The JCS Review: When it all comes together...

Just today, I received the Stage Magazine review of Jesus Christ Superstar from our opening night!

All in all, it's a good review. The reviewer touches on a number of points, all of them positive. The cast, as I have said previously, is spot on. Everyone is very supportive. There have been very few difficulties and everyone has attended with a positive attitude. I haven't worked with a group of actors like this in some time. It's probably one of my favorite casts, not only because of the material, but because of the people.

And because most of 'em are just plain NUTZ.

I have had the chance to reconnect with an old friend from the early days of my theater career. Joel Watson is playing Pilate to my Herod. Years ago, he was Dr. Einstein to my Jonathan Brewster in a production of Arsenic and Old Lace. That show was one of my first leads and was a blast back then too. He moved for a time to Atlanta due to work, but when we met again at auditions it was as if we had never parted company. Much to the chagrin of the production staff...

Dawn Shepard and Teddy Kogut are both in  JCS as Mary and Peter. I work with them for the first time this past holiday season for the Forbidden Broadway Christmas show we cobbled together at the Barn.

Some of the new people I have met and am proud to be working with include Samantha Moscony and Melissa Fernandez, who play the gender-bent Simon Zealots and Annas, respectively. Those two are both a hot mess... Others include Randy Marcheski and Anthony Vitalo, who are both powerhouse singers covering Jesus and Judas. And Nanci and Rebecca Smith, a mother and daughter who are both seriously fun people. There are others as well in the cast of 24, but I have regrettably been unable to spend any significant time with them.

But it's the cast as a whole which has made this fun. Very little in the way ego has been shown, everyone has been pulling for the best interests of the performance, and every action has been to support those on the stage at that moment. It's truly a rare feat in community theater. And should be celebrated, because it's really nice when all that comes together and is recognized.

I hope that this is the start of some new friendships and look forward to new theater adventures with this crew of crazies, long after JCS has folded.

Until the next audition... I will EXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR.

Back on the air...!

Greetings!

I have been terribly busy over the past two months... So much so that I have not posted on this blog! Let me try to catch up just a bit.

I have been in rehearsals for Jesus Christ Superstar. The production just opened this past weekend at the Barnstormers Theater in Ridley Park, PA. I was cast as King Herod and have had an absolute BLAST in the role! I must thank several people:

Me as King Herod

First, my fellow actors who are my backup dancers for this hilariously irreverent number. All of you make my job easier and also make me look good. That is no easy feat.

Second to the choreographer, Lori, who understood the limitations of a non-dancer with bad knees and let me run with a few crazy ideas. Your faith and patience were greatly appreciated.

Third to my wife, Melanie, who made the zany idea of a Mardi Gras themed party a reality. The results are both striking and memorable. Your vision MAKES the scene.

I'm also in several other scenes. The directors used me as an anchor for several songs and I was able to offer support to a few of my few actors where it was needed.  I have five different costumes, and nine different changes. Considering that the cast of 24 has an average of three costumes per actor, I think I hold the record for this show!

With Judas: Damned for All Time 

Many other things have happened over the past two months which I will cover in upcoming posts. I have a number of things to share. I am looking to post an update every day for the month of April. And that is no April Fool.

Until the next time... tomorrow... I will... EXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR.