Merry Christmas 2011

There is something truly singular about this time of year. As we called friends on our Bluetooth last night on the way from Stratford to Hamilton, as the snow lightly came down, I was reminded of many things...how blessed we are to have so many wonderful people in our lives...how lucky we are to have our health...to have each other...and, most importantly, to have our lives...and with that the power to do whatever we wish with our time here...on this earth. To live, to forgive, to love and to not forget past hurts and pains but to learn from them and move forward...to recognize all that we have accomplished and to strive for more, to create more, to be quiet and peaceful...to do anything. Merry Christmas to all. Have a wonderful day and a wonderful life.
Love
Sharron xoxo

An Ode to the man I love...and, also spelt pizza.

Dear All,

I was looking over my past few blogs...and they are all political like...what the fuck has happened to me?

They are also filled with ire...eire...eyer...you know what I mean.

WHO IS THIS GAL!?!?!

Where is the gal who likes a joke...a song...a Christmas animated special? Huh? Where?

I love that pic...the one above...from "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"...."Put one foot in front of the other and soon you'll be walking 'cross the floor.." and for the record I totally approve of the removal of the 'a' in 'across' to make the lyrics work...if anyone is asking.

Which they probably aren't but what the eff, it is my blog, rights?

I was feeling a little sleepy tonight...from the 87 shows in a row at 9:00am...I love the YPT but GURL it is early!

Anyhow, my dear hubby's agency party is tonight and as I was curled up on the bed in my robe and a full sweatshirt type suit underneath at 7:30pm, I am pretty sure that he knew he was on his own.

Which I am a bit sad about...because I love it when we go places together and all...yes, I do...suck it, eye rollers.

I miss him while he is gone.

Then I ate some spelt crusted cheese pizza and a bowl of pineapple.

Now that I am digesting I would like to present you with an ode...in honour of said awesome husband.

Ode to George

I wake up in the morning brimming with glee.

That my day will be spent with none other than he.

The husband of mine who makes my life grand.

Who makes me feel safe when he holds out his hand.

He is kind, kinder than many I know.

It isn't a contest, I just want to say so.

Sometimes I am blessed to stand up on the stage.

Watching him work as if he has no age.

His heart is wide open for all to see.

With an egg and a clover on his bended knee. (Possibly reaching there...but it works.)

If you know him at all, you are nodding along.

My sweet husband George, mine for a song.

Jesus Thinks I'm Funny Clip

Sharron Matthews Superstar: Jesus Thinks I'm Funny from Scott Houston on Vimeo.

I love the Vid! It has taken forever for me to put this up...but this was Scotland, people...at least a taste!

Dear Christie Blatchford...yes, I know I said I would not read her again....

Now, any of you who have followed what I write here and there...and thank you for that...might remember that I promised that I would never read Blatchford's column again after she told us that we were crappy for mourning the death of Jack Layton in whatever way we saw fit.

As a side bar, I love that she writes for the paper that endorsed that nincompoop, Rob Ford...stay classy, National Post.

But then I saw some posts on twitter and online about the article she wrote today about Toronto being a city of sissies.

What the fuck?

I tried very hard to not read it but when one friend of mine called her a cunt on twitter and then another highly respected artistic director mentioned on Facebook that she could go fuck herself...I thought it might be time to look at the article.

And I did.

I am not going to post a link here because that makes me feel dirty...suffice it to say that I just about fucking died when I read it.

I really though we were moving forward with the fight for gay rights, human rights...simple fucking rights...until Rob Ford got elected...and now after reading an article printed in a national newspaper that states the writer was "mortified and appalled" by having to watch young boys hug each other...I feel that we are in grave danger of falling very far back.

This article is trash and should be on the bottom of the kitty litter box ASAP.

And it propagates hate.

It tells people that it is not okay to different.

It tells people that being sensitive and loving is bullshit and is embarrassing. Not just men...people.

And, Blatchford goes on to say she loves gay men as any other woman does....and I counter, no, I don't think you do. If you did you wouldn't have written this article.

And isn't that like a racist saying "Some of my best friends are (fill in your own religion, race or whatever here)"

After reading this article and seeing that stupid Rick Perry video I find that bashing anyone who is LGBT has become one of the last acceptable bigotish things to do.

Again, as I said earlier this week, if y ou insert "Jew" or "black" or "Japanese" in any of these sentences it is not accepted and in some ways...or all ways...a hate crime...is it not?

Christie Blatchford....you fucking suck.

And I hope your gay friends never get the chance to act fey or lisp in front of you again.

And I love that she holds the Ford Brothers up as paragons of masculinity.

Jesus wept.

I love when a news organizations is that transparent.

NOW, I will never read you again.

UFC in the high schools. Rob and Doug Ford astound with their nincompoopishness...again.

So, I try very hard to not get hepped up over the newest, latest hair brained idea that is coming out of the mayors office, although it is hard to hear about them because in a move usually reserved for the school grounds at recess, Rob Ford is pretending that the Toronto paper with the biggest circulation doesn't exist.

Sidebar: I spent sometime on Rob Ford's Facebook page in the last couple days, and wonder of horrifying wonders, there are some people who think he is doing a great job. Most of these people have resorted to name calling ("leftards"...can you even say that?) to put their points across and the others have yet to provide me with a link to the story/interview with the student who was bullied by Rob Ford (published by the National Post who, incidentally, endorsed Rob Ford for mayor on October 22nd, 2010...so if we are following the rules set out by the Ford mayorship...is this publication to be trusted?) and these people just talk about the article over and over...and Facebook-Highfive each other for making inane points.

Sidebar over.

Tonight after attending a super fun tree trimming party I came home and got on the old FB and saw an article about Rob and Doug (Bob and Doug....why am I only seeing this now?) asking a school board to consider instituting a UFC (the very bloody sport of ultimate fighting....very violent and very angry) based and branded program in their schools.

The brochure makes a point about saying that the UFC would like to promote their brand at a grassroots level.

Holy mother of Jesus god wept and passed out....and then called mother nature and she peed herself.

Are you fucking kidding me?

Yes, let us promote violence in schools...for marks and grading.

