SECOND WEEKEND DOWN - THREE TO GO

Second weekend down and I am looking forward to the next few days off. Last night's show was great and we had a lot of Bay Area talent in the audience including my fellow Sweeney cast members Ruth E. Mullins (who was just cast in SDG's Oklahoma), Mike Padilla (who is performing in Playhouse West's Baby) & Michelle Jones as well as my pal Kathy Burch. On Tuesday night I am going to see The Mambo Kings: The Musical. I won the Theatre Bay Area lottery - I'm so excited because I never win anything! I'm looking forward to it. There's still three more weekends of "World" left - don't miss it - it's a fun show.

=+)

M.

MARIO CANTONE

The hilarious Mario Cantone in his one-man show LAUGH WHORE! on Showtime.

LIFE GOES ON

As I was driving to the theatre, I started thinking about things and the the ol' ass-kicking machine started playing - you know the one that says I have no talent and can't sing and shouldn't be anywhere near a stage... but then I realized something - I'm not going to let one person's opinion of me bring me down - FUCK NO! So I went in there and had a good time. It was probably one of my best performances. I have to remember that I will never meet my own expectations - so I just have to have a good time and then everything's allright. Tonight our Musical Director Mark Hanson had another engagement and the brilliant Matt Mattei was our sub pianist - he had no rehearsal with us and was brilliant! Before I forget, Mario Cantone (who is one of the world's funnniest "Queens") presents his one-man show LAUGH WHORE! on Showtime tonight. Don't miss it.

=+)

M.

IT'S FINALLY HERE!

"It's gotta happen, happen sometime, maybe this time...." Yes, it’s finally here! I received my first bad review!!! Eva Ciabattoni from the Los Altos Town Crier writes "Rojas-Dietrich, although passionate and talented........and to remember that he is singing to a dozen intimate rows of seats, not bawling to the rafters at the Met." I'm almost flattered that she thinks I can even do that. It's very interesting to read how she ended her article, oops I mean review: "Bus Barn's 'World' is not to be missed."


In another review, Jeanie Forte who is a critic I respect from the Palo Alto Weekly news writes: "Martin Rojas-Dietrich is a formidable voice and a great character type, whose rendition of "Kiss of the Spider Woman" is one of the show's highlights. However his fortissimo at times is too much for the space, and sometimes his pianissimo drops too abruptly, making it difficult to understand the lyrics." I can live with that.

As a performer you are terrified of that first negative review. Now that's finally happened - it's not so bad. All I can continue to do is the best work I can - which is something that I strive for every time I am onstage. As long as my directors Barbara & Mark are happy with my work - reviews are simply a person's opinion.

So there you have it - two very different reviews.

The Divinely Decadent Ms. M takes a valium & plows on!

=+)

BARE: A POP OPERA

Bare: A Pop Opera

I found an amazing new show I am completely in love with: BARE: A POP OPERA has some of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. The music has traces of Jesus Christ Superstar, Hair & Rent in it but totally stands out on it's own with a very unique and contemporary sound. The show which played Off-Broadway last year featured Michael Arden & John Hill. Check it out!

The stars of Bare: A Pop Opera - John Hill & Michael Arden

I VOTED AND SHE WON!

America picks the right idol - Carrie Underwood. Go girl! She may not be the greatest performer but I picked her as the winner and was even persuaded to get off my behind and make the call. I voted and she won - the power of the vote! =+)

A BRILLIANT PERFORMANCE

The new Star Wars film: Episode III - The Revenge of the Sith is the best of the saga - by far! Largely due to the amazing & brilliant performance of Hayden Christensen as Anakin (soon to be Darth Vader) - the incredible detail in the art direction & of course that score by John Williams. A must see film! Beat the nerd rush and go see it in the afternoon - they are nowhere in sight. =+)

ONE YEAR DOWN!

Today was the last final of my first year in college!! I must admit I could not wait until this semester ended. I am looking forward to a little bit of rest and performing the rest of The World Goes 'Round run and then off to understudy for Harold & Maude at TW. I will take a month off before doing one more show for the holidays and possibly some concert gigs with my pal Heather. Next semester starts in August and I will once again be working for Linda as her assistant. This time she plans to do two comedic one-acts. More of that - later - right now PARTY!!!

=+)

-M.

FRIDAY SHOW SOLD OUT

A couple of people have told me that they were planning on seeing the show on Friday night - it is sold out. There are still good tickets available for this Thursday & Saturday night's show.
www.busbarn.org or call (650) 941-0551

QUEER AS FOLK FINAL SEASON!

