One More Time

Let’s keep this party going!  With just four more chances to see our awesome Trailer Park cast, you really don’t want to miss out!  Performances are Thursday - Saturday @ 7:30 pm, and Sunday @ 2 pm (April 30th, May 1st, 2nd & 3rd).

Plus, come to our Trailer Bash on Saturday for some savory BBQ from Ranchwood BBQ!  The party starts at 6 pm in front of the Don Powell Theatre.

And don’t forget to bring something to donate to My Girlfriend’s Closet!

WARNING: This musical contains mature themes and language.

Opening Weekend: Photos, Pigs, and Fantastic Audiences

Opening weekend was an incredible success. We had balloons, a photo booth,music, BBQ, and even a live pig ready to greet audience  members as they came into the world of Armadillo Acres. The show was fun and really well received and now the cast and crew and taking a well-deserved break (when not fixing, mending, and resetting the very elaborate world) before coming back for more fun on Thursday. In the meantime, enjoy these photos and think of all the fun you'll have at your first, second, or fifth viewing of this hilarious show.

The Girls helping sell the show. 

Opening night well-wishes. 

Directors Jacob and Kikau are "ON FLEEK" with B.D. Wong! 

Audience lined up for their chance at the photo booth. 

Kikau and the cast and crew. 

Photo call: Smile! 

Are YOU Ready?!

It's tech week and we're revvin' up to opening!

Teching Duke's car...

the band rehearsing...

the cast perfects their moves...

And then we brought the party to the Farmer's Market today!

Surprise!  The cast greets passersby...

And performs!

Doing the boot scooting' boogie! 

Jessica kicks back after all that singin' and dancin'.

He's stronger than he looks...

Nice 'stache Kikau!

Taking a well-deserved break.

We're ready... Have YOU got your tickets yet?!!!

Meet the cast: Matt Gibson

Can you briefly describe your journey to SDSU?
Before I was at SDSU I spent two years at University of Nevada, Reno where i started out undeclared focusing on starting a poli-sci major. Then I heard that UNR was putting on Anything Goes and I decided to audition, which is how I got cast as the lead and why I decided to pursue acting as a career. To follow my career path I decided it would be a fantastic idea to transfer to SDSU, where my experiences have done nothing but grow over the last two years.

If you could meet yourself when you were first beginning your career, what peice of advice would you give?
I would tell myself to work harder and trust yourself to be able to do what is needed . I would also tell myself not to feel pressured to try to do 10 things at once and focus on one thing to have the best final product I can give.

Who are your acting/singing heroes? is there anyone you find yourself channeling when you perform?My acting heroes would probably be Hugh Jackman, Kevin Spacey, Mel Torme, Sidney Poitier, many more I cant think of right now. I happen to channel any actor who has done a character similar to the specific one I'm performing.

How is this musical different than other musicals you've performed in?
This musical is the first musical I've been in where everyone is dedicated to the show, and that everyone is willing to go all the way for their characters. Its super awesome, and its as if everyone actually came from a trailer park.

Do you have a favorite role from past musicals? what would that character say about this musical? Would they be friends with your character?
My favorite role was actually my most previous one, Marius of Les Mis. Marius would probably feel way out of touch with people totally comfortable to live in hot trailers in Florida. He would definitely not be friends with my characters in Trailer Park because they're dim witted and crass.

If you lived in a trailer, how would you have it decorated?
I would have a lot of lights and posters, with a lot of space for books and a small carpet.

What are some unique challenges of your character?
He really just wants to get hired as the high school coach. But hes been hit so many times in the head he struggles to get any job.

What is trailer park about, to you?
I think Trailer Park is about everyone dealing with struggles in their lives, and then through various failures, complications, and events, leads them to face their struggles and overcome what has held them down.

Q&A with "The Girls"

*Mature Content and Language*

To learn a little more about Trailer Park and the characters we'll meet, we decided to have a chat with "The Girls," who are our guides during the show.

