2003

Polly and I have entered the ranks of the mega-glut entertain-us-until-we-hurl masses -- we bought a DVD player. In the past week we have enjoyed three mindless films and one subtitled German corker:

• Rush Hour 2
• Save the Last Dance
• Reign of Fire
• Mostly Martha

In an evening of vegan toppings, caffeine, and crackling sparks, James treated us to an onslaught of deeply affecting bardic patriotism. Check out the man himself at http://digitalbear.com/~jobrien/index.html.

Because of sadly ironic difficulties (ask and we'll explain) Paula has switched gears and, instead of Playing Juliet / Casting Othello, has received approval to direct The Nerd, by Larry Shue.

In preparing the script for a third-millennium audience, we are changing a few pop-culture references and asking ourselves questions like, "can we do a one-to-one translation between Kuwait and the Vietnam War?"

When I was a child, USArmy camoflage was always jungle-green -- now in the news it's all desert-tan. I wonder what the next palette will be.

We rode the Fung Wah Bus to NYC to see Foye's cricitally acclaimed performance in Lovecraft: Nightmare Suite! Foye was truly catlike narrating "The Cats of Ulthar" She also designed the amazing body-puppets used for the scene; read all about it in Talkin' Broadway.

The oil wells are on fire, possibly from preset explosives, and Rumsfeld expresses disappointment that Hussein is destroying "resources that belong to the Iraqi people."

I want someone to tell me that the Iraqis are going to be fine. I want the Iraqis themselves to tell me they're okay -- to stay clear of the bad men who fill them with fear, and then survive to build a democratic government after the bad men have gone. I want that so badly that watching Bush's speech the other night, his fatherly reassurance, brought tears to my eyes. I am easily swayed by marketing and propaganda.

I'm feeling the ache of being a poet in a violent time. - mhb

In the middle of the storm, a calm: A Midsummer Night's Dream, collectively dreamed by the Baron's Players. MH held a walk-on role (have garb will travel) as one of Theseus' attendants.

Mostly the event involved poetry and books, instruction on cordial-making, and renewed acquaintance with Dreda, Liam, Ruadh, Caryl, Caleb, Rozi, Nikki, Katrin, and the incomparable Fergus and Eleanor. Eventually there were pancakes.

It was quite a dream.

Western Mass: joined Denise, Betty, Sam and Al, Janet, Tim, and Karla for Shannon's production of Into The Woods. She didn't get any solo songs, but managed to inconspicuously make her way to the front of every cast tableau...

Now THAT's a star!

Later we caught Greta and Ally at Mount Holyoke for their production of Iphegenia and Other Daughters, by Ellen McLaughlin. From start to finish, this day reminded us of why we do theater in the first place.

At 5:00am on May Morning, MH accompanies Molly to greet the dawn and twirl through English country dances, May poles, and good cheer on the Charles.

Paula and MH launch The Nerd! The run proceeds exhaustingly well, with some mention of "The MHB Weight-loss Program", i.e., "show up after work and run around with heavy objects for 6 hours taking in only water and iced tea." There is great rejoicing! At strike the kids (even Jeff) stayed to the last flat: Declan, Dante, Stacy Jo, Ania, Jonathan, Jon, Dave, Beth, and Matt.

Foye achieves acclaim and admiration (and some well-meaning concern) from friends & family after nailing an audition for The Restaurant, Rocco DiSpiriti's new reality-TV show! We can't wait 'til June.

MH, with Molly Overholt and Lynn Noel, performed intermezzi for Slaves of Love, the latest i Sebastiani production. The "Sebastianettes" sang a capella rounds and Market Calls: Broomes for Olde Shoes, Of All the Birds, Wee Be Three Poore Mariners, He That Will An Ale-House Keep, and Kiss the Cup -- many times over...

Paula and MH spent a week of sun and sand in the Bobbitt/Morrisette ancestral homeland, Virginia Beach. Highlights included a trip to Norfolk for dinner with MH's UVA first-year roommate, Lisa (Paulson) Verkauteren, and visits to the new Lambda Rising and Seashore State Park.

In between we fed the usual obsessions: seafood at Nick's, entertaining relatives, reading, Ben & Jerry's on the boardwalk, and sunbathing while watching Marine Amphibious Recon unit training. Ahhh, peace...

At long last we are leaving the fair seaport and headed into the Misty Mountains. Paula launches into her dream job as Visiting Lecturer in Theatre at Mount Holyoke College beginning in September. Until then, perhaps, a closer acquaintance with Mmme. Vestris... MH will telecommute M and F, bunk thrice weekly at the Dark Place while working in Boston, and get a lot of reading done on the Pike.

Edgar Mouse Bobbitt was by far the tiniest creature MH ever held, and the first that she and Polly discovered trying to live in the house with them.

After four too-short days of tender care, Edgar died peacefully in his sleep some time Tuesday night. He was a good mouse and loved by many during his short sojourn with the Alekson/Armitage/Bobbitt clans. He will be missed.

The Story of Edgar the Mouse

The Virginia and New York Bobbitts ventured north to Easthampton for fine dining and a weekend in the country with daughter and daughter-in-law.

Dad at Apollo
MH, Foye, Mom at Apollo
MH and Polly
MH and Foye
Mom and Dad in the Eastworks lobby
Polly and Dad in Northampton
Dad and Polly put the bookcase together

And then... Bob and Denise welcomed their Virginia cousins to a sumptuous cookout in celebration of Bob's new Weber grill & Myra Hope's addiction to Vitamin Water.

Polly orchestrating Girls vs. Boys water polo
Ma Alekson & Polly
Rev. Mom & MH
Foye -- nu?
MH opening presents