Memoirs of a Flip Musical Theatre Character Actor

Are We There Yet? Regular Bar Patron!

2011-07-15T10:58:00.004-05:00

Well, I have finally gotten a semi-regular background gig. I am now part of the regular background actors who appears as a regular bar patron in the new upscale bar called "Martin" named after that character (the white guy) in the TBS sitcom Are We There Yet?. I was booked for the first day in the bar as sort of an audition. So everyone was wondering if they were going to be picked. I, of course, thought everyone was prettier and they were going to pick those guys. But about a week later, I got a call for another day and we were the established bar patrons. Woo hoo!

It's an easy gig. We mostly sit at tables in the bar having fake conversations with each other while the leads do their thing. Probably the hardest part of the gig is getting up early, going to Grand Central Terminal to board a train to Stamford, CT where the show is filmed. Then a van picks us up from the Stamford station and takes us to the studio about 5 minutes away. The crew works very fast and we're usually out of there in about 4 hours. The only bad thing is that we get wrapped right before lunch - which sucks. So, most of us end up grabbing as much craft services as we can before boarding the van to the train station.

We have gotten about 1 day of work a week so far. And only gotten 2 days of work so far and this week, they didn't need the bar patrons at all. So works is kind of random, but at least I know I will be called sooner or later. I'm just glad for the work. And all the tv shows are starting back up for the new season, so I am looking forward to lots and lots of bookings. Maybe even get core on some shows. Along with the ongoing shows they have added 9 new shows that got picked up from pilot season earlier this year. So, I look forward to getting to blog about those experiences in the future.

White Collar

2011-05-27T23:16:00.005-05:00

Just had to blog about my experience with White Collar yesterday. I had worked it before as a pharmaceutical party guest in April, but it was very brief and the cast and crew had some issues with the location - so it wasn't the best time. But that was all forgotten when I got booked for it yesterday. There was a rush call for a nerdy FBI type Wednesday night. I knew they liked to cast pretty people for the FBI agents, so I thought maybe I could get in the nerdy route. Around 11:30pm, I was still awake and got a call from a familiar number. It was Jim from Central Casting to see my availability to play the nerdy FBI the next morning, but only thing was that he could not officially book me - it had to be the casting director, Lucy. Unfortunately, he could not get a hold of her, so he asked if I would stand by. I said yes, even though the call time would be 8:30am - just a few hours away. I thought sure, why not, I only worked one day this week on Damages - so I told him yes. A few minutes later he finally got a hold of Lucy and said that I was officially booked and just needed to bring a nice suit.

I guess I was excited, because I couldn't sleep. My eyes were closed but I kept looking at my cell phone clock through out the night to make sure I would get up on time. I finally got up a minute before and got ready. Made it to the studios really early and met one of the core FBI agents, Ryan (of course he was tall and pretty). I got breakfast and as I was eating saw the rest of the "Harvard Crew" or core background (background actors hired to portray FBI agents whenever they do scenes in the office or on location) walk in slowly (all pretty people, of course) - oh great, I thought...what am I doing here? I have dealt with many background people before and usually the pretty people are mostly self absorbed and stand offish. I was wrong with these background actors. They all introduced themselves to me and made sure I was doing ok. You could tell they were sort of like a family and they welcomed me as well. Shortly, I was then whisked away to set because the scene I was in was first. I overheard from one of the wardrobe people that I was going to be putting electronic equipment on Matt Bomer's character. Hmmm, interesting.

So, I got to the set of the interogation room and met the 2nd 2nd AD, Jason and 1st AD, Bob, and a lot more people, but was so overwhelmed I couldn't get all their names. I just had to sit in on the rehearsal of the scene with the two leads, Matt Bomer and Tim DeKay, and Sharif Atkins as Agent Clinton Jones. All three guys introduced themselves to me and made it a point to remember my name and refer to me by name. It was such a weird experience because usually as a background actor, you are told to not talk to the leads - not to even look at them in the eye - and here I was conversing with them. Well, it was more them talking to me and me being too nervous to say much. All three guys were very professional, but also joked around with each other between takes. And, if you can believe it, they also sing and dance between takes too. I even got to relax when they relaxed instead of standing with the stand-ins, which was a great perk. The scene was them talking about getting information from someone (watch episode 8 of this season [three] to find out who) by using electronic spyware that the tech (ME!) was placing on Neal Caffrey's (Matt Bomer) wrist, arm and chest.

