FringeNYC 2011 Reviews, Welcome to Eternity

So we're down to 1 performance.  That's it.  Then this whole crazy theater festival of awesomeness comes to a close. At least for my crew and I. There are still some shows I need to see and friends I need to support.  I did see the big namer..Yeast Nation, brought to you by the same folks that are responsible for Urine Town.  It was good.  Really good.  I was entertained throughout the entire 2.5 hours.  That's a lot for me.  I'm not huge on the musicals, so if one can entertain me for so long then they're doing something right.


I wanted to throw this up there.  It's our shining faces from the home page of Nytheatre.com when they posted our review...

So with Fringe truckin' along I thought I'd share some of the reviews that have come out.  The first one, and the main one for the fringe is through NYtheatre.com.  The are the only publication that I know of that aims to and succeeds at reviewing all shows in the Fringe Fest. every year.  They do this by hiring a gaggle of freelance writers and set the loose upon the city.  Now these could be peers, actual critics, freelance writers, or just anyone with a pen.  Luckily for the most part all are in the Theater world in some way so can objectively write about a show they've seen.  Our reviewer wrote an excellent article, loved our show, and loved the work Mary and I did.  This season I have been a little out of it with reviews and tickets and all that.  I've had way more to worry about with all these freakin lines!  It's a 2 person show that runs about an hour 20.  A lot of work has gone into this and a lot of spit has flown out of my mouth.  So it's with great pride that I present the nytheatre review.  Well...a snippet....

Saldarelli's dialogue is sharp, snappy, and fun and flows perfectly out of the mouths of Mary Schneider and Patrick Pizzolorusso. Schneider and Pizzolorusso share a nice rhythm and chemistry on stage and are on point with Saldarelli's quick, witty script. Pizzolorusso is hilariously neurotic and quirky as Patrick—he shines when he takes us through his plans for his graphic novel. Schneider is adorably charming and intelligent as Amanda: you can see the moments where she deftly switches from being lovingly supportive of Patrick's ideas, when she's being obligatorily patronizing, and when she truly has no clue what he's talking about. Schneider is wonderful in her "interrogation scene" as she tries desperately to stay on task of how she's read an interrogation is supposed to go, but is constantly derailed by her own sweetness and Patrick's disarming quality. Laura Konsin Shortt's staging makes great use of space and distance, creating great tension between the bride- and groom-to-be. If Welcome to Eternity lacks anything, it's earlier physical establishment of their love and intimacy for each other. It took awhile before I really felt these two loved each other deeply and had a connection (though perhaps this was part of the point), which perhaps could have been helped with a few small moments of physical contact early on or a little bit more intimacy in the opening dialogue.


Click here to read the full review


 Another review came from Linda at PataphysicalScience...the blog.  She had wonderful things to say about both the show and my acting last year and so I was delighted to hear she was attempting to see our show this year.  Which she liked!  It's of course a very different farce, but she was entertained.  And I'm thrilled to have been able to meet her face to face as opposed to virtually knowing each other. So hooray for new friends. And supportive new friends.  Her article is an overview review (sure I just made that up) about the play as a whole.  I could put excerpts but they wouldn't make sense out of context.  So here is a link to her blog.
Give her a follow if you're a blogger, or add her to your reader.  Something.  She's a pretty strong voice in the theater world here in NYC.  You know, she gets around.

Click here to read the full article

Alright.  So one more show to go and then we're done.  Unless we get Encores like last year.  But two years in a row?  We couldn't be that lucky.  And I think there are far more musicals this year.  So our little engagement play might be eeked out.

Who knows

Continuing my streak of meeting horrid people and Rehearsing!

Dustin' off some cobwebs here.  I feel like I've been on the go non stop for the past week or two.  Which is true.    I feel like my schedule is slowly drowning me.

Rehearsals have been hot and heavy as we head up to opening night...FRIDAY! I really feel like the Fringe festival is one of the things NYC has over other cities in the world of theater.  This year I believe there are 191 shows going on simultaneously over the next two weeks.  There is so much theater in this city year round, but during these 2 weeks It's a crazy roller coaster ride of new and experimental works.  I love being a part of that energy.  And being a part of the festival just automatically puts you in touch with artists from all over creating work from so many varied points of view.  It's like a big theater convention.  It also means marathon days.

Like today.  Today was tech day which was scheduled from 12:45 to 4.  But it started earlier getting all the props and costumes and minor set pieces to the theater. Tech is...tech.  Long, boring.  With Fringe it's often times the first time a show is run in the space.  And usually the only time with lights and sound before the opening.  Gotta love a festival. Then we had a short break and went over notes and did a line through on book.  Yes, on book.  Both of us reading.  It's amazing what you think is the line and what it actually is.  After a month of rehearsing you memorize things slightly off. Oops. So now tomorrow is about going over line by line and getting perfect to the letter.  Another run tomorrow night then We open.

