Something New, Something Different

Jeez. Another long period of time. But since I'm going through withdrawl from Evita, I couldn't really think of anything to write. But I am newly inspired today, as I just read "The Little Prince" for the first time ever. It is now my favorite book. I loved it. If you've never read it, you should. It is translated from the original French into something like 180 languages, so if you prefer to read it in Latin or Toba, by all means, do it!

First, as you probably already know, Evita is closed. I had a glorious time. I met some wonderful people! And, I got to sing my heart out every night on music I have always wanted to sing. Plus, I got my equity card. All in all, it was an unbelievable 3 months that I wouldn't trade for anything.

I had a huge cheering section for closing night and it made me feel so good! My Aunt Paula asked me before the show what it was like to play to an audience that had so many people I knew. I said to ask me after, because I had never played such a large role (besides high school and college, where I knew someone in the audience for every performance) and had so many people in the audience. I'll admit, I was a tiny bit nervous. However, once I got on stage I had the time of my life. It was so much fun. So when she asked the question again after the show I simply said "I loved it!" Thank you to everyone who came!

That being said, I am now unemployed. Weeee! I went into NYC Monday and Tuesday-and had fairly solid auditions, but it is unlikely anything will come of it. Nonetheless, I am proud of the effort I put forth in my very first Equity Chorus Call (which I will refer to as ECC from this moment forward!) and I am looking forward to more. Unfortunately, there wasn't anything good for me on Wednesday and Thursday, so I've been at the house trying to get my things in order. (and doing some weeding for Robert's mother! haha) I will be going back in tomorrow for an Equity Principal Audition (EPA!) for a reading of a new show. Next week there is a bunch of stuff. So, yeah. It is all a bit overwhelming, and so very different from auditioning in DC and Philly-but I'm sure I'll get used to it.

Tomorrow, after the audition, I am going to see my brother and Jenna on the Island. Brian did the sound design for the school's production of Spitfire Grill, so I am going to enjoy that. Should be fun. Unfortunately they are both on duty in the dorms, but I'm pretty much a sit around and chat and watch a movie kind of guy anyway-so that'll work out perfectly! I haven't seen them in a long time, so I'm looking forward to it. Then Saturday I'm returning here so I can see Robert's show. He got a wonderful review in the Star Ledger and I am already proud of his performance! Now I just have to see it!

As you may or may not know, my normal sleeping schedule is fairly strange. Catching me in bed before 2AM is abnormal-and catching me out of bed before noon is even more abnormal. This, however, doesn't work at all for my new life in New Jersey. So, since Sunday, I have been in bed between 9:30 and 10:30, and getting up between 6 and 7. The world is incredibly different when you experience the hours of 7AM to Noon. And, in all honesty, I like it alot. It has only been 4 days, but I feel less tired during the day, and go to sleep faster at night. And I, overall, just feel really good. Maybe that has nothing to do with sleeping, but I bet it does-and I'm really pleased. So, for all of you used to getting texts and calls from me late at night and wait to call until afternoon-switch it up! Cause I am now a morning person. hahaha. Weeeeeeeee!

We're Almost There

Oh dear, oh dear. It's been several days again. My apologies.

Happy Earth Day to all! I don't really know what Earth Day is celebrating...I guess Green-ness? So it must be for all those people out there that use only cloth napkins, don't believe in paper towels, drive Hybrids, have a compost pile and try to convince their family to get an indoor compost pile complete with worms that eat the food. (Shout Out to my Mother! Love you Mom!) Though, let's be fair, she raised me well and (except when I can't be, because I don't live in my own place currently) I live exactly the same way. And, though I don't have a Hybrid, my fairly old car still gets 35ish miles to the gallon-so that rocks! So be proud, Mother, you raised a Green son (before being Green was even popular)!

I am 3 days away from being an out of work actor for the first time since the summer after I graduated from college. I announced this while I was out with the cast last night and someone said, "Welcome to the Union!" haha. I'm not too worried. (Ok, I'm a bit worried, but hey I'm trying New York for the first time-so at least it is a new adventure!) And, as we all know, I love adventures! I already have auditions Sunday, Monday and Tuesday! So, we shall see.

All that being said, I'm going to cherish and enjoy my last three shows. I've never had such a glorious time! Several members of the family (and close family friends who I've known forever so are basically also family) are coming to closing night! I can't wait! My Mom is planning several fun adventures for Saturday before the show, so I'm looking forward to it.

This past weekend I had the opportunity to participate in a retreat for Young Playwrights. I was asked, by a friend who works for the group that put it on, to come and read plays written by 3rd and 4th graders, and offer feedback to help revise their plays. First of all, it was adorable. These children were so creative and so fun, I wish there had been a group like this when I was 10 years old! And second, I was amazed by their ability to be so receptive to feedback. I know adults who can't take any sort of criticism about anything, but these kids sat there and listened intently to what we had to say. And then tried to use it to fix their plays. It was inspiring to see. I hope I get to work with this group again. I think it will help me as a playwright as well, because these kids aren't afraid to use their imaginations and come up with something strange, and different. I need to stop being afraid of that too. Thanks Lindsay for giving me the opportunity!

