Well, in a fit of theatrical zeal (or something like that) I saw 4 shows this weekend! That's right! 4. "The Forest" by the Classic Stage Company on Friday night, "That Face" by the Manhattan Theatre Club on Saturday afternoon, "Family Week" at the Lucille Lortel Theater on Saturday night, and "Banana Shpeel" by the Cirque du Soleil gang at the Beacon Theatre. And the 4 had quite a wide range of material: Tragedy, Black Comedy, Slapstick, Farce - The only similarity was that they all had 2-word titles.
I think this is the most shows I've ever seen in a weekend, other than my own, and I guess I'm trying to make up for lost time - or at least a large period of time where I didn't see much, or anything. But for now it means I've got some catching up to do, so when I have some more time, I'll write my thoughts.
Till then...
Monday, May 24, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Some Reviews
Well, I promised to say a few words about some of the shows I've seen recently - I'll try to keep it brief. Love, Loss and What I Wore - a Nora/Delia Ephron project was interesting, though I don't believe I was in the target demographic. The style was similar to A.R. Gurney's Love Letters, (am I dating myself?) where the show is more like a (minimally) staged reading with the actors seated and reading from scripts. The revolving cast, like the cast of Love Letters, changed several times throughout the run. And many famous actors took the stage. The night I saw it, towards the end of the run, Melissa Joan Hart was probably the biggest name and Lucy DeVito, the daughter of Danny DeVito and Rhea Pearlman (who was previously in the cast, but not when I saw it) gave a very strong performance.
"Beach Lane" is a new sit-com starring Matthew Broderick, which hopefully you will be seeing on NBC sometime soon. I went to the taping of the Pilot episode and it was pretty funny. Kristen Johnston co-stars and the cast is rounded out by talented newcomers. If you've never been to a TV show taping, it's a lot of fun. You get to see the scenes several times and in-between takes there's a warm-up comedian keeping the audience laughing.
This gentleman, Phil, is actually the same guy I saw several years ago when I went to a taping of "Hope and Faith" - the Kelly Ripa vehicle. He's hilarious! And he does a bit where he speaks any language the audience can name as well as making crank calls to audience members family - priceless!
We had a glimpse of Lorne Michaels as he briefly surveyed the proceedings as well as a ring-side view of Sarah Jessica Parker, who was on hand the entire time giving support to her husband.
All in all, a fun evening and again, I do hope this one makes it. Perhaps one day, then, I'll have a chance to do a guest spot. :)
Last Friday, I went back to New World Stages to see "White's Lies" starring Betty Buckley, Peter Scolari, Christy Carlson Romano, and Tuc Watkins. 4 actors with plenty of stage experience who are mostly famous for their TV roles. And though I really did enjoy it, I think the pacing was a bit off. I think, in part, these actors were cast because the director and writer were probably looking for a fast-paced, sitcom feel. But even though the story was funny, it never achieved that roller-coaster speed it likely would thrive on.
That said, it was great to see Betty Buckley, whose recordings I've enjoyed, (particularly "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" - awesome), on stage. She has quite a formidable stage presence! And Peter Scolari, who's TV work I've enjoyed very much, though he seemed to be suffering from some vocal trouble, was still able to land some very funny lines. And Christy Carlson Romano was an absolute dynamo of energy. A joy to watch! This one probably has a limited run, but it's worth a look if you can get to it. For Romano's performance as well as the "Newhart" reference and the remaining 2 members of the cast, 1 male, 1 female, who play, respectively, all other men and all other women. A cute bit. (Though not nearly as striking or hilarious as in The 39 Steps.)
On Saturday, I found myself at one of the theaters on the new Theater Row (42nd St.) between 9th/10th Aves. for a production of The Master Builder at The Clurman Theater. For an off-off b'way play, not bad. The 3 women were by far stronger than the 3 men, but the story was told. Although I'd read the play, I'd never seen it performed, although I have a vague memory of seeing one scene in a class many moons ago. The actress who played the wife was really interesting to watch - with her facial expressions and body language speaking as loudly and clearly as her text. Plus the actress who played the young girl was very creative in her physical movement.