What an awesome, well thought out idea....let us get those kids all ramped up for violence...as we cut 400 jobs from the Toronto Police Force...they can handle that...oh, wait....

Why not put them in an orchestra, or a play....you have to work together in a group to do that...and instead of the outcome of the UFC thing ...which would be learning how to fight....you would have young people who know about music...history (which will repeat itself unless we learn from it...or some such thing)...the classics...knowing how to problem solve and work in a group dynamic....peacefully.

What a freaking concept.

But we know how those two guys feel about those airy fairy things....huh?

Do you feel like we are living in a freaky episode of the Twilight Zone when you read about these buffoonish ideas that would only be approved by Biff from Back to the Future?

What the fuck is going on here?

But those people...the ones on his Facebook page will vote him back in...lord in the sky...we gotta do something....now!

Here is the article...read it...and after you recover from passing out...repost.

Oh, and check out his Facebook page...and write things...that will get taken down everyday ( I wonder how much of our tax dollars go to the guy or gal who is making sure nothing negative stays posted about him on any and all of his social media...really...it is astounding)

http://www.thestar.com/iphone/news/article/1096707--doug-ford-suggests-schools-explore-ufc-linked-program

Prince plays "Rollercoaster of Love"

Can u c the cabaret seats, people? Prince!!

Prince had cabaret seating...he DID....the tickets cost $1000.00 a piece...or more, I imagine...but the way he kept bringing people up from that section to dance on the stage...unattended even...it would have been totally fucking worth it.

TOTALLY!

And that mutherfucker did a rock, funk cabaret...he really did.

With mash ups, guest singers, guitar riffs...confetti cannons...I wish I could afford confetti cannons...I can't remember the last time I have been so entertained...

And when he launched into Purple Rain on the 2nd song...I almost peed AND passed out.

This is a bucket list item people...not just seeing Prince...but seeing him play his hits...ALL OF THEM, LIVE.

He said at the top of the show while the band was going and he was effing rocking his cheetah covered guitar..."When is the last time you heard a live singer? When is the last time you heard a live drummer? When is the last time you saw a live singer with 145 hits?"

Never modest...but why should he be??

He walked onstage and I started to cry.

Mess.

Back in 1995 (stay with me folks) while George was doing the Showboat tour (and I had dropped in for a three week stint in the show myself) in St. Paul, Minnesota, we were invited to Paisley Park by one of the dressers who was "The Artist's" ( as he was called then) wardrobe head...she said he was doing a private concert to work out some stuff for his tour and would love to have us...when she told me this...I totally freaked...we would have to get our shit together and make it there in a half hour after the show...when we get there I walked into the marble cover lobby of PP and meet up with a dude with the biggest afro I have ever seen...with a black hair pick sticking out of it...he was a player in the New Power Generation...and he said it was over....we had missed the show.

God, I was heartbroken.

I went back to Toronto a week later...and two weeks later George called me from St. Paul to say they had been invited back to Paisley Park...and made it...yes, Saidah Baba Talibah....you made it that time too...but I didn't.

George told me he played his material from the Gold Tour for no more than 250 people.

George is not the hugest Prince fan...but went for me.

Sigh.

So, when my childhood pal, Susan Curran, invited G and I to an Exec Box at the ACC I jumped!!!

I was so tired yesterday...but, again, when I got there and saw the symbol stage...well, you can guess my feelings.

He gave an amazing show...he played everything, people...and he performed like a mutherfucker...and he covered a BUNCH of awesome tunes...and he played for 2 and a half hours...not the the three hours of the night before...but I didn't care...

He played (from what George and I can recall):

Gold

Purple Rain

Cream

Razzberry Beret

Kiss

When Doves Cry

1999

I Would Die 4 U

Let's Go Crazy

Little Red Corvette

Nothing Compares 2 U ( KILLER!!!)

Alphabet Street (!!!!)

Darling Nicki

Take Me With You

Controversy

Sign of the Times

Delirious (again, !!!!!)

And from his mash ups and covers:

Crimson and Clover

Play That Funky Music

Everyday People

Don't Stop Till You Get Enough

And so many more we can't remember....because we were dancing...

He played that effing guitar...lord...he can play...and when he played the riff from "Rollercoaster of Love" I just about plotzed.

He also took a break and his three back up ladies, who were dressed in flowing robes, sang the FUCK out of "Angel" by Sarah McLaughlin....

It was amazing...just the best...and he we are...what a time we had.

Thanks SUE!!!

Dry heave Massage and Getting Recognized.

So, today, for the first time I was recognized by someone I have never met for Canada Sings.

I am not going to lie to you...I am going to be truthy...or whatever the fuck people call it...it is nice to be noticed.

It just is...anyone who says it isn't ...is "Jennifer Aniston Famous" and sick of it...so sick of it that they have to fly to their private island for some seclusion.

There you have it.

Truthiness is scary.

Today, I was looking forward to a spa day...I have never really had one...but I am feeling a bit run down...so it is time.

I went for a fabu massage...that left me feeling...nauseous after...I really think it was great...but I dry heaved in the parking lot..had to cancel the following mani/pedi and brow/ moustache waxing....and then when George picked me up I cried because I can't even seem to relax correctly right now...there is a correct way to do this...and as a Virgo I feel that is is my job to find this perfect way.

So, in my dog walking coat covered in fur, my track pants covered in messy paw prints, my fave black hat that has seen better days and my rain boots...George took me to my fave breakie place in my new country home town. (I am not writing where it is just in case I suddenly become so famous that I get stalked...of course I think it is at the top of my Facebook page....hum.)

I ate steak and eggs.

I have never done this before....but I was feeling less sickie and decided I needed a meal of substance...like a lumberjack it seems...

I ate too much...homefries and all, people.

Then I told George I had to go lie down in the car...because I felt sickie again...suprise....and as I near the door a man who looked like he (and I think he would agree with me on this) would rather watch sports than a reality show about singing and dancing stopped me with a great excitement in his eyes...remember that I am filled with a precarious amount of steak and eggs....and he asked me if I was the girl....yes, girl...loves....from Canada Sings.

I was so gobsmacked I almost said no....why? I have no idea.

He then told me how much he loved the show...he saw every episode....and he takes his three daughters to dance class every week. Loves this as well.

