Master Class

Well I've been away for quite a while but, now I'm back to share about a great performance I got to see last week. It was the brilliant Tyne Daly in Terrence McNally's "Master Class".




For those that aren't aware of the show, here's a plot excerpt from Wikipedia:

"At its core is the diva Maria Callas, a glamorous, commanding, larger-than-life, caustic, and surprisingly drop-dead funny pedagogue holding a voice master class. Alternately dismayed and impressed by the students who parade before her, she retreats into recollections about the glories of her own life and career."


Since the setting is a classroom, the audience is cast in the role of observers to the performing students on stage. To Mr. McNally's credit, he keeps the classroom moving and unlike the kind that most of us used to doze off in, it's both interesting and funny. Each student (played by Alexandra Silber, Garrett Sorenson and Sierra Boggess), has their own distinct personality and style that sets them apart from the others. Through the course of their respective sessions, each one gains a certain confidence in themselves and as performers. And in the case of Ms. Boggess' Sophie, leads to an outburst that surprises even Ms. Callas.

Speaking of Ms. Callas, I wasn't around for her life and career but, I'd like to think that the way Ms. Daly portrayed her is exactly who she was. She was brilliant in portraying a woman who went from nothing to everything to nothing again. Losing herself in recollections of her legendary career to her doomed relationship with billionaire Aristotle Onassis, I couldn't help but feel that this is exactly how this woman was... very strong, slyly funny and a little sad inside.

I hope when Tony time comes, next year, this revival and Ms. Daly's performance aren't forgotten. Master Class is at the Friedman Theater through September 4th. I highly recommend that you check it out.



Until next time...

LUCKY GUY to Shutter Early; Ends Run 5/29 2011/05/25

LUCKY GUY to Shutter Early; Ends Run 5/29 2011/05/25

I just saw the news that Lucky Guy is closing this Sunday, May 29th. I find it to be very sad because I really thought it was a fun show with a cast that was clearly enjoying themselves.

Unfortunately, that's show business. Who knows why the show is closing so soon but, I wish the best to the cast and crew and here's hoping you all find somewhere else to land soon.

Clue/In the End

Just for fun I wanted to add a this video I saw on YouTube.  It's a mashup from one of my all time favorite movies "Clue" and a great Linkin Park song, "In the End."




I hear of a new movie of Clue coming soon but, I'd rather it not happen.  The 1985 version and cast is too funny and great together that I don't want the proposed "serious" version to take place.  But, what can you do?  Someone with money wants to remake one of my favorites.  I have no money but, I'll still pay to see a remake of "Clue".  I love it that much. But, I hope it still goes toward the campier, fun side of things like the original.

What do you think? Should they make a newer, more serious one? Should they remake the first, more campy movie? Do you even care? And who's the real murderer? Sound off in the comments.

Until next time...

Wonderland Ends Its Less Than Wondrous Run

Frank Wildhorn's latest musical Wonderland will be ending its run at Broadway's Marquis Theater on May 15th after 31 previews and only 33 performances.  The show was completely savaged by critics and received ZERO Tony nominations.

Now I never got to see the show myself but, of the few people that I know who did see it the best they could say was, "The cast is trying very hard."  That's not exactly a rave review.

I personally think that Wildhorn, himself, gets a bit of a bum rap when it comes to his shows. He only writes the music.  Someone else writes the lyrics, book, directs it, builds the sets, etc.  So why is he the one who seems to take all the blame when they fail?  Maybe someone else should choose who he works with?

But I digress, it's always sad when an open ended show closes abruptly because it puts everyone in the cast and backstage out of a job.  So, here's a little video of a trailer for the show.  What do you think?  Too soon?  Not soon enough? If you were in town, would you have gone to see it?



Until next time...

Book of Mormon Cast Recording First Listen

Now, I realize that I'm a little late to the game in posting this but, I also know that I know quite a few people outside of the New York area who made not have had the chance to hear this yet.  Anyway, NPR has the first listen to the cast recording of Book of Mormon (click the name of the show).  Take a second to listen to a song or two from this brilliant musical!

It won't be officially released until May 17 but, you can give it a try and see what you think.  I recommend trying out "Hello," "Two By Two," "You and Me (But Mostly Me), "Turn It Off," "Sal Tlay Ka Siti,""Man Up" and "I Believe" for a start.

I personally think that this is the funniest musical I've ever seen but, it's not gonna be everyone's cup of tea.  That's why I think you should give it a chance and listen to it first.  I've already pre-ordered it on iTunes!  How many of you will do the same after giving some of the songs a listen?  The show got 14 Tony nominations for a reason, I'm just sayin'.



Anyway, it's something to think about and listen to as you start/finish your day.

Until next time...

Recit

Well, it seems as though I'm going to be starting off my summer doing a one-act musical in this year's West Village Musical Theatre Festival!  The show is called Recit and is the story of the King family's annual holiday trip to The Tea Room at the Drake Hotel in Chicago.  Naturally, things at the dinner don't run so smoothly.  I'll be playing the featured role of the restaurant's host who has to get involved in the family squabble.

From the WVMTF website:

---"The West Village Musical Theatre Festival (WVMTF) was founded in 2010 by PCC Productions as a way for emerging professional artists to work with established artists on an original musical theatre piece, and for audiences to get a sampling of new theatre that wouldn't cost them a lot in money or time.  We presented 12 works in two separate "series", each series consisting of six 10-15 minute one-act musicals - giving audiences lots of different performances to see in one night and taking the cost of producing a full length production off of the creative teams."

Our show will be presented during the second weekend of June.  As I find out more info, I'll be sure to pass it along.  To learn more about the festival, click here.

