Friday, March 26, 2010

Back By Popular Demand From Nowhere

WAIT! DON'T TURN THAT DIAL!

BONSOIR MESDAMES ET MESSIEURS....and welcome to my mind. I am honored to be a contributor to the blog Nowhere where wit, whimsy, and wild adventures meet up with creative and carefree spirits to produce some of my most memorable moments in Blogland and where my dormant drawing skills have been revived. Please visit us in Nowhere, but I warn you, ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK of becoming a child again....

So, like Tea Rat and Rattus, take out your opera glasses and click on all the images to see the details of a night at the theatre in Nowhere....



"I say old man, where are your trousers? And that purple velvet cape and green boots, what were you thinking?" nervously chirped Rattus, as he realized that this was Nowhere's first cultural event of the year and that first impressions are of the utmost importance. "Old thing, tonight is a night to bring out one's best. LOOK! THERE'S THE PLAYBILL; let's dash over to be the first to see it. OH BOTHER! Where are my opera glasses...the print is quite small," said Tea Rat as he discretely inched and squinted his way closer to read. With a tone of admiration and a quiver in his voice he read each word as if savoring every last morsel of his favorite cheese:



Gingerly entering the gilded foyer, it was evident that Tea and Rattus were not the first patrons there; the interior of The Royal Theatre of Nowhere was buzzing with distinguished guests. Quietly taking their seats at the balcony, the lights gently dimmed to announce the slow rise of the heavy velvet curtain...the music swelled as Tea suddenly hurled his husky little body to the rim of the balcony, snatching Rattus's pince-nez, and forgetting all dignity accorded to a rat of such distinction.



"MIND YOURSELF OLD MAN" hissed Rattus as discretely as possible. But it was too late for there was the esteemed but impulsive Tea Rat, perched over the balcony like a rube piping out, "THERE SHE IS...ISN'T SHE A PEACH? I HAVE WORSHIPED HER FOR YEARS..."



As the illustrious Miss Moussie gave the signal with her paw, the curtain majestically elevated to great heights as an enormous gilded moon slowly descended and introduced the pageantry in all its luster:

CIRQUE DE LA LUNE



The atmosphere of the theatre rapidly transformed into a Parisian Cabaret as the musical number LE CAN-CAN seized the moment; then suddenly, a loud roar erupted from the audience as none other than the lovely cabaret star JOLI entered stage right...AND THE CROWD WENT WILD!



The front row of young mice could not contain themselves, and if you think they got an eyeful with Joli's entrance, think again! These boys are gonna have something to write home about after seeing Joli's spectacular ending!



The dynamic juggling and clown duo of BEBE



and Gretta



kept the jovial rhythm spinning, when suddenly who else comes a rollin'in?



MOZES,THE DANCING BEAR!



Agility and grace doesn't stop here folks....JASPER THE KING OF THE DANCING POODLES has demonstrated extraordinary skills!



And Gretta is back with RACCOON THE MAGNIFICENT AND HIS FLYING TRAPEZE to, OOPS.....HOLD ON TO RAC'S PAWS, GRETTA! Isn't she a troopa?



And now, for the grand fina-l.........uh, we seem to have a....WAIT! There appears to be an individual who is frantically running down the main aisle, and...is now on stage and is vociferously proclaiming, "WELCOME DISTINGUISHED GUESTS....I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS TIME TO INTRODUCE MYSELF...MY COLLEAGUE AND I ARE TONIGHT'S CRITICS...



"Yes Sir, thank you very much but,..." said Bebe, dressed for her final number, as she gently nudged Tea Rat towards stage right...



"I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW WONDERFU........."



The orchestra took this as its cue to strike up the band for the final number and present all the magnificent players of Miss Moussie's Travelin' Show





and wrap up a most memorable evening in Nowhere.

THE END



Tea and Rattus decided to walk home under the silver sliver of the Nowhere moon. "That was a smashing show tonight, wouldn't you say old thing? We have much to write about for our critique tonight, don't we sir?" asked Tea Rat.

