"The Extraordinary Ordinary" Opens at the Clurman

"The Extraordinary Ordinary," a new musical by Scott Burkell and Paul Loesel, opened on Dec. 1st at the Clurman Theatre on Theatre Row. The show follows a group of six close friends (Karen, Kate, Sam, Joey, Bev, and Zach) as they navigate the ups and downs of life in New York. I was recently able to chat for a bit with Scott Burkell (book and lyrics), Pamela Bob (Kate), and Patrick Oliver Jones (Zach) about the show. The best part of the process for Burkell was watching the actors, "infuse the characters with life," he says, "I love watching actors work." And apparently he has written some very "infusible" characters. Jones and Bob both see plenty of themselves in their characters. "Kate loves unconditionally and exudes positivity," Bob says, but adds that playing Kate also brings out flaws that she sees in herself. "It's rather interesting," Jones agrees, "that a lot of Zach's story is my own, even down to the whistling and it annoying some people." The show is brought home though, by the kinship and admiration of the cast for each other, and the whole production team. "Scott and Paul are wonderful people who deserve so much and I wish them continued and greater success with EXTRAORDINARY and any other show they produce in the future," says Jones, "Also, the cast of people are beautiful in each of their roles and we are truly a family/team up there, supporting and loving one another each night through rehearsals on into the run on the show," Bob sums it up, "These are some of the finest people I've ever worked with." Now, when all of you go and see the show, what exactly are you supposed to walk away with? For Burkell, the show is about "being conscious of finding your ordinary life extraordinary." He describes friends in his life so focused on big goals, that they almost don't seem present in day to day life. "The message is tough, and not entirely original, but it's important." When the question was posed to Jones, he was ready to philosophize. "So many times we gloss over what someone says or an event in our life or community and just focus on ourselves. That's when we miss out on the beauty of sharing life and relating to others." He continues, "There's God, friends, family, community, country, work, etc. that can help us through rough patches and celebrate with us in times of blessing. To ignore them is to miss out on life's true joy." And for all that, "The story is…ordinary. It's entirely relatable," says Bob, "I think [the audience] will have an enjoyable evening at the theatre." "The Extraordinary Ordinary" is set to run through December 18th. And after that, who knows? Loesel in our past interview, mentioned a possible transfer to Off-Broadway, which is still possible if not probable, but Burkell dreams bigger. "There's been a trend of smaller shows, like Next to Normal (the Tony Award winning rock musical, playing at the Booth theatre until January), moving to Broadway, so who knows?" For now, though, the cast and crew are ensconced at the Clurman, and happily so. For tickets to this uplifting show, visit its website: http://www.dreamlighttheatre.org/ExOrd/ Also check out Burkell and Loesel's website: http://www.scottandpaul.com/ Bob's website: www.pamelabob.com And Jones' website: http://www.patrickoliverjones.com/ Annnd Till Latah, Jess

