First Snow

December 27, 2010 — The first snowstorm of the season, reaching blizzard proportions in many areas, came roaring up the East Coast over the past 48 hours. Highways became impassable and air traffic was almost at a standstill, stranding thousands of holiday travelers. The snow started falling in my New Hampshire community about 4 p.m. yesterday and accumulated to about 10 inches overnight, far from the two feet that buried some areas to the south. I shoveled out late this morning while a light snow was still falling, but it stopped shortly after and the sun came out, but the temperature was falling rapidly.

As I write this, it's 14 degrees with dangerously high winds. The wind is causing me some concern, because a power outage at these temperatures, if prolonged, could have serious consequences. Last February, winds took out power for 68 hours, but fortunately temperatures were above normal at that time. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Christmas Round 2

December 25, 2010 — Well, I thought Christmas was over for me after last weekend, but I got an invitation to share Christmas Eve with Sheila and family, a Christmas buffet on Christmas morning at Kathy's, and Christmas dinner with Steve and family. I accepted all three invitations, even though they were spread out over 100 miles. Fortunately, the weather was good throughout the holiday weekend.

I think I've finally had enough Christmas, although every minute of it was immensely enjoyable. You can see photos and videos of my second round of Christmas activities at this link:

http://www.linwoodstreet.com/christmas10part2/

Early Christmas

December 12, 2010 — Pam and Roger returned north for the first time since they moved to North Carolina last May. The extended family joined them at Sheila's house in Massachusetts for an early Christmas celebration. We exchanged gifts and enjoyed each other's company, and I stayed overnight. The next day, December 13, Pam left to spend a couple of days with old friends. Roger and I spent some time in the morning at a coffee shop with Wi-Fi satisfying our internet addiction. We went to a movie in the afternoon. I stayed over one more night. The next day, December 14, Pam returned and I left for home. It was great to spend time with them again. They insist I come down to North Carolina to visit them in the spring. I'm giving it serious consideration.

A few photos and a video of our Christmas observance can be seen at this link:

http://www.linwoodstreet.com/christmas10/

"Hedda Gabler"

September 10, 2010 — I thought my summer theatre season was over until I discovered Theatre Kapow was staging Henrik Ibsen's "Hedda Gabler" at the Stockbridge Theatre at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, New Hampshire. This is a difficult play and I admire Theatre Kapow's gutsiness in taking it on. They did an admirable job for the most part, but this play is all dialog with little action, so it's important that the actors convey the characters' feelings and motivation. I thought they could have done this more effectively. At times I felt they expended so much time and energy memorizing the enormous amount of dialog, that they didn't give enough attention to studying their characters' personalities. They didn't really bring the characters to life for me.

The multi-talented Carey Cahoon had the difficult role of Hedda. She also participated in costume selection for the play, and has had experience as a director. The costumes and set were accurate for the period and well-done.

Overall, in spite of my complaints, I'm glad I saw this production. I saw one other Ibsen play, "A Doll's House," on Masterpiece Theatre a few years ago, and had always been curious about "Hedda Gabler," the tragic ending of which I was aware of, but that didn't spoil my enjoyment of this presentation.

Ashley's 13th Birthday

September 5, 2010 — My grandniece, Ashley, entered a new phase of life today, the teen years. She turned 13 and her parents threw a party for her, to which I was privileged to be invited. Refreshments were served in the large garage with its tropical theme and tiki bar Ashley's father built. The pool in the backyard was filled with screaming and splashing kids all afternoon. My photos and videos of the occasion can be seen at this link:

http://www.linwoodstreet.com/ashleys13th/

"Ragtime"

August 30, 2010 — I was getting tired. Last Tuesday I drove up to Weirs Beach, New Hampshire for a performance at the Winnipesaukee Players, the next day I made the much longer drive to Tamworth to the Barnstormers, then I had one day at home before beginning the long trek to Colebrook on Friday where I would spend two days at the Moose Festival in Colebrook and Canann, Vermont. I got home Saturday night and was on the road again Sunday to the Peterborough Players for a matinee performance. Today, Monday, after a 110-mile drive, I'm in Whitefield, New Hampshire, for the Weathervane Theatre's production of "Ragtime."

But, as things turned out, if I had reserved the next performance of "Ragtime" on Friday I would have made the long drive on a day when the weather might have been unpredictable due to the effects of hurricane Earl. Or if I had decided to pass on "Ragtime" altogether, I would have missed one of the better shows of the season.

