These are all shots from Deborah performance last Saturday night at the Canal Room - which is located down on Canal Street here in NYC (near China Town.). It was a fun, intimate evening of theater showtunes and 80's POP hits.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
CANAL ROOM
These are all shots from Deborah performance last Saturday night at the Canal Room - which is located down on Canal Street here in NYC (near China Town.). It was a fun, intimate evening of theater showtunes and 80's POP hits.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Marie Wiman - His Eye is on the Sparrow
Late last night I received word that Marie Wiman had passed away after a very, very long battle with cancer.
A little more than a year ago, after singing, Marie came up to me and wanted to know if she could talk to me for a second. I said absolutely.
She pulled me aside and told me that the last rounds of chemo she’d been through had been really difficult for her. She continued on saying that while she was lying there she kept hearing my voice singing to her. She said over and over again in her heart and mind she listened to me singing His Eye is on the Sparrow. She said it gave her strength and provided a sense of calm.
She looked at me, with tears filling her eyes, and said, “No one sings it like you.”
Then the tears came to my eyes. I was stunned. I can’t imagine higher praise. The idea that, during such a trying time in one’s life, someone would not only hear a song that I love but would hear my voice – moved me deeply. I can’t think of a better, deeper compliment. It has stayed with me.
Before leaving Atlanta I did my last concert and invited Marie and her husband Scott. It remains a highlight of my life that I was able to dedicate and sing His Eye is on the Sparrow for Marie.
She will forever be tied to that song for me. No matter where I go and when I sing it, I will also think of Marie.
Her funeral is this Thursday. I would love to be there to sing it for her one more time. To sing it as a prayer and as a celebration of her life.
I will miss you, Marie.
A little more than a year ago, after singing, Marie came up to me and wanted to know if she could talk to me for a second. I said absolutely.
She pulled me aside and told me that the last rounds of chemo she’d been through had been really difficult for her. She continued on saying that while she was lying there she kept hearing my voice singing to her. She said over and over again in her heart and mind she listened to me singing His Eye is on the Sparrow. She said it gave her strength and provided a sense of calm.
She looked at me, with tears filling her eyes, and said, “No one sings it like you.”
Then the tears came to my eyes. I was stunned. I can’t imagine higher praise. The idea that, during such a trying time in one’s life, someone would not only hear a song that I love but would hear my voice – moved me deeply. I can’t think of a better, deeper compliment. It has stayed with me.
Before leaving Atlanta I did my last concert and invited Marie and her husband Scott. It remains a highlight of my life that I was able to dedicate and sing His Eye is on the Sparrow for Marie.
She will forever be tied to that song for me. No matter where I go and when I sing it, I will also think of Marie.
Her funeral is this Thursday. I would love to be there to sing it for her one more time. To sing it as a prayer and as a celebration of her life.
I will miss you, Marie.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Jason Joins a FORTUNE 100 Company
I am absolutely thrilled to announce that I recently joined a brilliant Fortune 100 company. You may have heard of them, you may not have…yet.
Three weeks ago I accepted a position with The Container Store and tomorrow the new store will open at 58th and Lexington in the heart of Manhattan.
The leadership of this company has been nothing but wonderful and supportive of me. They made me an amazing monetary offer and gave me a set schedule that will allow me to make a living and still have mornings to write and audition.
For the last three weeks I’ve been immersed in training for the store’s opening. The training has been fun and engaging. I have been stretched in new ways and I’ve grown so much in such a short amount of time.
Every day and every step of the way I have seen lived out by everyone in the company the qualities – both moral and ethical – that have made them a FORTUNE 100 company seven years in a row (most years in the Top 10).
Please visit: www.thecontainerstore.com
Now…the back story…because so many people have written me asking about it…
Recently I started to really revisiting why I moved here and what I wanted to accomplish. I won’t dwell on negativity and won’t waste the time and energy to splash it all over my journal, but – as you might’ve guessed, my old job didn’t work out. For over six months I tried to make the most and the best out of a bad situation.
I don’t regret taking the position. I learned a lot. I do believe that the opportunity came into my life for a reason.
I think, in life, we’re all provided with lessons. If we learn them, we move on. We grow.
If we don’t "get it"…the lessons come around again.
One lesson I had to learn, at the end of a very damaging relationship, was that we teach other how they can treat us. A breakthrough in therapy came for me when I was asked to think about the times I accepted things that were unacceptable.
I thought I had learned the lesson. I hadn’t. The lesson revisited me. Recently I found myself once again accepting things that were unacceptable…and I wasn’t seeing it. I wasn’t stopping it. I was teaching someone how I they could treat me. My working environment became incredibly stressful. The way I was spoken to and how I was treated was beneath me.
I looked at my dreams. I asked myself all the hard questions. But that wasn’t enough. I had to take action. I had to reclaim the parts of my spirit that had been crushed.
So I did.
I began looking for another job. During the search I came in contact with The Container Store.
It was a long process but one that was well worth. For launching their company’s largest store The Container Store received over 5,000 applications and resumes. The interview process had many levels and I spoke with several different people before receiving the phone call offering me the job.
I have never felt so supported by such a large company. They have paid for me to have extensive training. They’ve empowered me to make huge customer related decisions for the company. Daily I’ve seen how so many of the decisions that are made for the company are made to best take care of their employees and customers.
Out of 5,000 applications, only 180 people were hired. Having spent the last two days with the two men who started the company in 1978, listening to the principles they believe in and beliefs they founded the business on, I am truly honored to be one of that 180.
I will share some training photos here soon. Also, I have pictures to share from the exclusive Private Party they threw last night. The party had over 2,000 guests and it went on for hours. The food was incredible. The flowers – laced through some of the company’s products – were gorgeous. The live band amazing and the dance floor packed. It was truly one of the grandest nights I’ve experienced.
Three weeks ago I accepted a position with The Container Store and tomorrow the new store will open at 58th and Lexington in the heart of Manhattan.
The leadership of this company has been nothing but wonderful and supportive of me. They made me an amazing monetary offer and gave me a set schedule that will allow me to make a living and still have mornings to write and audition.
For the last three weeks I’ve been immersed in training for the store’s opening. The training has been fun and engaging. I have been stretched in new ways and I’ve grown so much in such a short amount of time.
