Land of Lola

It’s been a busy month, so I apologize for the lack of posts. My best friend was in town and I went to the Tony Awards. I cheered on Team Kinky Boots! They picked up 6 Tony’s, including Best Musical! 

Speaking of Kinky Boots The Musical. I went for the 16th time this week. Hey! It’s the first time post-Tony’s ... so no grumblings and rumblings from the peanut gallery who thinks I’m coo-coo for cocoa puffs. While it was my 16th time, it was something brand new for the woman next to me.

One thing I love about the theatre is that you get to meet people from all over. That is very true here in New York, where many of the people that go to theatre are here on vacation. However, many people travel from New Jersey as well. This woman had done just that. So, what makes her so special? As she settled into her seat she turned to me and told me it was her 45th Birthday! Not only that ... it was her first musical! I told her she was in for a treat, explained her “partial view” wasn’t so partial and that she would love Kinky Boots. Naturally, the next question was, “You’ve seen this before?” She got giddy like a girl on her first day of school when I told her how many times I had seen the show! So we discussed the characters, “Martha” the mullet (a factory worker wears a mullet which I have named “Martha”) and different Broadway discount ticket websites. 

As “Don” came out and the music started I knew this was going to be the best Birthday present this woman ever gave herself. It was like Christmas in June for her! Her reactions where priceless! She tugged at my shoulder to point out things to me! I think she gasped and had her hands over her mouth in awe of what she was seeing for much of the first act! When the first act ended she was definitely saying “Yeah!” So were the 5 women behind me and the mother and son in front of me. My new friend next to me turned around to the women behind us and was like, “Oh my god! This is amazing!”  Then she pointed to me and was like, “She’s seen it 16 times!” I always get the, “Why?” and “Are you rich?” questions. Going to the theatre in New York is not ... let’s say ... inexpensive. I always respond with a laugh. Anyway, the ladies behind me gushed about the show. We chatted for a bit and then the mother and son (from Detroit) in the front row came back. No, they hadn’t gone to the bathroom. They literally bought out the entire merchandise display (minus the socks that are still out of stock)! I think I persuaded everyone to by a hoodie too. The hoodies are like butter! They are soft, silky and smooth. I digress. So the mom tells us how her young son is an aspiring actor and wants to be on Broadway. Then she pulls out her phone and shows us a picture of her son with Hugh Jackman! Turns out Hugh had mistaken her son for his son because they look alike. Hugh took a picture with the boy so all three could laugh about it one day. Moments later Act 2 began and we entered the Land of Lola again. My new friend cheered wildly. The whole second act was her gasping, crying and applauding. The woman behind me even gave Stark a standing ovation after his big solo. 

So, yes. I’ve seen the show a lot. This time I saw it a bit differently. I saw it through the eyes of a woman ... from New Jersey ... who was experiencing her first musical. As the ovation ended she turned to me and said, “Thank you. Thank you for sharing my Birthday with me. I get it.”

That’s the thing about Broadway, where the community is so close. You are with people who get it. Who realize what they are seeing on stage is something they won’t experience anywhere else in the world. There is only one Broadway. There is only one Great White Way. It brings people together from all corners of the world. For those two hours we experience the best the theatre-world has to offer. We experience the same thing ... and we get it. 

Good JuJu

Good JuJu. Yes, I’m talking about the happy feeling you get from certain objects ... and more importantly ... people. I never really knew anyone with good JuJu before I moved to New York. Now I can say I do. I mean there are positive vibes I get from people all the time, but never before positive energy. Well, these two people I’m about to mention have good JuJu. They always leave my smiling.

The first is my pilates instructor. I don’t see her one-on-one often. It costs a lot of money. However, when I do see Anna, I always leave a little in pain but very happy. Her good JuJu just bounces off her the moment you see her. While she reforms my body on the reformer we talk. We talk about lives... work ... men (the lack of decent ones lately) ... Broadway ... dance ... things of that nature. She’s like a shrink for my body and my mind! It’s worth every penny I spend each time I see her. Just thinking of her makes me smile.

I work in television news, so finding good JuJu to spread is sometimes like finding a needle in the haystack. My goal every day at work is to find at least one story that I hope will bring good JuJu to someone. Sometimes the stories are really sad stories that turn into positive ones. I tend to be drawn to those stories more.

