2011 Cast You Can't Take It

2011 Rehearsing fun

I do not often love the process of anything but the exception is REHEARSAL. I LOVE rehearsing and honing in on skills and learning and the mistakes and the friendships that develop and the talent that emerges. The mishaps and fittings the set design the development of characters. Laughter, tears, nerves, silly, playing, and hard work.

2011 Dream Role

When I was 15 I saw a production of You Can't Take It With You and I fell in love with it. Maybe it was the crazy family or they seeking after what makes you happy or the family or the humor. My favorite part was Penny aka Mrs Sycamore. Flash forward I was missing being on stage and I don't think I enjoy directing like I do performing. I enjoy it but I don't LOVE it. I saw that my neighboring city was holding auditions for the show I about back flipped. It is amazing when you know a role is perfect for you. You feel like you can slip into her and share her heart. I like it when you know what roles you are capable of and then bring your whole self. I adore Penny. I thought I have perhaps no chance. I have not done a show there before and I am not in the right age range and then little doubts creep in like if they have precast or only work with favorites like some theaters do. But I was brave and went for it. The audition was okay not my best but I got a call back:) Call backs were fun. I got to read Penny many times and once one of the powers that be slipped up and said "will you read Missy" instead of "will you read Penny" to another girl at callbacks. They had some good talent and I felt like I had maybe a 50/50 chance. Then the waiting about does you in. All worth it. Can't wait to work with Emily as my daughter Essie and Todd as the Russian! The director was great at callbacks I plan to learn lots from her. YIPEE!!

Relating the humorous encounter between a conservative family and the crazy household of Grandpa Martin Vanderhof. Grandpa's family of individualists amuses with their energetic physical antics and inspire with their wholehearted pursuit of happiness.

Grandpa walked off his job 35 years ago and has never regretted it. Penelope happily writes bad plays. Paul makes fireworks in the basement with an iceman who came eight years ago and never left. Essie pliés rather than walks. The one "normal" daughter, Alice, is engaged to Tony Kirby, handsome son of a Wall Street tycoon… whose parents are about to drop in and meet the family.

Awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1936, the comedy went on to run 837 performances on Broadway

Honk JR

I wish some things I could start at the end and work my way back. Honk JR was hard-- some of the kids were mean. Some were just unruly. Some were just teenagers and good at it. But after all was said and done I got to spend time helping these amazing young people grow more confidence and Make friends. I spent time with super cute Hilary and funny Melanie. We were in a brand new theater. I got to work with my Steve who was funny. It was hard to not have the scripts for 2 1/2 months. It was hard it was over the holidays and a big move. It was hard to do a musical with one rehearsal a week for 2 hours and also try to teach them along the way. It was difficult to lose Aunt Sue along the path. It was wonderful to laugh and see the potential they all had. It was amazing to get emails and cards along the way from the kids thanking me for helping them see their greatness. It was fun to get flowers and hugs. I loved getting to know some kids that taught me about compassion and humor. One of the girls is always helping everyone and took a downs boy with her to prom. One of the girls is a triple threat with acting dance and singing. All of the kids had strenghs and what a challenge to focus the energy and expand the possibilities.

2010 CLUE

I thrilled at the chance to be in CLUE. I loved playing the game as a child. I really enjoy mystery. It is a favorite genre of mine. When I heard that the theatre in my town would be doing Clue I knew right away who I wanted to be. Mrs. Peacock. I think the actress who played her in the movie is awesome and I love the part. Auditions were scary super talented people. I thought I would not have a chance since most of them knew each other ad I knew know one. Well I knew one my friend Melissa who was going to have a baby tried out.

I am journaling this a year after the fact. I am slowly catching up on my journaling. They were fun auditions. Long but they kept making cuts and sending people home and I kept staying. This was at call backs. I loved at the first audition you found out right away if you needed ot come to call backs. At the end I thought they had chosen myself and another girl for Peacock. But One they choose to be Scarlet did not want to be Scarlet so she and I became Peacock and the other became the cook and she was awesome at it.

Now this is all my guessing I am not privy to the directors thoughts. They were a talented married team. Both wonderful performers. Both super intimidating. I about died when they came to a performance and was devastated they came to our last one as it threw the performance into a weird place. Oh well we wanted to please them and tried too hard I think.

The costumes were out of this world! Custom to each of us and we didn't have to share:) Cool sets and I thought my favorite part was a small olio during intermission with the music from Masterpiece Mystery theatre with gianormous game pieces. We did all three endings so I got to be the murder each night.

