The Worst Thing That Ever Happened To Me Was On Christmas Eve...

Merry Christmas to Mann Show.

I hope you are all enjoying your hard earned and well deserved break time. Rest up, because production of BRICK will begin shortly after we return to school in January, and you can expect the pace to escalate rapidly.

There will be an Audition Workshop on Thursday, January 8th at Christ Church Episcopal School. All who intend to audition are advised to attend.

Auditions will take place the following week. More details will be posted here shortly.

Christmas Break was kicked off Friday with a surprise visit from a few Mann Show Alumni. Jay Bridgeman (Furman), Luke Douglas (USC), Jocelin Lehner (Winthrop), Ross Ovington (Goucher), and Knox White (Eugene Lang) were all kind enough to not only visit, but to put on a special improv show for Coach White's 6th period class. These incredibly talented individuals were actor-titans of Mann Show 2007 and 2008 and were instrumental in the success of Treasure Island, The Dining Room, and Teenage Jonny Quest in Tokyo.

The effects of their great efforts in this company can still be seen and our they have our undying gratitude and admiration.

Call The Understudy, I Can't Go On Tonight...

I love Slings and Arrows.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the show, Slings and Arrows is a brilliant television series that debuted in Canada in 2003. The critically acclaimed series chronicles the "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" surrounding the New Burbage Theatre, a Shakespearean theatre festival where it seems, life indeed, does imitate art. The brilliant writing of the show has an incredible capability to be simultaneously emotionally touching, and hilariously.

The Drama 3/4 Honors students of 5th period, have been able to enjoy to enjoy the first two six-hour seasons of the show over the course of the last two semesters, and hope to complete the third, and final season of the show next semester, following the Spring Production. If however, you have not had a chance, yet to see this show, you totally need to. Its too funny and too good to pass up. You can probably get the DVD from Barnes & Noble or Amazon.

And So It Begins...

The moment you've been waiting for has finally arrived. The Mann Show 2009 Spring Production is:




Stay tuned here and at Brick's own blog for all the details on BRICK, the best up and coming thing in Greenville this spring.

Don't Forget It...

Tomorrow is the moment you've all been waiting for. The much anticipated moment is finally here. The title of the MANN SHOW 2009 Spring Mainstage Production will be announce in press conference at the JL Mann Auditorium. All Mann Show members are encouraged to come. Do not miss this chance to get the scoop on what the greatest thing going down in Greenville this spring is going to be. Finally all your questions will be answer. And more than one surprise awaits you.

Epic Fail

The Mann Show Christmas Party is hereby CANCELED due to the shortage of commitments from Mann Show members.


Only 22 people signed up for the Christmas Bash planned for tomorrow night, vastly less than the minimum number of commitments necessary for the event to take place.


My disappointment with Mann Show has never been greater or more absolute than right now.


Most of the cast and crew who have been involved in previous Mann Show productions have expressed how much they enjoy being involved in a production, working together for the purpose of achieving a common goal, a play that they can be proud of. They have stated how much fun they have while working on a show, and how much they enjoy being part of a company, and sharing the awesomeness of working on the show with their friends in that company.


If this is indeed how everyone in Mann Show feels, than will someone please tell me why the hell no one can commit to showing up to an event which only happens once a year. One that had a great turnout previously, and which was unanimously agreed upon as an excellent good time.


Mann Show events like this Christmas Bash are a way to hold onto all of the great things about being part of a company, even after the show is over.



Nonetheless, this year has seen an all time high level of apathy from Mann Show members when it comes to participating in Mann Show events, and an extremely lacking enthusiasm from Mann Show Officers who have been neglect in planning events in the first place. Such a pathetic display begs the question, "what is the point of having a Drama Club if its own members refuse to participate."


Mann Show is meant to be an organization governed by its members, and the its members are making their opinion loud and clear that they do not care. If that is not the case, now is the time to say so. Speak up and be heard. Demand more from your elected Mann Show officers. Better yet take the initiative into your own hands. Take action. If you are unhappy about this most dismal and unfortunate state of affairs in your club, YOUR COMPANY, than YOU need to do something about it. Prove that you care and that you are ready to be a leader.



That you are willing to do what is necessary to keep this organization, which has done so much for all of us, from dying before our very eyes.

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

This Friday, the 12th of December, we will celebrate the annual MANN SHOW Christmas Party. Those of you who came last year remember what an awesome time it was. The plan is to meet at 5:30 at Chef Manigault's La Vielle Maison for dinner, and afterward to proceed on foot to the nearby Warehouse Theatre for a showing of Almost Maine. The Warehouse has an awesome reputation for putting on some of the best plays in Greenville, and Mann Show has had a great relationship with them over the years. The price for the evening will be $20 dollars. Chef Manigault's is located at 28 Howe Street downtown.

