As for the LowLights of 2005...
As DR Dan (the Man) mentioned last night, this past year has been filled with too many tragic and sobering world events. Let us all hope and pray that 2006 will be filled with happiness and calm around the world.
Personally, I know I had a few lowlights, but, frankly, I think I've made my peace with them and/or just let them go. And, right now, at this time of the morning, when my brain and body is still waking up, I can't think of anything. So, I guess nothing was really that bad.
As for the HighLights...
Jewish Thighs on Broadway - Thank you, Penny for that wonderful gift - whose seed was planted back in late 2004. That whole time in NYC was just magical for me - including the big HHW get-together at Angus McIndoe. -And it solidified my decision to finally make the move to NYC a few months later.
Mamma Mia! - Here I go again... and again... and again... :-) What a great crew of people. I've been subbing in and out on Tour 2 for the past four years. A week here, a week there. It was great getting asked to join them for an extended period of time this time round - almost four months straight. And since some of the cast, orchestra and crew members have been with the tour since Day 1, it was nice getting to spend more time with those road warriors. And it was
MM! that brought me to Indianapolis where I finally got to meet Jack and Joey, and re-meet Ginny and her husband, Richard.
Dangerous Beauty at New York Stage & Film at Vassar - This was one of a couple of "emergency" gigs for me this year - "Hey, Jose, can you get up here tomorrow?" - and it was an amazing week of work, creativity and making connections. -And sitting around the lake on the Fourth of July listening to Amanda McBroom, Michelle Brourman and Laurel Massé sing "America, the Beautiful" - very much impromptu - is a most special memory. I actually felt patriotic, American.
Williamstown Theatre Festival,
Triangle - Another, "Can you get here tomorrow?" gigs. And another amazing experience. Curtis Moore, Tom Mizer, Joshua Scher (remember the stir his pics caused on this here site?
), Carlos Armesto - an amazing bunch of guys and great collaborators who welcomed me with open arms and open minds. And just finally getting up to Williamstown - a true dream come true (one of many this past year). -And a special Thank You to Tom and Antonia for making the trek up to see my show - and for driving me back to The City - and for stopping for chocolate, Mexican food and Target on the way back in.
The Grass Harp rehearsals with the ASO - All that talent in one rehearsal hall! Including our very own DR elmore. Thank you, Larry, for letting me be a fly on the wall - and on the ready with a pencil and erasers.
Damn Yankees at Arena Stage - I'm still in the middle of the run, but it's been a great way to wrap up 2005. Another great group of people from top to bottom. -And in a way, it's also sort of a bittersweet time for me too, since I can just sense that this will be my last show at Arena for while - for personal, artistic and logistical reasons. This is my sixth production at Arena since getting my start back with them in 1997(!) with
Sunday In The Park With George. Arena has truly become an artistic home for me. But it's time to Move On...
The Move To New York City - I finally did it! -Yes, I'm in a "temporary exile" down here in DC right now, but I know I'll be back sooner than later. There's just way too many things to talk about concerning the move, but a big part of it has been meeting new people and getting to know a bunch of people a lot better - including many DRs: Jason, Larry, Tom, Antonia, Ben, Ant, Skip, Fred... A true bunch of swell swells.
And then there was the veritable HHW Convention back in October - otherwise known as the Food and Walking Tour 2005, New York City Edition. Jane, Michael, Ginny, Priscilla, Danise, Jason, Antonia, Debbie, Victoria, Bruce, Woody, William, Skip, Fred, Larry, Tom, Ben... I hope I'm not forgetting anyone. And even though he may come across a little rough around the edges - and self-admittedly so - it was DR DerBrucer who suggested that we raise a glass to Derek at the end-of-day meal at La Cocina - a truly lovely gesture. And a perfect way to help end that most wonderful of days. -Are everyone's feet and legs recovered yet?
...and with my "return" to New York City coming up, coupled with my Broadway pit debut with
Lestat... 2006 is already "so far, so good".
