OH WHAT A WEEKEND

This weekend was filled with a lot of emotions - there was some drama at the theatre on Saturday but since I am a member of the production staff I feel it's best that I don't make matters worse by mentioning it here (oh oh, here come the phone calls! =+) Actually I trust that my producers will find a solution to the drama and that we will finish the remaining eight weeks drama-free. Believe it or not I (for once) was not the cause of drama.

My dear friend Leslie Sorci came to see the show this weekend and then we were both surprised when Richard Connema (critic for Talkin' Broadway) and his partner Eddy came in to have dinner at Max's on Sunday. Normally Sundays can be a bit droll but it was so much fun having Richard & Eddy there - I was having a ball and I think they stayed for most of the evening. I didn't even take my break until after 8 PM - that's 3 hours of non-stop playin' folks.

Anyway not much else to report. I will be seeing Altar Boyz at San Jose Stage this weekend as my friends Darrin Glesser and Sean Patrick O'Connor are both in the production with my beloved Rick Singleton directing and Dottie Lester-White choreographing.

Alright folks have a great week!

Cheers

M.

TEARS IN HEAVEN

Estelle Getty - rest in peace. You brought us so much joy - make 'em laugh in heaven.

CATCHING UP

I can't believe I haven't had time to blog. My gig at Hillbarn ended on Thursday and I am actually sad that it is. Those kids are awesome and I had a great time teaching this year. The show is going great - the family came to see it on Saturday night and they loved it. Not much else going on right now. Oh...except I have been spending some special time with a fabulous new friend. Hee hee.

Don't miss Cabaret - we only have...9 weeks left =+)

Cheers

Martin

CABARET REVIEWS

Daily Californian

Beyond Chron

KQED - Arts & Culture

TheatreWorld Internet Magazine

Theatre Dogs

Talkin' Broadway

For All Events

SNAPSHOTS

So even though I technically don't have another day off until July 21st I had to go see my friend Courtney Stokes in Snapshots at TheatreWorks and even though I was super tired I am so glad I went. The show is a wonderful musical review told looking back at a lifelong relationship using the music of Stephen Schwartz. The incredible ensemble cast includes Beth DeVries, Ray Willis, Michael Marcotte, Briam Crum and Courtney. They were all amazing but Courtney was on fire tonight. I was thrilled to be there on her 21st birthday and she had a huge entourage of friends from Starstruck Theatre.

I couldn't be more proud of Courtney - not only did she play her character (the youngest version of the couple) but she also shined in all the other roles she played throughout. The highlight for me was a beautiful 2 part harmony rendition of Meadowlark which is my favorite musical theatre song. The way that they staged that song rang so close to my heart because I have personally gone through something similar. It was a beautiful moment.

I think I know what I want to be when I grow up - Courtney Stokes. =+)

Go see Snapshots before it closes July 13th.

Cheers

M.

OPENING NIGHT PARTY PICS

My gorgeous Goddess/Producer Susi Damilano & me.

Louis Parnell (Herr Schultz) receives an opening night gift from Richard Connema (Talkin' Broadway)

Me, Will Springhorn Jr. (Ernst/Kick-ass Sax Player), & Lily Tung Crystal (Lulu)

My beautiful Sally Bowles - Lauren English & me.

Louis Parnell (Herr Schultz) & me.

Rana Kangas-Kent (Inga), me & Karen Grassle (Frau. Schneider)

My director & producer, Bill English & me

Barb Bernardo, our amazing choreographer & me

Brian Yates Sharber (Emcee/Clarinet), Lily Tung Crystal (Lulu), Me, Danny Krueger (Cliff), Tania Johnson (Frl. Kost/Accordion)

OPENING, PARTIES, AFTER-PARTIES & THE CHILDREN

Wow - I can't believe I actually have time to write a blog entry. Opening Night was amazing. When the show was almost over I almost started to cry because I couldn't believe that I actually pulled this off. This has been the most challenging project I have ever taken on and I am beyond proud of this work. It was a beautiful feeling. The opening night party was sublime. I heard so many wonderful comments about the show and how great the band sounds.

On Sunday, beyond exhausted, I returned back to work at Max's and on Monday started my 3 week gig at Hillbarn Theatre where I am teaching an acting elective class to kids ages 12-17. My morning kids who are older are a delight but the afternoon kids who are closer to 8 in age are a handful. On Monday evening I attended Monday Light Live which is a wonderful fundraiser that San Jose Stage presents. The skit that I taped for them was a "Project Runway" skit where I played a Chris Marsh/Christian Siriano character - so fierce and funny as hell. The skit was so much fun but the video was stolen by the incredible talents of Stephen Smith Collins who played Tim Gunn - he was hilarious! The show was terrific. I only had one line but it killed. Pete Constant, who right now is trying to put monitors in the public library's to prevent pornography was the host and he and my friend Lisa Recker did a point-counter point skit where she played San Jose's librarian. I was sitting far house left and I had a laptop in my lap and a bottle of Jergen's hand lotion - you put the two together. The show was great but I was beyond tired and left when it ended.

I spent most of today catching up on sleep and I think I better get ready for bed - 2 show day tomorrow.

Cheers

Martin