A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

Last night was one of those nights - that will forever be a part of my memories. It's amazing how magical a night can be despite the fact that the day was horrific. (I was not well-rested, had classes all day, only had a bagel to eat all day and my voice was feeling a bit tired)

I didn't have time to be nervous while I was in school but as soon as I arrived to Ralston Mansion the nerves started creeping in. All five of us who sang did a great job and I was honored to close the opening act with "Granada." I was feeling so many things - Wesla could tell how nervous I was so she gave me her lucky whistle to hold onto - I even had to hold my friend Marisol's hand before going on but after I was out there I sang my heart out. The acoustics in that room are amazing - I could hear myself surround sound (sans microphone) I received such a wonderful ovation from the audience - it filled my heart beyond description. I was also overwhelmed with compliments especially those by my fellow classmates. I was so overcome with joy I had to fight back tears.

I held my tears until the end of Wesla's concert when her encore was "In My Life" a song that has great meaning for me. Wesla was truly magnificent and as she was performing I thought how lucky I am to be where I am today - going to school on a full scholarship and getting to work with amazing people like Wesla - as she sang the final lyrics to the song - I was overcome with tears of joy. She is one of the best performers I have ever seen.

As I drove home I thought about how lucky I am and how blessed I am to have this amazing opportunity. A lot of times I bitch & complain about the fact that I can't be in a show due to my school schedule but getting to open for Wesla Whitfield in Ralston Mansion makes not performing in a show seem not so bad =+)

THEATRE RESPONSE: TICK, TICK...BOOM!

Do you ever feel like there are not enough hours in the day? I've been feeling that way for a while now (with the craziness that is school!) so when I got home today after going to class & running a million errands I laid down to rest for a moment and then my alarm set off telling me it was time to get up and get ready to go see my friend's show. As I turn off the alarm I debate whether or not I am actually physically capable of moving an inch. I manage the strength to get up and unenthusiastically drive to Los Altos to see "Tick, Tick...Boom!" Let me tell ya - I AM SO GLAD I DID.

This show is a fast paced three-person largely autobiographical musical tells the tale of Jonathan Larson who went on to write RENT (you can hear some pre-RENT elements in the show). In the actual show, Jon is turning thirty and the questions of life begin to rise - those of you in your late twenties know what I am talking about. Jon is played with such stamina, heart & talent by my pal Darrin Glesser. He is onstage for that entire hour and a half and he does not leave the stage. He does some incredible work in all fields of musical theatre - he has to act, he has to sing and dance his ass off. His performance is truly inspiring.

Darrin has great support from his other two co-stars Victor Ballesteros and Afton Bole who tackle many different characters in the show but both shine as their main role Michael & Susan. The character of Michael reminded me a lot of the character Angel in RENT. A beautiful character. Musical direction by Michael Langham was great as was the combo band with Jonathan Erman on the keyboard.

Kudos to Miss Molly Bell for keeping the show's pace flowing with her direction and for adding some kick-ass choreography. The whole "Sunday In The Park" and Sondheim references kept me smilin' all night. Artistic Director Barbara Cannon did the scenic design for the show which was amazing - so playable - minimal but done with the just the right amount of visuals.

I felt a great emotional connection to the character of Jonathan and sat there pondering some of his dilemmas. You work so hard on something and then what if? Do you settle or sell out or do you pursue your dream at any cost? Will it ever finds it way? I even shed a couple of tears because like Jonathan I too get afraid but if we learn that there really is "no day but today"... who knows what the future will bring.
Jonathan Larson's tale is an inspirational one and Bus Barn Stage Company does the piece great justice.

Tick, Tick, Boom! closes this Saturday - if you can - CHECK IT OUT!!

AUDRA!

I am sooo excited - I am going to see Audra McDonald perform in San Francisco next week. For those of you that know me - you know I LOVE Audra McDonald. I'll tell my Audra story after I see her concert. Her new CD "Build A Bridge" is out and I am patiently (NOT!) waitin' for Amazon to deliver it to me. There are 3 songs you can hear at NPR radio including hearing Audra talk about them - way cool! Here's the link: NPR.

I have a busy weekend coming up - tomorrow night I am seeing "Tick, Tick, Boom!" at Bus Barn which my pal Darrin Glesser stars in, then Friday night it's Wesla's Concert (yay!!!), Saturday night is my piano night at Max's and Sunday afternoon I am going to see a fellow classmate's recital at school. Busy but will rest up on Monday to see AUDRA!!!!

