Blogginess

Well things have gotten much crazier since my last blog, which I think was written before I even started rehearsals for HAIR. Now, I've just finished my first week of previews. It's just been an incredible experience. Rehearsals were magical. So fun to revisit the show after such a positive experience with the concerts last year. I'm happy to report the spirit and the love and everything that worked last year about the show is still intact, and it's even gotten bigger and deeper. It's really wonderful. This week alone, we've had some really fun celebrities come see the show. Mary Louise Parker, Justin Kirk, Joan Rivers, Harvey Keitel, Fran Drescher... So funny to look out into the house on Aquarius and see these folks jamming along with us. We've been so lucky with our process and with the response, every day is like a treat for us. I just love going to work.

I have to share a story with you.

Wednesday night was our second preview. The weather has been hot, but dry throughout tech and our first preview, but rain was threatening Wednesday night. We got through the entire first act and most of the second act with no weather problems, but about 2/3 of the way into act two, we felt the wind starting to build and knew that it was going to rain. We got through the entire trip sequence, and just when Kacie gets up to wail "Ripped open...", the skies opened, the lightening screamed, and we were in the middle of a downpour. The timing couldn't have been more perfect. We were right at the top of the most rock and roll number of the show, and we wailed through it. The audience was on their feet screaming, we were singing harder than we've ever sung, and it was absolute magic. Coolest moment ever.

We're having so much fun, and now that we're up and running, I'll be able to update the blog more often.

I love you. And I love you. And I love you.

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Summer Begins...

Hi there.

Yesterday was the unofficial start of summer here in New York City, by which I mean that I was hot and sticky all day. A lot of people speak to the fact the my city is charming and uniquely pleasant in all seasons. I have yet to find the charm in rampant humidity and the still, heavy heat of the subway. The only discernible light at the end of the tunnel is $3.50 margaritas at Blockheads. If I find anything else, I'll be sure to pass it along.

The VOGUE photo shoot was lots of fun. Look for us in the July issue, which should be out in a couple of weeks. The Costume Institute Gala was also a great time. Saw so many fun celebrities (TomKat, Posh and Becks, J.Lo and Marc, and even some others without cute nicknames), and got to dress up all pretty and go to the after party (thanks, Anna).

HAIR is gearing up to go down. We start rehearsals in about a month, but there are plenty of other things to keep me busy till then. I'll be doing a concert at the Duplex on the 9th, a show at the Irish Rogue on the 16th, an event at The Tasting Room on the 24th, and a couple of gigs at Joe's Pub with the HAIR cast, the first of which will be on July 7. Luckily, I have two weeks off between leaving the fine people at Josie's East and starting up rehearsals, so hopefully between all that excitement, I'll manage to find some time to watch the obscene amount of reality TV I've recently committed myself to.

Speaking of which, it's time to watch So You Think You Can Dance. I'm not proud of myself for saying that, but at least I'm honest.

More soon.

Currently listening : Passing Strange By Original Broadway Cast Release date: 2008-07-15

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You wanna be on top?
Current mood: contemplative

That’s right kids. On the hilarious-but-true front, I’m going to be in VOGUE magazine. Take a moment to let the laughter die down. You good? Ok. They’re doing an 8-10 page spread with the cast of HAIR. We shoot on May 2, and it’ll be in the July issue, so look out for it. At the very least, it’ll make for the best myspace picture ever. I’m just terribly amused.

Also, I did a reading last night of a great new musical a couple of my friends wrote. Their names are Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond, and the show is called DANI GIRL. Look out for it. For some video of the show I did with them last month, HOMEMADE FUSION, check out www.youtube.com/user/koomandimond Look at "I Will Be Me", "Random Black Girl", "The Temp and the Receptionist", "Walking Without You", and for a little Kobes lovin’, "Homemade Fusion". The reading last night was for ASCAP, and the panel consisted of Stephen Shwartz, sitting right next to a giant poster of himself, Lynn Ahrens, and Dick Scanlan.

Life at the restaurant is becoming more and more tolerable, verging on pleasant. The people I work with and I are gelling with each other, which has made everything a lot easier.

I’m watching No Reservations right now in order to procrastinate cleaning my apartment. I have a potential subletter coming over to see the place later this afternoon, so I want to do my best to make it look like a responsible adult lives here.

Here’s something else: I bought myself a video camera. I got a FLIP Ultra, which I’m actually obsessed with. It’s so easy, tiny, and fun. I bought it because I needed to go on tape for a movie that’s casting out of LA, but I’m discovering the nearly endless possibilities when you have a video camera at your disposal. I’ve already crafted two short films that I’ve put up on facebook of Tim and I having lunch. Imagine the hilarity that ensues... When there are some actual events that I record, I’ll probably stick them up on youtube or somewhere and edit them really well, since I am also a little obsessed with iMovie. God, I love Apple.