We did the scene a few times and the only issue I had was getting the self-adhesive tape to stick after a few takes. The only note I got was that I was too rushed getting the tape on. Between takes Tim DeKay turned to me after they were running lines to ask if I wanted to run my lines (background actors usually have no lines). And then later he said, "I bet when you woke up this morning that you didn't expect to be reaching down Matt Bomer's cleavage." No, I did not! And for the rest of the day, when I passed Tim and Sharif, they always made it a point to say, "Hi, Frank." Afterwards, I expected them to just wrap me, but I got used for the FBI office scenes, which was very cool. Throughout the day, I got to know more of the "Harvard Crew". For lunch, we had BBQ outside the studio - AWESOME! Later in the day, Tim DeKay passed me and stopped to say, "Frank, you're still here!". I said, "Yeah, they kept me to be a regular FBI person." He said something like, "Well, now that doesn't suck, now does it." Nicest man in show business!

In hindsight, I wished I wasn't so nervous and talked more, but, hey, it was my first time being really featured and working directly with the leads. Usually, I would be bummed because being so featured means that you don't work again. But since I was an FBI tech, I may be used again if they need to put spyware on Matt or anybody again...maybe?..please?!? So I hope I get to be as Sharif kept saying - The Resident Technician. Maybe I could even get a line or regular character out of all this. Ya never know! I remember another background actor, Melvin Telp, I believe, saying in this business your life changes overnight. And now I understand that now! And this is only the beginning.

I'm very thankful for how everything is going so far. Coming to NYC and pursuing the acting career was the best decision I have ever made. I remember my friend, Keith Caldwell, saying that he gave up a job that paid him a lot of money, to a job with a major paycut, but loved it and wouldn't turn back. I may not be making as much money as I did at the bank, but I am having the time of my life right now!

A Much Needed Update...AGAIN! (aka I Joined AFTRA!)

2011-05-27T22:35:00.005-05:00

Hey! Well, it has been a long while since I have posted on here. So, to catch up, I joined AFTRA, another union, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, on March 16, 2011. I thought I finally had enough money saved up to do it. So, I started posting for AFTRA background gigs and my first call was from Central Casting letting me know that I had been picked by the director of The Big C to be in a small scene as a doctor. I remember seeing the posting for it as "attractive" doctor and just did it on a whim. So, I was a bit surprised. I said I was a must join and they asked if I was willing to join and I said, yes, but fortunately had a few days to join before the shoot. And then got another call from Central Casting to be a featured role of a "decision maker/casting agent" on the sitcom Are We There Yet? and said I was also willing to join. But this time, I had to do it the next day.

I knew that if you were a must join, and had potential gigs coming up, you could do a payment plan. Which means that instead of paying the full amount of $1663.90 in one whole payment, you can pay $650 down and the rest in 4 payments over the following 4 months. I saw somewhere online where someone said you could just pay $300 down, but I learned that was incorrect. So when I checked my account, I only had $625. But thanks to my sister, Rachel, and overdraft protection on my checking account I marched up to the AFTRA office in midtown and paid the $650 (praying that my credit card didn't get denied because of that $25 shortage). I then called the casting director, Abbie, to let her know I joined. She sounded kinda frustrated and let me know that production of Are We There Yet? was cutting the number of background actors and that she would let me know soon. Great! I just joined AFTRA and my first gig wasn't going to happen.

A few minutes later she called to give me my check in number and wardrobe instructions and to call the hotline number later that evening for call times and location. It was a great experience and I got to work with Ted Lange (Isaac on The Love Boat) and get very featured in the episode "Kevin Gets A Commercial". The next day, Matt from Central calls me to let me know that The Big C has taken the scene I was going to be a doctor in out of the script and wouldn't be needed. Ah, well! Luckily, I ended up working regularly and got another show to replace it. I ended up working on The Big C later as a high school teacher where Laura Linney's character teaches. And I booked a total of 12 AFTRA background gigs in the following 4 weeks after I joined, which I found out is pretty good. I have really lucked out on the work. I'm not as busy as I want to be, but I just got here, so I will just have to see what comes of this. I also don't want to be in the background for the rest of my life, so I also know that I need to take a more proactive role and try to go out there an audition, audition, audition!

