Ok so its been a week or more since I have had a post but I assure I have not abandoned my plans for world domination. Since Last weekend it seems it has been longer still. So last week we pretty much blocked act 2 which included for me A rumblin and a Rollin and my Fav Feel the rain fall. During this time i spent a bit in the hospital but no worries I am back and ready to play and even through the sickness I still mangaged to get some good work done. I had so much fun with my black cast members during our song. It really just felt like home working with Quentin and Wilma. I was so overjoyed and it made me wish we had more to do together. Now Feel the Rain Fall has become my issue lately because as sson as i get in front of people it feels like I lock up so to even get to the point of which you will here took alot of work and time. A general note: If we didn't need to practice, there wouldnt be a need for rehearsal. If I didnt have God on my side Im sure I would fall by the waste side. And if you dont even try to practice you will never improve and then who is to blame?? You Sucka!! BAck to the rundown. So after all the blocking and the snow and sickness We ran act 2. Interstingly enough we ran it twice. The Factory girls are the bomb set off. The black people are going to rock your socks. Leo and Lucille are going to make you sob like a baby. The racist white people will make you think and reflect. Frankie will make your heart bleed and I will make you have so much doubt that by the time I leave the stage you will have felt the rain fall!! And as for Frank I think I'll just put him my back pocket for future use. Also Our stage managers are so lovely and sweet and cool like a summer breeze. People it is Black History Month!!! What have you done lately?? I am in the middle of reading the August Wilson Cycle of ten decades of following the live of black families. Struggling with the changes of the world around them and within them. He is just awesome. Usually I do tend to celebrate and remember those who have made a path for me and I reflect. I dwell. I cry. I pray. At some point I will have watched Roots, The Color Purple and some other things that have strong black characters and breathes the sort of life I think black people today could live up to. Now that thats done back to other things. As some may know I have been recording some rehearsals. Mostly mine and now we will start hearing them hoping you enjoy or maybe have some suggestions for me as I travel towards the opening of this show. I like input cuz it reminds me of being in school. Feedback!!! So just a little note that the clip for todays post is the entire scene of Feel The Rain Fall. It was the second time we ran it that night and it can still use some work. I am in love with it because it shows my growth as an Actor, Performer, and Vocalist. I was very surprised at myself and can understand why some of my cast members liked it. I adore them for their love and support. It puts my mind at ease. The last thing is I am very loud and no matter how far away you get I can still be heard. Lol!!
My obsessions of the week:
Black History Month - go and learn something new!!
August Wilson - A brilliant black man
The Reader - go and see it. I have never cried so much!!
People and their secrets- they keep me on my toes
Stalking - you should try it
Googling yourself - I know you do it and so do I !!!
Just letting go as an actor and living in the moment!!
peace love and skittles!!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Saturday, January 31, 2009
press release!!
Gallery Players to Start 'Parade' on Feb. 28
Gallery Players will present the Central Ohio premiere of the Tony Award Winning Play, Parade, from Feb. 28 through March 15. The musical chronicles the real-life 1913 trial of Jewish factory manager Leo Frank, who was accused of raping and murdering a 13-year-old employee, Mary Phagan. The event, which gave rise to the creation of the Anti-Defamation League, ponders the consequences of the miscarriage of justice.
"The trial aroused anti-Semitic tensions in Atlanta and throughout Georgia," said JCC Cultural Arts Director Jared Saltman. "The plot stays closely to the historical story's conclusion that the likely killer was drifter Jim Conley, a key witness against Frank at the trial. The true villains of the piece are the prosecutor Hugh Dorsey - later the governor of Georgia and then a judge - and the rabid publisher Tom Watson, who was later elected a U.S. Senator."
Saltman added that the tale also is a love story. "Frank is newly married to an Atlantan, but feels out of place. He has never blended into Southern society," he said. "However, throughout the course of the play, his wife transforms from a shy bride to a passionate advocate for her husband. When she embarks on a campaign to save her husband from execution, she surprises herself and her husband by taking on the Atlanta society in which she grew up. Once the extent of the courtroom chicanery is revealed, the governor commutes the sentence. But it's a small victory as Frank finally realizes the extent of his wife's love."
The play was written by Alfred Uhry, who also wrote "The Last Night of Ballyhoo" and "Driving Miss Daisy." Uhry, who grew up in Atlanta, had personal knowledge of the Frank story, as his great-uncle owned the pencil factory run by Leo Frank. Jason Robert Brown wrote the music and lyrics that is rich in Americana, with gospel, ragtime, and rythm and blues. Uhry and Brown both won Tony Awards for Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Music Score respectively. The play also won several Drama Desk Awards, and has played on Broadway, and in Australia, London, and Ireland.
