Goodbye 2006!

I just wanted to write my last blog post for 2006. Wow! This year has flown by so fast. I can't believe we are about to start another year. I'm glad to say that I have been working pretty steady in the Houston theatre community this year.

Celebrate 70! - singer/dancer (Houston Jewish Community Center)
The Best Li'l Whorehouse in Texas - Aggie, Governor, C.J. Scruggs (The Great Caruso)
1776 - Dr. Lyman Hall of Georgia (east-end theatre company)
Fiorello! - Hack #5 (Bayou City Concert Musicals)
Abduction from the Seraglio - ensemble (Opera in the Heights)
Urinetown, the musical - Hot Blades Harry/Old Man Strong (Main Street Theatre)

And I already have shows lined up for next year!

Back from First Preview

We had a great preview performance tonight. Our director was very pleased. The cast could tell the audience took a while to warm up to the show. I got some laughs during Old Man Strong's scene. And some as Hot Blades Harry. It was nice, since I felt like I was screaming the entire time to get past the congestion in my chest. As a friend of mine told me about his feelings about going on for a role he understudied, now I understand - "There were times I felt like I was sucking." I have to admit that I couldn't get out all my high notes during the numbers in the second act, but I tried.

I have to say that this show is just a rollercoaster ride from start to finish. And I don't have it as bad as the ensemble. At least I get a break after I get sent to Urinetown in the first scene. Act two is the big one for us all since we are pretty much onstage for the entire act. I was drenched in sweat during curtain call.

Afterward, some of us went to Chipoltapec for some Tex-Mex. As always, lively conversation by everyone. Now time for bed and hopefully my voice will be better in the morning.

Recooperating Before Our First Preview Tonight!

I usually post after the rehearsal, but it's Saturday and so I have some time before to post a blog. I pretty much slept today because I still had a lot of congestion and thought that some rest would help. I finally rolled out of bed at 4pm and got some food at Cafe' Express. Then went to buy some medicine for this crap in my chest. I bought Mucinex for chest congestion. I know it's pretty powerful stuff so I'm hoping it'll do the trick. Right now, I'm feeling much better and my voice is back. I also bought some pomade to slick my hair back for Hot Blades Harry.

Funny, even with this stuff in my chest, I still have a head voice. So, I knew it wasn't as bad as previous experiences. I don't feel achy, so I know I'm not sick...I just sound that way. Anyway, I'm excited about our first preview. I know it's still pretty much a dress rehearsal with an audience, but still it's our start on our journey to gel this show. I think everyone in the cast is pretty psyched about this show.

So, I'm just going to relax before heading over to the theatre for the 7:15pm fight call to practice having Robbie the Stockfish lift me in the second act. I'm just amazed every time that someone can lift me.It just goes to show that with proper technique, anything can happen.

First Full Dress Rehearsal

Well, all I gotta say is....bad rehearsal, good performance. The last half of Act Two was the most awful since we had not gone over it in a week. I'm still fighting this cold. The voice goes in and out. Luckily I made it through. I just have a hard time breathing for singing.

Cue to Cue Day Three/First Dress Act One

Well, we survived our first dress rehearsal of Act One!

I got out of work early today, so I was s little late for the "Pee Ballet" rehearsal. But at least I didn't miss it. After another tedious cue to cue, we put our costumes on (that most of us had never had a fitting for) and ran thru Act One. I wear overalls as Old Man Strong and this is the first time I have ever worn overalls. My hat was too small and that was pretty much the only thing wrong with my costume. I wear a sleeveless shirt for Hot Blades Harry. For the quick change back to Old Man Strong in the Act One Finale, I just put my Old Man Strong jacket back on. Hopefully, that was enough. I didn't get a note on it - so I guess it was ok.

I felt good today. I got all my lines out and almost all right. I get mixed up on "Don't forget me, Bobby!" I think I said "Remember me, Bobby!" But I was getting more into the character of Old Man Strong and I can keep adding more stuff. Unfortunately, we don't have much more time before we preview on Saturday and then a performance for New Year's Eve.

