Everyone Goes to Mick's

Ice Bucket, or Cookie Jar?

2012-01-23T08:31:00.000-06:00

Well Readers, this is the weekend Score! Now before hoards of you leave me comments saying "Its a hot and cold server you twit, not a cookie jar" let me just say I am aware! Haha. Michael over at Cul-de-Sac Shack first showed me one of these on our trip to Missouri last June. If I recall correctly he got his for $10.00 and I was sooooo envious. I nearly bought one while in Kansas during Christmas for $25.00 but I'm glad I held out, because the Thrift Gods sent this gem my way for the hefty price or $2.42 !!!

("The Penguin Hot and Cold Server" named for its decorative design)

Let me tell you when I dived for this Patricia thought I was crazy, but I knew what it was. As soon as I laid eyes on it at Value Village I knew it was coming home with me, the price was just an added bonus! I don't knwo much about them, but i know they are a product of the 1950's and came in chrome and copper/bronze. At first it looked a little grungy, but as I found out while cleaning it was just a thin layer of hardened dirt. With a little scrubbing this thing almost looks brand new, ITS SO SHINY the chrome plate doesn't have any pitting or rust marks and the Bakelite handles and knob aren't chipped. There are a few minor scratches, but other than that its perfect!

Aside from the last name "Owens" scrawled across the bottom, it says-

West Bend Penguin Hot & Cold Server

A Product of

West Bend Aluminum Co.

West bend, WIS U.S.A.

Patent No.

2,349,099

DES, 127,279

I read somewhere that this promises to keep ice cold for up to five house, and food warm for up to two hours.

So now my question to you Readers is, do you think this should be the "Ice Bucket" for the Bar? Or should it become the new "Cookie Jar" in the kitchen, replacing a ceramic "San Francisco" house cookie jar that my mother made long ago (that we religiously forget we have cookies in.) I'm pretty sure We'd never forget about the cookies if they were left in here! Either way it will provably end up on top of the Pyrex Cabinet on display with my other hot and cold warmer and "I Love Lucy" coffee percolator for a while...

Well What do you think?!

-Mick-

Oh-ho The Well's Fargo Wagon Is A Commin!

2012-01-20T08:31:00.000-06:00

Oh Readers, Don't let it pass my door!

(I'm currently up to my ears in 1912 In Meredith Wilson's "Music Man")

But a lot of neat things have been arriving in the mail! Like these five "Golden Foliage" wine glasses to add to Our Others in the bar.

(More of the "Don Draper" glasses!)

Most exciting, is this hand delivered postcard given to us by one of our new up and coming member Melissa (Star of White Christmas. If you'll remember she made her "Mick's debut" as one of the "sisters" here at Thanksmass.)

On the picture "Mickey Jordan" (pointing to Mickey Mouse), and "The Casablanca, Not to original... its only a model"

She writes...

" Mickey & Patricia, Disneyland used to sell

and send mail with a postmark that said

Disneyland. But as times change, no more

postmark and no more stamps. so I didn't send this

from California. But this is your own

official Disneyland Postcard. And yes,

this is me sticking it to the man. I

wish we could travel back to 1955 and

see Disneyland in it original form. Even

Now Main Street has so much history

of the past. It's fun to wander through

the shops and see some "old" memorobilla.

Basically Disneyland with Mickey & Patricia

would be a ball! I miss you guys and

can't wait till Prom 1958. Love you guys"

-Melissa & Chris Francis-

Thanks Melissa and Chris! I always love it when friends send us postcards, since this one talks about an upcoming event it will be going into the Hat box-O-Memorabilia along with Miss Casablanca's Postcard from London this summer!

We'll I'm off to catch the wagon the show opens on the 27th of Jan and I've got lots of painting to do! As Always I will have a sets post later. Hope all of you have a happy Friday!

-Mick-

Blog Snobs...

2012-01-16T08:20:00.000-06:00

"Don't Fret, there etiquette for everything Gideon"- Milly Pointipee

To Whom it my concern, a few tips for blogging.

#1: If someone comments out your blog, you at least out of courtesy, could comment on theirs. (blog providing)

#2: If someone follows your blog, its best to be nice and follow theirs back....

#3: For goodness sake its a FREE BLOG, lets not get carried away with out egos.

And

#4: Can't we all just be blogger friends?

-Mick-

Dance Invitations - A Lost Art!

2012-01-14T09:03:00.000-06:00

Well Readers,
With March 16th steaming towards us, the "Casablanca Prom Committee" and myself are gearing up for the big dance! The Pink and Yellow invitations you see are hand made, only eight in existence- these are for people who don't have Facebook or (usually older) and get a written invitation... Our colors for the dance being Pink and turquoise, we have the nifty pink invites for the girls in the turquoise envelopes, and the yellow invites (because they didn't have turquoise construction paper) for the guys!

The design is supposed to be that of a paper lantern, whenever I think of spring paper lanterns and garden party's are synonymous. The design is actually from a 1927 California High School's Junior prom. When we Googled "Vintage Prom Invitation" and this is what popped up. I was amazed and overjoyed at the fact, some one from the Junior Class of 1927 had kept this all these years!

(Not only an invitation, but a dance card as well)

Well I'm sure, SOMEONE out there could have figured out an easier way to do this, however I had no patience and needed them asap to hand out on Saturday! So I printed the picture out in a 5"x7" and cut the first "lantern" out of construction paper. Then with Patricia's help I cut out seven more and used a sharpie marker to make the design. of course the sharpie marker bled through the back of the paper, so we cut another set of lanterns out to glue on the back. We had originally planned to just print out the info and glue it on the face of the lantern, but that just looked all kinds of tacky... SO I made a make-shift light desk.

Out of a bed lamp, and the glass door of my trophy case. Then tapped the paper over the light, turned the lights off, and hand copied the lettering with a fountain pen.

THEY TOOK FOREVER TO FINISH, but the end result would fool you into believing that I have wonderful penmanship! (It really is a lost art!)

Both front a back sides too about 30 minuets each to do, that's right- just about an hour for each invite. So these babies are KEEPSAKES! And not that I've flaunted our up coming party fun-

-Your Presence is requested,

Friday march 16, 1958

Please R.S.V.P. via Email.

(If any of you Bloggers would like to join us! )

-Mick-

Official!

2012-01-11T08:48:00.000-06:00

-Mick-

Is There Anything Pyrex Can't Be?!

2012-01-09T08:54:00.001-06:00

Well Readers,
The Most amazing thing has happened!

If you will remember I scored the neat little metal sleigh on my Thrifting Extravaganza and yes what you see in said sleigh is a Pyrex Fridgie #502. Now, this happened totally by accident, I was packing things up to go to the Casablanca and I thought "I'll send the sleight out there to pack away with all the other vintage decorations" (Which by the way, never seem as festive coming down as they do going up) so I sat it on the pile wrapped in its plastic bag.

Well next I pulled another 502 fridgie out (as a gift for a friend) and without even thinking sat in top of the sleigh.

The I must have felt what the guy who said "Hey, lets put peanut butter and Chocolate together and see what happens..." MUCH to my surprise they fit almost perfectly together!

(OH. MY. GOD!)

After the 45 second mind-gazam had passed, I knew EXACTLY what I wanted to do! I ran over to my storage unit, and grabbed a blue 502 that had been dishwasher abused, and had lots its color and shine.

(I'm provably going to some form of Pyrex Hell for this...)

Three coats of paint, and an overnight dry later, I had a perfect looking fire engine red 502!

Then when I went to the Lake with friend Bryson on Friday, I gave the sleigh three coats of gold spray paint and let dry. I grabbed the lid from my good 502 in the kitchen.

(Ta-Da!)

I LOVE this one of a kind coffee table creation, that I'm calling "Santa's Pyrex Sleigh" !

(I have waaaay to much time on my hands...)

-Mick-

The Atom Pop!

2012-01-06T09:07:00.000-06:00

The NEW Sensational Atom Pop corn popper!
Okay, okay... I know that I JUST blogged about scoring this thing on our Missouri Adventure but Thursday night we finally got to see it in action!

(Meet our Atom-Pop Models, Savannah & Patricia)

They read the instructions to me while I operated, this advanced and modern piece of technology.

I poured in the 1/2 cup of corn...

Followed by 1/4 cup of cooking oil...

Finally I covered the pan and placed on high heat...

AND THEN we stood around the stove entranced by that the aluminum pot, staring so intently and in such silence- you would have thought it was an Atom Bomb we'd just put on the stove burner rather than a kettle of corn... then about five minuets in we start to hear-

The popping went on for about three to four minuets longer and then finally, teaming with anticipation- we took the State-of-the-Art containment shield (I.E. the lid) off to REVEAL!

(Ta-Da!)

A perfectly popped batch of corn, enough to feed about four people!

("SUCCESS!" Cry the Atom Pop Models.)

("And it's so Tasty Too!")

"Simple enough for a child to use, Designed for modern living."

- Quin-Craft Product, Fredonia Kansas 1952

Hands down one of my best $2.00 purchases yet!

You can read even more about the history and fun of this thing at its website.

http://atompoppopper.com/home.html

-Mick-

A Hunting We-A-Went!

2012-01-02T07:12:00.001-06:00

(The $3.00 Libbey Carousel Glasses Michael gave to me!)

As a simi-spur of the moment activity, while on vacation I made plans to meet up with Michael and do some thrifting in Kansas City MO. So Friday while my family hit their yearly stops, Pat and I loaded up with Mike and away we went- leaving no thrift/antique store in Independence MO untouched!

(Missouri Michael & Patricia)

Before we even got going, Michael gave some things to us, he scored a set of six Libbey Carousel glasses and gave them to me! Along with a box of Frankoma plays and Tupperware for the Casablanca-

He also gave to us (what I'm pretty sure is) the bottom bowl for a Chip-N-Dip in the same "Gold Leaf" pattern as our Don Draper Glasses Thanks Mike!

Gifts exchanged, we headed out armed with a hefty list of thrifts from none other and then Master himself, Mr.Stan Williams of or better known as The Elegant Thrifter!
The First stop was Thrift World , and everyone cleaned up. Mike showed me these glasses for $6.00

Which are also Libbey, and they compliment the Carousel glasses and when you put the two sets together you get...

(click to enlarge)

Don't they look fun?! Haha we are stacking up quite the collection of bar-ware, I cannot wait to use these!
Now I just need to find some old wire drink caddy's to store them in. Other finds included -

Vintage in the box drink coasters! $1.98 and they look like they've never been used but sadly the "spongy" part of the coaster has started to dry rot. I think it will be an easy fix and I'm going to replace the "sponge" with matching colors of felt.

(Soon to be fixed!)

Another find I was thankful to come across was these Serving spoons. After searching for what seemed like forever and almost giving up and buying some brand (obviously new) looking ones at walmart and then viola` there they were!

(For $0.98 no less!)

The liquor spigot between the two spoons came from the next stop Charity Thrift also for $0.98 and Patricia found the smallest glass that matches the "Libbey Gold Leaf" pattern, for $0.66 now we just need 5 more to match!

(Ta-Da!)

Next Stop: Browns Emporium Antique Mall This place had LOTS of neat stuff for great prices. lots of cool things to look at, and I ended up walking away with this piece.

Continuing our "Mad Men" finds, this art deco "Toucan cigarette holder/ ashtray" is the exact same one that Don Draper has on his desk in Season one. Next we took a tour of "Gordman's Department store" (it was fantastic) then on down the road to the Salvation army. Michale scored this so-over-the-top-tacky its cool Christmas thing (I wish I had a picture of it, go over to Cul-de-sac Shack and get him to show you!) and I found a tiny sleigh.

(I have a Santa the will go perfectly on this!)

We also found an in the box "Atom-Pop" Popcorn maker for $2.00, So I snatched it up and you had better believe we WILL be using this at the Casablanca!

The pan had burnt popcorn on the aluminum, but later down the road at another thrift I found a bottom with no top that was sparkling clean so I'll just use it! After that we went a few more places and I bought a few things here or there, I picked up a few pieces of Pyrex to give away as presents (I even broke a piece of glassware in the DAV thrift shop) Patricia laughed at our last thrifting spot as Michael and I both sprinted to the back of the store (to get to the good stuff first) while I yelled "You're a GROWN MAN Michael! I'm just a CHILD!" (while I, an equally grown man ran right beside him) Haha we had so much fun and after a long day of thrifting, we were all tuckered out.

("I want this chair!")

We packed up our ~~kills~~ finds, and headed back to meet up with my family for dinner. It was a wonderful day and we had so much fun ~~fighting tooth and nail for Pyrex~~ hanging out! Hope all of you had a great weekend of finds!

-Mick-

Swank-tasatic!

2011-12-30T08:07:00.000-06:00

Well readers, while most of the "kids" nowadays have "Swagger" I (as well as everyone else at the Casablanca) believe in the power of Swank.

Swank- 1) Very classy, and/or tasteful. 2) The coolest of cool. smoother than smooth

Needless to say this Bar I found on Craigslist, was and is Swank.

Found on Craigslist in Prairie Village Kansas for $125, I got it for $100 and met up with the seller Thursday in Kansas City. At first from her three pictures in the ad I thought it was a homemade bar, but when we met up I discovered that it had a makers mark and wooden wheels!

(Regency Bar Products. New York)

What I love about the fact the maker is "Regency" and it came from New York is that in the last show I worked on White Christmas one of the sets I worked on was "The Regency Room, of the Imperial Hotel in New York" that was a Ballroom and Bar, how coincidental and cool!

