Archive for the ‘theatre’ Category
2010 -
02.25
Tags: BGSU Men's Chorus, Billy Elliot, Carnegie Hall, Hairspray, high school choir, Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins, Phantom of the Opera, Rock of Ages, Shrek, The Lion King, West Side Story, Wicked
Posted in theatre | 3 Comments »
While at work today, the boss informed me of a spectacular trip her brother and nephew (a seventh grade theatre buff) were recently part of. Her brother is the principal of a high school whose choir just took a trip to the Big Apple. Not only did the group perform at Carnegie Hall (that in itself would be a dream come true) but they saw no less than 3 Broadway Musicals! (Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, and the current smash revival of West Side Story). When I was in the BGSU Men’s Chorus, the biennial Spring Break tour to New York City afforded us the chance to see one… and MAYBE two shows while living out of the Lakefront Tour buses. I must admit to being a wee bit jealous. Not only do I find it hard to imagine that they were able to see that many shows in 1-2 days, but how did they perform and still have time to sleep? Not that many of them got much sleep. I know from experience. I asked if I could go back to his school next year. I could age myself about 20 years less, right?! That must have been a lot of cheese and sausage sold to take a trip of that magnitude!
The boss remarked that it only took me an hour to come up with West Side because she could not and it was my mission to come up with the title of a popular, CURRENT show. So I started rattling off the current musicals on the boards: Wicked, Shrek, Mary Poppins, Rock of Ages, Billy Elliot, Hairspray, Mamma Mia!> When none of these worked, I thought… she said CURRENT, but…
Jamiah: West Side Story?!
Di: THAT”S IT!
J: But you said current. West Side Story is indeed on revival but it is hardly current.
Di: Go back to work!
That’s gratitude! Next time, I’ll let her sweat it out a little more. HA!
2010 -
02.22
Tags: Abigail Breslin, acting, The Miracle Worker
Posted in theatre | 4 Comments »
Not really, because I am so NOT PERFECT in any (rather long every) way. I see by the old stat count that I have reached a total of 666 posts (I’ll get off that with this one). The title… a friend recently posed an interesting question. Does acting make you more humble when it comes to things concerning the human condition: like ego? I like to think that I’m not a very ego-centered person, but does that in itself make me egocentric.
In my humble opinion to be successful in any role, you must first know who the character is beyond what you are given in the script. Where does he come from? What makes the person who he is? What was his life like before he takes his first step onto the stage? This is ultimately as important for the person who has a one-line (or no-line) cameo as it is for the actor playing the 300+ line lead role.
Of course, understanding does not always mean you must empathize with the character. That would be totally insane! I could never be a mean, curmudgeonly miser but I sure had a ball playing one on stage. And as much as I humbly hate to admit it, I could never be a sexist, Liswathistani visitor covering for news new owner America country.
I am now at the point at which I am ready to take on even more challenging parts. To be able to take on roles that really challenge me to step out of my zone and look at other elements of the human condition. Just as Abigail Breslin is now bringing her take of Helen Keller to the Broadway stage in The Miracle Worker. Plus… still have fun doing it! The moment it is no longer fun is when I stop and I don’t see that happening any too soon.
I think during my years as an amateur actor, I have come to see (not necessarily understand) more elements of the human condition than I had before. At least enough to want to continue to do so.
2009 -
12.05
Tags: basketball, funeral, Miracle on 34th Street, Wicked
Posted in Deep Thoughts, Friends/Family, Fun and Games, theatre | 2 Comments »
This morning, Mom and Dad and I went to pay our respects at the funeral home. None of us could go last night so we went for the gathering before they processed to the church. We KNEW that the rather small church would not hold many people and with 10 children, 38 grandchildren, and who knows how many great grandchildren, there would not be many places available for other than very immediate family members. I was hoping to catch Britt there but she must have been running late.