And as we were leaving Senator Fipp invited everyone over to his place tomorrow night to watch the Dreamgirls DVD. Yes, the new movie that is out in the theatre. He is a movie critic so he gets a copy of the movie. So cool!

Cue to Cue Tech - Day 2

So, we started where we left off last night. 'Act One Finale' was one of the longest numbers to tech. And there is so much in it...with moving around the set pieces. We got all the way to the end of 'Snuff That Girl'. We also choreographed the "Pee Ballet" which is very cute...and it features me! (or rather, my character, Old Man Strong). Sort of a prelude before the book scene with Old Man Strong.

During our many times of just standing around, I was teaching Soupy Sue some steps from the Opening Number of 42nd Street. I haven't done that in a while now. I have that show in common with Pennywise. She did the show prior to my production in '97. I think that dancing around did me some good tonight. I'm not as tired as I was last night.

I have also been fighting getting sick this week. I think I've about gotten over it..but only time will tell. I usually feel worse in the morning. So, I will have to wait and see tomorrow. I just can't get sick before this show even opens!

Cue to Cue Tech - Day One

Well, I just got home from our first day of tech after our 3 day holiday break. We got all the way to "Follow Your Heart" today. The tech rehearsal is going real slow, but the lights look great! Tomorrow should be more efficient - but I really don't mind as long as the lights look good. We have those lights that can move positions (high tech!)- on a smaller scale than a procenium stage. It's so cool and gives the show a much more professional look.

Well, I'm really tired. I was invited to Soupy Sue's birthday party, but I was too exhausted to attend. Sorry! The woman playing Little Becky Two-Shoes told me that her sister remembered me from when we did "Guys and Dolls" years ago. Her sister was a Hot Box Girl and I played Nicely-Nicely Johnson. I also had a nice conversation with Officer Barrel while we were waiting..and waiting and waiting for the next light cue. It's a tedious process, but there's more time to get to know your fellow castmates.

Ok, before I head to bed I wanted to share this bit of advice from an Original Broadway Cast member of Urinetown -"The golden rule is to throw it all against the wall and see what sticks."

We've blocked the entire show now!

Yea! I apologize for not posting in a while. Well, we just ran thru Act Two tonight for the designers..well, one designer, the lighting designer....and it went pretty well. This rehearsal is our last one before the Christmas Holidays. We don't go back until the 26th. The show is in good shape. We all just have to do our homework and look over our scripts, score, and blocking.

This week has been very tiring for me. The second act has a lot of moving around and dancing and I did well for an old man. But I did wake up sore after the first rehearsals of learning all the choreography...epecially for the numbers of "What is Urinetown?" and "Snuff That Girl". I've been slacking off of my workouts and I need to get back to the gym soon!

Also, this week, I must note that after one rehearsal, Soupy Sue, Tiny Tom, Little Becky Two-Shoes, Billy Boy Bill, the director and myself went somewhere to eat and had the WORSE service ever. I kind of felt sorry for our waiter because it seemed to me that he was probably new and overwhelmed and I really don't think it was his fault. And actually, I didn't mind the wait because we got to bond and talk more...but it was getting late.

Finishing Act One

Well, we finished staging Act One! I don't come back in until after Bobby Strong says, "Run for your lives, Run!" Then we ran thru all the numbers in Act One. We hadn't gone over much of the show since we started blocking...so we all were trying to remember...sometimes unsuccesfully. But we made it through and we do a stumble thru for the designers on Sunday.

After rehearsal, some of the cast members went to La Tapatia. I always like to "bond" with the cast, but always have to decline offers because of training and work. But I got a text from my trainer that he couldn't make it in the morning...and now i could stay out late! Also, one of the little dogs rested on my shoulder after rehearsal...too cute!

Urinetown trivia: (I mentioned this during rehearsal) The reason why Little Becky Two-Shoes is pregnant in the show is because the original actress during the Off-Broadway run, Meghan Lawrence, was with child right before they opened on Broadway and had to leave the show on maternity leave. So, as an 'omage' to her condition, they decided to keep the character pregnant with the replacement, Jennifer Cody, and the rest is history!

Act One Finale!

