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^^^^^^ WARM GREETINGS FROM ^^^^^^^^^^^^ :-) Ivan Suzman 49/39/36 [log in to unmask] :-) Portland, Maine land of lighthouses breezy, 86 deg. F :-) ******************************************************************** Hi PD-folks*, A PD-drama is going on here in Maine. Last night we rehearsed without our music folders. I have been memorizing lyrics and rehearsing choreography every day lately. It took 2 and 1/2 hours for me to dress and be ready to sing. I made the mistake of eating a cheese sandwich and an apple too close to rehearsal time! My medications stopped working! I was anxious and stressed. After drinking Mountain Dew soda, and getting my calf muscles massaged, and sucking on hard candies, I finally felt better. Although slightly sweaty and with eyesight slightly out-of-focus, I did unusually well. I am grateful that my memorization is perfectly intact. I was a little worried that, with PD making me tired, I might have trouble remembering lyrics of unfamiliar songs. My voice volume is less than it used to be, until I am warmed up thoroughly. But last night, I somehow managed to "belt out" all three of my solos. I took extra yellow Sinemet 25/100( about 1/3 of a tablet) and ate extra Reese's Peanut Butter Cups during the breaks. This worked! The Director and all chorus members know I have PD, and we all were relieved that I sang better than ever. I also did the hand claps, and the arm and leg dance motions where called for, without a problem. One of the small miracles from all this singing, despite PD, is that I am acquiring new friends who are amazed that I can perform on stage, and who become very curious about what it takes me to battle PD. One is a local TV host, who just told me on the telephone that he is requesting a camera crew. He is putting in the request today to his producer. Just to be out there, singing in chorus for the public to enjoy, is a big thrill. I feel like I am outwitting PD. I wonder who else has been so fortunate to entertain and inspire others, even if the preparations and techniques to get ready are quite complicated. Our three concert nights are June 17 - 19, 8 PM. (Thurs - Sat) Anyone on the List can e-mail me about tickets and so forth. There will be videotapes made, but with union labor rules and chorus production regulations, I do not know when or if I can obtain personal distribution rights. The weather in Maine is now absolutely splendid, so come visit us in Portland! I just got fitted for the tuxedo (we sing in formal chorus attire). It's quite a thrill to realize that I will be on stage in less than two weeks! Ivan Suzman :-0 (singing bass solos) *e-mail copy to my neuro (John Boothby, MD)