When In Rome, Part 2

Week number 2! Alright. The first week of horrid background work ended. The crew flew off to Italy to film scenes there. Scenes that as far as i can tell will include Danny Devito. What is he doing in a Disney romantic comedy?!

So they called us in for another week's worth of work which went by nice and slow. If i haven't said it before. Background work is the most boring time sucking thing you could ever do. The only consolation is the fact that you're getting paid to sleep.

The Paramount Truck.

I dunno, I just thought it was cool. Yours truly and the mountain.

So we filmed and filmed and filmed. I will say this. The scenes we were filming (over and over again) take place in the very beginning of the film. The camera opens up on some exterior shot of the church, some scenes of the wedding itself, then it pans inside the reception hall where there are a few people dancing. Oh yeah, I'm there baby. I'm actually in several scenes dancing, a slow waltz, and also dancing with traditional dancers. The things we do for peanuts, right?

So here is a shot of the crew setting up some tracking shot. Like little train tracks.

And here we have one of the stars, josh duhamel getting ready for the next scene. His co-star, kristen bell...is off hiding somewhere.

Check out the location. Its downtown near city hall and Dance New Amsterdam. From what we were told its an old courthouse that they decorated to look like an Italian Villa. It looks good to me, never having been in a real Italian Villa.

As for the stars, mr. josh there was actually and surprisingly a nice guy. He was genuinely nice, not putting on airs as many actors do in films. Its refreshing when you see someone enjoying what they do, and enjoying the company of complete strangers. More so, its nice when that person acknowledges that we as background are peons, but important to the look of the scene and its not glamorous or fun work. His constant thank yous never once felt false nor were they unappreciated.

So again. more extra work. I have no crazy stories about the nutjobs who work as extras (since i was one of them) this time. Its always interesting, however, to see how things work on a movie set. And hey, its free good food. Can't complain about that. And of course, this was another possibility to get a waiver in order to become SAG. Someday.

For now..Back to auditioning. Good news. I've just been cast in a play opening in September. I"ll write details as i get it.

When In Rome

Well Ladies and Gents, it might not be glamorous work but once in a while background extra work can be fun. Or at least a way to pay the bills. On that note, last week i found myself as a guest at a huge Italian wedding (go figure) for the film When in Rome With Kristen Bell, Don Johnson, Danny Devito, Anjelica Houston to name a few. Don and Kristen (yeah like i can call them by their first names) were on set. No huge deal. Its always a great character study when doing extra work. I was contracted for 5 days so you can't complain about that.

The film according to IMDB.com is about "In New York City, a young art curator finds herself aggressively pursued by a band of wannabe lovers after she steals coins from a Roman fountain."

First day was cancelled due to the director being ill. (but still got paid!)
Second day, right off the bat someone wacko was escorted off the set. There are obvious rules to doing extra work. Basically, you're a nobody and don't presume that you have any clout. With a room full of 150+ extras losing you will not make much of a difference. So just sit and play nice with the other kids.
All in all it was a nice full day of filming where I was pulled out as one of the few people waltzing. So we'll see when this film comes out. Maybe I'm seen who knows? Who cares really. Its not featured extra work. Its a waltz for Christ's sake. It was a long day (night?) thought. 5:30 p.m. call and shot until 4:45 in the morning. good times.
Third day was cut short because the director was ill yet again.

and then we wrapped. Apparently he had his appendix taken out and was too sick to continue. I sadly did not get paid for the remaining days. Boo.

But still, it'll be a nice check and if anything i got to spend time with some friends who also worked the shoot as well as laugh at the most ridiculous characters...as usual.

Wild Wild Wakky Reviews..

Well folks, we are at the mid point in the run of The Wild Wild Women of Wakky NuNu, and things are falling into place. I have to say that this show has made me laugh during the rehearsal process and onstage than most others. I truly enjoy being a part of this wakkiness every weak. And cast wise, we have pulled together through some minor bumps and bruises.

The show is receiving mixed reviews. But there have been a lot of positive things said about it and the cast. I've decided to post hilights from some of the reviews so far.

A.J. Mell of Backstage:

"The show deserves a slight tip of the hat for sheer energy if nothing else. The leads mug enthusiastically, and the aforementioned Amazons glower, prance, and waggle their shapely grass-skirted bottoms with admirable gusto."

Winnie McCroy of EdgeNewYork.com:

"Sassy Stevie puts aside her idyllism and delivers a well-choreographed beat down to the women who plan to take Jake"
(Hooray for my choreography!)

Kristin Skye Hoffman of NYTheatre.com:

"Jake Manley, ..... and his sidekick, Cubby (adorably played by Patrick Pizzolorusso), concoct a scheme to stage some photos of the lost Amazon Women of Wakki-Nunu to maintain their careers."
(hell yeah i'm adorable)


"This level of ambition is commendable in independent theatre here in New York and this group of artists have taken on an enormous show "

"there are enough emeralds in this production"

"I will definitely keep my eye open for what they try out next."