BE THERE OR BE SQUARE

You Are The Art...

Since the Drama 3/4 Honors class is taking this week to reflect on Museum (AAR if your a dork like me) I thought I would post some pictures from the show. This friggin awesome photography is the work of Mark and Siovean Lehner. Mr Lehner, a professional photographer, has consistently offered his services to Mann Show for several years now, and has graciously documented every Mann Show production to date. And unless you are a freshman, then you probably remember his other incredibly talented daughter, Jocelin Lehner. Jocelin performed in three Mann Show productions during her time at Mann, including starring as Sony, in last year's epic Teenage Jonny Quest In Tokyo.
If you are interested in seeing more of Mr. Lehner's many Mann Show photographs, or purchasing any of his work, they can all be found here, at his website.

Eat Your Turkey

Happy Thanksgiving Mann Show!

Enjoy the well deserved break from school this week. Rest up and prepare for upcoming Mann Show events this month. The title of the Spring Production will be released in just a few more days, and the Mann Show Christmas Party is in the works right now. So stay tuned. But for now, just enjoy the tryptophan coma you are all no doubt experiencing.

Just Thought You Should Know...

I just thought you should know, I'm Totally obsessed with The Office.

I friggin love that show. No joke, it's embarrassing. I pretty much look forward to Thursday all week just so I can see The Office. I actually just got the second season DVD the other day. I didn't start watching the show until the beginning of the fourth, so being able to see half a dozen episodes in one day- which for me are completely new- is like a syringe full of happiness.





I have no doubt that a good many of you Mann Show members are also fans, but if your not familiar with the series, try it on for size next time you've got the time and the inclination. I think you will be amazed at what you've been missing out on.






And if you get the opportunity, sample the British original upon which the series was based. It stars a very funny Ricky Gervais as the British counterpart to Steve Carell's character.


By the way, Pam Beesly is totally on my "Fictional Females Who Would Be My Dream Girlfriend" list. Yeah, I know she's not real. And I lack the of clever witticisms of Jim Halpert. I'm such a dork it's depressing.

Some Tuneage I Dig

A final congratulations to the cast and crew of Museum. And a reminder to all Mann Show and friends to tune in two weeks for the announcement of this years, Mann Show 2009 Spring Main-stage Production. The title will be released in a press conference at Mann, and will appear shortly thereafter upon the blog.

Moving along briskly to the focus of this post, The Fratellis.

I recently stumbled upon this Scottish wonder-band and was struck by their distinctive upbeat style. I am certain that many of you are already familiar with the band. I'm dismally slow on catching on to cool things that other folks have known about for ages.

In any case, if you're not familiar with them, look em' up. You might just like what you hear. The majority of their hits maintain an "in-your-face", upbeat, and positive attitude of frivolous debauchery. Ive run through most of their singles so far and have acquire favs including Flathead, Chelsea Dagger, Henrietta, Baby Fratelli. Also, Whistle for the Choir, which is differentiated from the others by a somewhat more sweet and heartfelt feel. Though you wouldn't be able to tell by looking at it's album cover, which like most of the band's titles, feature scantily clad animated females casting coy winks at the listener. Sort of like they plan on seducing you into listening.

Most Sincere Apologies...

My most sincere apologies for not updating the blog sooner.

It's been a busy week with Museum. If you still haven't seen it, tonight is your last chance. Cast party will follow directly afterwards.

Today is the last day of the
show.
Last Day.

haha. Museum Humor.







In an entirely unrelated note, I did finally see Quantum of Solace, last week. The film was enjoyable, if not spectacular. Don't get me wrong. The movie was in no way sub-par. It just wasn't quite as badass as it's predecessor. But that is to be expected. I mean, Casino Royale was a franchise reboot too good to easily be topped.

And on the subject of franchise reboots, keep a weather eye out for the new JJ Abrams reboot of Star Trek, due near the begining of next summer. I've never been a huge fan of Star Trek myself. and the last several movies in the series were both critical, and commercial flops. I think the last one was Nemisis or something. Abrams other projects include Lost and Fringe. and the casting has a few interesting names, includeing one of my favorites, Simon Pegg, as well as John Cho of Harold and Kumar fame.

Today Mann Show Saw....

Millicent Scowlworthy by Rob Handel.

Today there was a special pre-opening showing just for Mann Show.

Yeah, cause were awesome like that.

And cause we got mad connects.

Seriously, it was an awesome play. Ask anyone in Mann Show. If you couldn't come today with us, (or if you did, but liked it so much you want to see it again) the play opens tomorrow night at Centre Stage. Mann Show members should be pretty familiar with Centre Stage by now, having seen several awesome shows there previously.