"Ragtime" is based on E. L. Doctorow's novel of the same title. It's a musical with powerful drama set in early 20th Century America. It deals with racism and ethnic prejudice, featuring fictional characters alongside prominent real-life figures of the day, such as Booker T. Washington, Henry Ford, Emma Goldman and others. Robert H. Fowler turns in a terrific performance as the tragic and heroic Coalhouse Walker, a Harlem musician. Ashley Blanchet is excellent as his girlfriend. Simon Fortin is wonderful as an Eastern European immigrant. The rest of the cast is superb, including three child actors. The musical numbers from the original Tony-winning score cover many styles from ragtime to Tin Pan Alley to klezmer.

This show was a great ending to a summer theatre season in which I saw 18 productions, only about three of which were disappointing. I'm already looking forward to next summer.

"The Torch Bearers"

August 29, 2010 — I couldn't really get into this production of the comedy "The Torch Bearers" at the Peterborough Players in Peterborough, New Hampshire. It's extremely rare for me to be disappointed by a Players performance, but I think the problem with this one is that it's dated. Many works survive the test of time and are relevant in any era, but this isn't one of them. Written in 1922 by George Kelly, it concerns an egomaniacal female stage director who convinces a woman with little talent she can play a part in a play after the original actress bowed out due to her husband's death.

I found the dialog unfunny for the most part. The situations weren't particularly amusing, and the play became tedious for me, not helped by the uncomfortably warm theater on an unseasonably hot late summer afternoon. The second act, which is about a fumbling cast of clueless, incompetent actors attempting to stage their play before a live audience, did have its funny moments, but two-thirds of the play were a drag. The problem wasn't the acting, which was brilliant, especially by the always excellent Lisa Bostnar and the popular scene-stealing Carmen Decker. The sets were beautifully constructed and the costumes were stunning. The problem was out-of-date humor.

"The Mystery of Irma Vep"

August 25, 2010 — The Barnstormers Summer Theatre in Tamworth, New Hampshire is wrapping up its 80th anniversary season with "The Mystery of Irma Vep," a hilariously funny play by avant-garde playwright Charles Ludlam. Two of the Barnstormers' best actors, Scott Severance and Billy Butler, play seven, or maybe eight, male and female roles. A non-stop barrage of puns, double entendres and lots of sexual innuendo, some of it subtle, some blatant, and outrageously campy over-acting, keep the play moving at a manic pace.

The many costume changes took place with amazing speed, and the actors, sometimes undergoing two or three role changes in minutes, slipped into their various impersonations without a hitch. With locales from the English moors to Egypt, then back to the moors, the two-hour play needed two intermissions to facilitate its set changes.

This was a great season-ender for the Barnstormers. After driving to Weirs Beach just the day before, and leaving for a trip to the North Country for the annual Moose Festival in two days, I didn't really feel like driving to Tamworth and was regretting having made the reservation on this date. However, I had no regrets at all once this outlandishly funny play got underway. It was definitely an evening well-spent.

"Crossing Delancey"

August 24 — At the beginning of the summer theatre season, when I learned "Crossing Delancey" was going to be staged at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse at Weirs Beach, New Hampshire, I put it on my list of must-see plays. I had long been curious about it, never having seen the 1988 movie with Amy Irving, nor a stage production.

I saw it tonight, the last performance on the final evening of the Winnie's season. Sweet and sentimental as it was, it didn't work for me. I just couldn't get into it. It had its funny and poignant moments, but the actors just weren't making their characters likable for me, a problem I've had with more than one Winnipesaukee production this summer. I missed some dialog when the actors mumbled their lines.

Sorry I couldn't give a better review, but this production just didn't inspire me in any way. I was happy when it was over.

"Hair"

August 18, 2010 — In 2005, I saw a cleaned up presentation of "Hair" at the now closed Lakes Region Summer Theatre in Meredith, New Hampshire. The performance I saw tonight was not cleaned up at all. This was definitely an R-rated show. All the profanity, brazen sexuality, drug use and bashing of "traditional" American values of the original were kept intact. The only thing omitted was the final mass nude scene, but this was North Conway, New Hampshire, not Broadway.

In this production by the Mount Washington Valley Theatre Company at the Eastern Slope Inn Playhouse, the cast was in costume and circulating through the audience in their roles as drugged out hippies 15 minutes before showtime. The walls of the theatre were covered with peace symbols, "Make Love Not War" signs and other '60s counter culture paraphernalia.

