10 days!! Really. It's been 10 days since I've last blogged. That's a shame. Oh well, don't live in the past...revel in the present and look forward to the future, since my birthday is 10 days from now aaaaaand we will be in the space 10 days from now!! :) OMG!! This process is flying by!! I am so happy, although I work 9 hour days and go straight from work, to rehearsal, to bed, to work, to rehearsal...lather, rinse, repeat!! When I feel like I'm gonna lose my mind, I breathe it all in and remember that all this 'mayhem' keeps me stimulated, vigorous, satisfied, grateful. I love what I do. Whenever I get to express my creativity I feel liberated. I. can't. imagine. my. life. without. art! Looking back, I've always been an artist. Whether it be cooking, interior design, fashion, I have always craved art! Performance art has most definitely stepped out front and center these days!! I love to perform, it's so fulfilling! Especially when it thrills others and makes an impact! 'Passing Strange' is a joy!! A priceless experience for me as an artist. It allows me to impact and thrill and so much more. On top of that, I'm living the story I'm telling, which is so rare. I am mos def a lost soul, searching for the "real", but this experience has been like a cheat sheet for me. Things I have questioned before, I don't question anymore. Absolutely priceless....and oh so pleasurable too might I add ;)
Stew is a brilliant poetic magician and I just can't get enough! Ask people who know me well enough to know my quirky fears/apprehensions and they will tell you....I don't F with magicians, but in this case it's 100% okay. ;) I will be an apprentice to Stew's magicianry any day!! This show is so harmonious. The music and the lyrics are like cake and ice-cream....quite delicious separately, but put them together and you've got yourself a party!! The earworms are so catchy not only in musical setup and lyrics but in the way it transports your emotional status. They put you at ease one moment and prick you like a needle the next. Three words, three notes can grab your full attention. That's exactly what "listening is waiting" has done for us strange-ers. One night after rehearsal, Scott asked us what "listening is waiting" means. I try to always keep this in mind: Never forget the message you received and always be perceptive of the message others receive. "Listening is waiting" has always stood out to me and the message I received was that something you need to listen to is waiting on you to listen. Another perspective on that little earworm was more like listening = waiting. Active (listening, as opposed to hearing) is passive (waiting). I can dig that too. I however feel that it's more so like this....Listening is waiting, so listen. Listening is waiting, pay attention. listen....informal....to convey a particular impression to the hearer; sound: The new recording doesn't listen as well as the old one. You can take that and say the recording is a 'listening' and if that 'listening' is waiting then I'd think it was waiting on you, to listen. When I have asked people what does listening is waiting mean to them they usually say right off the bat...shut up and listen. The way the melody is sung even sounds like a lovely announcement chime. Intentionally so, to send your mind into listening mode. I could talk about this forever and a day but I'll let good ol' Facebook lay this one to rest(LOL). After rehearsal, Andrea's status update was "listening is waiting" and the first comment was, "what are you listening to." Exactly. Listening is waiting, take from it what you will. That's how I would sum up how "listening is waiting" is meant to be taken in the show. Once again Stew, you and your magic....cool breezy one moment and knee-deep in our footnotes the next. Now that's some magic I want to be a part of.
Since we're on the subject of magic, let's talk about where the magic happens....BLOCKING!! We've completely BLOCKED and RAN Act 1 since I've last blogged. It's officially a full body experience!! No more sitting in chairs and singing. We are singing and moving with purpose. It's so important to know what that purpose is and what it means to you. In my view, that's the key to honest delivery. Direction is also key. To have a director that knows precisely what he wants is fantastic. To have a director that expects you to exercise your right to artistic freedom is that much greater. To have a director with keen discernment, that makes for non-stop high quality. During 'Evita' I remember trying to visualize how the whole chair thing would work out and imagining it looking so incredibly awkward! In the end it was the best part of the structure of the show. Oh gosh how could I ever forget "Rolling on in" during 'Evita'. We 86'd a few Miller-ography routines before we got where we needed to be, but Scott always used that discernment to work it out. I trust him. Nowadays if I think something may look like WTF I just go for it because I know that if he sees it and it truly does look like WTF, he will alter his vision and make it work. Blocking is always fun. Sometimes it's more than what I imagined it would be. Sometimes it's not at all what I thought it would be....don't get me started on "we just had sex"... but I mean, I imagined the cha-cha and a possible ring around the rosie segment.... so yea, that didn't happen : /
I thought things went pretty smoothly during the run. I tested out my accent and nobody laughed and so that was exciting. I'm gonna keep working on it day by day. It was cool to travel so many different places and become so many different people. I was lovin it!! Plastic land L.A. to Amsterdam spring sunshine. Some things didn't go my way, I was disappointed, I got over it. I still can't decide who's my fav. I get to go from normal chick in the family band, to Mrs. Kelso, to Sherry, to Renata. It's fun to play, it's fun to pretend. I brought a scarf and some other things with me to rehearsal to get used to transforming in an instant. With the scarf it's a toss up between Sherry and Mrs. Kelso for my fav. Mrs. Kelso is one of those random characters, just in the scene for a bit but I'm having so much fun bringing her to life. Sherry rocks!! I dig her attitude and personality!! It's kind of awkward to me because I've decided Mrs. Kelso is either Sherry's Mom or Aunt so maybe I don't have to decide...I can give the title to Renata who is also the bees knees. :) that scarf really helped me!! I could tie it a million different ways and quickly look like a different person, portray a different attitude with comfort and ease. It was a lot of fun! I have no idea what costumes will be like, I'm assuming minimal though. We all had a blast running Act 1!! We laughed, we doubted, we wailed, we debated, we delivered. I love this cast!! We get closer and closer every rehearsal. Precious moments.