Hey Betty, for a night on the town do you feature the hair, or the cleavage? Does location matter? 

Why limit to only one! I like my boobs and hair like I like my men - large and in charge!!  Location never matters! I always gotta look good, doesn't matter if I am at Piggly Wiggly or going to church, you never know when you might meet Prince Charming.

So, Betty, why did you stick around Armadillo Acres after your husband died?

My husband, God rest his soul, passed away in his easy chair after watching his favorite Nascar Driver, Dale Earnhardt win the Daytona 500. It was just so exciting that his heart couldn't take it anymore! His last words to me were: Take care of the Acres for me. If I left it would be disrespecting his wishes. So, I am the leasing manager now and take my job seriously. Every day I stay out sunbathing to keep an eye on the residents - helping out when I can.

Lin, you seem like a pretty low-key, down-to-earth kind of person, why do you put up with all the hysterics and drama around Armadillo Acres?

Oh… but that’s what keeps me around… Since the pokey became my Earl’s home -it’s what gets me through the day.

We hear that you enjoy riding motorcycles, Lin.  What's the smallest cc [size of engine] you'd consider taking a ride on? 

Triumph Thunderbird Storm 1699cc -without a doubt.

Okay, Pickles, what's your favorite brand? Can you give us any good pairings for when we feel a bit peckish? 

Corn nuts and M&Ms! It’s like trailmix but waaaay better!  It’s salty and sweet, crunchy and soft, and you don’t have to worry about picking around nasty raisins!  I call it Gorp.  

So Pickles, why do you want to be a mother so badly?

Kids are the key to happiness!  Plus…My parents practically disowned me when I dropped out of high school.  So I packed up, got married, and found my way to Armadillo Acres.  Since my family sucks, I’ve decided that I’m gonna make a new and better one of my own! 

Speaking of family, why do you three think you are such good friends and stick together?

Betty:  I love my gal pals - Lin and Pickles. They are always ready and willing to help me out in jam. In fact, just the other day, I ran out of sun tan oil and so Lin had me covered with her own special brand of oil, I think it is called Mazola. And, Pickles, she is just the cutest. I see a lot of myself in her and feel like I have to protect her for the dark and dangerous forces in the world. I mean the other day she was going to miss out on the latest episode of Dr. Phil and I so I taught her how to TIVO - the poor kid never knew it existed!

Pickles:  Well Betty has become like a second mom to me.  Or rather, the mother I wish I had.  And Lin is like my older sister: we bicker but I can always count on her to protect me.  They are loyal, strong, and a bit crazy.  What more could you ask for in a best friend???

Lin: My stories would scare the shit out of you and I would have to kill you if I told ya, so let’s just stay out of my business -got it?

Okay... moving on.  What's the first thing a new neighbor needs to know when moving to Armadillo Acres? 

Betty:  I don't know what they need exactly except I hope anyone new to Armadillo Acres feels welcome and likes to get into the holiday spirit. We always have a Christmas decorating contest and the best display whens the Santa Trophy. I have won it for the last 5 years so it would be difficult for them to beat me but I still like some healthy competition. One year I got inspired to decorate with all things - PHAT. (Pretty Hot And TEMPTING). My light display included lava lamps, strobe lights, a Hawaiian Theme Santa riding a Harley, and I even found some chili pepper string of lights (they are the cutest)! I actually liked them so much they are still up today. Puts me in the holiday spirit every time I look at them!

Pickles:  Secrets don’t stay secrets for very long.  

Lin: KEEP YOUR FUCKING LIGHTS ON. And of course: Betty is always right. 

I see. So, when a hurricane is coming, what's the first thing you do? 

Betty:  If a hurricane is a comin’ the best place to be is in your bathtub with a mattress over your head. If you can't all fit in the bathtub find yourself a motel because the first thing that goes out in our park is the plumbing. And, you don't want to be standing outside when the septic tank gets backed up! One time we had a tornado come through the park and old Bertha didn't want to leave her 14 cats by themselves so she decided to handcuff herself to the cabinets of her double wide. It was the smartest thing she could do because that tornado ripped right through her front yard, picked up her trailer and set it down 5 miles down the road. The only thing still intact was the kitchen and they found her safe and sound along with her 14 cats - who knew putting them in the fridge would have been the safest place!!

