I'm.....back?

I've been MIA for awhile but believe me five years flies by!

I'm not sure if I want to really start this thing back up again but wanted to check out some of my old posts. I miss seeing live theatre, at a more constant rate than I currently do right now. Not to say I don't see many shows because I do travel back to NYC at least once a year and I see the traveling productions that come through town. But it's never enough. And since I know I won't be moving back to NYC, I live vicariously through Twitter, YouTube, and every theatre website ever.

I was particularly moved by the video posted from last night's performance of Hamilton, celebrating the 40th anniversary of A Chorus Line.



I'll catch you in a few months when I travel to NYC with my fiancé to see Hamilton at the Richard Rodgers...where it feels like home.

Until then...

Desert Life

I am acknowledging my severe lack of updates.

Yes, I have been away. Graduating, saying bye to the east coast, and moving back to the land of the desert has given me plentiful moments to reflect on the past couple of years. What I have learned from my time at school and living in NYC can never be measured. What I do know is how grateful I am for those experiences. I guess before I headed out east, when I was younger, I thought I would be moving to NYC, ready to unpack my bags (once again), and just try. But things change, and ideas change, priorities change.

Which leads me to where I am at the moment. I knew coming back to Arizona would be two things; both equally different. Exciting and terrifying.

My essay that I wrote more than three years ago to get into Hartt is why I am back in Phoenix. I always stated that I wanted to learn all that I could, gain that experience, and move home to showcase my knowledge. And I plan to do just that. The arts matter to me. I have been lucky to have been immersed in this field and I see the affect it has on people, on the community. I am ready to begin my career in the desert. So I'm starting with my first local internship, Arizona Commission on the Arts. And I'm learning.

AMERICAN IDIOT at Berkeley Rep

There's several ways I could open this entry on Berkeley Rep's American Idiot but I'm having a hard time choosing. So let's try it this way: Tony Vincent wore glitter eyeshadow, Matt Caplan flew through the air and John Gallagher Jr. wore a plaid shirt. I say: home run. On a less campy note, Green Day's rock opera, which opened in September and has been extended until November 15th, is an extraordinary piece of theatre.

Following a group of friends, Johnny (Gallagher), Tunny (Caplan) and Will (Michael Esper), the young boys of American want to leave Jingletown for an adventure, away from their listlessly mundane lives. Johnny and Tunny leave without Will, whose girlfriend has found out she's expecting, and proceed to go out on their "Holiday". Tunny is persuaded to join the army after viewing a visually stunning advertisement ("Favorite Son"), while Johnny meets his savior in drugs, St. Jimmy (Tony Vincent). When he meets Whatshername (at this performance it was Morgan Weed), he dives deeper into the the realm of drugs. While St. Jimmy provides this newest escape for Johnny and Whatshername, Tunny is sent off to war, injured and meets his "extraordinary girl". This song, provides one of the most exciting staging of the play, both Caplan and Christina Sajous, are suspended in the air, maneuvering high above the Roda Theatre while singing the song. After a coming of senses, and a homecoming of sorts, the three boys of Jingletown come back from their extraordinary adventure.

Almost completely a sing-through style of musical, American Idiot, proves that the rock opera is not dead. The 90 minute show, without an intermission, with direction by Spring Awakening director Michael Mayer, was 90 minutes of captivating direction, choreography, musical direction and arrangement, and a thrilling set design.

Taking in my surrounding of Berkeley Rep, I was in awe of how beautiful their facility was. With an annual budget of 11 million (according to TCG), they utilize and take great pride in their property. The courtyard off to the side of the theatre provided a great gathering place for patrons to enjoy a pre-show drink (with heated tables) and a post-show conversation ground with fellow audience members and the cast.

Now let's talk audience: two different types at Friday's evening performance. The older, who seemed to be subscribers, were seen either bobbing their heads along or showing extreme quizzical expressions as to what was happening on stage. While, the music is over powering some times, it can be hard to hear the lyrics, I was surprised by how many of the older audience members seemed to be enjoying the performance. Now, the younger crowd seemed to be there in support of Green Day (many wore the band's t-shirt) and the cast. The responses from this generation were extremely vocal throughout the performance, some even raising their arms in the air in favor of what they were seeing on stage.

