A Fair Night of Rippling

Richard Armitage as John Proctor

Yep, I’d say this ranks up there as one of the best nights for Richard Armitage rippling. I know I had fun. Feeling a little drunk right now, but that’s what usually happens when we go into a full-throttle ripple. Meaning almost non-stop.

Dear Mr. Spacey and The Old Vic Company,

Thank you for a wonderful night!

Signed,
A once crazy fan who has now been vindicated

Speaking of which:

Oh yeah! I had to do that again.

Dear John,

I’m so glad my first dear John letter breaks from the traditional and is something upbeat.

You will never know what your words mean to so many fans who have long seen what you were privy to last evening.

We really, really appreciate it.

A Friend

P.S. You’re right. I can be a follower and a fan too. :)

June 21, 2014
Categories: Fandom, Stage Productions . Tags: , , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 2 Comments

Yep, I am Insane. It’s Official

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I think I have gone insane for real, but I’ve done this for SO. I swear. He’s a Kevin Spacey fan. Actually, the whole family are fans especially second oldest daughter. She had a massive crush on Spacey when she was a teen. I told her, “You do realize he’s older than I am?” She said, “I don’t care. He has a beautiful mind.” This may explain why her current boyfriend is 12 years older. Oy. No, seriously, I like her boyfriend and SO does too.

But where was I?

Oh yeah, talking about something I did that’s nuts. I entered the drawing for The House of Cards. When SO was sick and could barely do anything, he watched a lot of shows on Netflix, and that was one of them. He’s loved Spacey since The Usual Suspects.

That means if by some freak chance I win this contest, SO is going to love it. Touring the set of the show, eating barbeque with Kevin Spacey. Yep, that’s why I’ve done this. The BBQ is the perfect capper.

Freddy's BBQ Joint
SO is a major barbeque fan. Yeah, that’s what this is about and not because I’m caught up in the hysteria of this fan odyssey and just can’t stop spending money. I’m a tightwad, people!

Dear Mr. Spacey.

See, even a tightwad will spend money on fan shtuff. Hope you’re thinking about that video for The Crucible. Oh you don’t know what I’m talking about? I explain it here. And just so you know, there are lots of us who will push the video on our sites.

Signed,
Richard’s Crazy Fan, a fan whose purse strings have been irrevocably loosened by the man who played the tall, dark, handsome, cotton-mill owner

Actually, I am celebrating. I just finished two huge projects, and I’m about to get a serious paycheck. This also means that friends who have been waiting on me to help them finish their projects will now have my time more freely beginning Monday of next week — at least until the first part of July.

June 19, 2014
Categories: Fandom, SO, Stage Productions . Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 6 Comments

Please Sir, Can We Have Some More?

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Dear Mr. Spacey

Yeah, I know I’m not one of your favorite people, but this letter is not only about me. I’m presumptuously speaking for quite a few others. I’m confident I can do that because well, there are lots of Richard Armitage fans who cannot make it to London yet are dying (or almost dying; it feels like dying) to see Richard in The Crucible, so I come with a suggestion, which you may have already heard.

Many of us have been looking at the promotional materials for The Crucible, and I’ll admit most of us have our tongues hanging out. I like to think this is a very overt manifestation of the consumer mentality. Make of that what you will, but what I’m making of it is we would like to see The Crucible without coming across the pond.

Do you think you could see your way clear to make a video that the rest of us will happily buy and maybe even for a hefty fee of oh, say, $50.00? Yes, the control freak in me is thinking for you. Sorry about that; I can’t help it sometimes — like when I really want something to happen. Or maybe you could do it like PBS. Let us donate a certain amount to The Old Vic and then we get a thank you gift. For a $50.00 gift, a video. For a $100.00 gift, a video and a couple of posters, er, signed posters (by you know who). Maybe $300 gets the video, all the posters signed and maybe a surprise gift that we don’t know anything about but we’ll love. Wait. Go right on up to a $1,000 or better, ’cause a signficant number of those “middle-aged, quite well-educated, Radio 4 listeners” have a healthy disposable income, and I’m sure they would like to dispose of it at The Old Vic. Yep, I’d bet money on that. Oh, and maybe throw in a few future shows at The Old Vic with that really good donation?

Yes, my control freak is really getting carried away, so I’ll top. I think you get the idea.

So what do you say?

Signed,
Richard’s Crazy Fan, uh Crazy Fan with money, money to spend on stuff from The Old Vic :D

P.S. Forgive my crassness in speaking of money, but I know it takes money to run The Old Vic, and I would love to help AND get a thank you gift. LOL! Okay, I laughed there. but I’m serious, man. And no, I’m not normally pushy. I make an exception on Tuesdays.

