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Getting Along with Your Cast

Getting Along with the Cast
by Sami DeSocio

Once you land a show you’ll get to meet your “family” for the next few months.  And like every family, not everyone will get along and some will get along better than others.  Here are a few things to remember to try in order to get along with, love, or just barely survive your cast.

First you need to understand, depending on where you are in your career, that people in the cast will either be more experienced, less experienced, or on par with yours. You should not fear those who are more experienced than you. Learn from them, observe them, talk to them, and see if you can get to know them.  In the same manner, be patient with those who have less experience than you. In this case, you can be the guide that they need.

If there’s someone in the show that really is acting less like a team player your only goal is to just be civil. There’s nothing worse than a major fight between cast members. Its unprofessional, it slows down the rehearsal process, and most importantly, it can bleed through to the show.  If there is a fight between cast members, stay as far away from it as possible and don’t get involved. It’s better for you and for the fighting parties that you don’t get involved or voice your own opinion.

I’ve been in shows with people I absolutely love but on the other hand, there are people that I would never want to work with again. If you find yourself in a situation where the cast genuinely loves each other and you all find yourself having a great time and enjoying every part of it then consider yourself lucky!  For the most part, I’ve seen and been in situations where you’ll have a good balanced mix of both.

Even if the cast does get along, there are going to be nights when tensions run high and things will look like they’re going to turn bad. Remember that it’s just part of the show but things will get better and everything will return to normal soon.

Everyone is there for the same reason — to put on a great show!  It should be fun and it should be an experience that you enjoy.  

 

5, 6, 7, 8, Top Ten Showstoppers

Every Broadway show has that one number that completely blows you away and leaves you speechless as you exit the theater. Though there are so many to choose from, I have narrowed my list down to ten.

10. Voulez Vous – Mamma Mia!
This dream sequence at the end of Act 1 brings all of Sophie’s problems full circle, literally. With the party dancing around her and the lights show going on above her, this definitely tops my favorite dance numbers.

9. Don’t Stop Believin – Rock of Ages
The Journey hit is such an iconic song and makes an even better finale number that gets the whole audience on their feet. This riff-tastic song is always stuck in my head when I walk out the door.

8. The Phantom of the Opera – The Phantom of the Opera
You can’t beat this classic scene of the Phantom taking Christine down to his lair for the first time. This boat ride through the sewer underneath the Opera House always haunts my mind.

7. All That Jazz – Chicago
The show starts will betrayal, murder, and the dance stylings of the famous Bob Fosse. What more can you ask for from an opening number?

6. Impossible/ It’s Possible – Cinderella
What makes this number is the amazing costume changes of the Fairy Godmother and Cinderella, you can see why this show won the Tony Award for costumes. No matter how many times you watch, it’s just purely magic.

5. Everybody Say Yeah – Kinky Boots
This number completely blew me away at the Tony Awards, Cyndi Lauper created such a fun score with this show. With the huge ensemble cast and the conveyer belt choreography, this song is so much fun you have to love it.

4. Seize the Day – Newsies
The Newsies boys are very talented from singing to dancing throughout the show, however Seize the Day truly shows off all their talents. Don’t believe me? You try to dance and spin on sheets of newspaper!

3. Magic To Do – Pippin
The circus comes to the stage when acrobats and Fosse-style dancing meet in the opening for Pippin. This is already a spectacular show, but this production makes this song a true spectacle.

2. Revolting Children – Matilda the Musical

Matilda has many great numbers, but what brings this song to the top of the list is the incredible dancing of the children of this show. Revolting Children is so high energy that I want to jump up on a desk and cheer along with the students.

1.  Defying Gravity – Wicked
When you leave Wicked for the first time, this is the moment you remember. You feel like you are rising out of your seat as Elphaba takes off on her broom for the first time. I have seen the show four times and my jaw is still on my lap at intermission.

How To Select The Right Vocal Coach

As a performer you should have many tools in your toolbox. These might include, knowing where to go for reasonably priced head shots, attending the occasional brush-up improv class, and something no singer can go without ― choosing the right vocal coach.

