This site will be running in a few days. I apologize but I'm now writing off of three different PCs. The one containing 30 pages of Networking-the Play isn't' as yet playing along with others.
For a preview of this ridiculously real story about Professionals who network, go to
http://www.networkingplay.blogspot.com
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Song from Extravagance: Deluxe, like the Vacuum!
This is the scene where Margeaux has become very sick with her cancer, and husband David attempts to raise her spirits. The song is very rhythmic. The mood is happy, an instant party where things are pulled from the back of the stage like a closet. At the end of the song, the audience will see Danny, who "comes out" to his parents. They embrace him, and the song stands as a parable to "...use or lose it.", even love?
Narrator
Time, time, time!
(Orchestration: Let’s go Deluxe)
David
Too much reality, too many sames.
I want, well—the Ritz, but for now I’ll take
A tux
A top hat
A good song
Anything deluxe!
MARGEAUX
I want to have a party, a place for
You and me
To celebrate the doldrums
The Days of Winter
Let’s reach deep inside us
Deluxe!
DAVID
Deluxe? Like the vacuum?
MARGEAUX
Exactly!
DAVID
Deluxe? Stored in a closet?
MARGEAUX and MAID
Yes! Deluxe! There for the Taking! Deluxe!
MARGEAUX
Always there. Unnoticed!
Like a great Couture with feathers
The closet surely a Netherworld of Rare wear Pain
CHORUS of MAIDS
The cedar! The scent of Old yet Cedar
The dress in the back of the closet
You always meant to wear!
Now it wastes away.
There!
In the closet!
DAVID
Deluxe?
Stored in a closet?
MARGEAUX and MAIDS
Yes! Deluxe!
There for the Taking!
Deluxe!
MARGEAUX
Always there. Unnoticed!
Like a great Couture with feathers
The closet surely a
Netherworld
of Rare wear
Pain!
CHORUS
Let’s go deluxe!
It’s about good storage!
Deluxe!
It’s the “…one day, I’ll use it,
To toss would be abuse it,” pain!
Deluxe!
And yes, just like the vacuum,
These maxims
are drivin’ us mad!
MARGEAUX and DAVID
(in full regalia, dressed formally)
Deluxe, like the sayin’
These clothes were made for prayin’
And wearing for special ‘casions
DAVID
Deluxe! Not just for storage
Or a Pity Party Porridge
The things we really should ‘cast aside?
I’m for givin’ it a once, then ‘bide.
MARGEAUX
Deluxe, like the sayin’
These clothes were made for savin’
And wearing for special ‘casions
(spoken)
Lookie here, what we have?
The parcel’s unopened…
A cancelled stamp marked Hobokken!
Look! A wild and feathery hat!
DAVID & CHORUS
Well, that’s Deluxe!
Throw it back into the closet, who knows?
One day sure it’ll make deposit
Or make a smart investor row!
To last until the show!
To last until the show!
Voices Offstage
Margeaux!
Margeaux!
Last until the show.
Last until the show!
(small Orchestral break)
DAVID
(picking-up the silence as something he’s missed…)
That’s Deluxe, store it!
Someday would be worth some bucks?
To toss would be “Ahhw shucks!”
You coulda’ been Deluxe!
CHORUS
You coulda’ been Deluxe!
You coulda’ been Deluxe!
The choices we make, Baby burn!
This Life’s a Run From Funeral Urn!
Better to have chosen Deluxe.
Better to have chosen Deluxe!
Time is just a seethin’
Pulled from closets,
disbelievin’…
It’s Poor Taste from where you’re bleedin’!
MARGEAUX
Mothballs.
Highballs.
Musty smell…Tennis Balls?
Oh yeah I feel Deluxe!
DAVID
Suck it up!
You’re my favorite Dame
For you I’ll play these games…
MARGEAUX
The Games? The games stored in the closet?
DAVID
(He peers inside the closet, and a light appears across 3 faves…)
Life? Clue? Sorry!
MARGEAUX
(spoken)
Well played!
And that’s the way it goes.
DAVID
…too much reality! Too many sames.
Wanted a Ritz but was Shot Down in Flames
For the moment I’d take
Some quiet time
A good tux MARGEAUX
A baseball hat… a Good Song!
DAVID
That’s Deluxe, store it!
Someday would be worth some bucks?
It’s not a thing, but Luck!
To toss would be “Ahhw shucks!”
You coulda’ been Deluxe!
CHORUS
You coulda’ been Deluxe!
