Tidbits! (06/05/07)

Back in Utah, one of my favorite theater events was Plan-B Theater Company's "SLAM FEST". The concept was that five playwrights would meet at 8:00 pm, draw a title and three actors out of a hat, and by 8:00 pm the very next day the five new 10-minute one acts would premiere. It was such an awesome experience, knowing that 24 hours prior to watching these sometimes genius works that they didn't even exist! I stumbled across NYC's musical version of this: theAtrainplays.

"theAtrainplays are a celebration of New York, created by six teams while traveling the entire route of the A train, from 207th Street & Broadway to Far Rockaway and back. Four librettists will hop on the A train at 207th Street and begin writing the books for four 15-minute musicals, all set on the A train." (Source)

This begins two weeks from today. On Tuesday the 19th, the writers will get on the train. And then next day the six short musicals will premiere! I am definitely not going to miss this. It's a given that the shows may not be quite as impressive because of all of the additional elements that come with doing musical theater versus a play. But, none the less, I've enjoyed this process so much in the past that I can't wait to see it. Tracie Thoms (film "RENT") and Stephanie D'Abruzzio (2004 Tony-nominated Avenue Q star) are both set to be featured in the production, in addition to many other current Broadway actors.

Tonight, Hairspray is having it's 2,000th performance on Broadway. It was four years ago that the musical swept the theater awards season, winning everything from the Outer Critics Circle Awards to the Tony's. I guess this isn't a "happy birthday" thing, seeing as it won't celebrate it's fourth anniversary until August, but it's still really great. There's no word as to whether or not they'll be doing anything to celebrate, but I would be surprise if some of the upcoming film's stars didn't show up for some press. Anyway, here's a video from the original Broadway cast performing "You Can't Stop The Beat" on the Today Show.


Also, here's a video montage from the 2006 touring cast, featuring Brooklyn Pulver as Tracy Turnblad. Brooklyn is a good friend of mine, and was BORN to play this part! Go Brookey!!!


Yesterday, Live with Regis & Kelly (but without Regis…where is he?) kicked of it's Broadway week. Their first show featured was Spring Awakening. John Gallagher Jr (nominated Best Featured Actor) and Lauren Pritchard performed "Don't Do Sadness/Blue Wind", which is the final number in Act One. So, in the context of the show it is a much more powerful piece. But not everyone can come see it, so this will have to suffice!


Is it just me, or did they really shaft JGJ? I mean, he's nominated for a freaking TONY and all you want to talk about is how Lauren Pritchard used to be a go-go dancer? Um… wow. Lauren Pritchard was not that great in the show. In fact, she was quite possibly my least favorite thing about it. Given, girl can sing! But can girl act? No so much...

You know, my friend Anthony Rapp once described Oprah as being a "Star-fucker" because she would only give attention to the bigger names when interviewing ensembles. I think Kelly Rippa qualifies as well. How dare you ignore a Tony Nom, Rippa!


Last Friday, the new American Idol Jordin Sparks paid a visit to former Idol Fantasia backstage at The Color Purple after seeing the show. She was here doing a bunch of publicity stuff, having performed that morning on the Today Show in addition to a bunch of other things. She brought her new best friend and Idol upset 2nd Runner Up, Melinda Doolittle.

Now, it was really hot and humid here last friday. But these girls have stylists on hand all the time and should really not look so SHINY! And I'm proud of Fantastia. She's getting rave reviews and has breathed new life into Oprah's baby while on it's deathbed. But she doesn't look so good. I have nothing against bigger girls (I love Jordin, and J-Hud!) but she is really letting herself go. What's up, Fantasia?! Get. It. TOGETHER!

The Grey's Anatomy Season finale left us sort of in the dark as to who was going to be leaving the show. The writers left the final episode in a manner that could easily read up to the "write-off" of any number of characters. But for those who worry (like me...) worry no more!

