A Sad Waste of Life

Glad I'm Not the First to Make this Comparison

So, on the day of the 2014 vernal equinox, the Reverend Fred Phelps (one of, if not THE most hated men in America) kicked the bucket. Bought the farm. Expired. Became an ex-human. Oh, wait -- maybe not that last one. Seems like he'd already done that to himself a long time ago.

Westboro Baptist started in 1955 as a branch of a small church in Topeka, where Fred Phelps was the assistant pastor. After his promotion to pastor of the new church on the other side of town, Phelps soon cut off all relations with the founding group. In 1964, Phelps earned his Juris Doctorate at Washburn and became a civil rights activist, defeating Jim Crow laws in Kansas. Somewhere along the way, Phelps lost his mind and became a religious fanatic, forcing his views on his family with threats and beatings (according to many who have since left the WBC, including Phelps' son Nate, now an LGBT rights activist in Canada). Disbarred in Kansas in 1979 and in Federal Court ten years later, Phelps and his followers (now mostly just members of his family) began their infamous picketing in 1991. By 2001, everyone knew the Westboro Baptist Church and their message of "God's" hatred of homosexuality. Phelps infamously told talk-show host (and original Tracy Turnblad) Ricki Lake the he "...worshiped her rectum..." after appearing on her show in 1994. Lake reportedly had Phelps forcibly removed from the studio.

But then a wonderful thing happened along the way... people started to hear and see Phelps' message for the lies and hate it was. A spotlight was shone on their bigotry and people took notice and started to rethink their own thoughts on LGBT people. So that was good, I suppose. 

Last year, a sort of coup was staged at WBC. Phelps, ailing and possibly softening his views, was excommunicated and the church elected a group of 8 Elders while ousting Shirley Phelps-Roper as WBC's official spokesperson. These details are just coming to light after it was announced earlier this week that Phelps was near death.

And while some might rejoice at the news of Phelps' death, I can't help but think of the sad waste of time and energy that was his life. If he and his congregation had spent just a tenth of that time and energy helping those in need as they did spreading hatred, the world would be a much better place.  Meanwhile, the WBC (having learned nothing) has announced that it's business and picketing* as usual for the SPLC-identified hate group. And of course, this could be the next step toward drinking the Kool-Aid -- and how sad would that be? There are still children there, being indoctrinated in hatred by fear. So, very sad...

Still, I can't imagine anyone wants to leave this world known for their hateful, hurtful actions, even if they are insane enough to truly believe they are doing the opposite. I'd like to believe that maybe Fred did soften near the end. maybe even felt bad about he'd done, or at least how he'd done it. I'd like to, but I don't. 

Here's what TMZ had to say:

*On a side note - in a purely self-serving move to generate publicity for JTMF's production of The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, we tried desperately to get WBC to come protest. Sadly, their protest calendar was already full that summer. 

More, anon.
Prospero

F**k You, Very Much

I've been feeling a bit down of late. The show closing has a bit to do with it, but there are other factors (which I won't go into right now) that have me a little more than blue. Truth be told, I've been battling depression most of my adult life. Luckily, I've usually been able to work through it without the use of medication (though occasionally therapy helps a lot). As I am sure you have been able to tell from my most recent posts, it's been creeping back up on me.

Anyway, here's something I meant to post a while ago, but didn't for some reason. I was looking for something less maudlin to write about and went into my files and found this music video from "The Big Gay Collab" that cheered me up a bit. My sister will hate it (she won't watch movies with swearing -go figure), but the rest of you may enjoy it quite a bit. It's probably NSFW, but I don't particularly care...

Oh, and at least this did not happen to me, today.

