Around 2004 the Metropolitan Atlanta Theater Awards were founded. According to their website, it was formed for actors in volunteer/community theatre would get recognition, since the other awards in town are Equity only. Although, I think the MAT awards, as they're known, has grown to encompass all non-Equity companies.
I got a call last night to inform me that I've been nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Minor Role for playing Mortimer in the Fantasticks. My name isn't on the website yet, as they haven't officially announced the nominees for the "Musical" category. The ceremony will be in September, so I won't know if I've actually won until then, but it's kind of weird that I've been nominated for an award. It is exciting, just weird.
I, of course, will let everyone know what happens.
20 most recent
Links
Sat, Jun. 27th, 2009, 05:10 pm
Nominated
Sun, Jun. 14th, 2009, 09:59 pm
I figured it out
I figured out what to do with the stair unit from the Tavern. Meet my new shelves:
Here's the full story. My computer desk came with a matching bookshelf. While I'm happy with the desk, the bookshelf was a piece of crap. Over the past year and half the shelves started bending in the middle shortly after I got it. I didn't even have anything heavy on them. Here's a pic:
I had thought a while back about replacing the particle board shelves with real wood, but never got around to it. Earlier last week I had the idea about taking the steps of the stairs to remake the bookshelf. It took me all day, mainly because my screwgun kept running down and having to be recharged, but I finally got it. I took one of the pieces of facing between steps to reinforce the bookshelf. It's that black board in the middle. It's not perfect, but it's much sturdier than the old one, and this one won't bend.
Here's the full story. My computer desk came with a matching bookshelf. While I'm happy with the desk, the bookshelf was a piece of crap. Over the past year and half the shelves started bending in the middle shortly after I got it. I didn't even have anything heavy on them. Here's a pic:
I had thought a while back about replacing the particle board shelves with real wood, but never got around to it. Earlier last week I had the idea about taking the steps of the stairs to remake the bookshelf. It took me all day, mainly because my screwgun kept running down and having to be recharged, but I finally got it. I took one of the pieces of facing between steps to reinforce the bookshelf. It's that black board in the middle. It's not perfect, but it's much sturdier than the old one, and this one won't bend.
Sun, Jun. 7th, 2009, 11:23 am
I took a piece of the Shakespeare Tavern home last night, literally.
Next month the Tavern will be dark so that the stage can be rebuilt, something that's been needed for quite some time. The show running this month, Irma Vep, required a different sort of set than usual, so some of the stage pieces were removed to be trashed. When I arrived last night to see the show, I walked past a pile of stair units outside the back of the theatre.
After the show I was talking with one of the other actors who also helps out with construction and painting. He told me those stair units were going to be trashed. I suddenly had the idea, because I can be stupidly sentimental sometimes, that I should take one home. Then I had a flash of sanity, and decided I'd take one of the treads, not the whole unit. I grabbed a screw gun and attempted to dismantle one of the units. I got two screws out, but then realized the other two screws would be harder. One was stripped, the other was underneath one of those tread applications you can stick to stairs to help with traction. I realized all of the treads (the boards, not the application) would have similar setbacks.
I thought about a little more, going back and forth in my head, before finally making a decision. I waited for everyone to leave, drove my car up to the back of the theatre, put my seats down, and opened the trunk. Unfortunately, the trunk opening was too small. I had, however, gone this far, so I wasn't going to give up just yet. I put the back seats back up, folded the front seats down, and moved them all the way forward. I then proceeded to jam an entire stair unit into the back of my car. I still am not sure how I actually managed it. That, however, was not the hard part. The hard part was getting it back out, which I did as soon as I got home. I really didn't want a bunch of neighbors staring at me as I try to get a large wooden stair unit out of my car.
I finally got it out, dragged it to the front porch, and went inside to bed. This morning I awoke with only one question on my mind: "Why the hell did I bring an entire stair unit home?" I mean, I don't own a house. I don't have garage to store it in, or maybe a deck to add it to. I live in an apartment, and will continue living in apartments for the foreseeable future. Now, I have this heavy thing to move around with me too. I moved it to the back porch, and I think I'm going to dismantle it. I'll need to get special bits to remove the stripped screws, and I'll have to figure out where the screws under the traction application are on each step. Fortunately, I do have time to figure it out. If all else fails, there's always a crowbar. Once it's been dismantled, I don't know if I'll keep the whole thing in hopes I'll eventually live somewhere big enough that I can put it to use, or if I'll keep a tread or two and trash the rest. I don't know yet.