Every day and every step of the way I have seen lived out by everyone in the company the qualities – both moral and ethical – that have made them a FORTUNE 100 company seven years in a row (most years in the Top 10).
Please visit: www.thecontainerstore.com
Now…the back story…because so many people have written me asking about it…
Recently I started to really revisiting why I moved here and what I wanted to accomplish. I won’t dwell on negativity and won’t waste the time and energy to splash it all over my journal, but – as you might’ve guessed, my old job didn’t work out. For over six months I tried to make the most and the best out of a bad situation.
I don’t regret taking the position. I learned a lot. I do believe that the opportunity came into my life for a reason.
I think, in life, we’re all provided with lessons. If we learn them, we move on. We grow.
If we don’t "get it"…the lessons come around again.
One lesson I had to learn, at the end of a very damaging relationship, was that we teach other how they can treat us. A breakthrough in therapy came for me when I was asked to think about the times I accepted things that were unacceptable.
I thought I had learned the lesson. I hadn’t. The lesson revisited me. Recently I found myself once again accepting things that were unacceptable…and I wasn’t seeing it. I wasn’t stopping it. I was teaching someone how I they could treat me. My working environment became incredibly stressful. The way I was spoken to and how I was treated was beneath me.
I looked at my dreams. I asked myself all the hard questions. But that wasn’t enough. I had to take action. I had to reclaim the parts of my spirit that had been crushed.
So I did.
I began looking for another job. During the search I came in contact with The Container Store.
It was a long process but one that was well worth. For launching their company’s largest store The Container Store received over 5,000 applications and resumes. The interview process had many levels and I spoke with several different people before receiving the phone call offering me the job.
I have never felt so supported by such a large company. They have paid for me to have extensive training. They’ve empowered me to make huge customer related decisions for the company. Daily I’ve seen how so many of the decisions that are made for the company are made to best take care of their employees and customers.
Out of 5,000 applications, only 180 people were hired. Having spent the last two days with the two men who started the company in 1978, listening to the principles they believe in and beliefs they founded the business on, I am truly honored to be one of that 180.
I will share some training photos here soon. Also, I have pictures to share from the exclusive Private Party they threw last night. The party had over 2,000 guests and it went on for hours. The food was incredible. The flowers – laced through some of the company’s products – were gorgeous. The live band amazing and the dance floor packed. It was truly one of the grandest nights I’ve experienced.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Valentine's Day - LET ME WALK BESIDE YOU - Lyrics
Since my brother’s wedding over a year ago, a lot of people who were at the wedding and many who weren’t, have asked me about the song I wrote as a gift to him and his wife, Janet.
Today is Valentine’s Day, so I thought today would be a great day to share the lyrics.
I was so happy and honored that my dear friend, Dennis Lewallen, was able to take the lyrics and the spirit of the event and write the most beautiful, enchanting melody.
Let Me Walk Beside You
Lyrics: Jason Daniel Hood
Music: Dennis Lewallen
Verse 1
Let me walk beside you
In days
In nights
In moments
In hours we pass through
Let me walk beside you
In joy
In pain
In the day to day
We carry or struggle through
Chorus
Let me walk beside you, not in front or behind you
Knowing always I am yours, you are mine
I won’t let tomorrow stumble on today
Borrowing trouble, inviting it in to stay
Verse 2
Let me walk beside you
Though gently laughing years
Our hopes
In perfect balance
With our fears
Let me walk beside you
And see in your eyes
What is true
Understood
Held in your heart
(interlude)
In all we carry
In all we struggle through
Bridge
I know this is Holy
The best of all things
All things in you
All things in me
The best yet to be
Ending
Let me walk beside you, not in front or behind you
Knowing always I am yours, you are mine
Always knowing I am yoursYou are mine
Today is Valentine’s Day, so I thought today would be a great day to share the lyrics.
I was so happy and honored that my dear friend, Dennis Lewallen, was able to take the lyrics and the spirit of the event and write the most beautiful, enchanting melody.
Let Me Walk Beside You
Lyrics: Jason Daniel Hood
Music: Dennis Lewallen
Verse 1
Let me walk beside you
In days
In nights
In moments
In hours we pass through
Let me walk beside you
In joy
In pain
In the day to day
We carry or struggle through
Chorus
Let me walk beside you, not in front or behind you
Knowing always I am yours, you are mine
I won’t let tomorrow stumble on today
Borrowing trouble, inviting it in to stay
Verse 2
Let me walk beside you
Though gently laughing years
Our hopes
In perfect balance
With our fears
Let me walk beside you
And see in your eyes
What is true
Understood
Held in your heart
(interlude)
In all we carry
In all we struggle through
Bridge
I know this is Holy
The best of all things
All things in you
All things in me
The best yet to be
Ending
Let me walk beside you, not in front or behind you
Knowing always I am yours, you are mine
Always knowing I am yoursYou are mine
Monday, February 13, 2006
Lunch...in NYC
It's all in a day...today I was eating lunch at my favorite little pizza place off Broadway (at 78th Street), and sitting across from me: Alec Baldwin. I'm constantly seeing people from the world of film, theater and television. I've walked on the side walk with Michael C. Hall (Six Feet Under), I've crossed at the light with Barbara Walters (20/20), and passed Kevin Bacon leaving Central Park. Yep, it's all in a day. A day in New York City.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
From Africa: The Events of the Birth of Jason
Good Morning on January 25 from Africa.
It is your birthday here...We get to celebrate it first. It's 6:15 a.m. here…[at this same moment 31 years ago] I was having labor pains and standing in front of the dresser holding on in pain....and saying, "I think I need to go on to the hospital."
Dad said from bed, "I thought you were going to wait as long as possible before we went to hospital."
I said, "I did, and I think I have waited as long as I can."
So we went on to hospital in a bit and you were born at 10:15 a.m. So when you decided it was time to come, you decided to come!!!! And come you did.
The doctor told dad it would probably be all day before I delivered. Dad decided to go home a while (since he could not be with me in delivery).....he did and then came back in a bit because he thought, "He just might end up coming and I won't be there."
He came back to hospital...some one calling over loud speaker for a minister....he went to answer that call and pray with someone...........and then heard HIS name....and came back to my room and I was getting ready to go to delivery room.
So he almost missed your birth....and he would have been so sick because he had had such great anticipation.
