It's an official condition.
You're halfway through the rehearsal period for any given project - and everything starts to fog over. All the material you've learned seems the same, and all the material that you haven't learned yet looms in front of you, causing momentary panic attacks, fear, abject bitchiness, and even dyspepsia. Other symptoms can include an A.D.D.-like glaze to come over the eyes. Stimulants like coffee seem to offer little solace or effect, and alcohol only deadens the subject even more. Only surviving through the process till one realizes you only have a few days left of rehearsal alleviates the ever worsening symptoms. And it usually corresponds to a "Thursday" - or another day that falls one or two days before a day off.
All I have to say is thank god the hotel has a hot tub, or I'd be even stiffer than I am. It's not that I'm old, it's just that my knees are.
And I do adore this cast - but the dancers are younger and more limber than I am. Hell, most people are more limber than I am.
See! Right there was a symptom of the Haze! Beware of the spread of this highly communicable disease! Take all and any necessary prophylactic precautions!
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Movie Review #2
Okay, was anyone else also as completely not blown away by The Departed as I was?
I mean, seriously. It's a decent cop drama - but didn't it feel as if it turned into Scorcese's Boston-based version of Reservoir Dogs toward the end?
And never mind that he won the Oscar. We all darn well know that he was given it as a consolation for all the times he hasn't won. But seriously - the script is witty in a few places, but again, by the time most things happen to our two protagonists, I felt as if I was already a mile ahead of them in knowing what was coming next.
Okay, maybe that review sounds a little harsh, but haven't we seen Matt Damon do this before? Nice twist with him being crooked, and yes, he's really from Boston, we get it. Great cast of supporting characters, albeit for a "realistic" cop drama, everyone's performances seemed a bit broad. Between Baldwin and Walhberg (who will always be Markie Mark), and then squinty McGee-DiCaprio (his eyebrows were more furrowed than a plowed Kansas cornfield) there was enough chewed scenery that it could've been a musical. I would have loved it if they broke out into song, like that dreadful Botchko T.V. show "Cop Drama" that was on the air for ten minutes back in the early 90's (I believe). Even better if it was freestyle rap so Markie Mark could go all Southie on our asses. I can just hear the big show stopper number with everyone's Boston accents:
"Please don't end up just like one of us -
Crooked cops that you can't trust
If you smell a rat - it's not that he fah-ted -
it's just 'cause Mah-ty got the Oscah finally for De-pah-ted."
And really, this is a highly crafted film with a decent script and cinematography. I guess what gets me going is that the only reason it's any good is because of the people involved. And maybe that's why it got the lauds it did. Does material have to be brilliant of it's own accord? Maybe not. But I think there should be a distinction made. Perhaps Scorcese's brilliance lies in who he hires - after all they do say that good direction is 99% good casting.
So, it's a good movie. But it didn't knock my sahks off. Sorry guys.
I mean, seriously. It's a decent cop drama - but didn't it feel as if it turned into Scorcese's Boston-based version of Reservoir Dogs toward the end?
And never mind that he won the Oscar. We all darn well know that he was given it as a consolation for all the times he hasn't won. But seriously - the script is witty in a few places, but again, by the time most things happen to our two protagonists, I felt as if I was already a mile ahead of them in knowing what was coming next.
Okay, maybe that review sounds a little harsh, but haven't we seen Matt Damon do this before? Nice twist with him being crooked, and yes, he's really from Boston, we get it. Great cast of supporting characters, albeit for a "realistic" cop drama, everyone's performances seemed a bit broad. Between Baldwin and Walhberg (who will always be Markie Mark), and then squinty McGee-DiCaprio (his eyebrows were more furrowed than a plowed Kansas cornfield) there was enough chewed scenery that it could've been a musical. I would have loved it if they broke out into song, like that dreadful Botchko T.V. show "Cop Drama" that was on the air for ten minutes back in the early 90's (I believe). Even better if it was freestyle rap so Markie Mark could go all Southie on our asses. I can just hear the big show stopper number with everyone's Boston accents:
"Please don't end up just like one of us -
Crooked cops that you can't trust
If you smell a rat - it's not that he fah-ted -
it's just 'cause Mah-ty got the Oscah finally for De-pah-ted."
And really, this is a highly crafted film with a decent script and cinematography. I guess what gets me going is that the only reason it's any good is because of the people involved. And maybe that's why it got the lauds it did. Does material have to be brilliant of it's own accord? Maybe not. But I think there should be a distinction made. Perhaps Scorcese's brilliance lies in who he hires - after all they do say that good direction is 99% good casting.
So, it's a good movie. But it didn't knock my sahks off. Sorry guys.
Country Who?
So. There's a country show.
I can hear most of you laughing all the way from NYC. Yes, we are doing a country western show on board. And you may choke at this even more, but it's primarily recent top 40 country songs, most of which I'd never heard before, and here comes the odd part - I actually like most of the songs.
Seriously. They're fun to sing. And even I can line dance.
Add in the cowboy boots and big hats, and I can slap on my drawl with the best of 'em. What's even more fun is that we have a number of Brits in our cast - and that's just a whirl of cross-cultural exchange.