Dated, yes, but still grandly entertaining. The talent was terrific and the songs, "Age of Aquarius," "Good Morning, Star Shine" and others, were belted out with great enthusiasm. The cast circulated through the audience throughout the play, occasionally teasing audience members and drawing them into the spirit of the performance. Some may have found it a bit uncomfortable, like when one of the actors ripped off his jeans on stage and came down and handed them to a woman in the audience (he was wearing underwear).

I loved this show. This is the type of play the Eastern Slope Inn Playhouse really does well. It reminded me of the Playhouse's production of "La Cage aux Folles" in 2007 in its energy, exuberance and unbridled sexiness.

"The Ghost Train"

August 12, 2010 — In observance of their 80th season, America's oldest professional summer stock theatre is repeating their first-ever production in 1931, "The Ghost Train." That theatre is The Barnstormers in Tamworth, New Hampshire, where I have enjoyed many performances over the years.

This production of "The Ghost Train" was a little disappointing to me, although most of the audience seemed enthralled by it. I thought the actors didn't seem quite comfortable in their roles, even though this was the third performace of the play. There was more stumbling over lines than I'm used to hearing at a Barnstormers production. Even Dee Nelson, one of my favorites and winner last year of the New Hampshire Theatre Award for best supporting actress, wasn't at her best. An exception was Scott Severance who pretty much stole the show in an over-the-top performance as a dandy British tourist, although at times I found him more annoying than funny.

The play takes place in a railroad station where a group of passengers has been stranded when they miss a connection and learn there won't be another train until the next morning. That is, of course, except for the ghost train, which the creepy station master informs them may cause the death of anyone who sees it. The train effects were well-done, consisting of bells, roar of the steam engine, screeching brakes and flashing lights. Overall, I don't regret having seen the play. It was sufficiently funny and suspenseful with a neat surprise twist at the end. It just wasn't up to The Barnstormers' best work.

"Tartuffe"

August 10, 2010 — Could I relate to "Tartuffe," a 17th Century play by Moliere? I'm more at home with "Bye Bye Birdie," "Hair" and Agatha Christie mysteries, plays I can understand. True, I enjoy Shakespeare, but explanations of the bard's works abound. He's familiar. We see his plays over and over. We studied him in high school. Moliere plays are rarely staged anywhere any more. We know little about him. And the 17th Century is so...so...well, so 17th Century.

"Tartuffe," as presented by the Peterborough Players in Peterborough, New Hampshire, translated from the French by artistic director Gus Kaikkonen, is above all hilariously funny, but also completely relevant to 21st Century sensibilities. Spoken in rhyming verse by a cast of New Hampshire's best actors decked out in splendid 17th Century French costumes, with a bit of slapstick now and then, and some occasional present-day slang thrown in, the play pillories religious hypocrisy. When the play was first staged in 1664, Louis XIV loved it, but banned it anyway when the Archbishop of Paris threatened to excommunicate anyone who performed in it.

There's an enormous amount of dialog in the play which the actors pulled off without a hitch for the most part, but there were a few uncomfortably long pauses that may have been deliberate, but could just as well have been caused by someone forgetting their lines. But that's a minor complaint. Kaikkonen's translation, great comic performances by Players regulars Ian Merrill Peakes, Lisa Bostnar, David Haugen, Carmen Decker, Dale Hodges, Karen Peakes and a terrific supporting cast made for a wonderfully entertaining evening.

"Dr. Cook's Garden"

August 5, 2010 — Returning to the Winnipesaukee Playhouse in Weirs Beach, New Hampshire for the first time since seeing "Scotland Road" on July 13, I was amazed at the transformation of the stage. Far from "Road's" stark, white-walled set with a single chair for a prop, tonight's set consisted of a 1960's-style fully furnished doctor's office alongside a receptionist's office and waiting room, also furnished in '60's tradition.

Tonight's offering was "Dr. Cook's Garden" by Ira Levin, author of "Deathtrap" and "Rosemary's Baby." The Levin style is to take normal, happy people in everyday situations and gradually plunge them into a dark, sinister world of fear, danger, sometimes the supernatural, and often death. In "Dr. Cook," young Dr. Tennyson returns to his small hometown in Vermont for a visit after completing his internship in Chicago. He's joyfully welcomed by friends and associates, including his mentor, Dr. Cook. He's overwhelmed with invitations to visit various families and urged to stay longer than the single weekend he planned. The overall feeling is one of warmth and good intentions. However, the tone of the play turns sinister when a vile secret is revealed.

The original Broadway play lasted only a week when director George C. Scott walked out and there were threats to blow up the theater if the production went ahead. The sensitive and controversial subject matter would make nary a ripple today, but was rarely addressed publicly in 1967.

