HNT: All That Jazz

So, I can hardly call myself a regular HNTer anymore ::shame:: or really even qualify as "occasional" even. But hey, I'm here today, so at late as it is, I might as well.

This is an HNT-worthy shot taken from the headshot I use as a jazz singer. "Come on babe, why don't we paint the town..."

Nostalgia and Jazz

Okay, first, I am constantly in awe of what some people will do to curry favor, to get others to like them and pay them compliments, including buttering them up like a piece of Texas Toast (my apologies to those not familiar with Texas Toast). This happens so much in theatre, and it's so obviously self-serving, the bile tends to rise in my throat at an alarmingly-rapid rate. Um, of course they're going to be nice to you; you paid them a compliment! Ugh.

ANYWAY.

I'm excited to start rehearsals for BB5 with the REP Company soon. I'm one of only five women in the REP performing as a vocalist in the revue, by which I was both surprised and flattered. I'm also performing in several other numbers, including 'America' from West Side Story. Maybe it's the pregnancy, but it's not hard to make me feel nostalgic lately, and this certainly did the trick.

I did WSS back in 2004 in D-town (as Anita- a dream role for me), and not only did I meet and make friends that continue to be some of the closest and dearest to me (Hello, my Will and Billie Jean!), but it was, to date, the best theatre experience I've ever had. We became an almost-scarily close-knit bunch (and yes, the showmances were flyin'). The show lends itself to bonding between cast members, what with the two rival gangs and the often heated relationships between so many characters. Alot of strong emotions, sexual tension (and steamy dancing) in that show, and it all came out in how close we became. Think 'Dirty Dancing'. We bonded as a group, which made us all the more strong as a cast onstage.

A core group of us hung out to the point of ridiculous; this ended up being a social and emotional lifesaver for me as I was in the beginnings of my very messy divorce. But I could always come to the gym (yes, we rehearsed largely in a non-air conditioned gym- very authentic) and forget everything except this character. Rehearsals were often spent sweating our asses off as we learned the hefty dance numbers. Perhaps the toughest scene I've ever done in any show (where Anita is gang-raped) took a whole two-hour rehearsal to block and run, and at the end both me and my "rapists" were both physically and mentally exhausted. We would hit Sweetwater to blow off steam and then take the party (and the drinking) to Billie Jean's until two of three in the morning. Yikes. It's a wonder I didn't get fired from my job or have a car accident on the way back to Dallas. I wouldn't trade a moment of that experience though, and I'm looking forward to dancing in that powerhouse of a musical number again. Not to mention the opportunity to get to know a whole new group of people.

So that goes up in the beginning of April, and so from here on out I need to decide how much I can (and want) to fit in before the baby comes.This includes going with the hubs to a couple auditions I'm not necessarily interested in but will probably try out for shits and giggles anyway. I already turned down stepping into a role in Grapevine, because I didn't want to stress myself out learning that much music and dialogue that quickly right now. I don't like turning things down, just kills me. But I'm finding myself being even more picky that usual, carefully measuring how badly I wanting to do a certain show against the drive involved, the possible people involved, etc, etc.

Along with that, I have a Valentine's show with the Velvet Kittens this weekend and a regular gig again (finally- yay!) starting later this month in Dallas. So this week is being spent whipping my voice into shape to handle two torch ballads, an uptempo, plus the standard show opener 'When You're Good To Mama'. I got a standing "o" during our last show for that song, so now I have high expectations. ;) Also on the jazz front, there's a more-that-good chance I'll be singing live again when we go to NY in June, and it will be at, ahem ::drumroll please:: none other than BIRDLAND! Birdland is where Charlie Parker used to play and is one of the, if not the most, famous jazz clubs in Manhattan. Charlie Parker himself called Birdland, which opened in 1949, the "jazz corner of the world". I will admit this one is all about knowing the right person (who heard me sing last time we were in NY). I am so FREAKIN' excited!

In preggo-world, everything's moving along swimmingly. We're coming to the end of the first trimester, and for the most part I've kept up my regimen of eating healthy. Though I don't have much choice; the baby constantly craves chicken and salad and fruit (with the occasional McDonald's fries) and still abhors soda and Mexican food. I will admit it's nice going into the 2nd trimester DOWN 16 lbs. The baby bump is small, but it's there. :)

Off to another day of NOT working (does ANYONE need a recruiter?) and enjoying the endlessly-falling snow. Yes! Snow! In Texas!

