After some difficulty, I managed to go watch "Spelling Bee" in Sacramento with my two friends. It was such an awesome trip heading up to the state capital. The two-hour or so drive was quite long, but we spent the time playing the musical ABC game, in which each person names a musical related term or word starting with the letter A and going all the way to Z. Some letters we had trouble with included Q and X.
When we arrived, we grabbed some lunch at Johnny Rockets. Relived some interesting Jersey Boys music by playing 'Walk Like a Man'. Also, we stopped by Rite Aid to get some Slim Jim's and Flamin' Hot Cheetos for Andrew, Vanessa, and Dana. :)
We arrived to the theater a little bit early to find the stage door and hopefully catch a few cast members, but we ended up fleeing back to the theater out of extreme awkwardness after seeing Vanessa and AKB from a good distance. :P In our free time, I signed up to be a guest speller, but didn't make it; all of the spellers chosen were adults and probably sat in the orchestra. We also looked at the classroom posters which included baby photos of most of the cast members. It was quite cute. We found AKB and Dana's baby photos, but we couldn't find Vanessa's. Since we also didn't want to waste time after the show purchasing merch, we bought it then. To my surprise, I luckily purchased the last program which was quite a good decision.
Overall, the show and cast were hilarious. The improv element is quite entertaining, especially Rona's comments about the audience spellers. It brings a fresh take to each performance. However, some of the show was ruined by my YouTube video watching of TV performances and specials, so I already knew many of the words, definitions, and sentences. But I still can't spell any of the words....
I loved the cast and was taken aback by some of the cast member's fantastic performances. Justin was a hilarious Chip. Quite entertaining, especially during Erection. Andrew was a really cute Leaf Coneybear. Dana didn't have such a strong lisp which was good. And her current even was on "Super Hillary" and her recent win during the Democratic primary race. Vanessa was an AMAZING Olive Ostrovsky. I never she could sing like that! It was a really touching performance because she played the character truthfully from the moment she stepped foot on stage. I thought she had the best peformance.
Stage door was the best part getting to meet the cast as well as Andrew, Vanessa, and Dana. Dana had to leave early so we couldn't get to to talk with her long. Andrew and Vanessa came out last, but we chatted for a while talking about the blog among other things. The cool part was also meeting both Justin and Vanessa's families. They were quite nice. This was probably the first time that we actually got the ENTIRE cast of nine to sign our windowcard which was totes awesome. :) It was totally worth making the trip up there. Can't wait for the next show. Spring Awakening maybe?
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Friday, March 7, 2008
Ready to jump
I can't believe this is happening. I'm always the one giving other people problems. And I have no control over it. So I'm so frustrated and tired that I have no control over this situation. And it happens EVERY SINGLE time without a question. SHE basically screws every one involved and she gives no damn about it. You may think it's bad, but try living with her. For 18 years. I can't wait until college when I can actually live on my own in a different part of the country far away from hell hole San Jose, California.
By the way, I don't think I'm going to see Spelling Bee tomorrow because of this situation. Great. We have tickets...to a show we aren't seeing. I have crossed all fingers and toes in hopes that she will change her mind by 9am tomorrow morning. If she doesn't I will scream every expletive known to mankind.
By the way, I don't think I'm going to see Spelling Bee tomorrow because of this situation. Great. We have tickets...to a show we aren't seeing. I have crossed all fingers and toes in hopes that she will change her mind by 9am tomorrow morning. If she doesn't I will scream every expletive known to mankind.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
S-Y-Z-Y-G-Y
In just one week, I will be seeing The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee tour in Sacramento with my friends. The journey up to our state capital will take almost 3 hours, but we know it will be an awesome show. Why would anyone in the right mind make such a trip? Mainly because of the AMAZING cast! They could not be a more hilarious bunch (judging from Andrew's Blog videos).
I also love the spontaneity of the show. It's interesting to see audience members go on stage and spell the most unusual (and creative) words. The definitions and sentences are definitely the most entertaining.
