’t know that! I’ve been fake listening to people for thirty years.”

Other things that drive me crazy:

·         Apostrophes used to make words plural.

·         “Nucular”

·         The denial of the Brontosaurus and the status of Pluto as a planet.

What brings me joy? In addition to obvious things like my friends, my work, the members of my family I still speak to, great food, good plays, and movies that are either really good or really, really bad... I think I’m happiest in rehearsal. That may also be obvious. It should be if you’ve ever seen me in rehearsal!

5.      Given no restrictions (i.e. money/physical capabilities) – what would you most like to do? 

Given no restrictions, I would...        Get into the kind of physical shape where I could be described as looking like a “cute but eccentric literature professor.”

• Seduce three very specific people, then marry the one I know actually plays for my team. (One does; one doesn’t; the third is unconfirmed. I will neither confirm nor deny their identities.
• Adapt my plays into films, develop new TV series, and resurrect American Playhouse for PBS.
•  Eat carbs without consequences.
• Pay off my [EXPLETIVE] student loans. Hell, since this is a fantasy... I’LL PAY OFF EVERYONE’S STUDENT LOANS! 
• Three Words: Viking River Cruises

Me, early days.

A super-pretentious selfie in front of the Grace Building on 42^nd Street. I saw the white “marble” tiles and I couldn’t resist. It was also like 100 degrees.

Julie Mondanaro - "Out of This World"

     There are so many talented people in the world and one of my joys in writing Taking the Plunge is expanding their audience!  

     Julie Mondanaro & David Williams, a vocal and piano duo based in Dallas, Texas, are traveling to the Pacific Northwest and will not only perform at Peninsula College on August 6^th, but will conduct a Master Class for Elaine Gardner-Morales’ Vocal Jazz Ensemble. [more details below.]

     I realize if you are a reader not within a hundred mile radius you’re out of luck for this performance, but maybe in the future you’ll be lucky enough to spend an evening listening to Julie’s smooth vocals and David’s tasty accompaniment. 

     Some standards like "Out of This World" by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, “Lush Life” by Billy Strayhorn, and “My Ship” by Kurt Weill and Ira Gershwin may trigger memories. Julie's  rendition of Murray Grand and Elisse Boyd's “Guess Who I Saw Today” brought it home for me. Mmmm, mmmm.

Julie Mondanaro

     David and I are looking forward to our visit to Port Angeles and performing at Peninsula College on August 6^th as well as conducting a Master Class the evening before.

     We met while I was playing in the Pyramid Room at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas, Texas. Shortly after meeting I hired him as my accompanist. David has been a professional musician since the age of fifteen. I, on the other hand, started earning a living as a singer when I moved to Dallas over twenty years ago.

     David & I have been able to work in many different settings, including small groups, big bands, studio recordings, and concerts. We love music, art, writing (Dave is an excellent writer) and I speak French. 

See you in August!  

           1. Who are you? List 5 nouns that best describe you.  
               Artist – Observer – Curious – Nature lover – Humor

           2. What have you done that you’re most proud of? 

               The decision to earn my living as a singer. It took a long time. 

           3. If you could change one thing in your past, what would it be? 

               I don't believe in changing the past. That is what makes us who we
               are.

           4. On a personal level, what drives you crazy? What gives you joy?

               People's driving make me crazy.
               I get joy when I achieve something artistically. 

       5. Given no restrictions (i.e. money/physical capabilities),
           What would you most like to do? 
           Speak many languages without studying. I speak French.             
           It's wonderful to think in another language.

Julie and David

Click Here to hear "Out of This World"

                                     

PORT ANGELES
             On Tuesday, August 6, at 7:00 pm, fans of jazz vocalists will thrill to the sounds of the Peninsula College Vocal Jazz Ensemble's Summer Solo Concert under the direction of PC music instructor Elaine Gardner-Morales.  The concert will also feature special guest artists Jazz Chanteuse Julie Mondanaro and Pianist David Williams of Dallas, TX. The free performance will be in the Little Theater.

Peninsula College performers include Gabe Bagno, Bunny Corwell, Tara Dupont, Rachel Heath, Brandi Larson, Tyler Napiontek, Theresa Pierce, Judith Sinclair and Marissa Willson singing such well-known and beloved hits as "Mack The Knife", "Orange Colored Skies", "St Louis Blues", "Stormy Monday", "Take Love Easy", "You've Got To Hurt Before You Heal", "Fly Me To the Moon", "Fever" and "Choo Choo Ch Boogie".

The concert is preceded by a special vocal clinic for ensemble members by Mondanaro and Williams on Monday, August 5. Community members are invited to sit in on the clinic and listen and observe as the two guest artists critique the Peninsula College Vocal Jazz Ensemble. This event begins at 7:00 pm in Maier Performance Hall and is free to the public based on seat availability.

Maree Cheatham - Lights, Camera, Action = Fun!

     There are thousands of actors in the world. Most dream of working on stage or screen but few actually succeed. Maree Cheatham has been a working actress for more than 50 years. You’ve no doubt seen her work if you were a fan of the soaps (like Search for Tomorrow and Days of Our Lives) or films (i.e. Beetlejuice and The Wedding Singer). Her credits are extensive.

     But there is so much more to Maree! She’s an excellent potter and avid gardener. Currently, you can watch her reach an entirely new (and youthful) fan base as Nona on Sam & Cat!

Hello!

Welcome to the MAREE CHEATHAM website http://mareecheatham.com/MareeCheatham.com/Welcome.html filled with fresh air and fun. I’ll share my career with you in pictures and film clips. You’ll get a glimpse of my family, garden and pets in the biography. See my demo reels and get a list of my credits if you like.

Have a good time!

                Maree

Q&A

         

1. Who are you? List 5 nouns that define you!

Actress – Wife - Good Friend (& Best Godmother) – Ceramic Artist – Gardener 

2. What have you done that you’re most proud of?

Buried both Mother, Father, Foster Mother with dignity.

     Sustaining a 50+ year acting career.

3. If you could change one thing in your past, what would it be?

     Wouldn't have married the second husband.

4. On a personal level, what drives you crazy? What gives you joy?

     Unfair situations.  

     Hearing people laugh when I perform.

5. Given no restrictions (i.e. money/physical capabilities) – what would you most like to do?   

  

     Go to Petra!

Maree's all smiles with Sophia Grace & Rosie

Sam & Cat offers fun stunts!

Great smiles all! Cindy Williams - Maree - Penny Marshall

Maree's work off set. "Great for holding jelly beans!