The Good Years: A Chat With Kait Kerrigan

Kait Kerrigan is a busy woman. Just after four on Thursday, the time scheduled for our chat, she has just gotten in and has to throw some things in the refrigerator before talking to me. So. What keeps Kerrigan so busy? Among other things: teaching a class at Primary Stages, working on several theatrical projects with writing partner Brian Lowdermilk, working on an upcoming CD featuring their music, having one of her plays produced at the Hapgood Theatre this season (click here for more information) , and generally being fabulous. If you know of Kerrigan, it is probably in the context "Kerrigan and Lowdermilk." How did "Kerrigan and Lowdermilk" happen? "Brian and I first met when he was in a production of LOST IN YONKERS that my dad directed at the local community theater. He was about ten years old and played Artie. I was twelve. We were not friends. We met a second time at summer camp doing LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. He was Seymour and I was Audrey. I was 16. He was 14. Again. We were not friends." But third time's the charm, no? "Then we met when I was in college after he'd started writing musicals and I'd started writing plays." Within a few weeks they were collaborating on their first musical. "We didn't really know any better," says Kerrigan, "We just started writing a show. There's something fantastic about not knowing anything. You make terrible mistakes, but you also trip over amazing, happy accidents". Now in the opposite position, Kerrigan shares her accumulated knowledge with students in her two libretto writing classes at Primary Stages (Libretto Writing I and Advanced Libretto Writing.) After doing several readings at Primary Stages and developing relationships there, she was asked to teach the course, originally five weeks, now lengthened to ten. "The pace is extremely fast and I kind of kick their asses," she says. But that's what they're paying for, right? "That's what I tell them when they groan." Lowdermilk also teaches at Primary Stages: a Composition course. For more information about all of the classes offered at Primary Stages, visit their website: http://www.primarystages.org/writing#musicaltheater. While it's hard to pick favorites when it comes to Kerrigan-Lowdermilk tunes, the song cycle TALES FROM THE BAD YEARS probably tops my list. If you're not acquainted, listen here to the haunting beauty of my favorite song from the show, "Two Strangers." "We were actually asked by a company to write a song cycle and we were really reluctant to do so. We thought about it for a while and tried to figure out what we could bring to that genre that would make it feel fresh," Kerrigan explains, "What we realized was that we were interested in talking about [the "twenty-something"] generation that doesn't quite know what to do with themselves and that seem to be waiting for something to happen to them." Freed of a traditional plot, Kerrigan and Lowdermilk realized that they could focus more on the story telling and musical journey of the piece. "That became the mission." Unfortunately, the company that had originally requested the song cycle ran into financial problems and was unable to move forward on it. "But by that point, we were interested, so we kept working on it. It's been a really nice project to have happening in the background." As of now, nothing is planned for the show, but I advise you to either head to Kerrigan and Lowdermilk's website or their Youtube channel to hear more of its beautiful music. One show not happening in the background is THE UNAUTHORIZED AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF SAMANTHA BROWN: It is dawn. Samantha Brown, a high school valedictorian, is supposed to leave for college today but daydreams about driving into the unknown. She sits in her car with her bags packed, but she can't turn the key in the ignition. She is filled with doubts. As the defining moments of her senior year flash through her mind, Samantha has to come to terms with her parents' expectations, her first love, and a lost friendship before she can turn the key and make the first decision of her adult life. The show has just received a new website, which according to Kerrigan will be outfitted with lots of interactive features soon. "Apparently, the road is going to move," she says, "It's crazy." Stay tuned for upcoming information about the show's future. Finally, for any of you confused by Kerrigan's ambiguous tweets last week, such as, "So - I don't "kiss and tell" but we're not not recording with someone remarkably talented/famous today. & we're not not making an album... –k" They actually ARE making an album. Which I suppose was somewhat ruined by the opening paragraph of this blog. Apologies. More information about the album, along with a pre-sale and fundraising campaign, will be released in the next month or so. "We are incredibly lucky to have the collaborators we're working with and I can tell you that the tracks that have been mixed are crazy good." And we cannot wait to hear! For more information on Kerrigan and Lowdermilk see: Official Website: http://www.kerrigan-lowdermilk.com/ Youtube Page: http://www.youtube.com/kerriganlowdermilk Till Latah, Jess

haven't written on here in a while...oh and I'll talk about theatre, too

Hey there!
So I haven't really been able to post on here in a while. About to start my second theatre-filled year at college (GO EAGLES) and I've caught up with that and summer's professions. Saying this, I will now tell Jess how much I love her for keeping the blog afloat without me. I'd be lost without you!

Anyway, back to theatre. This article will be a theatre review of a national outdoor drama that I hope some of you have seen to share in how in awe I was the entire time. I am talking about the show, Lost Colony. The show is about the "Lost Colony" of Roanoke and how they got there, etc.

