It's already a privilege to get to work with your friends– even more so when they are musical theatre geniuses. Performing these two’s music is a singular pleasure. Even if I didn't love them dearly their work would stick with me. Keep your ear on these two. One of the most memorable NYC theatre experiences I've had and probably will ever– though the best part was having my family in the audience to experience it with me.
December 2016- January 2017 at Kaye Playhouse, New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players
A new family in PhiladelphiaI won't soon forget the incredible artists and humans at the Arden Theatre Co. Can't think of a better community to have tackled this gorgeous and complicated masterpiece with. "To love is to have lived" and boy did I feel the love in Philly.
releasing one's inner puppyGreat reviews and even better turnouts for Marianne Driscoll's hit canine comedy, The Biscuit Club, an irresistible parody piece that I was lucky enough to watch grow from the seedlings of an idea into a hugely successful, masterfully produced work of theatre. I've yet to work with anybody other than passionate, creative, hilarious, and intelligent artists at the cell, and this was no exception. Check out one of my favorite reviews here.
Looking backDespite the endless stream of bad news in the media and my borderline radio silence in 2014, I was pretty fortunate to have been a part of developing some cool new plays. I managed slightly more visible recognition via facebook, but I let some projects fall into obscurity, unless you were my mother (hi mom!). This is unforgivable, mainly because the people responsible for bringing these things to life deserve all the recognition they can get, because TALENT and GENIUS. SO, in the spirit of the new year, I would like to pay homage to the work I was so grateful to be a part of this past year, as a thanks to those involved and a recap for those who may have liked to know sooner. Here are a few things I worked on in the latter half of 2014: as Tom Jones in in Marc Acito and Amy Engelhardt's new musical BASTARD JONES in November as Ash in NEXT TO HIM by Jessica Moss, part of Tangent Theatre and AboutFACE's NEWvember New Plays Fest! Special thanks to Kira Simring, Marianne Driscoll, Nancy Manocherian, Paul and Anna Nugent, Michael and Andrea Rhodes, Marc Acito, Amy Engelhardt and all of the actors/ artists I had the pleasure of getting to know and working alongside on these projects. I learned more from these guys than I could have ever hoped. Thanks for keeping it real in 2014 and taking me along for the ride, not to mention pushing me to go beyond myself and do better. Here's to an even better, more frequently updated, 2015!
Impossibly excited to return to the stage with this production. Humbled by the quality of the work on top of the fact that the Hard Times family and the Cell are as good as people get, onstage or off. Come see what the NYT called "a knockout entertainment" and "a public service."
Updates have been pretty much non-existent over the past year, but rest assured it's been a busy one. I figure I'll look on the bright side of this brief hiatus, take advantage of my replenished reserves of time and motivation, and use them for the ever elusive art of *~BLoGgiNg~*. Enter Blog Post: Fall 2013 Roundup- Yesterday's Future Past. Check out the gallery for some pictures from this year's projects, which have included: My New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players debut in The Mikado at New York City Center in January 2013. I am legitimately overwhelmed by the talent and camaraderie that feed this company's infectious performances. To feel at home among them is inevitable, whoever you may be, audience and actor alike. Cannot wait for the next chance to work with these inspiring performers and genuinely awesome human beings. Their next season opens December 27th, 2013- Check them out! http://nygasp.org/ The New York premiere of Rady & Bloom's Peter/ Wendy (at none other than the cell, my home away from home), an intimate production about Neverland, its legendary perma-child, and the precocious girl who gets caught up in his mommy-complex. Inspired by original JM Barrie text and set to the music of the indie band, The Books, this was a unique experience as ominous as it was whimsical and heartbreaking as it was poignant. The ensemble came to form a bond that I will never forget. Do yourself a favor and peruse Rady&Bloom's website where you'll find more information about their past and upcoming shows and events- Everything they touch turns golden http://www.radyandbloom.com A new production of Much Ado About Nothing from the premiere company Shakespeare in the Rear. I've been working with these terrific actors for months on better communicating the life in Shakespeare's language and drama under the instruction of the brilliant Tim Eliot. The work culminated in an exciting immersive performance in which the audience and the actors moved together throughout the homey space and gardens of the Cell. The result was a hit, and I have never before seen or performed Shakespeare with clearer vision. These guys are the real deal. Also I urge you to check out the cell theatre's website http://www.thecelltheatre.org/, where pretty much everything is wonderful always. OH, did I mention in this production I also happened to make my songwriting/ guitar performance debut! Well, I did. Sorry, there is no footage. (It's probably for the best). The New York premiere of the new Irish dance musical McGoldrick's Thread, a production that spilled over with genuine warmth when it wasn't blowing your mind with the talent and enthusiasm of the young dancers in the ensemble. The New York Times praised it for its charm and "simple sweetness," and it never lost its momentum, selling out the entire run and going on to win the award for Best Production in the 1st Irish Theatre Festival. I stood in awe of the talent and passion surrounding me, and I couldn't have been more honored to be a part of the family. Be sure to have your eyes and ears on this one... it's a stunner. More info at the website here- http://www.mcgoldricksthread.com/ COMING UP..... The Cell's smash hit HARD TIMES: An American Musical is rounding in for a remount in January of 2014. It's rumored to be brighter, bolder, and more intense than its sold out first run, and I have to say to be able to perform this show again is a DREAM. Just your grade-A, grass-fed organic dream-come-true. I'll be returning in the role of Owen, so book your tickets as soon as you can! |