Well, you arrived and you have been kicking ever since.
God has blessed you with love, family, friends, health, great abilities, insights, laughter, enthusiasm, height, a great personality and vision...plus a great work ethic. And most of all, you have known the love of God and His great salvation for you. So there have been great days in the past and you have great days ahead. And we pray that today will be a very special birthday and one with anticipation and joy, plus excitement at what God wants for your life.
We love you and are so happy to our YOU....OUR SON....OUR FIRST BORN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is your birthday here...We get to celebrate it first. It's 6:15 a.m. here…[at this same moment 31 years ago] I was having labor pains and standing in front of the dresser holding on in pain....and saying, "I think I need to go on to the hospital."
Dad said from bed, "I thought you were going to wait as long as possible before we went to hospital."
I said, "I did, and I think I have waited as long as I can."
So we went on to hospital in a bit and you were born at 10:15 a.m. So when you decided it was time to come, you decided to come!!!! And come you did.
The doctor told dad it would probably be all day before I delivered. Dad decided to go home a while (since he could not be with me in delivery).....he did and then came back in a bit because he thought, "He just might end up coming and I won't be there."
He came back to hospital...some one calling over loud speaker for a minister....he went to answer that call and pray with someone...........and then heard HIS name....and came back to my room and I was getting ready to go to delivery room.
So he almost missed your birth....and he would have been so sick because he had had such great anticipation.
Well, you arrived and you have been kicking ever since.
God has blessed you with love, family, friends, health, great abilities, insights, laughter, enthusiasm, height, a great personality and vision...plus a great work ethic. And most of all, you have known the love of God and His great salvation for you. So there have been great days in the past and you have great days ahead. And we pray that today will be a very special birthday and one with anticipation and joy, plus excitement at what God wants for your life.
We love you and are so happy to our YOU....OUR SON....OUR FIRST BORN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reflections on My 30th Year / LOUDER THAN WORDS
What a year…my 30th year seems like it has been one long adventure.
Since turning 30 I’ve…celebrated despite an Atlanta ice storm…gotten a small tattoo…saw my parents off to Africa…completed my concert/cabaret trilogy…packed up my entire life into a rental truck…left a fabulous apartment…left a wonderful job and dear co-workers…drove for two days with my friend Greg riding shotgun…moved hundreds of boxes into a four flight walk-up in Spanish Harlem with the help of Greg and my NYC friend, Damon…got a job…quit job…repeat that 3 times…got through mononucleosis…survived the heat of a sidewalks in a New York summer…sold my car…rode the train to Richmond, VA to celebrate Thanksgiving in my brother’s new home…Discovered a renewed sense of humanity during the transit strike that crippled New York City for almost a week…Watched the ball in Times Square fall on New Year’s Eve (from the warm comfort of my living room)…and SO much more. It has been a full year.
by Jonathan Larson
Why do we play with fire?
Why do we run our finger through the flame?
Why do we leave our hand on the stove-
Although we know we're in for some pain?
Oh, why do we refuse to hang a light
When the streets are dangerous?
Why does it take an accident
Before the truth gets through to us?
Cages or wings?
Which do you prefer?
Ask the birds.
Fear or love, baby?
Don't say the answer
Actions speak louder than words.
Why should we try to be our best
When we can just get by and still gain?
Why do we nod our heads
Although we know
The boss is wrong as rain?
Why should we blaze a trail
When the well worn path seems safe and
So inviting?
How-as we travel, can we
See the dismay-
And keep from fighting?
Cages or wings?
Which do you prefer?
Ask the birds
Fear or love, baby?
Don't say the answer
Actions speak louder than words
What does it take
To wake up a generation?
How can you make someone
Take off and fly?
If we don't wake up
And shake up the nation
We'll eat the dust of the world
Wondering why
Why do we stay with lovers
Who we know, down deep
Just aren't right?
Why would we rather
Put ourselves through hell
Than sleep alone at night?
Why do we follow leaders who never lead?
Why does it take catastrophe to start a revolution?
If we're so free, tell me why?
Someone tell me why
So many people bleed?
Cages or wings?
Which do you prefer?
Ask the birds.
Fear or love, baby?
Don't say the answer.
Actions speak louder than words
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
I'm CELEBRATING!!!!
I’m celebrating that I went to the audition, sang, got a callback, went to the callback, and did…my best. I got an email this morning that I was not cast in the show.
The callback was last Friday night and lasted almost 2 hours. It was gloriously harder than I could’ve imagined. It was a dance callback. In a callback of 40 there were probably 5 truly non-dancers. I took 2 years of movement and it prepared me for the callback but I still couldn’t keep up. The choreography was intricate and fascinating. I loved attempting to learn it.
I had a wonderful time meeting other actors, dancers and singers. It was interesting to swap stories and listen to how people “make it” or how they just survive on a daily basis. It was also extremely to watch those there who were trained dancers. They could see a step twice and then do it perfectly…watch it a third time and they could teach it if they had to. It was beautiful…people so in tune with their bodies as instruments or tools that they can move precisely and make it all look so easy.
I’m also celebrating that I’m Atlanta-bound for a long weekend!
I turn 31 on the 25th of this month, so the weekend following my birthday (the 27th – 29th) I will spend in Atlanta seeing family and friends. I confess that just booking the flight put a lump in my throat. I miss everyone SO much.
This visit will be good for my heart.
The callback was last Friday night and lasted almost 2 hours. It was gloriously harder than I could’ve imagined. It was a dance callback. In a callback of 40 there were probably 5 truly non-dancers. I took 2 years of movement and it prepared me for the callback but I still couldn’t keep up. The choreography was intricate and fascinating. I loved attempting to learn it.
I had a wonderful time meeting other actors, dancers and singers. It was interesting to swap stories and listen to how people “make it” or how they just survive on a daily basis. It was also extremely to watch those there who were trained dancers. They could see a step twice and then do it perfectly…watch it a third time and they could teach it if they had to. It was beautiful…people so in tune with their bodies as instruments or tools that they can move precisely and make it all look so easy.
I’m also celebrating that I’m Atlanta-bound for a long weekend!
I turn 31 on the 25th of this month, so the weekend following my birthday (the 27th – 29th) I will spend in Atlanta seeing family and friends. I confess that just booking the flight put a lump in my throat. I miss everyone SO much.