Like No Business I Know

::glee::

It's amazing how the red letter news of one's next show can cheer one up. One being me. Ah, the life of an actor. Of course, it also helps I'm almost over The Death Cold while still keeping preggo nausea at bay. The only thing I don't have back yet is my appetite. But I'm not complaining; I'll be eating plenty in the next six and a half months to make up for it.

So yeah- a SHOW! WOOT! SO excited! I had previously announced I would be part of the REP Company (a local theatre troupe of about 50 called upon throughout the year to participate in a 10-production season). The REP has come a long way in the near twenty years it's been around. It's definitely the kind of environment where you pay your dues, but it's also an environment where you work with nothing but supremely-talented people and every experience is one where you grow as an artist. And at this point, that's vital for me.

The audition consisted of a singing round and a lengthy cold reading callback, and I was offered a spot in the REP the next day. I've worked with them before, both as a REP member nearly 10 years ago and as a step-in last year in Death of a Salesman (just a feature role). I met some great new people during that experience, and that plus the level of talent I saw made me decide to go for it this time.

The REP is run by a great gal (not only a terrific director and artist but also a sharp businesswoman) with two extremely talented daughters who, much to some people's dislike, play alot of lead roles in the productions. This kind of "favoritism" (no, NOT my word) used to bother me (as in during my first time in the REP 10 years ago) until I sucked it up and saw how consistently top-notch their performances (and the quality of the shows overall) were. It's the kind of politics that happens at every theatre in every city, period. Yep, it's the business. But what the REP also does is consistently bring in new talent each year and work those people up to to great roles (much like the way many equity houses do) in great productions. That's the business, too. Take it or leave it.

I know I've bitched on here about theatre politics (it happens, everywhere, in some form or fashion), and sure sometimes certain equity (and certainly non-equity) houses in the Big D have made casting decisions based on "who they know", and the production suffered thus. But is this the norm? Gosh, no. Not at all. Especially in the more reputable professional companies. Usually the director knows what they're doing, knows their people and the material, and the production value shows it. Sure, the director has a "vision", the director has a "plan" to make all the puzzle pieces "fit".

What they also have, in most cases, is choices. Alot of choices. Choices between someone the director has worked with before who can play the role in fitting with their vision, as well as someone they have never met who could do the same.

Who do they choose?

Well, who would you choose?

(And let me say, politics are inevitable in theatre (especially community theatre), as is casting for physical type (well, that's everywhere). And anyone who thinks otherwise is in denial. Just the way it is. Not every decision is based on what's best for the production value. Most, but not all. Politics are present, and they're not all bad. And hell, I know there are roles I've missed out on because I'm not a size 6, hello?!?)

Anyway, the answer to the above: the director casts the person they've worked with before in the lead role and gives the "new" talented person a smaller role where they can prove themselves. This happened to me (me being the "new" person) at an equity house recently, and it ended up being one the best theatre experiences I've ever had. It's the business, and if you're willing and able to "pay your dues" the big roles will come your way. Not every time of course, and it's not an end all be all, but your chances are definitely better.

And when, asin most cases, the director knows what they're doing (and doing it for the right reasons) the productions doesn't suffer. And guess what? Everyone involved will have a learning, growing experience as an artist, working with nothing but top-notch people.

This is an ideal scenario, of course, but one I've been part of and privy to. And I've talked to alot of directors I've worked with, equity and non-equity. I've heard point-blank reasons why certain people get cast in certain roles. Some are good reasons, some not so much.

Good reasons:
- "I've seen her play the role before, and I know she can do it."
- "I know his work ethic, and I like it. He'll get the job done."
- "She gave the best audition, and I can count on her."
- "She's exactly what I envisioned for the role."

Not-so-good reasons:
- "She's helped out alot behind the scenes on other shows."
- "It's just her turn."
- "He may not be quite right for the role, but he paid his dues."
- "She's such a nice person and done so much for the community."

UGH. I've heard those not-so-good reasons so many times and in many cases either been in or at least seen the productions associated with them. Less-than-great productions that could have been better. Because of me? NO, people. I'm not that vain. But WOW, I know alot people, especially in community theatre, that wouldn't have gotten half the roles they got if it wasn't for some well-placed ass-kissing and well-done volunteer work painting sets, or it was just "their turn".

