Rebounding
Bouncing Back and Bounding Forward in Life
Beyond basketball, “on the rebound” often refers to a new romance beginning shortly after the end of an old one. But when you think about it, all of life is bounding and rebounding. While there are seasons of life when we feel stuck—in the wrong job, maybe, or a toxic relationship—there are other times when we suddenly come UN-stuck, and make a giant leap forward. Sometimes it’s not even a physical change of situation, but a reframing of it, that propels us on.
VIDEO: Boundin’
Here’s one of my favorite Pixar shorts. When I’m feeling forlorn (“shorn”) I think of the wise jackalope’s sage advice to the shivering sheep…
THEATRE: ELISE’S YEAR IN REVIEW
Once upon a time, long ago, Steve landed a gig as the drama critic for WRNG Radio in Atlanta (complete with a “pen”name: Danny Mausson). Danny—excuse me, Steve—and I took in all that city’s theaters had to offer. It was the height of the Dinner Theater Era, and that circuit was populated with musicals featuring aging stars of stage and screen. Not to brag, but we DID see Gale Storm, Russ Tamblyn, Van Johnson, AND Ann Miller. Lucky us!
During the ensuing decades, our play-going declined quite a bit, as the financial choice was often “theatre tickets, or Pampers?” But nowadays we’re back in the swing of things.
Here are the shows I saw this year (and DO click on the titles for a little taste of each play!)
Into the Woods (Broadway) A Stephen Sondheim musical triumph, the “woods” are filled with singing and dancing Grimm’s fairy tale characters whose “happily ever afters” in Act One don’t last long into Act Two—which twist makes it unsuitable for young kids, but which adds great depth and beauty to the show.
25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Philadelphia) The bee participants (adult actors playing children) struggle along, spelling REALLY REALLY hard words as they also deal with overbearing parents, absent parents, low self-esteem and many other youthful woes. Funny and surprisingly poignant.
Goodnight Oscar ( Broadway) Sean Hayes (of “Will and Grace”) was a revelation as musician and raconteur Oscar Levant. Levant was a regular guest on the Jack Paar show in the late 1950s. Hayes did a great job portraying that witty, but very troubled, character—and (surprise!) he also performed a most impressive “Rhapsody in Blue” onstage!
Mistakes Were Made (Ambler) Tony Braithwaite is one of our area’s finest actors. In this fast-paced comedy, he played Felix, a theatrical producer desperate to land a Hollywood star for a new musical about the French Revolution. The star would only agree if there was a complete rewrite of the script, so Felix also had to persuade the playwright to basically scrap his “masterpiece” and start over. Fun show, great performance by Braithwaite.
Wicked (Philadelphia) No, I’d never seen this massive musical hit before, though I already knew several of the songs. Yes, I’m so glad I finally saw the show. The “true” story of the good and wicked witches of Oz features special stage effects galore, but at its heart relies on two leads with gorgeous singing voices plus solid acting chops. The actresses I saw were superb (fun fact, the actress playing the Wicked Witch in this touring production is Frankie Valli’s granddaughter—and brownie points if you’re old enough to remember HIM!)
What the Constitution Means to Me (Philadelphia) Heidi Schreck traveled to American Legion posts all over the US as a teenager, earning college tuition money by demonstrating her deep knowledge of the Constitution. This is her story. It’s a wonderful show that manages to entertainingly educate the audience on this more-important-than-ever document, while pointedly commenting on what the Constitution has, and has not, meant to women and people of color over the years.
Merrily We Roll Along (Broadway) Any year when I can see two Sondheim musicals is a very good year. Merrily did not fare well when it first opened in 1981, nor did it in several subsequent revivals. But it finally made a GREAT “rebound,” as director Maria Friedman unlocked the secret of success—less slapstick, more sincerity—in this tale of three friends, told backwards (their relationships fall apart in the beginning of the show, and they meet for the first time at the end). Phenomenal performances by the three stars, including Daniel Radcliffe and Jonathan Groff.
RECIPE: WHOLE WHEAT AND ORANGE BREAD
I bake this every year for our cherished holiday soup dinner with our dear friends the Carlsons. Over the decades, our dining groups have varied in size, depending on which kids are in town, and we’ve made different soups, but I can always count on a fabulous gathering (and a reliable bread recipe)!
2 c. water
4 tbsp. butter
4 c. white flour
1 pkg. fast-acting yeast
2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. honey
1 egg
Grated rind of 1 orange
2 c. whole wheat flour
Combine the water and butter in a saucepan and heat just until the butter melts.
Combine 2 cups of the white flour, yeast, salt and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Add the water and butter mixture, honey, egg and orange rind. Blend briskly and thoroughly and work in the remaining white flour and the whole wheat flour.
Turn the mixture out onto a lightly floured board and knead until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball. Butter lightly a clean mixing bowl. Add dough and turn lightly to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let stand in a warm place until doubled, about 1-2 hours.
Turn the dough out and knead it lightly. Cover and let rest 5 to 10 minutes. Shape the dough in 2 loaves. Arrange each loaf in a greased loaf pan. Let rise again in a warm place, about 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Bake for approx. 30-35 minutes.
MUSIC: Bach’s Goldberg Variation No. 1
Thanks to my good friend Jim Grant for sharing a video on Facebook that introduced me to SLIXS. I’ve since enjoyed watching several video performances of this awesome German a capella group. Here they are with some amazing “instrumental” Bach (how do their voices DO that?)
BLOG PREVIEW: My thoughts about turning 67 (which will occur on Friday) over at Working Title tomorrow. Goodbye Route “66”! On to the next adventures!!
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
Here’s to a week filled with sparkling, special moments for all of us. Here’s to a lifetime of embracing our true selves and our true callings!
Merry Christmas, my friends!!