3419 blog views as of the writing of this, and only 37 comments. Ever. That’s 1.082% of you leaving comments. And at least half of that is Leah and Brittany. Let’s step it up. I’m desperate for your feedback and your approval.

Lately, silently, I’ve been giving in to the realization that I’m an adult now. I get up, I go to work, I’m responsible for my own finances and my own affairs. If I don’t feed myself, I won’t get fed. I realized the other day that someone born in 1990 (which seems pretty recent to me) is 18 now. Which seems pretty old for someone born in the 90s. Then I remember that I’m SIX years older than 18. I feel just a scratch older than that. I don’t know, it’s simultaneously terrifying and gratifying. Have I already been through the "best years of my life"? I sure as hell hope not. High School and college were both just peachy, but the whole time I was there I was just thinking about what it would be like to be where I am now. I’ve been focused on getting "here" for so long, it can’t help being a little disappointing. I think. I try not to think about it too hard. Which never works.

So that’s all I got. You like it? You love it.

it’s also worth mentioning that this is an entirely unprompted blog. Maybe there’s something wrong with that...

Currently reading : Mysteries of Pittsburgh: A Novel (P.S.) By Michael Chabon Release date: 05 July, 2005

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Bloggity Blog Blog
Current mood: pleased

So it seems a trend has emerged. I only write blogs when demanded to do so. And recently, the demanding has come from the lips of one Leah Joseph. I'm speaking generally when I say the lips; my little friend has been a very hilarious mute for the past week, so the most recent request came from, I imagine, her thumbs. To give proper props though, she beat my ass, silent as a ninja, in Monopoly.

Anyway, it's Saturday night, I'm going out in a little while to my dear friend Ali Case's birthday party, and I'm chowing down on a Lean Cuisine. I fuckin' love this shit. And I don't care who knows it (I'm talking to you, James Lapine. No I'm not.)

I've been rocking some changes in my life recently, because that's what I like to do to changes. I've become a bit ol' cliche, in that I'm currently an unemployed actor who's getting by waiting tables. That's right, folks. I took the plunge and got myself a real-people job. I also got a haircut, but that's hardly relevant. I'm working at a restaurant called Josie's, bringing organic, bio-dynamic food to the men and women of Murray Hill. I knew that serving (the PC version of waiting) can be physically exhausting, but I had no idea that it kills your soul from the inside. Live and learn, I guess.

Speaking of losing weight (segue anyone?), I officially hit the 50 lb. mark. Very exciting. I'm a regular Kate Moss now. I still have a little meat on my bones, but I think it's the same way malnourished people do. Like, they're so skinny, there's no other choice than to get a little belly. Too far? Ok.

To celebrate the 50 pound milestone, I headed on down to my friendly neighborhood Wendy's to have my former favorite meal, the Baconator. That's right, folks. Those of you that eat like I used to are probably familiar, but in case you are a "healthy person", I'll describe it to you. A bun. Two glistening square patties of questionable quality beef. American cheese. And finally, not one, not two, but SIX pieces of bacon. Top that off with fries and a Cherry Coke, and you're good to go. No frills. No bullshit. The Baconator.

Needless to say, after forcing down this monstrosity this week, I managed to feel like ass for a solid two days. And I put back on about twelve pounds. Fierce.

I'm heading down to see the Carnegie Mellon Showcase on Monday which means it's been almost two years since I graduated. It seems like much longer and shorter than that. The time feels like it's stretched on forever, but when you consider the events, it's much more manageable. And I turned 24 last month. Mid-20s. As Billy Porter told me, "I'm a grown ass man."

Speaking of hilarious quotes from the Broadway-famous, consider this conversation I had last week over Thai food with fantasy-boyfriend to men and women alike, Jonathan Groff.

Me: I'm so excited to start HAIR!
JG: I know! I was actually down at the Public this morning, and I got SO excited.
Me: What were you doing at the Public?
JG: I had this interview for W Magazine.
Me: Wow! W is doing a feature on HAIR???
JG: Well, no... They're doing a feature on... me.
Me: Oh...

I could say any number of faux-witty things to respond, but I think it stands for itself. Forgive my name-dropping. Can we still be friends?

This is a very risque blog with the malnourishment joke and the name-dropping. I hope the MySpace police don't shut me down.

And now, I must dress myself, as I imagine I'll continue to do until I find myself much wealthier. I bought a bunch of new clothes yesterday to show of my new figure, and tonight, they and I will hit the town.