I also performed with both casts. I missed my cast as the other cast was full of talent but they did not work as a team. I find that happens when you have a star or they think they are a star and are strong in one area be it acting, dance or singing. This cast is a perfect example you have some strong singers or actors who think they are the bomb and they are ery strong in a area but they look down at everyone else and feel they are the superior cast I got the feeling that I was not all that welcome and they wanted the other Mrs. Peacock.

I loved my double. She is fun and lively and a dear lady. I made many friends and had much fun. What a great way to celebrate the Halloween season We had sold out performances. I enjoyed each person in the cast and had very fond memories of back stage and rehearsals and each performance. What a lucky girl I am to have been a part of the cast of CLUE:)

Kissing Orange goodbye . . . 2 shows left

Thank you to everyone who came to the show. I was so humbled to see each of you supporting me and who kind with the long distance and cost of tickets. THANKS!!! The surprise flowers, the little girls who now want to be stars, the little boys who had favorite lines and bragged that they knew me:) It is nice to have support.
It is weird that the show is coming to an end. At first I felt like that would never end. 6 days a week rehearsing, 3 days a week performing, blue eye shadow, orange lips and nails, red hair, mics and no mics, flowers, tears and laughter. I met some wonderful awesome people who I feel have made my life brighter. Angela who shares Truvy with me is kind and beautiful. Everyone adores her she makes a huge difference in the world. She loves to be a wife and mom and daughter. She teaches and directs. Truly it has been an honor to know her and hear how much she is admired by all who have the pleasure of knowing her. Melissa who has the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen plays the sweetest intelligent shy Annelle ever and brings this real touching performance every night. It had been easy to cry during her moving speech about eternal beauty and angels. Melissa is sassy and makes me smile even when I want to throw in the towel literally. Melissa kept me grounded with her sly humor. Addison- who is the most talented man I have ever met. Seriously- he is like the first nice man I have met that can sing, dance, act, create, stage manage, laugh, smile, get away wearing tight mint pants-- you would have to see him to believe me. I just think he is so fun and reminds me of my brother. SO having him be my twin sons was a treat!. Leslie- my hero director who I have no idea how survived directing 12 divas. Really with all of us so different and all our egos and she did it with grace style and never yelled. She reminded me of the role of a director- the big picture and gave me the courage to dig deep and ignore doubt and be me. Margo and Dave who would stop in and makes us feel like stars spoiling us with love and food. Sandy who tried so hard to make us all beautiful in the 80s and made us each our own grooms cake. Wendy who made the red hair bearable and is just kind talented and spunky. Jackie who gathered props and more props and more props and smiles and encourages. Jillian who is so beautiful inside and out it radiates and just the thought of her dying makes any sad scene a breeze. She looks like she walked out of an Austen book. She brought a breath of youth to the set and it was fun to hear all her dreams and to remember what life was like when everything was possible and laid out before you. Rebecca who is the kind heart that everyone wishes they had in a true friend. She is always looking at the bright side and I would love to find her a man worthy of her greatness! She has a gift with children and people. Linda Jean and her wonderful cupcakes and wisdom. Jane with her selfless fun and energy. Meredith, Chris and Robin with the power house performances, stories, examples and humor. Adrien and Ashley two mega talents of song and dance.
I really love this company. I will miss the drama and the energy and the mistakes and the learning and the growing. But I will treasure the time spent back at my simple life with my sexy hubby who I have missed so much it hurts. But today I kiss my false eye lashes goodbye after two more shows they will be retired to a fire with my orange lipstick and nails. But I will always remember the the laughter through tears- my favorite emotion.

2010 Rodgers

2010 Wink

Gotta love my photos I take of myself. Wink. If only I had longer arms.

One of our good reviews:)

Playing through June 4, 2010
CENTERVILLE – As a single 20-something male, the idea of going to see “Steel Magnolias” did not thrill me. But part of being a part of the UTBA means going to shows you probably wouldn’t attend otherwise. This latest production by Rodgers Memorial Theatre certainly changed my mind about the show. This is by far the strongest production I’ve seen at Rodgers and I’m very excited to see more.

The story is probably familiar to most. The 90-minute show is comprised of just four scenes spanning three and a half years. All take place in the local beauty salon run by Truvy (Missy Riffle/Angela C. Brown) and her new employee Annelle (Melissa Robinson Hurst/Adren Swenson). The rest of the cast includes Shelby (Ashley Gardner Carlson/Jillian Tirado) with her mother M’Lynn (Robin M. Edwards/Jane Merrell Huefner) and two more neighbors: Clairee (Chris Brown/Linda Jean Stephenson) and ouiser (Meredith Gibson/Rebecca Hess).