This company also has a production of a play called "The Glass House" starring Harris Yulin which I will try to see before it closes. However...
Next up: Oliver Parker starring John Larroquette (Night Court) on Thursday and Family Week starring Kathleen Chalfant on Saturday.
I'll keep you posted!
"Beach Lane" is a new sit-com starring Matthew Broderick, which hopefully you will be seeing on NBC sometime soon. I went to the taping of the Pilot episode and it was pretty funny. Kristen Johnston co-stars and the cast is rounded out by talented newcomers. If you've never been to a TV show taping, it's a lot of fun. You get to see the scenes several times and in-between takes there's a warm-up comedian keeping the audience laughing.
This gentleman, Phil, is actually the same guy I saw several years ago when I went to a taping of "Hope and Faith" - the Kelly Ripa vehicle. He's hilarious! And he does a bit where he speaks any language the audience can name as well as making crank calls to audience members family - priceless!
We had a glimpse of Lorne Michaels as he briefly surveyed the proceedings as well as a ring-side view of Sarah Jessica Parker, who was on hand the entire time giving support to her husband.
All in all, a fun evening and again, I do hope this one makes it. Perhaps one day, then, I'll have a chance to do a guest spot. :)
Last Friday, I went back to New World Stages to see "White's Lies" starring Betty Buckley, Peter Scolari, Christy Carlson Romano, and Tuc Watkins. 4 actors with plenty of stage experience who are mostly famous for their TV roles. And though I really did enjoy it, I think the pacing was a bit off. I think, in part, these actors were cast because the director and writer were probably looking for a fast-paced, sitcom feel. But even though the story was funny, it never achieved that roller-coaster speed it likely would thrive on.
That said, it was great to see Betty Buckley, whose recordings I've enjoyed, (particularly "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" - awesome), on stage. She has quite a formidable stage presence! And Peter Scolari, who's TV work I've enjoyed very much, though he seemed to be suffering from some vocal trouble, was still able to land some very funny lines. And Christy Carlson Romano was an absolute dynamo of energy. A joy to watch! This one probably has a limited run, but it's worth a look if you can get to it. For Romano's performance as well as the "Newhart" reference and the remaining 2 members of the cast, 1 male, 1 female, who play, respectively, all other men and all other women. A cute bit. (Though not nearly as striking or hilarious as in The 39 Steps.)
On Saturday, I found myself at one of the theaters on the new Theater Row (42nd St.) between 9th/10th Aves. for a production of The Master Builder at The Clurman Theater. For an off-off b'way play, not bad. The 3 women were by far stronger than the 3 men, but the story was told. Although I'd read the play, I'd never seen it performed, although I have a vague memory of seeing one scene in a class many moons ago. The actress who played the wife was really interesting to watch - with her facial expressions and body language speaking as loudly and clearly as her text. Plus the actress who played the young girl was very creative in her physical movement.
This company also has a production of a play called "The Glass House" starring Harris Yulin which I will try to see before it closes. However...
Next up: Oliver Parker starring John Larroquette (Night Court) on Thursday and Family Week starring Kathleen Chalfant on Saturday.
I'll keep you posted!
You're Invited!
Ok, I mentioned this in my last post, but here's the official announcement! Please note the date change because of the holiday weekend, from May 29th to June 5th.
I'm performing at the next Manhattan Monologue Slam, June 5th @ Bennett Media Studio: 725 Washington Street in the West Village of NYC. 7PM Door - 7:30PM Curtain.
Come cheer me on!
Here's a link for 1/2-price tickets and directions:
http://www.mmslam.com/memberdiscount.shtml
What is The Slam? It's a monologue competition judged by industry members (Agents/CDs/Producers, etc.). Kinda like "American Idol" for actors, (only no one's as mean as Simon). It's a lot of fun!
Hope to see you there!!
PS: Anyone who's in the audience can sign up to do a 30-second monologue in the 2nd half of the show!
