Pirate Mexican Potluck

I missed rehearsal Monday to blog about it today, but I DID make the Potluck! We ate Mexican food. The great thing about Potluck’s is that there is usually a variety of different foods, so there is usually something yummy.

This Potluck was different from the first one in that I knew a few people this time. Doing some service (not that I have my 30 hours in yet or not that I am even close) has its benefits in that the experience makes you interract with people. The announcements before the Potluck began were a good reminder in my busy life of what some of the goals were that were set out at the beginning of the rehearsal season.

It was also nice to get an update on how things are going. After listening to my child sing various songs over and over and over again in the evenings after rehearsal I am getting anxious to see the actual play and what it is going to sound like when everyone is singing, dancing and acting. I'll bring my camera next time and add pictures. I know I said last blog that I would, but I forgot.

submitted by

Wendy Hammond

(Camille Federowich's mom)

GPP started today around 1 p.m. The actors signed in upon arrival and meandered into the big black theatre laboratory (where the potluck was held at the beginning of the season). Some people were dancing to the music where someone had his/her ipod plugged into the music apparatus while others sat in clusters talking while still others sat in the seats waiting for the day to begin.
I think about the opportunity these children and teenagers have to learn to be in front of an audience, which may teach them confidence, to get along with other people and to work as part of a team. Despite the possibility that one of these kids might end up in movies, on Broadway, or be the next Brad Pitt or Jennifer Aniston, they are also gaining great experience for their future. This is better than sitting at home watching TV for sure.
At the set time, the actors filed into the theatre for dance lessons led by Leah. It was exciting to see everyone dancing together. It was almost like a show already. I am sure a sense of community and team was being developed as the dance lesson progressed. Each person was putting forth an effort to do a good job.
After about an hour of dance rehearsal, there was a five-minute water break before singing lessons began back at the theatre laboratory. A range of snake noises and otherwise undecipherable groans emerged from the black hole of the lab which eventually morphed into a beautiful chorus of song. Amazing.
At this point the two-year-old accompanying this blogger had had enough of covering the GPP for the day and was long overdue for a nap as a flaring grouchiness became more frequent. Next Tuesdays Blogg should reflect the afternoon portion of Gooseberry’s Pinafore Pirates, so stay tuned!

GPP Cub Reporters Set to Publish Daily Activities!

Three brave scallywags from the GPP company have volunteered to report on the daily happenings at Frances Frazier Comstock Theatre. That means that parents and grandparents, friends and neighbors, even pirate captains can look in on what keeps these mateys busy! AND, remember, this isn't a one way conversation! If you have something to say, click on the comment box!

Check back in the next couple of days to see what's up!

Arrgh Matey! They've Done Walked The Plank!

Thanks Gooseberry Park Players cast, crew, parents and board!
Thursday's Walk The Plank event was a rolicking success!
Board members, dressed as pirates, manned the tables as our new and returning actors and techies brought their families through the lobby of the Frances Frazier Comstock Theatre.




















Each committee, explained their function, and how it helps GPP function, and helped families sign up, register, and get measured and educated. Past and present board presidents, Frank Pierce and Linda Anderson then cornered all the parents in their ARRRRR rated finale, dubbed The Big Splash. This was something new this year - an attempt to connect with parents in a small group, to answer questions, and explain how things work.

Avast! There be pictures matey!

Arrrrgh Matey! Make way for The Pinafore Pirates!

Auditions were amazing! Call backs are taking place this weekend and the cast list will be posted next week! Stay tuned... we will try to put up as many picture as possible!

Pictures from Moorhead Days Parade 2008

Here are our Gooseberry Park Players gathered together once more for the Moorhead Days Parade with costumes from myriad shows.... oh, by the way, we won the third (Emerald) prize!

Gooseberry Park Players on Parade

On the evening of Friday, September 5th, the wind died down, the sun occasionally went behind some puffy clouds, and about 25 Gooseberry alums gathered at the Tech College parking lot in Moorhead to decorate Frank Pierce's flatbed trailer with props and sandwich boards salvaged from this summer's production. With the signs up, the skirting on and all 20 kids sitting on the trailer, Frank maneuvered our entry to our assigned spot in the Greater Moorhead Days Parade and waited for the parade to begin.

Our kids showed up in costumes from Aladin, Hood and the Wiz, some even in full makeup! As they waited, they sang, and danced, excited to be in Gooseberry Park Players' first parade! How surprised were we when the parade marshall drove up and awarded us a third place trophy!!!! According to the Official Rules for All Entries, units were judged on

1. General Appearance 30 points
2. Design and Creativity 25 points
3. Workmanship 20 points
4. Development of Theme 10 points
5. Presentation 10 points

Way to go Gooseberry Park Players!!!

As a parent who walked the route next to our float, it was very gratifying to hear the comments from the crowd as our float passed. People would say "The Wiz! I saw that, it was great!" or "Mommy, LOOK! Gooseberry Park Players!" This was a fabulous opportunity to keep our kids and our name in the public eye!

A million thanks to Frank Pierce, for the use of his flatbed trailer and most excellent float pulling skills. This kids who participated were:

Layne Meyer, Tony and Alex Grosz, Noah, John, and Gabe Ford-Dunker, Amanda Casselton, Cameron and Patrick Sorrells, Peter Totten, Sarah Rice, Mia Barnett, Jarrod and Kelsie Anderson, Grace Duginski, Alicia and Tim Falconniere, Sam Wisenden, Kaitlyn and Amanda Frost, and Kelsie Schroeder. (If anyone was left out of this list, please let me know and I'll add their name!)

Plans are in the works to have a float in the Downtown Holiday Lights Parade in November!

Check back, because Karen Frost and Scott Sorrells took pictures of the parade and those will be posted soon!