Spring Term

Well, here we are at the end of April already -- 1/3 of the way through 2010. We can literally count on the fingers of one hand the number of shooting days left on our current feature film project, Politics of Street Crime. Our Spring Term has gotten off to a great start with a new roster of ambitious, talented actors. We're looking forward not only to working with this new group in an upcoming play, Dreams, but to start on our new film project, Rabid. It's a good time to be involved at the studio.

Ah, it's been a while since I've been here....recently saw some truly nice pictures of a family day trip to Alger last October to visit the family cemetery. My two grown sons, Dylan and Bryce, with their dad and his Aunt Marie. She is a remarkable woman. Petite, perky, punctual and ever pleasant, she is. The cemetery in Alger is a near magical place. Quiet, a little lonely, and -- one might think -- abandoned, except for some recent dates on some headstones and the trimness and neatness of the grounds. Not the prettiest lawn, but neat nonetheless. There are some old, great trees, appropriately sad-seeming themselves. In the distance is the substitute murmur of the highway, which in the times of progress replaced a river. Here, my sons can visit the resting places of their forebears. The patriarch of the main branch of the family -- who came from County Monaghan in the north of Ireland to Canada first and then to Michigan -- Hamilton Dunn (and all the other Dunns, of course); the Geislers; the bit of Native American blood thrown in by a stray relative and the infamous Aunt Ivah, about whom I've heard some little whisperings about white witch-hood, whatever that is. Also resting in this place is a hero, Calvin Davey. His sister (and my dear, much missed, mother-in-law) Audrey, would show us movie-star pictures of her forever-mourned brother whose ace flyer missions in World War II sometimes weighed heavily on him, a son of a clergyman. Not a visit goes by without his nephew Brian's mention of the hushed awe inspired by the planes that flew over this little cemetery in tribute after his untimely death. My sons are comfortably familiar with this place that shelters ones who've loved them and others who loved those before. With some sweet-sad sighs, we all left and headed toward Standish, location of Wheeler's Restaurant. I'm told eating at Wheeler's was a family tradition. Beneath pictures of Marilyn Monroe and other Hollywood icons we enjoyed a hearty meal seated at a round table. We bid Aunt Marie a fond farewell and gave her best wishes for her yearly winter trip to Florida (smart woman!) That day last October is a gem in the jewel box of my memory.

First Post of 2010

Well, it has been a while, hasn't it? In January, I always like to review events and experiences of the previous year, and I will be getting to that, but first...my heart goes out to the people of Haiti. Haiti has had a very interesting history and has certainly gotten the short end of the stick in the past. During the early days of the United States, while there was still slavery in this country, Haiti was a stronghold of freedom for African-Americans and established a democratic government long before other nations in the New World.

Let's hope the quick action of incoming rescue teams will result in many saved lives. We should all say a prayer today for the people of Haiti.

Good Bye, Summer

Well, it's official. The autumnal equinox occurred on September 22 at 5:19 PM Eastern Time. I wasn't paying attention myself. I had gone out to lunch with my mother at Cafe Muse in downtown Royal Oak. (They have a simply delicious vegan burger, by the way.) We were in search of a mirror or matching set of mirrors to replace one that was water-damaged. Didn't find the mirrors but had an enjoyable afternoon. Don't recall where I was at 5:19, though.

It's been a busy, 14-hour-workday fortnight. (A fortnight is an archaic way of saying "two weeks.") But we've accomplished quite a bit, especially on the film project. By the way, if you haven't done so, check out our teaser and behind-the-scenes webisodes on YouTube. Just type in "politics of street crime" and it should come right up.

When I think of September I always think of renewed energy and focus. Of rainy afternoons in Birmingham, window shopping for fall clothes and enjoying a flavored coffee in a coffeehouse.

I hear many people say we didn't have much of a summer. Yes, it was a cool one. But the first three weeks of September were pretty near perfect. I hope we see a good Indian summer soon!

