Farewell, IHOR II...and thank you.

psst...

I can hear my daughter in the other room at this very moment attempting to play her guitar with the violin bow we used in the show. Heh.

free wood!

heh... wood...

So we've got several large set pieces that we need to dispose of by Friday so that we can vacate IHOR 2 and turn in our keys.

The bed, the radio station consule, the big wooden box, the TV set, and six flats (the walls that stood behind the bedroom and the radio station) have to find new homes by Friday.

If you have any use for any of these things, please email me and let me know.

Thanks!

best ... night ... EVER

more later...

I have no words to describe this thing that Aaron sent me...

sentimental geek...

On October 2nd, 2004, Rick and I went to Los Angeles to attend a screening of our short film "Remote Control" at a film festival. While killing time on the corner of Beverly and Fairfax, one of us (I'm not sure who) brought up "Bigger Than Jesus." At some point in that twelve hour period, the decision was made to perform it the following summer and film it once and for all.

Two days later I sent Rick the following email:

I didn't realize until today how I'd been damming up all the BtJ stuff inside my head until we got through RC. I'm so excited about reviving it. Let's do it every year, just for fun, until there's no one left who wants to see it. Until it's just you doing it in my living room for my amusement.

So, as you settle into your traditional post-event isolation, gather up your BtJ thoughts and I'll expect to hear from you within the usual 7 to 9 day period.

I gave him about a week to recover from the "Remote Control" experience before I started prodding him to do BtJ again. That was in October. We've been working on this version of BtJ for eight months.

Eight months, man. You didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

And in a few days, it'll all be over.

But this stage show is just phase one of a multi-phase, summer-long endeavor to create one seriously bad-ass DVD. It's tempting to spill the beans about all the special features and documentaries that will be included on the DVD, but I'll resist the urge to spoil the surprise for everyone.

I don't know if I'll have time to post again between now and show time. If I don't, I'd like to take this opportunity to say that Nate, Sigfried, Aaron, and all the drama nerds I've worked with in the past on BtJ and RC -- I love working with these guys and I'm so glad to have the chance to do it again. They're the only ones I can trust in this world of Mr. Chins.

And all the new cast and crew have proven themselves to be invaluable additions to the cadre and I would and will work with them again any day.

And the band and singers ... I've been around musicians for all of my adult life, and I know how they are (flaky, drunk, unreliable, idiotic) ... and these guys are all exceptions to the rules. It's unreal to me how lucky I've been in regards to the musicians and singers, who've given up two days a week for months now ... and for no compensation. Add to that the fact that they're all stunningly talented, and I wonder what I did to deserve them.

And Music Director Chris ... he is heaven-sent. His talent, dedication, attention to detail, and scowl are priceless. Absolutely heaven-sent.

Forgive this public display of affection, but I knew that in the upcoming blur of chaos and panic, I would lose the chance to say any of this. And the odds are good that Chris will piss me off so bad in some way or another this weekend that I won't feel that way about him anymore.

someone say something...

uh... how are you?

So I'm sick and on my ass and had to miss rehearsal tonight. But I've got plenty to do here in my little office-slash-festering-bacterial-throat-funk-incubator, so it's not a total loss. I'm a little loopy on the Robitussin, too.

What's new? Well, the show is just a few days away. Our Gene Simmons punctured his lung so we're going to have someone else fill in. It's a drag. I hope he gets better soon. I hope I get better soon. Okay I can't really focus my eyes anymore, so adios.

Today's Fun Fact: Did you know that Wil Wheaton was offered Ed Norton's role in "Primal Fear" but turned it down so he could finish drama school? True story.

addendum...

Regarding the dress code -- A few people have asked if wearing the Bigger Than Jesus t-shirt is okay. The answer is yes! Definately! We're just trying to avoid violating other peoples' trademarks and copyrights. So wearing your BtJ t-shirt is fine, but if you wear your favorite KISS t-shirt, you're pretty much guaranteed to not appear in the movie.

DEAR BIGGER THAN JESUS TICKETHOLDERS

We've received many emails from folks asking about ticket pick-ups, curtain time, and so forth. Please read this post carefully, and all your questions will be answered.

WHEN & WHERE

The show is Sunday, June 26th at Lincoln Performance Hall at PSU.

Lincoln Hall is located at the corner of SW Park and Market.

