My Green Eyes Green Room

2006-02-28T10:50:00.000-08:00

It’s amazing but I still feel energized by the performances this past weekend. So far there has been no “let down," just a feeling of joy and gratitude for this whole experience which has had such a spiritual quality to it from the start. The actors were superb and sang their hearts out. They became the people they were portraying so convincingly. From their lofty perch above the stage, the band was awesome, interpreting the music with so much sensitivity for what was happening in the story. Loved those twangs from Van‘s guitar at the perfect moments, watching Beau sway and play the conga drum and seeing Doug direct the music, play the keyboards and keep an eye on the action simultaneously. How does he do that?? The music, itself, is phenomenal. Can hardly wait ’til the live CD soundtrack is released. I attended all three shows and savored every minute. The audiences were so attentive, responsive and appreciative. You could hear a pin drop. When the Impresario strode down the aisle with a long, white feather boa flowing from his shoulders, the air was electric with surprise and delight. I think everyone sat up a little taller so they wouldn't miss anything!

THANK YOU, Randy, Doug, Pam, Cast and Crew for breathing life into this fabulous and original Work of Art. Long live MY GREEN EYES!!!

Shirley K. Doyle

2006-02-28T09:17:00.000-08:00

This is Randy Baker, and I just want to take a little space to say WOW!

This has all turned out so much better than I had ever dreamed. Three sold-out houses. Three powerful, moving performances. Three after-show receptions overflowing with appreciative, complementary audiences.

Thank you all - cast, crew, volunteers - for making this a reality beyond my wildest dreams!

I look forward with great expectation to see where this little play will go.

Thanks!
Randy

2006-02-28T07:31:00.000-08:00

It's over :-( ..........Well, at least this installment.

We had 3 GREAT sold out shows! Back at the spot light, I had one of the best views too!

No matter how many times I saw Char (Sophia) and Scott (Jacob) sing "There's a Lesson Here" I always got choked up. Well, there were allot of songs that choked me up...."Lost My Little Boy", "Welcome Home", "Dying Wish" and "Down on the Farm (Reprise)" all still get me emotionally.

But this rock opera had much more going for it! I think that Robert (Impresario) became a crowd favorite. His "get up" was so out there that it took them by surprise. I think that that opened people up to the comedic side of the show. And they all cheered when Jacob and Veronica finally hooked up!

The performances were solid! And all three shows received well deserved standing ovations. And each post performance reception was packed! This was a great experience and I hope that this show continues on and on!

Tim, Roadie, Spot lights, Tickets, Official Gear, etc......

2006-02-23T21:31:00.000-08:00

Oh my, we just had the loveliest dress rehearsal. Can we just keep singing together? Just a while longer? I watch the story unfold every rehearsal, and get emotionally involved. Will Jacob pine away while Veronica seems to not notice him at all? Will Veronica gather up the courage and speak out about her feelings before it's too late? Will the crops come back? Will Dad ever stop aching for his missing son? Will the crafty band promoter come through for Luke and his talented, hopeful band? The power is on, the make-up is on, the cast and crew are definitely "on". "Hey everybody, let's put on a show!"

2006-02-16T03:59:00.000-08:00

Hey All!

It's Tim, Roadie and Ticketmaster.

Well, it's official! Friday night has sold out! We still have a some Saturday and Sunday tickets, so don't hesitate! Call today! (952-401-0591)

Now for the fun Stuff:

I was just sitting back watching the rehearsal on Tuesday night. It was the first time for me seeing the Second Act. I was at the sing through 3 years ago, but it's changed....and it's been 3 years since I've heard any of the Second act. Well, I'm still AMAZED!

Some of the performers really have their work cut out for them. Luke (Sam) and the Father (Bob) have to emotional roller-coasters...sometime within the same song...and they pulled it off so well! Scott may have one of the hardest rolls playing Jacob (Sam's roll isn't far behind), and he's doing it very well!

The best part of the whole night came from our Music Director, Doug Weatherhead. During one of the songs, he walked over to me with a HUGE smile on his face and said "It's really going to happen...it's coming together." All I could do is agree with him. With all the hard work and talent that Randy and Doug had put in to music, and all of the efforts from the Cast and Crew, this show is going to be truly incredible.

I can't wait for opening night!