You coulda’ been Deluxe!
The choices we make, Baby burn!
This Life’s a Run From Funeral Urn!
Better to have chosen Deluxe.
Better to have chosen Deluxe!
COMPANY
Time is just a seethin’
Pulled from closets,
disbelievin’…
It’s Poor Taste from
where you’re bleedin’!
MARGEAUX
(spoken)
…excuse me Staff and David and Family and Family of Dogs.
I guess…we’re having a party!
A Deluxe Party.
STAFF
(…looking aghast but playing along)
Smalltalk
DAVID
Like the Vacuum...the Deluxe?
Stored in the closet?
STAFF
(Giving them odd looks, they disperse)
DAVID
(to Margeaux)
…it’s always there.
MARGEAUX
(knowing he is speaking of their love)
Unnoticed…in the back, but still with you.
DAVID
…the stacking and storing
MARGEAUX
…of Love?
DAVID
…of wealth!
MARGEAUX
…too much stored in a closet!
DAVID
…and for Love?
MARGEAUX
…too much stored in a closet!
DAVID
…the stacking and storing away.
(spoken)
I’d rather not deal with some things.
MARGEAUX and DAVID
Too much Guilt overflowing these closets!
This closet we call Our Love?
(Orchestral break, whose feeling should express “are we meant to stay together?”)
The closet suddenly opens to reveal DANNY, at the direct back, sitting on the floor.
DANNY
Mom? Dad?
MARGEAUX
Danny?
DAVID
My Son. You’ve been gone…so long.
(DAVID falls to his knees, sobbing)
MARGEAUX
(through tears)
My Darling!
Welcome Home.
I’m so sorry.
So very, very, sorry.”
We love you just the way you are, and always will.
DAVID
(mumbling)
Yes, yes…
(weeping)
MARGEAUX and DANNY
Too much emotion
…stored in a closet.
Too much Guilt.
Stacked, neatly stored away.
I’ve reached a New Time.
I want to move forward.
MARGEAUX DANNY
I’ll change! I’ll choose!
…Deluxe!
…and get over this Pain!
CHORUS
Better choose Deluxe!
Better learn Deluxe!
Time is just a seethin’
Certain disbelieving’
Rotten, smelly Closet Guest…
Better choose Truth!
COMPANY
I see you chose Deluxe!
Deluxe, like the sayin’
These clothes were made for prayin’
And wearing for special ‘casions
DAVID & CHORUS
Well, that’s Deluxe!
Throw it back into the closet, who knows?
One day sure it’ll make deposit
Or make a smart investor row!
COMPANY
To last until the show!
To last until the show!
Voices Offstage
Margeaux!
Margeaux!
DAVID
(insisting MARGEAUX and DANNY hug him as tight as possible, the next lines are partially sang and spoken)
That’s Deluxe,we stored it!
Maybe not so worth such bucks?
It’s not a thing, but Luck!
To toss would’ve been “Ahhw shucks!”
…and even when Life Sucks
You’ll always be Deluxe!
COMPANY
Deluxe,we stored it!
Incalculable bucks?
It’s not a thing, but Luck!
…and even when Life Sucks
You’ll always be Deluxe!
You’ll always be Deluxe!
(Orchestral fade)
(whispered, fading…)
…and now to the Crossing!
Time, time, time!
(Orchestration: Let’s go Deluxe)
David
Too much reality, too many sames.
I want, well—the Ritz, but for now I’ll take
A tux
A top hat
A good song
Anything deluxe!
MARGEAUX
I want to have a party, a place for
You and me
To celebrate the doldrums
The Days of Winter
Let’s reach deep inside us
Deluxe!
DAVID
Deluxe? Like the vacuum?
MARGEAUX
Exactly!
DAVID
Deluxe? Stored in a closet?
MARGEAUX and MAID
Yes! Deluxe! There for the Taking! Deluxe!
MARGEAUX
Always there. Unnoticed!
Like a great Couture with feathers
The closet surely a Netherworld of Rare wear Pain
CHORUS of MAIDS
The cedar! The scent of Old yet Cedar
The dress in the back of the closet
You always meant to wear!
Now it wastes away.
There!
In the closet!
DAVID
Deluxe?
Stored in a closet?
MARGEAUX and MAIDS
Yes! Deluxe!
There for the Taking!
Deluxe!
MARGEAUX
Always there. Unnoticed!
Like a great Couture with feathers
The closet surely a
Netherworld
of Rare wear
Pain!
CHORUS
Let’s go deluxe!