=+)

OPENING ACT

I just found out that on Friday evening I will be one of 5 students selected to be the opening act for Wesla Whitfield's concert at the Ralston Ballroom. What an honor. Wesla has been so inspirational in her vocal interpretation class and I am over the moon to be a part of her concert. I have been asked to sing Agustin Lara's haunting Spanish ballad - Granada. Big stuff. Yay!! For those interested - Wesla is a cabaret legend and a Bay Area treasure. She will be performing with her husband Mike Greensill. Here's the info in case you'd like to come:

Ralston Performers Series
Wesla Whitfield in Concert
Friday, September 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Ralston Hall Mansion Ballroom
The newest members of NDNU's voice faculty, renowned cabaret/jazz artist Wesla Whitfield and pianist/music director Michael Greensill, make magic in beautiful Ralston Ballroom.

The concert is presented in conjunction with NDNU's Alumni Association.
Tickets cost $15 for general admission. For more information, call (650) 508-3515

Check out www.weslawhitfield.com

THEATRE RESPONSE: MISS SAIGON

On Thursday night I went to see Broadway By The Bay's preview performance of Miss Saigon and it is one of BBBAY's best productions ever. I find myself feeling some of the same things I felt when I went to see Grand Hotel recently- the production was first-rate but the show itself didn't really get to me. In Miss Saigon's case, even though there are some beautiful songs (The Last Night of The World, Sun & Moon) I felt that some of the music was too pretentious (not to mention the fact that I heard bits & pieces of Les Mis throughout) especially in ballads that ended on a soft note, then you'd hear this enormous ending that didn't really fit - but that's just me and my picky self.

Overall I found the production itself to be inspiring. My friend Paul Araquistain is simply mesmerizing as The Engineer - you see the complete journey he goes on throughout the piece. Paul is not just an amazing performer but such a sweet person and I love great things happening to great people. I predict that Paul will add another Bay Area Theatre Critics Award for this performance only this time as leading actor.

Catherine Gloria, a newcomer to BBBAY has an a amazing voice that had such beauty & control - she was a delight to hear. When I first saw Noel Anthony as Chris I thought he was too old for the role but that thought left me right away because he was very committed to his role. His rendition of "Why God Why" was spectacular.

My beloved Robyn Tribuzi who confessed to me that she reads this blog =+) did an outstanding job with this piece. This was her first solo choreographing effort for BBBAY and she right outdid herself. I told her I was so proud of her and I really meant that.

Mark Hanson's musical direction was superb - the score is mostly sung, Michael Ramsaur who is a genius provides beautiful lighting design and kudos to director Alex Perez & BBBAY for tackling such a technical show - with huge sets & a frickin' helicopter!

There were also some fellow friends of mine in the cast: Cyril Cooper, Danny Harper, Larry Quinto, Eric Ribeiro & Francesca Camus.

It is no secret that I will forever be a fan of BBBAY - they have given me some amazing opportunities and everytime I go there I feel like I'm home especially after seeing Robyn, Mark, Brooke Knight, Matt Mattei, Berle, Tony Zelaya, Lisa Cross, Angela Nutman- well it was a wonderful night.

I highly recommend you see this production.

(INSERT AUDIBLE SIGH HERE)

Do you ever feel like you're lost? Like you're on the right path and then you find yourself suddenly lost - that's what this past week has felt like - full of doubt, and fear...until today. I really don't have time to write much about this but needless to say today was a happy day. Sorry if this doesn't make a lot of sense - but sometimes expressing joy is hard to describe in words.

P.S. If you like Renee Fleming I highly recommend her CD "Haunted Heart" - it completely took me over today - I mean really took me over.

I quit smoking last Wednesday - today makes it a week (pat on the back.) The hard part's over now let's hope....nah, don't want to ruin this day.

I guess I'll go spread joy now

=+)

M.

HOW MANY SONGS?!

I have so many songs to memorize for school - it's ridiculous. I have to learn 2 songs for Wesla's class, 2 songs for my voice lessons, 5 songs for musical theatre workshop, 1 aria for opera workshop and then an entire opera scene. Oy!!!!! My brain does not work that fast anymore. Too much partying back in the day =+)

I continue to be challenged at school which I think is a good thing and have made more friends. On Monday I went to see my fellow teachers perform for a Musician's Gala which was lovely and of course I went to see Grand Hotel (see theatre response) which I loved. Next week I will be seeing Miss Saigon at BBBAY.

