#matt kinley

[talon-the-hawk]

More Incorrect D19 Quotes ( Featuring Y/n )

Jamie: We need a way to lure in new customers?

Kate: Maybe we could have some fun, interactive events!

Y/n: Valentin bath water.

Valentin: ABSOLUTELY NOT!

------------------------------

Jamie: Where's Y/n?

Alexandru: Don't worry, I'll find them.

Alexandru, shouting: Valentin sucks!

Y/n, distantly: Valentin is the best person ever! F*** you!

Alexandru: Found them.

------------------------------

Y/n & Jamie in the back of Valentin's car: MCDONALDS! MCDONALDS! MCDONALDS!

Valentin: We have food at home.

Alexandru: *pulls into the McDonald's drivethrough*

Y/n & Jamie: YAYYYYYY!

Alexandru: *orders one black coffee and leaves*

----------------------------

Valentin: I have the sharpest memory here - name one time I forgot something!

Dracula: You left me, Alexandru, and Valeri in a Walmart parking lot at 2am a day ago.

Valentin: I did that on purpose, try again.

-----------------------------

Valeri: Dracula ain’t the problem this year.

Valentin: When are you gonna get it? Dracula is ALWAYS the problem.

-----------------------------

*In the chip aisle at Walmart, doing a late-night grocery run.*

Kate: *Minding their own business, looking for tortilla chips.*

Kate: *Finds tortilla chips.*

Matt, to Jamie: See, they know what they're here for. They know what they're doing. Be more like them. Make a decision, Jamie!

-----------------------------

Larissa: Sometimes I like to place my hands on someone’s cheeks, look into their eyes...

Larissa: ...And violently jerk their head until it snaps.

Matt: ...That took an unexpected turn.

Jamie: So did their neck.

----------------------------

Y/n: If you took a shot for every time you made a bad decision, how drunk would you be?

Matt: Maybe a bit tipsy?

Kate: Drunk.

Larissa: Wasted.

Jamie: Dead.

----------------------------

Jamie: So oxygen went on a date with potassium, it went... OK.

Kate: I thought oxygen was dating magnesium, OMG.

Jamie: Actually oxygen first asked nitrogen out, but nitrogen was all like NO.

Y/n: I thought oxygen had that double bond with the hydrogen twins.

Matt: Looks like someone's a HO.

Larissa: NaBrO.

Paul Turner: I'm done with all of you!

---------------------------

Valeri: You're just jealous. All my friends tell me I remind them of Y/n.

The Squad: *screaming*

Matt: They look like Y/n? Are you out of your fucking MIND?

Valentin: Y/n, sweetie, I am SO sorry. I am SO SORRY that an ugly-ass bitch like this would even say that. Oh my god.

Larissa: Y/n? Y/n? Y/n? You know who you fucking look like? You fucking look like Dracula!

-----------------------------

Matt: I swear to god I'm the only one here with a braincell.

Y/n, Jamie, Larissa, and Kate: ALL HAIL the keeper of the sacred braincell!

----------------------------

Dracula : You three, explain right now!

Alexandru: It was Valeri.

Y/n: It was Valeri.

Valentin: It was Valeri.

Valeri:

Valeri: …fuck.

----------------------------

Matt: What's the worst thing you guys have done?

Y/n: Rickrolled my teacher in 4th grade.

Valeri: I kicked Valentin in the shin-

Valentin: -So I kicked Valeri between the legs.

Dracula : I burned a town down.

Matt: What?!

Valentin: What the hell is wrong with you?!?

Dracula : A lot of things.

Y/n: No shit.

-----------------------------

Y/n: Hey, can I stay in your cell tonight?

Valentin: Why?

Y/n: Jamie fiddled with an ouija board and cursed ours.

Y/: Jamie doesn't know how to banish spirits, so they just throw salt at them and yell "DOES THIS LOOK LIKE A HOTEL TO YOU?!"

----------------------------------

Valentin: You’re such a dumbass (affectionate).

Y/n: Aww, you’re such a whore (complimentary).

Larissa: How are you talking like that in real life?

Y/n: Witchcraft (derogatory).

--------------------------------

Y/n: I am convinced Jamie and Larissa share a brain cell.

Valentin: And it's not in use very often, it seems.

[joeygoeshollywood]

My 25 Favorite Films of 2023

It's that time of year again! Here are my top 25 films of 2023.

25. Joy Ride

Following in the footsteps of Bridesmaids and Girls Trip, Joy Ride offers some of the biggest laughs of 2023 proving once again women can be just as raunchy as men. The cast includes up-and-comers Ashley Park, Oscar nominee Stephanie Hsu, and a scene-stealing breakthrough performance from Sherry Cola. Joy Ride marks a strong debut from writer-director Adele Lim.

24. Theater Camp

Anyone who had aspirations of becoming an actor can relate to Theater Camp, a mockumentary about the staff of a theater camp struggling to keep it afloat. Molly Gordon, Ben Platt, and Noah Galvin lead both behind and in front of the camera in this superb comedy that will leave you singing from the rooftops.

23. A Thousand and One

A Thousand and One is a heartbreaking indie film about a mother's desperate effort to form a bond with her estranged son by kidnapping him from the foster care system following her stint in prison. Teyana Taylor packs an emotional punch with her crushing performance with the help of A.V. Rockwell in her feature debut as a writer-director.

22. Thanksgiving

Eli Roth's filmography in horror is a mixed record, but his latest flick Thanksgiving may be his best work yet. Not only is it a solid slasher with great over-the-top killings, its brilliantly hilarious. In a time where horror franchises can be tiresome, Thanksgiving is one that could call for a second or third helping.

21. Somewhere in Queens

TV icon Ray Romano makes his feature directorial debut in the family comedy Somewhere in Queens. He stars as the father of a promising high school basketball player who goes through perhaps desperate means to assure he lands a college scholarship. Joined by the wonderful Laurie Metcalf, Somewhere in Queens has plenty of laughs as well as plenty of heart.

