By Larry O'Keefe (Bat Boy, Legally Blonde)
Song written for his version of Shrek, the musical.
Nice place you got here. I like it. It's clean.
Even the johns and the lawns are so green.
And if he makes you happy, I want you to stay.
But before I can go, I have something to say.
Most of my life, I have hid from the light.
But once in a while, on a cold, cloudless night.
When the moon was so full, I could smell the spring tide.
I would stand in her glow, and have nothing to hide.
And I would howl, howl at the moon.
Oh, I would howl, howl at the moon.
Oh, I would howl in loneliness and fear,
'Cause the moon gave no sign, that she even could hear.
You shine just as bright, but from farther above
And it looks like I've fallen far short of your love.
But my heart will be yours til the day that I die.
And with every full moon, you will hear my goodbye.
'Cause I will howl, howl at the moon.
Oh, I will howl, howl at the moon.
And though I howl, I won't expect your tears.
It's enough that I know, there is someone who hears.
You'll hear me howl, the whole night through.
Oh, I will howl for the loss of you.
Oh how the world will cover up their ears.
When the full moon appears,
For the rest of my years.
I will howl at the moon,
And I'll know someone hears.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Back From Chicago
Chicago was snowy. I arrived early around 9:30am and my audition for Mamma Mia wasn't until 12:06pm, so I decided to take my time and get some coffee at the airport. I headed around 10:30am and got on the Blue Line train. My friend, Robert, told me that I would have to get on a shuttle bus between Harlem and the next stop. But after I got back on the train, we had to stop to let 2 other trains go by.
So, needless to say, I was late for my audition. I got there around 12:45pm and checked in with the monitor. She told me that I would have to be placed later - but I would be seen. I just waited a few minutes and then my name was called. I met some nice people in line. Some women had not performed in a while, but decided to audition for this show. I also met a woman in the lobby as I waited for Robert and Randy to pick me up after the audition. She had a lot of great info about the acting community in Chicago. She said that I would do well there. Hmmm, now that's another option.
Robert, Randy and I grabbed some lunch. Then I settled into my room at their house. They had a great house, by the way - and I had nice room. I'll be looking forward to staying there again. Then I went to see Jersey Boys. I decided to see it again, because I heard so much about Jarrod Spector who plays Frankie Valli. I heard John Lloyd Young, who originated Frankie Valli in the Broadway production, say that he was the best of all the Frankie's out there. He's more old school and less "American Idol".
The show was good as before. Jarrod was great, although he seemed tired in the beginning. Maybe tired from the matinée earlier that day? I expected an obstructed view, but I couldn't see anything on the catwalk. Oh well, good think I saw the show before. Next day, we had brunch at a Mediterranean restaurant. Good food! Then I flew back to Houston. Short but fun trip!
So, needless to say, I was late for my audition. I got there around 12:45pm and checked in with the monitor. She told me that I would have to be placed later - but I would be seen. I just waited a few minutes and then my name was called. I met some nice people in line. Some women had not performed in a while, but decided to audition for this show. I also met a woman in the lobby as I waited for Robert and Randy to pick me up after the audition. She had a lot of great info about the acting community in Chicago. She said that I would do well there. Hmmm, now that's another option.
Robert, Randy and I grabbed some lunch. Then I settled into my room at their house. They had a great house, by the way - and I had nice room. I'll be looking forward to staying there again. Then I went to see Jersey Boys. I decided to see it again, because I heard so much about Jarrod Spector who plays Frankie Valli. I heard John Lloyd Young, who originated Frankie Valli in the Broadway production, say that he was the best of all the Frankie's out there. He's more old school and less "American Idol".
The show was good as before. Jarrod was great, although he seemed tired in the beginning. Maybe tired from the matinée earlier that day? I expected an obstructed view, but I couldn't see anything on the catwalk. Oh well, good think I saw the show before. Next day, we had brunch at a Mediterranean restaurant. Good food! Then I flew back to Houston. Short but fun trip!
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Paradoxical Commandments
The following is called the Paradoxical Commandments. My friend, Shannon, told me about this and it spoke to me instantly. It's actually how I've been trying to live my life. If it speaks to you, then we have a lot in common....
People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.
The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds. Think big anyway.
People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.
People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. Help people anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway.
In the final analysis, it isn't between you and them. It is between your Soul and your Higher Power. So, do it anyway!
People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.
The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds. Think big anyway.
People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.
People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. Help people anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway.
In the final analysis, it isn't between you and them. It is between your Soul and your Higher Power. So, do it anyway!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Great News About My Bank Job....Really!
I never write anything about my job at the bank, but this is something to write about. My supervisor told me in confidence that I will be getting a good raise this year. This news is great because for the past 2 years I have not had an increase in my salary. I was on the "needs improvement" status for those 2 years. It was a real blow to my confidence at work because up until then I had been doing really well at work. By the way, I have been working at this job for 10 years come March.
I have been waiting for a good time to leave and I was planning to next March or April. But I may stay a little longer and wait for a severance package that will be great when I move to NYC. Some of the bookers and the reconciler department are being let go in February and their functions are going to Bangalore, India. Talk around the office is that soon after that happens that more functions will go over there. Actually, I think people were happy they were getting laid off. I know I would.
So, now I will be taking short trips to NYC and wherever there is an audition worthy of buying a plane ticket. If I get something from that, they I will surely leave as soon as possible!
I have been waiting for a good time to leave and I was planning to next March or April. But I may stay a little longer and wait for a severance package that will be great when I move to NYC. Some of the bookers and the reconciler department are being let go in February and their functions are going to Bangalore, India. Talk around the office is that soon after that happens that more functions will go over there. Actually, I think people were happy they were getting laid off. I know I would.
So, now I will be taking short trips to NYC and wherever there is an audition worthy of buying a plane ticket. If I get something from that, they I will surely leave as soon as possible!
Another Trip to NYC - Three (3) If You Are Counting
Well, I went to NYC again! This time I was going as a newly carded Actor's Equity member. My plan was to audition for Les Miserables on November 16th, but a couple weeks before the trip they made an announcement that the show was going to close on January 6, 2008. They canceled the audition, but I had already made the flight reservation. Oh well! So I decided to audition for whatever was auditioning the time I would be in NYC.
I also planned to watch shows, and then the announcement came a few days before the trip that the stagehands were striking. Just my luck! But the shows that I wanted to see were not affected. I saw Young Frankenstein, The Joy Luck Club, The Ritz, Die Mommie Die!, and Forbidden Broadway: Rude Awakening. I had auditions to go to during the day. I went to the union office early in the morning. However, I failed to write down the floor that the audition was on - which I found out was very important because the entire building is the union's. I decided to forgo the audition and just get coffee and relax. I then waited in line at TKTS (which was not busy) and got tickets to The Joy Luck Club.
The night before my next audition, I decided to check my audition book for music, picture and resume. To my surprise, my pictures and resumes were not there! I just grabbed it leaving Galveston not realizing (until that moment I didn't have it) that I left it in the back of my car. I took out the pics and resumes when I was about to audition for TUTS because I didn't want to have too much in the book when I was auditioning. So, as you can tell, I did not audition. Ah well, no biggie. There will be plenty more auditions.
I did have a chance to meet an online friend in a bar suggested by him before seeing a show Friday night. We had a nice but brief conversation. He asked when I was coming back to NYC, and suggested that we meet again whenever that would be. I don't know when I will be able to make it back, but I hope it is soon.
I'm also planning to go to Chicago, IL in a couple weeks and audition for replacements for the Broadway, National Tour and Las Vegas companies of Mamma Mia. More to come with that.
I also planned to watch shows, and then the announcement came a few days before the trip that the stagehands were striking. Just my luck! But the shows that I wanted to see were not affected. I saw Young Frankenstein, The Joy Luck Club, The Ritz, Die Mommie Die!, and Forbidden Broadway: Rude Awakening. I had auditions to go to during the day. I went to the union office early in the morning. However, I failed to write down the floor that the audition was on - which I found out was very important because the entire building is the union's. I decided to forgo the audition and just get coffee and relax. I then waited in line at TKTS (which was not busy) and got tickets to The Joy Luck Club.
The night before my next audition, I decided to check my audition book for music, picture and resume. To my surprise, my pictures and resumes were not there! I just grabbed it leaving Galveston not realizing (until that moment I didn't have it) that I left it in the back of my car. I took out the pics and resumes when I was about to audition for TUTS because I didn't want to have too much in the book when I was auditioning. So, as you can tell, I did not audition. Ah well, no biggie. There will be plenty more auditions.
I did have a chance to meet an online friend in a bar suggested by him before seeing a show Friday night. We had a nice but brief conversation. He asked when I was coming back to NYC, and suggested that we meet again whenever that would be. I don't know when I will be able to make it back, but I hope it is soon.
I'm also planning to go to Chicago, IL in a couple weeks and audition for replacements for the Broadway, National Tour and Las Vegas companies of Mamma Mia. More to come with that.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Much Needed Update
Well, it's been a long while since I posted something on here. I just finished performing as the Geek in the Houston Premiere of Side Show for Arneson Productions. We had a great time doing the show and the show was a great success.