This show is all about "the real" and so our portrayals have got to be more than real, after all, this is art. I love that the narrator is so natural. This is his story of his journey as an artist, through his eyes. He has made every character real. Some more real than others, some making a bigger impact on his life, but all real in their way. All playing a part of the gospel of a youth's journey to find "the real". I feel all of us strange-ers relate to the youth in some way and have gone through similar conflicts. He will be overwhelmed with "real" experiences. He will be loved, he will break hearts. He will lose, he will win, he will find what he's been searching for. We get to play along.....HOLLA!! 'Passing Strange' closed July 2008 it's August 2011 how cool is that!! This is refreshing. Musical theatre like nothing else. Bring on Act 2....then full runs....EEEEEEEEEE!!!
8.19.2011
8.09.2011
It's starting to feel real
Sunday evening we all got together to share the 'Passing Strange' experience at Charles and Nikki's place. Nikki is such a great host and did a fantastic job of making us feel welcome and comfy and full :) Thanks Nikki!! A few of us hadn't seen the film in it's entirety and I know it helped connect scenes with music and lyrics. It was so cool watching the movie with everyone humming along. To feel the emotion stir up in the room. I was taking notes whenever I wasn't completely entranced. The one thing that lives throughout this entire show is ENERGY ENERGY ENERGY!!! Larger than life yet so believable. Every single person is so invested and that much more committed to the story they are living. I admire that. I want to spark that same energy within me. However, I don't think I'm going to watch the film anymore. I don't want to begin to sculpt my character around the way Rebecca Naomi Jones sculpted hers. I don't want to have the exact same inflections or accents or emotional responses. I don't want to copy and paste, I want to live the story through MY eyes. It's easy to imitate, it's harder to craft. Well, I made up my mind a long time ago....I'm a craftsman!! I've taken what I need from the film and now I'm ready to start making it my own.
I'm still holding back and I've gotta knock it off because time, as always, is not on my side. We only have weeks to get this together. The original cast had years of performing together by the time the film was produced. I am extremely intimidated, but more than that I'm capable!! I have been truly moved by this show and so I cannot let myself down and in turn let you down. Looks like it's about that time. Time to break it down to a science. I play an abundance of characters in various settings. I have to get to know them all, intimately. Characters have to be discovered, developed, cultivated. I couldn't play any part without knowing the person I'm playing. This is one of my favorite parts of the process. I love that this art form gives you the freedom to work your imagination. I get the basic structure of the character and then it's up to me how far I develop them. Well, I like to get all up in their business!! I like to ask questions that may not seem like they matter but that paint the picture, for me, as to who they are. Of course you want to ask the obvious questions...what's your name?, what's your age?, what relationships do you share? I like to ask even more questions like...What's your sign?, What's your favorite color?, Who's your favorite band? LOL I love it!! I want to be comfortable with the character I'm portraying so I'll ask some of the silliest questions ever! It helps me relax and not be so serious about it all. Acting is lot less fantasy than it is hard work!
Monday nights full read through/sing through was interesting. Nothing crashed and burned. We got through it. It is needless to say it will get smoother as time goes by. When I close my eyes and just groove to the music, I feel the emphasis is on the 1 and the 3. It's still very much so rock and roll but with more swagger. 'Rent' I felt was very 2 and 4 heavy. Rock and roll as well but that emphasis gives a different feel. It may just be me but if you listen you'll agree. I can't wait to drop my script and just groove. Which reminds me, it's time for the 'Passing Strange' play list. My 'Two Gents' play list was easy enough...I had lots of 70's music. But this one will be a bit challenging since it's all over the place style wise. I dig it though and the play list is a vital part of the process. I don't want to drown in the recording but I want to surround myself with the style and inspiration. I think I'm gonna make a collage as well, when I was googled Fillmore West, there were some bad-ass posters I'd love to see on a daily basis! I'm going for the opposite of out of sight out of mind.....LIVE IT. BREATH IT.
Blocking starts Tuesday. Yeeeeeaaaaahhh Miller-ography!! Excited! Out of the chairs and onto the floor. This is where it becomes a full body experience. There must be a clear purpose behind every word and every action. It's time to make way for the real. I'm extremely anxious to see what Scott has in store. I imagine the way I think some things will look. I wonder if any of my thoughts and ideas will match up...hmmmm...We shall see. While watching the film I noticed a lot of it was loosely choreographed. We don't have a choreographer. This will be interesting. I wonder how much freedom we will have. There is a great deal of pantomime, exaggerated movements, melting into place. I love it all. What I loved most while watching the film is that everyone is so comfortable with each other. I think that is key! This is a small cast with a very minimal set. It will be entirely up to us to deliver! No hiding behind lavish costumes and outrageous props and set. RAW. BLANK. The music and lyrics already do a wonderful job painting the picture. As a performer I want to paint an honest picture most of all, I don't care how pretty it's perceived to be. I want you to be moved the way I was moved when I saw this. It's time to put in WORK!
I'm still holding back and I've gotta knock it off because time, as always, is not on my side. We only have weeks to get this together. The original cast had years of performing together by the time the film was produced. I am extremely intimidated, but more than that I'm capable!! I have been truly moved by this show and so I cannot let myself down and in turn let you down. Looks like it's about that time. Time to break it down to a science. I play an abundance of characters in various settings. I have to get to know them all, intimately. Characters have to be discovered, developed, cultivated. I couldn't play any part without knowing the person I'm playing. This is one of my favorite parts of the process. I love that this art form gives you the freedom to work your imagination. I get the basic structure of the character and then it's up to me how far I develop them. Well, I like to get all up in their business!! I like to ask questions that may not seem like they matter but that paint the picture, for me, as to who they are. Of course you want to ask the obvious questions...what's your name?, what's your age?, what relationships do you share? I like to ask even more questions like...What's your sign?, What's your favorite color?, Who's your favorite band? LOL I love it!! I want to be comfortable with the character I'm portraying so I'll ask some of the silliest questions ever! It helps me relax and not be so serious about it all. Acting is lot less fantasy than it is hard work!
