Hell Cab: Revisited

Hell Cab: The Cast

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Greetings Fans!
What better way to get yourself into the spirit of the season than a night of holiday music and storytelling? I can think of none better, especially when one of the storytellers will be Carol!

WHAT?
'Twas the Night Before Christmas

WHEN?
Saturday, December 8, 7:00pm

WHERE?
Ispirare School of Music
102-104 First St., in Batavia

HOW MUCH?
$10 for Adults (tax deductible!)
Children 5 and under are Free (also tax deductible)

HOW?
Click here to reserve tickets

Don't be a Scrooge! Jump-start your holiday spirit, and support the arts! Proceeds from the show will benefit the Ispirare School of Music and Soapbox Theatre Company. Bring the family! Bring your friends! (Did I mention it was tax deducible?)

Carol Returns to Downers Grove!

Hi fans!
Some of you may recall Carol in the Grove Players production of The Memory of Water earlier this year. I am happy to announce that Carol will be returning to Downers Grove in February 2008, for their production of How The Other Half Loves, by Alan Ayckbourn. Carol has been cast as Fiona Foster, and will be appearing opposite her former love-interest from MOW, Robert Plowman.

Show dates will be February 8, 9, 10 and 15, 16, 17. Mark your calendars!

Carol: Fabulous Tastings of Vodka for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan

Hello! Carol will be in picturesque South Elgin tomorrow (Wednesday, 11/21) to promote Snow Queen Vodka-- a product of Kazakhstan. Very Nice! If you would like to sample this exquisite award-winning vodka and pick up a bottle for Thanksgiving, you can find Carol at the Top Shelf Wine & Spirits, 240 Randall Rd., from 4-7pm. Adults only, please!

After enjoying the vodka, perhaps you will feel like having a nap on a brand new mattress. Carol will be promoting Serta mattresses in the Addison Sam's Club on December 15-16. Just in time for Christmas-- why not save Santa the trouble of trying to squeeze one down the chimney?

Stay tuned for more upcoming opportunities to see our favorite starlet-- on stage, or in the wild!

A message from Carol

Howdy!

Thanks to everyone who came out to DeKalb to see The Crucible! I REALLY appreciate it! Not a whole lot of laughs in that one, unless you did a LOT of drinking before the show, which generally seemed to be the case with the Saturday night crowds.

Hellcab has been running for 2 weekends now, 2 weeks left to go. This one has more laughs in it. Though it does have some very strong language and some adult situations, so leave the kids at home. Also, it's shorter, so I'd love to go out afterwards for a bite or a beverage. Mark and my sister and brother-in-law are coming to the show this Sunday, 11/11, and we're going to Home Run Inn (75th and Lemont) afterwards, so come on out and join us!

Tickets are $14, and mention my name as we're having a contest for who sells the most tickets.

October 26 - November 18
Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m
Sundays at 3 p.m.

More info is available at the Theatre-on-the-Hill website.

Hope to see you at the theatre!!!

Carol

Take a ride in the Hell Cab

Hell Cab is not for those who blush at dirty jokes or wither at the use of strong language. Hell Cab is not for the easily offended or the easily disturbed. If you're a mamma's boy, milktoast, sissyboy, then Hell Cab may not be your cup of tea.

But, if you're the type who doesn't mind a little colorful language and adult situations... the type who can handle their liquor and enjoys a bit of raunch... if you're a mature, well-adjusted good looking red-blooded American and you love your country and the First Amendment, then Hell Cab is for you! Why not go see it this weekend?

If you decide to do your patriotic duty and go see Hell Cab, please be sure to mention Carol when you purchase your tickets!

Fancy a spot of tea?

Greetings, fans!
If you're in the mood for a spot of tea, why not head out to the DeKalb Wal-Mart this Sunday (10/21), where Carol will be handing out samples of various Lipton teas.

Carol will also be working as a homeless person on a pilot for a new TV show, next Tuesday and Wednesday. We are unable to share details at this time due to a non-disclosure agreement, but we will be the first to post further information once we can leak it!

And finally, The Crucible wrapped on Sunday after an amazing two-week run. If you missed it, your life will never be complete. However, Hellcab opens next Friday (10/26), so you still have a chance to redeem yourself. If you plan to go, please contact Carol for tickets, as she can purchase them in bulk and offer them at a discount.

Which witch is which?

One week down, one to go-- only four more chances to see the Crucible before it closes! I am planning to attend next Friday (10/12) and Sunday (final show).

Not only will you get to see Carol portray the smiling Ann Putnam (see below), but she also plays Sarah Good and Martha Corey (both accused of witchcraft). Not since The Wizard of Oz has Carol had to stretch herself to play so many parts (Winkie #6, Ozian #15, and Jitterbug #14).

Ann Putnam, looking uncharacteristically cheerful
after having lost seven of her eight children,
presumably due to witchcraft.

If you in the mood for an uplifting tale of witchcraft, intolerance, and good old fashioned hysteria (just in time for Halloween), look no further! Head right on over to the Stage Coach Players and score some tickets, while you still can!

Hellcab

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Theatre-on-the-Hill Goes for a Wild Ride in "Hellcab," Opening October 26

An eclectic collection of scenes from a day in the life of a Chicago cab driver, Hellcab is a raucous new play that cruises through episodes that range from the absurd to tragic, mirroring the craziness that can ensue when strangers from all walks of life meet for a few brief moments.

