Perpetual Anticipation

I am super duper excited for this weekend - my mom and brother (Scott, that is) are arriving in la ciudad tomorrow afternoon, and the lovely Beka Kroesing is dropping in on Saturday. We have a cornucopia of fun things planned. And by "cornucopia", I clearly mean "empty chasm", as I have done little to no preparation. We'll figure something out...

But for now, back to the past week. Last weekend was actually packed with a cornucopia of fun (and mostly free) things. Friday brought the off-Broadway production of Blind Lemon Blues (comp tickets of course - I love my internship). The show is about blues-folk singer Blind Lemon Jefferson and is basically an excuse to sing his songs - no plot really, but mostly strong performances and some stunning music arrangements.

Saturday brought rain (of the steady variety, of course). Kelly and I ventured to Union Square and then north to Times Square, where we once again met up with her friend Michael...who ironically lives near Union Square. We ate a scrumptious meal at the Applebee's in Times Square (which is not too ridiculously overpriced) and got some complimentary desert shooters. We then pranced around H&M for a while (because the Disney store was sadly closed) before returning home.

Sunday was extremely eventful. I pretty much spent the whole day at the Friedman Theatre, home of MTC's The Royal Family. I got trained to work in the Patron's Lounge (abbreviated P.Lo for some reason) during the matinee. That is, I got trained until 20 minutes into the performance, when Tony Roberts (an actor in the show) experienced a minor seizure and the show was subsequently cancelled. Well after this I promptly headed to Central Park, where the New York Arts kids had a fun picnic. We ate. We drank. We played frisbee. We hit people with frisbees. We danced. We got weird stares from other people because of our dancing. 'Twas a wondrous time. And after all this hullabaloo, I finally got to see the night performance of The Royal Family! The show was absolutely hysterical, the set was gorgeous (it even got some applause), and the performances were very strong. And, of course, our tickets were generously provided by the Manhattan Theatre Club. Love it.

And guess what? More comp tickets! Tonight we saw the off-Broadway play Circle Mirror Transformation. I kind of loved this play - it was very simple, but very funny and moving. The dialogue was very realistic, and the all of the performances were pretty much perfect. This may be my favorite off-Broadway experience thus far. And another great experience: I ran into Bridget Martin (sister of Claire) today! We just happened to pass each other on 8th Avenue - small city, no? We agreed to meet up some time soon, and I am real excited about it!

So there's the lowdown. I gosta got to bed - I have 3 long hours of work tomorrow. MTC was kind enough to let me off at 1 so that I can pick up some folks from the airport. Tomorrow's a big day, and it will be amazing. (Don't tell Scott, but we're seeing Billy Elliot tomorrow night - it's kind of a surprise). Alright, good night. And good luck.

Working 10 to 6: What a Way to Make a Living

One amazing work week down. Lots and lots to go. Although not enough, really. It's already October. Meaning I've been here for a month. Meaning I only have about two and a half months left. I kind of love it here and don't want to leave.

But anyway, this work week was really great. My coworkers are absolutely wonderful - there are a good 70 staff members and 15 interns working at MTC. There's always a lot going on, and lots of people to see. I am actually technically "Marketing Intern 2", as there is also an intern in the department named Andrew. I do not appreciate this second-billing, and I am determined to proof my worth...Actually, Andrew is incredibly nice, as are all of the other interns. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone.

The work I'm doing at MTC is very interesting - a lot of it involves gathering data to assist the Marketing directors in making decisions. I put together reports for daily wraps, single ticket sales, zip code breakdowns, show discounts, website visitor statistics, and loads of other things. It's really fascinating to see how they make important decisions - and of course, they couldn't do it without me.

Another cool aspect of working at MTC is that I can also work night and weekend shifts (for cash) at the front desk and theatre patron lounge. The company has rehearsal spaces that it rents out, so they need someone to work the front desk after normal work hours. In fact, I got my first go at it on Thursday - when the girl who was supposed to work dropped out and they needed a last-minute replacement. The job was real tough - I sat in a chair, directed a few people to their studios, surfed the interweb, and ate Taco Bell. And the best part about this job...the Broadway revival of A Little Night Music will be rehearsing in our space for about a month - which means I'll get to see Angela Lansbury, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Stephen Sondheim, et al. up close and personal.

Yup, it's all pretty amazing. This Sunday, I am getting trained to work in the patron lounge at the Friedman Theatre, and I will also get to see our current Broadway show: The Royal Family. Things are looking up, and I kinda like it that way.

I Play It The Company Way

The Manhattan Theatre Club is just swell. I started my marketing internship on Monday, and I really love the place. I can't honestly say I've done too much yet, other than general office duties. There is a wondrous binder, though, that explains in detail all of my duties as an intern. I am excited for the weeks ahead, and all the wonders that this internship will bring. I'll letcha know.