Mapquest link

TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT WILL-CALL BEGINNING AT 6PM

Arrive anytime before 6pm to secure your spot in line. At 6pm, we will begin moving folks through the will-call line. Your tickets will be under the name used to purchase them through PayPal. Give that name to one of the ticket booth people, they will check the list, and give you your tickets. You will then make your way into the theater to find a seat.

Seating is general admission - first come, first serve.

Curtain is at 7pm. Due to the fact that we're filming the show, no late-comers will be allowed admission into the theater. If you arrive after 7pm, you're outta luck, unless you want to wait until intermission to enter and catch the second half of the show.

If you've received a comp ticket in exchange for helping out with the show or auditioning on the air or any other reason, follow the same instructions as above, even if you already have your ticket. Just show it to the ticket booth person and move on through into the theater.

If you were promised a ticket in exchange for helping out with the show or auditioning on the air and haven't heard from me yet, feel free to email me at nerdygirlfilms@hotmail.com to confirm your status as complimentary ticket holder.

ABOUT THE FILMING

We will be filming the performance for release as a feature film. By entering the theater, you are granting permission to be recorded for the movie, and granting the producers all rights to use your likeness in the movie. You will be reminded of this numerous times at the theater as well.

You might be saying to yourself, "Oh boy! I'm gonna be in a movie! I wonder what I should wear?" Good question! If you want to make my job easier and increase your chances of appearing on-screen, you'll avoid wearing any hats or shirts with logos or any other sort of copyrighted artwork on them.

Because we are filming it, we want lots of hearty audience energy, so come ready to make noise! Big laughs when it's funny and big quiet when it's sad. Remember, the more you give Rick, the more he gives back!

However, because of timing issues and so forth, we request that you resist any temptation you might have to applaud for the band whenever they play. Think of them more like the orchestra at a musical instead of a rock band. No applause is expected or required for the band. That having been said, the big finale number is a whole other story. Feel free to go nuts for the big finale. Scream, cheer, clap, cry, demand our heads on pikes if you feel you've been horribly ripped off - whatever you want. You can even sing along, if the power of rock compels you.

Also, audience members are encouraged to stick around after the show is over to record additional audience noises - various levels of laughter and wooooo-ing and so forth. It won't take long, and will be very helpful in the editing process (so we can make stuff sound funnier than it actually was).

ADVANCE DVD SALES

We will be taking pre-orders for the DVD at the show for only $20. The actual retail price of the DVD will be somewhere in the $25 - $30 range, so you'll be saving a least a fiver on the deal and possibly more. And all pre-ordered DVDs will be signed by the cast and key crew, adding countless value to them! So bring $20 cash or a check made out to 'Bigger Than Jesus Stageshow,' and you'll get your DVD posthaste upon its release at the end of the year!

We will also have the world-famous BtJ t-shirts for sale after the show.


I guess that's everything. If you have any additional questions, feel free to email me at nerdygirlfilms@hotmail.com


On a personal note.

Thank you for buying your tickets and supporting the show. We literally would not have been able to any of this if it hadn't been for so many folks buying tickets those first couple of days after Entercom took Max 910 and Rick off the air. You got us through that iffy time, and I thank you for it. And this live show is just the beginning of what's going to be an incredible DVD with lots of documentaries and shorts, and countless opportunities for y'all to contribute your stories and talents.

I'm incredibly excited about this - the definitive version of "Bigger Than Jesus" - and everything it's grown into. Those of you who've been with us since the Clinton Street will remember when this show used to be nothing more than Rick, two chairs, and an area rug. Now it's a full-scale musical with a live band, numerous off-stage actors, live sound effects, and a big ass set. It's all thanks to you. and it's all for you.

I'll see you next Sunday. It's gonna be one hell of a party.

Sincerely,
Joni DeRouchie - Director

just checking in...

I feel bad I haven't posted lately. There's so much going on, but when I open my mouth, all that comes out is AAAAAIIIGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I remember two years ago when we were gearing up for the Clinton Street performance... and it was just me and Rick and a 485 page script. And to think I was nervous about that.

Yipes.

Let's talk about something far less terrifying to me.

Three of the musicians involved in "Bigger Than Jesus" are in bands that just released CDs, so I'd like to take this opportunity to pimp their shit...

