Monday, December 21, 2015

A play in France and a wedding in Romania


Welcome to my Holiday presentation of a play and a wedding in two different countries, France and Romania. This is my third winter production and for this year I found my inspiration from Tim Burton. He has made some of my very favorite movies. Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, Dark Shadows, Alice in Wonderland and The Nightmare before Christmas to mention just a few. I greatly admire Tim Burton's ability of imagining magical stories that can captivate and totally engage you in utter make believe.

Iggy Pop the rock legend in an interview I recently watched and really enjoyed mentioned and I quote "stuff you did on instinct not intelligence". It truly defines my whimsical escapade in this presentation. At the end of this post please click onto my friends Doré and Lin's links, who are also producing holiday presentations, our gift to you. So in my attempt of storytelling to entertain you with a whimsical fantasy holiday production please sit back and believe...


Violet is a mouse who lives in this abandoned centuries old opera house. She produces magical Ballets for each holiday. Last Christmas she produced the Gypsy Ballet. But this year for Christmas, sweet Violet is leaving with Rémi, her finance soon to be wed in Romania. Rémi is a very theatrical thespian and attends each of Violets performances. He instantly fell head over heels in love with her and on Valentine's Day proposed to Violet on bended mouse knee right up on the stage during Violets révérence. The audience went wild applauding as Rémi jumped up on the stage during Violets final bow. 

Today is December 23rd and their nuptials are tomorrow, Christmas Eve. Three of Violets friends Eugène, Frédéric and Henri offered to produce a play based on the old English fairytale rhyme of 3 Blind Mice. Violet ever being the perfectionist spent much time with them and choreographed their song and dance numbers.


Needing to board their plane to Romania Violet dropped by unexpectedly the morning of their dress rehearsal. In anxious bridezilla craziness she actually suggested to keep the play authentic they should cut off their tails with a carving knife! Since the nursery rhyme goes "They all ran after the farmer's wife, who cut off their tails with a carving knife, did you ever see such a thing in your life, as three blind mice".  Henri firmly told Violet - A we are not blind, B we are only actors and C you are speaking crazy so just go away! Whew, with a plane to catch Rémi literally pulled Violet off the stage and thankfully the tail chopping incident did not occur. 


The plane awaits to fly our couple into Transylvania, Romania known as "The Land beyond the forest." It is in the medieval town of Brasov in a castle nestled in a fairytale village in the Carpathian Mountains they will wed. 


Why get married in Transylvania, Romania and not Paris, France? Simply because Rémi a hopeless romantic and Violet ever the prima ballerina looking for a fairytale wedding were captivated by stories told by Rémi's young ingenue cousin Alina. A Romanian ice skater with Olympic Gold ambition. Alina's enchanting stories and folk lore all about local villagers and the legend of Dracula convinced the couple nuptials there would be enchanting. In a world that often is overwhelming and scary Violet and Rémi are adventurous and courageous, undaunted by fear.


Cousin Alina can not afford an Olympic coach and was befriended by Gus a Vampire Kangaroo rat that lives at the castle where Alina loves to skate everyday. Gus coaches and encourages his new friend. Fairytale fascination certainly runs rampant in Rémi's family with Alina's Olympic Gold medal dreams.

Gus dwells in Count Dracula's 14th century castle and explained a wedding could be arranged since the count sleeps during the day and Christmas Eve day would be perfect.

Meanwhile back in Paris ...


Opening matinee begins and there is magic in the air. Tails intact the audience enthralled the play commences flawlessly. 


Singing, dancing and energy filled the air as the sound of applause resonated throughout the theatre.


The cast:
On the left Eugène, middle Frédéric and on the right Henri. 


Bravo, bravo, bravo as large Red Roses were placed on the theatre stage, as the trio joyfully performed.


Rémi and Violet touched down in Romania many hours later and the extremely cold night air embraced them with anticipation and much excitement for their wedding day.


Violet and Rémi made all their plans during phone conversations with Alina and Gus weeks ago as they headed over to the castle to check everything out. Violet had her heart set on a large White Christmas tree with Silver balls and hoped it was just as she had envisioned. Both Gothic romance novel lovers spending late evenings up reading to each other this Gothic 14th century castle was everything they had ever dreamed about and much more.