People Misunderstand Quiet People

2009-10-17T21:10:00.006-05:00

As a known and proud quiet person, I find that most people find quiet people threatening. Which is pretty absurd, if you think about it. And most people who talk a lot don't really think - I have found over the years. I used to think that there was something wrong with me, because the loud, obnoxious ones made me feel that way. I think I am quiet with someone either because I am not comfortable with someone or they aren't comfortable with me. Or if there are a lot of loud, assertive people in a group, I don't say much, because it just feels like a lot of chaos to me and I just don't want to add to it. And I don't really like to yell over loud music or noise, because I don't like to raise my voice unless it is VERY necessary.

Sometimes being quiet is quite powerful to the loud, obnoxious and insecure. Just try it. If you don't say anything, the loud ones who can't stand a second of quiet will slowly implode, I have found. Or they will just answer for you, because they aren't listening anyway. So to all of you, who have questioned or critisized quiet people, take a step back, shut your big mouth, and think about it, please. Or just go on a reality show and you can see for yourself.

The Time Traveler's Wife/Julie and Julia

2009-08-17T16:49:00.003-05:00

Ok. I thought Time Traveler's was good, but not great. It was too much of a condensed version of the book, that focused more on the love story. Granted, I know they were gearing this up as a "chick flick", but I think they could have broader the audience by adding more about the technical aspects of the time traveling (and possibly curing it). Also, Henry was pretty much a sex maniac (in the book) and they chose to cut that aspect from the movie. The ending was different from the book, but still effective. Although, the book ending was better at showing how love can stand the test of time. But that is my humble opinion.

Julie and Julia was very cute. Of course, Meryl Streep was awesome and made Julia Child a human being and not a cartoon. Amy Adams was cute. Some people thought the character was annoying, but I didn't see that. She was just a real person. Also, the men in their lives played by Stanley Tucci and Chris Messina were very complimentary of their counterparts. I looked forward to seeing them on screen. And to see Messina in more stuff. What else has he done? Fun movie! It made me want to cook more.

Well....

2009-08-16T10:54:00.002-05:00

I haven't seen The Time Traveler's Wife yet. Hopefully, tonight! I can't wait for my P90X to be delivered on Wednesday. I need something productive since I have nothing to do during the day. This kind of reminds me of how my life was like before I got into a relationship, got out of a relationship and then got a full time job in the corporate world.

I appreciate that I can start over and restart my life at 40. I think the phrase, "Life Begins at 40", is becoming true...at least for me. As I have more free time here for a few weeks in Texas to re-evaluate my life again, I have discovered more things about myself that I think will improve it in the future. For most of my life, I have always tried to please people and always placed my feeling behind others. I've just been raised to do that. And I don't think it's truly what I want. I tend to be what people want me to be, just so I don't make any waves. And then get frustrated later on, because that's not really me.

I can see now that I have always been a unique personality, but every time that I try to express myself - I get someone telling me that's not appropriate. So I have become over the years what various people call appropriate and it's been easy to maintain that. Now that I am older, I am ready to change that and challenge myself to becoming my true self. "Be true to yourself". So get ready to see some great changes to me in the future!

The Time Traveler's Wife/Anderson Cooper

2009-08-14T14:52:00.002-05:00

I'm very excited because I am going to see 'The Time Traveler's Wife' tonight!!! I finished reading the book last week and this will be the first time I have read the book before the movie. Because I actually made the time to read for the first time in my life. It's so different to read a book because you want to, rather than just read it because a teacher made you. Maybe I might go back and read those books that I never quite read in school. Yeah, I was a bad student.

Also, I just found out that I have the same birthday as Anderson Cooper. Not only because he is Anderson Cooper, but because I hardly know anyone who was born on June 3. We are very rare for some reason. He wasn't born on the same year, but it's a start! Now I am on the lookout for someone on the same day AND the same year!

Ok, since I now have a lot of free time, I will probably will now blog more often...hopefully! Be on the lookout for more!

I'm back!

