It's Now Or Never

When I turned 40 I went on a #fortyandfearless mission not really knowing what I'd be getting myself into.  I just knew I was tired of saying no to opportunities coming my way and knew it was time to live what I teach (with my students and my own children), which is to practice more YESES with a healthy balance of NO's.  Only God knows whats in our path and He has surprised me with adventures I never imagined.  I'm sure there are many more to come.  One surprise that landed in my lap is playing the role of Mrs. Harborlen, the one and only adult in the World Premiere play, Cookiecrumble Cookie Toss, directed by Mary Claire Branton and written by Jim Davies.

Mrs. Harborlen (Sandy Skinner, lift) and her understudy.

It all started when I helped a dear friend of mine, Sandy Skinner get the role and when her father became ill and no one else was cast to be her understudy another mother (and friend) and myself volunteered.  At first, I couldn't help myself from thinking, "Why oh why did I sign up for this?"  But, I knew better than to listen to that voice.  The ever so familiar voice of fear.  I needed to be honest with myself.  So, I told myself, "Fear is not real, Kelley Sue.  Remember?  You of all people know this."  I'd be lying to myself if I said I didn't want to do act.  I have always wanted to act.  I've modeled, been in a few commercials here and there, but have never stepped it up and actually been on stage.  Well, not since elementary school anyway.  When I was younger fear often won.  No more!

In action on set.

I told myself, "It's now or never, Kelley Sue".  It helps that I have been surrounded by unconditional support by my family.  The director, Mary Claire is fabulous and will do anything (I mean, anything) to prepare the cast for the stage.  My daughter has cheering me on from the start.  She has coached me, ran through lines with me and even took the script from me to help my inner Mrs. Harborlen come out (we all have her in us... parents).  My daughter plays, Drew Algee, scheming girl clubber who wants to stick it to the troop authority.  So, it only makes sense that I should play Mrs. Harborlen, the adult National Girl Club President, who visits to congratulate the troop on their sales only to find much, much more.  Mrs. H and Drew go head to head on stage and I have to admit, it is hilarious.  

Me and my mini me.  

After many hours and several late nights of practice (at home and at the theatre) I am finally ready.  Knowing the director believes in me (and trusts that I won't screw things up) is perfect motivation.  The other parents are cheering me on.  Most friends and family members don't even know I'm in the play.  Which is pretty darn funny because tonight, Friday, February 24 at 7:30 p.m I hit the stage with brass guts and all. 


So, all I have left to say is BRING IT ON!  Here's to #fortyandfearless #fortyandfabulous #fearaintreal #nowornever #miraclemoments and #creatingmemorieswithmybabygirl

More information about Cookiecrumble Cookie Toss - Laugh along at this bite-sized exploration of business ethics when the tiny talents take the stage at The Oak Theatre at the Samford Studio. Share with all your friends! Tickets are going fast! Tickets $15 at http://oaktheatre.com. You are in for a BIG surprise!

Girl Club and Mrs. H with the director of Cookiecrumble Cookie Toss,
Mary Claire Branton (right) and writer, Jim Davies (left)

If you haven't bought tickets yet purchase them today.  Take a hilarious ride into the throes of capitalism, when six little girls duke it out over girls' club cookie sales in the world premiere of Cookiecrumble Cookie Toss. This (profanity-free) parody of David Mamet's Pulitzer-winning play Glengarry Glen Ross uses child actors to depict the extreme absurdity of adults who've been taken over by ambition and greed. Which girl can actually move the most product? It's all about the leads! 

2017 Movie Bucket List

I'm a big fan of old black and white films (think Alfred Hitchcock's, The Birds), musicals and theatre! I also love movies based off of children's classical literature (especially when true to the book). But, I'm way behind on the best ofs. So, I'm putting together an ongoing list of must see movies (new and old). It has been fun putting together this list because I've also been able to research the film scores and listen to the soundtracks. My Spotify account is on fire!

My Movie Bucket List for 2017 ~

Disney's, BFG (Music by John Williams) ✓
A Monster Calls (After we read the book written by Patrick Ness.  Music by Alexandre Desplat.)
Disney's, Pete's Dragon (New & old! The original was my all time favorite as a kid.)
Southside with You, directed by Richard Tanne 
Fences, directed by Denzel Washington ( I love Viola Davis!)

David Mamet's, Glengarry Glen Ross ✓
Collateral Beauty (with Will Smith)
Loving, directed by Jeff Nichol's

Fanta, directed by Kunal Kohli

Alfred Hitchcock's, The Birds

The Family, directed by Luc Besson

The Last Five Years (gotta love a modern day musical)

Sense and Sensibility with Emma Thompson

Hello, Dolly! (I've seen a long, long time ago.)

Rent

Memphis (I'm going to have to see this live!)

Zeffirelli's Romeo & Juliet

Bad Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby

and Romeo & Juliet

Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet

Daddy Long Legs

Al Pacino's documentary, Looking for Richard

Men, Women & Children

Tim Burton's Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (I'm usually not into blood and gore, but this movie has come up again and again kind of like a little nudge telling me I must see it. Plus, Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter and Alan Rickman... I've said enough,)

White Christmas (On Netflix!)

Walter Lang's There's No Business Like Show Business

BABIES