A perfect medieval castle with turrets and Gargoyles the couple was thrilled.
Violet has always loved the Gargoyles that sit on top the rooftop cathédrale at Notre-Dame in Paris. Once Violet wanting a closer look climbed up to the roof and perched her petite self up on the head of a gargoyle. It turned out to be a impulsive idea since she was nearly blown off by the high winds that day.


Violet adored her Christmas tree and Rémi loves the Gothic coffin of Count Dracula. Secretly hoping he would make an appearance, although aware he would not. 


Alina and Gus escorted the Orthodox Priest and best friends Veronica (matron of honor) and best man Mike into the castle.


At Rémi's request the Priest wore a Vampire cape, that had been custom made just for the day. Rémi believed it would add authentic charm to their wedding.


The adorable Mr. and Mrs. as they leave the castle for photos. Hand in hand to live happily ever after, a theatrical life in Paris. Their sweet innocent hearts filled with wonderment and hopeful dreams.


Alina, Gus the vampire kangaroo rat and the Priest. In the fairytale village nestled in the Carpathian Mountains there is a deep bond and respect with the local villagers to honor the legend of Dracula. 


Snowballs were playfully tossed around and Rémi took one on his nose as the final photo was snapped on a perfectly enchanting fairytale wedding day. 

                                 ~  The end ~
xx,
Vera
See you in the New Year as I enter my third year of blogging. Have a joyful Holiday and I wish you much love, health, happiness filled with many fun adventures in 2016.

Doré's presentation - Burlapluxe.blogspot.com

Sources: 
Dracula's castle made by John and gifted to me years ago on my Birthday
French theatre and ladder purchased from Burlap Luxe on etsy
Violet, Veronica, Mike and Gus needle felted by Penny at - Angelsdoor.blogspot.com
Alina, Priest, Eugène, Frédéric and Henri - CozyMilArt etsy
Rémi was a gift from John 
Paper vintage book trees in French theatre and cutout metal urn - VILLABARNES.com
Mini chandelier in French theatre handmade by Méa out of an antique chandelier and part of my Christmas gift this year from John - Measvintage.blogspot.com
Everything else made, choreographed and written, photographed and dreamed up by me - Vera


48 comments:

  1. Vera, I am applauding, a little tear for wonderful Max in my eye. Everything you do has the whole scale, from Humour and Laughter into deep emotions and warmth.
    AND I WILL join, of course, the 24. of December is already reserved to be a mousey last chapter of my mouse fairytale. I wrote it already, but wanted to post it on the holy eve.
    The black and white I love, creates a mood of its own, taken out of time. But, Vera, where is good looking Dracula? Haha, a sexy mouseman has to be created, a bad bad dark boy, jajaja, you have to take action soon, maybe the bride is highjacked ;)))? Tell them, Vera, the sunglasses are not enough ;)))
    Well, NOW you know me, hahaha
    Vera, hugs and kissies from me, thank you so much for mentioning me, and THANK YOU FOR THIS STORY!!! Your friend Méa

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  2. Good morning or rather, BONJOUR! Vera dear, it is so fun to come back and visit my memories of stage productions past. I so enjoyed engaging in this back in the day, and to see your production is heartwarming. Well, these mice are PROS at this! Wonderful production, script, scenery, (my goodness, what mouse was in charge of the props?) and all is merry and bright. Penny's the talent agent, Méa is lighting, Doré the theatre architect, YOU the director! teeeehehee

    This is fun. I am going to pull out my theatre from the closet today and play a little and post my photos on IG.