This visit will be good for my heart.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
I GOT a CALL BACK! (and, oh yeah, need a Root Canal)
What a day…I almost don’t even know where to start.
Yes, I do. I’ll start with yesterday.
Yesterday at lunch I thought I’d cracked a tooth. I was eating a new toasted sandwich from Subway when I felt something shift and crunch toward the back of my mouth that didn’t feel or sound right.
I got back to work and my fears were realized. I was missing a chunk of my tooth in the back of my mouth. It wasn’t terribly painful but it did start throbbing about an hour later.
So…this morning I was up and out early and on my way to Bellevue Hospital (which is manned by NYU students). There has been an on-going miscommunication about my health insurance, so Bellevue is the only place I could afford to go. I didn’t mind going there I just didn’t want to take advantage of a system that is designed for those with no benefits. This go around…I was one of those with no benefits.
It took a couple of hours – waiting with students without insurance, convicts from jail, immigrants, etc. – but I got seen. Ends up I need a root canal. I didn’t know exactly what that meant but I knew it would be expensive – wherever it was done. At Bellevue they could remove the tooth but could not perform the root canal. I could go to Dental School and have it done and pay on a sliding scale – but it would still be expensive. Of all my teeth, this one tooth has the longest root. The root runs up into my sinuses. It would take a while to heal and would leave me breathing out of a hole in my mouth for a couple of weeks. The tooth, on a whole, is still great and can be saved...so now it's onto getting it fixed.
I left and went to work where I was greeted with an email announcing a Call Back from my audition on Sunday. They liked my audition and want to hear me sings again and see me work with their choreographer.
First audition, first callback.
I’m thrilled. If it works out or not, I’m excited to be getting this far my first time out auditioning. In this city of thousands of actors it is hard to get in to a lot auditions and when you do it can be a challenge just to be seen. If you do get seen, it is rare that you get a callback.
Yes, I do. I’ll start with yesterday.
Yesterday at lunch I thought I’d cracked a tooth. I was eating a new toasted sandwich from Subway when I felt something shift and crunch toward the back of my mouth that didn’t feel or sound right.
I got back to work and my fears were realized. I was missing a chunk of my tooth in the back of my mouth. It wasn’t terribly painful but it did start throbbing about an hour later.
So…this morning I was up and out early and on my way to Bellevue Hospital (which is manned by NYU students). There has been an on-going miscommunication about my health insurance, so Bellevue is the only place I could afford to go. I didn’t mind going there I just didn’t want to take advantage of a system that is designed for those with no benefits. This go around…I was one of those with no benefits.
It took a couple of hours – waiting with students without insurance, convicts from jail, immigrants, etc. – but I got seen. Ends up I need a root canal. I didn’t know exactly what that meant but I knew it would be expensive – wherever it was done. At Bellevue they could remove the tooth but could not perform the root canal. I could go to Dental School and have it done and pay on a sliding scale – but it would still be expensive. Of all my teeth, this one tooth has the longest root. The root runs up into my sinuses. It would take a while to heal and would leave me breathing out of a hole in my mouth for a couple of weeks. The tooth, on a whole, is still great and can be saved...so now it's onto getting it fixed.
I left and went to work where I was greeted with an email announcing a Call Back from my audition on Sunday. They liked my audition and want to hear me sings again and see me work with their choreographer.
First audition, first callback.
I’m thrilled. If it works out or not, I’m excited to be getting this far my first time out auditioning. In this city of thousands of actors it is hard to get in to a lot auditions and when you do it can be a challenge just to be seen. If you do get seen, it is rare that you get a callback.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
My First NYC Audition...YEP...Finally
Well…FINALLY…today I auditioned for my first gig in New York City. Actually in Brooklyn – but it still counts, right? It’s an Off-Off-Broadway theater with a great reputation and looking at the season line up I’m really impressed at the show’s they’ve done and are planning to do.
The show I auditioned for is the musical, Side Show. Side show is a beautiful musical about two conjoined twins who were a Vaudeville in the 1930's - I believe. The same team behind the musical Dreamgirls, wrote this show just a few years ago. I love the music in the show - but I've never seen it staged. It was a hit was critics when it opened on Broadway but it still didn't run for long.
Elizabeth and I found out about the audition just a couple of days ago…so there wasn’t a lot of time to prep. I was thrilled about the audition because it was on a weekend and I knew I could go. Last night…at 10:00 she and I were in a rehearsal studio in Chelsea working out the music we would use to audition. The notice said that you could sing full selections. With the rehearsal space closing and the audition today, I decided to go with a song I knew that I knew.
The song was Elaborate Lives. I’ve written about the song before. It’s one of the songs that followed me around Atlanta and a song that people expected me to sing anywhere that I would be singing. So…I decided to stay true to a song that has treated me so well.
We were both up early and on the train heading to Brooklyn and the audition. The audition was an Open Call, so there was no telling how many people would show up. The audition was open to people who weren’t Equity (members of the Actor’s Union), so that alone insured that the turn out would be big.
Elizabeth and I were there almost 2 hours before they would open the doors. There was only one person in line ahead of us. We made an Unofficial sign-in list and began the process of waiting.
Once we got inside…and had our names on the Official List – we started the next round of waiting. Every Equity actor who showed up was seen straight-away and the rest of the Non-Equity actors we moved down the list.
The wait wasn’t too bad. A group in the corner discovered a set of Uno cards and began a game, others listed to their iPods to relax or rehearse, Elizabeth pulled out sewing, and I went outside. I was uncontrollably nervous…it felt like I had never sung in front of people before. I walked the block and sang out Elaborate Lives to parked cars and the sidewalk.
It felt like a short trip to crazy and I was half way there.
I went back inside and just before my name was called they went from accepting full songs to hearing only 16 bars.
That was just the shot of panic I needed. Elizabeth was in auditioning when the decision was made. She came out and an Equity actor went in. She and I sat down and tried to find 16 measures that would work. If we counted 16 measures back from the end of the song, there wasn’t much to show. No money note. No range.
There was no choice but to lift 16 measures out of the middle, cold – and just hope for the best. So that’s what we did.
I walked in and everyone greeted me warmly. I was still marking my sheet music as I walked to the piano. I handed it to the pianist (also the show’s musical director), set a tempo with her, then turned to the six faces looking at me, waiting to see what I could do.
