Good Boys and True + Bratwurst = Good Times

When you think of going out for ethnic food, how many of you think, "Ooh, let's go get German"? Anyone? No one? Exactly. My cousin, Daphne, was in the city this week visiting from Boston and wanted to go someplace fun for dinner. The usually suspects came up - Vynl, Nizza, Whym - and then I thought, "What about Hallo Berlin? - sausage, beer AND outdoor seating!" Well, it ended up being the perfect choice. The weather was gorgeous. And who doesn't enjoy beer (well, actually Trish and I had some yummy apple wine instead), potato pancakes and sausage, sausage, sausage!? A vegetarian, I guess. But who would want to go out to dinner with one of those? Anyway, the place was packed and by the time we left, there was a line of eager Deutshephiles waiting to pounce on our center patio table.

After a pit stop at Ben & Jerry's - real ice cream tastes like fudge after eating only skinny cow for the last couple of months - Trish and I headed to Second Stage to pick up our TDF tickets. Arriving at the theatre I really had no expectations, having only read a post or two about this play on the chat boards. My initial impression? It’s a really interesting premise that needs a more satisfying ending. Maybe a sequel? It’s like they ran out of time to rehearse the second act so they decided to just present the first act and hope no one would notice. Not that I necessarily expect a fairy tale ending with all the loose ends tied up, but the play seemed to literally end smack dab in the middle of a scene. Like on TV shows when they build up to some earth-shattering event and then go to commercial. Except in this case, it just went to curtain call. That said, the ninety minute intermissionless play (is this becoming a trend? A Catered Affair, Glory Days, now this) flew by. I was definitely never bored.

The issues of class privilege, chauvinism, homophobia and the “old boy” network are all intertwined and make for some very pointed criticism of the economic elite in the US. Luckily, the play never sinks to soap opera melodrama thanks to sharp, intelligent writing by playwright Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. Although the opening fifteen or twenty minutes seemed clunkily under-rehearsed - I started to get nervous that I was going to be in for a very long evening of stiff acting - the cast eventually settled down and relaxed into their characters and into the high emotional stakes of the situation. It’s interesting to note that the action is set in the 1980’s, a time when gay teens were still pretty much closeted (not that it’s changed a whole lot in the last twenty years, but it is definitely better). This play is definitely worth seeing for both content and quality of acting (and an extended locking room scene, yowzah!) but it’s likely to ruffle some feathers with some Upper East Side prep school alums who may feel it hits a little too close to home.

Incidentally, Trish and I were seated way up in the back of the theater and right before curtain a stage manager approached us and offered us empty house seats (sixth row center). How lucky is that?

A SMELLY Affair - soap is your friend!

Personal hygiene is not optional! Dear God, Trish and I sat next to the smelliest man on earth last night at A Catered Affair. It was worse than a subway car full of homeless people in the middle of summer. His assault on my olfactory system prompted a theatre-going first for me - I asked to be moved to another seat. Yes, after five minutes breathing in this nasty man’s stench I suggested to Trish we speak to an usher about being moved. Anywhere. We were already in the second to last row of the balcony, so we really had nothing to lose. Since the reviews were mixed to negative and knowing the producers were heavily papering the house (supplying various outlets with complimentary tickets on the sly to give the illusion of a full theatre), we were sure we’d get seats somewhere. So we approached a friendly looking usher and explained our situation. She gave us a sympathetic look and said, “I’m sorry, but we’re sold out.” What the f*ck? How is that possible? I picked up TDF tickets that afternoon online! So we waited it out thinking there would definitely be no-shows. At 8:01 PM the theatre was completely full and we were left standing at the back of the balcony. I told Trish that I would rather stand for the whole show than sit next to that smelly guy. Then a miracle happened - praise, Jesus - a young usher came up to us and asked if we would mind sitting in a box seat. We said, “Hell’s no.” Actually, we said, “That would be great, thank you,” and followed her down to the front of the mezzanine. And thus I have been prompted to publish my first web poll. So please prove to me that I'm not just writing in a cyber void (it would also greatly improve my self-esteem) by scrolling down on the left and answering my "theatre pet peeve" poll.