Then he asked me if I was passing through town...when I said that I lived in this country town he seemed surprised.

Then a lady passed me a magazine...I have no idea where she came from...but she told me this was her magazine and she would love to interview me.

I was happy...with the steak churning in my gut...so I made my way out...and sat in the car.

George came a few minutes later and said that after I left the gentleman mentioned that they didn't get a lot of celebrities (um...who? me? what? I love it. I do. Truthy) in this town.

If you can guess this town I live in this will make you laugh.

And I did not puke on these people...thank god.

Some of the fine facial work I did on the show....

Opening Day of Seussical....Yes, Day.

It has been a while, I know.

Since I arrived back from fancy Europe I have been lax.

First I went to ground...I'm sorry, I meant to the country.

Our version, mine and George's, of the country...where a Shoppers Drug Mart is a short 5 minute walk away and yet we still drive the car because there is so much parking.

Today is the opening day of Seussical at the fabu YPT.

I am excited.

We have the student opening this afternoon and the public opening tonight.

Two openings.

Huh.

Really....two.

I am excited and nervous...as usual.

This process has been joyful and busy.

I did a number of shows while we rehearsed, so I had to take a couple days off...but I was sad to leave when I did.

Happy that the shows in Burnaby went well!!! Love it there...but sad to leave rehearsal.

You see...the life of a solo performer is a bit lonely.

I love my Cooch...but there is only so much one can take of a person they aren't married to....while in fancy Europe...and I mean this on HIS end...Cooch was, and is, unfailing helpful to me...but I am a lot to handle, people.

So, you end up spending a great deal of time on your own...especially because I was sick and all this summer.

Working with a bunch of people...well, that is just the limit.

So many people to chat with, to create with (eff you, judgers.), to be in the same boat with.

And this cast is just amazing....led by the fantastic Allen MacInnis...I would do anything for Allen, don't tell him for eff sakes...but I would.

We all love this show and had an amazing journey to the day that is today...I think I can speak for all...I mean, putting together a show is never easy...especially a musical that is sung through...and doing it in two and a half weeks....really.

Again, I am excited about today...excited about opening...about the run...and getting to spend a couple precious holiday months with my dear George.

What could be better?

Here are a couple pics of us!

The group shot ended up a bit dark...but you get the picture...THE PICTURE!!!

Hilarious.

Come on out and see our little show...it is selling like hotcakes.

xoxo

Dear Rob Ford...I send you a musical message....Love Sharron

A year of touring and now I am home...ish.

This is a picture of Cooch and I.
It is from two days ago.
We were in Pearson Airport waiting for our flight to Vancouver.
I bought this hat at a kiosk 10 minutes before...and, obviously, I couldn't be happier
I am a consuming mess at the airport.
I am now back.
Just over 48 hours later.
I did two shows (two sets of 45 each show) and a workshop.
And still managed to meet my pal, Bickerton.
Life is funny.
And busy.
I just unpacked my mid sized suitcase and put it away....with the other two pieces (I still think of the set as my "World Domination Travel Trunks"...a very fancy description of the red luggage I got at Winners last year)...I put it in the closet of...my sublet in Toronto.
Yup, back in Toronto...again.
If you recall...I moved to Stratford last year...huh.
Well, I wanted to travel, right? And what a year of travel it has been people....I have gotten around, people.
Really.
I started the year with my trip to London to meet with my UK producer, Rob Harris to find a venue and come up with a plan for Edinburgh and my London debut.
And have a look around Old Blighty.
That is what they call it.
If someone can explain to me why, I would greatly appreciate it.
It was my first trip to London...and it was awesome.
I worked all day with Rob, we toured all the venues in London, met a real asshole of a publicist...he knows who he is...and at night I would skype with Christian Vincent, my partner on Canada Sings...it would be just afternoon in LA and late evening in London...and we would plan our tunes and numbers...I felt very fancy.
And a bit tired.
I won't lie to you.
This is me in a self portrait...I am in front of the Globe Theatre on the South Bank...if you couldn't tell where I was by the big fricken picture of Shakespeare.
P.S. Went on the tour of the Globe...it £12 and a woman coughed like she had TB throughout...it was lame and short and the actor who led it looked like he wished we were dead.

THEN I started Canada Sings...out came the luggage...I stayed in Cambridge for a week when we worked with the hot chicks from Lone Wolf Real Estate....and we lived across the street from the Roots Outlet Store.The hotel has a questionable pool with a painting that a 15 year old did of a palm tree scene at one end...so every lap I swam I had to look at that fricken painting.
Next, we stayed in my hometown, Hamilton, when we worked with the awesome men of the Hamilton Police Male Chorus...at the Sheraton (which my Mom thought was super swanky...her words)...and the bed was so effing comfortable that I would eat, work, sleep, talk on the phone, look into space...whatever...it was like being hugged by a fabulous marshmallow.
Yes, Marshmallow.
The last week of team training, we flew to Vancouver to work with 1-800-Got-Junk.
I was so excited, because it was February in Ontario and I knew Vancouver would be so awesome at this time of year...so, I just brought a fleecy. Well, didn't we arrive and it had fucking snowed. In effing Vancouver. We stayed in a hotel I can't remember the name of and I remember being jet lagged as hell...but the bed, again, super awesome.
By the time Canada Sings wrapped I had already stayed away from home for 6 weeks...and it was March.
May I also add her...which has nothing to do with travel...but one night after a taping Christian and I walked out of the John Basset Theatre, in the convention centre, really late...and as we walked out there was a really attractive well dressed young lady leaning against a wall and peeing.
Attractive.
I couldn't quite believe it.
While Christian went three shades of red ( and he lives in LA, people) she looked at me and slurred out that she really had to go. Clearly. Fancy. Also, during this time, Cooch and I did a crazy drive (that lasted from 5:00pm to 12:00am) from Pearson Airport (where I arrived just back from Vancouver) to Deep River, Ontario...in a rented Jetta. We had no cell phone coverage for most of the drive (disturbing Cooch to the bone...ah, the young), never saw an open gas station, and Cooch saw a shack on a lake and asked me what it was, when I told him it was an ice fishing shack, he said, "Is that a thing?" It bears (again, bares? bears?) mentioning here that the show went well, but it started to snow during...and the drive we took THE NEXT DAY was in biblical weather...for 9 hours...hail, snow, ice, fog, rain....biblical. Where next?...if you have hung in this long and are still reading...god bless you...I got Cooch on a plane, much to his horror...and we flew to Regina, enroute to Moose Jaw people...to do a show at the beautiful Capitol Theatre.


