I am OK. My car is not.

And I'm really grateful for airbags.

I was the caboose on a four car pile-up on I-15 today. The car in front of me came to a stop very quickly and three seconds later so did I. Plowed into the car in front of me at about 50 mph.

I feel lucky to have escaped virtually unscathed. Things could have been so much worse.

This Kills Me

In a good way. Check it out:

silla-viento-peces from nick dangerfield on Vimeo.

Also, school is killing me.
In a bad way.

The Virtues of Brevity

I'm trying to come to grips with the fact that there's never enough time to say everything I'd like to have said.
But maybe there's something beautiful about that. Maybe certain things are better left under-said, or unsaid entirely.
That way, there's always more. More to say and more to hear.
Sometimes, enough really is more than enough.

A Good Day

Today, like most days in my life as of late, was a good day. Here's why:

-Directing Class: My favorite class this semester. Also, as far as performance classes go, there is usually ample opportunity for criticism and jockying--but there has been refreshingly little of that in this class. Everyone seems genuinely kind and supportive of one another's efforts. Such a great class.

-Rehearsal: With Jake Suazo, Jaclyn Hales, and Jana Grass. I have secret crushes on all of them. Awesome cast.

-Rehearsal: for 'The Dumb Waiter'. Scott is a great director and our rehearsals are always really productive. Also, acting with Josh French is a blast--I think he's sort of genius.

-Company Call: Scott Stringham and I were announced as co-recipients of the study abroad directing scholarship. We'll be collaborating on an adaptation of Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story 'Rappacini's Daughter' to take to the international Fringe Festival in Edinburgh Scotland next summer. Wahoo!
Also, I officially received an Irene Ryan nomination for my role in 'Twelfth Night' last year.
Last but not least, my final project from Directing was selected as a showcase piece for Company Call. Jake, Jana, and Jaclyn brought the house down with their performance. They say 90% of a director's job is good casting, and it's absolutely true--so ultimately I feel really lucky to have such talented friends.

-Elisa: drove down from Salt Lake to see the performance at Company Call, which is really sweet considering the fact that she's in the middle of studying for finals at med school. That really meant a lot to me.

Four Seasons: After Company Call, Elisa and I went for dinner at Four Seasons Hot Pot and Dumpling. It's a little hole-in-the-wall chinese place on University, and lately, Elisa's favorite. She was really excited because the cook has been away visiting family in China for the last month or so, but has finally returned. We had our favorite: Steamed Buns--and they were delicious. Also, the fact that we're both sort of broke and that our check was only $7.46 went a long way towards making this place a continuing favorite.

All things considered, I'm a pretty lucky guy.

Sic Gloria Transit or Why I Like Wes Anderson

Wes Anderson makes movies that know they're movies and aren't afraid to let you in on the secret.
I like that.
If you haven't already, get out and see Fantastic Mr. Fox. It's one of the most clever, well-crafted movies I've seen in a long time.
The writing is understated and witty, the design is impeccable, and somehow, even though they're stop-motion puppets, the characters are superbly acted--Really sort of mind-blowing.
Kudos Mr. Anderson. Now take a bow and get cracking on the next one.

Dear Glass Family: Please Invite Me To Your Next Reunion

I just read that composer Phillip Glass and radio personality Ira Glass of 'This American Life' are cousins.
Who else have they got hiding out in that family tree? Buddy? Seymour? Franny and Zooey?
Was J.D. Salinger actually writing non-fiction?

Grassroots Strikes Again!

SATURDAY
Nov. 21st
9 pm
Nelke Theatre--BYU
Admission: Free!

Somthing Wicked This Way Comes: Now Playing

We're getting some great buzz and reviews! But don't take my word for it--Check out what the critics have to say:

In This Week

UVU Review

Daily Herald

Convinced?
Well then come see the show:

October 22-November 7, 2009
Noorda Theatre
7:30 p.m.
Midnight Shows on October 30th and 31st.

For tickets call 801-863-PLAY or

Buy Tickets Now!

Or if you're in the mood for something else, there is a lot of great Halloween theatre in the valley this year. I recommend:

Frankenstein--Mortal Fools Theatre Project at PTC

Little Shop of Horrors--Hale Center Orem

Sweeney Todd--ARTE at The Castle

See you at the show!