Reshoots..rescores! (or re-touches)

So I spent part of today, scratch that. The majority of today was spent doing reshoots for 'A Slice of Life.' The indy short I filmed this past October. It was actually nice to see everyone again and to step back into this character's shoes. He's a good sweet guy who is just in love. That's all. in love. And he's doing everything out of love. It's a very cute little short.

I did get to see a version of the film today for the first time. We are our own worst (best) judges. I feel like I'm doing a horrible DeNiro impression half the time. But some of the comic moments hit really well and I must say, I laughed a lot. It's a big deal if an actor can laugh at himself...when he's supposed to.

So hopefully soon I'll get a copy. If not of the finished version with all the new fancy cuts, but at least of whats been edited together so far.

And moving on, recently, much to the urging of my manager, friends, recent cast members, I got headshots taken with a beard:

From patrick faves

Mr. Kent Meister was kind enough to shoot around the Park Slope area and I am very pleased with the results. I'm still going through them and trying to figure out which one is my favorite. if you want to look through them all fill free to click on the link under the pic.

There are about 24 that i've narrowed it down to. The beard sure does something different to my face. I hate having it, but I like how I look with it. It may get me more varied work. Maybe I can play some evil villain. Or a lumberjack. Or Ryan's cousin on the Office.

Speaking of...anyone write for the Office? Put a word in. K. Thanks.

So the past few weeks have kept me busy with preparing for both shoots, getting ready for the bare Shakespeare benefit, and at the end of April some filming up in Vermont? New Hampshire? one of them. I think it's Vermont.

I'm liking all these film opportunities lately. Maybe I'll have a film career yet.

Oh yeah...pics please...let me know!

Hamlet Royal Rumble Fundraiser

This coming March 14...yes my Birthday for all of you wanting to send presents (checks please)...I'm going to performing in a fundraiser for the theatre company BareShakespeare.

The fundraiser is at Fontana's down on Eldridge street. We're doing all of Hamlet with some choice cuts of course. I get to play Laertes to Lila Smith's Polonius in one scene and a player in the next. The idea is for every scene to have different actors playing different parts. Should be more fun the more you drink.

So lets see, the show opens at 6 and there is a $10 cover to watch...it's a fundraiser, remember? But there is no drink minimum. Come for the bard. Stay for a drink...if you wish. And support a great little company that worries more about the words that Shakespeare wrote as opposed to what who is wearing and how are we going to get you to exit with a bear.

Lately i'm going from one classic to the next. I've gone from the Cherry Orchard (ahem) to Getting Even With Shakespeare (also..not quite a classic..but I'll let it slide) then to Measure for Measure with the Oxfordians, and now Hamlet! It's been a good start to 2010 so far...

..Despite the snow.

Short films and Managers

So the short film that I wrote and produced (barely) is taking longer to get together than I thought. It is no one's fault. And I'm not upset. So many talented people are working on this piece in one way or another. It's just slow going with the editing process because there is so much to do and take into consideration.

I have said it before and I'll say it again, I am so proud of how this is turning out. As we speak I'm uploading a version in order for my director and AD to look at and give ideas. I think I'm most excited about how this is such a collaborative effort by all.

In other news, I happily sent off an updated resume to my manager. It's nice to do it once in a while to say.."hey, I'm working and taking classes. Look at me." So my most recent performance information is on there. I just finished a small workshop/production of Measure for Measure. It was...a workshop. It was loose and casual and the director gave us enough freedom to play. Measure for Measure of course being one of the problem plays, I think a lot of the comedy was lost by lack of preparation and some not knowing fully what they were saying. But again. It was a workshop and in the end we told the story.

It was part of a series of workshop/classes with the Oxford Shakespeare Co. NYC led by Rono Song Destro. Personally? I think I thrive in the kind of Shakespeare boot camp world. We have a month, 8 rehersals, go! I met some great and talented people and I got to see how Mr. Destro works.

He is the head of the company, Boar, that I auditioned for, was cast in, and had to turn down this past fall because of too much work. Too much work! What a great thing to type. His goal is to build a Globe replica in downtown NYC. And hell yes I think we need this. I'm all for this!

So it was a good way to work on Shakes., and get to know the man behind the company. Granted he's an Oxfordian...but I'll let that slide.

Oxfordians Shakespeare

This coming weekend I am performing in Measure for Measure as the Provost with The Oxfordians.

The provost is a simple jailer, but one of the most compassionate jailers I've ever read about. He actually has quite a lot of compassion for all of the "guests" of his prison.

Mow Measure for Measure. Its one of Willy's problem plays for so many reasons. It does contain some beautiful language and some very funny characters. But there are numerous issues, a death, the fact that it starts out a comedy and ends almost as a tragedy. The bad guy doesn't really get his just desserts. And overall, the scheming Duke/Friar is more annoying than helpful. Like most comedies there is a plot or a trick that the characters decide to put into place in order to catch someone, or something to that nature. I feel this "trick" in M4M is too little too late. But alas, we have it and we're performing it.