20. Dream Scenario

The remarkable comeback of Nicolas Cage continues with his brilliant performance in Dream Scenario, a dark fantasy horror comedy in which he plays a college professor who inexplicably starts appearing in everyone's dreams, sparking a national phenomenon that will ultimately take a personal toll. Cage balances the absurdity of the situation his character is in with emotional heft that comes with it. This marks Norwegian filmmaker Kristoffer Borgli's first English-language film and based on how well-executed Dream Scenario is, hopefully it won't be his last.

19. The Covenant

Guy Ritchie's latest The Covenant is a heart-pounding war film based on the true story of Sgt. John Kinley's rescue effort of his Afghan interpreter Ahmed. Jake Gyllenhaal and Dar Salim make a perfect duo in this dramatic, suspenseful film that may be Ritchie's strongest work to date.

18. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.

Judy Blume's 1970 adolescent classic Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. finally made its way to the big screen this year in the heartwarming coming-of-age tale of a girl's awkward journey from childhood to adulthood as well as the complexities that come from being an interfaith household. Abby Ryder Fortson shines as the titular Margaret in an outstanding performance not often seen from child actors. Also, we need more Rachel McAdams.

17. BlackBerry

Arguably the biggest surprise of 2023, BlackBerry offers some of the best laughs in the comedic retelling of the rise and fall of the iconic BlackBerry device. BlackBerry is a showcase of talent of its star Jay Baruchel, Matt Johnson (who also directed and co-wrote the film), and Glenn Howerton of It's Always Sunny fame, easily giving one of the best on-screen performances of the entire year.

16. You Hurt My Feelings

Writer-director Nicole Holofcener reunites with her Enough Said star Julia Louis-Dreyfus with You Hurt My Feelings, which centers a turbulent chapter in a couple's marriage after a novelist overhears her husband mocking her latest book. The dramedy examines the thought-provoking nuances of how fully honest one actually should be with their spouse (the answer may surprise you!). The greatest strength from Holofcener's latest is how its humor comes naturally from the reality of relationships.

15. Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One

Mission: Impossible does the unthinkable in Hollywood: keeping a franchise in top-notch shape. Dead Reckoning Part One, the whopping *seventh* installment of the Ethan Hunt saga, delivers on a compelling plot and incredible action sequences, all of which is cemented by the star power of Tom Cruise, who has carried this spy franchise for nearly 20 years. There have been hints that Dead Reckoning may be the beginning of the end for Mission: Impossible, and if that's the case, it's going out with a bang.

14. Talk to Me

The best horror movie of 2023, Talk to Me is a chilling film about a group of teenager's ill-fated decision of doing a viral challenge of interacting with the dead, only to mistakenly leave the portal open between the living and the spirit world. What makes Talk to Me work is the family drama at the core of the film and the powerful performance from its troubled heroine Sophie Wilde.

13. Sisu

Inglorious Basterds meets Mad Max: Fury Road meets John Wick, Sisu is a WWII-era revenge action flick about a gold prospector's quest to retrieve the gold that was stolen from him from a group of Nazis. Full of brutal, bloody fight sequences with a twisted sense of humor, Sisu is one helluva ride.

12. Creed III

Creed III is a throwback to the era where Hollywood blockbusters were able to provide complete satisfaction. The latest installment of the Rocky spin-off franchise marked the strong directorial debut of its star Michael B. Jordan and also may have sadly marked the final film of the incredibly talented Jonathan Majors, whose recent assault conviction may be a knockout punch to an otherwise booming career.

11. May December

Often having vibes of a soap opera, Todd Haynes' May December is a compelling and at times disturbing film of an actress (played by Natalie Portman) who shadows the woman she's depicting in a film (played by Julianne Moore) famous for her 90s love affair with a then 13-year-old, who later became her husband. Despite the powerhouse performances from the two Oscar winners, the film really belongs to rising star Charles Melton, whose character finally comes to grips with the trauma he unknowingly endured as a child. And Melton's performance is among 2023's best.

10. Anatomy of a Fall

We don't often get great courtroom dramatic thrillers these days which is why Anatomy of a Fall really stands out. German actress Sandra Hüller gives a breakthrough performance as a wife and mother who becomes the prime suspect in what authorities believe is the murder of her husband, who had fallen to his death from the attic window. With plenty of twists and turns, Anatomy of a Fall will keep viewers guessing throughout.

9. Maestro

Not only does Bradley Cooper give the performance of his career, he has also shown his ability to direct is no fluke. Maestro, a biopic that spotlights the personal drama of legendary composer Leonard Bernstein, is a beautifully-shot, well-acted film that solidifies Cooper as one of Hollywood's newest talented filmmakers.

8. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

One would assume that a Spider-Man cartoon would solely be geared towards children but Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is such a sophisticated film between its complex plot and the remarkable animation that are a continuation from its 2018 Into the Spider-Verse predecessor. Between a strong voice cast, an amazing score and a brilliant cliffhanger, Across the Spider-Verse was the shining gem of the many superhero duds 2023 had to offer.

7. Killers of the Flower Moon

At 81-years-old, legendary director Martin Scorsese hasn't lost his step with Killers of the Flower Moon, his best film in at least a decade. The crime drama is based on a true story on the 1920s murders of members of Osage Nation and its ties to the marriage Ernest Burkhart and Mollie Kyle, played by the reliably gifted Leonardo DiCaprio and powerful newcomer Lily Gladstone.

6. Saltburn

Following her strong debut with 2020's Promising Young Woman, filmmaker Emerald Fennell makes a valiant return with her twisted comedic psychological drama Saltburn, which surrounds an Oxford student who is quickly embraced by the wealthy family of a classmate and the jarring fallout as a result. Barry Keoghan (The Banshees of Irisherin, Dunkirk) proves he's more than capable of being the leading man and is joined by rich ensemble including Rosamund Pike, Jacob Elordi, Richard E. Grant and Carey Mulligan. With stunning visuals and some of the most shocking things you'll see onscreen in 2023, Saltburn is a stirring work of art.

