Pink Flamingos: A Migration Story

1957 National Geographic Photo of flamingos.

Unlike their tropical counterparts, the plastic pink flamingo does not hail from the great state of Florida where it has become synonymous with sun, but rather from Leominster, Massachusetts, which bills itself as the Plastics Capital of the World. Don Featherstone, a sculptor, was hired by Union Products, where his second assignment for the company was to sculpt a pink flamingo. Having not living models at his disposal, he worked from a National Geographic photo spread.

A pair of Pink Flamingos in their
natural habitat. 

It took about two weeks to model both halves of the bird, and was made with then-revolutionary injection-mold technology. When they first appeared for sale, a pair (they always come in a pair) were $2.76 and were an immediate hit in working-class suburbia across the country.

By the mid-1980s, the flamingos were transitioning from a working-class accessory to an elaborate upper-class inside joke. They became substitutes for croquet wickets (though some would argue Lewis Carroll came up with that almost 100 years earlier) and charity galas used them as decor. “The bird became a sort of plastic punch line, and, at worst, a way of hinting at one’s own good taste by reveling in the bad taste of others” (Abigail Tucker). 

One of the factors to the flamingo’s success were the very subdivisions they were purchased for. Feathestone elaborates on the need for novelty in these identical homes, “You had to mark your house somehow. A woman could pick up a flamingo at the store and come home with a piece of tropical elegance under her arm to change her humdrum house.” Also, “people just thought it was pretty,” adds Featherstone’s wife, Nancy.

In 1987, the governor of Massachusetts proclaimed the plastic bird “an essential contribution to American folk art.” The pink flamingo had made the ultimate giant leap for mankind: it had, like Andy Warhol’s Campbell's Soup cans, become art, and new clubs like the Flamingo Fanciers of America and the International Society for the Preservation of Pink Lawn Flamingos helped to celebrate the bird’s thirtieth birthday. In 1998, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles began to sell plastic pink flamingos in its bookstore for $19 a set (always a set).

Creator, Featherstone, with his flock 

In 2009, in honor of the students’ 1979 prank, the Madison, Wisconsin, city council named the plastic pink flamingo the official bird of the city. And the esteemed lawn ornament lives on in Americana infamy, lending its name to bars, restaurants, casinos and hotels from sea to shining sea. The birds currently go for about $16 a set online. In a yard near Leominster, 57 (for the year of creation) pink flamingos grace the lawn of Nancy and Don Featherstone, although sometimes that number dwindles when neighborhood college students feel compelled to thin. “They steal ’em, you've got to have a sense of humor.”

A flock of Pink Flamingos 

Sources:
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-tacky-history-of-the-pink-flamingo-18191304/?no-ist
http://mentalfloss.com/article/28099/queen-kitsch-brief-history-plastic-pink-flaming
http://natgeofound.tumblr.com/post/56790516064/a-trainer-controls-a-flock-of-trained-flamingos

Meet our Cast: Jessica Humphrey

Jessica plays the role of Jeannie Garstecki, longtime resident of the trailer park and agoraphobic housewife.

Hi Jessica! Can you briefly describe your journey here to SDSU?

I am originally from Dallas, Texas- I lived there up through high school and my family still lives there today. I studied dance, voice, acting with amazing teachers and performed in many shows growing up. I went to undergrad at Western Carolina University where I received a Bachelor in Music in Musical Theatre in three and a half years. Before graduation I already had my first "post-college professional job" at found myself consistently working in small regional theaters. I moved my home base to New York City- specifically Washington Heights- where I worked as a nanny/babysitter and at an adorable boutique, when I wasn't out of town doing shows of course! I have always had the idea of running a Musical Theatre program for undergraduate students at some point, but knew I needed a Masters degree to make that possible. On the advice of teachers, coaches and friends, I knew that I had to go get the degree soon, rather than waiting until I was already established in New York. I knew that SDSU was one of two programs in the nation, and after much deliberation of my options, I decided to be a part of a great program in one of the most beautiful places in the country. What can I say, it just felt right! 

