I wrote my “Picnic” blog today, which was different because there was no rehearsal to inspire my words. What I found was…. I got a lot done on my own, working my lines with Katherine last night. It was exceedingly productive.

Excuse me for a moment while I put on my “Co-Producer Hat.”

I just got our first TV booking for “Picnic” which feels good – Channel 17 on September 5.  I enjoy getting “my folks” on TV. Especially when it isn’t me. Actually, to be honest, I enjoy being on TV when I am prepared. Last year, “Five Women”… I still cringe when I think of that no-make-up appearance in my dark pink sweatshirt.

Usually I dress up for TV. That day, ugh.  One of my actors didn’t show up so on short notice, the Director-who-came-as-support is suddenly on the air!

Michelle Weingarden looked great, though. I was glad for that.

And then there was the odd, surprising appearance on the KUZZ morning radio show to promote “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.” I wasn’t expecting to be on it, I was more or less there to supervise Jim Jones and be sure Mithkah Reid and Amy Hall found the place. I didn’t think I would be on the air, too.

But you know how we actors are… put a microphone anywhere remotely close to my face and I am off and babbling………and it ended up coming in handy once Jim started talking. *Shivers again.*

I tried to forget that Jim was there and enjoyed how the hosts were so thrilled to chat it up with the “Bodacious Babes” (their words, not mine) Amy and Mithkah and oh, yeah, Julie is in the room, too, so we may as well talk to her a little bit…

But now, new show, new promotion – whole new season at BCT and I am excited. Filling the theatre with audience members is such an important part of the process and is something we sometimes forget.  “Picnic” is such an incredible story – I want everyone to know about it…..

Now, back to studying those lines….

= + = + = + = + = + = +

"Picnic", witten by William Inge and Directed by Barry Wolcott, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1953. It explores the hopes, fears, excitement and sorrow of following our dreams while we make choices that impact the ones we love. It is playing at Bakersfield Community Theatre beginning September 8 for three weekends. Call 831-8114 for reservations and further details