HAVE A HAPPY & SAFE NEW YEAR'S EVE

I have been listening to "In The Bend of my Arm" from Dessa Rose like you wouldn't believe. It is such a beautiful song - too bad the rest of the show stinks.

Anyway - I wish everyone a wonderful safe New Year - don't go crazy on New Year's Eve now ya hear?

Much love

Martin

p.s. I already have a performance in the new year - I will be performing in Pocket Opera's 30th Anniversary Season Kick-Off at NDNU on January 14th at 2 PM. Tickets are $50. More info to follow. I will not be singing - I will be performing the Shakespeare scene of "Merry Wives" with me as Falstaff. (I performed this scene for our recent Opera Workshop and the response was very positive - I am looking forward in playing this guy!) I'm letting what's left of my hair grow out and I have a beard - my Momma calls me the Peruvian Pavarotti - which is not a bad thing to be called. I have already started to work on the score - scary stuff. I have never used my highlighter this much - it feels both exciting and scary!!! The clock has already started ticking away...

2006 - YEAR IN REVIEW

Martin’s Year in Review

It is always nice to look back at the year and it’s events and reflect:

JANUARY

*I spend New Years performing in a hit show - can’t complain about that!

*Into The Woods closes. It was an experience beyond description. I shall never forget it. It is not only one of the most acclaimed shows of 2005 but also named one of the Top 10 Cultural Events of the Year - a very multi-cultural cast indeed.

*I am honored with a Dean Goodman Choice Award for my work in Sweeney Todd. This recognition of my work means so much to me especially since this production was a very difficult one. Dean Goodman passed away this year so I will treasure this honor for as long as I live.

*I see what I can only describe as one of the worst shows I have ever seen. In simple terms Lestat sucks. It closes on Broadway shortly after its opening. "Told ya so, told ya so, told ya, told ya, told ya so."

*School at Cañada starts again.

*I perform at the Little Store Restaurant.


FEBRUARY

*Into The Woods is honored with 7 Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Awards including Best Musical.

*I start working as Linda’s Assistant Director on The Physicists. It is out third collaboration.


MARCH

*The Physicists opens.

*I receive the Emerging Artist Scholarship at NDNU.


APRIL

*I fly to Seattle to visit my dear friend Heather who is performing in Teatro Zinzanni.
I fell in love with the city of Seattle - I could actually live there.

*I am cast as Officer Barrel in San Jose Stage Company’s Urinetown. Even though there was two other productions of this show this year, for months I hoped that I could be a part of this particular production. Good things come to those who wait.


MAY

*Urinetown rehearsals begin. The cast is out of this world fantastic.

*I perform at the Little Store Restaurant with Heather and Nicki Kerns on piano.


JUNE

*Urinetown opens to great reviews - one newspaper said we were better than the touring production of Hairspray (which was a fabulous show) - wow.

*I perform in Monday Night Live - a benefit for San Jose Stage Company.


JULY

*I see Eva Ayllon In Concert - one of my childhood idols.

*Urinetown is a hit so it is extended but then closes early due to small houses. It is still the most fun I have ever had on stage.

*The weekend that Urinetown closed, my beloved cat Henry had to have surgery and my credit card was stolen - probably one of the worst times ever.


AUGUST

*I see Francis Jue in M Butterfly at TheatreWorks - the best play and performance I have seen in 2006.

*I return to Max’s Opera Café in Palo Alto on Saturday evenings as a pianist/singer.


SEPTEMBER

*With scholarships & grants I am able to attend NDNU on a full ride. I start my first semester at NDNU - the tough road lies ahead.

*I turn 28 years old. Big whoop.

*I see Audra McDonald In Concert - I am reminded why I am a performer.

*I am one of 5 lucky students who gets to open for Wesla Whitfeld’s concert.

*After many years of singing, I take my first voice lesson.


OCTOBER

*I reluctantly audition for my first opera and get my first lead role ever - and what a role: Falstaff in The Merry Wives of Windsor.