2006-02-08T14:30:00.000-08:00

From Veronica -

It's true, this project is charmed in so many ways. If you had asked me in the summer of 2005 about any possible musical theatre aspiratins I might have, I woudl have said," Who?!? ME???". It was pure serendipity that I happened to learn about the MGE auditions. And I almost didn't audition, thinking my audition would be pure folly given my lack of theatre experience and my classical music background. But that small voice in my gut told me I should "at least keep options open" and so I showed up at auditions. The last thing I expected to come of this "keeping my options open" business was Pam's phone call offering the part of Veronica!! At that point I became very excited, and simply wanted to give the best I could give to MGE.

I hope I've done (am doing) that because I simply cannot express adequately how AMAZING the MGE experience has been!!!! I am incredibly lucky to have found this group of highly-talented, kind, loving, and inspiring people. I'm honored to have been chosen to bring Veronica to life. Veronica is in many ways a classic modern young woman. Her head is filled with wordly ideals and big visions, yet she still keeps her feet on the ground, knowing that she can make the most difference where her roots are. She's a little bit country, and a little bit rock and roll (thanks Donny and Marie....). She's independant and career-minded and strong, but is in many ways a girl at heart. With luck and discplined work, this is the Veronica that audiences will see the last weekend in February.

And I hope that by making this small contribution to the MGE project, that MGE will really go places, and open doors for all involved!!! More in a later blog entry about MGE moments are particularly notable.

Love you all!

2006-02-07T20:01:00.000-08:00

Let me just say that performing with these wonderful people (cast, crew, everyone) has been quite an amazing experience, and I really don't want it to end. 3 shows will not be enough to truly demonstrate the effort put in by everyone in this production-- the ticket sellers, the publicity people, the techies, the amazing band, Shirley, Ruth, Pam and Sarah, my fellow castmates, Doug, everyone else. I have been in a number of shows, but the combination in this production of passion and kind-heartedness is like none I've ever seen before.

I am especially thankful for Randy Baker and his creation 10 years in the making. I can't say enough about the passion he has shown in following his dream to fruition-- but what really blows me away is his talent. The music is fantastic, song after song. It can stand up with a number of long-lasting professional shows out there-- and I'm not just saying that because I have been allowed to sing in this one. For Randy's sake, I hope his show gets the recognition it deserves. And I will continue trying to make my version of Luke, the Prodigal son, worthy of Randy's work.

--Sam Ahern

2006-02-07T19:57:00.000-08:00

WOW! The next great Rock Opera is unfolding before my eyes and ears and drum sticks! The music is really starting ro create its own groove. Its as if the music and rhythms have a life of their own - dictating to my heart, mind, soul and body - the way the accents desire to be played and the feel for each song is to gel. The band is starting to become One around the music and One with the singers.

If you have never had this experience playing an instrument with a band or backing up a group of singers - Well I can only tell you - Its Nirvana, Its Heaven, Its - Well Its Indescribably, Energetically, and Synergistically Delicious!

Randy Baker and Doug Weatherhead - you are onto something really big here - bigger than all of us. In fact, some big producer and promoter is going to see that this is the next Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat - and you'll be in New York before you can click your heels three times! S Jason Simpson - Drummer for My Green Eyes

2006-02-07T19:39:00.000-08:00

Sophia loves her family. She really is an earth mother... Maybe she is mother earth. I sure enjoy wearing her shoes, singing to her sons, and husband. Loving words of encouragement, kindly looks of patient empathy. OOH! I'm an archetype! Ok, so I don't really feel so gracefully immortal when I'm trying to remember the words I'm supposed to sing next, and walk backwards and have the right look on my face, and for gosh sakes use my arms in some meaningful gesture. I have to say, I am more comfortable with the singing part and feel like a doofus trying for the first time to move around on stage. And then...Sophia steps in. I'm open to her arrival. I'm busy singing, anyway. She raises her face and palms to God's heaven and shows her son what grace might look like. Thank you Randy, and Doug, and Pam for allowing me to walk with Sophia for a while.

2006-02-06T18:22:00.000-08:00

Hey y'all!

Only two and a half weeks until opening night.....time is flying!

It's amazing to see how everything is coming together. I guess that's one advantage of being a "Roadie". Not just in the technical aspects of the sound and gear...but also in watching the techniques of the Artist. This is going to be an incredible show! Randy, Doug, Pam and Sarah are really putting this story together.

It's awe inspiring to see the community come together to make “My Green Eyes” a success. And there are allot of people working in the background.