This particular show is actually being put on by players from the Theatre Program at Greenville Tech, including none other than Mann Show's own, alumnus Brandon Brown. Most of you should remember Brandon for his kind words, genial disposition, work as an Assistant Stage Manager in previous Mann Show productions, and incredible hair. Now you get to add awesome actor to his list of achievements.

I would give a synopsis of the play, but I think those of you intending to see it will enjoy it more without to much knowledge ahead of time. Greenville OnLine describes the play as being, "A new drama about how theatre keeps our memories alive."

So check it out:
Thu - Nov 13, 2008
Fri - Nov 14, 2008
Sat - Nov 15, 2008
Sun - Nov 16, 2008

For those who don't know, Centre Stage is at 501 River St.Greenville, SC 29604 in the Smith Barney Building. Just south of the Richardson Street Garage

Price of Admission is $10, $5 for students.
And $3 for Mann Show, cause were badass like that. Like I said, we've got mad connects (we, mostly meaning Coach White) and whenever possible, Mann Show gets in for less, because being a broke high school student shouldn't mean you miss out on all the awesome stuff in Greenville.

I Just Saw...

Pride and Glory.

Finally. I've literally been trying to see this movie for three weeks. The last two times I went to the movies it was with the intention of seeing it, but I got there too late. Fortunately Body of Lies, and Rocknrolla were also playing, and so I was able to see two excellent movies anyways.

Pride and Glory was every bit as good as I had hoped for. The movie was not without flaw, but overall, I was highly pleased by the strong performances from both the leads, and the supporting cast. If you don't know, the film is about an NYPD detective, played by Edward Norton, investigating the deaths of several officers, and eventually uncovering corruption in fellow officers who are very close to him.

Edward Norton has long been one of my favorite actors. It is pretty rare for me to be disappointed in one of his movies. If you haven't seen Fight Club, go out right now and rent it. Or better yet, buy it. It stars him, Brad Pitt, and Helena Boham Carter, and is very, very good. His performance in this movie was definitely on par with my expectations for him.

The movie also featured Colin Farrell, who did much more than meet expectations. In all honesty, I kind of had expected his performance to be the Achilles Heel of the film, but he more than held his own. His character possibly could have been fleshed out a bit more, but I think the main reason his performance wasn't as striking as it could have been, was because the previews and trailers for the film revealed to much about him, making it less impacting when it was revealed in the film. Nonetheless, it was solid acting I think. A far cry from the lame-ass-ery of several of his previous movies, such as Daredevil, SWAT, and Miami Vice.

If I had to point out a flaw in the film, it would be the slight implausibility of some of the movies plot. It's not the fact that the movie features several corrupt cops. Unfortunately that is an all too real occurrence at times. Rather it was the manner in which the cops were corrupt. Throughout the movie several of the dirty cops are portrayed as acting as thugs, hitting up convenience store clerks weekly for cash and ripping off drug dealers. Realistically a corrupt cop could make a lot more money, a lot quicker, and at a lot less personal risk through far more mundane forms of crime, like faking reports, or evidence, or selling sensitive material. But that's not as interesting to watch as coke snorting family men brutalizing women and children, and playing hired gun.

But after all, its not suppose to be a documentary. Its a movie. And a good one I'd say.

Yesterday I Saw...

Chinatown

I saw it for the first time last night. Amazing, Amazing film. An Oscar winning masterpiece. Jack Nicholson is brilliant. He has always been one of my favorite actors. Set in 1930's Los Angeles, the film is a Neo-Noir/ Film Noir classic. Several famous moments, including the "nose scene." And an ending which is unforgettable right down to the final lines:

"Forget it Jake, it's Chinatown."

I'm a big fan of Neo-Noir and film noir. You should be too...

museum

MANN SHOW 2009's FALL PRODUCTION

STAY TUNED HERE FOR ALL THE INFO

Vote or Die...

Ok not really. Maybe "Vote or Be a Total Tool." Seriously. I'm pretty passionate about voting. No matter who you vote for, definitely get out there and vote today if you are eligible. Those of you who know me are probably aware of my political leanings. But I'm not trying to pimp any particular candidate here. In truth, I feel like both the candidates are pretty crappy this time around. It's a "what's the lesser of two evils?" decision. But please. Mann Show. Go out and vote if your 18. This is America and having the right to vote is a great thing. So exercise your rights. If you really want to make an impact, do more than piss and moan about how screwed up the country is. Get out there and do something about it.

Im So Psyched...

