Fun in the Sun

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Well it's a spectacular day in the neighborhood; sun without that oppressive humidity and so many wonderful outdoor happenings.

So hat on folks and head to the great outdoors.

For the second and final day you can dunk The Seacoast Rep's Artistic Director Craig Faulkner at the Bow Street Fair. Stopped by yesterday - fine art, original jewelry, hand-painted rugs, and threads for an American Girl doll that will leave the queen green.

And yes there was a bit of mean pleasure in watching Craig teeter atop that tiny platform then - plop. Just so much aplomb one can have at a time like that, but he's holdin' his own.

After scoring a few lovely items, you can head to Prescott Park for music and "Peter Pan," or to the Seacoast Science Center for the Petite Art in the Park exhibition and sale. Time it right and you can do it all!

Whatever your pleasure get out and partake!
Yours in the wonder of the moment
Gossip Lady

High Flyin' Prescott Park

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

What a sight! G Lady took to Prescott Park last weekend and caught a bunch of high flyers being taught to take to the sky.

Watching the Blanchard boys Liam and Morgan (who play the Darlings in the Park's "Peter Pan)," along with Allyson Capetta and Megan Quinn (who alternate Peter and Wendy), learn to make weightless was worth its weight in gold!

Just watching their efforts to walk normally once strapped in their harnesses was a hoot - sort of Monty Pythonesque. (Photo ID's: littlest fella Liam; Morgan the big boy; Megan in pink and green; Allyson in navy).

This weekend you can catch them - harnesses hidden - at the Prescott Park Arts Festival opening weekend.

See you in the park!
Gossip Lady

Going up!

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

I took a stroll to the Prescott Park this week to get a peek at the set being constructed for "Peter Pan," this season's main stage production. Well let me tell you folks - especially those a tad disappointed with some sets in the recent past - they're out to wow, and WILL!

Um-um-um-um-um, that is a mighty fine looking set. It has things that move, hide, pivot and turn. Even sans color it's a beautiful thing.

Today, Friday, the crew is setting up the flying system. I plan on heading over this weekend to get a look-see at the rehearsal process. Word is Megan Quinn, one of the two actresses set to play Peter Pan, is a tad worried about chaffing. So, may I suggest if you head down you bring along some salve just as a kindness. Cookies of course, and salve.

One week from today, blisters or not, Megan and her counterpart Ally Capetta will be flying high in the park!

Till then, tata,

Gossip Lady

Oh thought I'd add a picture of the new rental table arrangements. Sweet little platform, nice arrangement. - You'll find me there - my usual post! GL

FAIRIES (and fish and films)

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Tomorrow the town will be filled with people heading to the Music Hall’s “Telluride by the Sea” and the first ever NH Fish and Lobster Festival or “Fishtival” at Prescott Park.

Some of those folks will likely be teeny tiny ones – itsy bitsy even.

Yes folks, this is the weekend when the fairies descend on our city on their migration south for winter vacation, and spend a few nights in Portsmouth’s South End in what's called the "Fairy House Tour."

“I’ve already been contacted by the head fairy, and they’re making their way back to the Portsmouth now,” said Ben Anderson, Prescott Park Arts Festival Executive Director, earlier this week. “They called to make sure we have accommodations. So the crews are building the houses now.”

Alas, the wee ones arrive tomorrow and we’re still a few Lilliputian lodgings short.

So please join G Lady and the other “Friends of the Fairies” down at the park this weekend and help build a few more cozy corners for our little buddies. The last thing we want is for them to start bypassing Portsmouth for better logging in Biddeford, or Berwick or Portland, Maine, or who knows where else.

Here are a few examples of dwellings from past years designed and fabricated by Fairy Habitat Master (or Mistress in this case) Joi Smith.

She promises to create still more masterpieces for our wee friends this year. Will you? You can go simple or elaborate, they’re happy either way. So come on down and join the fun.

I’ll be there with wings on!

Yours Truly

Gossip Lady

Last Chance, Last Dance ...