After the show I was talking with one of the other actors who also helps out with construction and painting. He told me those stair units were going to be trashed. I suddenly had the idea, because I can be stupidly sentimental sometimes, that I should take one home. Then I had a flash of sanity, and decided I'd take one of the treads, not the whole unit. I grabbed a screw gun and attempted to dismantle one of the units. I got two screws out, but then realized the other two screws would be harder. One was stripped, the other was underneath one of those tread applications you can stick to stairs to help with traction. I realized all of the treads (the boards, not the application) would have similar setbacks.
I thought about a little more, going back and forth in my head, before finally making a decision. I waited for everyone to leave, drove my car up to the back of the theatre, put my seats down, and opened the trunk. Unfortunately, the trunk opening was too small. I had, however, gone this far, so I wasn't going to give up just yet. I put the back seats back up, folded the front seats down, and moved them all the way forward. I then proceeded to jam an entire stair unit into the back of my car. I still am not sure how I actually managed it. That, however, was not the hard part. The hard part was getting it back out, which I did as soon as I got home. I really didn't want a bunch of neighbors staring at me as I try to get a large wooden stair unit out of my car.
I finally got it out, dragged it to the front porch, and went inside to bed. This morning I awoke with only one question on my mind: "Why the hell did I bring an entire stair unit home?" I mean, I don't own a house. I don't have garage to store it in, or maybe a deck to add it to. I live in an apartment, and will continue living in apartments for the foreseeable future. Now, I have this heavy thing to move around with me too. I moved it to the back porch, and I think I'm going to dismantle it. I'll need to get special bits to remove the stripped screws, and I'll have to figure out where the screws under the traction application are on each step. Fortunately, I do have time to figure it out. If all else fails, there's always a crowbar. Once it's been dismantled, I don't know if I'll keep the whole thing in hopes I'll eventually live somewhere big enough that I can put it to use, or if I'll keep a tread or two and trash the rest. I don't know yet.
Fri, May. 22nd, 2009, 06:13 pm
Three Day Weekend
It's finally here, my first three day weekend at my new job. Monday will be the first holiday I will actually get a full's day pay instead of just $25.
At the moment I am sitting in a McDonald's waiting to head over to the Movie Tavern around 7:30 to meet friends who are going to see the new Terminator movie. I really had no intention of seeing this movie in a theatre, but I figure if it sucks, at least I have beer. It's just as well I didn't try to go home, because traffic was horrendous today. Everyone is trying to get out of town for the long weekend. Ironically, I was able to get here in about an hour and fifteen minutes. It probably would have taken much longer than that to get home. There just aren't many alternates going that direction.
At the moment I am sitting in a McDonald's waiting to head over to the Movie Tavern around 7:30 to meet friends who are going to see the new Terminator movie. I really had no intention of seeing this movie in a theatre, but I figure if it sucks, at least I have beer. It's just as well I didn't try to go home, because traffic was horrendous today. Everyone is trying to get out of town for the long weekend. Ironically, I was able to get here in about an hour and fifteen minutes. It probably would have taken much longer than that to get home. There just aren't many alternates going that direction.
Thu, May. 21st, 2009, 08:46 pm
From Shakespeare to Christie
Hamlet had a pretty good run. We never had less that 100 people in the house, which is good, especially for a three hour show. We had fun doing it too. I think we (the guys, anyway) had the best dressing room crowd in a while. We all got along, watched South Park while getting ready, and spontaneously break out into song after the show.
Early in the final week of the run, the Button Theatre (who I did Fantasticks with), had auditions for the Mousetrap. It's an Agatha Christie murder mystery. Long story short, I'm playing Sargent Trotter, and I have to have a "slight" Cockney accent. I'm not sure exactly what that means, but I've been sort of working on it. This will be my second show with Button, as well as my second show with Button in which I've had to do a Cockney accent. I was kind of hoping I'd get one of the other roles that speaks in General British.
I plan to spend a good portion of the coming three day weekend working lines. We don't start rehearsal until June 9th, but I've got a lot to memorize on this one. This is probably my largest line load in a while.
That's the update for now. I'm hoping to get back to regular posts, but I think I'm going to have to force myself until I get back into the habit. Also, I have not actually been on LJ since my last post. In other words, I am severely behind on all my friends' blogs. I'm hoping to catch up soon.