Graphic courtesy of Brian Clift on flickr

June 17, 2014
Categories: Fandom, Stage Productions . Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 16 Comments

Dateline: NYC — Into the Storm Premiere?

Into the Storm PremiereI’ve had some questions in email about the movie premiere (not to be confused with the general release which is August 8th U.S., August 22nd UK). I honestly don’t know where the Into the Storm premiere is happening or when. But there are some pieces to the puzzle, and I bring them for those who haven’t been paying attention.

  • Nathan Kress tweets about the premiere being in NY

  • The Old Vic having no tickets for sale on August 4th

  • The Old Vic being closed on Sunday

  • London being much closer to NY than LA

  • Richard Armitage having digs in NY

Here’s how it works out in my mind: a quick trip to NY on Saturday night after The Crucible performance, sleep on the plane, rest some more on Sunday, do the premiere on Monday (maybe in the afternoon; yes, they have movie premieres in the afternoon. Remember Captain America?), catch a flight back to London on Monday afternoon/evening, rest some more on the plane, no matinee on Tuesday (thank God!), ready for performance time on Tuesday night. Voila! a premiere done and only one Crucible performance missed!

Or the premiere could happen Sunday with a trip back to London on Monday morning.

Stop me. Someone please, please stop me. I have to get back to work!!

But aren’t you glad I have time to think about all of this for you. Not that this was too taxing, but I really am supposed to be working right now and here I am analyzing Richard Armitage’s schedule. *looks crosseyed* Hell, I bet he has a meltdown over his schedule at times, so I should not even begin to process this. No, no, I’m not really processing this. I’m just throwing this out for you to have something to think about, and especially for those who live close to NY or who can get there really quickly. LOL!

Truth: I do not know where or when this premiere is happening. Just wanted to say that again in case someone thought I really knew something. I don’t.

But if it were in NYC on Monday, August 4th or even Sunday August 3rd, I can dig it. Oh yeah. I happen to be attending a business conference there on August 2nd and 3rd. I was going to come back home on the 4th, but now I think I’ll stay an extra day just to ensure I don’t miss something. :D

Richard,

I can’t imagine anything sweeter than going to your movie premiere AND writing the plane trip off my taxes. So maybe you could talk to Warner Bros. and they could accommodate? Presumptuous I know, but really, this place wouldn’t exist if I weren’t presumptuous. I’ll stop with that thought as I feel a tangent coming on.

And I threw in that last detail about your digs ’cause if you’re like most people, you always rest better in your own bed. Man, you need all the rest you can get with that intense schedule.

Signed,
Your Crazy Fan

P.S. Could you also ask Warners if movie premiere tickets may be purchased by us regular Joes? I mean I think they could actually make a few bucks doing that, which would make for one helluva watch party. And you know your fans are well behaved. Of course those Nathan Kress fans might be a problem. ;-) But your fans won’t be. :D

Watch someone take me seriously about the comment on Nathan’s fans. For the record, I’ve met and interacted with quite a few of his fans, and they have all, to a person, been lovely. Impressive actually.

On an unrelated note: damn! Richard Armitage gives new meaning to ‘jobbing actor.’

And yes, that’s a lousy editing job on the movie poster. That’s what happens when I prepare a post in 15 minutes or less.

edit:

I think this is probably close to how it will go down:

Now I have to get back to my schedule. That was not a joke about working. I’m slammed.

June 16, 2014
Categories: Black Sky (Into the Storm), Fandom, Movies . Tags: , , , , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 4 Comments

Would You Like to Go to The Crucible?

That’s the question.

And if the answer is, “yes, but I don’t have the money,” then you may be in luck. I bought two tickets for opening night (actually, it’s a preview night*), June 21st.

I know what it feels like to want to attend something and the funds simply aren’t there, or feeling guilty about indulging in something that’s not a necessity. Well…if you have a way to get to the Old Vic Theatre, you may end up with some tickets.

This is a one day contest. No, make that a contest for about a day and half, because I’ll announce who gets the tickets on Sunday morning BST.

Here’s what you need to do:

Send me the reason you want the tickets in 200 words or less. No, you do not have to write 200 words. That’s just the limit for the wordy among you. Images or graphics or anything that is not necessarily text may also be included. Any of it can be funny, sad, absurd, heart wrenching. I don’t care. Just make it good. And if you win the tickets, share your experience in a guest post on RAFrenzy.

Entries need to be in by Midnight (BST) tomorrow night, June 14th. Send them here.

Have Fun and Good Luck!