Beginning with an early morning trip by a born-again couple, the daylong journey hurdles to a poignant final scene. Alternately frightening, hilarious, and touching, well-acted scenes are punctuated by strategically placed blackouts and music.

The Chicago Tribune said in a recent review, "Despite rough language and some truly nasty bits, [the play] is a joyous and spirited choice for the Christmas season. HELLCAB [is] a real joy ride."

Bolingbrook’s Patrick Green has multiple roles in the show and says, "This play is so unique--it’s not about sets or props, it’s all about acting and dialogue. As an actor it’s a unique challenge, and for audiences, it will be a distinctly different and thoroughly enjoyable theatrical experience."

Hellcab is directed by Mary Pavia, assisted by producer Tim Feeney, and executive produced by Craig J. Engel. Cast members include Patrick Green and Cameron Nowicki of Bolingbrook, Dave Callaghan of Downers Grove, Jeanne Scurek and Sarah Conrad of Aurora, Karen Arnold of Westmont, Carol Townsend and Joe Mennella of Carol Stream, Wally Roche of Chicago, Mary Ellen Druyan and Lori Proksa of Clarendon Hills, Danna Durkin of Darien, Scott Boland of Willowbrook, Dana Buxbaum of Lockport, Jannete Quinn of Wheaton, Graig Mason of Westmont.

"Hellcab" opens on Friday, October 26 and continues until November 18 at Bolingbrook’s Performing Arts stage, 375 W. Briarcliff, behind the Town Center Building. Friday and Saturday shows start at 8:00 pm; Sunday matinees begin at 3:00 pm. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show time. General admission tickets cost $14.00 for adults; $11.00 for students. For more information, visit www.tothbolingbrook.com.

Photo caption

Chicago’s Wally Roche can’t believe the antics of his latest customers In Theatre-on-the-Hill’s latest production, "Hellcab." Visit tothbolingbrook.com or call Executive Producer Craig Engel at 630-759-2970 for additional details.

Check out those Curves!

While acting is our starlet's dream, it isn't paying the bills (yet!). So, as you may have noticed, Carol has been working a number of other odd-jobs to add some black to the books. Carol is on the way to setting a record for the most W2's in a single tax-year!

That said, if you are in Chicago this Friday, be sure to stop and see Carol on Michigan Ave., between 10am and 3:30pm, where she will be handing out samples of an intriguing new General Mills / Curves product.

On Saturday, you can visit Carol in Elk Grove again. This time she will be promoting iWireless, a pay-as-you-go wireless provider, at Shop4Less on Meacham Rd.

Next week, Carol will be delivering flowers for Fresh & Silk Flowers, in Carol Stream on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Carol has been making good use of her Blazer and delivering for Fresh & Silk on major holidays for the past couple years. If you have any friends or family in the Bartlett, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, West Chicago, Hanover Park, Schaumburg, Streamwood, Wheaton, or Winfield areas, why not order them some flowers for delivery on 10/01, 10/03 or 10/04 next week? Not only will the recipient be surprised by your thoughtful gift, but they will also be able to say that they met Carol Townsend, of stage, small and big screen fame!

All of this, while rehearsing for The Crucible and Hellcab on the remaining days! Sleep is over-rated.

Witches and Weirdos

Hi, Everyone!

Halloween approaches! What better time to see some plays about witches and weirdos!
If you're in the mood for witches, come out to DeKalb to see The Crucible. Show dates are:

Thursdays, October 4 and 11 at 8:00 p.m.
Fridays, October 5 and 12 at 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays, October 6 and 13 at 8:00 p.m.
one Sunday matinée, October 14 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets are $12.00 for adults, $9.00 for children under 12. If you have a group of 10 or more attending the same performance, you can save $2.00 per ticket!
Go to the Stage Coach Players website for more info!

If you're in the mood for weirdos, come out to Bolingbrook to see Hellcab. Show dates are:

October 26 - November 18
Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.
Sundays at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $14 for adults, and I recommend you leave the kiddies at home. This play contains some very strong language and some mature situations. If you want tickets for Hellcab, please let me know. For every 12 tickets I sell, I can get a $2.00 discount on each ticket. The tickets can be for any performance. If you do call the box office directly for tickets, you won't get the $2.00 discount, but please mention my name, as we're having a little contest for who sells the most tickets. More info is available at the Theatre-on-the-Hill website.

Hope to see you at the theatre!!!
Carol

More ER

Carol is downtown today near Water Tower Place, working on another episode of ER. No details yet on what episode this might be. Stay tuned for details...

UPDATE: This was only short scene featuring Moretti (Stanley Tucci) and some woman getting into a taxi. Carol is in the background sporting pale green capri pants and a Hawaiian floral top.

Carol Returns to the ER

Breaking news... tomorrow, Carol will be working on an episode of ER that will be filming at Wrigley Field. The episode is scheduled to air on October 18th, according to this article, and will feature former Florida Marlin, Derek Lee (for you sports fans). This will mark Carol's fourth appearance on ER (three prior appearances in season 13 can be found here, here, and here), and she will once again be working with John Stamos. More details to follow after the shoot.

UPDATE: Carol reports that there were several shots that might yield Carol-spotting. In two shots, you just might see a smear of color (cream colored pants and blue denim jean jacket) in the background that is vaguely Carol-shaped: one long shot of the bleachers where Carol is across the field from her co-star John, and one where she is behind John in the stands near the third-base line. In a third shot, outside of Wrigley Field, we may be treated to a shot of Carol's butt as we see her walk in front of John while he stands and looks at the park. I can hardly wait!! Set your Tivo for October 18th!