I am currently in Salem, MA visiting an old friend of mine. He graciously let me stay in his apartment while I auditioned in New York for a regional production of Les Miserables for North Shore Music Theatre. I flew to Boston on Sunday the 12th. Mike picked me up and we got to catch up and eat pizza that night. The next morning I took a train to New York City and stayed with another friend, Mitch. Caught up with Mitch and then met up with my friend from Houston, Michael and got dinner at Chipolte before going to see a friend's show at York Theatre called Triumphant Baby. Michael just did a show with a guy I did summer stock with years ago, Allen. He also saw the show with us along with two other friends of both Michael and Allen.
Tuesday was the day of the audition for Les Miz. As I was walking down the street to the Chelsea Studios where the auditions were being held, I saw Leslie Kritzer and Harvey Fierstein walking the opposite way. They must have been on a break from rehearsing The Catered Affair which is about to open soon. I arrived to be number 43 on the non-equity male audition list. We were told to come back at Noon (after most of the union/equity guys had already auditioned). When we came back they put us in a line by the order you signed up and since they had so many union audition, they had to type out. Unfortunately, I was typed out and what was left was skinny, young, pretty, white guys - with one black guy. Ah well, found out later that that is the director's preference. Ah well, I was going in for a couple more auditions, but I recently found some news that I will reveal later as soon as it is confirmed.
Of course, I had to see shows. I ended up seeing Xanadu the musical, Curtains, Les Miz revivial (again), and Legally Blonde. I enjoyed all of them. I then went back to Boston on Friday. Saturday morning, drove to East Haddam and Chester, CT to see two productions at Goodspeed Opera House. High Button Shoes and Happy Days the musical. I've never seen a production of High Button and this was was good. I didn't really care for the male lead, but the rest of the cast was great. Ken Jennings was in the show which was so great since I just did Urinetown and Side Show.
Happy Days was ok. There was some miscasting of Potsie and Ralph Malph, but it was great to see Joey Sorge and Felicia Finley onstage. The cast performances were great, but the show was not so. There might be some chance if they reworked some things, but who knows. Yesterday, I got to see a tech rehearsal of North Shore's The Three Muskateers and tonight I'll see the run-thru. Then tomorrow morning, I will be off on a plane back to Houston.
Come back soon to hear the big news! As soon as I find out for sure, I will post it on here.
I am currently in Salem, MA visiting an old friend of mine. He graciously let me stay in his apartment while I auditioned in New York for a regional production of Les Miserables for North Shore Music Theatre. I flew to Boston on Sunday the 12th. Mike picked me up and we got to catch up and eat pizza that night. The next morning I took a train to New York City and stayed with another friend, Mitch. Caught up with Mitch and then met up with my friend from Houston, Michael and got dinner at Chipolte before going to see a friend's show at York Theatre called Triumphant Baby. Michael just did a show with a guy I did summer stock with years ago, Allen. He also saw the show with us along with two other friends of both Michael and Allen.
Tuesday was the day of the audition for Les Miz. As I was walking down the street to the Chelsea Studios where the auditions were being held, I saw Leslie Kritzer and Harvey Fierstein walking the opposite way. They must have been on a break from rehearsing The Catered Affair which is about to open soon. I arrived to be number 43 on the non-equity male audition list. We were told to come back at Noon (after most of the union/equity guys had already auditioned). When we came back they put us in a line by the order you signed up and since they had so many union audition, they had to type out. Unfortunately, I was typed out and what was left was skinny, young, pretty, white guys - with one black guy. Ah well, found out later that that is the director's preference. Ah well, I was going in for a couple more auditions, but I recently found some news that I will reveal later as soon as it is confirmed.
Of course, I had to see shows. I ended up seeing Xanadu the musical, Curtains, Les Miz revivial (again), and Legally Blonde. I enjoyed all of them. I then went back to Boston on Friday. Saturday morning, drove to East Haddam and Chester, CT to see two productions at Goodspeed Opera House. High Button Shoes and Happy Days the musical. I've never seen a production of High Button and this was was good. I didn't really care for the male lead, but the rest of the cast was great. Ken Jennings was in the show which was so great since I just did Urinetown and Side Show.
Happy Days was ok. There was some miscasting of Potsie and Ralph Malph, but it was great to see Joey Sorge and Felicia Finley onstage. The cast performances were great, but the show was not so. There might be some chance if they reworked some things, but who knows. Yesterday, I got to see a tech rehearsal of North Shore's The Three Muskateers and tonight I'll see the run-thru. Then tomorrow morning, I will be off on a plane back to Houston.
Come back soon to hear the big news! As soon as I find out for sure, I will post it on here.
Monday, May 7, 2007
Free Wireless
I can't wait until finals are over. Every time I go to a coffee place, it's filled with students and I can't find a table to check my email on the internet. My sister told me this morning that there's going to be free wireless for the city of Houston. I can't wait until that is in place.
Sunday, May 6, 2007
AIDA Is Finally Closed!
Well, I haven't been posting lately because there really wasn't much to talk about. Since we were called in 15 before the show started, and our super entrance was about an hour and 15 minutes after that. We pretty much had enough time to put the make-up and costume on and had a bit of time to chat and socialize around the dressing room.
I usually ended up in one of the dancer dressing rooms, because I had worked with Caesar and Nick before. It usually takes me a while to warm up to someone, I guess. Not that I was a recluse, but some days I felt like I was left out of things the other supers were doing after the show.
There was the one night that some of the supers would stay until the end of the show because there was a cast party at Birapiretti's. Since there was about an hour and a half from our last scene to the end of the show,I decided to just say, "hey what's everyone doing tonight?" I got a reply from one of "we're not sure yet". But once they did decide, I didn't get an invite to join. They just all walked out together. So, I ended up reading in the dressing room until the party started.
And then there was the time after our second student matinee, that the same group of 'we're not sure yet' were going to lunch. No invite. I thought it might be that they knew that I was going back to work but they asked a guy by my dressing station, 'oh I know you work, but just to let you know that we're going to lunch' - this was pretty much said over my head to him...and I was the only other person in the room.
I guess I just give off that vibe of not being social or something. Nothing against anyone. They are all friendly and everything. I just don't seem to get invited to anything. I seem to be the forgotten person. Or maybe that I'm quiet and not pulling any focus or attention to myself that people don't notice me.
I usually ended up in one of the dancer dressing rooms, because I had worked with Caesar and Nick before. It usually takes me a while to warm up to someone, I guess. Not that I was a recluse, but some days I felt like I was left out of things the other supers were doing after the show.
There was the one night that some of the supers would stay until the end of the show because there was a cast party at Birapiretti's. Since there was about an hour and a half from our last scene to the end of the show,I decided to just say, "hey what's everyone doing tonight?" I got a reply from one of "we're not sure yet". But once they did decide, I didn't get an invite to join. They just all walked out together. So, I ended up reading in the dressing room until the party started.
And then there was the time after our second student matinee, that the same group of 'we're not sure yet' were going to lunch. No invite. I thought it might be that they knew that I was going back to work but they asked a guy by my dressing station, 'oh I know you work, but just to let you know that we're going to lunch' - this was pretty much said over my head to him...and I was the only other person in the room.
I guess I just give off that vibe of not being social or something. Nothing against anyone. They are all friendly and everything. I just don't seem to get invited to anything. I seem to be the forgotten person. Or maybe that I'm quiet and not pulling any focus or attention to myself that people don't notice me.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
AIDA Is Finally Open!
Opening went very well last night. We had even more additions to our costumes and they want more makeup on the body. The whole night seemed to go by really fast. This was the last night for all the supers to stay for curtain call. Now we are able to leave right after we finish our scene. So we'll be out by intermission.
I don't see how other guys get out so quick. I guess that they don't mind going out with heavy Egyptian makeup, but I'd rather get it off before I leave the theatre. Also, last night, one of the super guys, didn't make the curtain call last night. Very weird. He took off his costume after our scene in Act 2 (as most of us do) and we thought he was just going to either watch the show from backstage or just socialize around the dressing rooms. Nope, he didn't come back at all. Ah well, guess we'll find out tomorrow afternoon when we do our matinée.
I don't see how other guys get out so quick. I guess that they don't mind going out with heavy Egyptian makeup, but I'd rather get it off before I leave the theatre. Also, last night, one of the super guys, didn't make the curtain call last night. Very weird. He took off his costume after our scene in Act 2 (as most of us do) and we thought he was just going to either watch the show from backstage or just socialize around the dressing rooms. Nope, he didn't come back at all. Ah well, guess we'll find out tomorrow afternoon when we do our matinée.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
AIDA Preview
Last night, I waited in the lobby before the show to give tickets to my sister and brother. When I got backstage, we got makeup notes to make their eye makeup bolder and thicker. The show went well last night. I talked to my brother this morning and he liked everything but the sets. He said they were ok.
Tonight is a night off and we open tomorrow! Pictures coming soon!
Tonight is a night off and we open tomorrow! Pictures coming soon!
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
AIDA Almost Open
Well, I just got out of rehearsal for AIDA. The supers were let go early because they were going to run Act 3 & 4 and most of us are not in those. We just ran through the Triumpful March again, but without costumes this time. The supers got some notes before and afterwards. Pretty simple!
Tomorrow is our first rehearsal in front of an audience. We get 2 tickets and so I invited my brother and sister. My sister finally called back to confirm that she was coming. Also, I saw my friend, James, who I did 'Whorehouse' with at COM years ago. He played the Governor. I've seen him from afar, but hadn't had the chance to say hi yet, but we happen to see each other in passing.
