The following is a true story, of sorts. You see, Faun boy and I had been working frantically for weeks. Staying up until 3a.m. Helping the actors get their hair and make-up decided upon. Making sure the gowns were just right… Preparing for a new show at "A Fanciful Twist Theatre."
Faun boy was so excited about our music for the new show (Thanks to the lovely Betty for the amazing music find, and for thinking about Miss Valencia). He wanted to show you earlier, but again, we were making costumes and wigs…
Opening night came. Faun Boy and I were so busy working, we heard the music start…
The actors took their places. Faun boy and I ushered people in, got them striped cones filled with popcorn and sparkly fresh shirly temples (with extra cherries). We ran up and down the aisles like lunatics. Beautiful people seated in their amazing frocks, and hair piled up like cathedrals.
I tried to sneak a peek from backstage, as I bustled around, still it was all like a blurry dream. I am beginning to wonder if it even happened at all…
Oh, look at those lovely gowns! How I wished we weren’t so busy, shuffling people around…
Once we had everyone seated and the show began, faun boy and I were in charge of helping the actors. Making sure everything was going smoothly. I could see bits and pieces of the show, but the lights were so bright, and with the movement, everything was distorted…
I could hear the audience, they sounded more than delighted. They clapped, they laughed… They oo-ed… Then I heard the sound of a standing ovation. I ran as fast as I could to the back of the theatre, to get a look. Just as I was trying to focus on the actors…
The curtain dropped. It was over and I missed the entire thing. Faun Boy stood in a corner sulking. Alas, we had to get our energy back, because we had to see all the guests out and lock-up. I moved quickly, trying to get to the actors to congratulate them…
When I finally got backstage, the entire company was gone. Poof, as if they had never been there. I ran outside and caught a glimpse of the last tail light of the caravan, as they pulled away. I was heart-broken.
I sat in the empty theatre and sighed.
The good news was, the theatre company was off to do a wonderful performance. I received a postcard from The Duchess. She assured me that all of us would get a peek into what they were up to, in the future… So I bid them farewell, and hoped to see them soon, anxious for their marvelous tales…
So, with that, I hint that the next blog post (St. Patrick’s day) will share some new dolls. Not these dolls (as these really have gone on a voyage), but others I am working on. I will share some photos and then pop them into my shop. Meet me here Monday, green edibles and all! Does green tea count too? Oh yes, I think it does!!
Don’t forget to e-mail me if you made the Shamrock brooches. I will link to you in the next blog post. I know some of you have let me know already, so thanks for that!! xxo, V
ps: Don’t forget to print out your free St. Patrick’s day cards. You can find them in the above link, or on my right hand sidebar!! 😉 See you sooooooon!
pps: Also, thank you for the finger well wishes!! I am much better, still healing a tad bit. And, I have to say, your attire for the Tiny Tea Party, well, SWOoooon! I am going to have to re-read many times to make the promised drawing decision!! Exciting!! Will let you know soon!
now im even more intrigued.
what voyage?????
these curiosities have really got me, and you know it! well, i have to say that the lovely subtle colours are perfect – so compatible with the dreaminess, the elusiveness of your strange and wonderful theatre!
i love them!
desaturate is the way to gooooo!
xxx
Green tes? This is St Patrick’s Day we’re talking about here, Guiness is probably the drink of the day!
How lovely is all that you share.
I send my love and best wishes
Jeanne
Okay….this is quite possibly the most magical post EVER! I could hear the hushed voices of the audience…and feel your girls moving giddily about!! Your a wonder, my dear!!
Yes…Green tea counts, I’m sure!! 😉
Hooray!
i hope they make a stop in denver!
Loved this performance Vivi! Seems were on the same wave with theaters and patissarries for little people! I salue you with my Green Tea or was that beer?
xox
Cosntance
Loving these theaters, your little glimpses to whet our whistles! Constance has a theater production going on too!
Can’t wait to see more of these lovely dresses!
What a fun, uplifting post. It is like an ongoing saga of you and your creatures.
OOhhh, i forgot!
Now I know what to do with the kids this weekend.
Make brooches!!!
Happy day Ms. Valencia!!!!!!
xoxoxo
Miss Vanessa! Oh! My! I should have practiced that piece on a piano so I would have heard it in my head while reading this. I can’t wait to see your newest creations. I hope I have time to make some shamrocks this weekend! Have a wonderful day!!
Another wonderful adventure for us to experience and keeps us looking forward for more!!
Love you!
Erin
http://erinpetersonart.blogspot.com
That was quite an adventure and I am rather dizzy from the experience.
Now I am more intrigued than ever.
Sorry I missed you tea party…I was going to wear all white with a red rose…the only way to stand out in your beautiful and colorful crowd.
Yippity hoo! St. Pattty’s Day will soon be here! I am sorry you missed the theatrics… sigh…next time you must simply hire extra help…Elves do a lovely job of bustling about and getting things accomplished..!
