June 3rd

Hello everybody! I sincerely hope my little tutorial didn't do more harm than good and proved at least somewhat helpful. Upon re-reading I think maybe I over-complicated, but we'll see.

I am posting just a few words right now, as it is past my bed-time. The words are this: June Third. June 3rd, folks, is the last day of my first semester. As May third wanes rapidly into may 4th I have to tell you how very excited I am. My second song in musical theatre is coming along quite well (knock on wood) and upon the successful completion thereof I will get to start my third and FINAL song for the term. It will be Little Girls from ANNIE which was my last minute wild card choice that I didn't really think my teacher would consider! How fun!
In VPS we are all now working on shakespeare monologues for the final demos and mine is one of Goneril's speeches from King Lear. Very nasty lady is Goneril. Lots of meaty stuff to sink my teeth into. Now I have to re-read Lear though- a daunting task when I am already swamped. Even for one who enjoys Shakespeare as I do, it isn't like skimming through nursery rhymes or even a thick but contemporary work of literature. I have my work cut out for me- and that doesn't even begin to describ how meticulous I have to be with the diction, articulation, breathing and vocal projection with the piece- since this is my VOICE PRODUCTION and SPEECH class- so I can't just act up a storm and hope my intensity makes up for any technical fuzziness. No sir, this is what my friends and collegues call: A pain in the rear end!
hahahahaahahha heeheehee. Oh well, It's good for us. I should do fine.
The dance is driving me nuts (maybe more on that later- it deserves it's own entry) sight singing is ok and acting should go well. I love my scene partner. She and I went downtown to the east village yesterday to get a sense of the setting of our scene. We had fun even though it rained. ALL the food shops looked and smelled delectable and made me wish I had brought lunch money- but we'll go again and I VOW to sample the cuisine!
Allright, I'm overdue for my 40 winks as it is- but tomorrow's post will be about the Bootleg copy of WICKED I was just watching.

Goodnight everyone- have a pleasant day!!


Love and Well Wishes
Beth

Posting Comments

Hey Friends and Family!

What a goof I am! I am so sorry, but I didn'r realize how difficult the site can be to navigate for non-blog users. Some of you have expressed the desire to post comments from time to time, and have found it less than user-friendly. I agree, and so am here to give you the skinny! :)

OK. So you've read a blog entry that particularly interests you, or maybe you just want to let me know you were here- just scroll down to the end of that particular entry and you should see, in small text, these words in underlined script: 0 comments or maybe it says 1 comment or 2 comments etc, (depending on whether or not someone (usually Dad) has already left a comment), This is where we Begin. Click on that text.

Alright. If someone has already posted their response you will now get to read them here. Now after any posted words (or maybe there will be none so far) You will see the same font and underlined text reading: post a comment - Click that.

Now you will be directed to a page that doesn't really match my blogsite format and can look alarming, as if you've taken a misstep. But be assured- you have not and you are in the right place. The box on the Right is where you type any of your thoughts- and I don't think there's a space limit or anything. THIS IS WHERE LOTS OF PEOPLE GET MUDDLED: You probably don't have a BLOG IDENTITY or BLOG USERNAME- but that is totally OK. You DO NOT need to sign up for one in order to comment, you do not need any complications. All you have to do is post anonymously. (when you do thijs it might be nice, for my benefit, if you sign it or give me a little hint as to whom is writing heeheehee, sometimes I get a little confused.)

So at this point, after you've said your peace (piece?) there ought to be a button at the bottom that says Publish Anonymously or just plain Publish (dad will have to help me out here- since I'm a blog user it already know who I am and I don't get quite the same options as you will). Click that and your comments will be e-mailed to me and posted under Comments on the Blog! Voila! Sorry if that seems complicated- I wish I could just show you in person, that is always preferable to written directions. I mean, there are cooking instructions on a Pop-Tart wrapper but they just complicate the whole business!!!! If you are having any trouble PLEASE feel FREE to E-Mail me.

It really means alot that you all want to give me virtual good-will and cheer! But please, if it ends up frustrating you or becoming a hassle, I understand and don't feel badly about it. Just enjoy the site as I enjoy updating it for you!!

have a great day or night!!!!