More, anon
Prospero

Betty Bowers Explains It All 4 U

My friend Ken saw my show (twice!) and thus thought of me when he saw the video below. I'm also emailing a link to my cast. It's possibly the funniest comment on Biblical marriage I've seen in a long time. Apparently, 'Betty Bowers' is the self-proclaimed "Best Christian in America." I may have to subscribe to Betty's thread. She's pretty freakin' hilarious. Please enjoy this short, smart and hysterically funny video. Ladies and germs, I give you "Betty Bowers Explains Biblical Marriage:"

By the way, the "Adam" and "Steve" in my show were way hotter than those two schlubs above. Jealous yet?

Wow! How did such juvenile snarkiness get into this post? I am clearly still in recovery. My Facebook status says : "(Prospero) needs a repairative spa weekend..." My up-coming weekend business trip to DC doesn't exactly count. Though my "work spouse" R, AKA "Lady" (don't know if I ever mentioned her, before) and I always seem to have a good time when we go on these outings together. Two years ago in L.A. and San Fran; last year in Chi and this year in DC... People are starting to talk (as if they don't, already). And just for the record; I am not, nor would I ever pretend to be "Guy." He's way cuter than I am.

I thought I'd get a break... but every Saturday through July 18th is booked, already. How the hell did that happen? And do I wonder why I'm tired? The 18th is the one to which I am most looking forward. It's my birthday and D and I are off to get new ink together in the afternoon and then out carousing (that word makes me sound old, doesn't it?) with a bunch of our friends in the evening. And somewhere in there, rehearsals start for my next acting gig (more on that, anon). I suppose I can't afford the luxury of recovery, can I? Ah... screw it! You only live once, right?

As ever... more, anon.

Prospero

On Grieving...

Grief is a very strange emotion. It's usually on display at times of death, but it pops up in many forms and is caused by many different kinds of losses. If you're Charles Schultz, you use it to create an oxymoronic catch phrase for the star of your comic strip. How can there be such a thing as Good Grief? But apparently, grief and mourning are good for us, as long as (just like anything else in life) we don't take it too far. It helps us deal with loss and change and gives our psyches a bit of a purge.

Tonight, I am in mourning. No, no one has died. But a magical world inhabited only a few hours a night, did. Gone... gone... (Who the hell am I and what did I do with Prospero?).


I had to share one last image with you. It's the one I've had made into an 8x10 for my office. A cast so good, they deserve another mention. So... Back row, L to R: Kathy Garofano ("Rabbi Sharon"); David Hamm ("Steve"); Prospero; Damian Gaeta ("Adam"); Matt Paul ("Trey"); Alycia Bauch-Cantor ("The Stage Manager"). Seated, L to R: Maddie Patrick ("Mabel"); Nicole Patrick ("Jane"); Matty Daley ("Kevin") and Caitlin Blauvelt ("Cheryl").


I've been a director for a relatively long time and I have had my share of both triumphs and failures (someday I'll tell you about my Romeo and Juliet). Usually, the show's over; I have a little break and then I move on to the next one. But I'm not quite ready to let go of this particular bit of magic, just yet. A show this special needs to be savored and stored a way safely, so you can recognize its like, when you see it again. So, I need time to grieve...

More, very anon.
Prospero

Comfort and Joy

I have literally lost count of the number of shows I've done. Some have been truly extraordinary experiences: playing Sweeney in "Sweeney Todd;" taking off my clothes in "Love! Valour! Compassion!;" directing an amazing production of "Much Ado About Nothing." All major milestones and/or life-changing events for me. As of today, they all take a back seat to "The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told."

It was the perfect storm of cast, crew and script that somehow rained down what would be an extraordinary event under any circumstances.

I was blessed by the bravest, most trusting, most loving and most uninhibited cast I have ever had the privilige to know. They managed to do something that only two casts before have ever gotten me to do; cry during a performance. They also managed to be the first since high school to make me cry because it was over. That kind of joy mixed with melancholy can be as addictive as crack and I'll be going through a an exceptionally painful withdrawal over the next week. Of course I will see all (or at least, most) of them again. Many of us were already were good friends even before the show, and we'll see each other in the very near future (some of us have already made plans to do so). But it will never again be for this particular reason. :::sigh::::

Theatre truly is a "living art." It exists, but only in each moment in which it is played, because that particular moment cannot be exactly duplicated ever again. Once it's gone, it's gone, never to be again. Which is all the more reason to drink deeply and often. Art can never hurt you.

