Go see [title of show]!

Theatre Out opens their 2013 season with the Orange County premiere of [title of show]. This charming musical, written by Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell, follows the semi-fictional characters of Jeff and Hunter as they write a musical about two guys writing a musical in three weeks! The show is filled with plenty of hilarious musical theatre references for the theatre geek inside us all.

Theatre Out’s production, directed by Tito Ortiz and featuring the talents of Spencer D. Blair, Jaycob Hunter, Laura De Lano, Amanda Raquel Knigh, with Stephen Hulsey on piano, is sure to make you smile from ear to ear.

Theatre Out. Empire Theatre located at 202 N. Broadway in Santa Ana’s Artist Village. Performances January 11, 2013 through February 23, 2013 (Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm with select Thursdays at 8:00pm). Tickets $20-25. www.theatreout.com.

Thoughtful Busy World

Theatre Out delivers another excellent night at the theatre with its production of The Busy World is Hushed by Keith Bunin. Hannah, an Episcopalian minister and Bible scholar, struggles to reconcile her faith against her heart as she attempts to reconnect with her wayward son, Thomas. When a talented young writer named Brandt enters her office she takes the opportunity to hire him to assist her with her upcoming book and satisfy the romantic needs of her homosexual son. Her hope is that Brandt will be the perfect excuse for her son to stick around.

Katherine Curci-Prenovost delivers an inspiring performance as Hannah, perfectly depicting the struggle between homosexuality in her family life and the realities of her religious fate. Michael Rachilis as her son equally steps up to the task of delivering an emotionally charged performance. Both actors present believability and honesty in their roles.

Director Carlos Martin’s simple staging allows for true vulnerability to take place. The intimate setting of the Empire Theatre is the perfect venue for this thought-provoking and unconventional look into the modern values of faith and family.

The Busy World is Hushed plays through February 5th, Thurs-Sat nights @ 8pm and Sun. @ 2pm. Tickets are $15-$18. The Empire Theatre in the Artists' Village in downtown Santa Ana, located at 202 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, CA. Tickets are available online at http://www.theatreout.com/ or by calling the Theatre Out Box Office at (714) 826-8700.

Vote Now to Have Your Say on the BEST of Theatre in Southern California!

Earlier this year I was involved in a truly inspired production of Christopher Marlowe’s Edward II, adapted and directed by the talented Darcy Hogan. I always speak about this show in fondness because it was not only a satisfying experience as an artist, but I also made some life-long friends on the journey. I am so thankful to have played Margaret, and that Darcy provided me with the opportunity to originate a role which she so lovingly created.

I am proud to announce that Darcy’s adaptation has been nominated by Broadwayworld.com for Best New Work/New Adaptation. Please help support the Theatre Out family by voting today.

There are many great productions and categories on the ballot. I hope you can take a few minutes to vote for all of the wonderful artists – but if time is limited, just skip to question #17 and vote Edward II!

Vote Now to Have Your Say on the BEST of Theatre in Southern California!

Voting Ends December 20

Vote Edward II for Best New Work/New Adaptation (Resident Non-Equity)!

Go to http://losangeles.broadwayworld.com/vote2010socal.cfm and enter in your email address to vote.

BRIEFS Closing!

Theatre Out ’s production of BRIEFS: A Festival of Short Plays closed this weekend. Our closing matinee performance was sold out, so I watched my directing piece from the booth. The cast really pulled out all the stops today – ending this high energy show with a bang.

As part of the audience experience we asked our patrons to vote for their favorite play. The playwright will receive a special recognition from Theatre Out. The awards went to:

The Best of the Fest - Audience Favorite was Attack of the Dorothies by J.E. Phelan

The Best of the Fest - Producer's Choice was Shiny Pair of Complications by J. Stephen Brantley

Congratulations to all on a wonderful performance! I sincerely hope that Theatre Out will continue this tradition with another short play festival in 2011. Let’s keep our fingers crossed!

BRIEFS Opening!

