Night at the Museum 2 filming?

After walking through Central Park tonight, we came out onto Central Park West at the American Museum of Natural History and there was a film crew all over the front entrance. It was pretty cool. We saw a monkey, some Huns, and the "son" riding his bike along the front sidewalk... apparently in a huge hurry. Some pics are below for your entertainment. Enjoy!

UNDERWEAR REVIEW #2... and it's FAB

Check out the review that UNDERWEAR: A SPACE MUSICAL got from nytheatre.com. It's fantabulous!

Here's a brief preview but you can read the whole thing here!

"Mind control. Robots. World domination. Attractive men and women in their skivvies. That was enough to send 12 of my friends into an emailing frenzy to be the one to join me for Underwear: A Space Musical at FringeNYC. However, if you're not hooked already, perhaps it's worth mentioning that this fluffy, campy, zany, hysterically funny pop tuner is also really, really, "blastin'"-ly good. . . Don't let Underwear: A Space Musical blast off without seeing it while it's here at the Fringe! It's far too much fun to be missed." - Ethan Angelica, NYTheatre.com

Nancy Drew and the Tale of the Missing Nano

So, about two years ago (give or take a few months), I lost the BRAND NEW Ipod Nano that my friend Mike gave me. He had a great Ipod already and got the Nano with his new Mac so he offered it to me and I gleefully accepted.

However, within weeks it was gone. I searched high and low.

The Nano was no more.

Then tonight, I was at Cleo's on 9th Avenue celebrating my friend Brandon's birthday (Brandon is one of the authors of and a producing partner on UNDERWEAR: A SPACE MUSICAL). I had on this jacket that I hadn't worn in ages... literally... AGES! Well, I slick it down (making sure I don't look bulgy in it) and feel this weird, blocky spot.

I reach into the inside pocket and FOR CRYING OUT LOUD... there's the $#*(*&(#&% Nano hiding... COMPLETE with ear buds!

So, that's the idiocy of my night. Hopefully I've gained enough dumb points to get me through the next few months. If not, you'll hear about it.

Ogre My God!

Today, DreamWorks Theatricals released the first photo of Brian D'Arcy James as Shrek... the upcoming Broadway stage musical based on the first film and the children's book by William Steig.

Not too bad. I was a touch nervous about this adaptation but BDJ actually looks pretty cool.

According to this article it took 2 hours and 15 minutes to transform him for the first time. That's a LOT of time in a chair. After 10 minutes at the salon I'm ready to bolt.

Until then, follow the show at www.shrekthemusical.com. Let the battle of the green guy vs. the green girl begin.

Photo credit: Andrew Eccles, DreamWorks Theatricals

It's the day of the show, y'all!

It is 9:49am and we're heading downtown the Pace University for our NYC Fringe premiere of UNDERWEAR: A SPACE MUSICAL. Nerves are shot and I'm sweating bullets, but it's all from excitement! The show has come together so well and I think we have some of the most talented cast members I've ever met. If you can make it, please do. It'll be a hoot-and-a-half!

Gotta run... but please don't forget to buy your TICKETS now before things get really crazy! It's the most fun you can have in two hours without getting arrested!!

Attend the tale of Two Cities!

I don't know if you've noticed or not, but there's something interesting happening with some Broadway marketing right now.

While browsing my theatre websites, like the good like Broadway dork I am, I noticed an ad for A Tale of Two Cities (to the right) and was stunned by how similar it is to the iconic photo from Sweeney. Really? This cannot be a marketing goof... right?

I mean, sure, find your target audience and play to their interests. Thoughts?

Now I don't know anything about Two Cities. In fact, I've heard GREAT things about it. I'm just curious about that specific ad and only wish the show the best. Break legs Cities!!!

UNDER-SQUARE (on the UNDERBLOG)

Check out the update on our UNDERWEAR: A SPACE MUSICAL blog! We did an amazing photo shoot today in Times Square... yes, in the middle of Times Square. Check out the story on the link!

And then be sure to buy your ticket to UNDERWEAR. The show starts this weekend!!!!!

Cheers!