OK - The Philosophy of Theatre 101 lecture has now concluded. Back to our regularly scheduled programming tomorrow night (though I may have a few more words on this subject before I'm ready to fully move on). Thanks for indulging me.

By the way, that's me (sans mask) in the bright green shirt (they called it my "happy shirt"), behind my cast. They are wearing costumes from the end of Act I, on the set of Act II. I took a million pictures at dress rehearsal, none of which were usable due to a camera malfunction. I was very unhappy. We rushed a couple real quick, after the show today.

From left to right, back to front:

Prospero, Matty Daley ("Kevin"); Matthew Paul ("Trey"); David Hamm ("Steve") Caitlin Blauvelt ("Cheryl"); Alycia Bauch Cantor ("The Stage Manager"); Nicole Patrick ("Jane") Kathy Garofano ("Rabbi Sharon"); Damian Gaeta ("Adam"); Maddie Patrick ("Mabel"). The bravest cast ever known.

I Miss Ms. Kahn

I adored Madeline Kahn. I was lucky enough to have seen her on stage in "On the Twentieth Century" and she was astonishing. She's very often the best part of whatever she's in (though TV never figured out what to do with her). From What's Up, Doc? (an underrated Bogdanovitch gem and her first film) to Young Frankenstein; from her brilliant turn in Paper Moon (Bogdanovitch again) to the deplorable First Family, her performance was always something to be remembered.

I suppose all of this is the long way of saying "I'm Tired."

Ah, Lili. You are missed.

It's officially Opening Night, though I haven't been to bed yet. I think I've had 15 hours sleep all week. I'm going to bed soon. I have a few things to pick up tomorrow afternoon and then I will be officially finished and can sit back, relax and enjoy my show (yeah, right).

There' still time to get tickets! Or make a donation. (Shameless, ain't I? I think Maddie would be proud).

More, anon

Prospero

Pride Month

June is Gay Pride Month. It not only commemorates the Stonewall uprising of 1969, but celebrates sexual diversity in all its forms. It is also the perfect time of year for the annual JTMF AIDS Fundraiser event.

This is our seventh year, and it seems like we've almost gotten it down to a science. The show is almost ready for performance; the caterer is in place and ticket sales are booming.

This coming week is known in theatrical circles as "Hell Week." It's when all the elements come together to create the show as a whole - acting, sound, lighting and scenery finally combine into one amazing creation that defies the laws of physics. No one who has ever been part of a play knows how it happens. It just does. Those of us in the business know and accept that it is (and always will be) one of Life's Great Mysteries.

But this post is not just about the Miracle of Theatre. It is about how far we (the LGBT Community) have come since 1969.

Judy may have died the night before the infamous NYC riots, but what happened to us all since then has been nothing short of miraculous. Six states now recognize same-sex marriage. Even more reject discrimination against sexual oriention. We may not get there in my lifetime, but I can foresee a day when sexual orientation is no longer an issue in America and every person, regardless of race, creed, or sexuality is treated equally. It's simply a matter of time.

So, in the spirit of how far we've come (and just because they're so damned funny), here a a few videos from the past (and one from the present) that I hope will amuse you.

Boys: Beware!

I hope this doctor is long dead:

And finally - a parody of the disease one can catch: The Gay:

I hope you will all join me in celebrating Pride this month. And I also hope that I will live to see the day when Pride Month will no longer be a necessity in America.

More, anon.

Prospero

Happy Holidays

Have you ever tried to find Christmas decorations in the middle of June? It's not easy, trust me.