So what's next. With Berkeley Rep extending the run twice, where is life after California? Will this show have an audience on Broadway. I think most definitely yes but what is most important is will this show have a theatre to call it home. With the onslaught of new shows opening this fall, will there be a theatre open in the spring and will that theatre want American Idiot to occupy it?

If this cast transfers, along with every ounce of this production, it should settle in nicely on the east coast. With reminiscence of Hair, Spring Awakening and Rent, American Idiot has the opportunity to become the latest Broadway smash.

Tony Vincent and me post-show. So good to see him on stage again!

Run This Tour

While in my Entertainment Law class, I stumbled on Facebook (what, like you've never done that before?) and found the latest into the Usnavi YouTube video series. And oh boy, ladies and gentlemen is a hot one.



I think we all know my excitement for this tour and to see the new cast along with Lin, Robin and Karen passing the torch to the new community - hot hot. No other words. Watch.

ROOMS - cast recording release party

This is me excited.

Finally, the Off-Broadway show that I fell for last spring will have its cast recording released! The question is when will it be released. As for now, it's still TBA but there will be a listening party next week. Makes me wish I was still in the city to attend. Anyway, here the details for anyone who wants to attend.

Join us at:
Sweet Caroline's
322 West 45th Street
(between 8th and 9th Ave)
New York, NY 10036

Wednesday, Oct 14th, 2009 at 8:30 pm

Go to http://www.nymf.org/Show-1240.html to purchase tickets

$15.00 + one drink minimum

This special event is presented by the New York Musical Theatre Festival and Van Hill Entertainment.
Cast album coming soon on Time Life Records.

ps - I really dig the album art.

source: my email

AFTERMATH at New York Theatre Workshop

Now playing at New York Theatre Workshop is the docu-drama Aftermath, which tells the story of Iraqi refugees who have relocated to Jordan after they experience the American occupation in their homeland. With each character taking turns to tell their story, the audience is is taken through a journey to which we try to comprehend what we are hearing.

It's one thing to hear media reports on the progress of the war in Iraq, which began in 2003 but to then hear the actual stories of real individuals, is another thing. Playwrights Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen, traveled to Jordan and interviewed over 30 individuals. These interviews all seemed to have a similar story. They all love their country and are proud to be an Iraqi but with the tragedies that surrounded them, in one way or another, they were forced to leave, and in some cases flee, to take refuge outside Iraq.

A dermatologist, an imam, a pharmacist, a painter, a theatre director, a mother and her newborn, and a wife and husband tell their individual stories about how the American occupation changed their lives. With the translator, Shahid, some of these stories are so heartbreaking and seemingly unreal, it's hard not to want to tune out and look away. But you can't. With minimal staging and the set only occupied by six chairs and several benches, these actors are speaking directly to the audience. We are the ones they want to hear their stories.

With the outstanding actors speaking directly to us, it was no wonder that at several moments throughout the play, not a sound could be heard from the audience. Every word spoken throughout this play was taken in by the ears of the audience who leaned forward in their seats as if that could help try to comprehend these traumatic stories.

Towards the end, Fadilah, the painter and wife of the theatre director says, "Truth is always threatened." What New York Theatre Workshop and the playwrights presented with Aftermath, is a tale unwarrantably true. At the post performance discussion, a public program presented by NYTW, patrons stayed to discuss their feelings on what they just saw. Several wanted to know how they can do more to help the refugees. Moderator Mark Crispin Miller, suggested donating to the IRC and getting as many people as possible to see this play. To be aware, word of mouth. I once again, was one of the youngest people in the audience and I hope my generation isn't lost to this. Awareness of the global community is poignant when striving for what is best for each other. So with this, I urge anyone reading this, you, you and you, to head down to New York Theatre Workshop, to see this play. If you're a student and price is a factor, be aware that for $20 you can get a ticket. Aftermath plays until October 18th.


