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!

Pray for the Fish!

(For those unfamiliar with this Randy Travis song, see here).

Carol and I were baptized this weekend at our church, Willow Creek Community Church. After 25 years of beautiful weather for their annual summer baptism in the lake, we were afraid that ours was going to be the first to be rained out! But, after a gloomy, rainy and cold morning, the clouds parted (at least partly), the sun shone, and the temperature rose. It turned out to be a beautiful afternoon by the lake, and with friends and family (and several hundred other participants), we finally took the plunge! You can see more pictures here.

(No fish were harmed as a result of this baptism.)

Life After Prison Break: Chow's Chinese

So, what has our starlet been up to since Prison Break has wrapped in Chicago (and will be moving to Dallas for filming next season)? Carol recently auditioned for, was cast, and appeared in, a staged reading of "Chow's Chinese"; which was written by Jeffery Jones, who was also one of the background actors on Prison Break.

What?! Carol appeared (past tense) in a stage show, and it wasn't reported here?! No announcement? We didn't send out emails and flyers, and flock to the show to see Carol's first appearance live and on stage?! (Well-- first appearance since playing Tigger in the seventh grade). I am ashamed to report-- yes, that is the case.

On May 25th, at the Sheil Park Theater in Chicago, Carol made her stage debut. Unfortunately, her first appearance coincided with an out-of-town commitment which I could not change, and so I was forced to miss it as well. In Carol's understated estimation, "it was good." They laughed (the audience), they cried (those that missed it), and they bowed (the actors).

I am sure this will not be the last opportunity to see Carol in action. Now that Carol has basked in the glory of the stage lights, felt the exhilaration of taking her first bow on stage, and is willing to allow her fans to "see her in action", I promise we will be more forthcoming with information in the future.

Prison Break Farewell...

Alas, with this season's final episode, also comes the finale of Carol's time on Prison Break. We will always remember her first appearance as "Vice-Presidential Aide"-- how long ago it seems. Who can forget "Restaurant Patron"; and of course, "Prosecuting Attorney"? Although she will forever live on in re-runs and syndication-- and of course the DVD release, and possibly Deleted Scenes-- I thought it would be appropriate to recall the many appearances of Carol on Prison Break, with this special montage.


Of course, we do not expect this to be the end of Carol's acting career! Carol has many projects in the works, and we will be the first (and only) site to bring you exclusive updates on Carol's latest activities. Stay tuned...

Don't Drink The Water! (Spoilers)

Yikes! What a nail-biter! Two main characters killed, one severed hand, poisoned water, and a psychopath on a bicycle! Not to mention, the stunning debut of Carol's blonde alter-ego, "Babs". Excellent! Not only was Carol (Babs) prominently featured in the press conference, but also very briefly in the flashback to Lincoln's trial.



Who's that blonde bombshell in the third row? The new CNN newsbabe? Look at the determined way that she vies for the vice-president's attention; "Madame Vice-President! Madame Vice-President!" Babs is clearly visible several times in this scene, as the camera scans the group as the reporters ask their questions.

When the man comes into the room and starts whispering to the reporters, Babs turns around to see what the commotion is. The man whispers something to her, and she hurriedly gets up to leave the room, crossing right in front of the camera.

Season Finale tonight!

Only one hour to the Prison Break season finale tonight! Watch for the final Carol sighting (as "Babs", with blonde wig) during a vice-presidential press conference.

Prison Break - Episode 20 update

Episode 20 aired on Mayday, May 1. While no Carol sightings were evident, there were several scenes in which Carol honed her street-walking skills. While Sara sat in her car outside the bar, Carol was (once again) a pedestrian on the street. While Abruzzi chatted with his mafia buddy on the L platform, Carol was a pedestrian on the platform somewhere off camera. Only two more episodes to go!

Fun in the Sun

Last weekend, Carol and I took a break from cool and rainy Chicago to visit the sun and sand in Key West with some friends. A great time was had by all! Carol was especially pleased with the Key West Butterfly Conservatory. The variety of colors and species was amazing. As you can see, Carol made some new friends.

We did the required tourist activities... snorkel cruise, visited the southernmost point in the Continental US, visited mile-marker 0. We stayed at the lovely Avalon Bed & Breakfast. It was a great little place on the quiet end of Duval Street. You can see all of our pictures on Shutterfly.

Prison Break Update - Episode 19

The suspense is building! Only three episodes left, according to Carol's reckoning. (The VP Press Conference is supposedly in episode 22).

Episode 19 aired this Monday, April 23rd. While there were no sightings, Carol did work on this episode. In the scene with Dr. Tancredi and Nika in the diner, Carol was a pedestrian outside the diner window. In several takes, Nika nearly ran into Carol as she rushed out the door (after swiping Sara's keys).

This seems to be a trend for our favorite Extra. In episode 14 (exhumation order?), Carol appeared as a bustling businesswoman in the street; in episode 15, she was a pedestrian outside Wrigley Field (not visible); in episode 16, she was a pedestrian in the street outside the restaurant in the flashback scene with Michael and Veronica (not visible); in episode 17 she was a pedestrian outside the diner in the scene with Dr. Tancredi and the nurse (not visible); and again in episode 19, with Dr., Tancredi and Nika! Perhaps Carol should play-up her specialization in streetwalking?

Thunder Over Louisville

Greetings All,
Carol and I visited Louisville, KY over the weekend for the annual Thunder Over Louisville show. Every year, the weekend before the Kentucky Derby, they conduct a huge airshow and the largest fireworks display in North America (and the second largest in the world). We went for the first time last year, and the weather was awful-- cold, raining, windy-- and yet, it was still an incredible show!

This year, the weather was beautiful, 75 and sunny, and the show was fantastic. The Navy Blue Angels were the main attraction at the air show (always impressive), and the fireworks were unbelieveable. Pictures and video can't do it justice-- you just have to see it to believe it. If you want to check out some pictures from the airshow, you can view them on my Shutterfly page here.