Some how, tomorrow while I'm going over those lines, I'm also supposed to be filming the rest of the Lavazza Coffee commercial. We were rained out.  Torrential down pour in Manhattan this past Tuesday.  We managed to film half and, well...act of the gods and all that.  So..we finish tomorrow.  Always on the go.  I will say this..holy hell the Greenwich Village Bistro is a HORRIBLE place.  A film crew, actors and actresses, equipment, costumes..slowly getting soaked in the rain come in.  We ask if we can sit and wait it out.  The "owner" (I'm sure the little troll who was there isn't the owner) was the most evil, vile, hate spitting creature I've ever come across.  I had to leave after her negative words got to be too much.  Basically talking under her breath how horrible we all were for sitting in there and getting her floor wet.  Yes she actually complained that were were ruining her hard wood floor that was...old and falling apart.  Water will only help the filth I think.  At one point she counted everyone and said loudly.."13 people and only 4 ordered food.  Ridiculous."

It's freakin raining you toad.  I will never eat there.  Nor will I suggest it to anyone I know.  What is wrong with people.  Heat, rain, doesn't matter.  They're all evil.

Now I'm off to bed.  Or slowly going to fade off.  8 am call time.  I'm using Star Trek Enterprise to put me to sleep.  Why is this show so BAD!!!!!!

The 12 year old Trekker inside me is slowly dying with each episode.

No MTA you cannot keep me down..for too long

The past week has been insanely busy.  But in that good "i'm getting called in for things" kinda way.

Lot's of good stuff though.  First a question.  Why does the subway always smell like poop?  Oh, cause there is a t-shirt covered in it just outside the entrance.  Ah..summer in the city.

Speaking of the subway, we'll start with yesterday.  Now, it normally takes me about 20 minutes to get to Shetler on 54th or the Ripley Grier between 55th and 56th.  20 minutes.  So lets see...I had an audition yesterday afternoon and the trains were running at their usual woa-woa-lets-not-be-too-hasty-with-our-speed-here.  You learn to compensate.  Made it to the audition ok then back home to relax.  (which is where I discovered the poop shirt at Times Square)  So my evening.  Audition at 5, meeting my scene partner (co-star? can you say co-star for a 2 person show) at 6, rehearsal at 7.  Soo...I leave and get on the Subway at 4:30.  To give myself enough time to get to Shetler and read the sides and go in.  Well the MTS vomitted all over my plans.  The train stopped..between stops...for over 30 minutes.  Had to transfer to another train that took me to times square. And of course the entire population of Manhattan Island is now trying to catch a train to somewhere, anywhere.  So I leave the station and hoof it to meet Mary..Co-Star.  6:15. From 4:30-6:15 i'm on a train.  Missed my audition and was seriously shoulder checked by this steroid-filled gorilla who I of course call out and yell at in front of the Starlight Diner.  Busy ass city, it's hot, clearly people are pissed...you're going to be an asshole?  So I called him that.  Over and over and over.  Sometimes I'm either an idiot or fearless.  I prefer fearless.  He turned around and I said, "Be Nice! What's wrong with you? A city this big in rush hour and you have to be a dick?  Just be nice!" and i was off to meet Mary.

The good news is I'm alive and last night's run went really well.  I assume it was all that crazy energy of trying to maneuver the subway.

Then we get to today.  My agent sent me on a microsoft commercial.  The only info I get is that the character is stuck in the 70's.  I assume 1970's and not the age.  Now 70's to me immediately brings up images of bell bottoms, something militaristic, fade graphic tee's.  Something ala That 70's show

So I get there and apparently their idea of "70's" is more like Larry from Three's Company or Quagmire from Family Guy.  oops.  I still feel I nailed the audition.  I was given a few adjustments and I did them to the best of my ability...I hope.  And then on to the next. Which was for Lavazza Coffee and guess who is filming this Sunday possible filming not just 1, but 2 commercials for the coffee Lavazza!  I met with the production team today and it was a perfect match.  So it's been a good few days of adventure and tomorrow is venue prep day for the fringe followed by a showing of our show at Columbia.
...I need sleep.

A busy week and I'm not complainin'

This heat is deadly!  It started last week and has just continued to bake Manhattan.  Hooray sweat.  Nothing like showing up to an audition or rehearsal as if you've already been rehearsing for a few hours. I've thought about bringing a change of clothes but I think carrying them around would just make me hotter, no?  Maybe they should have free showers where Charmin has those free bathrooms in Times Square.  I mean as long as they clean them.  Often.  thoroughly.

