This put a humongous smile on my face, Mary, and I can't imagine how big a smile you had while watching such a delight from our brilliant, brave, and beautiful Apocaloptimistic sister Tonika!!
The first thing I thought when Tonika told us the idea of two clowns talking was "Waiting for Godot," so I'm really glad you brought that up!
I can't wait to see the video version! Only Tonika could figure out how to present a theatrical play in a video/digital format that is an elevation rather than a degradation, so I have great faith in her ability to pull that off.
The best treat for doing a silly clown show that might ruffle some feathers was to spend some quality time with you - even amidst the chaos that was my life last weekend. Thank you for coming and sharing a little bit of you, especially as you are in the middle of your own serious family troubles. And thank you for the wonderful conversations under the grape pergola. And thank you for writing your take away from the show and your spot on analysis of the state of theatre.
I’m deeply moved by your words and the words of our fellow Substackers here (way to make a broad blush, you guys!) and please know that many of you have contributed in some way, shape, or form to this production. It’s a living piece that would hopefully have a life beyond this presentation. I will work diligently on creating a viewable digital version of the live staged production. Stay tuned!
It was a total joy to parachute into your world for a few days, Tonika. As chaotic as it was, it was also REAL, and you know I'm all about authenticity. As are you! For all the artifice of theatre, there is a truth underneath that supercedes... and you and Gillian are channeling that truth.
Have a terrific last three performances -- break legs!-- and I hope you've got standing room only!! ❤️
We’ll leave the artífice behind and carry the authenticity on, my friend. Gosh, you always know what to say. Ok. Love you and will keep your spark with us tonight and the rest of the show. 🤗
What the world needs now is more of this: More art, more openness, creativity, fun and FRIENDSHIP, especially with those we don't agree with.
Leave it to Tonika to use her massive talents to put all the quiet stuff out in the open and use clowns as the messengers. Just wonderful. Can't wait for the video.
It absolutely toasts my heart to know you were there supporting her, and damn! - excellent review. Hugs to you both. 🥰
Thank you, Kathleen! I'm feeling the love, big time. Much as I rail on and on about digital enslavement, there are times when tech comes in handy -- I'd never have known you or Tonika or the rest of the Apocaloptimists without it. Hugs back! xox
I’m going to see this wonderful show this weekend! I’m so lucky to know both Tonika and Gillian and can’t wait to see and participate in their art! Thanks for your great review.
"philosophical, political, intellectual, and spiritual territory," shazam!!! What a fabulous concept and how perfect that you were there. I could feel the energy coming off you in sparks! This is the kind of truth bomb I want to explode, covering us all in truth confetti!
Wow! Mary, you sure whet my appetite to see this unique performance. Can't wait for it to be available. So happy and proud of Tonika for having the courage to step out there and take a stand.
And so glad for you to be able to be there for it. Now that's true friendship.
"The Missing Box Top covers extensive philosophical, political, intellectual, and spiritual territory, ultimately, it’s a simple story about friendship." How exciting!
"Send in the Clowns!"--SO happy ta read the great review, Mary--how kool ya got ta see it in person! Happier still, Tonika, ta hear yer show's a rip roarin' success (lotta rippin' an' ribbin' it seems ;-), much needed vital/live thee-ate-'er!
Addin' too that Sondheim (I'mma fan) indeed wrote... a song with a deceptive title & it's own Becketty nod.... "Making my entrance again with my usual flair...Sure of my lines...No one is there"
Waitin' for sumbuddy that never comes....
I think we're all there....waitin', expectin', yet hopeful in spite of the abusurd-ditty of it all....an' laffin' at ourselfs all the while, connectin' with others best we can in this simulaCRUMB of a 3 ring circus! Thus there ain't no better time ta focus on a box still open with all risks an' wonders possible--stuff kin come in...or go out unchecked--like a release of butterflies 'er a burst of Pandora's woes & evils!
May the last performances go SWIMMIN'LY! Oh, an' if yer missin' that box top...?
find yer Box Tops here! (a tune that works best fer night performances not the matinees) but it's a good'un:
What a beautiful comment, Daisy. Love this: "Thus there ain't no better time ta focus on a box still open with all risks an' wonders possible--stuff kin come in...or go out unchecked--like a release of butterflies 'er a burst of Pandora's woes & evils!" That's a profound truth right there, simply and sweetly stated.
I also love the Box Tops song -- I'd never heard it before. Times sure were simpler then, no? Sure, we were all in a misdirected haze, but ignorance IS bliss. 😂
aw thanks Mary--not sure how profound but I find it true, that's fer sure!
re the song, yup, it's a good un! I'm with ya harkenin' back ta simpl'er times.... at least per our "mem'ries" -- an' ta "mushily" channel Marvin Hamlisch & the lyricist Bregmans... "Could it be that it was all so simple then? Or has time rewritten every line...?!".... I do think our recall is purdy clear--an' accurate.... to us it wuz simpler--but then we were SO unaware of that misdirected haze as ya said--mebbe a "Purple Haze?!" (yeesh poor Jimmy)--that was far more Simon Bar Sinister than we knew!... (Okey dokey that's a lotta nostalgic references packed inta one sentence aint it?!)