Looking for Some Real Talent?

Then look no further! Carol is now listed with Real Talent, Inc., which is used by advertisers for casting people for magazine ads, corporate brochures, catalogs, and web advertising. Need someone to model that new iPod? Maybe a new face for your corporate capabilities presentation? Carol can do it all! You can find her photos on this page, or direct links to her photos here and here.

Your one-stop destination to beautiful hair.

If you didn't visit the Wal-Mart in DeKalb or Elk Grove Village this week, you have missed your chance to have beautiful hair in only 5 days. I'm sorry, but someone had to say it. Fortunately, Carol had a record turnout, and she helped countless women and men with their hair issues.

"It even smells beautiful!", commented one happy customer.

Today is your last chance to see Carol live and in person at the DeKalb Wal-Mart! If you're in the market for some chips and salsa or parsley dip, you can't pass up this chance to pickup a free sample of Knorr Pico de Gallo and Creamy Parsley Dip. Carol made it herself, and you know what a culinary master she is!

Chicago Overcoat

Greetings Fans!
Carol's busy schedule (rehearsals for two plays, marketing at Wal-Mart), continues to get busier as she was just cast in the gangster indie film, Chicago Overcoat!

"The film takes a chilling look into what remains of the most powerful organized crime syndicate in the second half of the twentieth century. They were known as the 'The Outfit' and controlled the city of Chicago. Their most deadly hit man, the notorious 'Flower Man' Lou Marazano (Frank Vincent) killed several high profile officials without leaving a trace of evidence. Years later he is being pursued by the relentless but terribly flawed Detective Ralph Maloney (Joe Mantegna). Lou takes on one last job for the Outfit but struggles with old age, a splintered family, and a lifetime of regret. This is his story."

The film stars Frank Vincent and Joe Mantegna-- although, Joe is not yet mentioned in the IMDB listing, but is referenced here.

No details yet on what part Carol will have, but filming is tomorrow. Unfortunately, the part is unpaid; however, it reportedly includes screen and IMDB credit! We may be seeing our starlet's name on the big screen!

UPDATE: Carol appeared in two scenes. In one, she was a business woman entering a building as they arrested Joe Barbone. In the second, she was a pedestrian in the background at a press conference-- or as Carol prefers to call it, "attractive (young) woman hailing cab." This was the first shooting for the movie, but they will be filming throughout October and November, so Carol may be called back for additional work (if she can squeeze it in, amidst her busy rehearsal and performance schedule).

Everything is better with Dip!

Greetings fans!
Carol continues to expand her activities in the direct marketing area, with yet another personal appearance. As previously mentioned, Carol will be appearing at Wal-Mart in DeKalb on 9/12 to promote Dove Hair Products; and now she will be making a return appearance on 9/15, this time to promote Knorr Pico de Gallo and Creamy Parsley Dip! Why DeKalb, you may be wondering? The location and timing work out well with her rehearsal schedule for The Crucible. After all, the supplemental income will help offset the cost of gas!

If you're a fan of dip-- and after all, who isn't? -- stop by, say Hi, and get a free sample!

Hellcab!

Hello fans!
Carol started rehearsals this week for her upcoming show, The Crucible. Not satisfied with just one show, Carol has been continuing to audition for other area theaters, and has just been cast in a production of Hellcab, with Bolingbrook's Theatre-on-the-Hill!

The Crucible runs from October 4 - 14 in DeKalb, and Hellcab will run October 26 - November 18 in Bolingbrook (click show titles above for detailed show dates, times, and tickets). It's going to be a busy month of rehearsals!

Carol reflects on her stage debut

Many fans will recall Carol's stage debut (Movin' Right Along), just one year ago this week. My, how time flies! While Carol is not participating in this year's Comedy Revue, she was quoted in a press release by Soapbox Theatre Company, reflecting on her debut stage performance:

Carol Townsend, a cast member from last year’s revue, remembers her experience fondly, describing the show as a modern-day Carol Burnett Show. “I remember, as a kid, absolutely LOVING the Carol Burnett Show – the comedy sketches, the music, just good clean fun. Movin’ Right Along gave me a chance to be in the Carol Burnett show. Granted, a somewhat raunchier, not quite as clean, 21st century type of Carol Burnett show, but the same concept of comedy and music. I had a wonderful time and met some wonderful people!”

Be sure to check out There Are Worse Things We Could Do at Steel Beam Theater in St. Charles. Show details are on the Soapbox Theatre Company web site.

August 17-26, 2007
Steel Beam Theatre, St. Charles
General Admission Ticket Price: $15.00

More Dove Love... at Wal-Mart!

Hello fans,
In a rather bizarre coincidence, Carol will be working on another marketing campaign, this time for Dove hair products. Carol will be live and in-person on 9/12 at the Wal-mart Supercenter in DeKalb, and on 9/13 at the Wal-mart on Meacham Rd. in Elk Grove Village. No details yet on exactly what she will be doing, but you can bet it will be exciting and entertaining! I'm sure if you want to stop by and have your picture taken or get an autograph, Carol would welcome the visit.

Get some Dove Love at Lollapalooza

If you are going to Lollapalooza this weekend, be sure to look for Carol handing out free samples of Dove Promises chocolate bars. Stop by and say Hi! and get your free chocolate fix.