It was an odd place to start but I jumped in...and the piano caught up with me. I sang through my 16 measures and though I didn’t get to the end of the song, I found a nice place to bow out.
I left the audition glad that it was over, glad that I had gone and feeling good about how I sounded. Who knows what will actually come of it…but it feels good to get my feet wet.
Elizabeth headed to a babysitting job and I went to Target and met up with an old co-worker from Peachtree, Ivory. It was SO good to see her and catch up. We took a picture together at the entrance of the store, so I’ll have to post that later.
We had lunch and caught up. She’s living in Brooklyn and though we’ve talked a couple of times since I moved here – I hadn’t actually SEEN her.
Good times!
The show I auditioned for is the musical, Side Show. Side show is a beautiful musical about two conjoined twins who were a Vaudeville in the 1930's - I believe. The same team behind the musical Dreamgirls, wrote this show just a few years ago. I love the music in the show - but I've never seen it staged. It was a hit was critics when it opened on Broadway but it still didn't run for long.
Elizabeth and I found out about the audition just a couple of days ago…so there wasn’t a lot of time to prep. I was thrilled about the audition because it was on a weekend and I knew I could go. Last night…at 10:00 she and I were in a rehearsal studio in Chelsea working out the music we would use to audition. The notice said that you could sing full selections. With the rehearsal space closing and the audition today, I decided to go with a song I knew that I knew.
The song was Elaborate Lives. I’ve written about the song before. It’s one of the songs that followed me around Atlanta and a song that people expected me to sing anywhere that I would be singing. So…I decided to stay true to a song that has treated me so well.
We were both up early and on the train heading to Brooklyn and the audition. The audition was an Open Call, so there was no telling how many people would show up. The audition was open to people who weren’t Equity (members of the Actor’s Union), so that alone insured that the turn out would be big.
Elizabeth and I were there almost 2 hours before they would open the doors. There was only one person in line ahead of us. We made an Unofficial sign-in list and began the process of waiting.
Once we got inside…and had our names on the Official List – we started the next round of waiting. Every Equity actor who showed up was seen straight-away and the rest of the Non-Equity actors we moved down the list.
The wait wasn’t too bad. A group in the corner discovered a set of Uno cards and began a game, others listed to their iPods to relax or rehearse, Elizabeth pulled out sewing, and I went outside. I was uncontrollably nervous…it felt like I had never sung in front of people before. I walked the block and sang out Elaborate Lives to parked cars and the sidewalk.
It felt like a short trip to crazy and I was half way there.
I went back inside and just before my name was called they went from accepting full songs to hearing only 16 bars.
That was just the shot of panic I needed. Elizabeth was in auditioning when the decision was made. She came out and an Equity actor went in. She and I sat down and tried to find 16 measures that would work. If we counted 16 measures back from the end of the song, there wasn’t much to show. No money note. No range.
There was no choice but to lift 16 measures out of the middle, cold – and just hope for the best. So that’s what we did.
I walked in and everyone greeted me warmly. I was still marking my sheet music as I walked to the piano. I handed it to the pianist (also the show’s musical director), set a tempo with her, then turned to the six faces looking at me, waiting to see what I could do.
It was an odd place to start but I jumped in...and the piano caught up with me. I sang through my 16 measures and though I didn’t get to the end of the song, I found a nice place to bow out.
I left the audition glad that it was over, glad that I had gone and feeling good about how I sounded. Who knows what will actually come of it…but it feels good to get my feet wet.
Elizabeth headed to a babysitting job and I went to Target and met up with an old co-worker from Peachtree, Ivory. It was SO good to see her and catch up. We took a picture together at the entrance of the store, so I’ll have to post that later.
We had lunch and caught up. She’s living in Brooklyn and though we’ve talked a couple of times since I moved here – I hadn’t actually SEEN her.
Good times!
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
The Spirit of New York City
2nd Day of the Transit Strike.
Yesterday and today I got to witness the true Spirit of New York. I wasn’t here for 9-11 or the massive black out last year. But with the Strike throwing everyone into confusion, New Yorker everywhere – me included – are making the best of a bad situation.
As I was looking for a cab or at least a small group of people waiting to ride together in a cab on 116 this morning, a guy in a small Toyota waved to get my attention. He motioned to the backseat of his car and mouthed the words, “Do you need a ride?”
I got in the back. He’d just picked up someone else who was riding shotgun. We just needed one more person to get through the police barricade at 96th Street. With the strike in full swing only cars with 4 or more people were allowed into the city. I needed a ride and he needed another body in the car to get him through.
The driver let me off at 80th and Lexington Avenue. I then walked across the island of Manhattan. I went through Park Avenue…Madison Avenue…Fifth Avenue…then through Central Park…across Central Park West…Columbus Circle…Amsterdam…then finally to Broadway. The walk wouldn’t have been that bad – it was the fact that it was 22 degrees. Even with gloves it was hard to feel my hands when I got to work.
When I got to work and settled in, I thought about the Spirit of New York. Everywhere people were carpooling with strangers – making do in whatever situation arises. Riding home tonight I was in a cab with 3 other people, all strangers - to me and to each other.
But we made it. You do what you have to do.
It’s only life.
Yesterday and today I got to witness the true Spirit of New York. I wasn’t here for 9-11 or the massive black out last year. But with the Strike throwing everyone into confusion, New Yorker everywhere – me included – are making the best of a bad situation.
As I was looking for a cab or at least a small group of people waiting to ride together in a cab on 116 this morning, a guy in a small Toyota waved to get my attention. He motioned to the backseat of his car and mouthed the words, “Do you need a ride?”
I got in the back. He’d just picked up someone else who was riding shotgun. We just needed one more person to get through the police barricade at 96th Street. With the strike in full swing only cars with 4 or more people were allowed into the city. I needed a ride and he needed another body in the car to get him through.
The driver let me off at 80th and Lexington Avenue. I then walked across the island of Manhattan. I went through Park Avenue…Madison Avenue…Fifth Avenue…then through Central Park…across Central Park West…Columbus Circle…Amsterdam…then finally to Broadway. The walk wouldn’t have been that bad – it was the fact that it was 22 degrees. Even with gloves it was hard to feel my hands when I got to work.
