Tag: PIPPIN

🎼Is This The Real Life? Is This Just Fantasy? 🎶

Happy Holiday Season, Gentle Reader!

Oooooooowwweeeeee!

I hope your Turkey Day was wonderful, if you celebrate. If you are one of amazing Readers outside of the US, I hope your week was magnificent. But to be clear, this post isn’t about the recent holiday.

As we head into the weekend, and I return to grown up Ralph Parker, I wanted to share why I am enjoying this production so much. And it isn’t because it is Christmas themed. LOL. I don’t really celebrate it as I had mentioned before despite the fact that I worked on a Christmas show last year and in White Christmas many years ago.

One of the biggest reasons I wanted to be a part of this production was the shear fact that I have never had the opportunity to work with this many youngsters before. I wanted to have this experience because it was not only new, but the energy that they bring is incomparable. My past experiences were as a choreographer of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for a youth production and the shows where I was cast that did have younger persons, really only had one or two. To share a stage with 10 of them is a wholly different experience and I am enjoying it immensely.

Another reason I have cherished this process is because of the director. Allie Bailey is one of my favorite people and director to collaborate with during the process. The first time I met her was at auditions for her production of Pippin. What a blast that was! This is my 3rd time working with her. I have absolute trust in her. I appreciate that I can offer my ideas on the character and she asks questions to force me to dive even deeper than what I thought was deep enough. Sometimes instead of confirming my ideas, she counters knowing that it can do one of two things, guide me into a different point of view OR ensure that my view as the character has an answer in their backstory for every potential question that the script may present. I trust that if I am not presenting anything clearly, she will catch it and let me know so that I can make stronger choices. I also like to think that she trusts me and is fully ok with the time I take to work through building my character. She also knows how much I change delivery of lines to try and find my truth in the moment. Sometimes, directors have wanted me to make my choices and stick to them midway through the rehearsal process so the scene is “set” but that stresses me out because if a line gets delivered differently on accident and I give my response like we had “set” then the truth of the moment is lost and will be seen as forced by the audience.

It has been so incredible to take this journey, Dear Reader. The A Christmas Story movie is brilliant in its mix of realism and hyper camp thanks largely to the filming style by director Bob Clark. Not to detract from the acting because I thought all of that was well done too with special nod to Darren McGavin. But aside from the lamp, the filming visual are what stick with me. Like the zoomed in perspective of the kids on Santa and the elves when they are angry or the over dramatic grading by Miss Shields. That is hard to replicate on a stage. Yet, our director had the solution.

When I step back and take a macro look at the staged version, I can see at least 3 levels of style, for lack of a better term. In the first ring, this is the most true to life. My version of Ralph lives here. Yeah, he gets caught up in explaining some of the moments of his memories, but think about when you are recounting something to others. It is a normal reaction. Not only can you get caught up in the storytelling, but those emotions can well up within you again. Like the bullying scene. It is sad to recall, but man, those are some of the easiest feelings to recall from my past. It is painful and scary and embarrassing but the mix is easy to find when I need them.

In the next ring, the memory is stored there. I know that the potential for expanding upon your story is highly likely, Sweet Reader. While Ralph recalls this Christmas memory, obviously some parts are over the top. This is the ring that Mother, The Old Man and Randy, Santa as well as Ralphie’s classmates and Teacher live. Slightly larger than life yet rooted in complete truth but a little more exaggerated than Ring One.

In the final ring, Raphie’s imaginative fantasies reside. This is the overblown moments in the show. This is the home of Black Bart and his gang, Shakespeare and the fan girling Miss Shields, and Red Ryder.

The real trick was knowing where to blur the lines and have those rings bleed into one another and I think our director must be a fricking magician because she has managed to do that very thing spectacularly.

I say it every day in real life, I am a lucky duck. I cannot tell you enough what a wonderful time I am having getting to know these little artists as well as making friends with peers that I had not worked with before. And now, it is off to the theater!