Reviews be damned because I loved this show. I probably shouldn’t have read them or the chat board bullsh*t before seeing the show, but I honestly can’t understand how the reviews and public opinion on All That Chat could be so off base. The performances were spectacular, especially Tom Wopat (make room on your bookshelf for a Tony) and Faith Prince. The music was completely character and situation appropriate. No, there weren’t any bombastic power ballads. These characters are simple, salt of the earth, and their music reflected this. In fact, the music and book were so fully integrated that you almost didn’t notice when someone began to sing or when a song ended. Many reviews complained that there weren’t any “real” songs, just lots of recitative type snippets. I disagree. Maybe from my background in opera I’ve developed an ear more attuned to subtleties of melody, but there were definitely “real” songs in the score and actually very little that could be classified as recitative.

I can't say enough about the quality of the acting. The naturalistic approach to the material only emphasized the world-weariness of the characters and the joyless repetition that examplifies their mundane lives. The audience seemed completely riveted to the stage. The ninety-minute, intermissionless show seemed to fly by. On a side note, Prince's pushy, strong-willed mother hit a bit close to home for Trish and I. I can't believe this is the same woman I saw play Adelaide in the Broadway revival of Guys and Dolls. When did we get so old?

I'm a fat idiot

"Why are there only two people standing outside the theatre?" Trish asked me as we approached the Walter Kerr at about a quarter to eight, on our way to see A Catered Affair last night. I knew the reviews weren't so hot, but the show opened less than a week ago. I quickly pulled out the tickets. The show started at 7:00 PM. Oops. Being an avid opera-goer I should know better, considering operas rarely start at 8:00 PM to avoid those after midnight run times. Anyway, lesson learned. We'll try again tonight.

On a side note, the weather in NYC is gorgeous today and as I approached the revolving door at the Morg this morning I wanted to walk right past it, strip down to my undies and walk up the street to Central Park to work on my tan. Well, maybe not walk and strip at the same time. Well, maybe not even strip. OK, just walk to Central Park fully clothed for a dirty water hot dog and ice cream. Then I could sit and ogle the masses tanning in the Sheep Meadow. How can there be so many fit people free during the day to lounge around Central Park? Do they all work at gyms at night? Is the phenomenon of muscular masses leading lives of leisure (how's that for alliteration) only a New York City singularity? Anyway, I am happy to announce my return to the gym after a year-long hiatus. Of course, I've continued paying my NYC fat tax (my friend Chris' term for New Yorker's seemingly required membership to a gym) even though I haven't even looked at a free weight in months. Of course, today I'm sore and tired, but I will be a The Biggest Loser come July!

I need show ticks. STAT!

I'm totally going through show withdrawal. I mean, I haven't been in a theatre (movies don't count, fyi: I saw The Ruins last Thursday- gross, but in a good way) in a week! It's embarrassing, but I'm actually becoming one of those show freaks that I used to make fun of.

When I was performing full-time (read happy but starving) I had neither the time nor the economic means to accommodate a lifestyle of weekly theatrical consumption. I take that back. I had plenty of free time (when I wasn't participating in Shakespeare readings, tap class, Alexander technique sessions, Lincoln Center archive study and...oh, who am I kidding, I just went to the gym and watched a lot of TV), but not during that magic 8PM time slot. And who can afford to go to the theater on an actor's salary anyway? Well, now that I'm transitioning into the actor/director category - watch your back Joe Mantello - attending shows feels more like research and less about making fun of people you don't like or grumbling about how much better you would have been in fill-in-the-blank's role. 

Luckily, I'll get my fix Thursday when Trish and I go see the off-Broadway play, Good Boys and True. And yes, I do actually see plays, too. But hopefully I'll get my fix sooner, since I'm planning to try and TKTS A Catered Affair tomorrow night. And I cannot believe I just used TKTS as a verb.

For anyone interested, the production of Oklahoma! that I'm co-directing and choreographing opens in two weeks. I hear you snickering Chris Johnson. I am equally as surprised and confounded that I have suddenly become a choreographer. We shall never again speak of the hours you spent watching me stumble through the hand jive lo those many years ago on tour. Anyway, we've been rehearsing for over a month now and I can't wait for it to just start running already. I know that sounds like an unusually long rehearsal period, but it is community theatre, so we only get to rehearse on the weekends and maybe one other day mid-week.