Thirsty? A photo I took of the delicious Gale Harold (Brian Kinney) at a QUEER AS FOLK DVD signing a couple of years ago at Borders in SF. The final season premiered on Showtime. I love this show - I can't wait to see how it ends!

AH, A BIT OF REST!

It was a great opening weekend, but finally a chance to rest the voice. I have finals this week and I finish my first year of college on Wednesday!
=+)

M.

ALL ABOUT KANDER & EBB

The world lost a hero of the musical theatre when Fred Ebb died last year. I found this biography of some of the credits they accumulated in their 40 year partnership as songwriters. Simply amazing.

Born: John Kander (1927)
Fred Ebb (1932-2004)

An important composer for the American musical theater from the early '60s, Kander studied music as a child, continued at college, and was determined to make his way in the musical theater. He had some successes in the early '50s with various lyricists before meeting Fred Ebb (b. April 8, 1932, New York, USA) in 1962. Ebb had already dabbled with lyric writing, and had collaborated with Jerry Herman on some songs for the short-lived musical "A to Z" (1960). Among Kander and Ebb's first efforts were "My Coloring Book" and "I Don't Care Much," both of which were recorded by Barbra Streisand. The new team made their Broadway debut in 1965 with the score for "Flora, the Red Menace," which included an eye-catching, Tony Award-winning performance by Liza Minnelli, who would subsequently perform much of their work, and become indelibly associated with them. Although "Flora" was relatively unsuccessful, Kander and Ebb were invited to write the score for "Cabaret" (1966), which starred Joel Grey and Jill Haworth, and won seven Tony Awards, including best score. They wrote two additional songs, "Money, Money" and "Mein Herr," for the 1972 film version, in which Liza Minnelli gave a sensational performance and won an Oscar. The television special produced by Ebb for Minnelli, LIZA WITH A Z, also won an Emmy award, with a Grammy later going to the recorded highlights album. Ebb's television work continued with the production of OL' BLUE EYES IS BACK (1972) for Frank Sinatra. Other Broadway shows followed, including "The Happy Time," "Zorba," "70," "Girls," and "Chicago," which opened in 1975 and ran for 923 performances. In the same year, the duo wrote some songs for the film FUNNY LADY, which starred Barbra Streisand, and followed this with music for two Minnelli films, A MATTER OF TIME (1976) and NEW YORK, NEW YORK (1977). The theme from the latter became an enormous, enduring hit for Frank Sinatra in 1980. Back on Broadway, Kander and Ebb wrote scores for "The Act" (1977) with Minnelli, "Woman of the Year" (1981), which starred Lauren Bacall, and "The Rink" (1984), yet another Minnelli (and Chita Rivera) vehicle. In 1991 they were inducted into the New York Theater Hall of Fame, and a revue, "And the World Goes 'Round," which celebrated some 30 of their songs, opened Off Broadway and ran for nearly a year. Another musical anthology, "Sing Happy," played on the London Fringe in the following year. In 1993 their spectacular musical "Kiss of the Spider Woman," starring Chita Rivera, won several Tony Awards in New York following its transfer from the West End. During the 1996-97 Broadway season, a superb concert version of the 20-year-old "Chicago" won six Tonys, while "Steel Pier," a new Kander and Ebb musical about a dance marathon held in Atlantic City in 1933 at the height of the depression, failed to convert any of its 11 nominations, and closed after only two months. In 1996, the songwriters were among the recipients of the Stage Directors & Choreographers Foundation's 12th annual Mr. Abbott Awards. It was an appropriate gesture, because George Abbott directed Kander and Ebb's first Broadway musical, "Flora, the Red Menace." The two men were also recipients of Kennedy Center Honors in 1998. Apart from their work together, both Kander and Ebb have enjoyed successful independent careers. Kander has written music for film soundtracks, including KRAMER VS. KRAMER (1980), and Ebb has continued to produce and co-produce numerous television specials, including GYPSY IN MY SOUL (1976) and BARYSHNIKOV ON BROADWAY (1980).

THE BRILLIANT TEAM OF JOHN KANDER & FRED EBB 

WHAT AN OPENING!!!

Wow! What an amazing opening night. I felt great about the show. We had a great audience including some wonderful friends especially my dear pal Melissa who never misses an opening night (except for the two years she was in the peace corps =+)

There is a special deal for tonight's performance (Saturday, May 21st) I have been allotted 6 specially priced tickets at $15 each. (That's half-off a regular priced ticket!!) If you want any or all of them contact me via e-mail at martinandhisquest@yahoo.com no later than 3 PM.