After, we returned to watch Elizabeth play basketball. A riot watching the young girls begin to develop. Autumn was great although she missed a shot and her mother yelled “USE THE BACKBOARD!“ Yep, definitely her father’s daughter 
. I thing Elizabeth did more sliding across the slippery floor. More than once, she got the ball and OOPS… whistle blows and traveling called.
I was also asked if I would like to get tickets to Wicked coming in April. Of course… most musicals are worth at least a try.
And tonight, I am taking my sister and two young ladies to see the Santa Claus play. They have been asking, and asking about it and finally it is almost here. I must say that I am pretty excited myself.
2009 -
10.06
Tags: Albert Peterson, Ann-Margret, Bring Back Birdie, Bye Bye Birdie, Conrad Birdie, Dick Van Dyke, Elvis Presley, John Stamos, Live with Regis and Kelly, stage to movie musicals, The Lonely Goatherd, The Sound of Music, Viva Las Vegas
Posted in Celebrities, Movies, Musicals, TV Shows/Movies, theatre | 8 Comments »
This morning, I was able to catch most of Regis and Kelly (the ONLY celebrity focused morning show I enjoy watching). As I made mention of earlier, John Stamos is now in previews for Bye, Bye Birdie for its return to the Broadway stage since the debut 50 years ago (WOW!). Mr. Stamos will be playing the lead part of Albert Peterson. Dick Van Dyke originated the role of Conrad Birdie’s manager in the original production as well as the original movie. The cinematic experience does not do the stage version justice at all. Not sure why but like many musicals it is much better to have that live, theatrical experience. I honestly cannot think of many musicals that have translated better or at least as enjoyably on the screen. I guess I would say The Sound of Music only because it has been so ingrained into pop culture as a movie that many forget or don’t realize that is was Rodgers and Hammerstein’s theatrical swan song. That reason and the puppet show version of “The Lonely Goatherd” is my favorite part of the movie and IS NOT in the stage version.
Ok… back to my original topic. During the interview, Reege made mention of the fact that Ann-Margrock (err.. Margret) played the young girl, Kim MacAfee in the movie. Shortly after the movie was filmed, Ms. Margret would be Presley’s leading lady in my mother’s favorite Elvis movie, Viva Las Vegas. However, Mom was not aware that she was in the cast of Birdie.
Here’s a few more tidbits: one of our fellow tangenteers has played the role of pop singing idol/draftee Conrad Birdie. I assisted in the directing of my high school alma mater’s production a few years ago. AND there was a veery short lived sequel (4 performances) entitled Bring Back Birdie which was set twenty years following the events of the original. Twenty years is quite a LONG time to wait to attempt a comeback.
2009 -
09.23
Tags: Disney animated movies, Donny Osmond, Eddie Murphy, elementary school play, Lea Salonga, Mulan, Mulan Jr., rewards for reading
Posted in Friends/Family, Plays, School Days, theatre | 2 Comments »
On Tuesday nights, my niece Elizabeth and nephew Noah come to the house while their older brother is taken to Boy Scouts. Last night after returning from rehearsal, I asked Elizabeth when her school play is going to be. I never got the dates but I remember last year’s was sometime in November. I was able to drag out that she has the title role in Mulan, Junior. I was excited for her and even had to ask again to make sure I heard correctly. How awesome is that?! I asked if Joshua got a part… forgetting that he is too old to be in the 4th and 5th grade show.
I must admit… and I don’t know why… but I have never seen the movie. It must have been because I lost track of Disney movies in the years following The Lion King up until Pixar joined the studio with Toy Story. I do remember that Lea Salonga was the title voice with Donny Osmond and Eddie Murphy also voicing roles.
Another aspect of Elizabeth that amazes me is her voracious reading. For her birthday, I gave her two books: a mid-level edition of Marley and Me and a Peter Pan prequel (it had Disney’s stamp of approval for whatever that’s worth). I thought the first book looked a bit simple for her (she has read all 7 Harry Potter books) but, eh. I was right because I asked how far she had gotten in them and she finished the first and started Peter Pan earlier that day and was already beyond the first 100 of 500 pages.
