September 11, 2007

It rained this morning. Not just a light drizzle, but one with booming thunder and lightning...the rain hitting the pavement with great force...conviction. It was almost as if someone from above was sending us a wake up call. A reminder that this was no ordinary day... that we had to take notice. I will always remember. The weather was so beautiful that day. It had rained the night before, and the dawn had brought with it blue skies and a cool temperature. The sun was out. Such the perfect late summer day... except.

As we go through our day, let's not forget to take a moment to reflect on this day six years ago. What have we done to make this world a more peaceful place? What do we value in life? What do we need to do to be a better person? Today is a great day for reflection. Peace and God Bless.

It's Britney, Bitch!

OK.... I have to admit that Britney Spears is a guilty pleasure of mine. And it pains me to see how f***ed up she's become after she broke up with JT. I mean, back in the day, when I escorted her for the VMA's, she was as sweet and Southern and "innocent" as can be. So I'm happy to report that her comeback single, "Gimme More", doesn't suck. It's not great, certainly no "Toxic", but it's catchy and danceable and that's alright with me. And how can you resist the opening line, "It's Britney, Bitch." That's so White Trash of her, and I LOVE it. Looking forward to seeing what she does on the VMA's this Sunday. On another musical note, I'm working the Fashion Rocks event this week. Don't know who I'm escorting yet, but I helped out with Carrie Underwood's band today. She performed her rendition of "You Can Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac. She sounded OK, but she brings in her special guest in the middle of the song and they blow her out of the water! Watch it on Friday night!

A Decade Of Dreams, Deliciousness, and Determination

Ten years ago this weekend I arrived in NYC, well Newark, NJ really, with two pieces of luggage, two 70 pound boxes, and a pocket full of dreams. It's hard to believe how much has changed in my life since becoming a New Yorker. I've accomplished some goals... and have made new ones. I've made so many new friends, worked so many different jobs, lived in so many different places, eaten at so many wonderful restaurants, seen so many shows, and on and on and on... So, in honor of 10 years in New York, I give you 10 highlights from my decade. They're not necessarily the most meaningful moments in the last 10 years, but they certainly symbolize New York for me. Here they are:

1. Sleeping on a street corner with my sister in law, right by Macy's, to get a good view of the Thanksgiving Day parade.

2. Watching Broadway on Broadway on Sept. 9th, 2001 with Jim, Fred, and T and then going to the World Trade Center and sitting in the plaza between the two towers for an hour or so.

3. Going to the final dress rehearsal of The Lion King and thinking how cool it was to be working for the Mouse and how this show was going to change Broadway.

4. Beating out 5 equity actors and two non equity actors to win the role of Thuy for my first production of Miss Saigon at Gateway Playhouse.

5. Being interviewed in the Virgin Megastore for a special on Billboard's 40 Anniversary which they showed on VH1.

6. Eating my first Recession Special at Gray's Papaya on 72nd and Broadway.

7. Grabbing a cup of coffee and reading a newspaper at the now extinct Big Cup.

8. Playing an NYPD officer for five hours on a rainy morning for Law & Order.

9. Walking in my first AIDS Walk with the Group Sales Box Office gang.

10. My first concert at Madison Square Garden- Janet Jackson's Velvet Rope Tour.

So I'll probably celebrate tonight in some fashion with some friends... one being my friend Charissa, who is staying with me for awhile, as she pursues her dream of Broadway as well. Funny how things happen in ten year cycles. Happy anniversary to me!

Doing My Homework

I have one month until I start rehearsals for my FIFTH production of Miss Saigon... but this time, I'm playing THE ENGINEER, the Tony award winning role that Jonathan Pryce played in London and New York! It's all overwhelming at the moment. I've never played such a large role. I've never received final bow in a show. I've never felt so much pressure! Ahhhhh! But I look forward to the challenge with open arms. So with all this in mind, I've started to buckle down and get back to my homework before we start rehearsals... singing everyday, reviewing lyrics, going over my acting intentions, getting back to the gym, etc... It's going to be a tough month, but hopefully the outcome will be worth it in the end. And I'm overjoyed that I have some tour friends with me to play with... Yvonne Same playing Kim and Eymard Cabling (aka. Cos Cos) playing Thuy. This one's going to be FUN!!!

I'll Cover You... Jessie Martin!

So... my last two tapings for Law and Order were with Jessie Martin. Well, I was in the background and really didn't interact with him (except for a nod passing down the hallway), but he was a mere foot or two away from me. I, of course, being a bit of a Renthead, must admit I got a little tickle in my stomach every time I saw him. I mean for years I dreamed that we would play opposite each other as Tom Collins and Angel. I sang with his voice countless times as I listened to the cast recording. And then he decided to leave the show... and I was there for his last performance. Wow! In this 10th year of living in NY, I'm finding that so many things are making a reappearance in my life. And though I thought it would be in Rent, working with Jessie Martin on Law & Order will do just fine! Plus... he's got the kindest smile ever!