2009-08-09T00:14:00.004-05:00

Well, it's been over a year since I have blogged on here. I have been laid off from the bank, moved to NYC, found a sublet in the Bronx, auditioned during the worst time ever, discovered background work, filed for unemployment, and now back in Houston for a few weeks to do On The Town at Bayou City Concert Musicals. Whew!

Oh, and this deserves it's own paragraph. On my 40th birthday, June 3, 2009, I decided to treat myself to see Broadway shows. So I got a ticket to see Blithe Spirit with Angela Lansbury, Rupert Everett and Christine Ebersole. Loved it! Angela is amazing! During intermission, I checked my PDA and then put it in my pocket. After the show, I checked my phone again and the screen cracked. I went to the Sprint store and they offered me a $150 credit for a new phone. Then I went to get a ticket for South Pacific.

I was trying to find somewhere to figure out my new phone, but places were packed with tourist. So, I decided to head near Lincoln Center and tried to catch a subway. Well, it was raining, and I slipped on stairs, and dislocated my right shoulder. Usually, I would have just immediately taken care of this and headed to the emergency room, but since I had just bought a ticket to a show - and being an actor and patron of the arts - I wanted to go see the show. I even walked all the way over to Lincoln Center and then got the common sense to go the emergency room - and just eat the cost of the ticket.

So, in short, the doctor's put it back in and it felt SO much better. They told me that it was the fastest that they ever put a shoulder back in the socket. So, that's how I spent my 40th birthday! I guess it had to be memorable.

Ugh...No Company...but Yes NYC and MonaVie!

2008-05-22T20:32:00.003-05:00

Well, after a talk with the director of the show, I couldn't convince her to do a special appearance agreement for Company. So I don't get to do it. I was so close to scabbing just to do a show. But after getting advice from some fellow equity members, I decided to go the good route and decline the role. Sadly. I was looking forward to it. I even highlighted my script and score and tabbed the pages. So you know I was really into it. I'm never that organized.

So now I'm headed to New York City again in June. I'm there to help out my friend, Scott, with the Theatre World Awards as a volunteer. I'm also going to sneak in a couple auditons. I've also been reconnecting with a lot of theatre folk I have worked with over the years and will possibly be getting together with them. I'm only there for 4 days - so it should be jammed packed! I'm also going to catch some shows. Unfortunately it won't be South Pacific on this trip, but they are now an open run and so I can see it later.

On the move to NYC, it has been delayed until the end of the year. I'm taking care of my parents place in Galveston until they come back from the Philippines in November. In the meanwhile, I am trying to build this new business of mine called MonaVie. It's a great company and a great product. I'm feeling so much better now. I'm just waiting for everyone else to see the light. I haven't been working it as much as I should, but work seems to get in the way.

I can see now that I really need to get away from this job. It's draining all my positive energy when I'm there. Most of my co-workers don't see it at all. They just see it as selling juice. And there's so much more, but I don't have time to explain it to them at work. I have no downtime. I barely get a lunch. I usually eat at my desk. And now the end of month is almost here and I am dreading it so much.

Anyway, I truly believe this new business will be my ticket out of the corporate world. I have great mentors and supporters to help me through! And it'll be a great way to be able to afford to live in NYC.

Company

2008-04-28T20:08:00.001-05:00

I've been cast in a show finally! I'm playing Paul in Company. The theatre producing it is called etc (east-end theatre company). I've done 3 shows there and am almost a regular. I don't know who the rest of the cast is yet. But I do know that Penny is playing April, Shelley, who I met at the audition, is playing Amy (my soon-to-be bride). Great moment in the show.

When we met, we both thought we knew each other. And realized we did Aida at HGO. She was in the chorus and I was a super. Also, I just found out that my friend, Ellen, will be performing the role of Susan. The role was offered to my "second wife", Bethany, who had to turn it down for personal reasons. But you never know, someone might drop out and she could do it after all.

I'm looking forward to the show. I just hope we can work out a deal with the union contract. I heard Robin Lusby might be doing Joanne and she's union too. I think?

MonaVie

2008-04-27T22:14:00.001-05:00

I'm psyched about this new business I'm in. I got my brother, one of my coworkers at the bank, and yesterday one of my sisters joined the company. It's nice to keep it in the family.

My brother's boyfriend also joined, brought in by my brother. He has type 1 diabetes. After drinking the juice for two days, his blood sugar levels lowered from 190-200's to 120's. He has not seen it that low in a long time. This testamony actually intrigued my sister to try the juice. After finding more about the business, she joined on the spot!