Now we get better clarity in reflection but at what cost bliss?! Yer right!
ah, not so encyclopedic but enthusiastic indeedy! I guess I'd say I do "inhale!" only it ain't sumthin' ya light 'er smoke 'er sniff--ruther, it's pop culcha! Comedy, Western Lit, the Amazin' Music of "all our spheres!" Joyfully Hoovered up!
Yer right re the ol' trivia games... tho' I'd likely flunk a 21stC one on the spot (quality went down an' I lost my appetite fer what passes fer it today.... tho' talent remained in the woodwork! just harder ta find...)--an' my oh my, I used ta love Jeopardy! an' Name that Tune!
LEGEND ta the above: OK... refs... am sure you got "The Way We Were" (the schmaltzy but secretly good song & moovie too...Babs/La Barbra waxin' nostalgic.), then Jimmy Hendrix did "Purple Haze," a gee-tar classic, an' if ya liked Underdog cartoons (I sure did!), Simon Bar Sinister was that egg-headed shrimpy baddie with the thick glasses an' the evil laff ;-) ❤️
This is really great news. Thanks for sharing it. We have to hunt out, share and amplify all moves in the direction of sanity and of, well, let's say 'The Art of Freedom'!
Aha, yes! Writing this review felt like it landed smack-dab in the middle of The Art of Freedom's sweet spot. More to come! Thanks, Michael, for your comment.
Oh my goodness! Thank you for sharing, Mary! I'm living vicariously through you, and I wish I had my travel mojo back to see it live, but this was the next best thing. And, I'm over the moon happy for Tonika! What a wonderful reunion it must have been. XOXO
This put a humongous smile on my face, Mary, and I can't imagine how big a smile you had while watching such a delight from our brilliant, brave, and beautiful Apocaloptimistic sister Tonika!!
The first thing I thought when Tonika told us the idea of two clowns talking was "Waiting for Godot," so I'm really glad you brought that up!
I can't wait to see the video version! Only Tonika could figure out how to present a theatrical play in a video/digital format that is an elevation rather than a degradation, so I have great faith in her ability to pull that off.
She was phenomenal. I'm beyond happy that I was able to be there! And I totally agree -- if anyone can film a stage play effectively, it's our pal.
Thanks for the restack, MAA, and big hugs!! 🤗
The best treat for doing a silly clown show that might ruffle some feathers was to spend some quality time with you - even amidst the chaos that was my life last weekend. Thank you for coming and sharing a little bit of you, especially as you are in the middle of your own serious family troubles. And thank you for the wonderful conversations under the grape pergola. And thank you for writing your take away from the show and your spot on analysis of the state of theatre.
I’m deeply moved by your words and the words of our fellow Substackers here (way to make a broad blush, you guys!) and please know that many of you have contributed in some way, shape, or form to this production. It’s a living piece that would hopefully have a life beyond this presentation. I will work diligently on creating a viewable digital version of the live staged production. Stay tuned!
It was a total joy to parachute into your world for a few days, Tonika. As chaotic as it was, it was also REAL, and you know I'm all about authenticity. As are you! For all the artifice of theatre, there is a truth underneath that supercedes... and you and Gillian are channeling that truth.
Have a terrific last three performances -- break legs!-- and I hope you've got standing room only!! ❤️
We’ll leave the artífice behind and carry the authenticity on, my friend. Gosh, you always know what to say. Ok. Love you and will keep your spark with us tonight and the rest of the show. 🤗
Thanks for the review. Would love to see it live. TONIKA IS A TALENT MOST DIVINE.
Agreed, David!!
Wow does this make me happy to read!
What the world needs now is more of this: More art, more openness, creativity, fun and FRIENDSHIP, especially with those we don't agree with.
Leave it to Tonika to use her massive talents to put all the quiet stuff out in the open and use clowns as the messengers. Just wonderful. Can't wait for the video.
It absolutely toasts my heart to know you were there supporting her, and damn! - excellent review. Hugs to you both. 🥰
Thank you, Kathleen! I'm feeling the love, big time. Much as I rail on and on about digital enslavement, there are times when tech comes in handy -- I'd never have known you or Tonika or the rest of the Apocaloptimists without it. Hugs back! xox
I’m going to see this wonderful show this weekend! I’m so lucky to know both Tonika and Gillian and can’t wait to see and participate in their art! Thanks for your great review.
Hurray! Enjoy! Let us know how it went...😊
"philosophical, political, intellectual, and spiritual territory," shazam!!! What a fabulous concept and how perfect that you were there. I could feel the energy coming off you in sparks! This is the kind of truth bomb I want to explode, covering us all in truth confetti!
Omg, "truth confetti" is fabulous. Yes! I felt pretty sparky myself. (And then got home and SLEPT...😂)
Thank you for this Mary!