"I think everyone’s coming back," Justin Chambers who plays Alex on the show told Access Hollywood at an event this past weekend. "It’s all good." (Source)

James Pickens, who plays Chief Webber on the show, also went on record saying that they wrote the finale that way so that people would continue to watch the show next season. After all, not many shows really survive a sloppy third season, and this season of Grey's was just that. It will be nice to clean up some plot lines with Addison getting her own show (Private Practice). And as far as all the other loose ends? Well, I will be watching next fall with the rest of the fans to find out…

And SPEAKING of Grey's stars… a big congrats goes out to Kathryn Heigl for her new film "Knocked Up"!

Last night I went and saw the movie, and it is really fantastic. I was worried going in that I wasn't going to be able to see her as a new character. But she really did a fantastic job.
The whole film is great. Seth Rogen is hilarious as the guy who gets lucky. Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann were perfect as the disharmonious sister and brother-in-law to Kathryn's character. We also get to spend two minutes watching Ryan Seacrest shamelessly mock himself. I'm sure the scene will be popping up on youtube soon. SO FUNNY.

The film has both smart and crass humor, and some good shocker moments (like showing the babies head trying to come out of her va-jay-jay… YIKES!) but it also doesn't forget that it's a romantic comedy, and has all the heart of a good Drew Barrymore flick! I loved it, and would highly recommend it to anyone.

Tonight was supposed to be the first preview of Public Theater's "Romeo & Juliet", kicking off their 2007 Shakespeare In The Park series. Because of the nasty weather we're having, the show has been postponed, and will be opening tomorrow instead. The show is starring the gorgeous Lauren Ambrose, whom we all know from her days as the pseudo-crazy little sister from Six Feet Under. I can't wait to see the production. Can you even think of a more perfect Juliet? I sure can't… The production is also starring Camryn Manheim as The Nurse. It's not a huge part, but it will be fun to see her live regardless…

Tonight I am going to Barnes & Noble at Lincoln Center right after work. The cast of 110 In The Shade will be performing a 30-minute set, and signing autographs and what not. I've got my playbill in my bag, and can't wait to meet Audra! I really couldn't care less about the rest of the cast. Not that they're not great. I'm sure they are. But it's like trying to get excited about seeing Kirsten Davis when Sarah Jessica Parker is standing right there!

After B&N, I don't really have anything on my schedule. I'll probably go watch "So You Think You Can Dance" and turn in for the night to be honest. Or if Matt's home I may see if he wants to go grab a drink at Suite. I guess I'll just be playing it by ear!

Have a good night!

Tidbits! (06/04/07)

Well, Happy Monday everyone!

What an exciting week - It's time for the Tony's on Sunday! I was messaging with a friend back in Utah over the weekend who I usually watch the awards with. She asked my opinions about who would/should win, but I was so overwhelmed with that topic, that I had to not message back. So this week I will be putting together a breakdown of the nominations, performers, and New York Buzz surrounding the ceremony that will take place this Sunday at Radio City. So keep your eyes peeled! It's coming!

Leslie Kritzer, who is currently in Legally Blonde as one of Elle Woods's best friends, was announced as the soon-to-be star of next season's A Catered Affair opposite Faith Prince and Harvey Fierstein. She will play the Bride in the production that follows a 1950's wedding. Prince will star as her mother, and Fierstein (who also wrote the show) will play her uncle. (Source)

How exciting for Leslie! A lot of people were saying that she was tragically under-utilized in Blonde. I thought she definitely stood out, but apparently she's got a lot more to give. I can't wait to see what it is!

Three generations of Tracy's were in LA just before Memorial Day to add a bonus track to the upcoming film soundtrack of "Hairspray". The track features Ricki Lake (Tracy from the original film version), Marissa Jaret-Winokur (the Tony-Winning Star of the original Broadway production) and Nikki Blonski (who is the most recent Tracy starring in the upcoming film!).

Props to Marissa - She looks fantastic! Tanned and much thinner than normal... Is it just me or do all three of these girls look pretty similar? Who knew that Tracy had a "look"? I mean, other than chunky… (Source)

Last week, after "the big one" between her and Hasselback, Rosie left the view early. She has since announced that she will be publishing her memoirs detailing her year on the estrogen-packed day-time talk-show-turned-melodrama.