It’s about good storage!
Deluxe!
It’s the “…one day, I’ll use it,
To toss would be abuse it,” pain!
Deluxe!
And yes, just like the vacuum,
These maxims
are drivin’ us mad!
MARGEAUX and DAVID
(in full regalia, dressed formally)
Deluxe, like the sayin’
These clothes were made for prayin’
And wearing for special ‘casions
DAVID
Deluxe! Not just for storage
Or a Pity Party Porridge
The things we really should ‘cast aside?
I’m for givin’ it a once, then ‘bide.
MARGEAUX
Deluxe, like the sayin’
These clothes were made for savin’
And wearing for special ‘casions
(spoken)
Lookie here, what we have?
The parcel’s unopened…
A cancelled stamp marked Hobokken!
Look! A wild and feathery hat!
DAVID & CHORUS
Well, that’s Deluxe!
Throw it back into the closet, who knows?
One day sure it’ll make deposit
Or make a smart investor row!
To last until the show!
To last until the show!
Voices Offstage
Margeaux!
Margeaux!
Last until the show.
Last until the show!
(small Orchestral break)
DAVID
(picking-up the silence as something he’s missed…)
That’s Deluxe, store it!
Someday would be worth some bucks?
To toss would be “Ahhw shucks!”
You coulda’ been Deluxe!
CHORUS
You coulda’ been Deluxe!
You coulda’ been Deluxe!
The choices we make, Baby burn!
This Life’s a Run From Funeral Urn!
Better to have chosen Deluxe.
Better to have chosen Deluxe!
Time is just a seethin’
Pulled from closets,
disbelievin’…
It’s Poor Taste from where you’re bleedin’!
MARGEAUX
Mothballs.
Highballs.
Musty smell…Tennis Balls?
Oh yeah I feel Deluxe!
DAVID
Suck it up!
You’re my favorite Dame
For you I’ll play these games…
MARGEAUX
The Games? The games stored in the closet?
DAVID
(He peers inside the closet, and a light appears across 3 faves…)
Life? Clue? Sorry!
MARGEAUX
(spoken)
Well played!
And that’s the way it goes.
DAVID
…too much reality! Too many sames.
Wanted a Ritz but was Shot Down in Flames
For the moment I’d take
Some quiet time
A good tux MARGEAUX
A baseball hat… a Good Song!
DAVID
That’s Deluxe, store it!
Someday would be worth some bucks?
It’s not a thing, but Luck!
To toss would be “Ahhw shucks!”
You coulda’ been Deluxe!
CHORUS
You coulda’ been Deluxe!
You coulda’ been Deluxe!
The choices we make, Baby burn!
This Life’s a Run From Funeral Urn!
Better to have chosen Deluxe.
Better to have chosen Deluxe!
COMPANY
Time is just a seethin’
Pulled from closets,
disbelievin’…
It’s Poor Taste from
where you’re bleedin’!
MARGEAUX
(spoken)
…excuse me Staff and David and Family and Family of Dogs.
I guess…we’re having a party!
A Deluxe Party.
STAFF
(…looking aghast but playing along)
Smalltalk
DAVID
Like the Vacuum...the Deluxe?
Stored in the closet?
STAFF
(Giving them odd looks, they disperse)
DAVID
(to Margeaux)
…it’s always there.
MARGEAUX
(knowing he is speaking of their love)
Unnoticed…in the back, but still with you.
DAVID
…the stacking and storing
MARGEAUX
…of Love?
DAVID
…of wealth!
MARGEAUX
…too much stored in a closet!
DAVID
…and for Love?
MARGEAUX
…too much stored in a closet!
DAVID
…the stacking and storing away.
(spoken)
I’d rather not deal with some things.
MARGEAUX and DAVID
Too much Guilt overflowing these closets!
This closet we call Our Love?
(Orchestral break, whose feeling should express “are we meant to stay together?”)
The closet suddenly opens to reveal DANNY, at the direct back, sitting on the floor.
DANNY
Mom? Dad?
MARGEAUX
Danny?
DAVID
My Son. You’ve been gone…so long.
(DAVID falls to his knees, sobbing)
MARGEAUX
(through tears)
My Darling!
Welcome Home.
I’m so sorry.
So very, very, sorry.”
We love you just the way you are, and always will.
DAVID
(mumbling)
Yes, yes…
(weeping)
MARGEAUX and DANNY
Too much emotion
…stored in a closet.
Too much Guilt.
Stacked, neatly stored away.
