NEW BLOG!

Hey y'all. Moving blog platforms over to Wordpress, hosted on my website. Kept all of the entries, just changing addresses.


Sooo.... follow that one. :)

*K

Love Happened Here

I feel like I wouldn't be able to live with myself unless I documented this past amazing weekend somewhere. So here it is.


Friday
I made up the hours in the days leading up to Friday, and took the day off from work. I did not sleep in, however. I woke up at 7:30, did my usual routine, and was off to Chelsea to wait in line at the SVA Theatre for tickets for the New Yorker Festival. Unlike the people ahead of me in line, who all wanted multiple events, I was only interested in one: The Social Network. I already had tickets to the other events that interested me (and even if I didn't, I could only afford one event as it was). This was no ordinary screening of the film, though. It featured a talkback afterwards with Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Timberlake, and Aaron Sorkin. I HAD to get tickets.

So I waited in line for 2 1/2 hours, in the rain. The box office opened, and as things sold out, they announced them. My stomach was churning. What if I'd just waited 2 1/2 hours for nothing?
Then it was my turn.

I got up to the counter and asked for 3 tickets. The guy smiled and told me they were the last 3 tickets left. A minute later, they announced that The Social Network had sold out. If that's not fate, I don't know what is.

The movie, as most of the country knows by now, is brilliant. Aaron Sorkin doesn't disappoint. Jesse Eisenberg gives the performance of his career, and I officially have a totally different opinion of Justin Timberlake. Oh, and Andrew Garfield is beautiful.
Anyway, and then the talkback came. We were front row. It was surreal. Jesse Eisenberg looked around the room nervously the whole time. Aaron Sorkin did 80% of the talking, not that anyone minded - he is completely engaging and genius to listen to. He put to bed all rumors that were circulating, said that he was in fact committed to the facts of the story. They talked about David Fincher's famoud 99 take opening scene. Jesse and Justin even got to talk a little! And afterwards, Aaron Sorkin stuck around on stage to sign a few autographs and shake some hands, including Gary's. It was a successful night.

Oh, and the Wafels & Dinges truck was outside afterwards. Perfection.

Saturday
I had a long day of flyering in Times Square ahead of me. But one fact made it easier: knowing that that night, I would be seeing Jake Gyllenhaal. In person. So I rushed home after flyering, changed into something a little nicer than my A Life in the Theatre t-shirt, got dinner with Alison, and was sitting 3rd row center before I knew it. And then there he was, in his (bearded) glory.

This night, A "Conversation" with Jake Gyllenhaal, was reminiscent of Inside the Actors Studio. The moderator discussed Jake's career, childhood, sister, parents, all that stuff. They showed clips from Donnie Darko, Brokeback Mountain (which made me sob), Zodiac, and his new movie Love and Other Drugs.

He was completely charming, interested, and really smart. They talked about his mustache in Brokeback Mountain quite a bit, and Jake said that he actually won an award for that mustache. (No, seriously, an online award given out every year to best mustache). We found out that Jason Schwartzman, a close friend of Jake's, was originally supposed to play Donnie Darko. (WHAATTT?) He talked about sex a lot, and we discovered that there is a lot of nudity in his new movie - probably the best advertisement ever.

It was over way to soon, and was completely surreal the whole time. He seems like a very cool guy who really doesn't comprehend how immensely talented he is. I wish I knew how to quit him. (How could I resist?)

Sunday
I'm not even going to bother with a preamble here - Sunday morning Mike and I sat front row and listened to Steve Carell talk for 2 hours. STEVE CARELL. No, but seriously, STEVE CARELL. I talk about things being surreal a lot, but this really tops the list. He was right in front of me. Steve Carell. Very different from his comedic persona, but still completely hilarious, he was totally captivating the whole time. He seems really down to earth and modest about his immense success. He talked a lot about his daughter and wife. Called Stephen Colbert an asshole (jokingly, of course), talked about his time at Second City, and his audition for Bruce Almighty - which was maybe his 3rd movie audition ever. Talked about the much rumored, and apparently ill-fated, Anchorman 2. And, get this, they all wanted to do it as a BROADWAY MUSICAL. But no one besides the actors seem to want to put it on its feet. (CAN YOU IMAGINE?!?!) He said that he generally needs to play a character, a more "interesting" version of himself, while doing interviews. Talked about The Office, and how he feels like his leaving at the end of this season will be good for the show, and that they can use a "change of tone". Whether this is his genuine opinion or not is hard to say. He can't very well come out and say they should end the show when he leaves without sounding like an egomaniac. (But if he'd just pass along my letter to NBC, I won't tell anyone).

