Well, we did it – in only three weeks of rehearsal, including all the tech rehearsals and dress rehearsals. That ain’t much, my friends. What everyone involved with this production has worked together to create is nothing less than extraordinary.
I am very proud of my work on A Raisin in the Sun. Even more than that, I am terribly proud of the cast. They are doing such powerful work on that stage.
The director has said that he thinks A Raisin in the Sun is part of a trilogy of great American plays that he would categorize as A Dream Deferred. The other two plays that are part of the trilogy are A Glass Menagerie and Death of a Salesman. I think he’s right. There’s an element of heartbreak in all three, of dreams that never quite come true. The title of the play is taken from a poem by Langston Hughes:
Harlem
(A Dream Deferred)
What happens to a dream
deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore–
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over–
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
—–Langston Hughes
The performance last night was powerful and gripping, tragic and funny. The cast party was great fun. I will truly miss everyone here. This is the push-pull of theater life. You leave home, travel to another town, meet new people. bond with them as you work together 8 – 10 hours a day or more…and then you leave. Both Don and I understand all too well the re-entry that has to happen when we return home. Part of you is home and happy to be there and part of you is still back there at the theater in that other town. It takes a few days.
My roommates have been terrific and I am so glad I had the chance to get to know them. Even with the lack of privacy that comes with sharing an apartment, we managed to bond and I’m happy to have the opportunity to get to know them.
I leave later in the day for the airport. Cross your fingers that all flights are on time!
I’ve entitled this: Dog Waiting To Be Let In.
Let’s change the subject for a moment.
I’ve been toying with an idea. My love of reading, books, bookstores and everything literary is well-known to all of the readers of this blog. I’ve been reviewing books for TLC Book Tours for at least four years. It’s been a challenge to craft an informative book review that, I hope, gives a strong sense of the novel without revealing too many details. It’s also been a challenge to write a review that is fair and honest and balanced. I like that kind of challenge.
I’ve learned a lot in the last four years.
Along the way, I’ve been contacted by publishers and authors who want me to review their books. I’ve mostly turned those offers down because of my commitment to TLC Book Tours. But now, with my Kindle, I am able to request and get galleys of new books because I am a blogger who reviews books. That’s very exciting to me!
So…here’s the question. Should I start another blog that is devoted to reading and books and reviews and bookstores and interesting facts about all of the above? I’d still review TLC Books here on MHC. But another blog would allow me the opportunity to explore all things reading in more depth, as well as provide a home for reviews of other books.
This blog is about so many different things and I like it that way. So I’ve been careful not to overwhelm it with too many posts on one subject. I try to vary the subject matter.
But a book blog? That would free me up to write about books about three or four times a week.
What are your thoughts? (I’m rather excited about this idea.)
Happy Sunday.
Book blog sounds wonderful! You always craft a balanced, honest, and interesting review. It would be fun to see what else comes up!
PS: Congratulations on such a great job in only 3 weeks! I’d love to see a theater company do the American Trilogy.
It would nice to have a place where I can write about books and all things books, Nora.
I think a book blog would be great, go for it. If it doesn’t work out, you can close it.
You’re right, Charlotte!
So glad you had a wonderful time while working this time :) I know you are also anxious to get home. Have a safe trip :)
I did. It was quite magical here and I’m very grateful. Talk to you this week, my friend.
Go for the book blog. It would be doing something you love. I always like reading something I would never read because it widens my view on life and you would be able to do that on a daily basis. Too much fun. AND think of how many more people you would reach and get to know.
I loved learning all about Chautauqua. Thank you.
Eileen
Great advice, Eileen – thank you. I’m pretty excited at the possibilities with a book blog. xo
Yes go for it!! It’s exciting you so will be a fun project! And as said if you decide it’s not for you it can be closed!
Thanks, Karen!
Wonderful idea..and I know you would enjoy doing it..I also think the director is right..very right..
He’s very wise, Nancy.
If you are excited about it….go for it! I enjoy your book reviews…they are insightful…and often get me to look for different aspects of a story that I wouldn’t normally look for. If you have the time, excitement and opportunity, I can’t see why you wouldn’t write another blog! Happy Sunday! ;)
Plus, maybe a bit more ad income?