NOVEMBER

*My family & I have a lovely Thanksgiving (a rarity!)


DECEMBER

*I finish my first semester at NDNU after performing in numerous performances, having juries, finals and a root canal done the same week - how about that?!

*I am asked to join the cast of A Little Night Music at school - I said yes.

*I finish my first semester at NDNU - and I think I passed all my classes (they have not posted all the grades yet but I remain optimistic!)

It was an interesting year - full of good stuff. I welcome 2007 with open arms. Let’s see what tomorrow will bring. My friend Sam recently told me that 2007 is the Year of the Pig - hopefully for this little piggy too.

=+)

Martin

MY TOP LISTS OF 2006

Bay Area Theatre - Top 5
Out of over 50 productions I saw in 2006 - these are my top five:

1. M Butterfly (TheatreWorks)
On opening night I told Robert Kelley that even though I had been a fan of his direction for years - this was the first time where the lights came down and I couldn't move because I was so overwhelmed with emotion. Electrifying theatre at its best. Without a doubt Francis Jue gave the best performance I have seen this year.

2. Colorado (Impact Theatre)
When I first arrived to see this play I couldn’t believe it was in a pizza parlor basement. So much for deceiving looks - a hilarious play about family & identity with a first-rate ensemble cast.

3. 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Adult Night (Post Street Theatre)
I only saw the adult night of this show so I can only imagine that the regular version is even better. A flawless cast too. Very entertaining.

4. True West (San Jose Stage Company)
Randy King & Rod Gnapp are sublime in Sam Shepard’s brilliant play. The combination of these two actors was out of this world.

5. Thoroughly Modern Millie (Starstruck Theatre)
When I go see a show - I look at all the factors: the material, the cast, direction, costumes, lights, sets and then I ask myself If I was entertained. Boy was I entertained by this production - and this children’s theatre company headed by Lori Stokes was a revelation. These kids were can really do it all and my pal Courtney Stokes gave a tour-de-force performance as Millie.

*Disclaimer - I would have also liked to include in this top list San Jose Stage Company's production of Urinetown: The Musical - but then of course I am a little bit biased =+)

Televison - Top 5:

1. Dexter
Michael C. Hall is delicious as this good guy/serial killer. Bravo to Showtime for believing in this dark & at times hilarious piece.

2. Ugly Betty
This show ties with Dexter as to favorite new shows. America Ferrera is too precious as Betty - I am always rooting for her. Daniel Mabius is the new man in my life - delicious...and he can act too!

3. Grey’s Anatomy
I thought -this show couldn’t get any better? Ha! It is better than ever. Kudos to this fine ensemble cast.

4. Weeds
I love the premise of this show and it’s second season was genius. I love every scene that Mary Louise Parker and Elizabeth Perkins have together.

5. Entourage
Jeremy Piven is why I watch this show - the man is so fucking talented. "LLOYD!!"

Guilty Pleasure: Top Chef
The only reality show I watch - I love food and this competition show is hilarious!


Films - Top 5

1. Little Miss Sunshine
The best ensemble piece I have seen in a LONG time. Funny & heartbreaking. Abigail Breslin is amazing in this film.

2. Volver
Penelope Cruz in one of the best performances of this year - another film that is both heartbreaking & funny.

3. The Departed
This was the hottest cast ever - I’ve always been a huge Matt Damon fan but he was overshadowed by a hunky Leonardo - who manages to steal this film. Very yummy to see and a total macho film - bravo to Mr. Scorsese for getting this cast. And someone - please give him an Oscar already!!

4. Casino Royale
One of the best Bonds ever - and Daniel Craig makes a fine, strong Bond. James Bond is back - oh yes he is.

5. Dreamgirls
Jennifer Hudson in a star-making performance. It is worth the price of admission to see her perform "And I Am Telling You..."

