Beautiful Sunday Monday Morning Musings

My favorite young actress, Emily Beck, getting her Wednesday Addams on, as part of Flying Dragon's talent show.  With her is young Roman, the son of Lauri Santana.  His role was to scream when Wednesday lifted his arms, and he had that down pat,

One of my school friends. now on that imperfect connection device, FaceBook, posted enthusiastically that it was Sunday, and to have a great day.

Well, I am happy to report, Dona, that I did.  A great big, beautiful Sunday!

First, after getting up, enjoying coffee and some reading time, we went to church, and experienced a spiritually satisfying Eucharist. That was followed by a church reception, our fellowship gathering in the parish hall, with snacks prepared by my to favorite snack makers. Alison and her mother.  So every snack was delicious, so many that snack time became lunch time.

We got home to coffee, and to Alison's and mine's new favorite tradition - Sunday Afternoon Classic Movie, where we've recorded the best that Turner Classic Movies had to offer that week, and enjoy an old classic.  This afternoon was the 1945 Hitchcock thriller, Spellbound, starring Gregory Peck and Ingrid Bergman.

This was interrupted briefly for me to go back to Waycross, and watch a talent show at the Flying Dragon, featuring some of the area's most theatrically gifted young people.  As always, it's a treat to go back and see the development of these youngsters, many of whom I've watched grow in the theater for many years.


Than it was back home to finish Spellbound.  The movie got better and better as it went on Ingrid Bergman may be one of the most beautiful woman that ever lived.  One of the actors, Norman Lloyd, who later played a doctor on the series St. Elsewhere, is still with us, at the age of 102!

We ate leftovers for supper, delicious food from Thai Smiles.  There portion sizes always provide a meal to take home.

And, of course, the evening ended with the best show on television, Game of Thrones.  And we saw enough to know that the meeting that all book readers AND TV watchers have been waiting for, should occur next week.

I went to sleep knowing that I would have to go to work Monday.  But this was tempered by the knowledge that this would be the last Monday of my full-time employment, that starting next week I will be 63% retired, and that almost all subsequent Mondays, I will NOT be putting in accounting work!  Huzzah!



So, yes, my good friend, Dona.  I had a great day!

I hope you did too!

Emily Back, getting her dancing groove on, during the musical number, Dancing Queen.

The Boys Are Back Onstage!

Community Theater.....I love it!

I especially love it when families participate together. Nepotism be darned, it's a joy when family members get to contribute their talents to a show.

Benjamin has been performing in different shows from five years old on up to the present.  Sometimes we're together, sometimes we're not.  But from running in place with him in Alice In Wonderland (I was the King of Hearts, he was a Squire), to the present production, where I am Mr. Frank and he is Peter Van Daan in The Diary of Anne Frank, every moment has been a joy and a privilege.  Some moments can be more challenging than others, but we learn and we grow.

Seeing him onstage at times, I realize that not only is he good, but he is starting to surpass me.  He is a talented  actor, and he is the natural charm and humor to connect well with audiences.

But we are not the only family team in the current production. Lamar Deal and Barbara Griffin are the husband and wife team that are at the core of Purlie Productions.  They are both in The Diary of Anne Frank, Lamar as Mr. Van Daan and Barbara as Mrs. Frank.

My good friend and longtime thespian companion, Kimberly Beck, plays Miep (who helps hide the family) and her brilliant daughter, Emily, who positively shines as Anne Frank.  I'll say it straight out, hopefully in a way that other theater groups will hear - Emily Beck is the area's most talented young actress.  Period.

The brother-sister duo of Amara Grace Jeffords and Aidan Jeffords are both in the play, Amara as Margot, Anne's sister.  They are both amazing talents, and part of the Jeffords family, who have contributed so much to the artistic community of our area, including their founding and support of that fantastic children's theater, Flying Dragon Arts Center.  The Flying Dragon also ran the concessions for our show.  Okefenokee Heritage Center! - Flying Dragon! - Purlie Production! - I LOVE it when the Arts community comes TOGETHER!

My dear friend, Julianna Lacefield, is performing with her two sons, Hemingway and John.  Julianna is absolutely, glowingly pitch perfect as Mrs. Van Daan.