It is a frontier town people. After the show Cooch and I luxuriated...yup...in the Temple Mineral Springs. FYI the hotel lobby has a bust of Billy Holliday in it...not sure why, but who am I to question a love of Billie?

On the flight home we had three hours of turbulence, people were screaming and I took a gravol and put on classical music and did my best not to throw up.
Cooch hadn't flown very much.
He was worried about our next jaunt...needless to say.


I have to tell you...I forgot about a whole trip here.
I went to New York for a week to write.
I am so fucking fancy.
I stayed on Lennox Avenue with Thom Allison...got a sinus infection and it was one million degrees outside...I never went outside anymore than I had to...I was pretty "traveled out" right at that time...I gotta tell you.
The best part of that trip?
Seeing Thom, working with my friend Karen and the flight on Porter.
Delish. Worst part? The sinus infection, the heat and losing my fucking fucking fucking Blackberry in a gypsy cab.
One month later I gave Cooch and ativan and we flew to London, en route to Edinburgh.
I bribed the flight attendant to give Cooch a seat with better leg room and I slept the whole flight.
We took the train to Edinburgh...and by we...I mean me.
Somehow, Cooch ended up on the bus...for 10 hours...beside a woman with a big....ass.
Hard times.
But, you guys all know about Edinburgh if you have followed along.
The bed in the accomidation NOT like the Sheraton...let us say.
And the food was mostly beige/brown.
I was sick as a dog.
But we still rocked that shit!!





















And we went on the awesome bus tour...
thanks to VisitScotland...


And then it was back to London....
my debut went awesome...but I was still sick as a dog and there was a part of me that really wanted to go home. I was so tired .


But, as you see, I had not been to any of these places with my dear George. So it was time for a trip to Greece...on Easy Jet...the airline with GENERAL SEATING!!!
Now, let us say that I am very competitive at the very best of times.
But to get the best seat on a flight I will knock over an old lady.
It is sad, but true.
Now, you guys, this was the trip of my dreams.
I always wanted to go to Greece.
Our pals Joe and Louise met me at the airport in San Torini and I fell on the floor with happiness.
And then I went to the same airport the next day and met George.
My sweet George.
I balled like a child.
Here is us.
We loved it.
We laughed, drank, ate and swam.
We napped and talked.
We drank more...ate more.
Got hosed by an effing asshole of a restaurant.
Don't go to Angelos in San Torini!
No matter how great the view is..





And here is the view...
DON'T GO!!!














And, after a wonderful trip, we flew back to London...for one day...and then home.
To Stratford.
For three weeks.
It was glorious.
Really.
And then it was time to leave again.

WE are back in TO (which is also awesome) and after my latest jaunt to Vancouver, I am putting away my luggage for the rest of the year.
Thanks to Cooch for being such a smashing travel companion.

I grew up wanting to see the world.
It is one of the reasons I wanted to do my own shows.
And I feel very lucky that I spent 15 weeks traveling...15 weeks.
It has always been my dream.
I am sure I will travel a lot next year as well, universe willing....but I feel very happy to be in one place for the next while.
With George.
It is never the same without him.
I hope you are all well out there in internet land.
Thanks for following my travels!
I do get up to some crazy shit, huh?

Rob Ford's Mayorless Arts Awards. And footbal.

So, Rob Ford LIED and said he had urgent business and went to a football game instead to the Mayor's Arts Awards. After his snubbing of the ENTIRE gay community during Pride I believe that this is a man, a cabinet even, who believes that he/they is/are above having to show respect for all the people who live and PAY HIS Salary in Toronto. He believes that he can just hand off lies to us, that we are stupid enough to believe him, and that he...won't be accountable...he thinks we don't matter...and we tell ourselves that it is better that he doesn't show...I know I have...let us show him differently...let us write him, the office, our councilors, the newspapers, blog, whatever so that he has to come, sit and be uncomfortable at all of our functions...let him learn about us...the hard way.

And then I thought of Jack Layton

Voting is not hard for me.

I have always voted NDP...It is just a fact.

(Let me just state...as I always do...I know next to nothing about politics...there, I said it...it isn't that I am a total idiot or anything...but I felt that it had to be said.)

But, today, as George drove to the polling station (inside the same building as the Tom Patterson Theatre) I was in a bit of turmoil.

I didn't know how to vote.

I don't want the PC to get in power...at all...not even with a minority...and the dude who has been running things here in Stratford for a while is a Liberal...which actually surprised me a bit...because Stratford and it's environs COULD NOT BE MORE CONSERVATIVE. Lord.

So, do I vote for the guy who can maybe get back in and who IS NOT PC...or do I vote my heart.

So, I got my little card...and sat behind the screen for so long that the lady (named Eunice...love) who is running my table at the polling station kept looking back at me.

And then I thought of Jack Layton...

I could not possibly vote against the NDP the year he made so much headway...the year he died...I just couldn't.

As George and I walked to the car...I told him all of this...and he said...well, they can't ever win if we don't vote for them....simple.

Love George.

Love the NDP.

Fall: An ode...

Dear Fall,

It isn't that I don't like you...

Though, I know I have said this in the past...publicly.

But the sweet and honest truth of it is?

I do like you...I like your trees that change their clothes in the dark...in secret...like a college dorm roommate who has gained the "freshman 15" after eating all that rice pudding in the caf...and doesn't want you to see that their thong doesn't fit anymore.

I like the winds that blow warm and chilly...like a speech from a passive aggressive friend, who you don't realize has insulted you till 20 minutes after a convo is over.

I like your leaves that fall from trees and then fly around...in the passive aggressive wind...like a drunken friend that passes out and then gets up and flails around...and you try to catch them before they fall down and crack their heads open.

