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Saturday, June 26, 2010

RUN AND SEE: RED


So, I realize I have a tendency to endorse shows right as they are about to close (this one closes on Sunday, even after winning the Tony for Best Play. Let's not talk about it), but I just had to express the incredibly visceral experience I had watching Red last night. Just two actors (playing Mark Rothko and his assistant) in a painting studio discussing, and living, art. The play deals with the "what is art?" question with an intelligence that does not alienate an audience who may not be too knowledgeable about modern art (me!), but draws them in without mercy.

The seamless blend of incredible design (stunning lights, moving music, and the paintings, oh the paintings, which become characters in their own right, breathing, vulnerable...) and brilliant performances by both Alfred Molina and Eddie Redmayne touched a whole theater of people who were audibly as moved as I was, and who sprang to their feet as the last beautiful picture was swallowed into black, realizing a fear confessed by Rothko that I couldn't help but share as I sat there thinking, "Don't let it end, don't let it end." What I could only describe as pure honesty emanated from the stage as a canvas was primed before our eyes, colors were mixed and frames were hammered together on stage, and emotions were left on the floor with the splattered paint.

Rothko's assistant, Ken challenges that "not every painting has to rip your guts out and expose your soul" but this play did exactly that, leaving me in tears by the end. It's a shame that a play that considers so well what it is to appreciate art and what it is for art to be appreciated, a reflection that can be applied to both painting and theater in the same moment on that stage, has to close when millions of dollars are being wasted on poorly produced tourist-trap shows, but I'll get off my soap box and just appreciate the art that is this play and this production, and urge you to RUN AND SEE THIS if you get a chance!
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Tuesday, June 22, 2010

CLOSING COOKIES: Gabriel

Sunday night marked the end of my Stage Management Fellowship at Atlantic Theater Company with the closing night of Gabriel. And you know what closing night means! Cookies!

Here is the show poster:




So I thought a nice cloudy background with the show title would be nice.


I got to try a little two-toned flooding with a Bright White and a Sky Blue.






Then I added the text in black on top.




And they were a big hit! I'm sad the show's over but cookies always make goodbyes easier :)



UP NEXT: I'll Be Damned for JARADOA Theater Company


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Friday, June 18, 2010

RUN AND SEE: Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson



Currently running at The Public Theater until June 27th (Seriously, buy your tickets NOW!), Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson is the best musical I've seen all season. With a "Fuck yea" attitude and some kick ass songs, this musical gives the biography of Andrew Jackson a hilarious rock-star twist. Ben Walker, who plays Andrew Jackson with an irresistible bad-boy attitude and some bangin' vocal chords, fits the role as well as his tight black jeans fit him (sorry, I had to.). Hilariously snarky, with some damn catchy tunes, the show is also frighteningly relevant. Now here's a musical that makes you want to dance, but also makes you think. Thank you! (And I'm not the only one who thinks so. Three "Should Have Been Nominated"s from Brantley when it's not even eligible (yet!)?? Just saying... Broadway please!)

I also have a great cookie design idea for this show, so maybe they'll ask me to make some??? :) Or I'll just do it for fun!
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Saturday, June 12, 2010

It's Tony Time!

It's that time again! The Tony Awards are tomorrow night!



I have to be honest. I am not as excited about the Awards as I have been in previous years. I usually have one musical that I stand behind passionately and root for on pins and needles until the final award of the night is announced (i.e. Spring Awakening, In the Heights,  Next to Normal, [title of show] (even though they weren't nominated - Boo!)), but this year that is not the case. I don't want to bad mouth any of the shows, but let's just say, the one I thought I'd be rooting for was a bit of a let down.

I must say, I think the Best Play options this season are much more deserving than any of the musicals, but even more interesting to me is that, in my opinion, the Off-Broadway scene had much more to offer in terms of musicals this season. Two of my favorites were Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson at The Public (more on that amazingness later) and Bloodsong of Love at Ars Nova. Two extremely enjoyable and well-written pieces of theater. I never got a chance to see The Scottsboro Boys at The Vineyard, but they've already secured their transfer to Broadway.