Thank you for once again taking a moment out of your lives, Gentle Reader, to read the musings of a vagabond actor just looking for new ways to explore emotion and view life through the stories of others.

Until the next time our paths cross, Dear Reader, stay safe and alert. Be sure to care for yourself and those around you.

❤️

Happy Broadway Day!!

Hello Gentle Reader!

I am a Broadway baby at heart. ❤️♥️ 

There is a national day for EVERYTHING!  I never thought Broadway would have a day other than Tony Award Night but September 29th seems to be the day. So this leads me to the a question that I would like to ask you, my Dear Reader. That question is… what is your favorite Broadway musical?   C’MON!!!  What did you think I was gonna ask? 

If that question was posed to me, I would have a hard time answering. I would have to make a list of my top 5 or so. 🤔 I don’t think I could possibly narrow it down to a true number one. That being said, Imma try to at least give you a list!😂😂

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND 
(Ahrens and Flaherty)

The beauty of this story is what made me fall madly in love with this musical. The idea that love can conquer death is intriguing. As the line in the show says, “you can stop her heart from beating, yes. But not from loving. Not if love is what she chooses.” For a someone who love romance, I think that line is powerful. As an optimist, that line is hopeful. The songs are wonderful and completely singalongable.  That’s a word now, y’all.  There are, 4 what I think are musical masterpieces: Waiting For Life, Forever Yours, Mama Will Provide, and one of my top 2 ultimate Broadway songs,The Human Heart. It is not just a beautiful song in the context of the show, but on its own it is still gorgeous.  Most recently, there was a wonderful rendition of it done by Leslie Odom Jr. in this year’s Miscast concert.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S95UIeKovM

THE WILD PARTY
(Lippa)

This is a fabulous for the belter in all of us. So many gems in this show that you can just let loose and sing your face off. Did you hear me? SING YO FACE OFF! The characters are deliciously just over the top enough to want to play ANY of them in a production. Along with those singalongable numbers, TWP has what could be one hell of a dance number in all of musical theater: The Juggernaut. 

EVITA
(Webber/Rice)

Not only was this my first show seeing the true lead was a woman. The version of the show that I fell head over heels over was the studio concept album with Julie Covington in the title role.  Not only did it have the rock music, strong vocals,  and excellent songs for going for it, but a young actor listed as C. T. Wilkinson happened to be playing opposite Ms. Covington, who has become one of my favorite male actors.  His vocals are like buttuh!  Also, Che is just an amazing role to play.  I am sure Evita is too, but I don’t think I will get THAT chance.  😂😂

PIPPIN
(Schwartz)

The Music? The Sexy Dancing? The Characters?  These are all small parts of what makes me love the show. My biggest reason is the relatability of main character who wants there to be more to life than just life.  That there has to be something fantastical out there. Something more than ordinary.  That’s what drew me to the show initially and everything else is what keeps the show on my top list. I also love the Leading Player role as well. What a dream come true to step into those shoes.  Whenever I feel a little blue or lazy or just unmotivated, I always think of one song: No Time At All. 

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
(Webber/Rice)

This was the first musical that my best friend introduced to me.  She knew every word every and a ton of harmonies to every song. We were in middle school. She has an unbelievable ear and would sing along with her mom when we were in the car and probably when they were home too. LOL! As a self professed heathen, I don’t really believe in organized religion but found this story beautiful as a love story. The music was highly energetic and there are some serious belter songs in a guys vocal range! YAY! LOL!. The two main men, have some fabulous character arcs to go along with their songs. I love singing those songs!

I love all kinds of shows, but some I don’t connect with. That’s ok. The beauty about musicals is that even though I might not like a show, there is almost always a few songs that I really appreciate.  My love affair with musicals is strong and though we may have “rough patches” i.e. shows that aren’t my faves, but we work through it and come out stronger on the other side. LOL!  Again, this is just my list of top faves that I can’t put any order as to which is truly my ultimate top show. 