5. The Holdovers

It's been a long time since a new Christmas movie can live up to beloved holiday classics and Alexander Payne makes the closest effort with The Holdovers, a 1970-set dramedy about a miserable teacher at a boys academy who is stuck essentially babysitting the "holdover" students who didn't go home for the holidays. Joining the always-brilliant Paul Giamatti is newcomer Dominic Sessa as his troublesome student and Da'Vine Joy Randolph, who gives a powerful Oscar-worthy performance as the cook mourning over the loss of her son. The Holdovers is the perfect film to warm your heart over the holidays this year and every year going forward.

4. Past Lives

Perhaps one of the more unsung heroes of 2023 cinema, Past Lives is a touching story about love and what if. Greta Lee stars in a breakout role as a married woman who rekindles a relationship with a childhood friend from South Korea but rather than going down the typical "will they, won't they" or "love triangle" paths this film easily could've taken, Past Lives delves into the emotional complexities with such tenderness that only writer/director Celine Song could've told (the film is semi-autobiographical).

3. Oppenheimer

If anyone knows how to make a biopic an epic, it's Christopher Nolan. Oppenheimer is essentially two films rolled into one- a tick-tock thriller about the creation of the atomic bomb as well as a political drama that J. Robert Oppenheimer endured. Cillian Murphy gives the performance of his career and leads a gigantic ensemble cast in a film that despite its 3-hour running time goes by fast. And while Barbie may have won the box office battle, Oppenheimer certain won the war in more ways than one.

2. Polite Society

Polite Society is a brilliant action comedy following an aspiring stuntwoman who believes her sister is marrying into a sinister family. In the style of a Tarantino movie, up-and-coming filmmaker Nida Manzoor makes a strong feature debut that is the epitome of a fun popcorn movie, which have been in short supply in recent years.

Poor Things

Yorgos Lanthimos has quickly risen as of the strongest filmmakers of this generation, proving so once again with his latest film Poor Things. Emma Stone gives an Oscar-worthy performance as a woman brought back to life who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and autonomy and is accompanied by an excellent supporting cast. Like a modern-day Tim Burton, Lanthimos was able to create a mesmerizing universe with incredible production design, a whimsical music score, and stunning cinematography. Going to the movies is meant to be an escape, and Poor Things perfectly encapsulates that.

[flyfishfly]

What a treat to end my last week of rehearsals at @phantomopera seeing this dear friend all the way from #Canada, Mr @thejasono - last time we saw each other was 10 years ago when we worked on @lesmizofficial in #Toronto. And at my favourite coffee shop too @hideawaycoffee 🥳 (x)

What an incredible day. Started with coffee with the talented and great friend @earl_carpenter Then ended up watching his final rehearsal as the title character on the #westend in @phantomopera . Earl and I did @lesmizus in Toronto and have been friends ever since. And as an added bonus, I ran into the incredibly talented set designer Matt Kinley. I’ve known him since I first did #LesMiserables in 2008! He helped restore this beautiful theater and keeps this show (and many others around the world) looking smashing. (x)

[goalhofer]

2023 Colorado Rockies Players By Nationality

American: 30 (Robert Anderson, Daniel Bard, Jake Bird, Ty Blach, Charlie Blackmon, Sean Bouchard, Kris Bryant, Brenton Doyle, Tommy Doyle, Ryan Feltner, Chris Flexen; Jr., Kyle Freeland, Lucas Gilbreath, Austin Gomber, Hunter Goodman, Gavin Hollowell, Nolan Jones, Karl Kauffmann, Tyler Kinley, Matt Koch, Peter Lambert, Justin Lawrence, Ryan McMahon, Nick Mears, Brendan Rodgers, Connor Seabold, Brent Suter, Alan Trejo, Victor Vodnik & Robert Wynns) Venezuelan: 5 (Harold Castro, Elías Díaz, Germán Márquez, Antonio Senzatela & Ezequiel Tovar) Dominican: 1 (Elihuris Montero)

[bananalt]

Les miserables 25th anniversary concert ramin karimloo

The split level set with the superb 50 piece orchestra clearly visible above, and the various, huge stairways and multiple other entrance ways allowed it to be more like a fully costumed, theatre staging whereby performers could enter and exit as their roles demanded instead of being seated on stage awaiting their turn. The staging, in fact, ensured that it was rather more than a concert. This was to be the concert of all concerts for any Les Mis fan, with uber-spectacular, epic staging and lighting and a cast to die for. A buzz of excitement and anticipation rippled through the massive arena audience as the first familiar, pounding notes electrified the air. The video of the 10th Anniversary Royal Albert Hall Gala Concert has sold well over one million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling musical videos in the UK.We all knew Sunday 3rd October 2010 would be an evening we would remember for the rest of our lives but not one of us could have imagined just how utterly extraordinary it would be. There have been 34 cast recordings of "Les Miserables", including the multi-platinum London cast recording and the Grammy Award-winning Broadway cast and complete symphonic albums. Les Miserables has been seen by over 56 million people worldwide in 42 countries and in 21 languages. It is adapted by Trevor Nunn and John Caird. It has lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and music by Claude-Michel Schonberg, with original text by Alain Boublil and additional material by James Fenton. Les Miserables, which concerns Love and bravery in 19th century France during the revolutionary struggles, is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg, based on the novel by Victor Hugo. When Les Miserables celebrated its 21st London birthday on 8 October 2006, it became the world's longest running musical, surpassing the record previously held by "Cats" in the West End. Originally opening at the Barbican Theatre on, the Cameron Mackintosh/Royal Shakespeare Company production transferred to the Palace Theatre on 4 December 1985 and moved to its current home at the Queen's Theatre on 3 April 2004, where it is currently taking bookings to. Les Miserables, played its 10,000th performance in the West End on Tuesday. Original costumes by Andreane Neofitou, additional costumes by Christine Rowland, lighting by Paule Constable and sound by Mick Potter. The concert at O2, and the Barbican production is directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell and designed by Matt Kinley. Les Miserables will be making theatrical history with an international first - three different productions in London at the same time - the new touring production of Les Miserables will play the Barbican Theatre (where it originally premiered in 1985), from 14 Sep to and the original show continues to run at the Queen's Theatre Ramin and Samantha will join the previously announced company of over 300 actors and musicians, including Alfie Boe (Jean Valjean), Nick Jonas (Marius), Norm Lewis (Javert), Matt Lucas (Thénardier), Lea Salonga (Fantine), Jenny Galloway (Madame Thénardier), Camilla Kerslake (Cosette) and the casts of the Original Production at the Queen's Theatre, the New 25th Anniversary Production at the Barbican, London and members of the Original 1985 London cast. Ramin Karimloo, (currently starring as 'The Phantom' in Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Love Never Dies" at the Adelphi Theatre) will play 'Enjolras' and Samantha Barks (currently playing 'Eponine' at the Queen's Theatre) will play 'Eponine' in the 25th Anniversary Concert at The O2. Further casting has been announced for Les Miserables in Concert, which takes place at the O2 on Sunday (1.30pm & 7pm), as part of the show's 25th Anniversary celebrations.

