Featuring the current theatrical endeavors and rants & raves of Actor, Lyric Baritone/Tenor, Pianist and Director MARTIN ROJAS-DIETRICH
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FAVORITE QUOTES:
"Only he who attempts the absurd is capable of achieving the impossible" - Miguel de Unamuno
"The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise." -Maya Angelou
"Life should not be measured by how many breaths we take but rather on the moments that take our breath away."
Last night our ailing actors were back and they were both such troopers!!! We had a small house but they were mighty kind to us and gave us a very enthusiastic standing ovation. It was a great show!!! Only 18 more performances - come on down to URINETOWN!!!!!
Wow - this was a first for me. Last night's performance of Urinetown was cancelled so that we could have a put-in rehearsal for understudies and new crew presonnel and due to the fact that we also had atwo ailing actors. I felt really sad because I am a huge believer in the "the show must go on!" motto but in this case it seemed right. Our rehearsal of course was filled with laughter & raunchiness from all involved (as usually the case) - so it made for a very nice evening. My thoughts are with my castmates who are not feeling well - get well soon!!! I am 100% sure that the show will go on tonight - so please help spread the word that the show has been extended to July 23rd. You can get discount tickets from www.goldstarevents.com or check out the half-price section of www.artsopolis.com
I had the most wonderful time last night - Monday Night Live was a huge success for San Jose Stage Company and a great time was had by all. Two numbers were featured from Urinetown and also from the upcoming production of Idols of the King which will play at the California Theatre during our extended run of Urinetown. The party before, during & after the show was off the hook - I went home a happy camper.
You can get 20% discount tickets to Urinetown - here's the link:
It's Sunday night and I am TIRED. We had a great week of shows and had a special guest pianist filling in on Saturday & Sunday - my pal Matt Mattei (who is a FABULOUS musical director) - so I knew the show was in great hands. My family came to see our Saturday night performance and they loved it and my Mom even said that this is one of the best productions she has ever seen - and my baby sis who is just as critical as I when it comes to theatre - stood up with the rest of the audience in a rousing standing ovation - high praise indeed. I love the fact that both my Mom & my baby sis (who are so important in my life) can see me grow as an actor and share in the joys of my often difficult but ultimately rewarding chosen profession.
Tomorrow night I will be appearing in San Jose Stage Company's 13th Annual MONDAY NIGHT LIVE - a fundraiser that is a political satire of songs & sketches featuring actors and some of San Jose's politicians. I will be appearing in two skits - one as Officer Barrel and one as a commentator. I am looking forward to it since a lot of my U-Town castmates are in it as well. Alright - I am off to rest.
Last night I went to see the final dress rehearsal of TheatreWorks' new musical Vanities. Broadway actresses Megan Hilty, Leslie Kritzer & Sarah Stiles all have the difficult job of being the only performers on stage for 2 hours without an intermission and they are all up to the task. The three ladies have great chemistry and each is a delight to see on stage.
The story was great - three close friends & their lives together as cheerleaders in high school, graduating sorority sisters and finally adult women who each take very different paths in life. As I was leaving the theatre, I realized that the show really made me think about my own friendships. I know that people come and go from our lives - some sooner, some late. Some we wish would disappear from our lives or even harder - disappear from our minds or our hearts. There are those that make a great impact and then time goes by and they change - you change - we all change, we grow and sometimes do drift apart. Although I enjoyed the production (as with any TheatreWorks production - every aspect from costumes to lights to sets are divine), I am so happy that the theme of the show made me reminisce about some friends that have in one way or another touched my life.
Vanities begins previews tonight and plays until July 16th at the Mountain View Center for the Arts.
I wasn't feeling so well tonight and was debating if I should even go out at all - I AM GLAD I DID - the evening was spectacular & filled with top-notch talent.