So last week, in this heat, my agent set me up with a "Go-See" for a Microsoft spot.  Ooooooh a vocabulary word!  So for those of you curious, a 'go-see', is pretty much exactly what it sound like. You GO to a casting office and they SEE you.  (more like they see if they like you.)  Take a few pictures in different poses, angles.  You're done.  So my agent had confirmed this at the beginning of the week.  As I was getting ready to go my manager emailed me with the same information.  What did we do before the days of instant communication?  Anyway, I was on my way and really curious what this would mean.  Both had technically informed me of this and sent me on it.  I spoke to a few friends.  The general consensus is that both the agent and manager would have to be paid if I booked the gig.

IF.

Of course I'm counting those chickens before the eggs are even laid. But whatever.  That's interesting though and I'm curious what others think about that. If you are sent on an audition by multiple freelance accounts, who would get the credit?  I emailed my manager saying I was already on my way and asked him directly what I was to do since both had submitted me. He said to always go with whoever sent you first.  (You have to usually sign in and say what agency your with, if any.  So I wanted to know going in, not just for the potential pay off $$-wise.)

The Go-See.  I get there, look around.  Now I'm not a super short, but I'm also no giant.  I'll never play superman, that's for sure.  Or Andre the Giant in his biopic. (But man!  Where is that movie?  I'd go watch that! OBEY!)  Anyway, all the guys are taller than me.  And older looking.  Like late 30's/40's with way shorter hair and much more clean cut.  Of course I'm thinking...am I even right for this?  But both the agent and manager sent me so I'm there.  They take some pictures from different angles and that's it. Back out into the heat in a button down.  blech.  Pretty sure I would have heard by now.  They're shooting this coming Monday.  but I know they had an alternate day last Friday.  So who knows.

I've also been in and out of rehearsals for this next fringe piece which is just two characters.  For 90 minutes. My mouth hurts from talking so much.  So many lines.  Remember that first play you got into as a kid and you counted the lines you had?  Yeah..this is killer.  Off book by Thursday?  I'm on it.  Sure!  It's a collection of 7 small plays.  One of them is essentially a monologue.  For 10 pages. Welcome to Eternity!

And recently I filmed a trailer for a screenplay that the writer and producer are looking to use as a tool to pitch the idea to potential backers.  It's a weird thing to film in such a broken way.  But the cast and crew was great.  I feel like from the moment I met the director something just clicked.  Which happens, but not often enough.  So I'm of course looking forward to the final product.  We had a 3 day marathon filming adventure around NYC and I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to work with and befriend.  I play a guy who joins a cult for a girl.  Yeah.  It's such an old story, right? I've heard it a thousand times.  Boy meets girl.  Girl is in a cult. Boy joins cult.....magic.

And now off to learn more lines at 1 am.  woohoo.

You Give a little Love

Compliments!  Sure actors are sometimes thought to be needy self absorbed people from time to time.  We're not all like that.  Trust me.  But a true honest genuine compliment is actually needed once in a while. Not just by actors, but by everybody.  (all of you reading this are wonderful) Working as an actor, you're putting yourself out there for everyone to see and judge and laugh at and occasionally poke with sticks to make sure we're still breathing.  Anyway...This past week random compliments left and right.  It's like the Universe looking down saying, "Yes Patrick, you're doing just fine and trust those instincts".

So for starters I finished the Website for the amazing Sarah Jacobs who you can read all about here at Acting Like Sarah.  Go on. Do it.  She's a hoot.  (I'm working on her mobile version of her site as we speak.  Yes Sarah..it is on it's way.)  Well...people apparently like it.  I mean I like it, but I made it.  So I'm biased.  Compliments from Sarah..most important I think.  But also from some friends in the design world, THANK YOU, and from a few directors I've pimped her out to.  I kinda dig the look.  Might steal it for my own revamping. Cause mine's been a bit neglected lately.

I auditioned over a week ago...this blog is a bit late cause I was cast and began filming....for a trailer for a feature.  You know, they make the trailer, pitch it to backers and producers, bam!  I'm famous.  At least I think that's how it works.  The director complimented me on my reel.  Which is something I'm always going to feel a little iffy about.  Because, like I said earlier, it's totally putting ME out there.  Reels are a tricky thing.  It's like standing out there naked and people saying, "you work out? Really? huh."  This was a total genuine and unsolicited compliment.  And I got cast.  We filmed this past week and that will be the subject of another blog...I'm playing catch up...always.  Maybe tomorrow I'll typey type some more.

Now this isn't really a compliment.  But it's still a happy little pick me up.  Before the callback last Monday for my fringe show..Welcome To Eternity, I decided on a nice healthy dinner of Wendy's.  Don't judge me.  Of all the places in NYC I decide on Wendy's.  Whatever.  Sometimes you gotta feed that inner fast foodie.  They gave me a free frosty! That's like fast food gold.  It was apparently a mistake and do I want it? Of course.  Who would turn down a Frosty.