And now just a few more fun things from the last two days:

Monday: saw the new "Fame" movie with a bunch of NY Arts folks. The theater was huge...the $4 sour patch kids were scrumptious...the movie was terrible.

Today: attempted the Hair Lottery once more to help Amanda out - I lost once again, she won. She and Sally got to see the show tonight, and I'm happy for them. Later in the night, Kelly and I made some ambrosial funfetti cupcakes with funfetti icing. They were a rousing success.

Money Well Spent

I wasn't necessarily what one might call "frugal" this weekend, but I would like to think that my money was spent wisely.

Friday: Kelly and I ventured to The Colony - the world's great sheet music store. I resisted temptation to buy anything in the store, although I did fall prey to the homeless organization asking for money outside - I forked over $10. Yup, that one better come back around. And for my final smart purchase of the night: a Mango-a-go-go at Jamba Juice.

Saturday: Another mornin', another show ticket line. This time we got in line around 8:45 to get student rush tickets for the matinee performance of Hamlet, starring Jude Law. The cost was $35, and I got more than my money's worth. For starters, the show is over 3 hours. And what's more, Jude Law was surprisingly great, the whole cast (with the possible exception of Ophelia) was wonderful, the lights were stunning, the costumes were modern and sleek, and it steadily snowed! The day was capped off with hours of sing-along time in the "305" piano lounge - and that is always fun and free.

Sunday: The day started with a trip to the annual Broadway Flea Market. The place was stuffed with thousands of people clamoring for tons of Broadway memorabilia. I spent $8 here (for charity once again) and got a couple posters, some old-time Playbills, and a souvenir program or two. Not to mention that we spotted Seth Rudetsky (again), this time in the company of Audra McDonald(!). More creepy stalker pictures were a given. Later in the day I made the best purchase of the weekend: complimentary tickets to Off-Broadway's A Boy and His Soul, graciously provided by fellow NY Arts intern Edward. The show was very entertaining and moving - I feel like I actually made money from seeing it.

So lots of great purchases all around. You may also have noticed a great addition to the blog - a list of links to blogs kept by other members of the New York Arts Program this semester. Feel free to compare and contrast our experiences at your leisure.

In the morning, I'm off to work at the Manhattan Theatre Club. I am excited beyond belief right now. I'll probably be letting you know how it goes, as is my way. Just you hold tight...

A New Beginning

Will start today,
A chance to change and learn
And know a better way.

I have a new internship! The Manhattan Theatre Club called me today and offered me a Marketing Internship. I am incredibly excited about this opportunity - MTC produces shows both on and off Broadway. Their shows this season will include some people you may have heard of - Ana Gasteyer, Lynn Redgrave, Rosemary Harris, Laura Linney, Alicia Silverstone. Anyone?

The internship is pretty darn legit, too. I get to learn all about the wonders of marketing. I get my own desk, computer, phone, and e-mail account. I get to attend full-staff meetings. I get to attend weekly seminars. I get a mentor from outside the Marketing department so I can get a fuller experience. I may get to go to opening night performances. I will apparently be offered lots and lots of free tickets. Not too shabby, eh?

I was also in the process of doing a final interview for Nederlander Worldwide. Yes, the Nederlander - of Broadway producing fame. Unfortunately, I had to call and tell them I was no longer interested. I was scared that this would mean that I would never be hired in the theatre industry again - who do I think I am to turn down Nederlander?! But luckily, they were incredibly understanding and supportive. Amanda, the secretary I talked to, was even quoted as saying "I'm just sorry that we couldn't snatch you up first." I guess I am just in demand.

Well, the great work begins on Monday. This internship is only part-time, so I may still get to work at Theater Mogul a few hours a week. I am super-excited, and you should be, too.

Let the Sun Shine In (Finally!)

The streak has been broken! I am a Hair lottery winner! Yup, tonight I finally got to see Hair. And it exceeded my wildest expectations. But more on that in a minute...

So remember a minute ago when I said I won the lottery? Yeah, that was a lie. Here's the real story: I decided to go for the Hair lottery tonight. Kelly had rehearsal so she couldn't go to the lottery (this brings our odds down significantly...). Luckily, as I was about to leave, I told Amanda (a fellow NY Arts student - read her blog!: go<3yourowncity) that I was going to the lottery, and she offered to put in her name as well to increase our chances. Well, thank gawd she did. Her name was called! (And not mine - ergo, I am still not a winner). Amanda so kindly let Kelly and I have the tickets. We seriously owe her big time.