From what I understand, this book has been in the works for quite sometime, but Rosie kept insisting that it wasn't ready for publishing yet. I guess this year's time in the spotlight has changed her mind. Does this mean she thinks she's hit her peak? I doubt it. Nor do I blame her. It's not often that loud-mouthed failed daytime talk show hosts can revive a career. I'd stretch and ride it out as long as possible too!

Last week my BFF Marcine notified me of an Off-Broadway play that just came over from Utah. The show is "Facing East". It takes place at the grave site of a young gay Mormon boy who has commit suicide, and is about his parents and lover finally meeting and coming to terms with the tragedy (in a not-so-eloquent nutshell…)

Director Jerry Rapier and Playwright Carol Lynn Pearson interviewed with Broadway Bullet about the show. Here are a few of the Q&A's, to give you some better insight into the production"

BROADWAY WORLD: "The Mormons are more confused about [homosexuality], like, "Why are you…why is this an issue?"
PEARSON: "I can hardly think of any conflict greater than the truly believing Latter Day Saint Homosexual, especially man, on whom the pressure is so great, and who has tried everything: fasting, prayer, reparative therapy, all of the things that he has been promised would be what would heal him, and then to find that that doesn't happen. He's in a place of anguish that I can hardly begin to fathom. And, for many, the despair is so huge that the only way out they can see is to destroy themselves."

Graveside clip from "Facing East":

I can't wait to see this show! I'm going to try to get in touch with an old friend who is here in the city to go with me. He also comes from a Mormon background, so much that he even served a mission. So I'm very excited. Plus, this is the first time that an original Utah production has been given an Off-Broadway run. So I am very excited too to go see my fellow Utahns perform!

Last night, CNN held a Democratic Presidential candidate debate. Sen. Clinton is still sitting at the top of all the poles, and for good reason! With each debate, she continues to come across as the most well put-together person on the ballot. I'm also glad to see that she is loosening up a bit. From her campaign song video (see last week's blog...) to this jab at Vice President Cheney, Hils is showing more humor, making her the most overall appealing candidate. GO HILS!

The weekend was pretty nice. Friday night, Katie and I never made it to the movies. I met her and Joanne at Library Hotel, at their rooftop bar Bookmarks. One drink later we were off to meet friends at Maya on the Upper East Side. Two or three drinks later… We were off to Arriba Arriba for Papa Margaritas and Burritos. Then David came and met up with us, and we went to another bar, whose name I can't even think of, until the night was done. I was so exhausted. I think Katie and David stayed out, but (in my old age) I just couldn't hang. I think it was about 2:00 am when I got home. Not super-late but boy was I wiped!

Saturday morning I went out to CT. Babysat, hung out, etc. Nothing too exciting. Yesterday was the same. The weather is kinda gross here, so there was no boat time as we had anticipated. Oh well, next time! I don't know that I'll be going out there this weekend, but the next weekend is Father's Day, for which I'm sure I'll be making a trip out!

Tonight are the Fashion Awards at Bryant Square. I may try and make it down to do a little Star-Spotting. Of course, if it's still pouring, I will not be doing that. I'll probably just go to the market and then head home.

My life is thrilling, eh?

Have a nice day!

Tidbits! (06/01/07)

Well, I really got nothin'. There is nothing new coming up on Broadway. Nothing of all that much interest to me has happened in the news or gossip world.

Now, don't mistake that to mean that nothing has happened. Plenty has happened I'm sure. More GI's are died. Employment went up. Lindsey Lohan didn't stay in rehab. And Branjolina bought another baby.

Ok, that last one isn't true. And, if it were, I would find it interesting and thus would be actually writing about it!

So instead of the usual little TidBits, I'm going to be leaving a few videos. "So You Think You Can Dance" began this week, and it's made me really reminiscent of past performances that got me so into the show! So here are some highlights from seasons past... Enjoy!

Clip One:

Season 1- Blake McGrath's Audition (he was my favorite dancer...)



Clip Two:

Season 1- Blake and Ashlee Lyrical



Clip Three:

Season 1- Nick Solo (Season 1 Winner - WAY better than Benji...)