So basically compliments and pick me ups are amazing and everyone needs them.  I'm not saying I need a whole lot of love and attention right now.  But i do suggest you compliment your friendly neighborhood artist.  Or anyone really.  I mean, if you wanna say something nice about me..by all means.  fire away.  But this is a time of year where most projects are cast/wrapped/or already filming.  So there are a pile of out of work actors who are looking for work.  Spread some love.  Anything.  Pass it along.  Pay it forward.  Whatever you want to call it.  Buy someone a Frosty.  All I know is this past week was one of the best for me and It all started with a simple compliment and snow balled from there.

As as a parting thought.  I think this sums it up.  Just Give a little love and it all comes back..

Music Video, Auditions, A dog bite and a festival

The past few weeks have flown by.  I've kinda been off the grid for a bit.  I spent some much needed vacation time with friends.  Yes actors, even poor ones, vacation.  So there was a whole week away sunning, crisping, drinking. It was a grand ole time.  And upon our return, jumped right back in.

Macbeth is almost finished.  Down to 2 weeks and then no more.  Which is sad.  I love the show and I love playing Macduff.  Even if it's a cut version, I'm still the freakin' hero thank you very much.  After that week and a half off it was a little scary going back in.  But you know what?  We're all professionals.  A quick line through in the van ride to the school and bam.  In the bag.  The fights were there too.  Not that I was afraid I'd forget everything, but there is that nervousness of not having spoken those words and gone through that choreography in a while.  I will miss this cast once it's all over.  But we still have 2 more weeks of adventures so no need to dwell on that just yet.

But it has been a busy 2 weeks or so.  Upon landing at LGA it all comes rushing back to you.  So much to do and no time.  Last weekend I performed in a short piece called "Missionary Sundays,"  by Matt Saldarelli which was part of the American Globe Short Play Festival.  (I just can't get enough of those I guys I guess)  It went well.  Which doesn't mean it went bad.  5 rehearsals, just 2 actors. We were golden.  However it's not everyone's cup of tea.  It's a section of a longer piece which was submitted to fringe and....We're in!  So the same people that brought you Getting Even With Shakespeare are back again!  And this festival was a great way to try out the material.  Get it on it's feet.  There were laughs and that's all we can really ask for.  People got it.  So onward and upward.  It just astounds me though how some people (none in my group) can be so mean when it comes to these little festivals. I was witness to some very nasty attitudes.  It's a short play festival people.  Lighten up!  We didn't win, we weren't audience favorite, but who cares.  We made a few people laugh and now we move on.

I did have a lovely dinner after one of the rehearsals for "Missionary Sundays," with Sarah  who is always good for a laugh.  And it was nice to catch up.  Sarah is one of those actresses who is ALWAYS working.  And recently received the best actress award for her role in a new webseries "Big Country Blues."  I can't wait to see more of this.  I'm so proud of Sarah.  Which is something we as actors need to have in eachother. Pride.  I'm proud to be her friend and of her work.  (And I secretly hope whatever luck sauce she's bathing in will rub off on me)

With the weekend behind me I started my week of more Macbeth and some auditions and a fitting.

The fitting was up first. It's for a music video where I'm playing a priest and what I can only assume based on the costume is a hippie.  Or an Italian.  It's hard to tell.  The fitting went great once I finally found the place. I swear I'm not stupid but on occasion my brain goes on holiday and I have no clue how to read directions let alone addresses.  But I made it to this amazing Bleeker street apartment.  It was amazing and huge right in the village and I wanted to move in right then and there.  I'm sure the other roommates would have protested.  I'll post pics of Priestly me this weekend.  Sunday actually is the shoot.  I have no idea what to expect.  I just went to the audition because I had nothing else to do.

And then on the walk home I was bit by a dog.  Yup. My neighbors.  Not the little tiny Maltese, no, this big shaggy mutt.  Stupid me for assuming she knows me and knows my smell.  I reached down, not to pet, but to let her smell me a little.  CLIP!  I wasn't truly bitten, but she snapped at me and scraped my knuckles. Bad dog.  She totally knew she did something wrong, but did she apologize?  Oh no.  My neighbors were very apologetic and thankfully she's had all her shots.  But come on puppy.  What did I ever do to you?

Castle Braid.  It's an artists community/residence in Brooklyn.  It's kinda in the middle of nowhere Brooklyn too.  You walk up to is and all of a sudden it just pops up out of the dilapidated buildings around it.  It was beautiful inside and was where I auditioned for am Indy film for the summer.  If i get it..hooray, work for the summer.  I feel like I did well with my limited time going over the sides and not knowing what the film is about.  I still have NO idea what it's about.  An email went out to a list i'm a part of from a theater company and I figured, why not.  I know the work of the person in charge, even if I don't know her.  I'm hoping to get cast though.  I am confident with what I did and how I performed despite...some random guy coming into the room while I was reading.  There was no monitor so common sense would say..if you hear voices don't enter.  not this guy.  The best...my first line on one of the sides was the ever exciting "Hey."  He replied to me with a "hello."  ALMOST almost laughed right then and there.  But I kept on. Poor guy was embarrassed.  Ah NY.  SO many characters.  So I guess we shall see.