    I wish you a warm and happy holiday my friend, filled with hope and great fun. Anita

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  3. Dearest Vera, Max would be so proud of this glorious production.
    Such a sweet and amazing little story of romance at Christmas. Oh how I enjoyed it early this morning. Your imagination is vivid and filled with adventure. From the props to the very specially created mice, I love everything about this sweet tale.
    You must make this a coffee table book to enjoy each and every year!! This was so much fun!! Thank you for this gift to begin the week till Christmas. I must go back and enjoy it once again.
    I am so sorry you lost your precious Max. He will always live in your hearts.
    Wishing you a very Merry Christmas my friend filled with many blessings. Thank you for a special year of wonderful posts and congrats on the start of your 3rd year of blogging. May the make believe live on~~~~~~
    XOXO

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  4. OH MY!!! I had a HUGE grin across my face as I scrolled down reading and viewing each and every amazing photo! LOVE the black and white, the Casablanca feel of the plane photos, and the dark Dracula castle scenes. BRAVO, Vera!!! So incredibly fun! :)
    xoxo,
    Lin

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  5. Beautiful production Vera. Loved it all. Nothing more romantic than the joining of two souls on Christmas Eve in matrimony. Beautiful production. Your imagination captures in both the Paris and Romania beautiful events. I will check out Lin and Dore's productions too. I wish you a wonderful and beautiful Christmas my friend.
    Kris

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  6. VERA, congratulations. Wow, really, really great. I love your story. And i also love Tim Burton. I also find the théâtre of Dore adorable.
    What a great idea!!!!!!!!

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  7. BRAVO!! Your production was just fabulous, Vera. You put such heart into every post. So many elements brought together beautifully. Max would be proud. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!xoxo

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  8. Do you hear me clapping, cheering and whistling ...??
    This is such a fun post...love every single bit of it. Hoping your Christmas is full of love, blessings and fun.
    xoxo

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  9. A masterpiece, Vera! Enchanting. Violet is a bit cheeky, isn't she? Cut off their tails? Really, Violet! Remi will never be bored with his new bride. What an adventurous, romantic pair they make. Oh, and I'm so glad Violet didn't fall to her demise in the high winds. Silly mouse! What was she thinking? I wondered how you could top last year's production, and you did so quite handily. Bravo! Thank you for this marvelous gift. Merry Christmas to you and John. ~ Nancy

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  10. Dearest Vera,
    Sending a prayer up to dear little Max.

    BRAVO! Oh Vera, this production was truly a masterpiece. The scenery is like something out of an old movie.. I love it! Your imagination produced joy and laughter.. What a sweet gift to all this Christmas season.. What could be more magical than Violet and Remi living a magical life in Paris... Thank you so much for creating such magic.

    Wishing you a beautiful Christmas!
    blessings,
    Penny

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  11. Oh Vera, what a wonderful production, not only a poet you are, a play write as well, Violet are you sure she is not written with you in mind, that brave daring soul she is, and Remi that dapper gent what a romantic team they will make. As for the three blind mice I will always be in Awww! of how cute they are and your imaginativity you put into their poses and acting parts. I really felt as if I were reading a children's....wait an adults picture book here, turning page after page to follow along its story line so wonderfully put together.

    Vera, the very first time I saw that Dracula's castle I fell in love and had hoped to see it more often even intertwined into a future theatrical post as you have done here. What a eventful wedding venue.
    I have to mention I adore Mea's Chandelier and really looks great in the theatre, I so need to talk with Mea about one for my theatre. Me the copy cat!

    You left nothing out in your production and your imagination deserves a standing ovation....perhaps even an award for best screen play.

    This was a wonderful place to be this December 21 and a very Merry Christmas to you my dear.

    My thoughts are with you and your loss of Max, your caregiver of your mice.
    He will dearly be missed in our many concerning conversations.
    A wonderful your ahead of you my dear, and thank you for inviting me to do a production with you again this year and many more to come.

    Xoxo

    Un Joyeux Noël

    Doré

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  12. Magical!!! You always give it your all to every post and every project that you do. Your black and white photography is amazing. It gives such depth and moods to your story and stage. I am sorry about Max. I look forward to this post every year.

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  13. Wowsies, how enchanting! I love this so much! I'm sharing it with my daughters today. I love the characters' names, the settings, the stories, everything! I love the wedding part. My girls are going to love this so much, especially my French minor. So cute! I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

    xo,
    RJ

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  14. Fun, I think it is magnificent! I loved the wedding and play, can't wait for them to continue their journey. Merry Christmas, Di

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  15. Bravo Vera...this production is a masterpiece.Thank you so much for sharing it with us !It´s an early christmas present for me.I´m so sorry for your loss.
    Merry Christmas,
    Caroline

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  16. I will begin with the last - I am so sorry to hear about Max.