Richard Armitage Crucible

Richard,

I know you were dying for me to come to your performance in The Crucible. ;-) But I simply can’t make it. My business is going great guns, and I would be a fool to go anywhere right now. I hope you understand that.

But I did buy two tickets today so someone who really wants to go, but couldn’t otherwise, can attend. I hope you will be there on preview night, my friend, so that my purchase is not in vain.

Signed,
Your Crazy Fan :D

P.S. Stay healthy!

*Preview night is tantamount to a dress rehearsal. It’s been my experience that performers are much more accessible after these performances than the regular performances. I think it’s because things are much more relaxed and performers also appreciate people being willing to sit through something which may not be completely polished. Again, that’s been my experience (mostly with the Metropolitan Opera in the U.S. but some with theater productions), so take that for what it’s worth to you.

edit: It has not escaped my attention today is Friday the 13th. I’m not superstitious and hope you’re not either. :D

June 13, 2014
Categories: Fandom, Stage Productions . Tags: , , , , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 20 Comments

A Meme, a Meme, My Kingdom for a Meme!

Richard Armitage Vine that Line HamletHave I ever mentioned Twitter is one helluva cocktail party? That’s how I think of it. But maybe you’re not quite there with me. Close your eyes and imagine two male geeks, aka loveable and knowledgeable gentlemen, standing together at the side of the room at said cocktail party, and they’re discussing a heady subject such as Yorick and their new version of him in an audiobook of Hamlet which they have written and just published. They stray into wistful thoughts of their book becoming a bestseller. In that vein and as a lovely surprise to debut it, their publisher invites the narrator — one tall, dark and handsome Englishman with a voice to die for — to make a personal appearance at the party where he reads a line from the book.

Others at the party have been invited to do the same. Fortunately, a well-known jester, who no one dreams would be listening, offers his Hamlet soundbite and quickly engages those in the entire room or enough of them to be newsworthy and has the fevered party goers rushing out (couple of clicks on their phones) to buy the book in a short 24 hour period (yes, some are shorter than others) thereby making it a bestseller.* Phew!

That’s what happened on Twitter with David Hewson, A.J. Harley (the geeky authors), our guy (he who has the magnificent voice), and Ice-T.

And no one had to leave home.

You gotta love Twitter for its ability to facilitate a worldwide party while we’re consuming. And even if I’ve been a wallflower lately, I still enjoy watching and am glad for Hartley and Hewson not to mention Richard Armitage.

I hope some other authors are taking notes.

*I don’t know the actual time period, but I know it was short. And yeah, I don’t have the sequence of events exactly right. Doesn’t matter. The point is the same. [This comment is for all of you anal fans. So is this one below. :D]

Dear Misters Hewson and Hartley,

My apologies for Richard III’s appearance, but I am running a Richard Armitage fan site, and RIII tends to rear his head at times.

Love the book!

Signed,
A Crazy fan, who’s a member of Audible

P.S. Did you ever think you would be connected with Ice-T when you started this endeavor? ;-)

Any puns are intentional.

May 28, 2014
Categories: Voice Work . Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 7 Comments

Not About to Freak Out

Okay, so I skipped a few days in my A to Z blogging. So what. It seems I never got on the official A to Z board, so I don’t think they give a damn what I’m doing.

Do you want the truth of why I haven’t blogged in the last few days or a nice story?

Okay, a nice story it is!

I woke up on Thursday morning last week, and not only did I realize my income tax return was as close to zero as I’ve ever gotten it ($12.00) — yeah, that’s where I don’t have to pay, and the damn government doesn’t get to keep much of my money interest free — but I also made a trip down to the local convenience store where I purchased a lottery ticket. I have not done that in, oh never mind, I just haven’t done it in a long time. Last time I did it, I bought five tickets, and when none of them were winners, I stuck them above the radio in my car where they stayed for about three years so I wouldn’t be so stupid to pay a voluntary tax ever again.

Ever again came the other day and there I was buying a ticket, but this time I got lucky. Yeah, that’s right. I won some money. How much? Enough that I can do whatever I want now. I may even go to London to watch a performance of Richard Armitage in The Crucible. I’m sure he’ll be thrilled by that. And the good news is that I can buy like two weeks or maybe even a month’s worth of tickets in case he happens to get sick for a few nights while I’m there. Wait. That doesn’t sound quite right. Don’t tell SO I said that or that I just can’t stop looking at this:

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click for the big version

Rich,

I know you’re smiling just thinking about my coming to London. Yeah, c’mon, I know it. :D

But I have some bad news. I really didn’t win anything, and I haven’t been around because I’ve been sick as a dog. I’m not sure how sick dogs can get, but it must be bad ’cause this has been a real ass kicker.