The best part will definitely be stage door after the show. We are hoping to meet the cast, snap some photos, and get autographs of the cast members (especially Andrew's, Dana's, and Vanessa's). I will be very disappointed if we don't get to talk to them because I've been waiting for this chance for weeks. This will be a nice refreshing respite from all the AP Biology, AP Spanish and college application/financial aid craziness.
Check out Andrew's Blog to see why the cast is so awesome. I love how Andrew always manages to capture the most random moments on video. The videos are very well-produced, especially for one that's produced on the road. And Andrew has a great choice in music that's heard in the background). A new video is uploaded about once every two weeks or so; sometimes even more frequently.
This is AKB's latest post announcing something very important.
I also love the spontaneity of the show. It's interesting to see audience members go on stage and spell the most unusual (and creative) words. The definitions and sentences are definitely the most entertaining.
The best part will definitely be stage door after the show. We are hoping to meet the cast, snap some photos, and get autographs of the cast members (especially Andrew's, Dana's, and Vanessa's). I will be very disappointed if we don't get to talk to them because I've been waiting for this chance for weeks. This will be a nice refreshing respite from all the AP Biology, AP Spanish and college application/financial aid craziness.
Check out Andrew's Blog to see why the cast is so awesome. I love how Andrew always manages to capture the most random moments on video. The videos are very well-produced, especially for one that's produced on the road. And Andrew has a great choice in music that's heard in the background). A new video is uploaded about once every two weeks or so; sometimes even more frequently.
This is AKB's latest post announcing something very important.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Company
That was an AMAZING performance by Raul Esparza and the rest of the cast. Raul is such an amazing performer. He keeps good timing and .I cringe everytime I see Bobby stand on that piano. I really hope that it is not a real Steinway because I would NEVER EVER have the guts to stand on such a treasured item. What I would do to own a Steinway. But the finale left me awestruck. "Being Alive" is truly a highlight of the show.
In this production, all the actors play instruments on stage. It's so amazing how they are able to play, sing, and speak at the same time. I don't understand how they can juggle so many things at once; many actors play three instruments. On stage, with everything else going on, they need to remember lines, the music and the blocking.
Character-wise, throughout the show, Bobby seems elevated or removed from most of the action and songs. He is often standing on the piano, the cubes, or the pillar and watches the action. As well, there is not much physical contact between characters. For example, in the fighting scene, Harry and Sarah are standing on opposite sides of the stage and combating in the air. I guess that what defines "Company" as a concept musical.
I really enjoyed "Company". PBS did a great job with the filming and editing to make the show flow. This would have been a great production to see live. It has already ended, but at least there's this recording to watch over and over again.
In this production, all the actors play instruments on stage. It's so amazing how they are able to play, sing, and speak at the same time. I don't understand how they can juggle so many things at once; many actors play three instruments. On stage, with everything else going on, they need to remember lines, the music and the blocking.
Character-wise, throughout the show, Bobby seems elevated or removed from most of the action and songs. He is often standing on the piano, the cubes, or the pillar and watches the action. As well, there is not much physical contact between characters. For example, in the fighting scene, Harry and Sarah are standing on opposite sides of the stage and combating in the air. I guess that what defines "Company" as a concept musical.
I really enjoyed "Company". PBS did a great job with the filming and editing to make the show flow. This would have been a great production to see live. It has already ended, but at least there's this recording to watch over and over again.
Transformers on America's Ballroom Challenge
I'm sitting here wating for Company to begin and my friend and I are watching America's Ballroom Challenge. This pair, Ilya and Nadia, did an amazing Transformers routine. Their costume was very unconventional as was their choreography. They seemed like they were robots, mechanical, but also like ballroom dancers, graceful and supple. The side-by-side movements were also very synchronized as well. They received third for this performance.
WOW! They received first overall as the 2007 International Latin Show Dance Champions. I think. I don't get the prize awarding since I watch occasionally, but nonetheless it's entertaining.
5 more minutes until Company airs!
WOW! They received first overall as the 2007 International Latin Show Dance Champions. I think. I don't get the prize awarding since I watch occasionally, but nonetheless it's entertaining.
5 more minutes until Company airs!
Bobby, come on over for dinner!
