Butlers I Have Known

Moving on

2010-04-18T00:19:00.000-07:00

I moving my blog over to Word Press. Check me out there.

knoopie.wordpress.com

"What Just Happened?" and "I Feel Like I Ate the Sun!"

2010-03-25T12:32:00.000-07:00

"Survivor" and "Modern Family," two of my favorite shows were new last night, and I think they both deserve a little shout out.

The 20th (!) edition of "Survivor" has had me hooked from the beginning. I must admit that I had stopped watching the show regularly the last few seasons, but having some of the best players from the last 10 years return for this "Heroes vs. Villains" edition was a brilliant idea.

Last night's episode had the players scrambling when they discovered that both teams were headed for Tribal Council to each vote a member off. It was kind of sad to see Colby (a favorite of mine from season two) seeming to give up, and watching Russell (pictured, right) try to outplay "Boston" Rob was just great freaking tv. Both Tribal Councils were surprising as to who was finally sent home (no spoilers for those who haven't seen it), and I totally agreed when a member of the villains tribe stated "What just happened?".

The "Starry Night" episode of "Modern Family" was another great mix of storylines with characters Cameron and Gloria (Eric Stonestreet and Sofia Vergara, left) having dinner together, father and son Phil and Luke (Ty Burrell and Nolan Gould) working on Van Gogh school project, and a astronomy outing with Jay, Mitchell and Manny (Ed O'Neill, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Rico Rodriguez). The acting is great, with my favorites being Burrell, Stonestreet and Rodriguez, and the writing top notch. Some of my favorite lines last night were, "Everybody is stupid, except me," "I feel like I ate the sun" and "My mouth is asleep like at the dentist." I find myself laughing out loud every week and can hardly wait for the next new episode.

"Breaking Bad" and Birthday wishes

2010-03-23T11:33:00.000-07:00

How do I put in words how much I love this tv show? Season three started this past Sunday, and the AMC drama is back with a vengeance. From the opening moments when people were oddly crawling on the ground, to that incendiary finale, I was totally hooked.

Bryan Cranston is nothing short of superb as a former chemistry teacher, now drug kingpin. Watching his Walter White change over the last two seasons has been fascinating. I also really enjoy Anna Gunn as Walter's wife Skyler. She's more than just a wronged woman and protective mother. Also, hats of to producer, Vince Gilligan (he used to work on the "X-Files"). He's steering this show in incredible and strange directions, making it so much more than just another drama. Whew!

And...a big "Happy Birthday" to my niece Kira! I can't believe how the time has flown. I remember the cute little eskimo-looking bundle that came in to the world 20 years ago today (see photo at left) and contrast that with the lovely, tough, fast talking young woman I see today. Good job, Jenny and Kirk. She is quite amazing.

"Oscar, Oscar! Who Will Win?"

2010-03-07T13:30:00.000-08:00

For some reason the silly little ditty that Billy Crystal sang when he hosted the Oscars is going through my head today. Yes, it's Oscar night, and tonight should (hopefully) be a different sort of show.

Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin are hosting the 82nd Annual Academy Awards and I'm not sure what to expect. They both can be funny, but for three-plus hours? Adam Shankman, whom I've come to love as a judge on "So You Think You Can Dance?," is a co-producer of the show. Let's hope the dance numbers look great.

I'm hoping for wins by Christoph Waltz, Mo'Nique, Kathryn Bigelow, Sandra Bullock (sorry, Meryl), Jeff Bridges and "The Hurt Locker" in the major categories, but there's nothing like a good ol' upset. And I hope "Avatar" cleans up in the technical categories, it certainly deserves that. Best picture? Not so much.

Time to go prepare. I started watching "The Hurt Locker" last night and need to finish before the ceremony starts.

Friends, photos and lots of TV

2010-02-27T13:30:00.000-08:00

Dinner with Frank was a success! So nice to just sit and chat with a friend about all sorts of stuff (theater, movies, tv, friends). We were there for about two hours. And hey, the chop salad at the Broadway Grill is great (I liked the look of the lights in the pic at left).