No Carol News Here

Hi all,
This post does not involve Carol at all, (except for the fact that none of the following would be happening if not for Carol), but I thought I would post a little somewhat unrelated news.

Since we worked together on Fred Claus in January, Joan Philo casting has my name and casting photo. So, last week I got a call asking if I could be available for an upcoming scene in Rory's First Kiss! I have no intention or desire to become a regular background actor (I'll leave that to Carol)-- but since this is Ba-- er... Rory's First Kiss-- and I get a costume and everything-- how could I refuse?!

So, this past weekend, I went downtown for my costume fitting, and got decked out in GCPD's finest gear (turtleneck, uniform shirt, pants, boots, and hat--I wonder if we'll get guns, badges, and riot gear on the night of the shoot?) As I was leaving the fitting, some guy asks me, "What part are you?" I told him I was a policeman, and he says. "Turn around." I do so, and he says "Let me trim you up a little." OK, sure. So, I sit down, and he whips out the clippers, to "trim me up a little" (my hair, that is).

To the left is me (and Carol, sporting her RFK hairstyle and dress) before. Long story short (as my hair), I'm now sporting the "cop's haircut" (see below). I had been toying with the idea of going with a shorter style, so this is an interesting way to try it out. I have to say, I like the reduced maintenance!

My call time is this Wednesday at 10:00pm, possibly continuing Thursday night. So, I got a free haircut, and a couple of sleepless nights where I get to play a policeman! As did Carol when she worked a scene for RFK last month, I had to sign an NDA. So, I won't be able to disclose any details. No spoilers here!

Rory's First Kiss Casting Notice

Hello RFK/Bat Fans!
Rumor has it that the extra casting company for Rory's First Kiss has changed. The new casting company can be found at http://rfkcasting.com. They are accepting applications for extras, either by mail or electronically (details and application form are on the site).
Good luck!

7/19 UPDATE: They are apparently not accepting online submissions (and have removed the text from the web site that said that they were). Snail Mail submissions only.

Witless Protection

Greetings Fans!
Carol adds another movie to her body of work, as she is working on an "elegant party scene" for Witless Protection, shooting in Vernon Hills tonight. WP's cast includes Peter Stormare, who you may recall from Carol's time on Prison Break (although they never shared the screen).

In addition, Carol will be extending her acting range by playing a 66 year-old woman in a short film called We All Die Alone Together. Carol wonders if this is how Meryl Streep got her start? I can only assume that there will be lots of hair and make-up work involved for that!

No Spoilers Here

Carol is just starting her third and last day (knight) of filming for Rory's First Kiss. Her call time each day has been at 4:00pm, and they have been working through to 5:00 or 6:00am. Unfortunately, the extreme schedule is taking its toll, and Carol has been fighting off a cold-- but, the show must go on! Carol was rather pleased with how the hair & make-up folks have been doing her hair-- some sort of glamor up-do, with the front swept off to the side. She plans to try to reproduce the look for an upcoming wedding next weekend.

Unfortunately, Carol was required to sign a confidentiality agreement in order to work on RFK, so in order to avoid any legal wrangling, we will have to tread carefully. As previously reported (prior to the signing of any agreements), this was supposedly a formal party scene.

[details CENSORED to avoid legal troubles]

Stay tuned, bat-fans, for more juicy details, in the next exciting post!

Rory's First Kiss Update

Hello Fans,
Carol's scene in Rory's First Kiss shoots this weekend. Different from most other background work Carol has done, RFK required a wardrobe session to verify the outfit that Carol will be wearing. After the wardrobe folks approved, they issued a claim number and kept the outfit. This saves on preparation, since they don't have to re-check everyone on the days of the shoot-- they have pre-approved all the outfits, and they keep them on-site, so they know you'll be wearing the same thing.

In related news, I will also be working on a different scene for RFK! Since Carol and I worked together on Fred Claus, Joan Philo Casting has my photo and contact info. Apparently, they need lots of extras for RFK, so they asked if I could work a two-day shoot on June 30 - July 1. Why not?! So, I will be working a courtroom scene. They wanted me to come for a wardrobe check as well, but the dates did not work out for me, so I have been relegated to "bystander" instead of "attorney".

Unfortunately, Carol and I won't be working together on this one, as Carol is already scheduled for shooting an episode of Drama Queens Club that weekend. Stay tuned!

This Film Has Not Yet Been Named

Just a quick update... this week Carol is rehearsing and shooting a part in a small independent/student film at Columbia College. The film has not yet been named, but is sure to be a sleeper hit at Cannes and Sundance. Carol has also been busy auditioning for several other opportunities, so keep an eye on this page for future updates.

The Return of Hilo Hattie

Hello Fans!
As previously reported, this week, Carol was working at a house in Barrington, for a scene in The Return. Unfortunately, the weather was somewhat uncooperative, so although the scene in the movie is supposed to be in the heat of July, the nighttime temperatures were only in the 50-60s, and the second night was plagued by rain. As true fans will know, Carol has no tolerance for the cold, so although she was miserable and frozen, she toughed it out (barely!), and managed to survive the night!

This was a two-day nighttime shoot for an outdoor house party. Carol "Babs" was dressed in the festive Hilo Hattie dress that some might recall from our Hawaii vacation last year.