The community theatre dynamic is quite interesting. Although the same type of political bullsh*t occurs in professional theatre, at least everyone's getting paid to put up with it. Well, I guess in community theatre at least the production team is paid. Well, actually just the choreographer and musical director, but NOT the actual DIRECTOR (at least at this theatre)! The person in charge of the show's artistic vision/concept/staging is not compensated, but the choreographer is? What the f*ck?

Not that the choreographer shouldn't be compensated, but the director's work is at least of equal import. Is it any wonder that community theatre has the reputation it has? Does it make sense to pay the construction workers and contractor of a building project but not the architect? Does it make sense to pay the navigator and the cruise director of a ship but not the captain? It makes absolutely no sense to me. Maybe someone in the community theatre ranks can explain this rationale to me. But that's a totally a rant for a different day. Anyway, despite all that, I'm very proud of this production and the cast of local actors who have dedicated their free time and weekends to sweating it out with me and the other Pinedas.

Birthday fun

My dear blogolytes, I have so much to tell you about. It’s been such a busy couple of days for me. Though not earth shatteringly exciting, I did have a very good birthday. Of course, it was nothing compared to Chris’ legendary rooftop surprise birthday party of several years back that was infamously marked by massive alcohol consumption, male strippers and penis ring toss. If you were there, I know you remember it with fond memories and just a whiff of regret. I won’t name names, but you know who you are Lori Leshner! Anyway, the days of Boogie Nights-type debauchery are over for this old warhorse. Instead, Trish and I had a relaxed dinner at a new midtown place called, Nizza. It’s a very affordable small-plate, tapas type joint where you can split about four or five dishes between a couple of people. Quite yummy. Definitely try the fried ravioli.

Next up was Seth’s Broadway 101 at New World Stages. This was a reprise of last year’s Actors’ Fund Benefit. The premise of the concert is that Seth is a “professor” of the Broadway musical and during the 90-minute “class,” he mixes stand-up, childhood stories, video clips and performances by a cast of Broadway singers, dancers, actors and musicians to demonstrate the numerous jobs that go into getting a show up and running (i.e. vocal arranger, swing, orchestrator). It is, of course, a show queen’s wet dream with more in-jokes and insider “winking” than a page of posts on All That Chat. The highlights: Andrea McArdle singing “Tomorrow”, Lillias White's riff-tastic "Don't Rain on my Parade", Jonathon Groff’s “Morning Glow”, clips of Cher singing “I Feel Pretty” (“…such a pretty meh”) and the whole head voice/chest voice tutorial. I’m sure this show will become a regular season offering, so I definitely recommend catching it the next time around. For all you star fuckers, seen at the 7:00 PM showing were Emily Skinner and Barrett Foa, whose aunt (the mother of one of our opera kids) is desperately trying to pair up with me. Not gonna’ happen Carla! I’m sure he’s a nice boy, but he’s totally Broad-WAY and I’m not. He’s also likely a decade younger than I and I do not date anyone who can’t remember Atari or old school TV, that’s before the “M” was added. Now, a hook-up? - that’s a different story. We’ll talk.

I took a day off from the Morg (that’s insider slang for Morgan Stanley) yesterday for my “fake” birthday since my real birthday was actually on Monday. Trish and I decided to spend the day at the Bronx Zoo. And we literally spent the whole day, seven hours, walking through all the exhibits. I know, sounds extreme. But since one of my degrees is a bachelors in biology, I loves me some scientific shit. Anyway, I highly recommend a visit, especially the gorillas in the Congo exhibit and the bug carousel (see fun pics below).

Me and my praying mantis

Trish and her bug

My new bff

After a power nap, Trish and I headed into the city to meet Dan and Chris at Whym, A new restaurant in midtown. The food was uniformly good and the atmosphere nice without being too fancy. If anything, it’s a bit on the chic-fag side, but very comfortable. Chris, of course, disagreed with my assessment until I pointed out the crystal bejeweled hanging lampshades and tight black-teed waiters. For dessert, we headed to Café Mozart where we had the nastiest (in a good way) selection of desserts - the Mozart dessert sampler and a fruit and pound cake chocolate fondue platter. As usual, any celebration involving me always revolves around gluttonous excess in the food department. So other than some splattered chocolate and an extreme case of heartburn, the evening didn’t stray into “Gays Gone Wild” territory.