There are so many singers out there and any one of them can be a vocal coach, right? Wrong! Singing incorrectly and projecting incorrectly, or even overusing your voice can lead to vocal nodules (often referred to by singers as nodes) and vocal polyps. These problems can lead to a complete loss of voice!

I found my wonderful vocal coach, Tara, through a friend’s recommendation. When I first started working with Tara, she was getting her master’s degree in voice, performance, and singing. She not only knows how to sing, but she also knows about the inner workings of the vocal cords. This knowledge is essential in a vocal coach because telling you to “sing louder” doesn’t always work.

How do you know if your vocal coach is teaching you correctly? That’s a question only you can answer. When you’re done with a session, your voice shouldn’t hurt; a good vocal coach will insist that you warm up before even attempting to sing a song. First, Tara and I select a song to work on. Then, she runs scales with me, making sure to take my voice to where it needs to “rest in the song”. Most times we will even go a few notes higher to make sure I’m fully ready to dive in! Until then, she never lets me sing a note.

Next, you might wonder about cost. There are a few things to consider. A coach with a name (say if you were getting lessons from Terrence Mann) will be more costly than my lessons with Tara. Good questions to ask a potential vocal coach are “Where did you study?” or “What did you study?”  Their price will increase based on how qualified the teacher is, what they studied, and even how far they took their studies (bachelor’s degree vs. master’s degree).

As a singer, I beg you, please do your research before starting to sing. If you’re going to pursue this craft, even just for fun, you need the tools to do it safely and correctly.

Happy singing!

A Day in the Life of a Broadway Fangirl

I am a shameless Broadway fangirl. I have been known to hoard cast recordings, read librettos cover to cover, and cry with happiness when I see pictures of my favorite actors. People have been wondering what my day to day life consists of, curious as to how I pursue my intense Broadway obsession. I’ve drafted a sample schedule for a day in my life- consider this a guide for how to be the ultimate Broadway fangirl.

7:00 A.M.: Wake up from dream about Corey Cott.

7:04 A.M: Say good morning to various Broadway posters.

7:20 A.M.: Clean playbill binders. All seventeen of them. Make sure each playbill is dust free and in mint condition! Look at playbills signed by favorite actors. Cry a little.

8:00 A.M.: Eat breakfast consisting of cereal, strawberries, and the souls of those who cut in front of me at stagedoors.

8:20 A.M.: School. Daydream about Aaron Tveit.

11:45 A.M.: Lunch break. Drink coconut water to channel my inner Nikki M. James.

2:45 P.M.: School finished. Go home. Gaze lovingly at wall covered in pictures of Ben Fankhauser.

3:00 P.M.: Watch various YouTube videos of my favorite performers. Try to soak up some of their fabulousness.

3:45 P.M.: Dance class. Spend entire class thinking about Ryan Steele and Jakob Karr.

5:00 P.M.: Dinner with parents. Annoy them with endless stories about my love of theatre. “Remember that one time at the Book of Mormon stagedoor…”

6:00 P.M.: Look at pictures from recent trips to New York. Freak out a little when I think about the time I met Matt Doyle.

6:20 P.M.: Sing showtunes in the shower. I can really rock “There’s A Fine, Fine Line” from Avenue Q.

6:50 P.M.: Read books for lit class. Think about how I’d rather be reading Playbill Magazine. Grudgingly work on math homework. Think about how much I’d like math if my teacher were a Newsie.

8:00 P.M.: Tend to my Sutton Foster shrine. It’s really quite impressive, lots of pictures and candles, and even a place for sacrificial offerings.

9:00 P.M.: Scour Broadway.com for updates on my favorite shows and pictures of my favorite performers. Squeal a little when I see each new one.

10:20 P.M.: Kiss each of my playbills and Broadway posters goodnight.

10:30 P.M.: Go to bed. Dream about New York City.

So there you have it! A complete and comprehensive view into a typical day in my life. Okay, so maybe it’s a little bit of an exaggeration. But I’m still a devoted fan.