For me, the talented and funny Steve Kazee fits that kind of JuJu. I think part of the reason he’s so loved is because everyone can see a little bit of themselves in him. I mean we’ve all had our heart broken ... we’ve all had setbacks .... we’ve all had losses and hit bumpy roads on our journey of life. Steve performed some of his original music last night at Below 54. As some of you know, I try to support the actors and singers of Broadway OUTSIDE the theatre in which they perform. So, it was good seeing Steve back up there on a stage and singing his own music. The songs were really great and it was nice to see Steve be Steve and not just Steve, “The guy who won a Tony for ‘Guy’ in Once.” I always think it’s great to hear an artist’s own music. You can learn a lot about the person ... and sometimes even learn something about you through others words. 

When a person writes ... whether it be lyrics, a biography, a blog ... it’s little pieces of them that they are sharing with you. Little footprints they are leaving behind in one’s heart.

I’ve left behind the musician, the ballet dancer, the poet, the storyteller, the cheerleader, the spy ... but they are still part of the fabric of my being. I may not play an instrument anymore but I do go hear the symphony. I may not wear tutu’s anymore but I do dance. I may not write poems anymore but I write for work and recreation. I may not stand on the sidelines of a football game and cheer on a team but I cheer on my friends. You get the picture.

As I’ve said before. We are all connected in one way or another. Through this blog. Through Facebook. Through work. Through school. Through friends. Through Twitter. Through family. We are all connected by living on this planet. Every day we have a chance to make a footprint in someone’s life. 

I'm attaching a some links. One is for the ever sweet John Jeffrey Martin ... now in Kinky Boots on Broadway .. a show that leaves you blanketed in good JuJu! 

http://www.reverbnation.com/johnjeffreymartin

The other is of Steve Kazee's pre-Below 54 press for the show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_VYK6wR08E

A Major Award

It’s Tony time! It’s that exciting time of the year when the lights of The Great White Way shine a bit brighter. Needless to say, everybody said “Yeah!” when Kinky Boots got 13 nods! Well, this fan of the show did! I mean, who will the Lucky Guy holding the Tony next month be? Stark Sands or Billy Porter? Maybe they’ll tie! 

Tony day is a bit like the holidays for theatre-lovers. It’s like we’re Counting Down To Christmas. Then ... when Christmas finally arrives ... we say Bring it On! 

Maybe there will be a Cinderella story. I mean, there’s usually one in the Final 4! This isn’t basketball though. I mean the Tony Awards is a contest ... in a fun, not mean kinda of way. It leaves all the nominees thinking it’s not impossible, but that it IS possible.  For them ... this is the time leading up to that One Perfect Moment. It’s the "When I Grow Up" I wanna be a Tony nominee moment come true.

Bottom line. There is no loser (at least in my book). The musical, plays, directors, actors, etc. all win. So a big congratulations to all the nominees and a big thank you from this theatre fan to everyone on Broadway for all you do. 

The Marathon

Sometimes working in the news business sucks. I enjoy having a pulse on what’s going on daily across the world and the U.S. However, on a day when tragedy strikes ... there’s nothing worse (at least for me) then watching it unfold. It’s my night off and I was not needed at work to help cover the attack at the Boston Marathon. Do I feel guilty for not being there? Of course. However, I have been there for 9/11, Newtown, Columbine, and the Shoe Bomber. These are just some of the senseless attacks, or attempted attacks, I’ve had to cover of the years. 

It’s during these times ... especially ... that we need to remember that we are all human beings. We all have purpose and life on this earth ... and it’s not to kill or injure one another. There are other ways to communicate then through acts of terror. 

Nobody has the answer as to how to end this senseless violence ... in our schools, in our businesses ... on our streets. I just know it needs to end.

Incidents like these always make us stop and reflect. I know I’ve blogged about this before in “Footprints in the Sand,” back in 2011. Did I tell those I love, “I love you.” Did I do everything I wanted to do today? Did I do something nice for someone? If I died today would I be happy with how I’d be remembered? Would I even be remembered? I ask those questions after every horrible attack. Why? What happened in Boston can happen anywhere  ...  at anytime. It happens every day in cities sprinkled across the world, while we are asleep in our beds. 

Life changed in an instant for hundreds of people who just wanted to run a marathon or stand on the side and cheer their friends and family on. A marathon ends. A marathon is a race ... a race against time ... a race against others ... to the finish line. This marathon ended in a way that should not have. 