Until next time...

The Normal Heart

It's not often that you'll catch me going to see a "message" play.  I usually take my entertainment on the sarcastic, funny or scary side.  But, I had the opportunity to see the new revival of The Normal Heart, now playing at the John Golden Theater and couldn't turn it down.  I mean, the chance to see this cast (Ellen Barkin, Lee Pace, Jim Parsons, Joe Mantello, etc.) who aren't really known for being on the stage was too good to pass up.

To borrow from the Wikipedia summary:

"The Normal Heart is a semi-autobiographical play by Larry Kramer. It focuses on the rise of the HIV-AIDS crisis in New York City between 1981 and 1984, as seen through the eyes of writer/activist Ned Weeks, the gay Jewish founder of a prominent HIV advocacy group. Ned prefers loud public confrontations to the calmer, more private strategies favored by his associates, friends, and closeted lover Felix Turner, none of whom are prepared to throw themselves into the media spotlight. Their differences of opinion lead to frequent arguments that threaten to undermine their mutual goal."

It's a bit surreal to watch events that took place in my lifetime, that I knew nothing about as a child.  My first introduction to AIDS was in 1985, hearing of the death of Rock Hudson and how he died of this disease that was really only associated with gay men.  It's truly amazing to watch a frightened group of men try to get help for something that people don't even have a name for.  

I think what also adds to the power of the play is that knowing what we've learned in the past 30 years about this disease and how it can affect anyone.  How scary it must have been to be in NYC, in those days, with people just dying around you and no explanation as to how or why.  Or even knowing how to be tested to know if you've got it.  When one character asks if he can be tested to know if he's the one infecting his dying partners, the doctor's only reply is, "I wouldn't even know how."  

I called this a "message" play because that's exactly what it is.  Playwright Larry Kramer lived through this time in the early eighties and wrote the play based on what he saw and his experience as a founding member of the Gay Men's Health Crisis.  This play was written to "get the word out" about this disease that people seemed to want to ignore.

Even though the writing can seem heavy handed, at times, there's no denying the sincerity with which it was written.  Having the set be a simple white box with only a few props moved on and off by the cast was a great way to let the words be the focus.  Directors Joel Grey and George C. Wolfe were able to wonderfully evoke that sense of fear and urgency from their cast.

Joe Mantello plays the lead role of Ned Weeks, whom Mr. Kramer based on himself.  Ned is angry from the start because this mysterious disease is killing his friends and no one else seems to want to help.  Mr. Mantello is best known as the director of "Wicked" and "Love! Valour! Compassion!" with 2 Tonys for "Assassins" and "Take Me Out."  Here, he does a brilliant job of playing the man who's angry from the start and just gets angrier and more frustrated as the play goes on.  It's his anger and frustration that's heart of the play and you're with him the entire time.

Ellen Barkin takes on the role of Dr. Brookner the woman who has seen all these men come and go through her exam room with no explanation for what's going on with them.  She has yet to see a single man come through her door with this disease that survives.  At one point her own frustration hits it's breaking point in Act Two when she's trying to get more funding for research.  Ms. Barkin's delivery of the monologue at this point is one of the most powerful moments in the show.  "Why are all the f**king idiots always on YOUR side!" she screams.  Another great performance!

 Jim Parsons and Lee Pace both make their Broadway debuts here.  Mr. Parsons, best known for his Emmy-winning role of Sheldon Cooper on "The Big Bang Theory," brings much needed comic relief to the play as Tommy Boatwright.  While Mr. Pace, best known as Ned the pie maker on "Pushing Daisies," takes on the role of Bruce Niles, the man chosen to lead the organization that the men start.  His desire to help but fear at being outed himself, makes him want to react in a much quieter and friendlier way.  This leads to friction between he and Ned, who prefers aggressive and loud.  A great Broadway debut for both of these actors!

But for me, the actor who is the real MVP of the show would be John Benjamin Hickey who plays the role of Felix Turner, Ned Weeks' lover.  Felix, who is not part of the organization and isn't dealing with a bureaucratic mess like the doctor, is the one character whom we see simply dealing with the evolution of the disease.  Trying to cope with it like everyone else.  Mr.  Hickey's performance is priceless!

The Normal Heart is not a show I would recommend for a fun night of entertainment.  But, it is a truly powerful and thought-provoking piece of theatre.  It recently received 5 Tony nominations for Best Play Revival, Best Director and Best Actor, Featured Actress, and Featured Actor for Joe Mantello, Ellen Barkin and John Benjamin Hickey.  I'd love to see it win them all, especially for Mr. Hickey.  The play is set 30 years ago before this disease even had a name.  A lot has changed since then but, this play's impact stays the same.

Until next time... 

MTI - Constant Improvement

I'm not sure if anyone read my post a while back about my newest Broadway Blogspot article, "Constant Improvement."  Well, it seems that it's also been posted on Music Theatre International (MTI) Showspace.  I think that's pretty cool!

MTI is a theatre licensing company that handles the rights of hundreds (probably more) musicals.  MTI Showspace is the company's own social media network that's "where theatre people click."  Anyway, they added my article to their blog a while back and I just found out about it.

If you haven't had a chance to read it, check it out here.  Let me know what you think and if I made any sense.

Until next time...

The Book of Mormon

I don't usually "jump the gun" on buying tickets to see Broadway shows.  They're so expensive these days and you can almost always find them discounted once it gets closer to opening night.  But I just had a feeling about The Book of Mormon and thought that if I waited too long, I might not get to see it for a while.  Two months ago, all the press was still on the disaster that has turned out to be Spider-Man but this musical from Trey Parker and Matt Stone (the creators of South Park) and Robert Lopez (Avenue Q)  was quietly building its own little buzz and I decided then I wanted to see this on my birthday.  It was worth EVERY penny of the full price!