Initially when the seller said "Oh its old" I thought Yeah provably from the late 1960's or 70's. But much to my surprise and delight this thing is OLD! Its all solid wood construction, measuring 39 inches high, 37 inches wide, and 18.5 inches deep. its has shelves and doors in it, and its covered in this beautiful red vinyl and detailed on the front with gold tacks. I think it was a STEAL! and It will so be placed in the Lounge of the Casablanca to house all of our new bar-ware.

Now readers, I can't even begin to tell you the slew of questions and opinions my mother gave me over this piece. "Well How much is it? Is that the best you could do? How are we gonna get it home? What do you need a bar for? Couldn't you just make one? I bet it will be tacky as all get out. I cannot believe your gonna pay $100 for THAT...." trust me, if it could be said, it was said. When We finally meet up with the seller, (my family was in Cabela's Outdoor store shopping) She put its together, we realize as an added bonus that was not in the Craigslist pictures that the Bar has sliding doors on it! I gladly give her the money and Patricia and I load it into the car. When my family comes back out we are bombarded with smart ass comments about "Oh that just LOOKS tacky, He turns 21 and now he NEEDS a bar, its ugly, I CANNOT believe you made that lady drive here to sell you THAT..." on, and on, and on until we get home.

It's not until we get home, and I have five seconds to myself to put the finished product together. Of course then everyone in the family has to clamber out onto my Aunts front porch to see it, and for the FIRST time Pat and I are met with a reception of...

"Oh how Classy, what a GREAT color, THAT IS NICE! Wow what a bargain you got on that. It will be PERFECT in your lounge. I love the tacks and the piping detail!"

*Sigh* Wouldn't it just be easier it they just trusted me? Haha

Bottom line- I found it, I scored it, and I think I have the perfect place and set of glasses to go with it!

-Mick-

It's A MAD MAD MAD MAD MEN Kind of Week!

2011-12-28T10:11:00.000-06:00

(Our new set of Libby "Gold Leaf" glasses!)

Well readers, hope all of you have had a wonderful Christmas/ Holiday break! Im blogging LIVE from Kansas, for the first time ever! The Day after Christmas Patricia and I set out to do some thrifting in the small town where we're staying and BOY did she get a find.

What she found was two sets of the "Libby Gold Leaf" seen in the picture above from a still shot of Mad Men. What neat is this is also the set of glasses Don and Betty use for entertaining in the second season.

(seen here)

(A little bit closer now...)

Yup that's them! Even more A-mazing, is the fact the very next day (Tuesday) on our thrifting adventures in Lawrence KS I found the matching Decanter and "side bowls" tucked away on a bottom shelf. (After almost passing them by).

I could not believe my luck! Neither has a scratch on it, and all the gold leaf is perfect. We're hoping to find the smallest set of glasses to complete the "Don Draper" set, and maybe even a bar for the Lounge to keep all this in. Lets hope the luck we've been having holds out!

* * *

Something else all you "Mad Men" fans provably drool over out there, its the coveted "Chip-N-Dip" that shows up in season one. I've seen a few other blog friends find matches or close replica's, well now I'd liek to show you mine!

(This is my Rendition! Of the Actual Show prop below...)

(Actual show prop)

I know comparing the two is like potatoes and pineapples, BUT I like my version. The serving platter on mine is old, like Really old. It was one of my finds in the garage it was a Great Grandmothers. Its light weight and originally had a little fish that sat in the middle that was a toothpick holder (and has been long lost) So I found this little plastic tomato to put in the center, that can hold dip.

I think it will make an excellent veggie plate (seeing as how I received an honest-to-God Pyrex Chip and Dip for Christmas.) I see all of this brewing into a 21 and older "Cocktail Party" much like the this summer at the Casablanca. Just picture it some classy drinks being mixed in the glasses, chips and dips in the Chip-N-Dip and Rumba and Samba records on the player!

Now all we need is a Swanky Bar...

(Fingers Crossed!)

-Mick-

There's No Place Like Home...

2011-12-26T09:13:00.000-06:00

(Fine food and a festive table!)

Well friends, Friday night a few of us gathered at the Casablanca for one last get together- a reuinion and homecoming of sorts!

(Dear friends Brett & Lydia)

If you recall, Lydia and Brett were married in our living room last summer. Soon after Brett was stationed at Little Rock Arkansas and this is the first trip they've made back, so OF COURSE we had to have dinner at the Casablanca!

(Lydia, Brett, Patricia, Margaret, Caitlin, Kelcie, & Disa)

For dinner we had a cavalcade of delights! I made chicken and dumplings, along with our nearly famous hash-brown casserole. Lydia made a baked potato dish, and everyone else had prepared a bevy of desserts.

(The neat cocktail napkins are a gift from Jamie over at MidCentury Madness )

Whats dessert with out coffee?! We gave the "I love Lucy" coffee Percolator a try, and what a cup of coffee it made- before the evening was over we'd brewed six pots!

(Served in the "I Love Lucy" Franciscan dishes that Missouri Michael gave me for Thanksmass)

(Brett & Lydia, they're kind of a big deal...)

After dessert we settled into the Den for a game of 'Apples to Apples' and we also presented our guests of honor with their Christmas presents!

For Lydia, we got her a set of the Primary Nesting bowls, (a great starting piece for their vintage pyrex collection.) But we couldn't just give Lydia Pyrex and not Brett! He received his very own Pyrex coffee mug with a gold leaf eagle and stars pattern.

Well Continuing our "Pyrex Christmas" as it were, Patricia and I exchanged gifts-

I gave to Patricia, a 1.5 quart Pink Daisy casserole she is just crazy about pink Pyrex.

(Friends Zack, Myself, Kelcie & Caitlin)

Patricia's gift to me was a 1957 Cast album of "The Pajama Game", the Turquoise Host~~ess~~ Chip and Dip set. (I need to find a bracket that holds them together!) and a round chip and dip bracket that turns almost any 404/401, 444/441 into a chip and dip!

(Seen here, holding my Sandalwood 444/441 )

After presents we gathered round the television set for a viewing of "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" and chatted the night away.

Pretty soon it was midnight, so everyone started saying their good buys, Merry Christmases, and Happy New Years.

Casablanca put up her crown for the last time in 2011, and we all headed home.

I hope all of you had a Wonderful Christmas and have the Happiest of New years! Here's to 2012/ 1958!

-Mick-

Irving Berlin's White Christmas

2011-12-23T08:46:00.000-06:00

Well readers, We've done it!

(Ta-Da!)

This is the 10th show in a row and the final show for the year! It seems like only yesterday that I was hired for Cinderella and now here we are a YEAR later.

("We're Dreaming of a White Christmas, Here At Mick's)

I really didn't have a lot for this production, I had a few projects and all the props to take care of but the Team came together and made a nice finished product.
My projects included.

The Set of the 1954 "Ed Sullivan Show"

The guys dressing room

The girls dressing room

Two (period) Train Cars

The Lobby of the Columbia Inn

And as always a slew of vintage props!

The Ed Sullivan Show-

(A 1954 Dance Spectacular!)

The set of double doors that look like a giant pink and red present in the background (sporting a tag exclaiming "Merry Christmas from Ed Sullivan!"), is styled from this Firestone Christmas record album.

The Guys dressing room-

We just did basic paint of two tone green stripes. The colors for the dressing room we stolen from the 1942 movie "Holiday Inn". In one of the early scenes in the movie, the dressing room Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire share sports the same stripes and color scheme and since White Christmas steals bits form lots of other shows and movies I thought it was a fitting touch.

The Girls dressing room

Pretty simple, in 1950's pastel pink. The new novelty at the theatre is working light fixtures on stage, the one I used in Seven Brides for Seven Brother made the Set!

The Train Cars-

(Speeding towards "Pine Tree Vermont")

I lost my sketches somewhere at the theatre, but these cars originally started out with an all blue color scheme. It wasn't until I found out that in this version the show doesn't start in Florida, it begins in New York. (TOTALLY DOESN'T FOLLOW THE MOVIE, I know.) So instead of blue for Sunny Florida, at the very last minuet we changed to all green for Vermont. Also the cozy "Snow" number in the movie shared between Crosby, Kaye, Ellen, and Clooney goes from a quartet to an ENTIRE ensemble number. So we expanded the cars and laden them down with Samsonite luggage, vintage magazines and happy Christmas travelers.

The Columbia Inn, Pine Tree Vermont-

Looking back, I'm mad at myself for going such a "plain" route with the interior of the Inn (But hell in the movie everything was WHITE!) A tiny touch of irony here, is that is when the get to Vermont expecting snow, its actually a toasty 79 degrees. So I placed a painting of a "barn in white snowy winter" behind the front desk. My favorite prop of the show has to be the Switchboard that we put together for the hotel.

Using and old "secretary desk" gave me the right shape, and then I screwed a board over the desk top. after that friend Joe and I drilled 100+ holes to make the "connections" on the switch board.

I used four long bolts, four shoe strings and some making tape to make the "input connectors" and to finish it off I put my candle stick phone on top. When the Actress who used the prop genuinely looked like an old switchboard operator on her board.

It was hectic, it was crazy, and it all came together in the end. I'd like to thank all of the Set Team, and all the volunteers who got the show up and running.

It has been a crazy/fast/fun/frustrating/demanding/relationship defining/up setting/heartbreaking/faith renewing/awe inspiring/ friendship binding/ impossible things are happening every day/ LOVING/ year at the Wichita Theatre and I look forward to another season in 2012.

"And may ALL Your Christmases be White...."

-Mick-

All Set!

2011-12-20T08:28:00.002-06:00

We finished a Set! I love the more bright and "pastel" colored Pyrex, its cheery and goes well with all summer occasions and this is what we consider a "set" Yellow, Turquoise, Chartreuse, & Flamingo Pink. It's my hope to collect most of the baking basics in these four colors.

We still need quite a few pieces...

A Pink and a Green loaf pan, and Turquoise and a Yellow long pan. A Turquoise and a yellow 9" Pie plate. a Turquoise and a green 8" round cake pan. All of these pieces are NOT must have right this moment... but this is the stuff we frequently look for and use the most.

Oh Well, until then the Hunt continues...

-Mick-

So It's 1958...

2011-12-14T08:41:00.001-06:00

And all anyone can talk about is this years "Prom"...Well, not Prom-Prom- but the 1958 Casablanca Prom!

(At least I wont shut up about it...)

You see each year in the spring we have started the tradition of throwing a formal dance for our members as the Social Season opener at the Casablanca. Last Spring Break we had the wildly popular Big Band Dance and we plan to kick of this year with a 1958 Prom themed dance. Our possible Theme?

(If Dreams Came True, granted the song didnt come out until July of '58)

We've started preparing SUPER early this year,(as our members have tripled in 2011 and are still on the rise) we've got the song picked but the jury is still out on the decorations, colors (We are leaning towards pink and Turquoise) and such. None the less the Guys are scouting tux's and the girls are already picking out their formal gowns for the spring event!

So readers, my question to you is- did anyone out there go to Prom in 1958? Can you remember the colors or theme (if you had a 50's or early 60's prom) Or any pictures?! We ~~would like~~ NEED input!

-Mick-

All I Want for Christmas...

2011-12-12T07:53:00.000-06:00

Is my two front teeth, my two front teeth.... Well, actually- I've already had two super amazing gifts, a successful Thanksmass and the amazing Franciscan Dishes that friend Michael gave me! Since I'm apparently "Really hard to buy for" here's proof that I'm not....

Some House Slippers would be nice, for out at the Casablanca... in Red or Blue?

Mrs McCormick & Betty Crocker run my kitchen with an iron fist! Meatloaf seasoning, Brown Gravy, Country Sausage Gravy would go to go to use!

Serving spoons, several- we are FOREVER needing these during parties! I never find any in good shape at thrift stores and the place where we purchased our cutlery doesn't have serving spoons to match the set.

"Pyrex The Unauthorized Collectors Guide" (or as Patricia and I call it) The Great Big Book of Pyrex, oh yes, oh yes so I can ~~feed~~ identify the addiction!

This is more of a need to do than a present... but would REALLY like to finally get the tile laid on my counter tops... if I could get that done, then my project list in the kitchen would come to a momentary pause. Its on the to-do list along with replacing the carpet in the Lounge (as it is now sporting a 16"x6" hole ripped in it.)

While all of these wishes and wants are nice, I don't really NEED anything. I've got a good family, loving friends and wonderful blessings all around.

-Mick-

The New Mexico Haul!

2011-12-07T10:02:00.000-06:00

The little green bowl wentot Friend Jordan, he VERY FIRST piece of Pyrex!

The Town and Country pattern went to Friend Russ.

Both the Pink bowls were part of my Christmas Present to Patricia!

The 1.5 quart Turquoise Snow flake I bought for myself (having the 2 quart).

The "Early American" Piece is for a friend of mines mother who just adores that sort of stuff!

For Friends Lara & Spencer we found this red 1.5 quart "Friendship"!

For Friend Joe, we gave him a tiny "Butter Print" in turquoise on white.(That Michael dragged down all the way from Missouri!)

I wish we could have gotten all our friends Pyrex, if only we had thought about it sooner! The prices were so good in New Mexico we scooped up the pieces we could afford, oh well maybe next year! Now at least this little group has NO REASON not to bring something to the Casablanca dinners next year!

-Mick-

Thanksmass 1957!

2011-12-05T08:19:00.001-06:00

Our Christmas Card to the World, from all of us at the Casablanca to You!