Aren’t You A Little Old For…?

It happens to everyone. You see someone’s flawless performance onstage, meet them at the stagedoor, start planning your wedding, and then go home and Google them. And you realize they’re twice your age.

Don’t lie, it has happened at least once. And for fans of Broadway, it happens even more. Broadway plays fast and loose with ages, so long as the person looks the part.

The first time this happened to me was in American Idiot, a play that focuses on a group of young adults. Me, being the naïve person that I am, was shocked to find out that many of these teens were in their late twenties to early thirties. How could I love actors who were so much older than I was?

Now, if a Broadway performer is anywhere near my age, I consider that lucky.

Here are some of my favorite older actors who still play young roles amazingly:

Gavin Creel

When the Book of Mormon opened in London with Gavin Creel as Elder Price, many people scratched their heads. Gavin is a West End Veteran, more than vocally capable for the part, a two-time Tony nominee, but was his age going to impact the performance? Was a thirty-five year old man going to be able to convincingly look like a nineteen year old? Um, he’s Gavin Creel. So, of course he did. As is made possible by the sold out crowds he’s playing to every night in London.

The Newsies

This show is about a group of young boys striking for better working conditions, yet some of these dancers are as old as thirty. But hey, they can dance and look good while doing it! While that wouldn’t fly in television, on Broadway it’s all about talent, and if they can make you look young enough. In fact, many of these dancers have gone on to be the older children in Matilda! It’s a good gig if you can look young!

Celia Keenan-Bolger

Celia Keenan-Bolger, who was in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Peter and the Starcatcher, is known throughout the Broadway community for being in her thirties and playing younger roles. She has no qualms about looking young and playing young roles, and often jokes about it! Such an adorable woman, who does an adorable job playing adorable kids!

What I love about Broadway is that it doesn’t matter how old you are as long as you’re talented. Whether you’re a 35 year old playing a nineteen-year-old Mormon, a thirty year old playing a newsboy, or a woman in your thirties playing an elementary school child, it doesn’t matter. On Broadway, all that matters is that the person can take the audience on the journey with them.

My Favorite Broadway Dance Numbers

Dance and musical theater go hand in hand, and the evolution of dancing in Broadway musicals has been resounding. As Broadway continues to evolve, I’ve decided to round up my favorite dance numbers to exemplify the diversity and beauty that these have to offer. A 5-6-7-8!

Seize The Day- Newsies
I couldn’t write about my favorite dance numbers without including a little something from Newsies. “Seize The Day” is my favorite because it includes such an amazing variety of technique and tumbling. While the dancing throughout the entire show is stunning, “Seize The Day” is my favorite because it gives each newsie a chance to show off their best tricks in the spotlight, whilst also featuring wonderful ensemble work.

One- A Chorus Line
“One” is a beautiful example of “classic” Broadway dancing, and thus I couldn’t resist adding it to the list! Its clean, concise movements are snappy and perfectly executed throughout the entire ensemble. A Chorus Line could be considered one of the first Broadway musicals to so prominently feature dance, and its classic choreography remains popular today.

21 Guns- American Idiot
Though not strictly a “dance number” in the traditional sense, I’ve always really liked the choreography from 21 Guns. It plays off of and accentuates the lyrics, includes meaningful movement from lead characters as well as the ensemble, and uses a powerful variety of slower and quieter moments juxtaposed by more intense ones. Despite its unconventional nature, “21 Guns” has always been one of my favorite dance numbers.

Turn It Off- The Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon is not a very dance-heavy show, as opposed to some more conventional earlier musicals. Despite this, it still contains one of my favorite dance numbers: “Turn It Off.” The dance number is unexpected, as the song starts out without too much dancing but crescendos to a glitzy, snappy tap dance. This tap dance contrasts the song’s somewhat dark subject matter, giving it a more comical feel. Overall, “Turn It Off” is a wonderful and unexpected number that contributes to the comedy of the musical.