Even our backstage crew is family.  Samantha and David Bruchie, husband and wife, are singlehandedly most responsible for this play being a success, operating lights, soundboard, stage managing and co-directing.  Truly, their contributions make this play work!

Benjamin will graduate in two years, and my opportunities to act with him my be few and far between.  So I am treasuring every moment I can.

Community "family"  theater...I salute you!

People in the play!  Neil Morris as Mr. Dussell, Julianna Lacefield as Mrs. Van Daan, me as a whale sized version of Mr. Frank, Barbara Griffin as Mrs. Frank, Lamar Deal as Mr. Van Daan, Amara Grace Jeffords as Margot Frank, and the thumbs up kid, Benjamin Strait, as Peter Van Daan.

Me with the incredibly talented Emily Beck as Anne Frank.

Return to the Dragon

The talented cast of Growing Up is Hard to Do with their dedicated Director, Katy Haag Rogers.

It had been awhile.  Benjamin had moved on to other acting venues, and even my good friend Kimberly Beck and her daughters, Emily and Elizabeth, were moving on.  I had forgotten the importance of children's theater in a community, and the vital contribution the Flying Dragon Arts Center was making to it.

But I took an opportunity to go to a show this Sunday afternoon.  Alison and Benjamin were going to Jacksonville to see a science show form emceed by the guy from VSauce and a Mythbuster, and Tamara Jeffords, the theater co-founder, was kind enough to invite me to the show.

In a children's theater, not every child is at the same level of experience or performance.  But all striving, all are learning, all are gaining in confidence.  And their development is truly wonderful to see.

Sierra Baker and Marin Jeffords  singing a show highlight, I don't Want to Grow Up.  Please forgive my feeble photography.

It was a delight to see such young veterans as Marin Jeffords, Rihanna Herrin, and Emma Varnes continue to grow and mature in their talents.  I have watched Marin since she was a toddler, and she has shone brighter and brighter with each successive performance.

Another young talent, Sierra Baker, was perhaps the most adept young reader I've ever seen, telling a charming David Sedaris story.

The young emcees/comedians of the show.  They showed an amazing ability to charm and enthrall an audience.

Sometimes you see some very young talents who show an amazing ability to connect with their audience.  Such is the case with the comedy duo,  Lex Baker and Mason Rogers.  Their schtick between scenes, part jokes and part improv, showed a budding instinct to draw in the crowd, and make them laugh and smile.  It will be interesting to see how those talents develop over the next few years.

Kudos to Katy Haag Rogers, the dedicated Director of the show, and all the parents and friends of the theater that helped with this production.

The Flying Dragon Arts Center is truly a jewel in the area, one that deserves your support.  Please contribute, and come out to their next production!

Flying Back to the Dragon

Emily Beck re-playing the role of the Scarecrow, that I had originally cast her in when I directed The Wizard of Oz some five years ago.

I had been away too long.

With Benjamin no longer actively participating, my involvement in the Flying Dragon Arts Center had receded.  I have been to a few shows, but was no longer the regular patron and occasional contributor that I was.

That was a mistake.

Their Broadway in Waycross performances this last weekend were amazing and reaffirmed their position as a major supporter and educator of the arts.

Act 1 presented songs from four different musicals, with young talent ranging from toddlers to early high school.

Emily Beck as Dorothy during a performance of Jitterbug, a number that was part of the original musical, but cut from the movie version.  Playing The Scarecrow is Tori Butler, an extraordinarily gifted singer, who shined in multiple singing numbers throughout the first act.

It is true that every young person is not a superstar,  They all are at different stages of their theatrical development.  But over the years, I have seen so many grow and mature into better and better performers. I am so grateful that a warm and loving teaching environment is available for them.  It is a true treasure of Waycross.

Marisa Williams playing the woman that anointed Jesus with oils in a powerful performance of songs from Jesus Christ Superstar.

Act 2 featured what I can only call The Millennial All-Stars.  It was the very best of your young adult performers, ranging from upper high school to twenty-somethings, delivering one knock-out performance after another.

