Nice Head

... shots. Carol finally decided on which photos to use for her official head shots. (Thanks to all who sent feedback and helped her decide!) For your viewing pleasure, I present them here. Be sure to look for them on a theater playbill near you!

ER Reminder

Just a reminder for all Carol fans to set your Tivo for ER this week (9:00 pm CST on NBC, for those that don't watch ER regularly). Looking at the "Next week, on ER..." previews after last week's episode, it was clear that the scene at the L platform with Neela and Gates is this week. Based on the story line, it looks like the helicopter scene with Carol's Blazer will also be this week.

In other news... Happy Thanksgiving!

New Pics from Wiz

The Wheaton Drama site has posted some production photos here (scroll to the bottom of the page). There is one shot of Carol's memorable Tin Man buffing. Also, note the rolling cast and crew pictures on the right side. Carol's head shot appears in the second block from the top (adult ensemble).

To The Wizard!

"A fabulously entertaining rendition of the Wizard of Oz!", said one anonymous reviewer. Craig Gustafson as the Cowardly Lion was channeling Bert Lahr, and Emma Pauer was too cute for words as Toto. Special effects were quite good for this community theater production.

Carol Townsend was a standout performer as Jitterbug, Winkie and Ozian. Carol's Ozian #15 was energetic and compelling. Her enthusiastic buffing of Tin Man was like no other! When the Wicked Witch appeared over Oz demanding Dorothy's surrender, Carol's switch from euphoric to distressed Ozian culminated in her delivery of the line "To the Wizard!"

Carol's Jitterbug #14 was chilling, thrilling, and full of energy. Spirit fingers and jazz hands, and just a hint of The Thriller were evidenced during this spooky dance number, which was inexplicably cut from the original movie production.

Not to be overlooked was Carol's memorable performance as Winkie #6. Menacing and malevolent, Carol's portrayal of the tortured Witch's guard was provocative and moving.

The costumes were gorgeous, and Carol's quick costume changes were executed with expeditious precision. After the show, two of Carol's biggest fans were lucky enough to corner her for a quick picture.

So far, shows have been nearly sold-out. Don't miss your chance to see this family classic before it disappears! A special children's matinee has been added on December 2nd at 3pm. Check the Wheaton Drama site for details.

Helicopters, Firetrucks, and Ambulances... oh my!

Carol has had a busy week-- starting with another scene for ER last weekend. It was a night time scene in a west-side neighborhood, with helicopters, firetrucks, and... well, you get it. Watch for Carol's Blazer (vehicle, not clothing), as it may have a more prominent role than Carol in this scene.

The Wizard opened last night to a nearly full house. Unfortunately, I was unable to see the opening show, but I'll be sure to give an update after I see it on Sunday. More press coverage on the Suburban Life site.

I'm still working through our Hawaii pictures. In the meantime, I'll leave you with this picture from Mama's Fish House.

Aren't we just sickeningly cute in our matching Hilo Hattie wear? And SH, as a tribute to you, I also offer this picture. It was delicious!

Prepare for a trip to the ER

Hello fans! We've returned from our trip to Hawaii (as promised, more pictures will be forthcoming as I get some time to go through them). In the meantime, Carol has returned to her busy rehearsal schedule for Wizard, which open this Friday, 11/17 at Wheaton Drama.

In addition to all that, Carol had to make an unexpected trip to the ER this weekend. Appendicitis? (No-- true Carol fans will know that she is already sans appendix). Broken leg? Fever? Uncontrollable rash? Nope. Fortunately, this trip to the ER just involved some very long nights in the cold Chicago streets. Carol received a call from EXTRAordinary Casting to see if she could be available for some scenes for an episode of ER which is shooting this weekend downtown. Not one to pass up an opportunity to potentially bump into John Stamos, Carol accepted.

Last night Carol worked on a scene at an L station. As Neela and Gates (Stamos) are walking up the L platform stairs, Carol is coming down. Good conditions for Carol-sighting (look for her long gray coat with red earmuffs).

