Glee-view

Before I knew I was pregnant, I suspected I might be when I watched Glee (the one when Mercedes sings that “You are beautiful” song at the Pep Rally) and I cried like a…pregnant woman.

For the past 5 and a half months, I haven’t had too many weird food cravings. But I have had cravings for Glee. I can’t even watch all the episodes because Hulu only puts up 5 at a time and has been skipping episodes left and right!

BUT:

• The stereotypes are a bit much.
• How does a high school glee club in Ohio have so much money for fancy costumes each week? Professional theatres can’t afford that, much less high school. And who makes all the costumes? And how do they have not only an accompanist but a whole band who plays with them?
• How come they are all so beautiful? Everyone in the school is always calling them freaks, but the actors are all so attractive. And even when they dress “freaky,” they still have very nice, well-fitting clothes.
• How does Quinn move like that when she’s pregnant? I can still shake my butt, don’t worry, but I can’t jump around and sing at the same time. I can barely walk and sing.

Ok, Vicki, you are thinking, it is television. I know, but still. I like my art to have either a taste of reality or to be obviously art. Perhaps this is why I don’t like much TV (except the shows that are obviously ridiculous, like 30 Rock or Arrested Development).

There are, of course, things that are great about the show. I love how they take seriously all the issues that we all, in some way or another, faced in high school. I love that there are characters who are gay, disabled, overweight. I love they all rock the Glee Club. I love that Rachel isn’t perfect though an amazing singer. I love that there is a pregnant character and that there are also teenage love triangles.

My cravings for Glee are still going strong. I’m mostly concerned about Quinn’s dance moves and the baby!

Live United

Maybe there are good things happening in Reading. Perhaps if I read our local paper more often, I’d know more about them.

How exciting is it that young people from all over the county, nearly every school district, city and suburbs, came together to help others  and learn about service. After I read and admired this program, I couldn’t help but think “What if they added theatre to the program.”

I would like to think that I would have liked a summer camp like  this when I was young, but I’m not actually sure – I only wanted to perform in plays, preferably playing the lead role. Now, I see a value in theatre beyond entertainment – the ability to bring people together, the question the world around us, to make the world a better place. It is hugely difficult to create work of artistic value and meaningful community reflection. To bring “non-artists” (a phrase I don’t particularly like or believe in. I’ll take suggestions for something better.) and “artists” together. To honor a place, a community, a time and uplift those who need it. To empower all to create art and be moved by art.

I should just call the United Way and talk to them rather than blogging about it!

Camp

Even though I spent about half of summer camp in tears (first because I didn’t want to stay, then because I didn’t want to leave), I have incredible memories from the summers I spent at Henry S. Jacobs Camp in Utica, Mississippi. The song sessions, Shabbat by the lake, the boys, the friends, pottery and yoga, the joy of AC in the museum. Camp really shaped who I am and I miss it. I wish there were something like it for adults.

When I lived in Bethlehem with my friends, we called our house Camp Fancy Town – Camp because of the singing, open doors, shared food, and variety of activities. Fancy because we anything but. And Town because such a diversity of people lived there. And because all three together are better than any one alone.

I found this article about Make Believe Camp that combines my desire for camp and my desire to play – what could be better?! If only I could go back in time. Or perhaps start something like this in Reading? Is Reading ready for make believe?