Remember how I lost a role that I loved last week? ( It kinda blew chunks for those just tuning in.)
Today I had a “Close door, open window” moment.
I got a phone call from the very sweet assistant director who held my hand through the whole ordeal. She told me that she was participating in the summer stock season of an adorable lakeside theater about an hour away from my house and asked if I would have any interest in splitting a role with her because she is so busy she can’t commit to every performance over three months.
Dude.
I have always wanted to work in this particular theater. It’s small (About 300 seats) and it is a hand built log theater that a family founded about 40 years ago. I love it. I always have, since I was a kid. I just never really thought I could work it into my schedule or pay that much for gas. However, since I am splitting the performances, it will be a manageable 15 shows and since I’m getting paid, the gas point is moot.
The role is in Thoroughly Modern Millie as the eccentric diva, Muzzy (Typecasting, anyone?). Problems? She is in her late 40’s, and is basically supposed to be a bigger diva than Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin combined. You can check out the big number I’ll be singing if you care to. This is a crappy recording, but the actress is a pretty damn good Muzzy (Still a bit young, though.)
A real show stopper, no?
I can’t help but be a little nervous. I know that I am in my early 30’s and am a thin-ish white opera singer that lives in a house built by dairy hands in their spare time, but given that I live in a totally homogenized section of the country, you are doing awesome if you can find a female that isn’t blond, blue eyed and dainty featured.
Even though I was fairly confident I would be cast due to the strong recommendation of my friend, the people in charge still had to hear me in person, so last night I stopped by the director and producer’s house and sang. The role is heavy, jazzy, low and sultry, so I sang few stanzas of a jazzed up version of “Summertime” that I sing about an octave and a half down from the original key because that is the only remotely appropriate styled song I knew. The role uses the belt technique, which is usually harder for me, but the key is so dang low (my comfort zone) that I have little to no issues.
The producer was lovely. She recognized me from The King and I and she said, “I would be standing back stage and this glorious presence and VOICE would glide by.” (FYI, hearing that is much better for your psyche than auditioning when you know that the person doesn’t really dig your sound. Just so you know.)
They must have liked it because I got the call just now that the role is mine and my first rehearsal is tonight.
Even though in so many ways, I am not right for the role, I am really excited because it is TOTALLY different from classical or the musical theater that I usually do. I will get to channel my inner bluesy lounge singer and I will also have something to drag my ass out of the house and work at.
I have never seen the movie, heard the music before yesterday, nada. The cast has already been in rehearsals for almost 8 weeks. My opening performance is June 19th, which means that I have about a month to get this role down.
That is not a long time, people.
Wish me luck. (Don’t tell me to “Break a leg”. With my luck, Karma would probably translate that literally)
Shamelessly Sassy says:
Congratulations,Good luck, and break nothing.
Shamelessly Sassys last blog post..The Peen Magnet
May 14th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
ie says:
Oh, you sing…how wonderful! (can you tell I’m new around these parts?)
Good luck!
May 14th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Connie says:
I am so freakin excited for you!!
And where can I buy tickets? I am a musical fanatic! I must see this!
Please send me the details ASAP!!
Connies last blog post..Boarding Preschools & Margaritas
May 14th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
She Likes Purple says:
Congrats! My husband always says “things just work themselves out” which, sure, he didn’t think up or anything but he does say it an awfully lot. I never (no, really, never) believe him, but whenever I hear stories like this, I can always hear him saying, with a smug look on his face, “See! Worked out! I’m a genius.”
He’s obnoxious but he’s also got a point.
I’m so glad this worked out for you. The theater sounds incredible.
She Likes Purples last blog post..Currently Obsessive
May 14th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Jill (CDJ) says:
Congratulations! I know you can pull it off!! G
Jill (CDJ)s last blog post..WTF? Wedneday - The Real Estate Edition
May 14th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Janssen says:
I freaking LOVE TTM. Best show ever! You’ll be so so awesome as Muzzy.