Monday nights full read through/sing through was interesting. Nothing crashed and burned. We got through it. It is needless to say it will get smoother as time goes by. When I close my eyes and just groove to the music, I feel the emphasis is on the 1 and the 3. It's still very much so rock and roll but with more swagger. 'Rent' I felt was very 2 and 4 heavy. Rock and roll as well but that emphasis gives a different feel. It may just be me but if you listen you'll agree. I can't wait to drop my script and just groove. Which reminds me, it's time for the 'Passing Strange' play list. My 'Two Gents' play list was easy enough...I had lots of 70's music. But this one will be a bit challenging since it's all over the place style wise. I dig it though and the play list is a vital part of the process. I don't want to drown in the recording but I want to surround myself with the style and inspiration. I think I'm gonna make a collage as well, when I was googled Fillmore West, there were some bad-ass posters I'd love to see on a daily basis! I'm going for the opposite of out of sight out of mind.....LIVE IT. BREATH IT.
Blocking starts Tuesday. Yeeeeeaaaaahhh Miller-ography!! Excited! Out of the chairs and onto the floor. This is where it becomes a full body experience. There must be a clear purpose behind every word and every action. It's time to make way for the real. I'm extremely anxious to see what Scott has in store. I imagine the way I think some things will look. I wonder if any of my thoughts and ideas will match up...hmmmm...We shall see. While watching the film I noticed a lot of it was loosely choreographed. We don't have a choreographer. This will be interesting. I wonder how much freedom we will have. There is a great deal of pantomime, exaggerated movements, melting into place. I love it all. What I loved most while watching the film is that everyone is so comfortable with each other. I think that is key! This is a small cast with a very minimal set. It will be entirely up to us to deliver! No hiding behind lavish costumes and outrageous props and set. RAW. BLANK. The music and lyrics already do a wonderful job painting the picture. As a performer I want to paint an honest picture most of all, I don't care how pretty it's perceived to be. I want you to be moved the way I was moved when I saw this. It's time to put in WORK!
8.04.2011
Is it alright?
I don't know why in the hell I would start this blog under this condition. I am freakin WASTED!! But hey, I can always edit it later and it's nice to speak my mind with little to no filter!!<-----Well...That was Monday night...and today is Wednesday(Thursday now) and let's just say...this. has. been. edited. ;) had to cut a bunch of the ranting and rambling! No worries though, there's still plenty.
This process has been coming together rather quickly. We've already gone over all the music and it's the second week of rehearsal!! Awesome! I blush when I think about this production. I have complete faith in Scott and I know that he has complete faith in us. Otherwise, why would he ever move so quickly ;) just sayin. We have a mini read through/sing through soon and I'm excited!! I think I'm mostly excited because I know Miller-ography is right around the corner. It's gonna be a blasty blast.
It's not all Amsterdam spring sunshine and rainbows. No no no....I am absolutely terrified of this whole accent thing. German.....Dutch....I'm freakin out!! EEEEEEEEEEE!!!! Breath, breath........aaaaaaaaaahhhh. Okay, I'm gonna just throw that shit out of the window though because FEAR is TREASON! Life is passion and fear is treason. I learned that during 'Two Gents'. It's another one of those lines that just stuck with me. It's just blatant truth. Fear will block paths. Fear is betrayal to your art form and in love there must be no fear. There is NO doubt...I LOVE THIS and so I shall have NO fear, I will exercise some discretion, but I shall have NO fear. Fear builds barriers and as a performer I want no barriers, I want to connect in every way possible. Well, since I've kicked fear to the curb I'd better develop a plan of attack! I mean, just because there isn't fear doesn't mean the challenge went away! I've got to surround myself with the dialects. If I hear it, I can duplicate it. If I practice, I will duplicate it well, and that's what I intend to do...fingers crossed ;)
Monday's rehearsal was a ton of fun! It was all sex drugs and rock and roll!! The sex..."we just had sex" of course! I love that it's so lighthearted. the lines that always pop out to me when this song is looping through my head are "it's really no big deal that we just had sex" and "you might find it quite risque, but it's the European way". You really feel the shift in culture. I imagine us cha cha-ing from partner to partner la la la-ing all the while. This show is full of songs where I get to la la la and I'm loving every minute of it :) I was listening to the recording and one of the ladies hits a high note and I was like daaaaaaamn, I like that!! I'm gonna try for it next go round...if it gets vetoed that's cool. No fear. On to the drugs please. LOL. Oh "Amsterdam", this song sounds like smiles and sunshine and like there's hashish on the menu. Wonderful!! It sets the scene with all vices in full view and I love how it introduces the characters. The youth's mind is most definitely blown upon arrival. It makes me want to jet to Europe right now!!! Last but not least rock and roll. "Surface" is pretty damn intense to say the least. Layers upon layers of realizations and proclamations! Sexy bass lines and guitar riffs! Chanting, shouting, wailing! Beating on the drums like they stole something! "welcome to Mr. Venus' riot cabaret." That's entrancing. It's thrilling. I want to be sitting center table in that smoke and angst filled venue. I learned that what's inside is just a lie and that only love is real and gained the courage to bleed. And what's this I hear about Molotov cocktails and a vocoder? ;)
Things got real mellow Tuesday. All groovy emotional tunes. Tuesday's rehearsal had me head over heels in my feelings. I love that this show does that to you. Far out, humming along, tapping your foot one minute, immersed in deep thought the next. I learned "Come down now". I get to pour my heart and soul out. That song is personally touching to me, much like "Mom's song". Relationships are hard. You can both feel the same way but not want the same thing. You can both want the same thing but not feel the same way. Love and understanding, should the two go hand in hand or stand at opposing ends? "All you gotta do is ask me, I'll give you all the love life allows" my sentiments exactly. If that were said to me, here's what I would do....ASK YOU!! I love a boy who believes, it's not love if somebody has to change. I don't doubt that this boy loves me, I don't doubt that he believes love and understanding go hand in hand. I have come to believe that they should stand at opposing ends because after all "only love is real"....am I right? Relationships are hard. Enough of that jazz.