"We certainly do, old man, we certainly do" whispered Rattus with a smile for his friend.




All text, pencil drawings and paper cut-outs by Anita from
Castles Crowns and Cottages ©

Drawing and creation of Miss Moussie by my esteemed friend and fellow artist
The Dutchess

The ideas of Mozes, Gretta, Raccoon, Bebe, Jasper and Joli and Tea Rat and Rattus were conceived by The Dutchess, Jacqueline, Patricia, Penny and Anita and Ruben, respectively.

If you would like to read Tea and Rattus's Theatre Critique, it's only a click away!

65 comments:

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

This is WONDERFUL! Enchanting! Beautiful! Well done!!!! I cannot wait to see what your creative mind comes up with next!

Deana Sidney said...

Enchanting is just the right word... I so love that 19th century theatrical conceit of layers of scenery to create a 3d effect...solid and scrim.. your creation reminded me of that... thanks so much for the magnificent work!

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Sorry I am late... Excuse me kind sir, I believe you are in my seat.. Thank you...
Oh I could watch this production over and over!! The Theatre looks so beautiful and oh my! Here comes Joli an co! shhhhhhhh... Magnificent!!
Bravo! Bravo!!

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Bravo Bravo Anita...just wonderful!!! Nothing like a bit of theatre in the afternoon as we prepare to head off for an evening out...Have a lovely Saturday...Dzintra♥x

Fete et Fleur said...

Bravo!! Clap, Clap, Clap! I'm off to view the critique.

Anita, you are so talented. I loved your drawings and cutouts!!

Hugs!
Nancy

Chemin des Muguets said...

Anita,

Miss Moussie and co. are a delight. You're a gal of many talents.

Marjorie

LiLi M. said...

Bonjour Anita! C'est magnifique! Le cirque de la lune! C'est mieux que le cirque du soleil evidement!

Ah you have outdone yourself again Anita and my compliments to the Dutchess too! I have enjoyed this post so much. I am fond of the theatre, real as well as in miniature. Your drawings are marvellous! The atmosphere in your theatre is enchanting, how creative and of course the name: Cirque de la luna. You are so creative in multiple ways Anita.
Chapeau!

I could stay here all day. But I have to prepare for the collecting finale. Once again I want to thank you Anita for being so supportive all the way. I really appreciate that. I will be back though to enjoy this at least a dozen more times.
à bientôt, bisous, LiLi

desde my ventana said...

Félititations Anita pour toi et pour la Dutchess aussi. Ton post est créative, précieux .... une merveille. Je peux le voir plusieurs fois, génial.
Tu es toute une artiste!!!!
Bon week-end mon amie,
Cecilia

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Bravo Bravo!! I loved it on Nowhere and I love it again! Superbly done ma chere from beginning to end. I adore the cutouts. The characters are very real in their images set to paper & pen & colored pencils. Again Bravo!!

Mille bisous, Sherry

A Bit of the Blarney said...

I was completely entranced. I was captivated!!! So glad to be a member of this audience! I left the theater with a smile on my face and humming the music!!! Oh! What fun! Cathy

desde my ventana said...

Encore merci....et trés bon samedi
pour toi.
Gros bisous,
Cecilia

JoAnn S said...

oh what can I say!! I love it!!

Susan said...

Oh, Anita! BRAVO! Your characters are delightful! Your artwork is magnifique! Oh.my.goodness! I want to buy your book! Have you published a book yet? The setting is magical and yes, enchanting! More, s'il vous plait!?
Blessings!

Unknown said...

Anita, this is awesome. Your pencil drawings and cut out puppets are wonderful. I love your theater, and you photographed your production beautifully. Wonderful!!!!!
Karen

Unknown said...

A smashing post to point friends in our direction! Yeah Tea Rat...you are such a smarty pants!

La Petite Gallery said...