On the second night of shooting, they needed more couples on the dance floor, and Carol was selected. In several of the shots, Carol and her partner were dancing very close to the principal actors, and navigating the two steadicams that were roaming the floor. So, after two brutal, freezing, tiresome, frustrating nights of work, we may be rewarded by a glimpse of Carol in this scene in The Return. At least the dress should make her easy to spot!

It Ran In The Family

It Runs In The Family has run its course. Thanks to all of Carol's fans who were able to make the trek out to DeKalb to enjoy the show! And for those of you that weren't able, you'll have another chance for Carol's next show in October, with The Crucible.




What is Carol working on in the meantime? Today, Carol had an audition for a television commercial, as Wife #2. Wednesday and Thursday this week, Carol has been booked for more background work on The Return. This time, Carol will be appearing as her alter-ego "Babs", in a night-shoot house party scene at a house in Barrington. Friday, it is an audition for another commercial! It is only a matter of time before Carol dominates all media!

Neela!!!

If you watched ER's season finale, it was quite a shocker! Once again, Carol's (brief) appearance was in the final scene of the episode, at 42:34, for about 4 seconds. Carol was visible just before the explosion when Gates is working his way through the crowd towards Neela. In the screen shot above, she is wearing sunglasses, just to the right of Gates.

In the first second or so, it appears as if Gates is pushing her out of the way (as reported earlier, Carol said that in one of the takes, John Stamos brushed past her), and in the last seconds, she is seen looking up towards the podium, listening intently to the speaker, and no doubt irritated that this guy is muscling his way through the crowd. (I got all that from the intense look on her face, didn't you?)


Since it is a difficult to realize the full emotional impact of Carol's performance in the 4 second clip above, I created the following slow-mo version. Enjoy!


Carol's legs may also be visible during the shots where Neela is getting trampled, but we're waiting for the forensic analysis of the recording before we make that call.

The Return

On Tuesday, Carol spent the day at a church in south Naperville working on a scene for The Return, with Tim Robbins. It was a long day, but Carol reported that Tim entertained the crew and background actors between takes by borrowing a guitar from the band, and leading them in Christmas Carols and old hymns.

Tonight, Carol will be appearing on stage and appearing on ER at the same time! This is all part of our insidious marketing campaign to get Carol recognized as the new Queen (or maybe Princess) of All Media! Feature films, commercials (coming soon), stage, children's theater, television series, flower delivery, and product booth babe. Carol has it all covered!

It Runs In The Family with The Return of Drama Queens to the ER

Wow! Carol has been booked to work background on another movie shooting in the area, The Return. Not much detail yet, just that it is a church scene, and the cast call is tomorrow at 6:30am.

On top of that, Carol has been cast as Director of Drama in a family-oriented television drama series, called The Drama Queens Club! The show will target girls 10-17 years of age. The characters will belong to the Drama Queens Club (a theatrical group for young actresses) within their school. The characters will be faced with many challenges, and the television audience will be educated on the value of making positive decisions in life. More details to come as we get them. ... and that's one to grow on.

Just a reminder, ER this week is the season finale. Carol may be seen in the crowd scene with Neela and Gates. Something tells me this may be the cliffhanger scene to end the episode.

And finally, It Runs In The Family is in its second (and final) week of production. Time is running out to see this hilarious farce. You don't want to miss it-- Go early, and go often!

Video Recap

Hello devoted fans!
I've been messing around with video, and found a much better way to embed video clips on the site. I've gone back through all the old posts in the archive with video clips and updated them with the new embedded video method.

For the new fans out there, here's a recap of Carol's many appearances on Prison Break, and ER. Enjoy!

It all started here! Carol's first appearance on Prison Break in episode 10. She is Caroline Reynolds' Vice-Presidential Aide. Watch the right-side of the screen, just at the foot of the stairs.
Click here for the original post.

Next was episode 14, Carol appears (very) briefly in this street scene (wide screen version only). Look at the extreme left side when the clip ends.
Click here for the original post.



Episode 16 was the Trifecta! Carol appeared three times in three difference scenes. Above, we have the Restaurant Patron (extreme screen left, just at the very start of the clip); the Prosecuting Attorney (screen right, at the prosecutor's table); and "L" Platform Commuter (screen right at first, just coming up the stairs, and then the shot reverses and she is seen on screen left coming up the stairs and crossing behind the characters.)
Click here for the original post.

Episode 17, Secret Service Agent Betsy Ross.
Click here for the original post.

Episode 18, Carol appeared in the "Previously, on Prison Break" clip at the beginning, as Agent Betsy Ross.
Click here for the original post.

In episode 22, Carol explores her theatrical range as News Reporter Babs. Look for the blonde wig.
Click here for the original post.

And finally, we have the retrospective tribute to all of Carol's Prison Break appearances.
Click here for the original post.

Moving on to ER, in season 13 episode 10, Carol reprises her role as "L" Platform Commuter. She can be seen on screen right, walking down the stairs towards Neela. Look for the red earmuffs.
Click here for the original post.

And lastly, in season 13 episode 23, Carol can be seen just to the right of Gates as he pushes through the crowd towards Neela.
Click here for the original post.

Rory's First Kiss

Holy misdirection, Batman! Carol has been signed-up to work background on the upcoming film, Rory's First Kiss. June 15-17, it is expected to be a night (er, knight?) shoot, requiring formal attire, and 12+ hour days. Perhaps an extravagant charity ball or political dinner party that gets crashed by a pasty-faced maniacal super-villain? Maybe a swanky cocktail reception for a millionaire playboy/vigilante? Who can say? Stay tuned to this same web page, for the next exciting post!