(Your Host in his sweater vest and Hostess with her right out of the 1940's 'Donna Reed' hair.)

Well Readers, it was a magical night!

(It's Thanksmass Here at Mick's!)

TWENTY TWO Guests in all, friends and almost family came in from near and far to celebrate the end of the 2011 Social season at the Casablanca! After two days of solid rain pouring down, around 1:00 P.M. the Sun came out and Thanksmass was well on its way. The Dress was simi-formal The Girls wore dresses and fixed up their hair, and the Guys sported sweater vests or festive argyle for the occasion!

(Pat, Mike, Evy,Bryson, Russ, Kelcie, Sheldon, Larry, Matt, Dillon, Emily, Hannah, Caitlin, Oliva, Francis, Jordan, Joe, Lara, Spencer, Terrace, Melissa!)

I wish all of you could have been there, the kitchen smelled great! I owe a big thanks to friend Joe who coordinated the food for the event. He made sure everyone brought something and there would be food for all AS WELL as taking on the task of cooking a 15lb turkey and baking a slew of treats!

(Friend Joe!)

(Caitlin, Myself and Michael)

While Joe, Larry and Evelyn got the food ready Missouri Michael from Cul-De-Sac Shack and I set the table (He came down all the way from Missouri to spend Thanksmass with us!). While the food was finishing up everyone enjoyed causal conversation and fellowship!

(Spence and Lara!)

(Friends Bryson and Sheldon)

("We're Kevin Bacon...")

(Patricia and Emily)

(Terrace and Hannah!)

(Emily, Joe, and Pat!)

(Missouri Michael, Patricia & Me!)

Friend Larry carved the Turkey, Bryson said the blessing and with that the formal dinner began.

(Friends Russ, Francis, Olivia, Terrace & Melissa!)

(Evelyn and Larry)

It was a tight fit, but with a little overflow in the Den and also on the porch we all managed to find room to eat! After we stuffed ourselves with a smorgasbord of home cooked food, we broke down the table and packed into the Turquoise room for the evenings Entertainment!

Terrace and Melissa are currently Starring as the "Haynes Sisters, Betty and Judy" in the Wichita Theatre's production of "Irving Berlins White Christmas" aren't they just great!

(Dillon, Patricia & Spencer)

After the floor show, friend Evelyn started ont the dishes while a few us us tried to tidy up. Our Lovely hostess Patricia gathered everyone into the lounge, and with help of Miss Casablanca (Kelcie) our "Gift exchange was underway!

(Miss Casablanca & Russ)

The Presents were swapped back and forth, back and forth and had everyone laughing and having a good time!

With the presents all exchanged, it was time to paint ornaments and decorate the tree!

(Hannah Emily, Dillon, Caitlin, Kelcie!)

("No, No, Bryson ON the Tree...")

(Ta-Da!)

(Even Michael painted an ornament!)

With the Tree trimmed, we settled back into the den for a viewing of "It's A Wonderful Life".

But first Patricia and I exchanged our own gifts with Michael.

For Mike, a Pyrex Promotional piece, and a Kangaroo dresser caddy (just like mine) with a special crocheted Pitt State scarf around its neck from Me and Pat!

Mike gave Patricia 444 Pink Gooseberry bowl she needed to complete her set! As well as a smaller gooseberry piece!

And as for me, Well Mike gave me one of the greatest and most generous gifts I've provably EVER received. For weeks he's been taunting me about his presents to me. When the moment finally came when i got to rip the paper off, I was speechless! What I hold in my hands is a coffer percolator that is the exact same model and brand as the one that Ricky and Lucy have on "I love Lucy"!!! I was in total awe of this more than perfect gift, but Mike wasn't done yet!

He handed me box after heavy box, and when I opened it readers, it too all I had not to cry. Not only did he get me percolator, but more than half a set of the Ivy Franciscan dishes that are the same pattern as the ones used on the set of "I love Lucy" I was beside myself, speechless, and beyond bliss! All I could do was smile and say thank you profusely!

(Click to make it larger, but that's the same dishes alright!)

Michael being the sly devil he is, had Patricia in on this present set up! (We saw a set of these in New Mexico that I flipped over and nearly bought but Patricia talked and led me out of it haha, NOW I understand why!) Mike got the idea for the gift back when I got my Sandalwood Cinderella nesting bowl Pyrex, and I said "I bought it because the Ivy pattern reminded me of the dishes Lucy had on the show" hehe well once again THANK YOU MIKE! (You've redefined "The good china") haha!

Well just as my heart settled back into my chest from this AMAZING GIFT! It was time to ring in the New year at the Casablanca 1958! We bundled up, donned out party hats and noise makers and headed out to the Backyard to watch the "Ball" drop!

What an Amazing season this has been, we've more than tripled out members in the last year, we have several new "Council Members" on the Casablanca party planning committee, and we've already got a few new up and coming possible applicants gunning for next season! Every party seems to out do itself, but this one is the Happy Hallmark Card of the year. I am truly blessed with wonderful friends and readers and wish all of you the Merriest of Christmases and the happiest of Holidays this season!

-Mick-

Thank You & Thanksmass!

2011-12-02T10:56:00.000-06:00

Dear Readers, *hug*

Thank you for being a friend.

Im so glad to know that most would like to see "Everyone Goes to Mick's" go on and it shall! Thank you for your kind and encouraging comments on Wednesdays post. I promise next week to shwo you the bevy of treasures that Patricia and I hauled home from New mexico! But today is a very special day aroudn the Casablanca, It's Thanksmass Eve!

You'll get to read all about our Very Merry Thanksmas Special on Monday!

So until then Merry Thanksmass everyone!

-Mick-

I Need Answers.

2011-11-30T10:20:00.001-06:00

Does anyone still read this Blog?
(I know there are 10 of you out there coast to coast and country to country that are faithful readers. And have become dear friends over the last two years!)

Has "Everyone Goes to Mick's" had its Heyday?
(I love writing it, but when you put a lot of work into a post - then get zero comments its disheartening. I realize we are all busy out there with our real lives, but this has been tappering for a while.)

Do you readers out there Like the party posts?
(or have they just become stale?)

Should "Everyone Goes to Mick's" come to an end?
Feedback would be Nice....

-Mick-

What A Trip!

2011-11-28T08:18:00.003-06:00

(Greetings from Roswell New Mexico, Here at Mick's !)

While most everyone else was heading 'over the river and through the woods' we headed over the Plains and into New Mexico for a vacation with friends! One of my mothers friends had a son who goes to school out in Roswell and she did not want to travel alone so my mom, dad, sister, me and Patricia went with her!

* * *

I was SO EXCITED to go to Roswell, (and no not to see "Aliens") I had this image in my mind, When we got there- It would be just like it was in 1945, the architecture would be fascinating, My family would be having Thanksgiving dinner in a little silver boxcar diner, and there would be MORE to this town than "The Saucer Incident" in 1947...

(Nope.)

Upon arrival Wednesday afternoon, I found it was very much 2011, nearly everything is made of cinder blocks, AND you cannot turn a corner without seeing some sort of Alien shrine. Now, before you start yelling at your computer screens "You want history?! GO TO BOSTON, THIS IS ROSWELL" the Alien thing is sort of cool... but way over played, by no means am I bashing Roswell or its fine people! (it just wasn't what I had expected.) But with a couple of Antiques stores on its 10 mile long Main Street, we were sure there was fun to be had!

That first evening in town we ate at a restaurant called "Farley's"-

(Home of the Tasty Farley Dough Burger!)

After that it was off to bed for a good nights rest. The Next day was Thanksgiving and because most things were closed the "Alien town" resembled more of a "Ghost town" and that made it PERFECT for Me and Pat to take a nice long walk...

Beneath all the cinder block and Alien awareness posters we found some of that classic Architecture we were looking for.

(One of the only pluses of Cinder Blocks! Lots and lots of patterned ones!)

(Old gas station turned auto sales office)

(Now is the Neighborhood Watch Center)

By far one of my favorite buildings down town was the "Minton Building" I'm usually not a fan of stucco but this was neat!

It had great detail! its now some sort of office supply building but the original building itself was constructed in 1947.

(Neat old restored signage!)

(The Courthouse)

It made me really happy to see a monument of the Ten Commandments on the Courthouse lawn. I don't understand why people find it so offensive, but then again I don't understand most things...

Topping the list of places in Roswell that make me smile, nothing was showing but its nice to know there is a live Theatre there! Last but not least on our walk around tour kind of bugged me but what can ya do?!

(The U.F.O. Museum)

What is now the U.F.O. Museum, was once the biggest and finest Movie house in Roswell, The "Plains" Movie theater was one of five of the town's "picture shows" during its heyday.

Built in 1947 it was the place to go in town to see the stars flicker across the screen. It ran movies right up until the late 1980's and for a while showed Spanish films in the 1990's I couldn't find any good pictures from its heyday, but if you look at the one below you can just imagine how majestic it was.

It even had the same terrazzo tile that we have out front of the Wichita Theatre, in fact it had the same color scheme too!

It even though a total gut was done when the U.F.O's moved in you can still see few of the original deco features.

This is the underside of the marquee awning, im fairly sure the ticket booth was once where this statue now is.

Oh well, Que Sura-Sura!

Tune in Wednesday to see all the out of this world things we brought back!

-Mick-

P.S. Today is also my second Blog-a-versary for two years of "Everyone Goes to Mick's", thanks to all you great friends and readers who keep it going!

And...

2011-11-21T08:50:00.000-06:00

The Brothers having won the hearts of their winter ~~captives~~ Brides, now shared in domestic bliss and lived Merrily ever after.

-The End.-

-Mick-

YEE-HAW!!

2011-11-16T08:38:00.000-06:00

A Photo Essay.

(Brothers Gideon/me, Daniel/Bryson, and Ephraim/Joe)

(A jaunty tune)

("This picture better not be going where I think it is...")

(Ta-da!)

("you must be this tall to be awesome...")

(Brother frank, tables are for eating...not sleeping)

(The entire cast)

(Showtime)

-Mick-

Ring My Bell

2011-11-14T08:00:00.000-06:00

(This is the style button I would like)

Well Readers, with Christmas fast approching i've started to think about what I'd like. Now I know were not past Thanksgiving yet, but my Dad and I have this special thing we do. We like giving eachother unusal gifts, not unusual as in unusual but things most people wouldnt think of as gifts. This year I think i've decied on a doorbell for the Casablanca.

Now I know nothing says "Come on in, Sit right down, and Make yourself at home" like a nebihorly knock on the screen door. But when your sleeping in the bedroom with both doors shut you may never hear the knock. Also I feel its my duty to the house, as I have put in a telephone line, and three major appliances a door bell would be the epomite of domecsticiy for the place!

My question is, since we will be installing everything including the "Bell" which should I get?!

(None of the sounds clips I found we're just right, but heres the idea)

Im fond of a door "Buzzer" as its what they had on "I Love Lucy" and has made many an appearance in American movie history.
Im also fond of a simple door "Chime" that ushered in an era of Suburban bliss and June Cleaver hospitality.
Have any of you out there purchased, installed, or repaired a vintage door bell? What did you like? The Casablanca was built in 1943 so i'd like to keep it period.

Chime In! Let me hear your thoughts and comments, any and all are appreciated!

-Mick-

Seven Brides For Seven Brothers!

2011-11-09T07:54:00.003-06:00

(The Pontipee Family Brand, my own design.)

Well Readers, don't skim over this post- lots of eye candy! Another opin' another show! A word from our sponsors...

(Most of our Set Team, Friends: Russ, Terrace, Andrew, Bryson, and Matt!)

Without a doubt this shows sets are the best that I, The Team, and everyone else involved have ever done. As usual things were crazy, most of the set was built in a week, I had been collecting and scouting props and things for nearly three months to ensure the look and feel would be perfect. Larry, Bryson, and Matt the set construction KINGS worked endlessly to get this massive log cabin framed and built and outdid themselves!

Our projects included:

The exterior of a General Store

The interior of a Cafe

The interior of the Pontipee Cabin
Set Dressing the barn

And, Finding Period Props.

(One last look at the Witch's Castle)

(Bixby's General Store)

(A big thanks to friend Chloe for paint the Signage!)

This side of the stage needed to be three different places in two different Acts. As always I used paint to get the desired affect, in this case I wanted the exterior and interior of the buildings on stage to look like "16 inch wide Quarter sawn" planks of wood. We used Tan as the base color, a medium brown to dry brush over the tan, and finally a red-ish brown accent color for texture. After that I simply found a 16 inch wide board, and used a big gun permanent marker to make the groove lines in the wood. As you can see it turned out beautifully and really does look like milled wood.

(Sketch: The Pontipee Cabin)

(The Pontipee Cabin)

The Cabin is the "brain child" of the Director Christian Sanders, Larry Petersen, Dwayne Calhoune, Bryson Petersen and Myself. Christian told us what he wanted and needed, Larry and Bryson figured out how to accommodate and build the structure,

and I designed the over all look and feel of the cabin (ascetically of course). Now usually around the theatre I hate it when I hear the phrase "Well in the Movie..." as we should strive to bring our own creations to life... However, I am terribly biased when we do a show that is also a Movie Musical made during the "Golden Era 1941-1958" and will strive to incorporate details from these technicolor dreams.