BRIEFS: A Festival of Short Plays opened this weekend at Theatre Out to an enthusiastic crowd. Audience members have already cast their ballots for Best of the Festival. My actors have worked very hard to deliver a heart-felt performance in A Bridge to Something. Playwright Corinne Kawecki came to see the show, not once, but twice this weekend. She traveled a great distance from Chicago to see her piece and support the festival. The cast and I were honored to meet her and hear her input on our work.

If you are planning on seeing the show I suggest ordering your tickets now, as we are already starting to sell out next weekend. Hope to see you there!

PICTURED ABOVE: David Tran & Deana Merced rehearse for A Bridge to Something.

Riveting "Sissies" Play On

Theatre Out’s production of Southern Baptist Sissies is most likely one of the best stage production to hit Orange County this year. Christopher Diehl’s direction is clever and thoughtful. Set against the back drop of the Deep South, four young men grapple with their homosexuality in a community dependent on religion. These so-called “sissies” walk a tightrope – attempting to balance their sexual urges with their understanding of God.

Justin Hamby portrays Mark, the leading narrator of the story. He quick quips and jaded asides quickly establish his frustration with the views of the church – which believes that homosexuality is sinful. He marks weaknesses in his religion, question his beliefs and strongly suggests that not all passages are to be considered in their literal context – After all, according to the Bible “eating shrimp is just as back as sucking c**k.”

Mark yearns for his friend T.J., played by Michael Rachlis, whose Bible studies rule his subconscious. While both succumb to temptation, the friction between their personal life philosophies ultimately breaks them apart. T.J. fights his natural feelings in order to conform to the church and please his family.

Hamby’s performance is truly touching as he comes of age in the short span of a two hour performance. As an actor he is a remarkable story-teller, speaking truthfully from the words of the playwright. His counterpart, Rachlis, is riveting as both the tightly laced T.J. and his second role as a confident stripper dancing his way across the set.

Paul Anderson equally portrays the guilt-stricken and sweet-natured Andrew, bouncing back and forth between prayers of forgiveness and the local gay bars where he searches for fulfillment. He hides his passions from his mother, who constantly worries about his sissified impulses and searches for ways to save his soul.

Benny, played by Tito Ortiz, is the only boy who proudly embraces his effeminate nature – dressing in drag and lip-syncing his way through Dolly Parton songs.

On occasion, the audience is transported to the Rose Room where a foppish Preston “Peanut” Leroy (Stan Jenson) exchanges life lessons and advice on men with Odette Annette Barnett (Lori Kelley). While their stories are often filled to the brim with laughter, it is clear that both characters have a dark past, and while they may be an unlikely duo they need each other’s company desperately.

Southern Baptist Sissies is touching audiences with is powerful truth about the relationship between religion and a growing need to follow ones instincts. As director Dielh pointed out in the post show talk-back, this play does not bash God or religion, but rather questions to society in which we live by investigating characters that represent real people and real struggles.

Theatre Out presents Southern Baptist Sissies August 13 - September 4, 2010 - The Empire Theatre, located at 202 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, CA. Tickets are available online at http://www.theatreout.com/ or by calling the Theatre Out Box Office at (714) 826-8700.

AUDITIONS - Briefs: A Festival of Short Plays

I have been honored with the privilege of directing a new original play for Theatre Out’s first annual short play festival. This marks my directorial debut at Theatre Out!

I am seeking one male and one female to play MARTY and TERRI in A Bridge to Something by Corinne Kawecki. Must be able to play late teens. Please find the audition information below.

Theatre Out is casting BRIEFS: A Festival of Short Plays, which producers plan to make an annual event. This two-week showcase will feature 10 original plays chosen from over 150 submissions. Keeping with the mission of the theatre, all pieces revolve around the LGBTQ community. Each show will perform every night of the festival and at the end of the run the audience will choose 'Best of the Festival".

Directors: Jack Millis, David Carnevale, Carlos Martin, Katie Chidester, Anthony Galleran, Jamie Sowers, Angela Cruz, & Ted Leib

Auditions: Monday, August 16, 7:00 pm; Tuesday, August 17, 7:00 pm

Rehearsals: Begin shortly after casting, limited rehearsal time.

Performances: September 17 - 26; Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at The Empire Theatre.