Tonight's mini read through/sing through was not a complete success but it was also not an epic fail! We are loosening up and letting go. We're all getting together at Charles and Nikki's to watch the film this Sunday and I'm so excited!! I've seen it a few times but I think it's so great, I could watch it over and over. I know it's gonna help develop a feel for what's going on scene to scene. Sometimes it's hard to imagine with just music and lyrics. I can't wait until these songs become experiences. That will come with blocking. Real read through/sing through is Monday. Perfect timing after our viewing party :)
My week has been mad hectic. Work and rehearsal and meetings and social life. I'm okay with that though. I get satisfaction from what I do and that means so much to me. I am living life, not just 'tumble-weeding'. I'm happy, I am alive and well, for the most part. I'm happy, there is a script in my back seat. I am truly thankful for opportunities that have been coming my way. I'm going to milk them, make ice-cream and then have an ice-cream social. hahahahaha!! WTF, that's kinda creepy and gross as hell. I don't know why in the hell I would end this blog under this condition, I am deliriously tired!! But hey, It's nice to speak my mind with little to no filter and I know you wont judge me for it. I think I'm gonna go to bed now.
This process has been coming together rather quickly. We've already gone over all the music and it's the second week of rehearsal!! Awesome! I blush when I think about this production. I have complete faith in Scott and I know that he has complete faith in us. Otherwise, why would he ever move so quickly ;) just sayin. We have a mini read through/sing through soon and I'm excited!! I think I'm mostly excited because I know Miller-ography is right around the corner. It's gonna be a blasty blast.
It's not all Amsterdam spring sunshine and rainbows. No no no....I am absolutely terrified of this whole accent thing. German.....Dutch....I'm freakin out!! EEEEEEEEEEE!!!! Breath, breath........aaaaaaaaaahhhh. Okay, I'm gonna just throw that shit out of the window though because FEAR is TREASON! Life is passion and fear is treason. I learned that during 'Two Gents'. It's another one of those lines that just stuck with me. It's just blatant truth. Fear will block paths. Fear is betrayal to your art form and in love there must be no fear. There is NO doubt...I LOVE THIS and so I shall have NO fear, I will exercise some discretion, but I shall have NO fear. Fear builds barriers and as a performer I want no barriers, I want to connect in every way possible. Well, since I've kicked fear to the curb I'd better develop a plan of attack! I mean, just because there isn't fear doesn't mean the challenge went away! I've got to surround myself with the dialects. If I hear it, I can duplicate it. If I practice, I will duplicate it well, and that's what I intend to do...fingers crossed ;)
Monday's rehearsal was a ton of fun! It was all sex drugs and rock and roll!! The sex..."we just had sex" of course! I love that it's so lighthearted. the lines that always pop out to me when this song is looping through my head are "it's really no big deal that we just had sex" and "you might find it quite risque, but it's the European way". You really feel the shift in culture. I imagine us cha cha-ing from partner to partner la la la-ing all the while. This show is full of songs where I get to la la la and I'm loving every minute of it :) I was listening to the recording and one of the ladies hits a high note and I was like daaaaaaamn, I like that!! I'm gonna try for it next go round...if it gets vetoed that's cool. No fear. On to the drugs please. LOL. Oh "Amsterdam", this song sounds like smiles and sunshine and like there's hashish on the menu. Wonderful!! It sets the scene with all vices in full view and I love how it introduces the characters. The youth's mind is most definitely blown upon arrival. It makes me want to jet to Europe right now!!! Last but not least rock and roll. "Surface" is pretty damn intense to say the least. Layers upon layers of realizations and proclamations! Sexy bass lines and guitar riffs! Chanting, shouting, wailing! Beating on the drums like they stole something! "welcome to Mr. Venus' riot cabaret." That's entrancing. It's thrilling. I want to be sitting center table in that smoke and angst filled venue. I learned that what's inside is just a lie and that only love is real and gained the courage to bleed. And what's this I hear about Molotov cocktails and a vocoder? ;)
Things got real mellow Tuesday. All groovy emotional tunes. Tuesday's rehearsal had me head over heels in my feelings. I love that this show does that to you. Far out, humming along, tapping your foot one minute, immersed in deep thought the next. I learned "Come down now". I get to pour my heart and soul out. That song is personally touching to me, much like "Mom's song". Relationships are hard. You can both feel the same way but not want the same thing. You can both want the same thing but not feel the same way. Love and understanding, should the two go hand in hand or stand at opposing ends? "All you gotta do is ask me, I'll give you all the love life allows" my sentiments exactly. If that were said to me, here's what I would do....ASK YOU!! I love a boy who believes, it's not love if somebody has to change. I don't doubt that this boy loves me, I don't doubt that he believes love and understanding go hand in hand. I have come to believe that they should stand at opposing ends because after all "only love is real"....am I right? Relationships are hard. Enough of that jazz.
Tonight's mini read through/sing through was not a complete success but it was also not an epic fail! We are loosening up and letting go. We're all getting together at Charles and Nikki's to watch the film this Sunday and I'm so excited!! I've seen it a few times but I think it's so great, I could watch it over and over. I know it's gonna help develop a feel for what's going on scene to scene. Sometimes it's hard to imagine with just music and lyrics. I can't wait until these songs become experiences. That will come with blocking. Real read through/sing through is Monday. Perfect timing after our viewing party :)
My week has been mad hectic. Work and rehearsal and meetings and social life. I'm okay with that though. I get satisfaction from what I do and that means so much to me. I am living life, not just 'tumble-weeding'. I'm happy, I am alive and well, for the most part. I'm happy, there is a script in my back seat. I am truly thankful for opportunities that have been coming my way. I'm going to milk them, make ice-cream and then have an ice-cream social. hahahahaha!! WTF, that's kinda creepy and gross as hell. I don't know why in the hell I would end this blog under this condition, I am deliriously tired!! But hey, It's nice to speak my mind with little to no filter and I know you wont judge me for it. I think I'm gonna go to bed now.