Tomorrow is our first rehearsal in front of an audience. We get 2 tickets and so I invited my brother and sister. My sister finally called back to confirm that she was coming. Also, I saw my friend, James, who I did 'Whorehouse' with at COM years ago. He played the Governor. I've seen him from afar, but hadn't had the chance to say hi yet, but we happen to see each other in passing.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
AIDA - First Piano Dress
Well, we survived! My costume wasn't ready until right before I went onstage. Then there was a piece missing. But some costumes weren't ready - so I knew it would get done soon. Then after our Montu/Anubus apart, some of us changed into Ethiopians. And wait till you see the wig. But the wig to top it all was the guy who plays Amonostros. A bit un-politically correct, especially that most of the Ethiopians are white men and women.
The costumes of the chorus are very....unique. I'm guessing that it looks better from the audience. Mostly everyone was having trouble walking with the sandals they gave us. I almost wiped out while making a turn onstage. Luckily, I remained upright. Wigs were falling off of the gymnasts. Ah well, live theatre. There are a lot of people in this opera - so some quality has lessened. We hear there are going to be many changes. Can't wait to see what that will be.
The costumes of the chorus are very....unique. I'm guessing that it looks better from the audience. Mostly everyone was having trouble walking with the sandals they gave us. I almost wiped out while making a turn onstage. Luckily, I remained upright. Wigs were falling off of the gymnasts. Ah well, live theatre. There are a lot of people in this opera - so some quality has lessened. We hear there are going to be many changes. Can't wait to see what that will be.
Friday, April 6, 2007
Onstage Rehearsal at the Brown
I've never been backstage at the Brown Theatre. It, of course, is huge and a big maze. When I got there, some of the supers were huddled by the callboard. Finally, after a while, another super and I followed one of the chorus guys in to find some of the cast sitting in the house. Ok, this is what I was used to.
We just ran over the 'Triumphal' scene last night. We rehearsed until 11:30pm! It was fine until the very end. Just a lot of re-spacing of everyone on stage and finding all the things going wrong like chorus people not moving fast enough.
Our facial hair needs to be removed by this Saturday night when we have our first piano dress rehearsal. I have mine down to a mustache. It's funny, for some of the other supers removing their facial hair is a big deal. I'm looking forward to seeing what are costumes are gonna look like now. I heard that we may be wearing a loincloth for the Ethiopian slave costume and wearing a body suit underneath. I guess that saves on the makeup. We will see!
I have to say that the other supers are great people. Very friendly and funny too. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone more as the show runs. We'll have a lot of time to find out more about each other in the coming days.
Ok, funny moment from last night. As the rehearsal was stopped for a moment, the supers were center stage with the woman playing Ameneris downstage of us. Well, one of the guys turns to her and decides to strike up a conversation (imagine this with a thick Texas accent), "Do you sing in the play?" A couple of the experienced supers turned upstage and laughed their heads off. However, she was very gracious.
We just ran over the 'Triumphal' scene last night. We rehearsed until 11:30pm! It was fine until the very end. Just a lot of re-spacing of everyone on stage and finding all the things going wrong like chorus people not moving fast enough.
Our facial hair needs to be removed by this Saturday night when we have our first piano dress rehearsal. I have mine down to a mustache. It's funny, for some of the other supers removing their facial hair is a big deal. I'm looking forward to seeing what are costumes are gonna look like now. I heard that we may be wearing a loincloth for the Ethiopian slave costume and wearing a body suit underneath. I guess that saves on the makeup. We will see!
I have to say that the other supers are great people. Very friendly and funny too. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone more as the show runs. We'll have a lot of time to find out more about each other in the coming days.
Ok, funny moment from last night. As the rehearsal was stopped for a moment, the supers were center stage with the woman playing Ameneris downstage of us. Well, one of the guys turns to her and decides to strike up a conversation (imagine this with a thick Texas accent), "Do you sing in the play?" A couple of the experienced supers turned upstage and laughed their heads off. However, she was very gracious.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Two Days Off!
I got a nice suprise on Tuesday afternoon. Cindy from HGO called and told me that I had Tuesday and Wednesday off and so I was called for rehearsal tonight. First time on the big Wortham Stage! Should be fun.
I got my hair trimmed last night. My usual barber was busy, so I got this other guy named Jeff. He told me that he does long hair better than Doug (my regular barber). I was on the fence about cutting it all off or just trimming. So when he told me that I decided on the trim. I'm gonna see how much I can bear this long hair. I was also thinking of just going bald later. Hmmmm...
I got my hair trimmed last night. My usual barber was busy, so I got this other guy named Jeff. He told me that he does long hair better than Doug (my regular barber). I was on the fence about cutting it all off or just trimming. So when he told me that I decided on the trim. I'm gonna see how much I can bear this long hair. I was also thinking of just going bald later. Hmmmm...
Monday, April 2, 2007
Costume Fitting
Just got done with my costume fitting. It was pretty quick for the basic costume. The costume is basically a gold lame' halter top and mini-skirt that will be painted on later, we heard. That was for the marching Nubus. They have not made the Ethopian slave costumes yet.
I finally got to see where we are getting dressed. I've done a show there years ago, but don't quite remember where we were last time. The place is massive, as you can guess. So, tonight I got out early and called my sister so I could finally do laundry!
I finally got to see where we are getting dressed. I've done a show there years ago, but don't quite remember where we were last time. The place is massive, as you can guess. So, tonight I got out early and called my sister so I could finally do laundry!
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Last Rehearsal Room Staging Rehearsal
Well, we had another day of waiting around for our part in the opera. I got to talk to a couple of other supers that I had not gotten a chance to know yet. After our 'Triumpful(?) March', we were called into the other rehearsal room to get notes and an announcement that we are having costume fittings Monday night. Great, I can ask about my hair. I'm ready to cut it all off now. Maybe even maybe shave it all off. Who knows?
Saturday, March 31, 2007
More AIDA
Just got back from another AIDA staging rehearsal. Well after waiting almost 2 hours, the supers finally got to run-thru the 'Triumphant March' and we changed a bit of the ending. But most importantly during the wait, I got to talk to some of the other supers and some of the women chorus. I think that's the best thing out of this experience, because the work is kinda boring. I love getting to meet new people and reuniting with old friends as well.
I just saw my old coworker, Chuck Winkler, who got me the church job at Holy Rosary. I haven't seen him since he left the bank a couple years ago. He now works at the opera and looks like he is doing well. He is also in the chorus. Talking to him now makes me more anxious to leave the bank. I need to get this thing going for me to leave here in October.
I just saw my old coworker, Chuck Winkler, who got me the church job at Holy Rosary. I haven't seen him since he left the bank a couple years ago. He now works at the opera and looks like he is doing well. He is also in the chorus. Talking to him now makes me more anxious to leave the bank. I need to get this thing going for me to leave here in October.
Back to AIDA
I finally went to my first super rehearsal after the first meeting this past Tuesday. I was a little nervous to go back after missing about 4 rehearsals. Well, until I actually got put in. They luckily decided to 'tweak' the staging, and it was simple anyway. After running the new staging a few times, they added the dancers.
The next day we had the first rehearsal with the chorus, dancers and kids and some of the leads. Wow! What a lot of people. I saw the 2 guys that I sing in church with, my friend Gary Navy, and also Carolina Botero, who I did Fiorello! with this past September. Also Nick who I did 'Whorehouse' with last year.
We ran the 'Triumphant March' a couple times and then did the "Ethiopian capture" scene where we have the whitest Ethiopians you've ever seen. Yes, there are a couple of black men and women. But the majority is white.
After those 2 rehearsals, I had second thoughts about auditioning for the HGO chorus. I think it would be great money, but it seemed like a step back because it's even less to do than a chorus of a musical. I think it's still harder to get into than most theatre stuff.
The next day we had the first rehearsal with the chorus, dancers and kids and some of the leads. Wow! What a lot of people. I saw the 2 guys that I sing in church with, my friend Gary Navy, and also Carolina Botero, who I did Fiorello! with this past September. Also Nick who I did 'Whorehouse' with last year.
We ran the 'Triumphant March' a couple times and then did the "Ethiopian capture" scene where we have the whitest Ethiopians you've ever seen. Yes, there are a couple of black men and women. But the majority is white.
After those 2 rehearsals, I had second thoughts about auditioning for the HGO chorus. I think it would be great money, but it seemed like a step back because it's even less to do than a chorus of a musical. I think it's still harder to get into than most theatre stuff.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Don Giovanni 2nd Opening
We opened tonight with the Ruby cast. I like all the leads except Don Giovanni. His voice is a bit thin for the role. The guy in the other cast has the voice I would expect from a Don Giovanni. No major screw ups. I learned how to get out of there faster. After setting the table before the 'feast' scene, I take off my peasant shirt and vest, put on my black t-shirt, remove the make up and then head to do the 'voices from hell' part. I was outta there before 11pm.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Don Giovanni Opening
Yay! We finally opened last night. Everything went very well. When I got there, I found out that they cut the dry ice. Thank God! Although, a very cool effect, it the 'fog' never really made it to the stage. It's still a long opera and the chorus hardly does anything. It's all about the leads who are great.
I'm looking forward to getting back to rehearsals for Aida on Sunday. I hope they still remember that I'm in the show.
