Wednesday, February 11, 2009
OOPS PS:
I am Obviously not paying attention to my own KEYBOARD.
Wanted to add that my college ITHACA COLLEGE did a wonderful magazine issue.
It is an issue about Ithaca graduates in theatre and on Broadway.
They were nice enough to include ME in the article along with recent graduates that have made some inroads on the Big Street.
Matt Cavanaugh, who is now playing TONY in WEST SIDE STORY and has been in GREY GARDENS and URBAN COWBOY along with soap operas, is featured as is the lovely and very talented Kelly Butler who starred as Kira in XANADU at the Helen Hayes theatre.
I guess I represented the OLDER group? =0-)
Each of us mention how invaluable our Ithaca training was and how it is a pillar of our stability and focus as working artists.
Bravo Ithaca..Continue to hold the standards high.
I hope someday I can be a part of your continuing creative spark, perhaps even get up there and do some master classes. I would love that.
It is still set in one of the most attractive places in New York State. Cayuga Lake is something to experience in ALL SEASONS.
I send a shout out to all Alumni and soon to be graduates in the creative Arts: Hope you have as much enjoyment as I have had in the Arts and know that in my experience Ithaca's training is a great tool for artistic longevity!
See you onstage, on TV and on screen.
XXX
Keybored
Wanted to add that my college ITHACA COLLEGE did a wonderful magazine issue.
It is an issue about Ithaca graduates in theatre and on Broadway.
They were nice enough to include ME in the article along with recent graduates that have made some inroads on the Big Street.
Matt Cavanaugh, who is now playing TONY in WEST SIDE STORY and has been in GREY GARDENS and URBAN COWBOY along with soap operas, is featured as is the lovely and very talented Kelly Butler who starred as Kira in XANADU at the Helen Hayes theatre.
I guess I represented the OLDER group? =0-)
Each of us mention how invaluable our Ithaca training was and how it is a pillar of our stability and focus as working artists.
Bravo Ithaca..Continue to hold the standards high.
I hope someday I can be a part of your continuing creative spark, perhaps even get up there and do some master classes. I would love that.
It is still set in one of the most attractive places in New York State. Cayuga Lake is something to experience in ALL SEASONS.
I send a shout out to all Alumni and soon to be graduates in the creative Arts: Hope you have as much enjoyment as I have had in the Arts and know that in my experience Ithaca's training is a great tool for artistic longevity!
See you onstage, on TV and on screen.
XXX
Keybored
RESCUE ME
I had the new experience of shooting a scene on RESCUE ME on Monday.
I was up at 5:30AM and walked from my apartment to 13th and Broadway for a 7AM van pickup. The sun was rising on a very beautiful bright day. It was a New York morning like you read about in novels.
As I was heading East on 14th Street the sun began to blast it's way onto the hustling street.
I me the van and there were 3 other actors on board. We got to Long Island City in a very short trip. Went to a Studio that I never had seen and was pleasantly incorporated into the system by very cordial and friendly people.
I brought my own suit and shoes so the fitting was a snap. Make-up was a little pat on my nose. I ate some breakfast from the craft services, read and rested in my dressing room until called to set.
On a permanent BAR set I was introduced to a bevy of very fun and frenetic comic types.
Denis Leary not only stars in the series, but is also a producer. He was nice enough and that was fine with me. The director kept tripping on my name. He kept calling me by the Jewish conception configuration as I guess I LOOK Jewish nowadays. And after doing a rebellious 1960's activist from NY in CAROLINE OR CHANGE I must exude some Latke Likenesses.
Anyway..it was a long scene where, as a Justice of the Peace,I married Lou & Candy.
We did many takes and I had to keep on my toes as I was in the background and had to grab cues from Leary who was at the bar in intimate repartee with another actor.
The whole set was permeated by outspoken regulars who are obviously franchised to run with their improvisation. That was really interesting as the script was never adhered to. Well that isn't true it was somewhat adhered to. But the most disconcerting thing for me, a Day Player, is that I wasn't used to it.
Leary changed not only lines but CUES! Once I got it I was fine and I think I managed to not get too much in the way! =0-)
Ironically the looseness of the atmosphere was both enjoyable and a stumbling block.