Tonight we just staged most of "Act One Finale". Wow! There's a lot of stuff in it and the entire cast is on stage pretty much the entire time. Since we are performing on a small thrust stage, there's a big challenge having 16 people onstage at the same time and still able to let the audience understand the story. But we are able to do it.

I have to carry Little Sally in one of the bits during the number. But for some strange reason, I was having a hard time. I think it might be because I just did a major workout this morning and I haven't quite healed yet. You know what, I just remembered I didn't have my oatmeal this morning...that might be part of it too!

There's two sections where I come back as Old Man Strong during the number and appear behind/above the amenity. Unfortunately, before the second appearance, there is this major singing of the chorus and I'm directed to be backstage during that time. So, I'll be singing offstage - ah well!

The show is looking good!

....and one more music rehearsal

We had an additional music rehearsal tonight. Finally got to go over "Snuff That Girl" in more detail with the snaps and the Bing Bangs. Then later, the entire cast was there and we went through almost all the music in Act One. Then the director reviewed "Cop Song" and then they learned "Mr. Cladwell". I stuck around to watch the first few minutes. Nice to have an early night.

Staging Act One

By the nagging of Soupy Sue, I'm going to keep up more regular blogs.

We've been staging Act One for the last couple days. Yesterday, we staged 'Privilege to Pee' and besides being Penelope Pennywise's big number (which our Pennywise does VERY well - belts the high G and everything) it also introduces and says farewell to my first character, Old Man Strong. I pretty much get thrown around stage for this number.

Some of the staging for this show is very funny. We have a lot of fun with the show and end up cracking ourselves up. I especially like my 'seizing' after 'Privilege to Pee'. Subtle, but hilarious. I also had some difficulty getting some lines out. I don't mind...have you seen the Will and Grace bloopers?...they do the same thing...so I'm in good company. :) The director had a lot of good ideas for this number. I especially like my exit.

Tonight, they were running "Cop Song" when I walked in and then we staged the scene after (including my 'ghost' scene) into "Follow Your Heart". We finished up the evening staging the "Look to the Sky" number. The director was about to dismiss me for the night, but I wanted to be in the number - and I learned the song anyway. So, I'm in the number as Hot Blades Harry.

The Great Caruso

I found out last night, when I got to rehearsals for Urinetown that The Great Caruso burned down that morning at 5am. I'm still in shock about it. I did a few shows there. I was a 3 week replacement for The Fantasticks in '98 I think. Then did A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum a few years later and played almost every male role in the show. Spiro the owner was very impressed that I could learn all those roles. Most recently, I was one of the swing Aggies, etc for The Best Li'l Whorehouse in Texas.

Wow! I've met great friends and had some good times there. The food was pretty good too. I just can't believe it's gone. I'm going to try to go by there sometime this weekend. The theatre community is saddened by this. My heart goes out to Spiro, Vasilli and all the staff there. Especially at this time of year. I've heard that they are going to rebuild - and I hope it's true!

And more music rehearsals!

Last night, I decided to just head over to the theatre early after work. So, I got to talk with some of the other cast members waiting for 7:30pm too. Can I tell you how much I love the woman playing Soupy Sue? We met doing The Thing About Men last year playing opposite each other as Man and Woman. I think we clicked the first day and have been pretty good friends ever since. The actor playing Bobby Strong saw the show in NYC and liked it as much as we did. He said he wanted to play the part that I played.......uh, back off, Bobby!!! Also, the actress playing Little Sally and her husband, the director, have two teacup dogs that are so adorable. Everyone in the cast loves watching and playing with them. The actress playing Josephine Strong found the clip of Urinetown on YouTube and has become somewhat addicted to it like I am at times. I hear she has knit stuff for cast members before....hmmm...I wonder what I want. :)

We reviewed the music we already learned and then learned "Privilege to Pee" and part of "Run, Freedom, Run". I'm a bit perplexed because I'm not sure if I should be singing "Privilege to Pee" after the first half because they are singing to me at one point. I just decided that I'll learn it and find out where I shouldn't sing and then they'll have to adjust the voice parts accordingly.