I'm looking forward to getting back to rehearsals for Aida on Sunday. I hope they still remember that I'm in the show.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
tick, tick....Boom
I got offered ticket to see this last night. I invited my friend, Kevin, but he had a brush-up rehearsal for Godspell. Loved the show. All 3 actors were great. I had heard bits of songs and seen some video of the original cast off-broadway. So it was nice to see the entire show. I think my favorite moment was the song "Jon" sang about growing up and his friendship with "Michael", practicing music and rehearsing a show and this is what he would want to do all the time. I could truly relate to that.
I remember Kevin saying that I would be good for a role in the show and I'm guessing it's "Michael". He was an actor and took a corporate job because he didn't think he was good enough. I would love to see the show again later in the run.
I remember Kevin saying that I would be good for a role in the show and I'm guessing it's "Michael". He was an actor and took a corporate job because he didn't think he was good enough. I would love to see the show again later in the run.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Two Orchestra Dress Rehearsals
Ok, besides not having A/C on Monday, the Emerald Orchestra dress went well. I got a new duty of using dry ice to have a fog effect onstage. That brings us to last night's rehearsal where me and another guy actually tried doing this. It consisted of getting this pot of boiling water from the kitchen in the basement and pouring it over a pan of dry ice. Well...long story short...there was fog, but it never made it to the stage.
Also, we were so disoriented with that new duty that me and the other guy did not make the set change immediately afterwards. No biggie. Well, unless you talk to the two leads who had a fit about it. All I will say is...chill out! I'm not going to stress out over something at a dress rehearsal that can easily be fixed, but they ranted on like we didn't have a clue. I could tell the other leads were about as annoyed as we were. There are better things to get hyper over than that.
Also, we were so disoriented with that new duty that me and the other guy did not make the set change immediately afterwards. No biggie. Well, unless you talk to the two leads who had a fit about it. All I will say is...chill out! I'm not going to stress out over something at a dress rehearsal that can easily be fixed, but they ranted on like we didn't have a clue. I could tell the other leads were about as annoyed as we were. There are better things to get hyper over than that.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Don Giovanni - 2nd Piano Dress
Ok, well this morning at my church gig, I was a bit stressed because I got there at 9am and no one was there. Fortunately, one of the guys showed up a few minutes later and 2 more guys came in after that. Whew! Everything went well, we didn't have to process in and out - so that was a relief. Afterwards, I went to Tropioca to surf the internet a bit.
I was getting really sleepy, so I decided to head home and take a nap before rehearsal at 5pm. I woke up at 4:36pm, and barely realizing that I needed to leave ASAP. Luckily, I got there almost on time and put my costume on just in time to enter onstage to pick up the dead body. Oh, sorry, I also have to enter and act surprised and act while the soprano and tenor are singing something I have no clue. Then we pick up the dead body. '
Everything went well, and one of the women asked me to take her spot in lifting up the chair during the one and only full chorus number in the show. I'm guessing she just didn't want to lift it...cause it was actual work. When I was lifting the chair, I noticed that the women didn't really lift it as just doing the motion of lifting - while me and the other guy took the brunt of the weight. Ah well.
It's still a long opera. I got to sit in the house to see parts of it because I will not get to see any of it during performances. We have the Emerald cast's orchestra dress on Monday, then the Ruby cast's on Tuesday. Then we take a day off on Wednesday and then Emerald opens on Thursday. Yeah, this is so much different than theatre. I would never think of taking a day off before opening. Most theatre's are still painting sets and choreographing numbers on opening day. But it's kinda nice actually. We get a day off before opening in Aida at HGO too.
I was getting really sleepy, so I decided to head home and take a nap before rehearsal at 5pm. I woke up at 4:36pm, and barely realizing that I needed to leave ASAP. Luckily, I got there almost on time and put my costume on just in time to enter onstage to pick up the dead body. Oh, sorry, I also have to enter and act surprised and act while the soprano and tenor are singing something I have no clue. Then we pick up the dead body. '
Everything went well, and one of the women asked me to take her spot in lifting up the chair during the one and only full chorus number in the show. I'm guessing she just didn't want to lift it...cause it was actual work. When I was lifting the chair, I noticed that the women didn't really lift it as just doing the motion of lifting - while me and the other guy took the brunt of the weight. Ah well.
It's still a long opera. I got to sit in the house to see parts of it because I will not get to see any of it during performances. We have the Emerald cast's orchestra dress on Monday, then the Ruby cast's on Tuesday. Then we take a day off on Wednesday and then Emerald opens on Thursday. Yeah, this is so much different than theatre. I would never think of taking a day off before opening. Most theatre's are still painting sets and choreographing numbers on opening day. But it's kinda nice actually. We get a day off before opening in Aida at HGO too.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Godspell/Don Giovanni - Piano Dress
Well, I saw etc's production of Godspell and it was very well done. My friend Kevin and Penny were in the show and they did a great job as always. Kevin's voice has much improved since I first met him. He has quit smoking and that has helped a lot. And Penny's singing is so great. She has more confidence and it shows. I always knew she had it in her. Oh and of course, my friend Kelley was great as usual.
I got to see them before and after the show and during intermission. I talked to Kevin and rubbed beards. This is the first time he's grown out his beard. After the show, I saw him again and the subject of moving to NYC came up. I told him that I was planning to do it later this year and he said that he wanted to go to! That would be so great to go up with someone. Cool, maybe this plan will all come together!
I stayed the night at my parents while my mom spent the night at my dad's hospital room. I visited them the next morning before my Don Giovanni rehearsal. My dad is doing great. They were just waiting on getting released from the hospital. I guess it takes a while to do that. He was all dressed and everything. I left there went to the gym and then headed to rehearsal.
I got caught in traffic and was a few minutes late, but luckily they started late and the chorus did not have to get into costume for this run. Ok, this opera is very long and the chorus does very little. The leads do all the work and both casts are doing a great job. And even better - it's a nice bunch of people. I just say it's because they have more baritones and basses more than tenors. But actually, the two tenors are very personable.
We had a pot luck dinner after this run. The food was provided by the Guild. Of course as is the tradition, the cast and crew introduced themselves and had to answer a question. This time, the question was. What is your greatest desire? The first person answered it as a joke - so that was the tone of most of the answers to follow. My answer was " my greatest desire is to finding ways to keep it interesting backstage for 2 1/2 hours with the rest of the chorus" or something to that effect.
I got to see them before and after the show and during intermission. I talked to Kevin and rubbed beards. This is the first time he's grown out his beard. After the show, I saw him again and the subject of moving to NYC came up. I told him that I was planning to do it later this year and he said that he wanted to go to! That would be so great to go up with someone. Cool, maybe this plan will all come together!
I stayed the night at my parents while my mom spent the night at my dad's hospital room. I visited them the next morning before my Don Giovanni rehearsal. My dad is doing great. They were just waiting on getting released from the hospital. I guess it takes a while to do that. He was all dressed and everything. I left there went to the gym and then headed to rehearsal.
I got caught in traffic and was a few minutes late, but luckily they started late and the chorus did not have to get into costume for this run. Ok, this opera is very long and the chorus does very little. The leads do all the work and both casts are doing a great job. And even better - it's a nice bunch of people. I just say it's because they have more baritones and basses more than tenors. But actually, the two tenors are very personable.
We had a pot luck dinner after this run. The food was provided by the Guild. Of course as is the tradition, the cast and crew introduced themselves and had to answer a question. This time, the question was. What is your greatest desire? The first person answered it as a joke - so that was the tone of most of the answers to follow. My answer was " my greatest desire is to finding ways to keep it interesting backstage for 2 1/2 hours with the rest of the chorus" or something to that effect.
Friday, March 16, 2007
First AIDA Super Rehearsal
So, yesterday was my first super rehearsal. First thing was a costume and wig fitting at 7pm and I was dreading it so much. Ugh! At least I have a couple weeks to lean down more. Next was a staging rehearsal at 8:30pm - so I had a LOT of time in between. Especially because the ID machine was broken - so none of the supers could get their ID badge processed yesterday. So, back I went up to the break room on the 6th floor. I befriended a fellow super, Aaron, who is a chemist and his wife is a HGO chorus member. He has never done anything, but his wife convinced him to do it and it gives them more time together.
Also, met Bryan, a sales manager from Cypress. We had a lot of time to get to know each other and chat before we were called in at 8:30. I think I've seen some of these people before like Daniel Padilla. I hung around him and Aaron because we had similar body types and height. Well, first thing we did was sit in around in a circle and introduce ourselves to the director, Jo Davies, and the choreographer. Then they had all the men stand in a line so they could pick who was going to be carrying the lead tenor on the "elephant".
They decided to go with the tall guys. Whew! Although, after it was all set up, it wouldn't have been that hard anyway. Sometimes, it pays to be short! Then they picked 4 guys for guards and then more guys and a couple women for banner carriers. I didn't get any, just a Thiopian (?) who turns into an Ethiopian slave during the grand parade. That's ok, because since I'm going to have to miss the next 4 rehearsals, it might be better to not have too much to do anyway.
I had a bit of a scare this morning, when my sister called me to say my dad had a heart attack. After calling my mom, my sister called again and told me that he was ok and it was NOT a heart attack. Thank God!
Also, met Bryan, a sales manager from Cypress. We had a lot of time to get to know each other and chat before we were called in at 8:30. I think I've seen some of these people before like Daniel Padilla. I hung around him and Aaron because we had similar body types and height. Well, first thing we did was sit in around in a circle and introduce ourselves to the director, Jo Davies, and the choreographer. Then they had all the men stand in a line so they could pick who was going to be carrying the lead tenor on the "elephant".