Sorry I don't have many exciting things to report but being a school boy I don't have time for anything else. =+)

Have a great week y'all!

M.

THEATRE RESPONSE: GRAND HOTEL

Okay - some of you actors will know what I'm talking about: Every now and again you debate whether or not you should audition for a show so you weigh the pros's and con's and ultimately decide that even though it's a show that's rarely done and that you would get to work with some of your favorite people you are just too damn exhausted to do another show at the moment. So you go see it and then you feel very guilty about not doing it because it's so good - this is one of those cases.

Hillbarn Theatre is presenting a first-rate production of the Maury Yeston musical GRAND HOTEL. This is one of the best community theatre productions I have ever seen thanks to brilliant direction, an amazing orchestra, gorgeous sets & lights, top-notch talent and sizzling choreography. I mean - this show had it all.

I'm still not sure how I actually feel about the piece itself. It's really hard to describe but it has elements of Brecht, the musical Cabaret & Threepenny Opera in it. The show is presented without an intermission and runs two hours (this did not bother me except for the annoying people sitting next to me - who never clapped) but as I was leaving the theatre I could hear that was people's main objection with the show.

Set Designer Hunter B. Jameson has created a gorgeous, elegant, impressionistic set that shifts gears beautifully. Don Colluzi's lighting was spot on and accented the set so well. Director John Kirman makes wonderful use of the space and utilizes his large cast with ease. There was a lot of talent in that cast but I must single out my beloved friends Tracy Chiappone as Raffaela, Erica Wyman as Flaemmchen and Joey Montes who was a part of the hotel staff. I was also touched by Ron Simonian's portrayal of Otto Kringelein.

Gary Stanford & Kevin Stanford are standouts with their dance numbers carrying out my pal Joe Duffy's sizzling choreography. Joe is such a talented man - he is a Bay Area treasure. The main dance number in the piece was We'll Take a Glass Together and really showed how Joe is a a master at highliting people's talents.

Also kudos to Greg Sudmeier's musical direction. The score is no easy task and his cast was up to the challenge (and bravo to Hillbarn for giving their cast a video monitor to see the conductor - I can't stand it when theatre's hide their orchestra and then expect them to be in sync without a monitor!) Sudmeier has also assembled top notch musicians for his orchestra and it is one of the best orchestras I have ever heard at a community theatre.

Grand Hotel is a show that's not done very often and I read that it's because professional theatre's can't afford it (due to the large cast) but I think it goes beyond that - the material is very dark and doesn't have a lot of humor to bring us out of that darkness. However I highly recommend this production - it is a stunning production and shows you community theatre crossing that level between really great community theatre and isn't this a professional show? Bravo!

REFLECTING ON 28 YEARS

Yesterday I turned 28 which is pretty fucking miraculous since I thought I would never live past 21 and if you knew me between ages 21-26 you know what I am talking about. Yesterday was a lovely day. I didn't even have a drink (but I will today =+) My co-workers at Max's were so lovely and treated me with lots of love. They all even sang "Happy Birthday" to me while I was at the piano - that was so wonderful.

In reflecting on my life and its past, present & future I couldn't help but get misty. I have overcome great obstacles in life and now I look forward to what tomorrow brings. It's amazing how we can survive life's challenges and live to tell about them.
People always ask me what my e-mail "martinandhisquest" is all about? Well, I strongly believe that we are all here on this earth for a reason - a purpose and it is our job to follow that dream, that quest - to be the very best that we can be. Don Quixote wanted to reach the unreachable stars, I know what my quest is (sorry folks that's just for me) - what's yours?

It was a lovely birthday - thank you all for your kind wishes, those via e-mail and by phone. My heart yesterday was truly full.

This past week at school was good though I am now a bit overwhelmed with all the work that lies ahead. The legendary cabaret performer Welsa Whitfield teaches my vocal interpretation class (I am a bit starstruck) but I have a feeling this is going to be my favorite class. Wesla works specifically with the Great American Songbook. I have begun voice lessons with Dr. Lee Strawn and he is a wonderful guy - we hit it off right away and I have a good feeling that I am in good hands. He re-enforced what I have always believed: I am a character actor with a leading man voice. I have made my peace with this - because character roles are often times meatier (no pun intended) roles but it does suck a little bit because even though I'll get cast in a certain role, my voice really suggests that I play another - such is life but what can I say - I love to eat! Or as I told my friend Heather: "face it honey - we're FAT!" =+)

Tomorrow night I will be attending a concert at school which will feature the teachers of the music department in concert - it should be fun and later in the week I will be seeing friends of mine in Hillbarn's "Grand Hotel."

