Motivation Monday: Sing!

I haven't spoken about my singing journey,

1. Because it is very new to me, I have only been singing regularly for 3 years (which is nothing in learning to sing)
2. Because this is one area in my life where I honestly do not think I am good enough to say that I am a singer....
3. Because I will not sing in front of you if you ask, I will be stubborn and only sing like a screaming idiot because I am too ashamed to sing properly just in case I stuff up a little...

So I have the most amazing singing coach! My 'teach' as I call her, is lead singer of super talented, The mac project and I am always in awe of her and the band on facebook.com/themacprojectband where she posts videos of her gigs, etc. However, you wouldn't know by looking at these sites, the gorgeous personality behind my teach, who makes me feel totally comfortable (an almost impossible feat) during my weekly sessions with her. We go through ways of getting the body to respond to singing, warm ups and actual singing, eeeek!!! 

So my motivation monday is all about singing, because hey don't we all do it? Don't we all love music of some kind? Music is just in our souls. 

I actually never seriously thought about singing until I went to Uni away from my family and got a little independant, some kids go clubbing, I started singing lessons..... (true story.) I haven't studied singing at uni, just to clarify. It was my hobby, while I did full-time Zoology a two hour drive from my home town. I lived just off campus and went to my lessons at night with a company farther in town at minuetmusicstudios where I did learn a lot, but i went through a few teachers and they slowly became less and less what I needed. Then life happened and I ended up back at home. 

I surprised my mum for Christmas that year by telling her that I was learning to sing. This classically trained woman's jaw just dropped (partly because there was something I hadn't told her "I was keeping secrets now... oooooh....." and partly because I am a shy little flower who would never sing out loud...ever...)

Then my singing drifted off a little because I couldn't find the right coach, (a little like therapy...), I got pretty shy and (ironically) I mentioned to my therapist (yes I did/do therapy) that I missed singing and in a separate session that I "just love theatre, I, grew up watching musicals on video and live theatre that I just...." "Oh I like country music too..." Looking back my therapist probably just shook her head and sighed, but she told me to find a theatre company and JOIN, do goddam theatre... apparently you can... who knew??

So little ol' proactive me, found a company that night and it just so happened that auditions for their upcoming show were... next week. "Go for it!" mum said. I was somewhere between horrified and ecstatic, I was auditioning for a bloody musical, with next to no experience....

But I was loud, (I have no clue what happened there) and this happened... a-beautiful-theatrical-beginning, yes I was cast and in a main (ish) role at that.... boy have I come a log way since then. Some of my best friends are in the company and I cannot believe how lucky I am to know them..... I really want to go off on a tangent here, but that would be... uh off point.

Anyway, I somehow made a decision after the show that I really wanted to pursue musical theatre and country music, I mean I wasn't a baby ( I had written lyrics and muffled a tune to them since i could write and I believed in my songwriting too, but it did seem a bit farfetched, seeing as I was pursuing a career in animal health...) but I did always want to sing and be an actress/songwriter/director, I just assumed I couldn't... I know, doesn't sound like me right?

Whoa, this is deep s**t and I should probably go to sleep since it is 2:17 am, oops,

Sing for you, sing for your soul, even if it isn't through music, sing your song through your passion,

KK

Annie Jnr.

Right now I am sitting in bed with the flu, but I feel like I deserve a good rest because I have just been through another (probably 6 months) of rehearsals and show week! Yes I completed my Second Musical Production with BATS Theater Company!

The three Boylan sisters and Sandy

My love of Annie the musical started with my childhood hours of watching the 1982 film Annie. Then there was the day I'll never forget on my 9th birthday. Mum took me out of school, (yes I got a day off school without protest...whoa!) and I had no clue what we were doing. It's the little things that have always gotten me excited. But it turned out that, mum, my neighbor, her mother and I were going to see ANNIE, IN THE CITY, AT A THEATRE! Wow! (Yes kids, in those days, I lived in the country and the city was a far off magical place!.... Yes Adults, that was only 14 years ago...) I won't crap on too much about this very special day, but it is a big memory for me because I knew that this was the beginning of my love for theater. Little 9 year old me, knew that every light, every person, every instrument, every prop had a purpose and there was just too much to take in!