In the Gallery Players' production Jon Schelb is starring as Leo Frank, with Liz Wheeler playing his wife, Lucille. Additional cast members include: Dawn Farrell, Michael Wilson, Emily Deardo, Rachel Hering, Jonathan Collura, Laron Hudson, Michelle Conison, Abby Kaselak, Drew Eberly, Jay Rittberger, Denae Rall, Sam Vestey, Jennifer Painter, Randy Benge, Joel B. Cohen, Wilma Hatton, Dani Mann, Eileen Howard, Aaron Henley, Wendy Cohen, Bill Fulk, Vera Cermeans, Quentin Schofield, and Aaron Len.
Directed by Frank Barnhart, Parade will be presented:Saturdays, Feb. 28 and March 7, 14 @ 8 p.m.Sundays, March 1, 8, 15 @ 2:30 p.m.Thursdays, March 5, 12 @ 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $12 for JCC members, $18 for nonmembers, $10 for senior members, $16 for senior nonmembers, $8 for children or students, and $10 per ticket for groups of 10 or more. Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling (614) 231-2731 or at the door.
Gallery Players will present the Central Ohio premiere of the Tony Award Winning Play, Parade, from Feb. 28 through March 15. The musical chronicles the real-life 1913 trial of Jewish factory manager Leo Frank, who was accused of raping and murdering a 13-year-old employee, Mary Phagan. The event, which gave rise to the creation of the Anti-Defamation League, ponders the consequences of the miscarriage of justice.
"The trial aroused anti-Semitic tensions in Atlanta and throughout Georgia," said JCC Cultural Arts Director Jared Saltman. "The plot stays closely to the historical story's conclusion that the likely killer was drifter Jim Conley, a key witness against Frank at the trial. The true villains of the piece are the prosecutor Hugh Dorsey - later the governor of Georgia and then a judge - and the rabid publisher Tom Watson, who was later elected a U.S. Senator."
Saltman added that the tale also is a love story. "Frank is newly married to an Atlantan, but feels out of place. He has never blended into Southern society," he said. "However, throughout the course of the play, his wife transforms from a shy bride to a passionate advocate for her husband. When she embarks on a campaign to save her husband from execution, she surprises herself and her husband by taking on the Atlanta society in which she grew up. Once the extent of the courtroom chicanery is revealed, the governor commutes the sentence. But it's a small victory as Frank finally realizes the extent of his wife's love."
The play was written by Alfred Uhry, who also wrote "The Last Night of Ballyhoo" and "Driving Miss Daisy." Uhry, who grew up in Atlanta, had personal knowledge of the Frank story, as his great-uncle owned the pencil factory run by Leo Frank. Jason Robert Brown wrote the music and lyrics that is rich in Americana, with gospel, ragtime, and rythm and blues. Uhry and Brown both won Tony Awards for Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Music Score respectively. The play also won several Drama Desk Awards, and has played on Broadway, and in Australia, London, and Ireland.
In the Gallery Players' production Jon Schelb is starring as Leo Frank, with Liz Wheeler playing his wife, Lucille. Additional cast members include: Dawn Farrell, Michael Wilson, Emily Deardo, Rachel Hering, Jonathan Collura, Laron Hudson, Michelle Conison, Abby Kaselak, Drew Eberly, Jay Rittberger, Denae Rall, Sam Vestey, Jennifer Painter, Randy Benge, Joel B. Cohen, Wilma Hatton, Dani Mann, Eileen Howard, Aaron Henley, Wendy Cohen, Bill Fulk, Vera Cermeans, Quentin Schofield, and Aaron Len.
Directed by Frank Barnhart, Parade will be presented:Saturdays, Feb. 28 and March 7, 14 @ 8 p.m.Sundays, March 1, 8, 15 @ 2:30 p.m.Thursdays, March 5, 12 @ 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $12 for JCC members, $18 for nonmembers, $10 for senior members, $16 for senior nonmembers, $8 for children or students, and $10 per ticket for groups of 10 or more. Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling (614) 231-2731 or at the door.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
More Parade!!