If you could meet yourself when you were first beginning your career, what piece of advice would you give? 

My sister is also a musical theatre major and I find myself telling her some things I wish someone had told me at the beginning of my career: you can't be all things to all people- choose what you like about yourself and be confident in sharing that with other people. Also, rejection happens every day in this business (even multiple times a day), the more you can get used to letting each audition go after it is over- the better! And finally- always reward yourself with a treat after each audition! We do something not many people do and have to go on what is basically a job interview each day- give yourself a pat on the back and don't dwell on any negativity. I know, personally, I am my own worst critic, don't listen to any of that! 


Who are your acting/ singing heroes or inspirations?  Is there anyone you find yourself channeling when you perform? 

Tough one! I have had so many wonderful teachers and inspirations so far in my life, that I have lots of people to channel when I perform. For example, I had the pleasure of becoming very close to Terrence Mann and Charlotte d'Amboise starting when I was 16 years old. These are two working Broadway performers from such shows as Cats, Beauty and the Beast, Chicago, Les Mis, etc. I consider the two of them to be my mentors in many ways. Not only as inspirations of performers that have had successful careers, but as two people who have stayed grounded and caring towards each other and their daughters while balancing those careers. Of course, I will always think of Charlotte while dancing and try to add her attack and fearlessness into my performance. Terry's voice is also in my head when I sing to make sure I am "acting the song" and making sure every emotion is specific and being played as clearly as possible. Just as important, though, is making sure I carve out time for my life outside of performing and creating opportunities to share my work without being in a show. They also inspired me to become an educator by giving me opportunities to assist them on projects, and for that, I am forever grateful! 

(Long winded answer-sorry!)

How is this musical different from other musicals you’ve performed in?

For me, it is funny how similar this musical is to much of my past work! I feel like I am going to be using my (not real) Texas twang for the rest of my life- which is great! While in college, I spent two summers working at Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, GA and one of the shows I performed was called Country Rocks Live! This show was a 40 min revue of all things country- complete with accents and cowboy hats. It was a blast to learn that style of singing relatively early and get back in touch with my Texas roots (though I am not a country music fan). It proved useful in my first job out of college- 9 to 5 the Musical by Dolly Parton. I ended up working on this show for the better part of a year in two different states and am continually called in to audition for it. Right after 9 to 5, I was thrilled to play the title role in Annie Get Your Gun, where, again, my accent served me well. While this musical might be set in Florida and a more contemporary time, the style and twang are very similar!

Do you have a favorite role from past musicals?  What would that character have to say about this musical?  Would they be friends with your character?

Well one of my favorite roles was Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun. I feel like she would've felt right at home in the trailer park and been friends with everyone! What I love about both those musicals is that they both carry a message that being from the "country" and having an unique living situation does not mean you are a dumb person or are trashy. Annie Oakley might not have been very book smart, but she knew how to take care of herself and her family besides being insanely talented and loving. I think that the same is true for many of the characters in Trailer Park. 

If you lived in the park, how would your trailer be decorated? 

I am a proponent of "less is more" when it comes to decorating, maybe just because I need help making things match! I imagine my trailer would be a lot like the homes on Tiny Houses seen on HGTV- not a lot of space, but making use of each and every nook and cranny. I lived in New York for two and a half years, besides many years of "cast housing", and know how to make use of not only small space, but a temporary space! I learned how to make a room that I would be living in for six weeks, feel like home with a nice lamp, rug and a bright comforter for my bed. My trailer would be full of interesting storage options so as to keep the clutter to a minimum! 

What are some of the unique challenges of your character?

I think the most unique challenge for Jeannie is that she is agoraphobic. This means that she will have a panic attack if met with a wide open space. Some people who suffer from agoraphobia, refuse to travel outside of their own home, like Jeannie.