In the end however I think the timing and result will be fine and funny.
The regulars have a comic standup background and when Leary went into that mode they easily followed in comic turn.
It is like a long running play that I happened to step into one afternoon.
Ironically Malina Govich who plays Candy was in CABARET with me. A beautiful girl with a great personality. And to add to that surprise, she and her husband live two blocks away from me. Small World!
I was home by 4:30 and in reflection was pleased with the experience. Many of the regulars were kind enough to thank me and say goodbye. I was surprised that the director, on wrap up, didn't.
My education on TV shoots is very different indeed.
__________________________________________________
We saw the ENCORES MUSIC IN THE AIR on Sunday evening.
It is not a good theatre piece. Kristin Chenowith and Doug Sills managed to dig into their vast talents and pulled some enjoyable moments and some wonderful singing. But the show itself is not stage worthy to my taste. Tom Alan Robbins was very good as were most of the character people. Tom and I were in SUNSET BLVD together and he is a reliable and sturdy performer. BRAVO Tom!
Dick Latessa's talents were employed as an adjunct to Marnie Nixon as her partner.
It was sweet to see her in the flesh but vocally she had no real shot at giving us her gusto vocally. She had a dull song that allowed a few money notes to pop. It was what the audience was waiting for and reacted appreciatively indeed!
That is about it for my foray into theatre and TV so far.
I sent for Tickets for BLITHE SPIRIT which I can't wait to see.
Angela Lansbury and Christine Ebersole are old pals and I am very anxious to enjoy them both in the same piece. A play which I never saw onstage but loved as a movie with Rex Harrison. I never saw HIGH SPIRITS the musical version with Tammy Grimes and the madcap Bea Lillie. Musically I thought the piece compromised but enjoyable.
Now that is a show ENCORES should include.
I am pleased the weather has shifted into the 50 degree range and allowed the windows to be open and refresh the rooms of my abode.
_________________________________________________________________
We are awaiting the results of all this buzz around the stimulus package. I think that the Bipartisanship has been overplayed. And I think that that if the package is continually compromised we won't see real progress.
We need the infrastructure and more green jobs.. and that Bailout for banks is a real sore spot.
Don't you love that Obama called on the Huffington Post which showed his awareness of the fact that the internet is a part of the News world!
That alone gave me more hope.
Ultimately I am optimistic that things are moving progressively forward but as long as the Republicans play the Stonewalling game we won't. So who is causing things to stagnate?
Am looking out on a sunny day and enjoying a slight cool breeze through my window. AAAaahhh.
I bought WHEN THE LION ROARS yesterday and am halfway through it.
It is a bit stilted and creaky as a documentary but the matter of fact views form those who worked there , stars and creative artists, is very enlightening and entertaining.
MGM..which had it all in spades and disintegrated trying simultaneously to stay as they were and yet morph into the new post WWII world.
In some ways there is a parallel with this time and administration and MGM isn't there?
Many things are cemented in past ways and yet we have inevitable change to deal with.
The only Constant in life is CHANGE.
I think the people are aware, more aware than before. I also think and believe that the political ground has shifted and is slowly changing. And when the media is so in the corporate pockets and conservative talking heads get most of the air time, we get a collective psyche thinking they are the ONLY voice. But they aren't are they.
The majority of Americans can't survive without help and without jobs, So all the malignancy of the Republican stagnancy and stonewalling is not gonna change the people's problem.
Eventually the progress has to prevail.
I am rambling and getting heated up about the Politics again.
Hope we all have a good day and listen to more Progressive radio on and off the Internet.
Ed Shultz on 1600 AM and Randi Rhodes 3-6Pm on NOVA stream online I Highly Recommend!
Enjoy the day..
Ciao
XXX
Keybored
I was up at 5:30AM and walked from my apartment to 13th and Broadway for a 7AM van pickup. The sun was rising on a very beautiful bright day. It was a New York morning like you read about in novels.
As I was heading East on 14th Street the sun began to blast it's way onto the hustling street.