Early in the final week of the run, the Button Theatre (who I did Fantasticks with), had auditions for the Mousetrap. It's an Agatha Christie murder mystery. Long story short, I'm playing Sargent Trotter, and I have to have a "slight" Cockney accent. I'm not sure exactly what that means, but I've been sort of working on it. This will be my second show with Button, as well as my second show with Button in which I've had to do a Cockney accent. I was kind of hoping I'd get one of the other roles that speaks in General British.
I plan to spend a good portion of the coming three day weekend working lines. We don't start rehearsal until June 9th, but I've got a lot to memorize on this one. This is probably my largest line load in a while.
That's the update for now. I'm hoping to get back to regular posts, but I think I'm going to have to force myself until I get back into the habit. Also, I have not actually been on LJ since my last post. In other words, I am severely behind on all my friends' blogs. I'm hoping to catch up soon.
Mon, Apr. 13th, 2009, 10:57 pm
So very behind
Hamlet and long hours at work to make up for missed time doing Hamlet have put me woefully behind on podcasts, blog readings, cleaning my apartment, and just about everything else. I'm enjoying the show, and everything is going well. I'm also enjoying the extra paycheck right now, but I have to honestly say that I will be glad when things slow down again. I hope the pile of stuff to catch up on won't be too high by that point.
I'm still going back and forth as to what I want to do with this blog. I may go back to my semi-regular posting of whatever the hell I want. I think maybe I just needed a break. It might be after the show closes, though. When I am home I'm catching up on the few TV shows I still watch, that and just trying to relax. Although, I do now have one of these little guys, so I could post from wherever I happen to be.
We'll see. For now, I'm going to bed.
I'm still going back and forth as to what I want to do with this blog. I may go back to my semi-regular posting of whatever the hell I want. I think maybe I just needed a break. It might be after the show closes, though. When I am home I'm catching up on the few TV shows I still watch, that and just trying to relax. Although, I do now have one of these little guys, so I could post from wherever I happen to be.
We'll see. For now, I'm going to bed.
Tue, Mar. 24th, 2009, 09:18 pm
Not dead yet
Well, we had rehearsal today, so I'm assuming the Tavern got the money it needed to continue operating.
We had our first run-thru of the show. We timed out to just under 3 hours, which is good for a first run of Hamlet. We should be able to tighten that up some, but this is definitely a long one. The show is actually in really good shape to still have a week to go. I think it's going to be a really good show.
My work schedule so far has been manageable, although working for 11 1/2 hours on a Monday was not fun. I only have to do 6 more of them (not just on Mondays either) to do. I am fairly tired, though. I'm glad I'm not the one who has to remember 1500 lines.
We had our first run-thru of the show. We timed out to just under 3 hours, which is good for a first run of Hamlet. We should be able to tighten that up some, but this is definitely a long one. The show is actually in really good shape to still have a week to go. I think it's going to be a really good show.
My work schedule so far has been manageable, although working for 11 1/2 hours on a Monday was not fun. I only have to do 6 more of them (not just on Mondays either) to do. I am fairly tired, though. I'm glad I'm not the one who has to remember 1500 lines.
Sun, Mar. 22nd, 2009, 01:23 am
Well this isn't good
Sat, Mar. 21st, 2009, 08:50 pm
Hamlet
Well, it's about that time. We're about two weeks away from opening night, and I'm still solidifying my lines. My old procrastination habit has kicked in, but I'll get it done. Enough of that, on to the details:
Hamlet
Directed by Drew Reeves
$12 General Admission Preview April 2
April 3-May 3
For ticket prices and other info, head over to the Shakespeare Tavern website.
Hamlet
Directed by Drew Reeves
$12 General Admission Preview April 2
April 3-May 3
For ticket prices and other info, head over to the Shakespeare Tavern website.
Tue, Feb. 3rd, 2009, 09:42 pm
Changes
I've finally decided what I want to do with this blog. I've decided to dedicate it to shows I'm performing in. At some point I'm going to go through my old posts and change the settings on all personal, non-theatre related posts so that only they're only viewable by friends. I don't know if I'll pick back up with the personal entries, but if I do they will be friends only. The only things publicly viewable will be strictly business.
Along those lines, I'll be playing Osric in Hamlet at the Tavern in April. I'll make a standalone post about it when it's closer.
Oh, on a personal note, I'm no longer a temp. I got a new, permanent job at a company that's actually growing right now. I got more money, and they're still letting me do Tavern shows, although that means making up the time.