Clip Four:

Season 2- Travis and Heidi Contemporary



Clip Five:

Season 2- Group Number by Wade Robison "Rama Lama"



Clip Six:

Season 2- Travis Solo



Last night Katie, Matt (my roomie) and myself went to see "Love's Labour's Lost" in Central Park. It was a really neat non-profit production (ie: it was free!) We followed the actors through the duck pond in CP for about two hours watching the show. It wasn't the best theater I've ever seen, but it was definitely unique in that there was no stage, lighting, or sound. For what it was, it was a ton of fun! Afterwards Matt had to locate his BF (Andrew) so Katie and I walked to 99th and Broadway to eat at Regional Italiano. I had walked by many times in my wanderings, so I was really excited to try it. I ordered the Sausage & Parmesan in Veal Roll-Ups served over sauteed broccoli rabe and onions - It was ORGASMIC. Seriously the best food I've found in my neighborhood. We also had a pitcher of their surprisingly potent Sangria. GOOD TIMES.

So this weekend is Mandy and Doug's 5th Wedding Anniversary. Tomorrow morning I will be heading back out to CT to watch my nephew so they can celebrate. Before heading out, tonight Katie and I are going to catch a movie, drinks, etc... We actually don't have anything planned out definitely except "See you at 8!" Maybe I can convince her into going and gaying it out a bit...

Have a good, SAFE weekend!

Tidbits! (05/31/07)

Former American Idol Carrie Underwood has apparently been put on the sidelines by boyfriend/NFL star (Cowboys QB) Tony Romo (yum).

"Carrie thought that they were moving closer to a more committed relationship," a source told the [National Enquirer]. (Source)

Poor Carrie! She is by far my favorite person to come out of Idol, so I'm really kinda bummed to hear this. She's had such a great year, and this totally sucks for her. And I'm sorry, but I don't know what is wrong with Romo. Your girlfriend has won more awards than any other female musician this year, is more popular than Jesus, and much hotter than…well, anyone!

A word to Tony… Mr. Romo, you better be careful with this one. Do NOT irk her or treat her badly. I mean, did you not SEE this video?!

In other Idol related tidbits, last night Tamyra Gray made her RENT debut as Broadway's favorite heroin addict, Mimi Marquez. It's a new look for "Mimi", who is usually played by someone a bit more Latina with a bit longer hair. I'm sure she rocks at it though. And I'm guessing that her contract is long enough that she'll still be doing the part when Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal rejoin the production this summer! View pics of Tamyra here...

Also last night, First Lady Laura Bush attended GREY GARDENS with her daughter. I'm guessing she didn't like it very much. There is a line in the show that pokes fun at Republicans:

"They can get you in East Hampton for wearing red shoes on a Thursday. They can get you for almost anything. It’s a mean, nasty Republican town."

Apparently Lady Bush wasn't amused. After the show she reportedly bolted from the theater. It's very unusual for high-profile people to attend as VIP's and then not stick around for photo opps, especially when the show and it's stars are all Tony-nominated… Stupid Republicans...

York Theatre Company is going to be putting on "It's a Bird… It's a Plane… It's Superman!" The show recently ran to surprisingly good reviews in LA at the UCLA Freud Playhouse. That production starred Cheyenne Jackson (mm hmmm! at left) and Shoshana Bean, both of whom will be appearing in the NYC transplant. I did a little searching, and here's a video from the TV version show from way back in 1975.

Yah-Ikes! Is it absurdly awful, or painfully wonderful?! Regardless, I'm definitely putting it on my agenda to catch while it is here. I actually volunteered with York. I haven't heard back yet, but I'm hoping that they let me usher the show. I'd love to see what kind of people pay to see this production. I mean besides me…

I think that if Shoshana weren't in it I wouldn't be so enthused. My best friend Brian (who has taken my lead and is now blogging here) introduced me to her back in Utah with a video of her singing in "Wicked". This video has a vocal on it from her singing "No Good Deed". There isn't video, just pictures; but watch it anyway and listen to her.

AMAZINGLY emotional. Apparently, her boyfriend had died in a car accident not long before this, and you can hear her on the verge of breaking down in a few parts. It makes it so raw...