It Runs In The Family

This just in...

Stage Coach Players is proud to announce that "It Runs in the Family" directed by Bernie Schuneman will be our first show. This show runs May 10th-12th and May 17th-19th at 8pm and Sunday May 20th at 2pm. All performances will be at our theater which is located at 126 S 5th Street in DeKalb, Il.

Set in the doctor's lounge of a London hospital three days before Christmas, the staff is preparing the annual holiday show. But that is only the sideshow. The real business is a conference of neurosurgeons. As Dr. David Mortimore is preparing his speech for the prestigious Ponsonby Lecture, that should guarantee him a knighthood and the hospital some badly needed funds, a former nurse, an old flame, bursts in with the news that their fling some 18 years and 9 months ago made Mortimore a father. The boy is downstairs desperate to meet his long lost Dad. In true farce style, lies pile on lies, as the doctor enlists his colleagues to deceive his wife, his boss, a police sergeant and even his newfound son. Sharp syringes, crashing wheelchairs, squirting seltzer bottles, doctors disguised as nurses, and window ledge wrestling matches gear the farce into overdrive.

The box-office will open on Sunday, May 6th, and will be open from 6-8pm through Saturday May 19th. On Sunday May 20th the box office will be open from noon to 2pm.

Tickets can be ordered by phone by calling 815-758-1940.

Another Trip to the ER

Hello again, devoted fans. It has been some time since my last post, as our starlet has been doing little else aside from rehearsing for the upcoming show. Rehearsals for It Runs In The Family are five nights a week, and the show opens May 10.

However, in between the busy rehearsal schedule, Carol has managed to find time for another appearance on ER! After leaving DeKalb at 10:00pm last night, Carol's call time for ER was 6:30am this morning downtown in Grant Park.

Carol is once again working with John Stamos (Gates) and Parminder Nagra (Neela). Calling in from location, Carol reports that John [Stamos] actually touched her during one of the rehearsal shots. The scene they are shooting is a crowd at a peace rally, and will apparently involve green-screen special effects, to make the crowd appear much larger... and reportedly some more flashy effects as well. The ER Episode Guide doesn't have any descriptions yet for upcoming episodes; but just pure speculation based on the description of the scene, the lead-time required for adding the special effects, and given the title of the episode, I am going to guess that this is the season 14 premiere episode, The War Comes Home. Stay tuned...

UPDATE: Rumor on set was that this scene was for the season 13 finale, The Honeymoon's Over.

Cast Lists Posted

Cast lists for It Runs In The Family and The Crucible have been posted on the Stage Coach Players web site. Starting next week, Carol will be spending 5-nights a week driving out to DeKalb for rehearsals. Beer nuggets, anyone?

Time to Head West

... all the way to DeKalb! This past weekend, Carol and I headed to the home of our alma mater, where the Stage Coach Players were holding auditions for their 2007 season. As I sat and waited patiently, Carol auditioned for three of their six upcoming shows. Carol felt really good about them afterward, and we indulged in our favorite college junk food (Beer Nuggets at Molly's) before we left town.

Yesterday, Carol got the call that she had been cast in two shows!! It Runs In The Family (which the closely-related Dennis Brown Fan Club may recognize) which runs May 10-20, and The Crucible which runs October 4-14 (seven shows each).

IRITF is a traditional British farce, and Carol will be playing Rosemary Mortimore, the slightly-younger and attractive wife of Dr. Mortimore. In stark contrast, The Crucible is a dramatic story of the witch trials of Salem, and Carol will be playing Ann Putnam, mother of eight who has lost seven children during childbirth, and feels that supernatural forces (and people) are to blame.

Rehearsals for IRITF will be starting soon, as this show is just around the corner. Stay tuned to this web site for further information on show dates and times. Congratulations Carol!!

The Memory of Water -- Revisited

The Memory of Water has come and gone, but if you simply MUST see more, you can view more photos from the show on the Grove Players site here. Photos courtesy of Danna Durkin.

The Mystery of the Missing Moon

What's next for our intrepid performer, now that The Memory of Water has wrapped? As mentioned briefly back in December, Carol has signed on with The Mystery Shop as one of their Children's Mystery performers. Carol plays an astronaut on a mission to the moon. Judging by the name of the show, you might be able to figure out that something goes a bit wrong, and they must make a slight detour from their mission in order to solve The Mystery of the Missing Moon (with the help of the young astronauts in the audience).

So, if you have any grade school children, and are looking for a fun and educational show for a party or other special event, why not give The Mystery Shop a call? You can even get $20 off using this coupon!

Production Photos from The Memory of Water

Only two chances left to see The Memory of Water-- tonight at 8:00pm, or tomorrow at 2:00pm. Don't let this opportunity slip away! You can view some production photos here.

The Memory of Water Opening Night

Wow.

Yes, that's what I said; just Wow. After the many weeks of memorizing lines, rehearsal, nervous tension, and sleepless nights, the payoff came yesterday at The Memory of Water opening show. I am usually more wordy and descriptive, but I just have to say-- Wow. I knew that Carol was ready. I mean, she had her lines memorized and all (I had heard most of them many times over); but finally seeing her on stage in a major role was really amazing. Like I said... Wow. She nailed it!