7.29.2011
and now I'm ready......to explode!!!
Aaaaaaaawwwww yeeeeeaaaa boooooiiii!!! We worked on "May Day" the other night. Let's just say it is waaaaaaave more chaotic and intense than I thought it would be, but guess what, I like it just as much...maybe even more than before :P This song gets me AMP because we're singing what's happening. We sound like sirens, it sounds like chaos it's so raunchy and rebellious. And just when I thought life couldn't get cooler....I get to rap!!! Chika chika what!! Well, I guess it's really more like rhythmic spoken word, but I wanna feel cool, so I'm calling it rap! I'm so happy I recorded this rehearsal, other wise I'd be done for!! These songs are so challenging rhythmically. Especially for the narrator DAMN there's some stuff he has to do that literally boggles my mind. My head hurts just thinking about it. But soon enough it'll all become second nature and we'll start adding in our own personal stash of swag. OOOOOUUUUUUWEEEEE!! SWAG!
I spent a lovely Friday evening with my granny at a Tye Tribbett gospel concert and it was too much fun!!! I ran into Tyla and my buddy T.J. which was cool. But anyway, we can learn a lot from Tye Tribbett and his troop. Lively, energetic, passionate, real. Full of the holy spirit, full of catchy refrains. There was shouting and clapping and tears of joy, they even did a praise dance which was sooooo awesome. 'Passing Strange' has encompassed the black religious experience and I think it's beautiful. I want to be sure to not mock, but embody to the extreme. Stew and company have been very respectful and dead on in that sense. That concert was so much like Baptist fashion show in the way of call and response and the jumping for joy....literally. People went there to feel the spirit...and we did!! Music IS the freight train in which God travels! That concert proved it! It was so joyous and uplifting. It was especially touching for me to see my Granny happy and to know that it was because I was in her presence with the Lord. Precious moments.
It's like a mirror, this show, a reflection of my life. When I listen to the lyrics of 'Mom's song', I hear her heart. My granny plays the role of the mother. Always knowing, always loving, not always understanding. I play the role of the youth, defiant, bold and in hot pursuit of the real. "See I've been running from this world for far longer than you." That's brilliant and clarifying. You think your chasing but at some point you'll realize your actually running!! And you'd better run on the straight and narrow or you'll end up on the island of bad. <--you like that Scott?) Then you'll be asking yourself "What did I do to deserve this?" the better question is "What didn't I do to avoid this?". My granny loves me and she is so wise. Listening is waiting, and I need to listen, listen, listen.
It's funny how things change. It's funny how even the wildest turn mild. It's funny how you never say 'when I was younger' until you've matured in some sense. Then it gets scary, when u do some reflecting with your new, mature, aspect on life. I've done a lot of floating, tumbleweeding if you will,just breezing through life. Acting now and dealing later. I'm only just now really, truly, realizing that this is my life and it's the only one I've got. That is such a powerful line for me. This is your life and there aint no way out. That's so true, it's chilling. It's like a bucket of cold water to the face!! Makes you wanna change paths and right wrongs and live fully.
There are so many profound messages within the songs in this show. I love "the Black one"!! A fun little show tune where the youth gets to paint the picture of Black America....but he's posing because has he ever personally been oppressed?.....NO!! I've never met anyone who always thought it was ok to be who they are. We are constantly trying to fit into the norm. Most of the time faking it until we make it or until we just develop our own "norm". I love how the youth is pretending to be this "ghetto warrior" when he's really this kid from the suburbs. He's trying to stand out.....to fit in. He's pretending for the sake of others acceptance. For a long time in my life, I had to deal with...."you talk White.", "you act White." etc etc etc. It had me thinking that I wasn't being true to myself. So I'd try to "talk Black" and "act Black" It mostly left me conflicted and confused. I have since recognized that I speak how I speak and I act how I act! Anyone who is trying to categorize or generalize me is trying to destroy my individualism and I'm not gonna stand for it!! It's amazing how this show is so all in all relatable. Even if you're not "the Black one" you can relate because we all have tried being something that we are not in order to feel accepted. DEEP.
I want every adolescent in the world to see this show. Every single one in the whole wide world!!! It's life shaping!! Hell, I want every HUMAN in the world to see this show, especially if you think you've got life all figured out. Double check your answers here!! Since I've been digging deep into it, I feel like I've got all the answers I need for life and now it's on! I'm equipped and I want to share it. I'm ready, willing, and nervous. REAL is all throughout this show and I want my performance to come off that way. Raw, natural, authentic, REAL. This is going to be a challenge, but, I'm gonna devour this elephant one tasty bite at a time. I'm gonna grow and stretch and expand and develop! I'm gonna take it all in like a black hole and now...I'm ready to explode!!
I spent a lovely Friday evening with my granny at a Tye Tribbett gospel concert and it was too much fun!!! I ran into Tyla and my buddy T.J. which was cool. But anyway, we can learn a lot from Tye Tribbett and his troop. Lively, energetic, passionate, real. Full of the holy spirit, full of catchy refrains. There was shouting and clapping and tears of joy, they even did a praise dance which was sooooo awesome. 'Passing Strange' has encompassed the black religious experience and I think it's beautiful. I want to be sure to not mock, but embody to the extreme. Stew and company have been very respectful and dead on in that sense. That concert was so much like Baptist fashion show in the way of call and response and the jumping for joy....literally. People went there to feel the spirit...and we did!! Music IS the freight train in which God travels! That concert proved it! It was so joyous and uplifting. It was especially touching for me to see my Granny happy and to know that it was because I was in her presence with the Lord. Precious moments.