For more information go to NYTW's website at http://www.nytw.org
To read another review go to http://theater2.nytimes.com/2009/09/16/theater/reviews/16after.html?scp=2&sq=aftermath&st=cse

The Orphans' Home Cycle Part 2: The Story of a Marriage

Horace finally gets some love!

I was able to see Part 2 of Hartford Stage's World Premiere Theatrical Event The Orphan's Home Cycle last week with my friend Jared Weber. After the development of Horace's life in Part 1, I was more than ready to see Horace Robedaux, the central character who we see grow from a young boy into an adult, have something go his way. Part 2, The Story of a Marriage, shows Horace forming an attachment with a widowed mother of two but as Horace's luck would have it, his love is not reciprocated.

Then he meets Elizabeth. And finally, something goes his way. Sort of. Her father disapproves of the match but the young couple move out on their own. The struggle for Horace is not only to find approval from Elizabeth's dad but to be able to show support for his young bride and their child-to-be. Act 3 brings a pivotal scene in which Horace tells Elizabeth how he has always felt like an orphan his whole life and finally, with her, he finally feels a part of a family. Bill Heck, portrays Horace with an urgency to portray this brokenhearted character but with an ease that is so overwhelming, you can't help but only hope for the best.

What I love most about this production, beside the story and acting, is the music that walks hand in hand with the play. Each act opens with the glorious original music by John Gromada, that creates a real environment, as if we stepped right off the train into the heart of these characters.

Here's an excerpt I found online of a music session from the play. Enjoy.


I look forward to see the last Part of this event. Oh Horace, I only wish you the best.

In The Heights tour - Wepa!

The carnaval is moving out of the barrio.

The cast of the IN THE HEIGHTS tour was announced this week, with some familiar names along with many new faces. Kyle Beltran will play Usnavi, the narrator of the Washington Heights musical. Along with him will be Daniel Bolero (Kevin), Rogelio Douglas Jr. (Benny), Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer (Vanessa), Arielle Jacobs (Nina), Jose-Luis Lopez (Graffiti Pete), Genny Lis Padilla (Carla), Isabel Santiago (Daniela), Elise Santora (Abuela Claudia), Shaun Taylor-Corbett (Sonny) and Natalie Toro (Camila).

The tour will start October 27th at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and will tour the nation for the next year. This includes a stop at my beloved Gammage Auditorium in June 2010. Let me be the first to say welcome to Tempe ITH and how I hope audiences in my hometown will embrace this show as much as I have my family has over the past year and a half. Also: how snazzy is the ammage website looking lately? Nice. (http://www.asugammage.com/shows/2009-10-broadway-season/in-the-heights)

I'm really enjoying how interactive they are making this tour, in terms of their website. They have a map of the U.S. with the tour stops listed and when the tour starts, fans can upload their photos to the map at the appropriate stop, to create a mega fan gallery.

Did I mention how I excited I am for this tour and how I can not wait for it to become even more loved and embraced across the nation.

http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/map.html

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/133239-Beltran_Is_Usnavi_in_Heights_Tour_Toro_Jacobs_Santora_and_More_Announced

Showtime & Spielberg team up for a Scripted Broadway series

The cable network Showtime and Hollywood director and producer Steven Spielberg are teaming up to create a scripted series that will follow the life of a Broadway show. It will start in the infancy phases all the way through its opening night. Well known composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, known for their Broadway hit Hairspray are in negotiations to work on the project. According to the article on Variety.com, Spielberg has been developing this series for years and finds that Showtime would be the ideal fit for the show, considering one of the executive directors, Robert Greenblatt, was a recent producer of the Broadway musical 9 to 5.

The show will include every aspect of developing a new show on Broadway, which includes following the actors’ lives who are in the show as well as recruiting investors and creating the songs. The creative team hopes for several seasons of this untitled project to air but this causes some concern because it can be deemed as overambitious. But with the recent success of the Fox network’s show Glee, I don’t believe it should have any trouble gaining viewers. With Glee currently ruling Wednesday nights, I think people are hungry for more scripted performance based shows, especially if they include humor and have some heart.