Along those lines, I'll be playing Osric in Hamlet at the Tavern in April. I'll make a standalone post about it when it's closer.
Oh, on a personal note, I'm no longer a temp. I got a new, permanent job at a company that's actually growing right now. I got more money, and they're still letting me do Tavern shows, although that means making up the time.
Mon, Dec. 1st, 2008, 01:15 pm
I'm on Facebook now
I finally gave into peer pressure and joined Facebook, so look me up if you'd like to add me. I can't figure out how to direct link to my profile, and I've discovered first hand that the search function sucks if all you have is a name to look for, so when you search look for Stephen King and use one of my two schools to find me, either West Hall High School or Georgia Southern University. That should make it easier.
Thu, Nov. 6th, 2008, 09:10 pm
Inertia
So, you may have noticed a lack of activity from me. Well, I've just been procrastinating. I had to make myself make this entry. I don't know if it's the fact that things are slowing down for me acting wise, or if I'm just burnt out from trying to keep this up for going on four years. I just haven't felt like posting, so I'm going to take a break for a while. I'll probably end up picking it up again, but I don't know when. It could only last a week, who knows? Anyway, just thought I'd let you all know, and I'll probably be back.
Sat, Oct. 25th, 2008, 03:36 pm
Hungover
Last night was the annual Halloween party that a Tavern friend of mine throws every year. It was held a week early due to one of the hostesses, and one of the past hostesses flying to London this weekend. They won't be around on Halloween itself, so the party was a week early. Anyway, I drank way too much, did and said some really stupid things. But, other than that, it was a fun night. Overall, I did have a good time, and I'm glad I got to hang out with some people I have been able to really hang out with in a few weeks (matinees don't count).
I crashed there until about 8:00 this morning, then came home and went to bed. Right now, I'm still hungover, and my lower back is very sore. I don't know why. It's going to be an interesting show tonight.
This was not the only Halloween party I've been invited to. There's another one next weekend that's going to be a pub crawl. Those of you that have been reading this for a while might remember how the last pub crawl I participated in ended. It wasn't pretty. Hopefully, there won't be a repeat of that, and hopefully I'll come back in one piece.
I'm definitely not in my twenties anymore.
Ow.
I crashed there until about 8:00 this morning, then came home and went to bed. Right now, I'm still hungover, and my lower back is very sore. I don't know why. It's going to be an interesting show tonight.
This was not the only Halloween party I've been invited to. There's another one next weekend that's going to be a pub crawl. Those of you that have been reading this for a while might remember how the last pub crawl I participated in ended. It wasn't pretty. Hopefully, there won't be a repeat of that, and hopefully I'll come back in one piece.
I'm definitely not in my twenties anymore.
Ow.
Sun, Oct. 12th, 2008, 05:37 pm
We have a good review, and I'm actually mentioned
It's not in a paper, but I'll take what I can get:
Link to the site
Button Theatre's production of "The Fantasticks" is an admirable addition to their growing body of work. Taking place on a simple, two-tiered platform with the actors rarely leaving the stage, it provides an intimate, thoroughly enjoyable evening of entertainment.
Matthew McClure, with his movie-star good looks, plays El Gallo with charm and quiet flair. His voice, while not as powerful as others in the cast, is always true and pure. He may not be the standout in the cast he was in ACT1's "The Boy Friend," but that's only because this time around he's surrounded by people just as talented as he is.
Tracy Moore as Luisa (the girl) and Mike Morin as Matt (the boy) strike just the right notes in their performances. Each is thoroughly believable as an innocent romantic in act one, transitioning nicely into slightly more worldly-wise young adults in act two. When their voices blend, it's magic.
Ray Greene as Henry (the actor) and John Stephen King as Mortimer (the man who dies) add humor to the proceedings. While this Henry is not quite as commanding a doddering divo as he needs to be, Mortimer is played to perfection. John Stephen King is clearly a pro.
The direction of the show is sparkling throughout, adding some very nice touches, particularly in the delightful opening sequence. The action flows smoothly and utilizes the space fully, moving constantly until the stillness of the final love song ("They Were You"), which becomes emotionally moving because of its stillness.
The choreography by Emily Roland, always entertaining, is responsible for much of the motion of the show. While the steps seem to be just slightly beyond the capabilities of all the cast except Tracy Moore, they keep the show moving at a sprightly pace.
