ALL GROWN UP

These last two days have been incredible! Last night's show was terrific as was our attentive audience. It was great to see my friends from Cabaret there. Tonight we had our best audience yet. They had so much fun and it made us have more fun onstage.

Someone once asked me, "Why do you do theatre?" Good question. Is it the money? , is it the recognition? What is it? It's because I love it. And being a part of this production is a perfect example of that love. I'm thrilled to see and hear audiences loving the show and I can't wait to hear what my family thinks when they see the show tomorrow afternoon!
After the show tonight, my dear friend Sheila gave me a great compliment. She said to me: "...you're all grown-up!" And to know in my heart that comment is true...made me smile.

Mwah!

M.

TO BE NOMINATED OR NOT TO BE...

"The Bay Area Critics Circle Award" nominations came out today and I was disappointed to see that last season's production of Cabaret at BBBAY was snubbed. Of course I am biased, because I was in it! Though I wasn't expecting a nomination for my role, I was sure some of my colleagues would be recognized for their work, especially my friend Patti Appel and her fierce performance as Fraulein Schneider. Oh well. At least brilliant Berle Davis' work in Cabaret was nominated for Best Choreography. On an up note FMT's production of Ragtime received an astounding 11 nods including Best Musical and our Mr. Sweeney Todd himself, James Iglehart received a nod for Best Actor. Go James! We gave a great show at Sweeney last night, we had a quiet audience that surprised us with a warm standing ovation at the end. I am looking forward to seeing some good friends in the audience tonight! (coincidentally from the Cabaret cast!)

Ain't life funny?

=+)

-M.

BRUSH-UP YOUR SWEENEY

Howdy all,

Just got back from "Brush-Up" rehearsal for the show. It was a very interesting night to say the least.... =+) More important: the wonderful critic Keith Kreitman gave us our first review and it's a good one. To read it go to:

www.insidebayarea.com/bayarealiving/ci_2581427

Mr. Kreitman has always been very kind to me and again doesn't fail to recognize my work in this show. I was honored & surprised to read that he mentioned me, since my role is one of the smallest principal roles. Hurray! It will be so great to have an audience tomorrow night. The mood tonight was odd & somber (even for a show like "Sweeney"), I think we just need the good positive energy from a live audience. If you haven't seen us...what's wrong with you!?! - COME SEE US! We are good!!

=+)

M.

KIND WORDS

I forgot to write this yesterday, I am performing with not only the most talented cast I have ever worked with but also the most supportive. In times of need they are there. We constantly remind ourselves how talented we are and encourage one another and say what a blessing it is to be a part of such a great show. Also, the wonderful critic from Talkin' Broadway said some wonderful things to me after yesterday's matinee. His review is yet to come, but he wrote this on the Talkin' Broadway chat:

Don't Miss "Sweeney Todd" at Foothill.
"We went to the matinee of the Sondheim's musical at Foothill College this afternoon and this is one terrific production. Jay Manley once again proves he is one damn fine director of musical. He has secured some major singing talents for this large production of around 30 persons.Full review coming up on Regional. James Monroe Iglehart is terrific as Sweeney and he does a different take on the mad barber. This was the 10th time I havd seen the "opera" since the original production in New York. Also Diana Torres Koss is great as Mrs. Lovett. Great little orchestra also."

Sounds like a hit!

Mwah!

M.

FIRST WEEKEND DONE!

It's been a busy week. Opening weekend was great. Can't wait to see what the critics write about the show!

Mwah!

Martin.

ANOTHER OPENING, ANOTHER SHOW

Opening night was well received by audiences. The show just keeps getting stronger & stronger. The buzz surrounding the show is so cool. Hopefully the critics will appreciate the show as well. Tonight I received one of the best compliments of my life; from our award-winning set designer Joe Ragey. What was said will remain with me forever. (Sorry, some things are priceless & private =+) In the morning I have an audition for a show. I'll let you know how that goes... but now I'm off to rest!

Mwah!

M.

PREVIEW NIGHT A SMASH HIT!

It was wonderful to have a packed preview house and end it with a standing ovation. So much fun. I must admit it was a bit frightening to be so close to the audience, but it wasn't long before I got accustomed to that. My mentor/teacher/boss/friend/all-around cool chick Linda Hoy summed up the show with two words: "That's theatre!"

Mwah!

M.

FIRST AUDIENCES TO SEE SWEENEY

Hey all,

This week has been probably the most exhausting week of my life. Managing school, work and the show has not been an easy task. A couple of hours ago we finished our last rehearsal for Sweeney Todd. It is a little bit frightening to know that there's gonna be an audience tomorrow night. We had to stop a few times tonight to fix some things, but I remain optimistic. I'll let you all know on the preview night experience at Foothill. I think I have some friends coming tomorrow night (I mean tonight! It's already past midnight). I'm off to rest!! Hope to see you soon,

Martin

COULD BE, WHO KNOWS......

Hi everyone,

We're wrapping up rehearsals this week. Tomorrow night is our last "rehearsal" and it's runthrough of the show. Thursday we have our first orchestra rehearsal and then it's off to tech and dress rehearsals before preview next Thursday. I am very excited about this year's upcoming theatre season. I won't jinx anything, but please send positive vibes my way if you can. There's a lot of great shows being done this year and I hope to have my calendar filled! I already have shows in mind, I just hope they work out. Maybe something's coming, something good!

=+)

M.

SWEENEY, SWEEEEEENEY!!!

Hi everyone! Well, we're almost there, just two more weeks before opening. I can't stress enough how brilliant this cast is. The principals & ensemble are amazing. Don't miss this one!

Mwah!

Martin.