They decided to go with the tall guys. Whew! Although, after it was all set up, it wouldn't have been that hard anyway. Sometimes, it pays to be short! Then they picked 4 guys for guards and then more guys and a couple women for banner carriers. I didn't get any, just a Thiopian (?) who turns into an Ethiopian slave during the grand parade. That's ok, because since I'm going to have to miss the next 4 rehearsals, it might be better to not have too much to do anyway.
I had a bit of a scare this morning, when my sister called me to say my dad had a heart attack. After calling my mom, my sister called again and told me that he was ok and it was NOT a heart attack. Thank God!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Another Day Off!
Well, I was going to rehearsal for Don Giovanni tonight, but I noticed a missed call from the stage manager. Well, because of all the rain, some people are flooded out and can't make it to rehearsal. So, we'll have a rehearsal tomorrow. We already had Tuesday off and now another.
But I am not at that rehearsal tomorrow because I will be getting a costume fitting and first staging rehearsal as a super in Verdi's Aida. I'm kinda excited to start this.
But I am not at that rehearsal tomorrow because I will be getting a costume fitting and first staging rehearsal as a super in Verdi's Aida. I'm kinda excited to start this.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
More Don Giovanni Rehearsal
We had more staging rehearsal for the last couple days. There were just some ensemble scenes that needed more focus on and tweaking. By the way, I was appointed dance captain by the director for the minuet scene for the chorus. Also, I now have to do the chair lift during the 'jolly chorus number' early in Act one. The guy that usually does it is not going to be back until Thursday - so I was just filling in for him at rehearsal. Well, I have since taken his spot since I'm there and he won't be there for 3 rehearsals.
We have tonight off. Yay! Because we only have one Leporello, since the other guy got fired on the first day for not knowing his music. It's nice that some ensemble members are eager to act as extras in scenes. Some avoid it like the plague. I guess I'm somewhere in between - but it does make the scenes more interesting - especially for an opera.
We have tonight off. Yay! Because we only have one Leporello, since the other guy got fired on the first day for not knowing his music. It's nice that some ensemble members are eager to act as extras in scenes. Some avoid it like the plague. I guess I'm somewhere in between - but it does make the scenes more interesting - especially for an opera.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
AIDA and Voice Lesson
Well, I finally went by Houston Grand Opera yesterday and had my informal meeting with the rehearsal coordinator. I pretty much was already cast, but I guess this was a formality. She even told me my contract was in the mail (and I got it last night as well). I wasn't really sure what to expect because I knew they were looking for fit guys and I just feel soooooo out of shape right now. I haven't been keeping up with my cardio or my diet. But it was fine, I didn't have to go shirtless or anything. I'm guessing they will have to make due with what they have at the time.
I got a tour of the rehearsal space (which I remember from auditions and rehearsal for Alice in Wonderland years ago. And that was it. Afterwards, I drove down to my voice teacher's place in Friendswood. First thing she wanted me to do was to give her all my contact info. I guess she wants to get more organized with that. Then we went over my music for Don Giovanni which I needed help with the Italian text. We then worked on one of my audition pieces for HGO in May. Everytime it gets better and better and the high notes come out with ease now. We just have to get it consistent now.
Afterwards, her brood and I sat around a fire her husband made in the back patio. Was very nice. I told her of my plans to move to NYC and she is all for it!
I got a tour of the rehearsal space (which I remember from auditions and rehearsal for Alice in Wonderland years ago. And that was it. Afterwards, I drove down to my voice teacher's place in Friendswood. First thing she wanted me to do was to give her all my contact info. I guess she wants to get more organized with that. Then we went over my music for Don Giovanni which I needed help with the Italian text. We then worked on one of my audition pieces for HGO in May. Everytime it gets better and better and the high notes come out with ease now. We just have to get it consistent now.
Afterwards, her brood and I sat around a fire her husband made in the back patio. Was very nice. I told her of my plans to move to NYC and she is all for it!
Friday, March 9, 2007
Back to Opera-land
Ok, well I tried to post something the other day, but I couldn't submit it and so now that's off to cyberland. We had a staging rehearsal of Act 2 of Don Giovanni on Monday for the "Angry Mob" scene. Yay! Since I've worked with the director before in Fiorello!, she puts me in most of the scenes. Last night, we staged the picking up the dead body of Commendatore. The guy is tall - so we have 4 guys picking him up. It only took a few minutes to figure it out and do it a couple times and then we were done.
Austin Vernon is assistant stage managing and also a super for this one and he is one of the guys picking up the dead body. After rehearsal, I went straight to the gym and did about 40 minutes of cardio in preparation for AIDA at HGO. I then woke up this morning and did 40 more minutes before work. I'm meeting with the rehearsal coodinator, Cindy Jones, later today for my informal meeting. I'm not feeling very in shape right now and hopefully that won't hurt my chances. But since she is desperate for men, I might get by.
Oh, and I did get in contact with my voice teacher. Have a lesson tonight!
Austin Vernon is assistant stage managing and also a super for this one and he is one of the guys picking up the dead body. After rehearsal, I went straight to the gym and did about 40 minutes of cardio in preparation for AIDA at HGO. I then woke up this morning and did 40 more minutes before work. I'm meeting with the rehearsal coodinator, Cindy Jones, later today for my informal meeting. I'm not feeling very in shape right now and hopefully that won't hurt my chances. But since she is desperate for men, I might get by.
Oh, and I did get in contact with my voice teacher. Have a lesson tonight!
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Opened and Closed Side Show this weekend
It was a long Saturday afternoon, but we had two great performances of Side Show this weekend. Everything just gelled as it usually does in theatre. The audiences loved the show. I can't wait for the rehearsal for the full production on June 18th. I'm getting the power back in my voice. I've been trying to get in contact with my voice teacher, but have been unsuccessful.
After today's show, I said hi to friends in the audience and then went straight to a staging rehearsal for Don Giovanni for Opera in the Heights. I got there late, but just in time to be put in a couple scenes. And I'm also a minuet-er. One of the peasants who does a dance in one scene late in Act One. I haven't learned the ensemble numbers yet...hopefully I will get the music soon.
After today's show, I said hi to friends in the audience and then went straight to a staging rehearsal for Don Giovanni for Opera in the Heights. I got there late, but just in time to be put in a couple scenes. And I'm also a minuet-er. One of the peasants who does a dance in one scene late in Act One. I haven't learned the ensemble numbers yet...hopefully I will get the music soon.
Friday, March 2, 2007
03/01/07 Two Days Before We Open
We now have a new musical director as of last night. And guess what? I know him. He was the musical director for the Galveston Island Outdoor Musicals, Art Yelton. I saw his name as musical director for the Bayou City Concert Musical Benefit. He's great! Such a classy guy and so infomative with theatre and music.
We had a run thru last night and getting Art up to speed. Overall, the director was pleased, but we do have things to work on - of course. We had a couple people invited to see the rough run-thru, Jimmy Phillips, who I just finished doing Urinetown with and Roy Hamlin of Theatre Under the Stars. Jimmy left after the first act (probably because he has to wake up early to teach school), but Roy stayed and enjoyed it. He told me later (as he was trying to find his car afterwards), that he thought the show was well cast.
Tonight we are fixing the problems from last night and running the show again. Whew! Glad things worked out. It's sad that our first musical director had to go - but I understand the circumstances for her not coming back.
We had a run thru last night and getting Art up to speed. Overall, the director was pleased, but we do have things to work on - of course. We had a couple people invited to see the rough run-thru, Jimmy Phillips, who I just finished doing Urinetown with and Roy Hamlin of Theatre Under the Stars. Jimmy left after the first act (probably because he has to wake up early to teach school), but Roy stayed and enjoyed it. He told me later (as he was trying to find his car afterwards), that he thought the show was well cast.
Tonight we are fixing the problems from last night and running the show again. Whew! Glad things worked out. It's sad that our first musical director had to go - but I understand the circumstances for her not coming back.
Monday, February 26, 2007
AIDA review
The show was great. I had great seats too. A little off to the side, but I didn't miss any of the action - from what I could tell. I've never seen the Broadway staging, and I heard it was pretty good. But this was great as well. Very good dancing. It was staged by a Alvin Ailey choreographer and was amazing stuff. Some of it wasn't appropriate for the song - at least for "Another Pyramid", but it was visually stunning.
There were understudies on for Amneris, Zoser and Mereb and all seemed very experienced. I'm sure that with a tour they probably get a lot of opportunity to go on. The Zoser was a little young (he's supposed to be Radames father), but he had a great voice. I heard over the boards that the original guy is not that great. The costumes were ok, not really Egyptian looking - more contemporary. Ah, I think sometimes recreating the original staging would have been better - but this was satisfactory. The cast was excellent overall...especially Aida, Radames, Amneris, Nebehka and the ensemble too.
I always wanted to see if I could do this show. And with the choreography I saw last night, I would have to say....NO. But who knows, maybe the original staging is more attainable.
There were understudies on for Amneris, Zoser and Mereb and all seemed very experienced. I'm sure that with a tour they probably get a lot of opportunity to go on. The Zoser was a little young (he's supposed to be Radames father), but he had a great voice. I heard over the boards that the original guy is not that great. The costumes were ok, not really Egyptian looking - more contemporary. Ah, I think sometimes recreating the original staging would have been better - but this was satisfactory. The cast was excellent overall...especially Aida, Radames, Amneris, Nebehka and the ensemble too.