I attended the Saturday evening performance and was incredibly pleased by the performance. This marvelous group of women has formed one of the strongest ensembles I have seen in Davis County. Each was wonderfully convincing in her own right and bring together a simple and powerful story of the beauty, pain and laughter experienced in Chinquapin, Louisiana. The story is immediately approachable and applicable to any household. Director Leslie Giles-Smith has done beautiful work bringing this story to the Centerville stage.

Special compliments go to the costume designer Sandy Hunsaker. The costuming for the production was subtle, strong and perfectly captured the spirit of these women and their community. Set designer Scott VanDyke and scenic artist Tammy Coleman created a clear design that transported me to 1980s Louisiana.

This is really great work by Rodgers. It’s so refreshing to not only see a non-musical performance in the space, to not be deafened by overzealous sound reinforcement, but also to see quality acting and direction on the community stage.

Steel Magnolias plays through June 5 at Rodgers Memorial Theater on Pages Lane in Centerville. Tickets are $11-17 and can be purchased at the box office or by calling 801-298-1302. More information can be found at RodgersMemorial.com.Written by: Dave Mortensen May 22, 2010.

Tickets are selling out:)

If you mention you know Missy Riffle they will give you a discount off the ticket prices I am in the Mon, Wed. Fri. cast:)

Rogers Memorial Theatre
292 East Pages LaneCenterville, UT 84014
(801)298-1302

12 Divas + 1 Play = Drama

The first time I had the wig on with no make up I was the spitting image of Ronald Wesley. Seriously. Nothing against him i have a little friend who thinks he is the cats meow. But to look int he mirror and see him as me shocking. One of the ladies said out loud you look like Rupert and then said I thought Truvy was attractive before she could stop herself. Now I have changed the make colors and still am unrecognizable but no longer looking Wesley. My family came last night to the dress rehearsal and my 4 year old niece did not know me! My cousin said you are nothing like that character which is a compliment. Truvy is a huge flirt and very into men. She loves airplanes and spicy foods and complains about her couch potato hubby. She is also always in full get up and all her artificial glory. I think we are both the life of the party and good supporters. So I can see some of me in her. She does love romance. She thinks everything is her favorite like me and loves life. Scott was so funny when I complained on stage that my hubby had not been romantic since 1972 he said "That's not true" He forgets that my hubby on stage and my hubby off are not both him. He is nothing like the on stage hubby couch potato.
To say I adore the women cast and crew of my play is a big understatement. I have gotten so close to a few of them and just love having new Friends. Plus I feel like it has been a challenge in juggling lines, accent, blocking doing hair nails and having many cast members missing in acting for most of the rehearsals. There is not one weak actress int he entire cast which is hard to accomplish. Melissa and Angela make me so happy I get excited to go be with them each day. We have been living at the theater Mon- Fri and Sats for 6 weeks. I will really miss the other cast as we open tomorrow night:(

