Day #7: Under the Wire

Oops!  Just got home and realized I only have a few minutes to keep up with my July goal.  It's fitting that I should be doing NaBloPoMo this month since in July 2011 I managed to post nearly every day while on our amazing trip to Australia.  Can't believe it's already been a year.  We're talking about making it a biannual trip, though, so hopefully I'll be back soon.

Because it's a weekend, I have no assigned topic, so I'll keep this short.  Just returned from a lovely night out with some Birdie peeps to see Rent at the Birch Theater in North Park.  This was remarkable for a few reasons.  First, I've never seen Rent, except the movie, which I hated.  I have to admit that it's one of those shows (like A Chorus Line, my fave) that just doesn't work on screen.  It's got to have that visceral, chunky live quality or it seems self-indulgent and tedious.  This I enjoyed.

I did have a bit of a fright, though, when my friend John (who knows him from the same place) pointed out my old nemesis Charles from a certain despotically-ruled jazz revue in which we appeared two years ago.  He was the stage manager who taunted and yelled at me, well, everyone, really, but John wasn't bothered by it.  He's not bothered by anything.  Luckily, he didn't have a big enough part to throw me off my game, but it was still disconcerting.  His voice is nice, but I wouldn't offer testimonial to the rest. 

It was also my first time back in the Birch since being on the other side with The Vagina Monologues.  It felt odd to sit in one of the velvet chairs and face the stage rather than be on stage (or in the wings) facing out.  But I got over it quickly--the theater is a gorgeous piece of art deco history and the acoustics are incredible.  I totally teared up during "Seasons of Love," as I knew I would.  At intermission, I sprinted out to the bathrooms so I wouldn't have to wait in line and once I'd locked the door realized I was in the same stall where I'd changed into my costume last year.  What a different time that was!

Along with Birdie peeps Ryan, Candace and John, also got to see Ben--he was our editor for 48 Hours this year.  I told him it was refreshing to have a conversation when we'd both slept the night the before.  I also got to thank him in a coherent way for how great he was to work with, and how talented. 

Oh, and I've decided to go to the Best of San Diego with David tomorrow night.  I really am curious to see the other films and decided I just need to get over myself.  I figure if I get into any awkward situations, I can use my acting skills to get out gracefully.  Yeah, because that always works for me.