A little corn before your turkey, breaders?

First off, "breaders" is a term coined (we hope) by Cal Shakes Associate Artist Nancy Carlin when she was writing a production blog for the 2007 season production of Man and Superman; it's shorthand for "blog readers." And of course, it's appropriate for today, the day before most of the nation stuffs themselves with starches of many stripes.

Stuffing's my favorite.

But before I talk more about the succulent, slovenlicious joy of carbohydrates (and before I explain this entry's opening photo) I'd like to ladle out some corn; I want to give thanks to the great actors who were onstage during my first season at Cal Shakes by showing you some stuff they're doing right now.

Here's Lorri Holt (Queen Elizabeth in our Richard III) and T. Edward "T. Headdy" Webster (Hastings in Richard III and Hector Malone in Man and Superman) in The Magic Theatre's current production of The Crowd You're in With. That photo to the left is from the SF Chronicle, whose Robert Hurwitt gave an enthusiastic review to the show earlier this week, calling Holt "invaluable" and opinig that Webster "slowly, cannily emerges as the emotional and intellectual focus of the fissures gaping ever wider beneath these characters."

And to the left you'll see, front and center and wielding a shield (and some serious gams), our very own Associate Artist Andy Murray in Berkeley Rep's current prodocution of Argonautika. Andy's a pretty old-fashioned guy, in his own way--when I was gathering updated cast and crew bios for the Man and Superman program some months ago, Andy never responded to my emails, instead calling my phone and leaving a delightfully succinct, two-sentence bio on my voicemail. So he's especially suited for what a member of the Bullpen crew called his "star turn" in the Argonautika. I'm not sure yet what that means, but I'm going to see the play the first week of December, so I'll let you know. I'm pretty psyched, though. The Contra Costa Times said that the "experience of seeing the show really is like going on an adventure into some uncharted theatrical territory, and returning with memories to treasure for a long time."

Meanwhile, over at A.C.T., The Rainmaker--which, according to the San Francisco Examiner, "rocks"--is not only directed by Mark Rucker (who helmed Romeo and Juliet for us in 2001, Richard III in 2007, and will close out Cal Shakes' 2008 season with Twelfth Night) but it features Cal Shakes Associate Artists Anthony Fusco (The Fool in King Lear) and Stephen Barker Turner (second from left in the picture to the left, and most recently seen at the Bruns in As You Like It and The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby) plus, as understudies, Jud Williford (who portrayed Agis in 2007's The Triumph of Love) and Marcia Pizzo (Berinthia in 2006's smash hit Restoration Comedy).

OK, so we've got Cal Shakes actors delving into modern, character-driven new works, and other ones doing fantastic flights of fancy costumery or classic American romance ... what's left? How about a new take on a sentimental favorite? One starring a Cal Shakes MVP? (I'll let you in on a little secret--the entire Bullpen squealed about this one earlier today, in unison. You can tell it's finally the holidays.)

I present to you... Dan Hiatt in This Wonderful Life.

Yep, 2007 season MVP Dan Hiatt--who portrayed Buckingham in Richard III, Straker in Man and Superman, and Hermocrates in The Triumph of Love--will be starring in the one-man adaptation of It's a Wonderful life at San Jose Rep, opening this very Saturday. Take note, mother of our resident dramaturg Laura Hope (who was famously outed as having a crush on Dan in her daughter's Man and Superman blog): The Man with the Best Hair at Cal Shakes will be playing George Bailey, Mr. Potter, Clarence, and even, one would assume, even Mary and little Zuzu.

This, of course, prompted Paul and I to do a resounding rendition of the old Dudley Do-Right "I can't pay the rent! You MUST pay the rent!" skit. I have a feeling Dan will embody the multiple characters far better.

Another holiday classic opens Dec. 5 at A.C.T., this time relatively straight-up (although there is some mention of "gang this" and "gang that" in the cast): A Christmas Carol as directed by Cal Shakes Associate Artist Domenique Lozano, last seen on our stage as Leontine in The Triumph of Love. The cast is studded with Cal Shakes lights, most notably fellow Associate Artist (and devoted, prolific blogger) James Carpenter as the old crankypants himself, Ebeneezer Scrooge.

I'm sure I could find more--Cal Shakes actors are as tireless as they are peerless. Thank you to all of you, for snoozing in the Green Room, reading my old magazines, making me laugh and gasp and think all summer long.

Oh, and about those carbs--thanks to our neighbors at Metropolis Baking, too, who gifted us with bags and bags and BAGS of bread earlier this afternoon. I snagged some sourdough for sandwiches and durum brushed with olive oil and sea salt for tomorrow's feast. It wasn't easy, as you can see that the competition (Jessica, Beth, and Liz in the picture at the top of this post) was tough.

Thanks everyone!! Have a great holiday.