It's like a mirror, this show, a reflection of my life. When I listen to the lyrics of 'Mom's song', I hear her heart. My granny plays the role of the mother. Always knowing, always loving, not always understanding. I play the role of the youth, defiant, bold and in hot pursuit of the real. "See I've been running from this world for far longer than you." That's brilliant and clarifying. You think your chasing but at some point you'll realize your actually running!! And you'd better run on the straight and narrow or you'll end up on the island of bad. <--you like that Scott?) Then you'll be asking yourself "What did I do to deserve this?" the better question is "What didn't I do to avoid this?". My granny loves me and she is so wise. Listening is waiting, and I need to listen, listen, listen.
It's funny how things change. It's funny how even the wildest turn mild. It's funny how you never say 'when I was younger' until you've matured in some sense. Then it gets scary, when u do some reflecting with your new, mature, aspect on life. I've done a lot of floating, tumbleweeding if you will,just breezing through life. Acting now and dealing later. I'm only just now really, truly, realizing that this is my life and it's the only one I've got. That is such a powerful line for me. This is your life and there aint no way out. That's so true, it's chilling. It's like a bucket of cold water to the face!! Makes you wanna change paths and right wrongs and live fully.
There are so many profound messages within the songs in this show. I love "the Black one"!! A fun little show tune where the youth gets to paint the picture of Black America....but he's posing because has he ever personally been oppressed?.....NO!! I've never met anyone who always thought it was ok to be who they are. We are constantly trying to fit into the norm. Most of the time faking it until we make it or until we just develop our own "norm". I love how the youth is pretending to be this "ghetto warrior" when he's really this kid from the suburbs. He's trying to stand out.....to fit in. He's pretending for the sake of others acceptance. For a long time in my life, I had to deal with...."you talk White.", "you act White." etc etc etc. It had me thinking that I wasn't being true to myself. So I'd try to "talk Black" and "act Black" It mostly left me conflicted and confused. I have since recognized that I speak how I speak and I act how I act! Anyone who is trying to categorize or generalize me is trying to destroy my individualism and I'm not gonna stand for it!! It's amazing how this show is so all in all relatable. Even if you're not "the Black one" you can relate because we all have tried being something that we are not in order to feel accepted. DEEP.
I want every adolescent in the world to see this show. Every single one in the whole wide world!!! It's life shaping!! Hell, I want every HUMAN in the world to see this show, especially if you think you've got life all figured out. Double check your answers here!! Since I've been digging deep into it, I feel like I've got all the answers I need for life and now it's on! I'm equipped and I want to share it. I'm ready, willing, and nervous. REAL is all throughout this show and I want my performance to come off that way. Raw, natural, authentic, REAL. This is going to be a challenge, but, I'm gonna devour this elephant one tasty bite at a time. I'm gonna grow and stretch and expand and develop! I'm gonna take it all in like a black hole and now...I'm ready to explode!!
7.27.2011
La la La la La, La la La la La
We worked on some fun songs last night!! I'm gonna say my fav is "Merci Beaucoup, M. Godard". La la la la la, la la la la la. It's GREAT!! Naked girls at breakfast tables....not here in the STATES!! That line jets me off to a foreign land. I get wide eyed and bushy tailed. GASP! ooooouuuuu aaaaaaaahhh!!! It's just so much fun!!! There is so much going on. Between Andrea and I La La La-ing, you've got Charles setting the scene, and Keith shouting things like..."Adieu Disneyland!" and "ciao, ciao Mr. Reagan!". I LOVE it so much!! Oow oow oow... sexy stewardess....HELL YEA!! I'll rock that role any day!!
Another role I get to ROCK is 'undiscovered teenage garage band superstar'!! I've always wanted a band ya know. Still do! Maybe I can be a front-woman. You wanna start a band? I think Sherry's problem is gonna be my same problem. I can't play an instrument! Damn it!! :/ I gotta work it out, I'm feeling some tambourine or finger cymbals maybe a little cowbell, some occasional kazoo? Okay, that's getting a little crazy...I'll have to compensate with ANGST and AGGRESSION!! Sherry is quite passionate about the SCARYOTYPES!! But, more so about the youth.....heeeeeeeeeeyyy!! Can I get a grrrrrrr!!
Real talk...What's a show without drug use? A WACK one that's the answer!! Just kidding, kinda. "Must've been high" puts me in the mind of the Beatles in the 70's. It sounds like a psychedelic trip and that's exactly what it is. This song and every song really, puts you right where you need to be. If there were no lyrics, you would still know exactly whats happening. That's magical and beautiful to me. Sitting on the balcony watching the rail rust, time slips through your fingers like angel dust. Doesn't it though?
I love this journey. I love this show. I love these characters. I really enjoy this part of the process. The music rehearsals are always so thrilling for me. We will work on one of my favorite songs tomorrow night..."May Day"! That song gets me Amp! I can't wait to see what Scott wants to do for the blocking but it looks like I'll have to wait. I'm anxious and that feeling is priceless. Ok, that's enough for now. CIAO!
Another role I get to ROCK is 'undiscovered teenage garage band superstar'!! I've always wanted a band ya know. Still do! Maybe I can be a front-woman. You wanna start a band? I think Sherry's problem is gonna be my same problem. I can't play an instrument! Damn it!! :/ I gotta work it out, I'm feeling some tambourine or finger cymbals maybe a little cowbell, some occasional kazoo? Okay, that's getting a little crazy...I'll have to compensate with ANGST and AGGRESSION!! Sherry is quite passionate about the SCARYOTYPES!! But, more so about the youth.....heeeeeeeeeeyyy!! Can I get a grrrrrrr!!
Real talk...What's a show without drug use? A WACK one that's the answer!! Just kidding, kinda. "Must've been high" puts me in the mind of the Beatles in the 70's. It sounds like a psychedelic trip and that's exactly what it is. This song and every song really, puts you right where you need to be. If there were no lyrics, you would still know exactly whats happening. That's magical and beautiful to me. Sitting on the balcony watching the rail rust, time slips through your fingers like angel dust. Doesn't it though?