Company is airing tonight on PBS' Great Performances series at 9pm. My friends and I are having a Company party in celebration. I'm really excited to see Raul Esparza as Bobby and John Doyle's unique staging, which has all the actors playing instruments on stage in character. Bobby plays the piano only at the end for his "Being Alive" finale.
Background
For those of you not familiar with Company, here's a little background. This show has a book by George Furth and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondhiem. The original production of Company opened on April 26, 1970 at the Alvin Theater where it ran for 7 previews and 705 performances. Dean Jones played the main character Bobby. Larry Kurt, who originated the role of Tony in West Side Story, replaced him shortly after opening night. The show garnered a record-breaking 14 Tony nominations (the most until The Producers in 2001).
This production of Company airing on PBS began at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park in spring 2006. Later it opened on November 29, 2006 at the Ethel Barrymore Theater where it played 34 previews and 247 performances. As previously stated, John Doyle directed and choreographed. The entire show was re-orchestrated by Mary-Mitchell Campbell to bring it out of the seventies and into the modern day. Raul Esparza plays the troubled bachelor Bobby.
Synopsis
Company is about Bobby, a singe man with trouble committing to a relationship, accompanied by five couples of his best friends along with three of his girlfriends. A combination of vignettes of each couple, the show is tied together by his 35th birthday celebration.
Background
For those of you not familiar with Company, here's a little background. This show has a book by George Furth and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondhiem. The original production of Company opened on April 26, 1970 at the Alvin Theater where it ran for 7 previews and 705 performances. Dean Jones played the main character Bobby. Larry Kurt, who originated the role of Tony in West Side Story, replaced him shortly after opening night. The show garnered a record-breaking 14 Tony nominations (the most until The Producers in 2001).
This production of Company airing on PBS began at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park in spring 2006. Later it opened on November 29, 2006 at the Ethel Barrymore Theater where it played 34 previews and 247 performances. As previously stated, John Doyle directed and choreographed. The entire show was re-orchestrated by Mary-Mitchell Campbell to bring it out of the seventies and into the modern day. Raul Esparza plays the troubled bachelor Bobby.
Synopsis
Company is about Bobby, a singe man with trouble committing to a relationship, accompanied by five couples of his best friends along with three of his girlfriends. A combination of vignettes of each couple, the show is tied together by his 35th birthday celebration.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
The First One
Recently, I have been religiously tuning into Andrew's Blog (among others) and have been inspired to update my own blog regularly. Nothing too serious, but just the random things that happen in life. I don't know how many people will read this, but it will be my place to blog about news and events that are exciting to me (and unusual to others).
To start off, some exciting events coming up in the next week or so: the Broadway revival of Company with the amazing Raul Esparza is airing on PBS next Wednesday (Feb. 2oth). I didn't have the chance to see it during its run, but this will just as exciting. For the past couple days, I've been listening to the cast recording to learn the lyrics so I can sing along (in my head) while I watch. And to celebrate, my friends and I are having a Company party.
One last thing, UrInTown's official store will open tomorrow! From what Andrew said in his post, Andrew's Blog and The Battery's Down merchandise will be on sale. Some items include leg warmers, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and possibly a tote bag that says "Totes". :) Can't wait! If I see anyone wearing Andrew's Blog or TBD merch, I will seriously go up and hug them. Maybe not...cause I might seem a little crazy.
-andrew
To start off, some exciting events coming up in the next week or so: the Broadway revival of Company with the amazing Raul Esparza is airing on PBS next Wednesday (Feb. 2oth). I didn't have the chance to see it during its run, but this will just as exciting. For the past couple days, I've been listening to the cast recording to learn the lyrics so I can sing along (in my head) while I watch. And to celebrate, my friends and I are having a Company party.
One last thing, UrInTown's official store will open tomorrow! From what Andrew said in his post, Andrew's Blog and The Battery's Down merchandise will be on sale. Some items include leg warmers, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and possibly a tote bag that says "Totes". :) Can't wait! If I see anyone wearing Andrew's Blog or TBD merch, I will seriously go up and hug them. Maybe not...cause I might seem a little crazy.
-andrew
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