They performed songs from four different musicals, including one of my all time favorites, Cabaret.  A high schooler named Noah Rouse was outstanding as the Cabaret leader named Noah in the opening number, and the dance sequence between Blake Kildow and Bella Motta was marvelous, mein herrs und frauleins!

Blake Kildow deserves the credit for helping assemble this amazing, diverse group of players, including some of our college students home for the summer.

Emily Beck as an impoverished character in Les Miz, singing in a way that showed rich emotion.  Emily contributed stellar performances to both acts.

Part of the cast (and my thumb) coming out for the final curtain call.  Seated in the french revolution/quasi-pirate outfit is Aaron Michael Carver, who gave some of the best performances I'd ever seen.  His performance in the number Jesus Christ Superstar was one for the record books.

I could go on and on about the great performances in this show.  I have never before seen such a an entertainment value, only eight bucks for four hours of theatrical good times.

Look for the next play or plays to be performed, and come out and support one of the best things about Waycross, the Flying Dragon Arts Center!

Fly Into Community Theater!

This weekend!

Peter Pan performances for the public starts Thursday@ 7,Friday@ 7,Saturday@ 2 and Sunday@ 3

At the Flying Dragon Arts Center on Tebeau Street next to the Downtown Sandwich Shoppe.  Children's theatre at it's finest!

Coming up next weekend.......

Early October Theatre Fun Time!

I may have temporarily suspended my acting in plays, but not my love and support for theatre.  There are always many great plays to see in our area, produced by a number of fine groups.

I am really looking forward to the one listed above, as it features many of my favorite thespians, including Anita Lynn, Allen Hamilton, Nikki Spivey, Jody Rollins, Brenda Luke and Brittany Peacock.  Wow.  Just listing off these names is getting me excited about seeing this!  This area is truly blessed with  a richness of talent.

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This evening, Tuesday September 29, my son, Benjamin Strait, will be performing in a high school play, part of performances that also includes a choral concert.  I'm not sure of the title but...it is also a play about a play.  That must be this week's theme.

Its title?  All I Really Need to Know I Learned By Being In A Bad Play.  Sounds promising, 

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And from Flying Dragon this week -

This coming weekend at the children's theater we will present a play written by Pierce County native Wayne Thomas Mr. Thomas graduated from PCHS in 1995. Her Guardian Angel opens Friday.

Flying Dragon Arts Center is located at 405 Tebeau Street next to the Downtown Sandwich Shoppe.

A Genie of a Weekend and Other Monday Musings

Emily Beck, Marin Jeffords and Christopher Kuhbander  (all standing) - three of the fine young thespians featured in Flying Dragon Art Center's recent performance of Aladdin.

I attended a performance of Aladdin at the Flying Dragon Arts Center Saturday afternoon, and was impressed by the show, the acting, the set, the singing, and am proud of the important contribution the Flying Dragon makes to our youth, and to the artistic culture of our community.

Emily Beck did an outstanding job as the Genie, bringing wit, energy and modern quips to her performance.  But there is little sitting on her laurels for Emily.  She is next starring as Anne Frank in Purlie Production's The Diary of Anne Frank at the Okefenokee Heritage Center in late September.

I am very much look forward to working with Emily, and am privileged to play the role of her father, Otto Frank.  This is an all-star cast, and includes such gifted talents as Kimberly Beck (Emily's mother), and my good friend, Julianna Lacefield,.  One of the area's finest character actors, Jody Rollins is in it, as well as Chris Jeffords, the founder and executive director of the Flying Dragon.

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I mowed the lawn Saturday, after several weeks of growth and probably stretching the boundaries of what area neighbors will tolerate.  I had recently lost some weight again, put on the wrong shorts, and had them fall to my knees at one point.  I made the mistake of mentioning this on Facebook, because inevitably, when I say something about weight loss, that means my weight will creep back up again.  I overcompensated with eating this weekend, thinking my increased level of activity would hold it in check, and sadly, I guessed wrong.  Back to the drawing board.  