So Kind Reader, I ask you once again, what’s your favorite musical? 

Let me know what you love and why you love it. It is fine if you don’t like musicals.  Let me know why.  I am always truly curious.  Oh, and if you don’t like musicals, do you like plays? 

Until next time, Gentle Reader, stay safe and alert.  Also, make sure you watch for your ballot in the mail if you vote by mail like I do. 

All the best to you, my lovelies!

From Pippin’s Summer of AMAZING to Zombie Prom’s Fall of FUN…

This summer’s experience in “Pippin” was phenomenal.  I find myself constantly looking back at it to glean as much out of it as I possibly can.  I so utterly enjoyed working  closely with director, Allie Bailey, on character and movement choices.  I plan to use this type of method when it comes to JCS (which auditions in two and a half weeks!!!)  I loved talking through little moments in the show to see if there was something we could try to make the moment stick more, for example,  switching the gun in Pippin’s (Sven) hand from holding the barrel back to the butt at a critical moment in the finale was Sven’s brilliant idea.  It was a spectacularly collaborative effort that just made the experience burrow itself deep, deep into my heart with such tender loving fondness.

Photo courtesy of SunnyvalePlayers.org's Facebook page
Photo courtesy of SunnyvalePlayers.org’s Facebook page

But there was no time to truly mourn the end of this show because there was more theatre to be had!

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This came in the way of the, completely unknown to me, campy little piece called  “Zombie Prom.”  The moral of the story, don’t judge a book by its cover.  The music in this show is so freakin’ crazy hard and WORDY!!  Lawrd, it this show wordy!  There are still lyrics that I can’t quite say.  One would be “What’s your answer? Please speak clearly…”

Now that we have come to my favorite holiday of the year, Halloween, it’s only fitting that we have our first audience for the “Prom.”  We have our final dress rehearsal tonight!  It is so crazy to think just under a month ago, I was finishing up one show and already this one is standing up ready to begin walking.  I know it sounds like I am equating it to children, and in a small, very small, way it is.  The shape of the show and all the elements are there, so it is upright.  To begin performing it, we need an audience, so it would be like taking first steps.  Then, come Opening Night, the show will be running.  Just like a child.  It may even run away from us due to a fire alarm or something.  With all of the funny and all of the cuteness, the story and music are just freakin’ FUN!  I am constantly getting pieces of songs stuck in my head and it drives me bonkers!  My favorite is “There’s nothing like a true blue eh-smoke!” and Kerie does such an amazing job at it!  The cast is so fun and Nate Moss gives such a great performance as Eddie Flagrante.  Jennifer Medeiros plays my favorite character, the cold Miss Strict.   I have to add that character to my bucket list! hahaha.  If RuPaul can play her…

Again, this show is so much fun.  We open officially tomorrow, so I gotta go and practice that lyric!

Get out and see some theatre, will ya?  If you can’t do it because you already have plans,  how about making a donation to this fundrazr campaign.

Until next time,  thanks for reading aaaannnnnnndddd

 

Happy-Halloween

Opening Night on a Friday the 13????

This is gonna be scary/fun/exciting/anxiety-filling!!!!  Yes, all of those things rolled into one big night.

255722-250  IT OPENS TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!

There are a multitude of emotions that are zipping through my head right now and ever since I opened my eyes this morning.

I am excited because we get to see what the show is like with people watching and seeing if everything we’ve done works like we are thinking it will.

I am nervous about making sure I’ve got all my cues and props right.  And all the stairs.

I am happy because, in totality, these cast mates of mine and the show staff are a tremendous group of people.  Their onstage ethic is a joy to be around and their off stage personalities and kindnesses have made this process relatively stress-free.  Relatively because I stress myself out.   But I COULD NOT have asked for a better group of people to be on this journey with.