So now for the show...wow. Our seats were in the back of the stage-left boxes, so we really couldn't see too much onstage. But no matter - we could hear, I could see a fair portion of the stage, and Kelly (who could see basically none of the stage) got her hair tousled by at least 5 tribe members. The show was directed flawlessly and moved so darn quickly that it pretty much flew by. The band was phenomenal, and the music direction was absolutely top-notch. Let's be honest, I even sang along a little bit. The cast was absolutely perfect - incredibly well-defined characters, even in the tribe. And yes, we did indeed go onstage during the curtain call and dance around. It was pretty surreal, absolutely amazing, and scorching hot.

The stage door was lovely as well. Everyone in the tribe is just so nice, and we got a few beautiful pictures. If you're wondering what in the world is with Gavin Creel...well, after the show, some of the cast members were going bowling dressed as Goth Hippies. We literally had to wait 30 minutes for him while he put on eyeliner, nail polish, and that wig. So worth it, though.

And if any are you are worried about the fate of the Failed Hair Lottery list (I'm sure someone out there is concerned...), fear not. I plan on seeing Hair a minimum of 3 more times, so I will surely lose the lottery a few more times before this semester is over. Yay?

Let the sun shine in, y'all.

Peace.

Hilarity and Riot

Fun developments in the internship department...well, soon-to-be developments I suppose. Today I set up two additional interviews with another to be set for next week. These agencies are pretty much begging me to work for them. Hopefully I'll know something by early next week.

But now for the real fun news...Today, the New York Arts theatre kids had the best seminar ever - a free performance of The 39 Steps! I have ne'er seen the Alfred Hitchcock film of old, but it mattered not. The play takes the movie's plot and turns it into a farce of sorts, with four actors playing all the parts. Hilarity ensues. The script was hysterical, but the real highlights were the physical and visual gags: two actors swapping hats every second to switch between 5 characters, a silhouette depiction of a police chase, etc. The lights were awe-inspiring, the direction was precise, the acting was great. How could this get any better, you ask? Well, add on a post-show talk back! And that is just what we got - this crazy comedian woman moderated and the actors talked about how much fun doing the show is. I am jealous. And for the grand finale...the actors posed for a picture with us outside the theatre! What a wondrous seminar experience.

A Weekend in the City

Buckle your seat belts, folks - this is gonna be a long one. This weekend was just a bucket of fun, so there's lots to report.

First off, you may have noticed a brand new addition to my blog - The Failed Hair Lottery list. Kelly and I have thus far attempted to see Hair four times (once in May, and thrice this semester), and none have worked out. I can only assume that this will happen several more times, so feel free to check the list frequently for fun new updates!

Going all the way back to Thursday...after losing the Hair lottery once again, we decided to head to the TKTS Booth for some happy people-watching. On the way we passed Jamba Juice, where I experienced a true test of character. Kelly wanted a delicious smoothie, but I decided that I did not need it - so for the first time in my life, I resisted the temptation of a Jamba Juice! But the story doesn't end here...no more than 15 minutes later, while walking down the street, I could no longer resist. So I turned around, went back to Jamba Juice, and shamefully purchased myself a smoothie. The overwhelming pride I had gained now diminished as quickly as it arrived. I guess I simply cannot resist a delicious, nutricious Jamba. But who can, really?

With Saturday came my first early-morning ticket line of the season. Kelly and I arrived at the Gerald Schonfeld Theatre at roughly 7:45 in the morning to get tickets for A Steady Rain, starring Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig (yes, Wolverine and James Bond). Sally joined us around 8:30 or so, and we gleefully purchased our tickets at 10:00 a.m. Seriously, shows are the only thing I will wake up early for. I'm excited for the next outing.

I have to admit, I'm not the biggest fan of either Hugh Jackman or Daniel Craig, and I was only mildly excited to see this show. But they both did a phenomenal job, and the show was very well-written and directed. We were particularly nervous about the accents - an Australian and a Brit doing Chicago accents could be pretty bad, but they both pulled it off very well.

What was even more exciting than the show itself was the stage door scene - we were some of the first people outside, and there were already a good 50 people waiting. These were people who did not see the show, but just wanted to see the stars. Not cool. Even less cool were these two ladies who trotted on over from the theatre next door, where they had just gotten out of God of Carnage. They decided it would be fun to squeeze into the chaos of people. But once they got into the crowd, they would not stop complaining about how little room they had, and how one of them had just undergone physical therapy and it wasn't safe for her to be here - this literally went on for 20 minutes. But Hugh and Daniel were both very nice and signed everyone's Playbills - even better, Diane Sawyer made an appearance. All in all, 'twas a wondrous Saturday afternoon.