Definitely!! ;)
Yes! I enjoy your reviews very much!
Thanks, Diane!
Claudia, you are a machine! How you do all you do – on your blogs alone – is amazing to me. Lazy you are not, my friend. When I started watching “Siskel and Ebert at the Movies” I began learning what makes a good movie and what to look for in a film. By the same token, I’ve learned a lot from you about what to look for in a good story, so I’d say – do a separate book blog. You’re very good at it. Have a safe trip home!
Thank you, Janet!
I think a book blog would be a wonderful idea. I never developed a love of reading but have many friends that enjoy nothing more than a good book. I think you would be fantastic at it. I say go for it and have fun!
Kathleen
Thank you, Kathleen!
Claudia, I would love it if you had a book blog! I love reading and always enjoy your reviews and recommendations. Maybe you could have a little reading group feature also. So much you could do, so I say YES!!!
Glad your time there was so fulfilling, but I know you are anxious to get home to Don and Scout. I find that ‘reentry’ time hard when I’ve been at my Mom’s for so long. Now she is here in the same town and I can see her often and still have my life! I’m so blessed right now. Tiger is watching Winnie the Pooh and eating yogurt and fresh blueberries he helped pick. Yes, Life is good.
hugs,
Linda
Give that Tiger a hug from me, Linda!
Claudia, If time permits for you to do both blogs, I think it is a great idea. You will be kept busy, but sharing reviews about books to read, sounds awesome to me. I for one, will be reading that blog . I enjoy reading books so much, and knowing what book to buy sometimes, isn’t always what you think the book will be about. I enjoy your blog, MBC ,so much, and know you will be able to knock another one out of the park..(so to say) Fun idea!!!!!! Bonnie in WI
Thanks for the support, Bonnie!
I think a book blog is a fantastic idea. Safe trip home!
Thanks, Kathy!
As an avid reader, I think the idea is grand!! Plus, the discussions it will spark in the comment section will be helpful, too, in finding even more authors to explore.
It seems that your short time there has been pretty magical, and as much as I know you can’t wait to get home to see Don and Scout, I think you have left a piece of your heart in Chautauqua. We have enjoyed your time there, also!!
It has been magical – that doesn’t usually happen, let’s face it. I consider the whole job a great gift, Chris.
That would be a great idea. You introduced me to Louise Penny’s books; I have now read all of them!! (She has a new one coming out in August…can’t wait.) Have safe trip.
I know – I’m counting the days, Linda.
Claudia,
I think that a blog dedicated to all things “book” related would be wonderful and exciting! Expanding your borders while sharing your passion…
I say “GO FOR IT”! Use your gifts and talents!
I know that if you decide to start this Blog that it will be wildly successful!!! and I will
Look forward to becoming a subscriber to your new venture in Blog Land…
Debbi Saunders
Thank you so much, Debbi!
Hi Claudia, I love reading book reviews. Sounds like it would be fun for you and your readers! Doris
Thanks, Doris!
Oh how right that sounds for you!! You are the best reviewer I read on here. Once I was reading reviews on a blog that basically told the story from beginning to end Disappointing You give a clear concise review without revealing things that will come up in the time it should Go for it! I certainly would love it as I am an unquenchable reader
Suezk
I don’t understand why a reviewer would tell the story … that’s not really a review!
Go for it Claudia..That’s your thing for sure..you’re good at it..Not mine though sad to say..You never know til you try it..Good luck..and..welcome home
Thanks so much, Missy!
I would love you to have a book blog! I don’t think you need to tell much about the story when you are reviewing the book. I like to hear about the author, what else he/she has written, your feelings on the book, if the characters and place are well written, which is what you do. And……all things books! I have more books around this house than I care to mention. How about an online book club?
Tana
My reviews, at least so far, have always included info on the author. I think that’s important!
A book blog would be fantastic. As a booklover, I’m always looking for new reads, and it would be great to have a blog written by you that I could go to for resources. Also, the person who mentioned including info about the author — love that idea.
Thanks, Karen!