Friday was a fun adventure with the lovely Danielle Barnum. I've worked with her twice as an actress (the pic to the right is Danielle in "Seussical" and she was also the lead in the aforementioned "Jane Eyre"), but only recently discovered she is a freelance photographer. Since it's been almost ten years since I last had some headshots, I figured it was time. We met in Fremont near Theo's Chocolates, and even though it was raining, she knew all sorts of great places (coffee shops, doorways) to take some pics. Now comes the process of picking out the new shot. She does good stuff, check it out at Danielle Barnum Photography.

On to TV. The new season of "Survivor" is a ton of fun. The cast is comprised of villains and heroes from previous seasons. It's fun seeing Jerri, Colby, Boston Rob, Coach (and yes, even Russell) back playing the game. I've recently discovered the series, "Weeds" on DVD. Mary Louise Parker is wonderful. She makes the show for me. I'm deep into season four now. Just watched the season finale of a new favorite, "Men of a Certain Age." Great work from the three leads, Ray Romano, Scott Bakula and Andre Braugher. It seems like an odd trio, but they work very well together and the writing is just superb.

I'm off to check out the new location of Forza Coffee near the Seattle Center. They opened today at 8:14 a.m. in memory of the police officers killed in Tacoma last Nov. Caffeine-ahoy!

Mixed assortment: More theater, missed appointments and a roast.

2010-02-25T10:48:00.000-08:00

I went to the preview of "Footlight Frenzy" at Renton Civic Theater last week. A capable (if maybe a bit too manic) backstage farce in the mold of "Noises Off." My buddy Alan Wilkie directed, and friend-since-college-days Eric Hartley did a nice work, but the hands-down best part of the show was David Roby as the meek stage manager of the show-within-the-show. He did some of the most amazing physical comedy I've seen in a long time. David was in "The Producers" last fall and was the ASM for "1776" at SMT a couple years back. Excellent stuff, Mr. Roby.

Over the weekend I went down to Tacoma Little Theatre and saw "Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks." Nicely directed by Frank Kohel, and performed by Sharry O'Hare and Micheal O'Hara. All three are good friends and the script was clever. After the matinee I headed over to Mom's for quick bite and came back to the theater for a roast/tribute to Sharry. Funny, funny stuff (and in all honesty some great moving moments too) with a lot of Seattle/Tacoma-area theater folks there.

I worked with Sharry in the musical "Two by Two" back in 2000 at RCT, and first worked with Micheal many years ago at the Performance Circle in Gig Harbor while doing "Chicago."

Was supposed to meet Frank twice over the past week for lunch. He missed this first time because he was sick, I missed the most recent time because I simply forgot. We're attempting to meet for dinner Thursday. Fingers-crossed.

Valentine's Day

2010-02-15T00:12:00.000-08:00

What a nice day. I found a lovely alternative to the way I usually want to spend this holiday (Hint, it involves cowering in a corner cut off from all communication).

I drove down to Mom's in Tacoma and helped her out with household stuff, then we drove up to Jenny and Kirk's place for what has become a lovely tradition, a Valentine's dinner. All the kids were there (Kira made a brief appearance before heading out with some friends), some of Kayla's friends and Kirk's Mom, Shirley.

Nice chat, some poetry reading and storytelling, exchanging of cards...and food. Sister Jenny always does such a great job with the dinner.

Then the drive back to Tacoma (with a quick phone call from Mom's brother, Dick and his wife Betty) where we watched the last part of the "The Amazing Race" premiere on tv. Good stuff.

Nice day. Good food. Lots of Love.

"Phone rings, door chimes..."

2010-02-12T17:46:00.000-08:00

I'm not currently doing a show (what??), so it's time to go see friends in their shows. Of course I had to go to "Company" at Seattle Musical Theatre. I know practically the entire cast and was disappointed last fall when I realized that because of my commitment to "Trial" that I couldn't even audition.

Full disclosure. I've worked (a lot) for SMT. I really enjoy the folks there, so this "review" will have a bias.

In a word, brilliant. SMT has mounted an excellent production of the 1970 Stephen Sondheim/George Furth meditation on marriage and coupling.