Currently listening : Little Voice By Sara Bareilles Release date: 03 July, 2007

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Shining, Gleaming, Streaming, Flaxen, Waxen...
Current mood: excited

It's official, friends! Some of you already know, but HAIR is coming back to the park for a full run and a full production this summer, and I'm going along for the ride.

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/114910.html

That's right. For a month me and my friends will be bringing the love back to New York City. Get pumped.

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Hey-oh
Current mood: jaunty

"I'm sick and on the road... I'm gonna need another blog. You know how I love those!"
-Leah Joseph


If you know anything at all about me, you know that I'll do my best to accommodate (I didn't know it was spelled like that) requests. So here it is. And here I am.

It's a balmy 66 degrees here in New York, which, again, probably has nothing to do with global warming. I'd like to start things off today with a little business. All of the various media outlets and political pundits have been badgering me around the clock asking me for my presidential endorsement. Now, let me be clear. I find something very amusing about the prospect of the fairy-like Dennis Kusinich as our nation's Commander-in-Chief. However, it seems that he didn't have the staying power to make it more than a few minuted in the race, despite his smokin' hot Amazon wife. And so, I'm forced to resort to the next best thing. I hereby give (nay, award) my endorsement to Barack Obama. Having weighed my options, I think he and Hillary's positions on most of the issues are close enough, and so I'm left with personality to consider. I think Mr. Obama would be one of the greatest and most dramatically effective leaders our country has ever had the privilege to have. Also, I like that catchy "Yes We Can" music video. That's mostly the reason.

In other news, I'll be doing a show in the city in two weeks. A couple of brilliant friends of mine from Carnegie have revived and re-vamped a show that was a pretty big hit in Pittsburgh. It's called Homemade Fusion, it's at the Zipper Theater on the 18th, and I'll be singing a couple of really fantastic ditties. Patina Miller, Anderson Davis, and other prestigious names from my past will be in it, so if you're in town, you should check it out. I'm told Olga Kober might even make an appearance. You can find info at thezipperfactory.com

I had a few pretty great auditions this week, ending the drought that's been going on for a few weeks now. If any of them pan out, I will, dear blog-readers, let you know.

Here go the tidbits:

-As I think I mentioned last time, I've been watching a lot of THE WEST WING on DVD, but I think I need a break. I've started speaking like Bradley Whitford.

-35 lbs. so far!

-Go Giants! I knew it, and I told anyone who would listen. If there were sports pundits, I'd be one. I'd also like being a pundit. I find the idea of it very droll.

-I was reading Time Out NY (as I do every week), and I learned two interesting things about my neighborhood: Malcolm X was assassinated just around the corner from my place, and Babe Ruth lost his virginity at 168th and Broadway, right at my subway stop. Not literally in the stop. i don't think...

-There seems to be no, or very little, logic to the people that they put through on American Idol. And Paula is messy as can be.

-Koberet is officially on hold until David Stone agrees to let me use the Gershwin on Wicked's dark nights.

-When did Scott Baio become Tony Danza?

-I find that the week seems longer while I'm waiting for the next LOST.

-Speaking of finding, I'm probably going to have to find a job pretty soon. If you know anyone that's looking for someone to sit around and watch TV for $50 an hour, let me know.

-I can't remember what life was like before I had in iPhone.

-Leah (my former roommate and favorite hussy) is falling apart. A sprained ankle, pink eye, and some sort of sinus-throat disease. I think it's just karma coming back to get her from drinking all of my crystal light.

That's all I've got for today, friends. I'm going to go to the gym (who am I, right?).



I need a good catch phrase for signing off... Suggestions?

Currently reading : The Braindead Megaphone By George Saunders Release date: 04 September, 2007

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A block and a half from Broadway
Current mood: sore

I was just walking home, fuzzy-eyed from an earlier optometrist appointment and sore from the gym, when it occurred to me that since I moved to New York, I've always lived a block and a half west of Broadway (the street). This is at two separate addresses: first on 52nd st., and now on 163rd. What are the odds that at two separate apartments in two very different neighborhoods, I would remain almost exactly a block and a half west of Broadway? Maybe it's not interesting, but it struck me as I was walking as a pretty good metaphor for my career thus far. Pretty damn close, but not quite there. I can touch it whenever I want, but I'm not quite a part of it.

Luckily, things are picking up. There will be a big announcement in the next few days, and a couple of promising/hilarious auditions around the bend as well. Maybe one of them will carry me that block and a half. I mean, I have to go further than that to get milk.

Non-professionally, life is just dandy. I will be forced to get a job in the next couple of weeks unless something magical happens, but I'm starting to come to terms with that. I've become much better at keeping my room clean which, if you know me, is a pretty big deal. I don't know...

