Game Night With The Boys

Yesterday I had a very enjoyable evening with my boys. I finally had them up to my apartment since I moved in. We went out to the Pipers Kilt for the traditional burger and fries, picked up some booze, and headed back to my apartment for some competitive rounds of Taboo and Cranium. There's something very comforting in knowing that somethings never change. The dynamic between the four us is just as entertaining as The Golden Girls, The Sex and the City Girls, the Designing Women Girls- any of those Lifetime for Television shows(Right, Jim?). The best Tom quote of the evening: (during Outburst, trying to get me to say Thomas Jefferson) It's my first name and the last name of George and Weezie!) Gotta love the TV sitcom reference!

Oh My God! Oh My God, You Guys!

So, I've always been a big fan of those teenage girl movies. You know, like Clueless, Bring It On, She's All That, etc... but one of my favorites is Legally Blonde. It's one of those that TBS plays at least once a day, and I always seem to stop and watch it. And Reese Witherspoon's performance is just brilliant. So... when I heard that they were making a musical of it, I was a little hesitant. How could they take a such a perfect piece of movie fluff and turn it into an equally enjoyable piece of theatre fluff? But they have! Just saw the musical this afternoon... and I had so much fun. Now granted, this certainly is not Pulitzer Prize winning material and the score I'm sure to forget after a week, but I was smiling and laughing the entire two and a half hours. It's been a long time since I've done that. I mean, how can you not love a greek chorus made up of Delta Nu sorority girls and any show that has a song called "Gay or European" is a winner in my book!

The Year of the Millie

Just a quick note to say I booked another production of Thoroughly Modern Millie- my new bread and butter show of the moment. I'll be leaving in about a month to perform at Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre in Idaho. I'll be there for a month. More details later.... it's good to be a working actor again! Yippee!

What I Did For Love

Yesterday I watched the B'way revival of A Chorus Line. Despite it's flaws, I still left the theatre moved by it's portrayal of these b'way chorus wannabees. Towards the end of the play, those auditioning are asked by the director that if today was the last day they could dance, what would they do ? The answers vary from "Die!" to "Start teaching." to "Have babies and become fat!". And then the actors anthem song begins- What I Did For Love. It's words speak so true for me. I was moved to tears. We all make so many sacrifices as performers. From eating raman noodles for a month to pay rent to giving up a social and romantic life to do what we are passionate about. But in the end, there are no regrets. Regardless of how successful I become in my performing career, I will always be so very proud that I moved to New York City and put myself on the line.

Kiss today goodbye
The sweetness and the sorrow
Wish me luck, the same to you
But I can't regret what I did for love
What I did for love

Look my eyes are dry
The gift was ours to borrow
It's as if we always knew
But I won't forget what I did for love
What I did for love

Gone
Love is never gone
As we travel on
Love's what we'll remember

Kiss today goodbye
And point me towards tomorrow
We did what we had to do
Won't forget, can't regret
What I did for love

No One Is Alone

The assailant in the Virgina Tech shootings is being described as "troubled" and a "loner". It makes me sad to know that this poor kid felt he had no one to reach out to. No friends. No family. No teachers. No one. The sad part is, I think many Asian kids, including myself, have felt that at one point in their life. Our cultures tend to shy away from emotion. We are taught to suppress our feelings and "be strong". Especially in rural areas, we are the "odd balls". We're teased and called derogatory names. We're "pressured" into being the best in all that we do- sports, academics, arts, everything... and if we don't succeed, the feeling of failure is great- especially for someone so young. And because we work so hard to succeed, our social skills don't get the attention they deserve and need for proper growth. Of course, this is a generalization, but I have a feeling many other Asian kids can relate to some degree. I guess what I'm trying to say is that even within our personal "dysfunction", we are not alone. There is always someone who can sympathize with you, who can relate to your pain. In the wake of this tragedy, let's all try to be more sensitive to those around us and lend a helping hand or a listening ear to those who need it... and those who are too proud to ask for it.

Sadness

I was so saddened to hear of the tragic killings that happened at Virginia Tech earlier today. My heart goes out to the friends and family of those who were killed and to the poor parents of the troubled young man that took his life. What a tragedy. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers.

Let The Sunshine In

So today was the first of three days where we're expecting a torrential downpour of rain. That's not so fun when I have to spend two hours of each day running back and forth from theatre to theatre dropping off orders and payments. That's not so fun when I have the next three days off from The Crew. That's not so fun when I have auditions to go to and people to see. The bright side- I get to wear my super cool rain boots and my fun Mary Poppins umbrella is getting a lot of action! I also forsee a lot of knitting and sipping on tea in my future.