I love this journey. I love this show. I love these characters. I really enjoy this part of the process. The music rehearsals are always so thrilling for me. We will work on one of my favorite songs tomorrow night..."May Day"! That song gets me Amp! I can't wait to see what Scott wants to do for the blocking but it looks like I'll have to wait. I'm anxious and that feeling is priceless. Ok, that's enough for now. CIAO!
7.26.2011
"Listening is waiting"
I am so happy to be a part of another New Line production. New Line gave me my first performance experience in my adulthood, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Needless to say I am HOOKED and I've learned: Talent + Ambition = Success !! I came into this world lost and clumsy and mildly pathetic, but hungry....like the wolf LOL!! I am so thankful and proud of my growth and development. I want to continue to foster it, harness it, cultivate it!! What a perfect opportunity to do so.
This glorious journey has finally begun and I am so ecstatic I won't dare hide it!! "Passing Strange" is musical theatre like nothing else!! EVERYONE can relate to this, ALL themes hit home. No matter what age, race, or gender you are or what home you came from. It will provoke a sincere amount of thought and emotion within you. Personally, I have never related to a show more. And no, Maureen, I'm not a 'theatre person', but I know that "Oklahoma!" and "Cats" didn't do it for me!! I never saw myself in those shows, not only as an actress but, through my eyes. I could not relate, it did not hit home. "Passing Strange" is what I couldn't imagine musical theatre could be...a personal concert!!
Every song sets the scene, you hear that catchy refrain and you are instantly propelled to a time and place. The lyrics tempt your emotions. Every style of music....gospel, jazz, r&b, rock and roll, ska, punk, funk, samba, spoken word, pop. Sound confusing? Don't worry, If your ever not sure what he's on about....JUST ASK THE SONG!! Really!! Brilliant subtlety...IN YO FACE!! You will hum along!
As a black woman, I relate. As a young person, I relate. As an artist, I relate. As a lost soul searching for 'the real', I relate. There is a line in the show that I just love, actually there are probably at least 20, but this one hit me in particular..."This is your life, and it's the only one you've got. This is your life, and there aint no way out." A life lesson stated so simply. That's one of the realest things I've ever heard. It's on my list of lyrics I'd wish I'd heard when I was 15. It makes life more 'real' than ever.
We've only just begun and my excitement is through the roof. I get to work on a regional premier with an all black cast. A rare opportunity and I'm gonna savor every moment. I get to play multiple characters in various settings. I don't sing a whole lot and so my focus will be getting down to the nitty gritty of acting. I will be vulnerable, I will be honest, I will be raw, I will be free. I want YOU to take this journey with me!! FOLLOW ME!! Watch me go from novice to amateur to experienced to proficient to inspiring to renowned!! This show is powerful, entertaining, provocative, musical theatre...just the show for New Line. I don't care if you hate all things theatrical, get ur ass to the theatre and check out this mind expanding revelation!! You WILL NOT be disappointed, you WILL be TRANSFORMED!! Is something 'real' going down? YUP!! But here's a better question....Can you handle it?
This glorious journey has finally begun and I am so ecstatic I won't dare hide it!! "Passing Strange" is musical theatre like nothing else!! EVERYONE can relate to this, ALL themes hit home. No matter what age, race, or gender you are or what home you came from. It will provoke a sincere amount of thought and emotion within you. Personally, I have never related to a show more. And no, Maureen, I'm not a 'theatre person', but I know that "Oklahoma!" and "Cats" didn't do it for me!! I never saw myself in those shows, not only as an actress but, through my eyes. I could not relate, it did not hit home. "Passing Strange" is what I couldn't imagine musical theatre could be...a personal concert!!
Every song sets the scene, you hear that catchy refrain and you are instantly propelled to a time and place. The lyrics tempt your emotions. Every style of music....gospel, jazz, r&b, rock and roll, ska, punk, funk, samba, spoken word, pop. Sound confusing? Don't worry, If your ever not sure what he's on about....JUST ASK THE SONG!! Really!! Brilliant subtlety...IN YO FACE!! You will hum along!
As a black woman, I relate. As a young person, I relate. As an artist, I relate. As a lost soul searching for 'the real', I relate. There is a line in the show that I just love, actually there are probably at least 20, but this one hit me in particular..."This is your life, and it's the only one you've got. This is your life, and there aint no way out." A life lesson stated so simply. That's one of the realest things I've ever heard. It's on my list of lyrics I'd wish I'd heard when I was 15. It makes life more 'real' than ever.
We've only just begun and my excitement is through the roof. I get to work on a regional premier with an all black cast. A rare opportunity and I'm gonna savor every moment. I get to play multiple characters in various settings. I don't sing a whole lot and so my focus will be getting down to the nitty gritty of acting. I will be vulnerable, I will be honest, I will be raw, I will be free. I want YOU to take this journey with me!! FOLLOW ME!! Watch me go from novice to amateur to experienced to proficient to inspiring to renowned!! This show is powerful, entertaining, provocative, musical theatre...just the show for New Line. I don't care if you hate all things theatrical, get ur ass to the theatre and check out this mind expanding revelation!! You WILL NOT be disappointed, you WILL be TRANSFORMED!! Is something 'real' going down? YUP!! But here's a better question....Can you handle it?
3.08.2011
"I am an ACTOR!"
When I auditioned for Two gentlemen of Verona I wanted so badly to be a part of it. I loved the story, I loved the music! I wanted in!! I thought if I played any role it would be Sylvia! I love her songs, she's sassy, she just spoke to me:) I never, ever, ever, thought I'd play Julia. Sometimes I'd skip her songs because I just didn't get it. When Scott called me to tell me that he wanted me to play Julia.....there was joy, shock, fear....overwhelming excitement!!!! I was nervous, I didn't know what to expect but I knew this was a major role. I knew I had to bring it and I didn't want to disappoint.