Originally there were plans in the outer banks area of North Carolina to create a movie based on this mysterious tale. A movie was made in 1921 using members from all over the community of Roanoke Island. Later, the movie idea was transformed into a pageant in 1925, and finally in 1937, Paul Green (Pullitzer Prize winner) was asked to write a play concerning the story. The end result was a riveting "Symphonic Drama" of love, loss, war, and peace. It began in 1937 and has been up for practically every summer since.

I learned about the show when my friend from college got a job as a costumer/stitcher backstage and I finally got the chance myself to see it. By the end, I was amazed. The show was flawlessly performed with a Renaissance-style, meaning the actors were the stagehands and moved around the set pieces during the show. The singing was clear and brilliant, and the costumes were meticulous enough that every actor's costume (well, many costumes) was unique to themselves. Flawless design job by non other than the tony-award winning William Ivey Long! Bravo to you!

As for the acting, I loved every moment. The actors were alive so vibrantly that they could easily take anyone into this world they were in and this story they were telling. Some characters that stuck out to me were Sir Walter Raleigh, Old Tom, and the Queen of England herself. Sir Raleigh, played by Nathan Bennett, served as the narrator moving in and out of the action of the show from time to time. Great job at that, and the costume change used to emphasize that was very nice. He brought the drama to the show, and was balanced with the comic relief that was Old Tom, played by Ira David Wood IV. Wood did a great job with his character, creating this sweet lighthearted drunk that you fell in love with in the beginning. What made him interesting the transition of him becoming more confident as the town grew more in despair. His heroic grandeur by the end lifted your own spirits for the townsfolk, as you learned of their challenges to stay alive right along with them. These challenges brought along by the stubbornness of the Queen of England! Her majesty, played by Rhonda Karson, was ferocious to the end, making you hate her more and more. And if Karson can portray the Queen so well at only 19, I'm ready to see what she will do in years to come.

All in all, a spectacular performance from the cast and crew. This is a show that I actually hope to audition to be in myself. I took the backstage tour and marveled at what it takes to run this show at such a professional level (i.e. equal parts of water and vodka make for a mixture better than frebreeze. Amazing!). I hope I can experience this, myself.

Oh! I saw Wood's family came to see the show tonight, including his sister, Evan Rachel Wood. She was.......a tad short of fabulous. But I'll just let you keep your opinion in your minds. With that, I leave you! Goodbye!

