|
SubscriptionsSites I Read
|
|
|
|
| I see I haven't written in months. Of course that's because I've been on Facebook. Any friends lurking on Xanga ought to check me on FB. Anyway, here's an update from FB.
I haven't written of Equus in a while and so I know everyone is waiting with baited breathe to get an update. (Btw, what do you use for bait? (Look, I know it's "bated" it's a joke; get it?)
The really good news is that I'm pretty much off book for the show. Given that this is a killer for my character, this is saying something. I have finally learned; start memorizing early. I still have to call for lines, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and for once it's not an oncoming train. Last night was actually the first time that the entire cast was together. I know that sounds strange, but there've been accidents on top of illness on top of priors. Nevertheless, the acting is really excellent for the most part. Matty Daley as Alan Strang is going to dazzle y'all. The boy is really looking quite exceptional. (Sorry to call you "boy" Matty given that you just turned 20 and all...but, you just turned 20 and all.) Get your tickets to EQUUS at http://www.kelseyatmccc.org
I've gotten so many inquiries about nudity! So for the record: I am not nude (you're all safe!), the horses are not nude (they wear shoes), as for Alan and Jill...well you're going to have to come and see now won't you?
The audition notices for Fiddler on the Roof at Kelsey came out today. I've always wanted to play Tevye, since seeing the great Zero Mostel play the part. In addition, I have heard "you should play Tevye" even more often in my life than I have heard "would you shut the F... up?" Still, I don't know. Having shed my excess avoirdupois (look it up), I am no longer morphologically similar to Zero. Can a thin Tevye play? In addition, I have, at Kelsey, a history of playing heavy or dramatic roles. Okay, there was Luigi Gaudi in Lucky Stiff...but everyone else has been pretty sober. I have had no luck auditioning for Playful Productions since playing Scrooge in Christmas Carol the Musical. But, even given the above, I am provisionally putting my hat in the ring. Fiddler remains one of the few musicals that interest me and if I'm to play Tevye at all; it will need to be soon. In addition, it would be nice to work with Suz, Ruth, Nancy, and Dani again!
| | |
| Imagine if you will a mix tape made for you by someone who REALLY knows music and enjoys genres as diverse as Puccini and Led Zeppelin. Now consider that the tunes are delivered to you live, in an intimate setting, in all new arrangements. Consider further that the performers are seasoned veterans who are extremely easy on the eyes and include, at the front, a well known rock star. Add in an absolutely kick ass band that includes wicked electric violin and cello. Mix it together with multimedia staging, digital lasers and amazing sound, and you have a hint at THE ROCK TENOR at the Wilma in Philadelphia. http://www.therocktenor.com
I caught the first preview of this show last night. The audience was cautioned by Vince Marini, the director, that the performance was in actuality only the second complete run-through. I was blown away. Not only by how good it was in it's rough condition, but by how good I know it will be once the performers are more at ease and the lights, sound, and staging are absolutely solid. The voices are amazing. I wish I could tell you who they are but the programs weren't ready. Perhaps Vince will add a comment with their names. They are beautiful women and beautiful men with incredible voices. The star though is Rob Evans of Trans Siberian Orchestra who absolutely mesmerizes with his range and versatility. The selection of tunes range from Zeppelin to Puccini from Josh Groban to The Beatles with unreal concatenations of songs such as a mix of Handel/Journey/Sondheim or Styx/Mozart/Stravinsky.
I am a home town fan and I would give a nod to Vince's show even if it was fair because I've worked with him and I like and respect his work...but I wouldn't gush. GO SEE THIS SHOW! You will be on your feet and loving every minute.
BTW, Kudos to Nick Cheng, my bud and Asst. Music Dir. and 2nd piano. The band was better than most touring rock bands I've seen. I would go to a show just to hear the ensemble. | | |
| Sweeney is history. Today's performance might have been the best (or last night's; can't tell). We had good houses all nights, a decent review, and raves from the audiences. I really think people enjoyed the show and I do believe that this cast, all together, had the best voices of any musical cast with which I've worked in the past. That includes pro shows. It's not that I haven't worked with other amazing vocalists, it's just that there was such a high percentage of amazing vocalists it was a pleasure to hear Sondheim out of their mouths. Mostly.
I do have complaints (of course). Most are with me and my performance. I just never did the part as well as I desired. Turpin's big song is really tough to hear, rhythmically and tonally. I substituted acting for precise singing and, while the audience bought it, I was unhappy. I also feel that the vocal direction was weak. Even though the voices were very good, there were lots of problems with rhythmic precision and enunciation. I mean, an eighth note is not a quarter or half note. And chorus parts frequently had some people a 32nd note behind as they listened for what others were singing. Could have been corrected but wasn't even noted. The band though was outrageous good.