The sound of a doorbell is the first thing you'll hear when you go to see BOM.  You'll see a handsome, smiling face wanting to tell you about a third part to the Bible... and then it's all downhill from there!  The story starts with the elders each being paired off and receiving the assignments for their missions.  Elder Price (Andrew Rannells) is the pretty, overachiever who has been praying for Heavenly Father to pair him with a worthy elder and send them to that most wonderful place on earth... Orlando!  Elder Cunningham (Josh Gad) is the schlubby, chubby underachiever who just wants a new best friend.  Needless to say, the two are paired together and sent to, not O-Town, but Uganda to help spread the word to the African Villagers.

Of course when they get there, the village is not what they expect.  They meet up with the other elders, led by Elder McKinley (Rory O'Malley), who fills them in on the village and what's been going on.  Elder Price sets out to convert everyone in the hapless village but, soon learns that they have their own way of dealing with their issues.

I have to say, this is, quite possibly, the funniest thing I've ever seen on stage!  The writers have taken controversial subject matter and created a friggin' hilariously wrong show that I spent two and a half hours laughing out loud at.  Part of what makes it so funny is the extreme sincerity with which it has been written.  Also, that sincerity transfers to the stage and there's no "wink wink" moment where they're  like, "Aren't we funny?"  

Director Casey Nicholaw has staged a show that zips along at a rapid pace that had me thinking, "Really?  It's already over? "  But the it's great, leaves you wanting more and you don't miss a single joke! And believe me, there are a TON of them.  

The book and score from Parker, Stone and Lopez is full of songs that you may be surprised at yourself for wanting to sing(no matter how wrong) long after the show is over.  And it's full of jokes that make sure to offend everyone but they're too funny for you to care.  Well ok, the two people behind us who left at intermission cared but, that's their problem for not knowing what they were getting into.

Andrew Rannells and Josh Gad are a perfect odd couple pair.  They play off of each other hilariously and are great in their quest to bring the story of Joseph Smith to the people of the village. As a team and apart, the two find more to their characters than just the superficial differences to make you want them both to succeed on this mission.

As Nabulungi, the young lady in the village who tries to help the boys with their teaching, Nikki M. James is a sweet girl with a big voice dreaming of something better for her life and that of her fellow villagers.  She truly believes that the boys are offering a better way of life to her and her people and does her best to help convince the others.

Rory O'Malley is great as Elder McKinley!  When the boys first arrive, he tells them how to deal with their feelings by teaching them to "Turn It Off."  It turns into one of many show stopping moments in the show.

Overall I'd have to say, if your easily offended, don't go see the show.  You'll just be wasting your money getting pissed off and you won't get a refund.  But if you stick it out, you'll realize the show isn't really about offending people at all.  There really is a heart at the center of BOM and if you allow yourself to notice it, you'll be pleasantly surprised.  And you might pee your pants laughing, in the process! I'm not kidding when I say it might be the funniest musical ever!  If you've got the money, I highly recommend it but don't be shocked if you can't get tickets.  The performance we were at was packed.  And from what I understand, they've all been like that lately.

I'd love to see it win some major Tonys in June!  But, that remains to be seen.  If I could, I'd certainly vote for it.

Until next time...

The Underrated - Marin Mazzie

So for this Underrated post, I decided to write about one of my favorite stage actresses... 

Marin Mazzie

She first came onto the Broadway scene as a replacement in the musical, Big River.  But, it was her role as Clara in Stephen Sondheim's Passion that put her on the Broadway map and earned her her first Tony nomination for Best Featured Actress:

If you watch the video, you'll notice two things right away.  First the fact that she's practically naked throughout the scene but, more importantly the second she opens her mouth and starts to sing, you don't notice anything else but that amazing voice!  She was definitely set to become a Broadway star.

A few years later in 1998, she received her second Tony nomination as Mother in the epic musical Ragtime.  In a huge cast of characters (which included Brian Stoke Mitchell and Audra McDonald) her Mother stood out as a woman whose "proper" life is turned upside down when she discovers a "small negro child" buried in her backyard.  Towards the end of the show, she sings "Back to Before" which, for me, is one of THE best songs in a show full of stand out numbers!

After Ragtime, she went on to star in the revival of Kiss Me, Kate! as actress Lilli Vanessi (again with her Ragtime co-star Brian Stokes Mitchell) and earned her 3rd Tony nomination, this time as Best Lead Actress.

I had the chance to see Kiss Me, Kate after it had been nominated for 12 Tonys and she was hilarious as Lilli Vanessi  and her show within a show character, Katherine.  I really thought she was going to win that year but, the award went to Heather Headley for Aida instead.

A few years after Kate, Ms. Mazzie appeared in a special called My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies in which she participated in an Andrew Lloyd Webber medley with Audra McDonald and Judy Kuhn.  Watch the video and try not to be blown away by the three of them.  It's about 7 minutes but, I promise, it's worth it.

After having starring roles in Spamalot and the short-lived Enron, she took on a role that many weren't sure she would be able to manage.  That of Diana, the bipolar wife and mother in the Pulitzer Prize and Tony winning musical, Next to Normal.  Many people were unsure if she'd be able to successfully follow in the footsteps of the role's originator, Alice Ripley, who won the Tony for Best Actress.  I'm a big Marin fan but even I had my doubts.  Well, she shamed all of us naysayers when she proceeded to take a character so clearly etched in our minds and turn it into her own.