So getting back to the production I was in ANNIE JNR. Yes, I know I keep repeating myself, but I am in awe of not only the role I played, but the whole experience of being in a musical production, amateur or not is just such a big deal for me! I played Annette the maid ('Silk, no the satin sheets I think') Yes I had a line! But the role I was originally cast in and auditioned for was a Boylan sister! (Omg, my dream.) Which I performed with all my might.

So like my last post from my last show http://kkspassion.blogspot.com.au/2014/10/a-beautiful-theatrical-beginning.html I will now give a review as I am such an expert... not..

'It's a hard knock life!'

The show began with the beautiful, scruffy, young orphans. The extremely talented actress playing Molly began the show with her crying from a nightmare about her parents. When Annie comforted her, the hopeful song of 'Maybe' began and the cast in this scene performed beautifully every single show. Some of the cast were in their first show and who could tell? Such a talented bunch. The orphans Molly, Pepper, Tessie, Kate, July and Duffy started to drift off to sleep when they were woken by Annie trying to sneak out of the orphanage. When the scheming Pepper got up and pushed her right into the arms of Miss Hannigan! - and let me just add... WOW!

'Heya Aggie.' 'Oh Bundles Get outta' here with that laundry!'

Miss Hannigan was the epitome of Miss Hannigan from the 1982 'Annie' film. She was the lipstick, the pearls and the curls of the disgruntled, house mother of an orphanage full of little BRAT's! As Miss Hannigan dealt with Annie and got all of the orphans out of bed, she swayed around stage, a blur of children racing around complaining of a 'hard knock life.'

Then along came Mr. Bundles to woo Miss Hannigan and distract her while Annie became a stowaway in Bundles' laundry cart. Mr. Bundles was the mellow, flirt, happy to chat to anyone and everyone - on and off stage!

On the street, Annie wandered off as Mr. Bundles discreetly let her go into the street where she found her true friend - Sandy.

Annie and Sandy

So Sandy stuck with the talented, feisty, Annie as she was captured by the policeman and taken back to the dreaded orphanage....

However, here is where things took a turn for the... better!

As a proud, 'graceful' secretary-type woman strolled into the orphanage and took a addressed Miss Hannigan (who'd been swooning and uh, dribbling, lipstick stain and all, over the soulful sound of the radio. Grace as her name preceded her to be, asked Miss Hanigan for an orphan, for Oliver Warbucks, the mill... uh billionaire to look after in his home. Cheeky Annie was of course on top of this...

Annie was picked and out of the orphanage again, but in the meantime...

 "Rooster!" cried miss Hannigan as her brother entered, his cocky attitude matching his moustache and sleazy manner. Miss Hannigan's surprise quickly turned to disgust when she remembered her brothers way of always needing a penny or two... Then along came Lily.

A 'broad' from New Jersey... She accompanied Rooster with a perfect harmony of high and low notes in 'Easy street' along with Miss Hannigan. Three actors couldn't have done it better as they marched and whirled across Miss Hannigan's office. Lily may have stolen a few pearls as they did so and Miss Hannigan was left in a daze as Rooster and his girl strolled off to scam some new innocent after just leaving jail....

From back left: Butlers, Cecil, Mrs. Greer, Annette, Drake and Mrs. Pugh
Front: Grace and Annie

Grace, another talented actress had a lovely voice and demeanor as she introduced the mansion staff to Annie - full of awe and amazement in the presence of not only people wanting to please her, but the wondrous mansion.

'Good afternoon sir'

'We think you're gonna like it here.'

After being introduced to the multi-talented mansion staff, Oliver Warbucks made his presence on stage. The actor was absolutely incredible and I am not just saying that, Warbucks was full of talent, could hold the audience captive and project to everyone while still keeping the strict demeanor of his character. 



Mr. Warbucks, a busy man soon ascended back into his work, shortly after meeting Annie. The Mansion servants went back to cleaning as Annie looked around in awe. Grace made the suggestion that they welcome Annie properly...

Mr. Warbucks and Grace decided to treat Annie to the sights of 'NYC,' leading Annie through the hustle of downtown New York City, the mansion and the rest of Annie's journey, always caring, always by her side.

'What's that? you're coming to dinner?'

It didn't take long for Warbucks to make the decision to adopt Annie, so off Grace went to speak with Miss Hannigan.

But to everyone's surprise, when grace arrived back, with a present for Warbucks to give to Annie, Annie didn't want to be adopted. She wanted to find her parents.