I'm ready to make some big money, quit my job and head to New York City!

Changing My NYC Plan....again. Time to make the jump!

2008-02-03T19:57:00.000-06:00

Well, after my time in NYC recently, I've been getting the urge to make the move quicker than I planned before. Now the plan is to look for a job within the bank in NYC and transfer up to NYC with it. I can still audition for shows by signing up for EPA's time slots during lunch breaks. I can also do ECC's by timing it out right. Maybe working at night - who knows. I'll figure that out in the next few months. I just need to be there to get into the rhythm of auditioning. I've been so out of practice, I just need to just keep auditioning until it become second nature.

I also need to schedule the oral surgery that I have been putting off for too long. I need to get new resume' photos done, get back to dance class, get more vocal coaching, get back into shape, save more money, and just get prepared to make the jump. I talked to my friend Vic this past weekend and he just plain out said I just need to get my ass to NYC and just make the jump. I'm not getting any younger and I'm just not doing anything down here.

And once I'm there in NYC, I can save more money while I'm working and hopefully quit in 3 months. By then, I can get a tour or have enough money saved up to just audition. Ok, so now I'm motivated. It's almost been a year since I first met Vic and he was telling me to move - so I need to do it this year!

Also, my friend Michael has been telling me to just do the move or jump as well. Once I get there, it'll just workout. But I need to just be there first. And I know that is true!

Thanks again, Vic and Michael!

Another NYC Trip! (Long post!!!!)

2008-01-26T13:02:00.000-06:00

This time I went for a week. I planned on auditioning for about 3-4 shows and of course, see some shows too.

Tuesday, January 15
I took an early flight to LaGuardia. Things looked good since the pilot wanted to leave early. However, when we were just about there, we had to hold in the air for about 30 minutes - so delaying us for 30 minutes. Eeek! Luckily I still had a lot of time before checking in for my audition. Got off the plane, went to my friend, Mitch's place and dropped off the bags and headed straight to the Equity Offices to audition for Phantom of the Opera.

This was my first time there since I missed my auditions months previous (look at past blogs for more about that). I was a bit disoriented in finding the studio, but found it soon enough with plenty of time to take a moment to just relax. Since I couldn't sign up for this Equity Chorus Call (ECC), I had to wait in line until they read every name on the list of 308 before I could get a number. Well, not so bad, I got 120. Seems that people don't show up to the call or they sign up more than once just in case they are running late.

Well, after waiting over 3 hours my group of 20 was called to line up. When I got in there, the musical director immediately left to go to the bathroom. So I had to wait until she got back and had some very small talk with the casting agent. The accompanist was very stoic and didn't say a word when I was showing him my music. Anyway, I sang my "I Have Dreamed" and everything went well until that high note. I hit a flem ball and it didn't sound good. Ah well! I am not using that song anymore. Seems that it has run it course - so back in a drawer.

While I was there, I signed up for The Little Mermaid ECC on that Thursday and also the ECC for The Producers at the Pioneer Theatre in Utah. I signed up as #301 for Mermaid and #187 for The Producers. I also saw my friend, Rick, who I did summer stock with in Galveston in the early 90's. After the audition, I went to TKTS and grabbed a ticket for Spamalot BEFORE Clay Aiken went in. I got a front row seat, off to the left. It was a pretty good view. Show was very good. I saw it on tour, but wanted to see it again in hopes of auditioning for it someday. And before the show, I had dinner with my friend, Bob, formerly from Houston.

Wednesday, January 16
Next day was a day off from auditioning. I woke up semi-early and went to the Lunt-Fontaine Theatre box office to see what they had for the matinee of The Little Mermaid. I got 4th row center!! I grabbed that immediately and got some breakfast. I loved the show. I heard the critics were not too nice. I think they were a bit harsh. It's a beautiful show. I was looking at it since I was auditioning for it the next day. I'm glad I did to get a sense of the music. I was going for Chef Louis, and I probably could do that someday, but I think I would be also right for Scuttle played by Eddie Korbich - who is a favorite performer of mine.