It really was, and I really need a better word for this, completely and utterly surreal. He is one of the funniest comedic actors out there, not to mention one of my absolute favorite actors. The setting really did feel very intimate, and it was refreshing to really hear him talk about his career and the people he's worked with.

And then there was Sunday night. I may have said previously that seeing Billie Joe in American Idiot once was totally enough. But I knew I was lying. You knew I was lying. Not even 24 hours after that entry was posted, I bought a ticket for his final performance. And I have never been so grateful for a rash decision in my life.

His last show was completely electric - I won't go into too much detail, there really isn't much more that I can say that I haven't already said here, but he'd even gotten better since I saw him that night. You could tell he wanted his last show to be special. He'd added some things since he started - some really interesting moments in the background of scenes, when he wasn't the focus. (Not to mention singing a snippet of "It's Fuck Time", which he didn't do when I was there before). He sent this incredible energy across the theatre. It really was one of those experiences that I look back on and can barely believe that I was there.

At curtain call, before singing "Good Riddance", he performed a short song he composed for that occasion. I was sobbing. And I mean, face in my hands sobbing. It felt totally personal, you could tell how much he loved this experience and loved sharing it with us, and for the love of god - I WAS THERE.



I left my blood like bullets over Broadway.
The fire of the footlights at the St. James.
With broken legs and roses over New York.
These goodnight songs of long lost love and war.
But I'm alive, I'm alive, I'm alive like suicide.
So goodnight, goodnight, New York.


It's been a few days, and I honestly still can't stop thinking about the show, his performance, the experience. I still get choked up watching the video. I've seen a lot of amazing things in the 5 years that I've lived here, but this may actually be at the top of the list. For a lot of reasons. Phenomenal.

Only in New York.

St. Billie

Reason #1,245 why I love living in New York City: Last night I was in the audience as Billie Joe Armstrong played St. Jimmy in American Idiot, the show he created. A role that he wrote. Music he wrote. He's on for one week only, and I was there. I was there.

It probably isn't a huge deal to most people. Hell, half of my friends don't even like Green Day. And that's fine. They're all crazy people, but I accept that. I, however, grew up listening to Green Day. My first Green Day album purchase was Nimrod, when I was in 7th grade. (Holy shit, that was 10 years ago). I remember being sprawled out on the floor in my room, feeling (or pretending to feel) angsty about something, with "Redundant" on repeat. Green Day shaped my angsty adolescence. Warning was released the same year, and I remain one of the only people who really loves that CD. (Whatever). Shortly following that, I purchased Dookie.

I went to my first Green Day concert (along with Blink 182 and Jimmy Eat World) my freshman year of high school. They remain the best band I've ever seen live. Ever.

In 2004, American Idiot was released. I bought it the first weekend. I still think it's completely brilliant, and it was always one of my most played CDs on my iPod. So this year when it make the big leap to Broadway, I was one of the few "theatre folk" who wasn't completely skeptical and expecting a disaster. I knew how brilliant it already was, knew it was written for this kind of project in mind, and didn't even wait a week to see it. Mike and I saw the 4th preview.