The clip above is from Broadway on Broadway and not the show itself but, it's a perfect example of a song that I didn't quite care for until I saw Marin perform it in the show.  She brought a subtlety to the character that didn't overshadow the rest of the cast and you could see every emotion across her face.  She was brilliant!  If anyone ever deserved a Tony for replacing someone in a Broadway show, it's Marin for this role.  No one thought that you could improve on Alice's brilliant performance and, yet, Marin was just as brilliant and, in my opinion, even better.

If you don't know who she is, hopefully I've just given you reason to go to YouTube or iTunes to search her and give a listen.  I'm not sure why she's not a bigger star than she is but, she truly deserves to be.

Until next time...

April's Comin'

So, the first quarter of the year is already over and all I can say is, "What the?"  It's been an odd three months during which I felt like everything in my world was going faster than I was.  With auditions, work, dance and everything else, I felt like was hardly keeping up with life.  But after today, that'll be in the past and we'll have April upon us.  Besides finally getting consistent warmer temperatures and the inevitable horror of tax time, there are three things that I'm really looking forward to this month.  Allow me to share them with you:

1)  It's my birthday!

      Now I know this first one is a bit of a cheat since it's every April but, I've always been a kid when it comes to my birthday.  I kind of like the idea of having one day that revolves around me.  I do, actually, share this day with my dad but I think once I he was born, he gave up on his own and I took over.  For the most part I've always picked a general place that anyone can afford and invited whomever wanted to come but, this year I did something a little different.  On a total whim I decided to get tickets to:

2)  The Book of Mormon!

     Out of the blue one day, I just decided that this was what I wanted to do on my birthday.  I can't lie, I've always been a fan of sarcastic, stupid(but actually, smart) humor.  The kind that borders on offensive.  But really, isn't that what makes it funny?  But one thing that makes me appreciate a show like South Park, is that everyone is a target of their humor.  I get more excited as the time gets closer because I have yet to hear a single negative thing about the show and, now that the rave reviews have come out, the show is set to, possibly, be the coolest Best Musical winner since Avenue Q(Robert Lopez who helped to write that show is also a writer with Trey and Matt on this one!)

3)  With the terror of Tax Day coming on the 15th, it's only appropriate that the third thing I'm looking forward to is set to be released on the same day.  That would be Scream 4!

     I've already mentioned this one in two previous posts so, I'll just send you to the first one here, if you'd like to know my reasons for choosing this one.  Needless to say, I think I've been waiting for this one longer than Book of Mormon and even though this one probably won't be getting any awards, I can NOT WAIT!

So, that's what I'm looking forward to in the month of April.  How about you?

Until next time...

   

My New Blogspot Article

So the latest article on the Broadway Blogspot is from me.  I decided to write about the need to always be working on improving oneself in their career.  I know it fits with any career but, I think it's especially true in a performer's world.

Anyway, check it out at Broadway Blogspot!

What do you all think?  What are you doing to improve yourself in your careers?  Or if, like me, you're stuck in a survival job, what are we doing to get out of it?

Until next time...

The Underrated - Martha Plimpton

I've decided to start a new feature on Gator Music that gives a shout out to those performers whom I feel are exceptional and never get their proper due.  I've decided for the first one, I'll start with:

Martha Plimpton

If anyone has seen The Goonies, you'll remember the tomboyish blonde with the glasses who was constantly giving crap to Corey Feldman's Mouth.  THAT was Martha Plimpton.  Even as an 8 year old boy watching it in the movie theater, there was something that drew me to her Stef that her apart from the other characters.  She seemed to be the only voice of reason amongst the group of tweens searching for One-Eyed Willie's gold.  I wanted to post a clip from it but, the YouTube poster of "The Wishing Well" clip doesn't allow sharing so, click here to see it.

Next we have the movie Parenthood:

This is another one of my favorite movies in which she had a supporting role as Julie, the rebellious teen daughter of Helen (Dianne Wiest).  It's an ensemble film with too many amazing talents to name and she STILL manages to stand out.  Keanu Reeves gets the label on this clip but, Martha does a great job in her role as his teenage wife.

The next film is an awful little movie called 200 Cigarettes.  I specifically went to see it because of Ms. Plimpton.  It's not her fault, I was just excited that it was the first movie since Parenthood that I was aware she was in.  Potentially, a great cast that was done no favors by this film.  Martha was the best thing in the whole movie.  Check out the trailer, it's all you need to see:

Since then, she's been nominated for an Emmy for her appearance on Law and Order:SVU.  She's also received three Tony nominations for Coast of Utopia, Top Girls and Pal Joey.  She's been appeared in more shows and films than you could guess and has, most recently, become the best thing on the best new sitcom of the year, Raising Hope.




If you haven't seen Raising Hope, shame on yourself!  It's on after Glee and is so much funnier!  Oh Glee, where do I begin with the disappointment? But who cares... Watch RAISING HOPE!

Until next time...

Oscar 2011 aka The Snoozer

Well, I just sat through the entire Oscar broadcast and all I can say is, "Thank God it's over!" It has to be one of the most boring award telecasts I've ever had to sit through.  Kudos to Anne Hathaway for doing everything she could to carry the show because, the writers and James Franco (high as he might have been) did her no favors.

But still, there were a few moments of fun.  Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law, Billy Crystal and Sandra Bullock were all good sports and highlights of the evening.  The ever changing set was pretty cool.  And of course, there were lots of pretty dresses.