(Pontipee Cabin interior of the 1954 set)

This show, my two "I will have these pieces or ain't NOBODY GONNA BE HAPPY" were the Mission Style china hutch in the Background with the plates on the top shelves. I hunted and hunted and finally found the PERFECT match (well in my mind anyways) on the 3rd floor of the theatre.

(Ta-Da!)

I also attempted to paint the dishes to match the ones in the movie.

Not quite the same pattern, and they are in a color I special made and named "Pontipee Green". My other "must have" piece on the set is the hanging lamp over the table.

I saw it in a booth at a downtown antique store, I knew I had to have it for the set.

Okay, Okay... I know its more "1960- does Bonanza" than it is 1850's Period.

With its frosted globes, and brass shades its perfect for the cabin. The owner was nice enough to lend it to us for the show, as the price tag on it is a staggering $100.00. Friend Russ (a technical whiz) wired the lamp for us, and let us use one of his own fixtures on the second story of the set!

The cabin in a mess, before Milly comes. As it is over run by the Seven Pontipee Brothers.This is how the audience first sees the house when the curtain is opened, during a number called "One Man" Milly (the oldest brothers wife) sings and cleans the cabin transforming it from its current state to a well cared for home, all in about two minuets.

Did I mention that the Petersen's built the Cabin two stores tall, with a working window shutter, staircase, and a full bedroom? Oh, well. They did, and it does.

(Bryson & Larry Hard at work)

We used the same painting technique on the interior of the cabin as we did on the exterior of the store. then we accented the structural planking, but "staining" the wood with the red-ish brown paint and a sponge.

(Friend Matt, staining away!)

Last but CERTAINLY not least is the Pontipee Barn.

The weathered wood barn, was friend (and co-captain of the set dressing team) Joe's baby. He stripped wood planking off of old fence panels and created the barn as well as painted "new" wood to match. Friend Bryson helped by fitting the front of the barn with planking.

Larry let us borrow some period farming tools, along with a few family heirlooms borrowed from friends (and star of the show) Billy, and Utah lent us his grandmothers milk cans and vintage stove. Friend Andrew built the wagon that the Brothers whisk away the brides in. ( I didn't get a picture, I hate it when I do that!)

Put it all together and here's what you get-

(I love this picture, as it creates the illusion your being transported from the theatre back in to 1850's Frontier Oregon.)

What All of the set team has been buzzing about, is the fact that although 98% of the stage is either panted wood, or weathered wood its not boring. with all the angles, and levels and hues of color it makes the whole thing very dynamic which works great with this high energy and fast paced show.It is our best work yet!

I will have to post a picture of the set team on this blog once one is taken. But I'd like to thank each and everyone of them now for all their hard work and dedication. Joe, Larry, Dwayne, Bryson, Matt, Lara, Spencer, Evelyn, Chloe, Terrace, Russ, Billy, Andrew, and im sure im forgetting someone but I truly could not pull these massive set projects off with out them.

The Show opened to rave reviews and as has become ritual the last couple of shows the sets were mentioned too! (That's always exciting to me!) next week I will try and post a "photo essay" of backstage like I did for Hairspray!

Another Success story.

*As Always if you've found these sets by a Google search looking for ideas for your production, I ask that you Please email me before using anything you see here. -Thanks*

-Mick-

Seeing Red!

2011-11-02T08:25:00.000-05:00

(Myself/Gideon, Joe/Ephraim, Bryson/Daniel, Sheldon/Caleb, Andrew/Benjamin, Spencer/Frank, Lara/Milly.)

As I am running around in total chaos this week, I can say that the 1850's have grown on me. I enjoyed doing the sets of Tom Sawyer earlier this year (set in the 1840's) and with Seven Brides the team has had the opportunity to build and authentic log cabin from the studs up. I thought I could present to you some fun facts about the show! The sets are massive and appealing to the eye as usual, and we're sure to have a hit on our hands!

Fun Facts about the 1954 Technicolor Movie- Courtesy of IMDB.com and my own research.

Bold & italicised- indicates chraracter names.
Many of the actor's singing voices were dubbed in this movie: Matt Mattox's (Caleb Pontipee) singing was dubbed by Bill Lee, Nancy Kilgas's (Alice Elcott) singing was dubbed by Marie Greene, Julie Newmar's
(Dorcas Gailen) singing was dubbed by Betty Allen, two of the brothers had their singing dubbed by Allan Davies and Charlie Parlato, Ruta Lee (Ruth Jebson) had her singing dubbed by Betty Noyes, and Betty Carr (Sarah Kine) had her singing dubbed by Norma Zimmer. Only four of the brothers were dancers. Russ Tamblyn (Gideon Pontipee) was an acrobat, and Jeff Richards (Benjamin Pontipee) was an actor. Benjamin rarely dances in the movie. Jeff Richards (a former professional baseball player) was one of the two "brothers" not chosen for his dancing ability. The other being Howard Keel (Adam Pontipee), who was an actor/singer.

MGM considered Seven Brides for Seven Brothers a "B movie" - they had higher aspirations for the more expensive Brigadoon. For this reason, they slashed the budget on "Seven Brothers", forcing Stanley Donen to use painted backdrops instead of location filming. The only "on location" scene shot in the film is that of the avalanche and was filmed at Corral Creek Canyon, at Sun Valley, Idaho.

The movie premiered at the Radio City Music Hall in New York in a slot that was originally intended for Brigadoon.

The censors weren't too happy about the line in the song "Lonesome Polecat" where the brothers lament "A man can't sleep when he sleeps with sheep". By not showing any sheep in the same shot as the brothers, the film-makers were able to get away with it.

Stanley Donen was producer Jack Cummings' first choice for director from the outset, thanks to his success with On the Town and Singin' in the Rain.

Michael Kidd the films choreographer initially turned down the project. He had just come off a show on Broadway and wanted a rest. He changed his mind immediately after hearing the score.

Rehearsals for the barn-raising sequence took 3 weeks.

The entire movie was shot in only 48 days.

Jacques d'Amboise had to leave before filming was finished because he was still under contract with the New York City Ballet, so someone filled in for him during the last few days. You can see someone else playing Ephraim in the scene where the brothers are pacing downstairs while Milly is giving birth.

For the brides costumes, designer Walter Plunkett went to the Salvation Army, found old quilts and turned them into dresses.

Because there was no way of distinguishing between them and the Town Suitors, MGM decided to make all the Pontipee Brothers red-headed.
The working titles of this film were "Sobbin' Women" and "A Bride for Seven Brothers".

The story of the Sabine women referred to in the film came directly from Plutarch's "Life of Romulus".

MGM had waited five years to acquire the rights to Stephen Vincent Benet's short story, as Broadway producer Joshua Logan had optioned the story as a potential stage musical. (Which later became a stage show)

Director Stanley Donen said that producer Jack Cummings originally planned to use existing American folk songs for the film's musical numbers. After months spent searching in vain for the right music, Donen recalled, the decision was made to commission an original score.
M-G-M did not have high financial expectations for the film, and chose instead to allocate its resources to Rose Marie and Brigadoon - films that never matched this film's commercial and critical success.

Wish us break a leg, and keep you're fingers crossed! We open Saturday Nov 5. at the Wichita Theatre.
If'n some of you'd blogger would like to surprise me by being in our audience you can find out all the info here at the Wichita Theatre's Homepage.

-Mick-

In Search of Pyrex

2011-10-31T08:14:00.000-05:00

Saturday morning Patricia and I headed up to Oklahoma to enjoy a day in the Wichita Mountains and do a little Pyrex hunting in Lawton.

As soon as we got to Medicine Park, we drove up Mount Scott. We hiked for a bit and I took some pictures...

(Patricia)

(It's hard to see, but there were bushels of purple flowers all over!)

(Provably my favorite picture of the day)

After we'd had out fill of 'Climbing over rocky mountian' we headed down to Meers Oklahoma for lunch!

(In all its 3 building glory)

Don't let the size fool you, this is one of the most famous restaurants in Southern Oklahoma.

They have these GIANT "Meers" Burgers, and all kinds of home cooked goodies..

I had a "Seismic Burger" (literally the size of a pie plate), Patricia had a grilled cheese and we shared an order or french fries & fried green tomatoes, my favorite.

(Served with ranch, and good to the very last bite!)

At first Patricia was skeptical about trying a friend green tomato and tried to write the topic off with "I don't like tomatoes" and after a bit of convincing and saying over and over "These aren't your regular red tomatoes, they are green and different!" She took a bite and was hooked, the prices are good and you wont leave hungry!
After lunch we headed back into Lawton to hit the thrift and antique stores and I must say our first few stops were highly disappointing. We used the Google map on my phone to find antique stores, the first two we went to were out of business, the third stop had real antiques and rooms and rooms of ceiling to floor Fenton Glass (Vintage Christine would have been in Heaven!) After striking out thrice, I Googled thrift stores and away we went and it was equally disappointing. THEN I had an epiphany, I called the four other antique stores asking "Hello, do Ya'll (yes I let my Texan slip) have Pyrex?" and after the first three said "why no I don't believe we do" the Last store owner said "Why yes, we have quite a few pieces scattered around the store." THAT'S WHAT I LIKE TO HEAR! We hopped in the car and drove over, and ture to the mans word there was more Pyrex in this one store than in all the other places we went to... and the hunt began.

Patricia found our kill, a 1.5 #3 divided Friendship Casserole with its matching lid for $8.00.

Not a scratch on the bottom part! At the Casablanca we collect Pyrex in the lime green, yellow, turquoise, and pinkish red. (We just finished the round casserole portion of our collection, I need to post that soon.) So this may end up being a Christmas Present for someone and the fire-engine red is, much darker than our other stuff.

It was a fun day trip! Posting might be limited this week. Saturday is thew opening of my show "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" and im scrambling to make the stage look like 1850's Oregon!

Happy Halloween!

-Mick-

"So Happy I Could Dye"

2011-10-28T09:06:00.000-05:00

Well Readers,
As some of you may know, every Wednesday I take my Grandmother Jordan to the Beauty Shop, get lunch with her and then spend the afternoon together.

(Grandma Jordan, waiting on her hamburger!)

Well this Wednesday after a rinse and curl and a burger with fries and a coke at one of our favorite places, I had an annual job to do. Clean out and organize the garage... It sounds more dramatic than it actually is, but my grandmother decorates for every season Spring, Summer, Fall, and especially Winter and she has rubbermaid bucket after rubbermaid bucket full of things shes made or picked up. Every year around this time I have to sweep out the two car garage, go through the buckets sort them by season and stack them properly. I never mind this task, as it is also when I sort the Christmas things out that Grandma lets us use at Thanksmass. Well stuffed in a corner of the garage I found a couple of old chenille bedspreads, most of them were in pretty bad shape, been munched on by mice, or worse... however there was one that only had a few minor holes and stains...

Grandma said if it made it through the wash I could have it haha. The stains didn't come out liked I hoped they would, so I think I may dye it another color. Usually im not a fan of chenille, but this one doesn't have fringe and I think will fit perfect on the Click Clack couch in the Turquoise room and make it look more bed like, when we have longer staying guests with us.

It has a nice flowery pattern on it, but im stumped as to what color I should dye it. Yellow maybe? Green or Blue???

Have any of you out there ever dyed a chenille bedspread and had luck?

Weigh in on what color you think would be best!

-Mick-

Score!

2011-10-26T08:50:00.000-05:00

Picked this aluminum "warmer" up at my favorite thrift for just under $7.00! My mother has one just like it a friend gave here, and i've always wanted one for the Casablanca! Aside from its super cool looking and has "Made in Italy" stamped on the bottom that's all I know.

Happy Wednesday

-Mick-

The Casablanca Costume Ball

2011-10-24T08:47:00.000-05:00

("It's Zombie Prom, here at Mick's")

Well readers it was one HECK of a party! The annual Costume Ball at the Casablanca has become one of our members favorite parties. and others talk of it as a thing of legend. This years theme was ZoMbIe PrOm 1957 so naturally we had all kinds of Zombies...

(Zombie Prom guest-Friend Dillon)

(50's Zombie House Wife- Caitlin)

(Brittani as Carrie White & Jordan as Luna Lovegood)

(Friend Katie- A Ballet Zombie!)

(Friend Heaven as a festive Zombie!)

Zombie Killers,

(Friends Sheldon & Bryson as Tallahassee & Columbus from "Zombie Land")

(Friend Matt slaying Zombified Friend Jarrod!)

(Friends Spencer & Lara as Bill & Zoe from "Left for Dead")

(Andrew as a Redneck/Zombie Killer)

(Friends Jay-Pat & Kaeli as Dexter and a Victim)

With just as many regular costumed folk, 30 people in all!

(Friend Joe as Quail Man! From the TV show "Doug")

(Friends Holly & Amy as German Maids!)

(Friends Emily as a Classy Cat, Pat as a Pan Am Stewardess, & Jenny as a Mermaid)

(Friend Russ as Will Riker from Star Trek)

(Cameron as Captain America & Sarah as Bat Girl

(Friends Francis and Olivia as JFK and Marilyn Monroe)

The Party was a smashing success breaking all attendance records for the year and a good time was had by all! Everyone brought something to either throw in the coke box or to snack on one of my many projects was the punch bowls!

(Whats a ZoMbIe PrOm with out a little Nuclear Waste and Jello brains?!)

Everyone was having a grand time, posing for pictures, dancing the Timewarp and having general conversation! Everyone brought something to either put in the Coke Box or add to the Buffet of treats. Once the Sun settled in the West our Zombie Prom really got going...

