dormouse

Another review



Another Review

http://blogs.uscannenberg.org/ne ... s-slow-descend.html

'Orpheus' Slow Descent

by Jessica Donath
Columnist

Val Xavier (Gale Harold, "Queer as Folk"), a restless 30-year-old determined to leave his partying and womanizing past behind, arrives in a small Southern town in the late 40s, early 50s. He looks for work at a general store owned by Lady Torrance (Denise Crosby, "Star Trek: the Next Generation").

It took Tennessee Williams more than 17 years to complete the play "Orpheus Descending," and it is more dramatic and complex than the tragedy of Orpheus and Eurydice on which it is based. Watching the entire three hours made me, at times, wish I was on vacation in sunny Greece and not in Theatre/Theater on Pico.  

The first act moves quickly, spiked with funny bits such as Carol Cutrere's (model-turned-actress Claudia Mason) attempt to talk Val in to going jukin' with her. "Jukin' is when you drink and drive, then drink and dance, then just drink and then only drive."

Unfortunately, the following two acts don't live up to the high expectations raised by the first. The dialogue grows increasingly long, predictable and monothematic. Crosby, whose character is of Italian descent, fails to capture Lady's explosive passion. While Lady Torrance is supposed to be older than Val, Crosby's version looks too old and tired.

Even when she discovers the terrible truth of her sick tyrant of a husband, who bought her after her father's tragic death, she remains strangely content and meticulously plans the opening of the confectionery adjacent to her store where she resuscitated the world of her childhood.

Contrary to Crosby's pale performance, Harold manages to make plausible his character's problems and twisted past. His best friend and life companion is a guitar marked up with musicians' signatures. Whenever he is in trouble, has to make decisions, or seeks to comfort himself or others, he breaks out into the wonderfully melancholic "holy grass."

Fortunately, Harold, who grew up in the South, is not the only one in this Lou Pepe-directed production who understands his job. The two dialect coaches, John Sperry and Joy Ellison, deserve credit for leaving me guessing what the hell was going on on stage for the first five minutes of the play. All actors, with the exception of Crosby, nailed the warm, southern sing-song.

Kelly Ebsary and Sheila Shaw as Dolly Hamma and Beulah Binnings take on the duties of a Greek chorus, providing moral judgement. Guided by the suppressed desires and hypocritical values of the segregated South of the 40s and 50s, they turn on everyone who tries to break free from oppressive social restrictions, like Val and Carol, who fight for their own personal freedom, social justice or equality.  Val is chased out of the county the same way African Americans normally are, while Carol tries to rescue Val from becoming one of the small-towners.

If Pepe had been able to make the second and third acts as fast-paced and engaging as the first one, three hours would not have seemed so long. In its current form, though, this "Orpheus Descending" is not the introduction that'll make Tennessee Williams enthusiasts out of theatergoers.

dormouse

Gale的眼睛会随着光线明暗变化而有微小的变化，有时候看是绿色，有时看是棕色的......

好像真的是棕绿色的。。。两个眼睛的颜色有一点点不大一样，右眼更加绿一点

dormouse

223# xusuizi


围巾好可爱，在下面系了两个球（呃，没有double meaning呀）{:3_155:}

这个发型比舞台造型要好看～～～

dormouse

229# beven

追到LA去～～～还要签名合影，我怕我的小心脏受不了{:3_151:}

从来没做过粉丝，好害怕见到真人{:3_157:}  去年4月Randy的那个舞台剧都跟同学约好了，结果最后chicken out了，最后同学说他去找别人一起去～～～也不知道他后来去了没，不好意思问

我买了25号的票了，还是第一排{:3_155:}
签名合影估计我还是不敢。。。就坐在下面闷头看吧{:3_201:}
看完了就来汇报

dormouse

233# cora


cora，别激动～～～那个。。。我要去看的不是Gale的舞台剧， 是25号Randy的reading

不好意思，我上个回帖没说清楚 {:3_151:}

dormouse

偶记得村子里有个叫Cyan的去看 ...
beven 发表于 2010-1-21 10:43

看过看过。。。Cyan吃的那个中餐馆我也常去，每次都要经过Randy他们去的那个cafe～～～因为在Theater District，估计他要有Broadway的演出，就可能会在这里碰到～～～可惜08年的时候我都没听说过QaF。。。

我记得有人拍过在纽约地铁上遇到Randy，不过我一次都没遇到过。。。估计他不坐我的那条线。。

大人这回你千万不要打退堂鼓哦

没办法了，票都买了，nonrefundable{:3_210:} 还约了另外一个mm一起去～～～

dormouse

246# cora

才发现外套，毛衣和围巾还挺搭的。。。

好像是一样的衬衣，注意下口袋上的扣子{:3_240:}

I mean, I wouldn't want to trip Gale and have him accidently land in my lap, would I? I mean, really - would I?