Another week has passed and lots of rehearsal, work, stress, and drama. So this week we are out of the woods of just music rehearsals and deep into staging and blocking act 1. Today we did finish up the blocking or the skeleton as Frank likes to call it that would be act 1. As time goes on I find myself falling more and more into the story and life that this show breathes into you after a while. I think I have come along way even at this point in the game and I can't wait to go even further. Anywho so Monday I didn't have to go in but from what I am told it went very well and I can't wait to see and hear the magic this coming week. Tuesday I fell even more in love with Franks wonderful brain and skill with the way the funeral scene was staged. It was absolutely beautiful and Jonathan was fucking amazing as Frankie. I cried a little, not gonna lie about. Wednesday was so much fun and it made me fall more in love with acting and again Frank. I may kidnap him after this to become my personal director. I just think I can learn alot from him and thats just after learning so much from him up until this point. In the beginning stages I usually get nervous and shy even if I have made character choices jst because I do. Apparently I didn't do a bad job after I went to my special place. Thursday's rehearsal got changed around a little bit and Frank worked with the factory girls which also went well. Again I cannot wait to see it this week. So today we blocked out all of the courtroom drama as i like to call and my light got to shine bright. I think most of the cast enjoyed seeing me work today as Jim and even though I don't feel I have reached my peak yet it was still pretty awesome. I felt so much energy from everybody else which made me feel comfortable enough to let loose a little bit. With time and having to perform in front of my peers more and more I'll get there!!! Speaking of this week, its going to be long and tedious but well worth it. Also I respect people who know when to stop but I also feel like at certain points you would want to live in those moments sometimes just a little bit longer but thats just me. I love to sing and act and work and work until its great. For me that might not be ever since I judge myself so harshly but you know wouldn't you want to do your best and be at your best at all times???
So besides all of that this was the first weekend I had nothing to do but thats not completely true. I did take off work Friday and went to Dayton to see old friends that just happened to be on tour and hung out and caught up and saw my brothers and sister and stepmom. I had a blast. And to go along with my obseessions of the week and a movie I think the world should see and enjoy I saw Cadillac Records and it was the most amazing thing I have seen. I was so moved by everyones performance that it drove me to tears. So true to the fact that I saw it twice!! Go and see it!!
It is getting to that time of the year where the "serious actors" are preparing for auditions so we can get jobs. you know the ones that pay enough so that you can live off of and just focus on acting and not have to live in the real world. I cannot wait for February and March and the fact that I have a new audition buddy being Rachel. we are going to have so much fun.
If you are a fellow reader of the blog be prepared for magic ths week as I record act 1 this week for someones guilty pleasure so stay tuned to hear leo, lucille, mary , frankie, dorsey and yours truly Jim Conley. Also many more people Like Abby, Vera and Emily with their wonderful trio work which I am pretty sure we all want to hear!!!
My Objectives this week:
To create the monster
to lure
to protect
to escape
My Obsessions this week:
Cadillac Records( Great movie!!)
Jeffrey Wright( My new hero and amazing actor)
Learning new monologue materials for auditions
Britney Spears( Womanizer my new work out song)
Making stronger bonds with the cast
weight training( to get in better shape)
Frank( My wonderful director)
Finding out where the hell my soon to be wife is!??!
and last but not least (Parker Posey)
Also more videos and such I promise!!
Peace, Love, and Skittles!!
So besides all of that this was the first weekend I had nothing to do but thats not completely true. I did take off work Friday and went to Dayton to see old friends that just happened to be on tour and hung out and caught up and saw my brothers and sister and stepmom. I had a blast. And to go along with my obseessions of the week and a movie I think the world should see and enjoy I saw Cadillac Records and it was the most amazing thing I have seen. I was so moved by everyones performance that it drove me to tears. So true to the fact that I saw it twice!! Go and see it!!
It is getting to that time of the year where the "serious actors" are preparing for auditions so we can get jobs. you know the ones that pay enough so that you can live off of and just focus on acting and not have to live in the real world. I cannot wait for February and March and the fact that I have a new audition buddy being Rachel. we are going to have so much fun.
If you are a fellow reader of the blog be prepared for magic ths week as I record act 1 this week for someones guilty pleasure so stay tuned to hear leo, lucille, mary , frankie, dorsey and yours truly Jim Conley. Also many more people Like Abby, Vera and Emily with their wonderful trio work which I am pretty sure we all want to hear!!!
My Objectives this week:
To create the monster
to lure
to protect
to escape
My Obsessions this week:
Cadillac Records( Great movie!!)
Jeffrey Wright( My new hero and amazing actor)
Learning new monologue materials for auditions
Britney Spears( Womanizer my new work out song)
Making stronger bonds with the cast
weight training( to get in better shape)
Frank( My wonderful director)
Finding out where the hell my soon to be wife is!??!
and last but not least (Parker Posey)
Also more videos and such I promise!!
Peace, Love, and Skittles!!