Pickles:  STOP, DROP, and ROLL!

Lin: Strap a six inch hunting knife to your leg… It’s kind of awesome. 

Giving Back with My Girlfriend’s Closet

One important theme of Trailer Park is community.  At Armadillo Acres, there is an incredibly supportive community where everyone feels like family – even if it’s a crazy, dysfunctional one.

To honor this community spirit, we are extremely excited to announce that for the entire run of the show, we are partnering with My Girlfriend’s Closet (MGC), a volunteer-based nonprofit dedicated to helping local economically disadvantaged teenage girls and young women through donations of clothing, shoes and accessories.  This is one palpable way that we’ve found for our small community to give back to the community at large.

The executive Board of Directors of MGC is comprised of San Diego mothers and their teenage daughters.  Here is a bit about this great organization:

Our mission is to provide quality, gently used clothing, shoes and accessories to economically disadvantaged teenage girls for free, in an atmosphere that enables them to shop with pride. Since our founding in 2005, our mother-daughter shared responsibility and decision making structure has fulfilled another important objective: To teach these young leaders how to effectively build and operate a nonprofit organization for the benefit of the community. 

We target San Diego-area teenage girls and young women ages 13-22 whose need is greatest – the homeless and those in foster care – by working closely with the social service agencies that serve them. Additional disadvantaged teens are identified and invited to our clothing distribution events by the community organizations that serve them and their families. Currently, My Girlfriend’s Closet serves approximately 800 young women in need each year.

MGC collects shirts, pants, jeans, shorts, dresses, skirts, sweaters, pajamas, coats, shoes, jewelry, belts, hats, scarves, handbags, stuffed animals, and unopened cosmetics and toiletries.  After organizing and sorting the items, they hold a distribution event where prequalified young women can shop in an inviting setting resembling a high-end clothing boutique.  When the event opens, the “shoppers” sign in and receive two large handle bags that they can fill to the brim with items of their choosing.  All items are free.

 Please come enjoy the show and give back to the community!

"I'm pregnant!" : Hysterical Pregnancy

Here’s some research from Kelli for her character, Pickles, a 17-year-old newlywed who is a prone to hysterical pregnancies.  Convinced that she should be pregnant, her body exhibits the symptoms, including the crazy pregnancy cravings.

Pregnancy Cravings:

-Chocolate

-Salty chips

-Ice Cream

-Fruit

and…

-Pickles!!!

Read more at:

http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/985411/foods-craved-by-pregnant-women

Pregnancy Symptoms:

-Mood Swings

-Nausea

-Food Cravings or Aversions

-Bloating

-Frequent Urination

-Fatigue

-Vivid Dreams

Hysterical Pregnancy is a real thing! 

For some hysterically pregnant women, "the symptoms are so realistic and long-lasting that the women remain convinced they're pregnant for nine months or even longer – despite the fact that there is no baby."

Read more at:
http://www.babycenter.com/0_strange-but-true-false-pregnancy_10364942.bc

Meet our Cast: Randall Eames

Randall Eames plays Jeannie’s husband, the toll collector, Norbert Garstecki.

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

One of my mentors was previously the head of the MFA in musical theatre program.  He suggested that I look into the program when I consulted him about possibly pursuing a Masters.  I looked at the program and it seemed to be the only place for me.  I only applied to this program, and luckily was accepted.  

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

I would tell myself to do everything.  Seriously, take every voice lesson, go to every dance class, take every acting class you can.  The more people you work with, and the more things you know, the more jobs and opportunities you will get.  

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

There isn't really anyone that I see myself mimicking.  Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of very talented people out there who I could learn a lot from, but I don't really wake and say, "I'm going to try to be them. 