All That Jazz- Chicago
“All That Jazz” is another Broadway classic. One of Fosse’s masterpieces, “All That Jazz” features choreography that looks straight out of the Jazz Age itself, dark and alluring and dangerously fun. Probably one of the best-known and most respected pieces on Broadway, “All That Jazz” was a natural favorite for the list.

Revolting Children- Matilda
While a far cry from the work of choreographers like Fosse and Bennett, “Revolting Children” is arguably one of the most high-energy and creative numbers on Broadway. With stellar ensemble work and energy through the roof, “Revolting Children” is so much fun. Its school setting has a sort of Spring Awakening-esque feel, and the choreography (executed by children that can dance better than I’ll ever be able to) is a little unconventional but utterly rebellious and perfectly fits the song.

What are your favorite Broadway dance numbers? Tell me about them in the comments!

The Best Broadway Restaurants

A little while back I wrote about one of my favorite post-show eateries, Junior’s, where I love to “decompress” over a big slice of cheesecake following a fantastic show.  And it got me thinking.  I love Junior’s, but it’s just one of the many iconic midtown restaurants that have found their way into NYC’s theatrical landscape. There are a slew of famous restaurants that are just as recognizable as the theaters themselves.  Plus, these are some of the best places to “accidentally” run into Broadway’s celebrities. So, here we go- these are my top five choices for iconic Broadway restaurants, and I hope you get to check them out soon!

5) Chez Josephine
This Paris themed restaurant has theatricality written all over it.  Since 1986, Chez Josephine has been serving incredible French food, and everybody from Broadway stars to tourists find it to be the perfect swanky pre-show dinner.  Oh, and did I mention that the restaurant is essentially a tribute to Josephine Baker, with live music included? Yes, it’s great.

4) Bond 45
If you were a “Smash” watcher, then you have certainly heard of Bond 45.  This classy Italian restaurant is known to be a popular place for producers, and now even more popular for throwing martinis in people’s faces on TV.  Though Bond 45 has only been around since 2005, it has made it’s impact and I recommend it if you are in the mood to take a classy step back in time.  The atmosphere harkens back to a day when producers, writers and directors really did hang out in midtown restaurants till all hours of the night making theatrical history.  No wonder they like it!

3) Angus McIndoe
“Angus” is billed as a Cafe and Bistro, but it’s really so much more.  An incredible steakhouse, this is also a fairly new addition to the theatre eats scene, but it has climbed up the chain to become a favorite.  It even has a special third level for a-list guests only, such as regulars like Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick.  And yes, The Producers ran next door at the St. James Theatre, so it makes sense! Regardless, this is a great place to get reservations prior to taking in a show, and you’ll get to dine with a great view of Phantom of the Opera at the Majestic across the street.

2) Joe Allen
I love Joe Allen. I mean, the restaurant of course.  Located on Restaurant Row (just a few doors down from Chez Josephine), this is one of the most popular places for people working in the theatre business.  I can’t even tell you how many meetings I’ve had at Joe Allen, and it makes sense.  It’s a theatrically charged atmosphere, right down to the famous “flop wall” which has posters from Broadway’s biggest flops- from Moose Murders to Carrie.  Why do we enjoy working around such a shrine? I don’t know… schadenfreude?

1) Sardi’s
Most would argue that Sardi’s is THE iconic Broadway restaurant.  Across from the Shubert Theatre, Sardi’s has been around since 1927.  Yes, 27.  They’re the birthplace of the Tony Award, and are of course known for their caricatures of show business celebrities.  To this day, getting your head drawn for the Sardi’s wall is known to be one of those “I’ve made it” moments, even if you’re Cyndi Lauper! If you’re looking for the full Broadway experience, you’ve got to head to Sardi’s and I guarantee you’ll run into somebody important.  The fact is, theatre people have egos, and nothing strokes an ego more than getting to have dinner under your picture!