BRIGADOON postpones...

Does this mean that Broadway won't have a revival of Brigadoon for 100 years?

From Playbill.com:
To read the full article please visit http://www.playbill.com/news/article/119942.html.

"The new Broadway-aimed production of Lerner and Loewe's Brigadoon, directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Rob Ashford and scheduled to play in Boston this fall, prior to a Broadway opening, has been postponed. The reason given is..."

Contributing to democracy...

... and my wallet.

Yes, it's blatant. I'm helping the American system and myself at the same time. Go buy one from my Zazzle.com store. Fun for yourself, a friend, family member, etc. They're cute and go with your football attire. :)

GOBAMA Campaign T-Shirt - Roll Tide
by

wadkins75

Design Customized TShirts On Zazzle
More Current Events T-Shirts

The pancakes who must not be named...

I spent the weekend in Montgomery, Alabama to speak at the MFA Class of 2008 graduation. It was a good time and I got to see some great friends. I arrived Friday night - late - and almost immediately was swept away to Ihop with Mike, Lynn and Kerrie. Good times were had by all... but I couldn't help but sense that something otherwordly might be in our presence. Not a "wow, Ihop is haunted" kind of feeling, but a sense... a tingling... that danger lurked nearby.

It wasn't until we left that I realized what I was feeling. To the right is my evidence that this bench at Ihop is the "bench who lived." No one else seemed particluarly impressed by this, but I knew. I knew that seven books later, this bench would be a milestone in children's literature.

How many acres is this thing!?

So I went on a true excursion in Central Park yesterday. In all the times I've been to NYC (including living here now) I hadn't ever really explored it. I had of course been to the ball field, and the outer skirts near Columbus Circle... but had never truly plowed my way through thicket and thorn.

I did this time. I only WISH I had a pedometer to know exactly how far I adventured.

If you want to take a virtual tour with me, go check out the pics I uploaded on Myspace. Enjoy... and take a day to go check out this oasis in the middle of the concrete jungle. Kinda amazing!

For Sale...

So, having moved to NYC I am burdened with my 2004 Honda Accord. God Bless Ren for working on selling it for me. But... I don't want to put all the burden on him of course. So, if you're out there in the ether, looking for a fabulous car at a fabulous price CALL ME! :)

The headline above will link you to the Craig's List page or you can click here --> http://neworleans.craigslist.org/car/748670620.html.

Here's the scoop: Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, ABS, Power Steering, AM/FM Stereo with built in XM Satellite Radio (service not provided in the sale), Power Driver's Seat, Power Windows, 6-disc CD changer in dash, Power Door Locks, Dual Front Air Bags, Tilt Wheel, Power Sun Roof. VIN 1HGCM568X4A029180

In excellent condition. Only one previous owner. Barely driven in 4 years. Used to commute to and from work. Never been damaged. Asking $16,200 or best offer.

Give me a shout if you're interested. It is currently in New Orleans in Ren's capable and amazing hands but it can certainly get to you (or vice versa). Enjoy!

The sky is falling...

So a piece of the sky just fell... well, a piece of the ceiling. And I'm so gay that I immediately thought of this classic Golden Girls moment.

And we're back...

So... back to this blog business. I've been in NYC for just almost three weeks now... which is ironically about how long I have not been actively blogging. So updates:

Had a birthday on Sunday... it was great. I spent the day with great friends, had good times, and enjoyed every minute of it. I also got a great care package from Ren today which made me happy and I, of course, showed off to my office mates. Not in the "you didn't get a package so I'm better than you" kinda way... but in the "I'm lucky to have amazing people in my life" kinda way.

Ok, enough sap... we also had our first set of auditions today for UNDERWEAR: A SPACE MUSICAL today. I could only be present for the last hour but I was thrilled to see some great talent come out way. It'll be interesting to see how the creative team makes their decision.

Speaking of auditions, I've been addicted to LEGALLY BLONDE: THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT ELLE WOODS. It's so juicy and I just can't stop watching. It also makes me want to throw on some pink houndstooth, some highlights (ok, full on blonde) and storm the stage. But... that just isn't reasonable... and they're about to announce who leaves tonight so I gotta scoot! More later!!!