-M.

GREAT PREVIEW!

We had a great preview tonight - a few minor glitches (I messed up the steps to our finale) but I still thought we did a great job. Our director Barbara Cannon was pleased. My Mom & baby sis were in the audience and they loved it. I'm a little bit wiped, but still excited about our opening!

-M.

p.s. Our performance for the Rotary Club of Los Altos was great (they even honored us with a standing ovation =+) I have never attended one of these meetings but I have to tell you this story - at one point of the business part of the meeting, they were trying to get members to contribute money. The speaker asked this particular gentleman if he had an undesirable urge to donate. This gentleman got up from his seat and said "Yeah, I have an urge." and walked straight to the bathroom! The entire place was rolling with laughter. I love stuff like that - fun!

=+)

THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND CAST

The colorful cast of THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND: Jacqueline McSwanson, Linda Piccone, Paul Araquistain, Jennifer Oku & Martin Rojas-Dietrich

"WORLD" OPENS TOMORROW

Last night we had a few people watch our last dress rehearsal, including a couple of friends from my acting class at Canada. The funniest thing happened - there is a transition moment in which Jen Oku sings My Coloring Book and then I start singing I Don't Remember You. Our wonderful musical director Mark Hanson, who is probably one of the sweetest & funniest souls I have come across lately, couldn't get his page turn in time, and I am in the wings desperately going over the song in my head before I have to go onstage (this show is all about pace, movement & remembering LYRICS!!) when all of a sudden I hear Mark say "SHIT!" I had to work so hard not to laugh as I started singing my song. I love live theatre!!
In a couple of hours we have a special performance for the Rotary Club of Los Altos where we'll do about 1/2 hour worth of material from the show. Tonight is our preview and tomorrow is our opening!! I'm having the time of my life with this show. Do yourself a favor - come see us, we are good!!

=+)

M.

A GREAT TECH SUNDAY

You know I feel weird always writing good things about my current theatre experience but it's the actual truth! I have never had a tech Sunday be so much fun!! We arrived at 1 PM, had our cue-to-cue, had our dinner break and ran the show and I got home at 10 PM. I cannot stop saying great things about working at Bus Barn. If you are an actor that is looking for a great theatre group to work with - this is it! They are so wonderful!! The entire process of this show has been total fun and I can't wait to see what fun the performances will bring. Our designers, directors & fellow cast members have truly made this an amazing experience for me. I never realized how demanding a musical revue can be--truly I am much larger in size than my fellow cast members but the show is a workout! (for me at least) and to be singing back to back is a lot harder than I imagined it. (No wonder poor Britney lip-synchs at her shows! =+) This show has been a delight & a challenge - one that I accept with honor.

My voice is about 95% better & I'm thrilled that on Thursday an audience can appreciate our work and this show which truly is one of the greatest revues ever!

I'm a little bit tired & over the moon happy!

-M.

RITA BACK AT BERKELEY REP

I was so fortunate to see Rita Moreno's performance as Maria Callas in Berkeley Rep's brilliant production of Terrence McNally's Master Class last year. She is coming back to Berkeley Rep to do another theatrical gem - The Glass Menagerie. Details on Playbill.

Rita Moreno in MASTER CLASS at Berkeley Rep last year. 

ANOTHER OPENING & IT'S TOO DARN HOT

The weather today was unbearable - it's too darn hot! I don't like the heat or summer. I'm feeling a lot better (after a trip to the doctor and some antibiotics) and I'm looking forward to our opening. Tomorrow is tech so I'll be at the theatre all day. The show is going to be great so come check it out!

=+)

M.

STILL UNDER THE WEATHER

AHHHHH!! Still sick. This cold has to go away in the next couple of days. We moved into the theatre today and I am psyched! There's still some work to do but I can't wait till we have an audience!

The Tony nominations came out today and I have no comments (since I haven't seen any of the shows) but I will be watching and rooting my favorites on on June 5th.

=+)

M.

OFFICIALLY UNDER THE WEATHER

I guess it was my turn to get sick, and I am. I have whatever has been going around and I'm not happy. I don't have rehearsal until Monday which gives me a little time to get better. I suppose it's bettert getting a cold now than on opening night so I'm going to consider this a blessing in disguise.

-M.

ANOTHER PICTURE OF FRED EBB & I

I found this picture digging through my photo album - another picture of the legendary Fred Ebb & I.