I me the van and there were 3 other actors on board. We got to Long Island City in a very short trip. Went to a Studio that I never had seen and was pleasantly incorporated into the system by very cordial and friendly people.
I brought my own suit and shoes so the fitting was a snap. Make-up was a little pat on my nose. I ate some breakfast from the craft services, read and rested in my dressing room until called to set.
On a permanent BAR set I was introduced to a bevy of very fun and frenetic comic types.
Denis Leary not only stars in the series, but is also a producer. He was nice enough and that was fine with me. The director kept tripping on my name. He kept calling me by the Jewish conception configuration as I guess I LOOK Jewish nowadays. And after doing a rebellious 1960's activist from NY in CAROLINE OR CHANGE I must exude some Latke Likenesses.
Anyway..it was a long scene where, as a Justice of the Peace,I married Lou & Candy.
We did many takes and I had to keep on my toes as I was in the background and had to grab cues from Leary who was at the bar in intimate repartee with another actor.
The whole set was permeated by outspoken regulars who are obviously franchised to run with their improvisation. That was really interesting as the script was never adhered to. Well that isn't true it was somewhat adhered to. But the most disconcerting thing for me, a Day Player, is that I wasn't used to it.
Leary changed not only lines but CUES! Once I got it I was fine and I think I managed to not get too much in the way! =0-)
Ironically the looseness of the atmosphere was both enjoyable and a stumbling block.
In the end however I think the timing and result will be fine and funny.
The regulars have a comic standup background and when Leary went into that mode they easily followed in comic turn.
It is like a long running play that I happened to step into one afternoon.
Ironically Malina Govich who plays Candy was in CABARET with me. A beautiful girl with a great personality. And to add to that surprise, she and her husband live two blocks away from me. Small World!
I was home by 4:30 and in reflection was pleased with the experience. Many of the regulars were kind enough to thank me and say goodbye. I was surprised that the director, on wrap up, didn't.
My education on TV shoots is very different indeed.
__________________________________________________
We saw the ENCORES MUSIC IN THE AIR on Sunday evening.
It is not a good theatre piece. Kristin Chenowith and Doug Sills managed to dig into their vast talents and pulled some enjoyable moments and some wonderful singing. But the show itself is not stage worthy to my taste. Tom Alan Robbins was very good as were most of the character people. Tom and I were in SUNSET BLVD together and he is a reliable and sturdy performer. BRAVO Tom!
Dick Latessa's talents were employed as an adjunct to Marnie Nixon as her partner.
It was sweet to see her in the flesh but vocally she had no real shot at giving us her gusto vocally. She had a dull song that allowed a few money notes to pop. It was what the audience was waiting for and reacted appreciatively indeed!
That is about it for my foray into theatre and TV so far.
I sent for Tickets for BLITHE SPIRIT which I can't wait to see.
Angela Lansbury and Christine Ebersole are old pals and I am very anxious to enjoy them both in the same piece. A play which I never saw onstage but loved as a movie with Rex Harrison. I never saw HIGH SPIRITS the musical version with Tammy Grimes and the madcap Bea Lillie. Musically I thought the piece compromised but enjoyable.
Now that is a show ENCORES should include.
I am pleased the weather has shifted into the 50 degree range and allowed the windows to be open and refresh the rooms of my abode.
_________________________________________________________________
We are awaiting the results of all this buzz around the stimulus package. I think that the Bipartisanship has been overplayed. And I think that that if the package is continually compromised we won't see real progress.
We need the infrastructure and more green jobs.. and that Bailout for banks is a real sore spot.
Don't you love that Obama called on the Huffington Post which showed his awareness of the fact that the internet is a part of the News world!
That alone gave me more hope.
Ultimately I am optimistic that things are moving progressively forward but as long as the Republicans play the Stonewalling game we won't. So who is causing things to stagnate?
Am looking out on a sunny day and enjoying a slight cool breeze through my window. AAAaahhh.
I bought WHEN THE LION ROARS yesterday and am halfway through it.
It is a bit stilted and creaky as a documentary but the matter of fact views form those who worked there , stars and creative artists, is very enlightening and entertaining.