Of course, I would be remiss if I failed to mention the other excellent performances... but then again, this is the CAROL TOWNSEND FAN SITE. Let those others hire their own Biggest Fan if they want the spotlight! On this site, it is all about Carol!

Seeing Carol on stage in her first major role was kind of surreal. I kept thinking, that's not her-- she's so different. She was a sarcastic English doctor, having an affair with a married man, trying to cope with her mother's death, dealing with demons from her past and the dysfunctional relationships with her two sisters. I was lost in the performance, and I sometimes forgot I was there watching Carol. She was equally as convincing breaking down in tears, or laughing hysterically in a whiskey and pot-induced stupor. I'm so proud of Carol, and I look forward to seeing the show again on the 18th. If anyone else would like to join, here's your invitation. As added incentive, there is a discount of $3 off the ticket price if we can get a group of 15. Please email Carol at babestownsend@yahoo.com if you are interested.

There was a write-up about the show in the Downers Grove Reporter. As I've said in a previous post, this show will have something for everyone to enjoy. There's drama, comedy, tragedy... there's booze, sex, drugs, tears, booze, startling revelations, ghosts, (did I mention the booze?), ninjas, pirates, and a one-armed man! And if you don't believe me, then you'll have to go see it for yourself to see if I'm lying. I give it my highest praise!

Congratulations Carol, and to all of the cast and crew, on the opening of a wonderful show!
I love you, babe.
YBF

The Anamnesis of Dihydrogen Monoxide

More details on the Memory of Water (opening this Friday!). I take no credit for the following, as it was taken directly from a posting to a local theater newsgroup (so some of you may have seen it before). I would credit the author, but I don't know who it is.

The Memory of Water humorously examines what normal people do in abnormal times. This touching and hugely entertaining comedy provides an insight into the lives of three sisters who are reunited for their mother’s funeral. A neurotic maternal sister (Lanie Brown of Joliet), a paranoid doctor (Carol Townsend of Carol Stream) and a brattish youngest sibling (Kathryn Meiners of Chicago) recall their childhood, but find that personal grievances have clouded their memories, memories which differ greatly and cause immense friction. One dead mother, three living daughters, and two hapless male companions wrangle with their expectations and disappointments when they are brought together for a few bitterly cold days on the English coast.

The cast also includes Marilyn Weiher of Downers Grove, Robert Plowman of Westmont and Tony Shannon of Joliet. The Memory of Water is written by Shelagh Stephenson and directed by Jorge Bermudez of Rolling Meadows and assistant directed by Dave Docekal of Downers Grove and Katie Libby of Lemont. The show is produced by Downers Grove resident Marilyn Ludwig.

The Memory of Water runs for 2 weekends, February 9, 10, 11 and February 16, 17, 18. Friday and Saturday night performances begin at 8pm; Sunday matinees begin at 2pm. All performances will be held at Lincoln Center, 935 Maple in Downers Grove.

Ticket prices are $14 for Adults; $11 for Senior Citizens and $8 for Students. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Consider It Done, 5133 Main Street in Downers Grove, or reserved by calling the Grove Players Box Office at 630-415-3682. For further information, call the Box Office or visit www.groveplayers.org.

Who's That Blur?

Last night's episode of ER marked the second half of Carol's ER premier. During the scene where Luka was being held at gunpoint on the roof by Curtis, Carol was one of the bystanders just in front of the fire engine. She was clearly (ok-- perhaps not quite clearly) visible in her blue coat and light-blue jeans, in two shots. The first shot was at 40:40 into the episode, as the camera looks past Curtis and focuses on the crowd below, as shown here:

The second shot is in the last two seconds of the episode, at 43:06, just before the fade to black and the credits. The helicopter searchlight illuminates the crowd standing in front of the fire engine, as shown here:

What? You can't see her? She's right there! Just in front of the fire engine. There's a guy in a light coat, and just next to him is a woman in a blue coat. That's her! Ok, ok... you need some help. Allow me to focus your attention. See the screen grabs below. Click to enlarge.

Homeopathy

(Confused? Look it up.) Countdown to the opening show for The Memory of Water is posted to the right, just below the Google Search box. You can view the show poster here (warning: PDF).

Carol's rehearsal schedule is picking up as the opening date approaches. Those of you following Carol's acting career know that this is her first true featured performance, which has her both excited and a little nervous! I've already heard much of the show, as Carol rehearses her lines constantly-- in the car, at dinner, in the bathroom... I even got to read some of the other characters' lines so Carol could record them for practice.

This should be a great show! It has something for everyone: death, sex, drugs, booze, romance, comedy, drama. Don't miss it! I am planning to attend the opening night show (2/9), as well as closing night (2/18). If anyone would like to join, just let me know!

Oh-- and a brief Fred Claus update. I also updated the post below (Fred Claus II). They canceled the shoot that was scheduled for 1/22, but have rescheduled it for this Saturday, 1/27. If you are available, and would like to give it a try (Carol will be there), be sure to contact Joan Philo ahead of time, so they can get your registration information. I just filled out the Registration Form on their web site (warning: PDF), and sent it in with a 4x6, and they called me within a couple days. Good luck!

Today's The Day!

Greetings Fans,
Today is the day, some indeterminate number of years ago, that our starlet entered the world. Let's take a few moments to review Carol's stage life...

Carol started her acting career at a young age, with the roles of Tigger, and a key part in the marching band ensemble in The Music Man in grade school. Some time later, she was cast in the role of Peg Knuckles in a New Year's Eve Murder Mystery Drama. We have managed to acquire this rare casting photo from that performance.