哈哈，大家都很邪恶～～～

dormouse

哈哈～
大人看得可真仔细
这样看来应该不是同一件衣服啰
beven 发表于 2010-1-22 00:04

呃。。。我的意思是衬衣是同一件，扣子扣得不一样：）

dormouse

Another pic...


The pic was taken by  Kinnetikart!.

Nice hat{:3_272:}

Another review

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/ ... theatretheater.html

dormouse

Another reivew

http://www.stagehappenings.com/M ... s/_2010/orpheus.php







There is a popular conception that talented stage actors can more easily adapt their fine performances for TV/film than the reverse is true, despite the star power effect on the box office. When the play in question is one of Tennessee Williams’ most challenging productions, there is a tendency to assume the worst going in, especially when the director—Lou Pepe, a documentary filmmaker is cutting his theatrical teeth on such an ambitious and unwieldy vehicle. Surprisingly, Denise Crosby of Star Trek TNG and Gale Harold of Queer as Folk dispel these notions and more than rise to the occasion with scintillating, tactile command in this modern epic love story.

The play, based on the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice and rewritten by Williams after the critics panned his first attempt, “Battle of Angels” in 1940 bears his signature styles: outsiders existing on the fringe of society, a strange interloper, surrealist symbolism, psychological realism and his silky smooth lyricism that rings with veracity and deep feeling. For all these, however, audiences tend to leave the theatre feeling more mystified than moved. The task then, to mount a successful production becomes much more crucial and is far more satisfying when done well.

Incorporating elements reminiscent of Greek tragedy, the show opens with an eerie tableau of the Conjure Man (Curtis C) cackling as the cast enter wearing masks. Music plays a major role in this production as well led by master guitarist Robert E. Beckwith and his pleasing interludes between acts. Sound design by Efrain Schunior utilizes various instruments to create rain, barking and a soft, ominous din of ambient effects subtly felt throughout. The splintered walls of the general store designed by David Mauer epitomize the cage from which Lady Torrance (Denise Crosby) attempts to break free.

Set in a small Southern town in the 50’s, a stranger clad in a snakeskin jacket with little more than just his guitar enters their midst. Looking for just enough work to sustain his gentle crooning and chord pickin’ licks, Val Xavier (Gale Harold) charms Lady Torrance, a woman of ill repute into hiring him. As her husband, Jabe’s (Geoffrey Wade) terminal condition worsens Val and Lady’s relationship deepens into mutual trust and understanding. Desperate to change the course of their lives, they cling to one another and find solace amid raised eyebrows.

Denise Crosby as Lady personifies grace under pressure with languid fluidity. Mining brilliant moments of strength against Val’s velvet glove persuasions coupled with transparent vulnerability, Crosby is simply a joy to watch transform. From the tired, aged beauty and victim of circumstances to the saucy, confident heroine in the third act, Crosby never tips her hand. With magnificent self-restraint and a quiet, simmering confidence, Crosby owns the stage…simply put—this is her show and she radiates even from the shadows like a single flame.

For his part, Gale Harold is sinfully delicious and his fans should not miss this tenderly wrought portrayal. Much like Crosby, Harold understates his sexuality letting it ooze naturally instead. Like a snake charmer, Harold weaves a magical spell, especially when he sings along with his strumming. By no means a professional vocalist, (the role does not require it) Harold does show creative control over his power and range as his character “finds his voice” literally in each act.

The supporting cast rounds off this terrific show with spot on characterizations and total commitment to their roles. Former cover model Claudia Mason is a perfect fit as the consummate seductress and town inciter of jealous wrath and gossip. A regular chameleon, Francesca Casale expertly plays dual roles as Vee Talbot, an occasionally blinded abstract artist of all things Christian and the prim, steely-hearted Nurse Porter with razor-sharp specificity. The pair of clucking hens representing the Greek chorus, Dolly (Kelly Ebsary) and Beulah (Sheila Shaw) are the kind of old biddies one can find sniping in any small town Piggly Wiggly or beauty salon. Geoffrey Wade delivers a spine-tingling cameo as the mean, cold-hearted Jabe Torrance. While Curtis C may not have much to say in terms of dialogue, his presence captivates and holds the audience with baited breath in the final scene. His laugh is as chilling and musical as “The Mikado” and just as memorable.

So what’s not to like?

For Tennessee Williams initiates, this play may not be so easily digestible, and the sheer length (includes two intermissions) and breadth of this work may have some wriggling in their seats. It is emotionally taxing, so for those who like a superficial story served on a silver platter please excuse yourself from this production. For all others, this is definitely not one to miss and I can only hope it may enjoy an extended run…lord knows we could use it in this town. Hint, hint.