This production of "Dr. Cook's Garden," however, left me unsatisfied. The actors just weren't up to making their characters compelling, especially during the first half of the play which sets the stage for the darkening, fateful second half. They would have done better to speak in their normal voices rather than imitate Vermont accents, which would never have fooled a Vermonter. I sensed a lack of enthusiasm in the audience. At one point, I overheard someone behind me whisper, "Boring." The tense, suspenseful events of the play's last hour, however, were gripping enough.

Not every production can be a winner. I'm looking forward to their final play of the season, "Crossing Delancey." I'm a loyal fan of the Winnipesaukee Playhouse. Most of their plays are excellent. It's a small, intimate theatre with the audience close to the stage, although plans are underway to build a new state-of-the-art theatre and campus in Meredith.

"Macbeth"

August 4, 2010 — Leave it to Artistic Director Donna Devlin-Young, Executive Manager Will Hammond and their superb acting troupe to make Shakespeare's arguably most brutal and sadistic play a fun evening for families. This evening, Theatre Under the Stars staged "Macbeth" at the Jewish Center of New Hampshire in Manchester. The play was performed on a children's playground and the cast made effective use of playground equipment as part of their stage.

Although somewhat shortened, the play was faithful to Shakespeare's original. Superfluous dialog and characters were cut, but so skillfully the sense of the play and its dramatic flow were unimpeded. Will and Donna had the lead rolls of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth and played their parts with such evil menace, they drew appreciative boos from the enthusiastic audience.

The players were dressed in full period costume, the only way I like my Shakespeare. The witches were a hoot. All supporting actors turned in excellent performances and it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, in spite of some very un-Elizabethan background noise, such as fire sirens and planes flying overhead. Several children in the audience, no doubt bored with all that incomprehensible (to them) dialog, found their own entertainment on some playground equipment behind the audience and out of the way of the action.

Theatre Under the Stars' 2010 season is nearing its end. What's left of their schedule can be found on their website at:

http://www.shakespeareinthevalley.com/

"Alter Boyz"

July 28, 2010 — After a delicious baked haddock dinner at Gordi's Fish and Steak House in Lincoln, New Hampshire, I headed for the Governor Adams Base Lodge at Loon Mountain Ski Area where the Papermill Theatre is temporarily staging its plays. The Papermill's previous theatre (pictured) was torn down along with other old mill buildings. I'm sorry it's gone. I saw my first New Hampshire summer theatre play there more than a decade ago. It was old and rustic with no air conditioning and it gave you an authentic summer theatre experience. But renewal is inevitable and the old theatre became a victim of "progress."

"Altar Boyz" is a song and dance revue by five male performers, gently spoofing religious hypocrisy in a way that should offend no one regardless of faith. It's a lively and fast-paced show with songs such as "Jesus Called Me on My Cell Phone." Overall, I enjoyed the show, although some of the song and dance numbers fell a little flat, at least for my taste. It had its hilarious moments. It ran less than two hours including intermission, and that was enough for me. Any longer would have required a larger cast and more variety to hold my attention.

The Governor's Lodge in cooperation with the New Hampshire Association for the Arts (NCAA) has set aside an area inside the lodge and set up a fairly comfortable theatre with individual chairs and an attractive but rather plain stage for Papermill performances this summer.

A bar was serving cocktails and soft drinks at intermission. The audience could buy drinks and go out on the large patio and admire the surrounding mountains, still visible in the waning light, on a beautiful warm New Hampshire summer evening.

A Day in Lincoln, New Hampshire

July 28, 2010 — I had no plans for the day when I got up, but staying home on a hot, humid day wasn't appealing. So I called the Papermill Theatre in Lincoln, New Hampshire, to see if I could still get a seat at that evening's performance of "Altar Boyz." Upon learning seating was still available, I ordered a ticket and left immediately at 10 a.m., planning to spend the afternoon at Clark's Trading Post. I had been to Clark's, a popular New Hamsphire attraction, for the first time last summer and the kid in me has been longing to return ever since.

My first stop was at the North Country Association for the Arts (NCAA) office in Lincoln where I picked up my ticket. I then made the short drive to Clark's Trading Post. I parked at Clark's and walked to the nearby Sunny Day Diner for lunch, then walked back to Clark's.

I spent the hot afternoon strolling around Clark's. I didn't bother to repeat the train ride and Segway Safari I had taken last summer. I watched part of a trained bear show for the first time. I normally don't enjoy animal acts, and this one was no exception, but since the trained bears are Clark's main attraction, I decided I might as well see what it's all about. I took some pictures, not as many or as good as last summer, but I did get a few videos, something I wasn't equipped to do last year.