I'm learning. About how some microphones work best being used this way, but not that way. Some on the differences of cords...and on the differences of individual performers. Joe (our sound dude) is a good person to hang with too.

Hearing Bob (the Father) put the emotion in his voice on "Oh My God", and seeing Robert (the Impresario) put some comic relief in his moves.....yes, you will laugh and cry.....and seeing the whole story come together.....well, all I can say is, Cool!

Well, I guess you'll all have to just see it for yourself.

2006-02-03T18:58:00.000-08:00

Wow! I'm singing in a rock opera! How cool is that? I have really been enjoying rehearsing with a band. I ordinarily play the guitar and sing all by myself, a la coffee house folkie. Getting to wail into the mic while Andy, Scott, Van, Doug, and Brad groove on some awesome changes...I've died and gone to heaven... Well not me actually. My character, Sophia. Started singing songs of love and encouragement to her family after she died. Yep, it's an opera, alright.

The past two weeks we finally have been getting together as a full cast to put our little pieces together to make the first act (the first half of the story). Bankers, and paralegals, and attorneys, and project managers and teachers and business owners, all with talent, and heart, singing and learning dance moves. I have no choice but to be uplifted, encouraged, hopeful.

2006-02-03T11:37:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

Tim Baker and I were talking today about how it feels to "recreate" a service system such as Ticketmaster. Here we are, re-inventing the wheel about how to control the tickets and not oversell them, and it's time-consuming, but fun! I have found that people who call about tickets are ever so kind and patient with our low-tech process. I think we all are eager to see the opera on its opening night, AND we are equally interested in the possibility that Randy's and Doug's creativity might be picked up by a "larger" entity. Randy Baker on Broadway!? And we can say "we were there."

So - my phone number is the one that will be on the radio shots and the one that is out on posters and we shall see if the phone rings off the hook! It's exciting!

Beth Waterhouse
PS: Call me for tickets, at least until they sell out! (952) 401-0591

2006-01-09T12:19:00.000-08:00

From Randy Baker- 'Writer', 'Rehearsal Accompanist of the Last Resort' and 'Roadie for Doug's Band': it's starting to get more real!

We started 'blocking' last week (which is theater talk, I think, for moving performers about the stage and making them dance), and it was really cool. I don't know what I was thinking by signing up for this production, but I sure am glad we have Pam as our Director! She has all these great ideas and knows how to make it happen on the stage. And Sarah and Tracy (our choreographers) are great, too. They have everybody moving around, dancing, swinging sticks at each other. What could go wrong? And, of course, all of these talented singer/actor/dancer types getting 'off book' (which is theater talk, I think, for not peeking at your script until someone shouts out your line) and breathing life into the songs. Meanwhile Doug's Band (my all-star dream band), is revving up the machine.

People keep coming out of the woodwork to help make this production happen. It's really incredible. Doug keeps saying, 'this thing is charmed'. It reminds me of the 'stone soup' story, where the guy starts out with nothing but a stone and by the end of the story there are all these people throwing in their gifts and they all share in this wonderful soup!

2006-01-06T08:24:00.000-08:00

From Pam Joern, the Director: After this first week of rehearsals, I am bowled over by the generosity and good will of so many people connected with this project. Randy and Doug have spent hours writing, of course, but also more hours preparing our actors/singers for this debut. Our band is rocking away every Sunday night. Our excellent cast has worked hard, remained flexible, commited every fiber to being the best we can be. Sarah and Tracy, our choreography team, have been inventive and adaptable. Then there's Ruth, who took the thankless job of recording every move we make on stage; John who's building some stage and set pieces; Ryan, the lighting guy and Joe, the sound guy; Ron and Gary who are figuring out where we can find the necessary power in this old building to support a rock opera; Shirley, Vonne, Dave, Beth, and Tim who are dealing with posters and web sites and press releases and tickets; Eileen who contacted Bethlehem Lutheran to aid us in parking; Bethlehem Lutheran, who said we could use their parking lots; Diana, who's trying to move her yoga classes so we can rehearse earlier. Well, the list goes on. What we lack in funds and physical resources, we make up for with heart, commitment, and energy. I had fun this week. Thank you, all.

2006-01-05T03:38:00.000-08:00

I really can't believe that Luke would claim to have green eyes. After all he's color blind! How would he know? Also, why would mother give him green eyes and not me, it makes no sense.