Marathon: “Any contest, event, or the like, of great, or greater than normal, length or duration or requiring the exceptional endurance.”- Dictionary.com

Well, this marathon fight against violence and terror needs exceptional endurance. I know that. I pray that that endurance to end terror and violence never stops. My heart aches for those dealing with this tragedy. I give thanks for those who are coming to the aide of those in need. I pray for those angels who are now looking over us. And I hope ...and I pray ...  that this marathon of violence ... here and overseas ... can one day end. 

While there is (as far as I know) no recorded winner of the Boston Marathon... the winners are those who are helping others in their hour of need. Not only in Boston right now ... at this very minute ... but those that come to the aid of people ... every day ... all around the globe.  May God bless you all.

http://www.redcrossblood.org/

http://theworldaccordingtojaz.blogspot.com/2011/11/footprints-in-sand.html

Sharpie Smackdown

Stage dooring. Okay, I usually don’t blog twice in 24 hours. Well, I never do. However, when I saw a tweet from @BroadwaySpotted about how someone dissed my girl Ellyn Marsh I just had to pick my computer back up. Apparently the smackdown over the Sharpie happened after Sunday’s matinee of Kinky Boots. Someone who had seen the show decided to stage door and apparently was miffed that Ellyn didn’t have a Sharpie with her. Seriously? 

I was not a happy girl when I read this tweet. Ellyn ...  who is in the ensemble (and sports a mullet during the show I named “Martha”) ... did not deserve that. Now, I wasn’t there. I don’t know what went down or how the Sharpie smackdown ended. However, I’m speaking on behalf of theatre-goers I know when I say this. Rudeness is not acceptable at the stage door. First of all ... Ellyn is one of the sweetest people ever. Second .... why are people yelling at actors for not having Sharpie’s? Seriously? I mean bring your own Sharpie if you’re that concerned. I have my backup skinny Sharpie with me usually. I’d let you borrow mine. Those of us who stage door are typically really friendly. 

I’m somewhat new to the stage door experience. I’ve only been in New York a little over a year. Priscilla Queen of the Desert was the first musical I ever considered stage dooring. I never did though. I was too chicken to do it alone. I mean what would I say to Nick Adams and Will Swenson!? OMG. I could only imagine what would’ve come out of my mouth. I laugh just thinking about it. I hadn’t met all the great people I know now to show me the ways.  I mean I had no clue what to say ... not that I do now. I still say some really silly things. People are like, “You work in television. You must be good talking to people.” LOL There’s a reason I work behind the scenes and not in front of the camera. ;) 

I think my first stage door was The Mystery of Edwin Drood. My friend Danielle was with me and we were there to see the very talented Eric Sciotto. The first stage door I did alone was for Once. You’ll laugh at this. I thought the stage door was the stage door I went to to deliver something for my internship the day before. So, guess what? That’s where I went after I saw Once for the first time! It was freezing out. I stood there and was like, “Where is everyone??!” It took me 20 minutes to figure out I wasn’t at the correct stage door! I finally figured it out and walked over to where the actors come out. I had missed everyone but Steve Kazee! So my first solo stage door experience was me getting only one signature on my Playbill, and my saying something to Steve about seeing him at Murder Ballad the previous weekend. Blah Blah. I didn’t even say anything about his performance in Once. Ummm... yeah. I was a dork. I left thinking, “Jess! You didn’t even tell him how brilliant he was in the show. You didn’t even say anything about the show at all.” Steve was so sweet though. I still am weird about getting pictures at the stage door. Just ask my friend Kim. 

Bottom line is ... all the actors that stage door should be treated with respect. I mean how would you like to work 2 plus hours to come out from your office and have someone bark (allegedly--see my Journalist side) at you for not having a Sharpie? So please ... don’t bark (allegedly) at the actors. Also, while I still am a loss for words at most stage doors ... I don’t think the actors care if you sound stupid. I think they just appreciate the fact that we are there to see them and show our support. Actors??? Care to respond?

Anyway, I’ll be at Kinky Boots Wednesday (5th time). I’m not sure if I’ll have time to stage door. I have to go work. However, if I am there .... I’ll be on the lookout for rude people. Oh ... maybe I’ll bring some extra Sharpies too.

PS: Let me know if you like that font. I think the other font is hard to read! Thanks!