Love Always,
Beth

A couple of weeks ago I was in Times Square. I must have one of those auras about me or something that makes people feel they can approach me. A complete stranger, middle-aged average guy came up to me and asked for a dollar to get on the subway. He already had one- he just needed the second- could I help him out? I said sure, and as I was rummaging for a dollar he made conversation by asking me where I was from. I replied Massachussetts- and fully expected to get into some minor discussion about the yankees and the Sox. Instead he said: "Alright man! Me Too! I'm headed back to Brockton!" I thought I had misheard. Surely he had said "Boston!" ?? Quickly I blurted: "Did you just say BROCKTON?" He looked mildly bemused for a minute and the affirmed that he had indeed said Brockton. "Get Out!" I declared. "I'm from Brockton!" I told him. he looked skeptical. "Oh Yeah?" he challenges, "You Know Marvin?" With a puzzled expression I answer: " You mean Marvelous Marvin Haggler?"
"Oh, you do know.. And How about Rocky?" -- "Rocky Marciano? Of course I DO!! I'm from Brockton! Who DOESN'T know the Famous Brockton Boxers?!?!?!?!" Well, we shared a laugh. I had passed his little test and there we were- two Brocktonians that met by chance in the middle of one of the biggest cities in the entire world. What do you make of that?

City Of Champions

Well I spent a lovely- if far too brief - weekend in Brockton Massachussetts, Shoe City, City of Champions! Mum and Dad put me up for the two nights and it was lovely to be home. While in the area i made sure to partake of two Brockton Staples: Cape Cod Cafe Pizza and various dishes from The Italian Kitchen. After that I had planned on Christo's (the finest restaurant in Brockton proper), but was so thoroughly full and well fed that I had not the room for even the smallest of Mr. Christo's World Famous Greek Salads!!!!

The Bus ride TO Boston- a rush hour greayhound from Port Authority to South Station was MISERABLE. Even though all I had to do was sit for 5 hours I felt exhausted after the journey. It was crowded and smelly and loud and very jostle-y, and I really don't feel incredibly comfortable being in such close proximity to strangers. It would have been easier if I were traveling with a friend- that way I could relax a bit, not worry overmuch if my leg should brush theirs or if, while nodding off, my shoulder or head leans their way. Not the case however. Personal Space was a big issue and I swear the gentleman sitting next to me has spiked his soda cup with vodka- the smell was potent whenever i got a whiff. All I could really do was listen to some cds and look out the window.

The Return Trip, on the other hand, was FANTASTIC! There were but a handful of us traveling on the 7:00 express back to NY , so we could all luxuriate with two seats (or more0 to ourselves. This bus was a peter pan and very comfortable. The seats were larger, the upholstry cleaner and all the accoutrements much nicer over all. There were also TV screens and the bus driver played a movie for those who cared to watch. Absolute Power with Clint Eastwood and Gene Hackman. I had homework to do however so no film viewing for Moi!!! It was great to have plenty of leg and elbow room to do my work. It all got done in no time and I relaxed for the remainder of the journey. If the trip to boston could only be like that i might go home more frequently. but i'm told the time of day that i would be traveling (friday afternoons after my classed conclude) is always quite a circus.

Seeing My family- visiting and chatting, was such a wonderful restorative. Also, seeing Pretty and Daubs (and the kittens pictured in last weeks post) was so ebjoyable. Dad and i watched the Red Sox Ring Ceremony and had Brownies; Nothing like that here in NY!!!! Mum and i went out to breakfast and Shopping!!!! What a lovely Visit. Thank you everyone who made it possible and wonderful. I only regret that the time was not longer- i would have liked to see more friends and family.

Now I'm back and there are only about 5 weeks left in the term- If this isn't crunch time, then I don't know what is!!!! Lots to do today (and this is supposed to be my light day)- Have a great day yourselves!! Love and Hugs,

Beth!

A Long Week in New York

Greetings from late thursday night! I am one exhausted puppy. Tonight I went to see some 4th semester showcases- and was very pleased and uplifted by them. I think I was starting to forget what all this training was adding up to. It has started to feel like drudgerey and minutia to no discernible end- but these showcases- where the folks who have put their time and effort in finally get to put it all together in a musical revue and agents and casting directors come and scout- reminded me of the joy and delight in performing. Great ensemble work throughout with a few absolute standouts- people about whom you could say without a doubt: They will be working RIGHT after they are done here. The stories (throughlines) are slim and artificial ala Act One Scene One, but the numbers were great fun and you could see how much time and effort went into these pieces- and I got to see it all for free!!! I got a big kick out of the fact that two of the numbers used were The world must be bigger than an avenue' from IRENE and 'It's Today' from MAME. Made me miss Derhead a little bit :( :)

This week has given me the blues, but the weekend should be relaxing and should charge my batteries. Aaron sent me some pictures of TheChief and TheCaptain, our twin cats, to cheer me up. I'll post a few so everyone can see how neat they are. Notice the identical swirl pattern on the boys- but their very different colored fur. TheChief is a big goober and follows Aaron around like a puppy and behaves much more like a canine than a feline. TheCaptain is the essential cool-cat. He is not quite as spastic and playful as his brother but still enjoys a good romp and chase and cuddles&sleeps as if her were the dictionary definition of Kitten.