Monday, January 19, 2009
The Old Red Hills of Home
So just to recap the highlights of my wonderful life since I was last at rehearsal and just some thoughts I had. So after Thursdays interesting rehearsal I spent alot time with the music and trying to get my stuff down as best as I can and then I enjoyed myself.
Friday: After work I called Rachel and we discussed how rehearsal went and how bored we were. So we decided to go out to applebee's. It was just the two of us without Jonathan which was sad but we still had a good time. We ate and laughed and talked about the show and listened to my rehearsal tapes I made of myself. It feels really great to have a great friend like Rachel to tell you the truth and speak honestly and be candid with. After that I went out to karaoke with some really good friends. I was still sick by the way. I got to see Ms. Zambrotta and Ms. Partlow and I had a blast catching up. Pics coming soon.
Saturday: I got up midday and decided I was not going to work so of course I pulled out the parade script and did a little bit of work. Had some breakfast did some cardio and took lots of medication. Again another day of hanging out had to come about. Rachel called and we had made plans to go to the movies and see " The Reader" which of course didn't happen but soon I promise we will. In the midst of making plans we wanted to see if Jon wanted to go but he was down at wright state doing his own thing and going to see a show that I completely forgot about. He said we should come and so we had a "Road Trip". Btw before we left I decided to take a whole bottle of cough medicine and two sudafed. YES I was high as a kite!! I couldn't beleive Rachel and the wife let me drive but the carride was fun and cool. We went to see "Dog Sees God" and it was beyond amazing. I mean the talent that embodied that stage was a sight to see. the show was amazing, the actors was amazing and it was just great. I haven't see that theatre so packed since quills which was done my freshman year. Anyway after the show we went home and stopped at steak n shake for what i like to call a late night snack.
Sunday: Finally some blocking. I cannot tell you how long I have been anticipating the start of this process. Pretty much we covered the first nine pages and got out earlier than expected which was cool. We had to sing without music due to the fact our Music director was sick. Can I tell you though how in love I am with Frank and his skill and just being. When he opened his mouth it was like heaven. At least to me. He is an actors dream. I know it was just blocking but just to hear his ideas and how he works was very exciting and I can't wait for more.
Speaking of all of that we as in the cast need to hangout and get more social. its sad that some of us still don't know peoples names and a little funny too.
My Objectives for the week:
To create the"Monster"
To hide my truth
My Obesessions for the week:
Dog Sees God( I think we know why)
Cough Drops
Getting my Audition Applications done and sent out
Deep Meditation ( its good for the soul)
Columbus Short( Stomp, THis Christmas) Pretty much the simple fact that he was on broadway and is really a good actor. I inspire to work with him someday.
Lauren London( This Christmas and 90210) She's hot and special and talented.
Caroline or Change ( A great musical I love and will be in someday)
BArrack Obama( Such an inspiration to me and he's our new President)
Also Btw My Mom went to see dancing with the stars last night and today she signed up for dance classes.
P.S. if you are doing research for this show a tip to getting really in depth. try typing every persons name involved in the trial. I will post al of the links I found.
Peace, Love and skittles!!
Friday: After work I called Rachel and we discussed how rehearsal went and how bored we were. So we decided to go out to applebee's. It was just the two of us without Jonathan which was sad but we still had a good time. We ate and laughed and talked about the show and listened to my rehearsal tapes I made of myself. It feels really great to have a great friend like Rachel to tell you the truth and speak honestly and be candid with. After that I went out to karaoke with some really good friends. I was still sick by the way. I got to see Ms. Zambrotta and Ms. Partlow and I had a blast catching up. Pics coming soon.
Saturday: I got up midday and decided I was not going to work so of course I pulled out the parade script and did a little bit of work. Had some breakfast did some cardio and took lots of medication. Again another day of hanging out had to come about. Rachel called and we had made plans to go to the movies and see " The Reader" which of course didn't happen but soon I promise we will. In the midst of making plans we wanted to see if Jon wanted to go but he was down at wright state doing his own thing and going to see a show that I completely forgot about. He said we should come and so we had a "Road Trip". Btw before we left I decided to take a whole bottle of cough medicine and two sudafed. YES I was high as a kite!! I couldn't beleive Rachel and the wife let me drive but the carride was fun and cool. We went to see "Dog Sees God" and it was beyond amazing. I mean the talent that embodied that stage was a sight to see. the show was amazing, the actors was amazing and it was just great. I haven't see that theatre so packed since quills which was done my freshman year. Anyway after the show we went home and stopped at steak n shake for what i like to call a late night snack.