My first show with Rogers Memorial Theatre

Whoever said actors have fragile egos was married to one, it is true. I have been driving Scott crazy over the last week and a half. There is a wonderful theatre about a block from our home. They have a fantastic reputation and they are building a brand new theatre set to open in Jan of 2011. I guess I have been spoiled to work with directors who know me and what I can do. I sometimes don't even have to audition but just get a part. But since we just moved up here no one knows me and starting all over is scary. I went to the audition with huge hopes because...
1. All female cast equals Scott liking the show and not worrying about who he has to watch me kiss on stage. Which were the roles reversed I would not want to watch him love on someone else. I have given up on telling him I will not get the romantic lead since often I do. I think mother nature is taking care of that for Scott as time is marching across my face:)
2. My mothers best friend in the entire world lived in Louisiana where my mom also lived in her early married life while her hubby was in the service. Some of the most happy memories I have of my mother are with Sue and grandma Cotton and all the awesome family from Louisiana. I made memories in the very town this play was written about and later where the film was shot. I've been to the Christmas Festival-- I adore all the southern Bells in my life and this show holds a special place in my heart.
3. I LOVE the director. My favorite directors are ones who start out as directors. They don't worry so much about feelings but ask for your best and give direction. Actors who direct tend to worry about the over thinking the actor thinking "they don't like me". I have never worked with her before so I'm thrilled! She did start our saying she does prefer to work with men but hey I Love men also I married one! In general men are easier to work with but I might argue that many male actor I know can give us drama queens a run for our money.
4. The commute. Time during a play effects your family life. It requires tons of time away from home so to to be able to walk will save precious hours commuting.
5. I need to do a show now. Being on stage exploring a different person helps me let go of real life for awhile. I am very dramatic and it helps to use it one stage and less at home.
6. We plan to live here for ever so I want to get in with this theatre community and make new friends and learn and grow and perform in my own new home town.
After the first call back I started to doubt my ability to ever act. I decided to use a southern accent day and night until the next call back. That meant working, going to church, dreaming in southern. I wanted it natural so I was ready for anything. Call back after callback I would come home exhausted and driving even myself batty to the point Scott took me on a quick visit to Sunny Southern Utah-- accent and all. That is when the fun started. I was answering the phone and working in southern which somehow helped my sales increase. The problem was one of my jobs last week was filling in for a manager at a site. I had people come in and I was speaking with the accent. Well I walked them outside and locked us all out of the office. I could not at that point stop talking with an accent. I then had to call for help with and accent to my boss and other friends with the company to see if they could send in help. My very funny friend waked if I had brought home an accent instead of souvenirs from Florida. I could not even answer or joke back because it would give me away. I did manager to break in through a small window squeeze past some file cabinets and free the office.
At each call back I was impressed with the women how were there. Many auditioned as it is a great script for women. I tried to enjoy the process but instead stressed out. I yanked Salina bald headed practicing on her hair as I went out for the role of Truvy. I wanted to be Annelle who is my favorite part but alas I am too old. So I was hoping I was old enough to pull of 45ish.
I GOT THE PART! Truvy is a warm sassy lady who has twin boys headed off to college- she was a child bride. Her role is different from the movie version where she was played very sweet. She still can be sweet but much more fun. The rest of the cast is seasoned actresses and directors from across Utah. I think I am the only one who is new to Rogers stage. It is a huge honor and I am so excited. My time is gone until June 5th but it will be doing what I love near home! Our first assignment was writing a bio which about floored me they are very on top of things. It is a professional production which makes me giddy. Anything you walk in the first day and have a calendar which has been prepared with great thought as to respecting time WOW! The fun part is I am on stage for the entire show minus 2 pages so I get to be there every day, which is lucky because there is so much to learn from everyone involved. I can't wait to wake up each day and work on it:) I also got very Happy news which I can't reveal just yet but I'll know more in 5 days.

Playing "mom" and just playing

Scott calls me the pied piper. I seem to attract kids and others. I love it. It makes not haveing my own kids easier:) The kids always want to sit in my lap and tell me all about, well everything. I LOVE it. There are a few kids in the play that I just adore. One of them wants me to hold her all through intermission and she says I can be her intermission mom. The cast calls her mini Missy as we both are dramatic, love sparkly, hyper, blond, silly, and CUTE:) She loves to grab glitter and sprinkle me after each of my 5 costume changes. Her real mom is a fantastic woman who has been very cool to get to know better. She laughs and tells me she can see her daughter in me in a few years. I am going to miss this little girl who is very sweet and talented! She has really made the paly fun. One of the boys in the play has amazing talent for his young years. He can fill in for any of us and is very professional. He also has this fun awesome mom. These kids are great to work with and I will miss seeing them. One of the things I love about plays is the friends you make. I have enjoyed every minute of being with Hilary. We are like peanut butter and jelly. I will miss her like mad when the show is over. Hilary is a wonder. She reminds me of Marlene in the perfection department, so when I'm with one of them I think of the other one and it makes me love them both even more. We have also made some new friends. I have enjoyed my director and Loved playing the angel. I can't believe our long run is coming to an end. Thank you so so much everyone who came to see the show! It does have a great message. We even got a letter sent to the theater form someone who was very touched:) The actual theater is an old movie house that has been turned into a theater and it would be great to see a rich person come in and donate some improvements but community theater has a charm to it that I love. There is real magic in live theater. The audience becomes a part of the show and each and every performance is alive with a different feeling. I have enjoyed the audience as they are thrilled for Clare to get her wings. Little kids come up after and want a hug from the angel and want to see the sparkly wings up close. A few ask for autographs and kisses on their checks! At first it felt like the long run woudl never be over but now as it draws to a close it zoomed by. Just remind me to not do another holiday show I feel like I missed the holidays. It is neat to wish the audience a Merry CHristmas each night but I do miss all the parties and fmaily time I have missed out on. Anthony played a roll all the way form Iowa and my dream is to one day do a show with him in person!

