THE MOMENTS THAT MAKE LIFE WORTH LIVING

With having nothing much to do I entered my own name under the "MySpace Search" area and I came across someone's post about my casting in San Jose Stage Company's production of Urinetown, The Musical:

"Martin Rojas-Dietrich will be playing Barrel in the SJS production of Urinetown.I have nothing against the guy - I've only seen him in one role with barely any stage time (Cinderella's father in Into The Woods). But he doesn't seem remotely right for the part. He played the Beadle in Foothill's Sweeney Todd - the vocal range of that role is literally about two octaves above the vocal range for Barrel. And... how can I say this... I have no idea how they'll choreograph "Cop Song", but I can't imagine him being able to keep up (that's the part that's not so nice)."

I think it's hilarious! Normally I would just shrug this off but let's examine this just for a moment. I didn't know anything about Urinetown, The Musical until I was understuding at TheatreWorks' Harold & Maude, An Intimate Musical where I understudied for the great Daniel Marcus who originated the role of Officer Barrel on Broadway. It was Daniel who said that I would be perfect for the role. Officer Barrel is supposed to be played by a large guy who has to sing bass notes & high tenor notes (which those of you who know my freakish range - know I can do.) As far as the cop song goes - our brilliant choreographer & my dear friend Dottie Lester-White choreographed that number closely to the original Broadway concept. I think I more than "kept up" during the song and thrughout our acclaimed 6 week run (and I did lose a few pounds during the run.) I am not going to make comments about the person who wrote such comments (let's just say that an elephant NEVER forgets =+) but I would LOVE to hear comments back from those saw me in the show and those who were in it with me.

Love & Happiness

Martin

"I don't care what they say about me...as long as it isn't true!"