Our two Feature Presentations at the Flamingo Drive-In-

(John Dempsey's Zombie Prom)

Followed By-

(Hello Mary Lou, Prom Night II)

What made these two movies perfect features is the fact that both of them have "back stories" set in 1957! (For those of you who don't know "Our Year" at the Casablanca this year is 1957) How could I not make use of that! After the second feature, with the help of Friend Bryson I pulled a little Halloween trick on the party guests. In the movie "Hello Mary Lou, Prom Night II) of course they play Ricky Nelsons hit recording of "Hello Mary Lou, Goodbye Heart" every time something bad is about to happen. Well when the credits of the movie had finished, friend Bryson turned the sound off on the projector, and I put my 45' of "Hello Mary Lou" on the record player and turned it all the way up. It took a few seconds for the guests to realize what they were hearing, but needless to say the reaction was Priceless.

With the movies squared out of the way, It was time for the highly anticipated secret ballet vote Costume Contest, along with the Crowning of our 1957 Zombie Prom King & Queen! it was so hard to choose with so many great costumes!

(Our Winners!)

Left to Right,

Our 1957 Zombie Prom King & Queen, Francis & Olivia as - "JFK & Marilyn Monroe".

3rd place costume contest- Kaeli & Jay as - "Dexter and Victim".
2nd place costume contest- Joe as - "Quail Man".
1st place costume contest- Russ as- "Will Riker of Star Trek"

BUT WAIT?! WHATS THIS!
HOLY LATE ARRIVAL BATMAN!

(Friends Bryson and Sheldon (after a mid party costume change) as Robin and Batman!)

If only they had revealed themselves about 10 minuets EARLIER! they provably would have won the Costume Contest! The three of us have been working on these costumes for almost two months now, but oh well maybe next year, they still looked really cool and surprised everyone!

After all the excitment we had ourselves a little midnight snack...

(BRAAAAAAIIIIINS)

(Friends Andrew, Austin, Jarrod, & Heaven)

Yet another fabulous, record breaking party that will go down in the history books of the Casablanca! What a way to end out the 2011 Casablanca Social Season, and what high expectations everyone (including myself) has for 2012!

(It's enough to drive you crazy)

Now just because the Social Season has come to an end doesn't mean were done, stay tuned faithful readers.

-Mick-

Spooky, Spooky, Spooky!

2011-10-19T07:50:00.003-05:00

It's almost that Bewitching time of year at the Casablanca Readers, Its almost time for the Costume Ball!

(Real plaque from a now defunct Fall Out Shelter)

Well Readers as you know every year we pick a special theme to base the party around and this years is...

Zombie Prom 1957

Our theme is based off of a Musical by the same name, in 2007 a short film was made out of the Musical-

Here is Part one, you can find/watch the film in its 30 minuet entirety complete on Youtube. It's a really fun show. Set in an all American High School in 1957 (our year at the Casablanca) the story revolves around high strung (typical) Teenage love and Nuclear Disaster. The story is not scary in the slightest but a wonderful mash up of "Grease and Night of the Living Dead" and (lots of C.H.&R. members as well as myself hope to be in an upcoming production of it in 2012!)

* * *

Saturday friend Emily, Patricia and myself headed out to the Casablanca to decorate and set up for this Fridays soiree.

(Friend Emily on Spiderwebs)

I was hard at work on a "retro prom banner" for the party

Patricia got busy mixing in the Sandalwood Pyrex...

Creating a Nuclear Breakfast treat, for the guests who will be spending Friday night with us!

The decorations are looking swell, things are going from Black & White to Atomic Green. We have special Prize Halloween Flamingos for the Costume Contest, and at some point in the evening we will crown a Zombie Prom King & Queen!

Tune in next week to see how the 1957 Prom Night unfurls!

-Mick-

Bowie Fleamarket SCORE!

2011-10-12T08:35:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday, Girlfriend Patricia kidnapped me and whisked me away to the Bowie flea market and then to Denton. The Pyrex Gods smiled on us and I picked up three (444- 442) of the "Sandalwood" patterned Cinderella bowls for $25.

At the same booth I picked up this 1958 "Rooster Black" promotional piece with its gold plate carrier for $16 and although I spent $41 when you think about it each piece was $10.25 and I consider that a deal. At the first booth we went to was way at the back and we cleaned up! I got the set of ceramic drama face masks for $1.

This cool turquoise and gold Carafe for $0.50, I do believe we'll keep lemonade in it!

We picked up this set of skillets, I bought them for the little interchangeable metal handle (to go on my set) and Patricia wanted the pretty skillets and fro $5 for the set we both go what we wanted! After bowie we headed down to Denton to see what it had to offer, and ended up finding the matching 441 Sandalwood Cinderella bowl for $8 normally I would have waited and tried to find the bowl cheaper, but I mean it was right there in front of me... So I purchased it an finished the set!

I also spotted a special piece at an antique store that I'm going to try and send money with Patricia next week to snag... and the location and piece is Top Secret until then!

Happy Wednesday!

-Mick-

The Chronicles of Narnia

2011-10-10T09:05:00.001-05:00

(The Land of Narnia)

(One Last look at the Kings Study)

This show is one of those that kept us painting and fixing right down to the show date! This one took MASSIVE amounts a stage painting, (lots of 2 - 3 A.M. nights!) but the end result of the teams work is just marvelous! Having done this show at the theatre before, we set out to "out do" the last time and I really think we did. We had the collaborations of my ideas along with those of three different directors, most of the bone structure of the sets goes to the talents of Joe (co-captian of the set dressing team) and Bryson (the Set teams master carpenter) as always most the finished Stylized product was my doing with lots and lots of help to get it finished. With a HUGE and special thanks to friend Utah who designed, built and painted the witches sleigh!

My projects included,

Mr. Tumnus' cave

The White Witches Castle

The Lamp Post

Sounds easy, right...

"The Chronicles of Narnia- The Lion, The Witch, & Wardrobe"
The story begins in 1940 during World War II, when four siblings--Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie--are evacuated from London to escape the Air Raid Blitz. They are sent to live with their Uncle Digory, who lives in a country house in the English countryside.

( The Set of Marbleton Manor)

While the four children are exploring the house, Lucy looks into a wardrobe and discovers a portal to a magical world named Narnia. There she meets a faun named Tumnus.

There she meets a faun named Tumnus, He invites her to tea in his home.

(Set of Tumnus cave, design collaboration of Joe Reed and Myself.)

There he confesses he planned to report her to the tyrannical White Witch.

(Sleigh by Utah)

Her spiteful older brother Edmund enters the wardrobe and meets the White Witch, who befriends him and offers him magical Turkish delight that enchants him.
Eventually all four of the children enter Narnia together while hiding in the wardrobe. Edmund sneaks away to the White Witch. Her castle is filled with stone statues--enemies she has petrified.

(Witches Ice Castle/ Courtyard designed by Myself.)

(With Petrified residents of Narnia)

The children and their new found guides the Beavers meet with Aslan and his army. Peter engages in his first battle, killing a wolf who threatens Susan.

The White Witch approaches according to "deep magic from the dawn of time" she has the right to execute Edmund as a traitor. Aslan speaks with her privately and persuades her to renounce her claim on Edmund's life. Aslan has bargained to exchange his own life for Edmund's. The Witch ties Aslan to the Stone Table and then kills him with a knife.

(The Sacrificial Stone Table)

The following morning Aslan is restored to life. Unknown to the witch, "deeper magic from before the dawn of time" allows someone who willingly dies in the place of another to return to life.

There he breathes upon the statues, restoring them to life. Peter and Edmund lead the Narnian army in a battle against the White Witch's army, The Narnians rout the evil army, and Aslan kills the Witch.

The children are named kings and queens of Narnia. Several years later, now adults, the siblings go hunting for a lucky White Stag. On their search they rediscover the lamppost, branches become coats. The siblings are back in the wardrobe and are children again. They reenter the Professor's house where only fifteen minuets of time has passed.

As stressful as this show has been to get up, its entrancing to watch! I wish the plot wasnt as long as your arm and I could post more before and after pictures! As Always I owe a huge thanks to scads of people who came and helped paint, cut things out, listen to me complain, and kept us going to reach the finished goal.

Chalk another one up to Success!

-Mick-

To The Ladies Who Lunch!

2011-10-03T08:57:00.000-05:00

Not much going on this weekend, things at the theater are CRAZY as we get ready for a new show to go up this Saturday. Friend Bryson and I headed out to the Casablanca Saturday evening after a long work call on the sets. Sunday we had a Birthday lunch for Friend Holly!

(Friends Chloe, Amy, Holly, and Patricia)

Serving up Parmesan Chicken...

With sides of fruit, hash brown casserole, chocolate strawberries, apple crisp and for dessert a special monkey bread for Holly's Birthday!!

Just as we were cutting into the bread friend Utah arrived just in time to grab a bite to eat and join is some card games.

(Friend Utah)

After we cleared the dishes, we played a few rounds of "Spoons" and chatted the afternoon away!

Just a peaceful Sunday Afternoon here at Mick's

-Mick-

Another Show!

2011-09-30T08:44:00.001-05:00

Guess who just landed the part of Gideon Pontipee! The youngest and shortest redhead of the Seven Pontipee Brothers.

This show is going to be a HOOT!

-Mick-

Pyrex (1) Hipsters (0)

2011-09-28T08:07:00.001-05:00

On our Denton trip I picked up a few pieces of Pyrex. I was so disappointed at some of the antique stores we went in, they were those places that have all kinds of everything, and nothing at the same time. Patricia had scouted out the "Desert Dawn" 8 inch round a few weeks ago.

At first I passed on it as it had a $15 price tag, but after all our shopping I decided to give it another try. I went in and as I was checking out the lady said "OH I love this stuff!" and I said "Really? Whats your favorite piece?" and she said "I just love my two-quart casseroles" and I said "I love my 404's and cake pans!" and she paused a minuet and said - "Tell ya what, your a good kid, I can tell- you can have it for $10." SOLD!

* * *

During our walk around the square, we stopped into a "Hipster" run antique store, (and you know my encounters/ feelings for hipsters) After searching and searching, it looked like the oldest thing in the shop was from 1989. Then in the back of the store about 10 feet from where I was standing, My Pyrex senses started tingling.

I saw the very top of this Butterprint Cinderella its a (number) I dug it out from where it was and saw it had no price tag. CRAP I thought, these hipsters (whom I loathe the idea of) are going to take me to the bank on this... So I go up to the counter and the girl behind the register puts down her mandolin and cat and says "Can I help you?" I said "yes, could you tell me how much this bowl is?" *she looks it over* "Wow this old, like REALLY old I don't think I've ever seen one like this before... *Aw Crap, I think* she then says "Well its really grungy, and I don't think thats coming off... how about $10?" SOLD!

Well when I got home that night, I let it soak in hot bubbly water and used one of those magic cleaning eraser sponges and it cleaned right up and looks brand new!

We couldn't help but smile, we got a $35 bowl for $10 because of that girls unwillingness to give it a good scrub!

I think we're going to keep Oranges in it... take THAT Hipsters!

-Mick-

SUPRISE Weekend In Denton!

2011-09-26T08:09:00.000-05:00

Well Readers,
Saturday was Patricia's Birthday, and she had to stay down at school and was sad. Well for about a month now friends Jenny, Emily and myself have been planning a surprise trip to see her on her Birthday!

(Friend Emily waiting outside of Patricia's dorm to Surprise her with me!)

I wish I could have filmed when Patricia came out of the door! She was so happy to see us, and we'd all kept our visit a secret so she was TOTALLY surprised! After we pried her from our necks, we whisked her away to the Denton Square for some antique/thrift shopping.

(Friends Emily, Patricia, & Jenny!)

Denton is a College town, and the square has lots of neat little shops and antique places, we wandered them all! Stopping for a picture here and there...

It was lots of fun and we picked up some Pyrex! (That I will share Wednesday) After our walk we asked Pat where she wanted to go for her Birthday dinner, and she said Hooters... So we picked up friend Logan from T.W.U. and headed out to eat!

(Logan & Emily)

(Me & Pat)

(Emily & Jenny fighting about their hooters in Hooters...)

After dinner we all headed back to Patricia's dorm to watch a movie, we picked "Drop Dead Gorgeous" and that set us up for the rest of the evenings events. If your familiar with the movie, you will know its a Mock-umentary set in a small town in Minnesota, it has a great cast of stars, and they all speak with heavy Midwest accents. Well after watching the movie, WE all started talking with heavy Midwest accents and decided to hit the Denton Square again!

(The Court house in the Square all lit up around 8:00 P.M.)

We first went to "Denton Square Donuts"

(Us making squares)

These donuts are like no other! They are square and you can get anything on them from plain chocolate frosting, to fruit loops, to bacon! we ordered in our accents and then the games began, lucky for us "Church Basement Ladies" was set in Minnesota so we answered every question they through out like natives!

("DONTCHA KNOW!)

A quick walk around the Square then we stopped for old fashioned ice cream.

( Happy Birthday Patricia )

It was at the Ice cream parlor that a group of people heard us talking in out thick accents and asked "Are you guys from Minnesota?" to which we all replied (even thicker) "Oh Yah, GO BADGERS!!!" and they totally bought the act and thought we were serious! Having enjoyed our frozen treats, friend Logan suggested we go over to the Texas Women's University campus and he could give us a late night ghost tour! (He is part of the historical society at the university) So away we went...

He took us all over campus showing us all kinds of sights and telling us all kinds of tales.