Happy Ever After, Matthew and Michele!

Congratulations to Matthew and Michele Dakho, whose lovely wedding I attended on Sunday. The setting was the sprawling lawn and gazebo in front of the Dearborn Inn. Strains of music from Fellini's Amacord floated on the delicate breeze as we took our seats. Presently, a pair of children, a small boy and a chubby, barely-redhaired toddler in a tiny gown began the procession of attendants, which were all children! Isn't that great? I just loved that. Matthew's son Noah was the best man and his cousin Isabel Kado was the maid of honor. The wedding ceremoney was simple and so aesthetic. Probably the most tasteful wedding I've attended. And, thank you, Matthew and Michele, for dispensing with the lighting of the "unity candle." I hate it when I see that tired, unoriginal and overused faux tradition at weddings! Instead, they did a sand ritual in which they each poured different-colored sand from two separate glass containers into a larger one, symbolizing the blending of their lives and families. Much better.

Anyway, the reception and dinner at the Dearborn Inn were wonderful, the food and cake were great. But just as we were at the "tiny mint" stage (for those of you who don't know, that's a reference from Monty Python's Meaning of Life), Matthew led us to a table laden with the richest, most delectable confections along with a huge chocolate fountain. Wow! I have never turned down a sweet, let alone chocolate, but even I had a limit. I had no choice but to shake a leg on the dance floor with Noah just to get the blood flowing somewhere other than my stomach.

Much happiness to you, Matthew and Michele (and Noah too!)

Links to Teaser, Behind-the-Scenes and Article

Gosh, I almost forgot! The Squeaky Wheel sent an e-mail reminding me to publish the links to our teaser and behind-the-scenes webisode on YouTube. So here they are for the teaser and webisode, respectively:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM_uKJHNiOo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIcgefS6SJY

Oh, and we got some press this week too! Check it out:

http://thecountypress.mihomepaper.com/news/2009-09-09/Marquee/Movie_at_the_Mays.html

That's all, folks -- for today!

The Lovely & Talented Deirdre Tracey

It's been an eventful week (I'll tell you about my "Annual Day Off" in a later post.) But I would be remiss if I failed to mention the presence of fellow actor -- and my friend -- Deirdre Tracey on our set Sunday the 30th of August, 2009, at the aforementioned May home.

It was actually Brian the Director's idea to cast a member of the Panic In Detroit (aka Corrupted Minds) lineup in a guest star role. What a great idea it was! Deirdre Tracey was asked to play the role of Anne Arlington, trophy wife -- and slightly resentful -- of her wealthy and influential magnate husband, Jack Arlington (played to GQ perfection by Rhys Wyn Trenhaile.) Luckily, Deirdre accepted the role and filled it beautifully: bringing her unmatched grace, unerring taste and -- best of all -- dry sense of humor.

As a matter of fact, Matthew Dakho is to be credited because several times I looked over and saw Deirdre laughing merrily at something Matthew had just said. And since it appeared he was talking non-stop, she was laughing every time I saw her.

By the way, in an unrelated note, it was Deirdre's dad that schooled me on the fact that in reality there's no such thing as "Scotch-Irish." It was a term invented in this country in the 19th century to gain acceptance for unwanted Irish immigrants by associating them with the more accepted Scottish-American population. And it's true; when I visited Ireland for my sister's wedding some years ago, the term is non-existent there.

But getting back to my story... . When it came time to say good-bye to Deirdre, it was my privilege to visit for a few moments with Miss Nadia Catherine Raft -- or as I've often referred to her, "Princess." Nadia is Deirdre's lovely little daughter who shares her mothers long limbs and flirtatious demeanor and her dad's true blue eyes and smile. (It was nice to see you, too, Greg Raft! I don't know what's going on up there in Saginaw, but you all looked SO great!!)

Well, there's so much more I could say, not only about my friend but about the magical day we had in North Branch at Mr. May's house. But time's short today. Stay tuned for more later....