So there we go. A few positive little things here and there. I'll update this post as we get more reviews.
And folks...2 more weekends at the Red Room Theater. If you come this Sunday i'll join you from some victuals post show.

Wild Wild Women of Wakky Nu Nu

Ladies and gentlemen. Its official. The site for the Wild Wild Women of Wakky Nu Nu is up and running.

Its slowly being update with more and more goodies every day.

We are a few weeks away from opening and in a really good place. I have to say that its hard to get through rehearsal without laughing. Laughing to the point where it starts to hurt.

(thats gotta be a god sign...i hope)
So the show runs for a month from May 11th through June 3rd at the Red Room.

Lifted from the official Wakky site:

"There is a legend spoken of in hushed whispers amongst connoisseurs of mystery, adventure, and fine living…

a legend of an island paradise inhabited solely by a tribe of powerful and beautiful women… Amazons!

Deep in the forbidden tropics they reside and conquer, their existence a closely-guarded secret, their location an inscrutable mystery! It is this legend that spurs an over-the-hill actor-turned-nature-show-host and his beleaguered, put-upon sidekick to their greatest adventure yet! Aided by a sexy young starlet hungry for fame and fortune and a young photographer with a chip on her shoulder and nothing left to lose, their journey begins – only to be cut short by plane trouble and catastrophe! Now, the womanizing Jake Manley is about to learn that you should be careful what you wish for, when he finally encounters…

THE WILD, WILD WOMEN OF WAKKY-NUNU!"

The show is a non-stop laugh riot from start to finish. So make sure you use the bathroom before you sit down. We don't want any accidents.

DO WHAT NOW MEDIA in association with HORSE TRADE THEATER GROUP present

the new comedy from the creator of Bitch Macbeth and Sugarbaby!

THE WILD, WILD WOMEN OF WAKKY-NUNU!

starring

PATRICK PIZZOLORUSSO * BECKY BYERS * SAMANTHA MASONKEVIN MYERS * SARAH E. JACOBSDOUGLAS MACKRELL as Hickory “Toot” Sweetwith JESS BEVERIDGE * SARAH BRODSKY * LEAH DIETRICH * CELESTINE RAE * CANDACE YOSHIOKA * HALEY ZALE

and FRANK CWIKLIK as Jake Manley

Publicist EMILY OWENS PR

Choreography SARAH E. JACOBS

Co-Producer MICHELE SCHLOSSBERG

Written, Designed, Produced, and Directed by FRANK CWIKLIK

Cubby Gaines (Patrick Pizzolorusso) and Bunny Baretta (Becky Byers)

A Day in the Life of an Actor

So this weeks Post is intended to be more of a pictoral "day in the life" type of deal. I thought, why not? So here we go..a day in the life of an actor in godo old New York City. As you know..since you're an avid reader, I'm in rehearsal for a new comedy called The Wild Wild Women of Wakky NuNu. Here is my adventure on sturday....

The Mist...For the love of god do not rent this movie! I was overjoyed to push it in that little drop box hole at Block Buster.

Good 'Ole Ditmars in Astoria. The sky was gorgeous so I had to take a pic.

The N Train into Manhattan. Gotta love it. Roads, where i'm going i don't need roads...just umm...train tracks and such..

A View from 54th street and 7th ave looking South into Times Square.

The new Hearst builing built right on top of the old one.

Yours truly

I couldn't resist. This man was...well..the size of the globe outside of Trump Tower!

Walking down 7th i passed a photo shoot for some random add. So I shot it.

And now we skip another train ride downtown to East 4th. Across from the red room is this great old theater. I love the spiral staircase in the front.

Cuppa Cuppa is where i sit before each rehearsal and....

....Go over my lines. Over and Over and Over again.

And here we are at the Red room. Right about the KGB Bar on East 4th. Which is right across from La Mama.

And an audience view.

Becky Byers (not pictured) who plays Bunny in Wakky NuNu.

And finally..a nice charming pic of some of the cast. Don't you want to see the show based on this?

And that my friends is about the time when rehearsal started and I stopped takikng pictures. And as for the way home. Just scroll up and watch the day in reverse.

"Fully Committed's" AMAZING review

So this blog is not only about me, but about all the people I have the pleasure of meeting

As part of my journey through this crazy world of acting and auditioning and dealing with rejection, i've met a gaggle of talented folk. And a little secret about actors.

When two actors meet, they pray that the other person is talented.

Usually we don't get to see eachother's work unless we're in a show together. The draw back of having friends as actors, we're always busy on projects.

Thankfully i have a slight respite from rehearsal this coming friday and I will be seeing a dear friend perform in Jersey.