I had to go and support the Divas that I have worked with in the past: AnnMarie Martin (Anything Goes), Kristin Stokes & Kristen Sharpley (Into The Woods) and Diana Torres Koss (Sweeney Todd & Urinetown)
The evening was amazing - here are some of the highlights:
*AnnMarie's heartbreaking & powerhouse rendition of "The Music That Makes Me Dance" from Funny Girl *Katherine Von Till's "Somewhere That's Green" from Little Shop of Horrors (probably one of the best renditions of the song that I have ever heard) and "Popular" from Wicked *Kristin & Molly Bell's song from the new musical Asphalt Beach called "More" and Kristin's hilarious "It Will Never Be That Way Again" from Ruthless! The Musical *Kristen's beautiful take on "Quando m'en vo" from La Boheme - yay Opera Diva! *Dani Marcus' showstopping "Glitter and Be Gay" from Candide *Diana's delicate & gorgeous take on "Meadowlark" from The Baker's Wife *Dani Marcus, Molly Bell & special guest star James Monroe Iglehart performed "The I Love You Song" from 25th Putnam County Spelling Bee - simply amazing *Lianne Marie Dobbs, Molly & Diana's kick-ass version of a song called "In The Center" from The Heartland.
It was a magnificent evening with extraordinary talent for a great cause. It doesn't get any better than that! I hope this event will become an annual one. I also got to see great theatre friends in the audience - Courtney Stokes, Angela Nuttman, Jared Lee and my Urinetown buds Austin Ku & Darrin Glesser. It was a great night!!!
My friend Paul Araquistain who is currently vacationing in Thailand (I'm so jealous!!!) will be playing the coveted role of The Engineer in Broadway By The Bay's upcoming production of Miss Saigon. Paul is not only a great performer - he is also a sweetheart of a guy. I am very excited to see this show now - my pal Mark Hanson is the musical director and making her BBBAY solo choreographer debut is the lovely Robyn Tribuzi. Robyn has worked closely with the amazing Berle Davis for many years so this should be a knock-out show!!
A couple of important events are going on this upcoming Monday June 19th - I wish I could be at both but I am already committed to the latter. The first is a celebration for Dean Goodman - here are the details:
(This is from Theatre Bay Area)
Dear Theatre Bay Area members: Dean Goodman has dictated the following message for us here at Theatre Bay Area and all of our members. There will be a tribute, which he plans on attending, on Monday. See below for details. Theatre Bay Area extends our deepest respect to Dean Goodman, who has been such a positive force in the history of Bay Area theatre and who has so deeply contributed to its successes. "Dean Goodman is terminally ill and in the last act of his long, fruitful life. He is grateful for the outpouring of concern and respect from his friends in the theatre community and wishes good luck to all artistic directors and managers, performers and actors, technicians and all associated with the theatre. He urges all of them to continue to strive for excellence."
The details: A Celebration for Dean Goodman A pre-birthday bash (his real B-Day is actually July 2, but time is of the essence) and/or a chance to say thank you for all he has given to the Bay Area theatre community. Monday, June 19 At A.C.T 5:30pm: Doors open 6:00pm: Schmoozing 6:30pm: Dean arrives 7:00pm: Staged Reading A reading of Dean Goodman's new play Bloody August R.S.V.P to Phoebe Moyer at 415-464-0578 Refreshments: Contact Kenna Hunt (415-492-1179) if you can donate food and/or beverages, and/or paper goods. Readings: Contact Elizabeth Holmes (edholmes@comcast.net) if you want to participate in a tribute to Dean or if you can't attend and would like a tribute read by George Maguire in your absence. Please pass this invitation on to your friends and colleagues. ________________________________
The second event is Divas for Life 2006 - here are the details:
The Divas are back! The Bay Area's best leading ladies, women who've collectively performed in dozens of musicals and claimed a place on both the Californian and national stage, are together in the spotlight to do what they do best - entertain. Last year's concert was a rousing success full of hilarious, poignant, and touching moments. This blockbuster and family friendly event, directed by Molly Bell showcases this sensational group as they revisit the roles they've made their own and sing to songs that are sure to turn up the heat this summer at Divas For Life 2006, a benefit concert, raising money for Relay For Life: American Cancer Society.
The performers are Molly Bell, Angela Gunter, Kristen Sharpley , Diana Torres Koss, Annmarie Martin, Kristin Stokes, Dani Marcus, Katherine VonTill, Lianne Marie Dobbs with William Liberatore on piano.