While learning the acapella part of "Run, Freedom, Run"(we spent too much time of reviewing and only had 10 minutes left), the music director still wondered about Bobby Strong saying "three, four" before we returned back to the original tempo and finished out the song. To resolve this, I emailed a person who was in the original cast to find out if there was some meaning or reference about that part. He told me that basically it's for the comedy and that "three, four" is universally the way people get back into a song, but if we wanted to change it to me musically 'correct', that was ok too. Also, we changed the chord structure during the acapella part so the tenors don't hit the high B. Darn, I was looking forward to screaming the B. If I'm bold, I'm going to do it because they have some women on the B and some on their written note(s). The musical director just wanted to save our voices, but I think a true tenor can hit a B with no problem.

Some of the cast is called on Saturday morning to learn the "Cop Song", but not me because.....I'M NOT IN IT!!! YEA! More downtime backstage!

More Music Rehearsals!

I got in about 30 minutes of cardio before rehearsal tonight. Yea!!! I need to start getting back to doing my cardio like I should.

They had a rendering of the set today and it's just perfect. I forgot to mention that our set also doubles for the set of the children theatre's production of The Diary of Anne Frank during the day. Now that is pretty ingeneous.

We just reviewed what we had already learned, but also learned the first half of "We're Not Sorry" with all the solo lines. I need to remember to warm-up more before rehearsals. Hitting those G and A flats in the Act One Finale was a bitch the first time around. And now I'm the only tenor on that part since he moved the actor who plays Tiny Tom to double the second soprano (Soupy Sue). Ah well, I guess I'm loud enough - although I don't feel like I am. I keep on having to remind myself not to push so much, cause I ain't gonna make it through the show. Once I reminded myself that I don't have to push, then I was fine and the volume was still good.

We also ran the Opening number again with the accompaniment this time on the stage. Then went back the rehearsal room to sing "Look At The Sky". I love our part in the tenor section. I can find the note easy because I could hear the tenors on the recording very well.

Another late rehearsal call for me again tomorrow - 7:30pm! I'll try to fit another 30 minutes of cardio beforehand. Ok, it's getting late. I better get to bed since I have training at 5:30am!

First Two Rehearsals - Late post!

I'm catching up on posts. We just had our first two rehearsals for Urinetown.

December 4th - Monday was another music rehearsal. I can now say that I'm getting the high notes again. I guess I just needed to get them back in the right placement. We reviewed what we went over last week and then did the rest of "Act One Finale" and then "Look to the Sky".

December 5th - We did a complete read-thru of the entire script done around a table - the way it should be. The cast had a great time and laughing over the funny lines. Some of the lines, I didn't really hear until actually reading it off the page. We then staged the Opening number. I like the director's style. He's very specific in his direction and it's good, especially for this show. I can tell we are gearing toward new staging. Well, especially that the theatre is a thrust stage, it's going to be staged differently anyway.

We also got to see the set design and it's very cool. Similar to the original version, but a lot of the staging is pretty concrete of what is in the script - so the set would have to be similar. The director told us that before the show starts we will be doing a "Pee Ballet" during the Overture - which I think would be great and so original!

I don't have to be at rehearsal tonight until 8:30pm. So, I will have time to get some cardio at the gym. I've really been slacking on cardio, so I need to get more disciplined about it. Especially doing a show like this. Good! I'm hoping that writing this in my post will make me actually do it.

I wish they had wireless at the theatre. Then, I could do some posting during the show. I have some time during the show after Old Man Strong goes to Urinetown. I know I'm not in "Mr. Cladwell" and I think I won't be in "Cop Song", but we will see. That'll give me a good break in the first act.

The First Urinetown Music Rehearsals 11/27/06

We had our first music rehearsal last night for Urinetown, the musical. I was excited about learning the music for this wonderful show. Almost everyone in the cast was there except for a couple guys. It was great to see a lot of old friends again and to meet new people as well.

We learned the Opening ("Urinetown"), "Act 1 Finale" and "I See A River". The tenor part is HIGH! But I love it, and just have to remember to pace myself during the show. Hopefully, I'll get a voice lesson in there so I can get some advice on pacing and not belting so much. The cast sounds great and the musical director, kept commenting how good we sound - and for being the first day too!

I'm looking forward to rehearsals next week and working with such great people!