I'm performing at the next Manhattan Monologue Slam, June 5th @ Bennett Media Studio: 725 Washington Street in the West Village of NYC. 7PM Door - 7:30PM Curtain.
Come cheer me on!
Here's a link for 1/2-price tickets and directions:
http://www.mmslam.com/memberdiscount.shtml
What is The Slam? It's a monologue competition judged by industry members (Agents/CDs/Producers, etc.). Kinda like "American Idol" for actors, (only no one's as mean as Simon). It's a lot of fun!
Hope to see you there!!
PS: Anyone who's in the audience can sign up to do a 30-second monologue in the 2nd half of the show!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
A New Direction
Hi there!! Well, I've been away from this blog for a while, though I wonder if anyone noticed, (if a tree falls in the forest... you know).
Anyway, last year I started letting some unsuccessful ventures go (including this blog) and at the beginning of the year I completely stopped doing all of the things that were taking time away from my true passion - acting, and have now refocused. I kinda doubt that it could be seen in my previous posts, but my efforts to help others transition to/maintain a raw food lifestyle coupled with my attempts to create alternate revenue streams via online/offline methods (joint ventures/referrals/real estate) only served to exhaust me physically, emotionally and financially. Leaving me in no condition to be competitive in the world of theater. Blah! So much for listening to other people's advice.
So, as I said, I'm getting back in shape. My way. With Yoga and Pilates. Back to auditions. Working on my audition monologues. Back to producing or performing wherever I can. For example: on April 30th I went to an event called The Manhattan Monologue Slam. I'd heard an acting teacher mention it as a good opportunity to get up and perform, so despite a few negative comments from some friends (who said they'd gone and not enjoyed it), I went.
And I had a blast! At first, the atmosphere seemed a little crazy, and I was thinking that maybe the quality might not be up to snuff as my friends had said, but the crowd was very friendly, so the vibe overall was warm and fun. And once the monologues started, everyone was intensely focused, respectful and engaged. And I thought several of the performances were quite good. Obviously this sort of event can really be hit or miss - and perhaps my friends just caught an off-night.
Like "American Idol" there are judges from the industry who rate the performances and give feedback - though none quite so harsh as Simon Cowell - for the first half of the show. This first round is called the "Championship Round" and there were 6 actors who performed monologues that were approximately 3 minutes long. Once they'd all completed their performances, the judges votes were tallied and after a brief intermission, the winner was announced. Then the second half of the show began.
In the second half - anyone in the audience is invited to get up on stage and perform a 30-second monologue. That's right, just 30 seconds. I'd say more than 25 people got up and the range was extremely broad - some good, some really good, some bad, some really, really bad - but even the bad ones were still kinda funny in a way, so the atmosphere was very light and fun. Then the judges picked their 5 favorites and the audience voted for a winner.
And... I won!! And amidst all the congratulations afterwards, and a producer handing me her card - I began to feel a warm sensation of pleasure, satisfaction and joy I hadn't felt in a long time. I was happy!
This means I get a spot in the Championship set next show - May 29th. Pretty exciting. I'll post the details soon. Now I've got my work cut out for me to prep for the show! But that's the kind of work I enjoy - in fact it's one of the two main things that really turn me on!!
Woo hoo!!
And I'm also getting back to seeing as much theater as possible (rather than just going to movies). And that's one of the main reasons I was moved to write here again - that and a little time on my hands. I just had to mention an amazing show that's up right now. An old friend, Alex Lyras, is performing in an Off-Broadway show - and he is hilarious! And the show is both hysterically funny and deeply moving.
It's called "The Common Air" and here's video trailer to give you an idea of what it's about:
The characters are full and rich, the stories are great, and combined with the creative staging and seamless way the pieces fit together - this is truly a masterpiece. Run - don't walk - to see it!
At the risk of shooting my wad here, I also saw "The 39 Steps" last night (which transferred from Broadway to off-B'way) at the New World Stages. I laughed my butt off. Seriously. Check that one out, too.