Once... A Musical You Can't See Just Once

Happy St Patrick’s Day! I hope you’re having a wonderful and safe day! I spent part of my day enjoying the talented cast of Once. Today was my eighth time seeing this beautiful show. I went for a couple of reasons. 1. Last year I said I’d go on St. Patrick’s Day (the show is set in Dublin) 2. Because Cristin Milioti will be leaving the show in a week. I wanted to see her brilliant performance as “Girl” one more time. 

It’s always fun seeing a musical with someone who hasn’t seen it before. Let’s just say that person will be going again. However, she didn’t get to see the amazing Steve Kazee. Steve is still out (Steve: I hope you get better soon and are doing okay), but his standby is pretty great! I hadn’t seen him before. I give big props to Ben Hope. It’s always fun to see an understudy grab the spotlight and get to perform. He played “Guy” in a way that suited him perfectly and made the show new to me again. He truly made the role his own, while at the same time honoring Steve’s portrayal of “Guy.”  Ben also has a beautiful voice. 

I know I’ve said this before, but every time I go to a show again I see or hear something new. Besides Ben being new for me ... seeing Lucas Papaelias sport some tight, green underwear on stage was hilarious. Nobody in the cast knew he was sporting it! It was just as funny to them, as it was to us, when he ripped off his pants and unveiled the surprise! I wish I could have whipped the camera out to take a picture. However, for those of you who have seen Once ... I think I would have been in big trouble. Plus, Paul Whitty’s character (Billy) would’ve probably karate chopped me as well! 

Truly though ... I wanted to write a short little something to pay tribute to a show that is one-in-a-kind, inspiring and brilliant ... especially since Cristin is leaving (wish you only the best!). I also wanted to write a little something to give props to Ben and Brandon Ellis (u/s Andrej). So, I’m pulling out the whisky (I really am) and pouring a shot! As I lift it ... a special “Cheers!” to Cristin, Ben and Brandon! May the luck of the Irish always be on your side. Wait ... and Steve (looking in my liquor cabinet for some bourbon) here’s a shot for you ... (raising the shot glass) ... ”To good health!”

Link to my original blog about Once:

http://theworldaccordingtojaz.blogspot.com/2012/12/to-live-is-to-love.html?spref=tw

It's Kinky Time! Part 2

Hello! It’s Sunday ... and one week ago tonight I was checking out the first preview of Kinky Boots the Musical. I blogged about it last week  ... and I’m blogging about it tonight.

I saw the musical for the third time today. The first time was in Chicago at the final dress rehearsal. Yes. I’m counting that! Yes. I’m seeing the show again this week. Yes. I have tickets for the first matinee. Don’t judge. Honestly, I don’t care if you do. I mean accepting people for who they are is the main theme of this musical. So what! I tend to be on a Kinky kick right now! Don’t worry, I’ll spread my love to other shows. I always do. If you read my blog you know I’ve also written about Once and Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical.

Anyway, some people go to church every Sunday. I go to a musical. I’m sure acceptance is a subject preached about in temples, churches and other places of worship. Like church ...there’s just something about live theatre. The audience/cast connection is definitely there ... especially when you sit near the stage. Stark Sands (Charlie) caught me singing along during the finale. I think that’s when I stopped singing along. However, when I stopped singing, the woman next to me started doing some of the choreography with the Angels! I thought that was pretty awesome. Things like that are kind of like our “Hallelujah!” 

Kinky Boots is still in previews though. Accepting the show as it’s in previews is something that’s probably a challenge for the creative team ... at least I would imagine it would be. The whole point of previews is to make changes. The creative team is continuously molding the show into the final product. The show isn’t “locked in.” That’s part of the appeal of previews to some theatergoers. There’s something different each time you go to the show.

It’s been an honor seeing this musical morph into the big hit, I have a feeling, it’s going to be. It’s already getting great buzz. The lady next to me today even said it was going to be a hit! She also went on .... and on ... and on ... about how Cyndi Lauper did great work with the music and lyrics. I’m all for accolades, but oy.  She also had a few “Bravo’s!” to shout at Billy Porter (Lola). She even sighed in admiration after “Charlie” sang “The Soul of a Man.” You’ll have to come to the Al Hirschfeld Theatre to see for yourself why there’s so much buzz. Maybe I’ll see you there!