[thewtcho]

Who is Matt Carpenter daughter?

Who is Matt Carpenter daughter?

Kinley Rae is the daughter of Matt Carpenter. Kinley is the first born of Matt Carpenter and Mackenzie Carpenter. Kinley has a brother, Kannon Lee. Matthew Martin Lee Carpenter famously known as Mat Carpenter was born on November 26th, 1985. Matt is an American professional baseball third baseman for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. Matt made his Major League Baseball debut with the…

[bjornsonbrightman]

👀👀👀

from Instagram, DM me if you want the link to the post (don't want to get the poster in trouble!!)

[operafantomet]

Palais Garnier rooftop + stage sets for the Rooftop scene

Apollo’s Lyre + dome / POTO Hungary (Design: Kentaur)

Harmony or Poetry / POTO Poland (Design: Pawel Dobrzycki)

Apollo’s Lyre / POTO Restaged Tour (Design: Paul Brown)

Side dome + Pegasus / POTO West End (Design: Maria Bjørnson)

Pegasus / POTO UK Tour Revival (Design: Matt Kinley)

[boxfivetrades]

Set design for Les Mis Staged Concert (Sondheim Theatre, 2020)

i.e. I trawled social media for good pics so you don’t have to! lol

[unlimited-rice-puddin]

Les Misérables: reworked for the modern audience

It took me a while to see @lesmisofficial at the Sondheim, but the new staging successfully updates and reinvigorates a classic.

The iconic musical is just as impactful in its reworked guise as the record-breaking original. (more…)

[inamorati10]

Drawing by Matt Kinley for the 25th anniversary tour of Les Misérables.

[talon-the-hawk]

You Come Out To Them

HC’s of you coming out to different Department 19 characters ( Trans F to M )

( D/n = Dead Name Y/n = your name ) 

Jamie:

- Super supportive 

- Will fight anyone who mis-genders you 

- Not kidding, Holmwood had to pull him off of an operator who was mis-gendering you on purpose ( he almost got taken off the active roster, but he didn’t care )

- If you want to get top and or bottom surgery, he’ll do research on things to help make the process easier ( like eating pineapple to reduce swelling )

- He would get Holmwood to re-enter your correct name into the system if you’re too nervous to tell the director yourself

- Overall a very supportive friend :)

Larissa:

- Proud mom vibes

- Will also beat up anyone who mis - genders / is rude to you

-  She would steal a trans flag for you when out on a mission

- She would also steal a binder in you didn’t already have one

- When anyone uses the wrong pronouns on accident she would immediately interrupt them  

- “ Can you tell D/n that she-”

- “ What do you want me to tell Y/n? He’s very busy you know.” 

- If you want to get top and or bottom surgery she’ll support you 100% of the way, researching on the process and making sure that whoever gives you the surgery is qualified

Valentin:

- “ Well of course you’re a man, don’t be silly.”

- He already knew but didn’t want to say anything until you were ready

- Will kill anyone that is rude towards you 

- He wears a little ‘Ally’ pin on his jacket to show his support, he wants you to know he cares 

- Buys you an entire new wardrobe if you need more masc clothes, and will take you to the finest barber in the world to get a haircut ( if you need a new one )

- If you want top and or bottom surgery he will take you to the best surgeon in the world ( he wants to make sure you’re in the most capable hands possible, he would hate for you to get hurt ) 

- Constantly makes sure you’re alright after the surgery

- He may not show it often, but you mean a lot to him, so he’ll support you every step of your journey

Matt:

- He’s so happy you feel comfortable enough to tell him this

- He’ll  stand up for you if someone mis - genders you, he’ll only fight them if they say something super bad

- Corrects people on your name pronouns often, even when you’re there

- “ Hey D/n, Hey Matt!”

- “ Actually my name is-”

- “ His name is Y/n, not D/n.”

- “ Matt I’m right here, I could’ve said it.”

- If you’re too shy to tell the director your new name and pronouns, he’ll do it for you

- He’s terrified of talking to the director, but he doesn’t want you to be in an uncomfortable position

- If you want top and or bottom surgery, he’ll do research on it

- He’ll tell you the exact process they use, and all of the steps to the surgery

- Also will share ways to reduce swelling and pain

[jacethegaymer]

San Myshuno Karaoke bar

[offkey singing can be heard]

Carlin: Excuse, Don, one water please.