Jacob

2006-01-02T20:31:00.000-08:00

Why am I involved with the My Green Eyes rock opera?

There are at least three reasons. Reason #1 is that I was lucky enough to hear a preview of the rock opera a couple of years ago at the Joern home. It was fantastic then as just a read-through, and will have evolved a lot since then. Second - I love the prodigal son parable. What a modern-day theme of love showing through all the pressures of life. And how many of us have not experienced some form of that parable-- my sister left home as a teen and got into the hippie drug thing. Dad flew to San Francisco in 1973 and saved her life, brought her home. My folks could have drawn some sort of line out of pride, but they opened their hearts with love and I am forever grateful. Finally, I love the twist with My Green Eyes and the sustainable agriculture movement. it brings the plot completely up to date in th way in which conventional agriculture pushes against the small scale, sustainable practices. So here we have great music, a prodigal son story and a sustainable agriculture theme - what more could we want??

-- Beth Waterhouse, Excelsior, Minnesota

2006-01-02T14:18:00.000-08:00

Tim, thanks for teeing this up for me. Yes, I have to admit, I am a 40+ year old virgin when it comes to blogging. Just read the other blogs (I love the sound of that word.... "BLOG"...).

I got involved w/ helping Shirley promote for lots of reasons. Randy's a good friend of mine -- somehow investing in a friend's dream is satisfying. And in this world when you do something good for someone else, it tends to come back. So... hey, maybe I'm also investing in my own dreams!

I've been going to Judson a few years now (just before the church bought the house next door -- how many years is that?). It's such an interesting place... someone should write a novel about it sometime... it would capture its nuttiness (something like a church in "Northern Exposure"), the strength & diversity of its members,"the little church that could", its ironies, and the swirling magic that happens inside & outside its doors.

I see a Judson that is really ready to blossom and change the world, it's community. I also see a Judson that seems to me.... a little too sleepy, content, and quite happy to go with the flow.

So, what I like about My Green Eyes is.... well, it just shakes things up a bit!!! A new rock opera in a sanctuary! Hey, THAT doesn't happen every day!

I go to church to see the world afresh, in all its glory, beauty, and world of possibilites. To me, there's something about that which relates to My Green Eyes. It's something new & fresh & there's new creativity. People are doing new things, the congregation is going somewhere it hasn't been before. It's a little risky but I know that soil is being turned over somehow. Green Eyes....

Anyway, enough for this blog entry! I look forward to a GREAT show you guys!!! We're going to have some good promotion for the show (the Star Tribune has already agreed to feature My Green Eyes in its Faith & Values section), but the primary way tickets will be sold is through word-of-mouth from cast and congregation. Friends * Co-workers * Dinner parties for those 8:00 POM shows * don't hold back... sell those tickets!!

David Buck

2005-12-18T13:12:00.000-08:00

I'm real excited by how the show is coming along.

The first time that I heard any of the music from "My Green Eyes" was on an Artist Sunday at Jusdon (3 years ago? maybe four?). Randy and Doug (with the help of a few others...sorry guys that I don't remember who) played the first 3 songs. It sounded GREAT! I couldn't believe that there was som much tallent in one small place.....which I later learned that Mpls is full as such places. I loved the story line and was amazed by what I was hearing.

About a year later I had the pleasure to hear the entire production at Pam's (the show's director) house. The sing through was basic, but the music was fantastic! It really got me excited and pumped for the work that Randy and Doug have put into "My Green Eyes". I can't wait for the full production to hit the stage!

Rock on Dudes!

Tim

2005-12-18T12:35:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!

Just to let you know, we now have tickets and t-shirts available!

Tickets are:

At the Door $12 each

Adult advance $10 each

Students, Seniors (over65) and group rates (10 or more tickets) $8 each

The "My Green Eyes" t-shirts come in all sizes and are $15 each.

Tell your friends!

Tim Baker
Ticketmaster # 2 of 2.

2005-12-15T21:03:00.000-08:00

I love reading what you wonderful bloggers are blogging about! I want to blog about this show to everyone. I am having a great time playing drums for the show because there is such great sounds coming from the other band members - Hey you guys are sounding soooooo goooood! You make it easy to have a good time - and I am having a good time!