Costumes are utterly delightful in the show. Clint Horne deserves kudos for bringing together the creams and browns and blacks of the actors' garb, which please the eye and delineate character at the same time.
Some unusual choices were made in the casting, and they pay off. While one mute usually suffices, two mutes are employed here (one male, played by Conner Huff; one female, played by Andrea Marchese). Two people make short work of setting up and taking down curtains, and a nice touch is added in act two when the paired mutes unroll a bolt of silver-gray fabric to represent the rebuilding of the wall.
While the script calls for two fathers, here we have the girl's mother (Jennifer Hendrickson as Bellomy) playing opposite the boy's father (Brian Jones as Hucklebee). In terms of looks, both are appropriately cast, showing general resemblance to their children. Each brings a strong characterization and strong voice to his/her role, and they keep the show moving whenever they are in the foreground.
All in all, "The Fantasticks" fulfills the promise of Button Theatre's mission to bring quality theatre to Gwinnett County. Congratulations to Mary Carolyn Conti and Ginny Lockhart for their spot-on direction and music direction. And how could the show succeed without the able musical accompaniment of Mark Street on piano and Jeff Macko on percussion?
Link to the site
Matthew McClure, with his movie-star good looks, plays El Gallo with charm and quiet flair. His voice, while not as powerful as others in the cast, is always true and pure. He may not be the standout in the cast he was in ACT1's "The Boy Friend," but that's only because this time around he's surrounded by people just as talented as he is.
Tracy Moore as Luisa (the girl) and Mike Morin as Matt (the boy) strike just the right notes in their performances. Each is thoroughly believable as an innocent romantic in act one, transitioning nicely into slightly more worldly-wise young adults in act two. When their voices blend, it's magic.
Ray Greene as Henry (the actor) and John Stephen King as Mortimer (the man who dies) add humor to the proceedings. While this Henry is not quite as commanding a doddering divo as he needs to be, Mortimer is played to perfection. John Stephen King is clearly a pro.
The direction of the show is sparkling throughout, adding some very nice touches, particularly in the delightful opening sequence. The action flows smoothly and utilizes the space fully, moving constantly until the stillness of the final love song ("They Were You"), which becomes emotionally moving because of its stillness.
The choreography by Emily Roland, always entertaining, is responsible for much of the motion of the show. While the steps seem to be just slightly beyond the capabilities of all the cast except Tracy Moore, they keep the show moving at a sprightly pace.
Costumes are utterly delightful in the show. Clint Horne deserves kudos for bringing together the creams and browns and blacks of the actors' garb, which please the eye and delineate character at the same time.
Some unusual choices were made in the casting, and they pay off. While one mute usually suffices, two mutes are employed here (one male, played by Conner Huff; one female, played by Andrea Marchese). Two people make short work of setting up and taking down curtains, and a nice touch is added in act two when the paired mutes unroll a bolt of silver-gray fabric to represent the rebuilding of the wall.
While the script calls for two fathers, here we have the girl's mother (Jennifer Hendrickson as Bellomy) playing opposite the boy's father (Brian Jones as Hucklebee). In terms of looks, both are appropriately cast, showing general resemblance to their children. Each brings a strong characterization and strong voice to his/her role, and they keep the show moving whenever they are in the foreground.
All in all, "The Fantasticks" fulfills the promise of Button Theatre's mission to bring quality theatre to Gwinnett County. Congratulations to Mary Carolyn Conti and Ginny Lockhart for their spot-on direction and music direction. And how could the show succeed without the able musical accompaniment of Mark Street on piano and Jeff Macko on percussion?
Sun, Oct. 12th, 2008, 05:37 pm
We have a good review, and I'm actually mentioned
It's not in a paper, but I'll take what I can get:
Link
Button Theatre's production of "The Fantasticks" is an admirable addition to their growing body of work. Taking place on a simple, two-tiered platform with the actors rarely leaving the stage, it provides an intimate, thoroughly enjoyable evening of entertainment.
Matthew McClure, with his movie-star good looks, plays El Gallo with charm and quiet flair. His voice, while not as powerful as others in the cast, is always true and pure. He may not be the standout in the cast he was in ACT1's "The Boy Friend," but that's only because this time around he's surrounded by people just as talented as he is.
Tracy Moore as Luisa (the girl) and Mike Morin as Matt (the boy) strike just the right notes in their performances. Each is thoroughly believable as an innocent romantic in act one, transitioning nicely into slightly more worldly-wise young adults in act two. When their voices blend, it's magic.