Apparently, school children are rewarded for outside reading far more than I was. When I was in elementary school, we received a coupon for a free personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut after reading so many books. Today, children can read a book go onto a website, take a quiz, and earn points which they can build up to obtain all kinds of fabulous gifts. I had no idea there was such a thing until my cousin asked if I made sure the books were on the AR list? I think it is a neat idea but for one thing: The points do not carry over from year to year. I really don’t have a problem with rewarding those who enjoy reading and I don’t believe that the incentive is connected with the classroom.
Not trying to take anything away from the fabulous news of Elizabeth’s first lead role, so CONGRATS! Break a leg! OH… my brother came in the store tonight and he had no idea of the news when I asked him about the show dates. And I was informed as I walked into the house last night? Priorities.
2009 -
06.09
Tags: As You Like It, Audrey II, Chess the Musical, Josh Groban, Little Shop of Horrors, Madison Square Garden, membership drive, PBS, William Shakespeare
Posted in Performance, theatre | 6 Comments »
and all its men and women merely players.
As You Like It (II,vii, 139-40)
I have often been asked what type of stage I enjoy performing on most. In response, I usually state that it depends upon what is being performed. Sometimes, a show is grand in scale and is meant to be presented on a HUGE stage with a HUMONGOUS audience. Other times, a play is more intimate and is meant for a more intimate setting. I have been watching a Josh Groban concert on PBS tonight (after the Yankees were defeated by the Red Stockings). Being pledge drive time, there are frequent breaks and during one Josh was interviewed. He had recently performed at Madison Square Garden: one of the world’s grandest venues. This evening’s taped performance was much more intimate: smaller stage, closer audience (in which he could see the “whites of their eyes”), almost a jam session in front of maybe 100 fans. Once again, I was in total awe. Such talent! Singing in Spanish, Italian, as well as English. Taking lyrics that I have no idea what the translation is yet conveying their message brilliantly. Looking forward to the concert version of Chess coming next week. Although it is a concert version, it will be my first time seeing any version of the cult musical.
WAIT! I think I have gone off an another tangent. Coming up in a few short months is the WCCT’s production of Little Shop of Horrors. This is going to be done at the smaller of the two venues. I think it will be quite interesting to discover how we are going to have the huge flesh-eating Audrey II on a small stage as well as the scenery for Skid Row. Seems like a lot, but if it comes off it will be awesome and I think the intimacy of the smaller, in your face venue will have an even more dramatic effect.
So, although I have kind of given a roundabout answer to my own question, it really does have more to do with the type of production being staged. I like being part of big, theatrical extravaganzas that call for a huge setting. I also am comfortable in a small, intimate space in which you can see the audience and know that there are actually butts in the seats.
2009 -
04.11
Tags: Adrian Michigan, Croswell Opera House, Good Friday, I Only Want To Say, Jesus Christ Superstar
Posted in Church, Musicals, theatre | 5 Comments »
Not only because it was Good Friday, either. I did join the choir yesterday for services at noon. It was interesting because our priest skipped all over the place, leading many to believe that we were going to skip over the reading of Christ’s Passion all together. Actually, one of my favorite moments of mass every year. Resembling a play, with readers assuming various roles in the passion, the priest serving as Jesus and the congregation serving as the chorus of people sending Christ to his crucifixtion. However, Father Steve eventually got back on track and continued onward. Someday, I would love to suggest that the choir (or soloist… never heard a choir version) sing “I Only Want to Say” from JCS. The meaning of the song is found within the Bible if not the exact words. Every year, I find myself reflecting on the sentiment. Christ praying to His Father in the garden questioning whether or not He will actually be able to do “His will” moments before he is handed over.