I had a good night last night. Scottie's flight was delayed, so I was able to go hang out before he had to catch the PATH to NJ. He and his partner, Jerome, had a great time. I'm really hoping they move out here! It would be so nice having both of them around.

After I said goodbye, I went home and ordered some sushi, watched "So You Think You Can Dance" and my new favorite show, "Traveler".

If you aren't watching it yet, I would highly suggest giong to ABC.com and catching up on it! It's got some seriously hot boys (from Left: Off-Broadway star and 2004 Drama Desk Winner Logan Marshall-Green; X-Men star Aaron Stanford; and theater and soap star Matthew Bomer, who in 1998 starred in "Romeo & Juliet" and "Joseph…" at the Utah Shakespearean Festival, where I went to college!) In addition to a yummy cast, it's got the kind of on-the-edge-of-your-seat pace that reminisces the first and fifth seasons of "24". Very good and highly recommended TV!

Tonight, Katie and I are going to see a production of "Loves Labour's Lost". It is being done in Central Park. I guess there is no stage for the production, and you follow the performers as they go through the show. It should be a very cool experience!

Tidbits! (05/30/07)

Hillary Clinton has been running a campaign song competition. A week or so ago, I received an email from Hils saying that I could vote, and naturally I was all about it! Of course, now I can't remember what i had voted for... Anyway, Hils and her peeps are apparently getting a TON of response to the vote. She posted this video on YouTube...



It's good to see a lighter side of her! She can get so stiff sometimes in debates and what not. And who knew that she had a sense of humor? GO HILS! (Vote for your favorite campaign song here!)

There has been some controversy this year about who and what will get to perform at the Tony Awards. It is tradition that performance time is given to the top nominated musicals in both the New and Revival categories. There was early talk that in addition to those shows, other big well-publicized productions were going to get the chance to be featured as well, like Legally Blonde and The Pirate Queen. I can understand that the producers would want to feature those shows to draw a larger audience to the broadcast, but I definitely side with the theater community on this one. If your show is crap (Pirate Queen, you listenin'?!) then you have no right to perform in a ceremony that honors outstanding achievement. The only outstanding thing about The Pirate Queen is that it is still open. And it would've been fun to see Laura Bell Bundy perform because she is nominated for Best Actress. But then, wouldn't you have to let Donna Murphy perform too? NO THANKS. I'm looking forward to an award show without her…

The big surprise, and the apparent compromise, is that Fantasia will be doing a special performance. She has been getting RAVE reviews for her Broadway debut in "The Color Purple". I guess since "Purple" isn't nominated for anything, and neither is Fantasia, that it's ok. It doesn't really build up any precedents. But can I make a request? If a big star like Fantasia can perform for a role she has taken over, can we get Lea Solonga to come sing "I Dreamed a Dream"?

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" is bringing on SNL's Darrell Hammond in the role of the Vice Principal. The show hasn't been doing so well, so I think that the producers are hoping to boost sales. All I have to say is…why could they not pick someone more entertaining? I like SNL, but it's comedians like Hammond that are making the show less and less popular. I just don't think he's funny at all. Alternative Casting? How about Seth Meyers, Luke Wilson, or Jeremy Piven? They're funny, and carry much more appeal and, if you ask me, MUCH more clout.

(Source)

Last week, Broadway actor and Film Star Partick Wilson showed up at the Broadway Show League on team Pirate Queen. Although he's not currently performing on Broadway, I'm sure everyone was thrilled to have him there. Especially the Irish-dancing homos from Priate Queen. He would make it so hard to keep my eye on the ball…

(Source)

Jane Krakowski, Abigail Breslin, Stanley Tucci, and Chris O'Donnell are all set to star in the film "American Girl", which is the first of an apparent series based on the American Doll Collections. Breslin will play the lead, a young girl who helps her mother run an orphanage or something during the Great Depression after her father (played by O'Donnell) finds himself out of work.