P
C

Paul Loesel: "Wicked" Keyboarist and "Up and Coming" Composer

I was recently able to talk for a bit with Paul Loesel, keyboardist of "Wicked," and half of the composing team Burkell and Loesel who are planning the opening of a show Off-Off-Broadway and the release of their first CD this November. Here is the result, for you, my lovely followers… Loesel started his college career majoring as an organ player. He grew up playing it in church, knew he loved music, and decided the life of an organist was for him. This changed when one night, taking a break from his practice room at Western Michigan's school of music, his attention was caught by some choral music down the hall. "I stuck my ear to the door and looked in, and it was the theatre department rehearsing the school's production of Sweeny Todd… There was a woman down there playing piano, and I'm like, 'I wanna do that!'" He immediately switched his major to piano performance, set on becoming a pit musician. And a pit musician he became, starting with Off Broadway and smaller shows, working up to substituting for keyboardists on Broadway shows such as "The Lion King", and finally landing the position of keyboardist for the smash hit "Wicked." "Wicked is my first full time, when I have my own chair," he says of the show he's played for from its opening, "It's the best gig in the world!" Loesel has also found time, when not delighting audiences of one show or another with his keyboard skillz, to write several shows and even more hilarious cabaret songs with his writing partner Scott Burkell. They met doing summer stock at the Barn Theatre in Michigan. "…towards the end of the season, [Scott] just randomly said, 'Have you ever written a song? A theatre song?' And I said, 'No.' He said, 'Do you want to?' And I said, 'sure.'" And thus the partnership was born. The two have collaborated on two musicals, "The Extraordinary Ordinary" (originally "Six of One") and "Ella Minnow Pea." "The Extraordinary Ordinary" is set for an Off-Off-Broadway opening in November at the Clurman Theatre in Theatre Row, and a transfer to Off-Broadway after its limited three week run is in the works. According to Burkell and Loesel's website (www.ScottandPaul.com), "This contemporary musical follows a year in the life of six close friends. The characters, most in their early thirties, question everything: careers, friends, marriages, and even sexuality. This optimistic musical comedy examines the fact that one's life is mostly lived in small day-to-day ways, sitting with a friend and talking about the weather, but in that very smallness is where one often finds the most extraordinary things." The show has had several readings and workshops at Cap 21 and ASCAP and was produced in full at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. It was then set on a shelf for awhile until a representative from Dreamlight Theatre Company approached Burkell and Loesel about the show. "(He) wondered what was going on with the piece and wondered if we were interested in looking at it again. And we thought, 'Well sure, why not?' … In the past year we've really improved the show. We've ripped it to shreds," says Loesel. Five songs were replaced with other songs, new scenes were written, and two new readings have put them to the test. Opening night is set for November 30th at the Clurman. "We're very pleased with where the show is now; very excited to get into our production!" Along with their upcoming show, Burkell and Loesel are planning the release of the first CD of their work. "It's just a collection. We'll say it's the songbook of Burkell and Loesel," Loesel said when asked what material would be included, "We're going to have 13 tracks. Three of those 13 are from 'The Extraordinary Ordinary.'... The other ten songs are cabaret songs we've written over the years: both old, from 12, 13 years ago, and new that we just wrote in the last year or two." The two have a myriad of Broadway friends lined up to take part in the CD: Marin Mazzie, Jason Danieley, Stephanie J. Block, Kate Baldwin, Christopher Fitzgerald, Liz Callaway, Brian D'Arcy James, Jennifer Laura Thompson, Lisa Howard, etc. How were these stars amassed? "[Marin and Jason] actually did our very first reading of 'Six of One.' They were friends of both Scott and I from the Barn Theatre (and)…. I met Stephanie doing Wicked… It's just a matter of Scott and I getting our name out there as new, 'up and coming' composers. That phrase 'up and coming composers' is strange because we've been writing together for 18 years, but still, we're 'up and coming.' " The CD will be released sometime in November, and will most likely be accompanied by a Birdland concert to recreate it live. Loesel's advice for aspiring composers? "Take classes, study with someone, but once you leave college and you're off on your own, feel free to explore and break the rules that you learned. You have to follow your own ear and what you're drawn to musically, whether someone says that's right or wrong, because that will lead to a new sound." And we can't wait to hear the new sounds Burkell and Loesel will be treating us to this November! For more information about the duo and to hear music from their musicals and cabaret shows, visit www.scottandpaul.com. Till latah, Jess

Broadway Dreams

Epic. In a word, Sunday I witnessed the most epic spectacle of my life thus far: The Broadway Dreams Foundation's "Don't Stop Believing Concert" at the Cobb Center for the Performing Arts in Atlanta.

Broadway Dreams is an organization that brings together the brightest Broadway stars plus casting directors, agents, and all sorts of lovely, helpful people such as these from The Big Apple to put on a week long summer intenstive for kids considering pursuing musical theatre. Several intensives, as well as day clinics and other events are put on throughout the year by the foundation. Find the schedule and more information about the organization here: http://www.mybroadwaydreams.com/.

What I saw was the end of the week show put of by the students and faculty. Basically, "Mom, I swear I got something out of the $900 or so you spent on camp..." Let me also clarify something. By "faculty" I mean: Nikki Snelson, Nicole Parker, Megan Hilty, Paul Canaan, and Stephanie J. Block (among others.)