I had supper at my favorite restaurant in the area, Gordi's Fish and Steak House on Route 112 east of Lincoln which is the beginning of New Hampshire's famous Kancamagus Highway. After supper I headed for the Governor Adams Lodge at Loon Mountain, temporary home of the Papermill Theatre since their former location in the old millyard was torn down for a renewal project.

I'll report on "Alter Boyz" in my next post. You can see my photos and videos of Clark's at:

http://www.linwoodstreet.com/clarks2010/

"The Foreigner"

July 27, 2010 — The entire cast was excellent, but tour de force performances by Kraig Swartz and Carmen Decker stood out. Swartz played the role of "The Foreigner" in this production by the Peterborough Players in Peterborough, New Hampshire. Hilariously funny, but also poignant and occasionally threatening, this play teaches lessons about intolerance and fear of those who are different without getting preachy about it.

The "foreigner" of the title, assumed not to speak or understand English, is present while deeply personal matters, prejudices, and even criminal plots are freely discussed by a diverse assortment of characters. Even the Ku Klux Klan makes an appearance, armed with rifles and shotguns, in the smashing climax.

"Bye Bye Birdie"

July 22, 2010 — The Weathervane Theatre in Whitefield, New Hampshire, at 110 miles is the longest drive of any of the summer theatres I attend. Often when I go up there I add a few more miles by shooting up to Lancaster to dine at the Lancaster Motor Inn, but on this trip I found they were temporarily closed while their kitchen was being renovated. So I drove back to Whitefield and stopped at Grandma's Kitchen, an unpretentious but popular local spot serving basic but very good food.

"Bye Bye Birdie" was being performed on this night at the Weathervane. It was a real audience-pleaser, with a stellar cast and great singing voices. The dance numbers were good but not as high-spirited as sometimes seen at the Weathervane. There were several great comic roles, well-played and hilarious. Well-performed as they were, the songs in "Bye Bye Birdie" are not among my favorites, and for that reason I wouldn't put this musical high on my list of favorites. But the performances, as I said, where first-rate. If you like the music, you'll cheer this show.

"Wait Until Dark"

July 15, 2010 — The Barnstormers in Tamworth, New Hampshire, is observing its 80th season this summer. They're the oldest professional summer stock theatre in America, and the only ones still producing in the classic tradition — one new full-length production every week for eight weeks in July and August. In spite of this hectic schedule, which seemingly would leave little time for rehearsals, stage and costume design and the rest of the details that go into production of every play, The Barnstormers maintain a high level of talent and production values.

"Wait Until Dark," a play made into a movie in 1967 starring Audrey Hepburn, was The Barnstormers' offering this week. I think I saw the movie many years ago, but I had forgotten the plot details, so I found it as suspenseful as if I were seeing it for the first time. It concerns two blundering, incompetent, but nonetheless dangerous ex-cons and their "boss" who hatch an elaborate ruse to search a blind woman's home for a doll stuffed with narcotics they believe is hidden in the house.

Dee Nelson appears as the blind woman. She's one of my favorite actors in New Hampshire summer theatre. She has also appeared at the Peterborough Players where she won a New Hampshire Theatre Award for best supporting actress in "Heartbreak House" last summer. Her portrayal of a blind person in this play is realistic and convincing.

This production of "Wait Until Dark" is generally excellent, although the pacing is a little uneven. The action slows down annoyingly at intervals. Those are nitpicking complaints though. Overall, I loved the play. It comes to a smashing climax with the stage and entire theatre intermittently plunged into blackness as the blind heroine fights for her life against her last remaining tormentor. Lights go on and off, crashing and screaming are heard, in an amazing feat of timing and stagecraft.

"Scotland Road"

July 13, 2010 — A Norwegian ship comes upon a woman floating on an iceberg. She utters one word: "Titanic!" Is she a survivor? The Titanic sank in 1912. The woman appears to be in her 20s. The problem is, this is 1992!

This is the background for a strange little play where nothing is as it seems. A bare white room with a door at each end and a deck chair are all that four actors have to work with at The Winnipesaukee Playhouse in Weirs Beach, New Hampshire. A man and a woman doctor who we later learn is not really a doctor, try to learn if the young woman, mute for most of the first act, is actually a Titanic survivor or a hoax. In the second act, the last known living Titanic survivor, an old woman in a wheelchair, is found and brought in to question the young woman. Her questioning is inconclusive, and this "survivor" has her own dark secret.