What comes up must go down

Usually we put up Christmas in September. We travel often in the fall and so we can enjoy Christmas we put it up early. This year went so fast here it is almost Christmas and finally up goes the tree. The sad part is when it will have to come down. I don't want it up all year but it is very sad to take it down. Imagine how dusty it would be all year. My darling mother came up for a visit and to see my current show. It was wonderful to have her here and she got to meet Bella. Mom is beautiful and it was fun to watch holiday shows with her. I felt bad to leave her alone as I live at the theater right now but cute Marj saved the days and nights and came to play with mom. What a lucky girl I am to have 2 moms for the week! One of the things I love about our current home is the tall ceilings:) This makes our huge tall tree seem the perfect size. We have tons of ornaments and even with the big tree it kind of looks full. I also put up many of our other decorations this year. I just adore tripping down memory lane as I open each box and place the item around the house. My mom in law has given me some beautiful things over the last years and I sure do love enjoy them each December. Mom and Marj were a big hit with the rest of the cast and came to all the parties with us. They are the LIFE of the party. Scott and Matt have been super cute to come and support Hilary and me. How long can I leave up the tree???

Opening Night for It's A Wonderful Life

I wish I had taken some photos of all the 12 different hair styles we tried out for this play. The victory rolls were my favorite. The setting of the play is between 1933 and 1947. It was interesting to study what things were like back then and the rations on clothing which effected hair and make up styles. The style which the director choose was the same way I wore it int the last show I did. I think I may not look too good with out bangs so the other styles I guess didn't read well from the audience. So I look like Shirley Temple. On Sat. after a tech and dress rehearsal I was considering how to get out of this. It seemed like the was no hope at all for the production. I thought maybe the theater will burn down. Each play I have done, always has glitches and I always wonder- how we will pull it off? But this one was my most fear inducing yet. I have not even told people to come see it as I was afraid to waste their time and money. My dear buddy Hilary Joy is in the production with me and we started some heavy praying at the beginning of the week. Hilary is so fun to be with and she makes me smile to just think of her. The show has a beautiful message about the importance of each persons life and the ripple effect they have on each other. Every single soul is precious to God and the things we don don't effect our worth. I actually was crying on stage last night because the beauty of that message was really loud to me:) I know a HUGE reason it even happened was because of the prayers. Sure we had hiccups- but we are starting to gel more as a team and help each other out more:) One down 12 more to go!

I got the part of the angel!!!

I tired out for It's A Wonderful Life the musical and I got the part I wanted:) The director is awesome and he said he wished he could clone me. He wanted to know if I have a twin sister. Hilary assured him that one Missy is plenty in the world. I will get to work with super cute Hilary and my friend Aubrey! They are changing the part of the angel Clarence to a woman for me. I think maybe my name will be Clare. Yippee. It will run the month of December at the Draper Historic Theater. This will be my first performance at this Theater. It is an old movie theater turned into a live theater. The cast is full of interesting people to meet and make new friends with. Hilary and I are LOVING being reunited for yet another show. Scott told me to go for it. I was thinking about not doing it as his calling is so 24-7 and with work and all the other demands he has I did not want to add to our families schedule. Scott said it is the perfect time for me to do it since he will be spending time hunting since it is hunting season. So while he is out there shooting birds I will be a the theater:) It was a little stressful since they wanted me for a different part. They wanted me for the angel but also thought I would be perfect in 2 other roles. I begged them to let me be the angel since I would not have to play opposite of anyone which makes for one happy Scott. Imagine how happy I was when I got the call last night at 11:45pm after 3 call backs that I was the angel. When Hilary found out she may have to kiss in the play that even made Scott frown. He is not very theater-y. There a few people in the cast which made me remember why I left the stage to meet normal people back in 1992. The pull of it is strong for me and I can always only stay away for short periods of time until I find myself back in the spotlight. I thrill at the whole thought of theater. I just love it. But it is nice to have balance and take breaks. Having done 2 shows for 2008 seemed just right. I hope I get to wear something sparkly:) I love glitter and sparkles!

Princess Calli

My friend Jody invited me to come and play Sleeping Beauty at her cute daughter Calli's birthday. The invites were adorable with Calli on them as a princess with a Royal invite. I love photos of me with Calli since we are both blond I can pretend like she is mine, I would take any of her cute kids- even the brown haired ones. Jody made the whole event very royal. I enjoyed the tea party very much. We hunted for poisoned apples to save Snow White and danced. The tiny cupcakes were darling. It was so much fun to see these little darlings all in their princess finest. I just wanted to scope them all up and take them home. They had these darn cute names like Annie and Faith. Here are a few photos of the day and you can read all about it at Jody's blog. The funny part was that my older sister was in town and we met up for lunch. I was still all dressed up, wig and all. What makes it funny was that the last time she was in town and we saw each other I had played Sleeping Beauty at Aubrey's birthday. I am not totally sure she believed me when I said I don't dress like this everyday- after all I am the crazy little sister. I promise I really don't do this everyday- but I would be willing to... so any other princesses looking for a visitor you just have your castle people give me a ring. Jody- what will we do with out you there at the girls get away this year???? Who will drink garlic with me:) Hey- Marlene, how about we get you a Belle dress?