My total pleasure.
Wow! Mary, you sure whet my appetite to see this unique performance. Can't wait for it to be available. So happy and proud of Tonika for having the courage to step out there and take a stand.
And so glad for you to be able to be there for it. Now that's true friendship.
"The Missing Box Top covers extensive philosophical, political, intellectual, and spiritual territory, ultimately, it’s a simple story about friendship." How exciting!
Great, then my mission was accomplished! I'm so proud of her, too... and inspired by her courage.
Thanks for the enthusiasm, Ronnie! xoxox
"Send in the Clowns!"--SO happy ta read the great review, Mary--how kool ya got ta see it in person! Happier still, Tonika, ta hear yer show's a rip roarin' success (lotta rippin' an' ribbin' it seems ;-), much needed vital/live thee-ate-'er!
Addin' too that Sondheim (I'mma fan) indeed wrote... a song with a deceptive title & it's own Becketty nod.... "Making my entrance again with my usual flair...Sure of my lines...No one is there"
Waitin' for sumbuddy that never comes....
I think we're all there....waitin', expectin', yet hopeful in spite of the abusurd-ditty of it all....an' laffin' at ourselfs all the while, connectin' with others best we can in this simulaCRUMB of a 3 ring circus! Thus there ain't no better time ta focus on a box still open with all risks an' wonders possible--stuff kin come in...or go out unchecked--like a release of butterflies 'er a burst of Pandora's woes & evils!
May the last performances go SWIMMIN'LY! Oh, an' if yer missin' that box top...?
find yer Box Tops here! (a tune that works best fer night performances not the matinees) but it's a good'un:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga9fd8f0THo
What a beautiful comment, Daisy. Love this: "Thus there ain't no better time ta focus on a box still open with all risks an' wonders possible--stuff kin come in...or go out unchecked--like a release of butterflies 'er a burst of Pandora's woes & evils!" That's a profound truth right there, simply and sweetly stated.
I also love the Box Tops song -- I'd never heard it before. Times sure were simpler then, no? Sure, we were all in a misdirected haze, but ignorance IS bliss. 😂
aw thanks Mary--not sure how profound but I find it true, that's fer sure!
re the song, yup, it's a good un! I'm with ya harkenin' back ta simpl'er times.... at least per our "mem'ries" -- an' ta "mushily" channel Marvin Hamlisch & the lyricist Bregmans... "Could it be that it was all so simple then? Or has time rewritten every line...?!".... I do think our recall is purdy clear--an' accurate.... to us it wuz simpler--but then we were SO unaware of that misdirected haze as ya said--mebbe a "Purple Haze?!" (yeesh poor Jimmy)--that was far more Simon Bar Sinister than we knew!... (Okey dokey that's a lotta nostalgic references packed inta one sentence aint it?!)
Now we get better clarity in reflection but at what cost bliss?! Yer right!
I can't even begin to keep up with your encyclopedic knowledge of nostalgic, artistic artifacts -- you must kill it in trivia games!
Ooh... "What cost bliss?" That's a keeper.
ah, not so encyclopedic but enthusiastic indeedy! I guess I'd say I do "inhale!" only it ain't sumthin' ya light 'er smoke 'er sniff--ruther, it's pop culcha! Comedy, Western Lit, the Amazin' Music of "all our spheres!" Joyfully Hoovered up!
Yer right re the ol' trivia games... tho' I'd likely flunk a 21stC one on the spot (quality went down an' I lost my appetite fer what passes fer it today.... tho' talent remained in the woodwork! just harder ta find...)--an' my oh my, I used ta love Jeopardy! an' Name that Tune!
LEGEND ta the above: OK... refs... am sure you got "The Way We Were" (the schmaltzy but secretly good song & moovie too...Babs/La Barbra waxin' nostalgic.), then Jimmy Hendrix did "Purple Haze," a gee-tar classic, an' if ya liked Underdog cartoons (I sure did!), Simon Bar Sinister was that egg-headed shrimpy baddie with the thick glasses an' the evil laff ;-) ❤️
Thanks for the legend! I could not have come with "Simon Bar Sinister" in a million years 😂
http://tiny.cc/8yxm001 wallah!
This is really great news. Thanks for sharing it. We have to hunt out, share and amplify all moves in the direction of sanity and of, well, let's say 'The Art of Freedom'!
Aha, yes! Writing this review felt like it landed smack-dab in the middle of The Art of Freedom's sweet spot. More to come! Thanks, Michael, for your comment.
Great read Mary. Thanks for sharing 🙌🏼🤙🏼
Oh my goodness! Thank you for sharing, Mary! I'm living vicariously through you, and I wish I had my travel mojo back to see it live, but this was the next best thing. And, I'm over the moon happy for Tonika! What a wonderful reunion it must have been. XOXO
This production sounds absolutely brilliant. What a great review! Wish I could see it Tonika! Bring it to SF?
Thanks, SF! I'd love to see it travel, too. 🤞