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I saw no movies this weekend, not even on the home TV machine.  I would like to get out and see The Man From U.N.C.L.E., but I haven't figured out how to make the time to do it.  And although the reviews have been more positive than negative, the trailers I have seen make it all seem too cool for school, as if it's Ocean's Eleven or a caper movie rather than an espionage film on par with James Bond.  My indecision probably means I won't see it in the theaters.  And starting this Friday, at least one of the screens will be taken over, probably for the next two to three months, by War Room, the latest Christian Right movie. There are no reviews in yet for this movie, so who knows?  It may be a cut above previous efforts.

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I am editing Crowley Stories: Swamp's Edge, not the kind of writing I like to do best.  I alternate between being how fascinated how good my little mud pies are, to being stunned at some of the mistakes that I made.  Soon, it will be time to blank or get off the pot.  I will have two completed novels I am sitting on, frozen in indecision as to where to take them next.

Until next time,

T. M. Strait

Make this a Special Weekend with I Never Saw Another Butterfly

A great community deserves great, varied theater.  It should involve many in the community and expose them to the arts, and the joy of working together to put on something amazing.  It should involve families, and it should help children gain confidence in themselves and their abilities.  It should make you feel something, help you share something.  Sometimes it is laughter.  Sometimes it is thrills and excitement.  Sometimes it is passion, empathy and caring.  Sometimes it should challenge you and make you think more deeply about things, about how you can be a better person, and how you can make society better.

I Never Saw Another Butterfly does all these things, and more.  A story about Jewish children during the Holocaust, it is a play that will leave you transformed.  I have seen a production of this that Flying Dragon did a year or so ago, and it is very affecting and very worthwhile to see.

Please note the times above, starting tonight at 7 PM, at the Flying Dragon Arts Center, on Tebeau Street next to the Downtown Sandwich Shoppe, in the old bus depot building.

Donations accepted (I encourage a hefty one).  This theater is doing good work.  They have spent blood, sweat and tears revitalizing their theater.  They are helping many children gain confidence and become better performers, and more importantly, better people.

And they are bringing, as part of their repertoire, magnificent socially conscious plays. 

Don't miss this production!

Farewell to Dub For Now

It is time.  Time to set aside my redneck ways.  Well, at least until next season of WACT (Waycross Area Community Theater).

Dub Dubberly was a joy to play, and a very interesting kind of redneck he was.  If you didn't see the play, maybe you can catch the sequel this coming Christmas season, when WACT will put on Christmas Belles.

WACT in fact is doing two more southern comedies next season, just as it did the season just ended (The Dixie Swim Club, which I directed and the just concluded Dearly Beloved).  In addition to Christmas Belles, the first play of the season will be The Beverly Hillbillies.

Yes, I do wish WACT would do a wider variety of plays than just Southern comedies and family musicals.  But we are, after all, in the South, and box office is important.

It would be nice to see a few more socially conscious plays done at WACT.  The last one was two seasons ago, Driving Miss Daisy, which, of course, was set in the South.  My dream play has always been Inherit the Wind (ALSO set in the South), but that is probably not to be.  Not only does it have social/religious problems, it has a very large cast of male actors.

But not every theater can do everything that a community needs.  Flying Dragon Arts Center offers more support and training for children.  It offers a place where kids can learn and grow in a positive environment.  Every child can get their chance to shine.  Trembling Earth productions offer a greater little theater experience, where a small troupe of actors present a high level of professionalism.

And a new group is emerging, the Purlie Victorious Players, that will perform more socially conscious plays in The Studio at the Okefenokee Heritage Center.

There are groups that specialize more in dance, and others provide lessons for acting or modeling or music.

The school systems in the area have vibrant drama programs that offer first rate entertainment.  Pierce County is almost always highly competitive in One Act Competition.  Ware County puts on rollicking full-scale musical each year.

My son joined a film club at his middle school, and put together a marvelous film, The Life of A Middle Schooler.

So when you look at the entire theater scene of our little area, it is much richer and varied than at first glance, and one that I and my family are proud to be a part of.

Universal Weekend and Other Monday Musings

Riding the tiger at Universal Studios in Orlando!  Benjamin went on his first band trip, and he had a blast!  They performed at Universal Studios, and then spent two fun days at their theme parks.  Alison went with him, and I stayed behind with theater responsibilities, and taking care of pets.