Maybe I’ll be fit by the time Comic-Con rolls around — if you’re going. If you’re not, then I might get sick again.

Enough of my bellyachin’, I hope WonderCon was a kick for you. If that picture is any indication, it was. Oh wait. I happened to see a video that I may razz you about later. I think a few bloggers have already, but I may need to weigh in as well. :D

Signed,
A crazy fan who is not crazy about the flu.

P.S. I hope sometime in the near future I can smile like you.

P.P.S. I’ll bet the Crinkle Zone has wet their pants over this photo.

Candid shot courtesy of Heather (that girl needs a website. :D).

April 21, 2014
Categories: Black Sky (Into the Storm), Interviews . Tags: , , , , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 12 Comments

Richard Armitage, the Salesman

I’m pulling a page out of Guylty’s book and doing an image analysis but doing it Frenz style. That’s where my bullshit peddler/detector (you decide) is in overdrive.

Photos do not always convey reality, but whatever they convey, the effect can be profound. Take this photo for example:

Embed from Getty Images
[viewing tip that’s legal: increase the view in your browser. The original image is such a large format, that you can blow this up quite a bit to see the detail]

If I were a betting person, I would bet this photo does more to entice most of you to go see Into the Storm than any trailer ever will. :D

Yes, that’s the end of my analysis. Do I have to spell it out? Seriously, do I have to connect the dots? I didn’t think so.

Additionally: Poor Steve Quale out there trying to be serious.

And now a letter to Todd Garner:

Dear Mr. Garner,

If you want the Army to turn out en masse, ensure more photos like this make it to the public’s eyes. Remember what you said about Richard Armitage being dreamy? Well, Sarah is certainly doing her part to respond, and I can hear the collective sighs as I type this.

Signed,
A Crazy Fan who is ready to take the ride come August

new tag: the dreamy factor

edit: another one. Not with quite the impact, but you get the idea.

Embed from Getty Images

second edit: oh dear lord, this is how rumors get started. I can practically feel the heat coming off this one.

Richard Armitage Sarah Wayne Callies Cinema Con
Courtesy of the Anglophile Channel

March 29, 2014
Categories: Black Sky (Into the Storm), Fandom, Movies . Tags: , , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 94 Comments

No, No, No, No, and No, Richard Armitage Does Not Die

Some people are afraid Gary Morris will meet his fate. My gut screams no. For two reasons. That’s not Todd Garner’s thing, and I don’t think it’s John Swetnam’s thing either. I could be wrong about Swetnam since he’s still a bit of a dark horse, but c’mon, they can’t tell us anything. That would ruin it. In the meantime, they’re going to mess with our heads, so just bear up. ;D

However:

Richard,

If you die in this film, well, dammit, man, can we please have a break from that? Oh yeah, you do dying well, but how about some variety?

But I’m not really worried about this since my gut still has a pretty good average if you do recall. No, don’t ask me about Lucas North.

Anyway, this is not a series where you could get stuck.

Yeah, you survive. :D

Signed,
A fan who wants to see you conquer without sacrificing your life

P.S. And if you do die in this, please slap John Swetnam and Todd Garner for me.

March 27, 2014
Categories: Black Sky (Into the Storm), Movies . Tags: , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 11 Comments

Juxtaposition in the ‘Hood

A new Richard Armitage photo surfaced from @UrbanAtShedCrew, and I have all kinds of good vibes about this.

Richard Armitage Urban and the Shed Crew

Thoughts of Richard playing the scruff, out of his element — or is he? I absolutely adore this. Can hardly wait even though I realize it may not play in the U.S. quickly. Since when has that ever stopped any of us? And for anyone reading who may be alarmed by that statement, I always buy the DVD and usually more than one. It’s my understanding that many, many fans do this. But best of all, we are willing to talk and talk and talk about these vehicles.

Meanwhile, just one of the tweets inuring us to the culture of Urban and the Crew:

Interesting stuff to read as I wait for my book to get here.

And the Into the Storm trailer!

Yeah, Rich!

All of a sudden we have a few things to look forward to. I knew it. I knew it. Yes, I’m gloating. I knew you weren’t sitting on your duff. Have you ever been able to do that? Seriously, man, have you ever been able to sit still?

Somehow I doubt it, and I would bet there’s some really fine looking home improvements created in between all of these theatrical offerings when you were supposedly having your “down time.” :D

Signed,
A fan crazy about damaged characters.

P.S. You have always done a wonderful job with redemption stories. I really cannot wait to see this. Sue me if I’m getting ahead of myself.

March 21, 2014
Categories: Black Sky (Into the Storm), Movies, Urban and the Shed Crew . Tags: , , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 7 Comments

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