What To Do Before Summer Ends

Everyone has a summer bucket list they’d like to complete before heading back to school next month. For theater lovers, that list can be lengthy due to all of the free time due to lack of school. Take advantage of this time when you don’t have to worry about waking up early for school or spending hours on homework. Here’s my list of things to do before your summer ends:

  • So you don’t have to wake up for class or school, but you can wake up early to get a rush ticket. These tickets are in limited quantity but you can get a fantastic deal on your favorite shows! $25 for First Date, $37 for Pippin, and a bunch of other great deals (pricing varies on the show; see all shows/deals here). They are available when the box office opens and some are student only, but be prepared to get there early to ensure your spot. You have the free time to put to use, so make the most out of it!
  • Summer also brings out Mother Nature’s most gorgeous weather! Spend time outdoors while you still can! New York has a number of parks to escape the concrete jungle. My two favorite parks are Central Park and Bryant Park. Central Park is the home of the Delacorte Theatre which is currently showing Shakespeare in the Park’s Love’s Labour’s Lost. Bryant Park hosts one of my favorite summer events, Broadway in Bryant Park, on Thursdays. In addition to these events, the parks offer free, non-theater related events such as classes, workshops, jazz, classical music performances, movies, sports, and more. You can see the calendar for Bryant Park here and for Central Park here.
  • Personally, I like to spend my summer days reading books. I find that I often have too much to read during the school year related to my education, so the summer gives me the free time to read what I want. I’m currently working on Alex Ko’s autobiography about his journey with Billy Elliot. There are many, many books out there – pick one and escape to another world or learn something new.
  • Many students take performing arts classes during their school year (or concentrate on it in college or conservatory). The extra time that summer provides can help you improve your craft even a little bit. Many studios offer walk-in classes, so it’s a great way to keep the muscles moving. You can even take a class that your school schedule doesn’t allow time for. Either way, keeping up with you singing, dancing, and acting classes over the summer can keep that passion going and improving, readying you for the year ahead.

This Week On Broadway

Happy August everyone! We are racing full speed ahead into the new upcoming Broadway season as each month passes, and there is already a ton of exciting news for next year on Broadway!

It was recently announced that Idina Menzel (Wicked, Rent, Glee) will be starring in the new Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey musical “If/Then,” but she isn’t the only Rent star joining the team. Anthony Rapp, the original Mark Cohen, was just announced to be co-staring with his former Rent cast member in this new musical. If/Then will be having an out-of-town tryout before heading to Broadway this upcoming spring and will be directed by Michael Greif.

Bertie Carvel and Lauren Ward, Matilda, The Musical’s Miss Trunchbull and Miss Honey will be departing the original Broadway cast this September and will be replaced by Craig Bierko and Jill Paice. The two will begin their run on September third.

Avenue Q celebrated the show’s tenth anniversary this past week on July thirty-first, and that date was proclaimed as “Avenue Q Day!” How ’bout that for an anniversary gift?  Also announced this week, the off-Broadway revival cast recording of Jason Robert Brown’s The Last 5 Years will (finally) be released this September, featuring Adam Kantor and Betsy Wolfe.

Are your spidey senses tingling? Reeve Carney will be departing the cast of Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark this September and open casting calls are being held in Los Angeles and New York for this leading role. Are spiders not your forte? Pippin is also holding auditions for any actors who are trained contortionists or have experience with silks, aerial hoop, tumbling, and more. For more information, check out the show’s website.

It was announced this week that The Book Of Mormon’s Rory O’Malley and Smash star Wesley Taylor will be joining the cast of Little Miss Sunshine at Second Stage Theatre. No word yet on when the show is planning to open. Also announced this week was that the film adaptation of The Normal Heart will be welcoming Joel Grey, Denis O’ Hare and Stephen Spinella to the cast.

In case you missed it, Norbert Leo Butz of Broadway’s upcoming Big Fish performed “Fight The Dragons” this past week at Broadway In Bryant Park. It’s basically all things wonderful because, well, it’s Norbert Leo Butz. Need I say more? Krysta Rodriguez and Zachary Levi also performed a number from First Date this past week, entitled “First Impressions.” Those two can just make your heart smile in this hilarious song from their show.

If you guys have had the chance to go to Broadway In Bryant Park, tweet @CampBroadway and let us know what your favorite performance was!