When I got to work and settled in, I thought about the Spirit of New York. Everywhere people were carpooling with strangers – making do in whatever situation arises. Riding home tonight I was in a cab with 3 other people, all strangers - to me and to each other.
But we made it. You do what you have to do.
It’s only life.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
The NYC Tranist Strike
The transit strike began today sending New York City into chaos. We have no buses or subways. Literally millions of people are stranded on and off the island of Manhattan.
It took me 2 hours in a cab and then walking over 10 blocks in freezing weather to get to work today.
The cabs have abandoned the meter and are using a zone system and charging passengers a flat rate per zone. As many people as possible are suppose to ride – so Elizabeth and I (after 10 minutes) hailed a cab and crept across town. A few blocks over we picked up another passenger who was heading in the same general direction.
The cab ride wouldn’t have been so bad except that the window was broken and wouldn’t roll up. So, besides being incredibly late to work and frustrations rising, we were also freezing.
Not having fun.
It took me 2 hours in a cab and then walking over 10 blocks in freezing weather to get to work today.
The cabs have abandoned the meter and are using a zone system and charging passengers a flat rate per zone. As many people as possible are suppose to ride – so Elizabeth and I (after 10 minutes) hailed a cab and crept across town. A few blocks over we picked up another passenger who was heading in the same general direction.
The cab ride wouldn’t have been so bad except that the window was broken and wouldn’t roll up. So, besides being incredibly late to work and frustrations rising, we were also freezing.
Not having fun.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Brokeback Mountain - A Love Story
After trying several times last weekend and this, Elizabeth and I finally got to see the film, Brokeback Mountain. It’s only opened in limited release – New York, DC and L.A. – and even here it is only in 3 or 4 theaters. But we finally saw it.
We got our ticket in advance and there was a long, long line waiting to get in. When we did get in, the theater was packed. The movie started, with the hollow haunting strums of a guitar from the film’s soundtrack, and the theater feel silent and everyone was taken in by it.
The film was…
Amazing.
Beautiful.
Perfect.
As I was walking to the bus stop with Elizabeth after the movie let out, I tried to find the right words to describe it. I don’t think I ever did.
I thought back to several of the many glowing reviews that I’ve read. So many honest reviewers have acknowledged that the film really is a gay love story. It is just a love story. It just happens to be a love story between to men. It isn’t the first or the only honest love story between two men – it is, however, the first mainstream, big-budget Hollywood motion picture to be released and praised internationally.
That’s what it is…a love story.
As I’ve written before, I read the novella on the train down to Richmond, VA. The film completely embodied the spirit and work of the novella. There were several moments where my breath was taken away while reading – it was a pleasant surprise to be swept away again at those same points in the movie.
I can’t want to be swept away again.
Visit: www.brokenbackmountainmovie.com
We got our ticket in advance and there was a long, long line waiting to get in. When we did get in, the theater was packed. The movie started, with the hollow haunting strums of a guitar from the film’s soundtrack, and the theater feel silent and everyone was taken in by it.
The film was…
Amazing.
Beautiful.
Perfect.
As I was walking to the bus stop with Elizabeth after the movie let out, I tried to find the right words to describe it. I don’t think I ever did.
I thought back to several of the many glowing reviews that I’ve read. So many honest reviewers have acknowledged that the film really is a gay love story. It is just a love story. It just happens to be a love story between to men. It isn’t the first or the only honest love story between two men – it is, however, the first mainstream, big-budget Hollywood motion picture to be released and praised internationally.
That’s what it is…a love story.
As I’ve written before, I read the novella on the train down to Richmond, VA. The film completely embodied the spirit and work of the novella. There were several moments where my breath was taken away while reading – it was a pleasant surprise to be swept away again at those same points in the movie.
I can’t want to be swept away again.
Visit: www.brokenbackmountainmovie.com
Saturday, December 17, 2005
CeCe's Here and a Souvenir
My friend CeCe (Thomas) arrived last night. He’s passing through on his way back to Georgia for Christmas. We jumped on a bus late and headed down to the Upper East Side. We got off the bus and started walking back uptown checking out different restaurants, bars, and pubs. We settled on a small hole-in-the-wall BBQ place and enjoyed catching up.
Today Elizabeth, CeCe and I took in the Broadway play, Souvenir. We had amazing seats on the second row of the Mezzanine. I saw the show a couple months ago and loved it. I was pretty sure that Elizabeth and CeCe would like it. They LOVED it.
The show is based on the life of New York socialite, Ms. Florence Foster Jenkins. She became somewhat of a celebrity in the 30’s and 40’s. She had an incredible passion for singing though she was probably completely tone deaf. Her performances for her friends at small recitals became huge draws in New York City. She even ended up selling out the famous venue, Carnegie Hall. She believed that music is what the singer hears in his or her head - that was what was most important to her. She sang completely with her heart and never heard the laughter. People would weep as they laughed, stuffing handkerchiefs into their mouths as she butchered pieces by Mozart and Brahms, among others – but she only saw people being moved by the music. Horrifically recorded albums sold briskly, she was impersonated at parties and she died never knowing that her voice was the city’s biggest joke.
I really love the play and I’m so glad I got to see it again – this time with friends. It was especially a lot of fun seeing it with Elizabeth. I glanced over and several times saw her mouth hanging opened and her sitting there in shock as Ms. Foster Jenkins proclaimed that she was blessed with Perfect Pitch and would then turn around and sing a song with great (off-key) passion.
Visit: www.souvenironbroadway.com
Today Elizabeth, CeCe and I took in the Broadway play, Souvenir. We had amazing seats on the second row of the Mezzanine. I saw the show a couple months ago and loved it. I was pretty sure that Elizabeth and CeCe would like it. They LOVED it.
The show is based on the life of New York socialite, Ms. Florence Foster Jenkins. She became somewhat of a celebrity in the 30’s and 40’s. She had an incredible passion for singing though she was probably completely tone deaf. Her performances for her friends at small recitals became huge draws in New York City. She even ended up selling out the famous venue, Carnegie Hall. She believed that music is what the singer hears in his or her head - that was what was most important to her. She sang completely with her heart and never heard the laughter. People would weep as they laughed, stuffing handkerchiefs into their mouths as she butchered pieces by Mozart and Brahms, among others – but she only saw people being moved by the music. Horrifically recorded albums sold briskly, she was impersonated at parties and she died never knowing that her voice was the city’s biggest joke.