My hope is that this show will include realistic depictions of the hard work that goes into mounting a Broadway show which are truthful to its audience. Hopefully this will be the case and with that the audience will learn that Broadway is more than just the performance they see on a Saturday evening.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118008994.html?categoryid=14&cs=1

I'm sorry, what?

Normally, I would gloss over any news about another stage adaption of a popular movie but this one caught my eye - not because of what movie it is but because who is involved.

I remember having a good time when I saw the movie "Bring It On" back in 2000 when I was a freshman in high school, almost ten years later, it is being turned into a musical with a lot of big names attached.

My nerdy Latin love (did you guys see him on House??) Lin-Manuel Miranda will be writing the score with Tom Kitt (Broadway's other 'it' boy), with lyrics by "High Fidelity"'s Amanda Green. My favorite curly haired In The Heights orchestrator Alex Lacamoire will serve as music supervisor and arranger. Oh, and also to perfect the Heights trifecta, Andy Blankenbuehler will direct and choreograph.

The press release states :

In a statement Blankenbuehler said, "The explosive world of cheerleading heightens so naturally to the stage. I can't imagine a more perfect team to bring this musical to life on stage. Jeff Whitty has come up with an enticing original story, and Lin-Manuel Miranda and Tom Kitt, two of Broadway's most talented composers, are joining their amazing creative forces to write the score. With Amanda Green collaborating on lyrics and musical supervision by Alex Lacamoire, this team is a director and choreographer's dream."

The explosive world of cheerleading? I'm sorry, I guess I was too busy sitting on the bleachers to care too much about the explosive world of cheerleading. But I digress, this movie is a huge fixture in pop culture (but not as big as "Mean Girls" - oh hey, there's an idea for a musical I'd be willing to see! Can you imagine a fierce, oh sorry I mean, fetch solo by Gretchen Wieners about how she can't wear the silver hoops she received from her parents?? Pure art!) Anyway, what is the need for this musical in the theatre world? What need do we as theatre lovers, audience members have for this type of show? Surely there will be some who think this could be exciting to see a version of the movie on stage ("Legally Blonde", anyone?), but why? What is the need? What is the creative need to bring "Bring It On: The Musical" to life when there are certainly more important stories to be told? Or are cheerleaders getting the short end of the spirit stick in this debate.

Also according to the press release, this will not immediately, or at all come to Broadway but will first be a regional production and then tour.

Now excuse me, while I sip on my glass of Haterade.

source: http://www.playbill.com/news/article/132992-Blankenbuehler_Whitty_Miranda_Kitt_Green_and_Lacamoire_Creating_Bring_It_On_The_Musical

Welcome Home Orphan Child!

I had the great pleasure of seeing the first part of the world premiere theatrical event of Horton Foote's THE ORPHAN'S HOME CYCLE at Hartford Stage.

Part 1 titled "The Story of a Childhood introduces us to Horace, a young boy who's father has just passed and his mother and younger sister move to Houston without him. Within Part 1, there are three acts, each with its own story to tell (each act lasts around an hour) while following the story of Horace.

Horace, throughout his life, has been neglected by his own family and struggles to make amends with the family he so desperately wants to be a part of. While this play in its first part was almost three hours long, I never strayed away from the material but with enthusiasm as I couldn't wait to see what happened next. As Part 1 concluded I couldn't help but wish I was at the marathon showing (where they perform all 3 parts - all 9 acts!). The pacing is really well done, as is the costumes and the use of the set (fascinating revolving panels that hide and then exchange young to older Horace in the beginning of the play).

The last two Parts will be presented at Hartford Stage in the coming weeks and after that, it will make it's way to Signature Theatre in NYC this November. I for one, can't wait to see the rest of the cycle - a big thanks to Jared Weber for letting me tag along.

