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."
I've just had the best couple of days. I was really tired on Monday after the Sunday matinee and then heading off to Max's to play on Sunday evening but I just had to see my friend Shannon's recital at NDNU. She did a lovely job (a very strong program) and it was lovely to see many NDNU friends there. Yesterday I went to see TheatreWorks' amazing production of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD which features my friends Kevin Blackton, Cathleen Riddley and Tracy Camp. (My friends Heather Orth and Aya Matsutomo work behind the scenes) and it was wonderful to see them as well. I highly recommend this production. I think I might have to see it again. The show also features great performances from Michael Ray Wisely, Phoebe Moyer, Rod Gnapp, Nancy Carlin, Blythe Foster, Sierra Stephens, Anne Buelteman, Howard Swain, Eric Colvin, L. Peter Callender, Gabriel Hoffman, Anthony Newfield, Philipe D. Preston and Donell Hill. Not a weak member in this fine ensemble drama.
When I got home last night I watched the Madonna episode of GLEE and it was one of the best television episodes I have ever seen. A true homage to the power of Madonna - her music and her ambition. Tonight I am headed back to the theatre to begin our final 10 performances. Like I said before folks - you don't want to miss this one. This coming Sunday evening I will be performing in concert at The Little Store Restaurant with my friends Jennifer Mitchell and Nicki Kerns. Life is good and I'm enjoying every moment of it.
Dirty Blonde is now in it's second weekend and I couldn't be happier with life. I am loving every minute that I am onstage with this show and I can't encourage y'all to come see this. This is probably the last show I'll be performing in this year (the rest of the year is filled with directing jobs) and would love to see more friends in the audience. Opening night was just a magical evening and one that I will treasure for a long time filled with so many wonderful friends. The response to this show has been overwhelming.
Right now I am starting to work on all 3 shows that I will be directing this summer. Hope my head doesn't explode. =+) Only 12 more chances to see Dirty Blonde. Here are the links to 4 reviews:
I can't believe we're already here. We're only two days away from opening night of DIRTY BLONDE. It really seems like we just started rehearsals. Last night was the first preview of the show. I can safely say that all three of us were feeling jittery but the preview went pretty well considering it was only our second dress rehearsal. Tech weekend was a looong one. We spent about 3 days working on technical aspects of the show - over 400 cues! I can tell you that the show looks beautiful thanks to the hard work of all the designers. I am looking forward to being more relaxed tonight. Last night we stayed late to do a photo shoot with the fabulous Dave LePori. Preview week is always harder for me than hell (tech week) because of the day time rehearsals as well as evening performances. Only two more days to go.
Driving home from the theatre I was beyond exhausted, relieved to have survived that first preview and also incredibly grateful and happy. Trying to be a working actor in the Bay Area is not easy. The economy has hit theatres very hard and more and more theatres are now doing co-productions, smaller shows and that means less contracts to go around. I am so grateful to my San Jose Stage family for welcoming me back. I can't believe that this is my fourth show there. This is my absolute favorite place to work, because the staff and producers are so welcoming. I love being a part of a theatre family that loves me and recognizes my talent and would allow a fat Peruvian boy to act, sing, dance and play the piano in one evening. I do hope y'all get a chance to see this one. I am so incredibly proud to be a part of this terrific company of actors. Colin & Judith are amazing people, both on-stage and off.
Like I said: exhausted, relieved, grateful and happy.