Later that evening, I met with my friend, Kelli, to see a show that a muscial director friend wrote called Trumph, the musical. Yes, it was as bad as it sounds. We went to Vinyl afterwards and caught up. From our conversation, I realized that I've been way out of the loops. I really couldn't update her on much.

Thursday, January 17
Next day was the Mermaid audition. This time I got #59, so I was done by Noon. I had a great audition. I sang "Sit Down You're Rockin' The Boat" and I was pleased and they were smiling - so who knows? Afterwards, I found a Whole Foods Store and got some salad and pasta for the day. I then waited in the TKTS line and got a ticket for Mary Poppins for $59. Are you noticiing a pattern? Later that week, I stayed with my friend Scott on 59th and 9th. Hmmm, interesting. Maybe I should make 59 my lucky number. Mary Poppins was a pleasant show. After I saw it, I realized that I wouldn't be right for the show. But maybe if I got my tap dancing up to par, I might.

Friday, January 18
Next day I was supposed to audition for Legally Blonde but since Mermaid wanted 2 resumes, I ran out. I'm really not right for the show. I wanted to tone up a bit more before letting their casting agents see me. So I ran around the city and also found a Bally's gym and did some cardio. I met up with my friend, Michael and ate at a vegan restaurant. I had a bacon double cheeseburger vegan style and it was awesome. Also had a vegan brownie - yum!! I got a ticket for The Farnsworth Invention that evening online at tdf.org. The seats were not that great and I missed half of the stage. The play was very interesting, but I think I was miffed at such bad seats. I think I will go again.

Saturday, January 19
The next day I moved out of Mitch's apartment and lugged my stuff to my friend, Scott. Whoa, very nice place and great location. He let me sleep on the bed since I guess he likes to sleep on the sofa. He was heading for work a couple hours later but we got to catch up. I was going to see a show that evening, but since the weather was so cold and the apartment was so nice, I decided to stay in and watch DVD's. Scott came home around 12:30pm and we talked and talked until 4am. Yikes! I hadn't done that in a while.

Sunday, January 20
Next day, we had brunch with Kelly (not the same Kelli from Wednesday, but yes, ANOTHER friend from summer stock years ago). We went to this Mexican place for brunch and I did more catching up. That evening, I saw my friend Michael again and we had sushi and tried to catch another movie, but ended up in the wrong place and just grabbed some coffee. It was just too freakin' cold!

Monday, January 21
Next day was my last full day in NYC, so instead of going to The Producers call, I stayed in from the cold. Later I met up with another friend, Jim, for movie and dinner. I was headed back to the apartment and felt a little guilty of how little exercise I did and went to the gym. By the way, I'm really getting good getting around the city by subway.

Tuesday, January 22
I got up REALLY early, hailed a cab and headed back to LaGuardia where I found out later that I was on the first flight out. Got back to Houston and got another cab and went straight to work! Hi-Ho, The Glamorous Life!

Howl At the Moon

2007-12-28T20:44:00.000-06:00

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

2007-12-19T21:30:00.000-06:00

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

2007-12-01T17:03:00.000-06:00

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!

Great News About My Bank Job....Really!

2007-11-24T20:09:00.000-06:00

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!

Another Trip to NYC - Three (3) If You Are Counting

2007-11-24T14:17:00.001-06:00

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.

Much Needed Update

2007-08-20T10:18:00.000-05:00

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.

Free Wireless

2007-05-07T21:53:00.000-05:00

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.

AIDA Is Finally Closed!

2007-05-06T16:22:00.000-05:00

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.

AIDA Is Finally Open!

2007-04-14T13:12:00.000-05:00

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.

AIDA Preview

2007-04-12T21:16:00.000-05:00

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!

AIDA Almost Open

2007-04-10T20:54:00.000-05:00

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.

AIDA - First Piano Dress

2007-04-08T12:49:00.000-05:00

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.

Onstage Rehearsal at the Brown

2007-04-06T18:58:00.000-05:00

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.

Two Days Off!

2007-04-05T14:28:00.000-05:00

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...

Costume Fitting

2007-04-02T20:38:00.000-05:00

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!

Last Rehearsal Room Staging Rehearsal

2007-04-01T16:23:00.000-05:00

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?

More AIDA

2007-03-31T17:15:00.000-06:00

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.

Back to AIDA

2007-03-30T22:35:00.000-06:00

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.