John Hughes (who performs four voices in our show) is the front man for Puffer who just released a very hard 'n' nasty CD called "At Any Cost" which, for fans of pure, unadulterated rawk, is definately worth a listen. Check them out at www.puffermusic.com



+ + + + + + + +

The young and spry Jesse Cunningham, who fronts Last Stand, has released an EP which has been described as "sleazy bar rock" by fan Rick Emerson, who used to play Last Stand on his show. Perhaps one day they will fulfill their promise of covering a Tim Riley Factor song. Enjoy their raw energy at www.laststandofrock.com and go catch them live.



+ + + + + + + +

And finally, Music Director Christopher Morris is the singer, bass player, and consummate control freak of Nicodemus, a progressive goth metal band who just released a CD called "Vanity is a Virtue". I, along with countless pasty and angst-ridden Swedes, am a big fan of this CD (and not just because he thanked me in his liner notes). Check it out at www.nicodemus.us



+ + + + + + + +

This is but a mere sample of the boundless talent I am blessed to have in my show.

Bigger than Jesus is now officially SOLD OUT.

Our thanks to everyone who's shown their support. If you've purchased tickets, you'll be receiving additional information via email within the next week. If you weren't able to get tickets, remember that the feature film release of Bigger than Jesus happens later this year. Keep watching this space for details...

.......no ticket!

As Rick noted on his blog, we've got only a handful of tickets left for the show, so if you've been putting it off, purchase them now because soon it will be too damn late, fool! Buy them with your credit card here

** in the time it took me to write this, four more tickets sold. No fooling, people, get em while you can **

A Praise Chorus

Well, here we are...less than two weeks from the whole shebang.

Lately, the record occupying the most time in my (virtual) CD player is Jim Steinman's Bad for Good.

Known primarily as the songwriter behind Bat out of Hell, Steinman possesses what must be called a truly original compositional style...so much so that his songs leap off the radio, no matter who is performing them. "Making Love Out of Nothing at All", "It's All Coming Back to Me Now", "Total Eclipse of the Heart", "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)"...the list goes on.

After a falling out with Mr. Loaf, Steinman tried his own hand at making an album, and though the result fell short of commercial success (his voice just isn't powerful enough to carry his own constructions sometimes), it's a great listen for anyone who appreciates his unique view of rock and roll glory.

Which brings me back to my original point---as we draw near to the performance, I'm listening more and more to songs about rock and roll...songs which celebrate the power of metallic musical myth.

What are your favorite lyrics about music itself?

I'll start:

Think of how we'd lay down together
We'd be listening to the radio so loud and so strong
Every golden nugget coming like a gift of the gods
Someone must have blessed us when he gave us those songs

Once upon a time was a backbeat
Once upon a time all the chords came to life
And the angels had guitars even before they had wings
If you hold onto a chorus you can get through the night

-Jim Steinman, "Rock and Roll Dreams Come Through"

keep on rocking in the IHOR...

Damn, Rick, way to bring the room down.

Anyway, here's some exciting updates from the bleeding ulcer-inducing stressfest that is BTJ.

Last night, I put the fear of God into Lighting Designer Sifried Seeliger by presenting him with five hand-written pages of lighting cues. He has exactly one day (Saturday before the show) to set up all the lights and program all the cues at the theater. And if he screws them up, it'll be his head in a Ziploc bag. Man, I sure wouldn't want to be that guy.

The adorable and multi-talented Erin Donley has been brought in for set beautification. Erin's work was previously seen in Remote Control (look closely and you can see a sketch of Rick as Alice Cooper hanging on the cubicle wall). She also drew a fabulous picture of Tom Waits which Rick once bought for me as a gift. And now she's slumming it with us for a while.

This Sunday, Rick and myself and Official BTJ Stylist Sarah X. Dylan will go shopping for Rick's show outfit. I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but I think we're going to go a little wild this time.. Yes... that's right... not just black but... charcoal grey! Woo, look out! And next week we're taking him in to alter his hair color. Nothing extreme, just a few shades darker.

Sarah is also the official stylist for the Little Dudes. A lot of folks have asked me about the Little Dudes, wondering what and who they are. The Little Dudes are three teenaged boys (Eli, Troy, and Joseph the Christ Child) who appear periodically between scenes throughout the show, holding signs indicating the date.
In previous performances of BTJ, Rick would say the date out loud while in his room praying to the Gods of Rock. And it always irritated the crap out of me. I mean, who opens a prayer with the date, for pete's sake?
Determined to come up with a better solution, I concocted the Little Dudes. And -- like the girls in bikinis at a boxing match who hold the "Round 2" signs -- they will appear to let us know what year it is in the story. They will also be costumed in various "rock guy" looks from the past 20 years. It's a whole lotta work for a thing we see for (literally) five seconds, but the little touches are always worthwhile.
And besides, when else is a seventeen year old boy going to have the opportunity to have goth makeup applied by Sarah X. Dylan? Eh?

