Filling in at the Pantomime.

Much of December was spent filling-in for two different roles at the White Rock Players Club's pantomime production of Alice in Wonderland. I haven't done any stage "acting" of any sort since I played Dr. Chausuble in a high school production of The Importance of Being Earnest, but overall this pantomime was a positive experience. I chose to take part because my daughters and ex-wife were also in the play, so it was also a sort of family affair.

I was originally slated to merely fill-in for the Baron/Carpenter character for December 10 and 14—the regular actor was previously booked for those two nights. I went to many rehearsals and learned my lines, but didn't do a full run-through until the night I had to perform. On the two nights I played, I did OK; I missed plenty of cues but the other players on stage were able to help me—and by extension themselves—look good. It was effective and fun, but I was certainly happy that it was all over.

Here's some evidence, in case you doubt me:

As the "Baron"

The Baron/Carpenter is in the house for the first of two nights.

A photo posted by Jeffrey Nordstrom (@jeffnords) on Dec 10, 2016 at 6:38pm PST

As the "Carpenter"

http://jeffnords.tumblr.com/post/154507530916/some-evidence-that-i-got-on-stage

On the 26th, however, I was asked to fill-in for the Squire/March Hare role for the last three nights. On these nights, I got to carry a script and had to sing a bit of a solo—one verse from Matilda's "Naughty," which I essentially sung to my youngest daughter who played 'Tiny Alice.' The Stage Manager introduced me before the show in order to explain why one of the characters carried a script; I tried to generally hide the thing behind my "Tea" flask. It worked out well.

Here's a little more evidence:

As the "Squire"

Costume 1 is pretty formal, doesn't fit, and makes me look ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/9egjzhdwJV

— Jeffrey Nordstrom (@jeffnords) December 30, 2016

As the "March Hare"

http://jeffnords.tumblr.com/post/155309875726/and-some-evidence-that-i-was-the-march-hare-on

So there's some evidence to explain my absence from this website and most of social media in general. Well, that, and that I have no home Internet at the moment and have to do my best to use my time wisely.

As far as where does this take me? I don't know. I'll be looking into more localized community theatre opportunities since it looks like a way for me to "get out there" and meet people. I've been pretty lonesome overall living up here in Agassiz despite the presence of good co-workers; it's just been a long time since I had to "put myself out there" and do socialization myself. So perhaps theatre will be a step in the right direction to get some of my mojo back.

Happy 2017! 2016 was rough; 2017 could quite easily be better.