I like your sunny skies...that change in a heartbeat to grey, grey skies...that then open up and rain on you...and then hail on you...and then thunder on you...not necessarily in that order...making it cozy to sit inside and just watch the entire season 4 of True Blood with not too much guilt...not TOO much, I said...you judgers.

BUT what I do hate...is in Canada...when you are driving from your home for about an hour...from where you almost didn't take your jacket and scarf...and you are in a new and lovely town...and you open your car door....and it is FUCKING FREEZING OUTSIDE... and IT IS WINTER AND WILL NOW NOT BE OVER TILL APRIL....WHICH IS 8 MONTHS AWAY!

I fucking hate THAT.

So, fall...thanks for dropping by...and having a skanky quickie with winter...who them after the sex WOULD NOT leave your place...it is your own fault.

Love

Sharron

P.S. I have included this photo Shawn Wright from the Urban Barn just in case you are as mad at Fall as I am...and need a laugh.

Rudy Guiliani, Rob Ford, The Zoo and Three Theatres.

“Ford won several victories. Council voted to seek buyers for the Toronto Zoo and the city’s three government-owned theatres, to eliminate the Christmas Bureau that helps charities distribute gifts to needy children, to stop giving out four free garbage tags to homeowners, and, by a 44-1 vote, to end police paid-duty at construction sites.”

-Toronto Star

I am watching the documentary “In Memoriam New York City 9/11/01” on my PVR.

I have been waiting for some time when my husband George is not here to watch it.

He can’t do it.

I want to see it.

And I can’t tell you exactly why.

It is disturbing, heart breaking and shocking...with the most graphic photos and film footage I have ever seen on the day. At one point I had to pause it and go do something else for a while...I had forgotten...well, you never really forget a day like that.

Our mind takes things like that and softens them over time.

But I felt that I needed to watch it.

Let me take a moment to say I was not in NY when this happened and do not presume to have had a similar experience to anyone who was there.

I experienced that day as a member of the world.

Rudolf Guiliani, then the mayor of New York City, is a key figure in this documentary...and his entire team is included...all tell their story.

I am struck by Mr. Guiliani, as a narrator, interviewee, human and mayor.

He is a true leader...with heart, bravery and strength.

Okay, before everyone starts freaking out...I am NOT comparing the council meeting, any of the budget cuts or Toronto’s present situation to 9/11.

It was just timely to see such a wonderful, inspiring example of leadership.

As opposed to the person who is now mayor of Toronto.

Rob Ford seems to revel in getting his way and he does not care a WHIT that is at the expense of the welfare and happiness of others.

He seems to be the kid in the high-school hallway who can’t wait to trip the kid in glasses...and then not be punished.

He doesn’t know what it is like to be a homeless person in downtown Toronto (nor do I), he doesn’t know what it is to want to drive your bike to work...because you live downtown , he doesn’t care about the arty farty types...basically...and you can correct me if I am wrong...he doesn’t seem to give a flying fuck about anyone who doesn’t live life the way he does.

How gross is that?

That is the part that pisses me off the most.

If he even seem to care A LITTLE about the wants and needs of ALL Torontonians... (P.S. I always thought the MegaCity or the GTA was a crap idea...I am not politically inclined enough to guess that this would have been the specific outcome...but all of our needs are too different...Etobicoke and downtown Toronto are NOT the same.)...I would maybe not hate him so much.

Maybe.

I ALSO love that selling three theatres have been lumped in with getting four free garbage tags.

And the Zoo...the effing Zoo.

I don’t know what the exact ramifications of tonight’s vote are on the Zoo...what I do know is that they are looking for buyers....that can’t be good for the Zoo.

I am happy to be proved wrong.

On Canada Sings, I did not have the pleasure of working with the team from the Toronto Zoo, but I did have the pleasure of meeting them and seeing their dedication to their place of work. These are people who care deeply about the animals.

Watch these fabulous people here...

http://www.globaltv.com/canadasings/video/week+1/the+junk+notes+vs+the+zooperstars/video.html?v=2080549754&p=1&s=dd#canadasings/video/week+1

Lord, the theatres...they are going to sell the St. Lawrence Centre, home of Canadian Stage and the Harold Green Jewish Theatre...the Sony Centre, the theatre that was one of the first to house touring companies from all over the world of Opera, Musical Theatre, Ballet and other performing artists of all kinds...oh and the Sony Centre has just undergone a HUGE EXPENSIVE RENOVATION...and the Toronto Centre, that hosted the original company of Harold Prince’s Showboat, the fabulous run of Jersey Boys and the studio that has become a hub for independent theatre...I can only guess what might happen to all three of these fabulous theatres.

Remember the Diesel Theatre?

What a fabulous space...condos...it is now condos.

Who the eff is gonna buy these spaces?

Theatre lovers?

Probably not.

I am also quite sure that if football was being played in any of these spaces, they would have been very safe, wouldn’t they, Mr. Ford.

(Egghhh....it was even hard to put "Mr." in front of his name.)

I know you don’t give a shit about theatre....but....

I was chatting with a young friend of mine today who is teaching Shakespeare workshops in high-schools.

I remembered when I first saw a traveling theatre company who came to my high-school...I loved it.

I was a young girl with no direction and in a single parent household...and that show, and those actors changed my life.

I wasn’t good at sports, math...well, good god...I was not very good at a lot of things...but I was good at theatre and being creative...and I feel that it changed my life for the better.

On a basic level, it helped me be social, learn to express myself, be independent, speak up for myself and on a bigger level it helped me dream big dreams...make grand plans...and it was a great deal better anything else I was being offered at the time by my guidance councilor.

Theatre has also taught me strength, taught me to open my mind and think outside of the box, it has taught me kindness, and it has taught me about human nature.

I saw Dreamgirls, La Cage Aux Folles, Song and Dance, numerous ballets and Bonnie Raitt at the Sony Centre.

I had the pleasure of being in the original revival company of Harold Prince’s Showboat at the Toronto Centre and did a number of cabarets in the studio theatre.

When I was 27 I had the honour of being in The House of Martin Guerre in the Bluma Appel Theatre and I have worked in the Jane Mallet a number of times...in the St. Lawrence Centre.

Theatre matters.