Happy New Year! (circa 1992) Peg Knuckles

Sadly, this was to be Carol's last theatrical performance for some time. After spending too many years as a corporate drone, Carol's passion for performing was forgotten. Her creative spark was all but extinguished by the numbing boredom of courseware maintenance and project management. Years of cubicle dwelling had withered Carol's spirit... but not crushed it completely. Near the end of her corporate career, Carol got a taste of performing once again. Facilitating and Training started to awaken those long dormant feelings; the thrill of the stage, the energy of the audience. Something started to stir in Carol's soul.

In the Fall of 2004, the shackles were broken, when Carol was relieved of her job of 19 years. Free at last! Not knowing where to start, Carol took some acting classes to explore her options. That spark which had been smoldering deep in Carol's soul, sprang to life! This is what she needed to be doing! The tinder was added to the fire, and her passion was re-ignited!

From there, we know the story. Seven episodes of Prison Break, Chow's Chinese, The Strip, Movin' Right Along, The Wizard of Oz, two episodes of ER, Fred Claus, The Memory of Water, and in the coming months, the children's show The Mystery of the Missing Moon.

After an indeterminate number of years in the making, Carol's acting career has been jump-started, and her creative fire is burning once again. Here's looking forward to many more years of entertainment and passion. Happy Birthday, Babe!
-- Love, your biggest fan.

Fred Claus II -- UPDATED

No, not the sequel, already. Joan Philo Casting contacted me again to see if I could work another upcoming shoot for Fred Claus. I can't justify taking off from work, but Carol will be making the trek downtown again.

The shoot is on Monday, 1/22 (the day after Carol's Birthday!), on Michigan Ave., and is likely an all day affair (see my recounting of our two-day Fred Claus appearance below). If you are interested, available, and are in the Chicago area, they are looking for more people. Give them a call at: (773)626-7915.

UPDATE: The Monday, 1/22 shot has been canceled, but they have rescheduled to Saturday, 1/27.

ER Alert!

Greetings Fans! Just a quick note to let you know that the next new episode of ER should be the one with Carol's remaining appearance. But, according to the Episode Guide, it won't be aired until 2/11. The scene we're waiting for is: "Luka receives an emergency summons, and finds himself in the middle of a tense confrontation." I will be sure to post a reminder when we get closer to air time. Check your local listings...

Fred Claus

A belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all! Christmas may be over, but there were Santas and Carolers in Chicago on Michigan Avenue this weekend. I mentioned several posts ago that Carol had been asked to work as an extra (or, as many prefer: background actor) for the upcoming Christmas movie, Fred Claus. Since I had such a great time in my last (or first) film appearance ("The Strip", back in August), I decided to give it another try.

I sent my picture to Joan Philo Casting, and what do you know... they called me! In fact, they wanted me quite badly for a scene with a bunch of "nicely dressed businessmen", but unfortunately, I wouldn't have been able to work with Carol if I had taken that job-- plus, I don't have a business suit that actually fits me any more (maybe time to lose a few holiday pounds!), and they were looking for men in suits. Thus, I had to decline the special project. Instead, I got to work the same days that Carol was scheduled for, and we spent two days downtown, doing our best imitations of upscale Michigan Avenue shoppers.

Day 1: We started the first day in front of the Historic Water Tower, walking back and forth as the camera across the street shot establishing shots. Then we were unceremoniously moved to a corner even farther away in front of Water Tower Place, where we had to stand in the biting wind, and are quite likely not visible at all-- not fun! Our next assignment was a bit better, in that we moved to the opposite corner where Vince (we're on a first name basis now) was shooting a scene with several Santas. (Oddly enough, you can see a number of pictures of this scene being shot on this Polish News Site.) We spent an hour or so walking back and forth around Vince, as he worked the crowd of busy shoppers for Christmas donations. We just might be visible in this scene, as we passed back and forth behind Vince and in front of the camera a number of times. After lunch, we ended that day in another grunt scene, where we basically stood across the street from where Vince was shooting, and acted as a human barrier to keep passerby from crossing the street. Twelve hours total, end of Day 1.

Day 2: Our call time was 5am (as was Day 1). They had to finish part of a scene that they started filming the day before, so we got to sit inside while they took some of the group to finish that scene. Long story short, we sat around for over six hours! (But, at least we were inside, and could catch up on our sleep.) Just as they brought lunch in, they told us we could grab lunch, and then they would use us-- but, things change quickly, and because the sun was right, they needed us right now. Hurry up and wait-- that is the life of a background actor. We dropped our sandwiches, hurried down to the Wrigley Building where this scene was being shot, got positioned and received our instructions (Carol and I were to just stand and "mingle"). And then-- the sun wasn't right. So, they had to reposition the cameras, and shoot from the opposite angle (now facing away from us-- so we're now BEHIND the cameras). So, we got to stand around for another two hours while they shot various parts of this scene. Finally, at about 2:00, they turned the cameras around to shoot back in our direction, and we got to reprise our roles as "upscale Michigan Avenue shoppers". So, after 11.5 hours and no lunch, our second day came to an end.

Two very long days standing around in the Chicago cold is enough for me! I certainly would not want to do this all the time-- but it is quite interesting to see, and gives you a new appreciation for what goes into making a movie!

You can view the Fred Claus trailer on the official movie site here.