Grateful

My horoscope today provided a rather kind reminder. Basically it said that now is not the time to focus my energy on wanting something I don't have, rather, I should not lose sight of the fact that what I do have is something that people would give their eyeteeth for. Well, ain't that the truth! I've spent the majority of my time in the last couple of days pining away for a theatre gig, a relationship, money, etc... that I haven't stopped to really realize how "wealthy" I am to begin with. First off, I'm living in this treasure of a city. I have friends who actually are loyal to me despite how often I'm gone and how little I keep in touch. I have a job that pays well and keeps me dressed well. I have my own, true one bedroom apartment in Manhattan proper. I have family that actually care about me. I have it pretty good! It's nice to get those reminders from time to time. I think being an actor, I tend to always be looking forward. Where's that next paycheck coming from? What auditions do I have next week? What shows am I good for next season? We're always told in acting class to "live in the moment". Perhaps we should use that advice in our everyday lives as well.

Only In New York

I have a friend in town for the next two days and that means I get to play tour guide! Now, most New Yorkers hate all things touristy. They avoid the touristy spots, the touristy restaurants, the touristy attractions. But I, on the other hand, LOVE to do those touristy things when I have guests in town. For one, that's usually the only time I get to venture out and experience these things for the first time. It's embarrassing how long I lived in New York before I step foot into the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or any of the many museums here for that matter! Shameful! Secondly, it reminds me of the time when I first moved to New York. Everything was so big and exciting and colorful and too good to be true. I think the trick to living and succeeding in this city is that you have to, from time to time, rediscover your love for it. You have to go to one of those kitchy theme restaurants. You have to go to the top of the Empire States Building. You have to grab a hot dog from a vendor. It's those little exclusive things that create those "New York Moments" and make this city so unequalled to any other. Perhaps I'll buy one of those I Love New York shirts tomorrow. I still don't have one!

Unlimited...My Future Is Unlimited!

So in a couple of hours, I'll be auditioning for the musical Wicked for the first time. The auditions for this show are crazy! More than 300 people (that's just men), sign up to be seen. We go in. We sing our 30 seconds of a song. And then we leave... not knowing if we even made an impression.

I remember the first time I saw the show. I was still working at Group Sales Box Office and, of course, was invited to see the show for free. It's very rare that I find myself crying profusely at a show. But after Idina Menzel closed down the first act with a goosebump inducing "Defying Gravity", I found the tears rolling down my face. And I just kept repeating to myself, "Wow!". I think there's a little bit of Elphaba in all of us- that awkward kid that nobody wants to associate with, that's misunderstood, that simply wants to fit in. Tears, again, were running down my face for the second act duet "For Good" where the two witches, who are destined never to see each other again, confess their admiration for one another. Who hasn't had that best friend that has been there for everything?

I could talk about this show for hours- it's themes, it's music, it's many wonderful leading ladies, etc... But I'll end this entry by saying that I'm # 66 on the list. And regardless if I make an impression or not, I feel so very privileged to be auditioning for this very special show.

Happy Easter!

Hi All,

Hoping you have a wonderful day doing festive, family, relaxing sort of things. I, on the other hand, will be grabbing a coffee from the Bucks shortly and heading to the Crew for a full eight hour day- yipee! If you're anywhere near the Time Warner Center in New York, New York, stop on by and make my day a little more bright! Laters...

Fashion Trend

OK, I seem to be a little obsessed with yellow at the moment. I bought this great layering shirt from the Gap that's yellow. I just purchased a pair of butter yellow pants from the Crew. And I'm still on the lookout for that small yellow hoodie that we sold out of at the store. I even wore a yellow polo shirt today for work- which I vowed never to wear again since it was my uniform for eight years of catholic grade school! Hmmm.... maybe it's my attempt to bring the spring temperatures sooner as opposed to later? And it is a happy color, isn't it? I think I read somewhere that painting a room a light shade of yellow brings out calm feelings. In any event, Yellow seems to be the hot color in J. Crew and many other stores at the moment. Good thing I look good in it!