My only quibble, and this is not meant to insult the cozy Theatre/Theater venue, are the seats which are about as comfortable and roomy as sitting in the middle of coach on a transcontinental flight. Take full advantage of the two intermissions: stand, stretch, do some yoga because the play, like most of Williams’ repertoire is long and the emotional scenes draining. To fully appreciate this production, (and Williams in general), it is always best to remain limber in body, mind and soul—otherwise the cathartic effect goes wasted. So word to the wise: stretch yourself.

2010 is off to a great season if this is the kind of fare we can expect this year. Given the enormous and embarrassing wealth of finely trained actors in this town and the familiar faces we’ve come to know in our homes on TV, it’s nice to see them in the flesh so to speak, and there’s nothing more provocative and soul-bearing than a little Tennessee to make them shine.

dormouse

One more review

http://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/archives/5439



As the mysterious drifter, Harold is a charmer in his snakeskin jacket and buttoned-down button-down, especially when he begins to strum and croon; with a honey-dripped voice and heartfelt singing, he mesmerizes the audience as he seduces Lady. (His short-but-sweet musical numbers are the highlights of the production.)

dormouse

260# xusuizi

哈哈，我爱dorky Gale～～～

dormouse

278# cora


第一个是pussycat和Gale的合影（就是和她妈妈一起去看show的那个），前面几页贴过了。

第一个是粉丝自己那Orpheus Descending的官方照片做的一个video。

都没有新照片

dormouse

粉丝报告
by belladona39 6 hours ago (Sun Jan 24 2010 14:58:42)         from IMDB

I went last night. I live pretty far, got kind of lost and amazed to find the theatre situated in a hole-in-the-wall, in the middle of a rundown part of LA. It was so small, I felt I was invited into someone's house. There was only one tiny bathroom for the audience, during break, I had to go to the bar next door to use the bathroom. I was kind of tired and cold and almost didn't go but so glad I did. To see an actor you adore up close and personal performing with his peers in such a small intimate setting is a memorable and amazing experience.

I was excited sitting there waiting for him to arrive. He floated in while the female actors were having a gossip session, not saying a word but standing there with a shy and hesitant look on his face. I have to admit, I was surprised at how thin he is. He is still handsome but his thinness makes him look a slightly more fragile than his pictures. His hair was cut short, he had blonde highlights. He wore the red shirt with the snakeskin jacket when he first arrived. In the second scene, after he's hired, he's wearing a suit, tie and jacket and he looke gorgeous. Definitely more gorgeous when he took his off shirt wearing the wifebeater. The t-shirt showed off the muscles in his arms. The man does not have an ounce of fat on his body! That was evident when he was reclining in his "bedroom" without a shirt (*gasp*) and smoking a cigarette, showing off his bare chest and impossibly flat stomach. When the lights were bright and harsh, Gale's age sort of showed. When the lights were dim, he looked so much younger than 40.

The character he portrays is supposed to be a Brando or James Dean type? I'm not familiar with the play or the movie but one of the recurring themes was how Gale's character is bad at everything except his powerful influence over women. That perfectly describes Gale and his career. Gale portrayed the role differently than a Brando or James Dean would, definitely different from how he portrayed Brian Kinney; he showed more vulnerability and sensitivity than sexual confidence. Sometimes he acted almost childlike especially when Val talks about his past. The Southern accent was a little off at times. I wish there were more smiles because when Gale smiled, it was blazing! When Gale played guitar, he had a sweet soft singing voice. I was mesmerized watching his fingers on the guitary strings. I was sort of amused because when he strum the guitar, the sound effect guy at the very top grabbed his guitar, lol. At first I wasn't sure it was Gale playing but it was; the other guy was just accompanying him.

To be honest, I was not that impressed with his acting (sorry) at first. But when act II came and his character exchanged dialogue with Denise Crosby's, the play and Gale took off. Gale and Denise really have great chemistry together. Denise Crosby was more flamboyant character and had more colorful dialogue. She was excellent. The two of them interacting with each was the heart and soul of the play. I really enjoyed their verbal sparring and their tender moments together.

I never got a chance to meet Gale or the other actors. Maybe I'll make another trip towards the end of the play. But I loved the fact that I got to see Gale up close and personal. I loved the intimacy and personal connection the actors had with the audience. I would definitely recommend it as a worthwhile experience.

dormouse

by danivl1-1 11 hours ago (Sun Jan 24 2010 22:48:14)       

UPDATED Sun Jan 24 2010 22:51:35

I went to see the play for the second time today. It was the matinee. Unlike opening night when I left right after, this time I stuck around with about 4 other women. Three from Australia and one from Canada. I just live an hour down the highway! Anyway, after about 25 minutes Gale came out. From my point of view, he still looks a bit hesitant approaching the fans. But he was nice and polite in a Southern Gentlemanly way. :) One of the Australians asked for a picture. He said: "I'm through with pictures." He wasn't rude, but his tone of voice said he was serious. I was disappointed because I wanted a picture of him, with or without me in it. He did sign all of our programs and personalized them with our names. I am assuming he added a heart next to his name for everyone like he did mine.:) He said he really had to go. He thanked everyone for coming. We left the building first and then he came out. Thanked us again and then took off down the street at a jog, carrying his guitar case and his backpack bouncing on his back. We watched him until he turned the corner.