Facebook

OK, so I was on my facebook profile just now and realize I have all these High Schools listed under "my networks." I totally look like a pedophile! For those of you with straying thoughts, shame on you. You should know by now I prefer an older, experienced gent. Although now that I myself am older, though not much wiser, and sadly, way more experienced, I may have to reconsider my preferences and pass on these experiences to the next generation. My legacy shall live on!

Happy Birthday to me, ya'll!

Well, it's my thirty-mumble, mumble, mumble-eth birthday today. Since my big three-oh mumble mumble years ago, I’ve not placed any importance on my birthday. It’s really just one more day of the year I can mooch free meals off my friends guilt free. Note to fellow cheap skates: do not use the “darn-I-forgot-to-stop-by-the-ATM-can-you-cover-me-until-next-time” excuse more than once in a row with the same person. They eventually catch on. Tonight, Trish and I will celebrate with the amahzing Seth Rudetsky. No, we’re not great childhood friends. We’re not even passing enemies. Quite frankly, to Seth I’m just another nameless Miss Saigon chorus boy. Trish was able to score TDF tickets to Seth’s Broadway 101 concert tonight. I went last year and it was a blast. Basically, it’s his comedy show with Broadway actors, dancers, singers and orchestra acting as his “back-up” while he gives a “lesson” on how a Broadway show is constructed; a deconstruction of Broadway construction, if you will. My I’m clever. Anyway, more on the show later in the week - right now I must get back to my demanding survival job of answering phones and appearing to look tremendously busy while covertly updating my facebook page hourly.

Wicked................again

Yes, I actually went to see Wicked again yesterday. That's viewing #3. I know, I'm worse than a 12 year old girl, right? Actually, I haven't seen the show since the year it opened and I was lucky enough to catch the healthy Chennie and Idina both times. Yes, they actually did perform together occasionally.

Trish had never seen the show so we decided to try for lottery tickets. On a whim, I went online to see if full-price tickets were available. First try, nothing - completely sold out. Second try two hours later - bingo - center orchestra seats in row G (obviously last minute house seats were released). Having just received my tax return and knowing I'd be getting paid for my Oklahoma! duties fairly soon, I decided to splurge and buy the tickets as a surprise for Trish and as an early birthday present for myself (hint, hint - Monday, April 14 is the big day so don't forget to mail those chocolates and gift cards so they get to me on time!). I met Trish at the theater anyway for our good deed of the day. We signed up for the lottery on behalf of Jeannie, an out of town visitor, to triple her chances of winning. Karma works wonders. Trish's name was called second and our gal from Delaware got her front row ticket. Trish actually signed up for two tickets, so we were able to sell the other one to a shy Japanese gal who accepted the ticket only after her auntie threateningly told her "If you don't use that ticket, I will!" Way to show some balls, auntie.

The show is in remarkably good shape considering it's been running for years, that it was the second show of a two show day and that a standby for a leading role was on (Lisa Brescia in for Stephanie Block's Elphaba). Things got off to a rocky start with Annaleigh Ashford's Glinda, but she found her groove by the Shiz entrance. Let's just say, I don't think she's a "real" soprano. Also, starting out I was concerned that she didn't "get" the comedy either because she kept "winking" at the audience after each punch line with an "aren't I funny?" look. Brescia started out a bit stiff acting-wise, but vocally solid. Thankfully, by "Loathing" she had relaxed into the role. What a clear, laser sharp belt on this gal. I'd be interested to see what she could do with the role were she able to perform it eight times a week. Supporting roles were strong, especially Morrible (although oddly she didn't sing a single note but used a highly effective sprechstimme approach), the Wizard and Nessarose, all of whom surpassed the performances of the originals I've seen.

Random thoughts:

David Burnham's Fiyero is pretty gay. I have nothing wrong with a gay dude playing straight, but butch it up, Mary. And his dancing in his opening scene - yikes. He did sound pretty amazing in the Elphaba duet, though.