So the rest of the week looks like this. Food. Show. Hang out with Cast. Food with Family! Show! Hang out with Family. Mom's Adventures. Show. Hang out with Family. Cast Party. Hang out with Family. Audition. Unemployment.

I like everything but the last thing. haha. weeeeeeeee!

Why Can't the English?

Work is really pushing my buttons today. I just got off the phone with someone who asked "Are there any more $25 tickets for the Motown show?" "So, there are no $25 tickets left?" "Were there ever $25 tickets?" "How can I get a $25 ticket?" and then, once again, "So, there are no $25 left?" What am I supposed to say besides "NO!" over and over again?! To be honest I want to say "Sir, this concert has been on sale since September 2, 2009. Today is April 14, 2010 and the concert is less than a week away. What do you expect?" But I don't. I also want to say "Yo, moron, I've said 3 times already that there are no $25 tickets. None. Zero. Zilch. So buy one for $47, $58, $65 or $80 or leave me alone!" But, alas, I don't say that either. I just politely say "no" over and over and over and over again until they realize, no matter how they ask, I am not going to magically come up with a ticket. And then, when I finally get off the phone, we make fun of him. Poor guy.

My favorite thing, however, is when a show is sold out and someone says "Oh, but I just need one." OHHHHH! I'M SORRY, I DIDN'T REALIZE! Here, let me print you a ticket for the special "I only need 1" section that we hold for people when shows are sold out. To be honest, sold out hardly ever actually means completely sold out, until the night of the concert. There are press holds and artist holds and just general holds in case there are mistakes, or Rham Emmanuel decides to come. But still, if I say sold out, please don't ask for a single ticket. If I had 1, I'd say I did.

Ah! For some reason my blog is spellchecking in The Queen's English. It is saying favorite is spelled incorrectly and there is a red squiggly line under it. And it is driving me crazy. Though I bet if I type favorite over and over again, it will drive spellchecker crazy. Favorite. Favorite. Favourite. Ooops. I mean favorite. Yes, you guessed it, the blog prefers favourite. Also, colour, aeroplane, aluminium, mum, speciality and, my least favorite, pyjamas. Really, Brits, p-Y-j-a-m-a-s?! REALLY?!

Eeek. I sure am complaining alot today. My apologies. I'll be more positive tomorrow. Weeeeeeee!

Goodbye, Old Girl

I started developing a new play yesterday. I'm really excited about it, and so was Robert so I think it might actually be a good idea. I don't want to discuss the details until I flesh it out a little bit more, but I will say that it is an adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth revolving around a University's production of Hamlet. I haven't been this exciting about writing in a long time. Let me re-phrase, I haven't been this excited about planning to write in a long time, so I hope it continues to excite me.

I met an "old" friend for breakfast today before work. We went to this adorable little all natural cafe in Eastern Market. I put old in quotation marks because clearly neither of us are really old enough to have old friends, but we haven't seen eachother in a pretty long time and we've known eachother since the summer before senior year of high school. And that, at our ages, is a pretty long time. He is a wonderful guy and it was wonderful to spend a few hours chatting it up with him.

***Spoiler Alert*** Do not read if you haven't seen Monday 4/12's episode of 24 and you plan on watching it...if you don't plan on watching it...then no worries...

I don't usually put spoilers up. I don't like to ruin things for people. But in this case, when the television show killed off my favorite character, I'm going to make an exception. I am sad. I'm livid. So many mixed emotions. I understand why TV shows-especially action ones-feel the need to shake things up once in a while. That being said, this is the final season and with only 8 episodes left, my favorite character isn't going to be in it. Poor, Renee. There is a bit of irony involved. When Dan and I saw Hair in New York in Janaury, the woman who played Renee also was at the performance. Dan spotted her so we, obviously, waited for everyone else to leave so we could talk to her. Dan yelled across the aisle to her saying that he very much enjoyed her performance last season and was looking forward to this season. (I just smiled and nodded, I'm not good at talking to famous people) She thanked us, though I'm certain in the back of her mind she said to herself "Boy are you gonna be disappointed when I get shot by a sniper." Humpf.

I'm craving cookies. I can't decide what kind though, so the craving will have to remain a craving for now. Work all week. Weeeeee!

Magic Foot

Life has been fairly unexciting, hence the lack of posting. I did see Dan's show last night and it was glorious. I laughed my face off. (And it is supposed to be funny, so that is a good thing!) It is already a really solid show, and it is still in previews. Congrats, Dan! It opens tonight. Break legs!

My new favorite word to use is 'solid' If someone asks me how I am, I've been saying "I'm pretty solid, how are you?" Or, if someone asks how the show went last night my answer, lately, has been "pretty solid." I have no idea where it came from. Or who I picked it up from. It just suddenly made its way into my vocabulary.