Lastly, I'm headed off to do some much loathed BG work on delocated this afternoon.  never seen the show.  But I could use a little extra cash.  Ha!  "Extra" cash...anyway.  Please anyone...entertain me! I forsee weirdos and lots of sitting around in my Friday afternoon/evening.  Joy. I'm off to assemble my "hipster" clothing of which I own none.  This will be interested.

Fringe Encores and other such interesting goings ons

So i have been neglecting this poor little blog this summer, and I am sorry. I feel like I've been super busy but at the same time, I've had some much needed time off before encores starts. And now that we're getting down to the wire, I wish I had more time off. We re-open on Tuesday. Yeah, Tuesday!

I'm excited as hell, don't get me wrong. Another chance to step into the shoes of this character? Any time, anywhere. And I'm pretty sure I've said it before, but I haven't had this much fun on stage in a long time. So many things about this festival have been so overwhelmingly amazing and positive. We've been chosen for Encores...pretty sure that falls under the category of amazing. We've been dubbed "the little show that could" by who, I don't know, but it seems we are that indeed. We've gotten amazing..there that word is again, reviews. Which I am so very thankful for. It's actually quite humbling to hear people say how much they enjoyed your work. I can't explain it but I guess it gives you a feeling of.."well crap, what did I do again? And i better not screw up the next one." It's like the pressure is on. Big time.

I didn't write about this before, but someone from the WB (yes Warner Brothers themselves) saw the show and invited me in to audition for them. Just a general audition, but still, thats a big freakin deal. I mean I know people see these shows, but someone from a studio?

see here: picture of me at the wb (geek moment there)

And now that Encores has started I've tried to see shows I wasn't able to see during the festival proper due to time/laziness/laziness. Our playwright and I were outside a theater yesterday evening waiting to see one of the other shows in Encores and what happened is something I don't think i could ever get used to. We were recognized. For serious. Don't get me wrong, it's cool to have someone come up to you and congratulate you on your work, but to be recognized? Which then caused other people to come up to us and compliment us on our work. Still, sooo weird. And I just felt very awkward. Thankful, but awkward.

And now we're in the final brush up rehearsals in preparation for the extension. I hope this show moves on. I feel it has a life beyond fringe. Of course I feel that way, but I really hope we continue on.

At the same time, actors never rest or sleep. I can feel the end of this ride approaching so I'm trying to line up auditions and gigs for the months to come. I know in October I'll be voicing a character in a radio sci-fi-action/adventure-comedy-drama show..thing. But on top of that I've finally landed an audition with York Shakespeare. A company some friends have worked with and I have been interested in working with for a while. So on Thursday if anyone has a spare second...just send good energy my way.

Somewhere in all this there was a crazy storm that was just a lot of wind and rain for me. I love this kind of weather. I don't know why, but give me a storm any day. Granted I'm happy the tornado(s?) didn't come near me.

Oh yeah, this might sound totally lame on my part, but it's pumpkin weather. Pumpkin flavored everything. And I love it.

FringeNYC news and new video!

So some good news from the past few weeks. First off, and sadly, the NY Fringe Fest is over. It was a crazy 2 weeks and I thank you all for coming out and seeing the show, supporting, laughing. Drinking afterwards. It was a great time.

But guess what? While the festival is over, it doesn't mean we are. Why is that? you're asking yourself...We've been extended!! Thats right! Getting Even With Shakespeare is officially part of the Fringe Encore season. The encore season? again you ask yourself. Well, it's basically the 'best of the best' of the fringe. Audience favorites, shows that did well ticket wise, and audience buzz-wise (if that's a word).

Now we're all in this for the art and for the chance to tell a story, or entertain, but Encores is a huge deal. Who knows what producer will show up, or what house will say 'we want you.' So it's a bit freakin deal. Of all fringe shows I've done, THIS show always had the potential to go on. So hooray! I mean, a lot of productions go in hoping to get noticed enough to even be considered. And we're in! And in good company too, there are some amazing shows that are a part of this year's encore. Check them out, but see ours first. All the info can be found here.

The press we've gotten, as you've seen since I shared some of it, has been so positive that it hurt to think after the festival is over we wouldn't get to do the show again. Hooray for extensions. And I have to say, this is some of the most fun I've ever had on stage. Very few exceptions. Playing Harry Houdini will always be a hilight, but this farce makes me want to laugh on stage every single night.

Buy tickets!!!! See it before we're off-broadway! Haha.

And in other news. A few months ago I shot a commercial for the website My Music Portfolio, which is a lot like kickstarter, but for bands. It allows people to invest in small bands and eventually someday see a return on their money. And of course help launch a career or two. The commercial is short and sweet but very pretty.