Another interesting challenge for Jeannie is that she and her husband have obviously lost some spark after 20 years of marriage that has been confined to a trailer, and he ends up chasing another woman. While I have never been in this exact situation, I can imagine that Jeannie feels betrayed, disappointed, anguished, and enraged at the sight of her husband with another woman. I also think her jealousy and resentment fuel her to stand up for what she wants and not back down from a fight as easily as she did at the beginning of the musical. Of course, her passionate love for Norbert finally gives her the clarity to forgive him, which I think is just beautiful. Today, I don't think we see many people stand up for their marriages and love as much as we see the side of destruction and two people "giving up" because things went wrong. This musical gives audiences a refreshing change of pace. 

What is Trailer Park about, to you?

To me, this is a story of a woman's journey from self-conscious to self confident, with the help of her friends and neighbors. It, of course, highlights different stories and let's the audience in on other's points of view, but it is a love story between a man and a woman and love between friends. I love that this show reminds the audience that people come in all shapes, personalities and living situations, but we are PEOPLE with PROBLEMS- you never know what someone else is going through. It is also a story of forgiveness, which I said before, is nice to see onstage and be reminded that love, given the chance, can conquer all. 

Rehearsals - It Ain’t All Fun an’ Games

Checking in with our Trailer Park cast, hard at work...

Our esteemed Directors work well together (really they do!)

Rob Meffe (at the piano) works with the cast

Bradley and the Perfectionists

Team "Trailer Park" takin' a breather (occasionally, they do that)

The ladies of the ensemble know how to "Move It"

Set model - Isn't it so cool!

Meet our Cast: Bradley Behrmann

Bradley plays Duke, Pippi’s ex-boyfriend, and another resident of the trailer park, Travis T-bone.

Hi Bradley! Can you briefly describe your journey here to SDSU?

I was a high school music teacher and actor in St. Louis for the last nine years.  The idea of going to grad school grew larger and larger every year until I eventually couldn't ignore it any more.  I wanted a program that would develop me both as a performer and as an educator.  I found SDSU, and the rest is history.  Actually, there's loads more to this story.  Check out my blog about it:  https://7halfcents.wordpress.com/ 

If you could meet yourself when you were first beginning your career, what piece of advice would you give? 

Chill out.  You're on the right path.  You feel behind, but you're not.  Just keep learning.  Cut your hair. 


Who are your acting/ singing heroes or inspirations?  Is there anyone you find yourself channeling when you perform? 

 I find myself aspiring to performers who have three names:  Brian Stokes Mitchell, Neil Patrick Harris, Brian D'Arcy James, David Hyde Pierce, etc.  


How is this musical different from other musicals you’ve performed in?


I have never been in a show where I've had the opportunity to rock out like Duke does in "Roadkill."  I am excited to sing such a raw, rock 'n' roll number.

Do you have a favorite role from past musicals?  What would that character have to say about this musical?  Would they be friends with your character?

My favorite role to date would be Brit Craig in Parade.  He would be fascinated by the low-life characters he finds, but only in so far as he could write a scathing story exposing the scandal in Armadillo Acres.  As a star reporter, he would figure out a way to capitalize upon their problems.  

If you lived in the park, how would your trailer be decorated? 

Neon beer signs?  I would probably be considered part of the class of residents like Pickles's husband who has fancy tastes like "foreign beers and cheese that smells like urine."

What are some of the unique challenges of your character?

I am unlike Duke in almost every respect.  Duke sniffs markers and wields guns.  He is impulsive and violent.  He also dates a stripper.  But we both like to drive fast.  And we both enjoy a bit of schadenfreude.  I need to sing from there.  


What is Trailer Park about, to you?

It is a story of redemption and forgiveness.  No, really, it is.

Meet our Cast: Holly Echsner

Ensemble member Holly Echsner plays another resident of the trailer park, Britney Jean.