I’m sure everyone enjoyed the performance – maybe you’ll be able to catch a glimpse next time! I wonder what exciting voyage this company has gone on…
Karla
I hope you were able to go and soak those tootsies of yours after running around and taking charge of a spectacular show. How very sad that you had to miss the festivities, but someone somewhere has to do the little things.
I’m looking forward to St. Pattys adventures, but I’m wondering if I can concoct a green wine? Glad your finger is on the mend.
OK, I know I’ve said this before, but I think this is my very favorite post EVER! I just loved it and didn’t want it to end! Your story, your photos….all perfect! And little faun boy, I could totally picture him as a wee usher! Simply magical….thank you Miss Vanessa!
Oh, and even though there are only mere glimpses here and there, I can tell that your dolls are truly lovely and they are going to be very well received at their new destination! 🙂
Ohhhh…the theatre is so delicious!! I hope all the lovely ladies enjoy their travels abroad as well…
c says, “I can’t wait to see what the next one is I loved this one!”
Miss Tif says, “I can’t believe you missed the whole entire show.. we are heartbroken for you and hope that you get to see the next performance. c is home sick today so she would love to make a brooch!”
Haha! That Valencia music!!! See at the bottom? Jose Padilla? Remember he was in the news…the dirty shoe bomber! Oh…the stage the dolls…Vanessa’s wild imagination…surprises are coming right? A video of the show?
Risa is planning a tea party…Partea Planner you know.
Another beautiful performance brought to us from the lovely Miss Vanessa! So lovely,and such a tease! Can hardly wait to see your newest ladies. Really have to get cracking on my shamrock!
Well you clever little duck! Ah but I am sure the theater company are off having dramatic adventures in a new venue. I just know they will return for an encore in the future. 😉
XOXOXO
Vanessa, I surely can relate to your opening night. I was Master Scenic for a very busy theatre and the way you felt last night is a feeling I have had many, many times.Mostly, I would even to tired to go to the opening.All that had taken place the week and day of the opening night , left me exhausted. But, that would be o.k., because as the person who worked behind the scenes, your common goal is to make everything as wonderful as possible for the actors and director.It is after all and all your efforts are for these wonderful people who will stand up in front of the audience and offer themselves to them.
And the shows we did, Beauty & the Beast, Into the Woods, Wizard of Oz, The Magic Flute & more ! Oh my, I loved my job.But alas, I had to give it up, as the long hours kept me away from my own beautiful family.
So, I do hope you get to see the performance again, when things have calmed down.I loved opening night, but I soon found that going back to see the performance a week or two later was far more refreshing to me, I could really enjoy , when I was less tired. Amy
Looking forward to Monday!
And we are really hoping to make those shamrocks this weekend. Where does the time go, seriously!
Enchanting, as always.
xo Debbie
What theater fun!! You must be worn out. Working back stage can be quite exausting!! I so hope you can catch a glimpse of the show next time.
Thanks for sharing the Shamrock Pattern. I hope to work on it with my kids this weekend.
I will be here on Monday — wearin’ the green, with some green tea (or green beer, depending on the time of day!) to see the latest from your “playroom”.
By the way — I shared you on my Inspire blog…
http://inspired.blogspot.com
You are such a busy bee! What kind of vitamins do you take!? You are amazing…
Gasp…what an honor to have you stop by my blog and post a sweet compliment! I have been enrapted by your work since I first laid eyes on your flickr album!!! OH, can I PLEASE add your link to my “yummy places and delicious art” ?
Love!
Debrina
You are such a clever girl, I love this post, but then again, I love all your posts. I have your print in my art room, right next to my work space. Every time I glance over at the dancing girl and her bluebird I smile. Blessings, Karen
Hi there! I have finally made it back to blogland…for real this time! I have missed you!! I love the dolls. Can’t wait to see more. It is so fun, seeing your fancies take full 3-D form! The opening line to this post…a true story, of sorts…made me grin. I have not choice but to love anything that starts that way! 🙂 Go by my blog when you have a chance, I have posted pics of the store. I am hopefully back in blogland for good! and that’s a true story, of sorts… 😮
I love hanging out at the stage door waiting for the performers. You’ve seen me at your door right? Too creepy? Okay, nevermind.
D.
I love your post. I hope to see your actors someday. You certainly piqued my curiosity!
Another wonderful story for a children’s book…….or an all age book. I will be the leader of your fan club when your books are being published.
The Valencia show looks absolutely wonderful, the music, the photography -so clever and stunning with the snippets of storytelling. I’ll have to catch them on their next voyage…can’t wait for the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Wonderful! What a great story and fabulous photos. I love it.
Oh dear, I’m so sorry that I missed the show! However, the wee mice around Fanciful Twist got word to those at ButtonWillow that the performance was truly spectacular. And, oh my, the gowns… all the she-mice were swooning.
Bravo to the company!!
lauren
Mistress–ButtonWillow Cottage