I really love the play and I’m so glad I got to see it again – this time with friends. It was especially a lot of fun seeing it with Elizabeth. I glanced over and several times saw her mouth hanging opened and her sitting there in shock as Ms. Foster Jenkins proclaimed that she was blessed with Perfect Pitch and would then turn around and sing a song with great (off-key) passion.
Visit: www.souvenironbroadway.com
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Bidding at Sotheby's
Today was a full, full day.
I was at the site and in meetings for most of the morning and then went to Sotheby's. Sotheby's is the world famous auction house that was established in 1744. I've been to Sotheby's one other time, but only to pick some things up. Today I was sent to bid. I spent the afternoon in and out of auctions spending money that isn't mine.
After bidding and winning the first item, I hit the street and started running errands. Today was, by far, the coldest day since I've been here. I don't think it went above 25 degrees today. I walked over from York to 2nd Ave. and the from 72nd Street down to 65th to pick up some vintage drapes. Then I walked over one more long block to 3rd Ave. and down to 59th Street. I ran through the D & D building to pick up a sample that wasn't there. Instead of risking frost bite I decided to take a cab back to Sotheby's.
I got back in time to bid and win the last two items.
It was a lot of fun watching the whole bidding proccess. So many beautiful pieces. So many collectors out for blood to get the items they want.
More good times...
I was at the site and in meetings for most of the morning and then went to Sotheby's. Sotheby's is the world famous auction house that was established in 1744. I've been to Sotheby's one other time, but only to pick some things up. Today I was sent to bid. I spent the afternoon in and out of auctions spending money that isn't mine.
After bidding and winning the first item, I hit the street and started running errands. Today was, by far, the coldest day since I've been here. I don't think it went above 25 degrees today. I walked over from York to 2nd Ave. and the from 72nd Street down to 65th to pick up some vintage drapes. Then I walked over one more long block to 3rd Ave. and down to 59th Street. I ran through the D & D building to pick up a sample that wasn't there. Instead of risking frost bite I decided to take a cab back to Sotheby's.
I got back in time to bid and win the last two items.
It was a lot of fun watching the whole bidding proccess. So many beautiful pieces. So many collectors out for blood to get the items they want.
More good times...
Friday, December 09, 2005
Winter Wonderland
Today was AMAZING. I woke up to snow pouring down outside my window.
I take the M79 bus to work in the morning. It cuts across town through Central Park. As we were riding through Central Park I was speechless looking at the park. It was absolutely gorgeous. It looked like a fairytale come to life. The whole park had a magical glow to it. I thought to myself...
"Self..."
"Yes."
"All those years of singing Winter Wonderland...always without any real conviction. Those days are over, my friend."
"Really?"
"Yes, self. Really."
"Yea!"
So...this Christmas that song will be in regular rotation on my fake iPod - which is a Dell Jukebox.
Good times.
I take the M79 bus to work in the morning. It cuts across town through Central Park. As we were riding through Central Park I was speechless looking at the park. It was absolutely gorgeous. It looked like a fairytale come to life. The whole park had a magical glow to it. I thought to myself...
"Self..."
"Yes."
"All those years of singing Winter Wonderland...always without any real conviction. Those days are over, my friend."
"Really?"
"Yes, self. Really."
"Yea!"
So...this Christmas that song will be in regular rotation on my fake iPod - which is a Dell Jukebox.
Good times.
Monday, December 05, 2005
The Holiday's With Chelsea Clinton, Dan Rather, Cindy Adams, and MANY
Tonight was Liz Robbin's holiday party hosted at a beautiful mansion on the Upper East Side. The guest list read like the Who's Who in the world on politics, film, television, and media. I was honored to be invited.
Though I was working on and off throughout the night, it was a lot of fun to celebrate the season with Presidental daughter Chelsea Clinton, news anchor Dan Rather, famed gossip columinist Cindy Adams, Peter Boyle (the Dad from the television show, Raymond), Frank McCourt (author or Angela's Ashes) and many, many others.
It was a great evening but I am worn out...so this will be a short post.
Though I was working on and off throughout the night, it was a lot of fun to celebrate the season with Presidental daughter Chelsea Clinton, news anchor Dan Rather, famed gossip columinist Cindy Adams, Peter Boyle (the Dad from the television show, Raymond), Frank McCourt (author or Angela's Ashes) and many, many others.
It was a great evening but I am worn out...so this will be a short post.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
My First Snow in NYC!!
First SNOW!
I woke up this morning to chalky skies and close to 4 inches of snow on each step of the fire escape. It was beautiful. Like a little kid I ran into the other room and woke Elizabeth up to tell her it had snowed. Then I whipped out my Christmas CDs and started a rotation of holiday music.
Don’t know if it was because of the snow or what, but today was a quiet day today.
The highlight of the day: grocery shopping with Elizabeth and talking to my mom in Africa.
That’s about it. Perfect.
I woke up this morning to chalky skies and close to 4 inches of snow on each step of the fire escape. It was beautiful. Like a little kid I ran into the other room and woke Elizabeth up to tell her it had snowed. Then I whipped out my Christmas CDs and started a rotation of holiday music.
Don’t know if it was because of the snow or what, but today was a quiet day today.
The highlight of the day: grocery shopping with Elizabeth and talking to my mom in Africa.
That’s about it. Perfect.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
- R E N T -
10 years ago the musical RENT opened on Broadway. I was captivated by the show from the moment I heard about it. I remember the show’s creator died on my birthday, before the show even opened Off-Broadway. After years and years of writing and dreaming, Jonathan Larson died on the eve of seeing his dreams realized. The show ended up moving to Broadway and went on to wink every major away – including the Pulitzer Prize.
It was almost two years after it opened before I got to see it (purchasing a Standing Room Only ticket for $25 and standing at the back of the theater throughout the show) but I thought it was incredible. The show was staged on almost a completely bare stage with the power and the strength of the show lying solely on the shoulders of the actors. I laughed, sang, danced and cried through the whole show. When the show hit the road on tour I ended up seeing it every time it came through Atlanta. It remains one of my favorites. It has amazing music and is laced throughout with power of love and connecting your life with others.