Mr. Warbucks attempted all he could to hunt Annie's parents down and even called in favours with a radio show and the President!

Bert Healy of the radio Oxydent hour presented Annie and Mr. Warbucks' dilemma to the world in his own wacky, boisterous way, a great actor with the ability to continue smiling... even when Warbucks' spoke the 'actions' on the script.... clearly not an actor fit for radio.... The lovely, darling, magnificent.... cough*... Boylan sister's looked on, in uh... boredom and sung 'You're never fully dressed without a smile' with Bert very professionally, because well, these girls are professionals, thank-you. But in all seriousness, this scene combined the radio crew with their 'doo, doo, doo, doos' as backup and clearly knew what they were doing, handling papers and expensive equipment all while acting professionally for their radio show.

So Annie had put the word out there to find her parents with great help from Warbucks whom she was getting attached to...

Meanwhile, back at the orphanage, the orphans were still driving Miss. Hannigan crazy, singing along to the Oxydent hour on the radio, mimicking the Boylan sisters, Molly and Tessie Portraying Bert Healy. It was a sight of fun and laughter, happy for Annie and the orphans just having a genuinely good time, until Miss. Hannigan blew her whistle.

She collapsed in her chair as the orphans ran off laughing and took a swig of her drink as Mr. Mudge entered, Mrs. Mudge in tow, disturbing, well I wouldn't call it peace... Miss Hannigan ignored them, distracted. Then they claimed they were Annie's parents. She told them that was impossible. That Annie's parents died in a fire years ago. Then Rooster revealed himself as well as Lily to be the con artists behind the best scam ever to trick Warbucks', get the money they 'deserve' and make their way down 'easy street!'

So the plan was in motion and the memo was sent to Mr. Warbuck's that Annie's parents had been found! Everyone was happy.

Then Grace did some research....

Before Christmas, Mr, Warbucks asked Annie to invite the orphans to the mansion for a little party. "Miss Hannigan too?" Exclaimed Annie. "Of course!" said Warbucks, growing oh so much more attached to the little girl.

Then came the song: 'You won't be an orphan for long.'

Warbucks sung this with such strength and his usual business-like facade faded from a spotlight to darkness as the dismal house staff came onstage, decorating the Christmas tree in a ballet sequence of sadness.

As the maids went to cleaning, Warbucks, Grace and President Roosevelt, along with a policeman entered, informing Annie, on the scam that is Miss Hannigan, Rooster and Lily...

 Then as the orphans and Miss Hannigan came to the mansion in their finery, the place was filled with joy. Orphans leaped at the tree and opened presents, with help from the maids. Miss Hannigan took in the sights of the mansion and wandered around as the Mudge's came in to claim their 'daughter.'

 Before they could, Warbucks presented them with a cheque stating 'the jig is up!' and as everyone flew into a panic, the police came to arrest the Hannigan's and Lily.

Miss Hannigan plading with Annie

So the 'crooks' were stopped and the household rejoiced, Warbucks told Annie he was going to adopt her and everyone sang 'The sun'll come out tomorrow' as Sandy the dog came onstage, sending the crowd into 'awwws.'

The End!

My second experience with this show was amazing and I really enjoyed every moment of it. I made some great friends and everyone was really lovely.

The backstage crew were amazing and the BATS staff too, Thank you also to the Director and everyone who was there for rehearsals, etc.

I wish I could thank you all personally and to everyone in the audience also.

I also met my new best friend Michelle during this show and I'd love to thank her for being my pal, we have already done so much together and have so much planned for the future!

KK

Michelle and I

The girls backstage

*Disclaimer: Names and photos will not be printed due to unauthorised permission or absence of permission and general privacy. The photo's displayed have been from Mark Symonds photography(c) and have been authorised by cast and parents of those under 18 years of age.

A beautiful theatrical beginning...

Princess 'Whatshername?' ....

May I introduce, uh 'Whatshername!

Cinderella (in rags)

I have just completed my first Youth production with the BATS theatre company and I had an absolute blast. I made so many amazing friends and my confidence sky-rocketed, it was a huge turn and beginning for me and I have never experienced anything so special.

Cinderella (before the Eastern ball)

I cannot compare the experience of being behind the scenes of a brilliant musical - to anything really. My FIRST performance (eeek!) was in the production of 'Princesswhatshername!' and I got to work with so many exceptionally talented youth and adults!

