Dreams

Recently, Stever Robbins, host of "The Get-It-Done Guy" Podcast, wrote me about a blog entry I made back in June 2006. It was my first entry.

I wrote, "I have never let attractive and safe packages presented to me influence my decisions. To be honest, a "safe" decision usually scares me the most. Safe is boring, unproductive, and predictable. I just got back from a year of training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) in a post-graduate program. This is something I chose for myself over a wide range of options most actors my age would have killed for."

It's been a while since I've thought about that summer. It was a ballsy move for me. Thankfully, it has worked out.

Stever contacted me because someone had written to him asking about pursuing dreams and when to give up on them. Stever interviewed me to talk about my experiences in New York City and how not giving up on my dreams has worked for me.

You can hear his thought-provoking podcast on the topic here

And my rather candid interview with him here

It was a pleasure talking to Stever. The interview came at good time for me. I needed to take some of my own advice! Having grand expectations and setting goals for one's self can be dangerous. You can set yourself up for failure. Instead, I believe in following your gut and constantly having faith in your dreams. I know with enough passion and drive, you can make things happen.

Joe's Pub

Okay...So now that things are clear.

I am indeed doing a show at Joe's Pub.

I am thrilled. This is something that I've been trying to put together for months. I am so excited to see all the pieces falling into place.

I'm planning on a night of Rock, R&B, and Soul classics. Expect songs from Sam Cooke, and Otis Redding...but also contemporary hits from artists like James Morrison and Paolo Nutini.

Info on guests to come!!!

Please, please, PLEASE buy tickets. I am so excited and I want it to be a packed house!

Playbill Article

Back To the City

I had a wonderful two weeks at The O’Neill. Working on Picnic at Hanging Rock was a terrific experience. The show grew so much in the two weeks we worked on it. I am so happy that I was able to be apart of such a beautiful piece.

I must admit I’m having a hard time readjusting to city life. My little dog, Jacob, who spent his two weeks at my parent’s home in the country, also misses the great outdoors.

I really needed the two weeks away. I love New York City but every now and then I feel like the walls are closing in on me. Spending two weeks by the beach, working on new material, gave me a much-needed breath of fresh air. I will miss the creative process and running out to the Hammock to learn new music!

The cast was wonderful. They are all people I would hate to lose touch with. Watching Laila Robbins act was better than a master class at LAMDA. We all had an incredible time together. Several of us took a ferry out to Block Island and spent the day riding bikes to the beaches there. I hadn’t been there since I was a kid. It was so nice to go back with such good company.

Daniel Zaitchik has a huge future ahead of him. His music is stunning. I really hope Picnic at Hanging Rock finds a home in New York City. The score needs to be heard. The book has really taken on new life as well. Daniel made some extreme changes before the final reading that really helped make everything clearer to those not familiar with the source material. If they would have me back, I would drop everything to do the show.

Speaking of Daniel, he has a show coming up on Monday at Joe’s Pub. You should check it out. Info

Speaking of Joe’s pub…

Nah, I shouldn’t tease…especially when the details haven’t been worked out yet.

Oh, and incase you’re wondering. I did meet Jason (Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters).

…I nearly crapped my pants.

Picnic at Hanging Rock

Tomorrow I'm embarking on a really exciting two week journey in New London, CT. I'll be a part of The O'Neill musical theatre conference there.

I'll be working on a new musical based on the popular novel, Picnic at Hanging Rock.

The book was published in 1967. It takes place in Australia, at an all girl’s boarding school. On St. Valentines Day, the girls travel for a picnic to a place called Hanging Rock. Although they have been warned not to climb up the dangerous rock, four of the schoolgirls do so. While one of the girls, Edith, returns in hysterics, unable to remember what happened, the other three seem to have vanished. Their teacher, who attended the picnic with them, disappears as well.

I will be playing the character of Michael, a young British man who is visiting Australia. Michael sees the girls at the picnic grounds and is later disturbed by their disappearances. He is particularly drawn to Miranda, the prettiest and most mysterious girl in the bunch.

The novel was turned into a film under the same title in 1975. It was Australia's first international hit. The movie is shot beautifully, unwinding into a slow moving yet haunting story. With both the novel and the film, people were drawn to the mystery of the disappearances (one that remains unanswered). The story is also written in a way that (although entirely fictional) suggests it may be true, sparking a fascination with the tale in the same way Blair Witch Project and similar stories did.

The music for this project is gorgeous. It captures the essence of the story perfectly. It's utterly beautiful, yet somewhat disturbing underneath. The composer, Daniel Zaitchik, may be very new to the scene, but don't judge him too quickly. I haven't heard music that has excited me this much in a while. It is a far cry from the bland pop-rock scores that get commercial backing in New York City (Key word being bland here. Clearly, I love a good pop/rock score.) The music is mostly sung in soprano voices. It reminds me of a cross between Ahrens & Flaherty and Adam Guettel.