(Tour Guide Logan)

This building particularly sent chills up my spine, when it was being constructed in 1934 one of the workers died on site. Rather than file and accidental death report and holding up construction, the Foreman filed a Missing Persons report and hid the mans remains IN THE PILLARS OF THE COLONNADE. Logan is leaning against the pillar that structural X-rays taken in 2007 revealed a Femur and full left arm/hand from the elbow down. There are four 20 foot pillars on the colonnade... all of which have, shall we say - spare parts in them.

Spooky, spooky, spooky after our tour we stayed a little while longer with Logan and then finally had to call it a night as Emily and myself had to make the hour and a half drive back to Wichita Falls. It was a wonderful and Patricia was so happy we all came to see her! I owe a HUGE thanks to Friends Jenny and Emily for helping me pull the surprise off, I don't think we could have possibly done it any better!

-Mick-

Cooking Up Fun!

2011-09-23T08:35:00.000-05:00

(Friends Lara, Spencer & Patricia over for Sunday Lunch!)

Well Readers,

I'm currently stuck in that dreadful time between shows where one show is closing (killing your weekend as you have to be there to store props) and not quite ready to begin work on the next set... It also keeps me away from my beloved Casablanca... So here are some photo's of the food I've been cooking up in the Kitchen.

I put together an old recipe of my Great Grandmother Jordan's for (what we call now) Monkey Bread , I was worried for a while because I didnt know if i was following the instructions correctly but it turned out great!

I hate to show you the product with out lending the recipe, but that brings me to something the members of the Casablanca have been thinking about. We've been thinking about putting together a cook book of "Kitchen Favorites" straight from the Casablanca, everything of course being cooked, tested, and rated by our members for the official stamp of approval.

I know in this day and age of "Google" you can pretty much get any recipes for you name it, but this book would be a little more personal and FULL of good food (lots of what you see in our pictures!) All of the entries being easy, good home cooking featuring (my personal favorites) Put it in the oven and walk away meals. At this time we have no idea how much it would cost to get everything made up and printed, but would any of you out there in Blog land be interested in purchasing a copy of the final product?

Like I said, we are just toying with the idea and gathering this and that, but feedback is nice!

So, what are your thoughts?!

-Mick-

WHAT THE MAD MEN?!

2011-09-21T07:27:00.000-05:00

Okay so I know I'm a little late to this party, but Patricia has gotten almost all the Casablanca members hooked on Mad Men! She's been watching the season via Netflix and I've been buying the DVD's. Well a few night ago Patricia sent me a picture from the set of Joan's apartment asking "Don't we have that?"

"Have what?" I texed back... Then I saw it!

I proceeded to hop around with glee, as we don in fact have the very same Atomic TV Antenna!

I purchased this antenna for $12 in at my favorite Junk store in Kansas, BEFORE it (and Mad Men) ever made a debut on AMC! My Mother made such a big deal out of my paying twelve WHOLE dollars for it at the time, but seeing as they are going from anywhere of $19 - $200 on the big auction site, I ~~think~~, know I got mine for a steal!

Don't cha just love it when that happens?!

-Mick

The King & I

2011-09-19T08:18:00.002-05:00

To say this show didn't sneak up and catch me off guard would be a falsehood...

(The King of Siam's study, circa 1863)

The Kings study is a massive 2 story set that about 98% of the show takes place in, the Golden guilt door is the highlight (on loan and costing $1,600), as are the windows that have lights behind them that change colors, friend Joe found the gong and built the stand.The chest you see in the left of the picture I made from two other pieces of furniture and the Scenic Artist Chris painted.

It took massive amounts of work from everyone to get this set done, it took the collaboration of Mr. Jackson, Mr. Sanders, and Myself to arrive at the finished product. For this show I mostly did props and paint effects, one of the many things I pulled out of storage was this trunk.

I pulled this trunk out of a dumpster during the lake Diversions "Clean up days" is was in really bad shape, so I fixed it up and painted it black. Later the neighbor lady comes over (I thought to ask for it back) and tells me that her husbands Great Great grandparents brought this trunk over to America with them when they came in 1850!

(Hannah & Chelsey)

Because the stage is black, I repainted the trunk with a period color scheme and it looks great!

(Friend Peyton helping out)

For the side stages of the "Palace" I used a marbling paint effect with a white base coat, gold veining and soft pink undertones. It took a few tries but the finished result looks like marble from the audience.

On either side of the steps in the Kings study we placed these cast iron urns with simulated flames in them, Joe Painted them to match the colors of the painted carvings on the Door piece.

(Looks like a real flame doesn't it!)

The most tedious part of the props in this show, was getting everything perfect for the "Small House of Uncle Thomas" Ballet I wish I could record it and show it... but ours is pretty close to this one here in the one the 1956 movie -

One of the best props I made for this scene was the Sun that I cut out of wood.

We also have a real Victorian doll we use as the baby "George" that I will have to add a picture of later.
I made period looking parchment paper by tea staining regular printer paper...

I can honestly say for the last month everyone at the theatre has been working night and day to make sure this show lived up to its elaborate roots. The costume dept resembled a sweat shop, but they came in on time and everything looks beautiful.

("Getting to know you, getting to know all about you")

I love how imperial and ancient the Study turned out, we used all kinds of lighting and paint and special effects to make it appear as another way of life in another time. The local paper just raved about the whole production having this to say about the sets-

"The grandeur, the glittery dance numbers, the smoke and mirrors? The historic theater loves the showmanship, and so Rodgers and Hammerstein's indelible classic, "The King and I," which opened Thursday night, is a perfect fit..."

"The musical gets its due, thanks to an incredible set designed by Mickey Jordan: a towering, gilded, elaborately carved doorway draped on one side with lush fabrics that sets the stage..."

"In Act 2, when Tuptim presents a play, her version of Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin."It is the most artistic scene in the musical, complete with involved ballet choreography by Stephanie Sanders, along with masks, fabrics meant to represent waves, and snowflakes tied to the end of sticks to represent snow."

"Enchanting."

There is no way I can take all the credit for the set, I didn't design all of this one, I just set dressed and did the props but everyones efforts came together beautifully! This is the Wichita Theatre's first production of "The King & I" and with kind words like that, its enough to make you want to dance!

Undoubtedly my favorite scene in the stage play or movie - (I'm a sucker for dancing) Chalk another Production to success!

I have yet to get a picture of the Set team, but I owe a HUGE thanks to My Co-Captians Joe and Mary, along with Terrace, Katie, Ryan, Lynn, Bryson, Chris and everyone else who came up and helped get this beast finished! These projects always seem so much easier than they are when I type them up for the blog!

*As Always if you've found these sets by a Google search looking for ideas for your production, I ask that you Please email me before using anything you see here. -Thanks*

-Mick-

Business As Usual...

2011-09-16T08:34:00.001-05:00

(Friends Mary & Terrace. Photo courtesy of friend Lynn Marshall.)

-Mick-

Drop Me A Card!

2011-09-14T08:03:00.001-05:00

Well Readers,

This weekend while clearing out and making room for the cabinet I decided to go through all our old postcards (as the bowl was overflowing) I decided to keep some of the neat old ones and the ones from all our friends addressed "Care of the Casablanca". While sorting through them I discovered this postcard in the stack in the bowl at the Casablanca. It was sent by a friend to my Great Great Grandmother Mangrum.

"-This was the ship I come over on, sure was nice and big Nancy & Al met me in Harbor France, I am going to Holland May 3, Love McKinnins."

April 10 1956 -

"Here I am in Germany a long ways from Kemp Blvd! I had a wonderful trip slept good every night. this is alright to visit Germany is clean, very few of the people speak English. It snowed Sunday we went to church and drove around in the afternoon There is so much to see, most of the people walk old women a cane, all have a bag or satchel they don't put anything in sacks, the stores are small. Write me a line all are fine."

* * *

I have always loved things from old luxury liners, if you'll remember I even had Parties for some of them. When I read on the postcard that the ship was the S.S. United States I got REALLY excited because i could have sworn that was the ship Lucy and Ricky Ricardo sail to Europe on in 1956...

(The Ship the Ricardos sailed on was the S.S. Constitution - Rats!)
* * *

So I did a little history on the S.S. United States-

Turns out the S.S. United States designed by William Francis Gibbs was the fastest ship of her time, in 1952, on her maiden voyage (July 4th 1952) as the new flagship of the United States Lines, the United States captured the Blue Riband with the fastest eastbound and westbound transatlantic crossings on record. The entry of the United States marked the first time a U.S.-flagged ship held the Blue Riband, surpassing European speed records.

(Click to enlarge pictures)

The interior of the ship was of the finest ever presented on an American Line, truly the flag ship of the United States.

It was The way to go to Europe form America, so many famous names and faces made her passenger list over the years - John Wayne, Judy Garland, Marlon Brando, Walt Disney, Jackie Gleason, Harry Trueman, Bob Hope just to name a few!

* * *

But just like most of the grand dames of yesteryear, The S.S. United States was dry docked in Philadelphia in 1996, in 2007 there was rumor of the ship being sold for scrap. By 2010 there was a group formed to save, revivie, and preserve this piece of American history as a hotel. As of Aug 5 2011 plans were still alive and provable for the ship.

Its so cool that I've been passed down this postcard and little piece of history! The other fascinating thing I realized while wrapping up this post is the date, April 10th 1956 - just under three months before the sinking of the Italian ship Andrea Doria, on July 25th 1956 and the overall decline of the "Trans-Atlantic Luxury Liner age".

-Mick-

The Hutch-

2011-09-12T07:32:00.001-05:00

Well readers, I'm sure all of you have had that "Oh I don't really need it, but it would be perfect anyways, OH WHAT THE HECK why not, I'll never find one as good as this again..." moment - well it happened to me this week. I am currently up to my ears in prep work for the upcoming production of "King & I" at the theater, and we have on loan this beautiful caved door piece from the antique store across the street -

(Actual retail price... $1,600.00, that's why its on loan)

The store is know as "Alley Cat" and its got a mix of vintage things/ books/ homemade/ hand sewn/ shabby chic and has great prices! I mean how can you resist a store that has this sign outside?!

(Vintage-O-Rama!)

Well , It all started last Tuesday when I went over to get a good look at the door, I was in a rush and just caught a glimpse of the China Cabinet (in the first picture) in passing. Well the more I thought about it, the more perfect it seemed like it would be for the Casablanca, So Thursday I went in and asked about it, got it for a song, and put money down! Friday I paid the rest of the bill off and Saturday friend Bryson helped me load it up in the truck and take it to the lake! The only sad part of this story is that in order to make room for the cabinet I had to bring the White radio in the kitchen home. Sounds silly I know, but that radio was the very first thing I took out to the Casablanca from town.

At first I was kind of worried, because I discovered when I got to the lake that the bottom part of the cabinet was three inches wider that the radio had been and might make things cramped, but it all fits perfectly!

The top part of the cabinet is now the new home for most of my Pyrex, on the water stained counter top of the buffet the people at Alley Cat painted it a forest green and added these painted leafs on either side-

The bottom (buffet) part of the Cabinet has two drawers and a two shelf chest underneath.

One of the little details on this piece is the two upper cabinet doors and the two doors on bottom all have a key hole (for a key that has been long lost)

I'm going to try and find a key as all the locks are still intact, but if not I think I will take the locks off the back side, leave the key hole front and add glass pulls to the doors.

I think its perfect, the size is just right and the color of the carved wood is nice. I also like how it kind of brought the "1940's feel" back into the kitchen, with the white appliances and chrome table it was starting to get a little to 50's for its 1943 roots.

Picture Perfect in every way.

-Mick-

The Diversion Labor Day!

2011-09-07T08:21:00.000-05:00

Hello Readers!

Lots of things were going on this weekend as we try to catch the very last days of summer. For one, Patricia and I celebrated our one year dating anniversary on Saturday!

(I surprised her with Pink Butterprint and Gooseberry Pyrex!)

With the Pink Pyrex needless to say, she was smitten. Saturday afternoon was the 3rd annual Fish fry at the lake, the Casablanca guests made a plate of cookies and went over to eat. After tht more guest started showing up for the nights festivities...

(Friends Caitlin, Dillon, Patricia, Jenny, Wes, Andrew, & Cameron)

This picture is important as it is the FIRST TIME in Casablanca history where the Guy's out numbered the girls! While we waited on the few stragglers the rest of us got busy making dinner. We adopted two motto's this weekend "If we have it... what the hell, Lets USE it!" "AND It's better in Pyrex."

We baked Devils food cake in Pyrex, then we used the fridgies....

(Chicken for the Chicken & Dumplings)

(Home made trail mix in Butterprint!)

With our motto's for the weekend, instead of pulling out another pot to cook in we used the stoves special "sunk-in pot". This is the second time I've used it since we got the stove... I have no idea why, I guess I thought it too special care or something and then I realized Saturday its just an aluminum pot...

We listened to records and danced while we waited on the food to cook.

(The Twist!)

Then finally we sat down to dinner!

I never get pictures of the food before its gone, but we had Chicken & Dumplings with Green Bean Casserole and that Devils food cake for dessert! Right after dinner friend Cameron and I had to run back into town to ~~rescue~~ retrieve all of my Pyrex since the show closed that night. When we arrived back at the C.H.&R the Party was in full swing, a movie on the Drive -In and everyone having a good time-here at Mick's

Like most of our parties this one went until the wee hours of the night, and down in the history books!

-Mick-

Wish You Were Here!

2011-09-02T07:16:00.000-05:00

Happy Labor Day weekend everyone!