But first and foremost, it was still Hollywood's biggest night for movies.  My voting, which only carried weight in my apartment, wasn't very good.  It seems I vote more with what I love and apparently, not so much with what's supposed to win.  Anyway, here are the winners and who I picked:

Category: Winner/Who I Picked
Best Short Film (Live Action): God of Love/The Crush
     Never saw or heard of any of these until the awards.  I chose The Crush because it reminded me of the Alicia Silverstone/Cary Elwes movie.  The guy who DID win gave the funniest speech of the night.

Best Visual Short (Animated): The Lost Thing/Let's Pollute
     Same as above except, none of these films reminded me of anything.  Let's Pollute just sounded funny.

Best Documentary (Short): Strangers No More/Sun Comes Up
     Same as above.  Sun Comes Up just sounded positive.

Best Visual Effects: Inception/Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows, Pt. 1
     The first category where voting with my heart got me squat.  I guess, Inception was a shoo-in but, I love Harry Potter so I couldn't help it.

Best Sound Mixing: Inception
     Did the others really have a chance?

Best Sound Editing: Inception
     See above.

Best Makeup: The Wolfman
     The most "showy" of the nominees always wins.  And I agree with Ms. Cate Blanchett, "Gross."

Best Cinematography: Inception/The King's Speech
     Another given for Inception but, I thought TKS might take it.  I was wrong.

Best Film Editing: The Social Network/Black Swan
     This was a tough call but, I thought BS would pull it out.  Another incorrect guess for me.  If we were ranking them, I would've put TSN second.

Best Documentary: Inside Job/Waste Land
     Another one where I saw none of the nominees and felt shame for having not heard of them.

Best Original Score: Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross - The Social Network
     I loved that Reznor and Ross' dark score pulled out the victory.  Of the nominees, I felt, theirs' was the music that added the most to the respective film.

Best Original Song: We Belong Together/I See The Light
    Congrats to Randy Newman for writing the same song that has been nominated 20 times and now won twice.  Judging by the telecast, I thought the song from Tangled (I See The Light) should've gotten the win.  If they'd used Donna Murphy in the performance, they probably would have.

Best Costume Design: Colleen Atwood - Alice In Wonderland
    The movie with the showiest costumes also produced the winner with the worst speech of the night.

Best Art Direction: Alice In Wonderland/Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows, Pt. 1
     Another one where my love for Harry Potter clouded my judgement.  Common sense would've told me to vote for AIW.

Best Adapted Screenplay: Aaron Sorkin - The Social Network
     Aaron Sorkin won for THE best screenplay of the year!

Best Original Screenplay: David Seidler - The King's Speech
     David Seidler won for the 2nd best screenplay of the year!

Best Foreign Film: In A Better World (Denmark)/Biutiful (Mexico)
     Denmark beat Mexico in the Miss Universe category.  Foiled again!

Best Animated Feature: Toy Story 3                                  
     Really? Did the other nominees think they had a shot?

Best Supporting Actress: Melissa Leo - The Fighter/Amy Adams - The Fighter
     Another one where I went with my heart.  I knew Melissa Leo would probably win but, I'm on the bandwagon for Amy Adams to get the little gold man.  She's always solid and gets overshadowed by people in the showier roles.  Her time is coming!

Best Supporting Actor: Christian Bale - The Fighter
     Speaking of solid actors who always get overshadowed, Christian Bale (hateful as he may sound on those Terminator recordings) is a great actor who got the recognition he deserved, finally.

Best Actress: Natalie Portman - Black Swan
     Probably the category that will have had the most dispute this year but, I loved Portman's portrayal of the ballerina who JUST wanted to be perfect.  It was creepy and weak and powerful and great!  I know others think Annette Bening should've won but, I'm not so sure.  To me, she's always so big on film I'd love to see her on stage.  Bring the woman to Broadway!

Best Actor: Colin Firth - The King's Speech
     Another shoo-in winner, this year.  Amazing and should have one for simply being the ONLY actor (I love you, Meryl!) to come out of Mamma Mia unscathed.

Best Director: Tom Hooper - The King's Speech
     Deserved win.  Plus, he got bonus points for giving credit for the idea of the film to his mum.  She saw a play called The King's Speech and said it should be his next film.  Like he said, "The moral of the story, listen to your mum."

Best Picture: The King's Speech

     Tough call but, I also went with TKS!  I went in expecting a "typical" boring, British film and was greatly surprised by what I saw.  Colin, Helena, Geoffrey and the rest of the cast were great!  Plus, the script was funny and poignant and everything you'd want in a Best Picture winner.  Congrats to all involved!


So, I had a not so great 54% voting percentage (13 of 24) Anyway, those are my comments.   What do you think of the night?


Until next time...

Lather, Rinse, Repeat: Scorecard #8

Between getting up at 6am for auditions and getting home from work after midnight, I haven't felt much like writing, lately.  But, I do have four new auditions to tell you about and add to the scorecard.  Let's go:

Audition 1)  This was the chorus call for the California theater that I auditioned for in last week's scorecard update.  I figured it couldn't hurt to go back and sing again since I hadn't been happy the last time.  Plus, I wanted to redeem myself for the, less than focused, R&H performance.  This time I decided to do my Secret Garden number and I nailed it!  I was focused on this one and figured I had nothing to lose so, felt like I knocked this one out.  SUCCESS

Audition 2)  An EPA for a theater in Pennsylvania doing several "big" shows that I, personally, love and would love to be in.  I decided for this one, I wanted to sing my number from Shrek.  It's a belty ballad but, also fun at the same time.  It went great and the people in the room were great!  But like all the others, now we wait and see.  SUCCESS

Audition 3)  A chorus call for another PA theater.  This time, one in Pittsburg.  Their upcoming season runs the genre gamut so, they didn't ask for anything specific just what you do best.  I decided to go with Shrek again because I love the song and it sits really well in my voice.  Again they seemed as though they really liked me but,  I wasn't asked to stay and "move" (theatre dancing that's not really dancing).  I'm choosing to assume that's because they saw that a couple of the shows they're doing are already on my resume.  SUCCESS

Audition 4)  A last minute decision led me to go to this EPA for a national tour of Guys and Dolls.  Outside the door, we were told that the CD (casting director) wanted to hear something comedic.  So, I decided to go with my Triumph of Love number.  The song, itself, went really well but the interesting part came after.  At first she said "thank you" but, as I was getting my book from the piano she stopped me.

