Next to Normal

     So this past Monday, I had the opportunity to see another show that I'd really been wanting to see, Next to Normal.  It was, to say the least, quite the contrast to Shrek.  But in my opinion, if you're planning a trip to NYC, this is another must see!

Cell Users Anonymous

  

   Hi, my name is Marcus and I'm a cell phone using addict.  I think it first started about ten years ago when I got my first cell phone as a way for my parents to reach me more easily.  It started out small because I've never been much of a phone chatter but, as the phone companies started adding features, it just got progressively worse.

The Pitter of Patter, pt. 3

     So, I've started working on putting my showcase together and am finding it to be a little tougher than I thought.  I've decided to talk about my love for performing from a very early age, I may have mentioned this in an earlier post, which is actually not the tough part.  The hard part has been trying to figure out which songs to do.  Of course there are literally thousands of songs out there to do but, the trick is, finding the two that work with what I'm talking about.  Plus, doing songs I really like is a bonus and makes for a better performance.  Why waste my time doing songs I don't like?  Anyway, I've had several ideas for the song to close the set when, last week,  I found the song that I KNEW I wanted do.  I even knew how I needed to gear the patter to lead into the song.  Then I went to look for it.  So far, I'm finding that the song isn't available.  Ugh!  I guess the vocal selections aren't available but, funny thing is, I managed to find two songs from the same show that WERE available.  I think that makes it even more "ugh."  Oh well, I guess I'll keep looking.  It is still a month away, after all.

    Another part of this experience, has been inviting people to come.  I decided to create my first "Facebook Event" to invite people to come see the showcase.  Not sure it was such a good idea.  First off, I did it extremely early; the showcase is Oct. 28th and I sent the FB invites last week.  But now, I'm constantly checking to see if anyone responds to it.  So far, I have 3 confirmations (one of which is me), 7 maybes (not so bad...it IS early) and about 9 declines (yikes!).  People have lives, jobs, their own shows, just not wanting to come, etc., I understand these things.  But my anxiety has kicked in that NO ONE is going to come to this thing.  Now, I know this isn't true.  It'll all work out and whoever can come will make it.  But of course, I can't help but think, "Who's gonna want to come see you."  Lovely thought, I know.  It'll pass and things will work out.  I just need to focus on doing the best I can so that people that DO come will let the others know what they missed.  And who knows? Maybe this will lead to something else.

    So, babbling session over.  I'm going to keep looking for that song and planning this thing.  I'll let you know what happens.

    Until then....

----MC

Shrek the Musical

     Friday night, I had to chance to go see one of the shows that I've been most wanting to see for the past year.  I sat in my seat, at the Broadway Theatre, waiting for it to start with great anticipation.  I'm not sure why I wanted to see it so badly.  I liked the original movie but, found the sequel to be better than the first one.  I guess for me, it was all about seeing the original cast which isn't totally intact but the ones who matter are still there.  Of course, the show I'm talking about is Shrek the Musical.  And did it live up to the hype I'd built in my head?  Hell yeah it did!

The 39 Steps

     On Wednesday, I got to meet a friend of mine from Florida whom I hadn't seen in about two years.  We had lunch together and chatted for a few hours and then, I walked him to the Helen Hayes Theater where he was going to see The 39 Steps.  As I walking toward 8th Ave, I heard him yell my name from down the street.  When I went back, he told me two women were just giving away a ticket if I wanted to see the show.  So of course, not being one to pass up a FREE Broadway show, I said, "YES!!"  And that's how I got the surprise of seeing, The 39 Steps.

Pounding the Pavement

  

     Auditioning sucks!  Most actors know this but, also know it's a necessary evil.  If we want the jobs, we have to audition for them.  It's hard to like anything when your future employment hinges on 16 bars of a traditional theater song.  But the other day, I was back at the Equity building singing for another company.

The Toxic Avenger

  

     So, I finally had my first chance to take advantage of 20 at 20 yesterday.  For the first two weeks in September and, again in January, several Off-Broadway shows run a special which offer $20 tickets to the show 20 minutes before the show begins.  It's a way to help boost sagging ticket sales in, what are typically, the slowest theater weeks of the year.  Yesterday I had the chance to see The Toxic Avenger which is playing at the New World Stages.