This is the type of play the Winnipesaukee Playhouse excels at — mysterious, baffling, with a small, talented cast. You won't like it if you prefer a neat ending with everything explained. This play ends with many questions, few answers. But if you appreciate good acting, smart, sometimes witty, sometimes absurd dialog, it's your cup of tea, as it is mine.

By the way, the play never explains the title, but I researched it, and Scotland Road was the name given the central passageway that ran the length of the Titanic allowing crew members to pass from first class to steerage.

Theatre Under the Stars

Friday, July 9, 2010 — Shakespeare can be fun. If you don't believe it, catch a show by Theatre Under the Stars, based in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire. I usually see at least a couple of their shows every summer. All their performances are held outdoors, weather permitting. In case of rain, they always have a nearby indoor stage to move to. This season, all their main stage shows are free, although donations are accepted, in honor of Spc. Marc Paul Decoteau who lost his life in service to his country in Afghanistan. Marc was Theatre Under the Stars' first "kid camper" and appeared in several plays.

I drove up to Waterville Valley, expecting to find the theatre where it's been for the past four years, next to the Waterville Valley Elementary School, where they had spacious grounds for their stage and audience, and the use of the school auditorium in case of rain. But I discovered upon arrival they had moved to the nearby Town Square because remodeling at the school forced them to vacate.

I saw a production entitled "No Holds Bard, Sonnet Sonata," an expansion of George Bernard Shaw's "Dark Lady of the Sonnets," written by founding/producing artistic director Donna Devlin-Young. It was brilliant, thanks to superb acting and singing and Donna's wit and artistic vision.

The venue in the Town Square is not as comfortable as their former location at the school. They positioned the actors on three widely-spaced stages that made it a bit difficult to follow the action, and the sun is directly in the audience's eyes when looking stage-right until it finally sinks beneath the tree-tops, currently at about 7:30 p.m. They also take their plays to Plymouth and Manchester, neither of which I've been to so far.

Check Theatre Under the Stars' humorous and entertaining website for the season schedule and locations:

http://www.shakespeareinthevalley.com/

"Freud's Last Session"

Thursday, July 8, 2010 — Under the capable direction of the Peterborough Players' Gus Kaikkonen, featuring George Morfogen as Sigmund Freud and Ian Merrill Peakes as C. S. Lewis, this one-act play is a fictional account of a meeting between Freud, the famous psychoanalyst, and Lewis, professor, writer and author of the Narnia series, on the eve of World War II. There is no evidence the two ever actually met, but an imagined meeting between two men with such divergent views sets the stage for compelling dialog. Freud was an unapologetic and outspoken atheist. Lewis, raised Christian, abandoned his faith at an early age and became an atheist, but later returned to his Christian roots. He was a practicing Christian at the time of this fictional meeting.

This sounds like it could be very cerebral and intellectual, but there are many flashes of humor throughout the play. As the two men, resolute in their opposing positions, debate the existence of God, the conversation is at times calm and studied, sometimes acrimonious, often witty, and occasionally loud, especially on Freud's part. At the time of the fictional meeting, Freud is 83 years old, frail, and gravely ill with cancer. His condition evokes compassion and sympathy from Lewis in spite of their philosophical differences. Morfogen and Peakes are masterful in their roles. Both American, their Austrian and British accents, respectively, are convincing.

The play reaches no conclusion on whether or not God exists, and it's unlikely to change your views on the matter. That's not the play's intention. It's simply a debate between two men with irreconcilable views, and little in common except their humanity.

Souza's Palooza

Sunday, July 4, 2010 — The annual invitation-only Independence Day celebration in Somerset, Massachusetts known as "Souza's Palooza" was a smashing success. Great games, great music by several local bands, and an inexhaustible supply of food and drink made the day a memorable experience for all those in attendance, estimated between 200 and 300. Those who stayed late were treated to a fireworks show across the Taunton River. Photos and videos of the event can be seen at this link:

http://www.linwoodstreet.com/palooza/

"The Music Man"

Thursday, July 1 — Meredith Willson's "The Music Man" is my all-time favorite musical, but I've now been disappointed by two New Hampshire productions of the show. The first was at the Papermill Theatre in Lincoln in 2001. It lacked energy and the talent was mediocre. This evening, I went to North Conway to see the Mount Washington Valley Theatre Company's production of the award-winning musical at the Eastern Slope Inn Playhouse, and once again I wasn't inspired. Maybe my problem is I tend to compare it to the 1962 movie version starring Robert Preston and Shirley Jones. All other productions pale by comparison to that superb presentation.