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Well, just take a look at all these happy little, hopeful faces. It was opening day of "Grease" at Prescott Park. And guess what this weekend is? The FINAL one for the main stage event.

After Sunday Sandy and Danny are gonso, so go on with ya, get a move on.

Once again the weatherman is talking possible rain. The park has lost 8 "Grease" performances due to the wet stuff to date. Tonight LOOKS as if they may squeak through - so hustle!

Oh, by the by. G Lady went to last night's concert; saw that WILD fiddlin' women April Verch. Spec - tac - u - LA. Those little girls dancing to the left of the stage were none-to-shabby either.

Festivals and concerts are numbered as well folks. Not much time left for live art along the Piscataqua. Sigh. Too, too fast. Well, don't say I didn't warn you.

Get a move on now.

Yours in love of art under the stars.
Gossip Lady.

Will "Grease" skid in - on time?"

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Well this is the moment of truth: can humans beat mother nature at Her own game?

We'll all find out this weekend when - assuming the break in the rain continues - "Grease" will open at Prescott Park.

Here are a few back scene photos from this past Saturday, the ONLY day that week the crew and cast were able to actually get down there and put a full day's work in.

Then of course the skies didn't clear again till late yesterday - Wednesday .

Can they pull it off? The tension is killing G Lady. But I'm sure it's nothing compared to what the painters, carpenters, actors etc., are experiencing at this very moment.

If you look carefully at the top photo of the stage you can see a painter working their little heart out on the backdrop. Next photo, a shot of back stage - well it is simply a tangle of work with opening less than a week away!

I am sure the real drama is being played out, right here, right now on Thursday night.

In the last photo is Stage Manager David D'Agostino , and Sound Engineer Katie Huges to his right, going over cues. (Check out that young man's face - lifted directly from a classic Roman sculpture that one is. You just can't not mention something that extraordinary).

Anyway back to the drama. Will they be ready?

Meet you at the Park tomorrow night to see what unfolds.

Yours in anticipation,

Gossip Lady

"What Decade Am I?"

Greeting Gossip Lovers

I know; you KNOW you know this guy in the glasses. The problem is you can’t remember whether he is a flashback from a high school dance, a recent hook-up, website date gone bad, or that friend’s little brother you regret not paying more attention to.

Far be it from G Lady to say it’s any one or all of those in your personal life. But I can say that’s not why I’ve posted him. The dude in the shades plays a big part in area arts. Know who he is?

While you consider that, let me go on about another issue. G Lady has recently received a flurry of inquires from flustered funkers asking for help in determining “what decade” they are. Eventually I ascertained people were all a twitter over the upcoming Prescott Park Arts Festival Dance Party, (March 28) - and came up with some advice.

Seems the fest - showing its schizophrenic side – told folks attire is anything mid 20th century: get-down in a get-up like this dude posted above, or go as your inner greaser paying homage to PPAF’s upcoming summer production “Grease.” Any eveningwear is acceptable as well.

Whatever your thread of choice you’re feet will move to the funk of Soul City at the Seacoast Harley Davidson show room – hence the ‘70s factors in.

Okay people. I feel your pain. But the calls have to stop. So here’s some solid, general guidance. Follow that mid 20th century adage and “do your own thing.” Let your freak hang out for heaven’s sake! Wear a pair of pearls with go-go boots and faux fur vest. And for the woman, try a classy evening gown.

Here are some great resources for creating the right costume: for the 1950s try this site; be sure to click around.

For the ‘60s & more ‘50s hit this one. And finally for the '70s go here. One thing is sure, they're all great for a good laugh.

It will be interesting to see what the dude with the bandana decides on considering he wore this ensemb in 1995 as a junior in high school. Oh, he’ll be there all right. That’s Ben Anderson the fest’s executive director. (see below).

Yours in white gloves - whatever the decade!


Gossip Lady

Another note to ponder: Never been to a fundraising event; or at least not one outside your personal, favorite nonprofit? Folks these are great ways to get to know neighbors and support local arts and social issues. Bring a pile of friends and let someone else provide the party! mingle or don't But give to your community while getting a great experience.