Like a Pair of Stolen Polished Dimes

When I tried out for Cheney's community theatre last summer, I came in saying I had some experience. I decorated that statement with a heapin' helpin' of some good ol' false modesty. I aimed to keep the bar low, so as not to embarrass myself when and if the time came to actually speak learned lines in front of a home-town crowd. I practiced hard, did what I felt was proper character development, and all in all it was a success. Sure, I had a tiny part in an large ensemble, but as Eddie says :

"...the smallest oceans still get big big waves..." Pearl Jam-Tremor Christ

So the next play came. This one a tiny cast with a need for "younger" actors. (Seeing as how the average age in the group is like 50, I qualified as young) Better yet, I had a shot at a male lead role. Sure it would be way bigger than I had ever done, but I was up for it. Hell, I was practically begged to audition for it, and the director of the last play all but told me I was an amazing talent. What the hell, right?

"You could be my Yoko Ono, you could follow me wherever I go" Barenaked Ladies- Yoko Ono

Here's the story. Bill (me) wakes up on the morning of his wedding day with a bump on his head, one hell of a hangover, and a girl next to him. Said girl is not his betrothed. Through a series of events Bill and his best man Tom keep the girl a secret from Rachel, Bill's fiancee. However, in doing so, it's revealed that the girl is actually Tom's girlfriend Judy. There's lots of "'Oh my God's" and "Yes she is/No she isn't" and pretty soon most of the characters know what's what. Except Rachel. Here's the fun part. Bill's marrying Rachel, but Judy loves Bill. Rachel's marrying Bill, but Tom loves Rachel. And Bill...he's just lucky if he remembers to zip up his pants. Decisions are made, lives (and beds) are changed, and the story ends with a trip to Jamaica.

So, the rehearsals were peppered between Xmas and New Years, one of the actresses (the one I had most of my lines with) went on vacation and missed 9 rehearsals, (only to quit immediately after her first rehearsal back) and we flip-flopped roles to accommodate the ladies in the play. Along with the lady-drama, I got a killer cold right before dress rehearsals were to begin and I still had very little command over my lines.

" If you want to destroy my sweater, hold this thread as I walk away."  Weezer-Undone (The Sweater Song)

Fast forward to tonight. It's the end of night three: I still don't know my lines, My knees are killing me, most of the cast hates me for messing up their cue lines, and I've enjoyed every minute of it. Well, the stage time anyway. Oh and I signed my first autograph tonight! Must be a sign...

"That woman she's got eyes that shine..." (see below)

The title's song name, lyrics, and artist are below. There are a few lines that remind me of Bill, Rachel, and Judy. The song itself may not be exactly like the Bill's predicament, but there are a few well turned phrases that are parallel with Bill and his dilemma. In the folder marked Perfect Wedding Playlists file this song under "Bill: End of Act Two"

Avett Brothers- I, and Love, and You

Load the car and write the note.
Grab your bag and grab your coat.
Tell the ones that need to know.
We are headed north.

One foot in and one foot back.
But it don't pay to live like that.
So I cut the ties and I jumped the tracks.
For never to return.

Ah Brooklyn, Brooklyn take me in.
Are you aware the shape I'm in?
My hands they shake, my head it spins.
Ah Brooklyn, Brooklyn take me in.

When at first I learned to speak.
I used all my words to fight.
With him and her and you and me.
Ah, but it's just a waste of time.
Yeah it's such a waste of time.

That woman she's got eyes that shine.
Like a pair of stolen polished dimes.
She asked to dance I said it's fine.
I'll see you in the morning time.
Ah Brooklyn, Brooklyn take me in.
Are you aware the shape I'm in?
My hands they shake, my head it spins.
Ah Brooklyn, Brooklyn take me in.

Three words that became hard to say.
I and love and you.
What you were then I am today.
Look at the things I do.

Ah Brooklyn, Brooklyn take me in.
Are you aware the shape I'm in?
My hands they shake, my head it spins.
Ah Brooklyn, Brooklyn take me in.

Dumbed down and numbed by time and age.
Your dreams that catch the world the cage.
The highway sets the traveler's stage.
All exits look the same.

Three words that became hard to say.
I and love and you.
I and love and you.
I and love and you.