Also worth mentioning: Running With Scissors
Complicated and dark - I really loved this movie especially Annette Bening’s brave performance.

JENNIFER HUDSON STEALS DREAMGIRLS

Tonight I went to see the highly anticipated and much praised film DREAMGIRLS. A long time ago when I heard that Jennifer Hudson would be playing the coveted role of Effie I said "who?" Jennifer Hudson made me eat my words. She gives a ferocious performance with such stamina & dedication and not to mention the girl can SANG! Not sing, I mean SAAAANG! I have never felt such chills from seeing a song performed on screen - her "And I Am Telling You" was out of this world. (I hate to say it - it rivals Jennifer Holliday's version) I have also never seen a Redwood City movie audience applaud & shout "woo's" like they did after she ends the song. THAT gave me chills as well. Her performance is indeed Oscar-caliber and I hope she WINS the damn award. She had a lot to prove - and she sure proved it to me. Brava!

Overall I enjoyed the movie but had some tiffs with it - I'm not going to go into detail but I am a huge fan of the live concert recording of the musical (with Norm Lewis as Curtis, Audra McDonald as Deena, Heather Headley as Lorelle, Billy Porter as Jimmy and Lilias White as Effie) so I am just used to hearing their voices. To me that is a dream cast.

Beyonce was... Beyonce and did nothing but play herself - I know that I am going to get a lot of shit for this but I thought she didn't do much to get top billing (Kudos to director Bill Condon for Hudson' s "And Introducing..." credit.) Eddie Murphy is fantastic as Jimmy and does a brilliant job with Jimmy's last song but I just couldn't get Billy Porter's voice out of my ear. Jamie Foxx could have been a little more menacing with his part - I didn't see a lot of depth. Anika Noni Rose was terrific as Lorelle - she hits every note right with her role. I enjoyed seeing Loretta Devine in a bit part (she was an original Broadway cast member).

After the hit that was Chicago, studios are out to make money with movie musicals and even though Condon wrote the adaptation of Chicago - that was as much better film and did deserve the Oscar - while I am sure Dreamgirls will be nominated I don't think it is the best picture of 2006. It's almost as if he tried too hard to bring it to the screen and did we really need a song for Beyonce? (excuse me - Deena Jones)

Go see Dreamgirls - it is worth it especially to see a star being born. The Academy BETTER recognize Condon for finally bringing it to the screen and Murphy & Hudson for their supporting roles.

WORTHY TV

Ho, ho, ho everyone - just a couple of things worth mentioning regarding TV on Christmas:

*Andrew Sanford (who was in Sweeney with me and is a super kid) will be appearing in The Christmas Card a movie that plays tonight on the Hallmark Channel. According to his Mom Amy, Andrew has a scene with Ed Asner - cool! Congrats Andrew. It airs tonight at 7 PM. Here's the link.

*Today I saw a great little documentary called Life After Tomorrow - about the little girls who have played Annie and the effect on them now that they are adults - including Ms. Sarah Jessica Parker. I'm not quite sure why the two actresses whom I mostly identify Annie with are missing from the documentary - Andrea McArdle (original on Broadway) and the girl who played her in the movie - Eileen something. There goes MY memory - anyway I thought it was a fun & revealing look at children & their stage Mothers and also the effects of hitting puberty and playing the part - very interesting.

I feel a certain nostalgia when I think of this musical because it is the show that made a great impact on me when I was a kid in Peru and saw a touring production. I knew at that moment what I wanted to be: an orphan! No, I wanted to be on stage with them so I am thinking the acting bug hit at that moment. Hee, hee. Anyway - the movie plays on Showtime. Here's the movie's link.

*Tomorrow night the Kennedy Center Honors will be televised on TV (check your listings) and it includes honors to Steven Spielberg, Dolly Parton and Andrew Lloyd Webber (one of my idols Betty Buckley performs) - It'll be nice to see. I did read that Jessica Simpson totally flubbed 9-5 live and they had to re-shoot the song. So I'm sure the perfect televised version will be aired but we know better. What the fuck is SHE doing singing Dolly Parton anyway - off with her head! =+)


Santa was very good to me. I was exhausted yesterday because I cooked and cleaned all day (and had a couple of cocktails too =+) So I think I passed out at 7 PM last night.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Mwah!