Jenelle Sosa is in a marathon of a one woman show. I'm excited to see my friend perform, but i'm also excited to celebrate her success. Her review is just..well..read for yourself. And heres to talented friends





No reservations about actress' turn as harried table manager
by Peter Filichia/Star-Ledger Staff
Monday March 31, 2008, 10:00 PM

Jenelle Sosa in "Fully Committed," presented by The Theater Project, Union County College's professional theater company.Fully Committed. Where: The Theater Project, Union County College, 1033 Springfield Ave., Cranford. When: Through April 13. Thursdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.. How much: $15 Thursdays; $22 all other performances; $10 for students. Call (908) 659-5189 or visit thetheaterproject.com.

Fans of the 1999 off-Broadway hit "Fully Committed" may be surprised to see it described as a one-woman show at the Theatre Project in Cranford. Playwright Becky Mode wrote it as a solo show with Mark Setlock, who originated the role of Sam Peliczowski, a struggling actor who's forced to work a day job.

But there's no reason why a woman can't make Sam short for Samantha -- and certainly not when someone as accomplished as Jenelle Sosa is raring to go. The actress has probably been helped greatly by her director in Cranford, Rick Delaney, who sure knows the material: Five years ago he portrayed Sam -- wonderfully -- at the What Exit? Theatre Company in Maplewood.

Sam's task is to answer the incessantly-ringing phones at Manhattan's hottest restaurant. That means taking calls from people who simply must be seated that night with their party of six at 8 p.m., at a table with not-too-harsh lighting that isn't anywhere near the kitchen door.
When patrons are told the restaurant is "fully committed" -- the establishment's euphemism for totally booked -- they respond with disappointment to outright fury. Add in the people who lie about having called months in advance, and the ones who truly believe they have a standing reservation. If Sam stays on this job much longer, the poor soul will be fully committed herself.

Sosa's up to the task. Sam doesn't just answer the phone on the desk, but the one on the wall, eight steps away. This phone -- symbolically, a red one -- is the private line of the ego-driven, hard-to-please chef.

Jenelle Sosa in Fully Committed

The pleasant voice Sosa uses with callers demonstrates why Sam would be hired for such a job. But that's not the only voice Sosa appropriates, for she must bring every character who calls the restaurant to verbal life. Sosa has more distinctively real accents than bouillabaisse has ingredients: She goes from Mandarin to Midwest, Long Island to Lebanese, and plays both the young and the mature.

Much of the fun of Sosa's vocal gymnastics during the 75-minute production is that we begin to recognize who's calling just from her intonations.
Yet there's more to creating a complete picture of Sam, the type who believes accepting a job goes hand-in-hand with performing it well. Because Sam is always much nicer to her tormentors, audiences root for her. And the winning Sosa makes us want to book reservations for her next event.

The review can be read online here: http://www.nj.com/entertainment/arts/index.ssf/2008/03/no_reservations_about_actress.html

Congratulations Jenelle!!!!

A Real Live Oscar in my Hands

Yes, thats right ladies and gentlemen. This in my hand is a real living breathing Academy Award. Wha!? How? You asked.....

I shall do my best to tell the story but leave out the truly crucial details because of course I shouldn't be holding said Oscar.

Soo...

I'm working on a short piece with a friend of mine for a physical theater workshop I'm taking. Me? Doing physical theater? No Way! So My friend, whom i'll refer to as Janice, invites me over to her neck of the woods...which is Brooklyn. We decide to work and mentally jam at her place. She suggests we go to her friend Oscar's place where we wont be interrupted by a noisy roomate. So we pack up out pencils and papers and walk about 10 minutes away to a nice looking non-descript brownstone.

She cleverly knocks on the door calling out for Oscar. (For all of those thinking, how stupid is he. Come on. Well.....Who thinks there is an Oscar right around the corner?) All the while shes telling me what a huge supporter of the arts he is.

So we go in to a very nicely decorated and spacious 3 floor home. I get the grand tour and eventually end up in the master bedroom.

Doesn't every winner have a pic like this? Inspired by Diablo Cody's morning after picture

The whole while shes saying, 'I guess Oscar is out, we have the whole place to ourselves to make as much noise as we like.' Sounds good to me.

So we turn one final corner and she turns to me and says, 'OH! Hes at his desk. ' And very formally she says, 'Patrick, meet Oscar.'

I can't tell you how my heart started racing. You think, heck, its just some little statue. Yeah. I freak heavy-ass award that we all dream of winning some day.

So of course we waste no time in taking many goofy traditional Oscar pictures with the little golden statuette.

So the big question, whose is it?

Shes a screenwriter/produce. She one for best !^#&*#%@#$ Short. Her name is.. Blah blah blah. not telling you. But she won for telling the true story of life and courage and heriosm.

And love. So you can't beat that. I promised Janice that I would not give too much away. After all she was house sitting and she doesn't want to lose her job in case some one actually stumbles upon this blog and reads it.

So Janice thank you. And for those of you who are wondering. I'm calling her Janice after the lead guitar player for Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem. (Shes a fan)

So important lesson here kids. Don't let actors into your homes. We'll pose with your awards. Especially those from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

me and the little guy. someday right....?