There is no pay. Theatre Out does not work under any Equity agreements.

Theatre Out encourages diversity in casting and, no, you don't have to be gay to work with us!

No Appointments Necessary; ALL ROLES ARE OPEN.

Auditioners will be asked to cold read from the scripts.

Characters: Roles available for teens through late 60s. All ethnicities.

The Plays: Selected from over 150 submissions, these 10 plays represent playwrights from across the United States and range from farcical comedies to meaningful dramas and character studies.

Attack of the Dorothys by J.E. Phelan
A Bridge to Something by Corinne Kawecki
Briefs by Darcy Hogan
Herman's Wedding by John Franceschini
I Should Have Said No by Doug Cooney
I Thought I Liked Girls by Nicole Pandolfo
Saturday Night's Alright for Flaming by Christopher Diehl
Shiny Pair of Complications by J. Stephen Brantley
The Date by Joan Lipkin
The Loose Ends by Mark Harvey Levine

Theatre Out Presents Zanna Don’t!

Last weekend I was delighted to discover the music, comedy and magic of Zanna Don’t – now playing at Theatre Out. This quirky social satire, filled with colorful characters and energetic music, provides the perfect balance between high comedy and cultural commentary.

Zanna, a mystical matchmaker and student at Heartsville High, maneuvers through a parallel universe where homosexuality is the norm and heterosexuality is taboo. With a wave of his magic wand everyone gets a piece of “extra love” – everyone except Zanna. Chaos ensues when the high school’s drama club prepares a musical production to combat heterophobia, revealing heterosexual love between two characters that is forbidden to exist.

Poignant lyrics disguise a repetitive musical score, creating a relatable emotional journey through the byways of love. With several standout performances from this cast of 8 players, and a running time of 1 hour and 30 minutes with no intermission, this fast paced show provides the perfect dose of entertainment.

June 25th – July 31st, Friday & Saturdays @ 8PM, select Thursdays @ 8PM & select Sundays @ 2PM. Theatre Out's home is The Empire Theatre in the Artists' Village in downtown Santa Ana, located at 202 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, CA. Tickets are available online at http://www.theatreout.com/ or by calling the Theatre Out Box Office at (714) 826-8700. $25 General Admission, $15 Student Admission.

Edward II Closing

Tonight I closed Theatre Out’s production of Edward II at the Empire Theater to a full house. I am in awe of the kind-hearted, talented people I have met during this process. Working with the founders (Joey Baital, David Carnevale and Jack Millis) and director/playwright, Darcy Hogan, has been inspiring. Her innovative use of Christopher Marlowe’s powerhouse history, created an emotional journey for me driven by character, love and desire. I am so thankful to have played Margaret, and that Darcy trusted me to originate a role which she so carefully and lovingly constructed.

World Premiere of Edward II

Opening night of Darcy Hogan’s innovative adaptation of Marlowe’s Edward II proved a satisfying experience. I truly congratulate my fellow cast members, dedicated director and crew, for opening with positive reviews. Our small, but eager, audience followed us on our journey through England’s intimate landscapes of passion, malice and vulnerability. Tonight marked the first time I felt the inner truth of my character. When Gaveston spoke to me and touched me, I felt deeply moved. There was a sense of magic tonight that came from just listening to each other – a simple task that is often forgotten and underestimated. My parents, my most adamant supporters and critics, seemed to enjoy the performance. Although, my father did comment on my apparent display of forehead tension (I think I have created a monster!). I suppose I am going to have to focus the emotional angst of my character within the technique of relaxed readiness. With 10 performances left, I intend to continue to make new discoveries and make choices to center Margaret in the world of the play. This week of reflection is sure to further stimulate my creative juices and refresh my focus as I work to fine tune my character with each passing performance.

May 14th – June 5th, Friday & Saturdays @ 8PM, select Thursdays @ 8PM & select Sundays @ 2PM. Theatre Out's home is The Empire Theatre in the Artists' Village in downtown Santa Ana, located at 202 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, CA. Tickets are available online at http://www.theatreout.com/ or by calling the Theatre Out Box Office at (714) 826-8700.

Happy Birthday Uncle Eddie!