Don Giovanni 2nd Opening

2007-03-23T22:48:00.000-06:00

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.

Don Giovanni Opening

2007-03-23T12:54:00.000-06:00

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.

tick, tick....Boom

2007-03-22T12:43:00.000-06:00

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.

Two Orchestra Dress Rehearsals

2007-03-21T13:41:00.000-06:00

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.

Don Giovanni - 2nd Piano Dress

2007-03-18T20:36:00.000-06:00

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.

Godspell/Don Giovanni - Piano Dress

2007-03-17T19:06:00.000-06:00

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.

First AIDA Super Rehearsal

2007-03-16T13:01:00.000-06:00

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!

Another Day Off!

2007-03-14T18:26:00.000-06:00

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.

More Don Giovanni Rehearsal

2007-03-13T13:33:00.000-06:00

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.

AIDA and Voice Lesson

2007-03-10T11:27:00.000-06:00

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!

Back to Opera-land

2007-03-09T14:12:00.000-06:00

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!

Opened and Closed Side Show this weekend

2007-03-04T19:46:00.000-06:00

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.

03/01/07 Two Days Before We Open

2007-03-02T11:28:00.000-06:00

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.

AIDA review

2007-02-26T20:35:00.000-06:00

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.

Elton John's AIDA

2007-02-25T16:31:00.000-06:00

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...

2007-02-25T15:01:00.000-06:00

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.

Trying to Get Off Book

2007-02-23T23:18:00.000-06:00

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?

I Love MySpace!

2007-02-22T21:07:00.000-06:00

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!!!

Act Two Sing Thru

2007-02-21T20:09:00.000-06:00

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.

Act One Sing Thru

2007-02-17T20:49:00.000-06:00

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!

Back to the Side Show

2007-02-16T10:18:00.000-06:00

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.

Farewell, Urinetown. Hello, Side Show!

2007-02-14T20:41:00.000-06:00

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

NYC Trip (2/11/07) A Little Dog Laughed and Avenue Q

2007-02-11T21:06:00.001-06:00

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.

NYC Trip (2/10/07) The Drowsy Chaperone and Les Miz

2007-02-11T12:25:00.000-06:00

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!

NYC Trip (2/09/07) The Apple Tree and Evil Dead: The Musical

2007-02-11T12:23:00.000-06:00

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.

NYC Trip (2/08/07) Grey Garden Review

2007-02-11T12:21:00.000-06:00

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.

Great audiences!

2007-01-13T14:06:00.000-06:00

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!

We Opened!

2007-01-04T23:42:00.000-06:00

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.

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T01:23:00.000-06:00

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.

Goodbye 2006!

2006-12-31T16:46:00.000-06:00

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

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

And I already have shows lined up for next year!

Back from First Preview

2006-12-31T01:11:00.000-06:00

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

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

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

Recooperating Before Our First Preview Tonight!

2006-12-30T17:46:00.000-06:00

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

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

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

First Full Dress Rehearsal

2006-12-29T23:39:00.000-06:00

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

Cue to Cue Day Three/First Dress Act One

2006-12-28T23:26:00.000-06:00

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

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

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

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

Cue to Cue Tech - Day 2

2006-12-27T23:36:00.000-06:00

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

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

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

Cue to Cue Tech - Day One

2006-12-26T23:52:00.000-06:00

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

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

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

We've blocked the entire show now!

2006-12-23T00:00:00.000-06:00

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

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

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

Finishing Act One

2006-12-16T00:30:00.000-06:00

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

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

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

Act One Finale!

2006-12-14T22:51:00.000-06:00

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

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

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

The show is looking good!

....and one more music rehearsal

2006-12-13T22:27:00.000-06:00

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

Staging Act One

2006-12-12T23:22:00.000-06:00

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

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

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

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

The Great Caruso

2006-12-12T00:58:00.000-06:00

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

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

And more music rehearsals!

2006-12-08T19:25:00.000-06:00

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

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

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

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

More Music Rehearsals!

2006-12-07T00:02:00.000-06:00

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

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

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

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

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

First Two Rehearsals - Late post!

2006-12-06T14:13:00.000-06:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

The First Urinetown Music Rehearsals 11/27/06

2006-11-28T19:47:00.000-06:00

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

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

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