My paperwork is all in, so now I'm just sitting and waiting to hear if my name is available in the union. Then I will wait for my card. I do hope Jeffrey Higgins is available. If it isn't, I have a second choice ready, but I would prefer to keep my real name. I should hopefully hear next week. I'll certainly keep you updated.

I'm extremely pleased with how Tim Wakefield pitched yesterday. He remains my favorite pitcher. I am incredibly disappointed in the rest of the team due to their the lack of holding onto the lead, but you can't win them all. Though I was hoping for a little better than a 1-3 start...I think we should pick up Pedro. Who is with me? Anyone? I think he is still solid! (see...there's that word again!)

Show tonight. Show tomorrow. Work the rest of the week. Getting down to the end. I'm saddened by this. For now, I will focus on the fun. And, of course, giving a solid performance! Weeeeeeeee!

Easter Parade

I hope everyone had a lovely and pleasant Easter! I very much enjoyed being with my family. I'm also very much looking forward to living closer.

Yes, it is official (or as official as it can be since other jobs are hopefully possible) I have decided to try New York (well, live in New Jersey, audition in New York). I think it'll be a new and interesting challenge. We'll see how it goes. I did just make 3 appointments for auditions. One in Philly. One in Greene, NY. And one in Pawtucket, RI. So, anything is possible. haha.

Last night was, of course, opening day. I will start by saying I think the first game of the baseball season should be a day game. Maybe that is weird to you, but I really feel like day games are perfection, and the season should start with perfection. Also, the world series should be played in October, but that is a whole other can of worms. Unfortunately, the season also started far from perfection for Josh Beckett. His outing was somewhere between fairly and completely disastrous. Fortunately, the offense came to play last night. There is nothing sweeter than beating the Yankees! (Sorry, Grandpa...)

I am hoping for an exciting national championship game this evening. I will be rooting for Butler, mostly because I have a deep and passionate hatred for Duke. But, also, because a mid-major team winning the national title might be good for college basketball.

Speaking of good for college basketball, I'm also hoping for an enormous blowout for Tuesday night's women's championship game. While I would prefer UConn massacre a Pat Summit team, beating up on that coach of Stanford is almost as fun. Go Huskies!

Welp (sorry, I know that isn't a word but it is what went through my head so I typed it), back to DE tomorrow. I have a show Wednesday afternoon. Only 3 more weekends =-(. Then probably back to Tolland for a few days and then begin my new adventure. It actually isn't that far away. Kind of scary. Weeeeeeeeee!

Be Back Soon

I had a day off last night, so I went to see some of my friends in Oliver! at Toby's The Dinner Theatre of Baltimore. It was very strange to see/hear a show that I just did (not too long ago) 95 times. My brain is just so used to Hugh, Janine, Tony and everyone else; the way they deliver lines, the timbre of their voices, etc etc. It was a weird feeling. Anyway, it was nice to see so many great people. We of corse ventured to the hotspot near Toby's called The Ponca Bird after the show. It is one of my favorite places, while also being one of the strangest bars I've ever been to. It is next to a truck stop. So, when we go it is truckers on one side of the bar and theatre folk on the other. A fascinating mix of people. They have a BBQ Chicken Sandwich that is superb (another thing one wouldn't expect from this bar when you walk in, pretty yummy food.) All in all it is a gem of a place, and I love it and the company I'm in when I'm there.

Each year, when April 1 comes around, I try to remain on high alert so as not to become totally embarrassed by someone's April Fool's Day plot. Well, I was on such high alert yesterday that I embarrassed myself. Dan sent me a text about how he had gotten sick on the way to rehearsal. It was a long story via text, which I promptly replied to with "Oh no. Well, tell me when the lochness monster gets there!" I thought I was being funny and clever. After he convinced me he wasn't making it up, I felt pretty stupid. A moment of stellar friendship brought to you by Jeffrey Higgins. He starts Tech tomorrow for his show, so here's to hoping he feels better this morning.

Unfortunately, the Wing Tour was not continued this week due to the hours I had to work. Also, it will not continue next week either as I'll hopefully be home for a few days. So, look for an update on the rankings in two weeks. I am hoping to get a meal in at Bidwell's while I am home, though! YUM!

I won the NCAA Tournament pool at my work! I'm far enough ahead that it doesn't matter who wins tomorrow or on Monday. It's over. I'm not sure yet how much I win but it was $10 to join the pool and the winner takes everything. In Brian's Tournament pool I can still finish Second. It all depends on West Virginia beating Duke. Go Mountaineers! That being said, if Duke wins then Robert wins Brian's pool. I can deal with that. I'll just spend his money anyway!!! hahaha. I do enjoy that fact that Brian's pool comes down to my dear friend Stephen, who follows college basketball more than anyone I know and Robert, who (though he'd never admit it) simply picks Duke every year because he knows it upsets me. In the end, I say Go UConn! More tomorrow. weeeeeeeeee!