Raul Esparza and Norbert Leo Butz sing Last 5 Years - Together

It's like a dream.

Somebody put them in a musical together stat!

Hi: I saw Adam Pascal in RENT

March 19, 2009 at 7:30pm mountain standard time a dream finally came true. Yes, Natalie finally saw Adam Pascal in RENT. You see, for I, unsuccessfully tried to see him October 2007 but yet, he was out the matinee I went.

Adam has been this figure high in the air whom I fell for his voice and my 14 year old self loved. That sentence made no sense and I apologize but the thing is, this was an epic night. And I'm so glad I was able to share it with ... my mom and brother. Yes that's right. Anyway, it was so odd and wonderful to see RENT again, especially at my beloved Gammage. I know in a previous post I wrote about my history with this show but to see it again (esp. after the magical last on Broadway), it never fails to bring a tear to my eyes. I think it's because it means so much to me that to finally see Adam in this role, I just couldn't believe it. It was happening in the place where it all started.

The show itself is always full of life - especially since many of my favorites were in this cast. Caren Lyn Manuel, or now she is Caren Tackett (so much love), Justin Johnson as Angel and Anthony Rapp back as Mark. I closed my eyes when Adam sang One Song Glory and it was exactly how I imagined the song to be sung. Or should I say, how perfectly the song can be sung. Pure beauty.

The only negative thing about this cast is the Maureen. I was crossing my fingers for an understudy because, I'm sorry Nicolette Hart, I'm just not a fan. I also wish I could have seen Benny alums Karmine Alers or Joshua Kobak go on as something. And major props to Andy Senor for being, Andy Senor.

Overall I'm so happy to have finally seen Adam. 9 years later and I'm still so grateful for this show.

American Idot put on stage

Green Day's concept album "American Idiot" will be represented on the stage with Michael Mayer as director.

Berkeley Repertory Theatre in California confirmed on March 30 that a new Michael Mayer-directed stage musical based on rock band Green Day's "American Idiot" album will premiere there this fall. American Idiot will run Sept. 4- Oct. 11, opening Berkeley Rep’s 2009-10 season in the Roda Theatre. A limited number of seats go on sale March 30 at berkeleyrep.org.

This is intriguing to me because although I haven't heard the whole album but just the singles. But from what I heard their songs sound a lot like songs that are currently to what Spring Awakening and In The Heights are doing in their shows. Creating songs that can be heard on the radio or blasting from a car. So this is an exciting venture for both Green Day and Michael Mayer. I hope this opens up people's eyes to see that theatre is another great way of expressing yourself. And on the flip side this may get a lot of theatre people interested in Green Day. So I think it's a win-win situation.

Now how should they go about casting John Gallagher Jr. -- just kidding.

Hair revival set for spring release!!

I can't get the music, feeling, love out of my mind. I am so excited to hear that the revival of Hair will be recorded for all to hear on Ghostlight Records.

Much love to the entire cast and crew when it opens on Broadway tomorrow!

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/127845.html

Hair

I saw the first matinee of the current Broadway run of the musical HAIR on March 7. Going in, knowing the story and some music, I was thoroughly excited to see my first production of the 1960s musical.

When you first walk in the mood is automatically created. It wasn't just another, walk into theatre, sit down and wait for the show to start. There was a buzz in the air, with the curtain hung up on the stage in this beautiful purplish array of colors, and with handprint lights on the walls of the theatre - it was really unique and different. It really felt like we were already introduced and absorbed into their story before the show even began. Oh, and a member of the hippie tribe does some unusual yoga/streching before the show in front of the audience - another great way to begin the performance.

The show itself was fantastic - this being my first time - I didn't realize the whole cast (tribe) was on stage for almost every song. It really felt like they were this big (dysfunctional) family, who cared about each other. Berger, played by Prince himself, Will Swenson. I say Prince because I saw him mulitple times in We Will Rock You Las Vegas. He completely engages the audience from the get go and despite one technical program with a mic during his song "Going Down" (had to use a mic instead of his head set but handled it like a pro), he was amazing. I hear talk of a possible Tony nom. Good for him, well deserved.

Oh Gavin Creel, how I have come to adore you since watching you in Thoroughly Modern Millie in a grainy bootleg VHS. I was so excited to see him and I can say without a doubt, he was fabulous. Gavin has this voice - yes a voice - that is so powerful and so full of life and emotion that captues his audience. As Claude, I really felt how he could feel so conflicted about burning his draft card, about his relationship with his parents - so when it comes to the end of the play - it's so heartbreaking (more on that in a minute).

Sheila, played by Cassie Levy, was adorable - given the role is a little underwritten - does the best she can. She has a great number, "Easy To be Hard", and she rips through it like a force.

Jeanie, played by Kacie Sheik, was an ensemble member who completely stood out - maybe it's her incredible hair (yes, I am jealous). The pregnant character, who is in love with Claude, is the totally encompassment of the hippie tribe. So much love to Miss. Scaramouche.

The final scene, where the cast sings "Flesh Failures/Let The Sun Shine In" was one of the most profound pieces of imagary that I can recall seeing in the theatre. The entire house was still, but full of emotion as the cast sang the final song and moved its way through the audience, to where the song ended in a fading echo, with Claude left on stage. So incredibly moving.

The bows included a reprise of "Let The Sun Shine In", where the tribe invited audience members to come on stage and dance with them. Now - if I hadn't been a poor college student, who purchased the cheapest tickets in the last row - I would have been up there with them. But you know - there's always next time. And I attend to see it, again and again and again.'

**
I also want to mention how cool their marketing and advertising has been. Their signs are bright and vibrant and completely welcoming. Also, on their website, instead of regular bios, they have "tribe videos" which are really really cool (in my book). Also, they have a Twitter and several other social programs. Totally cool.