The Itch is Scratched

Finally, I'm off my theatre hiatus. The Itch has been scratched! I'll be getting back on stage for The Belfry's upcoming production of "The Scarlet Pimpernel." I got the call earlier today and I couldn't be more happy to be working with the people involved in this show. I was cast as "Ozzy," which all I know about that character is that he's in the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel. If you're not familiar with the story, that means I'm a good guy. The production goes up at the very beginning of June. Rehearsals start nearly immediately.

The cast list hasn't been announced, so I can't go into details about who is playing what. But, from the list I have heard so far, the cast is very talented. There's a few people I've seen on stage before, but haven't had the chance to work with. I'm quite looking forward to that. Michael Moyer, who played Rapunzel's Prince when I was in "Into The Woods," is directing and it will be nice to work with him again.

I'm realizing something about myself from these auditions. I guess I knew this already, but it's my vocal audition that gets me parts. It's probably why I haven't done a straight play for a long while. My voice is my crutch. I'm not saying I won't get parts without it. I'm not a bad actor, but I probably need to be at least a better auditioner when it comes to the script read. And the dance... I'm not good at the dance part...

Losing some weight would probably open up a door to better parts. There's not a lot of plum roles that call for an overweight lead... then again, I know my niche is as comedic charactor actor. But, if casting is at least half looks (which it is and I accept that), maybe I should be working on my looks, too. Heck, slimming down is likely to open up whole other world of roles for me.

In the meantime, it'll be "Into The Fire" as I join the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel. Please note that "Into The Fire" is a song in the show where the League is formed. That was supposed to be a joke... Yeah, it wasn't so good.

The Love's the Same

There's was a lot of talk in Indiana last year about a prayer being said before a State Congressional Session. The Speak of the House at the time, Brian Bosma (R), was adamant about saying a "Christian" prayer, while others said it was a violation of Church and State. That's the basic story. And, for the record, I do agree it's a violation of Church and State.

But, that whole controversy got me thinking about why people get offended when a Christian prays for them. Or even, why anyone gets offended when a someone prays to their god for them. I don't get it.

Personally, if someone wants to pray to their god for me, go for it. Thank you for loving me enough and respecting me enough to want your god to bless me. That's how I feel about it. And, that's the spirit in which I pray for people. You might not be a believer in my God, but my prayer for you shows how much I love you. You don't have to understand my God to understand that sentiment - I that respect and love you enough to want my God to work in your life.

Then, I wonder how would I feel if, say, a Muslim asked to pray for me. And, I have to say, I wouldn't have a problem with it. It works both ways.

In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" And in Matthew 25:45, he says, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'" (Take a moment to read the Parable of the Sheep and Goats these quote come from.)

I take that to mean that it doesn't matter what "religion" you are, live your life with love, even if you don't know the love you share is the same that Christ shares... That's the simplistic version anyway.