Thanks Randy for writing the show and Doug for your awesome ability to help pull it all together - and for all of you singers - cause you have the real courage - you actually dare to stand in front of a microphone and put whole self out there. All I have to do is hide behind a drum kit and tap a little here and there.

Kudos to all of you - We're taking "My Green Eyes" to the top of the charts!!!!!
Scott Simpson

2005-12-15T07:57:00.000-08:00

Yes, it was Kristin/Veronica/Ronnie talking about avoiding hoarseness. Thank goodness that Jacob's mother has at least some green her eyes, since she sings the song!

BTW, I have brown-ish/green-ish/gold-ish eyes myself, so I guess I pass this test. Jacob, we love you anyway......

Can't wait to rehearse next Sunday.

Veronica

2005-12-14T19:38:00.000-08:00

I beg to differ, Jacob. Obviously you did not notice my green eyes. You're so focused on your own brown eyes and your pork futures...figures. Actually, I'm somewhat colorblind, so I probably wouldn't have noticed my own green eyes, but I have been told they are green-- though apparently they become bluish and greyish at times, if that's actually possible. But you and I are both supposed to have green eyes, so one out of 2 ain't bad-- and my fellow colorblinds won't be able to tell anyway.
I'm having a lot of fun with this show so far, and I'm anxious to see what happens when we really start putting it all together. I spend most of my singing time with the pop and rock varieties-- I think everyone knows about my obsession with karaoke by now-- but, like the other poster (was that you, Kristin? I don't see a name), I'm still trying to figure out how to sing like that without doing damage to my throat, or at least drying it out considerably. It amazes me how the professional rock singers can get through a 3 hour show or concert without a sip of water-- and sounding just as good at the end. And I'm not even rocking that hard. But maybe I'll learn some techniques.

Oh, and this is my first blog, too. I usually make fun of bloggers, actually. But those are generally the ones who have their own personal daily blogs with no actual communication. Nevertheless, don't tell anyone I'm doing this.

2005-12-14T14:25:00.000-08:00

I have a question. There seems to be a problem in that the name of this show is "my green eyes" and yet I have noticed that I, myself, am brown eyed.

In fact I'm not sure anyone in the show actually has green eyes. Does this pose a problem? Can the show logically go forward under these circumstances? Do you think people coming to the show will wonder whether they have come to the right place when they see that no one actually has green eyes?

By the way, this is also my first blog. Next thing you know I'll be dabbling in the pork futures market.

Jacob

2005-12-14T13:15:00.000-08:00

Fantastic idea to create a blog for the production "My Green Eyes"!!!! This rock opera is full of firsts for me--first time in musical theater, first time singing live with a rock band (SO COOL!) , first time doing real studio recording, and now, I'm blogging for the very first time. What will be next?? It's exciting to part of a production that, as Randy says, is making so many people's dreams come true. There's great "chi" going on from what I can see. My biggest challenge at the moment--as one of the performers--is to figure out how to sing more like a pop or rock singer without going hoarse in the voice.

2005-12-14T12:37:00.000-08:00

Hello.
Here I am in the Green Room. Why "green," I wonder-- aha, this is the question of the day. People ask me, is it about envy? And I say, that's the mystery, but I think so... and maybe about agriculture as well. So why green, I wonder...

I'm mainly trying this to prove to myself that it can be done on a 1999 IMAC 350 megahertz machine that has served me well for so many years but that refuses most interactive blogging. This seems to have worked.

Beth Waterhouse
(952) 401-0591
Ticketmaster, one of two.

2005-12-13T10:19:00.000-08:00

Hi, this is Randy Baker. I am really excited at all of the fuss going on around putting up on a full length production of my rock opera "My Green Eyes"! I know it is helping others make their dreams come true as well - people who actually want to be in musical theater productions singing, dancing, etc (not me!).

Ever since I was a kid I wanted to write a rock opera. I saw "Jesus Christ Superstar" and thought - "I could do that!". Well, it is easier said than done. I started working on my first rock opera in high school, but only wrote about 3 or 4 songs, then quit. Anyhow, right out of college I ran away with my song-writing partner, Rick L. Moody, to start a rock and roll band in CA. I was a writer, singer and guitarist (in that order). When I told Rick I wanted to write a rock opera, his reply was "Why?". What do you do then, after you have written it? Well, without the Judson Community, it would have been really, really unlikely that I would ever have tried to put on a production of it. So thank you, thank you, thank you Judson folks!