Martin

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL...

AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT

"Is that the present you like best?
Then that's the one you will keep."

IF SANTA ANSWERED HIS MAIL HONESTLY

My beloved Linda Hoy sent me these - enjoy!

If Santa answered his mail honestly...

Dear Santa

I wood like a cool toy space ranjur fer Xmas. Iv ben a gud boy all yeer
yer Frend,

BiLLy


Dear Billy,

Nice spelling. You're on your way to a career in lawn care. How about I send you a friggin' book so you can learn to read and write? I'm giving your older brother the space ranger. At least HE can spell!


Dear Santa,
I have been a good girl all year, and the only thing I ask for is peace and joy in the world for everybody!

Love,

Sarah


Dear Sarah,

Your parents smoked pot when they had you, didn't they?

Santa


Dear Santa,
I don't know if you can do this, but for Christmas, I'd like for my mommy and daddy to get back together. Please see what you can do?

Love,

Teddy

Dear Teddy,

Look, your dad's banging the babysitter like a screen door in a hurricane. Do you think he's gonna give that up to come back to your frigid mom, who rides his ass constantly? It's time to give up that dream. Let me get you some nice Legos instead.

Santa


Dear Santa,

I want a new bike, a Playstation, a train, some G.I. Joes, a dog, a drum kit, a pony and a tuba.

Love,

Francis

Dear Francis,

Who names their kid "Francis" nowadays? I bet you're gay, I'll set you up with a Barbie.

Santa

(this one is my favorite:)
Dear Santa,

I left milk and cookies for you under the tree, and I left carrots for your reindeer outside the back door.

Love,

Susan

Dear Susan,

Milk gives me the runs and carrots make the deer fart in my face when riding in the sleigh. You want to do me a favor? Leave me a bottle of scotch.

Santa


Dear Santa,

What do you do the other 364 days of the year? Are you busy making toys?

Your friend,

Thomas

Dear Thomas,

All the toys are made in China. I have a condo in Miami, where I spend most of my time making low-budget porno films. I unwind by drinking myself silly and squeezing the asses of cocktail waitresses while losing money at the craps table. Hey, you wanted to know.

Santa


Dear Santa,

Do you see us when we're sleeping, do you really know when we're awake, like in the song?

Love,

Jessica

Dear Jessica,

Are you really that gullible or are you just a Blonde? Good luck in whatever you do. I'm skipping your house.

Santa


Dear Santa,

I really really want a puppy this year. Please please please PLEASE PLEASE could I have one?

Timmy

Timmy,

That whiney begging shit may work with your folks, but that crap doesn't work with me. You're getting a sweater again.

Santa

Dearest Santa,

We don't have a chimney in our house, how do you get into our home?

Love,

Marky


Mark,

First, stop calling yourself "Marky", that's why you're getting your ass whipped at school. Second, you don't live in a house, you live in a low-rent apartment complex. Third, I get inside your pad just like the boogeyman does, through your bedroom window.

Sweet Dreams,

Santa

RUN TO "VOLVER"

Pedro Almodovar's new film "VOLVER" opened at the Guild today and of course I dragged my sis to go with me. (I am a big fan of his movies - one of my favorite films of all time is All About My Mother - rent it. ) It is a stunning film. I love his movies - they are so intricate and intense. Kudos for Penelope Cruz - this is her most demanding role ever and the girl can ACT!!! She is amazing in this role and she deserves her recent Golden Globe Nomination. The film is in Spanish with subtitles. I highly recommend it. At heart, the film is about the bond of Mothers & Daughters - so take kleenex. Yet another brilliant independent film.