    The story ... the setting ... the mice ... all magical ... especially at this time of year.

    Happy Christmas to all!

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    1. oops. trying again: oh my gracious.. while i'm not a huge fan of tim burton (please forgive me!) i'm amazed by his gifts and how they've in part inspired you with this delightful production. bravo!!!!!

      {on a more somber note, i'm ever so sorry about Max ♥}

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  19. Hi Vera,
    I am so very sorry for your loss of sweet Max. I've been wondering how he was doing. I know he was an important part of your family. Sending you an extra big hug.
    Your play is just enchanting! I think you had way too much fun planning and directing it:) Those mice are the cutest, and I adore the petite chandelier! And of course the Eiffel Tower and airplane. What an amazing set and production! Bravo!!
    Merry Christmas, dear friend:)

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  20. Dear Vera, I am so sorry that your Max is gone. I had no idea when you mentioned his 22 pounds the other day. I was trying to imagine how big he was, because Anya is a big cat at over 11. Her size is the first thing people notice about her. I love how you dedicated the story to him. The theatre and castle story were magical, and I loved that you took us on another adventure with the three blind mice. Violet and Remi were a great addition to the story line and sound like genuine impulsive performing artists. You are so talented. Merry Christmas to you and your family. xoxo Su

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  21. Your production is absolutely wonderful, Vera! Your creativity and and sense of delight in everything imaginative is always such a treat! I love the mice!! :)

    Oh, my heart is aching for you and your loss of Max. it's so hard and I dread the day my pups (and both are in the double digits) leave me. So so hard.

    Love to you and if we don't hear from each other again in the next few days, wishing you and John a very blessed Christmas.

    Jane xxxx

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  22. I was thoroughly entertained by your creative production, Vera! Everything was perfect! So much work went into this, and all was worth it! Such a delight!
    Merry Christmas, dear friend.
    Love to you,
    Debbie
    xo

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  23. I was thoroughly entertained by your creative production, Vera! Everything was perfect! So much work went into this, and all was worth it! Such a delight!
    Merry Christmas, dear friend.
    Love to you,
    Debbie
    xo

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  24. Thank you for this whimsical, lovely production! So imaginative, creative and entertaining!! ~clapping~

    The hubster and I love Tim Burton! I'm so sorry about Max...I know you are heart-broken.

    I hope you and your family have a blessed Merry Christmas and New Year! Hugs!!

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  25. Oh my Vera, you had me on the edge of my seat through the entire delightful production!! Your cast and theatre settings are beyond Fantastic!! Your creativity and brilliance never disappoint.
    Your blog, poems, and talents truly inspire and enrich my life...Thank You!
    Merry Christmas to you and your family,
    Mary Alice

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  26. Vera, what a delightful production. I'm familiar with Violet, Veronica, Mike and Gus that were needle felted by Penny. And this theatre is awesome.

    Wishing you the Merriest Christmas, Vera. I hope you have a wonderful day with your family. I'm thankful for your friendship this year, your imagination, your talent and creativity, and your sweet comments exuding so much genuine care and thoughtfulness.

    ~Sheri

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  27. Just magical, Vera! You are very talented, and such an inspiration. I especially love the black-and-white photos - classic! Merry Christmas and Happy 2016 ahead!!
    Warm greetings, L

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  28. Dearest Vera,

    I'm so sorry to hear about Max. He was a beautiful boy and this was a lovely dedication to him. (((hugs)))

    What an amazing job of creating a magical world with your sweet mice. It was completely enchanting, my friend.

    Merry Christmas to you and yours.

    xoxo,
    rue

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  29. Merry Christmas dear Vera! You gave me a huge laugh this snowy day with your play! Why not Romania? It's full of intrigue and romance. My niece spent 2 years there as a missionary and said that she just fell in love with the country. I would like to visit some day. Have a wonderful week full of love and hope for the new year. xx Jo

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  30. HOHOHOOOO, the mice are online now, sweet Vera, merrrrry chrrrrristmas to youuuu!!! :))
    Your friend Méa (I linked your post :))

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  31. Funny funny! Love the mice and they remind me of ones my daughter played with when she was young!