Don: Water huh? Alright. How well did everything go?

Carlin: Eh it went good. Ex is back in jail for good.

Don: well that’s good.

Carlin: Eh.. actually scratch the water, I’m getting a club soda.

?: and I’ll pay it for her.

Carlin: Oh no it’s fi-

Carlin looks at him

Carlin: Eduardo? I didn’t know you were here.

Eduardo: Why wouldn’t I be here? Plus I just want to congratulate you on today. I’m glad things went well for you.

Carlin: yes I’m glad it is too.

Eduardo: Geez.. has Kinley ever sang before? Sounds like a cat trying to bark.

Carlin: [chuckles] oh my god Eduardo-

Eduardo: Anyways, where are you staying now?

Carlin: With Kinley now. I really don’t wanna live by myself.

Eduardo: Oh next door. Nice!

Carlin; Yep.

Eduardo: Well Carlin, it was nice seeing you again after so many years. How about me and you go somewhere sometime this week and have fun?

Carlin: We still haven’t finished that water balloon thing we did back in college.

Eduardo: Ahh you still remember! [chuckled] alright well after I get done with work, I’ll pick you up and we can go.

Carlin; sounds good.

Eduardo: Yep.

Bonus image:

Tom and Matt was there- :o

And Matt was pissed off for some reason.

Also I kid you not, when I toke this, Tom was giving a wink-

Eduardo, Tom and Matt all belong to @aftermathworld !

[rt8815]

Bradbury...and Boogie-Woogie

Two years I’ve agonized over this piece. Two. Years. It’s kinda the reason I started writing this story out of order. Anyway, it’s one of those ‘filler’ chapters, I think they’re called. Not a CM Bingo piece, though I’m working on more of those atm.

Triggers: None, I think.

WC: 2,840

Before diving in, first read Let It Bleed, as it immediately precedes this one.

Bradbury…October 27, 2017

“Hey, New Girl! Welcome-welcome!” Garcia squealed happily, rolling a cart onto the sidewalk.

“Hi, Penelope. It’s great to meet you in person,” replied McKinley, lifting plastic containers off the concrete and placing them on the cart.

“You too, Kinley. Oh my gosh, you’re even cuter in the flesh. Love. Your. Hair.”

“Uh, th-thanks,” she stuttered, unsure how to take the compliment or politely ask the bubbly techie not to play with her amethyst locks. Then Garcia moved in for a hug. McKinley stepped back. “No, sorry. I’m kind of weird about hugs.”

“No need to apologize,” she insisted, pushing the dessert-laden cart through the door. Remembering their lively video chat from the other night, McKinley deduced that verbally and physically affectionate was Penelope’s natural state.

McKinley handed her ID to a grumpy man behind the front desk. “If we get to be friends, I’ll warm up to you,” she told Penelope, throwing her visitor’s badge around her neck.

Penelope’s eyes glinted mischievously. “We’ll definitely become friends. I’ve already decided. You’re a smol bean and you’re my baby now, no arguments,” she concluded as entered the elevator.

McKinley giggled. They chatted while the elevator climbed.

“So, you’ve got the hots for our Boy Genius,” Penelope mused aloud.

“What? No! No, it’s not like that.”

“Oh really, now? Doughnuts, cupcakes, a cake, and Season 10 of Doctor Who on Blu-ray, all to apologize because you accidentally grabbed a handful?”

McKinley’s face burned. “Did Agent Alvez tell you that? Son of a bitch!” she fumed, helping Penelope maneuver the cart into the hall.

“Don’t be embarrassed,” she reassured her. “These things happen.” Her lips pulled into an inquisitive smirk. “Okay, tell me - what’s he packing? We talkin’ Small Flat Rate Box, or Freight?”

McKinley’s eyes bugged behind her sunglasses. “Sweet Lord, why would you wanna know that?”

Penelope shrugged. “Reid’s always so buttoned up; however, I suspect he’s smuggling something impressive under those corduroys.”

“Yeah well, I’m not comfortable discussing that, so keep suspecting.” They rolled through the glass doors of the bullpen. “And to answer your original question: I don’t have the hots for him,” she stated simply as they came to a stop at Spencer’s desk, “and I’m not looking to date.”

“You guys are perfect for each other, though!” Penelope insisted. “You’re a lot alike. You’re both kind, nerd-funny, super smart, reserved…”

“Ha! Remember that last one when you’ve seen me drunk,” McKinley cautioned, opening the containers to check the decorations.

“Hey, it’s Twist ‘n’ Shout!”

She spun, hands on her hips, electricity crackling in her hair. Luke’s grin slipped at the death glare on her face, his coffee mug hovering midway to its destination. After a pregnant pause, McKinley responded.

“Fine, I’ll give you that one…Mocha Latte. Just know that I bite when I have to.” He raised his coffee-free hand in surrender, inching forward to inspect the desserts.

“Get away, you!” Penelope warned. “These are Spencer’s.”

Luke broke into a lopsided smile. “Oh, because of the ‘short and curlies incident’?”

McKinley thumped his arm with a stack of paper plates.

“Ouch,” he chuckled, no hint of pain in his voice.

“That was for telling people about the…awkwardness. Also, yes, it’s part apology, part ‘let’s be friends.’”

Luke raised a brow. “Friends? You got a free preview of the goods and you’re looking to be just friends?”

Her cheeks flushed. “Yes! He’s a lovely person and…I dunno. When we talked, my heart went all squishy and I knew my life would be greatly lacking without him as my friend.”

­“Okay, just remember that opportunity gropes but once, Doc.”

“Alvez, why are you casually discussing sexual misconduct in the middle of the office?” McKinley turned to see a tall brunette woman approaching. She appeared formidable but caring.

“Ah, it’s Dr. Durand! That clears things up,” she laughed, extending a hand to McKinley. “I’m Emily Prentiss, welcome to the BAU.”