I always wanted to see if I could do this show. And with the choreography I saw last night, I would have to say....NO. But who knows, maybe the original staging is more attainable.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Elton John's AIDA
I just got tickets to see Aida at the 1894 Grand Opera House in Galveston, TX. I grew up there and I just happen to be in town for my dad's birthday. I've heard mixed reviews of the show, but wanted to see it anyway. It's the non-equity cast and I heard they revised it...so it's not a copy of the Broadway staging.
Well...
We had a bit of an interruption at rehearsal yesterday. I'm not going to say much in detail, but the musical director and one of the leads went head to head. Some expletives were said...in a church music room, but ah well. I'm told it was ok as long as it wasn't in the sanctuary.
Anyway, I wrote previously about someone giving the ensemble notes. And then this happens. Yes, it was the same person. I guess my instinct was right. I was going to email the director about it, but just decided not to. I was going to actually call the musical director about it. But from what was said during the confrontation - I think she already realized that and some kind of friction happened between Tuesday and Saturday's rehearsal. Hmmmm....and for the record, I'm with the musical director. We've been friends for almost 20 years now. For her to leave a rehearsal, it had to be something really bad to piss her off.
Also, the musical director left rehearsal. So, we're hoping she comes back, but they are also looking for another to take over - just in case.
Anyway, I wrote previously about someone giving the ensemble notes. And then this happens. Yes, it was the same person. I guess my instinct was right. I was going to email the director about it, but just decided not to. I was going to actually call the musical director about it. But from what was said during the confrontation - I think she already realized that and some kind of friction happened between Tuesday and Saturday's rehearsal. Hmmmm....and for the record, I'm with the musical director. We've been friends for almost 20 years now. For her to leave a rehearsal, it had to be something really bad to piss her off.
Also, the musical director left rehearsal. So, we're hoping she comes back, but they are also looking for another to take over - just in case.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Trying to Get Off Book
Well, we were supposed to run thru the show tonight using our books for the last time. But instead we worked on Act 2 and staged it as well. I just realized I really don't know my lyrics as well. I have the notes down.
Well, there's one lead that is behind in learning his music. It's almost a week before we are in front of an audience and he's still quietly singing his music and doesn't even know his notes yet. Did I mention we are in front of an audience in about a week? Does this worry anyone else?
Well, there's one lead that is behind in learning his music. It's almost a week before we are in front of an audience and he's still quietly singing his music and doesn't even know his notes yet. Did I mention we are in front of an audience in about a week? Does this worry anyone else?
Thursday, February 22, 2007
I Love MySpace!
Besides keeping in touch with friends, I love MySpace even more because I just reconnected with a good friend of mine, Illeana Kirven, from way back when we both were performing at the Galveston Island Outdoor Musicals. We were in Showboat together - and I was in the white ensemble, if you can believe that. I need to look back at my programs to know what year that was, but it was over 10 years ago - so we'll leave it at that! She's been doing very well and is also encouraging me to move to NYC!
I'm very psyched about my plans to move. I have a lot of things to take care of before that happens, but I think this is a definite. I looked at maybe transferring with my job at the bank. But also, I wanted to audition for a regional production of Les Miserables at North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, Massachusetts. I think auditions will be around August and so if I get in - I'll take a personal leave from my job for rehearsal and the run of the show (October - November). See how I am after the show is over and see if I want to go back or find another job.
I'm getting out of my apartment at the end of July and possibly moving back with my parents for a bit to save some more money before the big move. Also, I have this oral surgery to schedule too. I need to make an appointment with my oral surgeon and my orthodontist AND my dentist. So much to do!!!
I'm very psyched about my plans to move. I have a lot of things to take care of before that happens, but I think this is a definite. I looked at maybe transferring with my job at the bank. But also, I wanted to audition for a regional production of Les Miserables at North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, Massachusetts. I think auditions will be around August and so if I get in - I'll take a personal leave from my job for rehearsal and the run of the show (October - November). See how I am after the show is over and see if I want to go back or find another job.
I'm getting out of my apartment at the end of July and possibly moving back with my parents for a bit to save some more money before the big move. Also, I have this oral surgery to schedule too. I need to make an appointment with my oral surgeon and my orthodontist AND my dentist. So much to do!!!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Act Two Sing Thru
Well, we got through Act Two last night. This is similar to an opera, in a way. I'm really psyched on hitting those high A flats to B flats (with ease) in those ensemble numbers. I think I'd hit them better if what's left of this chest congestion didn't get irritated and I start hacking after hitting them. I really need to get back to taking lessons again with my voice teacher. We were doing pretty good until I started rehearsal for Opera in the Heights, followed by Urinetown at Main Street.
Anyway, the show seems in really good shape for such a short rehearsal time. One of the actors in the show kept giving the cast notes that the musical director should have been giving. I appreciate the help, but I really hate when other actors give notes.
Anyway, the show seems in really good shape for such a short rehearsal time. One of the actors in the show kept giving the cast notes that the musical director should have been giving. I appreciate the help, but I really hate when other actors give notes.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Act One Sing Thru
We sang through the entire of Act One last night. Most of the show is sung...so it was pretty much a run thru of the entire act. We just need to add more staging and choreograph a number for the twins.
This morning, the ensemble worked through some of the more difficult songs in Act One (some of these chorus numbers are hard vocally and rhythmic wise) and went over a couple songs in Act Two. I hit a high B flat in the AM - that's pretty good for me. I guess working out that morning didn't hurt. It was a short day today because they were going to work with the leads for the rest of the day. Yea!
This morning, the ensemble worked through some of the more difficult songs in Act One (some of these chorus numbers are hard vocally and rhythmic wise) and went over a couple songs in Act Two. I hit a high B flat in the AM - that's pretty good for me. I guess working out that morning didn't hurt. It was a short day today because they were going to work with the leads for the rest of the day. Yea!
Friday, February 16, 2007
Back to the Side Show
We started staging the concert last night in the little church room where we are rehearsing. I got my libretto last night for the show and basically - it's all sung with a couple spoken lines in between. So the score is pretty much all we need. Some of the lines are in the score and I think there is only one big speech in the beginning from The Boss that is not.
Before rehearsal, I got to tell my Norm Lewis story. The director suggested inviting him to possibly to the production in July. Let's see what I can do.
We also went over some musical numbers in Act Two - which is great, because I missed learning these. Some of the cast was out performing in The Diary of Anne Frank at MST so we had some voices missing in the ensemble and Terry Connor.
Off Topic: I got my new eyeglasses yesterday. I've been getting a lot of compliments on them at work - so I guess I made a good decision. I guess when I get this old, I can pretty much know what looks good on me.
Before rehearsal, I got to tell my Norm Lewis story. The director suggested inviting him to possibly to the production in July. Let's see what I can do.
We also went over some musical numbers in Act Two - which is great, because I missed learning these. Some of the cast was out performing in The Diary of Anne Frank at MST so we had some voices missing in the ensemble and Terry Connor.
Off Topic: I got my new eyeglasses yesterday. I've been getting a lot of compliments on them at work - so I guess I made a good decision. I guess when I get this old, I can pretty much know what looks good on me.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Farewell, Urinetown. Hello, Side Show!
Ok, I just realized that I never wrote a last post for Urinetown.
Well, we closed the show a couple weeks ago on January 27. The cast was sad to see the show end because we had such a great time doing it, and also that we were just starting to build an audience in the last couple weeks of the show. And people were getting it....in Texas! Yeah, really! Well, we hope that we can find another venue to do the show again. I'm not sure how aggressively we will make an effort to find it - but I hope it happens. We also have to make sure everyone's schedule can do it - so we can bring the original cast back.
It was a great ride and I had a great bunch of people to take that journey every night. I remember that it was hard to find how much stamina you needed for the show, because our first real run-thru of the show was our first preview. I just felt like we were running a marathon - especially in Act 2 where most of the ensemble is onstage without leaving for 3 musical numbers. But after a while, I found my pacing and made it through the show fine every night. It was a pain that I had a lot of chest congestion and had to fight through all that for pretty much the entire run of the show- but I made it. Hey, the show must go on!
And now I am starting rehearsal for Side Show for a newly formed theatre company in Houston called Arneson Productions. We had a couple music rehearsals before I went to NYC. The cast sounds great. I can't wait to learn the entire show. I can tell that my high range is coming back and it's much easier than I remember now that I've learned a better technique for those high notes. We perform the show at Ovations in Rice Village on March 3 & 4 as a concert staging and then we peform a full production in July.
I play the Geek. Yes, I know people have said that I was typecast..but it's not THAT type of Geek. A Geek in a Side Show is a performer who performs bizarre acts such as biting the heads off of chickens. The director, Kent Arneson, told me at first rehearsal that they have a fake chicken all rigged up with fake blood in it...so I get to actually do it onstage and have the blood drip all over...YES!
Anyway, since I was in NYC last week, I missed about 3 rehearsals. So, tomorrow I'm ready to catch up as quickly as possible. This is sure to be a great show. Hope to see you there!