But don't take my word for it. You can listen to it here: PicnicatHangingRock.com

My character sings in both "The Attic" and "Whisked Away."

I originally thought that my character was Australian. So, I ran out and bought Australian dialect tapes and had been working on it all week. I was horrible at it. It's a difficult accent, especially if you've been exposed to the British accent at length. It all gets very confusing.

It wasn't until I got the script this week and was sounding out the sentence, "Well, I've only been in Australia for a few weeks now." that I thought.... Oh...Shit...

It's probably better I'm sticking with a British accent...for everyone's sake.

Anyway, I'm pretty excited. I also get to be there while Jake Shears, of Scissor Sisters, mounts his new musical. I am a HUGE fan of his. I'm going to go nuts if I get the chance to meet him.

You can buy tickets to the event here

Bye Bye Birdie

Although this hardly seems to be "news" to anyone, I can finally announce that I will indeed be a part of the upcoming revival of Bye Bye Birdie. I will be playing Hugo Peabody.

Playbill Article

I've known about my involvement in the production since late January. I was also a part of the workshop done in September 2007.

I am really excited about this show. Hugo is a blast to play. I had so much fun when we did the workshop. He is completely neurotic and insecure, but also full of heart and sincerity. It will be interesting to re-explore the role in this revival. The show has never been revived since the 1960 production and there are a lot of possibilities for making this a fresh and bold return. We have an incredible creative team on board including the show's original lyricist, Lee Adams, and original composer, Charles Strouse. It is an honor to work with the both of them.

The show will be going up in the brand-new Henry Miller Theatre! Which I'm also very excited about! Not only is the theatre completely renovated and beautiful, but it is also Broadway's first "Green" theatre. We can entertain and be environmentally friendly all at once. :)

I think the not-for-profit aspect of Roundabout shows make their productions even more collaborative and interesting. It's less about commercialism and politics and more about a group of people, who have a love for a show, coming together and having fun. We have a great cast. The immensely talented, Allie Trimm will be playing Kim. For once, I'm grateful I look like Bambi. (A nickname of mine from LAMDA)

Another serious draw to the project for me was the fact that Bill Irwin will be playing the role of Mr. MacAfee. Bill is a personal hero of mine. From the first time I saw him clowning around on the Cosby show when I was a kid, to his breathtaking performance in Waiting for Godot (which I saw last week), I've always looked up to him. It was wonderful working with him during the workshop. His Mr. MacAfee is brilliant. I cannot believe I get to share the stage with him.

See you all in September when the show's previews begin.

Hair

Last week, on my birthday, I was treated to tickets to the revival of Hair. I was extremely excited because, in terms of scores, Hair may be my all-time favorite. Every song is joyful and completely riveting. Seeing this music live should make you want to jump out of you seat and scream!

Thankfully, the exceptional Broadway revival playing at the Hirschfeld does just that. There's so much that I could say...but it has all already been said by the production's well-deserved rave reviews.

Hair may not be for everyone. The story line and structure isn't as solid as a typical musical. The strength of the musical lies in music and the characters that intimately share their world with the audience every night. It's a look into the lives of these exuberant freethinkers.

Everyone in this current revival cast has fully-fleshed out the lives of their colorful roles, standing out at one point or another. Whether it is Allison Case's contagious joy, Kacie Sheik's soulful and fresh voice, Sasha Allen's power, or the commanding performances from Will Swenson and Gavin Creel, something up on that stage will move you. This show is the definition of an ensemble piece.

Claude is by far one of my biggest dream roles. I was so moved and thrilled with Gavin Creel's performance. Since the first time I saw him in "Thoroughly Modern Millie," I have shared the sentiment that Gavin has one of the greatest musical theatre voices ever. It's effortless.

It was probably one of the most inspiring nights of theatre I've had in a long time. Seeing my peers...the people that I admire the most, completely in sync and bursting with emotion.

Again, I'm a complete nerd over this show to begin with. I'm a bit biased. That being said, this is a masterful production of the musical. It doesn't just deliver the show's timeless messages and undying originality, but is also an explosive celebration of the show's influential and beloved material. This show TRULY changed musical theatre.

So, I say check it out.

Okay

Right now I am enjoying the sweet tunes of Paolo Nutini's new single "Candy."

I love this artist so much. I really look up to him and sound he creates. The fact that he's my age is just crazy to me.

Check out the music video on his website or on youtube.

Or here.



Sorry it's so small. These new widescreen youtube videos aren't kind to blogs.