The evening of musical theater will be presented at the Eagle Theater in Los Altos. Monday, June 19th, 2006 Eagle Theater, Los Altos High School 201 Almond Ave., Los Altos, CA 7:00 PM 8:30 VIP Reception
Tickets: $25 each VIP: $50 each (Front & center plus reception) Super Duper VIP: $75 each(Front & center, reception and a Divas 2006 T-shirt signed by Divas. This is for those who wish to donate a little extra with their single ticket purchase.) visit www.missmollybell.com for tickets
There is a new man in my life and his name is Aaron Lazar - I have not heard of him until tonight when I saw The Light in the Piazza on KQED last night. The man broke my heart with his passionate rendition of my favorite song from the show - a real aria for the character of Fabrizzio called "Il Mondo Era Vuoto" (The World was Empty) - it brought tears to my eyes. His amazing tenor voice & gorgeous good looks - not to mention the boy can act - he really impressed me and made me melt. What a voice!!
Thank you Live from Lincoln Center for bringing Broadway to us here in the Bay Area (and all over the country who can't be in New York!) It's funny that the last event they broadcast was that phenomenal concert of Sondheim's Passion. In many ways Piazza reminds me of Passion. Adam Guettel's music is hard to describe - some of his music is very Sondheim-esque with a hint of Rodgers/Hammerstein in it - only he manages to make the music uniquely his own. A truly gorgeous score.
Victoria Clark's performance in this musical HAD to be preserved. She is glorious in it. I must also confess that I thought the voices of Aaron Lazar and 21 year old Katie Clarke surpass the vocals of the original Fabrizzio & Clara - Matthew Morrison (a handsome man that doesn't look the least bit Italian) and Kelli O'Hara. I love the original recording but I would much rather hear these voices instead. The chamber musical is a beautiful theatrical experience - in every aspect. I hope I can afford to see the show when it comes to San Francisco but I will cherish seeing this show with this cast in a beautifully shot live performance of this show. I am very happy right now and a little teary-eyed.
Tonight on TV: Live from Lincoln Center - The Light in the Piazza. 8 PM on KQED (Channel 9 here in the Bay Area) - It is one of the most gorgeous scores for a musical I have ever heard. Check it out.
Thanks to packed houses & amazing reviews we have been extended to JULY 23rd. So now there is no excuse - you must come see the show. Seen it already? Come see it again! =+) Spread the word!!
I haven't seen this show in about two years - I forgot how FUN this show is. The show is just filled with fun songs & great one-liners. The cast was phenomenal. Keala Settle (whom I saw the first time I saw the show) is simply amazing. She is a great vocalist & a great dancer. J.P. Dougherty was hilarious as Edna (I can't wait to play this role!) I saw an understudy perform for Link - I'm sorry I didn't catch his name because he was simply delicious. There was no weak link in the cast, The show closes this Sunday and plays at AMTSJ.
If you have already seen Urinetown at San Jose Stage Company and want to see more theatre - lots of great performers that I have worked with are opening in shows this June - here's a few of them:
Kyla Gibboney (fellow Canada student who was BRILLIANT in the school's production of The Physicists - I was Assistant Director) is performing in Dragon Productions'The Art of Dining playing now until July 2nd.
Bill Olson (the amazing Milky White in Into The Woods) is appearing in Palo Alto Players' Private Lives - playing June 16 - July 2nd.
Jackson Davis (The Baker in Into The Woods and one of the best actors in the Bay Area) is in American Conservatory Theatre's Production of Happy End playing through July 9th.
My friend Kristen Sharpley (Cinderella's Mother in Into The Woods) and Nick Patton (Sweeney Todd) are in Lyric Theatre of San Jose's Naughty Marietta playing June 17 - 25.
Ruth E. Mullins (Sweeney Todd) and Jon Rosen (I haven't worked with Jon YET but he is a great guy and married to the wonderful costume designer Barbara Rosen - they are dear friends & great supporters of my work) are in West Valley Light Opera's upcoming production of Mame playing June 24 - July 29th.
First go check out URINETOWN at San Jose Stage Company - after you're done doing that go see these other shows. I'm going to check out Hairspray at AMTSJ tonight.
I received this e-mail today from director Jay Manley and I thought I would share it with all of you:
Dear Friends,
Dean Goodman has recently been diagnosed with untreatable cancer. He has been given a short time to live. You are one of the many, many people he has recognized over the years with awards, first when he wrote for DramaLogue, and then, in more recent years, with the Dean Goodman "Choice" Awards. I can think of no one in the Bay Area who has been a stronger force for and encouragement of good quality theatre, and he has always been willing to go anywhere to find it, not just the large Equity houses. If you know others who have received his awards over the years (my memory and my email bank are not all-inclusive), please pass this message along to them.My best wishes to you all, Jay
I am very proud of my Dean Goodman Choice Award for Sweeney Todd. Dean Goodman has been a lifelong supporter of theatre - if you would like to share your good wishes with him please e-mail me and I will pass on to you his address.