Musical director Paul Linnes leads an amazing group of musicians in bringing the great score to life (I especially love "Sorry-Grateful" and "Side by Side"). Great work from friends Danielle Barnum, Bill Hamer, Ben Derby, Krista Erickson and Julia Beers.

Dawn Brazel simply tore it up as Joanne (loved her "Ladies Who Lunch"), Kat Schroeder brought great controlled nervousness to "Getting Married Today" and Julie Drummond was hilarious in the role of Jenny. I also enjoyed Allison Standley as feisty Marta (she did great things with "Another Hundred People"). And the girl can rock a pair of hot pants (all the costumes in the show were fabulous in their "Groovy '70s" way).

And the center of the show, Bobby, was performed with understated charisma by Ryan Demerick. He sang the role well (especially the great "Being Alive"), but it was when he was silent, watching everyone else, that his Bobby spoke volumes.

Bravo director Vicki Webb and Seattle Musical Theatre. This show deserves to be a big fat hit.

"Be seated. Court is now in session"

2010-02-11T14:55:00.000-08:00

It all began last October. Seriously. I was working on a production of "Guys and Dolls" in Federal Way and getting ready for my Canada trip when I got a call from Renton Civic Theatre asking if I wanted a part in "The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge" that they were opening in December. Sure, I thought. A dramatic role. Good pay. Why not?

Because of "G&D" and my trip I came a couple weeks late to rehearsals and really felt like I was playing catch up. That finally disappeared around week two of our run in Renton.

The show takes place one year after the events of "A Christmas Carol." Scrooge is taking Marley and the three ghosts to court. It's a very clever script with lines from the original story woven throughout. I especially loved playing this character. Grumpy, angry and loud ("Now. Sit. Down").

The Renton run was good. There's always something so fulfilling about doing a Christmas show during the holiday season. After a two week break we moved the show to the Kirkland Performance Center. Lighter houses, but the show went fairly well (my car got egged one night, but whatever). Then another break and two weeks in Bellevue at the Meydenbayer.

The cast were a delight to work with. Bob Barnett was a fascinating to watch as Scrooge. Totally in character all the time. Loved Nathaniel Jones as Rothchild ("Look a the naked blind man"), Keith Remon was a great put-upon bailff, and Sean Mauer, Jason Pead, Heather McRobbie and Elizabeth Adkisson all excelled in multiple roles. And of course Ellen Zabrowsky-Huls in her cameo as Mrs. Cratchit.

Thanks also to director Bill Huls, and Curt and Will for all the help backstage.

20 performances. 9 actors. 4 months. 3 theaters. 1 knee injury. A Christmas-themed show in Feb.? I can now say I've done it and survived.

2009 - A Recap

2010-01-25T15:48:00.000-08:00

Emotionally, it was a tough year. Early in 2009 my dear friend/co-worker, Janine Dallas Steffan passed away unexpectedly. At work I still look over to her desk (even though she reitred in 2008) and miss seeing her smiling face.

Also in January last year my Mom was hospitalized unexpectedly and had major back surgery. She's recovering, but it's been a lot of work, for both my sister Jenny and myself (not to mention Mom). We both get down to see her on alternate weekend, to help her out.

Performance-wise. I did a musical version of "Jane Eyre" last February for Seattle Musical Theatre. I played the butler, Robert, had a couple of great lines and worked with a wonderful director, Gregory Magyar (alas, he's since moved to Texas). The music from that show still haunts me. In a good way. Also in Jan. I played Father Kenny in a great production of "A Man of No Importance" for Showtunes Theatre Company. Frances Leah King was another great director to work with, and that show still gets me weepy.

In May it was "Guys and Dolls" at SMT, then another show ("The Last Magician") with Breeders Theater at the E.B. Foote Winery. Sept./Oct. brought one of my most wonderful and thrilling theater experiences, "The Producers" at SMT. Ja wohl! Then it was on to "Guys and Dolls 2.0" for my dear friend, Loretta in Federal Way and "The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge," which I'm still working on today (more to come on that one).