The King Of Cashmere

Now I've been called many a name in my life- some endearing nicknames to some downright crude insults. But at J. Crew I'm know as "The King Of Cashmere". Why do you ask? It's simply for the fact that I fold the cashmere better than any of the other "closers" they have in the store. I've never owned a piece of 100% cashmere before I worked at J. Crew. Frankly, it was just too darn expensive to pay full price for. But I must say, I've quickly grown to love it's soft, warm, lightweight goodness. My body takes to it quite well! So, I'm not so offended by this new title I've acquired. And if anyone is looking for something to buy me.... cashmere is truly the gift of LOVE! Ha ha! My, what expensive taste I've developed!

What's Up With That?

There were snow flurries in Manhattan today, April 5th- SNOW FLURRIES!!! What's up with that?!?!?!

Gimme Gimme!

Ok, today was my callback for Thoroughly Modern Millie at the Fulton Theatre in Lancaster, PA. This is my third Millie audition in less than a week! Third time is always a charm, right? Boy, does the competition get tough when you're Equity! There were 8 of us called back- half of us read for the role I just played, and the other half for the younger brother role. We were partnered up to read. All of us called back had either done the show before or were actually Chinese and could read the sides with ease. They ain't messing around! Anyway, I was partnered up with someone I knew, which is always nice. He actually covered the two roles on the Equity tour of Millie. The readings went fairly well I thought. So... now it's the waiting game. We will find out by the end of next week at the latest. Keep your fingers crossed for me! I know you're supposed to forget about it, but I'd really like to do this one. I'm not ready to give up Bun Foo yet! And they do quite high quality productions at this theatre- rather reputable. Send me your good vibes, please!

2 Things To Combat A Rainy Day

Today's weather couldn't have been worse in New York- Rainy, Windy, Cold. Such a difference from the 80 degree weather that I left in Indianapolis! In any event, I wasn't going to let it ruin my day. I've been in this very positive thinking mode since I got back. And so far, it seems to be paying off. I had a wonderful audition this morning for another production of Thoroughly Modern Millie, which resulted in a callback tomorrow. And Anthony and Dominic were there- two of my Millie loves. Then I went to Equity and ran into my college friend Staci- yeah! After much reminiscing about the famed McHale's hamburger with my friend Christine, my Millie, I sought it out at Le Rendezvous, where the cooks from McHale's ended up- and it was just as mouth watering as I remembered! I returned to J. Crew to open arms with several people saying how much they missed me- it's nice to be missed! And my Tall Dulce De Leche Latte from Starbucks was ever so delicious and reminded me of some dear friends doing "Guys and Dolls" at the Beef. Hmm... so what am I trying to say here? Friends and Food make any rainy day better? Yeah... I think that's what I'm trying to say.

Things I Want- Spring Edition

Ask and you shall receive. Here are a couple of things I want this Spring, in no particular order:

1. That yummy yellow hoodie from J. Crew
2. A Spring Romance
3. A night at the Astoria Beer Garden with friends.
4. Another Equity contract.
5. Flowers.
6. A vacation to a new location.
7. A day at the beach.
8. A great new pair of jeans.
9. Tickets to Legally Blonde.
10. A Cinnamon Dolce Latte Frappucino from the Bucks

Seder Meal... W/Class!

I'm very excited about tonight's festivities! Since I've been away from New York the past three springs, I've missed out on the yearly Seder meal that my dear friend Carol Cohen throws every year. And this is not just some bitter herbs and matzo- this is a GRAND production! There's waitstaff that serve dinner and Hors D'oeuvres. It's for an intimate party of 30 or so. And it's held in the very beautiful Penn Club in midtown Manhattan. It's quite a fancy, elegant evening. I mean, I have to wear a suit and tie! And of course, there is the whole religious aspect. Ha Ha! I actually do enjoy that part of the evening. I've always been taught to be open minded and accepting of others beliefs. And if it brings about an evening of friends, food, and fond memories, even better! Mazel Tov!

The April Fool

I like to think that I'm a pretty smart guy and can figure out when someone is pulling my leg. But it never fails that on April Fools Day, I'm always duped! Now, it's not just anyone that can fool me. It's those blasted theatre websites that manipulate my mind into believing their preposterous headlines! And I fall for it- hook, line, and sinker! Broadwayworld.com was running several fake headlines today. The two that caught my interest were that Dakota Fanning had her heart set on making her broadway debut in Spring Awakening next year and that Fox TV was going to do their own reality casting show for the musical Tommy. I mean, don't those two things sound feasible? If Melanie Griffith can be in Chicago and there can be a musical on broadway called Urinetown, then those two headlines could certainly be true? Right? Who am I kidding! I'm so gullible!