Theatre matters, Ford.

Theatre matters, Harper.

Theatre matters you two effing BBQ buddies.

(Didn’t that video make you sick? “What video?” you ask....well...this effing video....)

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/canada-politics/harper-conservatives-try-quash-rob-ford-barbeque-video-172632797.html

And we won’t go softly...as that Shakespearean dude says...we will fight.

You effers.

Can you imagine if we had a leader in Toronto (or effing Ottawa) who inspired us...what great things we could accomplish?

The Canada we could grow?

And as a sidebar....because I am still in the mind set of this documentary...Do you believe that if we had a calamity of some kind in this city that Ford would be the kind of leader who would make us feel safe...and think of everyone?

All Torontonians?

It may seem like an overly dramatic question...but it really levels the playing field doesn’t it?

I am going to go and write all the city councilors now...as Eric Woolfe suggests...

Because I can’t support an arsehole who won’t give Christmas gifts to needy children....Jesus wept.

Last night in London at Leicester Square Theatre 2011

Thank you to Mike Bickerton for making this on hie fricken IPHONE...what a fabu night this was...the warm up and then the show...just magic...and to have something to remember it by...even better!

Rest in Peace, Bradley Garrick

When I was 16 years old, I had the amazing fortune to find myself in a summer company for young actors...I was paid $169.00 a week (I remember the first cheque) and I began to hang around with a group of actors/kids from the OTHER end of Hamilton (West End....fancy) and we performed at Hamilton Place together.

I loved this group of people.

For someone who hung around with the same people since kindergarten, it was pretty exciting to meet all these new, like minded people.

While "hanging" with this group of people I met Bradley Garrick.

He was 14, at the time.

He was gregarious, always fun and handsome....

He and I liked to drink Peach Schnapps.

A lot of Peach Schnapps.

I remember him with a fake, yak hair moustache...hair parted down the middle...as a dancing waiter in Hello Dolly...as one of the sailors in South Pacific....we were so young.

In the intervening years things have happened, life is life...and as a result, I have not seen him in a very long time...the last was at a panto at the Wintergarden, I think....

But when I heard he was sick, George and I were struck.

And now, so far from home, hearing of this passing tonight (in the wee hours, here in Greece) we are saddened.

Not being a part of his immediate life, it feels strange to be writing my feelings for the world to see...but who cares...I will miss him...I am sad that he is not in this world...and I feel great sadness for Phillip...I wish you peace.

Bradley...this earth was a more interesting place with you in it.

It is smaller without you.

We all, whose life you have touched in small and large ways, mourn your passing.

Love.

Last Day in London, Jesus, Canada Sings....and Chris says this is his fave picture of me.

Last Day in London....and Chris says this is his fave picture of me.

THIS IS YOUR FAVE PIC OF ME, Cooch?

THIS?!?!?!

Not maybe, this?

Look at me leaning on that fucking car like it is my fucking job.

That first picture screams "This chick played Madame Thenardier in Les Mis...and clearly is trying to recapture her youth...and looks like she ate something quite disagreeable."..."Oh...and she doesn't care."

Okay...alright.

I guess I should just be happy that someone has a favourite anything about me...and move on....

Um...but as a side bar....what about this one, Cooch?

First Preview of "Jesus Thinks I'm Funny" at Buddies in Bad Times Photo by: @[584940190:2048:Michele-Marie Beer] Sharron Styled by Fashion Crimes

Anyhow, I am sitting in my darkened bedroom at my pal Tober's place in Lambeth...Tober has been the best friend and host...I so appreciate his care...and he has cared for me...thank you...I am now LAYING here...on my bed and I don't want to open the windows...the blinds...the door...because then I will have to accept that the time has come...my last show in the UK of Jesus.

There was such a great deal of planning that went into this...the trip I took here, to London, earlier this year...staying with Rob, my producer...picking a theatre during the day...and at night spending 3 hours on skype with Christian Vincent (who I had never met in person) planning numbers, picking songs and getting ready for the first week of Canada Sings.

It seems so effing long ago.

And at 7:00pm tonight I will do my show at Leicester Square Theatre...with many friends in the audience...thankfully...what a blessing...and Team Jesus...who I hold so close to my heart...yes...look out...I am feeling all melancholy...it will be a fun night, I believe...I am very excited, above all other feelings.

Which is a tiny bit of a surprise to me.

Because I was so sick the whole time I was here...this is where I spent the entire month of August (when not performing)....

Sleeping, coughing, fevering, freezing, checking my voice, finding out about the great reviews,drinking tea, taking drugs, watching season 3 of True Blood, missing George, looking at my cover of the Scotsman over and over and over, resting, resting, resting and laughing laughing laughing on occasion....that was something else...but BECAUSE I was so sick I thought I would just be grateful that the end would be near...but I am sad...and excited...and thankful...and, yes, melancholy...and fulfilled.

I had the amazing experience of running and refining my show for over a month...what a gift...I changed it...shaped it and was in it...enjoying it...even when sick.

THAT was just the best.

It feels like a tight show.

Bliss.

Thanks to the universe.

And all the people who have supported me.

Again, I must write that all artists in Canada should get the chance to come to the Edinburgh Festival...or at least have the chance of seeking funding from our government and bringing their work over.

It changes the face of your work...and your perspective...and you meet amazing artists...and work with amazing new people.

And spreads the word about our country ...I have told a least 100 international artists about our Fringe festivals...I hope they all come and see our beautiful country.

Soap box away.

I am gonna strap on my feathers in a couple hours...and off we go LAST SHOW!

And next week, while I am on vacation in...Greece...it feels so fancy to write it...the last episode of Canada Sings will air...with the fabu group, RUN DRC from the Distillery district in Toronto...it is a wonderful episode and I hope all watch it...I will get it a couple days after...but will be there in spirit on the day of airing.

I can't believe that will be the end of Season One...we shall see if there is a Season Two...but what a great, life changing experience that was.

Really.

I loved that job almost MORE than any other...it was so wonderful to meet and work with all these people...from all walks of life..who just wanted to to perform...not for money...or fame...but for charity.