ALL ABOUT BEBE AND LAW & ORDER

I guess we all have our list of "favorites" and sometimes we cross that line into obsession - I can now admit I am obsessed by the phenomenon that is Law & Order. Since I had a night off from rehearsal I was over the moon to hear that there would be a special cross-over 2-hour special with Law & Order SVU and the new Law & Order Trial by Jury. It didn't hurt that the story line was fascinating and guest starred Alfred Molina, Rita Moreno & Angela Lansbury! It was a brilliant episode. I am constantly impressed by the stories & consistent dedication to great acting that features the talents of Jerry Orbach, Mariska Hargitay & Sam Waterston. I was so sad when I heard that series regular & Broadway legend Jerry Orbach passed away and I wouldn't hear any new wisecracks from Detective Lennie Briscoe. What an amazing talent.

I love three out of the four shows currently airing (I don't really care for Criminal Intent) but I am especially head over heels fascinated by Trial By Jury. At first I was ambivalent about watching it since it stars Bebe Neuwirth. (who is coincidentally currently performing here in SF!)

I should explain: A few years ago, when she was in town doing Threepenny Opera for ACT I had to go see it. I was a huge fan, I mean she was Lilith from Cheers & Velma from Chicago! Turns out her performance was just o.k. and not really outstanding (although Lisa Vroman stole the show =+) but I still waited by the stage door after the show to say hello and maybe get a picture, which is something I loved doing when I was younger. She signed my playbill but when I asked her If I could take a picture with her she hastily replied "You know what? I don't do pictures but thanks for asking." It was the first time that an "idol" (and I use this word lightly here) refused to take a silly photo with a star-struck admirer. This was certainly not the case with stars like Kathleen Turner, Elaine Stritch, Betty Buckley, Kim Cattrall, Faye Dunaway or even Liza Minelli. In retrospect I probably wouldn't put Bebe in that category anyway so maybe it was just as well.

Am I still bitter? Absofuckinglutely! And even though I always practice "the elephant never forgets" philosophy (go ahead: ha, ha) I am a lot more mellow now (I think!) and can say that she is brilliant on Trial by Jury. How people can change...c'est la vie!

=+)

M.

"I DON'T DO PICTURES, BUT THANKS FOR ASKING"

My friend Sam took this photo as she was saying "I don't do pictures but thanks for asking." I guess we got her anyway! =+)

CONFESSIONS OF A FORMER "FANTOM"

Fantom: A person obsessed with The Phantom of the Opera.

Yes, it's true! Once I ate, breathed & slept Phantom of the Opera. (well maybe not ate) I saw the production 24 times in the six years it was here at the Curran Theatre and twice on Broadway. I was obsessed by it. The spectacle, the music, the lyrics and the haunting story. Today I still think that it's one of the all-time greatest love stories. What's more romantic than a man giving up the one he loves so that she can be happy? If that's not love...I don't know what is.

Phantom (in my opinion) is Lord McWebber's finest endeavor without the help of Tim Rice (Superstar will forever be my favorite McWebber show) Over the years I have slowly but surely grown out of my love affair with Phantom. Yes, I did go see the movie it's opening weekend and of course I bought the DVD today (even though the movie nowhere near compared to the stage show) I was dissapointed that the film did not meet my former "Fantom" expectations. The only good thing about the film was Minnie Driver's over-the-top portrayal of La Carlotta and the revised ending that Schumacher envisioned. (That last scene at the graveyard did it for me) Unlike the film version of Chicago, Lloyd Webber & Schumacher didn't do a very good job of re-imagining the show for film. And in a perfect world the Phantom would have been played by Davis Gaines & Christine by Lisa Vroman.

Buying the DVD today made me smile because It made me remember that I was once a "Fantom."

-M.

LISA VROMAN & I

This picture was taken actually on the Curran Theatre stage after a Q & A session. I was 17 years old!

DAVIS GAINES & I

The man who should have played the Phantom in the film. The incomparable Davis Gaines & I outside the stage door of the Majestic Theatre in N.Y.

CRUNCH TIME!

AHHHH!!!! Sorry I haven't been able to write. So much to do and no time to write (or do anything else for that matter.) I'm just trying to finish up with this semester at school (why do teachers CRAM so much at the end of the semester?!!!!!!) and also finish up rehearsals for "World." (which is going splendidly!) I will write more when I can. I might be going to Notre Dame University as soon as fall of 2006....got $44,000? Oh, the things I'll do for a degree!

=+)

M.