I shall share it with you now:

My Music Porfolio Commercial from Patrick Pizzolorusso on Vimeo.

It's good for a laugh. Really well done though. Something that was shot in 2 days with no rehearsal. We just jumped into it. Who knew I could play the drums. And notice my go-to army jacket. It's everywhere!

Reviews abound!

The first few reviews for Getting Even With Shakespeare as part of the 2010 FringeNYC are in and so far so good. I mean how can it be anything but, right? Right?!?!

Anyway. To say I'm in shock is an understatement. The kind words and general praises I've been getting have totally gone to my head. So of course I'm writing this from my trailer as I dictate this to my personal assistant....or not. Actually I'm a little nervous now. We have a wonderful show. It's solid. I'm damn proud of my cast and crew and everyone on board. Like there should be in any cast, there is a lot of love. And there are so many moments of just pure joy onstage. There are moments I wish I were in the audience watching....and then the laughs come and, well, you know. Can't explain that feeling. But I admit I'm a little nervous after such a high.

So we opened this past Saturday to a sold out house at the Player's Theatre. It was an amazing afternoon. We were sold out and sold out to a lovely and gracious audience who was with us the entire journey. Some members of the audience more so than others...I could pick out specific laughs of friends. The reaction from the audience was overwhelmingly positive. We know we have a good show that we're all proud of, but hearing it from others is just...another thing in theater that's difficult to put into words. Not that we don't like the praise. Please...keep it coming.

So tomorrow is show number two. Yes I'm nervous, but I'm excited to get back in the theater. I'm excited to play with my friends again. And I'm excited to see some other Fringe shows that I've been neglecting this week. But before that, here are two reviews that say lovely things about the show and of course, since this blog is about me...they say very nice things about me!

"Macbeth [is] played with spiky aplomb by Patrick Pizzolorusso"

The first one is from theatermania.com: and the full review can be read by clicking on the link back there.

and now this:

"And Macbeth, oh Macbeth. It doesn't hurt that Patrick Pizzolorusso has been in numerous Shakespeare productions prior to his performance as Macbeth in Getting Even.., but I'll just say it: he's fantastic. He made Macbeth, a character I had no interest in previous to this, the most interesting and wonderful person up on that stage."

This is from the blog happen to like NY..click HERE for the full review

Amazing right? Thank you so much for such wonderful feedback and I look forward to playing some more tomorrow!

Acting adventure Updates! Videos! FringeNYC!

Fringe is slowly creeping up. We're 6 days away! By the time many of you read this we'll be 5 or 4 days away. Ticket sales are going REALLY well. It helps that the first run of this was sold out, extended, and received an amazing review!!

Also think it helps that we had a GREAT preview performance with NYC's summer streets and Fringe's outdoor teasers. We met a few other shows and I was able to perform Macbeth's wonderful speech about playing paintball against girlscouts. Yes. Now you know you want to see this show.

The teaser went really well and the audience reacted wonderfully to the text..and of course my amazing performance.

It's been a long week of straight rehearsals as well as tech all day Sat. But we're in damn good shape. Tomorrow is our tech in the space itself. I'm looking forward to playing IN the Player's Theatre. Its always nice to finally get on the stage you'll be performing on. As opposed to rehearsal spaces.

So non fringe related----

Wednesday of this past week I received a call from an unknown number. So I of course didn't answer it. I make it a habit not to answer numbers I don't know. No message. Oh well. Not important.

Well, Thursday I get a call again and a message. Well done. Apparently I've been 'cast' in something. And I write cast like that because of the details behind it. Some student film. Not that thats a bad thing. But the director/producer/whoever apparently cast his film. Tuesday night the actor dropped out. So he hired another actor who on Wednesday dropped out. So he's now calling me. First of all, I'm aware I'm at least 3rd pick. Why would you tell someone...we had 2 other people lined up but they fell through, so we're going with you instead? Really? Tact my friend, Tact.

No I didn't do his project. Perhaps had he approached me in a better way I would have considered it. But seeing as how I was at least 3rd choice and they were filming that day...I was honestly busy with rehearsal. It's glamorous being an actor, no?

So back to Fringe. Here are some more videos for you all to enjoy. There are a few. I'll post 'em all here. There will be more coming shortly. But enjoy these PSA's and confessionals.

And lastly, a little bit from the protest we staged at the Last performance of Merchant of Venice at the Public theater. Where else would one find a pile of Shakespeare fans?

Man! So much media. Gotta love it. So enjoy the last few weeks worth of video and the last week or so's progress. I'm off to get ready for Tech tomorrow. Some people hate tech. it can be long and boring. And I've been in some HORRID tech rehearsals. But this has been so organized that we're actually getting work done. Very excited to be able to get into the space tomorrow. Bring it, Players!