Julia is complex!! I remember when I didn't understand her and so I tried to make her into this character I wanted to play. Thank God for Scott!! He helped me early on and throughout by helping me discover...it's not who you want her to be, it's about learning who she really is and finding yourself within her. That hit me like a ton of bricks!! I realized that I was short-changing her by trying to glam her up and to let her be the rich, complex, interesting, emotional mess she is. It wasn't until I started relating to her that it became real.
Day by day I realized she speaks to me in so many different ways, as does Sylvia, but Julia does more so and in more challenging ways. Ways I hate to admit, ways I try to mask, deep ways. Like me, Julia is naive, defiant, a sucker for jerks, dependent upon relationships etc. It's been therapeutic to find myself through her on that stage. Julia has an intense relationship with the audience and her story is not told through song alone or even just within the text...You've got to see it!!! I am overjoyed that I get to bring her to life, a whole new life through my eyes. It makes me feel all warm inside to see people enjoy it. To know people feel for her, shake their head at her, scold her, side with her, take the journey with her.
This journey has been a blast, an intimate, developing relationship between actor and character. I have learned so much. I have been given so much great advice, the best of which was never to look like your acting because really, your not, you are living it!! That changes everything and I think as a cast we do that....well!! We have completely immersed ourselves in this wacky world. We cherish it. We adore it. We live it. It is ours!!
This is all fairly new to me. My first acting experience was on a whim. I was in high school a friend of mine was auditioning for a play and wanted me to come along. I said what the hell, memorized the monologue, performed it and wound up getting cast. After that I did a musical or two, nothing major and after high school that was that. 2010's new year's resolutions came about and one of them was to do more with my voice. My boyfriend at that time was in a men's barbershop chorus and so I joined a women's chorus and auditioned for their front line....looooooved it!! It just left me wanting more. He did theatre and so I decided to audition for some things. My first audition....New Line Theatre's Wild Party. Looking back that audition was absolutely horrendous, I sang a song out of context, tripped all over my feet, it was just bad :/ so of course I was NOT cast!! Though disappointing I didn't want to give up. I started planning better, soliciting advice, preparing and practicing and my next few auditions went well...adding fuel to the fire called passion.
When I would tell people I was an actor I would laugh a little on the inside because it never felt real to me. This role has given me the opportunity to discover and express so many emotions. It's challenged me to act from within even when you feel like a character is nothing like you. It's provided me with the priceless reward of being able to say "I am an actor!" with confidence and pride. I've taken everything I've learned from Julia to share with you all. The experience has been emotional and it's hard to explain how I feel in words, luckily I get to express it through this lovely art form and I can't draw or paint or anything artsy like that and so it's nice to take pride in my performance :) it's an inner/outer body experience that's almost tantric!!
I love the response when people talk to us after the show. You can see the joy on their faces. When I hear "fantastic performance!" from critics and especially peers it's a savory treat. As a new performer that just ROCKS MY WORLD!!! It's great to be a part of something great!! I'm so happy, so grateful, so satisfied, so ready for weekends to come :)
Julia is complex!! I remember when I didn't understand her and so I tried to make her into this character I wanted to play. Thank God for Scott!! He helped me early on and throughout by helping me discover...it's not who you want her to be, it's about learning who she really is and finding yourself within her. That hit me like a ton of bricks!! I realized that I was short-changing her by trying to glam her up and to let her be the rich, complex, interesting, emotional mess she is. It wasn't until I started relating to her that it became real.
Day by day I realized she speaks to me in so many different ways, as does Sylvia, but Julia does more so and in more challenging ways. Ways I hate to admit, ways I try to mask, deep ways. Like me, Julia is naive, defiant, a sucker for jerks, dependent upon relationships etc. It's been therapeutic to find myself through her on that stage. Julia has an intense relationship with the audience and her story is not told through song alone or even just within the text...You've got to see it!!! I am overjoyed that I get to bring her to life, a whole new life through my eyes. It makes me feel all warm inside to see people enjoy it. To know people feel for her, shake their head at her, scold her, side with her, take the journey with her.
This journey has been a blast, an intimate, developing relationship between actor and character. I have learned so much. I have been given so much great advice, the best of which was never to look like your acting because really, your not, you are living it!! That changes everything and I think as a cast we do that....well!! We have completely immersed ourselves in this wacky world. We cherish it. We adore it. We live it. It is ours!!
This is all fairly new to me. My first acting experience was on a whim. I was in high school a friend of mine was auditioning for a play and wanted me to come along. I said what the hell, memorized the monologue, performed it and wound up getting cast. After that I did a musical or two, nothing major and after high school that was that. 2010's new year's resolutions came about and one of them was to do more with my voice. My boyfriend at that time was in a men's barbershop chorus and so I joined a women's chorus and auditioned for their front line....looooooved it!! It just left me wanting more. He did theatre and so I decided to audition for some things. My first audition....New Line Theatre's Wild Party. Looking back that audition was absolutely horrendous, I sang a song out of context, tripped all over my feet, it was just bad :/ so of course I was NOT cast!! Though disappointing I didn't want to give up. I started planning better, soliciting advice, preparing and practicing and my next few auditions went well...adding fuel to the fire called passion.
When I would tell people I was an actor I would laugh a little on the inside because it never felt real to me. This role has given me the opportunity to discover and express so many emotions. It's challenged me to act from within even when you feel like a character is nothing like you. It's provided me with the priceless reward of being able to say "I am an actor!" with confidence and pride. I've taken everything I've learned from Julia to share with you all. The experience has been emotional and it's hard to explain how I feel in words, luckily I get to express it through this lovely art form and I can't draw or paint or anything artsy like that and so it's nice to take pride in my performance :) it's an inner/outer body experience that's almost tantric!!
I love the response when people talk to us after the show. You can see the joy on their faces. When I hear "fantastic performance!" from critics and especially peers it's a savory treat. As a new performer that just ROCKS MY WORLD!!! It's great to be a part of something great!! I'm so happy, so grateful, so satisfied, so ready for weekends to come :)
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