The True Death for True Blood-2008-2014

     It was in 2008 when we (The Viewers/Fans akaTrubies) first came to the small Louisiana town of Bon Temps. We walked into Merlottes, a quaint, rustic bar and grill, the first person we met was a young woman with an unusual name, Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin), as she served each customer she also listened in on their thoughts (we learn in other seasons that she was half Fair/fairy) but would not be the only supernatural being in town.

     When Sookie first met Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) she is unable to read his thoughts and there is a real spark and the two were attracted to each other right away. Turns out Bill was a Vampire (the first one Sookie has ever met) and his drink of choice was True Blood.

     Of course Bill isn't the only Vamp in town and we were quickly introduced to 1000 year old vampire Eric Northman (Alexander Skarsgard) who is "sheriff" of the entire county and along with his protégé Pam (Kristin Bauer van Straten ) owns and runs the nightclub, Fangtasia. As the first episode continued Bill is forced to turn home schooled teen Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) into his own protégé, as a punishment for killing another vampire.

     In the same episode and throughout the six season we were introduced and came to love many wonderful characters--
The humans who lived in Bon Temps-
Jason (Ryan Kwanten) Sookie's younger, dopey yet good-looking brother who became a police deputy.
Tara Thornton (Rutina Wesley) Sookie's best friend since they were kids, hated vampires until she became one. Her religious mother Lettie Mae (Adina Porter) loved her til the end.
Lafayette Reynolds (Nelsan Ellis)- Tara's cousin and cook at Merlottes, high on drugs and life, most fun character who was suppose to die early in the first season but was to good to lose.
Arlene Fowler (Carrie Preston)-Waitress turned owner of Merlottes, mother of three and unlucky in love until she met Terry (Todd Lowe), who had demons of his own and died but in the end she found happiness.
Andy Bellefleur (Chris Bauer)-Town sheriff, father of five half fairs until Jessica killed 4 of them raising Adeline and engaged to Holly (Lauren Bowles)

The supernatural--
Alcide (Joe Manganiello)-Wareworlf who did not want anything to do with his pack including being the leader. Also unlucky in love and it killed him in the end.
Sam Merlotte (Sam Trammell)-Owner of the bar/Mayor-in the final season and a shape shifter who could turn into any animal he and his deceased brother wanted, most of the time he choose a really cute dog (my favorite character and as much as I love vampires in True Blood I would have wanted to have his "powers")

I drink one last bottle of True Blood to these and ALL of the amazing characters who traveled through or lived in Bon Temps. You may not live on TV but you will always live on in our hearts

A glance behind the scenes...

If you leave NYC and travel far off Broadway you would find that there are many communities, towns and other cities that have just as good entertainment. From Broadway touring shows throughout the year at the Auditorium theater,, to performance places in the parks to the many other smaller theaters all around the city, Rochester NY (my hometown) is a wonderful place to see it all.

This summer in one of those small theaters a new play came together. Written By M.L.P Carroll and K.C. Craft The Kingdom Next to Fid is a fascinating and magical story that has a Prince, his true love, pirates, a good fairy, a evil witch , a wizard, a dwarf and “ maybe unicorns” all come alive (with the help of living scenery, stuffed animals and a laptop computer) in this epic fairy tale!

I was there in the last week of putting together this massive story. Some actors were on stage running their lines, moving through scenes and keeping their sword fighting skills sharp and accurate as others were “running” around sewing costumes, making props, painting the set and preparing light and sound cues.  All the hard work lead to long nights and lots of cups of coffee.

By the time opening night came, the cast and crew were ready to go. I stood back stage and watched as the actors ran on and off making sure not to miss their cues (a small space and 30 people made for controlled chaos). I was there as an extra pair of hands to hold onto props, help with costumes, run errands and do whatever I could to ease the bedlam.  I have to say that holding  two foils before they are quickly taken away for another exciting sword fight makes one feel powerful.

As the final bows are taken and the house lights go up, I want to raise a glass to the wonderful cast and crew! You guys are awesome! And a big thank you to Meredith and Karen for creating an amazing show. If given the chance I would work with any of these men and women again. I hope I helped more then just a tiny bit.  Although I never saw the production in its entirety, I loved every minute and had a wonderful time visiting The Kingdom Next to Fid.