MGM..which had it all in spades and disintegrated trying simultaneously to stay as they were and yet morph into the new post WWII world.
In some ways there is a parallel with this time and administration and MGM isn't there?
Many things are cemented in past ways and yet we have inevitable change to deal with.
The only Constant in life is CHANGE.
I think the people are aware, more aware than before. I also think and believe that the political ground has shifted and is slowly changing. And when the media is so in the corporate pockets and conservative talking heads get most of the air time, we get a collective psyche thinking they are the ONLY voice. But they aren't are they.
The majority of Americans can't survive without help and without jobs, So all the malignancy of the Republican stagnancy and stonewalling is not gonna change the people's problem.
Eventually the progress has to prevail.
I am rambling and getting heated up about the Politics again.
Hope we all have a good day and listen to more Progressive radio on and off the Internet.
Ed Shultz on 1600 AM and Randi Rhodes 3-6Pm on NOVA stream online I Highly Recommend!
Enjoy the day..
Ciao
XXX
Keybored
Sunday, February 8, 2009
FIRE ESCAPE CHAT
I had been thinking about politics and Obama and how he was being compared to FDR in that Depression, War and Economic Crisis years ago.
How the "FIRESIDE CHAT" gave the nation a balm in the sore throes of such irritating times.
Since I am not FDR or OBAMA..with no Fireside-all I have beyond my computer screen is a Fire Escape..so I thought I'd Chat while remebering the times I spent on fire escapes across the city dreaming into the ether.
Seems fitting that the view I have is through safety gate bars. Perhaps a metaphor depicting the cage we have been in for so many Bush/Cheney years.
However,
I am VERY diaappointed with OBAMA's path thus far. It has not followed the mandate people voted for.
He has been folded into the Republican/Corporate Democrats way of thinking and doing business! It is safe and secure for the monied and leaves the people to wonder why he is behaving this way?
His bipartisan attempts turned to ash almost immediately with the 0% vote from the calcified Republicans in the House on the stimulus bill.
Giving Republicans THEIR way and more Tax cuts is NOT the path WE THE PEOPLE voted for only a few weeks ago.
The media has given the Republicans a LOUD PULPIT for their characterization of the bill as something full of Pork and waste. So the "bipartisan" compromise is to do what the Republicans want. How does that help WE THE PEOPLE Mr. Obama?
I SAY; VETO IT! and start again!
OBAMA has the Mandate of the People and although he seems to be TRYING to conduct a Change in ways of DC Business, it is not working. TIME TO STAND UP AND TELL THESE MEAN SPIRITED NON-PROGRESSIVE Republicans that THEY LOST!!
And I think he should RID himself of any Republicans in his Cabinet and get some Progressives on the Bridge of this ship of state--which is almost a SHIP TO NOWHERE.
People are ready to roll up their sleeves and go to some sort of work that will HELP this country get it's infrastructure and backbone back.
The Republicans and some of those Moderate Democrats have opened a hole in the Ship's bulkhead and I think WE THE PEOPLE need to seal it up and push back this tide of adversity toward the middle class and working Americans.
That is my own opion of course.
I hope that Obama takes the LEAP OF FAITH he should KNOW is supported by so many that VOTED HIM IN for C H A N G E !
If he doesn't I think that populace will rebel and we will have chaos and confusion and worse.
WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF BEING PUSHED OUT OF OUR JOBS AND OUR ABILITY TO PRODUCE PRODUCTS ON OUR OWN HOMELAND TURF! And being unable to afford many necessities of today's life!
SO this Stimulus package bill passes the Senate with some of the HELP for the people TAKEN OUT. And the Tax Cuts left in for the RICH!
We have had decades of that Not working. SO what is going on..CHANGE? I think NOT!
That is it from me today. FRUSTRATION is bubbling and people are not happy.
Being the first Black President is wonderful IF YOU CAN FIGHT THE FIGHT.
But it makes NO DIFFFRENCE if Obama winds up as a tool for the last Administrations's and the fumes of the Republican Neo-cons way of doing things.
No matter how cute his girls are or how smart his amazing wife is. HE has to STOP THE BULL ...and SOON!