McKinley offered a small, awkward wave in return. Emily smiled knowingly.

“How beautiful!” she exclaimed, eyeing the sweet treats. “The attention to detail is remarkable!”

McKinley smiled bashfully. “Thank you so mu- wait, how did you know who I am?”

Emily tore her eyes from the cake. “Well, Penny mentioned your video chat, and Luke jumped in and told us about your encounter with Spencer,” she winked, making a fondling motion with her hand. McKinley’s face flushed yet again.

“Penny spilled about your plan to surprise Spencer, and we got curious. I had her run a background check on you.”

McKinley inhaled sharply, feeling exposed.

“Em!” Penelope squeaked in disapproval. “It’s not like that, love, it’s just- ”

“Spence is like a younger brother to us,” interjected another blonde. “We’re very protective of him. He’s been through a lot, so whenever somebody new enters his life, we’re concerned about their intentions. Jennifer Jareau, by the way. Call me JJ,” she said, not forcing a handshake.

“I understand,” McKinley sighed. “Spencer has that effect on people, doesn’t he?”

She hugged the plates to her chest. “One conversation with him and you realize, ‘He’s a precious cinnamon roll and must be protected at all costs!’ I assure you, that’s my only intention, JJ: to be his friend.”

“Well, that’s certainly a good start,” an older gentleman joined the conversation, pointing at one of the containers. “Chocolate frosted doughnuts with sprinkles are his favorite. It’s a bit clichéd, but there’s truth in the adage ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.’ It follows; you’ve already had him by the b-”

“Rossi, stop! We’ve made enough jokes at her expense,” scolded a woman who introduced herself as Dr. Tara Lewis. “This looks exquisite. Do I smell coffee in the cake? Reid loves coffee.”

“Yes, and there’s plenty to share as soon as he’s had some. Where is he, anyway?”

Luke pointed outside the Bullpen. “He’s down the hall printing handouts for his seminar next month,” he said, sipping his coffee.

“He doesn’t email them?”

“Reid’s a bit of a technophobe,” explained yet another agent, Matt Simmons.

“He still insists on hard copies of case files,” added Penelope. “It broke his heart when we went totally digital.” She glanced over McKinley’s shoulder and grinned. “Speak of the Luddite devil.”

Everyone watched as Spencer staggered towards them, clutching a thick stack of papers. He stopped short when he saw the crowd milling around his desk.

Spencer smiled, confused. “McKinley? What are you doing here?”

“She comes bearing gifts, Big Brain,” Penelope winked. “Apology gifts.” The others avoided his gaze but couldn’t hide their sniggers. Then Spencer caught Luke’s eye.

“You told!” he grumbled, flinging the papers onto his desk.

“If I give y’all food, will you shut your traps about us touching each other’s fun places?”

“No.”

“Probably not.”

“Nope. Sorry, not sorry.”

“Heh, you’re new here, bean. You’ll learn.”

While they lined up to choose their treats, McKinley leaned closer to Spencer. “When does the hazing end?”

“They’ll get bored soon, but that’s when the pranking starts.” He bent forward to focus on the cake properly. “Ray Bradbury?”

“Yeah, Garcia said Halloween’s your favorite holiday, and I know you’re a voracious reader. I put two and two together and ta-da.”

“Let’s see…the lions are from “The Veldt,” and the flowers are from Dandelion Wine, but what’s this one?” he asked, pointing to a swing set and a sandbox.

“The Playground,” she replied, and they smiled at each other self-consciously.

“McKinley, did you make all of this by hand?” asked JJ, marveling at the miniature sculptures.

“Most of it, except my friend Taylor painted the lions, and the chocolate TARDISes on the cupcakes came from a mold.” She popped open another container, revealing police boxes, each wrapped with a Fourth Doctor’s scarf and set in galaxy frosting. “Oh, and I bought the Jelly Babies online.”

“Would you consider making birthday cakes? My boys would love these.”

“Sure thing,” McKinley agreed, sitting in the chair Spencer brought her.

“Sooo, Reid, what are you gonna do for Kinley?” Garcia interjected.

“She’s right, Spence,” JJ concurred, sneaking an extra cupcake. “You’re not innocent in all this.”

Behind her, Luke held two doughnuts, squeezing them suggestively and mouthing ‘honka-honka.’

McKinley scowled at him. “What’re you, twelve?” Turning to Spencer, she continued. “I’d choose a book or record shop, but you don’t owe me a thing.”

“Oh-oh-oh,” Garcia enthused. “Then after, you could watch Who together at your place. He doesn’t have a TV,” she whisper-yelled.

Shaking her head, McKinley checked her phone. “Sorry, time for me to go.”

“Nooo,” Garcia pouted. “Hang with us!”

“Tempting, but I have to meet friends at some bar named…O’Keeffe’s?”

McKinley swore Garcia’s squeal of delight broke the sound barrier.

“That’s where we’re going! We’re all gonna get smashed on pumpkin-y, fall-themed grownup drinks together! Yes!”

…And Boogie-Woogie

The team kept an eye out for McKinley at O’Keeffe’s and were surprised to hear her shout out to them from the stage. She introduced the team to her bandmates following their final set, which consisted mostly of Tom Petty songs as a memorial of sorts, though McKinley couldn’t resist adding The Rolling Stones’ “Fingerprint File” at the end.

They talked late into the night getting to know each other. McKinley sat transfixed as the team regaled her with stories about their cases, one of which revolved around what they called a Vengeful Cinderella.

“Really? With her stilettos? Yikes!” she grimaced, sipping her drink.

“Yeah, but Spence was able to bring her in quietly by playing into her fantasy, acting as Prince Charming to her Cinderella. Got down on one knee, slipped her shoe back on and everything.”

McKinley threw Spencer an appraising look.

“I can see that working. He fits the bill.”