Other highlights of 2009. A great hike with my Uncle Roy (and other assorted family) in June in celebration of his 82nd birthday. The reunion (of sorts) of a whole bunch of former Edge of the World Theatre performers, also in June. A visit from my sister Suzie and her kids that included a trip to "Twilight"-land (Forks and La Push) and a great gathering at my Mom's house. And my lovely vacation to Sechelt and Vancouver Island in Canada (see previous posts). And topping it off was a nice New Year's Eve at my friend Marsha's house on Queen Anne (see photo).

Vacation (part three)

2010-01-05T17:24:00.000-08:00

I spent just a couple of days at the Long Beach Resort and the Tofino area. I had a third floor room with an excellent view. I saw some surfers there my first morning. I had espresso at Caffe Vincente and did a lot of walking, picture taking and sleeping.

There are some more pictures at my Flickr site.

Up next, my 2009 round up.

Vacation (part two)

2009-12-10T16:10:00.000-08:00

On the second half of my vacation I rose early and drove north from Sechelt to catch a ferry boat at Earl's Cove. Last time I did this (three years ago) it was so dark I couldn't see anything. Much better views this time. There's something so peaceful about the wilderness in this area that I just love.

The Earl's Cove ferry goes to Saltery Bay, and from there it's a short drive to Powell River. It seems like such a nice, peaceful place that if I had the money, I might consider moving there. It was a Sunday morning when I arrived, so while waiting for the next ferry, I took a walk. Discovered a nice little book store and just took in the surroundings.

The next ferry travels between Powell River and Comox. Then there is the drive southeast on Vancouver Island to the Pacific Coast Highway that heads through Port Alberni (another nice little town), alongside Sproat Lake, winds through the mountains (an actual black bear crossed the road in front of my car) over to the coast and my destination, Tofino.

I'd heard for the past couple of days that the Olympic torch had arrived on Vancouver Island and was making stops at several different places. Little did I know as I reached the final stretch, the torch was nearby on Long Beach. I did notice a lot more traffic on this stretch of road (and a few police cars), but didn't find out why until I arrived at the Long Beach Resort.

Vacation (part one)

2009-11-20T00:35:00.000-08:00

I've been back a couple of weeks now, but wanted to do at least a couple of posts on my recent vacation. I'd better hurry for all the details slip away.

Took a few days and headed north to Canada. Spent three days at the Creekside Cottage outside Sechelt, B.C. I've been there before and love the peace and quiet. Especially in late October. The trip north was relatively painless (there always seems to be so much traffic in and around Vancouver), and I do love the view at the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal.

Friday night while I was there the skies let loose and the wind and rain were intense. Pinecones hitting the roof. Kind of exciting and scary all at the same time. Also, watched the movie "1408" that night. A scary movie I'd never seen before. And it's based on a Stephen King short story. Good stuff.

On Halloween I went into Sechelt (the nearby town) to use the computer at the library for a bit. I love the look of the library from the outside and the feel of the town. Basically just walked around a bit. Went down to the pier, then drove back to the cabin and hung out. Read some. No one came trick or treating. Fine by me.

Post #13

2009-10-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

BWAH HA HA! Did I scare ya? No? O.K. I'm not superstitious about the number 13, just making an observation.

The murder mystery went off Friday night without too much hassle. Not a big fan of the improv.

Lots of talk at work about scary movies. Two of my favorites are (the original versions of) "Halloween" and "The Haunting." Both pack a lot of scare without much gore. I also enjoyed "The Others" (2001) starring Nicole Kidman. Great, spooky stuff.

Halloween is coming, so is my trip to Canada. More soon.

Butlers, Egg Nog and Placido

2009-10-20T12:05:00.000-07:00

Over the last week, its been raining like a son-of-a-gun. I do love the rain, but...Wow.

You may have wondered where my blog title came from (No? I'll tell you anyway). I've played so many butlers in my career that I always thought it would be a good name for my autobiography (picture to the right is me as Etienne in "A Flea in Her Ear").

Last night I saw my first Egg Nog in the dairy section at an Albertsons in Federal Way. As a friend responded when I mentioned my discovery, "Could we get Halloween out of the way first?! Slow down and smell the candy corn people!"