Tonight, we bring in the mighty Clyde Lewis to rehearse some off-stage dialogue, and continue rehearsals with Storm Large, Gustav, and Mike Vaughn. Storm, by the way, is by far the biggest, blondest, bustiest ball of multi-talents on planet Earth.

IHOR II: Electric Boogaloo is working out so far, despite the unsavory element the pawn shop next door attracts. The saddest thing is looking in the pawn shop window and seeing all the baby stuff inside. I mean... who pawns their baby's carseat?? How much meth money can you get for a crib, anyway? Gah.

That's it for now. Posting on this blog is always a nice, soothing activity that calms the screaming monkeys in my brain.

We All Shine On.

As has been documented before, Joni DeRouchie and I have related, yet somewhat different, taste in most things.

A perfect example of this phenomenon is our respective takes on The Beatles. While she drifts toward later-era, experimental, arty Beatles, I've always bonded more strongly with their earlier recordings...both their definitive covers ("Twist and Shout"), and flawless originals ("She Loves You".)

There's nothing wrong with this dichotomy; in fact, it's a microcosm of what makes our particular thing work---she wants to make things that are pretty and structured and layered and, well...deep. I, on the other hand, just want to make loud, clattering, ranty speeches filled with profanity and cheap laughs. Merged together, there's a kind of synthesis that achieves what neither of us could on our own.

What the hell was my point? Oh...yeah.

The one thing we have in common, though (and I wonder how many people feel this same thing) is that we both miss The Beatles terribly. I don't mean that we wish for new Beatles recordings -we all know how those have turned out- but rather that we both feel a weird kind of empty ache when we watch old Beatles footage...like viewing home movies of a deceased loved one.

The retarded part, of course, is that neither of us witnessed The Beatles era firsthand, and I have only a vague memory of John Lennon being alive. And yet, unlike other bands whom I was born too late to witness (Zeppelin, Queen, Pink Floyd), The Beatles are bonded to me in some weird way that I can't ever fully explain.

I truly and absolutely believe that, in many ways, I was born in the wrong time. Most of my childhood/adolescent obsessions (Mad Magazine, Ken Kesey, Abbie Hoffman) have their roots in the sixties, and their discovery by the teenage me was accompanied by a strange sense of emotional echo...the oft-remarked-upon "shock of self-recognition". They contained an attitude and energy that mirrored what I was feeling, and it was like coming home, within myself.

So, given the above, it's no shock that I gravitated very strongly to much of The Beatles' catalog. What is odd, though, is how connected both Joni and I feel to them on a gut level, even now, 35-plus years after they broke up. There's no rational reason for it, and yet, whenever I watch the Beatles Anthology, and its opening sequence of vintage film footage set against "In My Life", it can't be denied. I'm desperately homesick for something I never had.

Why am I typing all of this gibberish at two in the morning, when any rational (and employed) person would be sleeping, or at least drinking?

Partly because Bigger than Jesus is quickly approaching, and these are the things that Bigger than Jesus springs from---love of a band, a song, or a time. The warm and sometimes melancholy feelings that accompany music, and the memories of the people who made it.

Mostly, though, it's because halfway through Imagine: John Lennon, I just found myself being so fucking sad that I had to turn it off for awhile.

I never knew John Lennon...or The Beatles. But I miss them just the same.

too busy!

Spent two days straight painting set pieces and getting high on paint fumes. Whee!

Last night was our first band practice in the new space and it went pretty well.

Guess who pulled a Hockman last night? I guess you would say he pulled himself.

Heh... Pulled himself...

Anyway... be warned that next week is the last week to buy tickets. There's only a handful of them left anyway, so get yours now or feel like a colossal tool for missing the greatest rock show ever! And also this show.


(Joni and Rick...fueled by coffee since 2003)

IHOR 2: ELECTRIC BOOGALOO

A very nice man just handed us two shiny keys to the new IHOR.

It's tiny, it's grubby, and it's costing us a fortune, but I've never loved four walls so much in all my life.

At least it's in a far more convenient location for most.

So rehearsals will resume, and we'll have only missed one band practice, all told.

Rock on!!

In your face, God!