Check out the cast pics on www.myspace.com/arnesonproductions
Well, we closed the show a couple weeks ago on January 27. The cast was sad to see the show end because we had such a great time doing it, and also that we were just starting to build an audience in the last couple weeks of the show. And people were getting it....in Texas! Yeah, really! Well, we hope that we can find another venue to do the show again. I'm not sure how aggressively we will make an effort to find it - but I hope it happens. We also have to make sure everyone's schedule can do it - so we can bring the original cast back.
It was a great ride and I had a great bunch of people to take that journey every night. I remember that it was hard to find how much stamina you needed for the show, because our first real run-thru of the show was our first preview. I just felt like we were running a marathon - especially in Act 2 where most of the ensemble is onstage without leaving for 3 musical numbers. But after a while, I found my pacing and made it through the show fine every night. It was a pain that I had a lot of chest congestion and had to fight through all that for pretty much the entire run of the show- but I made it. Hey, the show must go on!
And now I am starting rehearsal for Side Show for a newly formed theatre company in Houston called Arneson Productions. We had a couple music rehearsals before I went to NYC. The cast sounds great. I can't wait to learn the entire show. I can tell that my high range is coming back and it's much easier than I remember now that I've learned a better technique for those high notes. We perform the show at Ovations in Rice Village on March 3 & 4 as a concert staging and then we peform a full production in July.
I play the Geek. Yes, I know people have said that I was typecast..but it's not THAT type of Geek. A Geek in a Side Show is a performer who performs bizarre acts such as biting the heads off of chickens. The director, Kent Arneson, told me at first rehearsal that they have a fake chicken all rigged up with fake blood in it...so I get to actually do it onstage and have the blood drip all over...YES!
Anyway, since I was in NYC last week, I missed about 3 rehearsals. So, tomorrow I'm ready to catch up as quickly as possible. This is sure to be a great show. Hope to see you there!
Check out the cast pics on www.myspace.com/arnesonproductions
Sunday, February 11, 2007
NYC Trip (2/11/07) A Little Dog Laughed and Avenue Q
A Little Dog Laughed (3pm matinee) - I thought this was a great show. I can see Stages or the Alley doing this one. All 4 actors were strong - 2 men and 2 women. Julie White is hilarious! I love this woman. You may remember her from "Grace Under Fire" a few years back. She was truly the star of this show. Also a stand out was Zoe Lister-Jones who originated her role of Ellen when the show was Off-Broadway. The guys were great as well - I just enjoyed the women's roles better. It will probably be produced in Houston soon after it closes in NYC. Which I hear is just around the corner. That's one of the reasons why I decided to go see it instead of A Chorus Line or another show that I have seen before.
Avenue Q (7pm evening) - Great as always! I went to see the show again mostly to see my friend from summer stock, Ann Sanders. She was wonderful and funny as I knew she would be as Christmas Eve. I got to talk to her afterwards and we had a great conversation. She immediately recognized me. Wow! She asked how long it's been and it's been over 10 years! I just can't remember what year that was. I mentioned again that I was planning to move up there soon - and she was all for it. She is as sweet as she was back in summer stock. She told me to let her know when I come back and we could go out for coffee and she'll tell me all the good places to go to around the city.
Avenue Q (7pm evening) - Great as always! I went to see the show again mostly to see my friend from summer stock, Ann Sanders. She was wonderful and funny as I knew she would be as Christmas Eve. I got to talk to her afterwards and we had a great conversation. She immediately recognized me. Wow! She asked how long it's been and it's been over 10 years! I just can't remember what year that was. I mentioned again that I was planning to move up there soon - and she was all for it. She is as sweet as she was back in summer stock. She told me to let her know when I come back and we could go out for coffee and she'll tell me all the good places to go to around the city.
NYC Trip (2/10/07) The Drowsy Chaperone and Les Miz
I thought TKTS opened at 9am for Saturday matinees, but was suprised when I got there at 8:30am and was near the front - really near. I think I was 4th when I got there and then these 2 girls decided to leave when their show didn't show up on the screen where it shows you what shows are available. Anyway, I looked at the box office hours sign and saw that it didn't open until 10am. No wonder. Then, I met Michael again for lunch at this great little Chinese/Vietnamese restaurant that he goes to regularly now after I got my tickets at TKTS.
The Drowsy Chaperone (2pm matinee) - Sutton Foster and Joey Sorge were out of the show at the Saturday matinee performance I saw. Andrea Chamberlin and Jay Douglas were on. Andrea was great and sounds very similar to Sutton. Bob Martin as Man in Chair was hilarious and touching at the same time. The show is absolutely everything I have heard. I related with the Man in Chair very much. As many people who know me will agree. Danny Gurwin as Adolpho was perfection. Great character. I would love to do this role or Gangster #1. Or be a swing and play both those roles - and add George, the best man. I'm sure this show will be produced in Houston as soon as the rights are available in the near future. And one of my favorite moments in the show was the first 'production number' in Act 2. Very clever show!
Les Miserables (8pm evening) - I got front row seats! But actually, the seats were a bit TOO close to the stage. Some downstage scenery tended to block any scene behind it. Which happened a couple time during "Master of the House" and the Wedding scene near the end of Act 2. I loved some of the new staging and some added scenes from tours and the London production in this revival. Alexander Geminani was a great Jean Valjean. Some interesting new acting choices and more of an active personality that some I have seen before. Norm Lewis was perfection as Javert. I love his voice. Gary Beach and Jenny Galloway worked well together as the Thenardiers. I just loved getting to see Jenny after seeing her on the 20th anniversary performance on video. Great voices from the ensemble and most everyone got their moment in the show.
I met new friend, Victor Hawks (who had some great moments in the ensemble and Brujon), after the show at the stage door. As we talked, I got introduced to Daphne Rubin-Vega, Drew Sarich and Norm Lewis. Vic mentioned that I was doing Side Show and Norm immediately said - "So, you're playing Jake, right". And I looked at him with a puzzled look on my face. He said, "Well, you can play Jake." and I said - "Yea, but they already got a real...black guy." which he completed the sentence with me. Then he laughed and gave me a big hug! Very sweet guy! And he's so tall.
While Vic and I were talking, he brought up the subject of me moving to NYC. I was taken aback because I have been thinking of this lately. He pretty much advised me to take "the jump". It's funny because a few years ago, I would have done it in a minute. But over the years, I've been afraid to take more risks and do what people tell me to do and be a responsible person and just settle. I remember my first trainer told me a bit of good advice - "Don't Settle!" I see people doing making a living as an actor - and I silently say to myself, I can do this! But I wanted the security of a steady paycheck - which was good for a while, but lately....not so good.
So I guess what I'm saying is that what Vic said really made me think as I walked away and rode back on the subway to the place I was staying . I woke up this morning with a sense of calm and serenity.
I think it's time to make "the jump"! Thanks, Vic - what you said was exactly what I needed to hear!
The Drowsy Chaperone (2pm matinee) - Sutton Foster and Joey Sorge were out of the show at the Saturday matinee performance I saw. Andrea Chamberlin and Jay Douglas were on. Andrea was great and sounds very similar to Sutton. Bob Martin as Man in Chair was hilarious and touching at the same time. The show is absolutely everything I have heard. I related with the Man in Chair very much. As many people who know me will agree. Danny Gurwin as Adolpho was perfection. Great character. I would love to do this role or Gangster #1. Or be a swing and play both those roles - and add George, the best man. I'm sure this show will be produced in Houston as soon as the rights are available in the near future. And one of my favorite moments in the show was the first 'production number' in Act 2. Very clever show!
Les Miserables (8pm evening) - I got front row seats! But actually, the seats were a bit TOO close to the stage. Some downstage scenery tended to block any scene behind it. Which happened a couple time during "Master of the House" and the Wedding scene near the end of Act 2. I loved some of the new staging and some added scenes from tours and the London production in this revival. Alexander Geminani was a great Jean Valjean. Some interesting new acting choices and more of an active personality that some I have seen before. Norm Lewis was perfection as Javert. I love his voice. Gary Beach and Jenny Galloway worked well together as the Thenardiers. I just loved getting to see Jenny after seeing her on the 20th anniversary performance on video. Great voices from the ensemble and most everyone got their moment in the show.
I met new friend, Victor Hawks (who had some great moments in the ensemble and Brujon), after the show at the stage door. As we talked, I got introduced to Daphne Rubin-Vega, Drew Sarich and Norm Lewis. Vic mentioned that I was doing Side Show and Norm immediately said - "So, you're playing Jake, right". And I looked at him with a puzzled look on my face. He said, "Well, you can play Jake." and I said - "Yea, but they already got a real...black guy." which he completed the sentence with me. Then he laughed and gave me a big hug! Very sweet guy! And he's so tall.
While Vic and I were talking, he brought up the subject of me moving to NYC. I was taken aback because I have been thinking of this lately. He pretty much advised me to take "the jump". It's funny because a few years ago, I would have done it in a minute. But over the years, I've been afraid to take more risks and do what people tell me to do and be a responsible person and just settle. I remember my first trainer told me a bit of good advice - "Don't Settle!" I see people doing making a living as an actor - and I silently say to myself, I can do this! But I wanted the security of a steady paycheck - which was good for a while, but lately....not so good.
So I guess what I'm saying is that what Vic said really made me think as I walked away and rode back on the subway to the place I was staying . I woke up this morning with a sense of calm and serenity.
I think it's time to make "the jump"! Thanks, Vic - what you said was exactly what I needed to hear!