I asked the Australians what they thought he meant by saying he was through with pictures. Did he mean forever or just today! They said this was their third time in a row and he had posed for them each of the times before. So maybe he meant he wasn't posing for anymore pictures with them since he had already done so twice. In any case, I didn't ask him for one. I will be going two more times. I hope this was just today that he didn't want pictures. He really did seem in a hurry. I look forward to hearing more reports of the performances to come and I hope other fans say he gladly posed for them. Well, at least I got to touch him when he shook my hand and he repeated my name when I said it. So I have heard how it sounds on Gale's lips. I like it!:)

dormouse

40场我也要看......这样就能连续40天看着他

cora兄真是花痴一枚～～～

是啊，还是个有5个孩子妈妈
真的无法想象啊

想象一下我妈丢下我和我老爸去外国追星。。。估计我们要疯了

她买的那只pink COACH也很年轻

这是哪一出？

dormouse

Gale手里拿着个thermal mug，难道他也离不开咖啡{:3_152:}

对了，cora记得改标题，比如2月2日新加照片在308楼，差一点就错过更新了

dormouse

这里还有个粉丝报告，谁帮忙捎上来吧^^:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0363736/board/thread/156539561

by KiraTrinity 21 hours ago (Tue Feb 2 2010 09:49:07)       

I suppose I'm one of the luckier ones, so I will share my experiences with you as best I can. I kept thinking the whole time I was there how much I'd like to affect people the way Gale and other stars are able to. Well, since I have your ears at least I can give you a little piece of happiness.

The play itself was great, I saw it twice - on Saturday 1/30 and then the Sunday matinee. I came to see Denise as well, being the Star Trek fan I am - and got to briefly meet Gates McFadden who was in the audience! Seriously good luck on my part. Comparing the two performances, I have to say that Gale carried the whole thing on his back. On Saturday everyone was on fire, and the energy flowed out fully. However Sunday was less successful, and as much I loved Denise's performance Saturday, she stumbled (literally) over herself more than once. But I don't judge, I've been up there, I know how that can happen. But man did Gale pick up the slack. She even tore down the curtain on the left side of the stage accidentally, and during this moment when Gale is supposed to be behind it invisible, he just sat down and I watched him intently as he passively felt the emotions of the actors on the stage. He never gives up on his character, not once. He is fully immersed in being Val, whether he's standing in the corner or fully in view. Actors screwed up their lines and he adjusted. I noticed the highlights in his hair too, but I think it could have been shiny hair product plus lighting. The singing takes your heart up to the stars, he has this gentle vibrato that is very special to hear.

On Saturday night there happened to be a talkback with an acting class, and I was glad I had come back whereas at first I was just going to go home. Gale sat a few seats away from me and I was *squeeing* the whole time. He and Denise talked a lot about the play, and he spoke about having the freedom to create your own interpretation. He also talked about the "god" theme, in how there was no idea of "good" or "bad" in the context of the play - so when Vee speaks of god she's referring to an altered or higher state of consciousness. I wish I could remember exactly what he said but that was sort of the gist. Everyone got out of the theater near midnight so I didn't get to say anything to him that night, though I did thank Denise and she was very warm and accepting.

I wasn't planning on going Sunday but couldn't help myself when I happened to drive by the theater just in time. Afterwards I waited with some other ladies (if you girls read this - I'd love to get those pictures from you!), and as soon as he came out I walked up to him. I had already met a couple of stars that weekend so I didn't anticipate a real problem talking to him. Boy was I wrong. My Brian shut off at that moment and I found myself staring at him and saying "Uhhh" a lot instead of talking. He was really warm and inviting. I told him that I have been affected a lot by his work.

"I saw the play last night too" I said.

"Oh, really - today was better right?"

I paused, "Well, it was different."

He laughed.

"What's your name?"

"Uhhh... Kira" I stumbled.

He repeated my name and shook my hand with a smile. "Are you an actor?" I think they expect this from a lot of people, being LA and what not.

I said something to the effect of "I'm a lot of things, but thinking of getting into acting". My memory is pretty blurred of the exact words coming out of my mouth. Then I inhaled and asked him about how he got into the game later in life, and how did he get started.

He told me he had the opportunity to work with a teacher for 3 years, and that if I found something like that he'd recommend I try that.

