SWATTED FLIES WILL LARVA AGAIN

Well, as luck would have it, we've come to the end of the "Desperate Houseflies" run at First Street. The last weekend got off to a rather shaky and questionable start, but had a big finish. Personally, I think Lord may have put a slight curse on us for carrying on without him--although his recorded message to the audience was thoughtful, poignant and amusing. Fortunately, FOB's*, Kris' hairstylist, and a few of my colleagues showed up on Saturday and bailed our butts out of the deathly quiet audience trauma and scary mishaps from the night before. (Granted, I need to give big props to my marathon running gal pals who came to Friday night's show, but there were only 2 of them and they're quiet girls by nature.) We were also very lucky to have Dave around to run sound and lights for us. Who says you can't count on a Stoner?

We certainly had the most unique apology for audience members leaving at intermission. Some poor person actually showed Eric and Millie his poison ivy to explain why they were bailing on the second half. If you're out there reading this right now, thanks for that. You have no idea how disheartening it is as a performer to come back after the intermission to fewer people than you started the first half. Your honesty was both refreshing and ego-boosting. Here's hoping you'll be healed by Thanksgiving weekend so you can come back and watch all new material! My brother works at a factory where they make cutting edge products for poison ivy and whatnot. He's the IT guy, but I'm sure he could send you some samples.

What can we take from the last 3 months of shows besides fistfuls of sweaty cash? We have yet to do an entire show as one full, cohesive cast. (First weekend, no Ben. Second weekend, no Lisa. This weekend, no Lord.) We still have a loyal following in spite of an ensemble made up of 4 new members. (Ben and Marla are new returnees, so I don't think they count as new members.) We have about 10 more days to write a brand new show to perform for the holiday season. I don't know about all of you, but I'm excited. It means I won't have to stick my hands in those f***ing refried beans for at least 2 more months!

The TV shooting gets back on track this coming Friday, 10/14. We need one of them there live studio audience thingies. Any volunteers? Contact Eric and he'll hook you up with details and directions. Come to think of it, I need directions, too. Unless this is Eric's not so subtle way of pink-slipping me. Seriously, dude, you know I'm not from around these parts...Where the heck is Waubonsee anyway?



*friends of Ben