And I'm looking for the kind of stuff nobody makes anymore. You know, those extruded plastic figures that you stick a bulb inside and put on your lawn in hopes that no idiot punks will come along and steal them? Pretty awful, but what the script calls for. Yes, some of the cast and crew have volunteered to scour their attics (and a member of a sister theatre company brought us one), but I'm looking for loads. I have a big stage to fill. Here's some examples of the kind of things I'm looking for:

See, it's even hard to find pictures of the damned things. I had to post a picture of decorations from Christmas' lonely Spring cousin, Easter... Gruesome, ain't they?

So, if anyone out there in cyberspace has any suggestions as to where I can find these, or if any of my local friends reading this post have any of them yourselves, please let know, ASAP. Thanks.

More, anon.

Prospero

Update: My adorable cast member Matty has come through and delivered Santa & Mrs. Claus; a Teddy Bear; Choir Singers and Lampposts. Now I just need furniture and I'll be very happy...

P

Trying to Remain Sane

Very short post tonight.

My cast, as wonderful as they are, are having issues remembering their lines. We still have a little more than a week to go. Should I ask them all to start a ginko biloba regimen?

Not to mention the million and four props, the 7000 sound cues and the 8 billion lighting cues...

And I wonder why I am tired...

More, anon.

Prospero

Christmas in June

So, here it is, June 7th, and I'm listening to Christmas music. No, seriously. I'm trying to choose Intermission music for "Most Fabulous..." which ends Act I with the Nativity and places Act II at a Christmas Open House party in modern-day New York City (you'd be amazed at how much gay Christmas music there is). Why wouldn't I be listening to Christmas music (most of which, by the way, I despise)?

This is my last week to devote 97.99% percent of my attention to my cast, which saddens me. I love them and want to watch them play and help them grow as much as I can. But I find myself devoting more and more time to the technical side of the show, which excites me too, because I'm starting to get into how all the elements of the show will work together as a whole. So, as you can imagine, I am torn and in need of an occasional distraction.

Weekends are light for most of the blogs I read regularly (some don't post at all on Saturdays and Sundays), so I branch out and hit YouTube and funnyordie and any other number of sites I only visit on the weekend or once-in-a-while. Tonight, in a YouTube search for "The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told," I came across this report of a Florida production this past January:

I may have mentioned this before, but we're actually hoping the "good" Reverend Phelps and his clan show up. Their presence is just what may be what it takes for the entire New Jersey LGBT community to fully embrace the JTMF and what we are all about.

Yesterday afternoon was a line-through with most of the cast, and a barbecue/hot-tub/pool party as their reward, after. We carried-on, drank, ate, laughed and tortured each other, as usual. I quizzed my newest find about horror movies (he's good), gave some amazing foot-rubs and further cemented the bonds between us (no, NOT in THAT way, you pervs! ;-0).

There is something truly magical about a cast that not only 'gets" it, but connects to one another so extraordinarily. Either I'm a genius, or I am just a casting savant (though I doubt the latter... I've made more than my share of casting mistakes... lol). In either case, I am certainly the luckiest director on the entire East Coast.

Today was an amazing choreography session with one of the best fight guys around. The Bravest Actors in the World had it down and running at full speed in less than 30 minutes. Props to all three for once again delivering beyond expectations.

Finally, here's something funny. While I am not particularly a fan of Tori Spelling (except in Trick), this clip from her show, featuring Star Trek and "Heroes" alum, Zachary Quinto, is both hilarious and hot!

On that note, I am off to continue (and hopefully, soon finish) work on my soundplot. We'll talk again soon, I promise.

More, anon.
Prospero

PS - I am deliberately not watching the Tonys, because even though I took the time to write this post, I still have 12,546 things to do before the show will be ready to open. "Oy gay!"

P.

A Night Off

And a million things to talk about. Even though I have also been working on getting the show's sound plot completed, I have been bouncing around the Net again tonight and have thoughts on many things:

In Gay Movie News, according to AfterElton.com, actor Wesley Eure of "Days of Our Lives" and "Land of the Lost" fame, has finally come out. I guess he was sort of cute, but I never really got it. Too pretty, I think.