I’ve reached a New Time.
I want to move forward.
MARGEAUX DANNY
I’ll change! I’ll choose!
…Deluxe!
…and get over this Pain!
CHORUS
Better choose Deluxe!
Better learn Deluxe!
Time is just a seethin’
Certain disbelieving’
Rotten, smelly Closet Guest…
Better choose Truth!
COMPANY
I see you chose Deluxe!
Deluxe, like the sayin’
These clothes were made for prayin’
And wearing for special ‘casions
DAVID & CHORUS
Well, that’s Deluxe!
Throw it back into the closet, who knows?
One day sure it’ll make deposit
Or make a smart investor row!
COMPANY
To last until the show!
To last until the show!
Voices Offstage
Margeaux!
Margeaux!
DAVID
(insisting MARGEAUX and DANNY hug him as tight as possible, the next lines are partially sang and spoken)
That’s Deluxe,we stored it!
Maybe not so worth such bucks?
It’s not a thing, but Luck!
To toss would’ve been “Ahhw shucks!”
…and even when Life Sucks
You’ll always be Deluxe!
COMPANY
Deluxe,we stored it!
Incalculable bucks?
It’s not a thing, but Luck!
…and even when Life Sucks
You’ll always be Deluxe!
You’ll always be Deluxe!
(Orchestral fade)
(whispered, fading…)
…and now to the Crossing!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Working on Stuff for Editor
This week I have a personal deadline to get some stuff over to my Editor Phillip King.
To read a preview of my story, Manley, with Horns! go to this blog: http://www.raymacon.blogspot.com
To read a preview of my story, Manley, with Horns! go to this blog: http://www.raymacon.blogspot.com
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Just Ask for It-A Lesson From Atlanta Cotillion
I played the role of Vale Camile "Cammy" Beauchamps at the end of an exhausting 7 fundraiser parties which lead to 2007's Atlanta Cotillion Benefiting AID Atlanta.
There's a magic 3-letter word that was taught to me by The Members.
The word itself---ASK---seemed insanely simple. However, in the World of Business, this one word of advice has evoked millions and millions in exchanged dollars.
That year I made a lot of speeches on the Atlanta Networking Circuit, using these as opportunities to rally others for the Cotillion's cause. Most parties were $20.---not a lot to pay for catered food, cocktails, and entertainment.
From business breakfasts to charity functions I invited people to these small parties. We had two fashion events (including Designer Bill Hallman and Actor Princess Charles) a block party, a gambling night on 7/7/7 and a couple of others things that are now blurred in retrospect.
Around town I made my pitch as to how the strength of a real service organization was shown in the number of people It could help who arrived at the front door, when help was needed most.
I retold a story of how AID Atlanta actually took a homeless man to Piedmont Hospital and paid for some $5,000 in emergency care. Homeless people view GLBT Service Organizations as people empathetic to their cause. This is a good thing.
The monies raised during the Cotillion Season go to help in extra moments like that, when quick money is unavailable.
One day, at the end of my Cotillion Fundraising Season in 2007, an older gentleman, a bank president, came up to me after a speech. He asked "...how much do you have, and how much do you need to make your goal?"
"I have $22,000---want to raise at least $25,000" I smiled.
"Follow me to my car," he said, and there wrote me a $3,000 check. He got tears in his eyes, "...your speech, it, uh, moved me."
That's when I realized that asking was the first step in getting to the big help!
MORE: Stay Tuned for Discussion of The Lucky (Break) Principle
There's a magic 3-letter word that was taught to me by The Members.
The word itself---ASK---seemed insanely simple. However, in the World of Business, this one word of advice has evoked millions and millions in exchanged dollars.
That year I made a lot of speeches on the Atlanta Networking Circuit, using these as opportunities to rally others for the Cotillion's cause. Most parties were $20.---not a lot to pay for catered food, cocktails, and entertainment.
From business breakfasts to charity functions I invited people to these small parties. We had two fashion events (including Designer Bill Hallman and Actor Princess Charles) a block party, a gambling night on 7/7/7 and a couple of others things that are now blurred in retrospect.
Around town I made my pitch as to how the strength of a real service organization was shown in the number of people It could help who arrived at the front door, when help was needed most.
I retold a story of how AID Atlanta actually took a homeless man to Piedmont Hospital and paid for some $5,000 in emergency care. Homeless people view GLBT Service Organizations as people empathetic to their cause. This is a good thing.
The monies raised during the Cotillion Season go to help in extra moments like that, when quick money is unavailable.