“He also gave me a new appreciation for the original, unsanitized versions of fairy tales. See, I felt that children ought to be protected from harsh realities, but Spence explained that the tales’ intended purpose was to allow kids to safely confront their fears.”

McKinley cocked her head in thought.

“Actually, the intent of those particular versions was to punish women - through some combination of marriage, rape, bodily mutilation and or death - simply for being women, because the Brothers Grimm were a pair of angry, bitter, he-man woman-hatin’, misogynist prick bastards.”

She took a drink and drew a breath before continuing, waving her hand for emphasis.

“Meanwhile, historian Franz Xaver von Schönwerth traveled around Bavaria, transcribing the stories directly from the very people who’d kept them alive in the oral tradition: servants, peasants, laborers - many of them women - rather than reframing them within his own worldview.”

She breathed in again, oblivious to the team’s stares.

“These fairy tales had strong, independent female protagonists in leadership positions. They were the ones having adventures, slaying dragons and rescuing men! Yes, the stories’ purpose was to help children navigate life’s challenges and prepare them for the adult world,” McKinley clarified, “but not at the expense of women’s agency and autonomy.”

Her gaze shifted to Spencer, whose mouth had dropped slightly.

“Unfortunately, Grimms’ Fairy Tales garnered all the attention. Fast-forward and now we have watered down, artificially flavored, saccharine animated films teaching kids that girls are helpless and need saving, and that the boys who rescue the girls are entitled to them. It’s just one more way the film industry has contributed to toxic masculinity and rape culture. Thanks, Disney, I hate it,” she concluded.

McKinley returned to her drink for a few moments before realizing the booth had fallen silent.

“Oh boy, there are two of them now,” Emily snorted.

McKinley scrunched her face in confusion. “Two what?”

“Spence rambles too,” said JJ, in a tone that conveyed mild annoyance and embarrassment at the behavior, almost as though she were apologizing for him.

McKinley frowned at her. She had seemed nice enough in the Bullpen earlier.

“He’s gotten better about it over the years, though,” she added, patting his shoulder.

The misplaced pride grated on McKinley’s nerves.

“Asphinctersayswhat?” She deliberately slurred her words, downing the last of her drink.

“What?” asked JJ.

“Exactly,” McKinley murmured, eyes fixed on her glass.

Before JJ could ask again, Spencer spoke.

“How had I not heard of Schönwerth before?” he wondered aloud, sounding disappointed in himself.

McKinley perked up. “I can lend you my copy of The Turnip Princess if you’d like. It’s a collection of his work.”

“Yeah, definitely!” he said eagerly. “I’m always excited to learn something new.”

Luke leaned around Matt to join the exchange. “I’ll have to buy a copy myself. I read Grimm’s as a kid but I hate to think I only knew biased versions. Schönwerth’s sound much better.”

…

“I appreciate the ride home, Luke,” McKinley called from the backseat.

“Me too. Just don’t get used to hearing those words pass my gorgeous lips, Newbie.”

“No problem, happy to do it,” he answered, laughing at Garcia’s drunken antics.

Under the cranked-up radio, McKinley addressed Spencer.

“Thanks for your text that morning after the park. I’m glad you’re feeling better.”

“Thank you for insisting on the wellness check.” He paused, fiddling with his messenger bag and smiling thoughtfully. “You know what? I’m glad we met.” 

“Hey, is this the right place?” asked Luke.

McKinley peered through the window.

“6565, yeah that’s the one,” she confirmed as Luke parked.

Penelope waddled across the driveway.

“I have to see your tiny house - the outside I mean, since I already got a video tour of the inside. Guys, it. is. Adorable,” Penelope gushed.

“I thought you lived with Taylor and Jaimie,” said Spencer, pointing to the porch.

“I’m parked out back,” McKinley explained, unlocking the gate.

Penelope gasped. “I almost forgot! Can we see your baby too?”

“Absolutely! He loves meeting new people.”

Luke closed the gate behind them, carrying McKinley’s guitar. “Wait, what? You have a son?”

“Weeell, sort of…” McKinley twirled around, landing on her knees, arms spread out.

“Boogie, baby! Come to Mamma!” she bellowed.

A multicolored mass of fur burst through the door and made a blurry beeline for her, knocking her fully onto the ground.

“I missed you too, buddy!” she cried as the dog assaulted her face with kisses. Sitting up, McKinley faced him towards the group.

“Look! I brought new friends. Boogie, this is Luke, Penny, and Spencer. Guys, this is Boogie.”

“Boogie?”

“Yes, Mocha Latte, Boogie. Short for Boogie-Woogie, which comes from the Bantu phrase ‘mbuki-mvuki.’ It means ‘to dance wildly, to the point of ecstasy.’ I didn’t have a name picked out when I brought him home, but when I put my music on shuffle, the first song was John Lee Hooker’s “Boogie Chillen’.” He started shaking his butt and tapping his feet. No other name would’ve sufficed.”

He approached Luke, slowly at first, then promptly shoved his snout into the man’s crotch.

“Boogie! Manners! I raised you better than that.”

“That’s okay, I know it’s the dog version of shaking hands.” Luke knelt to give him more attention. “You’re just introducing yourself, aren’t you? Yeah. You probably smell Roxie, huh buddy.”

“You have a furbaby too?”

“Yeah, a Belgian Malinois. What’s Boogie?”

“A Border Aussie. Mom was a working Border Collie and Dad was a show Australian Shepherd. He got Mommy’s smarts and Daddy’s derpiness.”

Penelope bent over to scratch Boogie’s ears, surrendering herself to sniffs and kisses. “If you two don’t have playdates at the park, I’ll dognap them and take them there myself.”

Boogie seemed to wag his assent, shuffling over to Spencer and nosing his hand.

“N-nice doggie,” he stammered, gingerly patting Boogie’s head.

McKinley stood, swaying slightly on her way to the door. “I better grab that book while I’m thinking about it. Keep our guests entertained, buddy.”