Then a friend of his walked up, and Gale said "Heeyyy!" and gave him a big hug. They talked for a few minutes and then he turned around and saw me, remembering that we were in the middle of a conversation and said "So that's what I would do".

I said "Ok, I will - I'm too nervous to remember what else I was going to ask you so, thank you." I walked out of the theater.

The other ladies talked to him next, I should have stayed to listen but my heart was pounding so hard I couldn't think. I had no idea that my hormones would surge so hard that I would lose my ability to think straight. The whole time I kept thinking "Oh my god, I'm actually talking to him for real - I'm not just imagining it." I suppose if I didn't know who he was I would have made a better impression, because I would have just been myself.

I talked with Francesca outside, and she was so curious as to why so many ladies are crazy about him. I told her, "Have you SEEN the show??" She said no, and said, "Isn't he gay in the show?". I laughed - "Exactly!". She seemed confused. I said (basically paraphrasing Gale from an interview), "You know how men like to watch two women together? Well, women like to watch two men together." Her eyes widened and she hollered "Oh my god, thank you for opening my eyes! Now I get it!" She's quite a bit older, and her generation doesn't have the same fetishes we do now. But it was a really cute conversation with a bunch of women squeeing about their secret desires.

I went back inside and asked Gale if I could take a picture with him, and he said "Sure!". Unfortunately it took longer than would have been convenient so although he was happy about it at first I could tell he got mildly irritated by the 2nd picture. Then I did something stupid and said "You know what I really wanted to ask you was... Are you in a hurry? Do you have to leave?"

Kinda frustrated "Well I do have to go but, what's up?"

I stopped, quickly calculating my options, and decided that I was already talking so I would finish.

"I'm someone that goes from artform to artform and never feel settled" (well that's what I wanted to say, but what came out was a jumble of words and ideas). Eventually I got out the phrase "How did you find that this is what you want to do?"

"Uhh, by accident" he said. "I was a printmaker for a long time but had to sell my equipment because I couldn't afford it anymore." Then I stopped listening again because of my stupid hormones ringing in my ears, but he got around to saying "So just keep on that." And that was sincere so it made me feel ok about asking.

I backed out of the theater and said "Well, good luck for you - I mean to you."

"And for you" he said.

I went out and complained to Francesca what an idiot I just made of myself. And really it wasn't that bad, I just felt like I was probably the billionth person to ask him a bunch of questions he didn't want to answer. I just wanted to stir up conversation really, but because I wasn't being natural and all nervous it didn't work out quite right.

I talked with Claudia for a minute and told her that inside the theater I felt connected to the greater depth in life that's so hard to find on the street. She was so excited and grateful to hear that, and I gave her a hug.

"You know that's what we hope to do, to affect people" she said. She was incredibly sweet. And see, because I didn't know her I was able to do say whatever I wanted. Everything I wanted to say to Gale actually came out at her.

Gale came out and talked to Francesca for a minute while I was still talking to Claudia, and then said he was going to get his truck.

He walked down the street carrying his guitar, turned around and said bye to each person in the cast and glanced at me once before turning around and disappearing around the corner.

***

In retrospect, I don't think I did anything that wrong - I definitely beat myself up for how uncool I was afterwards. But I think he is a really sweet guy that just loves his craft and isn't all that excited about the millions of women who want to jump his bones. It's a crazy world out there in Hollywood, and way over glamorized so people who come to these things are full of crazy emotions in their eyes - like me. It was quite an experience for me, the first time I've actually met a person I admire so much for their work. I'm going to see Sharon Gless' play tomorrow in SF, and plan to keep up with Gale and see him again whenever he happens to perform. Not super often, but that will give me a chance to actually practice what I'm going to say - and maybe actually study acting so I have something in common to talk about. Yes I obviously have a crush on him, but it's more than that - I'd rather work with him than try to fantasize about romance. I guess that's what I've always done, try to work with the people I admire most.

Hope that gives you all a little piece of the experience.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9724579@N06/sets/72157623210987319/

dormouse

348# cora

Here you go{:3_155:}

dormouse

LJ上的piksa粉丝报道

来源 http://community.livejournal.com ... /205534.html#cutid1






Had the wonderful chance to meet up with Gale three times in the past four days. Below the cut are some of my thoughts and experiences. The text is practically cut&paste from the posts I've made in my personal journal but I've only included the parts about Gale or the play here. I do ramble a lot so I do have to warn this post is quite long. I do hope you enjoy.



My original plan was to only go and see Gale on Friday and Sunday due to jetlag on Thursday but somehow I ended up there on that day as well. Let's start with that.

Managed to get a seat from the first row on that night. I had borrowed the play out of my local library beforehand so that I would have at least some kind of understanding what was happening. It made the play a lot more easier to follow. Gale was wonderful as you might well guess. I kept staring at him most of the time but did remember to follow the other actors as well occasionally. At one point when Gale was practically sitting about one meter away from me, playing the guitar and singing, I was a very happy girl.