May 14th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
heather says:
how about “knock ‘em dead!”
heathers last blog post..Lemonade
May 14th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
hairyshoefairy says:
That is such a cute little playhouse. I’m so glad that role opened up for you! TMM is one of my favorite films. So funny! Though I’ve never seen the stage version I’ve always wanted to. Yay!!
hairyshoefairys last blog post..Don’t Touch!
May 14th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
rimarama says:
Congratulations!!!!
I just KNOW that you are totally going to rock that role. It was meant to be! Good luck.
May 14th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
jon deal says:
That’s excellent.
I have a flapper dress you can borrow.
Um.
Wait… NO I DON’T!
jon deals last blog post..That Special TIme
May 14th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
glittersmama says:
oh yay! I’m so excited for you. I just saw TMM for the first time about a month ago. Loved it.
Enjoy!
glittersmamas last blog post..The Best Day of My Life
May 14th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
JL says:
Girl…you are a STAR! Congratulations & I know you will do great. Look how things turn out…
JLs last blog post..Things that annoy me…
May 14th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
witchypoo says:
Congratulations! You will still be able to attend BlogHer, won’t you?
witchypoos last blog post..Food Quirks
May 14th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
jeanie says:
Delurking to say “Yay!!!” - sounds wonderful.
jeanies last blog post..And the winner is…
May 14th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Jill - GlossyVeneer says:
Congrats! That is so awesome for you. Now I need to find an opportunity to get way up there and see you perform!
Jill - GlossyVeneers last blog post..I’d Like to Thank My Readers…
May 14th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Sra says:
Tittays! Have fun with it!
Sras last blog post..Cats vs. Cat Catchers: Redux (or, more appropriately, Regeese)
May 14th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
pgoodness says:
That’s great!! Congrats!!
pgoodnesss last blog post..Bugs, anyone?
May 14th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Bridge says:
This is one of my favorite movies. Ever. Just so you know…
I can’t remember the music. I just remember that she wanted smaller breast so she could wear the flapper style dress and the BEADS that hung straight down.
Oh and there is a SURPRISE at the end. I can’t say because you haven’t seen it.
LOVE LOVE LOVE it!
Bridges last blog post..Delurk… if you dare.
May 14th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
MammaLoves says:
Way to go sister friend!! I wish I could come watch you knock ‘em dead.
MammaLovess last blog post..My Medicated Mother’s Day
May 14th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Nat says:
Congrats!
Nats last blog post..Creepy or funny?
May 14th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
chris says:
Pickleville? My first date was there…
Hope you have a wonderful time!
May 14th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Kimberly says:
you will rock the house, girl. go you!!!
Kimberlys last blog post..In What Appears to be a Hair Pull by Jen Lancaster
May 14th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Angella says:
I am SO EXCITED FOR YOU.
I sound like a dying cat when I sing, so I appreciate those that DO NOT.
Go YOU!
Angellas last blog post..Backed Up
May 14th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Missy says:
Whoo! Congratulations. And good luck.
Missys last blog post..Your trip to Australia in one easy lesson
May 14th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
4 says:
My daughter goes to a Fine Arts school and she was part of the cast of TMM at her school. You definitely have a, how shall we delicately put this…um, uh a meaty role. But a fine one. If you want any help. I give you Daughter’s cell number and she can rehearse with you over the phone….SKYPE rules. It saw us through 5 months of her in Africa, it might just work to practice.
Good luck! You will knock them flat!
Just get outta the damn scrubs now k?
XO
4s last blog post..Eat? Surely you jest!
May 14th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
The Over-Thinker says:
GOOD LUCK!!!!!
I’ll make you a few more tubs of the buttercream—that will get you on the road to diva-sized proportions. A tub of buttercream a day will keep the skinny away!
P.S. When are you going to post a clip of you singing something????????????
The Over-Thinkers last blog post..Remind me to tell you about my accidental enthusiasm about a Strip Club…
May 14th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
slssasmom says:
So excited for you! Fun and a positive boost for the ego. Good luck!
slssasmoms last blog post..Kindergarten Orientation
May 14th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Rhi says:
GO YOU!
Rhis last blog post..Does laser eye surgery correct droopy eyes?
