I Can't Stop the Beat

So today saw the final performance of A Christmas Carol and I have to be honest, I don't think I'm going to suffer the usual post-show depression I usually experience at the end of a run. Mostly because I'm just exhausted. 

Doing a show while trying to get ready for the holidays is insane, yet there we were... it's like a strange disease or something. Only other Theatre Folk understand. I do get a break now, though. 

Rehearsals for Hairspray won't start until February and rehearsals for Jeffrey won't start until May. Hairspray will undoubtedly mark my retirement from performing in musicals. It's been eleven years since my last one (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum) anyway, and I think it's probably a good one to go out on. Jeffrey not only marks the 10th Anniversary of the JTMF, but will be the first time D and I actually share more than a brief scene on stage together. After that, who knows what theatrical nonsense I might get up to? Maybe 2012 will finally be the year I get a composer to actually finish the score to one of the three musicals I've written. Or I just might finish one or two of the dozens of 'in-progress' screenplays on my hard drive. Or maybe I'll take a nice long break and not do anything creative for a while (like that might happen).

Whatever the New Year brings, I'm looking forward to it. And I hope you are, as well. In the meantime, please enjoy this number from Hairspray:

More, anon.
Prospero

The Gayest Thing You'll See This Week

The Only 'Gay Christmas' Image I Found Without a Half-Naked Man In It

Last night was opening night of the JTMF production of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" and I got home late and was just too tired to post anything. We had two shows today and have one left tomorrow.

And after Thursday's downer of a post, I thought it time to get back to our usual nonsense, don't you?

I came across the video embedded below on Towleroad, who nicked it from Gawker, which has apparently declared it 'The Viral Video of the Christmas Season.'

Now, I'm not saying the gentleman in the clip is gay. He may or may not be. But I've been in the theatre for the majority of my life and I've worked for the NYC Ballet. I have met a lot dancers, men and women; gay and straight. All I can say is that the straight male dancers I know don't move in quite the same way as the gay male dancers I know. I'll let you decide for yourselves, then. He does have a rather adorable smile, though...

Ladies and germs, I give you "Miracle on 42nd Street:"

So? Gay or straight? You tell me in the comments.

I'm beat. Two shows in one day (even short ones) really take it out of you. I'm off to bed. 

More, anon.

Prospero

The Easiest "Hell Week" Ever

Hell?

To Theatre Folk (who are not too far removed from Circus Folk), "Hell Week" is the last week of rehearsals before a show opens. There is often lots of flailing, wailing and running around and usually plenty of yelling, screaming and crying from everyone involved. And while this is sometimes the case with a JTMF show, more often than not, there is little of that. For Charles Dicken's "A Christmas Carol," there has been absolutely none of the usual Hell Week nonsense. 

After nine years of producing benefit shows, I think we may have actually gotten it down to a science. Of course, it helps that no one involved in a JTMF show has a personal agenda. The 'Diva Factor' just doesn't exist with us. We're all working towards a common goal and honoring the memory of a fallen comrade, while raising money to help those still with us.

Our Winter Event has proven to be very easy two years in a row, now. A radio play is a joy to produce: Small cast with script in hand; minimal rehearsals; a couple of Foley artists; limited light cues and basically no set to speak of all make for a simple and easy show. And working with a bunch of folks who know, respect and love one another makes the whole process so easy for all involved.

My cast and crew (as always) are amazing. My producer is my hero and the chance to perform with so many talented folks is an early Christmas present that means more than any gadget, toy or sweater ever could. 

Just know there will be more shameless self-promotion to come this week. We need butts in seats, folks! Get your tickets now! I promise you'll have a good time. And if you don't... well, you  just may well need a visit from three spirits of your own.

More, anon.

Prospero

Some More Shameless Self Promotion

I can't believe it's already time for the JTMF Winter Event, featuring a staged radio play. To your left is the gorgeous poster for Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol,' which will have 4 performances: December 2nd and 3rd at 8:00 PM and December 3rd and 4th at 2:00 PM. 

Anthony E. Palermo's adaptation features all the characters we know and love; Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come, in a radio version with a live Foley (sound effects) crew.

The cast includes 8 JTMF regulars, including Dear D; K; Q; Matty; Maddie and (appearing in a JTMF show for the first time in 8 years), Uncle P himself as Marley, Fezziwig and the Ghost of Christmas Present. Tickets are $14 to $18 and can be purchased online at www.kelseyatmccc.org; by phone at 609-570-3333 or at the Kelsey box-office. Last year's production of It's a Wonderful Life sold out quickly, so order your tickets early to ensure the best seats.

Partial proceeds from our Winter Event benefit The Trevor Project, a toll-free 24-hour suicide prevention hot-line for LGBT and questioning youth. Our annual June production benefits The Open Arms Foundation; The James Tolin Memorial Scholarship at MCCC and The Trevor Project. Stay tuned for more information about our upcoming 10th Anniversary and our co-production with the MCCC Performing Arts Department of Hairspray (in which it is rumored that Uncle P will playing - God help me - Edna Turnblad).

Seriously, if you are in the Northeast, stop by to not only see a pretty terrific show, but help out some pretty terrific causes, as well. If can't attend, but want to help, you can always make a safe and secure donation via PayPal at www.jtmf.org, though we'd love to see your butt in one of our seats!

More, anon.
Prospero