And a wondrous Saturday evening. Unfortunately, the New York Arts Program is full of indecisive individuals, so it took us roughly 3 hours to figure out what to do for the night. We finally decided to head down to SoHo and dine at a cute little restaurant called La Esquina (The Corner, if you don't happen to speak Spanish - or have simply forgotten what the word means, like me). I enjoyed some scrumptious and exquisite bistec tacos, and a grand time was had by all. Sure, we may have stiffed the waitress on the tip a little, but what the hey.

Sunday may well have been the best day of all - Kelly, Fallon, Amy, Jessica, and I ventured down to Coney Island, the home of lots of world-famous things: the boardwalk, Nathan's Hot Dogs, the Cyclone rollercoaster, etc. First things first: we rode the wondrous Wonder Wheel. Now this isn't your average everyday Ferris wheel - the gondola was on a track and rolled frenetically back and forth...I would explain more, but I will just let this video do the talking:

........................................

We also visited the boardwalk and the beach before stopping by Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs for some lunch. We went to the original location for our meal - or so we thought...we would later discover that the actual original is located just down the road - but we can pretend, right? Anyway, the hot dog was absolutely delicious - as were the fries, which came with these precious miniature pitchforks for ease of handling.

And finally, we of course stopped by the historic Cyclone for a ride. I have been wanting to ride this rollercoaster for roughly 10 years, so this was an absolutely amazing experience. The Cyclone was built in 1927 and is still running - it's crazy old and crazy fun. Thank you, Cyclone, for making one of my childhood dreams come true.

So that's the weekend - back to work in the morning. I have an interview or two this week, so new things will hopefully be developing.

And one final note: there is a distinct lack of comments on this blog. If you have gotten to this point in the note, you clearly are dedicated and probably have something to say. Hit me up!

Peace and love.

Check It Out

I suppose the "educational" portion of the New York Arts Program has begun - for yesterday the Theatre & Drama students had their first seminar with Dana Tarantino (remember? The savvy the adviser...). We meet once a week to learn fun things about theatre and life and all that (hot) mess. For our first seminar, we basically just introduced ourselves and explained our internships, and then chatted for a little bit. Next week should be even better - Dana got us all free tickets to The 39 Steps, which comes complete with a post-show talkback. Should be fun times.

And now for the big story of the day - today I got my New York Public Library Card! I am officially experience life as it should be in New York City. Kelly and I explored the Mid-Manhattan branch of the library and found it to be treasure trove of wonderful literature and media. However, I found it particularly difficult to find a few items I desired - for none were on the shelf, as the catalog stated. Luckily, I was able to track down one book on a stray cart lingering far away from the book's Dewey Decimal placement. My first checkout from the NYPL: Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris.

So Much to Do in New York

So I was right - this weekend was fabulous. Lots of shows, lots of people, lots of fun times. It all started on Friday, with Race Music - okay, this show was actually pretty bad, but it was free so I'm not complaining. But the evening was topped off with a delicious late-night dinner in Chelsea, so it's all good.

Not too much happened on Saturday - except for 90 of the greatest minutes of my life. Sally, Kelly, and I got standing room tickets to God of Carnage and it was absolutely perfect. The cast came out to the stage door, and they were all so nice. Unfortunately, Jeff Daniels signed with such agility that we couldn't chat about Michigan. But Hope Davis and Marcia Gay Harden were incredibly kind. James Gandolfini didn't come out, but that's fine. The play was absolutely amazing, and the performances were flawless. And once again, the performance was followed up with some delicious Jamba Juice (we need to start practicing some self-control in that department...).

Sunday was incredibly eventful - the morning brought Broadway on Broadway to Times Square - the casts of all the Broadway shows came and performed for free! We were incredibly far away, but it was still cool. The highlight of the event: Seth Rudetsky made an appearance. Even better, we spotted Seth later in the day outside the Avenue Q theatre - we thought it best not to say anything, so I just took some creepy stalker pictures instead. But anywho, Broadway on Broadway was a wonderful experience, and came complete with a confetti-splashed finale.

Later in the day, we stopped by Radio City to see the red carpet action at the VMA's. We arrived at 5:30, and once we realized that nobody was actually arriving till 8:00, we promptly left. One fun thing came out of this though: my first subway ride of the season! Yeah, I think I might stick to walking - it's way cheaper and not that much more difficult.

Okay, I have just one more show to report - tonight Kelly and I saw Altar Boyz, which was absolutely hilarious.

So that's the weekend - lots and lots of shows for very little money. Now I'm back to work. If anyone is wondering about the internship scandal - I have sent in applications for some other internships and should hopefully have some news before the week is out. Hang tight, y'all.