When I was a freshman in high school Patti O'Brien and I decided to audition for the fall production of Our Town.  I was so nervous, but Patti really helped me out and gave me confidence. After school we headed to the auditions where we would compete with the older more experienced thespians.  There was Becky Pusta, Dave Something or Other, Adrienne Pussy (was that really her name?), and Tommy Blackwell.  My memory is not what it used to be. When it came to audition, I was a wreck.  But the director, Peggy Andre, must have seen something in me - probably a warm body willing to rehearse after school ever day.

It was almost unheard of for freshmen to be cast in the fall play (am I bragging here), but we were two of the lucky ones.  I received the part of Emily's younger brother.  I had a line; "Aw ma, I've got to know all about Canada by 10 o'clock!"  Nice, huh?  I was BUH-Rilliant.  Just brilliant.  Note: I was not brilliant, I was passable - at best.  But, that is when I really caught the "theater bug".  And for that reason the play Our Town will always hold a VERY special place in my heart. 

So you can imagine I was ecstatic to learn that there will be a new production produced by Chicago's Lookingglass Theater starring David Schwimmer (remember him on Friends).  By the by; I think you should know that if you are ever in Chicago and are looking for a play to see and don't know what to do - if you go to Lookingglass and buy a ticket to whatever they are doing - you will NOT be disappointed.  I have been fortunate enough to see several of their shows and I have been wowed by all of them.  Their work is bold, inventive and unique.  I highly recommend them to you.  Anyhoo, Mr. Schwimmer let the cat out of the bag when he told a reporter that he expects to play the Stage Manager in Our Town during their 2008-2009 season in a production directed by Anna D. Shapiro (director of B'way's August: Osage County).  Anyone in Chicago got a bed I can bunk in when I visit for this?  Hello?  Anyone?  Click HERE to learn more about Lookingglass. NOW on to other news and gossip.

Worried.

I am worried about myself.  I think I am turning into a Claymate.  I can't stop talking about Clay Aiken.  First the post about Newsweek, then I just HAD to link to the pictures of him in Spamalot and NOW I find I am unable to stop myself from showing you THIS.  Clay was on The View on Tuesday morning to shill his performance in Spamalot.  No comments from me, just a link, click HERE to see the whole thing (courtesy of our friends at YouTube).  Does anyone know where I can order my Claymate t-shirt?

Update - Health Update

I mentioned recently that Lily Rabe was out of the Kathleen Turner directed Crimes of the Heart.  I have learned that she broke a rib.  Ouch!  The word is, however, that she is doing fine and will be back in the show next week.  Get well soon, Lily!

Amy vs. Deanna - August Smackdown

Ever since the Tony Committee announced that Amy Morton and Deanna Dunagan (from August: Osage County) are to compete in the same category (Best Actress in a Play) at the Tonys this year - the blogoshpere has been on FIRE.  Theater aficionados are prognosticating and pontificating on who will win the award (all agree that they will BOTH receive nominations and are now making predictions about who will WIN).  Currently the odds are looking 4 to 1 in Morton's favor.  This is exciting.  I think my opinion is widely know, so I will stay "above the fray" on this one.  Note: I believe that this would be the first time I have ever used the word "blogoshpere" and I despise myself for it...I am not sure why, I just do.  Weird.

That's Sean to YOU.

I think the transformation from Puff Daddy to P. Diddy to Sean John to Sean Combs just may be complete.  Mr. Combs' new movie A Raisin in the Sun opens at Sundance this week and the advance buzz is VERY good.  Joining him for the stage to screen adaptation are Tony winner Audra McDonald (110 in the Shade and currently being seen on Private Practice) and Tony winner Phylicia Rashad (The Cosby Show and Cymbeline).  Click HERE to see a sneak preview.  The movie airs on ABC Monday February 25th at 8:00pm.  Click HERE for more info

I am so BUMMED

It has just been announced that Lauren Pritchard is leaving Spring Awakening.  Pritchard plays the role of Ilse and will leave the show on February 17th.  I am bummed.  Pritchard was a real standout in the show.  She has an AMAZING voice and a wonderful presence.  When I first saw the show I was sooooo impressed with her.  I wonder what she is up to next.  I hope she keeps doing theater, but honestly, I think she could have a career as a pop singer or rock singer.  Oh well; best of luck Lauren!  Click HERE for more SA info.

How does THIS happen?

Ok, so we know that there is a writer's strike going on.  It has crippled Hollywood.  There can be no new tv shows.  No new movies.  The talk show circuit is in chaos.  Ok.  Got it.  But, now this news; the movie Nine has been granted a deal to begin work on the script for the stage to screen adaptation directed by Rob Marshall.  Huh?  I don't understand.  Why?  Don't get me wrong.  I am so excited that this movie is going to become a reality.  I just don't understand why one movie can be worked on, but all the others can't.  This strike boggles my mind.   Marshall is quoted as saying, "Musicals are so complicated," Marshall told the local paper. "They have to be beautifully crafted because there are so many variables. The script has to be in good shape before you begin rehearsals."  Ok, I hear ya. 

In related news; it appears that Javier Bardem (recently nominated for an Academy Award for No Country for Old Men), Marioni Cotillard (also nominated for La Vie en Rose), Penelope Cruz (Vanilla Sky) and Sophia Loren (LEGEND) will all still appear in the film.  No word on who will replace the recently exited Catherine Zeta-Jones.

That's it for today folks.  I have to go dust off my old copy of Our Town and reminisce about my glory days some more.  If you have any first time theatrical memories you would like to share - go for it - comments always welcome! 

~ See You On The Aisle