Today is Edward II 726th birthday! Happy birthday Sire! (Or as I tenderly like to refer to him - Happy birthday Uncle Eddie!) Since I am currently working on Marlowe's crowning achievement, his play The Troublesome Reign and Lamentable Death of Edward the Second, King of England, with the Tragical Fall of Proud Mortimer, I thought it appropriate to celebrate this important day in history. I will be returning to rehearsal on Monday, after a much needed rest, to revisit my role as Margaret (Edward's niece) and the Messenger. I am also excited to say that the Marlowe Society has taken notice of our production, and publicized it in their Theatre Events Blog. I spent some time researching Edward today and discovered a fun and informative blog dedicated to him: Edward II. Enjoy!

Acting Out Against AIDS!

Hello friends and readers.... Here is another way you can help out with AIDS Walk Orange County!

Late Night Leftovers and Theatre Out presents "Acting Out Against AIDS" a cabaret benefitting the 2010 Theatre Out AIDS Walk team.

Great Music! Great Food! Opportunity Drawings!

Featuring the talents of Danny Blaylock, Jasmine Curry, Jason Michael Hammond, Lindsay Henkeinus, Carie Millard and Frankie Marrone.

Hosted by Shaun Michael McNamara with a special guest appearance by everyone's favorite explorer in an all new sketch.


TWO PERFORMANCES ONLY!!!

May 8th @ 6:30 pm and 9:00 pm

Buy Tickets!

100% of the proceeds benefit the 2010 Theatre Out AIDS Walk Team as we walk to support those living with HIV and AIDS in Orange County.

Can't make the event? Donate to the 2010 Theatre Out AIDS Walk Team online on their team page.

BENT: "I love you... What's wrong with that?"

April 16th, 2010 Performance: Theatre Out’s production of Martin Sherman's iconic play, Bent, is powerful, gripping and emotionally charged. Set in the 1930’s, Bent revolves around the persecution of gays in Nazi Germany. It tells of the horrific crimes to humanity and intolerance through the eyes of Max, a character struggling with love, self-discovery, and self-dignity. Describing the complex plot devices, themes of this play and importance of this piece of literature would take me hours (in fact I am still processing much of it), so if you have further interest I recommend The London Theatre Guide Review by Peter Brown, which actually provides quite a detailed history of the play (Wish I was there to see Alan Cumming! *sigh*). Let me just say that I try very hard to support Orange County small and community theatres, but on this particular occasion I do not need to defend this production against the typical faults associated with such theatres. Theatre Out has taken one of the most challenging pieces of theatre, both difficult to perform and difficult to watch, and bravely created a quality product. Now I realize that nothing is perfect, so let me also say that there were a couple believability issues in the first half of the performance. (Did I stress the difficulty of this piece?) However, in the second half the actors significantly picked up the stakes consistency of their performances. David Tran was endearing as Rudy and Greg Spradlin came in strong as Max. Yet, Ben Green was the true star of the night as Horst. In a tennis court seating arrangement, Ben Green commanded attention even with his back to the audience. His compelling performance quieted the anxiety ridden house, whose inner turmoil could be heard in the silence between the heartfelt revelations, self-discoveries, chaos and gunshots.


Performances April 9 - May 1, 2010 at The Empire Theatre 202 N. Broadway, Santa Ana CA. Fridays and Saturdays @ 8:00 pm; select Thursdays @ 8:00 pm; select Sundays @ 2:00 pm. Tickets are $12.00 - $18.00. For more information call (714) 826-8700 or visit www.theatreout.com.

Theatre Out Joins AIDS Walk Orange County

The theatre company I am currently working with, has joined AIDS Walk Orange County! Theatre Out is gearing up for AIDS Walk Orange County 2010, which will take place on May 22nd at the OC Great Park. Last year Team Theatre Out raised over $10,000 and ranked in the TOP 5 walk teams. We are challenging everyone to double our efforts this year. The 2010 team goal is $20,000. Every 9 minutes someone in the US is infected with HIV / AIDS, a disease that has taken the lives of 580,000 people in the US since its outbreak in 1981. Please consider walking for this worthy cause, or sponsoring a Theatre Out walker. Donate now!