This evening's performance, like the 2001 Papermill version, lacked energy. There was some good talent, most notably Megan Buzzard, a very good soprano, as Marion the librarian, Shirley Jones' role in the movie. Kevin O'Neil was hilarious as Mayor Shinn. The rest of the cast was unremarkable. I've seen some excellent shows at the Eastern Slope Inn Plsyhouse in the past, so I know they can attract good talent and have good production values and stagecraft, but "The Music Man" didn't measure up to their best work.

"The Blonde, the Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead"

June 24, 2010 — Severe thunderstorms with high winds and hail were forecast for the afternoon and evening, so I was a little nervous about the drive to Peterborough where I had a reservation for "The Blonde, the Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead," a one-woman performance starring Lisa Bostnar. But the storms never materialized, and there were just intermittent light showers along the way, most of them at the same time the sun was shining.

The play was excellent, but then I've never been disappointed at Peterborough Players. Lisa Bostnar, one of the most talented actors in New Hampshire summer theater, gave a tour de force performance playing seven different characters, including a male child and one adult male. Lisa had the stage to herself and minimal props were used. A series of moving frosted "windowpanes" hung over the stage. For each of her costume changes, Lisa ducked behind a pane where she could be dimly seen changing costumes while a Janice Joplin recording played.

I should mention there was a lot more to Lisa's character transformations than simple costume changes. Although the differences in costumes were significant, Lisa's ability to slip with ease into dramatically different personalities was stunning. The lives of the seven characters were tied together in subtle ways that become increasingly more obvious as the play progresses. It's important to listen carefully to every word of the dialog.

Lisa got a well-deserved standing ovation at the conclusion.

Memorial Day

May 30, 2010 — I spent a very pleasant day today with my sister and niece as we placed flowers on the graves of our parents and paternal and maternal grandparents in two cemeteries, a Memorial Day tradition we've been observing for many years. After finishing our work in the cemeteries, we stopped for lunch at Joe Fish, a favorite dining establishment. After lunch, we went to Winnekenni Castle and walked around the grounds for awhile and took some photos. A music recital was going on in the castle. The day was quite warm but a good breeze kept it from being oppressive.

"Othello"

May 26, 2010 — I'm not really qualified to be a Shakespeare critic, but I do know what I like, and I liked the NorthEast Shakespeare Ensemble's performance of "Othello" at the Sawyer Center Theater at Colby-Sawyer College, New London, New Hampshire. This was not a student production, but a professional theater company with professional actors. There was thin attendance at today's performance, barely more than two dozen in the large, comfortable theater. The A/C was just barely able to overcome the 94-degree heat outside.

The only thing in the production I really objected to was the costumes, a mix of period dress and modern attire. Shakespeare is often done in modern dress and placed in modern settings, but I never saw the old and the new mixed before. Othello and Iago were dressed in period military garb, but some of the actors wore modern jackets and ties. Roderigo wore spats, and I'm pretty sure they didn't exist in the 16th and 17th centuries.

As far as the performance goes, I thought the acting in the early going was just a little stiff, but in Othello's final intense, powerful scenes, the actors were more than up to the challenge, and they were breathtaking.

Power Outage — Part IV

February 28, 2010 — Checked my email and read the Globe on Pam and Roger's computers. Possibly looking forward to another day hanging out at the mall, taking in a movie I might not care about, I'm starting to get a little depressed. I've now been homeless going into a third day. I could have stayed with Pam and Roger, but I wanted to be home when the power finally came on. Calling my home phone from my cell phone generated a canned message from the phone company, not the message recorded on my phone which would require power. That wasn't encouraging, but I told myself that's not necessarily proof the power is off.

Back in Manchester around 10 a.m., the power was still off. I wasn't really surprised. I went back to the mall, this time without the laptop because I had gotten all my computing done at Pam and Roger's. Had lunch, came back home again, house now at 44 degrees. I really didn't feel like seeing my third movie in three days, and I was trying to think of some other way to kill time. I was rummaging around the closet off my living room at about 1:20 p.m. when I heard voices. What is that, I thought. Then I realized the voices were in the house. It was my TV in the den. HOORAY! I have power! I couldn't believe it for a moment.

The house was slowly warming up. The power originally went off the night before my normal grocery shopping day, so my food supply was pretty well exhausted, and I had thrown away what little was left in the refrigerator. So I went shopping, deciding to get something for supper and a few non-perishables. I didn't want to push my luck. Sometimes after a major power outage where there's been extensive damage, there can be instability and the power can go off again. That didn't happen.

