PHILBLACKATTACK BLOG II

Hey Folks,

How's it going? Today is Godspell III's FIRST day off in 8 days - that's 8 days of set up, do show, tear down, travel, repeat - and although I love theater as much as the next guy, it's deliciously good to have a break. This last leg was a five-show stab into the heart of Michigan, followed by one show in Ohio and then one at Epworth Camp here in beautiful, rustic Indiana. And, I must say, it was a blast.

Apparently, Michigan shows developed something of a dark reputation last year during Gospell II. Their first show featured a load in up a 10+ stair staircase and was topped off with Jesus, played by Matthias Austin, severely spraining his ankle. Again, remember this was their FIRST SHOW. However, I am pleased to report that our streak of cursed Michigan shows has at last been broken, replaced by a streak of five shows which easily found places alongside our best ever. The last week has flown by, and I sit here today, a'swirl in a flurry of half-remembered stages, sanctuaries, faces, and handshakes.

One memory, however, will forever be burned into my memory. One of our Michigan shows was held in a church that was situated directly beside a large cornfield. As those of you who have seen the show are aware, after Jesus' death on the cross, he is carried out by the disciples. Then, in a bit of rough, theatrical magic, "Jesus" runs around to the front of the sanctuary out of view of the audience where he then pops out for the resurrection. This particular sanctuary, however, featured impressively large windows on either side of the sanctuary, meaning that if our Jesus ran around to the front by going outside, as he often does, he would effectively be SEEN running, thus shattering the moment entirely. So, as we disciples exited the back of the sanctuary this particular night, we were treated to the unorthodox site of Jesus booking it into a cornfield. Matthias ran through the corn to avoid detection. It was pretty hard not to laugh, but we had to contain ourselves, still singing into our mikes, as we were, the refrain "Prepare Ye".

Again, THANKS SO MUCH to our ludicrously hospitable host families. You guys are all amazing! Never has my belief in the goodness of humankind (in Christ, mind) been so strengthened. And thanks to all our theater goers. We appreciate you all, and hope our shows bring just a little joy!

Have a grand day!

philBlack