After the play I stood around talking with people and waited in case Gale would show his face. These girls I was talking with asked me how I had found out about the play and I said I was there because of Gale. They then told the director of the play that I had flown all the way from Finland just to see Gale. He immediately told me that Gale was already talking with people and told me to just go and talk with him. I found him, then politely waited for my turn and then asked for his autograph. I think I got it out quite clearly. I guess me showing the leaflet and a pen towards him were quite clear signs too. While he was signing I talked something random about me not supposing to be there that night since I was pretty tired and about the fact that by that time I had been awake around 29 hours. He asked me if I had traveled and I told him that I had just flown in from Finland the same day. He repeated Finland a few times and started wondering why he had been thinking about Finland just a few days ago. I was probably standing there with my mouth hanging open. He never remembered why had been thinking about my country. He was coughing a little and it was pretty clear that he wanted to get out of there so I didn't bother him with a picture tonight. Hopefully will get a chance tomorrow or on Sunday. I did say to him that I hoped his cough didn't get worse. He just replied that he was pretty sure the next day was going to be fun. I do hope he'll feel better tomorrow. I did say to him that I was coming to see the show the following night as well. Explained something about having hard time understanding the accents a bit. He laughed and admitted that they are very southern. Then it was time for him to go. He once more thanked us all for coming and then walked away. I talked with some people a while longer and then took a taxi back to my hotel.

In summary I do have to say Gale looked mighty fine. It was nice seeing him up close, with a wifebeater, without a shirt and with his shirt ripped open. *happy sigh* I'm probably sounding really shallow here so will add that I did enjoy the play a lot and I do think Gale did wonderful job in it. He was very expressive and brought out all the emotions really clearly.

The next night I headed to the theater early to get a good seat again. Not that the theater really has any bad seats. This time around the front row was already full so I took a seat from the second row.

The play started slightly late. This time around I found myself being able to concentrate better on observing the play. Some things that entered my mind during the play:
- I'm pretty sure that at one point Gale's line went something like "She thought I had the sign male stud hanging on me." Hadn't noticed that the previous evening. For some reason found it funny.
- Had liked Gale's singing on the first time too but this time around it went straight through me. His singing voice was so different from the way he spoke during the play. I was glad I was sitting down. Otherwise I might have fallen down
- Several times during the play Gale looked like a kid in a candy store when his character was enthusiastic about something. So very adorable.
- I didn't notice how flirty Gale's character was constantly the previous night. It was very interesting to watch.
- There was one scene where I wanted to get up and go cuddle Gale when he was looking like a lost kicked puppy. It was a scene where he had been told to go away but he remained close by and tried to look invisible

All in all again a very enjoyable performance. After the play was over I stayed behind to wait for Gale again. Stood around with the girls who had sat beside me during the play. They knew Sheila Shaw from the play and were waiting for her. While we waited the director walked past me and said hello and thanked me for coming again. After some waiting Gale did show up. This time around there were quite a few others wanting Gale's attention. I waited on the sidelines for my turn. He was talking with some people who mentioned Finland for some reason. Gale noticed me standing there and told them that I was from Finland. He talked with them a while longer before he came to me, said hello and then apologed before moving on with a promise to return shortly.

He did go to talk to someone but I guess it wasn't who he thought it was since he returned to me very quickly. I had heard him coughing before so I asked him if his cough was already better. He wasn't entirely sure. Then I gave him a picture I had printed out to sign. Before I had the chance to tell him my name he apologized that he couldn't properly remember my name. He did remember something similar. He quickly signed to pic. After that I asked for a pic with him and he readily agreed. I asked one person who was standing around to take the picture. While we were posing for the picture Gale ran his fingers along my back. However, I had forgotten to put the flash on so the picture came out totally dark. Gale had sort of moved on from me already and was talking to some other people while still standing on the same spot. I waited until they stopped talking and then asked if we could take another picture with flash. He seemed okay with that. He looks good on the picture, I don't, but that's life. *g*

After the picture I quickly grabbed a small giftbag I had with me and gave it to Gale. I had gotten him some Finnish liqueur and chocolate. I told him the liqueur was something you could only get from Finland. He took the bottle out of the bag and tried to read the name on it. He then thanked me and gave me a hug. While he hugged me he also gave me a kiss on the cheek. After that he thanked me again for coming. Before moving away he still said to me "See you!" I hadn't told him that I was coming again on Sunday but maybe he guessed that I would be there again.

