Three to go...

We're half-way through the production run, meaning you only have three more opportunities to catch the show before it disappears forever. I've seen it twice, and as with bowling, the second was even better than the first. This will be your one opportunity to see Carol in her debut performance! Imagine the stories you will be able to tell your grandchildren someday...

"Jimmy, did I ever tell you about the time when I saw Carol Townsend on stage, back in 2006, before she was famous? It was her first show."
"Really, grandma?! Wow! Did you get her autograph?"
"I did. But I sold it last year on eBay to pay for my hip surgery."

Don't miss out on this opportunity of a lifetime! You can view some production photos of the show here, or clicking the photos above. Enjoy!

Full House

(No, not the hit [lame] 80s sitcom.) Movin' Right Along opened last night to a packed theater and pouring rain. In this unbiased viewer's opinion, Carol's stage debut was a triumphant success! The show is fast-paced and funny-- and a little bit dirty. Carol's performance in the Monty Python sketch had me seeing visions of Graham Chapman in drag (as was often the case)-- albeit far more attractive! It would be wrong of me to not mention the other fine performers, but what can I say... I am CAROL's biggest fan, so I have to show a little favoritism! (although, Julie's voice deserves a credit all its own).

Other reviews are also rolling in (click here).

Better get your tickets now for one of the remaining shows. You'll be sure to want your program signed by Carol, as it will fetch a handsome bid on eBay someday. (I'm counting on this to help fund my retirement.) Doors open at 7:30p-- Come early, and come often!

Only three days to Opening Night...

The Birds and the Bees

August 7, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New West Suburban Theater Company’s First Production Takes You Back to Your Youth

The Soapbox Theatre Company’s first production, Movin’ Right Along, opens August 18th. The production is a one of a kind variety show which features scenes varying from original works to those of Monty Python fame. One of the vignettes gives the audience the chance to relive a typical young girls’ slumber party. Cast members Carol Townsend, Nicole Warren, Julie Bayer and Christine Wortham take spectators on a trip back in time - landing directly in the middle of a “birds and the bees” discussion between four friends in their sleeping bags. This nostalgic piece is just one of the many laugh out loud sketches that make this production a must-see.

(L-R: Carol Townsend, Nicole Warren, Julie Bayer & Christine Wortham)

Movin’ Right Along runs August 18th through the 27th, with shows Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. The productions will be held at First Street Playhouse’s Fiore Theater at 160 S. Water Street in Batavia. Tickets are on sale now at www.soapboxtheatre.com.

Extra! Extra!

Last week, Carol was back into her "background actor" mode, as she was called up to work as an extra on an independent film called The Strip. The film stars Dave Foley, and has been shooting in the western suburbs. Last Wednesday, Carol appeared in some scenes that were shot at Whirlyball in Lombard. But even more exciting (grin), I also made my film debut on Friday!

Carol was asked if she could work as an extra in some scenes at a Pakistani wedding on Friday, and they were very short on background actors, so Carol called me up to see if I could join. With nothing better to do on Friday night, we made a night of it (and earned $50 in the process)! I must say, it was a fascinating experience. I am not sure I would want to do it all the time, as it was quite boring at times-- lots of waiting and standing around-- and very repetitious-- when you do finally get to do something, you usually have to do it over, and over, and over again. But, it was amazing to see how complicated making a movie really is. We probably spent two hours filming a scene that lasts maybe 15 seconds.

Alas, I have no pictures to post, as cameras were not allowed, and I didn't want to get us kicked out by sneaking pictures with my phone. But, with any luck, and if this movie ever sees the light (or the dark) of a theater, maybe Carol and I will be visible in the Wedding Reception scene. Just watch for the line "So... how did you two meet again?", and then watch for me to walk across the screen behind the actors, to join Carol in the back of the shot. In another scene, watch for Dave Foley to excuse himself to go "take a piss"-- I'm sitting at the table behind him, and Carol is at a table on screen right.

The Cast

Only 15 days to opening night! Do you have your tickets yet? Here is the cast of Movin' Right Along:

L to R: Dennis Stewart, Carol Townsend, Nicole Warren, Julie Bayer, Charlie Rucker

Who is that woman on the left? Haven't I seen her before? Hey-- isn't she that the woman from the Restaurant in episode 16 of Prison Break?