I've been rehearsing a lot. I have to sing a bit of "Vesti la Giubba" from "Pagliacci" for the murder-mystery/fundraiser. Been watching a lot of YouTube clips to prepare. Here's my favorite. I have always loved Placido Domingo's voice.

Bremerton to Federal Way. Tacoma to Des Moines and finally, "Snowbound."

2009-10-11T19:28:00.000-07:00

Blogging live from a reading of the new play by TM Sell, "Snowbound." It will be performed this winter by Breeders Theater at E.B. Foote Winery.

BT is a theatre troupe I've been working with for years. We perform twice a year at the winery. I actually won't be involved with "Snowbound." But they needed help with this reading, so here I am.

After having breakfast in Bremerton yesterday (see previous blog entry), and an afternoon rehearsal in Federal Way for the murder mystery, I pretty much collapsed on the sofa Sat. night.

Today I was up early. Breakfast at the most excellent Joe Bar, then off to Tacoma to spend the afternoon with Mom. Housework, watering plants and grocery shopping. Mom seemed o.k. Not as peppy as usual, but her leg was bothering her again. Now in Des Moines for the reading.

"The Legend of the Thermos Museum"

2009-10-10T22:20:00.000-07:00

So goes the legend, told by friend Nick and my cousin Melina, of a "Thermos Museum" located in mysterious Bremerton.

I was not sure if such a thing could possibly exist, but today sister Jenny and I travelled by ferry boat to the wonderous land of fountains, Pyrex and (after a short drive) a little cafe with a groovy-looking van out front. Not until I sat down, took a glance at the breakfast menu and then looked up, did I realize that everything I'd heard was true.

Thermoses everywhere. On shelves high and low. Lunchboxes and a surfboard too. Breakfast was great. The company even better, and in the restroom there was a special treat. Just look for the small sign marked "Disco switch."

As we made the return ferry-trip aboard the mighty Hyak. I vowed someday I will return. Oh Hi-Lo's 15th Street Cafe, you are a thing of wonder.

And take heed, oh unbelieving city-dweller. The overheard whispers of this legendary place are more than mere folly.

"I Got the Horse. Right. Here."

2009-10-08T22:10:00.000-07:00

"The Producers" hasn't been closed for even a week, and now I'm involved in two new shows. I previously mentioned the murder mystery/fundraiser for Centerstage (first rehearsal is tonight), but now I'm going to be playing Harry the Horse in "Guys & Dolls." My friend Loretta contacted me that she might need someone for the upcoming production that she's directing and it was all finalized today. I'll start rehearsal next week.

The funny thing is, I just did a production of "Guys & Dolls" this past spring at SMT. I played Rusty Charley. Bring back the gambling and the dames.

This is how you sing "Haben Sie Gehoert Das Deutsche Band"

2009-10-04T23:42:00.000-07:00

Things I will remember about "The Producers" (we closed today). In no particular order.

Sitting and shooting the bull with Ryan and Buddy in the dressing room during the opening numbers.

The opening strains of my "Old Bavaria" number and audience reaction to the pigeons. My two fingered gesture for the "two coats" line. Always got a great laugh. "Der Guten Tag Hop Clop" (all the while thinking...will I remember all the hand gestures?).

Watching the end of the "Keep It Gay" scene with Josh in full Indian headress, Adam as Sabu and everyone in the conga line. The clomp clomp of the walkers at the beginning of "Along Came Bialy." My one-winged plastic pigeon that I carry out for the Act I finale. And singing that finale. What a joyous experience!

The audition scene in Act II, the tassels and getting to sing "Haben Sie Gehoert Das Deutsche Band" downstage center. Singing "You Never Say Good Luck on Opening Night" with Buddy, Ryan and Justin. Josh indicating the very last sound of glass breaking backstage after my character breaks his leg.

"Springtime for Hitler" (nuff said). Hopping around onstage with a crutch and the ever unpredictable gun.

The curtain call and that "Goodbye!" number.

Sigh. Thanks to the amazing cast and crew and all involved at SMT. I will cherish this one for a long time.