------------------------------------------
On the brighter side..It is almost 60 Degrees here in New York.
A BEAUTIFUL day..windows open...clean air wafting through and the sun shining!
We saw the Academy Award Nominated Animated Shorts last night at the IFC theatre on 6th Avenue..The old Waverly Theatre where (pre-renovation) once we saw Divine in the flesh..at the Premiere of John Water's POLYESTHER. I encourage all to see these wonderful films...from 2 to about 15 minutes each.
My favorites: PRESTO / OCTAPODI and THIS WAY UP...LAVATORY was also fun..and LA MAISON de PETITE CUBES was provacative.
Hard category this year for sure.
We walked home through Greenwich Village..Taking West 4th to 7th Ave. It was depressing..On W 4th there are at least 5, 6 or more SEX shops along with some long time eateries.. And some old eateries like O'Henry's is now a BANK branch. Have we noticed how many Soveriegn Banks, Bank of America and Chase "stations" are now ubiquitous along with Rite Aids, CVS and Duane Reades-- as well as an astounding plethora of NAIL salons? Add the huge amounts of empty or closed down restaurants and businesses and well..
It is weird and has changed the face and texture of New York for the worst as far as I am concerned.
The OSCAR WILDE Bookstore was o W 4th and is closed and that was the last bastion of Gay establishments to get the heave-ho due to rent no doubt. Unlike the "Bookstores' all around NY that are really cosmetic porno places, that was one of the few real bookstores where you could get literature and thought provocking publications.
When I came to New York in the late 60's the "VILLAGE" was a wonderland of Art and Artists of all ilks and strains. The amazing sidewalk Art shows and the stimulating conversations and odd and interesting people and places were abundant and fascinating.
As a young man I was inspired by the energy and unblocked horizons these mind opening and vision clearing esperiences brought. In truth anything was possible if you tenaciously went at it. Others who had that engine inside didn't hinder your enthuisiasm or progress. Now it seems like one has to come Pre-fabricated and has to struggle harder for what seems less.
I guess if generations now used to iPods and Computers, with less actual instead of virtual involvement in life's experiences, are inhabiting the streets where the likes of Ginsbergs and Lenny Bruce's and a Barbra Streisand along with so many amazing forces once tread...then the changes in venues along those streets is a given.
If they don't know those times or places were ..for want of a better word, BETTER..then this is OK for them.
Hell I remember when Unemployment and Social Security weren't taxed. When Healthcare was inexpensive and actually INSURED you!
When an Orchestra seat at the WIntergarden for the amazing FOLLIES was $13.00 and standing room even less!
I mourn the loss of what once was and hope for the stimulations that this city used to vibrate 24 hours a day. It was accessible to many more than just the richer of those among us.
It was once FUN CITY...A SUMMER FESTIVAL..THE CITY THAT DOESN'T SLEEP>>THE BIG APPLE...Let's hope the seed of that core is Gestating and will soon sprout again!
Hope that you all have a great Valentine's Day and if we need to push the new administration and Obama to the places we KNOW are better...I say:
YES WE CAN..
XXX
Keybored
Saturday, January 31, 2009
BACK IN NEW YORK
JANUARY 31,2009
Been back in NYC since Jan 18th.
The AMTRACK ride was comfy and since I took the "Quiet Car" I was relaxed and ready for the transition back into the New York groove. I worked on my computer and read through the trip.
When I got to NY Penn Station Jeff met me on the platform and helped with luggage. We got home and it was SNOWING. I LOVED IT. We had no real extended Winter weather in Baltimore. I figure if it is Winter then BE Winter.
The NY snow was soft and quiet and splendid. Nothing like a raging storm so we walked to TELLO on 19th Street near 8thAve and had a delicious dinner.
I recommend it!
It has been almost 2 weeks since CAROLINE OR CHANGE and it seems farther away.
I hit the ground running with auditions on Monday the 19th and the week was speckled with a few more including an UGLY BETTY audition out in the bowels of Queens SILVERCUP EAST STUDIOS.
I met friends that I had done EVITA and CABARET with at the UB audition. That was fun.