"Do you have anything up-tempo that's less angsty?"  And then, she said she basically wanted me to do an up-tempo gangster song.  What I did was "great" but, she wanted to hear something with less angst that was more suitable to the characters I was right for.

"Hmmm, well..."  I think that's literally what I said.  I grabbed my book and started flipping through the pages having no idea what to do.  I didn't help that I didn't exactly know what "angsty" even meant.  I kept flipping through the book and we finally settled on the R&H song but, as a gangster.

It was actually pretty fun doing it differently but, nerve wracking because I wanted to just snap my fingers and immediately have the type of song she wanted.  But when you're put on the spot like that, it's sometimes hard to think quickly.  But still, the first song went great, the second one was fun and that fact that I was EVEN asked for a second one, makes this one a SUCCESS!

So, we update the season's scorecard:

                Audition Scorecard 2010-2011

                    15 Success

                      6 Fail (4 type out)

Four consecutive successes!  It also makes it easier when you're going to so many because it lowers the "big deal" feeling.  Going to several a week is a lot easier than one every few weeks.  There are still plenty more on the calendar so, still gotta cross the fingers.

Until next time...

The Musical Grind: Scorecard #7

With the show done, I've had more time to get back out and hit up the audition circuit.  Today, I've got four to tell you about.  One is from a while back that I just never got to writing about and, the other three, from the last couple of days.

Audition 1:  This was for an Off Broadway showcase that's being done in March.  I went in and did my Rodgers & Hammerstein, Flower Drum Song (from now on I'm calling it R&H).  It was the best I've done it yet!  I was so happy with the way it went.  The people behind the table really seemed to like it too except, it turned out, they were looking for guys who were strong tappers.  Crap!  Well, it's still a SUCCESS because the song was great, if I say so myself!

Audition 2:  For the upcoming Broadway revival of Evita.  I was typed out!  UGH!  No song.  Done.  This is my 4th time in a row at this casting office.  FAIL

Audition 3:  An EPA for a well known theater out in California.  I went in and did my R&H song for them.  I've done the song a good 20 times in auditions and coachings.  But the entire time I was singing, my mind kept saying, "Don't forget the lyrics."  Why would I forget the lyrics?  I've done the song too many times to do that.  Vocally, the song went well but I was in my head too much.  Not being focused on the performance means a FAIL.

Audition 4:  This EPA was for a theater, in North Carolina, that I'd worked at a long time ago.  It always holds a special place for me because it's the place that I decided performing was what I wanted to do.  Anyway so, I decided to do my song from the musical, Triumph of Love.  I went in and I really think this was the best performance of THIS song that I had done at an audition!  I felt great during and after the song.

After he had looked at my resume, he asked if I'd worked at the place before.  My response was, "Yes, I worked there several years back."  And then like word vomit I said, "I LOVE THAT PLACE!"  Did I really just say that?  How cheesy could that be?  I was so shocked at myself for saying it, that I just stood silently.  Don't get me wrong, it was truly sincere but, not the answer I would've given had I had time to think.  Oh well, maybe the casting guy wasn't paying attention and didn't hear it.  Besides, the song was still great so, SUCCESS!

So, we update the season's scorecard:

                Audition Scorecard 2010-2011
                    11 Success
                      6 Fail (4 type out)

So, 2 for 2 this time.  Not so bad.  I've got several more coming up so, I'm hoping to add more to the success side.

Until next time...

Back to the Pavement

There's always a certain sadness when a show you're doing ends.  No longer can you say, "I'm in a show!", when someone asks you what you're up to and, usually, it means heading back to the survival job full time.   Also, it means heading back out to the audition circuit.  Trying to get the next show that puts you back into the spotlight.

Luckily, Eeek! is ending just as a long stretch of auditions is coming up.  In the next few weeks, several mornings I'll be up before the sun so that I can head to the next EPA that may turn into my next project (fingers crossed).  One positive that DOES come with a project ending, for me, is that it leaves me motivated to get the next show so that I don't lose that "performer's rush."  You know, that feeling of being in front of a crowd that drives all performers.

So the scorecard will, finally, be getting some updates over the next few weeks.  I'm singing for a theater in Sacramento today, one in North Carolina on Wednesday, one in upstate New York and one more in Pennsylvania all in the next week.  I'll be crossing my fingers that they all go well and that, at least, one of them gets past the first step.

Off I go to get ready and start warming up the singing voice for today.  My neighbors will love that at 6am but, I let it slide that it always sounds like they're training a herd of elephants above me so, I think, they can grant me this on occasion.

When I get home tonight, I'll write a final report on Eeek! for tomorrow in case anyone was wondering.  And if anyone wants, sending good luck vibes is always appreciated!

Until next time...

Time to Squeak Some Eeek!