The Queen saw the beast in the ribs of the garden

I was listening to the following song in my car today, and I suddenly connected to it as it seemed to somehow personify what Margaret sees in Isabella in Edward II. If I were to create a soundtrack for Edward II, this would certainly be a part of it.

"Monarch"
Feist

The Queen has a feint had a fall
Don't give me ether or open my vein
I'm sane
I know I'm saneI don't give a care for the crown or the shield
I will not protect you or happily yield
To the one who makes me come undone

Who was born and in what way
All the fields and poppies ay
Who was born in what way
All the fields

The Queen is walking away with only her stockings on
Waving having forbidden pears and song
Valiant and the colours are too gold
Colours of the morning old

Who was born and in what way
All the fields and poppies ay
Who was born in what way
All the fields

Monarch now lay (your) jeweled head
Monarch now lay (your) jeweled head
Monarch now lay your jeweled head

Monarch now lay your jeweled head
Monarch now lay your jeweled head
Monarch now lay your jeweled head

The Queen saw the beast in the ribs of the garden
Husband dear you are nearer to the eye
You're thrown place you wouldn't hold a pardon strokes

By the hand of God
By the hand of God
Though you is so cruel

Who was born and in what way
Who was born and in what way

Sweet Margaret

Rehearsals for Edward II are coming along slowly but surely. We began blocking Margaret’s wedding night. There is so much emotional turmoil in this particular scene, I felt a little overwhelmed holding my book and frantically accessing the physical movement of the scene in an unfamiliar rehearsal space. We have a break in our rehearsal schedule, to which I will devote the majority of my time refocusing my character and memorizing my dialog. My text analysis work has prompted new discoveries about my character. I realized early on that Margaret must be a genuinely caring individual. She rarely talks about herself, expect on her wedding night, when she is faced with a life-altering, tragic situation. When others speak of her they refer to her as sweet: “Sweet Margaret,” “Sweet Niece”, “Sweet Wife”, and “Sweet Lady”. She regards the Queen as her friend and confidant, and thinks of her before all things, until the doom of her wedding night approaches. She makes the majority of her entrances “quickly” or “rushing”, “looks pale” and though Gaveston has no intimate or logistical desire to be her husband, he believes she “deserve(s) affection and regard”. I am investigating new ways to approach my objectives and work to create interesting points of attack. I am very interested to know what drives Margaret through the course of her journey.

Springing forward into Marlowe

Yesterday I beat the urge to sleep in on a Sunday morning,” sprang forward”, and drug myself out of bed to do what I love best. Our first read-through for Edward II enthused my desire to get this show on its feet. Unfortunately I will have to guide my way through the next week of table work in order to get to that point. I think the table work will be exciting in itself though, as I will be able to have an hour one-on-one with our director to discuss character. The script diverges from Marlowe’s version in a very sincere and exciting way. Darcy has added language, re-assigned dialog and added characters to create a much improved emotional journey which electrifies the characters of the show. After listening to the readings, I think there is some very strong talent in the show. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to work with fellow actors whom I esteem as my peers. I think it will be difficult at first to get to know everyone, as this is a very tight knit group that seems to all know each other. But I am going to put my best foot forward and try to be as outgoing as I can manage. I am ready to make strong choices and collaborate on this unique look into one of Marlowe’s greatest.

Starting with some Ian McKellen for inspiration!

Edward II Casting!

On Saturday I attended an audition for Edward II at The Empire Theatre in Santa Ana. Sunday I was blessed with a callback, and to start my Monday morning off right, I received notice that I have been cast as Margaret. The joyfully pleasant Darcy Hogan called me Monday morning to announce my inclusion in Theatre Out’s adapted production of one of Marlowe’s greatest. In addition to playing the emotionally tragic role of Margaret, I will also be playing the messenger! I think the juxtaposition of these roles provide a worthy challenge for any actor. I am excited to begin this journey with this liberating theatre company. This play marks one year of back-to-back productions on my resume! We have our first read-thru this weekend. I am excited to meet the cast, make new friends and work on this fabulous piece of theatre!