Now, this isn't the kind of show that I'll be running to see. I am just excited about the cast is all. I LOVE me some Chris O'Donnell. When I was 14 I printed a picture of him off the internet and put it in my journal, saying that he had beautiful eyes or something. Yeah, I was that gay back then… And Tucci has that whole hot-older-guy thing goin' on. Love him! (Source)

Newly crowned American Idol Jordin Sparks is getting some negative press. Our God-fearing young diva is being called out on an apparent lie. During the show, she was asked if she had ever had any formal training. She said that she hadn't, but apparently that wasn't completely true…

"Jordin was just 14 years old when she studied with me in 2004," vocal coach Melissa Black told Star magazine. "Her mom, Jodi Sparks, and her grandmother, Pam Wiedmann — who acts as her manager — found me on the Internet. We were together for nine months of intense vocal work, with Jordin taking one 30-minute class a week at $25 per class … I knew she wouldn’t take long to perfect her craft because she was so good." (Source)

It's amazing how quickly the little people start coming out of the woodwork...

I'm sorry, but as a singer, 30 minutes a week doesn't do jack! Good lord, it's barely enough time for a proper warm up! I don't think this can qualify as "formal training".

I've worked with vocal coaches before in similar situations, and I don't consider myself as someone with formal training either. So if I ever get a break into music, I would like to right now take the opportunity to thank Jana Lee Hess for our once-per-week 30-minute sessions back when I was 15 for those wonderful 3 months. You taught me what a diaphram is, and for that I am grateful. But only informally so…

So last night I totally fell asleep at like 9:30pm and didn't wake up until about 3:00 this morning. I'm a bad friend - I was supposed to meet up with Scottie for his last night in town after he saw "Inherit The Wind". I'm totally bummed that I've missed him. Hopefully I can maybe see him today before he leaves…

Other than that, I've got no plans. I want to watch "So You Think You Can Dance", but then I may call it an early night again. I gotta admit… 8+ hours of sleep feels pretty damn good!

Tidbits! (Memorial Day Weekend)

Over the weekend, PBS aired the 2007 Drama Desk Awards. I recorded them and watched about half. The other half I fast forwarded through. The show was hosted by Kristen Chenoweth, who I love. I'll be honest though, I didn't think she was all that funny. Don't get me wrong, I had some good chuckles at a few of her jokes. I even laughed outright at a few. The trouble was that I was watching with my family and no one else was laughing. I had to keep pausing the show to explain why what she was doing was comical.

The main reason I recorded the show was so that I could watch two of the performances: Raul Esparza singing "Marry Me a Little" from COMPANY; and the girls of SPRING AWAKENING singing "Mama Who Bore Me". Both performances were pretty good.

I couldn't find a video or Raul's performance from the Awards, but here's one of him singing the same song in the actual show at the close of the first act.

This is the actual performance from the Awards of "Mama Who Bore Me". The girl with no shoes and long hair is Lauren Pritchard (Isle) and YES, she was just that annoying in the actual show...

Last night, Melissa Errico returned to Birdland in "Lullabyes N' Broadway". She is a Tony-nominated actress (Amour) with fantastic vocal chops! Her good friend Raul Esparza was on hand to watch her perform.

The two were featured together in the 2005 benefit "Children and Art". It was a Broadway-Star Studded night featuring the music of Stephen Sondheim. There were many A-List performers, including Bernadette Peters, Barbara Cook, and Brian Stokes Mitchell to only name a few. Raul and Melissa sang "Move On" and "Sunday" from Sunday in the Park With George.

Last week we saw a whole lot of T.R. Knight. Over the weekend his co-star and TV-wife Sara Ramirez (who won a Tony for her role in Spamalot) visited friend Janine LaManna backstage at the Marquis Theater. Apparently the two had a stint in summer stock together.

This was long before Sara Ramirez got her big Broadway break playing "Lady of the Lake" in Spamalot, and before she got to pick a show to be on ABC and chose Grey's Anatomy. Janine is currently playing "Janet Van de Graff" in The Drowsy Chaperone. She's not very good.
Boy, I would hate to not be very talented and be friends with someone as talented as Sara….

Jason Robert Brown (the composer and lyricist from The Last Five Years, Songs for a New World) is scheduled to have a new show on Broadway next season. "13" is about a young man who moves from New York to Indiana right before his 13th birthday and bar mitzvah. The show will feature a teen band and thirteen young performers.