Applause, Encore!! Bravo!
Wonderful.
Anita, you write so lovely.
Miss Moussie is so enchanting.

Thank you ,

yvonne

Marie said...

Ahhhh just what I so needed; a night of theater. I must say, never have I seen such an unlikely bunch of talent on one stage but I'm sure now, though I doubted it from the start, this is what makes theater what it is. The mixture of long and short hair, the stubby and long nosed, all together for one purpose...clean entertainment. A joy to watch!

Thank you for the night out.

red ticking said...

just darling... have a wonderful weekend xx

Daphne Nicole & Lynda Cade said...

Anita, you have such a creative mind. I love your drawings, and the cute cut outs. You are so talented. Wow theater at home, and I did'nt even have to get dressed up. It was such fun. I love coming here. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Daphne

deb famularo said...

I am just fascinated by this! I am truly amazed my dear friend!You are a writer and an artist, top thpose off with a beautiful spirit and that combination is incredible! I can't wait to see where this talent leads you!
Bravo!!!!!
lots of love to you, deb

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

I hear the show will run all week! How wonderful! I have bought a new dress just for the occasion..
I am so taken back by all the glitz and wonder here... Come take a seat next to me dear friend and we will watch together... I have picked up P.J Tips Tea for us at the concession stand.
See you there
Penny

Simplement ... said...

Et voilà que j'entre encore une fois dans ton monde merveilleux !
Je te remercie ma chère Anita pour ces petits instants de beauté que j'apprécie infiniment.
Je te souhaite une belle Fête des Rameaux ainsi qu'à tous ceux que tu aimes et t'embrasse très tendrement.
Marie-Ange

Anonymous said...

how sweet! this has to be one of the most magical things i've seen in blogland..utterly enchanting!!

rebekah said...

how beautiful! enchanting and creative!

Anonymous said...

hello Anita :o)

thank you for your wonderful comment on my blog. i must see that film!
i am now following you as i'd love to get to know you and keep up with your marvelous creative work.

have a super weekend xxx

sumea

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Anita....You are so creative! What a vivid imagination and you are pretty handy with the artwork too! Kudos!~Hugs, Patti

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Good Morning Anita on this fine Sundary morn!!! About the lemons and the 'lemondade limes'...yes there is a difference...the lemonade lime is very edible...not as tart...I have never come across them before this so I don't know a lot about them...I will need to look into it...they indeed are delicious!!! Have a beautiful day...Dzintra♥x

Tristan Robin said...

http://tritanrobinblakeman.com/A101.gif

I've been totally transported...thank you~!

Debi said...

Wow Antia!!
That was absloutely fantastic!!!!I enjoyed every second of it and I am going to watch it again!What a wonderful theatre and I adore you pencil drawings! You truly have a wonderful talent! I am sorry that I missed your post last week and will catch up. Just a very busy time!
How exciting this sweet theatre is!!
I raise my glass to your fabulous production and can't wait until the next!
xox
Debi

Anonymous said...

dear sweet Anita

thank you so much for your warmth and kindness. what a sweet soul you are. i have just visited Hilltop, had a cup of tea over there. isn't it just wonderful?!! i am so glad you pointed me in that direction. now i am going to spend some time getting more aquainted with your lovely blog.

much love to you and yours xxxxxx

i am sure we are going to become firm friends :o)

Anonymous said...

p.s.
i am not selling my work at the moment, but may well do in the future..have had that in mind for a little while. i will be sharing some simple tutorials quite soon.

Jonny J Petros said...

Beautiful and entertaining- Thank you for sharing- Jonny

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Hi Sweetie...
I just wanted to pop over and say hello. I wanted to tell you that I was so tickled you loved the tea pictures. It would be so nice if someday you could come for tea.