Looking back on the past three days, I realize I suffered nothing worse then annoyance and inconvenience. No trees crashed through my house or flattened my car as happened to some folks. No damage was incurred due to the long outage except for loss of food. My PC, TV, furnace and all my electronics came through unscathed. I got a brief taste of what it is to be homeless and uprooted, and I now have even greater sympathy for those who experience this for prolonged periods.

Power Outage — Part III

February 27, 2010 — After breakfast with Pam and Roger, I headed back to Manchester, hoping to find the power on, but it wasn't meant to be. Temperature in the house now in the mid 50s. I grabbed the laptop and went back to the mall to check email and read the Globe. Killed time until noon, had lunch, came back home, still no power, headed for the movies. Power still off after the movie. Do businesses get priority when power is restored? The entire mall, only a short distance from my house, had power, the movie theatre had power, and I had no trouble finding a restaurant open, but my house and all my neighbors houses were in the dark and traffic lights were out everywhere, making driving rather dangerous.

Roads were wet from light rain earlier and snowmelt, and they predicted a freeze in the evening, so Pam kindly invited me to come down earlier and have supper with them and stay overnight again, which I did.

Power Outage — Part II

February 26, 2010 — Still no power when I got up this morning. The house was cool, mid-60s, but tolerable. I have a gas stove, so I was able to make breakfast. I took a hot shower, but stepping out of the shower into 65-degree air is a shock. No TV or radio of course, but most of all I missed being able to read my email and the Boston Globe's online edition I subscribe to. I read the print edition of the New Hampshire Union Leader.

By 10 o'clock I was getting really antsy, so I grabbed my laptop and drove over to the Mall of New Hampahire where they have Wi-Fi throughout the mall. There I was able to check my email and read the entire Globe on the laptop. I killed some time walking around the mall, then had lunch at the food court.

I drove home after lunch, hoping that by now the power would be back on. No such luck. Temperature in the house was now 60, a bit uncomfortable. In spite of that, I spent about an hour reading. Then I decided to go to a movie. Many detours around the city due to downed trees, branches and wires. I would later learn about 85 streets in the city were closed.

After killing a couple of hours at the movies, I came home again. Power still off. House now downright cold. I was now facing the realization I wouldn't be able to sleep at home tonight if the power remained off. I went out to supper after which I returned to a house still without power. I had heard on my car radio that shelters were available, but sleeping with dozens of strangers was even less appealing than sleeping in a freezing house. I started calling motels and inns in the area, but all were either full or not answering.

Calls to the electric company now played a recording stating hundreds of thousands in southern New Hampshire were without power and it would take multiple days to restore. I called my sister and her husband, Pam and Roger, just across the line in Massachusetts and asked her if she had a sofa or a cot or even a chair I could sleep on if I came down. She did, so I threw a change of clothes and a toothbrush in a satchel and headed down there, where I spent a comfortable night.

Power Outage — Part I

February 25, 2010 — Around 11 p.m. I'm at my PC working on a web page and watching the Olympics while a violent wind and rain storm that would later make the news nationally rages outside. Wind sounds like a freight train. Oh, no! The power just went off. PC and TV went black, all lights out. In about 30 seconds, it came back on. PC came up OK and TV came back on. Fortunately, I had saved my work just minutes before the power went off. I immediately shut the PC down because I had a feeling it could happen again. In about 15 minutes that feeling would be confirmed.

Before the power went out I had seen Kim Yu-Na of Korea skate what would be the gold medal-winning performance, and the silver medal effort of Mao Asada of Japan. After the power came back on, I was watching Canada's Joannie Rochette skate her heartfelt program after the sudden death of her mother. She would win the bronze, but I wasn't going to know that for another day. Partway through her program — BANG! The power went off again, accompanied by the sound of an explosion somewhere outside. After about a half hour with no power and the sound of another explosion somewhere, I called the electric company, but a recorded voice asked me to leave my number and they would call me when the power came back on. Well, hello? Wouldn't I know that without them calling to tell me?

I decided I might as well go to bed. I sleep upstairs just under the roof. Listening to the roar of the wind, it occurred to me that if my large maple or one of the tall trees on the property abutting mine crashed through my roof, it would come down on my head, so I got up, pulled the blankets and sheets off the bed, brought them downstairs and made up the sofa in the living room where I spent the night. I heard another explosion. I didn't sleep much.