Sunday: Finally some blocking. I cannot tell you how long I have been anticipating the start of this process. Pretty much we covered the first nine pages and got out earlier than expected which was cool. We had to sing without music due to the fact our Music director was sick. Can I tell you though how in love I am with Frank and his skill and just being. When he opened his mouth it was like heaven. At least to me. He is an actors dream. I know it was just blocking but just to hear his ideas and how he works was very exciting and I can't wait for more.
Speaking of all of that we as in the cast need to hangout and get more social. its sad that some of us still don't know peoples names and a little funny too.
My Objectives for the week:
To create the"Monster"
To hide my truth
My Obesessions for the week:
Dog Sees God( I think we know why)
Cough Drops
Getting my Audition Applications done and sent out
Deep Meditation ( its good for the soul)
Columbus Short( Stomp, THis Christmas) Pretty much the simple fact that he was on broadway and is really a good actor. I inspire to work with him someday.
Lauren London( This Christmas and 90210) She's hot and special and talented.
Caroline or Change ( A great musical I love and will be in someday)
BArrack Obama( Such an inspiration to me and he's our new President)
Also Btw My Mom went to see dancing with the stars last night and today she signed up for dance classes.
P.S. if you are doing research for this show a tip to getting really in depth. try typing every persons name involved in the trial. I will post al of the links I found.
Peace, Love and skittles!!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Links to Videos!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M610s2FHCVg That's What He Said!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tg7AuR4NUk All The Wasted Time!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRaxOz1i5eE Parade stuff!!
Here are some clips I think you'll love to watch!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tg7AuR4NUk All The Wasted Time!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRaxOz1i5eE Parade stuff!!
Here are some clips I think you'll love to watch!!
Parade week 2
Ok so this has been a long week of waiting to go to rehearsal since I only had one day which was thursday. On top of the waiting I was sick as a dog for most of the week and even sick during rehearsal. I really downed a bottle of medicine and held on for dear life. I don't know but I am going to assume that everybody elses time this week was well spent learning music and such. The only people I know that are a little upset might be the wednesday people because rehearsal was cancelled due to the horrible weather that consumes us all. All in all on thursday I think I could have done alot better and I think that after we just grind in the music that our nice little black trio will be awesome. I really need to learn my music just so I can be on point. Also I need to work on making crisp sounds as far as speaking so people can understand what I am saying. I can't wait until we start blocking!!!
Here's a little quote of the week:
I can relate to how they're enamored of the world of live theater. It's fun to make a play. Each cast becomes a family. Rehearsals give that wonderful feeling of being a lug nut in a well-oiled machine. When you're cast in a play, you belong somewhere, you have a place to be, lines to say, and a personality to project. A drab secretary from the courthouse becomes a singing nun; a coal miner becomes a handsome sea captain. All it takes is a book and music by Rodgers & Hammerstein. Who doesn't love the applause? No one ever gave me a standing ovation at the Pharmacy, or Nellie at the bank, or Greg in his cubicle at the accounting firm. We'll get it tonight, though, and we'll revel in it. If there's one thing in this world that folks need, it's to feel that they've done a good job. How rare that reinforcement is! Most of the work in this world is thankless; parenting, the drudgery of our daily jobs--we contribute so much that no one sees or acknowledges. But in the theater, when it's good, that gratitude is there, audience to actor. They let us know they like what we do with applause and whistles and standing ovations. You can't beat it.
enjoy!!
Here's a little quote of the week:
I can relate to how they're enamored of the world of live theater. It's fun to make a play. Each cast becomes a family. Rehearsals give that wonderful feeling of being a lug nut in a well-oiled machine. When you're cast in a play, you belong somewhere, you have a place to be, lines to say, and a personality to project. A drab secretary from the courthouse becomes a singing nun; a coal miner becomes a handsome sea captain. All it takes is a book and music by Rodgers & Hammerstein. Who doesn't love the applause? No one ever gave me a standing ovation at the Pharmacy, or Nellie at the bank, or Greg in his cubicle at the accounting firm. We'll get it tonight, though, and we'll revel in it. If there's one thing in this world that folks need, it's to feel that they've done a good job. How rare that reinforcement is! Most of the work in this world is thankless; parenting, the drudgery of our daily jobs--we contribute so much that no one sees or acknowledges. But in the theater, when it's good, that gratitude is there, audience to actor. They let us know they like what we do with applause and whistles and standing ovations. You can't beat it.
enjoy!!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Helpful Link
So again I know its been too long but not really but here is a link to a great blog for those who love musical theatre and love addding sheet music to their rep hope you enjoy and I'll be back with more!!
http://broadwayscoresandsheetmusic.blogspot.com/
http://broadwayscoresandsheetmusic.blogspot.com/
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