Claudia, Ever since I have been following your blog…I have learn you can do just about anything,.Your love of reading would be perfect for a review blog. Who knows what that could lead to. I wish you the best. I know you are happy to be heading home. I saw the old movie yesterday with Sidney Poitier. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
That’s a great movie, Susie!
Claudia, I’m pretty sure you knew what you wanted to do before you asked us.
Just do it.
It will be a success.
You have a gift.
Thank you, Nancy!
Claudia, I think this would be a wonderful opportunity for you and your readers. I have personally purchased several books based on your reviews and haven’t been disappointed yet! I can sense the excitement in your blog entry today too. That should tell you something…… :-)
BJ
You’re right, Brenda!
The blog about books sounds good to me. I’ll be among the first of your readers to sign up for it.hope you enjoy your homecoming.
I’m home, Janie. Very tired, but home.
I vote in favor of the book blog! I would definitely subscribe to it in email.
Thank you, Susan!
Two thumbs up for the book blog idea! I follow quite a few book blogs and have been introduced to SO many books that I would never have read otherwise. I’d love to follow yours.
Me too, Laura. I love reading book blogs!
I am selfish & anxious to read even more books perhaps I wouldn’t have chosen.(Your book blog is such a very good idea! ) Could you include some old classics as well?
What a good idea, Marcy!
Sounds wonderful! Go for it!
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Liz!
I think it’s a great idea, especially because it is something you love doing. I just hope it doesn’t affect your current blog – which I love reading every day.
Now, do you honestly think I would let it affect my blog?? No way.
What a wonderful idea! I’m looking forward to reading your book blog! Perhaps you will review some of my favourite authors.
You love books. You love reading. You love everything to do with books and reading. You love sharing your love of books and reading. Sounds like you need to start a book blog Claudia! ;)
Sounds like I do, Debbie.
Go for it, Claudia, if that interests you. You are a very good, fair reviewer, I think. I know I’ve tried many books after reading your reviews, that it never would have noticed. More $$$ while getting to read and write! Why not! Hedy
Sounds like a perfect combination, doesn’t it?
Yes, Yes, Yes, Claudia. You would be a marvel at it. Although I have not read any of the books you have reviewed (lack of time to go and look forthem in the last few bookshops left!!!), I always read your reviews and I appreciate your measured tones. Go for it…..Catherine from Sydney
PS I love what you’ve done with the dollshouse.
Thank you so much, Catherine!
Oh, I’d love to read that blog, too, and I’d bookmark it in an instant! I hope you decide to take it on.
Your experience sounded wonderful. I hope you had an easy journey home.
It was a long journey, but I’m home!
A book review blog will be wonderful! It sounds like quite a big undertaking in terms of time, but you do sound very excited, so I say go for it. The dog waiting to be let in looks like a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, my breed.
wow you sure are a busy lady… i wish i were able to go to the show… and im sure you did a wonderful job.. you are very talented
and detail oriented… i think the book review blog sounds wonderful also.. i am an avid reader and love hearing what others think
of books and i have loved all the choices you have suggested.. that theater is adorable i would love to see it in person.
thank you as always for your wonderful blog.. and for being you
big ladybug hugs
lynnl
Yes, yes, yes. I would read your book blog. Your review of Louise Penny’s Three Pines Mystery led me to read her. As of now I have read the whole series and can’t wait for the new book to come out soon. I like hearing about and reading new genre and new to me authors.
I would read a book blog – and I agree writing book reviews are a challenge, but my favorite posts to write :-)
I would say if you feel you have the time to devote to another blog then go for it! Don’t make it too hard on yourself. I would then read BOTH of your blogs! :)
Meant to add that I agree with post by Carol above about the Louise Penny books. Your review got me interested and then someone in my book club suggested Still Life by her. Found it fascinating, so getting next in series from library. Trust your reviews.
Fly! Be free! Kind of dramatic, but that is how I feel about it. Our lives keep evolving and this sounds like a great chance to do something you love. I have found your reviews interesting and insightful. I think it is not only something you enjoy, but it is also something you are very good at. So please review lots and lots of books, exposing some of us to books we may never have even considered.