Caught up in the moment

Energy: The most important part of a stage performance. Any given role you're in, energy is key. Besides of course, knowing your blocking and your lines - which should be memorized weeks before you go on, or if the case may be, months.

Having done Max & The Grinch two years in row now, I have yet to come across a show that could be more physically demanding (hey Cirque du Soleil, I'm readily available). In 2008 when acting as The Grinch, I was studying the character by watching the film with Jim Carrey and the classic cartoon as well. Noticing how much Carrey would jump around (with the help of Hollywood's effects, mind you), I wanted to make it as energetic as possible. And I believe I accomplished this.

In 2009, I took it to the next step. There is a box raised 3 feet off the ground. From a standing position behind it, I have to jump on top of it. In 2008 I did this 3 times per show. In 2009, I upped it to 6 times. And yes, this year, in 2010, I'll push it to more - if I can. But it wasn't just jumping on the box that I did.

Last year the box and I spent some time together, getting to know each other, and figuring out our limits of what was safe and what was an accident waiting to happen during a live performance.

I added a leap-frog jump over the box (and Max) as a stunt in 2009, and will likely do that one again this year.

Sometimes though, all of this energy-driven activity gets you caught up in the moment...literally.

There I was in 2009, jumping and leaping and acting as the green Christmas-hater, when I leaped on to the box and went to jump off...when in mid-air I realized the elastic strap on my little green footsies was caught in a split in the top of the box. Awkwardly landing, I kept going as if nothing was wrong. My next move was to spin on the box - which I couldn't do if my foot was caught up in the box...or could I?

I spun myself hard enough that I released my foot from the top of the box, thinking everything was ok....then realizing, I broke off the precious elastic band.

While continuing my monologue, I tucked it in my green boot and kept going. Needless to say, Lucille - who is our amazing costume designer - had it fixed in no time. All was well.

What will 2010 Grinch bring? I'm not sure yet. Haven't thought too much about it. But I'm sure I'll be hanging out with the box and trying more crazy unusual things to do.

However I'll never forget having my foot caught in that box. It was a moment where I truly got 'caught up' in the moment.