Finding that holiday spirit

So, I’m much better after that last entry. It’s been rough not to let the whole car burglary get to me. Things are back to normal, save for the lack of an iPod. I have yet to figure out when I’m going to replace that, but the important things I need (restored heat controls; repaired door lock) and wanted (car radio) have been taken care of. Now, if I can only stop having recurring dreams where I come to my car and discover it burglarized again, that would be great…

AMAHL

After the incident, I tried my best to focus on Amahl, which was a great gig. The Page doesn’t get to sing much at all, but when working with Tim Ocel, I never once felt that the role was peripheral. Aside from the obvious tasks and prop wrangling (Tim referred to me as “the Suzuki of this show”), the Page can become such a cardboard character. What Tim and I worked on was to make him protective towards the Kings—which also transforms him into a pretentious dolt—and suspicious of Amahl and his Mother, for he was once poor as they and knows what poverty can do to otherwise good people. (I couldn’t help thinking about Javert in Les Misérables saying “I was born with scum like you; I am from the gutter too!”) Aside from creating the character, I was grateful to work with and get to know all the singers involved.

We gave a special matinee performance the Thursday before opening night for local area school groups. They seemed to love the show, and the volunteers on hand noted how un-restless and un-distracted they seemed to be. That gave us some great motivation to give even better public performances. The show got a wonderfully positive review from Sarah Bryan Miller…and I got my first-ever mention from her:

“Phil Touchette, as the Page, did a subtle but notable job of acting; his expression upon entering the hut was priceless.”

Zowie! Honestly, I am admittedly annoyed when her writing is unreasonable, and a positive review won’t necessarily change that stance, but I am nonetheless appreciative of the mention.

CHRISTMAS

My Christmas spirit has been quite low this year. Money has been tight, and though I know that gift-giving does not make or break Christmas, I feel awful that I cannot be as plentiful towards those I love. Nevertheless, I’ve been able to scrounge up some gifts—including some child-size Snuggies™ for my Nephew (Toy Story characters) and Niece (Disney® princesses). I also feel a little better now that my Charlie Brown-esque Christmas Tree is up, lit and decorated.

On Christmas Eve, I will go to Freeburg to have a Spaghetti dinner with Mom and the Grandparents. Then, I’ll head over to Union Avenue Church for their Christmas Eve service. It’s hands-down my favorite service of the year—such a peaceful and simple way to end four weeks of Advent.

On Christmas Day, I’ll have brunch at my Sister’s place followed by some gift exchanging. (Can’t wait to see the reaction to the Snuggies™!) Later, we’ll go to a gathering with my Brother-in-law’s family. To cap off the day, I plan to take Mom out to the movies. I really hope she wants to see NINE.

Merry Christmas!