BroadwayWorld.com Article about Getting Even with Shakespeare

So we were lucky enough to be written up in Broadway World. It's just a quick press article, but all the exposure and advertising we can get is good, right? So here is the ARTICLE. My last name is mispelled the second time it's mentioned when talking about the producing company, but I suppose that's ok.

After reading that...in other news...finally landed an audition this Friday with the American Globe. I am a huge fan of their work and have been trying to work with them for years. Seriously, years. So an initial audition is by all means a good thing. Send good vibes this friday and I'll be sure to let you all know how it goes.

Getting Even with Shakespeare: DATES!!!

The dates are here people. Yeah, thats woohoo-worthy. Fringe has assigned us out times and to be honest, they're damn shiny. Sure we have a friday at noon, but it's fringe. They'll come. All the rest of the dates? Perfect for show goers to come over, watch, then head to the bar to discuss the show over pint after pint after pint (buy the cast some)

So here they are:

Saturday 8/14 @ 2:15 pm

Friday 8/20 @ noon

Tuesday 8/24 @ 6:45 pm

Wednesday 8/25 @ 7:30 pm

Friday 8/27 @ 7:00 pm

We're performing at the Player's Theatre @ 110 MacDougal Street.

Map:

View Larger Map

And click here for more information. Tickets do not go on sale until July 23, but you can still bookmark this like good little theatergoers and check back often for updates? yeah?

FringeNYC, Feature Films, and Commercials.

So I have met them all. The cast. We have a cast! And what looks like a fun cast at that.

Last night was our photo shoot for promotional pictures for the Fringe show I'm in. We met at St. Mark's Church and clowned around a bit. I love being an actor for so many reasons. One being that you can throw a bunch of strangers together and they immediately start playing and working towards a common goal. Gotta love that.

If the way we got a long last night is any indication on how we'll do, I think this show will be a huge success. Or a lot of fun. Or both. It's Fringe, it's always fun. So the pictures will be up shorty, I hope. I'll share one or two if you're lucky. Last night definitely got me pumped up even more for this summer. I've done some fringe shows in the past and it's about time I'm a part of one that knows what its doing. Everything is so organized and prepared. Fringe is by nature a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants festival, but in order to succeed you have to have some sort of plan. Self Fulfilling Productions has a plan indeed. And you bet your ass I'm happy to be a part of it. So we're off to a good start. Good press already before we've even begun, a few mentions here and there, good lookin' cast, and what else, thats it, right? Oh yeah. A good script.

So who's who? You're all probably curious what the cast looks like. Well here is the official cast list, a few returning, a few new. All very exciting!

Official Cast

Yeah, I know. We're good looking. And also be on the look out for the official Getting even With Shakespeare Army Shirt:

I know it looks huge, but they ran out of my size. And I couldn't leave without one. I mean, free shirt! Click HERE for info about joining the army..

The official dates will be announced, tomorrow I think. So stay tuned

And in other news..

For those of you who are devoted followers and read every word I write as if I were a modern day Hemmingway, remember When In Rome? That film I did about 2 years ago chock full of overnight shoots near city hall? Well I haven't seen it. I kinda refused because it just looked bad when filming. Then the info I received about it confirmed my suspicions. Bad. That being said, several people have come to me now asking if I worked on it. Yes, I did. I was one of the featured dancers. All of us assumed we were left on the floor of the editing...computer? Apparently not. So yes, I am in When in Rome. Something to be proud of? Putting that degree to good use. It's right up there with snapping for AT&T.

So I did break down and watch a clip of it online. And yes, there I am. Dancing away. I will say, my dance partner was the hottest. So take that all you haters.

Oh yeah, I also did a spot for AT&T. Now this was a HUGE stretch of my talent. Watch for it. You'll be in tears by the end.

...they give out awards for commercials? Just saying. Hello nomination.

At&t Spot from Patrick Pizzolorusso on Vimeo.

I realize I haven't written in a while. I've been away. For real. But here ya go, a little catch up. And seeing as it's Friday, I figure it's also a good week in review. Remember I said I was going to do those? Yeah...

Enjoy!

Trailers and Auditions and Shakespeare Bare..Oh my!

This week has been jam packed with action. That's right. Action. There are so many shows auditioning right now with Fringe, summer Shakespeare Festivals and pieces for this fall, it's a busy time. Not to mention commercials and student films. Celluloid aside, It's been a good week of auditions and such for a stage actor. It started, well, a week ago. Sunday to Sunday.

Maybe I should think about doing a weekly re-cap as a blog entry. Cause I know you're all hungry for more words strung together by me. I'll think about it.

Anyway. Last Sunday I started out by filming my section for the trailer for Getting Even with Shakespeare. Which is here if you'd like to take a gander. And then spread it among all your friends. Enjoy!!!!

Nice, no? It was really easy and fast right in my Neighborhood. Hopefully the outtakes will be up soon. I quite enjoy the side story, 'Macbeth buys blueberries.'

