Here I am outside of the theatre at our school.  I'm smiling because the photographer, who also teaches at the school, just told me about a student trying to surreptitiously use her cell phone during study hall, but being busted because her friend who was out in the hall texted her--thereby getting them both in trouble.  It is the kind of thing 7th graders do all the time.  They are then shocked--SHOCKED--when you catch them. 

I am sorely tempted to get someone to Photoshop "The Jets" or "The Sharks" in silver paint on the red brick wall.  I would also like the same person to erase about 25 pounds from my waistline. 

The photographer who took this didn't love the way it turned out (lighting problems and so on), but I love this picture because I spend a large chunk of my time here--at the piano in our theatre.  It's not the greatest picture, but it's where I do most of my work and I love what I do. 

I post this because it is the least bad picture anyone has taken of me in a while.   I am not very photogenic and I'm fine with that.  But when a reasonably good shot is taken, I savor it.  This is at graduation this year after the graduating 8th graders sang their song.

The 8th graders in our school's production of Annie.  They are every bit as wonderful, energetic, fun, and loving as they appear.

Wonderful, wonderful kids who have enriched my life.  And yes, I got permission to post their photos.  Except from the two blurry-faced kids. And they gave me permission, too, but this was already posted.

I've been directing plays now for 25 years.  I've never been wild about the play Annie, but this shot from the performance is one of the cutest shots I've ever seen.  Note the dog's paw on Annie's shoulder--we didn't train him to do that.  He just did.  These are two very natural performers!  Oh yeah, the backdrop (which you can't see well) shows the skyline of NYC.  It lit up with tiny little lights.  Way cool.

It occurs to me that I may regret posting this.  I guarantee my brother Chris will tell me to take this photo down.  Chris is in charge of making sure that I never come across as too artsy.  He basically is my image consultant on not doing anything that would alienate too many normal guys.  But I'll take a risk.  Our fall production one year was Cats.  Normally I am strictly behind-the-scenes, but for this play I took a small role as Gus, the old theatre cat.  It was irresistible.  Plus, the kid I had in mind for the role behaved very badly at auditions and needed a lesson. 

It ended up being so much fun and quite rewarding.  I got lots of really great comments, which was nice.  Anyway, here are two photos of me.  They are from a dress rehearsal and I put my makeup on too soon.  The a/c was not working well and so it was runny, which is why I look all blotchy.  On the other hand, if a grown man is going to wear cat makeup I guess a few blotches aren't the biggest concern, huh?  I do want to note that I also fix things around the house, mow the lawn and regular guy things.

Closing night of The Music Man with one of my students. A great kid. Next to my wife and my own children, my students are the lights of my life and I love them dearly.

Princess Jasmine from Disney's Aladdin Jr. Check out the costume! Seriously. Who has the best costumers in the whole world? Yeah, that would be me. 

Here are Jafar and Iago from Disney's Aladdin Jr. They both stole the show. 

Another great picture of Jafar and Iago. 

Aladdin is thrown in the cave.

The Genie appears from behind a big pile of treasure. The "smoke" is actually a very large fire extinguisher. This was cheap, easy, and effective. It also had the advantage of not setting off the fire alarms--which the witch's explosive appearances did in The Wizard of Oz. 

Anyone can have a big, blue male genie. Meh. We had a short, pink, female genie. This girl was amazing! I was planning on having a big, blue guy do the part, but she changed my mind during auditions. This was a fun scene. We had a magician stage a magic show during, "Friend Like Me." 

A close-up of the Genie. 

The Genie, carpet, and Aladdin discuss how to get a date with Jasmine

Aladdin, the Flying Carpet, and Jasmine and some dancers in "A Whole New World"

Here's Aladdin, the Genie, and Princess Jasmine at the end. 

I love this shot from Fiddler on the Roof. This is the last moment of "Do You Love Me," which has always been one of my favorite songs. 

More Fiddler on the Roof. Here is Fruma Sarah, a ghost coming to haunt Tevye in his dreams. It was a cool costume, way cool entrance, and a show-stopping performance by an incredible actress/singer. Oh yeah, she just so happens to be my daughter. I was so proud. 

Hodel, singing the haunting song, "Far From the Home I Love." It's a beautifully melancholy song and this young actress performed it with a great deal of poignance and power.

Here's Dorothy singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz. Why yes, since you asked--that is a black and white set and costumes for the Kansas scenes.

Here is the Wicked Witch shooting fire at the Scarecrow. 

Dorothy and the Scarecrow meet the Tin Man

The Cowardly Lion sings, "King of the Forest."