Cinderella and Prince Swavay

I felt so inspired by the team and loved every scene and all of the work that went into it. The passion that everyone has, while having fun at the same time is something from a dream :) !

I played Cinderella (Yes I know I look like Belle, but this isn't Disney...) A girl who wanted to party all night long and win the heart of her Prince Swavay, but was really just more interested in the party...

And so the story goes that a princess awakes from a kiss from her true love.... The characters that help her and cross her path along the way were original, imaginative and fantastic actors/actresses. I can't fault a single one!

Hansel and Gretel

Gretel

Hansel and Gretel and Lollipops* all very talented actors with multiple roles and wonderful expression and entertainment skills! Hansel awed the crowd when he grew more 'huggable' in a matter of scenes and Gretel's eye rolls of brotherly dismay were classical! The duet sung by the two was hilarious, harmonised and played beautifully with the theme of the classic candy house owned by the forest witch.

Candy-filled Hansel

Gretel, Hansel and the sleeping princess

The forest witch* gave an evil touch with a spark of comedy, a talented actress with a double role also and appearing in multiple scenes.

Rumplestiltsken was an all-round favourite of the audience with plenty of quirk and style. A magnificent actor with 100% effort into every show and second of it. Rumple was a very talented actor with a difficult rap sequence, multiple personality and all-round' wit. His charm affected everyone and his presence on stage was always magical.

Rumplstiltsken

'Princesswhatshername' sung flawlessly in her solo and blew the audience away. Her distracted heart and optimistic spirit shone throughout the entire show. Although dressed in rags, the princess didn't give up on finding her prince and asserting herself along the way, while in the meantime, her prince was also looking for her...

The Princess played her part very well, with feeling and hope and wonder in her eyes! Every movement this actress made was with grace and she was the perfect actress for this role. She owned the stage when she had to and gladly stood back when others were on stage, always wide-eyed! Beautiful.

Princess 'Whatshername' and Rumplestiltsken

Rumplestilsken and Prince Reveille

Prince Reveille (in flight)

Prince Reveille encountered many characters and fought for his princess along the way, never giving up by prancing, twirling, flying, hiding, dancing and running! This actor was fantastic and always knew exactly what he was doing, charming and full of smiles, the prince was always amusing and emotional.


The three bears, Father bear, mama bear* and baby bear* all played by talented, quietly confident two-part actors. Father bear had 'huggable' fur and stood tall with his adorable waistcoat and grumpy demeanour. A great actor with a quiet, but influential presence. Mama Bear* was the traditional mother, dressed in an apron and as an actress, was 'Too Sweet to be Sour....' and baby bear was the youngest of the cast and quickly warmed to everyone, embracing her role with a "roar" and doing all of the right things, knowing her cues and embracing the limelight. "She was a great little actress." - my grandad who came to the show stated.

Father bear

The other characters in the show included the seven dwarfs, (Rowdy, Flighty, Hippie, Whiny, Giddy, Nosey and Guilty) * All true to their characters and a class of comedy for all!

Rowdy

Rowdy was just that, a character with a boisterous attitude and troublemaking streak to stir the pot. An actor playing multiple roles, Rowdy embraced his dwarf character with excellent timing and perseverance.

Flighty was a distracted little dwarf with her mind on everything but what was actually happening before her. This little actress played her role fabulously and was completely lovable. She was cast perfectly for her role.

Flighty with the princess

Hippie was the easygoing, peacemaking dwarf with top chill factor. Played by a beautiful little actress with quite a few lines, acting stunningly and projecting her voice exceptionally well.

Whiny wanted everything her way and complained if it wasn't right. A gorgeous actress with attitude and resiliance. This girl definitely knew how to act and project. Her facial expressions and mannerisms were spot on entertainment.

Prince Reveille and the Dwarves

Giddy was a loveable little dwarf full of excitement and hugs! played by a gifted little actor with utter glee, great projection and always smiling, on and off stage.

Nosey was played by a sweet girl, with a curiosity and quietness about her. She played her part very well on stage, always watching, taking everything in and snooping around the other characters.

Guilty was brilliant in his mannerisms and came a long way, this being his first show as an actor. His character made us all want to hug him and tell him it was all okay! He projected well and was always looking up, so the lighting could catch his face.