Cast party and parting

Parting is such sweet sorrow- unless you have kids, a husband, a wife, or a life-- that has had about all they can take of your current play. I did not have these as my husband actually enjoyed the play much to both our surprise. We had our cast party I didn't feel much like a party with our fury buddy gone and a funeral looming for my cousins. I did love seeing everyone they really are people I enjoyed being with. there was not one person behind the scenes or on stage that I didn't like. I love that weeks after I still have people come up and call me Christine and laugh with big smiles as they tell me just how much they loved the play. How great that we brought joy to so many and that they still are laughing:) I am working now to collect all the photos and footage! Here are a few favorites from the new set I have. I love Sarahs blog about the sparkles and the banana, since I use this as a journal which I have hard bound each year I am copying it over to this. Go check out the real deal at her blog.
Opening Night Run-down by Sarah Ray
We had opening night last night for our stake play. It was a lot of fun and actually turned out pretty well, all things considered! Our dress rehearsal the night before was quite rough. But last night people were actually laughing and seemed to enjoy it, so it couldn't have been that bad. But Oy Vey! In one scene we had two missed entrances, which totally threw me off, so then I ran off stage WAY early and had to, quite obviously, re-enter to continue a conversation that never should have ended. Yikes! Joel (Junior) got a little pistol-happy and decided to shoot our already dead prop man to death, not to mention everything else in sight. He seems to think he is the star attraction. I'm thinking tonight I might try to replace that pistol with a banana when he isn't looking. Really. I'm going for it. Oh yes, and the director has a crush on my hubby. Really.
Sparkles and Bananas by Sarah Ray
Last night the play was....unusual. To start, we didn't start. Until half an hour late. Missy had sparklies, a LOT of sparklies. And she was loving it! She kept offering them to everyone, but I think it was just so she could rub the excess on herself. She was, in all aspects of the phrase, too good to be true! The banana scheme, not so much. I practice stealing Juniors gun and returning it to his holster without him noticing all night, so I thought it would be easy. But I wasn't banking on him sitting so close to the side of the chair! I couldn't squeeze the banana in - and then he noticed and then I missed my lines because I was so preoccupied with the banana! It turned out funny, but not as planned. We had some interesting mistakes, but nothing major. Closing night tonight, and boy will the pranks be flying!