Ray Greene as Henry (the actor) and John Stephen King as Mortimer (the man who dies) add humor to the proceedings. While this Henry is not quite as commanding a doddering divo as he needs to be, Mortimer is played to perfection. John Stephen King is clearly a pro.
The direction of the show is sparkling throughout, adding some very nice touches, particularly in the delightful opening sequence. The action flows smoothly and utilizes the space fully, moving constantly until the stillness of the final love song ("They Were You"), which becomes emotionally moving because of its stillness.
The choreography by Emily Roland, always entertaining, is responsible for much of the motion of the show. While the steps seem to be just slightly beyond the capabilities of all the cast except Tracy Moore, they keep the show moving at a sprightly pace.
Costumes are utterly delightful in the show. Clint Horne deserves kudos for bringing together the creams and browns and blacks of the actors' garb, which please the eye and delineate character at the same time.
Some unusual choices were made in the casting, and they pay off. While one mute usually suffices, two mutes are employed here (one male, played by Conner Huff; one female, played by Andrea Marchese). Two people make short work of setting up and taking down curtains, and a nice touch is added in act two when the paired mutes unroll a bolt of silver-gray fabric to represent the rebuilding of the wall.
While the script calls for two fathers, here we have the girl's mother (Jennifer Hendrickson as Bellomy) playing opposite the boy's father (Brian Jones as Hucklebee). In terms of looks, both are appropriately cast, showing general resemblance to their children. Each brings a strong characterization and strong voice to his/her role, and they keep the show moving whenever they are in the foreground.
All in all, "The Fantasticks" fulfills the promise of Button Theatre's mission to bring quality theatre to Gwinnett County. Congratulations to Mary Carolyn Conti and Ginny Lockhart for their spot-on direction and music direction. And how could the show succeed without the able musical accompaniment of Mark Street on piano and Jeff Macko on percussion?
Link
Matthew McClure, with his movie-star good looks, plays El Gallo with charm and quiet flair. His voice, while not as powerful as others in the cast, is always true and pure. He may not be the standout in the cast he was in ACT1's "The Boy Friend," but that's only because this time around he's surrounded by people just as talented as he is.
Tracy Moore as Luisa (the girl) and Mike Morin as Matt (the boy) strike just the right notes in their performances. Each is thoroughly believable as an innocent romantic in act one, transitioning nicely into slightly more worldly-wise young adults in act two. When their voices blend, it's magic.
Ray Greene as Henry (the actor) and John Stephen King as Mortimer (the man who dies) add humor to the proceedings. While this Henry is not quite as commanding a doddering divo as he needs to be, Mortimer is played to perfection. John Stephen King is clearly a pro.
The direction of the show is sparkling throughout, adding some very nice touches, particularly in the delightful opening sequence. The action flows smoothly and utilizes the space fully, moving constantly until the stillness of the final love song ("They Were You"), which becomes emotionally moving because of its stillness.
The choreography by Emily Roland, always entertaining, is responsible for much of the motion of the show. While the steps seem to be just slightly beyond the capabilities of all the cast except Tracy Moore, they keep the show moving at a sprightly pace.
Costumes are utterly delightful in the show. Clint Horne deserves kudos for bringing together the creams and browns and blacks of the actors' garb, which please the eye and delineate character at the same time.
Some unusual choices were made in the casting, and they pay off. While one mute usually suffices, two mutes are employed here (one male, played by Conner Huff; one female, played by Andrea Marchese). Two people make short work of setting up and taking down curtains, and a nice touch is added in act two when the paired mutes unroll a bolt of silver-gray fabric to represent the rebuilding of the wall.
While the script calls for two fathers, here we have the girl's mother (Jennifer Hendrickson as Bellomy) playing opposite the boy's father (Brian Jones as Hucklebee). In terms of looks, both are appropriately cast, showing general resemblance to their children. Each brings a strong characterization and strong voice to his/her role, and they keep the show moving whenever they are in the foreground.
All in all, "The Fantasticks" fulfills the promise of Button Theatre's mission to bring quality theatre to Gwinnett County. Congratulations to Mary Carolyn Conti and Ginny Lockhart for their spot-on direction and music direction. And how could the show succeed without the able musical accompaniment of Mark Street on piano and Jeff Macko on percussion?