-Mick-

On Stage!

2011-08-31T08:21:00.000-05:00

Amongst all the props and knick-knacks another very special thing (that I forgot to share) on stage for this production is the Aprons made by Miss Kelcie from the kitchen of the Casablanca!

-Mick-

Church Basment Ladies

2011-08-26T07:38:00.006-05:00

"Your closer to Heaven in the Church Basement-"

Well Readers, I've been at it again...

Church Basement Ladies is a show set in 1964- 1967 about four Lutheran women and pastor in their sacred Church Kitchen. What I have loved about the set of this show is that I had the responsibility of creating a pre- 1965 Kitchen and all the little details to go with it!

My Projects included -

Finding a Vintage stove

Finding a vintage fridge

Finding a Vintage deep freeze

designing a 1950's "dated" kitchen from the studs up

gathering scads of things to put in said kitchen!

(A hot mess, I know, but in a weeks time...)

(A welcoming collective kitchen)

This is a little known show, but usually ends up being a hit wherever its put on, I am very proud to say that our production is the FIRST EVER to sport two tone pink and gray walls with an off white wainscoting, along with this particular floor layout. I love the way the colors turned out all soft pastels really warm the set up and make it feel more like Grandma's kitchen rather than a set. Other productions have the kitchen in pastel blue, green, or yellow but ours is the very first to claim the color pink and make it work! I could go on and on about the things I found and used on set, but I feel this pictures say it all, click on them to make them larger and look closer!

(Stage Right )

I love about this set was the challenge it posed in finding all vintage appliances. I posted about scoring the 1946 stove for $25.00, The 1954 fridge came in the same week as a Craigslist find for $135 and a trip to Bowie TX.

I have ~~been up to my elbows in~~ scrubbed 70+ year grime off almost everything that's on set, and painted to look like new just about anything that would stand still long enough.

In the show there has to be a chest deep freezer, (the actors hide in said freezer during the show) I protested that "If all the other appliances are going to have these great 1950's curves then the freezer should too. Well finding a vintage freezer was a little harder than I thought, but finally friend Sheldon saved the day when he discovered this 1942 model where he worked!

It too was well loved, but as you can see in the picture it cleaned up nice with a fresh coat of paint!

(Stage left)

The more authentic the applainces were, the more the kitchen really became a kitchen and not just a set!

(The Kitchen island slightly Off Center Stage)

I adore every detail of this set, I was working with Directors Spencer and Lara (who was the Director for Suessical ) I had begged them to do a period show with me and this one was a dandy! One of my favorite (and many) details on the set is the all star cast of Pyrex that is on loan from the Casablanca.

Sporting 25 pieces on set, we have Pyrex for EVERY season of the show from turquoise and whites for Winter, soft pastels for Spring, and bright colorful pieces for Summer! I must confess that I have threatened the cast within inches of their lives if they break my Pyrex and thus far we've had no problems and it looks GREAT onstage!

(This corner is my favorite, I love the ivy plates on the pink wall)

So many things in this kitchen are on loan from the Casablanca and my collection of props, Pyrex, aprons, step stool chairs, you name it! But every piece just makes this set, before the show ever opened or had everything on the walls people were already telling me how much they loved the detail and thought that goes into not only this shows sets but all of my work.

When you mix in the excellent actors, wonderful costumes and lights its just like going back into 1964, and that gives me the feeling of accomplishment.

(The Set Team/ Cast/ Crew Heather, Abbie, Spencer, Lara, Bryson, Sheldon, Holly, Katie, Myself & Cindy)

Of course the finished product wont not have been possible with out the team! I also owe a HUGE thanks to Larry and Bryson for working down to the wire and hanging doors and putting up the wainscot for me to paint! Chalk another show up to success, now we just wait for the review!

-Mick-

IM FAMOUS!

2011-08-24T07:27:00.000-05:00

Well Readers,
I present to you a commercial that I starred in as "Agent Action" for Action Real Estate in Wichita Falls, Hope you enjoy!

Friend Cameron (a Casablanca regular) wrote the story plot and Friend Utah (brand new member to the CH&R) filmed it, and also stars as the "Boss voice in the chair"! Friend Andrew (also a Casablanca member) plays the "Evil Realtor" that gets tackled! This is a legit commercial that will be shown on Local TV for the next year! It wasn't a paying job, BUT the near future perks are pretty great, It all seems to make the "almost heat-stroke" from running in a black suit on a 107 degree day worth it, haha!

-Mick-

Summers End 1957/2011

2011-08-22T07:20:00.001-05:00

Well Readers,
This weekend marked the end of the summer portion of the Casablanca "social season", so in the grand tradition of summers end we set up a table out in the backyard hauled all the good dishes, glasses, and cutlery out and had a leisurely Summers End Dinner! Our group of Casablanca members is growing in fact doubling this year! last year we had six turn out for the event and this year twelve of our closest friends gathered at the Casablanca to celebrate summers end.

(Our Casablanca year, 1957)

We finally got the new Air Conditioner installed Saturday morning with a lot of help from my Dad. The hardest part was cutting the window size bigger to fit the new AC in the old ones place...

But after about two hours it was in an blowing like a champ! This new 15,100 BTU cooled the bedroom in five minuets and had the kitchen cooled in eight. No sooner was the unit in guest started arriving, Miss Kelcie back from her London excursion..

(Kelcie & Emily)

Not to long after that more guest came flowing through the door, all of them agreeing the new air conditioner was wonderful, and made the early arrival time for a 7:30P.M. dinner much better.

(Friends Joe, Willa, Kelcie, Patricia & Jenny!)

By 5:30 we had a house full!

(Friends Jenny, Willa, Myself, Emily, Kaeli, Chloe, Lara &Kelcie)

Everyone had brought something to throw on the table, I made a meatloaf and a casserole, friend Chloe made this delicious strawberry with alvacado salad, Joe cooked seasoned fish, friends Spencer and Lara made a cobbler and friend Jenny brought mac & cheese. Throw it on the table and voila!

(Emily, Chloe, Joe & a fantastic meal)

Everything we made, we put into Pyrex using all my summery Primary bowls, and a loaf pan here and there!

Needless to say the food went fast...

We ate at a leisurely pace as the sun went down enjoying the last rays of summer while listening to rumba records, and just a little bit of Dean Martin.

(A Perfect end to summer...)

-Mick-

Oh Boy...

2011-08-17T07:22:00.000-05:00

"This is gonna make one heck of a blog post...."

Well readers, If you will recall last weekend during the Guys Weekend the one and only air conditioner at the Casablanca gave out. (If there's anything I HATE its shopping for new appliances.) So I did my research on Sunday and found a pretty good deal at Lowes hardware. I also discovered the old air conditioner had been a wimpy 3,000 BTU's and that was BARELY enough to cool the 120 square foot room, so we go to Lowes...

Monday there was not a person in the store, after 45 minuets of walking around trying to find a store associate to help us we gave up. We did however find out you can order 4x4 tile in mint green, pink, and turquoise! That night I wrote down everything from Lowes online and put on my battle face for round two on Tuesday, we walk in and where there had been nothign the day prior was a stack of the very AC's we were looking for!

Well this new frigidare model we (hope) will do the trick, see instead of getting another wimpy 3,000 BTU model or even upgrading to 8,000 to cover 250 square feet. We decided to get a BIG AC in hopes of cooling both the bedroom and kitchen, we went with a 15,100 BTU that is supposed to cool 900 square feet which means we should be able to hang meat in out 340 square foot two rooms!

* * *

Well as you can see from the header picture, I was in such a rush to seal the deal on a new AC that it never even dawned on Patricia or myself that this massive new AC might not fit in the trunk...lets look!

Nope... definitely not fitting... so cue in friend Willa and her truck. She came to Lowes and we loaded the monster into the back of her truck and away we drove to the Casablanca FINALLY reaching our destination!

We tucked the AC away in the bedroom and With any luck we'll get it installed Friday just in time for the Summers End Postcard Dinner!

A Big thanks to friend Willa for helping us move the monster!

-Mick-

Guys Weekend

2011-08-14T19:07:00.009-05:00

(Utah, Jarrod, & Cameron)

With Harispray over and done with, and a few weeks before the next show, a few of us guys headed out to the Casablanca for the weekend. Friday night Utah cooked his nearly world famous Cajun shrimp, boasting "If the spice don't give you a heart attack, the butter will!" right after dinner we had three small rain storms and it cooled the weather off considerably, which was a GOD SEND as the air conditioner in the bedroom has cooled its last. Its the first time since March that we've been able to sleep comfortably with the windows open.

("IT'S 11:30, GET UP OR I'M TAKING YOUR PICTURE...")

(Jarrod cooking!)

Saturday morning we feasted on homemade sausage biscuits...

(Mmmm mmm good!)

Friend Utah poked fun at us for cooking which prompted me to say "Just because your a college guy, is no excuse to not know how to cook and/or starve to death..." and we ate up everything before I ever thought about taking an after picture, it was good!

("I will go to my grave telling people this game was "poker"...)

Later that afternoon friend Jarrod had to head back into town and but we were joined by friend Joe for dinner.

After a meatloaf dinner we all settled out in the Drive-In to watch Back to the Future, however about 20 minuets into the movie we were visited by a skunk who has apparently set up house UNDER my house...

Fabulous...

-Mick-

Wheelin' & Dealin'

2011-08-08T08:26:00.001-05:00

Picked up a few things at the Bowie Flea Market for the next show! Got the yellow Pyrex loaf pan for $8, the aluminum bunt pan for $2, the black roaster pan was free, and the BEST deal of the day was the 2.5 quart blue snow flake dish I snagged for $18... at least I think that's a good price? if its not DON'T TELL ME! haha

* * *

Well, Hairspray is over... It's bitter sweet because we all waited a year and a half to be apart of it and it seemed to crawl getting here, then BAM just like that- shows over. No more late nights, no more tuning out choreographers, no more wonderful 1962.

A Note from the Director...

"The best I can tell with the numbers that are in so far, here are just some of the records we broke with "Hairspray".

PLEASE NOTE: These audience figures do not include volunteers or friends/family slip-ins.

Biggest Opening Night (309 in attendance)
Biggest Paid Audience for a Single Performance (459 paid + comps) (rounded out at 600)
Biggest Total Audience (approximately 4500)
Highest Grossing Local Production in the history of Texoma. (Close to $55,000 the previous record being $51,000)

Bonus Record: Only show to get a standing ovation DURING the performance."

(This plaque now hangs on the stage door, taking inspiration from the like worded plaque on the Studio City sound stage where "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" was filmed.)

Pretty darn neat, if you ask me.

-Mick-

It Feels Like An Oven...

2011-08-05T12:00:00.000-05:00

Provably because it is...
Well readers, Hairspray is almost over with only two more shows to go this weekend, and i'm about to be in that awful "down time between shows before the next show" groove. I wont give away what the next show is, as it will have a full blog of its own to add to the portfolio, but I HAD to share with you this steal of a deal!

I found this 1940 something Merrit O'Keefe stove on Craigslist and just had to have it for my stash of vintage stuff to set dress with, and It will be on loan to the theatre for the upcoming show! It is in almost perfect shape, I have the bottom piece that's not pictured, the chrome griddle in the middle is spotless, and the cast iron vent hoods that go on top. Its missing a hood support on the right side, and the handle to the bread warmer is broken beyond repair. But I know its going to look great on stage!

When friend Sheldon and I went to go get this stove, the guy selling said he had a "50's something Electric one" that I might be interested in too...

(He was right...)

This stove didn't look like much when I first saw it, had lot of dirt on it, super greasy, but I purchased it for the Wichita Theatre anyway because its about time we had some in house vintage appliances to use in shows (v.s. me dragging them to and from my storage unit!)

(She might not look like much, but like a lady in early morning, shes venerable...)

This is a 1950's Kenmore Electric "Mamie Eisenhower" dream of a stove! All white enamel with ample pink and silver chrome plate, a recessed top light (that I'm 99% sure I can make work again) and clock. The bottom storage tray has a neat little pedal you step on and it opens the drawer for you! Highlights is the double oven that at one time had an attachment for a "spit rotisserie roaster" on the right side, and it has both a metal door as well as a "Vu-Glass Door" that by pressing a lever on the outside of the door, opens the metal stove door but keeps a second glass door shut so you can see into the oven but not to let the heat out! This stove also has a sunken griddle in its center that I bet you could have deep fried in!

It's cleaning up nicely and is just BEGGING to be in a show!

Now here's where my "haggling skills" come in, are you ready for this? I got both of these stoves for a grand total of $50.00. That's right two beautiful stoves for only $25.00 apiece! I could hardly believe it myself but to quote Blanche Devereaux "Damn I'm Good!" haha!

I still need to find a 1950's Fridge (which has been a LOT harder to locate) and a chest freezer for the show! Bright and early Saturday I'll be calling into the local "trading post" radio show to see if I can't find someone who's got and old fridge out in their field!

So I'm off to hunt down some more vintage appliances...

-Mick-

Welcome To The 60's!

2011-08-01T08:59:00.000-05:00

("There's the flasher who lives next door..." )

("Welcome to the 60's here at Mick's!)

(Holly, John, Kat,Olivia, Seigin, Utah, Savannah, Joe, Charlie, Abbie, Shara, Rick, Emily, Logan,Cherrie, Shyann, Sheldon, & Viola!)