Benjamin is now ready to defend our castle!  A trip to Medieval Times was a highlight of his trip, and the one part that made Daddy jealous, as I have always wanted to go to one.  They had a great time, but Alison warned me, if we ever do go again, that I will have to BYOK (Bring Your Own Ketchup).

Benjamin is older now (14) and has managed the courage to go on more intense rides.  Ok...wait...that one isn't one of them....

.....this one is.  And yes, he did go on it.  And he survived.

Benjamin met with Dr. Emmett Brown near the Delorean.  Dr. Brown appears to be younger than I remember him, but that may be just be a younger version of himself that has gone Back to the Future to warn his older version that 2015 was not the way it was when Marty McFly first visited it.  Great Scott!  What happened to the flying cars?  Benjamin explained that the guy who was supposed to win the election in 2000 that would lead to flying cars powered by garbage, had the election stolen from him.  Dr. Brown said he was in the right state, but the wrong time, and left in the Delorean headed for a Senior Center in West Palm Beach, circa November 2000.

Me?  I stayed behind.  I did go to the great new market at the Heritage Center.  It will be every first Saturday of the year.  Had a great time, and socialized with about as many people as I ever had in my life before.  Special props to Cody Goode, Rob Stewart and Julianna Lacefield whom later went to lunch with Rob and Julie, and then went to Rob's house where all four of us played a legendary round of Old Maid.

Saturday was rounded out by watching my favorite young actress, Emily Beck, daughter of my good friend Kimberly, perform at the Flying Dragon as Annie.  It was a great show and Emily was very impressive,  and I appreciated seeing all the amazing things that Flying Dragon has done to renovate their theater.  You need to check them out in the near future!  (No Delorean needed).

Winter Theater in Waycross!

Please note the above poster dates should be 2015.

Play by Ossie Davis, noted actor/activist and native of Waycross. Peformed for Black History Month and as a tribute to Ossie Davis The dates are Feb. 20 and 21 2015 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, the 22nd, at 3 p.m.

You won't want to miss this one!  Written by one of the area's most successful and extraordinary artists, Ossie Davis, this play is a special treat performed by an exceptional cast.  Director Barabara Griffin and the Okefenokee Heritage Center are to be commended for bringing this fine play to us!  Be sure to make plans to see it now!





ALSO.....coming the first two weeks in March, Cinderella!  Performed at the Ritz by the Waycross Area Community Theater!





AND....coming in early spring....ANNIE!....by Flying Dragon Arts Center!



If you are a theater group in the area, and you have an upcoming production, please let me know....I will happily promote it on The Strait Line!

Take A Trip to Oz this Year!!

It's Oz week!!!!! This is our 5th trip to Oz. All week we will look back at past shows. All Oz alumni get a $2 discount to the show. The Wizard of Oz opens Thursday at 7pm. Location RJ's Grill  (from the Flying Dragon's group site).

Pictured above is from when Benjamin played The Cowardly Lion.  That was one of three times that Benjamin was in The Wizard of Oz with Flying Dragon.  He also has played the Doorman and the Wizard.

Please note that the production is not on Tebeau Street.  They are performing at RJ Grills, which is outside of town on Ossie Davis Parkway, 1925 Ossie Davis Parkway.

Swoop On Out to Dracula at the Flying Dragon

With Halloween looming in the distance, our next show to be performed will be Dracula. This children's show, as well as all of the music in it, was written by local writer/musician, Jason Chancey.

Come join us as we travel from London to Transylvania, and back again. The Count will be sure to steal your heart and, quite possibly, your blood!

Performances: Saturday, October 18th - 7:00 PM; Sunday, October 19th - 3:00 PM; Saturday, October 25th - 7:00 PM; Sunday, October 26th - 3:00 PM

Tickets: $10 (Ages 5 & Under are Free with an adult's admission, and must be sitting in a lap, unless there are available seats)

NOTE: A donation of canned good or other non-perishable food will get you half off of your admission.

As of this posting, there is one more weekend of family friendly scares at the Flying Dragon on Tebeau Street.

Right now, the Flying Dragon is in the process of some necessary repairs and fix up, and your support, in attendance and donations, would be greatly appreciated.  The Flying Dragon Arts is a 501(c)3 charitable organization and donations to support it are tax deductible.