My Mungo and Grandma Woolums

I told Aunt Susan "Mungo is dead. Grandma Woolums is dead. Aunt Susan (you) are in the middle of Chemo and radiation, Uncle Denny had a heart attack, I have mono, Scott is still undiagnosed and ill, Anthony is not sleeping, Salina can't explain the extreme fatigue she has, Mom has MS, Teri will start bleeding at any moment, Kristin doing chemo, Amy doing chemo. I feel our family is a little bit cursed" She scolded me and pointed out that we are a very blessed family. That God is aware of us and that we will make it through this. OK I should be the one to comfort her-- her mother just died, she could face death, her hubby might also and her daughter... yet the rock in my life is comforting me. Scott has been crying non stop all day and I am Jekyll and Hyde swinging back and forth from indifference and unbearable grief. I'm even bit off Ben's head last night at church- because he teased me. This week has been emotional. When you perform it can be a roller coaster as the audience adds in a new dynamic and you pass the point of fixing things and learn to go with the flow of live theater. SO add in real drama and it pushes this little Missy to the brink of heartache. Luckily for me I have amazing friends who have a love for the Gospel, me and animals. Grandma's death they were not even going to tell me about until the play closed. Afraid after all the tears over Mungo I would not be able to pull myself together for the play and let down the stake. Scott slipped up and I felt awful that I might not have been able to express sorrow about Grandma because I'm not grown up enough to handle everything going on right now. She was so sweet. I loved the birthday cakes she made and that she was always kind and attentive to me. She loved Scott too. She has been lost without Grandpa since his death and her health has been very poor, so at 87 it was a mercy to take her home to God. The funeral is on Sat since Aunt Susan can't travel due to the treatment schedule until then. Mungo has not been himself for about 2 months. Looking back, we see this as it happened. It snuck up on us until this past week. If you didn't get to ever meet Mungo- he was special. He was more of a lap dog than a cat. Never stand offish always loving, talkative, friendly and curious. You know what he was to me? My boy. My dream of having something to love and mother in the form of soft fury love. I have been flooded with memories over the last 72 hours. 1. When Kaden fell off the slide and had a cast and had to drag himself along on the floor somehow Mungo could sense he needed to hold and love him and allowed it. Mungo was not to excited about children because they move fast and can be unpredictable-- but with Kaden he was really sweet. During one of Kadens sleepovers with us Kaden woke up with Mungo wrapped around his head. Kaden whispered to wake up me "Missy, Missy -- look at my fury hat" Kaden had a huge grin as his eyes rolled back and forth taking in the site of all 17 pounds of Mungo loving wrapped around his whole head. Mungo was giving Kaden kisses and purring. 2. When our niece Lauren was visiting he jumped right into her lap and slept with her. I think she was old enough to not look like a small child anymore and she is very good with animals. Lauren was not feeling wel and Mungo had this great love for others who were suffering. 3. The last time Kelsie slept over he really loved her too, she was not thrilled about all his fur- but he loved her. 4. He always greeted me at the door. He would come down the stairs like a bunny and then start talking like crazy and heading me towards his treats. HE LOVED HIS TREATS. I have felt GUILT every time I took a drink this week as my sweet boy could not even drink a lick of water. He was parched and had also quit eating. 5. He stayed right with me all the time. When I worked late right in my lap at the computer. 6. He loved stretching in the sun and always had his little paws crossed. 7. He loved to fetch and chase a lazer beam Scott would play with. 8. He LOVED Scott so much. 8. How he was so frightened of plastic bags and thunder. 9. How he would mope around when we got out the suitcases he hated us to leave him he did not like to be alone. 10. This soft little snore he had while sleeping. 11. How he fit perfrct into the nooks of my lap and arm. 12. How he helped me through Anthony moving. 13. He loved dark pants and greeeted anyone wearing black by rubing hair all over them- it made me laugh. 14. How stuborn he was he culd dead weight like no other animal I had ever seen If he didn't want to do something he did not do it.
I knew we needed to have him saved from pain when AUnt SUe was allowing him to sit on her lap last night. She loves Mungo but never once allowed him on her lap until she felt such pity last night for his skinny little face she was overcome with compassion. She told me I had to let him go. The vet said today that cats hide their pain because in the wild if they show signs of it they are hunted by other animals and they want to please and comfort us. SO I wonder how long he had been suffering? I can't handle this and yet I have no choice I hate death- the separation- but I am grateful for the relief from pain for the one suffering.
OH OUR HOUSE IS SO QUITE!!! It feels so empty- Scott can't stand to be here. I can't write anymore now. Ben just brought over food I don't know if it is because I was so mean to him- Scott gave me a love note after the play saying I can still do plays, that he loved watching me on stage... was that because he was worried about me too? Matt and Hillary sent gospel stuff about animals:)
Missy, Matt and I were really wondering what information there was about pets in the afterlife. I found this article. It doesn't say a whole lot, but I think it gives some references that would be useful to find out more. I know that there's nothing that I can to to fix things, but I hope the answer to the question: "Do animals have spirites and are they resurrected?" gives you at least some comfort. It was also comforting to me that many of the answers came from prophets. If there's anything we can do to help, let us know. Love, Hilary Joy
Where do animals fit in the eternal plan of things?
Gerald E. Jones, “I Have a Question,” Ensign, Mar. 1977, 61–62
Gerald E. Jones, director, Institute of Religion, Berkeley, California “Nature helps us to see and understand God. To all His creations we owe an allegiance of service and a profound admiration.” Thus the General Superintendency of the Deseret Sunday School Union, President Joseph F. Smith, President of the Church, and Elders David O. McKay and Stephen L Richards, members of the Council of the Twelve, editorialized in the April 1918 Juvenile Instructor. Recognizing that the “love of nature is akin to the love of God” they reminded the members of the Church that “men learn more easily in sympathetic relationships of all life than they do in the seclusion of human interest.” (P. 183.) Many families recognize the importance of pets and the resultant loving and sharing among their children. Caring for pets can also develop a sense of responsibility.
Devotion of animals to families can be inspiring as well as practical. A recent news item related the bravery of a dog in saving the life of a small girl by breaking the window of a burning automobile and pulling her to safety.
A number of questions have been asked concerning the place of animals in the gospel plan:
Do animals have spirits and are they resurrected? Yes. The Prophet Joseph Smith received information concerning the eternal status of animals. Answers to questions he posed are in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 77. He also spoke about the resurrection of animals in a sermon but did not expand on the subject. (History of the Church, 5:343.)
To what degree of glory do animals go? The scriptures speak only of animals being in the celestial kingdom. Whether they go to other kingdoms is a matter of conjecture. Elder Joseph Fielding Smith on one occasion said the distribution of animals into all three degrees of glory is “very probable,” (Improvement Era, Jan. 1958, pp. 16–17.) To my knowledge, no other prophet has published an opinion on the subject.
Are animals judged and resurrected according to their obedience to laws? According to Elder Joseph Fielding Smith, animals do not have a conscience. They cannot sin and they cannot repent, for they have not the knowledge of right and wrong. (Man: His Origin and Destiny, Deseret Book Co., 1954, pp. 204–5.)
Can animals be with their owners in the hereafter? There is no revealed word on this subject. Reason would tell us that a rancher or farmer may not want all of the cattle he has owned during his life. On the other hand, emotional ties may be honored and family pets may well be restored to their owners in the resurrection. Elder Orson F. Whitney wrote that Joseph Smith expected to have his favorite horse in eternity. (Improvement Era, Aug. 1927, p. 855.)
Just what is the relationship between men and animals? Men are children of God. Animals are for the benefit of man. This does not mean, however, that man is not to have a concern for this part of his stewardship. The prophets in all ages have indicated that man will be accountable for his treatment of animals and that justice and mercy should be exercised concerning them. Alma encourages us to pray over our flocks. (Alma 34:20, 25.) There are numerous examples in Church history of animals being administered to by the anointing of oil and their resultant healing. In the best-known incident, Mary Fielding Smith’s oxen were spared to bring her pioneer family, including a future President of the Church, Joseph F. Smith, to Utah. (Preston Nibley, Presidents of the Church, Deseret Book Co., 1959, pp. 234–35.)
Though the prophets have spoken frequently about man’s responsibility to show proper treatment to animals in this world, very little detail is known about the states of animals in the eternities. Greater emphasis is rightly placed upon man’s need to live the gospel and be worthy to return to his Heavenly Father where he will then learn the answers to such questions. Quoting again from the editorial cited at the beginning of this article: “Men cannot worship the Creator and look with careless indifference upon his creations. The love of all life helps man to the enjoyment of a better life. It exalts the spiritual nature of those in need of divine favor.” (Juvenile Instructor, Apr. 1918, p. 182.)