I miss Daubs and Pretty. Maybe I'll get pictures of them next?!

As Always, Love
BETH

Here are the two of them together. Look at their neat swirls. This picture doesn't really do the effect justice, but I'll get some other ones up someday that demonstrates just how fascinating it is to look at them end to end. The Captain is the Salt'n'Pepper one and The Chief is the Orange fella. Hi hair is usually tousled and sticking up in 20 different directions- and his brother gromes it down for him! 

The Chief. He LOVES getting dirty in any possible way. Once Aaron was doing an art project and Chiefie managed to get Plaster of Paris ALL OVER himself, then he rolled around like thus and got sand and dirt and leaves stuck to himself as well. Did he mind? On the contrary- he loved it. Until we had to put him in the tub, that is!! 

Tha captain being a sleek huntsman... 

The Chief, making mischief no doubt.  

The Captain investigating the yard work. He always has to be on top of whatever's going on in his domain. Plus the leaves look like fun... 

Midterms

Well Everybody a HUUUUGE sigh of relief is finally due. Whooooosh. The midterms are OVER. I think something like 9 weeks have passed.In some respects I'd have to heartily agree that time flies. In some other respects I feel as if I've been here an eternity already and have the rest of time yet to go!!!

I got my Tap grade for the semester so far . . . . drum roll please.. . . . . . . . a . . . . B!!!!!

A good, solid B!!! which is good, considering I am the worst one in the class and literally could not do a time step to save my (or someone dear to me's) life!!!! From here on out we start preparing for the Final Demo. YIKES!

Alrighty. I'm pooped after a very loooong moday containing two big, anxiety ridden midterms, so this post must be brief I'm afraid. Goodnight and Godbless.

BETH

One Month To Star Wars Episode III !!!!! 

VILE

ANY SPORTS PLAYER THAT STEPS OUTSIDE THE BOUNDARY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE PLAYING FIELD AND ASSAULTS A SPECTATOR SHOULD BE BANNED FROM PLAYING SAID SPORT PROFESSIONALLY HENCEFORTH.

Was the Sox fan "Swatting" at Yankee Sheffield? Not from the angle of the multiple replays I saw. Was he a stupid fan for reaching for a ball that is still in play? Yes. Are there plenty of stupid fans out there? Yes- and somehow they all get seats right along the perimeter of the field, but nevertheless a stupid fan does not necessarily equal a combative or instigative fan. NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING excuses a professional baseball player losing his cool in such a way as to wildly lash out into the stands- thereby striking not only his "intended" target but a nearby woman as well? Good thing there hadn't been a little kid over there right?

This incident, while LESS drastic and dramatic than the Basketball one last season, hearkens back to the old question regarding decorum and unstable athletes playing a child's game for a living. It is disgusting. It is inexcusable. If a spectator had jumped onto the field and gone running at a player, then, by all means, let the player defend himself. The reason being: That fan, by virtue of the decision to cross that boundary, had thus forfeited his rights as a spectator and had become an unpredictable hostile; a loose cannon; and had broken the law.

The difference here is that a player- on a playing field protected with security and police officers, took it upon himself to dole out some justice that he rationalized ALL night. If you've ever been at Fenway, you'll doubtless be familiar with the incessant taunting and jibing that goes on. Last night Mr. Giambi had to put up with near ceaseless jeers of STER-OIDS, STER-OIDS every time he got up to bat. Boston is almost infamous for the overwhelming power of the fanforce- so Sheffield was probably hearing an earful this night. But it is not some roman amphitheatre. It is not a gladiator ring. NOTHING in this situation EXCUSES A LASHING OUT RETALLIATION OF FISTS BETWEEN A PLAYER and bystanders.

This MUST NOT be tolerated by the establishment. Major League Baseball MUST lay down the law here. And if there is a problem with too much fan interference (which there definately is) that too should be adressed in a firm and practical manner ASAP.