I haven't been to the Guild in Menlo Park in years - I forgot what a beautiful moviehouse it is. I think the last movie I am going to see this year is Dreamgirls. In the new year I want to check out The History Boys and Notes on a Scandal.

Alright everyone - I think this will be my last post in a few days so:
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

No More Wire Hangers,

M.

JACKIE'S NEW YEARS' EVE GIG

This is from my friend Jackie McSwanson (now DeMuro):

Looking for a little fun on New Year's eve? Join four fabulous divas (if I do say so myself) and a hot combo for a festive San Francisco-style welcome to the new year.

Octavia Lounge in San Francisco is hosting two cabaret shows on New Year's eve, starring The Living Dolls (Liz Matthews & Diane Merlino) and featuring Jacqueline De Muro (!), Charity Goodin, Jeffrey Gaeto (piano), John Clark (bass) and Brian Fruechtenicht (drums).

A good time will be had by all!

Dinner seatings are at 7:30pm & 10:30pm, and the shows run from 8-10pm and 11pm-1am. So you can ring in the New Year with us, or be safely tucked in bed by the time the clock tolls midnight. Prices range from $30+ 2 drink minimum for the show, to $75 for the full dinner & show.

It's an intimate space, so reserve your seat now via http://www.octavialounge.com

PAT LEVEQUE INTERVIEW

Patrick Leveque who played Rapunzel's Prince in Into The Woods was interviewd by Broadway World. He is currently performing in Las Vegas' PHANTOM. Here's the link.

THEATRE RESPONSE: LEARNED LADIES OF PARK AVENUE

Tonight I went to see my final show of the year - TheatreWorks’ beautiful production of The Learned Ladies of Park Avenue. It is a funny & very witty adaptation of Moliere’s Les Femmes savantes. The production features a stellar cast that includes my fellow Into The Woods pals Maureen McVerry, Jackson Davis & Kristin Stokes who made her Equity debut with this production (you go Vegan Diva! - she is a busy gal. She will be playing Marta in Willows's upcoming The Secret Garden.)

When you have a show that is directed by Robert Kelley, costumed by Fumiko Bielefeldt, lit by Steve Mannshardt, and set designed by Joe Ragey - you pretty much have a stunning production. As an added bonus - the play is pretty good too! The whole cast is wonderful and Kristin is paired beautifully with Darren Bridgett who was not only a fine actor but also a very handsome one. Brian Herndon has one of the best lines I have ever heard - he tells another poet writer : "Give me Alphabet soup, I can crap better words than you" (or something like that) - maybe it was one of those you had to be there moments. But the play is filled with them. The dialogue is spoken in triple rhymes. Brilliant. Maureen has a lot fun with her role as Aunt Sylvia - she is a hoot to watch. Jack adds another brilliant characterization to his resume - the guy is just freakishly talented.

This isn’t slapstick comedy - it’s a smart, witty comedy with a lovely ending. I loved it. Check it out. It has been extended for another week - www.theatreworks.org

This will be my last theatre response entry for a while. I find that it has become too taxing seeing a show and writing a response - I’m not a critic, this is just my opinion so in the new year I will limit my theatre responses to shows I feel a real strong connection to - we’ll try that and see if it works. Plus that way I won't feel forced to write my thoughts on every show I see. Okay everyone - I guess that's all for now.

I wish everyone a wonderful Christmas!

Mwah!

Martin

NIGHT MUSIC CAST COMPLETE

Since they needed a tenor to fill out the quintet of Night Music I recommened my friend Nick Patton who is a great singer and he was cast!! The Lieberslieders will kick ass!! The ladies in the quintet are Julia Louise Hosack, Adia Griffith & Marisol Urbano. I can't wait. Congrats Nick!