I just learned that an EHS alum is part of the ensemble in a semi-professional production of Superstar at the Croswell Opera House in Adrian, Michigan that ends its run tonight. If only Cindy’s mother would have let me know sooner… Semi-professional since amateur rights are not available at this time 
2009 -
03.31
Tags: advice, auditioning
Posted in Deep Thoughts, Friends/Family, theatre | 3 Comments »
Recently, I received an email from a high school friend asking for advice on auditioning for a movie role. She has never acted before but knew of my passion for theatre and decided to come to me for whatever reason. I have never tested for film, but gathered that my stage experiences would help. Here was my reply:
That sounds cool. I have never auditioned for film before, but I can’t imagine it being any different from stage. Being a first timer, there will be anxiety which is good to have… it gives you energy. I still get it… anyone who says they never get nervous at an audition because they have done it so often is lying through their teeth but the more experience you get in auditioning the easier it becomes to use the nerves to your advantage. Not sure what to expect… do you have a script or is it a cold reading? Do you have to have anything prepared ahead (monologue?) . The best advice I can give is to go in, do what the director asks and have fun (the most important thing). The minute you walk into the site you ARE at the audition. Most of the auditions I go to start out by introducing yourself. This is as important as reading from the script or anything else they ask you to do. The first impression is the most important… be yourself (Sounds cliche and corny, but is very true). And don’t let your inexperience get you down… everyone has to start somewhere. With your personality, I am really surprised that you did not try out for anything in school, but… never too late. Break a leg! Let me know if there is anything else you need and let me know how you do.
Apparently, she felt really good about the audition, because she sent me an email Saturday after the audition and told me that she used my advice. She was nervous but went in and presented herself as best she could and even talked to one of the writers and the casting director. Her husband, another EHS alumnus was in the store tonight and related how excited she was and how grateful she was for the advice. Unfortunately, she has to wait until April 6th to hear about call backs, etc. I would be driven insane waiting that long. She is even anticipating minoring in theatre at the University of Toledo where she started taking classes last fall. “Theatre is fun” she said. I even told her that she needs to take advantage of the theatre around her.
This is not the first time I have shared advice and my love of my favorite thing. It seems that I am quick to pick out members of any cast who are inexperienced and offer words of encouragement and take them “under my wing” as it were.
My problem is this: If I find it so easy to encourage others (friends, new acquaintances who more often than not turn into friends), why can’t I find the encouragement to go further? I have conquered (or at least been on) 6 stages in my little corner of the world. I love everyone of them. I have made the best friends I have EVER had in two of these venues because the bond many of us share is so strong. I get encouraged by many of them and yet… here I sit. Have I become so “comfortable” here that I will never try (again) to go above and beyond? I know I am just rambling and many of you may not understand how strong this thing is (I’m not even sure I do at times) but to me if someone finds himself trying out for every show in his community theatre (even when he is not cast… just picks himself up and tries again and again) and even ventures to other groups from time to time, well… AND I know that I solely am the one who has to come to terms with it. Maybe one day soon I can decide to take another friends advice to heart and believe that:
“There are no limitations in what you can do except the limitations in your own mind as to what you can not do.”
2009 -
03.14
Posted in theatre | 8 Comments »
Thursday night, I returned to my “home” theatre after being away for a few months to play in another community group’s yard. I don’t think ANY actor ever fully grows up. That is another beautiful thing about theatre. The more I do this the more I grow in determination to spread my wings and go even further. But there is something to be said about becoming attached to one core group. You become family as I have done with so many of the WCCT regulars. Upon arriving at the theatre, I was immediately asked by everyone how my new experience went. I must say that everything about it was magnificent: the cast, the director, the backstage people, EVERYONE involved was very welcoming. But there is something intrinsically special about being around friends you have come to appreciate. I hope I am able to return to the Huber stage as well to work with some and make more new experiences there.
As j pointed out, I believe every actor has a group that he just likes to act with. I do not think there is one tangible reason for this. Call it chemistry, past experience, whatever. When you find one and hopefully more fellow thespians that you feel a bond with, it makes the on stage experience even more magical. You feed off each others energy. I have a list as well and my experience in St. Louis only increased that list. There was one young man whom I did not even have a scene with (well I did in a sense) that I would be honored to share the stage with again… and it was his first time on stage! Although I KNOW I have an abundant amount of energy, his was even more infectious.