The library is interested in another puppet show for the Summer Reading Program, and I have one ready to perform: our “Pig Wars†version of The Wizard of Oz, starring Princess Leah as Dorothy, Luke as the Scarecrow, Darth as the Tin Man, Yoda as the Wicked Witch, Hansolo as the Great and Powerful Wizard, and Chewy as the Cowardly Wookie. And introducing Glyn, the Good Witch who’s stuck in a balloon and can’t get out. Hight Jedi Pigs of Oz. I reviewed the script, and with Karen’s edits, it’s good. It’s got a closing-credits song, too (still need to record that)—a ragtime-style commercial for Hansolo’s great-and-powerful-wizard services.

Our cast will need some additional props: Darth needs the classic upended funnel on top of his helmet, to make him instantly recognizable as the Tin Man (I’ll repaint his helmet silver, too); we’ll need green sunglasses (and swim goggles for Darth’s helmet) for the Fab Four’s sojourn in the Emerald City; Yoda needs a sock-puppet sized witch’s hat; Scarecrow Luke, some straw; and Princess Leah may get a Dorothy-style pinafore, courtesy of Karen. A white ballon for Glyn the Good Witch. And we’ll repaint the pumpkin from “Cinderpiggy†green (it’s Emerald City, after all) and call it a watermelon.

Designed (on request) a promotional poster, parodying the 1939 MGM movie poster; I couldn’t find a Depression-vintage movie poster font I liked, so I used one I already had, and faked the receding perspective thing they were so fond of back then. Next step—photograph the “actors†in their Oz costumes (next week?), and Photoshop them into the poster. I found a good photo of a crashed spaceship (yes, there’s one of those in the play, too), but haven’t figured out how to Photoshop that into my poster.

I’ll be hosting the Saturday open mike at the Arts Center; Jim offered to help set up sound (he’ll be out of town that night), and I accepted—being largely tone-deaf, I can use all the help I can get. I have heard from some folks I know who say they’re coming, and it should be fun. Good music. Also to do for the Arts Center: an instrumental soundtrack, maybe five minutes long, for the “French video†of our Artist of the Month pieces—some very beautiful mosaics.

The me-and-Denise setlist is done, I think, for the Valentine’s Day show at the Thirsty Lion. Six songs, all with lead breaks and the possibility of harmonies:

Armadillo on the Interstate—slow & sleazy

Spend the End of the World with Me—ragtime

Eatin’ Cornflakes from a Hubcap Blues—slow, sleazy quasi-blues

Rotten Candy—fast Gospel

Pole Dancing for Jesus—slow & sleazy

Naked Space Hamsters in Love—fast bluegrass

Rap is done, too, and I delivered the setlist and CD. Next—arrange time to practice before the gig.

I have my singing call for the square dance caller’s class down, I think. And it will end up being a song of mine, after all: the 1980 Dodson Drifters hit, “Valvoline.†I’ve got music; I can sing it, and I have figured out (and practiced) what parts to cut and replace with square dance moves. Hope it goes over well with the dancers. I have tentatively arranged for a “guinea pig†session with the local dancers next Wednesday after our square dance club meeting, and will get to try out my little PA system. I still need a post and base for the second speaker stand.

Joe