And I've seen a few other things, including "Love, Loss, And What I Wore" and the taping of the pilot episode of "Beach Lane" a new TV sitcom starring Matthew Broderick. Both of which I enjoyed. And perhaps I'll elaborate on next time. Cuz, damn, this is a long entry already...
Later!
PS: Note to my friends whom I've lost contact with - my apologies, please forgive me and when I call to say hello again, (which I'll probably be doing soon) please don't hang up. Thanks! :)
Anyway, last year I started letting some unsuccessful ventures go (including this blog) and at the beginning of the year I completely stopped doing all of the things that were taking time away from my true passion - acting, and have now refocused. I kinda doubt that it could be seen in my previous posts, but my efforts to help others transition to/maintain a raw food lifestyle coupled with my attempts to create alternate revenue streams via online/offline methods (joint ventures/referrals/real estate) only served to exhaust me physically, emotionally and financially. Leaving me in no condition to be competitive in the world of theater. Blah! So much for listening to other people's advice.
So, as I said, I'm getting back in shape. My way. With Yoga and Pilates. Back to auditions. Working on my audition monologues. Back to producing or performing wherever I can. For example: on April 30th I went to an event called The Manhattan Monologue Slam. I'd heard an acting teacher mention it as a good opportunity to get up and perform, so despite a few negative comments from some friends (who said they'd gone and not enjoyed it), I went.
And I had a blast! At first, the atmosphere seemed a little crazy, and I was thinking that maybe the quality might not be up to snuff as my friends had said, but the crowd was very friendly, so the vibe overall was warm and fun. And once the monologues started, everyone was intensely focused, respectful and engaged. And I thought several of the performances were quite good. Obviously this sort of event can really be hit or miss - and perhaps my friends just caught an off-night.
Like "American Idol" there are judges from the industry who rate the performances and give feedback - though none quite so harsh as Simon Cowell - for the first half of the show. This first round is called the "Championship Round" and there were 6 actors who performed monologues that were approximately 3 minutes long. Once they'd all completed their performances, the judges votes were tallied and after a brief intermission, the winner was announced. Then the second half of the show began.
In the second half - anyone in the audience is invited to get up on stage and perform a 30-second monologue. That's right, just 30 seconds. I'd say more than 25 people got up and the range was extremely broad - some good, some really good, some bad, some really, really bad - but even the bad ones were still kinda funny in a way, so the atmosphere was very light and fun. Then the judges picked their 5 favorites and the audience voted for a winner.
And... I won!! And amidst all the congratulations afterwards, and a producer handing me her card - I began to feel a warm sensation of pleasure, satisfaction and joy I hadn't felt in a long time. I was happy!
This means I get a spot in the Championship set next show - May 29th. Pretty exciting. I'll post the details soon. Now I've got my work cut out for me to prep for the show! But that's the kind of work I enjoy - in fact it's one of the two main things that really turn me on!!
Woo hoo!!
And I'm also getting back to seeing as much theater as possible (rather than just going to movies). And that's one of the main reasons I was moved to write here again - that and a little time on my hands. I just had to mention an amazing show that's up right now. An old friend, Alex Lyras, is performing in an Off-Broadway show - and he is hilarious! And the show is both hysterically funny and deeply moving.
It's called "The Common Air" and here's video trailer to give you an idea of what it's about:
The characters are full and rich, the stories are great, and combined with the creative staging and seamless way the pieces fit together - this is truly a masterpiece. Run - don't walk - to see it!
At the risk of shooting my wad here, I also saw "The 39 Steps" last night (which transferred from Broadway to off-B'way) at the New World Stages. I laughed my butt off. Seriously. Check that one out, too.
And I've seen a few other things, including "Love, Loss, And What I Wore" and the taping of the pilot episode of "Beach Lane" a new TV sitcom starring Matthew Broderick. Both of which I enjoyed. And perhaps I'll elaborate on next time. Cuz, damn, this is a long entry already...
Later!
PS: Note to my friends whom I've lost contact with - my apologies, please forgive me and when I call to say hello again, (which I'll probably be doing soon) please don't hang up. Thanks! :)
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