Goldilocks and the Princess

Goldilocks was a a wonderful actress, a rising star with plenty of personality and flair, she always kept her cool and never lost her sly grin. Goldlocks was perhaps the most helpful of characters to the princess and as an actress, she was bouncy and excitable, just how goldilocks should be! She was very talented in her country-style getup, always in on the action and secure in her role!

Goldilocks and Cinderella

I had my beautiful Fairy Godmother and Step-sisters played by four gorgeous (who said ugly??), (though rushed, but always so poised) actresses fighting over Prince Revielle. Cinderella of course had back up by her stepsisters to help the princess on her way, because she was kind of useless at that and very vain...

Cinderella was only concerned about losing her shoe and wandering around in a ball gown. Blaming everything on and disrespecting fairy Godmother, who in her grace, just put up with her...

Cinderella of the East, Fairy Godmother

Prince Swavay of the East

Fairy Godmother was kind, helpful and the glimmer of hope for everyone, a talented actress, her voice also shone through to the audience. Here elegance showed and her English accent was impeccable. A proper fairy, putting up with Cinderella.

Queen of the West (In disguise)

Then came Snow White* Queen of the West and Rapunzel - played by two outstanding, talented actresses,

Snow White's Southern American accent was flawless and her singing amazing with parts in a duet among other songs.

Rapunzel could be heard high from her tower, both ladies projecting wonderfully!

Rapunzel was mad at her prince Adonis for taking so long to rescue her from her tower and she was slightly deaf from being locked in the tower by the forest witch.*

Prince Adonis

Rapunzel

While the princess continued to find answers by heading to the Northern Kingdom, a fight began between the lovable princes and princesses...

This was a hilarious fight with balloon swords, shields, slippers and other materials flying everywhere during a chorus of a bobby, country song. Everyone had so much fun in this scene and Prince Reveille was thrown around a lot. All of the Princes looked handsome and worthy of their princesses even though there was obvious confusion on who belonged to who...

Prince Hercules

The princes: Hercules, Adonis, Swavay and Reveille

Prince Hercules and Prince Reveille

Proposals were made and rescues attempted, but for some reason, these didn't follow through....

Prince Swavay and Prince Reveille

The fight is on! Who's prince are you anyway?

As we ran off after the princes, princess 'Whatshername' found herself at the Northern castle with the riddled Queen of the North and her baby daughter. She was trying to guess the name of the man who cursed her and her child so she could keep her. A lovely actress, showing stress and worry for her child and kingdom. A very talented, almost solo actress. 

Then the princess had a sudden flashback to when she was a baby.

The Princess as a baby, her mother and father, the King and Queen of the South and the Good fairies of the South

 Memories came flooding back of an evil fairy. The one who had cursed her to death. But the three Southern fairies changed the curse so that she would instead fall into a deep sleep until her true loves kiss.

 The Evil fairy was a brilliant actor with a loud, frightening presence and obvious anger at not being invited to the naming ceremony. So he cast a curse of death by a spindle on a spinning wheel on the princess. His acting ability was beyond fantastic, he took over the stage and sung smugly with a brilliant witchy cackle to finish!

The three fairies of the South had beautiful voices and harmony. All three were very talented and graceful in the spotlight. They granted their wishes to the princess. The princess had flashbacks of the characters she had met along her way and a haunting song struck the audience to convey this. It was a brilliant musical sequence by all.

There was a large monologue given by the King of the South and every word was spot on, he did a fantastic job showing concern for his daughter, yet staying stern for the kingdom. The King and the Queen of the South were both two fantastic actors as caring, concerned parents.

When these two finally found each other, this happened: 

The King and Queen of the South both played fantastic roles as royalty and distraught parents, rejoicing at the return of their princess and their new son in law!

Southern Fairy sister 1

Southern Fairy sister 2

THE END!

Again, my experience with this show was exceptional and I really enjoyed every moment of it. I made some great friends and everyone was really lovely and encouraging.

The backstage crew were amazing and the BATS staff too, Thank you also to the Director and everyone who was there for rehearsals, etc.

I wish I could thank you all personally and to everyone in the audience also.

Me and my beautiful niece after a show

Some of the beautiful friends I made and I hope we can stay friends for years to come!

I plan to write another post on my new friends and bits and pieces, so stay tuned!

KK

(Disclaimer below)

* Names and photos will not be printed due to unauthorised permission or absence of permission and general privacy. The photo's displayed have been from Mark Symonds photography(c) and have been authorised by cast and parents of those under 18 years of age.