Why does the Ozdust ballroom scene look like an 80's prom? Especially Galinda's pink frock. Also, I forgot how emotional the end of the scene is when Galinda swallows her pride and dances with Elphaba. I got a bit verklempt.

I still don't get the humpty-dumpty characters in Wiz-omania. I mean, I get that it's a show within the show, but the scene really doesn't do anything to advance the plot. And they look stupid. So there.

The levitation scene lost a bit of it's punch. The first two times I saw it, I was a weeping mess. This time, not so much. I think it's because Brescia didn't do the spoken, "It's not her you want, it's meeeeeeeee (slide into singing without a breath) So if you care to find me...." Ooh, I get boner just thinking about it.

Is it just me, or does the end of "No Good Deed" look like a Stevie Nicks' video with that wind machine and lighting going on?

The guy sitting next to Trish was audibly sobbing during several moments, most notably during the first act finale during Elphaba's cherry picker flight. When the lights came on at intermission, the crying dude turned to his girlfriend and the couple next to them and said something to the effect of, "I'm a (banker? or some other boring trade), but now I have a new dream," while gesturing to the stage. Ding, ding, ding - warning. Girlfriend better cancel the wedding shower and start preparing for his coming out party.

High school kids never change. There was a group there that couldn't stop "ooh-ing" during the kissing scenes.

The straight-tone-to-vibrato thing was out of control in the choral singing. It made the ensemble sound synthesized.

A group of four arrived 20 MINUTES LATE. Of course, they were also in the fifth row of the orchestra. Also, two gals, dead center orchestra decided to take a pee break an hour into the act. I can understand one having an emergency, but two? Did her friend have to go along to help wipe? One of these gals also climbed back to her seat 15 minutes after the second act had already begun, causing mumbled cursing from audience members all around.

Bway By the Year 1954

I guess almost anything would pale in comparison to Audra with a full orchestra. Although the cast was pretty spectacular (Cheyenne Jackson, Emily Skinner, Sierra Boggess, Paul Shoeffler, Debbie Gravitte), the horrible amplification ruined what could have been some impressive performances. I guess I just wasn’t blown away by anyone. No one was bad, but no one was particularly outstanding either. The best moments were the dance numbers. Josh Rhodes (assistant choreographer for Drowsy Chaperone) needs to be given his own friggin’ show. His numbers (“Hernando’s Hideaway” and “Won’t You Charleston with Me?”) make Stroman’s recent Broadway work look like a fourth grade dance recital. Props too for Noah Racey’s newly choreographed “Steam Heat” and Kendrick Jones’ crazy tap in “Slide, Boy, Slide.” Maybe we’ll start seeing some interesting, new choreography on Broadway and not the same tired old gimmicks from the “regulars.” And to continue my bitchy queen rant, what was up with Harvey Evans and those two Broadway vets doing “Never Grow Up”? What a train wreck. I know I’m being harsh, considering that all three are in their seventies and were gamely singing and dancing, but yikes. And yes, they were cute and I guess you can forgive them for not being as well prepared (God knows if my brain will even be functioning when I’m 70), but it was a tad uncomfortable to see them continually going up on lyrics and not quite knowing their blocking. It was like clapping for a four year old during potty training. The result stinks, but you applaud the effort. I know, you shouldn't make fun of old people. Don't worry, karma has already paid me back by delivering me a nice thick muffin top around my middle. Oh, to have that 32 year old body (page down on link) back again!

As for the rest, Sierra obviously has some awesome legit chops, but she seemed to be “dumbing down” her singing so she wouldn’t seem too operatic. Her belt is also impressive, but she needs to smooth out that belt/head voice transition. Emily was solid if not spectacular. I do love her voice, but for me, she still hasn’t topped her rendition of “Sleepy Man” from the duets concert last year. And would someone please take her clothes shopping?! She needs to return that over-sized blouse and tight pants/leggings look to the 80's mall she stole them from. Maybe Alice can submit her to “What Not to Wear.” Natalie Belcon didn’t quite do it for me. I think it was the mic-ing, though. Her voice seemed powerful and sassy, but I didn’t hear her pronounce any consonants. It was one big, loud, mush. And she needs to return that outfit (and hair/extensions) to Patti LaBelle’s closet. And I mean her closet from the 80’s. What's up with the 80's retro anyway? Cheyenne was his dreamy self. Although he had a considerable nasal quality to his voice that I hadn’t noticed before. But if you look like that, who cares?