Complete Cast List:
(in order of appearance)

Lieberslieders:
Martin Rojas-Dietrich, Nick Patton, Julia Louise Hosack,
Adia Griffith & Marisol Urbano

Frederika Armfeldt: Melissa Fisher
Madame Armfeldt: Debra Lambert
Frid: Efrain Lazcano-Ibarra
Henrik Egerman: Justin Taylor Nixon
Anne Egerman: Courtney Stokes
Fredrik Egerman: Tim Rhein
Petra: Shannon Kilpatrick
Desiree Armfeldt: Amanda Dreschler
Malla: Kelly Hammond
Bertrand: Daniel Pias
Carl-Magnus Malcolm: Mike Reed
Charlotte Malcolm: Laurie Nellesen
Osa: Elana Ron

The show is directed by Michael Elkins with Billy Liberatore as Musical Director.

The show opens February 23 and runs through March 4, 2007

=+)

M.

A LOVELY CHRISTMAS CAROL

Tonight my dear friend Lacy & I went to see my school's production of A Christmas Carol. It was a lovely production with a huge cast. It was great to see so many of my fellow performers & friends in the production as well as my friends Matt Mattei & Mark Hanson who were in the orchestra (Matt was the Musical Director.)

Lacy has been in the show in the past but this year a new production opened with new sets, costumes & even an orchestra. Among the cast who stood out especially was my friend Julia Louise Hosack who played Christmas Future. A while back she was upset that her part did not require her to sing (Julia has an amazing voice) but I was blown away tonight by her dancing. Her character tells her tale not through song but through dance - I found that idea to be so clever and she did a beautiful job with it - you go girl! Huge congratulations to all my friends in the cast - especially Elana, Ef, Laurie, Amanda, Claire & Courtney =+)

Hugs to all

Martin

HAPPY BELATED B-DAY MARTIN'S BLOG

I can't believe how time goes so fast - I wrote my first blog entry here on December 11, 2004 - two years ago. I must say how much I love this blog- it is part journal/part therapy. I think everyone should have a blog.

TEARS IN HEAVEN: PETER BOYLE

The great Peter Boyle passed away - a true comic genius. Most people probably know him as Ray Romano's Dad on Everybody Loves Raymond but I will always remember him as The Monster in Young Frankenstein. "PUDDIN' ON THE WHIHHHH!"

SO MUCH F'ING THEATRE

Wow - I just realized that I saw all these shows this past year:

Songs for a New World, The Clean House, Lestat, The Physicists, Urinetown, Over The Tavern, The Wiz, Cabaret, The Shaker Chair, True West (twice), The Sisters Rosensweig, I Do I Do, Teatro Zinzanni (twice), 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, Anna in the Tropics, Vanities, Divas for Life, Hairspray, Annie Get Your Gun, Brooklyn Boy, Idols of the King (twice), Eva Ayllon in Concert, M Butterfly, South Pacific, Jesus Christ Superstar, Spelling Bee, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Guys & Dolls, Tick Tick Boom, Wesla Whitfield In Concert, Audra McDonald in Concert, Miss Saigon, Grand Hotel, Romeo & Juliet, Jenifer Lewis at the Plush Room, Lil' Darlin', Dessa Rose, Bat Boy, Barber of Seville, Greater Tuna, Big, and I still have to see Learned Ladies and Christmas Carol not to count the numerous concerts & recitals I attended this year. That's over 50 performances - wow!! I'm sure I left some out by accident so don't feel bad if your show isn't listed - It's just that my memory isn't that great!!!
=+)

Year in Review coming soon...

Martin

SCHOOL'S OUT!!!

YES!!! I am officially done. This has been a difficult & exhausting first semester but there has also been a lot of joy - and experiences I shall never forget. Getting to work with Wesla Whitfield - that was beyond amazing. Also working with Billy Liberatore, Dottie Lester and Marc Jacobs (who gave me chills when he told me he wants me to be a part of this really amazing project in the summer) was awesome. I have also met some extraordinary talented students - many of whom have become my friends. Yay!! - here's to sticking things out 'till the end.