If you haven't seen Casino Royale yet, then you missed out one what was one of the best films of 2006. Casino Royale was a reboot for the series, a chance to breathe new life and take a new shot at a franchise in desperate need of one. The previous installment, Die Another Day was downright pathetic by all manners of rating. I was never really impressed with Pierce Brosnan, and was glad to see him replaced by Daniel Craig, whom I feel is a far superior actor. Craig, brought incredible new depth to Bond, making him tortured, passionate, and ruthless instead of an obnoxious, horn-dog, quipster.

So naturally, the sequel, Quantum of Solace has me absolutely bursting with excitement. It hits theaters on the 14th of this month.

Further on down the calendar (July 17th, of next year), but also overwhelming me with nerdy, fan-boy, anticipation, is the next film installment of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

I am in absolutely no position to objectively assess the Harry Potter films upon their cinematic or artistic merit. My undeniably nerdy affection for Ms. Rowling's masterfully created magical world leaves me undeniably biased. That, and the fact that I've had a crush on Emma Watson since I was in the 5th grade. And with that confession my shame is complete. Though in my defense I would challenge you to produce a single heterosexual male (especially among dorky nerdy types like myself) who wouldn't want Hermione Granger for a girlfriend....

I mean, honestly. That girl is too fine.... hmm. maybe Brosnan's Bond isn't the only obnoxious horn-dog.

This week I saw...

Body of Lies and Rocknrolla.

Well, technically I saw Body of Lies on the 24th, so that was more than a week ago. Anyway, both were solid films in my opinion and worth seeing. Certainly compared with the other crap that is in the theater this week- High School Musical 3, Max Payne, etc.

Admittedly I have seen neither, but I personally couldn't be paid to go see HSM3. And I've been informed by reliable sources that the Max Payne film is an absolute butchery of one of my most favorite video game franchises. The game (especially the sequel, The Fall of Max Payne) is a film noir masterpiece with a moving storyline, excellent voice acting, cinematic direction, and well developed characters. By all accounts the movie totally sucks, so for the moment I'm positively pissed at Marky Mark, especially since he already proved he can do really cool stuff with his performance in The Departed.

Which I also watched this week, for the first time since it hit theaters. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. It is fantastic. Assuming you don't have a problem with the "f" word. (it appears in the film 237 times.)

Back to the now. Between RocknRolla, and Body of Lies, I liked Body of Lies more, but that may just be more because it's my kind of movie. Espionage, violence, investigation. DiCaprio was solidly entertaining and convincing. I use to not like DiCaprio, due mainly to my irritation at the post-Titanic "Leomania" that circulated like mononucleosis for a time. But now that has passed and he has always been a seriously awesome actor. I really appreciated the film's non-political look at the war-on-terror. Too many folks these days seem to act like having a plot-line relating to current events gives them license to take a poorly aimed, halfassed shot at the nearest political target of opportunity just because they know it will earn some hearty "hell-yeah's" from the Michael Moore fans. Body of Lies doesn't portray America as knights in shining armor- one of the running themes in the movie is DiCaprio's frustration with his superiors' incompetence and the moral ambiguity of his job- but at the same time it clearly portrays even Crowe's character- a total ass- as having American lives as his primary concern.

Moving on to RocknRolla, I must confess that this is the first film by Guy Ritchie which I have seen, but his previous works, "Snatch", and "Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels", are highly rated. It was a hilarious movie, flowing effortlessly from character to character, and throwing in violent cacophony along the way. it was a little bit confusing however, especially during the opening when a variety of characters are introduced in rapid fire succession and important plot elements are laid out in a somewhat complex manner. Very entertaining though.

I would most definitely recommend both films.

Closing, let me just warn that updates to the blog will probably come in quick succession over the next week (making up for lost time), and then even out shortly.

Finally, congratulations to JL Mann for the epic 340K spirit week win. Great thanks and congratulations go out to Lizzie, Jeter, Duncan and all the others who made it possible and helped to commemorate those lost.

And you thought it was just a myth...

You thought the day would never come. You thought it would never happen.

But it has.

After much await, and much debate, the Mann Show Blog has finally been resurrected. The leadership of Mann Show 2009 apologizes for its silence and guarantees that you can now expect a consistantly updated, steady stream of info on all projects, events, and interests relating to Mann Show 2009.

For those of you unfamiliar with us, Mann Show is a Theatre Company in Greenville, South Carolina. We make plays. That is our primary mission. We also see plays. And Films. And make Films. And Art. And pretty much anything that is awesome. If it is original, if it is entertaining, if it evokes emotion, if its good, we are all about it.

Thats what we do. So we're not just actors. We are anybody who thinks all that sounds cool, and wants to be involved.

So here is your chance to be a part of the greatest and most epic thing this town has ever seen. Speak up and Tune in. because right here is where you can get all the info. Be a part of the show.