On another note- even a little-leaguer knows to take care of business FIRST and throw a tantrum SECOND. What a CLOWN- he had the ball in his hand when he threw that punch. And don't even tell me he swung to break free of a grasp- he may play it off as such- but the replays show MUCH DIFFERENTLY. Play Baseball. That's all you have to do.

Out of Line 

Out of Control. 

Progress

Well Folks, this week officially marks the half-way point of my first semester at AMDA. This week and next week are peppered with various midterms. Funny how Most of my friends are preparing for graduation and I'm starting all over. I have alot to think about.

Tuesday was my first official midterm and it was in Sight Singing. I did fairly well, though I suddenly got very nervous and flushed. Learning how to read music and interpret rhythm is alot like learning a secret code. A lot of memorization and repetition till I can get it down cold. I actually mad flash cards. I haven't made flash cards to help me study since I learned the Times Tables. (I hope this works out better than that did- I'm still shaky on the 9's table...)

Its pretty funny how all of my classes sort of take on the persona of regular liberal arts courses, even though the whole program is very dedicated and specialized. For instance, I think of Sight Singing as Math. Dance is obviously Phys. Ed., Film lab is like a mutimedia history class, Acting is like a science lab, Musical Theatre seems to be like interactive English (or I guess music- since we do Sing ans so forth) and VPS is like a philosophy or theory class. Most people- like Danny would probably get a kick out of my rationale here. And it's true: Acting is not organic chemistry. Film Lab is not modern European history. VPS is most definately not macro economics or psych, but the same FEELING exists. Wierd?

Some days are very challenging here. I have honestly had to ask myself MANY times: What am I doing here? But other days- the days when all my work pays off, those days make it all worth it. Today was one of those days. In Acting class my partner Misha and I had to do a scene from a play called "The day they shot John Lennon" . We did all kinds of research- I read up on Mark David Chapman and went over original news articals relating to the tragic incident. We were both worried because neither of us (oddly) were very big Beatles fans- and sooooooo many people really are. We were afraid we would do the scene a disservice, or not have enough depth etc.. However we walked down to the Dakota (two blocks from where I live) and with all possible respect scoped the place out- imagined what the scene would look like with crowds of mourning fans. We picked out where we would stand. We talked about the candles, the crying, the cops, the barriers, the bewilderment, the weather (an early december night @ midnight) and so forth. The work and the careful, precise steps we took paid off as our in structor singled out our work as an example. We were very happy- and sure, we still have work to do, but It really is great to have positive reenforcement from time to time. Your Beth is learning!

After that was Musical Theatre and it was a performance day there as well. i had to present the song I've been struggling with: Moments in the Woods from "Into the Woods". The song is Sondheim at his mad-genious best and is most demanding to the singer&actor. I can't zone out for a minute- can't relax. However, I worked and worked and the work paid off. Here again my instructor was most pleased and I was graded well. Sure I have LOTS to still work on- but the progress is promising. Did I lose my pitch? Is my name Beth Reardon? Of course- but I was on top of the song for the most part. All in all I'm very excited.

I also had Jazz. I've learned a shasse and a triplet but am still a bit stumped by patabourre (sp?). I'm sure I'll get it. !!!!!!!!


Thanks for trudging through that lengthy update!
Love to All,

Beth

Too bad about the Red Sox Season Opener. Now the Yankees Fans are going to be even more intolerable. Frankly, I knew we were going to lose last night. No big deal. Now all we ahve to do is Win tonight and tomorrow and every other game against them. We're over last night. It is done. History. Let's GO SOX!!!

Talk to you soon,
Beth

APRIL FOOLS!!!!!

Hey Folks!

Happy April Fool's Day! I can't really think of a good hoax to pull- imagine me saying: "Hey, Your Shoe's Untied!-" And then doing that nose thing my Dad always used to do.

In any case, I want to say hello to any new friends and family joining me here. I hope to update more frequently and ask for your patience if I fall behind. Love and Well Wishes to ALL!!


-Beth

HAPPY EASTER

I hope everyone's holiday was pleasant and great. Holy week and Easter move me very much- Its the real marking of childhood to adulthood when easter becomes a deeply m oving commemoration rather than a fun time with candy. From where I stand I can't even imagine how the two are the same occasion.

Anyway. Today is Monday. On Modays I wake at approx. 5 am so that I can be up and out of the house by 7am for my first class at 8am. This class is a Voice Production and Speech warm-up designed to build the voice and breath for stage acting. I am required to go to at least two of these a week.
Directly following the warm up is my VPS class (voice production and speech) where we do morem of the same and throw in some diction work as well. this is an hour and a half.