We laughed and laughed yesterday, all of us have only met through blogging, never knew each other before. Yesterday I met a new friend, and I am ecstatic as she lives like 3 blocks away from me. She too crafts, she belongs to a group that gets together every other Saturday night. I can't wait to go and make a craft with them. At the end of my post I added the hang tag so that you could see what one looked like. I buy mine at the Office Max. I think you get like a 100 in a box for $5.29 or something like that. It would be fun for you to have each of your students create one for you to keep. Have them design it around who they are, what they have learned this year, where they hope to go? See how artsy they are. Might surprise you.

You draw beautifully so on your hang tag you could draw your beautiful little shoes, or put a picture of them and glitter, or lace and jewels. Maybe even a picture of your dress form you have named and dressed. Anything that your heart desires. I can't wait to see what you come up with sweetie.

Have a beautiful Sunday. Today I am going to soak up some rays. I need a little Vitamin D, my levels are quite low of late.

Country hugs and love ya, Sherry

Unknown said...

That was so cute! great job!
WOW what imagination and talent! I love how you write.
Thank you for your warm comments. They make my day!
gros bisous
Frenchy

Charlene said...

LOVED the can can. Sweet post! Have a great week. Charlene

desde my ventana said...

Hi Anita,trés bonne semaine a toi aussi.En España on a des petites vacances puor la Semaine Sainte ( mercredi je vais a Paris..tu sais).
Et toi tu as quelques jours de répos???
Muchos besos,
Cecilia

Anonymous said...

BRAVO!!! How enchanting and wonderful!!! I loved it all. The cut outs and drawings were just the best! I especially loved the story. It was so interesting. I felt like I was there. These stories really must be published. There is so much talent here to be shared with the world! Thank you so much for sharing with all of us.

Champagne Macarons said...

Bonjour ma belle~
Bravo! Bravo!! I ADORE this so! The theatrical storyline and characters are enchanting, and your drawings are magnifique!! Have I every mentioned how much I love the theatre? Your talents are many, my dear friend.
I had a chance to purchase the macarons from Trader Joe's this afternoon. My daughter and I were thrilled when we saw them in our local store. Although many of them were broken in the box, they were delightful.
I hope you are enjoying your wonderful spring break.
I will anxiously await the sequel to your production!

xoxo, B

My Grama's Soul said...

What a sweet, cute, delightful, enchanting story.

P.s. I love the new blog look. (I hope it is new as I don't remember seeing it before...LOL LOL)

Blessings,

Jo

The Victorian Parlor said...

Bravo! This performance was the best one yet! Your drawings are magnifique and the prose entertaining:)! What a wonderful way to spend the evening at the theater! Your are so very talented dear friend!

Blessings,

Kim

koralee said...

Ahhhh...so so sweet..loved it! I can not believe how very clever you are my friend. I love this production...off to view it again my friend.

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Dear Anita...yes I have made Lemon Curd...but never Lime, my how tasty that would be...Wishing you a wonderful week...Dzintra♥x

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Bebe gave me a discount on my tickets! I picked one up for you... Grab your hat and coat and come sit with me.. Just had to see the show one more time...

Miss Moussie looks so sweet and I get such a belly laugh every time I look at Mozes... He is such a sport to wear the tutu!
See you soon
Penny

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

As reguested, I picked you up some Jujubes.. Hurry dear!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Oh, I want to see this so much, and for some reason, I'm not able to see pictures right now. I think Blogger is having issues. I'm going to be MIA again for a bit, but I want to come back and see this! Hope you're having a great week...

XO,

Sheila :-)

KeKe said...

Anita, WOW!!! You did an amazing job with the entire presentation. Wow!! Very enchanting indeed!!

Tish Jett said...

Oooooh Anita,

Magic, pure magic. I don't know what to say.

You are incredibly talented. Have I lost a thread someplace? Do you, will you, have you written children's books?

Your stage sets, the banter (ahem, amusing, clever dialog) -- every detail, perfection.

Thank you for a marvelously enchanting evening at the theater. I left happy and smiling.

xoxo,
Tish

Rita said...