SA-TUR-DAY Night

2009-10-03T23:28:00.000-07:00

I had drinks Fri. night with friend/actress Michelle (whose "friend" Aunt Dottie does a great stage show). It was so nice to catch up. She's good people.

Saturday was all about errands, tv ("Grey's Anatomy," "Saving Grace" and "Pushing Daisies") and rest.

I had a nice little chat with my landlord/apt. building owner this afternoon. God, I've lived here 12 years.

The show rocked tonight. I'm havng such a blast playing Franz Liebkind. Friends Darcey, Brian, Mary Kae and Kelland were there to cheer me on. It was good.

Happy Holidays, "Parade" and Talkin' Broadway

2009-10-02T23:55:00.000-07:00

My day began at work with a meeting about our annual Holiday Guide (yes, the Hol-i-days), to be published on Thanksgiving Day. I spent the rest of the day contemplating nutcrackers, Christmas ships, and of course, Scrooge.

Took a nice walk at lunch and enjoyed the changing leaves and the "fall"-ness that's in the air.

I also heard recently that T.R. Knight (late of tv's "Grey's Anatomy") is opening in one of my favorite recent musicals, "Parade" at Center Theatre Group in L.A. on Sunday. I don't know anyone in the show, but want to give a shout out to all involved. Break legs!!

Then when I got home, I saw that David-Edward Hughes had posted a review of "The Producers" on the Talkin' Broadway Web site. Very nice.

Superior Donuts

2009-10-01T17:57:00.001-07:00

It's Thursday, kids! What are you up to?

Another day of work at the coal mine, and am now backstage at Seattle Musical Theatre waiting for the start of our 7:30 performace of "The Producers."

Heard a great radio story in the car on my way to the theater about a new play called "Superior Donuts" opening tonight on Broadway. It's by Tracy Letts ("August: Osage County") and sounds intriguing. And come on, you gotta love that title.

Work. Shop. Glee.

2009-09-30T23:41:00.000-07:00

Another day with no rehearsals or performances, but I need to rest up for the our final weekend of "The Producers," so nothing too crazy today.

Work was it's usual Wednesday self. Hectic with all sorts of deadlines to meet and things to finish. A co-worker is on vacation this week, so I got to do the movie chart that he usually prepares, so that put a little spin on things.

Went downtown and bought a few kitchen items. A stopper/drainer for the sink, a scrubber (that holds liquid soap in the the handle) and some new Method dish soap. I stocked up on a few Halloween cards at Hallmark then home (I really didn't mean for this paragraph to sound like an advertisement, sorry).

Some good tv tonight. I love the new show, "Modern Family," Heidi Klum was funny as always on Ellen DeGeneres' talk show and what can I say about Kristin Chenoweth on "Glee" tonight? Very, very nice.

A Change in the Weather

2009-09-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

The weather folks said thing would change today, and boy were they right. When I left work it was downright chilly (and I'd worn shorts today, so brrr).

Another Monday at work. Lots of stuff to do, but still feeling tired from the shows this weekend. Nice compliments from my co-worker Madeline who came to the show on Sunday with Rob.

I got an offer to do a fundraiser/murder mystery for Centerstage Theatre in Federal Way on Oct. 23. Since that's when I'd planned on being on vacation, I did some juggling and will now be in Canada over Halloween. Don't know if that means anything, but there you are.

Watched a bunch of tv tonight. "Desperate Housewives," "Mad Men," "Eastwick," "The Big Bang Theory" and "Parks and Recreation." Pretty big night for me.

Brunch. Show. Dinner. Race.

2009-09-27T11:11:00.009-07:00

Big day today. Friends Sara and Mike are coming over from Yakima to see the show. I met them for some pre-show chat and nosh. Two great people.

Another great peson who's also coming to the show today is Rob. I haven't seen him for a long time. His wife (and my former co-worker) passed away earlier this year. Still miss her terribly, and it will be great to see him again.

AND my wonderful mother is coming to the show today. She's still recovering from the back surgery she had earlier this year. She's getting around better all the time. Still needs more time to heal.

Oh, and my favorite reality show starts its 15 (!) season tonight. Go "Amazing Race"-ers!