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  32. A very charming production! Adorable photos to go along with a witty dialogue! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

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  33. Dear Vera,

    Firstly, your romantic, Romanian rats and their amorous adventure have truly (and thankfully!), taken me away - from my kitchen, that is, where I've been extra busy baking up a bacon onion tart storm, practically for every get together I've attended this Christmas, so thank you for that much needed and appreciated whimsical trip to these two enchanting European destinations!

    Secondly, what a perfect way to introduce your delightful, dramatic production, with Iggy Pop's expression/explanation of the creative imagination, and all its intrinsic beauty. Then, to give us a wonderful example of it with your photographs, story telling, and crafty creatures - truly magical, my friend!

    I know Violet and Rémi will forever be in love, and live happily ever after, and as we always say in Greek fairy tales, 'as we will, too'. So, in that spirit, I wish you and yours a very merry holiday season. Thank you for bringing some snowy sweetness into mine.

    Love and hugs,
    Poppy

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  34. Oh Vera!
    This was an amazing production!

    (loved those mice sunglasses)

    What a glorious imagination you have!!!!!
    ....so delighted....
    ~ Violet (not the mouse)

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  35. I hope you had a very nice Christmas, Vera. Oh, I love these black and white pictures of yours. Black and white photos are so lovely to me. I wish you so much peace and joy in the new year. You are a dear woman with a good heart.

    love, ~Sheri

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  36. This was wonderful Vera! The photos are gorgeous, and the romantic story truly stole my heart.

    So sorry about Max. What a beautiful cat he was!

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  37. I am so sorry about Max. It is so difficult to lose a pet and especially around Christmas.
    Your production was delightful - I loved it. It is so romantic and I am saving it to forward to my granddaughter.
    I know this is a little late, but had so much company that I didn't even get to read any of my emails or see blogs.
    I hope that you had a terrific Christmas and wishing you a very Happy New Year.
    Hugs,
    Mary

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  38. Dear Vera,
    As you must know by now, we have been moving into our home and hosting several Christmas gatherings while still unpacking, so I am behind in everything in life.

    So, without further delay, I am sitting here, basking in the joy of the escapades of your most appealing and endearing characters.
    I marvel at your talents, dear Vera. The depth of your artistic creativity is endless and this play is such a detailed and charming production.
    I am wishing much joy to Violet and Remi and as all good fairy tales go, I am certain that they will live in bliss.
    I am so sorry about Max and I hope that you are doing well, while coping with the loss.

    xoxo
    Jemma

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  39. Good morning, Vera...I have viewed this post three or four times just to take in all the magic. You created so much magic in your production this year! I adore it. What fun you must have had dreaming up the adventures of these characters. I wonder if Alina will frown when Gus leaves the toilet seat up or if their magical beginning will last throughout their marriage. LOL I'm already looking forward to your next production. Sending love and hugs to you and knowing your heart is heavy with the loss of your Max. xoxo, T.

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  40. Happy New Year to you & yours, dear Vera! I LOVE what you are making. :)
    Hugs,
    Lin

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  42. Vera, it was so strange. I usually don't use picmonkey that often, only once in awhile when I want to add fairy dust. I tried a couple different settings for this picture, but this was not one of them. Then it just appeared, such a delightful surprise. Then, your word changes from actually to another word hehehe. Oh, the wonder of it all.

    Happy New Year to you, dear Vera.

    love, ~Sheri

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    1. Oooops, I meant your word changes from exactly. :)
      I'll come by later to see your new year post.

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  43. A standing ovation from my little home in Idaho dear Vera!!! I was mesmerized from the moment they all took the stage.
    sending hugs...

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  44. Dear Vera,
    Thank you so much for stopping by again.. I can't wait to see what you have created with the white clay.. Are you using air dry clay?
    fondly,
    Penny

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  45. Dear Vera,
    Thank you so much for stopping by again.. I can't wait to see what you have created with the white clay.. Are you using air dry clay?
    fondly,
    Penny

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  46. I just loved reading about this wedding in Romania. The wedding ceremony looks so much interesting. Thanks for sharing it. Anyways, pretty soon I will also be travelling to Chicago for attending a destination wedding of my cousin. The event will be held at one of the beachside Chicago wedding venues and I am really looking forward to it.

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