Have a great week y'all and thanks for reading

=+)

M.

OPERA RESPONSE: ROMEO & JULIETTE

Tonight I had the pleasure of seeing Opera San Jose's beautiful production of ROMEO & JULIETTE. It has been years since I have been to an opera and the fact that my best friend Heather was making her professional opera debut made this one something I could not resist. I was so impressed by the company. To start they perform at the most beautiful theatre I have ever seen - The California. The place is simply gorgeous. The costumes were great and the the sets were phenomenal. I found myself knowing one of Juliette's arias - "Je veux vivre dan le reve" otherwise known as Juliette's Waltz. Gounod's music was haunting & beautiful.

The chorus was great and so was my beloved Heather who kept telling me that I wouldn't even see her in the chorus but in fact I DID see her. I told her that I don't look at shows like the general public. My eye is constantly perusing the stage. She was great!! So I don't ever want to hear anyone that's in the chorus of anything say that they won't be seen - 'cause honey I'LL see you. =+)

My friend Heather (to me at least) is an amazing talent and I know that soon I will not be seeing her in the chorus but I will see her playing a role and finally realizing her dream of being a professional opera performer. She is someone I have such love & respect for, especially when it comes to her art because to me she has always been an inspiration.

The principals were all fine (kudos to Daniel Cilli as Mercutio) and so was Isaac Hurtado who played Romeo (I thought he was great but I felt he really didn't really connect with Juliette.) Talise Trevigne (pictured right) was simply glorious as Juliette - she had a great voice and knew what to do with it and her acting was superb. It was a joy to see her from the third row. And kudos to the company for having an inter-racial couple - hot! (There are two casts alternating and I saw cast "B" in case you wanna check it out)

I strongly recommend this production - it is top notch in every way. And a special congratulations to my pal Heather: Sweetie this is JUST the beginning. I am so proud of YOU!!

=+)

M.

FIRST WEEK AT NDNU

Wow! What a week this has been. I am happy to report that so far so good! Wednesday I was as nervous as can be since I am still getting used to the campus but I managed to find all my classes. Later that evening some of us from the Musical Theatre Wokshop sang for Convocation. It was a lovely event.

Thursday I had vocal performance & rep class which was great. All levels of singers are there from freshman to graduate students. There was a a lot of talent in that room. For some reason I was so frightened to sing. I guess I am not used to that atmosphere. Singing for a room of 30 fellow students. I chose to sing Agustin Lara's haunting Spanish ballad "Granada." (I had to sing two songs this week and chose songs that have significant meaning to me.) I never met my Mother's Father (my Grandpa Jaime - he died when I was a child) but both my parents told me that he was a great singer. I remember when I was younger and I was watching The Three Tenors In Concert on TV and Jose Carreras sang "Granada" and my Mom started to cry, thinking about her Dad. So whenever I sing this song, I sing it as a tribute to him. It was so odd but as soon as the music began, I felt this force come over me. It was like my Grandpa gave me the courage to sing this very diffcult piece. I was so overwhelmed by the response I got after the song was finished. A lot of my fellow students gave me a standing ovation - that was to say the least - tremendous.

I have met some wonderful people this week and I feel I have already made a lot of new friends. It was a wonderful experience. My pal Courtney Stokes (being the Superstar that she is) blew everyone away with her rendition of "Good Morning Baltimore" from Hairspray - she rocked the Herzo Recital Hall!

Friday was a crazy day and I didn't get much sleep the night before but it was so wonderful to see Marc Jacobs, Billy Liberatore & Dottie Lester-White at the Musical Theatre Workshop. All people that I adore. Dottie's dance audition was so hard but I did what I could - of course I always feel like the hippo in "Fantasia" at a dance audition but I felt I fared much better with the singing. I picked "Love Changes Everything" from Aspects of Love. This song is my Dad's favorite song that I do. He & I have had a a very tumultous relationship and have since reconciled so I guess I picked songs that have very special meaning for me and you can't go wrong with that. Billy was pleased so that was a relief.

I think I'm going to like it at NDNU. Yay! =+) This upcoming week I will be seeing Heather in Opera San Jose's Romeo & Juliette and on Saturday I will be celebrating my 28th Birthday (I can't believe it!)

Okay - have a great week y'all!

Mwah!

M.