After I managed to stagger out of the theater I asked one of the girls I had been sitting with to help me with calling a cab. She did call for one but they didn't give her any timeframe when the cab might get there. She then stood and waited with me. At some point Sheila Shaw came out to talk with her again. It was revealed that I was from Finland and had made the trip because of Gale. Sheila remembered seeing me around the previous night too. She also said that there were some girls from Australia again who had been in to see the play. And Gale. The girl I had been sitting beside then started to wonder what made all these people to travel from all over the world just to see Gale on a play. And what had caused this whole fanbase of girls. Of course QaF was mentioned. Sheila also mentioned the story about Francesca Casale who was also in the play, asking someone what was so great in the series. And of course the sex was brought up. I hurried to add that there was so much more to the show than just gorgeous guys getting it on. Sheila immediately agreed with me. I guess she has seen the show. For a while we talked about the story lines and character development. This girl I had been talking with asked Sheila about Gale's sexual orientation. I'm not sure if she tried to ignore the question or just didn't hear but she didn't answer the question right away. Only when it was repeated he said that Gale was totally straight. That then lead into a discussion about half of the cast being straight and half being gay. Sheila then told us that they had fully expected the theater to be flooded by gay guys coming to see Gale and had been surprised when most people who came because of Gale were women. I mentioned that over half of the fanbase of the series are women. Next we talked about how nice it was to have a chance to make the trip and actually see him perform and to talk with him afterwards. I did say how nice it was of Gale to be so friendly towards everyone who came to see him and how people have written in their reviews that they appreciate the effort he's making.

Around that time my taxi arrived and I said my goodbyes. I had mentioned to Sheila that I was coming again on Sunday so she told me that she was going to see me then. I left the theater with a smile on my face.

Today it was the matinee show. Had plans with [info]debv3 to meet before the play. Got to the theater about 15 minutes before we were supposed to meet, only to notice that the bar we were suppose to meet in wasn't open yet. Therefore, I remained standing outside the theater to wait for her. While I waited the director Lou Pepe came out and spotted me standing there. His reaction to me was "You again? Does this make four times already?" I told him that this was only my third time since I hadn't been in the previous night. We talked for a while before he went back inside. A while later got some company from a woman from Australia. She had just flown in the previous day for the play and was going back home tonight. A few minutes later [info]debv3 joined us with her friend. We remained standing outside the theater and just talking about random things. While we stood there we saw some of the actors going inside the theater. Also Gale walked past us at one point. We said hello to him and he returned the greeting. We still remained standing outside for some time before they opened the doors for us to go inside. It was actually maybe a bit too hot outside to stand around so it was nice to be able to spend time inside the theater where it was cooler. I know I shouldn't complain about the heat but should just be happy but still.

Inside I got my program. The producer, Ginger, remembered my name from the previous time and just crossed me over from her list. Then we just hung around talking. Soon there were some other people joining us as well. It was nice talking with people I recognized from the previous performances as well. They were still doing some preparations so we weren't allowed in the actual theater but had to wait. I was planning on grabbing the same seat I had sat on the first night I went to see the play so I tried to remain as close to the door as possible at all times. At one point the director came to talk with us again and thanked all the people he recognized from previous times for coming again.

Finally the doors were opened and I headed for the seat I had planned on. However, I was disappointed to see that there were reserved signs on the front seats. Took a seat on the second row instead. It's not like that's a bad seat either. Was comparing experiences with the woman who was sitting next to me about the different seats. We did agree that Gale did spent a little more time on the left side of the stage so it was better to sit on that side. We also talked about the scene where he sits on a box right in front of the first row, plays guitar and sings.

They were again slightly late with starting the play. Here are again some of the observations I made during the performance. And some insane ramblings.
- At one scene Francesca Casale came to the stage too early. Her character was supposed to ask some other characters where Gale's character had gone to. Too bad Gale hadn't left the stage yet at that point. However, she did modify her line a little on the spot to make it fit the situation better. Gale also adapted and just ignored her. If you hadn't seen the play before you probably didn't even notice there was something wrong.
- There is a scene where Valentine talks about a bird that has no legs and has to sleep on the wind. Gale looked really intense in that scene. Even if I had seen that scene a few times already, it got to me stronger this time around.
- When Gale was playing and singing I wondered who had come up with the words and music to the song. I couldn't remember reading any song words when I read the play. At the same time I started thinking that I should have been prepared with a pen and paper to write the words down since I really liked them. It was too late already then.
- At one scene Gale takes a letter out of his back pocket. It must have been stuck in some way because as he pulled the letter out the whole pocket came out and was then hanging out for a while before he discreetly tucked it back in. It looked quite funny hanging out.
- At one scene Gale character lights a cigarette and then throws the match away to the direction of the audience. The main female character then tells him to pick it up. I started wondering if Gale has ever thrown the match far enough that he has had to pick it up beside someones legs. That might be interesting.
- There is a scene where things are happening in another part of the stage but with Gale and Denise Crosby, who plays Lady Torrance, are sitting next to each other. On every time I've seen the play they've been fooling around during that scene. It's been different every time.
- Found it interesting that during the first act the guitar Gale is carrying around has a strap attached to it but during second and third act there isn't. Maybe it is just because in the first act he carries it around on his back but later just in his hand. Not that it really matters but just an observation.
- At one scene Gale's character flings a watch to the floor. This time around the watch broke and pieces of it went flying all over the stage.
- I kept fearing that the guitar was going to fall down from the counter Gale kept placing it on. He most of the time placed it on quite near the edge with just barely one half on the counter and the other half hanging over nothing
- On Friday I thought that Francesca Casale had missed one of her lines but it seems she added one line by accident on Thursday since that line was missing both on Friday and today. And this point also shows that I've maybe seen the play too often when I can remember the dialogue *g*
- When the cast were taking their bows Gale almost stumbled over Claudia Mason when he was backing and didn't notice she was standing behind him.