I can't even describe what the concert was like. Suffice it to say: Nicole Parker singing "Do Re Mi" as every person she has ever portrayed on Madtv (with seven children copying her exactly); Nikki Snelson leading the opening number tap in 42nd Street, the feet-only curtain-raise in the beginning and all; For Good, Megan and Stephanie (we moved up at intermission to front row, dead center seats... this happened ten feet from my face. Megan was crying, I started crying...); and all the over 100 kids piling on stage with all the faculty belting out "Don't Stop Believing" Glee style. The concert was almost 4 hours long, but didn't feel like it at all.

We went into the lobby afterwards (we being me, my father, one of our friends, and her four year old little boy who is completely in love with both Megan and especially Stephanie.) Nicole came out and headed for the door (the vast majority of people there were simply waiting for their children, who had been with the stars all week, so there was no buzz when they came out.) I stopped her and asked her to sign my Wicked key chain. She asked my name, and seeing the key chain was too small to write it, she signed that and then signed my playbill with my name on it. She is so sweet/talented/hysterical. I want to be her when I grow up. Great. Now, whoever filmed this video is a TERRIBLEAWFUL person and you should NEVERNEVER do it, but this performance has to be shared. It has to be. Go to *secret magic online movie site* and type in "Nicole Parker Broadway Dreams." Or you will be eaten by a squirrel.

Next, Stephanie came out. The little boy we were with gave her some M&Ms that he had been saving for her. She opened them, gave him his favorite color, and sat on the ground eating them with him. This is why I'd be cool with her ruling the world. Anyway. It was all very casual. Again, no one really mobbed her, so she stayed and talked to us for about twenty minutes. It was odd- her not fielding a barricade or line of fans that all wanted an autograph or picture. Just her, chillin in a ball cap, playing with the most adorable four year old ever and making faces at him when he wanted to take a picture. She talked about the "Covenant House" organization she had recently done a benefit for *take another trip to said magic movie site, type in "Stephanie J. Block Covenant House", watch the best Defying Gravity you've seen in your life.* She said she'd like to be involved with them in some way- sitting on the board or something. She also talked about Glee- how her agent had told her that they were looking to incorporate Lea's mother into the show, how she'd been excited about the prospect of doing it until she turned on the television and found Idina already cast and filmed. Oops. "I'm always one step behind Dee." But cha. It was fantastic. She left after a good twenty minute chat to watch the Tonys with a friend in Atlanta.

Megan never came out (that we saw) although Stephanie kindly left room for her on the Wicked key chain by signing "SJB." (The key chain was really only for Nicole to sign, but I didn't really object when Stephanie signed it... as well as my picture with her... and playbill... :))

Anywayz. The show was mind blowing- the talent of the children at the clinic was INCREDIBLE. And the faculty wasn't shabby. We had an awesome trip. I think we got enough Broadway in our systems to hold us for... another week or so.

Till then folks.
<3 Jess

St. Louis Muny Announces Summer Season

The St. Louis Muny's website reads as follows: "Although many stars have appeared on stage at The Muny, one essential truth has remained about the nation's oldest and largest outdoor theatre; its story is the story of St. Louis - and of St. Louisans. It is about the countless individuals who have contributed their time, money, and talent to make this magical place a truly unique American experience." "Muny" is short for the Municipal Opera Association of St. Louis, founded in 1914. It is the largest, outdoor ampitheatre in the country (seating 11,000 people). It produces seven shows each summer (prepared by a crew of 12 throughout the year.) Each show is given eleven days of rehearsal and a tech run before opening Monday and running through Sunday. This season shapes up as follows: Beauty and the Beast (June 21-27, additional performances through the 30) Titanic (July5-11) Damn Yankees (July 12-18) Cats (July 19-25) The Sound of Music (July 26-August 1) Footloose (August 2-8) Showboat (August 8-15) As an example of the star power on hand, Disney's Beauty and the Beast will be lead by James Clow (Assasins, Company, Wonderful Town) and Sarah Darling (Jersey Boys Nat. Tour), with Ken Page (Cats, Guys and Dolls, The Wiz) as Maurice, Leslie Denniston (Happy New Year, To Grandmother's House We Go) as Mrs. Potts, and Jeb Brown (Grease, Romantic Poetry) as Cogsworth. It's a dream season for a Pirate Queen fan as three members of that cast: Jeff McCarthy (as Rev. Moore in Footloose), William Youmans (as J. Bruce Ismay in Titanic), and Stephanie J. Block (as Grizabella in Cats) make Muny appearances. For a complete list of the announced casts, visit Playbill.com: http://www.playbill.com/news/article/138681-EXCLUSIVE-Muny-Season-to-Feature-Brown-Block-Hewitt-McCarthy-Hoty-Bell-Beach-Page And for tickets, the official website of the Muny: www.muny.com Jess