Hi Holly! Can you briefly describe your journey here to SDSU?



I started theatre when I was eight years old and fell in love with it. Doing all activities growing up, theatre was the one thing I never could give up. During my freshman year of high school I was casted as Ariel in Footloose and ever since I performed in that show I put my focus toward readying myself for college. During the spring of Junior year I auditioned for six schools while performing in Little Shop of Horrors as Audrey. It was very stressful but once I found out my video audition for San Diego State was switched admitted my life was heading in the direction I always dreamed of. I being from the “Bay Area” of California was able to chase my dreams without leaving the Sunny California weather, and be in the same state as my family.

If you could meet yourself when you were first beginning your career, what piece of advice would you give?

Not to obsess over the main roles. At the beginning, I was always focused on who was the best character in the show, instead of what character was right for me.

Who are your acting/ singing heroes or inspirations?  Is there anyone you find yourself channeling when you perform?

I find myself always following characters that Idina Mezel has played. If I could be half as amazing as the Broadway performer she is, I would be content.

How is this musical different from other musicals you’ve performed in?


This musical is very different from other musicals I have performed in because I have never been apart of the trailer park experience. Also being an ensemble member, I get to make my own character, which is sometimes a reach.

Do you have a favorite role from past musicals?  What would that character have to say about this musical? Would they be friends with your character?

My favorite roles I have played in a past musical would be Amneris in Aida. My character would have no idea how society had turned to such trash. Amneris wouldn’t associate herself with anyone from this musical because she a princess who has to keep her standards high.

If you lived in the park, how would your trailer be decorated? 

What are some of the unique challenges of your character?

If I personally lived in the park my trailer would probably be decked out in cheetah, but brown cheetah. I play many different characters throughout the show but I think they all struggle with the same problem of getting by in the trailer park community as better then anyone else.

Meet our Cast: Kelty Morash

Now that we’ve heard from our Trailer Park directors, allow us to introduce the talented cast!

An exciting addition in SDSU’s production is an ensemble to add life to the trailer park. One of the new residents is Jessica Ann, played by Kelty Morash.

Hi Kelty! Can you briefly describe your journey here to SDSU?

I am so happy to be at SDSU. Choosing the perfect college was a difficult task and I even took a gap year because of it. I’ve known I’ve wanted to do theatre since I was young and so choosing a college was a matter of choosing which theatre program was the best match for me.

If you could meet yourself when you were first beginning your career, what piece of advice would you give?

Believe in yourself and don’t give up! In order to be in this industry, you have to just keep trying. It is very difficult to “get a break” but you won’t get one unless you keep trying. There is a lot of hard work involved in being an artist and they are some of the most disciplined people you’ll ever meet. Strive to be the best you can be.

Who are your acting/ singing heroes or inspirations? Is there anyone you find yourself channeling when you perform?

I am a big fan of Kristin Chenoweth! I love her voice and her overall character. I find myself channeling her positivity when I work and perform. Staying positive helps in all aspects of the work and learning process involved in doing a show.

How is this musical different from other musicals you’ve performed in?

This musical is unlike any other musical I’ve ever been in. The only other musical I’ve been in which might even be close to this one is Legally Blonde. The Great American Trailer Park Musical is definitely a huge party. There is a genuine story which people can connect to, yet the entertaining aspect of the show soars through all the numbers. It is a very fun piece to work on and I am so grateful for this opportunity!

Do you have a favorite role from past musicals? What would that character have to say about this musical? Would they be friends with your character?

My favorite character I’ve ever been might be Peter Pan from Peter Pan. I think Peter Pan would be friends with my character in this show. They would dance along together and have adventures through Armadillo Acres trailer park. Peter Pan might tell the characters in this show that they should take a break from all the hubbub in the trailer park and fly to Neverland. They just need to think lovely thoughts!