This show is totally polarizing - people hate it or love. They get it or they don't get it. It's most definitely not everyone's cup of tea, and I understand why. I love it. Though would I still love it if I weren't a life-long Green Day fan? Hard to say. I see people's complaints - a very loose narrative is the biggest quip with the show. But looking at shows like Hair, I've never needed a totally structured piece of theatre. It tells it's story in a very different way. To me, everything is clear. It's not the most original story in the world, but it's the way that it's done. It connects to people in very different ways - it brings people back to that time, especially in my age group, even though it wasn't so long ago. Someone posed the question on BroadwayWorld - "were we really that angry?" Well, yeah. We really were. I remember being that angry. Are we still that angry? Not in the same ways. Is it still relevant? Absolutely - especially for the people it's talking to. In the same ways that Hair is more relevant than ever. Totally different time periods, same passion and same sentiment.

Anyway, I really love the show. That's the point of that.

So Billie Joe Armstrong stepped into the role of St. Jimmy for one week, and I was there. I burst into tears the minute he entered the stage. And, okay, let me explain this - people have different reactions to different emotions. But for me, I tend to have one gut reaction for every single emotion - sadness, happiness, excitement, anger, fear, anticipation, pride, disappointment, etc., etc. - I cry. When any of these emotions gets big enough and overwhelming enough, I just cry. That's just the way I am. I don't sob or go into hysterics, but I can't help it. My eyes well up. And this was definitely a big and overwhelming moment. I haven't seen him live since 2002. Big stuff.

But what he good? Yeah, he really really was. He energized the show in a completely new way. It wasn't a question of him being able to sing it - obviously he can. He wrote the damn music and still performs it all over the world. (And, btw, how does his voice still sound the same? And moreover, how does he still look 15? My theory: highlander). I was really surprised that he really came out as an actor. I'm not saying he's going to be playing Hamlet any time soon, but he wasn't just doing this for publicity or for shits and giggles. He really invested himself in it. And that's impressive. This guy tours with Green Day and plays in stadiums full of thousands and thousands of people. And this week he's in front of a (comparatively) small house and really putting his entire self into it. (Or is really good at faking it). His take on St. Jimmy was pretty different from Tony Vincent's. He was goofier, while still being menacing. He found a lot more laughs, in places I hadn't expected them. During his last exit, he sat up and smiled at the audience, waving himself off. He's clearly having a good time. Maybe even... the time... of his... LIFE?! Couldn't resist. But that's a nice transition...

And then there was, of course, the curtain call finale. And this is where I cried like a little schoolgirl. The minute he started playing Good Riddance, that was it. This song is nostalgic for anyone in my generation. It was really special to see him sing it live again, especially with the rest of the cast. Two worlds, and two of my favorite things, came together - musical theatre and Green Day. Did they get this idea from my subconscious or what?!

Didn't I say this was going to be a good fall?

Next this week: Jake Gyllenhaal Saturday night, Steve Carell Sunday morning. Hopefully Aaron Sorkin tomorrow night. (CAN YOU IMAGINE?!)

And, btw, my favorite TwitPic ever posted ever:
@GreenDay: Your favorite musical sucks. American Idiot rules! Fuck me hard! XXxxxxxxxxX st Jimmy"

*K


A good fall.

The first week of fall:
- I saw Patrick Stewart and T.R. Knight in A Life in the Theatre. Twice. For free.
- I got a second job flyering for the above mentioned show.
- I had a fun photoshoot with Ashley Marinaccio. (See it, read the interview here: People Who Want Change).
- I started rehearsals for Co-Op Theatre East's Radio COTE play "Conference".
- I went to the VENDY AWARDS.
- Had my first Co-Op Theatre East ensemble meeting.
- Went to the BC/EFA Flea Market.
- DEXTER SEASON 5 PREMIERED.

Things that are happening soon:
- Seeing Billie Joe Armstrong in American Idiot on Wednesday.
- Starting rehearsals for Co-Op Theatre East's production of Trojan Women.
- Seeing The Colbert Report. Twice.
- Going to Medieval Times.

Yeah, I think this is shaping up to be a pretty awesome fall. I can only hope that more amazing things are in store.

Oh, redesigned the blog. Much more simple.

*K

Now I'm a year older.


For all of you on the edge of your seat, my birthday was a smashing success! The trip to Maine, though not without some expected bumps, was one of the best I've had in a while.