Billy Elliot in Chicago

Just got back from Chicago and had a fabulous time, even though it was raining and cold and being Chicago. I got to see Billy Elliot at the Oriental Theatre there, and heah are my adventures:

We got into the city, dropped mom at the pizza place, and dad and I set out to find a hard copy of something that Emily Skinner has recorded. Of course her duet albums with Alice Ripley were all out of print, but after an hour of running around, I miraculously found a hard copy of "Side Show." $10 at FYE. Then we had pizza and headed for the theatre.

We got mom situated at the theatre, and dad and I were going to walk over to Borders because the show wasn't starting for another 45 minutes. He goes, "Wait, Jess, we need to find the stage door." I love how trained he is. <3

The show had it's amazing points and... not so amazing points. Amazing points: Dancing. Obviously. The talent of the children in that show is incredible, as is the maturity and professionalism of them to take on and learn those roles, and to perform them everynight. Another thing I loved: the set. It's very economical. The set never changes- parts of it just twist around or exit. Very creative and it creates a world where metaphorical messages are possible through blocking. Not all space and time is literal and chronological throughout the show. Another obvious "amazing" aspect is Elton John's score. It is really beautiful music.

Not so amazing: first of all, sections were almost unintelligible because of the accents. I give the cast- especially the kids- props for being able to do it through the show, but, especially during chorus songs, it's very difficult to understand. Also- Michael, Billy's friend, is a cross dresser. At like... 12. No. And just a pointer- if you're going to make a big deal out of "expressing yourself" do it in a non-ridiculous way, say, leaving out the supersized, dancing wardrobe pieces: dresses, pants, etc.

There were touching moments, unintelligible moments, intense moments, ridiculous moments... quite a mixed bag. I was not thrilled with the ending, however. About half way through act 2 I thought, "Please don't be one of those 'we're not going to solve the problem, just sing a song about banding together and overcoming it in some vague way in the vague future' endings." Of course it was. But overall it was a thoughtful piece of theatre with enormous talent driving it. Dad summed it up: "It was ok. Didn't blow me away like anything we saw in New York." Dear Tonys, 9to5NexttoNormal whathappened? Love, Jessica.

Stage door: The set up was really casual. Most of the kids were just ducking under the "barricade" to get to their parents. Not too many fans. Two mini stories. 1) I was standing, talking with my father, waiting for Emily to come out, and Elijah Barker, who played the "little boy"- couldn't have been more than 6 or 7, came over to us. I didn't see him, so he said (politely), "Excuse me?" And held out his hands for my playbill and sharpie. SO CUTE. 2) Emily came out and totally skipped the "barricade", talking on her cell phone. Well, I had just run around Chicago to find a freaking hard copy of Side Show and was not leaving without it signed. Naturally, I followed her like a fan girl. (No one else recognized her/followed.) I asked her to sign my CD and playbill when she got off the phone. She did quickly and went, "Glad you liked the show, bye!" And ran off before I could ask for a picture. Haha- ah well. We had to get back to mother who had been kicked out of a coffee shop because apparently everything in Chicago closes at around 9 or 10?

Anyway, good trip, good show. Fun stuff.