After a couple of weeks of uneven rehearsal time, tonight, we'll finally have our first performance of "Eeek! A Mousical".  I must say that the entire experience has me excited AND scared!

It's always exciting to be a part of something new because it could become so many different things by the time you get to opening night.  You never really know how an audience will react to anything since no one has seen it.  None of the songs or jokes are considered a "guaranteed winner" until you hear people, other than the creative team, laughing or applauding them.  It's, kind of, cool to not know how people will respond.

Now the scary part would be that rehearsals have been less than productive, at times.  You see this production is a Showcase which means that there is very little to no pay involved for anyone.  It's basically a way to "audition" the show for the producers and industry people who see it.  This means the people, including myself,  have had to miss rehearsals to go to day jobs and try to get to rehearsal when they can.  We've never actually had everyone at a rehearsal yet.  It's hard to get down timing and choreography when you don't have everyone for the scene or song.

But in a way, I think by writing that, I just realized that it adds a bit to the excitement of the show.  Part of why live theater is so great is the unexpected that can and does happen during performances.  I really think we've got a great cast of people who know what they're doing and know how to "go on" if something messes up.  I also know that we're all going to make the most of it and have fun doing it.  Because, isn't that the most important thing?  We're doing what we love so, we may as well have a blast doing it.

We have one more rehearsal this afternoon (I think everyone will be there for that) and then, tonight's show is considered a preview.  Our opening is tomorrow so, if anyone is in NYC over the next two weekends and would like to see our little family show, check out the info here.  Tickets can also be purchased through TDF for people who are members there.  And as this is an Equity Showcase, AEA members get in free if there is room.

If you have some time, come see our show!  We have no idea how it's going to be.  Who knows?  It could be a hot mess or it could be the cutest little show you've seen in a while.  But one thing's for sure, we're all going to be having a good time doing our best to entertain you!

Until next time...

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Scream 4: Part 2

Ok so, everything I said in my Scream 4 post yesterday, can be dittoed and doubled!  The newest trailer for the movie out and, can I just say, that "kid waiting for Christmas" line that I wrote is no joke!

Who wants to go see this with me?  I dare say, I'm more excited about seeing this than the final Harry Potter film.

Anyway, check out the new one here and THEN tell me you don't get a little thrill.  Oh and, what an awesome cast they've got marked for death in this one!  In addition to the "Big 3", they've got about every known twenty-something in Hollywood.  Anyway, enjoy.




Until next time...

Scream 4

Anyone who's read my earlier posts, Scary Movie Nostalgia Trip and Scary Movie Nostalgia Trip: The Re-Imagining, knows that I love horror movies.  And ever since the announcement was made that they were making a new Scream, I've been like a little kid waiting for Christmas.  So when I saw the new trailer online, I knew that I needed to write about it.

If it were like most or sequels or "re-imaginings", I would probably be groaning in the inevitable crap that would come out with new minds allowed to mess with something that's not broken.  But, this one has it's original writer and director (Kevin Williamson and Wes Craven) AND it's "big three" cast members (Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and David Arquette) all coming back.  How long the main characters survive this movie is anyone's guess but, it's great to have them all back!

I've been so busy with work and rehearsals that I haven't found anything that I wanted to take the time to write about.  Now I have and, yes,  it's about a movie.  But, not just any movie.  This is a new chapter in one of the coolest horror movie franchises ever.  I can't wait!  Watch the trailer and tell me it doesn't give you, at least, a little thrill.




Oh and, it comes out on April 15th which is a week after my birthday.  If anyone wants to get me anything, you have your gift idea.  I promise to act surpirsed!

Until next time...

Richard Skipper as "Carol Channing" In Concert

Due to the last minute cancellation of a play reading I was supposed to be part of, I had a chance to go see Richard Skipper as "Carol Channing" in Concert now playing at St. Luke's Theatre.  It turned out to be a nice evening learning a little history about the star so associated with the role of Dolly Levi.

The show is in the style of a cabaret with Ms. Channing singing many of her well known songs and telling stories of her legendary career.  Now I must admit, I don't know all that much about Carol Channing other than what I've seen of her on television but, I'm pretty sure that Mr. Skipper has the woman down.  From her unique way of speaking to her quick wit when chatting with audience members, you really felt you were in the audience with the woman herself.

Throughout the show, the audience is treated to stories from many of her well known hits such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Thoroughly Modern Millie, as well as, some lesser known shows like The Vamp.  Of course, a good section of the show is devoted to Hello Dolly!  As someone who holds a special place for this show (it was the show I earned my Equity card with), I particularly enjoyed hearing the story of how she won the role of Dolly and the medley of accompanying songs.

My only issue with the show would be that we heard too much about the members of the audience.  Being the opening night, there were several actors and musicians from Ms. Channings' hey day who were in the audience.  I guess in the instance of kindness and fairness, Mr. Skipper wanted to give ALL of them a proper "shout out" but, I kept thinking, "I don't care about these people. I want to hear about Carol."  Of course any other night, would probably be a different story.  Don't get me wrong, it was a sweet gesture on the star's part but for me, it just took time away from the main attraction and why we were there.

There was also something funny going on with the lighting. I've seen several other shows at St. Luke's and never noticed a lighting issue before so, I'm going to assume that was just a one time glitch.

Overall, it was a really nice evening getting to know a little about Carol Channing.  Love her or not, Ms. Channing is a true theatre legend and Mr. Skipper is doing a great job of paying her a tribute.  The show only runs through January 26th and if you're a Channing fan, make sure you go to see it.

Until next time...

