EXHAUSTED. RELIEVED. GRATEFUL. HAPPY.

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.

Can't wait for opening night.

=+)

M.