Latah,

Jess

Erin Wilson on Touring With Wicked, Greenville, and Mishaps During the Show

Erin Wilson is currently performing on the 2nd national tour of Wicked in the ensemble and as an understudy for Madame Morrible. Regionally, she had done great shows like Grease (as Cha-Cha) and West Side Story (as Velma.) She answered a few questions for us on what life is like on tour and her theatrical journey so far. -When did you know you wanted to pursue acting? What training did you recieve? I was always a performer. Seriously, I'm pretty sure I came singing and dancing out of the womb! I started dancing at age 3 and never stopped training. I started singing in church and when I would play the piano and knew I had a knack for it which eventually led to finding good vocal teachers. I started acting in high school and received my BFA from BYU in Acting and Musical Theater. I have always searched for classes, teachers and training that helped me to grow and stretch myself beyond what I ever could have imagined as a kid who knew she wanted to be on Broadway. -What was the audition process like for Wicked? How many times did you have to audition/go to a callback? I went to an open equity dance call and Wayne Cilento [choreographer of Wicked] happened to be there. I made it past a few rounds and eventually was asked to sing. This is the ONLY audition I have ever not brought my audition book to {I was pretty sure I would get cut} and when they asked me to stay and sing I was freaking out. Luckily my friend was also kept and she SO kindly let me use her book. I flipped through the songs and realized the only song I knew well enough was "What I Did For Love" from A Chorus Line {coincidentally a show in which Wayne was an original cast member} and kind of nailed it. PURE LUCK and adrenaline because this isn't a song I sing, just one I know! This began my auditioning for Wicked--I was asked back later 2 more times to sing/dance/read for casting and creatives and finally booked it. -What is your favorite and least favorite thing about touring? My favorite thing is the first day in a new theater. So fresh, so exhilarating. My least favorite thing is packing and not getting to have a printer, a kitchen aid mixer, and a sewing machine at my disposal :) -Reaching back a little bit, what did you think of Greenville and what did find to do here? (I love this question. According to Carmen Cusack, we have good spas? ) Yes, you have a great spa right next to the Westin {can't recall the name right now}. You have a a great little downtown area with lots of fun shops and restaurants. I shared many meals at the Underground Coffee Shop and that fresh Mexican place. I thought the weather was beautiful, except when there was an ice storm! No one liked that!! -Can you recall any funny mishaps during your run? Machinery malfunctions, funny adlibs? Oh wow...well, the other day I was standing on stage to start the show and felt something at my feet. I looked down and my skirt had fallen off. I had a different costume underneath and had to run off and try to get it back on quickly. I missed a bit of the number but not too much. We had a roach fly onto the stage once. Let's just say I took care of it :) I don't really recall any funny adlibs, but I do remember the day that our old Fiyero mixed up his lyrics in Dancing Through Life. It worked out, it just made us giggle through the number. -What are some cool details about the sets, props, or costumes that people should look out for or know about? The costumes are INCREDIBLE. I mean, if you could see them up close you could see all of the gorgeous detail. One of my favorite costumes is the pirate-esque Emerald City costume worn by a male dancer swing. If you see it you'll know that a swing is on and get to see the brilliance of it! Elphaba's No Good Deed dress looks black from the audience but is actually woven with lots of gorgeous color. It is one of the most exquisite costumes in the show. All of our books we use in [What is This Feeling?] and [Dancing Through Life] are written in German. We have no idea what they say but during rehearsal and tech when we would have down time we had a competition to see who could find the longest word. I think I found a word with 36 letters in it. -What made you decide to start your blog? I actually started my blog as an outlet from auditioning. I was in kind of a limbo state with my career and needed something else to focus a few hours a day on that didn't have anything to do with musical theater or getting a job. It continues to be a wonderful creative outlet for me and a great place to journal my life and experiences I am now having on tour. -Finally, if you could dreamcast and star in a show of your choice, which show would you pick and who would you cast? Oh wow...that's hard! I would first want it to originate a role and build it from the ground up with a brilliant director like Joe Mantello or Des McAnuff. Such respect for them. Then I would want to cast it with my brilliant friends and colleagues who would kill it nightly. But I would like to play Fanny Brice {Funny Girl}, Mama Rose{Gypsy}, Lucille Frank {Parade}, Cathy {Last 5 Years}, Mrs. Lovett {Sweeny Todd} and a whole slew of other roles. Thanks for answering our questions, Erin! Check out Erin's blog here: http://www.erin-wilson.blogspot.com/ and go catch her in the 2nd national tour of Wicked, schedule here: www.wickedthemusical.com/page.php#WickedCitiesonTour