And Marvel Studios have announced that they are planning to release four features a year and will be bringing back the Hulk for their Avengers series (via).

Let's hope technology will have developed enough to finally give us a believable version of the big green brute.

In Gay Music News, Parisian musician Reead has a new video out for his song, "Baby," which features Paris' Chinatown, a boom box and three rather attractive young men wearing only animated blocks (via):

Reead "Baby", 3 mecs à China Town, avec NuitSexy.fr
by rollrecords

Finally, I just think this is very cool. MonkeyLectric offers this exceptionally cool Persistence of Vision light gadget for your bicycle wheels. At an amazingly affordable price (about $60 per wheel), their safety/marketing system allows you display just about anything you want on your wheels as you make your way through the darkened streets, roads and pathways of your hometown (via).

Last night's rehearsal was better. Without the books, they are really starting to grow. Tomorrow is a line-through and then a pool/hot tub party. They continue to amaze and amuse. Off to try and finish my sound plot... two weeks to go...

More, anon.

Prospero

Briefly...

It's late. I'm very tired. I feel I've abandoned the Faithful...

Rehearsals this week have been... interesting. Monday was their first night "off-book" (no scripts in their hands). It started out good, but fell apart in many places. I didn't help by trying to add sound cues, but still...

Tuesday was Act II, which has a much more traditional narrative structure than Act I, and they alll seeemd to have a better handle on how to play it, so I (perhaps foolishly) hoped they would know it better than Act I. I have never been more wrong. To be honest, two of my supporting players were exceptionally well-prepared and made me laugh once they finally entered the scene. We did manage to take some very nice publicity shots, so it wasn't a total bust.

Then came tonight. Act I again. Oh, so good. Two other members of my supporting cast had amazing break-throughs, and while it got a bit bogged down toward the end, it was miles from where it had been on Monday. Hope is restored.

So that's the latest. Sorry it wasn't more interesting, Oh - I was surprised to find the CD's I'd ordered from Amazon arrived a day before I expected them, so I was able to add additional music cues tonight.

I know - YAWN.... right? Maybe I can talk about how gorgeous my leading men are, some more. Got your attention there, didn't I?

I need sleep.

More, anon.

Prospero

Disappointment Mixed with Joy

What an oddly dichotic day.

First, as I am sure you know by now, the California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8. I don't understand why they would do this. This is the same court that ruled it Unconstitutional to deny same-sex marriage in the first place. I cried when I read the decision. Then I heard some activist say something on the evening news that made me feel a little better: "No civil rights issue has ever been defeated, before. No civil rights issue will ever be defeated." As our President continues to back peddle on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and the idiots in CA fall to pressure from the religious right, I am comforted by the fact that at least 5 states now allow same-sex marriage. That's 10%. And that's what the LGBT community is estimated to be (though I think it's probably a low-ball estimate). So this year it's 10%. Next year, it may be 12% or 15%. Soon, maybe not today or tomorrow, it will be 100%.

Then, I went to rehearsal for "The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told," our first since the holiday weekend break. There I was pleasantly surprised to see that my cast had not only actually worked on trying to memorize (they have until Monday to be off-book), but were ready to play, experiment and grow in their roles. It's always a joy to work with fearless actors who are willing to take the extra step and invent business and shtick on the fly, and I am lucky enough to have found 9 who are not only willing to do so, but more than capable of it.

So - a dichotomy of a day. Bad news, supplanted by a good rehearsal. If this show opens just one pair of eyes; if it opens up one heart; if it lessens one person's misunderstanding, then I will consider it a job well-done. If my cast keeps going in the same direction, I can't see us not doing that.