Enjoy Great Community Theater This Labor Day Weekend!

Four more opportunities to see this rousing success at The Flying Dragon!  On Tebeau Street next to Downtown Sandwich Shoppe!

Two great casts this weekend!  The Flying Dragon gives many deserving children a chance to shine!  Come see them all!  These are wonderful shows, that can be enjoyed by the whole family, and these kids are worthy of your support and applause!

The Final play by Waycross' own Edmund Pedrick. A family show about life, death and faith. (taken from the event site)

The very talented John Youmans has put together this extraordinary tribute to one of the area's most beloved and talented artists, Edmund Pedrick.  This will be a very special show, one not to be missed.

A publicity still from the show, featuring two great thespians, Stephen McQuaig and Ryan Beverly.

The late Edmund Pedrick.  I'm sure this production has him smiling from Heaven.

Weekend under the Sea and Sun and other Monday Musings

Elizabeth Beck as The Little Mermaid.

Emily Beck in The Little Mermaid.

The Little Mermaid started this last weekend at Flying Dragon on Tebeau.  I saw it twice on Saturday.  There were two different casts this weekend, and I was happy to see the daughters of my good friends, the Becks, play prominent roles in each cast.  One cast featured Emily Beck as the delightfully evil Ursula, and the other Elizabeth Beck as a romantically soulful Ariel.

There are two more casts that perform this weekend, Thursday at 7 PM,  Saturday at 3 PM and 7 PM, and Sunday at 3 PM.  Flying Dragon prides itself in giving as many children as possible an opportunity to shine.

My son Doug has come down for a visit, and we are happy to have him this through Tuesday morning.  I am torn going to work today, but I did not plan ahead very well.  I also have play practice tonight.  Oy,  But I saw him yesterday, and will see him again tonight.  He is in good spirits, his job going well, and having just moved into a home/condo of his own up in metro Atlanta.

The OHC Writing Contest has me stressed.  I and my guild members have a done good job of organizing the basics, and, thanks to The Strait Line, it is well funded.  But my lack of aggression in promoting it ism I think, beginning to hurt it.  I just hope that what we have done has laid the groundwork for success in future years.

Rumblings of a greater war to combat the brutal organization ISSIS have me concerned.  I do believe we have to stand in opposition to it, and that it may take much more than diplomacy.  What I won't countenance is anyone no understanding who is to blame for the unrest centered around Iraq.  It is now and ever shall be the responsibility of Bush/Cheney and their ill advised war.  People sometimes ask, when can you stop blaming the prior administration for things still going wrong?  In the case of the Mideast instability centered around Iraq, the answer is clearly for decades if not centuries.  They broke it - they bought it.

It was an incredibly hot weekend here, with temps over 100 and feels like temps up to 114.  I don't do well in this kind of weather, so I stay inside as much as possible.  You could feel the waves of heat out there, as if you were opening an oven.  Individual hot days mean nothing regarding the reality of global warming, BUT the rise in global average temperature DOES.

No movies this weekend, not even with my son Doug here.

Benjamin had a tough week at school.  He is making some hard choices, and with love and strong discipline, we hope to see him through.  Every year you can get a new draw of classmates and teachers, and so far, I'm not really happy with this year's draw.  But Benjamin is a strong kid, and we hope he will find his place, and that he understands he has our support and unconditional love.  And that sometimes restrictions and punishments come out of that love.

Until next time,

T. M. Strait

Under the Sea On Tebeau!

Come join Ariel, Sebastian, Flounder, and all of their friends, under the sea. This classic Disney tale will be performed eight times, by over forty local children, for you enjoyment.

PERFORMANCES: Thursday - 8/21 - 7:00 PM; Saturday - 8/23 - 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM; Sunday - 8/24 - 3:00 PM; Thursday - 8/28 - 7:00 PM; Saturday - 8/30 - 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM; Sunday - 8/31 - 3:00 PM

TICKETS: $10

FLYING DRAGONS ART CENTER

405 Tebeau St, Waycross, Georgia 31501

Theatre

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livethearts@gmail.com

Get Directions

Come and see multiple times!   

There are many casts and new 

children featured very show!

Come watch them all shine!