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LADY GaGa is Too Fabulous For You Anyway...

Being a theatre lover herself, I felt like the mistress of GaGa deserves a post for what just happened.

A few minutes ago, Lady GaGa was up for the Grammy Award for Album of the Year...which she didn't win.

It was Taylor Swift. Not good.

Yes, Swift's songs are damn catchy when you listen to them, but who is the artist in that category to actually bring the originality of dance music to the forefront of pop, and have 5 #1 singles alone in their first year alone? Lady GaGa was a songwriter for many artists before she went solo, which made her very popular, very fast. Her songs are the songs are the songs of our generation, something we can hold on to, and dance while we're at it. Not to mention how she is able to morph all her songs with her piano performances, and bring such originality and talent to every part of her performances that she always has a huge part in creating.

Lady is a singer, songwriter, musician, theatrical performer, fashion designer, pioneer. Why not show her some recognition for it?

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broadway just died a little...

There isn't much to say...K I'm done...

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the verdict can be found here:

http://www.playbill.com/multimedia/gallery//948/?pnum=1

Be A Hippie!

Alright! I have class in 15 minutes so this has to be quick. HAIR is having a non-equity open casting call in 2 days! This cast will perform starting March 9 with the original broadway cast performing in the upcoming London production. My soul is dying softly as I live in South Carolina...all well...go if you can!

Oh yeah the awesomeness of this show was nominated for a Grammy! Woot!

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more info...
http://www.broadway.com/buzz/calling-all-hippies-hair-holds-open-casting-call/

HAIR official site
http://www.hairbroadway.com/

Short Notice of Doom

I got yelled at cause I didn't update. And I have a big test tomorrow so this shall be short. Everything is closing. Everything. Shrek just closed (darn), Finian's Rainbow, Bye Bye (literally) Birdie, Ragtime. Yeah.

But here's my theory: All the fluff/revivals are dying b/c tourists are moneyless, so the rich/cultured people, or just theatre die hards are the only ones hitting the theatre now. Maybe this means some good new original stuff coming up? We'll see. :)

[tossers] [everywhere] [ :)) ]

Alright...soooo....I didn't post anything last Wednesday. And I was going this weekend...but I didn't. In the end, I just didn't have any internet connection from where I was staying for New Year's.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Anyway, I just thought I would dedicate this post to one of the most original musicals ever to hit B-Way! [title of show]! And, yes, the show isn't on Broadway anymore, but many, many states are having their premieres of the show! Included in these are

• Missouri
• Massachusetts
• Arizona
• Michigan
• Virginia

That. Is epic. And hopefully I will take part in the regional premiere of [title of show] in...Rock Hill, South Carolina! Yes, the awesome Edge Theatre Company that I work with will finally perform this show in their next season. Cross your fingers that the auditions go well!

Other than that, The History Boys is still looking up. The french is still difficult but we're getting there. Just remember that the show runs February 4-7. Go see the show!

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the awesome [title of show] theatres...you go!

http://www.repstl.org/ - The Reperatory Theatre of St. Louis

http://www.speakeasystage.com/ - Speakeasy Stage Company

http://www.aztheatreco.org/ - Arizona Theatre Company

http://www.whowantscaketheatre.com/ - The Ringwald Theatre

http://www.signaturetheatre.org/ - Signature Theatre Company