We suspect that this could be the episode that will air on November 30 (Tell Me No Secrets), based on circumstantial evidence. (Laura Innes appeared to be directing, and she is credited as Director, per the episode guide; Forest Whitaker was on set, and he is credited as a guest star in this episode; some people had heard it was episode 10, and the episode guide shows the production code to be 13010. We suspect this phrase of the episode synopsis is where Carol's appearance might fall: "Gates pours on the charm, but Neela’s not impressed".)

Carol is downtown tonight shooting a second scene. More details will be posted as I get them. Set your Tivo/DVR now! (you're not still using a VCR, are you?!)

Aloha, Munchkins!

Aloha, from sunny Hawaii! Carol has taken a break from her busy rehearsal schedule for a few days of rest and rejuvenation. More pictures to come... But don't fret, we'll be back in time for opening night, on November 17th!

Movin' Right Along... photo recap

If you missed out on Movin' Right Along, there is an updated slideshow on Shutterfly, with some new pictures.

Put On Your Ruby Slippers...

... and follow the yellow brick road to the Wheaton Drama web site to order your tickets now. Apparently, tickets are selling out fast, so act now or you may miss this chance to see Carol polishing the tin man!

Weeeee're off to see the Wizard!

Exciting news, Oz fans! Carol has been cast as part of the ensemble in the Wheaton Drama production of The Wizard of Oz! This is breaking news, so no word yet on what part(s) Carol will be playing in the ensemble. But I am sure whether it is a dancing/talking tree, or a flying monkey, or a palace guard, Carol will be the best damn tree/monkey/guard ever!

Show dates are November 17 - December 10. You can pre-order tickets here. Keep watching this blog for further details as they become available.
Congratulations, babe!
xx oo

My Friend Flickr

Hi all! It has been some time since my last post, I know. Movin' Right Along has wrapped, and Carol is looking for her next performance opportunity. In preparation, Carol had some professional photos taken, and is now looking for the perfect headshot. You can help!

The photos are viewable on Flickr (click here). Pick out your favorite three headshots and three 3/4 shots (or, as I like to call them, body shots), and let Carol know (babestownsend@yahoo.com) which are your favorites. Feel free to post Flickr comments as well.

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?

Movin' Right Along (update)

Carol's first publicized stage appearance is only a few short weeks away! The SoapBox Theatre web site now lists the showtimes and cast information. Get your tickets today!

Performance Dates

Friday, August 18 at 8:00pm
Saturday, August 19 at 8:00pm
sunday, August 20 at 3:00pm
Friday, August 25 at 8:00pm
Saturday, August 26 at 8:00pm
Sunday, August 27 at 3:00pm

Location
First Street Playhouse's Fiore Theatre
160 S. Water St.
(on the corner of First and Water Streets)
Batavia, IL

Movin' Right Along...

Carol's acting career is Movin' Right Along, as she has landed a part in an upcoming theater production of the same name. Soapbox Theatre Company will be presenting Movin' Right Along (not to be confused with the Muppet song of the same name). This show is a "one of a kind comedic variety show that is fun for everyone... jam packed with pure entertainment through an original compilation of scenes, songs, dancing, comedy sketches, audience participation, and so much more!"

Details are still forthcoming, but rehearsals have begun, and Carol is still in shock and denial (yet very excited!) at having landed a part. Stay tuned to the blog for showtimes and location.

Congratulations, Babes!

We apologize for the outage(s)...

Hi all,
Some administrative news... you may have noticed that periodically, some of the linked files (usually the video clips), have been unavailable on this site. This was due to my hosting them from the little server under my desk, which had a tendancy to go offline, especially when I would leave town. Well good news, I have moved all of these files to a commercial hosted site, so we should not experience this problem any longer! As an added bonus, the files should download much faster now. Enjoy!