Anyway, enough of my ranting and raving. On to the predictions! Just the major categories, but it's always a fun game!


Best Play


Who I want to win: We all know I love me some Sarah Ruhl (nominated for In the Next Room, which I saw and enjoyed), but I really liked Next Fall, and it was good to see some really important issues brought to the forefront on the Broadway stage.

Who I think will win: Based on the buzz I've heard (I haven't seen it yet, but I bought tickets today!) I think that Red will win.


Best Musical

Who I want to win: I think Fela! is the most deserving of the nominees, though I have actually only seen one of the shows nominated.

Who I think will win: Tough call, there's no stand-out hit this year, but I think Fela! will take home the prize.


Best Revival of a Play

Who I want to win: I have seen none of the nominees, but I am partial to Lend Me a Tenor because our costume designer at Gabriel designed the costumes and got a nomination for it! Yay Martin!

Who I think will win: Both Fences and A View from the Bridge have star power, but I just don't think Scarlett Johansson can compete with Denzel Washington, so Fences is my guess.


Best Revival of a Musical

Who I want to win: I thought Ragtime was a stunning production with beautiful music. I enjoyed the story so much that I was compelled to buy the book it was based off of (by E. L. Doctorow), which I also enjoyed very much.

Who I think will win: Another tough call, since I've only seen 2 of the 4 nominees, but I'm gonna go out on a limb and say Finian's Rainbow. Didn't see it, but heard good things.


Best Actor in a Play

Who I want to win: They pulled out the big guns in this category. It's the battle of the A-listers. I would like Alfred Molina (Red) to win because I've heard his performance is phenomenal,

Who I think will win: but when up against Jude Law (Hamlet), Christopher Walken (A Behanding in Spokane), and Denzel Washinton (Fences) (and let's not leave Liev Schreiber (A View from the Bridge) in the dust), who's to tell.


Best Actress in a Play

Who I want to win: I also love me some Laura Linney (Time Stand Still),

Who I think will win: But I think Valerie Harper (Looped) will win.


Best Actor in a Musical

Who I want to win: Douglas Hodge's performance as the iconic Albin in La Cage Aux Folles (not to mention the fierce dancing of the Cagelles) is the only performance that I witnessed this season, but I think it is very deserving.

Who I think will win: Douglas Hodge has a good shot, however it could be a toss up against Chad Kimball (Memphis).


Best Actress in a Musical

Who I want to win: What a bunch of talented ladies! So hard to choose! I don't have a favorite, but I think I'd like to see Sherie Rene Scott win.

Who I think will win: Will the judges be able to resist Catherine Zeta-Jones?



What do you think??? For a full list of the nominees visit TonyAwards.com and tune in Sunday at 8pm on CBS to see who wins!


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Friday, June 4, 2010

WHAT I'M UP TO: Gabriel, So Tell Me, and I'll Be Damned

I haven't had time to make any cookies lately, but I wanted to give you all an update on what I'm up to, since I'm busy busy busy and this is both a cookie AND a theater blog. :)

My show at the Atlantic, Gabriel, has extended to June 20th! The reception has been extremely positive, so if you're near by, try and catch it!



Along with Gabriel, I am beginning work on two other shows!

I am currently stage managing a benefit performance for Naked Angels called So Tell Me, What Can I Do?
Written and performed by Michael Reinert, it follows his battle with cancer and his struggle to stay positive through it all. Proceeds go to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. It is running three performances Monday, June 7th, 14th, and 21st @ 7:30pm at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater at Playwrights Horizon. Come check it out!



Next week I begin rehearsals for JARADOA's new musical I'll Be Damned!


"I’LL BE DAMNED is the story of a friendless, comic-book-loving homeschooler named Louis who receives a seemingly irresistible offer from Satan. Louis' mother is a little late in coming to terms with her son growing up, God seems lost in his vision of a perfect world, and Louis is discovering himself as he attempts to find just one true friend.

This fresh new musical comedy begs the universal question: 'Is there a way to make people like you without having to sell your soul to the devil?'
"

Performances start July 1st and it looks like it's going to be tons of fun, so come on by!


And that's what I'm up to right now. I promise more cookies are on the way!
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