To get those musical numbers together...to arrange them myself...to pass them onto the fabulous Orin Issacs to orchestrate...and he would listen to my koo koo recordings and try to figure out what the eff I was doing...and he would transcribe it note for note...amazing...

To collaborate with Christian...what a gift..what a hard working, talented creator...what a dear friend.

And the crew on Canada Sings...love...what an amazing job they do...the hardest job of all...to do their upmost to make sure you will never guess that they exist. To be silent and invisible. They are amazing...Team Riley and Team Bickerton...though we...the fancy artistic teams...pretend it is about us and whether we win or not...we really know it is about them...and whether THEY win or not...cameras, audio, craft, talent and music coordination, editors, producers, directors, casting, wardrobe....working their asses off ...taking me into the green screen room at the end of the day..."So Sharron, it is day 4...how do you feel? Is it coming together?"

Um...not always.

I loved all my groups and got to know some of the people from the others...and we were all on the same side, really.

We just wanted to do good work...and to win...WIN WIN WIN...lord, I am competitive.

Thanks to Insight and all for having me...it was amazing.

Again, I hope you tune in next week and spread the word one more time!!!

Here are a couple of my fave shots at Canada Sings for you to check out now that you might have watched the shows and know these people a bit!!!

those outfits!

Gigi...make up and Adreano...hair

Rachel...audio

Bicks...Producer

Chris...DOP

Christian and Me! Thanks Christian.

Boilerhouse week with Team Riley

So, after tonight...I am off...off to the land where I am going to TRY not to turn on my computer except to check emails....can you fucking believe it?

I know that you don't but I am really gonna try. I feel the world needs a break from my whoring social media self....just for a while...I am not losing my mind or anything...I will be back.

Two nights ago, when Cooch and I got into the cab to go to the theatre for the debut, we rode along the Thames...and we looked up at Big Ben as we went by...and I felt fancy...and lucky...and thankful.

What a fucking year....so far....it is only September....lord...the possibilities....love to you all....

Wait!! What about this one, Cooch!

(Thanks to Cooch....my constant companion...here he is in his new hat....I like this pic of YOU best....)

But I am most excited...about seeing.....

I am never leaving home without him...again...the tall one...the other ones we can figure out, though I miss them so much as well...but the tall one....lord.

Dear Scarborough Hospital Team "PULSE"!

Dear Pulse, You were and are pure class. And your execution of that number last night would have made the Shirelles or the Four Tops give you props. Thank you so much for working so hard and for being so joyful and positive through the entire experience...and for showing us all what it is like to approach something so selflessly as a true ensemble. Thanks to my "yeah yeah' and "whoa whoa" girls (Elaine, Tabitha, Patty and Nancy) duet queen Elecia, , my strong as a bull Edguardo, the slick and smooth Mike who started it off in style, Steph the rap goddess and SWEET SWEET ANNIE YOU MOTOWN GODDESS...all of you...I will never forget one of you.

And I will NEVER get over the fact that Elaine is a freaking grandmother, she looked so hot in that outfit....you all did!! (Thanks to Lisa Williams who did ALL the wardrobe...KILLER)

Elaine's grandaughter asked to be my friend on Facebook...and I passed out.

Working with you was a absolute pleasure.

Though your show was shown last night, the country won't know that you were mine and Christian's first team.

I was excited and nervous to be starting a new show...and you guys could not have been more awesome...you really taught us what the show was all about.

I remember CV and I chatting the first day and him saying how he just wanted you guys to look your absolute best...classy and smooth....and you did, my people you did.

And you sounded like bleeping Motown stars.

So, basically, you kicked the crap out of that!

Thanks to Christian, for his awesomeness and vision...great job friend, as always.

And thanks to the awesome Kelly and Scott and the Keg Spirits for the great competition!

I love this show!

I love my job.

Great work done by all!

AND don't get me WRONG... I LOVE ALL MY TEAMS!!!

My Hammer Cops...23 of the coolest...more hardworking men you will ever meet ...you ARE ALSO my heart...who sang Britney Spears...how can I NOT love you?

My GOT Junker...one of the most physically challenging routines pulled off with style and talent and fun fun fun...you rocked my world.

WOLF PACK...AWWOOOW...our naughtiest routine...so much hair...so much sass...and you kicked the butt out of your outfits and the number...nasty!!! LOVE.

And the Energetics...very ambitious DISCO routine that you rose to the challenge of...with flair....booty shaking...joy and ...guess what? HEART!

I enjoyed the experience of working with everyone of you...lord...I am getting all awards show speech-ie.

Just letting you know how much I loved you all...and the work you did.

One more week.

Can't believe it!

WAY TO GO PULSE!!!

You ARE my heart...you all are....I got room for all..

Dreams come true...in many different ways

I am sitting at the table in my university flat that I share with the awesome group that is Team Jesus...and I am filled with melancholy.

This has been a challenging ride, my friends.

One of the hardest yet.

One of the most rewarding.

Here is (in the true spirit of my media whoring ways) what the reviewers have said...(and I really get used to whoring myself even more than usual over here...it is a epidemic.....people will tell you how many stars they got from the Scotsman before you learn their names...as a self producer, I appreciate and admire this)

The Scotsman named Jesus Thinks I'm Funny "Best of the Fest" along with 15 other performances and said "She owns the stage and anyone who dares look her way" and gave me 4 Stars (they love the stars here...FYI-this was my most prized possession from this visit here....people will fucking do many untoward AND NASTY things to get a Scotsman reviewer in. )

The Skinny (love that they are called The Skinny) called the show "A brilliant piece of comedy cabaret" and gave 5 stars.

Hairline claimed the show is "a ballsy, chaotic, foul mouthed version of Glee.", which, oddly enough, was what Three Weeks said last year...love it....and gave 4 Stars...

(Sidebar...I asked the audience who wrote Beth (by Kiss) and a youngster yelled out "Glee" and I had a child, passed out and changed into a panther....I watched Season 3 of True Blood while I've been here...that would explain the panther reference)

This year Three Weeks said "Not only is Sharron Matthews a superstar, she is a force of nature." NATURE PEOPLE!!! And they gave me 4 Stars.

And One4Review handed me a plump 5 Stars...first review of the fest..."This is pure entertainment at it's best. Fabulous!" (Yes, there was an exclamation after 'fabulous'...I didn't add it.)