After that it was off downtown for two auditions. Both of which I was pretty sure I blew. As in, when I came in and said hello I could tell they had no intention of calling me back. Well apparently I sucked way less than I thought I did. One called me in to read a monologue from the piece as well as read a scene with another actor auditioning. To the best of my knowledge not everyone was asked to read scenes. Now Fringe will conflict with the rehearsals of this piece. Even though we don't know the dates yet, I know we're going to conflict which I'm pretty sure puts me at the bottom of that headshot pile, but who cares. They called me back!

Aside from callbacks, the initial auditions for Getting Even with Shakespeare were this past weekend. I am so curious to see how it goes and who will be joining this cast. That's right. Anyone who has found this blog looking to see a cast list, I have no say in the casting. But you're welcome to send gifts anyway.

Moving on...This evening I spent downtown at Fontana's Bar with the wonderful family of actors all somehow connected to BareShakespeare for another one of their rumbles. Last one was Hamlet, this one Macbeth! Just in time for the summer...or something like that. It's a great opportunity to just play. Take it seriously, or not. Try a character. Whatever, just play and have fun. And drink a beer or two. The plays get read and heard and on their feet, and you get to play multiple characters. So far they have both been big successes and a lot of fun. As we get closer to the next I'll be sure to advertise more. I think I dropped the ball this last time. Oops.

And now tomorrow I'm going to be working on a reading of a friend's play. A play where there are two characters written with me in mind. I love my family. I really do. My extended family. So talented and just awe inspiring.

And as a side note, I saw a production of Taming of the Shrew this weekend which...was barely funny. This is the second piece I've seen with this company and I think they're goal is to pull the funny from Shakespeare. I just don't get it. There were a few saving graces, but on a whole, poor concept. I'm not going to mention names or details because I'm not a reviewer. Just an actor with observations.

And thus ends the re-cap. Tomorrow we read and patiently await casting decisions.

--Soundtrack for this entry:

--The Night Chicago Died by Paper Lace

--Cause you wanted to know

Some more Fringe Press

I'm more and more impressed everyday that we keep getting little mentions. Is it the name? Getting Even with Shakespeare? I mean it's catchy. Is it the writer? Probably not. Surely it must be the talent? Could it be that the first run was sold out and extended 3 times? Whatever it is...we're getting noticed as these publications flip through the 200 or so shows participating in Fringe this year. So whatever the reasons...thank you!

So here are two new links. First up is a quick little article in BackStage mentioning a few shows. Us included: BackStage Article. They only mention a few shows and somehow we got picked? nice.

And the second one is from playbill. Also just basically mentioning some trends in this years fringe, Shakespeare among them. So here is the playbill article.

So I guess no pressure, right? I hope that something comes of all this. It's a great show. A great group of people. And soo much fun. I could easily see this being my job every day..(hint hint all you broadway producers reading my blog)

It's sadly not often that you're truly proud of all the work you do in a show. That's the sad truth of independent downtown theater. It's mostly being proud of moments. or being proud you survived. But this is very different. It's a piece I'm proud to be in and work on. And I feel probably the best fringe show I've done to date. Come on Shakespeare!

Aside from all this, I have a ton of little projects up in the air. 25 Cents for Love has a final edit and a composer! So details to come soon. There is a teaser trailer somewhere on this blog. I think on the right hand side. Scroll down. I just changed the lay out and this is new to me.

Fringe Website

Oh yeah. One more thing....

FringeyNYC here we come!

So this wonderful new comedy I was a part of in January of aught 10 has been accepted to the NY International Fringe Festival. Yes! I'm pretty sure I've mentioned that in passing on here. We're slowly getting underway. It is deffinitely a "get in and get your hands dirty" kinda venture. I'm a fan of raising the child with the entire village. So hopefully this will get us somewhere.

I wish I had more info to give to you but I can send you some links. Sadly we don't know much more than we're doin' a show! Our dates/times/venue wont be announced for some time yet. So because of that this is going to be a minor update. Link wise, here is the FaceBook Page. Go there. Like it. Help us get a buzz going.

As well as good ole FB...come on twitterverse, follow the production via twitter. It should be entertaining. Right? I hope?

As well as ways you can support us, here we are given a quick little nod at Broadwayworld.

And Lastly, on Fringe's facebook page, we're called out due to our producer's sarcastic facebook comment...

"Broadway world notes some trends at FringeNYC 2010! (And yes, GETTING EVEN WITH SHAKESPEARE, you're mentioned!) Perhaps the world IS ready for anti-Bardism! (And Bardism, of course, we've got that, too!"

You can't beat that. It's great to know that the people at Fringe have a sense of humor and are willing to play just as much as we are. This was in response to us not being mentioned in another article. I'm definitely pumped for this summer. It's great to be in Fringe again and It's great to be doing such a fun show. This one definitely has potential.