Opening Night, V-Day, Book Stores.

This past Thursday was opening night for Uncle Vanya. I went to the theatre in the morning only to realize I had foolishly worn street clothes, when I should have known to dress up. It was O.K., because I had no intention of going to the show in the evening, and I certainly planned on changing before the after-party. But I still felt kind of ridiculous all day wearing jeans when everyone else was donning the dress garb.

As you might guess, it was a pretty busy day at the theatre. I went on a couple errands. Spent most of the day preparing gift baskets for the Board of Directors and the cast-- T-shirts, cast photos, shot glasses, etc. Man, I’m telling you--simple work, yet extremely time consuming and exhausting.

The fun came at the party.

The cast party was held at Pangea on 2nd Ave. Wine, drinks, hors d’ouvres. I had absolutely no business being there. I mean, I was invited, but what did I really do for the show? I’ve been with CSC for three weeks!

Let’s see, Jake and Maggie G., Denis O’Hare, Peter Saarsgard, Mandy Patinkin, Claire Danes, F. Murray Fitzgerald, among others. ‘No big deal.’ That was my phrase of the night. That, and ‘I can’t even believe it.‘ I was star-struck; I’m usually pretty good about that, I’m just not used to being around so much talent-- so many big names at once. It was overwhelming.

I’m kind of ashamed at how I acted, in retrospect. I asked for, and got, a picture with Jake Gyllenhaal, but I shouldn’t have asked. It was extremely unprofessional. Hope I’m not reprimanded for it when I go in on Tuesday. I blame it on the wine. I also talked to both Peter and Austin Pendleton for a little bit, which was cool. You know that these are just people, yet I guess a part of you doesn’t believe it until you’re talking with them.

Today has been a bit less joyous. It’s Valentines Day, and I couldn‘t be more lonely. Kristin and Katie are both out of town. Friends all have big plans with loved ones and significant others. So it’s just me. It’s about a month since Emma and I broke up. I miss her very much.

I spent today over in Park Slope in B+N trying to do some reading. It could have just been my depressed mood, but it really bothered me how many children there were in there today. Book stores are supposed to be sacred ground, yet today each time I turned into a row I had to climb over a stroller. There were kids chasing each other. Mothers yelling after their children. All the seats in the café were taken, so I had to stand up, coffee in one hand, book in the other, leaning against an uncomfortable shelf…You get the point. Book stores aren’t zoos. My philosophy is you shouldn’t be allowed in if you can’t read.

Jobs, friends, Radio City, James Barbour

When I created this blog I anticipated using it quite a bit more. I guess I get caught up in things. I’m pretty easily distracted.

Since last time I posted, I got an internship with Classic Stage Company. I work there twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. That’s been great so far; they have a very tight-knit group of overworked people. I’m hoping this will really give me a feel for the general day-to-day workings of a theatre company, and may give me some insight as to what aspect of theatre I want to ultimately devote myself to (other than performing, of course). So far it‘s been a blast. I’ve done my share of copying and licking envelopes, but I’ve also had chances to contribute in more satisfying ways, like drafting outreach letters. When you’re on stage you certainly don’t think about how much work it takes to get the ball rolling. To take part in it lends perspective, for sure.

One of the perks of being an intern, along with free coffee, is tickets to their productions. So I saw Uncle Vanya a few nights ago. Not everyone has the patience for Chekhov, but I do. As expected, there was some great acting--it stars Maggie Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, and Denis O’Hare. I was especially impressed with Sarsgaard. The set is also very impressive. It was the first time I’d seen a show at CSC and was surprised at how intimate their theatre is. I believe it’s roughly 180 seats. The show officially opens tomorrow, so tomorrow might be a busy day at the theatre.

In other news, my friend Adam was in town until this past Sunday. He had been teaching in China and I hadn’t seen him in a number of months, so we hung out quite a bit. Drank quite a bit. I’ve also been hanging out with my friend Josh--we’re making a movie next Monday that sort of mocks romantic comedies.

I’m officially broke. I’ve spent the past couple weeks looking for a job. Today, I think I finally found one giving tours at Radio City Music Hall. Should be fun--it’s better than flipping burgers, that’s for sure. I went to see James Blunt last year at Radio City and loved the space. Apparently there’s 18 pages worth of relevant theatre/ hall info that I’ll need to digest.

Craziest thing happened to me today. How many millions of people live in NY? I just left my interview at MSG, and I’m on my way to take a drug test for them, when walking ahead of me is none other than my favorite singer of all time: James Barbour. I knew if I didn’t introduce myself I’d regret it forever, so I did--but I was pretty awkward. (You’re not supposed to have nerves anymore when you’re 22, are you?) Seems like a great guy, though. I told him how badly I wanted to see TOTC, which my ex can vouch for, I desperately did. I feel like I mumbled and stuttered through everything I told him. Oh well, bumping into your idol randomly isn’t something you can plan for, I guess.

BTW: Check out my brother and I singing Lily's Eyes here
,