Apparently Brown and his producers are trying to capitalize on what Spring Awakening made happen with their young cast. I don't mean to be a nay-sayer, but I hope they realize the biggest reason that show worked was because of Duncan Sheik's score. And don't get me wrong - I love JRB. But a night of songs by 13-year olds written by him? It makes me nervous…

Now for some personal notes!

Oh man, what a weekend!

Thursday night I met up with my good friend Scottie, who is in town from Houston, TX. We grabbed some dinner at Cilantro (I had the Mushroom Spinach and Goat Cheese Enchiladas - yum!) and took advantage of their awesome Happy Hour specials. After that, Scottie was a sport and went with me to my friend David's apartment, where he was hosting a small-ish roof top dinner party. That was a lot of fun. I had already eaten, but David informed me that it was rude to attend and not eat, so I had some of the shrimp pasta that was actually pretty great! Two bottles of wine later (they were shared…) I dragged myself home to meet my mom. She arrived at my apartment around midnight, and I was pretty tipsy. So we chatted for an hour or so and then I passed out.

Friday we went out to Connecticut. We barbequed and hung out and it was a lot of fun!
Saturday was the Annual Lime Rock racing event. We met up with the gang early in the morning for some quick breakfast and cocktails, and then raced up to the track. Lime Rock is 1.5 hours north of where we were in CT, and it was quite literally a race to the event. Our caravan consisted of multiple Porsche's and BMW's. I rode in the back of a convertible BMW M-3. I've never been in a car that fast, let alone with the top down! We topped out around 120 mph at a few points, and while I admit that there was a moment where I clutched the seat in fear, it was a total blast! I can't wait for next year now!

Everyone got really into it. Even the puppies dressed for days events.

And my nephew Jack is all about the race cars. This is him standing next to his Uncle DJ's red Porsche. That silver one behind it belongs to my brother-in-law, Doug.

Mandy and Doug rode together (naturally) on the race up to the races, and this is them passing us on the highway and blowing a kiss - It's amazing the pic isn't blurry!

Sunday was Jack's Birthday party. I can't believe he's 2. We spent the day down on the beach in Noroton Bay playing games and spending time with the family. We even had time to take the boat out for a bit.

Yesterday we went back out on the boat for a few hours before my mom had to catch her flight back to Utah. Mandy and I drove her to the airport, and then we went into the city to drop off my stuff and go to dinner.

Well, we got to my apartment, and I realized that I didn't have my keys. They had been put in a drawer in CT so that Jack wouldn't play with them. So we went to dinner, and then headed back to Huntington. I picked up my keys and then got on a train into the city. So the second half of my day was kinda rough.

Except for dinner with Mandy. We had sushi, and then went back to Cilantro (where I ate on Thursday with Scottie). The bartender there is very cute and Serbian. I have a little crush… So we had a few drinks before getting back on the road and that part was actually really fun! I love my sister…

Tonight is Scottie's last night here before going to SLC for the Utah Pride Festival this weekend. I'm going to try to catch up with him and spend some more time before he takes off.
I'm definitely planning on an early bedtime tonight though. This weekend has seriously wiped me out!

Tidbits! (05/23/07)

American Idol crowned it's sixth winner last night, Jordin Sparks. I've been a huge Jordin fan for quite a while, and am thrilled that she has won. But I have to say, pitting her against Blake Lewis made the show seem really anti-climatic. It was so obvious that she was going to win that I didn't feel nervous at all for her! And that kinda made me sad. Part of the charm of Idol is that there are surprises. But the results last night were so apparent that I couldn't even be afraid of a potential upset. FOX let it's juggernaut show go over, so many people that I know had DVR's that missed the crowning moments. So, in case you missed it… here ya go!


Also on tap to perform last night were all but one of the people who've held the title in the past. Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Carrie Underwood, and Taylor Hicks all graced the finale with their presence. And I'm sure Fantasia would've been there as well had she not been getting RAVE reviews for her Broadway debut in "The Color Purple".

Jennifer Hudson was in the audience of the awards. Now, this was probably the most confusing part of the night for me - Why was she not performing?! She flies out, sits through both shows, and doesn't do anything except appear on the red carpet? A total waste if you ask me. What were her publicists thinking???