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

As a performer, this musical feels like home to me.  I do a lot of comedy ad satire, and I feel right at home.


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 that I have played in the past is Willard from Footloose.  I think Willard and Norbert would totally get along.  I've drawn from similar sources to create both of them, so really, they're siblings.  

What are some of the unique challenges of your character?

The biggest challenge I'm having with Norbert with that of playing an older man in this relationship.  I'm not necessarily trying to play age, but I am trying to look at how he would respond in situations through an aged perspective.  

What is Trailer Park about, to you?

Trailer Park, to me, is about love.  All of the characters in the show are looking for love in some way.  Sometimes it's romantic love, sometimes it is just friendship.  Everyone wants to be understood and accepted, and at the end of the day, loved.  

Picture This, Part 2

The cast prepares...

Betty is ready for a close-up.

Our directors giving wise advice.

Meet our Cast: Kelli Plaisted

Kelli Plaisted plays the youngest of “The Girls,” Pickles.

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

I’ve lived in San Diego my whole life and knew that I didn’t want to leave any time soon.  After high school, I attended Grossmont Community College to save money while doing my General Ed classes.  During that time I also focused on improving my singing and dancing skills.  After two years, I decided it was time to transfer to San Diego State University.  I wasn’t being challenged at Grossmont anymore and knew that I needed to be pushed in order to really grow as a performer.  I am very thankful to the faculty here at SDSU who have truly invested in me and my education. 

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



One of my professors, Adrian Alita, has a motto that he shares with his students: “You are enough.”  That’s what I would tell myself.  I don’t have to copy someone else’s work to be good.  Trust yourself, be yourself and work hard.

Who are your acting/ singing heroes or inspirations? 

Susan De’Leon and Season Duffy were two mentors I had growing up.  I have an immense amount of respect for them and they’ve been a big inspiration.  These two women have shown me that it is possible to be a wife and a mother as well as an active performer in the community.  They are true professionals and I’m so thankful for their influence in my life. 

Is there anyone you find yourself channeling when you perform? 



I don’t think so.  I focus on just being as genuine and honest to the character as I can when I perform. 

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

This is the very first musical I have ever belted in.  Every other musical that I have been in, I’ve sung using my head voice.  I’ve been working hard on developing my belt and I’m so excited to put my hard work to the test and give it whirl.

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?

One of my favorite roles was Lena Mable in Athens High at Lambs Players Theatre.  She would love Trailer Park!  She treasures friendship and is all about having a good time.  She’s a bit of an underdog so I think she would really be cheering Jeanie on out of her trailer.  Lena would also be great friends with Pickles.  They are both hopeless romantics and can easily get caught up in the drama. 

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



My trailer would be filled with fun colors, floral patterns and an abundant of cozy pillows and blankets.  I would fill the walls with all sorts of knickknacks that I find at thrift stores.  Like Norbert says, “Knick-knacks are what make a trailer a home.” It would also have a huge sunroof in the ceiling.  There would be a nice hammock outside, surrounded by flowers and a big piles of books.

What are some of the unique challenges of your character?



The most unique challenge that I’ve been faced with is… playing Pickles as she’s playing someone else.  It’s like character Inception:  It’s Kelli being Pickles being Tina.  One more layer and I’d be in Limbo!  It’s been great coming up with so many diverse characters but it’s difficult keeping them all straight and lined up with Pickles’ point of view.  

What is Trailer Park about, to you?

It’s about second chances… or third chances…or one-hundredth chances.  It’s about love, friendship, forgiveness, but most of all it’s about not giving up.  No matter how many times you get knocked down, it’s about getting back up again.  Just like the finale number says, “You gotta make like a nail, and press on.” 

Picture This

Kikau keeps an eye on "The Girls" during a photo shoot.

Marketing!

Hmm... three white blonds working on their tans in a lighting lab.

"The Girls" show us their personality (and killer shoes!)

All of that light...

The cast workin' it in rehearsals