These kind of things have alot to do with my level of patience and tolerance doing certain roles with certain theatres. When I see a community theatre director cast a show five years ago with a certain group of people, and then this year cast a similar show with the same base group of people, it makes me raise an eyebrow. And, quite frankly, lower an opinion.

"Well, that's community theatre".

Yes. It is. And that's all it is, and putting on productions based even partly on such things will eventually limit the production quality. And for someone looking to grow, looking to get better, looking for challenges, that environment just won't cut it. And if I'm judged for that, so be it. Do I look petty to some? Probably.

Eh. Small price to pay.

I've been doing theatre since I was eight. My complete resume tops out at over one hundred productions, and the vast MINORITY of these roles are leads. I'd like to believe the (relatively) few I've gotten I deserved. The meat (and often the best) of my experience lies in supporting roles (Anita in West Side Story, Ado Annie in Oklahoma, Erma in Anything Goes, Mama Morton in Chicago- that one was during college) and featured roles (Tess in Crazy For You, Mrs Mayor in Seussical, Miss Flannery in Thoroughly Modern Millie). I love doing them, but the older and more experienced I get, the more choosy I become about WHERE I do them.

The same goes for roles I've played before and the "slutty" roles, a category I seem to be typecast in.

- Will I learn and grow and be challenged by the experience?
- Will I be working with a cast where everyone is at least or more talented than me?
- Is the director and theatre reputable?
- Is it an equity house production?

For where I am in my experience and life, these are fair questions. I'm at a point where I lack patience for decisions that drag productions down for the sake of "community", for the sake of "everyone getting along".

I want to be challenged, I want to grow.

ANYWAY, now that I've gotten off my unintentional soapbox, I'm THRILLED to be part of Broadway's Best, the REP's annual Broadway revue to kick off the new season. It's also apparently a "second" audition for the rest of the season, kind of "prove yourself" kind of thing. Ought to be fun, so stay tuned!

T.O.W. It Found Me

Ugh, so it looks like the cold, or sinus infection, or whatever (it hasn't quite distinguished itself yet) found me. BLAH! On top of building-a-person exhaustion, I now have drowning-in-mucus exhaustion. Lovely. Truly lovely.

All I want to do is sleep; I should be eating more, but the last thing you want to do when you're drowning in snot is eat. So I'm trying to balance eating enough for the kumquat (that's how big the baby is- a little over an inch for those of you unfamiliar with kumquats) without making myself sick.

At least the next time I'll need to sing for something besides an audition is the middle of February (the Velvet Kittens Valentine's Show). Whew! Of course, I need to polish up those songs, one of which is a pretty hefty torch ballad. After that, I 'll most likely be in the REP's Broadway's Best show (fun!) performing something from Wicked, or Next to Normal, 9 to 5, something like that. Regardless, should be a great experience!

I have a few auditions coming up, but gladly several are plays and one I've already been told to come to callbacks for reading. Yay!

In other news, I am still out of work. At this point, I'm only looking for contract work until the baby is born, since I want to be home full-time for the least the first three months (that's how long the GTF gets for paternity leave- pretty awesome). We're seeing how we do money-wise with just one income. I'm looking at getting back into Mary Kay. I did it very successfully during my first marriage, averaging about $500 in sales a week before things fell apart during the divorce. Might be a good way to be at home and bring in some extra moola.

Anyhoo, back to resting I guess. Just a little extra update in Vida de Babs. :)

T.O.W. Chores and Planning

I can't seem to stop eating toaster struedels today. Like any other craving I've had in the past 9 weeks, it'll pass. And since the past few cravings have been things like strawberries, carrots, chicken, string cheese, on and on. So this one was a bit of a shock, and with a more overpowering propensity to vomit despite the medicine, I just went with it.

Read more about my pregnancy journey here.

This week, I've been fighting off getting the hubby's chest cold while attempting to get some much-delayed housework done. Laundry, dishes, the works. Very exciting, though we do have a vacation to look forward to.

WOOT!

Our OB ok'd it, so we booked our airfare (not even $350 for the both of us- yay!) to New York for two weeks this summer. It's our third year in row to head up north during the summer. This year, it'll be a little different. We're spending a full week in a gorgeous three-story beach house on the Jersey shore, followed by a few extra days to either hang out upstate or make our way into the city to catch a show. Alot of that will depend on how huge and uncomfortable I am by then (I'll be about seven months along). But I can't think of a better place to be when I'm seven months pregnant, hot and uncomfortable than vegging on the beach.

Am I right?