For more information:
http://www.hartfordstage.org/ohc

Finally! Casting announced on American Idiot

Tony Award-winning actor John Gallagher, Jr., will reunite with his Tony-winning director from Spring Awakening to star in Berkeley Repertory Theatre's world premiere of American Idiot, the musical drawn from the Grammy Award-winning neo-punk album by Green Day.

Casting for the project, co-conceived by Mayer and Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, was announced by Berkeley Rep in California, where the show will start previews Sept. 4 for a run to Oct. 11.

Gallagher (who won a Best Featured Actor Tony for his work as Moritz in Spring Awakening) will play Johnny, leading an ensemble of 19 young performers that also features Matt Caplan as Tunny, Michael Esper as Will, and Tony Vincent as St. Jimmy with Mary Faber as Heather, Rebecca Naomi Jones as Whatsername, and Christina Sajous as Extraordinary Girl.

Why yes - I will be attending. I wouldn't miss this for the whole. Some of my favorite performers in the same show, I'm hoping for the best.

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/131618-Gallagher_Faber_Caplan_Esper_Vincent_and_More_Will_Bring_American_Idiot_to_Life

My parents came to town...

And we saw two shows WEST SIDE STORY and THE FANTASTICKS. WSS, oh WSS, I really wanted to like you. I tried but it ended up not being mutually. Unfortunately, my parents felt the same way and noticed how lacking it felt. Although, my dad did enjoy the Spanish translations, and when I told him Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote them he said, "He did a nice job." Which in my dad way of speaking meant "grand slam".

We decided to see THE FANTASTICKS on a whim and due to a great discount from Playbill.com, we secured 3rd row center seats for our Sunday evening performance. I had never seen a production of this show, so I was absolutely thrilled to finally see it and hear "Try To Remember" in the context of the show.

So if I were to rate it, thumbs up THE FANTASTICS, thumbs down WEST SIDE STORY.

oh, he was my favorite part of the show too. and he's a mute.

Spring Awakening Tour

After the morning madness that was HAIR, my lovely friend Meredith and I headed to Philadelphia where we caught the Friday evening performance of the SPRING AWAKENING tour.

Since saying adios to it back in January, it was very odd to revisit this old friend. This tour is by no means terrible. It had some really really great moments, Jake Epstein went on for the first time as Melchior, and he had some really fantastic choices, especially during the scene where he writes in his diary. I had never heard a Melchior say those lines actually as if they were writing it down. It was very very good.

But unfortunately, it seemed as if this tour has turned into a comedy routine, where the Thea goes for the radical laugh more drastically, the beating scene gets a big lulz, and I could care less about what happens at the end.

So fortunately for me, I have amazing memories of the Broadway productions to occupy my thoughts. Oh also, who ever the musical director was, he was my favorite thing about the night. Just sayin'.

Happy July!

There was nothing more thrilling than waking up at 5am to attend the Good Morning America taping for HAIR. And by all means, it was so so worth it.

Epicness on 46th Street

Everyone's favorite dance Jon Rua graced the Richard Rogers stage this past week twice as the lead Usnavi in IN THE HEIGHTS. I was devastated when I found out he went on Tuesday and did not know about it until Wednesday. Luckily, and I really have no idea how this happened but I was able to do the lotto on Thursday with my friend Meredith and we won! And to my utmost delight, Jon was on again as Usnavi.

It was such a fresh performance of this character in the show. I really have no other way to explain it but the youthfulness of his Usnavi and the small mannerisms between him and Robin de Jesus who plays Sonny, was so great and funny. And all Heights fans know he can dance, so to see him dance in the, how should I put this, Usnavi way, was hilarious. My favorite part of the show was during the "Finale" when he started the line, "Yeah, I'm a street light...". He attacked it like I had never heard anyone do before.

Marcus was on as Benny, and I am delighted to say that I've seen his Collins in RENT multiple times, so I'm a huge fan of his and can say his "Benny's Dispatch" was so fun, so fun. The talent of the ensemble is always so steller and I think that's why I enjoy this show so much. Every time I see it, I see something different that I hadn't caught before. It's definitely a show thats climbing higher and higher on my favorite list. And I'll keep attending.