Once again, tickets to the James Tolin Memorial Fund's 7th Annual AIDS Fundraiser featuring Paul Rudnick's "The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told" are available by visiting http://www.jtmf.org/; http://www.kelseyatmccc.org/ or by calling the Kelsey Theatre box office at 609-570-3333. If you cannot attend, but want to help, you secure donation via PayPal can be made at http://www.jtmf.org/. Or your Silent Auction donation can be sent by contacting Event Coordinator Tracy Antozesski at jtmf@verizon.net. Past Silent Auction donors have included the Home Shopping Network; Comcast; Mr. Robin Williams; the cast of ABC's "Desperate Housewives;" Miele Appliances; Simon and Schuster; Ms. Carol Burnett and Broadway Cares.

More, anon.

Prospero

The Bravest Actors in the World

As a gay man; an actor and a director, there is nothing more annoying to me than seeing straight actors play gay characters without an ounce of sincerity: Tom Hanks in Philadelphia; River Phoenix in My Own Private Idaho; Chris Meloni on any given episode of "Oz." People say "He's so brave to do that!" "What a terrific performance!" "How did he do that?" But in the back of my mind, I'm always aware that the actors playing those parts are straight. How many gay actors playing straight roles are praised for being "brave?" Few, if any, I guarantee (and even fewer are even acknowledged at all, for doing so).

It's one of the many reasons I love the performances in Ang Lee's Brokeback Mountain. Not once did I question Heath Ledger's or Jake Gyllenhaal's sexuality. Especially in the scene where they meet at Ledger's apartment complex and kiss passionately in the shadows, hoping no one can see (we'll talk about Michelle Williams' stunning performance in this scene some other time).

The two actors playing Adam and Steve in my production of The Most Fabulous Story... are both straight. They are both terrific, personable and talented young men, and very good friends. One is even the Godfather to (and namesake of) the other's baby. And both of them trust me enough to go to the same places that Ledger and Gyllenhaal apparently went.

In preparation for the show, I have been conducting intimacy sessions with both of them, getting them used to touching and kissing each other and being sexually intimate together (without the actual sex, of course). And while they were both nervous and skeptical at first, they both have acknowledged that the sessions have helped them deal with and explore their sexualities in ways they might never have done. In addition, the sessions have helped establish their characters' relationship as something beyond sexual and will go a long way into making our audience believe that they share a very real, very strong love.

It is always a privilege to direct a JTMF show. It is made especially sweet by having two actors who are willing to set aside their own concepts of their sexuality in an effort to honestly portray a real and loving same-sex relationship.It is because of their unwavering trust in me and my vision for the show, that I nominate both of them as "The Bravest Actors in the World." And this is just my way of crowing about them. If I could marry both of them, I would.

Tickets for The JTMF production of Paul Rudnick's The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told are available by visiting http://www.jtmf.org/ or calling the Kelsey Theatre box-office at 609-570-3333. 100% of our ticket sales benefit The Open Arms Foundation, which provides support and services for NJ residents living with HIV/AIDS and the James Tolin Memorial Scholarship at Mercer County Community College, which provides financial support for deserving Performance Arts majors at MCCC.

More, anon.

Prospero

I Want a New Drug...

So, after an amazing and productive night working with just 'Adam' (my Dear D) and 'Steve,' tonight's rehearsal for The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told had only one advantage: we got to move out of the cramped and useless rehearsal space we had and into the theatre, proper. Bonus, right?

Wrong. First, one of my actors (who has already been late for three rehearsals) called to say he had a "family emergency" and couldn't make rehearsal. I know things happen beyond our control, but this raises a red flag in my mind, especially in light of his history with me. Second, we arrive at the scheduled rehearsal space, only to find it locked, which means we have to find a security call-box and then wait for an ancient Campus Police Officer to pull up in his golf cart and unlock the shitty little lecture hall with the obtrusive work station which we've been given for rehearsal. Then, we finally get on our feet and my producer shows up unexpectedly and says "We can move into the theatre."