I have a small-ish break here that is often useful for practising Tap- and Tap class is at 11am.
Tap is usually very intense as it is level two and I believe I should really be in level one. I am constantly trying to catch up with people and am very uncoordinated. I love my teacher though and never give up. We'll see what happens. Today is our mock-midterm in preparation for next week's midterm. We have a small series of combinations and voila! That's it.

Another break here. Many people use this break as a lunch. I often have a granola bar and read or rest. Not really enough time to do anything terribly productive- not nearly enough time to go back to the dorms for any reason excepting having forgotten something. Today however, I need to run to a copy and printing place to print my Research Paper on Broadway's Leading Ladies.

Then at 1:30 I have Musical Theatre Film Lab- which is one of my favorites and by far the shortest class I have! In film lab we watch taped productions- snippets and individual numbers really- that have been organized into some lesson or other. Today we are to watch an assortment of Broadway's Leading Men; Next week is Called Sondheim Sandwich. The clips come from various sources suvh as taped Tony Performances, recorded stage productions (I.E. Into the Woods) and other such compilations like the PBS series Broadway's Lost Treasures. It is not a musical theatre film class in that we watch cinematic versions of musicals like striesand's hello dolly or the new Chicago- but rather live performances caught on tape. Very interesting.

Another pretty useless break- I try to eat here, but not always. I wish I had a good book to read, but usually end up reading texts or going over my music for the next class which is...

Musical Theatre from 3-5. This class is very fascinating and engaging. It is definately on of my core classes and very important (considering I'm a musical theatre major). I'll detail this class at a later date. We have a huge musical theatre research project involving many library hours over at lincoln center, but that place is open at such inconvenient times! Not at all on Mondays for example.

At 5:30 dance review begins and runs for nearly 2 hrs. Here we go over our theatre dance curriculum and very occasionally tap. I adore my theatre dance/dance review instructor but am not very skilled at this subject in the least! Dance review is on mondays tuesdays and wednesdays and I should really attend ALL THREE.

So that's my monday. I don't usually get home untill well after 7pm and have some time to grab a bit then I'm usually rehearsing with a scene partner for Acting class which comes on wednesday!!

Love you All. Gotta Run- as you can see I have a lot to do today! Hope all is well!

Love
Beth Reardon

HAPPY ST. PATS

This is my first official post since my move to NYC. Thank you all for your patience- I apologize for the horrendously long wait!!! In honor of St. Pat I decided it's about time to give a great big THANK YOU to my wonderful family for all of the support and well-wishes.

Mum and Dad of course. My rocks. My legs. My biggest fans. My home.

My Amazing Aunts and Uncles. Aunt Nancy- I got your St. Patrick's Day card a few days ago and it lifted my spiritys TEN fold. Heeheehee. I haven't been able to buy any greeting cards yet- but you and Kay should expect letters as soon as I am able!! I honestly can't wait to use those STAMPS!

Aunt and Uncle- I think about you all the time- especially in comparisons to my neighbors here. Ugh. I wish I could run next door and borrow sugar from you- or pop in to see what's new. It warms my heart to think of you rooting for me back on Mesa Road. I also wish I could be gardening now as the weather starts to improve. There is not enough green here. Not enough color.

Uncle Tommy- Thank you for all your support- I want you to know I am cherishing the Barnes and Noble gift card you gave me and itching to use it ASAP, but waiting for the right time. Happy St Pats- I bet this is a fun holiday with the old fogies.

I really want everyone out there who is behind me and believes in me that your love and positive expectations keep me going on the harder days and make me bouyant on the good ones. I can't wait to make you all proud. I can't wait 'till you all drive down here to see me in a show (not anytime soon...hahaha...still have LOTS to learn), or in a commercial or even (gulp) a movie!! Please know that you are in my hearts daily and it pains me that I have not been able to write everyday, but the adjustment to this rigorous pace has been tricky and time consuming. It is my hope that as I adjust further I will be able to budget my time more efficiently and then be able to clue you in almost everyday. ThaT way it will be like you're right here with me- and I want you to be a part of it because you are such an important part of me and why I am here.

Well I'm getting teary, and this is supposed to be an EXCLAMATION not a weepy affair. I love You. Erin Go Bragh. My Irish Eyes are Smilin' and all that jazz. Have a great Day and weekend, and untill next time,

This is Beth Reardon
Signing off from Manhattan!!!!