It is said they are putting UB on hold for a while to try some other new programming on Thursday nights...WAS IT MY AUDITION!!???
On the 20th the INAUGURATION and Aretha's Hat were the focus. I hear the Smithsonian asked for the hat.
SO we finally have our ELECTED rather than appointed President who is OF THE PEOPLE.
He has already hit he Republican Stonewall but I expected nothing less.
Time for the Democrats to put the foot down and make these hardnose right wingers realize that the PEOPLE WON this election and want CHANGE! Their Obstructionist stand is Anti-Progressive and Anti-American as far as I can see.
It kills one to read how people are suffering and need help and relief that can only come from the government CHANGING...Changing laws and stupid De-regulation rules and policies.
At least we have an articulate ADULT in the White House and I feel no matter how much Rush Limbaugh and the Neo-cons want Obama "to FAIL" (how patriotic of them) he will overcome and prevail.
We NOW can at least live in HOPE and look forward to BETTER no matter what form that takes.
Meantime stay cool and focused.
"With all it's sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy." That is a quote from my touchstone document: THE DESIDERATA...found in St Paul's Church...IN BALTIMORE in 1692!!!
I have been having a flare up of Diverticulitis and that set me back some. I am in Cipro which is a tough Antibiotic and wreaks havoc on one's system. But it already has helped a lot!
Not much else to report except that the weather is still in the 20's and that I took the time indoors to rid the place of excess stuff and detritus collected for too many years. That felt very good and cathartic.
January is OVER tonight and we go into the short 28 day month of February...We should get a Discount in Rent for that amount of days!!
=0-)
We are toying with going out to Brooklyn the DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan and Brooklyn Overpass) as friends are displaying wares in an upscale indoor Flea Market called the Brownstoner today and Sunday...
Here's the link :
http://www.brownstoner.com/brooklynflea/2009/01/a_fine_vintage.html
It is near the river and may be too cold..but hey it's Winter!
Snow predicted on Tuesday night..OF COURSE..I have an audition on Wednesday!!
I hope all my CAROLINE pals are working or in line for future projects and that I get to work and play with you all again.
It was a JOY! Truly...
HAPPY TIMES and GOOD STUFF to ALL!
XX
keybored
Friday, January 16, 2009
9 DEGREES OF SEPARATION
OH MY GOD..IT IS 9 DEGREES OUTSIDE AND ZERO WITH THE WIND CHILL!
It was however a HOT SHOW and a HOT AUDIENCE! It was little Matthew (one of our Noah's) last show.
I LOVED working with him. Talented and smart and will have a terrific career if he keeps at it. I guess he is as he is going tomorrow to Atlanta for some Junior Theatre Contest or something like that.
Both he and Brad, who shares the role of Noah, are both pros at such a young age!! Neither kid really understands the respect and how well thought of CAROLINE OR CHANGE is among the theatre industry. SO having done the show and so well they already are in the major place that has resonance.
Our incredible Caroline, E.Faye Butler, took Matthews hand and shared her final bows with him. Very moving and I know it meant a lot to the boy.
GOOD LUCK MATTHEW BREAK THE LEG!!
All Baltimore is preparing for OBAMA'S appearance tomorrow at the War Memorial across from the Court House.
I find it Ironic that the Memorial is on GAY Street and then we have all that controversy about Rick Warren, who abhors Gay Marriage, giving the Inaugural Prayer.
We are all getting set to leave on SUnday or Monday and I am sad to break up this amazing cast and leave this stirring and terrific version of CAROLINE. But we must go ONWARD!!
I am looking forward to going home and getting back into my own world and old groove.
I will very much miss all of the fun and talented people I was privileged to work with on this project.
And I will also miss playing the upstart Mr.Stopnick! It was a comfortable fit and joy to sing. ONE I LEARNED IT!!
We are saying goodbye to Bush as he leaves under a cloud of mishaps, mis-steps and mistakes.
We celebrate Mr.Obama's first steps toward the White House. Along with a new outlook and a New Year under a New Administration.
I too will be watching on the viewing screens with hope and joy tomorrow.
ONWARD ONWARD
xxx
Keybored
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