Back To Business

As I've settled in to the year not being so "new" anymore, things have pretty much gotten back to their normal stride.  It's amazing how quickly I adapted to the slowed down pace of Florida but, if I'm gonna "make it" here in NYC, this is where I need to be pounding the pavement.  But for some reason, it's been a little harder to get back into the groove than I thought it would.

I had a great audition last week that, apparently, went for nothing because they wanted guys who can tap.  Well, that's not me just yet.  A friend of mine who was sitting in the audition room but has no say in casting told me that I looked "fearless" doing my song (it was the R&H Flower Drum Song).  That was nice!  And I could tell that the casting people liked me as well but, if they want to cast something a certain way they'll keep looking until they find it.

It was a solid week for the dance classes too.  I have to say, I'm really liking them.  So far, I've done mostly jazz classes because they fit into my schedule easier than tap or ballet.  I did try a tap class and was a total mess but, it'll come once I can get to the class more.  Then maybe, I won't get crossed off a casting list because I don't have tap on my resume.

We start rehearsals for Eeek! A Mousical today with a new cast member.  Megan Thomas is replacing Donna Vivino whom, I heard rumor, got a film.  So, we lose a great lady only to be replaced by a great lady.  I can't wait to get started with everything because the show goes up in 2 weeks and we've done nothing so far.  

So as you can see, today's post is just me blathering on about what's been going on lately.  Hope no one's bored.  I'll try to be more interesting next time.  Tonight, I'm going to see a new Off-Broadway show, Richard Skipper as "Carol Channing" In Concert.  That should be fun.  I've got a couple of other things brewing but, don't want to mention anything until they're official.  Have a good one all.

Until next time...

Gettin' The Word Out

Well, it seems as though the PR person for Eek! A Mousical is getting the word out.  Press releases for the show were picked up by both Playbill and BroadwayWorld.

I've never been listed on either of these sites so, it's pretty cool news!  They are two of the leading websites for theatre news, in the country.  A friend of mine said yesterday, "Work begets more work."  So, from her lips to God's ears someone will see this show and another door will open in my career.  We shall see.

Check out the links above to see the releases for the show and I hope this post finds everyone having a great day!

Until next time...

The Divine Sister

How fortunate I felt to have gotten to spend the evening of New Year's Day watching one of the funniest shows I've seen in a long time by one of my favorite playwrights!  That show, of course, is The Divine Sister written by and starring Charles Busch and is a play I've looked forward to seeing since I'd first read it was going to be opening in New York.

The sisters of St.Veronica, led by the Mother Superior (Mr. Busch) have recently been joined by Sister Walburga (Alison Fraser) from Germany who is in to check up on the financially strapped school/convent.  At the same time, a reporter (Jonathan Walker) is in town to get the scoop on a new postulant (Amy Rutberg) at the order who claims to have visions and the ability to heal people. All the while, Mother Superior and her best friend and second in command, Sister Acacious (Julie Halston) try to appeal to the local atheist widow (Jennifer Van Dyck) for a sizable donation. When all these characters cross paths, everyone's secrets start to come out in a hugely funny fashion.

I've always been a fan of Mr. Busch ever since I stumbled across Psycho Beach Party on HBO one day, way back when.  I've also always had a taste for humor which doesn't always make sense or is in the best of taste.  This show is a perfect example of that and I laughed from start to finish!

Besides being a genius writer, Mr. Busch always has the knack of getting only top notch people to bring his scripts to life.  And this show, may be the best yet.  I won't single any of them out because there are far too many examples I could use for each actor.  They all have their own wonderful moments apart, be it just a look or a perfectly timed quip but, are even greater as an ensemble.  And thanks to Carl Andress' direction, everything moves a rapid "blink and you might miss the joke" pace.

Ok so, enough.  I've gone on far too much about how great I think the show is and it's time to stop.  But if you happen to be in NYC or you live here and haven't gotten down there yet, get to the Soho Playhouse and see this show.  You can also check out more about the show here.  It's too funny not to see!  And if you don't like, then I'm afraid you were born with no sense of humor.  For me, it was a great way to start my theatre viewing for 2011!

Until next time...

New Year, New Show

Well, it's 2011!  I hope everyone's new year got off to a great start.  I've decided for my first post, to tell a little about the first show I'll be doing this year.  The show is called Eek! A Mousical and it's a family musical update of the Aesop Fable "The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse."  I'll be playing Brad, husband of the City Mouse.

It's been so long since I read it, I can't remember if the mice had families in the original story.  I suppose I should go back and read it, huh?  Anyway, the update has music and lyrics by John Stutte and a book and lyrics from Jack Dyville.  The show will be directed by John De Blass with choreography by Maria Zannieri.

I'm also excited because we have a great cast of people who are a part of it which includes my friend Toni L. Stanton who'll be playing my city mouse wife, Bara and, also, Donna Vivino who recently got finished playing Elphaba in the national tour of Wicked.  Both of them are great ladies and I look forward to working with them.

I think what has me most excited about the whole thing is that it's a musical.  I haven't had the chance to do one in about a year and a half when I did Gutter Star at FringeNYC.  Musicals are what I love to do most so I can't wait to get started with rehearsals.

Anyone who's around, in NYC, the weekends of Jan. 28th to 30th or Feb. 3rd to 5th can click on the show name above to learn more about the show and see if you might be interested.  Also if you'd like to learn more about F.A.C.T., the production company behind the show, click here.  They'll be working in association with Joria Productions to bring this showcase to the stage.

Hope to see you at one of the shows.  I'll keep you posted of what's going on at rehearsal.  I'm crossing my fingers that this is the start of several shows I'll be doing this year.

Until next time...