It was nice to be there for 3 whole days - the longest I've spent in Bar Harbor in about 5 years. It was even nicer to have Anthony back in town, and to introduce Gary. And to have Mike there again. And to be together. In a happy group of awesomeness. Not to mention seeing all of the family I have in Maine.

My dad put together a big dinner/birthday party the night after my birthday, which was pretty cool. The coolest part, however, was THE CAKE.

Yes, friends. That is a GIANT WHOOPIE PIE. It weighed about a million pounds and was so completely epic. It was my dad's idea, and he had our head baker person at the restaurant make it. What more could I have possibly wanted???????

Present wise, I was nearly moved to tears when presented with a confirmation e-mail from Gary for 2 tickets to the freakin' VENDY AWARDS. THE VENDY AWARDS. (Educate yourself: www.streetvendor.org/vendys) I'll talk more about that in a second. And Mike, my love, drew me a picture of what was (apparently) the blackberry torch. *CRIES OF JOY* (The torch will be purchased... he didn't just draw me a picture...)

The best part of visiting Maine - BABIES EVERYWHERE. They just keep growing. I love them so.
It was exciting for Anthony to FINALLY meet all of the chillen's. It's been long enough.

Anyway, I really am hoping to get to Maine more often than once or twice a year. Access to free cars has recently entered my life, which will make things much easier.

Going back to the Vendy Awards - hopefully you know what that means now - I recently started a website/blog/awesome experiment: www.newyorkstreats.com. Because I am OBSESSED with food trucks, and as Mike said "why don't you write about it?" Why not indeed. Read and enjoy and tell all the humans you know!

Well, now I am 23 years old... so... that's... not interesting at all.

ONWARD.

*K

23 Days.

The time is nearing. This coming Sunday marks the beginning of my birth month. So, as is customary, I present to you my birthday wish list. Expect to see the possible, the impossible, and the completely ridiculous.

Birthday List

- New iPod - At least 80gb.
- Jamba Juice giftcards!!!!! For real. It is my life.
-. Trip to LA to visit the local lesbian!
- World peace.
- I can has Disney World/Universal???
- Money/gift cards for new clothing: H&M, American Eagle, Forever 21, Strawberry, GAP, JCPenny, Old Navy.
- TV Series on DVD: Mad About You, ER, Gilmore Girls (already have season 2), Dexter, The Office.
- Any Nick Hornby book from my list.
- Money. Seriously... just, money. I really need money.


More to come.

*K

This is what I love about my favorite book.

I can start it at any time, when I have no new books to read, and pick it up again months later. I'll know exactly where I am and what is happening, because I've read it 10 times before, and feel completely immersed in the story and the world instantly.

When I finish it that day, because I can't put it down yet again, I have no shame in just starting it over. And it somehow feels new every time.

High Fidelity, you are the perfect book.

"Some of my favorite songs: "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" by Neil Young; "Last Night I Dreamed That Somebody Loved Me" by the Smiths; "Call Me" by Aretha Franklin; "I Don't Want to Talk About It" by anybody. And then there's "Love Hurts" and "When Love Breaks Down" and "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart" and "The Speed of the Sound of Loneliness" and "She's Gone" and "I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself" and... some of these songs I have listened to around once a week, on average (three hundred times in the first month, every now and again there-after), since I was sixteen or nineteen or twenty-one. How can that not leave you bruised somewhere? How can that not turn you into the sort of person liable to break into little bits when your first love goes all wrong? What came first - the music or the misery? Did I listen to music because I was miserable? Or was I miserable because I listened to music? Do all those records turn you into a melancholy person?
People worry about kids playing with guns, and teenagers watching violent videos; we are scared that some sort of culture of violence will take them over. Nobody worries about kids listening to thousands - literally thousands- of songs about broken hearts and rejection and pain and misery and loss. The unhappiest people I know, romantically speaking, are the ones who like pop music the most; and I don't know whether pop music has caused this unhappiness, but I do know that they've been listening to the sad songs longer than they've been living the unhappy lives."

*K

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