My dear Anita, your posts are never disappoiting, that's for sure but this time you really outdid youself.
I had a marvelous theater time tonight, reading and enjoying every single line and dreawing of your enchanting story.
thank you so much and my thanks also goes to your much talented team.
hugs
rita

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Bravo! Bravo! I just had to come back and see this with the pictures, and I loved every minute. So adorable. Great job to both of you! Somewhere waaaaaaay back in my posts is a Rattus clone that Mr. Magpie gave me for Christmas. It's a little mouse pulling a sled with a baby mouse in a sack. ;-)

Loved this...


XO,

Sheila :-)

BonjourRomance said...

Bonjour dear Anita,

Bravo! A fabulous night at the theatre. Where to begin? From Offenbach's happy Can- Can, delightful drawings and set design - your imagination deserves an encore or two or three.

We are all off to Nowhere with you and your talented colleagues for the next performance!

Gros bisous my friend,
Mimi

Unknown said...

What a lovely and enchanting story! You are so creative!

Anita, I do hope you come an celebrate my 2nd blogoversary with me over at my blog! I'm giving away a "Learn to Tat" book and a tatting shuttle! It would be fun just to have you come celebrate with me!
~TattingChic ♥

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Good Morning Dearest Anita...thank you so much for your visit!!! I have seen Tristan around on the blog...I will go and check him out...
I am sitting here full of food and wine (we have just had dinner)...having done a cook up with Vicki!!!
Have a beautiful day Sweet One...Blessing to you, Dzintra♥x

Such a Wondrous Place this Faery Space said...

Aha moment!!!!! I will write to you now about it!!! These are completely dream-filled, the lighting, the lights, the characters eek, delights!!!!!!!
Off to drop you a note! Blessings friend and talented one.

Unknown said...

Hi there! Came back over to say thanks for celebrating over at my bloversary with me! You are most definitely entered in!
~TattingChic ♥

julie said...

Loved your little theater. Very enchanting. Loved it...julie

Rosemary said...

Magical as always!!
You are so creative!!
Love it,
Rosemary

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Bonjour mon ami

Bebe would like to come to the 9pm performance.. She is talking about bringing a friend..
Thank you so much for visitng and meeting little Pierre.. He thinks you are GRAND!
au revoir
Penny

deb famularo said...

Bonjour mon amie! How are you doing? Thank you for your sweet comments, as always! We celebrated Kyle's birthday over the weekend. We went to Great Wolf Lodge- totally overpriced, but he had fun and that's what's most important!I am so happy you are having great weather! I hope you enjoy it and have a beautiful week! love deb

Patty said...

Such a cute story, thanks for posting!

A Refocused Life said...

How fun...and amazing.

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Bonjour mon ami !
Thank you for leaving a ticket for Pierre. He really enjoyed dressing for the Theatre and loved the performance.. He blushed when at the end of Joli's performance and I saw him making eyes at Miss Moussie. When he saw Mozes in the tutu, well, let's just say he laughed so hard I though he was going to fall out of his seat.
Pierre says thank you and BRAVO!
Bebe says I will be back!

Woolytales Miniatures said...

I am so happy to see this here, again Nita, your little theatre makes me smile.I love all your drawings too!*Big hugs*

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

My Sweet Anita...

HOLY MOLY! You are one creative lady......how did one sweet girlie get soooo much talent? I am soooo envious.

I adore your artwork. No, really........I am CRAZY about it. It is simply wonderful.

And, a story too? How DO you do it all?

I so enjoyed my visit....but I always do....dear friend.

Huggies,
S

tinypaperheart said...

your blog is so lovely. :)

Debbie said...

Again, every comment says the same thing, but enchanting is the perfect word. I really did feel 8 years old while reading it ... magical. And Anita, I had no idea you did the artwork and paper cutouts. U BE TALENTED GIRL! Wow!

XOXO
Deb

P.S. Marie said you and Ruben might be coming to L.A. in JUNE! PLEASE, PLEASE, LET ME KNOW .... would LOVE TO SEE YOU BOTH!