Sorry for the long delay in posting... more details about the new life in NYC are forthcoming. Patience is a virtue... so is internet access. But until I get to that, be sure to check out the new TKTS Booth opening in Brooklyn next week! Enjoy!

Hello, Hunger Pains... Well Helloooo, Hunger Pains

I'm starving... and I blame Carol Channing. I had these grand plans to get some cheap food on the way to the theatre today (my last in Gulf Shores) but en route I decided to blast some of Ms. Channing's 1994 revival of Hello, Dolly!

Somewhere between "Put On Your Sunday Clothes" and "Elegance" my mind forgot I was hungry and I went on auto-pilot to the theatre.

Now I sit here, show in progress ("A Book Report on Peter Rabbbbbbit") and I cannot leave my post to retrieve sustenance. But this got me to thinking... can a theatre nerd survive on showtunes and faded memories? Could I actually support myself by listening to the myriad of recordings that are securely tucked inside their showtune binder in the backseat of my car? Um.... NO!

A little fall of rain

It's raining... a lot. It's been raining at least some almost every day this week. Oh, AND last week. The beach is not beachy. In fact, I haven't been out to the beach once since getting to Gulf Shores for "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." I like the beach, but I've been so wiped after the shows that I sleep late in the morning, roll out of bed, and then get the theatre opened for business the next day.

And the rain isn't helping much either. In fact, the rain is making everyone here drive EXTRA slow, EXTRA painfully slow!

Rain, rain, go away.

Come again some other day.

Little Tommy wants to play,

On the beach beside the bay.

A Road Movie... sans the "movie"

So, next week I head out for the long trek to NYC. All told, it's a 16 hour and 10 minute drive (according to the "totally reliable" Google Maps). Ren (thank God for him) is coming with to keep me company, keep me sane, share the burden... lol... THANK YOU REN! It'll be a nutty, wild trip and hopefully the world will not open up and swallow us whole like that time the interstate collapsed and I drove into a sink hole. I'll tell that story soon... no worries. If you know it already, go ahead and laugh. It's ok to laugh NOW.

So, the cats are going to stay with my mom until I secure my own place. For the time being I'll be subletting in Washington Heights... "In the heights I buy my coffee and I go..." It's a great apartment and I'll be surrounded by friends (thank God). And luckily, in case my lips ever blow up again (see my Jessica Rabbit moment to the side) there's a hospital down in the 160s that Adam can rush me to. Perfect! Ciao for now! Wish me luck!

In his triumphant NYC return...

Yep, it's true! I left NYC back in 2002 and took some time to finish my degree, develop a career, etc... and now it's time to go "back home." Six years is a long time but the city is still the same amazing place that I've always loved.

I have an apartment lined up, exciting new job, and tons of support from friends and family... both in the city and from afar... and some of whom are going to come from afar and join me soon.

I cannot wait. This is such an exciting new part of my life and career. It will be equally terrifying, thrilling, fabulous, and frenzied. Throw in a dash of my typically, clutsy disasters and you've got a recipe for a new NBC "must see TV" sitcom!

I'll miss all of my friends that I've made in Bama but fear not... I'm just a phone call/email away. And when you come to the city for a little vaca, you know where to find me!

"I might not know if we are in an adventure. So if we get into an adventure you say.....Pudding!" Well friends.... PUDDING!

Show choir and Bridezillas!

So, I follow several Broadway themed blogs... including Andrew Keenan-Bolger's. He recently posted a clip of the failed (maybe?) MTV series SHOW CHOIR and it made me (for about ten minutes) obsessively look up other YouTube videos of show choirs in all their sequined glory. I found this... and about died. No offense to anyone in it, or anyone who was ever involved in show choir. Trust me, I'm a cheesy, musical theatre obsessed goon and only wish the show had made it to MTV... my DVR would have a new responsibility.



In other news... one of my dearest friends, Angela, is featured in the new (new to me anyway). You can check it out below. Angela's the one to your right of the center bride. Love it!