Yeah, I'm right. :)

Day 1, A.V. (After Vomiting)

Rachel: "Well, if anyone's keeping track, I no longer eat tuna."

I know, I know, I have a pregnancy blog to talk about vomiting and sonograms and gas, but this level of sick pretty much put everything else on hold for the past few days. I mean everything, including things like walking upright and digesting food.

But, two prescriptions, one flower arrangement from the parents, one nap, and one good night's sleep later, things are MUCH better. I'm still a bit weak, but I kept down both my breakfast and my prenatal vitamin PLUS I even was able to wash my hair and empty the dishwasher.

Trust me, big improvement.

And I'm thrilled to announce I made THE REP! Yay! D.C. emailed me on Monday and formally asked me if I wanted to be part of the Company this year and asked about my pregnancy and which shows it would most likely keep me from doing. I'm a little bummed about Spelling Bee, but there's another theatre doing that in early Spring so I'll try for that one. Other than that, some great possibilities including a Broadway showcase, Jekyll & Hyde, Oliver and others.

I also think I'm going out for a couple shows out in Grapevine again, including Wild Party, Spelling Bee, and Parade. Not sure yet and need to work out what I'd sing, but we'll see. I tried out 'As Long As He Needs Me' for the first time at REP auditions and it went well, but I need to beef up my contemporary repertoire more than anything.

Meanwhile, still looking for contract work while nesting and starting to prepare for Baby. This weekend? Hoping to catch some friends in Laughter On the 23rd Floor at Watertower.

Till then, ta-ta!

-Babs

Out of "Retirement"

Okay, so "retirement" might be exagerating a little bit.

Quick "let's-play-catch-up" time:

Until today, I haven't auditioned for a show since My Way (a Frank Sinatra tribute, in which I did some work as a jazz singer that I'm deeply proud of, regardless of the over-abundance of diva bullsh*t and an annoyingly- and unecessarily-slanted review); that show went up in early Autumn, followed immediately by (sans audition) stepping into a featured role in Death of a Salesman at RCT with less than a week of rehearsal. "Save the Day, Be the Hero" roles can be equal parts stressful and rewarding (I've done a couple before), but it ended up being a great experience; a breath of fresh air where I happened to make a couple of fabulous new friends (no more petty, small-town, back-biting crap).

By the time Death of a Salesman wrapped at the end of October, I not only was ready to take my stanard over-the-holiday-acting-break, but also:

- We were still trying to get pregnant.
- I started singing professionally full-time with The Velvet Kittens.
- I was given a rather forceful order (I'm stubbon, see) of vocal rest from my long-time voice doctor Dr. Kirkham that forced me to drop a great role in a show being directed by a very good friend.

::wipes brow::

Fast-forward to one hosted Christmas dinner and one sonogram later (yep, we're pregnant, start reading about it here), and I found myself having a day free of "morning" sickness. So I grabbed a resume, a headshot, and my audition bag and tried out for the REP season in my hometown.

And...

CALLBACK!

Fun! (and ::whew::) I got to see my buddies from Death of a Salesman, plus some others from the REP (I worked with them back in 2002) and was told to come back tomorrow for callbacks for a slew of great shows. Nothing for sure yet, but it'll be fun. And it could be my road out of "retirement".

:)

Two Roads Indeed

Well, my friends, I have again sorely neglected this blog, mostly due to the fact that the GTF and I have been trying to get pregnant and hey it WORKED!

Baby Babs the Blueberry is due in late August, and I have started a whole new blog to chronicle the journey here at Betty With a Bun In the Oven, my new pregnancy blog.

I will try my best to continued this blog with theatre news, general musings and the usual snarkiness, but make sure to to check out the baby blog, too.

MUAH!

Candyland: A Night of Sweets- December 19th

I will be continuing my role as headlining vocalist at my first Christmas show with the Velvet Kittens Burlesque Troupe on Saturday, December 19th at 10:30 pm! Come see some amazingly sexy dancers plus top-notch local talent in this holiday benefit show:

Candyland: A Night of Sweets

When: Saturday, December 19th
10:30 pm

Where: The Stone Cottage in Addison
15650 Addison Rd, Addison, TX

Cost: One new unwrapped toy! All toys will be donated to the Reach Back Foundation!

RSVP: Visit the Velvet Kittens website for updates and RSVP.

Hope to see YOU there! :)

T.O.W.The Chanteuse Cometh...