I guess reading this you’d think I hated the evening, but again, I think I was just a bit let down after Audra’s concert. I’m actually interested in seeing the next two BBTY concerts and really like the idea of hearing performers sing unamplified. You have to pay a little more attention.

I heart Audra!

Her concert at NJPAC Saturday night was truly amazing. I honestly couldn’t stop smiling the entire evening. I was giddy like a 12 year old at a Hannah Montana concert. Two hours of solo material and two encores were just not enough for this Audra-phile. Did I mention that I LOVE Audra? Yes, I’m obsessed. Not in a John Hinckley way, but in more of an Altarholics way. It’s not like I want a lock of her hair or her toenail clippings, but I haven’t missed a NYC performance since her first magnificent (getting tired of the hyperbole? Too bad, it’s gonna’ keep on coming) performance on Broadway in Carousel. That’s actually a lie. I skipped Raisin in the Sun on principle because of the casting of Diddy/P Diddy/Puff Daddy/Puffy/Sean Combs -whatever the hell he goes by now - in the leading role. Really, how many name changes can one go through before coming off as just plain silly? Can you say identity crisis? And if you’re going to change your name, why would you choose “Puffy”? Anyway, witnessing the perfection that is Audra - did I mention that I LOVE Audra? - didn’t come without its trials. Trish and I risked life and limb to venture into downtown Newark, which resembles those old black and white pictures of seedy 42nd Street from the 70’s with all the prostitutes and crack heads. “If you got rid of those homeless people, these building would be so pretty,” was Trish’s reaction to our downtown excursion as I checked to make sure the car doors were locked.

The reason I’m obsessed with Audra is that she is such an incredible actress whose acting never interferes with the quality of her singing. She never “sacrifices” her sound for the performance, yet still manages to act circles around most other actresses and singers. She can make you cry with her performance, but if you closed your eyes, you would swear you’re listening to a studio recording. It’s not that I mind when a singer compromises some vocal quality for the sake of truthful performance, it just seems like Audra doesn’t need to. And in my lifetime of theater-going, there are scant few who have this ability (maybe Carolee Carmelo? I’m obsessed with her, too, by the way, but I’ll gush over her the next time I see her perform - if you wanna’ be blown away, see her on Youtube singing “Do You See What I See” but listen all the way through). Anyway, if you’ve never seen Audra perform or listened to a recording, go to Amazon.com and order any one of her CD’s and I’m sure you’ll be brainwashed into the Audra-cult. Don’t fight it, give in! Did I mention that I LOVE Audra? And if possessing a flawless voice and impeccable acting chops were not enough, she’s also gorgeous. I think she’s my straight crush.

As far as Saturday’s concert, she performed songs from Broadway musicals and movie musicals with a full orchestra. Although she didn’t stray far from the classics - R&H, Lerner & Loewe, Harold Arlen, Sondheim and Styne - she did veer into the realms of contemporary Broadway with selections by Jason Robert Brown, Adam Guettel, Michael John LaChuisa and some contemporary jazz arrangements of classics (“Edelweiss”, “Over the Rainbow”). Her audience banter between songs was casual and relaxed, mainly personal stories of her career and family life, although she did seem to be pulling some of the anecdotes out of her ass. But this only added to a more intimate feeling in the cavernous 2,500 seat PAC. Next up, Broadway Musicals of 1954 at Town Hall with my other semi-obsession, Sierra Boggess aka "The Little Mermaid".

Playing catch-up

Signing on to my blog this morning I realized I hadn't even mentioned last weekend's rehearsals or the benefit concert we put up for First United Methodist Church in Scotch Plains, NJ. I guess I got so caught up in my cupcakes and ranting against Jay Leno that I plain forgot. Though the cupcakes are long gone, I still hate Leno. No, I take that back. I don’t hate Leno - this is America for f*cksake and if you want to base your shtick on stale Brokeback jokes and homophobia - go for it. It’s a free country. What I hate is that an average talent is rewarded with big bucks and national recognition for not being very funny and for giving poor to mediocre interviews. Bitter, party of one? - right here, biyatches! And I want a window table, not the nasty one by the toilets you usually sit me at.