Just Po’ White Trash: The Dirty History of White Trash

When you hear the phrase “trailer park,” what comes to mind?

Does it conjure up images of worn trailers, rusty trucks on cinder blocks, and horribly tacky lawn ornaments?  Perhaps a confederate flag?  Ignorant poor white trash making meth and growing weed?

It’s common to hear jokes about white trash and the associated stereotypes.  The very idea of this marginalized low-class segment of American society remains prominent in popular culture—celebrated or denigrated for their lack of refinement.  Since white trash is so often associated with southerners, you might naturally assume that the term came from the Deep South.

Poor white of the South

Actually, the term “white trash” can be traced to Baltimore, Maryland.  During the 1820s, African Americans (both free and enslaved) used it as a derogatory term to refer to local, poor whites.  These poor whites—newly arrived Irish immigrants, paid or indentured servants, and other semi-skilled workers—were competing for the same resources, such as jobs and other opportunities.  This led to increased social hostilities, and hence, the insult took hold as a means to designate the inferior class.

However, while it might have originated as African American slang, the term was then picked up by middle-class and elite whites and quickly became part of American speech.  Over the next several decades, white trash became synonymous with the degraded poor and was claimed to be the result of “bad blood” inherited from ancestors who were social miscreants and lowlifes.

The term took on an even darker, ugly meaning in the 1890s, when the emerging American eugenics movement applied it to individuals that were deemed unfit to breed. “White trash” was seen as a threat to society and laws permitting the involuntary sterilization to prevent the sexual reproduction of these unsuitable people were passed throughout the early 20^th century.

The terms meaning and usage gradually changed, and during the 1960s and 1970s, being labeled “white trash” had less to do with falling below economic standards than not meeting society’s standards of decorum and taste.

The girls: trashy and workin' on their tans

Nowadays, white trash can still be used as slur for a perceived cultural inferiority, but has also been claimed by those who have risen from low origins to express pride and community identification.  Similar to how “queer” has been reclaimed by the LGBT community, some people willingly identify themselves as white trash, seeing it more as a symbol of rebelliousness against conformist society.

As the Trailer Park girls tell us, they’re “what society let slip through the cracks.”  The residents of Armadillo Acres are proudly trashy and shamelessly human.

Sources:

“White Trash: The Social Origins of a Stigmatype”

http://thesocietypages.org/specials/white-trash/

“White Trash in the Twentieth Century”

http://xroads.virginia.edu/~class/trash/trash3.html

Designer Presentations

Liv looking serious and Jessica with her "crack dip."

The designers have been working hard building models, shopping and pulling, completing renderings, scheduling fittings, and even 3D printing to make this show as spectacular as possible.

On Tuesday, the cast and designers got together for some food, fun, and presentations of all the incredible work that has already gone into this show.

Starting the party out on the Balcony before our room is ready. 

Danielle walks us through the costumes. 

The evening started with Kikau and Jacob having us go around the room and tell our names, our responsibilities for the show, and our guilty pleasure television. Some embarrassing revelations were had...we have some horrible TV addictions.

Then the presentations began and the energy in the room was electric. We all can feel how successful this show is going to be.

Julia apparently needs a moment during rehearsals.

Once the presentations were done, the work was just beginning for our actors who went down to 5b to rehearse "This Side of the Tracks."

Take a look at some of the pictures from the event, and don't forget to snoop around and find all the fun and information to be had not only on the main page, but all the tabs and side bars, as well!

Meet our Director-Choreographers Kikau Alvaro and Jacob Brent

We had a chance to ask some questions of Jacob and Kikau regarding their careers and inspirations with The Great American Trailer Park Musical and the results were fantastic. Below is the transcript from those questions with our amazing directors' responses. 

Can you briefly describe your journey here to SDSU? What inspired you to focus on this MFA for two years? 