So the dates and times are
2/25-2/28 @ 7 pm
and 2/27-2/28 @ 2pm.

I had thought taking this would give me a glimpse into how an Oxfordian looks at shakes. It didn't. What it did do is drive home the idea that no matter who wrote these plays (I am a Stratfordian) they're all approached with the same respect, reverence, and lightheartedness that they need. So there is no special technique. If anything, this has been an exercise in getting my lines down as fast as possible. I'm almost there.

Now, the Oxfordians of course believe that the Earl of Oxford, Edward D'Vere was the author of many, if not all of Shakespeare's plays. One of the many potential authors. And out of all the crazy possibilities, he is the most legitimate candidate aside form Shakespeare himself.
Here is the site for the company of actors.

And this is the site for the Oxford Shakespeare Company. Both led by Ron Destro. Their goal is to open a Globe in the heart of Downtown NY. I could see that, you?

Getting Even with Shakespeare: Review!

So it happened. It was inevitable. The reviewers came, watched our show, left to go to wherever reviewers go post show to pen their reviews. I imagine a tall writing desk akin to something Bob Cratchett sits at. And Monday came and went without a word. But Tuesday! Tuesday was the big day. Thank you NYTheater, thank you cast, crew, everyone. The review is amazing. Glowing. Could not be happier. And really was there any doubt?

So here are the real good bits:

They are quite the ensemble. Well cast and capable they bring a real joy to the stage; it's obvious these guys are having a great time. While the whole cast is consistently fun to watch, there are, as with any show, the obvious standouts. Martin Glyer's Hamlet is a brilliant send-up of the moody Dane, an effete collegiate whose grave matter-of-fact veneer is at mirthful odds with his mother-loving core. Rachel Halper's Juliet is a pint-sized dynamo of teen rage—she has embraced the modern era to the hilt; spouting twitterspeak and screwing anything with a six figure bank account. In hilarious counterpoint to Halper is Ben Holmes's Romeo, a beleaguered boyfriend whose innocence is the most powerful aphrodisiac in the world to every woman except the one he loves.

Am I gushing a little? Yeah. I really, really enjoyed this show. In spite of all of the factors working against this play, the creative team turned every obstacle into an asset. I sincerely hope that this show gets remounted or extended, and that Saldarelli keeps writing for the theatre. Get to see this one before it closes. If you have any semblance of a sense of humor, you'll have a great time.

And here is the link to the review: CLICK HERE!!!

It really is a great review. I almost sound shocked, but sadly there is so much bad theater out there that it seems lately good reviews are rare. It's sad that I have to turn to my friends and say, I actually like everyone in this cast, or The play is really good. All too often we enter into shows thinking it will be great and then its one indy theater let down after another. But for this, I am proud of my work, and the work of my peers on stage and behind the scenes. Thank you all!

SAG please..

So here it is 2010 and I'm putting this out there into the universe. I hold in my happy hand 2 SAG waivers. All I need is my third and I'll be happy I tell ya. Happy. So Universe..to you I say:

I want my third Wavier SOON!

That is all.

Getting Even with Shakespeare

Hey folks, good news. 2010 is already looking to be a good year. Right before I went away for the holidays I auditions for a new piece called getting even with Shakespeare. And wouldn't you know it...cast! It's for a festival at Manhattan Rep. I normally steer away from festivals because you get 3, maybe 4 performances? But I really liked the concept, and it's Manhattan Rep. as part of their Winter 2010 festival.

So I auditioned and wouldn't you know it...Cast! As....MacBeth! Woohoo! So details about the show, eh?

Five Shakespearean tragic heroes are in a New York City bar...and they are pissed. According to the laws of metaphysics, Hamlet, Macbeth, King Lear, Romeo and Juliet are required to "attend" every performance of the shows that bear their names. When not reliving their horrible deaths on a nightly basis, the characters spend time at the bar where they drink away their sorrows, settle old scores, and partake in their favorite pastime - plotting revenge on Shakespeare, the man who put them in this very unenviable position. The characters’ four century old routine is thrown into flux when Matt, a 30 year old lawyer and unsuccessful college playwright, enters the bar with an idea that may finally allow them to get even.

Getting Even with Shakespeare has the courage to look beyond the Bard’s universally accepted status as “greatest playwright of all time” and reveals him as the bloodthirsty murderer of some of the world’s most beloved characters. Join us at Manhattan Repertory Theatre’s Winterfest 2010, for a play that proves that revenge is a dish best served cold (with a side of lightsaber duels, pig’s blood and an ecstasy dealing Juliet).

Performances are:

Wednesday, January 27 - 9:00pm

Thursday, January 28 - 9:00pm

Friday, January 29 - 9:00pm

at Manhattan Repertory Theatre

303 W. 42nd St (at 8th Ave), Third Floor, New York, NY

Click here for more info!