I'm also watching the entire series of the West Wing right now just to be stimulated by some good television writing, since there doesn't seem to be any out there right now due to the strike. I'm almost done with Season 3. I do love the American Gladiators, though.

Turns out I really don't have that much to offer you tonight. I thought that that little Broadway turn of phrase would send me off on an escapade of prolific prose, but I can't quite see well enough to make that happen. My apologies. I'll try harder next time.

Currently reading : CivilWarLand in Bad Decline By George Saunders Release date: 01 February, 1997

6:54 PM - 2 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

I’m back!
Current mood: amused

Dear readers!

I'm so sorry for the unforgivable lack of blog entries over the past couple of months. You see, I was in the Philippines, setting up a theater for the poor and teaching English to the donkeys of the land. Also, I've instituted a new form of currency based on the freshness of the local berry, the acai.

Clearly, none of that is true. I'm a liar, and I only hope that you'll be so kind as to forgive me. In fact, I wouldn't be writing now if my roommate (and, as far the the United States Postal Service is concerned, my wife) hadn't seemed so damned exasperated with me. She literally doesn't know anything about my life without this particular insight. So here am I. Like will.i.am, but backwards and without the inappropriate punctuation.

I think a big reason that I haven't written is that I really don't have that much to report. As far as work, I did a reading here, a concert there, and plenty of callbacks, but nothing has really hit home yet. Only a matter of time. Personally, Leah, the aforementioned roommate is leaving me to go STAR (kid!) in the Junie B. Jones tour, and Tim, of he-used-to-live-with-me fame, is moving into her room. Should be lots of fun. I'm also thinking about breeding something. I haven't decided what yet, but I think it would very droll to be a breeder of something.

And now, some of my classic "Random Thoughts" (brought to you this week by the good people at the Chin Implant Warehouse).

- It's in the mid-50s today, which my aunt thinks has nothing at all to do with global warming, because it's fake.

- I've lost 25 pounds. That should have been up with personal updates, but I just remembered.

- I would love to be called "My Generation's Something".

- Poor Jamie Lynn...

- At what point, exactly, was leopard print in fashion?

I think that's all I have this time. I'm pretty worn out, and I'm about to run out to Lauren J. Geber's concert.

I will be more regular, if for no other reason that the fact that I don't want to risk losing any more friends.

Currently reading : Paris In Mind By Jennifer Lee Release date: 08 July, 2003

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HAIR
Current mood: ecstatic

So here's the thing...

You MUST come see HAIR this weekend in Central Park. I wanted you all to come before, but after rehearsal today, I realized it's mandatory. I've never been so proud to be a part of something. This cast and this piece are almost absurdly incredible. It's a once in a lifetime experience for me, and if you come, I know it will be for you too. PLEASE, beg, steal, borrow, or wait in line for three days to see this incredibly relevant and moving show.

Here's a link for ticket info:
http://www.joespub.com/pubinthepark/show3.cfm

And a link for show info:
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/110920.html

Honestly, you don't know what 26 people and a 12 piece band are capable of until you check this out. Let me know if you need any further convincing.

Currently listening : Hair - Actors’ Fund of America Benefit Recording By Galt MacDermot Release date: 14 June, 2005

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Exciting News!!!
Current mood: excited

Hey everyone! Good news on the professional front...

I got a show! I'm going to be in The New York Public Theater's production of HAIR at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park! I'm going to be in the Tribe, as well as playing Claude's Dad, and Margaret Mead. if you don't know the show (which I didn't until I started auditioning for it), Margaret Mead is a female role played by a male actor in drag, who has her (his?) own hilarious song called "My Conviction".

Very exciting... It's a special concert performance, three nights only. It's going to run Sep. 22-24, which is a Saturday through Monday. Please, please come! If you live in New York, come! If you don't live in New York, come! Again, I'm going to be in DRAG. Why would you miss it?

Also exciting about this production: I'll be sharing the stage with my CMU classmate (and fantasy lover) Patina Miller! She'll be playing Dionne, as well as singing the "Aquarius" solo. So there's all the more reason for you to come out and see it!

I'm putting in a link that has ticket info. Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to reserve seats for anyone, so you're going to have to do it the old fashioned way...

I hope everyone's doing well. I'll have more to say soon. Huzzah!

Here's a couple of links:

http://tickets.publictheater.org/calendar/view.asp?id=3473
http://broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=21135

Currently listening : Hair - The American Tribal Love Rock Musical (1968 Original Broadway Cast) By Galt MacDermot Release date: 25 October, 1990

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