NYC Trip (2/09/07) The Apple Tree and Evil Dead: The Musical
Friday (2/09/07) Woke up around 8am and thought I was late for getting a good spot for the TKTS line, but I was near the front of the line. I found out that a lot of people don't like to wait hours in the line when it is so cold out - so I lucked out. I struck up a conversation with two women on either side of me. One from New York and the other from Louisiana (who was here for a dog show). Me and New York woman were educating the woman from Louisiana about the TKTS line and things around the city. While we were waiting, a woman came up to us to fill out a survey. New York woman volunteered and we found out later that they survey woman was from the Scientology place. I found out some scary stuff about that because NY woman's husband had a friend who was a part of that and then when he tried to leave - it was very difficult exit process. Scary!
The Apple Tree (8pm)- Mike McGowan was in for Brian D'Arcy last night. I was looking forward to seeing D'Arcy, but McGowan gave a great performance. I've seen Marc Kudish on some TV spots for musicals, but never live - until now! And I really enjoy his great stage presence onstage. Kristin was perfection last night...well, except for when there was a loud sound coming from maybe the lights during "Lady and the Tiger." She kept referring to it, first to Walter Charles (who did not break - but Kristin did) and then to Kudish (who both broke and had to be prompted by the conductor to get back into the show). I loved all 3 shows and liked how they all related to each other. "I love brown."
Evil Dead: The Musical (11pm)- well this was a complete 180 degrees from The Apple Tree. For what it was, it was fun. No, I did not sit in the "Splatter Zone." I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had seen the movie first. I noticed there were lots of people who did who were quoting the famous lines along with the actors. I think it's a great premise, and performances were good, but I felt that if some actors took their character more seriously (which all of the female actors did) instead of letting us in on the joke - I would have enjoyed it more. I think they were playing for the laughs a bit much, but with that audience I can see why.
The Apple Tree (8pm)- Mike McGowan was in for Brian D'Arcy last night. I was looking forward to seeing D'Arcy, but McGowan gave a great performance. I've seen Marc Kudish on some TV spots for musicals, but never live - until now! And I really enjoy his great stage presence onstage. Kristin was perfection last night...well, except for when there was a loud sound coming from maybe the lights during "Lady and the Tiger." She kept referring to it, first to Walter Charles (who did not break - but Kristin did) and then to Kudish (who both broke and had to be prompted by the conductor to get back into the show). I loved all 3 shows and liked how they all related to each other. "I love brown."
Evil Dead: The Musical (11pm)- well this was a complete 180 degrees from The Apple Tree. For what it was, it was fun. No, I did not sit in the "Splatter Zone." I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had seen the movie first. I noticed there were lots of people who did who were quoting the famous lines along with the actors. I think it's a great premise, and performances were good, but I felt that if some actors took their character more seriously (which all of the female actors did) instead of letting us in on the joke - I would have enjoyed it more. I think they were playing for the laughs a bit much, but with that audience I can see why.
NYC Trip (2/08/07) Grey Garden Review
I saw Grey Gardens Thursday night (2/08/07) with my friend, Michael. He just moved here recently from Houston. He met me that afternoon while I was waiting in the TKTS line. We went out for early dinner then coffee, then dessert. I haven't seen him in a long time and it was great to hang out with him again like we used to in Houston.
First of all, we got great seats (tickets at TKTS) on Row J, 2 aisle seats, center orchestra. Also, I got the entire original cast - no understudies.
Amazing! Christine Ebersole is everything I thought she would be. Mesmerizing in my opinion. I just adored seeing Mary Louise Wilson onstage. I have seen her in many things on TV over the years. The entire cast was just excellent. I have to say that my absolute favorite person was Michael Potts who played Brooks Sr./Brooks Jr. His face during a certain not PC song peformed by Christine Ebersole as Big Edie in Act 1 was hilarious! I also thought the two little girls in the play were extremely talented.
Act 2 was very interesting! I told my friend who I was with that I want to see the show again, because there was so much to take in - especially in the second act.
First of all, we got great seats (tickets at TKTS) on Row J, 2 aisle seats, center orchestra. Also, I got the entire original cast - no understudies.
Amazing! Christine Ebersole is everything I thought she would be. Mesmerizing in my opinion. I just adored seeing Mary Louise Wilson onstage. I have seen her in many things on TV over the years. The entire cast was just excellent. I have to say that my absolute favorite person was Michael Potts who played Brooks Sr./Brooks Jr. His face during a certain not PC song peformed by Christine Ebersole as Big Edie in Act 1 was hilarious! I also thought the two little girls in the play were extremely talented.
Act 2 was very interesting! I told my friend who I was with that I want to see the show again, because there was so much to take in - especially in the second act.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Great audiences!
Well, I haven't posted here since opening, but the show is going great! All the feedback that I have heard has been very positive. We've had a lot of family and theatre family come for the past few performances (this weekend is Industry Week and people in the industry get in free).
Our audiences from opening night to last night have been awesome. They are with us and loving us and we've been getting lots o' laughs. And it's great because we feed off of their energy. I also have to note that my stamina is much better than it was before opening. I can actually get through numbers without getting out of breathe.
It's really great to come out after the show and have audience members come up to you and compliment my performance. This one guy came up to me a couple performances ago and told me that I was his favorite character in the show. How cool is that! One audience member last night sent me a message via MySpace and said he was contacting other cast members as well. He also wrote a great blog post about the show as well.
Now I am reminded of why I love doing live theatre!
Our audiences from opening night to last night have been awesome. They are with us and loving us and we've been getting lots o' laughs. And it's great because we feed off of their energy. I also have to note that my stamina is much better than it was before opening. I can actually get through numbers without getting out of breathe.
It's really great to come out after the show and have audience members come up to you and compliment my performance. This one guy came up to me a couple performances ago and told me that I was his favorite character in the show. How cool is that! One audience member last night sent me a message via MySpace and said he was contacting other cast members as well. He also wrote a great blog post about the show as well.
Now I am reminded of why I love doing live theatre!
Friday, January 5, 2007
We Opened!
Just back from our opening night performance. We had a great show and a great audience. The show was much better than last night's preview. Of course anything that could go wrong did - so it was pretty much a typical final preview before opening. Unfortunately, the Houston Chronicle theatre critic decided to come last night and gave us a good, but lukewarm review. He liked the show and the performances, but kept comparing us to the tour and Broadway production.
At the reception after tonight's show, I reconnected with a very sweet, beautiful lady named Faye Woodworth. She did shows at College of the Mainland years back when I was doing them as well. She usually did the straight plays, while I did most of the musicals. But she always made a point to say how much she enjoyed my work onstage. And I loved hearing it from her because she is a wonderful actress. She told me tonight that she still enjoys watching me onstage. I told her that I think of her often. She was kind of surprised i said that. But I really do.
One time during our COM years, we had a conversation about why I never did straight plays and thought that I would be good. I was just in awe that someone who was a great actor thought I could act and encouraged me to try a non-musical play. I was mainly in musicals...so I really didn't think I could act and let my singing get me through. So I never really did a straight play until Stalag 17 in 2005. When I got in the show, I thought of her because of what she said. Mark Adams, who directed Stalag 17 , also encouraged me to do plays other than musicals. For both of them, I am truly grateful. And probably why I'm still in this crazy business.
Sometimes, it just takes someone to believe in you.
At the reception after tonight's show, I reconnected with a very sweet, beautiful lady named Faye Woodworth. She did shows at College of the Mainland years back when I was doing them as well. She usually did the straight plays, while I did most of the musicals. But she always made a point to say how much she enjoyed my work onstage. And I loved hearing it from her because she is a wonderful actress. She told me tonight that she still enjoys watching me onstage. I told her that I think of her often. She was kind of surprised i said that. But I really do.
One time during our COM years, we had a conversation about why I never did straight plays and thought that I would be good. I was just in awe that someone who was a great actor thought I could act and encouraged me to try a non-musical play. I was mainly in musicals...so I really didn't think I could act and let my singing get me through. So I never really did a straight play until Stalag 17 in 2005. When I got in the show, I thought of her because of what she said. Mark Adams, who directed Stalag 17 , also encouraged me to do plays other than musicals. For both of them, I am truly grateful. And probably why I'm still in this crazy business.
Sometimes, it just takes someone to believe in you.
Monday, January 1, 2007
Happy New Year!
2007 is here! We had another great show tonight. I felt good about it. I actually didn't feel as tired as last night. The director said it was sloppy and the audience was nice, but not as vocal as we'd hoped. I did a gasp early in the second act, that was too obvious to hide. Ah well!
After the show, they had a dessert and champagne reception for NYE. I got to see old friends and a lot of audience members were so nice to come up to me and say very nice things about the show and my performance. The audience loved the show and I heard from the musical director that some people who saw the show in NYC liked ours better because of the intimacy of the space.
Some of the cast went to a club called The Guava Lamp, but I had to decline. Although my voice is better than it was last night - I still need to get some rest. So that's what I'm about to do right now.
After the show, they had a dessert and champagne reception for NYE. I got to see old friends and a lot of audience members were so nice to come up to me and say very nice things about the show and my performance. The audience loved the show and I heard from the musical director that some people who saw the show in NYC liked ours better because of the intimacy of the space.
Some of the cast went to a club called The Guava Lamp, but I had to decline. Although my voice is better than it was last night - I still need to get some rest. So that's what I'm about to do right now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)