I had doubts about doing Judge Turpin you might recall because I had gone out for Sweeney; a role I've wanted to perform. Generally, if I don't get the role I seek, I don't do the show because I get miserable. I must say however that Patrick Andrae did such a good job of playing Sweeney that I felt not the slightest jealousy or negative feeling. Either he was very good or I am maturing...probably the former.
As I stated before, I don't know how many more musicals I'll do. My voice is generally shot; a pale imitation of what it once was. Natural enough in a man pushing 60 but a drag nonetheless. I suppose I could improve it but that would probably mean giving up cigars and whiskey and, while performing in musicals gives me periodic pleasure, smoking one of my dusky beauties pleases me every day. Still, there could be other musicals. I was kind of hoping to do Showboat at Media, maybe as Captain Andy but the notice was posted this week and it calls for a "Jolly" Captain. To me, that's code for heavy set, something I am no longer. They also want a tenor although why that is escapes me since the only number the Captain sings is "The Band Played On." Pierrot Productions is doing The Producers in the fall and I would love to play Bialystock but, again, I'm not really the general physical type for the role. I have thought of going for Frank though or maybe even Roger DeBris. (Playing Roger would just shock so many people that it's a very tempting prospect. Then again, maybe I just want to air my transvestite side). Of course I would love to do Equus but, since the director doesn't see me strongly enough in the psychiatrist's role to pre-cast me, I'm not waiting around to see if I win the lottery.
It was great to see so many friends and colleagues at the shows during the past weeks. Thank you for your support. And to those who did not come...well ya gotta see mine if ya want me to see yours.
I want to give a shout out to Pippin at Town and Country. Promises to be a very good show directed by John Zimmerman and featuring Mike Schiumo (who came to see Sweeeny...see how this works?) Get tickets at http://www.townandcountryplayers.org/ | | |
| Sweeney opened last night with a solid performance by a very talented cast and great orchestra. It's been a bit of a white knuckle ride. I haven't wanted to write about it because I didn't want to be discouraging to everyone who've been working so hard to meet our deadline. Over the years I've learned to have some faith in directors and their visions. Still, we didn't have the chute through which bodies drop when Sweeney kills them until minutes before the doors opened. No chance to rehearse the scenes. Kudos to Patrick, Cathy, Rob, Joe and...well, me, for adapting and making it looked planned.
This is an extremely challenging show to perform and produce. The music, harmonies and rhythms, are extremely difficult to hear. Sondheim set out a tough task for casts. Everyone has worked hard to make the show seem easy. Our director, Pete LaBriola is...laconic, to say the least. He puts great confidence in his cast to find their characters and tone with little feedback. This gratifies some and alarms others. Pete has chosen his cast well and everyone has worked hard to define their niche in the show. Get your tickets at http://www.kelseyatmccc.org
I am happy that we've opened and rehearsals are over. Although I regret not being able to do any of the great summer shows on offer, my agreement to not perform during the summer is good discipline to make sure I balance work, acting, and family relationships. Summer is time to be with family and friends and lay on the beach. I will be looking for opportunities for the fall and auditioning, but that's it. (Speaking of which, never heard anything from Lantern Theater and so I assume that they were underwhelmed with my audition.)
In other news, there are some openings and continuing shows with friends. Actors Net opened Booth last night and it got rave reviews, at Least from Marco's mother who kept shout "Yes, yes, give it me," as is her wont. Go to http://actorsnetbucks.org for more info. Also coming at the Net is "Cicadas and the Evangelist" an original show by local actor Jack Bathke.
Coming up, John Zimmerman is directing "Pippin" at Town and Country in June. Http://www.townandcountryplayers.org
See you at Kelsey! | | |
| Here we go into Hell week. Sweeney is looking pretty good. I think after getting on stage Sunday and being able to run the show 4 times by opening, we'll have a winner. I'm not thrilled about my portrayal of Judge Turpin yet but I generally don't get clear on a role until crunch time; don't know why, just the way it is.I mean, I think I'm suitably sleazy and disgusting but I still feel that my Judge is a bit of a caricature. I need to flesh him out so to speak. I also am not up to speed with the orchestra on my main song but that will come as well. If you haven't made plans to see it, that address again is http://www.kelseyatmccc.org
In other news...well there is no other news. I haven't heard anything from Lantern Theatre and my sense is that's not happening. So I doubt they'll be any theater activity for me after Sweeney, until Equus auditions sometime in August. I've seen some decent auditions, most notably for Montgomery Theater's Bus Stop. But I'm leaving myself open. It will be nice to have some time to recreate with the family and friends. I may even be able to show up at some friend's shows during the summer so keep me in the loop folks.
| | |
|
Lifetime