They heard her rummaging inside, talking to herself. “You were here just the other - aha!”

She reappeared, waving a tattered paperback. “It’s dog-eared and coffee-stained,” she sighed apologetically, “but it’ll read.”

“Well-worn is high praise for a book. It shows how much it’s been loved,” Spencer reasoned, climbing the stairs to the small porch. 

“Take your time with it. Some things aren’t meant for speed-Reiding,” she joked, handing him the book.

A comfortable silence settled between them for a minute.

“The swing set on the cake is an inedible figurine, by the way. That night, sitting on the real swing…I dunno, it seemed to comfort you. Now you have one to keep on your desk.”

McKinley couldn’t decide if ‘impressed’ or ‘perturbed’ better described Spencer’s expression in that moment.

“It’s late, guys. We should head out,” Luke yawned, handing McKinley her guitar.

“Night-night, Lovely! We’re having that knitting bee at my place next weekend, just us.”

“Sounds great, Penny, but I’m nervous about knitting in the round. It’s intimidating.”

They waved their goodbyes as they returned to the gate. “Don’t worry, Auntie Penelope will teach you all she knows.”

McKinley retreated into the warmth of her home. She climbed into bed, beaming to herself.

“A whole new group of friends. Imagine that, Boogie! I’d only dared hope for one…”

—

“There are no faster or firmer friendships than those between people who love the same books.”Irving Stone

@illegalcerebral @dreatine @cynbx

Others let me know if you’d like to be tagged.

[goalhofer]

2023 Colorado Rockies Roster

Pitchers

#18 Ryan Feltner (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio)

#20 Peter Lambert (San Dimas, California)

#21 Kyle Freeland (Denver, Colorado)

#26 Austin Gomber (Winter Garden, Florida)

#32 Chris Flexen; Jr. (Newark, California)*

#39 Brent Suter (Cincinnati, Ohio)*

#40 Tyler Kinley (Davie, Florida)

#43 Connor Seabold (Newport Beach, California)*

#45 Robert Anderson (Wichita Falls, Texas)*

#46 Nick Mears (Rocklin, California)*

#48 Germán Márquez (Ciudad Guayana, Venezuela)

#49 Antonio Senzatela (Valencia, Venezuela)

#50 Ty Blach (Aurora, Colorado)

#51 Karl Kauffmann (Bloomfield Hills, Michigan)**

#52 Daniel Bard (Charlotte, North Carolina)

#54 Matt Koch (Cherokee, Iowa)*

#57 Tommy Doyle (Fairfax County, Virginia)

#58 Lucas Gilbreath (Broomfield, Colorado)

#59 Jake Bird (Valencia, California)

#60 Victor Vodnik (Rialto, California)**

#61 Justin Lawrence (Jacksonville, Florida)

#63 Noah Davis (Huntington Beach, California)

#64 Gavin Hollowell (Franklin Township, New Jersey)

Catchers

#16 Robert Wynns (Poway, California)*

#35 Elías Díaz (Maracaibo, Venezuela)

Infielders

#7 Brendan Rodgers (Lake Mary, Florida)

#12 Sean Bouchard (San Diego, California)

#13 Alan Trejo (Downey, California)

#14 Ezequiel Tovar (Maracay, Venezuela)

#24 Ryan McMahon (Santa Ana, California)

#30 Harold Castro (Santiago De León De Caracas, Venezuela)*

#44 Elihuris Montero (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic)

Outfielders

#9 Brenton Doyle (Warrenton, Virginia)**

#15 Hunter Goodman (Arlington, Tennessee)**

#19 Charlie Blackmon (Suwanee, Georgia)

#22 Nolan Jones (Bensalem Township, Pennsylvania)*

#23 Kris Bryant (Las Vegas, Nevada)*

Coaches

Manager Harry Black (Longview, Washington)

Bench coach Mike Redmond (Kirkland, Washington)

Hitting coach Hensley Meulens (Willemstad, Curaçao)

Assistant hitting coach Angel González (San Juan, Puerto Rico)

Assistant hitting coach P.J. Pilittere (La Puente, California)

Pitching coach Darryl Scott (Yuba City, California)

Bullpen coach Jonathan Cornelius (Thomasville, Alabama)

Bullpen catcher Kyle Cunningham (West Palm Beach, Florida)

Bullpen catcher Aaron Muñoz (Phoenix, Arizona)

1B coach Ron Gideon (Hallsville, Texas)

3B coach Warren Schaeffer (Vandergrift, Pennsylvania)

[andrewlloydwebber]

I’m not going to quote the whole article (although I’m tempted to because it is SO GOOD) but here are my favorite parts.

“I have made an enormous amount of money from these three Cameron Mackintosh productions [Les Miserables, Miss Saigon and Cats] over the years, but clearly there was something going on in Cameron’s mind where he was not satisfied with what we did originally on Les Mis. And once again he’s turned it into sort of another Oliver!” When he describes it as “another Oliver!” he explains that he feels many of Mackintosh’s “revitalised” shows are “formulaic as opposed to out-of-the-box and radical”.

“Napier says Mackintosh offered to buy out his intellectual property – “for the wonderful sum of $50,000”, though it could have been pounds, he can’t remember. “But, as you can imagine, I refused.”

“Napier is disappointed, to say the least, that Mackintosh failed to consult him on the newer show. “Having worked on the three productions that have been the furnace of his engine – what has become a multimillion-pound organisation – it would be nice if you were asked [to work on the new] interpretation, and not your assistant,” he says. That assistant was Matt Kinley, the designer of the new show, who worked in Napier’s studio for many years and “got jolly well paid for doing it”.

“Napier says he would rather Mackintosh had chosen to put on a brand new production. “I would have been perfectly happy if it had been people with no association with the original in the first place. Therefore its originality would have been authentic. It’s when you have people who have worked on it before, that I find it a little bit galling.”