So, rehearsal stops again as me move over to the actual performance space, which is a very happy thing. But... by this time my cast is so discombobulated and distracted, that the rehearsal takes twice as long as it should have and most of them are barely paying attention to what's going on. Bonus points for our costumer arriving to at least meet the cast and discuss what seems like a million and four costumes in Act I, alone. And we did manage to take some publicity shots.

But still... it was a disappointing rehearsal...

I know I have a terrific cast and I trust (most of) them as much as I am asking them to trust me, but I'm now just a little nervous. Opening night is less than a month away...

So I guess the title of this post refers to the fact that maybe I need some Zoloft, or (heaven forfend) Prozac to help me stay more positive...

Or maybe I just need to get some.

Hmmm....

More, anon.
Prospero

I'm Back, Bitches!

Hi gang! Didja miss me? A small post tonight.

I won't bore you with the details of my trip, other than to say it was wonderful. The weather was gorgeous (sunny, upper 80's every day), most of the food was yummy (except for one particularly nasty, though FoodNetwork recommended, restaurant in Indian Rocks Beach where, among other issues, Uncle Prospero found a hair in his fries... Ewww!) and the company was terrific. My sister, brother-in-law and I managed to sneak off one morning to have a photo portrait done for my mother for Mother's Day (she loved it); we spent a day in Downtown Disney where I took advantage of the going-out-of-business sale at the Virgin Megastore and a day at Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, which is just lovely (and small enough to cover without exhausting oneself). I have a nice tan and feel quite rejuvenated.

Tonight was the first real rehearsal for "The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told" and I am happy to report that we are already ahead of schedule (though trying to get a great big str8 boy to do a chorus line kick while delivering a joke proved something of a challenge). The cast is smart, funny and intuitive, which makes my job that much easier. This is going to be an exceptionally fun show and I can't wait until they get their scripts out of their hands.

And how was your week?

More, anon.

Prospero

The Gayest Thing(s) You'll See This Week

First, a word about last night's first read-through for the JTMF production of Paul Rudnick's The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told. In a word: brilliant. Rarely have I seen a cast so instantly 'get' a play. They laughed at every joke; they teared up at every poignant moment and they applauded when it was all done. For a director, a first read like this is almost as good as sex. Afterwards, most of us headed out to the local spot for a few drinks and bonded. This is going to be one hell of a show, folks. I only wish all of you could see it.

Is it possible to fall in love with nine people all at the same time? The answer (at least for this director) is a resounding "Yes!" We're planning on inviting the author to attend. I hope he does, because I think he'd be as thrilled with this cast as I am.

Next, several members of the Israeli Army got together and made his video for the Samwell song "What What (In the Butt)." It's both hilarious and a little sexy, though I don't get why they pixellated fully-clothed men simulating sex.

And finally, here's a trailer for Humpday, director Lynn Shelton's story about two straight friends who decide to make a gay porn film.

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

So tell me, if you were in desperate need of money (ala Kevin Smith's Zack and Miri Make a Porno), would you? I know that if I had the body for it, I'd be out there getting paid to have sex. Is there someone you'd be willing to make a porno with? Or maybe you've made your own private videos... What would you do if they were leaked on line, like Paris Hilton, Rob Lowe and Pamela Anderson (none of whom seem to have suffered because of it)? Would you get your kink on for the camera?

BTW, both of the above clips are via Towleroad.

More, anon.

Prospero

"The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told" Is Fully Cast

Auditions were finally held today, and I was able to fill every open role. And while I had precast three of my four leads (Adam, Steve and Mabel) and one of the multi-character supporting players, I had a pretty good idea that I was going to use three of the folks who had scheduled audition appointments. Thankfully, all three of them showed up and were consequently cast. That left two roles open and perhaps a dozen actors from which to choose. The first four people I saw immediately got "No" written at the bottom of their audition forms. I was almost discouraged. Then the next two were also "No's." I was really starting to worry. Then, suddenly, I had an abundance of riches and after careful consideration, was finally able to assemble a complete cast.