One day, at the end of my Cotillion Fundraising Season in 2007, an older gentleman, a bank president, came up to me after a speech. He asked "...how much do you have, and how much do you need to make your goal?"
"I have $22,000---want to raise at least $25,000" I smiled.
"Follow me to my car," he said, and there wrote me a $3,000 check. He got tears in his eyes, "...your speech, it, uh, moved me."
That's when I realized that asking was the first step in getting to the big help!
MORE: Stay Tuned for Discussion of The Lucky (Break) Principle
Monday, October 6, 2008
Update: Extravagance play
There's two more transitions needed for Act 1. Other than that, it's brilliant.
The 2nd Act sucks. It has to have more written into it. I'm currently worried about the 2nd Act.
I am trying to get it ready for Composer Larry Court.
By the way Larry Court took me around Outwrite Books the other day with Owner/Friend Phillip Rafshoon. He gave me 3 of his books and a CD of his music, sang by an Angel of a Tenor.
It's great to know writers, musicians and artists.
The 2nd Act sucks. It has to have more written into it. I'm currently worried about the 2nd Act.
I am trying to get it ready for Composer Larry Court.
By the way Larry Court took me around Outwrite Books the other day with Owner/Friend Phillip Rafshoon. He gave me 3 of his books and a CD of his music, sang by an Angel of a Tenor.
It's great to know writers, musicians and artists.
They Tossed TippyToed and Bench Pressed Him
Our Renter TT and I watched the RUGBY TEAMS play on Saturday, near Little 5 Points. Atlanta Bucks VS the Nashville Something.
What a great time, seeing all these guys with their tree trunk legs all hugging and pushing each other around the field! It's rough, though!
They do these head on the shoulders lifts, and several other rules we had to figure out on our own. "What's he doing?" "Where's the ball?" "We have the ball , right?" and "Why'd they do THAT for?" ...was the common confused theme!
Anyway they are playing Charlotte North Cackalacky on the 25th..Saturday at 1pm at Sammy Coen Middle School. We'll be leaving from my house at 12:15 so we can catch the warm-up. Usually the event is followed by a big beer drinking fiesta at FROG'S.
Last Saturday the guys tossed 94 pound John (Pissant/TippyToed in HSL) up and about. One guy, who looked as Irish as one of your Grandfathers, BENCHED HIM, in front of the crowd!
So yesterday TT awoke with bruises on his legs. Anyway, that's gotta make the Calendar! And it's FREE.
----------
Also next Sunday from 2-5pm each of our Fall Ball Teams have to "give up a team member stripper" to dance on the bar at BJ Roosters (LaVista/Cheshire Bridge) against the other teams. This should be a blast! Each of the 9 teams have to have speedos which match a "best costume" is being given. The Red team has already threatened their hunk would be wearing red sequins on his trunks!
From Dark Green----We volunteered TippyToed because he can fit into an earring sleeve and look like it's too big for him! Anyway, he's acting like he doesn't want to do it, but what a HAM! Hope you guys can make it!
What a great time, seeing all these guys with their tree trunk legs all hugging and pushing each other around the field! It's rough, though!
They do these head on the shoulders lifts, and several other rules we had to figure out on our own. "What's he doing?" "Where's the ball?" "We have the ball , right?" and "Why'd they do THAT for?" ...was the common confused theme!
Anyway they are playing Charlotte North Cackalacky on the 25th..Saturday at 1pm at Sammy Coen Middle School. We'll be leaving from my house at 12:15 so we can catch the warm-up. Usually the event is followed by a big beer drinking fiesta at FROG'S.
Last Saturday the guys tossed 94 pound John (Pissant/TippyToed in HSL) up and about. One guy, who looked as Irish as one of your Grandfathers, BENCHED HIM, in front of the crowd!
So yesterday TT awoke with bruises on his legs. Anyway, that's gotta make the Calendar! And it's FREE.
----------
Also next Sunday from 2-5pm each of our Fall Ball Teams have to "give up a team member stripper" to dance on the bar at BJ Roosters (LaVista/Cheshire Bridge) against the other teams. This should be a blast! Each of the 9 teams have to have speedos which match a "best costume" is being given. The Red team has already threatened their hunk would be wearing red sequins on his trunks!
From Dark Green----We volunteered TippyToed because he can fit into an earring sleeve and look like it's too big for him! Anyway, he's acting like he doesn't want to do it, but what a HAM! Hope you guys can make it!
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