Fourth Arts Block - FAB

Since beginning my internship at NYTW, I've discovered a nook in NYC's cultural landscape. 4th street between 2nd avenue and Bowery boosts some of the most innovative and fascinating art. The Fourth Arts Blocks, aka FAB, is a non-profit organization that was established to advance the East 4th street cultural district.

Walking down this street you will notice a plethora of arts organizations who make up this vibrant street.

"FAB is working with our members to create a permanent home for the arts and to preserve the unique cultural nature of East 4th Street, which has fostered creative diversity and experimentation for more than 30 years. FAB advocates for the cultural district, its members and our neighborhood; leads centralized projects that benefit our members and provides a model for sustainable development; creates opportunities for cultural expansion; directs marketing and promotion efforts; and supports the development and capacity of our members."

and look how cute their bag is!

The site is keep up to date correlating with events being taken place on 4th street. Check it out!

https://fabnyc.org/index.php

June 20 matinee - Mary Stuart

it's even raining in the theatre...

New York City has been struck with a recent downpour of rain as of late. I think I heard on the news this morning it's been something like 18 out of 22 days we've had rain. Well 8 times a week it rains inside the Broadhurst Theatre where Mary Stuart is performing.

The play centers around two queens, Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland, and Queen Elizabeth of England. Now I'm not the biggest history buff so I was exuberantly thankful for the small historical background in the Playbill and even more in-depth on the play's website.

Deciding to take up a discount offer, the play lasted almost three hours of non stop drama. Both queens Harriet Walter and Janet McTeer were the two driving forces of the storyline pushing and twisting until the very end. Oh yeah and there's lots of rain, which makes for events look even more dramatic. I adored the fact that Janet was in one of my favorite movies Sense & Sensibility, so to see her on stage, was a thrill. Harriet was also, let's say, amazingly fierce.

So, let me tell you about the guy who decided to snore in the second to last row in the mezzanine. It was so loud I thought for sure someone from the house management would approach but thankfully after awhile it stopped. I know the play was rather straightforwarded and lack for better word, dry but all out snoring? Crazy talk!

Also, I loved the direction of the play. The actual spacing of the characters and how it looked from up above was pretty fantastic.

A Very Cool Idea

Nina Rosario, a character of In The Heights, is the first in her family to go to college, across the country no less. With her move to California and the financial strain on her and her parents, she is forced to drop out of Stanford. Even with her scholarship, she still has to take two jobs to pay for the endless things college students need.

With the Graduate To New Heights scholarship, the Broadway musical In The Heights and Clear Channel NY are offering this thrilling scholarship to a deserving student. Not only is the Heights family donating $2500 to the scholarship but they are also offering some very exciting packages, where the money from the highest bid will be included in the scholarship.

Some prizes include dinner with creator and Tony-Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, dance lessons with Luis Salgado and even a walk-on role.

I'm hoping people will open their hearts and wallets and bid on these prizes, so that a deserving individual who is in need of the money can further their educational career.

So cheers to Heights, Lin (and I can't believe I'm saying this but) Clear Channel.

If you have someone in mind to nominate a student, starting August 27, visit any Clear Channel NY website and write in 100 words or less, why this person deserves the award. Cheers!

http://www.graduatetonewheights.com/pages/home.html

A Be-In!

After the Tuesday 7pm performance HAIR will have a "be-in" of sorts to celebrate the release of the new cast recording. The cast will sign the CDs on stage, where audience members from that night's performance will have priority in the line. Others may begin to line up at 7pm.

This sounds like a great idea; totally in keeping with the feeling of HAIR. How odd would it be to have it at something like a Barnes & Noble (who recently hosted the WEST SIDE STORY cast). This is a perfect fit for the adamant fans of the show, many of whom have danced on stage at the end of the show (ahem, me included). Don't think I'll be able to make it though, but have fun to those who are!

http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/HAIR_Celebrates_CD_Release_With_On_Stage_Sign_In_623_20090618