I'm very excited. For the first time in a long time, returning actors are out-numbered by actors who are completely new to the JTMF, two of whom are completely new to me. Only Adam (my dear D) and Jane have done a JTMF show before (this is D's 4th), though I have worked with three new members in other companies and seen two others in enough other shows to know I wanted them to be a part of this one. One is one of my best friends in the whole world (my rock, K) and I am so glad to be able to finally include her in a JTMF cast. The full cast list will soon be available at http://www.jtmf/.

I'll soon be posting rehearsal photos and rehearsal updates. Our first read-through is a week from Monday! The start of a new show (as I am sure you can tell) is always so invigorating for me. I can't wait to dive in and get going!

More, anon.

Prospero.

Auditions

Here's an image you'll see more than once between now and June 19th. It's the gorgeous poster our brilliant graphic designer has come up with for the 7th Annual JTMF AIDS Benefit Event, featuring Paul Rudnick's The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told. I just love the two nekkid primitive guys holding an apple - it says everything you need to know about a play that's about 'Adam and Steve.'

Auditions are this Saturday and it looks like all of the appointment slots have been filled which, as a director, thrills me to no end. I know plenty of the folks on the list, though many names are new to me. I love discovering new talent.

Of course, my dear D has already been cast (and I have a good idea about several other actors). A JTMF show is unlike most others. We try and use our "regulars" as much as possible, though there aren't always roles for all of them in whatever show we happen to be doing in a particular year. Last year's show, What the Butler Saw was entirely pre-cast, and that's simply because I knew what I wanted from the show and knew the actors who would give me what I wanted. You see the same trend in films - directors love working with actors who "get" them. An established relationship with an actor can make a director's job so much easier; they know what to expect from me, and I know what I can get out of them. It's almost symbiotic.

That doesn't mean I'm not open to using new folks. In last fall's Shakespeare '70 production of The Skin of Our Teeth, I pre-cast three out of about 30 roles and held open auditions for the rest. Which worked out quite nicely, despite having to replace one actress with another (who ended up doing a magnificent job).

They (whoever "they" are) say that 90% of directing is casting. If that's true, then most of my work will be done by Saturday evening.

As with Skin of Our Teeth, I'll be blogging our progress throughout the production. I'll be posting rehearsal and publicity photos, as well as my thoughts about the process (along with my usual mix of movies, TV, politics and other mayhem). As always, your thoughts and comments are most welcome. I love it when you tell me what you think.

More, anon.

Prospero

And so it begins...

Tonight was an important pre-production meeting for Paul Rudnick's The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, which means the JTMF benefit is about to fly into high gear. I started Caliban's Revenge after last year's event, so though I know I've mentioned the JTMF and what we do, I've never blogged a JTMF event for you guys. I have blogged it on the JTMF blog, which no one read. The problem was, since we only do one event a year (something we have been trying to change for a while), there isn't a whole lot to talk about when the event isn't in progress, which basically translates into a nine month stretch with absolutely nothing to say. Yawn. I'm working on changing that and am next off to create the JTMF Facebook page. You may notice smaller and eventually fewer posts as we get closer to June and production.

I want to leave you something fun, and you may have already seen it, but here's a trailer for Pandorum a movie that could be total cheese or nifty Sci-fi Horror in the tradition of Alien. Ah... who am I kidding. Colby Jack, all the way. It stars the still very hot Dennis Quaid and Ben Foster, who played Angel in X:3 and Claire's bisexual boyfriend on HBO's Six Feet Under, so it has the potential to be either. German director Christian Alvart doesn't have many credits at all, and no others in the U.S. Writer Travis Milloy has only two previous writing credits for movies no one has ever seen. Hmmm.... OK - but will it be a pleasantly palatable cheese (a nice aged sharp cheddar) or something stinky and awful like Limburger? "Enquiring minds want to know..."

More, anon.

Prospero