Howl At the Moon

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.

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!

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!