After the play ended I again remained behind to wait for the cast to come out. I had planned to get at least most of the main cast to sign my program. Managed to stop most of them when they walked past me. They were all more than happy to sign the program. Sheila Shaw remembered me from Friday and even remembered my name. Just when I was talking with Claudia Mason I felt someone breeze right past me. It was of course Gale. For a while I already thought he wasn't going to stop and talk with people but then noticed that he had stopped to talk to some group outside the actual theater space. I walked there too and stood around waiting for him to be done with that group.

When I stepped up to him I said something about third time being the charm. He immediately asked if it had been. I was so surprised by the question that it took me a while to formulate an answer. By that time he already said: "It wasn't huh?" I quickly hurried to assure him that wasn't it at all and continued explaining that it was interesting to notice the small differences between the different shows. And that I had even noticed some small changes with the dialog. He then just something on the lines that it could happen if someone screwed up their lines and laughed. He seemed to remember my name this time around since he immediately signed to program without asking for it. I again asked about his cough and he again made this motion with his hand that it was a bit so and so. He told me that at the moment he felt totally congested and had been afraid during the whole play that he was going to drip all over the stage. (Note: There's an image for you to think about...) He then continued saying that he was glad he hadn't. He really didn't sound like he was congested. My small moment with him was sort of over at that point. I again asked for a photo with him and got that. Then he moved on after thanking me for coming again. I moved away to wait while other people talked with him and just listened.

Then it entered my mind that I had a few more questions I wanted to ask him and wondered if I dared to bother him again. One by one people who wanted his autograph got what they wanted. Finally I encouraged my mind and stepped up to him again explaining I still had a few questions. First I asked what was the best way to keep up with his work. He didn't really have an answer to that. I continued by asking him if he was involved in social media in anyway, even if I already knew the answer to that question. Gale quickly replied that he wasn't involved in that in any way. He said he doesn't have a website or even a fax machine. Not entirely sure what a fax machine has to do with social media but anyway *g*

My other question to him was about the fact that he had said on Thursday that he had thought about Finland for some reason just a few days ago but couldn't remember then why it was. I asked him if he remembered now what it had been about. He thought for a while and then said he wasn't entirely sure. Then he started rambling something about the world economy and bank crises and that maybe it had had something to do with that. I was all "huh" at that point. He then said something else that I didn't catch but he seemed to find hilarious since he almost doubled over with laughter. When he got over that he again said that unfortunately he had no idea what it all had been about and the whole thing with the world economy and bank crisis had just been a joke. I then mumbled something about maybe seeing him again some day and he replied that maybe he would then remember what it had all been about.

Walked out of the theater and stopped to talk with some people. I mentioned that Gale had obviously said something really funny but I had missed the whole thing and was too embarrassed to ask him to repeat it. The woman I was talking with told me that on the previous day when she had gotten her autograph from Gale, he had mumbled something and when she had asked what he had said he had repeated "You are in my light", which is a line from the play. This woman had almost replied with the line the character the lines was directed to replies with but then decided not to.

Was in luck tonight and got offered a ride to my hotel by the producer of the play. She was giving a lift to a few other people too. Was very thankful for that since it meant that I didn't have to go and wait for the bus. During the drive we continued talking about the play. I asked her if she knew where the words to the song Gale sang during the play had come from. She told me that the words are by Tennessee Williams. It seems I've just missed it when I read the play. Have to check it when I get back home. I also talked about the watch that had broken down during the play. She said that it has been broken many times and they just tape it back together time after time. There was some other general chat as well but nothing too significant.

Feeling slightly melancholy at the moment. The reason for this trip was to see theater and now it's all over. Of course there's a lot more things for me to see here but still. But I can at least say that this trip has so been worth it. I'm sure I'll think that even when I get my credit card bill. *g*

dormouse

While he hugged me he also gave me a kiss on the cheek.

She is so damn lucky....