Wed, Oct. 8th, 2008, 10:14 pm
Lotta Stuff
Well, I've sufficiently put off posting so that I now have a bunch of stuff to talk about, although I think I've forgotten most of the things I thought about posting. Oh well, here's an update on the show.
Opening weekend went well, except for Sunday. Sunday's audience was tiny, and even smaller after intermission when some people walked about because they got offended. During my first death scene (I do something different each time), I fell too quickly and didn't catch myself properly. I whacked my head very hard against the platform. I landed so hard that my hat flew stage left a few feet, and my scene partners weren't sure if I was going to get back up (I lay there for a bit while the other two actors have some dialogue). Actually, I wasn't sure I'd get back up. My ears were ringing. Fortunately, no bump formed, and I recovered fairly well. Although, I had a splitting headache for the rest of Act I. It was not a good show for me, and I left without saying much to anyone, not because of anything anyone did. I was just frustrated and annoyed at myself mostly. I hope this weekend will be better. Fortunately, some friends of mine were having a cook-out that day, and they live near the theatre, so I went over to their place for the rest of the day.
One interesting thing about this show is discovering the personal connections I have to my cast mates. First of all, the girl playing Luisa was in the first Hooters commercial I did, which is where I found out that she graduated from the Gainesville Theatre Alliance program, of which I know quite a few alumni. I even did a show with GTA back in 2000. Her hairdresser also worked at GTA, and is someone I know from high school. Well, I found out this past weekend that this same guy (Luisa's hairdresser) is the cousin of the actor playing El Gallo, and the actor playing El Gallo came to see his cousin perform in Fiddler on the Roof at his cousin's high school years ago. I played Mendel, the Rabbi's son, in that same production.
We have two mutes in our production of The Fantasticks. The female mute went to high school with one of my friends from the Tavern.
Oh, I almost forgot, the actor playing El Gallo also worked with my older brother at a small radio station in Gainesville seven or eight years ago. That same brother was also in the aforementioned production of Fiddler.
Theatre is such a small world.
Opening weekend went well, except for Sunday. Sunday's audience was tiny, and even smaller after intermission when some people walked about because they got offended. During my first death scene (I do something different each time), I fell too quickly and didn't catch myself properly. I whacked my head very hard against the platform. I landed so hard that my hat flew stage left a few feet, and my scene partners weren't sure if I was going to get back up (I lay there for a bit while the other two actors have some dialogue). Actually, I wasn't sure I'd get back up. My ears were ringing. Fortunately, no bump formed, and I recovered fairly well. Although, I had a splitting headache for the rest of Act I. It was not a good show for me, and I left without saying much to anyone, not because of anything anyone did. I was just frustrated and annoyed at myself mostly. I hope this weekend will be better. Fortunately, some friends of mine were having a cook-out that day, and they live near the theatre, so I went over to their place for the rest of the day.
One interesting thing about this show is discovering the personal connections I have to my cast mates. First of all, the girl playing Luisa was in the first Hooters commercial I did, which is where I found out that she graduated from the Gainesville Theatre Alliance program, of which I know quite a few alumni. I even did a show with GTA back in 2000. Her hairdresser also worked at GTA, and is someone I know from high school. Well, I found out this past weekend that this same guy (Luisa's hairdresser) is the cousin of the actor playing El Gallo, and the actor playing El Gallo came to see his cousin perform in Fiddler on the Roof at his cousin's high school years ago. I played Mendel, the Rabbi's son, in that same production.
We have two mutes in our production of The Fantasticks. The female mute went to high school with one of my friends from the Tavern.
Oh, I almost forgot, the actor playing El Gallo also worked with my older brother at a small radio station in Gainesville seven or eight years ago. That same brother was also in the aforementioned production of Fiddler.
Theatre is such a small world.
Thu, Oct. 2nd, 2008, 08:32 am
Attention Netflix Users
In case you haven't been paying attention, Netflix has been pushing their streaming video for a while now. They have a couple of settop boxes that can use to watch Netflix streaming on your TV.
The big problem with the Netflix streaming was that there wasn't much of a selection to choose from. The movies and TV shows that were available tended to be older content. The newer stuff was DVD only. Well, that has now changed. Netflix and Starz has made a deal to make some newer movies available for streaming. I really like where Netflix is going, and the Roku box is now definitely on my "to buy" list.
The big problem with the Netflix streaming was that there wasn't much of a selection to choose from. The movies and TV shows that were available tended to be older content. The newer stuff was DVD only. Well, that has now changed. Netflix and Starz has made a deal to make some newer movies available for streaming. I really like where Netflix is going, and the Roku box is now definitely on my "to buy" list.
