Well, dear readers, I can’t blame Jose, I can’t blame Canada, I can’t put the blame on Mame or Rio or the Bossa Nova. I can’t say don’t blame me because I’m the only one I can blame. How in tarnation did I get myself into doing a reading of a new musical? Well, first it was going into Deceit last year – the first time back on stage in twenty-two years. But at least it was in my own show, so I knew the character, had already staged it, and so, while scary, it was not horrendously hard. Then came our very own FJL and Skip asking me to be in the reading of The Last Starfighter. I didn’t really know whether it was the right thing to do, but they made it easy, and it wasn’t like I had a ton of songs or a humungous amount of talking. So, I had fun doing that, thank to everyone’s extreme graciousness. When I was asked to do this, I don’t know what I was thinking. I was only sent the script, and I only read a portion of it – I saw it was a lot of talking but some of it was amusing, and I certainly knew I could play the character. So, I said yes without having heard the score. Had I heard the score, I most likely would have passed. It’s not that it’s the worst thing I’ve ever heard, but it’s clearly written by someone who doesn’t have a good knowledge of the human voice and ranges. And it’s not a question of being tuneful or not, it’s just that it’s not crafted well – some verses are written fine, but then he cheats and leaves out notes or puts in too many words, and it’s just maddening because, for me anyway, it’s just about impossible to learn. With Skip’s music and lyrics, the craft is there, there’s no cheating, the song is the song and it makes sense and therefore is easy to learn. Even really difficult music is easy for me if it has craft and doesn’t change things for the sake of laziness. And this character never shuts up in the whole show. I don’t mean to come down on the show at all – it’s fun and so far I’ve had a good time and I’ve kept it light when the music goes wacky. I’m pretty prepared musically, and certainly will be more solid after the next two days, but luckily if I forget a tune or something, it’s perfectly in character to talk-sing. I’m sure all this would be a lot easier if I hadn’t had my twenty-two year hiatus. Am I whining? This sounds like whining. Okay, we hate whining, so maybe we can call this venting. Venting is better than whining so I’ve been venting, and now I’m through venting. Wait – I just had a great idea for a new action movie – The Ventilator! Starring – who? Who’s left? Jean Claude Van Damme? Steven Seagall? Arnold’s busy (this show I’m doing is about an Arnoldesque former action hero who’s elected President). The Ventilator. I like it! Someone write the script. In fact, maybe all our regular hainsies/kimlets can write it together, starting with today’s posts. Someone write “Fade In” and we’ll take it from there.
Other than having a music rehearsal, I took it pretty easy yesterday, so I don’t have much to report other than Jason Graae has joined our merry troupe of players for our fundraiser show.
Well, why don’t we all click on the Unseemly Button below whilst we say The Ventilator’s famous catchphrase: “That’s what you think, butt cheek.”
My goodness, June is already flying by like a gazelle eating a Charlotte Russe. Last night, I watched the new special edition of The Verdict, a film of Sidney Lumet, written by David Mamet, and starring Paul Newman in one of his best performances. And he’s got great support from the likes of James Mason, Jack Warden, Milo O’Shea, Lindsay Crouse, and others. Mr. Lumet really excels at this type of film – he’s really a superb film director. I’ve written about the film before, but suffice it to say that while it isn’t quite as good as The Ventilator, it remains a beautifully written and directed piece – compelling, riveting and a lot of other ings. It also has a really brief but interesting score by the great Johnny Mandel. The transfer is better than the previous DVD – a little cleaner, and a little sharper, but it’s not a huge difference. There is a whole second disc of extras, and there’s some interesting interviews on the new featurettes.
Today, I shall be rehearsing and then trying to attend a book fair, time-permitting. And then this evening I shall have to rest and take care of my voice box. It will be interesting to see how I get through the day.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, jog, rehearse, go to a book fair, relax, and watch a DVD or three. Today’s topic of discussion: David Mamet is a fascinating writer – I really like some of his work, and really don’t like some of his work. What is your favorite and least favorite writing by David Mamet. And don’t forget, we’re writing the script of The Ventilator today, so put your thinking caps on. Let’s have loads of lovely postings, shall we? “That’s what you think, butt cheek.”