Tonight our Opera Workshop class performed and I think we all did an amazing job. I was very proud on how my scene from Merry Wives went - it gave me a chance to see how audiences would react to my interpretation of Falstaff - and for that I am very grateful to Kimberly Mohne Hill who really helped me with the Shakespeare. I am looking forward to being challenged next semester with a full schedule of classes & performances. And while we are giving out gratitude - I do want to acknowledge my voice teacher Lee Strawn who gave me a lot of confidence and pointed me in the right direction and especially Debra Lambert who continues to be a champion of mine and who believes in me far more than I do. Thanks Debra.

After our performance we all went out and got hammered. What a great way to end the semester.

Guess what I am doing tomorrow? NOTHING!!!!! Hee hee.

=+)

Martin

ONE DAY MORE

It's been a wild and crazy couple of days but I think the storm is over. The root canal wasn't so bad and I was able to perform yesterday and tonight. I also think I did well on my voice jury. Debra Lambert has asked me to be a part of A Little Night Music and I agreed. I really can't say no to her. I will be playing Mr. Lindquist (the baritone role in the quintet) - Now I will have no time to breathe in the spring. One of my music finals was cancelled (thank goodness!) so now I only have my Spanish final and Opera Workshop performance to get through. Christmas break - here I come!!!!!

=+)

M.

HELL-ISH WEEK

As those of you in the theatre world know HELL WEEK is the week before opening when everything is trying to come together - even though I am not in a show right now this week feels like hell week. Tonight I have dress rehearsal for our Musical Theatre Workshop performance (why we are having two performances - I will never know) plus finals, voice jury and my root canal tomorrow afternoon. HELP!!!


On Friday evening my friend Justin Taylor Nixon & I went to see Hillbarn's production of BIG. I am still not sure why they turned that movie into a musical but it was wonderful to see my friends Tracy Chiappone (a superstar as always) and Vicki Morgan (who brought a new meaning to the word "Barney") and Kathi Duggan (a hilarious bum) and her two sons (Kathi & her sons were in Oliver with me a few years back.) Riley Costello who plays young Josh was adorable. The show was cute but not really my cup of tea - I'm not really a family musical kind-of-guy but check it out they play until the end of December. The show was directed by Erica Abrahamson and choreographed by Joe Duffy (who will be choreographing FMT's upcoming Pippin and Hillbarn's Music Man.) The did an amazing job using the small space with this very large cast.

Okay folks that's it from me - hopefully by Thursday the storm will calm. Have great week y'all.

=+)

M.

OUCH MY TOOTH

As if things were'nt crazy enough with finals! I have a fucking tooth that needs a root canal and an impacted wisdom tooth that needs to come out - conviniently located right next to my bad tooth - which makes the side of my mouth - completely full of pain. What's crazy is that I have to sing at a concert tomorrow afternoon and I have three different performances next week AND voice juries - OY!!!! The root canal will happen Monday. I am beyond thrilled that next Wednesday will be my last day of classes this semester. Counting the fucking hours. (about 144!) Tomorrow evening I will check out Hillbarn Theatre's production of BIG.

=+)

M.


p.s. I went to see the new James Bond movie CASINO ROYALE - and it is GREAT. Good for Daniel Craig - he is not quite Sean Connery but I'd rate him high up there. He has created a very manly and aggresive Bond and a quite delicious one. (I normally don't go for older men - but oh my!) I highly recommend the film. I am a huge fan of the Bond series and I'd have to say this is one of my favorites.

EDEN ESPINOSA ARTICLE ON PLAYBILL

There is a wonderful article about the incomparable Eden Espinosa on PLAYBILL. I can't believe she turned down Fantine in Les Mis - girl has balls!! She has a phenomenal voice - check out her rendition of "My Hippie Life" in the new Actors Fund recording of Hair. She has an out of this world range. She has become one of my favorite singers - I am just crazy about her and will be going to L.A. next year to see her in Wicked.