OK - breathe in, breathe out, think lovely thoughts. I’m fine now. Anyway, now that that is finally out of my system (doubtful), let’s move on. The benefit concert was "uneven," to put it mildly. We did raise $1300 for the church. So I guess it was at least a financial success since it definitely wasn't an artistic one. Though it didn't suck as badly as last year's Holiday concert, which could only have been made worse had we performed only in bikini briefs and covered in feces. No, wait. That might actually have been an improvement. Anyway, last weekend’s benefit concert was sort of a surprise to Trish and I since we had only found out about it the week before, after it was announced at the Easter Mass we were hired to sing at. Trish and I were under the impression that it was a "Juan and Val concert” and that we were added guests to help fill out the evening. Wrong. We were in fact given equal billing, which would have been great if this was Broadway and we had a nice four week rehearsal period and previews. Unfortunately, this was a church “cafetorium” in Jersey and we had about five hours of rehearsals and no previews. We basically rehashed old material and made up cheesy dialogue on the spot. Thinking I’d only be singing one song and a duet with Trish (I ended up singing those songs plus my Wizard of Oz medley, four ensemble numbers, a duet with Juan and accompanying most songs on piano) I foolishly decided I could brush up on my lyrics the day before. Let’s just say I took some artistic license and made some “in the moment” creative “cuts” to some of my songs without alerting the accompanist. I like to keep things fresh and spontaneous.

We’ll thankfully get a chance to redeem ourselves in two weeks when we present basically the same material, with the addition of songs by the opera company’s Young Artists, as a 50/50 benefit for LOC and All Saints Church in Scotch Plains. Keep your fingers crossed.

Rehearsals for Oklahoma! are progressing in fits and starts. It’s difficult because I think I’ve staged/choreographed a pretty great (pat myself on the back) “Kansas City” production number. Unfortunately, this makes it imperative that I top it with each progressive production number. But I’m so tired and drained that it’s difficult to continually be creative and energetic. Already I’m not too happy with “Many A New Day” and I’m getting very discouraged with the “Dream Ballet.” I’m trying to refuel my creative juices by watching a lot of dance videos and Youtube. I’m optimistic, but need some sleep. I can’t believe this week has already whizzed by.

Jay Leno's an Asshole....

Which I would happily excuse were he the least bit funny. I read about the controversy over last week's Ryan Phillippe/Jay Leno interview but hadn't had the energy to go watch it on Youtube. So I finally tried to look up the clip this morning and surprise, surprise! - "This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by a third party" according to Youtube. NBC swept that piece of dog sh*t under the carpet pretty damn quick. I did, however, check out the website My Gayest Look, playwright Jeff Whitty's (book writer and Tony Award winner for Avenue Q) cheeky reaction to the incident. The interview is described on the site:

...Leno welcomed...actor Ryan Phillippe, who, early in his career, played a gay character on the daily soap One Life to Live. During the interview, Leno hounded Phillippe, telling him to look into the camera, pretend it was his "gay lover…Billy Bob," who "has just ridden in shirtless from Wyoming" (still milking the Brokeback jokes), and give it his "gayest look."

Phillippe apparently was not amused and threatened to leave the interview. You're my new hero Ryan. My homegirl Kathy Griffin also recounts a horrible Leno interview experience on her pee-in-your-pants-funny reality show, My Life on the D-List. All these stories only re-enforce my opinion that Leno is pretty much an egomaniacal prick. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for racist humour (check out the blog Stuff Asian People Like) IF IT'S FUNNY! Whitty's site asks viewers to send in pictures of their "gayest looks" for Leno - all featuring some form of an extended middle finger. I urge you all to support this site by checking out the HI-larious pics (see two of my favorites below) and writing a letter to NBC if so inclined.

You should know by now not to get the queens angry, Jay! And yes, I can call them "queens" for the same reason blacks can use the n-word. Incidentally, Leno has since made a public statement apologizing for his behavior.