Friday Night Best Performance

Here are a few emails after our second performance...

Brothers & Sisters!

What a great play! What talented performances! Sister Wilson and I haven't laughed that much for a long time. We were thoroughly impressed with everything from the young man who served our table to the artistic imagination used with props, tables, costumes, with the musical and acting abilities displayed, to the technical support provided and technology used. Our spirits were thoroughly refreshed! I even observed some of the soberest faces I know in the Stake crack a smile or two. Our gratitude and thanks to to all who were involved in any way in putting on this play. There are so many involved, in addition to those we see on stage, that I'm sure this e-mail won't make it to many. Please be sure to pass on the gratitude of a well-entertained Stake.

Thank you all!
Pres. Wilson

There are NO WORDS to describe how I feel about each one of you! The play was absolutely delightful ALL THREE nights. Your energy level was high, your ad-lib delightful and the audience loved ALL OF YOU every night.

You are the greatest cast/crew I have ever worked with. You were so easy to direct. You, each one of you, made me look sooooooo good.

Looking forward to the cast party on Wednesday, April 30th.

Lots of Love,
Ann (enchanted and privileged director)

Hi Cast and Crew

Bravo! Bravo! and what about Bravissimo? Yes, Bravissimo! From lights to lines, you were great. Thank you for a fun evening.

Break a leg tonight

Again - what a wonderful performance! Thank you for your time and talents. It has been a packed and fun two months.

Cast Party, this Wednesday. 6:00 PM. Bring your family (it'll be fun to meet the players behind the scenes).

I'll provide the main course (NO - not hot dogs!) pizza. You're welcome to bring whatever you would like to go with.

We had the performance video taped Thursday evening and again Saturday. Thursday is being burned to a DVD. If you would like your own personal DVD, let me know and we'll have it copied.

Thank You, Bravo, Bravo

Becky

I also received a sweet love note from my hubby who watch the show twice:) Brought everything home for me from the theater and said I could do another play. I am being called the Pied Piper of our Stake as the kids are flocking to me, one sweet little boy stood outside my dressing room with a dozen roses!