A little more than a year ago production began on the film version of the show. Everyone in the New York theater community was wondering what Hollywood would do with the story. Would they water it down, take away the edge to the subject matter, try and make a story about living out of the mainstream comfortable for the mainstream?
Hollywood gave all theater fans something to believe in when it was announced that the director of the film was using almost all of the show’s original cast – most of whom had no film experience at all.
The movie opened on Thanksgiving. I still hadn’t seen it, so tonight Elizabeth and I headed down to Times Square to see the Rent. The theater was packed and there was a great energy in the room.
I really liked the film a lot. I left looking forward to seeing it again. I loved the way they choose to present different songs. The spirit of the stage show was captured beautifully on film. I knew, when the movie started, and the song “Rent” began that movie would be great. The opening scene set in the Village of New York came on and struggling artists were protesting the rent. The guys set fire to unfinished screenplays and songs to warm their apartment. Neighbors are warming themselves anyway they can. The song ends with New Yorkers burning their eviction notices that had papered their neighborhood and dumping them off the fire escapes and into the street. It was an amazing opening to the film and set the whole tone of the film.
The film opened well…#5 in the Top 10. People all over America are experiencing Jonathan Larson’s passion. Whether people agree or disagree with the choices, lives, work, desires, dreams, decisions, etc. that people in the film live – this film will be the first time many see a completely different side of life. A life of artists and addicts who are all searching for their place in the world and in the lives of the ones they love.
I've been very fortunate to sing several songs from the show on different occasions. In my last cabaret show we sang a medley of songs from the Rent and it ended with the show's anthem, "Seasons of Love." People still mention that part of the show - even as recently as last week when I was at my brother's for Thanksgiving - he said that that was one of his favorite songs. There are so many powerful songs in the show/film. I hope more people discover this wonderful piece of theater - either on Broadway, on tour or at movie theater.
Visit: www.siteforrent.com and the film’s site: http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/rent/site/
It was almost two years after it opened before I got to see it (purchasing a Standing Room Only ticket for $25 and standing at the back of the theater throughout the show) but I thought it was incredible. The show was staged on almost a completely bare stage with the power and the strength of the show lying solely on the shoulders of the actors. I laughed, sang, danced and cried through the whole show. When the show hit the road on tour I ended up seeing it every time it came through Atlanta. It remains one of my favorites. It has amazing music and is laced throughout with power of love and connecting your life with others.
A little more than a year ago production began on the film version of the show. Everyone in the New York theater community was wondering what Hollywood would do with the story. Would they water it down, take away the edge to the subject matter, try and make a story about living out of the mainstream comfortable for the mainstream?
Hollywood gave all theater fans something to believe in when it was announced that the director of the film was using almost all of the show’s original cast – most of whom had no film experience at all.
The movie opened on Thanksgiving. I still hadn’t seen it, so tonight Elizabeth and I headed down to Times Square to see the Rent. The theater was packed and there was a great energy in the room.
I really liked the film a lot. I left looking forward to seeing it again. I loved the way they choose to present different songs. The spirit of the stage show was captured beautifully on film. I knew, when the movie started, and the song “Rent” began that movie would be great. The opening scene set in the Village of New York came on and struggling artists were protesting the rent. The guys set fire to unfinished screenplays and songs to warm their apartment. Neighbors are warming themselves anyway they can. The song ends with New Yorkers burning their eviction notices that had papered their neighborhood and dumping them off the fire escapes and into the street. It was an amazing opening to the film and set the whole tone of the film.
The film opened well…#5 in the Top 10. People all over America are experiencing Jonathan Larson’s passion. Whether people agree or disagree with the choices, lives, work, desires, dreams, decisions, etc. that people in the film live – this film will be the first time many see a completely different side of life. A life of artists and addicts who are all searching for their place in the world and in the lives of the ones they love.
I've been very fortunate to sing several songs from the show on different occasions. In my last cabaret show we sang a medley of songs from the Rent and it ended with the show's anthem, "Seasons of Love." People still mention that part of the show - even as recently as last week when I was at my brother's for Thanksgiving - he said that that was one of his favorite songs. There are so many powerful songs in the show/film. I hope more people discover this wonderful piece of theater - either on Broadway, on tour or at movie theater.
Visit: www.siteforrent.com and the film’s site: http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/rent/site/
Friday, December 02, 2005
The Reviews Are In...
The Color Purple opened on Broadway last night. It has been a long journey (8 years) for this show to make it here. I was in line yesterday to get one of the few tickets that were released back to the public for sale.
As I stepped up to the window the agent told me there was one ticket left. She went to select the purchase on screen and it was gone. So close, yet so far away…
I hate that I couldn’t be there last night but I was there in spirit.
The reviews are in!
"BLESSED WITH TALENT. A bright odyssey of survival and triumph with a fairy-tale sense of wonder, 'Purple' strikes sparks." - Ben Brantley, The New York Times
"VIBRANT & WINNING! Oprah Winfrey's favorite new musical is blessed by glowing performances from a sisterhood of talent." - Clive Barnes, New York Post
"PURE HEART! It celebrates inspiring relationships of faith and love. LaChanze is A MARVEL! A BROADWAY HIT!" - Elysa Gardner, USA Today
"A sweeping story that's impressively intimate and EXCEPTIONALLY MOVING,with DYNAMITE PERFORMANCES. 'The Color Purple' SINGS TO THE SOUL!A WINNER!" - Roma Torre, NY1 News
As I stepped up to the window the agent told me there was one ticket left. She went to select the purchase on screen and it was gone. So close, yet so far away…
I hate that I couldn’t be there last night but I was there in spirit.
The reviews are in!
"BLESSED WITH TALENT. A bright odyssey of survival and triumph with a fairy-tale sense of wonder, 'Purple' strikes sparks." - Ben Brantley, The New York Times
"VIBRANT & WINNING! Oprah Winfrey's favorite new musical is blessed by glowing performances from a sisterhood of talent." - Clive Barnes, New York Post
"PURE HEART! It celebrates inspiring relationships of faith and love. LaChanze is A MARVEL! A BROADWAY HIT!" - Elysa Gardner, USA Today
"A sweeping story that's impressively intimate and EXCEPTIONALLY MOVING,with DYNAMITE PERFORMANCES. 'The Color Purple' SINGS TO THE SOUL!A WINNER!" - Roma Torre, NY1 News
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