Well Readers, It was a blast fromt he past this weekend at the Casablanca!
Saturday evening friend Emily (and star of Hairspray) hosted a 1960's themed party for our friends in the cast. By the time everyone arrived it was a sweltering 112 outside, but that didnt stop us from donning vintage duds and twisting all over the place!

Since the music of the early 1960's had us in the groove the majority of party decorations were records right out of my collection, we had them everywhere on the walls and counters...

On the shelves....

We even hung them from the ceiling...

And of course, we played them too!

(My Sister Mable even made us this 1962 cupcake-cake!)

Friend Holly whom we said "See you later" to no less than two months ago, came back all the way from Colorful Colorado to join in the party fun!

Since the heat was so terrible we mostly stayed in the house munching on the party food, and taking shelter in the "cool" of the Turquoise room.

(Some cooler than others!)

(The Lovely Clements Sisters, Abbie (Amber) & Emily (Tracy)!)

(AND Some had just gone CrAzY from the heat!)

Eventually the heat did break, right around 8:00 P.M. as usual. What was left of the party guests made our way out into the backyard and and the party really began.

When it had gotten dark enough we set up the drive-in and showed our feature presentation!

The 1988 version of Hairspray, the one that started it all!

As the evening became cooler, we sat out and laughed and talked drank and ate...

(Just perfectly picturesque, isn't it?)

To finish off the evenings festivities friend Joe taught and led us all in a Casablanca sing-a-long.

-Mick-

Look Who Dropped A Card To Say Hello!

2011-07-27T08:18:00.001-05:00

Our very own Miss Casablanca that's who!

She writes...

" Hello to everyone at the Casablanca!

Miss Casablanca 1957/2011 here in London studying Theatre.

I'm in the best place in the world for live Theatre for sure!

I actually brought my (Miss Casablanca) crown here with me, so it has quite the mileage put on its stones!

I hope to take pictures with it on soon around the city.

Thinking about my American paradise, The Casablanca!

- Love from, Kelcie Bush/ Miss Casablanca. "

We can't wait for her to get back and regale us tales from the trip!

-Mick-

Going ToThe Dogs...

2011-07-24T22:27:00.002-05:00

Now the Kangaroo has a friend! Found this dog shaped dresser caddy on Saturday, I swear i've walked past this a million times and it wasn't until Saturday it dawned on me what it was. (I always believed it was a planter) I like my the kangaroo I snatched up last week so much that I got this one for the Casablanca!

The dog has a little basket on either side of him, one is to hold pocket change, and the more square one is where you put your wallet and his tail holds your ring and watch!

I need to stop buying things! I've got quite a few Honey-do's to get out of the way at the Casablanca including buying two new air conditioners, FINALLY laying tile on the cabinets as well as this and that!

Oh and we've got a big 1960's themed party cooking up for the Hairspray Cast this weekend!

-Mick-

Backstage...

2011-07-22T07:50:00.000-05:00

A Photo Essay.

(Rick Jones & Tracy Turnblad)

( "Teen Angel" )

(He worked so hard on puttign this sign together, then lifted it up...)

(Mr. Pinky)

If you like this post, Comment and there may just be another one like it!

-Mick-

The Kangaroo Hop!

2011-07-18T08:49:00.000-05:00

Look it what I found Thursday!!!! This little guy was a steal for $15.00! I have not seen the movie, but I've always heard that there is one just like this in the movie 'Pulp Fiction'. It's a really neat dresser caddy/ organizer, there's a slot for you wallet, his tail holds my Eagle Scout ring, and the "pouch" if for spare change.

What make this even better aside from being totally awesome in every way, is that it was made in 1956!

(USA Fineline ENT, 1956)

* * *

Grandma found the matching 8" serving platter in on of her cabinets its to the flowered set I have at the Casablanca and sent it our way.

(Ta-da!)

* * *

Saturday a small group of the Hairspray Cast went "Antiquing/ Thrifting" and I walked away wit a few treasures....

Some vintage sheet music from our faithful booth at the Corner Emporium antique store... I purchased 2 of the books that had a bunch of music in them for single songs, the one that has "Popular Songs" on it had "For Me and My Gal" from the Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland Movie. The "All Stars Radio Theme Songs" has Glenn Miller's arrangement of "Moonlight Serenade"! When we all got back to the theatre the lovely Shara played the music for us and before we knew it everyone was crooning along!

(We have so much fun around here!)

Last but not least in Saturdays thrifting adventure finds...

(An 8 1/2", 209 Pyrex Pie Plate!)

(IN PINK!)

My mother has one just like this, although its much older and worn. We call it the "French Toast/ Chicken Fry" because its the plate we bread stuff in. I've wanted one for quite some time and for $3.00 this one fit the bill, and since I play "Mr. Pinky" in Hairspray, it will forever be know as The Pinky Plate.

Well it was another fantastic weekend of sold out shows and standing ovations!

-Mick-

Hairspray!

2011-07-15T07:15:00.002-05:00

I can honestly say I have been waiting to work on these sets for a full year now, and that there was nothing small about them. A Hefty show required some Hefty sets, I remember when the Wichita Theatre posted on Facebook that they had gotten the rights to do the show in 2011 that was in August of 2010. I knew I was going to audition (later to land the role of Mr.Pinky ), but then in January God blessed me with becoming the official Set Dresser for the Wichita Theatre. Another thing I can honestly say, is that I have been collecting great pieces for at least six months in preparation of this show, as you will see!

My projects were -

The Interior of a 1962 living room.

The Exterior of a two story building.

The Set of a Soc Hop TV show

The Interior of a woman's dress shop.
Along with countless vintage 1960's props...

The Living room has been by far my favorite set, in fact the whole stage right portion is my favorite part to look at. I swore to myself when I started that the sets would be mentioned in the news paper, and for that they would have to be picture perfect.

You might notice quite a few things on loan from the Casablanca, I went to every imaginable detail to make this look like an authentic late 50's early 60's living room. The best pieces (I think are the coral pink chair I snagged for a steal, the lamp I got in Kansas, the little blonde fountain table next to the chair, and the large ocean picture Missouri Michael gave to us for the set!

One of the little touches I loved doing, was making the "checkerboard" foyer to the stairs, to contrast the brown wood floor of the living room.

Like i've said its the details that make this part of the set, the palm print barcloth curtains, my 1953 TV set, the shadow boxes, the staggered lamp, right down to the TV Antenna!

The pink chair with matching ottoman lays down to make a twin bed, and of course a rotary dial on the telephone! I can't tell you how many Patrons I have tell me after the show "We had that in our living room!" or "I remember my Grand Mother having one just like that in her house!" about all the things in this corner of the set.

( Whats a family home, without family portraits! )

You see this part of the set is actually a "cutaway" into the walls of the Turnblads second story apartment. To give it the illusion of being higher up a one foot high platform was built for the "floor" of the living room.

The Exterior of the building I knew I was going to use a Baltimore icon, its been called "The polyester of Architecture world" Formstone!

I had originally wanted to do every building onstage with this style, but managment beleived it would be to time consuming. Im so glad we were able to do this on at least one building as it is so iconic and fabulously tacky that its cool!

We had quite a time painting this Formstone, its not hard to do but there is a pattern too it. The tallest problem we encountered was that instead of being able to paint the Formstone on the walls (while still on the ground) some one had hung the bare panels up and they would have to be painted in the air. I painted as high as I could on ground and ladder, and then ~~tired~~ fearless team members Mary and Katie saved the day! They scaled the 20 foot ladders and painted Formstone where no one else could reach.

(Katie & Mary)

(20 feet up in the air)

It took just about six hours to paint all the Formstone on the two story facade, go back and detail/ shadow them, and get the remaining panels hung up. The finished result however makes me giddy when I look at it! That might seem like a labor intensive amount of time, but its really not in the two week time period we have to do everything. The exterior of two story building is attached to the cutaway living room and is the "Hardy Har Hut" and makes up the Turnblad Home. Now comes my favorite part of the process, seeing the sketches become reality is always thrilling to me!

"The Tower" (as we have affectionately named it) Is the seconds story bedroom window that Tracy first appears in during the opening number of the show "Good Morning Baltimore", and later serves as a perch for the girl group "The Dynamites" to sing and sway in! It's earned its name because its a towering 20 feet off the ground, complete with winding interior staircase.

(The view from Tracy's tower "bedroom" )

The Corny Collins Set, I based off a picture of a TV one of our fellow mid century loving bloggers The Haunted Lamp and one his vintage TV trays.

(I'd love a set of these for the CH&R!)

(First rough sketch of the studio)

(The finished Corny Collins Television Studio set)

(Vintage 1960's council chairs & table)

Mr Pinky's Hefty Hideaway house of fashion for the ample woman! Friend (and Co-captain of the Set team) Joe painted the interior walls of the Hefty Hideaway, and I made the dressing room door with a split sheet dyed pink, some cream silk curtains and a few swags. With addition of the clothes wracks outfitted with vintage 60's dresses!

(Mr. Pinky's Hefty Hideaway)

The Dynamites Billboard stands eight feet in the air and was designed and painted by friend Chloe!

(Ta-da!)

Special thanks to friend Utah who build this massive hairspray can that Tracy's mother bursts out of at shows end the PVC pipe prison bars, along with tally board for the Miss Hairspray Contest.

OF COURSE a huge thanks to my ever growing set dressing team, I adore working with them and they are just so great! They take time to help me ~~keep my sanity~~ paint, decorate, or just listen to me complain while we work away. Also a thanks to the countless other people who helped get the set in show shape!

(Front row, Patricia, Myself, Sheldon, Bryson,

Middle row, Utah, Chloe, Katie, Joseph

Back row, Mary, Terrace, & Holly...)

It's a wonder these guys and gals don't loathe me by the time opening night rolls around, I ask a lot but never more than I could do myself, and they always take it with a grin to get things done, together we've all made some pretty wonderful sets. I appreciate and value everything they do! Our hard work paid off as we were mentioned in the review which you can read right here from the local paper.
My favorite line being....

"-The colorful sets by designer Mickey Jordan and assistant scenic artist Chris Jackson put the icing on the cake of this high energy show-"

* * *

For my show record, I got the 1988 Soundtrack to the original Hairspray movie, and this paper with "Balcony Closed Tonight" on it. You see back in the early 60's most things around here were still segregated White and Colored here in North Texas. The Wichita Theater (like many others) did not allow Black's in the house floor, their tickets had to be purchased outside and then had to use a different entrance that led straight up to the balcony of the theater. In later years this has kept people away from the Theater because of the vivid memories they had of those times. The message is equality and the mantra of the show Hairspray is...

"Tomorrow is a brand new day, and it don't know White from Black..."

So for opening night of this ground breaking show the Director Lynn Marshall made sure the Balcony was totally closed off to patrons of all race, to "show future generations where we have been and where we must never go again."

What a powerful, deserving message, and a little piece of history to have.

-Mick-

Fourth of July!

2011-07-13T08:27:00.001-05:00

I know im a little late but, Friday Evening when I got off Work, I stopped only to get Groceries and then Headed for the Casablanca because this weekend we were going to be hosting a slew of celebrations! That's right Folksies, make the beds and Windex the couch Company's a Coming!

(Friends Joe, Kenny, & Lara)

We kicked off Friday night by celebrating the 25th Birthday of friend Joe. I promised him a meatloaf dinner so we all got together for dinner, cocktails, & a Drive- In movie.

(Mrs. ~~Betty Crocker~~ Lara Williams)

While most of us cooked a few lounged around and listened to records.

(Birthday Boy Joe, and friend Spencer!)

Friends Sheldon and Spencer went fishing, when dinner was ready I went to get them from the shore and suddenly my smart-ass comment was turned into an iconic TV setting!

There were nine people in all and the cooking as well as eating was fast, furious AND delicious!

(Lara, Joe, Anna, Sheldon)

(After dinner Lara serves the cake!)

We then topped off the evening with more cocktails and a showing of "Ma & Pa Kettle, Waikiki". Joe, and newly weds Spencer and Lara stayed the night and in the morning we had a big breakfast of egg omelets and bacon before heading back into town for a Hairspray work call. Saturday Night we were visited again by friends Terrace and Nancy for a second meatloaf dinner and a showing of the musical 1776 in Celebration of the 4th!

While down at the theater on Saturday the new vintage shop across the street had a few things out on the side walk for sale, and as soon as I walked up on this old wooden card table, I turned to Patricia and said "I HAVE to have this!"

(And for $15.00 I did!)

(Lovely isn't it?!)

The best part aboutthis folding card table is that it folds away where you can hide it! (rocket science I know) but Patricia was lecturing me on where I was going to put it and I'm "running out of room for stuff, and blah blah blah ..." well just as soon as I'd laid eyes on it Saturday i knew the perfect place to store it when not in use...

The way the floor molding is, keeps the radio about two inches away from the wall and makes it the perfect storage place for the Table!

(Set for Sunday nights Dinner guests)

Sunday we were visited by the Kelcie, better know as Miss Casablanca 1957! This will be her last visit for a while as she is spending the month of July abroad in London!

Later that evening friend Dillion joined us for swimming and then Joe showed up just in time to eat dinner with all of us! Even though we JUST purchased a card table, they still insist on playing cards on the kitchen floor...it's all the rage in Paris...

(Patricia, Dillon, & Joe)

The next morning we had a hearty breakfast of Omelets and Waffles (Patricia makes the best waffles).

After breakfast we cleaned up the dishes and went for one last swim before heading home!

All in all it was a Wonderful 4th of July Weekend!

-Mick-