You Take the Good, You Take the Bad...
Work has frustrating so far this week. We transferred over to a new "online" database system and it has been nothing but problematic. During training, I worried that there would be problems, and because there was no real affirmation of a good thing, I expected the worst. Well, my expectations were met and then some. With things not working on my end and not being able to do my work/job, along with complications throughout the entire office, it has been nothing but frustrating. I was so angry earlier today that I had to step away from my computer and everything/one else lest I do or say something I would regret. It's just been aggravating and, despite our tech support's staff doing what it can, nothing is improving. It sucks when I cannot do the main part of job because I was not set up to do it in the first place!! I just hope it improves soon or I am going to be serious overloaded this week and not in a happy mood. So, if I come off crappy, please forgive me....
AND to add insult to injury, I can no longer access LiveJournal from work. So, I'll have to write my entries at work and posting them when I get home. FUN Times...
Okay, that's all the bad that's going on right now. Now for some good...
My weekend was good. On Saturday, I made my way downtown to catch Derek _decibel_ in Chess, being produced by Cincinnati Music Theater (CMT). I was surprised to find out that there are several people that I know that were also in this production, including Rob Bucher, the webmaster for several theatre arts web pages (including the one aformentioned). I had not heard anything about this musical going into it with the exception of Derek's reviews of the music and several LJers commenting on wanting to see it. So, with a little bit of faith, I went in expecting a decent show, and I got that and then some.
The game of chess is used as a metaphor for relationships, both emotional and political. In this show set in 1986, Russian/Soviet chess champion Anatoly competes against brash American Freddie in a tournament that starts in Bangkok and ends in Budapest. They are playing for more than personal glory, as the Cold War conflicts continue to escalate. Freddie's second, beautiful Hungarian refugee Florence, is caught in the middle as she fights to keep Freddie in check and her burgeoning desires for the suave Anatoly. Things get worse when Anatoly decides to defect from the USSR, leaving his country and more behind. The repercussions of these actions are far-reaching and continue throughout the second act, as the championship and Florence's past come to full-front.
It was a brave move for a "community" theatre to do this show. It's not well known (or at least I haven't heard of it before) and it's slightly dated. The age of the show was really the only problem for me. I think the show needed a way (how I don't know) to bring to major themes of power, moves and counter-moves to today's era. However, the performances in the show were spectacular. Derek said to me after the show that the cast seemed off, and I noticed a few moments of that. But, it was a good show to see. The sets and music were well done (when you're seated in the front you get to see and hear a lot), and it surprised. This is my first CMT production, and I was amazed at how much they do in regards to set design, costume design, lighting and more even though they appeared to be coined a "community theatre."
Despite it's age, there is some beautiful music in the show. My favorite songs were "You and I" and "I Know Him So Well." It's a good musical and a great performance by the cast and crew. I hope the rest of the run goes well! ;-)