Jacob: Before attending SDSU, I had been guest teaching at different universities.  I found that I really enjoyed teaching.  When I was a student, my mentor would often focus on how important it was to give back. The Arts are a passed down education. I’ve been very fortunate in my career to have some success and now its time to give back and pass on the information.

Kikau: I was living in New York and working as a director and choreographer regionally, and had always thought of “pulling of the road” to go to grad school. Jacob, had already applied, and was actually the one to bring to my attention that I had a few days left to apply to SDSU and so I did.  We had been friends and colleagues for years and it was just one of those things that was destined to happen. 

You are both performers, choreographers, and directors. If you could meet yourself when you were first beginning your career, what piece of advice would you give? 

Kikau: I would have told myself to start playing the piano and stick with it.  I have always been musically inclined, but I wish that I had started incorporating playing instruments into my life at an early age.  I love musical theatre so much and I can’t wait for the day that I can accompany myself on a song. Other than that, I would say “do what you love.” I learned very early to really do what made me happy and what made me happy was creating. 

Jacob: You are going to meet a wonderful collaborator named Kikau.  Listen to everything he says because he’s going to make your work better.  I’m sure he answered this question saying the same thing about me.  

Kikau: (After reading Jacob’s answer) Whoops! 

Kikau, you recently were in San Diego Musical Theatre’s West Side Story, a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. How are the relationships in GATPM different? What classic tales does this musical draw from? 

Kikau: Romeo & Juliet inspired West Side Story and I believe that West Side Story inspired everything that has followed.  I’m only being a little dramatic, but you rarely saw such a serious topic such as ‘race relations’ in 1957 New York tackled on the stage.  Because audiences today have been exposed to musicals like West Side, they are prepared for modern shows like ‘Trailer Park’.  At its core, ‘Trailer Park’ is a love story, so I guess that is similar, but the show is fun, not so gritty. 

Jacob, we heard you were in CATS on Broadway, in the video production, and in London. What would Mr. Mistoffelees have to say about this musical?

Jacob: He would probably say it would be so much better if he had a number in it.  

What drew you two to this show? What is Trailer Park about, to you?

Kikau: Well, I am very selective about what projects I choose to align myself with.  This is one of those shows that I have loved, but never thought I would have the chance to work on.  Trailer Park gives us a musical that takes place in an unexpected place. Whether you have been to or lived in a trailer park, there is something mysterious about it and the people who live there.  The musical gives us a glimpse into the musicalized version of their lives.  It is pure fun. 

Jacob: Trailer Park is about celebrating a culture in America who enjoys tractor pulls and watching Duck Dynasty.  

Can you two tell us something about the different musical and dance styles in Trailer Park? 

Kikau: You will just have to come and see the show.  All I can say is this show is very fun and the music and dance will be exciting. 

What are some of the challenges of directing this musical?

Jacob: What’s most important to me is that we aren't making fun of these characters.  I want the audience to laugh with these characters and not at these characters.

Kikau: Working with Jacob. 

Jacob: (After reading Kikau’s answer) Wow! 

Who are your directing heroes or inspirations?

Kikau: I am inspired by the great director/choreographers of Broadway: Jerome Robbins, Tommy Tune, and Susan Stroman to name a few.  I am currently obsessed with everything that Alex Timbers and Josh Bergasse are doing. 

Can you tell us a bit about SDSU’s production and what you’ll be doing that may be new for this audience?

Kikau: Well, normally, this show is performed with only a cast of 7, and Jacob and I have decided to add an ensemble. We are thrilled to populate the trailer park with brand new characters.  The Don Powell is a wide stage and really asks for people to be on it.  Matt, Allie, Kelty, and Holly are going to add so much to the show and really help us tell this story. 

What one thing do you want audiences to know before they see the show? 

Kikau: The characters in Trailer Park have a real relationship with the audience, so when you come to see the show feel free to hoot, holler, and have a good time! 

Director-Choreographer: Jacob Brent

Director-Choreographer: Kikau Alvaro