Today, I was rooting around in my e-mail folders looking for a recent copy of my resume for the Librarian at the college I work at. (I am currently on a leave of absence, but thats a story for later.) While rooting, I came across some old poetry and stuff that I had written years ago. Just for Shits and Giggles I am going to post them here... Also, because I think some of them are pretty Awesome! Part of being a writer is introspection and revisiting old writings so as I post these I will include current day thoughts on the piece at hand- I may even make small corrections, if I feel they are necessary. The writings will be in this color, and my comments in this color. So this is Post #1 of the series. enjoy!
I wrote this piece back in July 2004 as a meet the cast sort of thing for this independent theater production called "Only Me Beside You" I did with a very good friend of mine. I think it is indicative of my personality at the time.
Steff is thrilled to be performing with Matt C. again. For the last fifteen years She has been in his shadow, while he has been in the spotlight; she has enjoyed every moment of his success.
It seems I have spent a good portion of my life in Matt's shadow. Despite his self deprecation, he really is very good at getting himself out there and in touch with the public. He is also an incredible actor: he can tear the heart out of anyone... I miss being on stage with him.
Steff is returning to this stage once again. You may remember her powerful, scene stealing portrayal of the “Anonymous Fruit and Cheese Lady” in Caliope’s 2003 production of “Scrooge!” (I assure you that this is sarcasm) Sharing the stage with her were Matt C. as the utterly unforgettable “Tom Jenkins,” (True- see below) and Ken G. as the personable “Toy Shop Keeper.”
So, months after "Scrooge!", Matt and I went out to dinner together. We were sitting there at the table eating and someone walked by and said, "Hey, are you the guy that danced on the coffin?"
and Matt responded: "Yes."
"You did a great job! Stole the show!"
and Matt pointed at me and responded: "Thanks. She was in the show, too."
"Oh. I don't remember you."
This is what I mean by Matt being able to put himself out there, and what I mean by being in his shadow. Those moments made me very uncomfortable. I was proud of him for being such a great actor, but in my heart I would be seething: I worked just as hard as he did for the shows we did together, I deserved the praise as equally.
Steff has also appeared in productions of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat,” and “Like Winter Waiting.” She has been a member of several choirs and, with Matt C., has toured throughout Europe with the Bangor Theological Seminary Festival Choir.
Steff’s best performance to date was in 1995 when she portrayed the emotionally distraught murderess “Sweet Pea Meadowbrook” in “Death By Chocolate. For her performance she received a Matt C. Award for Best Supporting Actress.
I wasn't supposed to get this role; I never auditioned. What happened was this: Auditions took place, Matt was cast. Another classmate of ours was cast as "Sweet Pea Medowbrook." The character Sweet Pea is described as a fat woman. The girl who was cast, being average in weight, was upset at being cast as a fat person and pitched a fit (so, I heard) and quit. In comes me to save the day. I said to Matt, "I could do it" and being that I am what is commonly refered to as fat, I was not at all upset with the prospect of being called fat. So, Matt being the director, without actually supposing to be, basically said: Steff is going to be Sweet Pea Meadowbrook. No one argued; you never argue with Matt over theater things. To increase the size of my character (since I really am not nearly as fat as I felt the characher was called to be), I added two pillows: one to the front and one to the back of my body... I went from mearly fat to rather obese in a matter of five minutes of swearing and tying and strapping. I've seen the pictures and I think the pillows were fairly convincing for a High School production.
Steff received professional voice training from Kathy Ludt. It is with sincere thanks and appreciation that Steff dedicates her performance of “Somewhere” to the memory of Kathy, who taught her this song.
Kathy was one of the most important influences in my life. As a high schooler, I didn't feel that I was good at anything- Kathy helped me realize that I had an ability for song. She helped me, without ever knowing it, to build and maintain my self-esteem. Just that little thing made me feel as though I had worth, and kept the darkness and depression at bay.
Steff is no longer in Matt’s shadow. She has found her spotlight. “My turn!”
Yeah, so I'm still in his shadow, but I get to see more sun now. I've come into my own as an English Professor, and now get recognized for that over theater. This pleases me. Not to knock theater, since it can and will change you, but some of my biggest heroes in life have been my teachers. I like to think I have influenced and changed the lives of others the way that my teachers influenced and changed my life.