I did about one million personal appearances and two Best of the Fest shows...and feel promo/publicity sated.

It was amazing and fabulous to perform with the people that I did these Fest shows with...amazing.

All these things I did through a haze of antibiotics and lozenges...suffering from a throat infection ...BUT knowing I would be well soon...believing it! My last week I would be FREE AND FUCKING CLEAR !!!

And then... to top off the whole experience off...today, my last show at the Edfringe 2011... I am sick as a dog.

Again.

I have ANOTHER throat infection.

After a full run of anti-freakin-biotics for the first one.

What the fuck.

I was well for about 3 days in the middle.

Then during my second show this week...I felt the tickle in my throat....my heart sank.

I have been soldiering along...I had to cancel a couple shows...which was really hard to do...but that is life, yes?

I went to the Royal Infirmary for a second time and the doctor said (after recognizing me from a promotional appearance I did earlier...fancy and odd) how lucky I was to get two throat infections...huh...I mentioned that I didn't think luck is the word I'd use....unless you put SUPER CRAPPY in front of it.

So, I have been sick for two weeks of my four...which has been a bit spiritually draining...as lordy as that sounds...but I think you get it.

I rest all day and don't talk ...and then warm up for a couple hours on and off...and then do the show...then come home and go to bed.

As I said...it has been a challenge.

But things have been going so well in SO MANY ways...I just haven't had a chance to see any other work, to participate in an symposiums...I know I know...I am very blessed to be here...it is just disappointing on that front.

When I have been able to do the shows I have had packed to sold out houses...the word of mouth and the promo has been killer...so when I had to cancel... it was just....arg.

No one said it would be easy, yes?

I got myself here...and the situation is what it is...and I made the very best of it...I remind myself constantly that life isn't always perfect situations...it is what you do with what you have been given...but still...challenging.

(Pause here for reflection ....and to do the LAST show...and to go on an adventure...and to be in my room in Edinburgh...with everything packed up and ready to go...and I realize that I have not finished this blog...do I finish it or bury it? Do I just not mention the part of the journey that was really fucking hard this year?)

So, last night, we had a sold out house plus 10 people that we shoved in the back...and, of course, because it is the last show and I got two seconds of voice...there is a really verbal, loud, asshole of a heckler...who I dispatch as quickly as possible...but then about 10 minutes later he reemerges and he says something so awful and unkind...I realize for the first time that I might have to eject his ass...and tell him so...and the audience claps...but I decide to give him some rules if he wants to stay...I see a couple people looking nervous...and I mention to them that this guy...and I point my finger into his face...is nothing...I have worked in bars all my life ...this is nothing...and then the guy becomes quiet...he agrees to the rules...and the show continues...huh...but I have my eye on that motherfucker.

With all the challenges...It is a great show....a really fine night...I am a bit hoarse but I do the very best I can...and I manage to enjoy myself...believe it or not...and at the end this guy...the fucking heckler says "You're a Superstar"...and I stop all sound and say "What the fuck did you just say?"....he says it again...and I look at the audience and say..."They always crawl to me at the end."...big applause...but you know what? It could a gone either way...it really could have...but I was willing to see it through...whatever the ending...this place is a TRIP!!!

I went to the dressing room and had a cry...and then did a TV interview.

Lord.

What a life.

Thank you for it...I really do....but what the fuck...all because I told the world that you think I'm funny...you gotta put me through the ringer....well, you know what Jesus?...WORTH IT!!!

Instead of going out after, Chris (who now has my cholera) Chloe, Rob, Simon (Rob's partner) and I...basically Team Jesus sans Anjali (who has ridden my vocal fader like a Nascar driver...WTG Anjali!) come back to the flat and have fizzy vitamin C's and Chinese take out and go to bed early....because I am not done, bitches.

I have 5 days off to brush off the dust and REALLY rest and then... I TAKE MY SHIT TO LONDON!!!

At this point I would love to heartily thank Team Jesus...Rob who produced the show and made sure every seat was full every night....Chloe who was on the mile along side him every day...flyering like a mofo...Anjali who teched the eff out of the show...and to my dear Cooch, who took care of my ass. He played like a son of a bitch and made me chicken noodle soup. Team Jesus rocked...and I thank them...now we will french kiss LONDON!!!

If you wanna come I would love to have you!!!

My London debut....and I am ready people...primed....and stoked.

After all this practice and rest I will be like a fucking race horse at the starting gate....I can feel it.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!!!

The room is smaller...and the tix are selling....Friday Sept 2nd at 10:00pm and Sunday Sept 4th at 7:00pm...and that is it!!!!

Who knows when I will be back?

Go to www.climarproductions.com for info and tix and stuff!!!

This morning...thanks to the FINE people at VisitScotland...Chris and I went on a van tour...Rabbie's Tour...to the Highlands...to the Loch's...to a Whiskey Distillery...though we were knackered...we couldn't wait...and it was FABULOUS!!! The driver and guide, Barney, was fabulous...the tour was very personal and so engaging...a lot of stops and all very different...but never too many....really really fabulous.

And my fave part was, on the way back, Barney pulled off and said "This is not a scheduled stop but we are running on time and there is a farmer's field here with some standing stones in it..."

I have always wanted to see and touch the standing stones...and never have.

Lord.

They are 5000 years old and no one knows why they are there or what they are for...they just are.

I am taking it is a life lesson...okay...I am gonna get lordy...we don't know why it is hard sometimes...it just is...and you deal ...and live....and move on...and celebrate your victories and live through the rest.

LORDY!!!

Here are some pics of our fabu day.

Tomorrow?

LONDON. bitches!!!

Me and Tour Banana

We are on a Grade 9 trip... apparently.

Hermitage Waterfall

Hermitage Waterfall

We are in front of the Stream that we wanted in the picture....

Loch Tay

Chris at the Dewar's Distillery

Chris finds a straight...of course.

OKAY!!! GEORGE!!! FETCHE LA VACHE!!! This is where they filmed "Monty Python's Holy Grail"...I know I spelled the french cow thing wrong...evs.

Standing Stones.

Standing Stones.

A dream come true...