Other stars on tap were Tony Bennett, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, Gwen Stefani (albeit via satellite), and two gospel singers… Knight sang "Midnight Train To Georgia" which is one of my all time favorite songs! And Tony Bennett has become as important a fixture to AI as Simon Cowell's snarky remarks.

All in all, I thought it was a good finale. The "Jesus Singers" and Smokey Robinson I could've done without. But all in all I thought it was a nice ending to an admittedly lack-luster season.

Rosie O'Donnell and Elisabeth Hasselback really got into it on "The View" yesterday. Now, I'm not one to usually pay attention to the Rosie media frenzy, but this was pretty intense. (it gets good after about four and a half minutes…)



I totally see Rosie's point. I would want my friends to back me up as well if the media were spinning what I said to be used as some sort of pro-war republican propaganda. And I think Elisabeth should've backed her friend. I don't know that I would've called her a coward though. If I were friends with Rosie, I'd do everything I could do to stay out of her spotlight too!

Apparently Alicia Silverstone is on Rosie's side. After the fight she backhands Elisabeth by totally blowing her off. LOL - Womens Television RULES!!!




Fidelity Investments launched their new project, "FutureStages", yesterday at the Off-Broadway venue New World Stages. The project featured 10 one acts that were written and starred in by high schoolers without real programs or venues to present their work. BroadwayWorld has some video of the night if you'd like to see.

Raul Esparza was there as a guest speaker. The producers of "Company" are closely tied to the youth oriented production. In his younger days, Raul was involved in theater that would take the proceeds to the Dominican Republic and other "in need" areas, so this charitable event was close to his heart and his roots. Here are some pictures, featuring the dreamy golden-hearted Broadway star… (Source)






"In The Heights" producers announced that the show will be relocating to the Broadway stage for the 07-08 Season. The move was anticipated because of all the attention the show has been getting. From what I've heard it's pretty fantastic, and has some of the best music and choreography of any show in New York right now. It will play until July 15th at it's current location over on 37th Street, and then close to "brush up" for it's Broadway debut. Normally they would take it directly over, but the show's creator Lin-Manuel Miranda also stars in the production, so the show will be closed while they make necessary changes. No one has said whether or not casting will stay the same yet.



Most shows will do a trial run elsewhere in the country before opening on Broadway ("Little Mermaid" is in Denver and "Young Frankenstein" is in Seattle currently) but every now and then a show will do it's out-of-town trial while still in-town. Successful Off-Broadway transfers include "Avenue Q" and the current smash-hit "Spring Awakening".


Monday night, the Village Voice had it's Obie Awards ceremony. The show was hosted by T.R. Knight and Cynthia Nixon. (Source)



Last night T.R. appeared at the Zipper Factory in "Creation Nation", a spoofical talk show meets variety show featuring stand-up, comedy sketches, and celebrity guests. From the looks of it, good ole T.R. was having a blast! (Source)
Apparently the theater community is really loving on T.R. And rightly so. I mean, I love him and I'm kind of the quintessential theater geek, so I suppose it's natural for the rest of the community to feel that way. It's also really nice to see Cynthia out and about. And so blonde!

One of my co-workers recently talked to her at Penn Station and told me that she seemed more toe-headed. I can't decide if I like it though. I mean, it's fun. But I just hope she goes back to the fabulous red she sported on Sex and the City when they start filming the movie!


Tonight my friend David is having a "Meet my Long-Distance Boyfriend/Rooftop Pasta Party". Looks like the whole gang is going to make it out, so it should be good times! I also just heard from my old theater roomie and good friend Scottie. He's in town so I'll be meeting up with him after I get out of work - I'm so friggin' excited! I haven't seen that boy in what feels like forever.

Actually, now that I'm thinking about it…. I haven't seen him since New Year's 2006! Wow, that's a long time…

My mom is also flying in from Salt Lake City tonight to spend the weekend. She'll be staying at my place tonight, so at some point I'll have to finish cleaning my room… I sure didn't get it done last night!

Ugh, I just got a little overwhelmed...