I am anxious because we all know there’s gonna be judgments.  Ben Vereen was a master at this role and he did a magically amazing job.  I am not Ben, so my interpretation is different, but I know there will be those people…  Hell, I am sometimes one.  Sigh…  There’s nothing I can do about it, so I shall say, let the judging commence.   It does help the our music director worked some magic of his own on the show.  You will have to see it to find out what I mean.

I am grateful to the staff for believing that I can pull this off.

I have been asked to explain this show to TONS of people.  It is such a hard thing to do.  But here’s my take on it.

Pippin is trying to find the ONE thing that will be completely fulfilling.  We all know there is no such thing.  We have to put our best into every opportunity we are given which is what the Leading Player provides.  The only thing you can really find fulfilling is looking back on your accomplishments in your twilight years knowing that you were a good person who helped people and set a good example.  In our current age of “Gimme Instant Fame” we forget this.   Does he learn his lesson?  You will have to come and see.   Get your tickets here:  Sunnyvale Players  I think the majority of the Goldstar tickets are sold.  There may be one or two for later in the run.

Because there is SO much to do today, I have to keep this short.

I honestly hope that you do come out and support local theatre.  See a show, even if it isn’t ours.  Support those people on stages that put their hearts and souls into something that affects people.  You are supporting the oldest form of entertainment, storytelling.  Keep this in mind whichever performance you see this weekend.  And now, I shall be off.  After all…

♪♫ We’ve got magic to do, just for you

As we go along… ♩♩♬

Labor Day Reminds Me I Need to Work More…

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SOOOOoooo… how ya been?  How ya doin’?

August has come and gone and I didn’t even see it fly by.

Today is the first day of September, first time I got to meet with the JCS team, and is going to be the first time the Pippin cast sings with the orchestra.   If it is a sign of things to come for this month, it may be that I spend another month way from writing.  The sad thing is that I have 5 posts that have been started but by the time I sit down to finish them I had forgotten the point I was trying to get across.    Maybe I will still post them just so that way I don’t get into the habit of leaving things undone.  There’s just not enough time in the day!  Gah!

Pippin has been a wild ride of fun, hard work, and happiness.  I have been intimidated by these amazing people.  When they sing, I can only watch in envy.  But envy in a good way.  It makes me want to work harder at getting this music down.  I am sure I have mentioned a million times before that music is the hardest element for me.  I am so thankful that I have the great Aaron Weisberg and Kevin Brownstein helping me with this.  This cast is filled with not only fun and talented people but they are so giving.    The show is all blocked and we have it run-thru ready and we have two weeks before we open.  I am very excited that we are at this point and can only hope that JCS is in such a place when the time comes.

As for Jesus Christ Superstar, we got some things solidified. I got to empty out my brain and talk about my ideas.  I was so nervous and uncomfortable through the whole thing.   I was kind of waiting for people to tell my flat out “no” to some things and no one did! Color me shocked!!  There were definitely some raised eyebrows when I spoke about some of the things.  Along, with those eyebrows, there were some “ooh’s” and to me they sounded like good ones, so I think I am on the right track.

Oh, hahhahaa  “On the Right Track,”   its a Pippin reference!

I am excited to announce that auditions for Jesus Christ Superstar will be held on November 16th and 17th with callbacks on the 18th and 19th.  We (the staff and I) think that having a Saturday and Sunday audition would allow more people the opportunity to attend.  Saturday will be during the early afternoon and on Sunday will be the evening.  Expect email and facebook announcements to be forthcoming.  Those announcements will have more detailed information so keep your eyes peeled for it!

It has been a long first day of September.  Our sitzprobe for Pippin was insane fun. INSANE!  Come out and see the show which opens on Friday the 13th!!! Get your tickets by clicking this link!  Come see the joyful number “No Time At All” and to hear the glorious “Morning Glow.”   Join us for a super fun show!

Don’t forget, JCS auditions in November and Pippin opens on Friday the 13th!  Until next time…