It was probably one of the most boring three hours I have spent in front of the television. If you didn't see it - you didn't miss much. I guess the top winner was The History Boys which looks very interesting with 6 wins including Best Play. Jersey Boys (don't even get me started) won the top prize in the musical category. I was very surprised to see Patti LuPone not win the Tony for Sweeney Todd (it only won 2 awards - Orchestrations & Director) - the musical performances were boring - though I thought The Wedding Singer was fun. Props to Ian McDirmid & Cynthia Nixon for their wins. The complete list of winners can be found at Playbill.
I have never seen this before in my life - Reading the Mercury News' review of Hairspray (which I am looking forward to seeing on Tuesday night) I couldn't believe what I read right in the middle of the review:
"For a show with a more substantial score and more social significance, don't miss 'Urinetown' at San Jose Stage Company."
I couldn't believe it! The review for Hairspray was a good one but I have never seen something like this - a critic saying go see this other show. It is GREAT publicity for us and it also means that we are all doing our job and doing it well.
The show is such a joy to do every night. (Honestly - it really is!) If you haven't seen it already - COME!! It is truly a great night in the theatre.
Tomorrow we will have our first post-show discussion with the audience led by the company's Artistic Director Randy King - Randy is such an amazing actor and a great support. I have gotten some great feedback and comments from him.
Tomorrow night is the TONY Awards broadcast on CBS from 8-11 PM. I am taping the show but will be rooting for Patti LuPone & the entire production of Sweeney Todd.
Honestly - this was one of the best weekends of my career. The show has received nothing but kudos and I have received some wonderful compliments from audience members and fellow performers - it has been WONDERFUL! I am so thrilled everything went so great that we are not doing a brush-up rehearsal tomorrow so that means TWO DAYS OFF!!!! Whoopee!!
It was a very hard week full of really work and it has paid off. I am happy for the time to rest but cannot wait to get back there on Wednesday night. I'm having way too much fun!!!
My fellow cast member and friend Tielle Baker (who plays Hope) will be eligible for her Equity card on our final week of performances - congrats Tielle!! She is an awesome performer and such a warm & loving person.
My beloved friend Hilary sent me some pics from her recent publicity shoot for Guys & Dolls over at Cabrillo Stage in Aptos which opens later this summer. I am very excited to see this show for the first time (honest!) and see her perform with the amazing David Curley. Here's the talented duo in a darling pic:
Okay - that's about it from me - I just bought the new DVD release of "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?" So I'm off to watch it!
Will write more on this tomorrow - but this was the best opening night party I have ever gone to. Full of friends & fellow actors - it was a night to remember not to mention a KICK-ASS performance of the show.
After three previews and an exhausting week of rehearsals URINETOWN: THE MUSICAL makes its professional South Bay debut tonight. I have a little bit of opening night jitters but that's to be expected. This is without a doubt the most demanding show I have ever done - both physically & vocally - but as I sit here I am humbled by the fact that I am working actor and that I am able to be a part of something truly extraordinary. I have worked very hard and I have LOVED this experience so I can't wait to have fun tonight and for the rest of our run!
We had a great preview last night and it was wonderful to see a lot of friends in the audience. Our final dress rehearsal didn't go so well so to have a live audience really pumped us up and I thought we did a really great job. A new dance number was added on Tuesday - something called the "Megamix" which is a big dance number after curtain call. I was TERRIFIED to do this. I felt better about it at yesterday's afternoon rehearsal and when we did it live last night I laughed through the whole thing. We kept messing up left & right (especially some of us non-dancers) but the audience loved it. It was a great night. We have two more rehearsals and two more previews to go.
zzio & Clara - Matthew Morrison (a handsome man that doesn't look the least bit Italian) and Kelli O'Hara. I love the original recording but I would much rather hear these voices instead. The chamber musical is a beautiful theatrical experience - in every aspect. I hope I can afford to see the show when it comes to San Francisco but I will cherish seeing this show with this cast in a beautifully shot live performance of this show. I am very happy right now and a little teary-eyed.