May 14th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Sarah says:
Great news! I’m so coming to see you.
Sarahs last blog post..Child’s Play
May 14th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
sizzle says:
Woo hoo! That’s great news. Now get on it. You got a lot to memorize.
You will do an awesome job. I just know it.
sizzles last blog post..Full Disclosure
May 14th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Elizabeth says:
Yahoo!!! What a great opportunity!
Elizabeths last blog post..Domestic Goddess to the Rescue
May 14th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Hecticmom Undone says:
YAY for you! Huzzah for those windows - and they open just when we need them.
Congratulations!
Hecticmom Undones last blog post..Only because of Blog365
May 14th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Camille says:
Yesss…I just might be stopping through Utah on my way back from Canada, and wouldn’t it be fabulous if I could see you perform? In person? REal life???? I’m stoked about this. COngrats!
Camilles last blog post..This is the Kind of Day That Engaged Couples Dream Married Life Will Be Like…
May 15th, 2008 at 1:35 am
kate5kiwis says:
YIPPEE ZIPPEE
have been lurkin ya for a few weeks. oh, alright then, QUITE A FEW weeks lol.
ecstatic for ya. sending da good vibes your way baby.
knock ‘em dead
mwah
katie in new zealand X
kate5kiwiss last blog post..swoosh
May 15th, 2008 at 2:02 am
Kate says:
I love thoroughly modern millie!
You rock!
May 15th, 2008 at 7:10 am
SparklieSunShine says:
Oh! That is so exciting! I am thrilled for you.
Wow, is it really that undiverse there? I might be sheltered living in a pretty diverse area, but I am always surprised to hear about places that aren’t.
I hope someone tapes your performance!
SparklieSunShines last blog post..Birthmark Removal Update
May 15th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Charli says:
Congratulations! That. Is. AWESOME! Thoroughly Modern Millie is awesome as well. You! A diva! Who would have suspected! Hahahaha…
May 15th, 2008 at 9:02 am
loralee says:
@Sparklie
Well, I do live in a pretty small area. Our valley clocks in at just over 100,000. There actually is a large Latino population and a smallish Asian population (Because of the University). Probably the lowest population is African American and almost all of them attend USU. It’s more diverse in Salt Lake, but not by much.
The main problem is that I haven’t met many that do musicals or theater.
May 15th, 2008 at 10:16 am
Erin Evans Taylor says:
You will do that role Fabulously! (Your tall-ness will replace the largeness!) And your big voice will rock the house! That sounds like sooo much fun!!!!!
Erin Evans Taylors last blog post..My Blog is Suffering
May 15th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Pink says:
congrats!! i myself have had one of those open window moments. i finally gave in and let my dad use his influence to get me a job interview. while the chances are still thin that i’ll get anything, at least it’s now a possibility that i get a job doing something near to what i am able to do. in other words, a part time job that has duties i have never done - like playing games with senior citizens. yeah, i don’t get it either. oh well. good luck to ya. may you end up being seen by a movie producer and granted the role of your dreams.
Pinks last blog post..aging - i’m not sure gracefully
May 15th, 2008 at 10:31 am
mchristensen says:
Loralee,
I have seen the movie and listened to the original cast album dozens of times. This is a glorious role for a big voiced alto.
Major kudos.
May 15th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Rachel (Louisiana) says:
I knew something would come your way. After all, as Maria would say, “When the Lord closes a door, someway He opens a window.” Sorry you opened yourself up to that one. P.S. You ARE a glorious presence and voice. I adore you, and I’m so glad you finally got a role that is worthy of your greatness. :o)
Rachel (Louisiana)s last blog post..One Giant Step
May 15th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
lceel says:
Good Job. I LOVE those madcap screwball musical comedies. They’re as much fun to play as they are to watch.
lceels last blog post..100 Word Challenge - Want
May 15th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Queen of Shake Shake says:
How exciting! that is too cool
Queen of Shake Shakes last blog post..I Shouldn’t Have Made Fun of the End of School year Craziness. Karma Is Watching Me.
May 18th, 2008 at 5:43 pm