Random, Events and Performances

I looked at my last blog and I didn't even realize I haven't written anything in over a month.  I keep having ideas and wanting to sit down and write but work and the show are taking up too much of my mind.  I guess it is ok, to be consumed by something, as long it is something that is worth being consumed for.

 In my case, work is, well, work.  Something to pay the bills.  Unfortunately, it is not my passion, but once I get there I enjoy the challenge, not necessarily the work.  I have been putting in a lot of hours, 10, 11 and 12 hour days.  What is funny is that usually I would think I would be wasting a little time during the day, but I am not; there is truly enough work to keep me going forever.  We finally got a new boss last week.  When I interviewed him I thought he was a pretty good candidate, but now that he is here, well I think otherwise.  When I got into this position I was completely confident I could take on this job, but I still sat back and figured out how things worked.  This new guy is coming in with guns-a-blazing, ready to change things.  I hope he doesn't get himself into trouble.  He is a good guy, I just hope he lasts. 

Cabaret is going well.  We go into hell week next week, and I really think the show is going to be a lot of fun.  A little dark in places but yet a lot of fun.  The cast is getting tighter as the rehearsals become more frequent, so that always makes things easier.  I do feel like a bit of mentor out there.  I am not trying to be.  I just see things and I want to make them better, so sometimes I give my unsolicited advice.  I am not sure if people take it to heart or not, I just hope I am not insulting anyone.  I have been around the theatre for going on 24 years now.  I think my experience warrants little unsolicited editorials now and then.

I have two huge auditions coming up next week.  One singing and one straight.  Both of them professional and paying very well.  I am not going to spoil it by telling you what they are, just wish me luck because this could be a great opportunity.

Speaking of performances, I saw some great ones over the last month.  It started with Two Spoons at Gypsy.  It was the last performance at the Suncoast and did they go out with a bang.  It is an original work and it was amazing.  Narrated by both of the main characters acting out their own flashbacks,.  A gay couple with an adopted son, that experiences a three-some and the ramifications it caused on their relationship.  It was really wonderful and totally worth it.  The sad part was Gypsy losing the space at the Suncoast because Home Depot bought the resort.  Now they are scrambling for a space.  I know the guys will survive; the work is way too good to be without it in this area.

Next, was Urinetown at Eight O'clock.  All I can say is WOW!!!  That company just does the most professional and quality shows anywhere.  I have attended shows; at the TBPAC, Golden Apple, Studio and Eight O’clock is Community theatre and stands up to all of them.  I was totally impressed.  The cast members I knew all said the set came from a junk yard, well you couldn't tell.  It looked more professional then some of the sets I have seen on Broadway.  The performances were A+, and I am not saying that because I knew most of them, they truly were quality.  No show is perfect, but this one came close.

If you like to laugh, I recommend going to the flicks and seeing Knocked Up.  My cheeks cramped up from smiling so long and laughing so hard.  Seth Rogan (40 Year-old Virgin) is hilarious and as his first lead role he was great.  He and Katherine Heigl (Grey's Anatomy) have a wonderful chemistry and she is really not hard to look at, at all. It really tells the story of an unplanned pregnancy from both sides.  I thought it was going to be a chick-flick when I saw the ads but it is definitely not.  Let me just say go see it, it will be totally worth your time.

So that's about it.  My life is work and rehearsal right now.  Some friends have moved on to bigger and better things and I wish them all the luck in the world and I pray they do not lose touch. (They better not, or there is going to be trouble - Do you hear me Sammy? Leah?)

Love, health, happiness and Success

"In my career, there have been three things that were challenging: playing gay; playing a Jewish woman; and playing Chekhov. The scariest part was playing Chekhov!" - Bernadette Peters