Tue, Sep. 30th, 2008, 07:45 am
The Fantasticks
The Fantasticks
October 3 – October 26, 2008
Friday and Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 2pm
(NO THURSDAY SHOWS)
Tickets:
Regular Adult - $20
Student/Senior (62 and up)- $15
Groups of 10 or more - $17
Theatre:
Jacqueline Casey Hudgens Center for the Arts - Black Box Theatre (at the Gwinnett Center)
6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Bldg. 300
Duluth, GA 30097
Take I-85 to Sugarloaf Parkway. Go West on Sugarloaf Parkway towards Duluth. At the second light, turn left onto Satellite Blvd. We are located at Gwinnett Center.
Sat, Sep. 20th, 2008, 04:13 pm
Work Update
I've been doing a lot of thinking about my work situation. I came to a decision that I'd like to stop living paycheck to paycheck, and actually save some money. So, I need a permanent job. I had decided that once the Midsummer matinees were done, and if I didn't get cast in Romeo & Juliet, I'd look for something permanent. I was going to wait for those two things because both require daytime commitments.
However, for the hell of it I asked my boss if there was any chance they'd hire me for the job I've been doing. They already hired someone for the other job I thought about applying for, but decided against. Surprisingly, she said yes. It seems that due to some new acquisitions the company is going to need someone scanning full-time, but for me to be considered I'd need to be able to work full-time. I couldn't have a sporadic schedule like the one I've had for the past year. I told her that once the matinees are done I have nothing planned at the Tavern, unless I get cast in R&J. That was at the end of the day, and it was time for me to go.
I thought some more about that, and made a decision. The next day I told her that if they were serious about giving me a permanent position, I'd turn down theatre work that required daytime hours. In other words, I may not be working much or at all at the Tavern for the foreseeable future, unless the director will work around my work schedule. It's not a decision I came to lightly, but in all honesty it's very unlikely that I'm going to be cast in anything this season anyway. I did get a really good part in Midsummer, and we did two regular runs of it, and I'm about to do two months of matinees with it. I don't regret doing the apprenticeship, even though my original goal was for it to lead to a career with the Tavern.
Things have changed in the years since I worked at the Tavern the first time. There's a lot more competition thanks mostly to the apprentice program. They are no longer friendly to having a steady day job, even though they don't really pay enough not to have one. But, I did meet a bunch of people and made some friends. I learned things that will help me from here on out. I mean, I'm the de facto fight captain for the Fantastick due solely to things I learned in combat classes. It may mean that I'll be going back to my old average of about two shows a year, but I know there are still some companies in town that pay and are more friendly to a day job schedule. Hell, I'm working with a new one right now with the Fantasticks.
However, for the hell of it I asked my boss if there was any chance they'd hire me for the job I've been doing. They already hired someone for the other job I thought about applying for, but decided against. Surprisingly, she said yes. It seems that due to some new acquisitions the company is going to need someone scanning full-time, but for me to be considered I'd need to be able to work full-time. I couldn't have a sporadic schedule like the one I've had for the past year. I told her that once the matinees are done I have nothing planned at the Tavern, unless I get cast in R&J. That was at the end of the day, and it was time for me to go.
I thought some more about that, and made a decision. The next day I told her that if they were serious about giving me a permanent position, I'd turn down theatre work that required daytime hours. In other words, I may not be working much or at all at the Tavern for the foreseeable future, unless the director will work around my work schedule. It's not a decision I came to lightly, but in all honesty it's very unlikely that I'm going to be cast in anything this season anyway. I did get a really good part in Midsummer, and we did two regular runs of it, and I'm about to do two months of matinees with it. I don't regret doing the apprenticeship, even though my original goal was for it to lead to a career with the Tavern.
Things have changed in the years since I worked at the Tavern the first time. There's a lot more competition thanks mostly to the apprentice program. They are no longer friendly to having a steady day job, even though they don't really pay enough not to have one. But, I did meet a bunch of people and made some friends. I learned things that will help me from here on out. I mean, I'm the de facto fight captain for the Fantastick due solely to things I learned in combat classes. It may mean that I'll be going back to my old average of about two shows a year, but I know there are still some companies in town that pay and are more friendly to a day job schedule. Hell, I'm working with a new one right now with the Fantasticks.