Again, there is the Brie Factor. But it's fun, and the show is fast paced enough that when you do hit one of those awkward uncomfortable moments, it's over before it can imprint on your retinas.
There is one tune that's rather conscious of the "country-vs.-the-rest-of-the-world" mentality - and it's quite funny in an ironic sort of way:
"Well the folk scene's dead, but he's holding out in the village.
He keeps writing songs speaking out against wealth and privilege...
He says 'I don't believe in money, but a man like me could make him a killin'...
'cause some of that stuff don't sound much different than Dylan.
I hear down there - it's changed you see.
They ain't as backward as they used to be... He's Gone Country..."
I found that particularly funny as Kristin and I live two blocks from Sidewalk Cafe in the village, where they have the anti-folk hootenanny - or at least they used to back in the day.
At any rate, our first runthrough of the the first show we learned went pretty smoothly yesterday. Now we just have ten more days to learn the other two shows, and then get to Houston and get on that there big ol' boat. Yee haw. Now that's irony.
I can hear most of you laughing all the way from NYC. Yes, we are doing a country western show on board. And you may choke at this even more, but it's primarily recent top 40 country songs, most of which I'd never heard before, and here comes the odd part - I actually like most of the songs.
Seriously. They're fun to sing. And even I can line dance.
Add in the cowboy boots and big hats, and I can slap on my drawl with the best of 'em. What's even more fun is that we have a number of Brits in our cast - and that's just a whirl of cross-cultural exchange.
Again, there is the Brie Factor. But it's fun, and the show is fast paced enough that when you do hit one of those awkward uncomfortable moments, it's over before it can imprint on your retinas.
There is one tune that's rather conscious of the "country-vs.-the-rest-of-the-world" mentality - and it's quite funny in an ironic sort of way:
"Well the folk scene's dead, but he's holding out in the village.
He keeps writing songs speaking out against wealth and privilege...
He says 'I don't believe in money, but a man like me could make him a killin'...
'cause some of that stuff don't sound much different than Dylan.
I hear down there - it's changed you see.
They ain't as backward as they used to be... He's Gone Country..."
I found that particularly funny as Kristin and I live two blocks from Sidewalk Cafe in the village, where they have the anti-folk hootenanny - or at least they used to back in the day.
At any rate, our first runthrough of the the first show we learned went pretty smoothly yesterday. Now we just have ten more days to learn the other two shows, and then get to Houston and get on that there big ol' boat. Yee haw. Now that's irony.
Friday, March 23, 2007
End of Week One
Wow. It is Friday already? It feels as though we've been doing this for a month.
One show down - two to go. And a day off tomorrow to rest a little, and try to learn an hour more of music. All in all, haven't really had much time to think about anything other than learning the new material, and the overtly cheese-ridden narration that I seem to be the main delivery vehicle for. A port-wine, nut laden log comes to mind anytime I have to speak - but what is interesting is that while in the past, I would have made fun of such "cruise-ship" dialogue in other arenas - here it just is what it is. And it's very aware of what it is: entertainment for a captive, non-paying audience (at least non-paying for the show they are seeing) - and one where the only motive is to entertain, and not make the audience have to think too much. And it accomplishes this in spades.
Kristin and I did rent "The Good Shepherd" last night. A good movie - if a bit longwinded. I feel that DeNiro's directing debut fell prey to the bug of Coppola or even Scorsese's bug of say the same thing over and over again, and then say it again just in case. When you can nod off in the middle , and come back thirty minutes later and still know what's going on without having to ask, then it's time to edit some, fellas. Especially with a spy story. They really should follow the LeCarre model - say with "Constant Gardener" - where he allowed the adaptation to be sleek, rapid paced, and certainly not as long-winded. By the time Matt Damon's character reaches his "mature" position within the CIA, we all know exactly the kind of self-made pitfalls and hubris he's going to face - because we've seen it happen already to two other supporting players. Three times in this case is not good vaudeville set-up - it's just overkill.
Didn't know this was also going to have movie reviews, huh?
Have a good day off!
One show down - two to go. And a day off tomorrow to rest a little, and try to learn an hour more of music. All in all, haven't really had much time to think about anything other than learning the new material, and the overtly cheese-ridden narration that I seem to be the main delivery vehicle for. A port-wine, nut laden log comes to mind anytime I have to speak - but what is interesting is that while in the past, I would have made fun of such "cruise-ship" dialogue in other arenas - here it just is what it is. And it's very aware of what it is: entertainment for a captive, non-paying audience (at least non-paying for the show they are seeing) - and one where the only motive is to entertain, and not make the audience have to think too much. And it accomplishes this in spades.
Kristin and I did rent "The Good Shepherd" last night. A good movie - if a bit longwinded. I feel that DeNiro's directing debut fell prey to the bug of Coppola or even Scorsese's bug of say the same thing over and over again, and then say it again just in case. When you can nod off in the middle , and come back thirty minutes later and still know what's going on without having to ask, then it's time to edit some, fellas. Especially with a spy story. They really should follow the LeCarre model - say with "Constant Gardener" - where he allowed the adaptation to be sleek, rapid paced, and certainly not as long-winded. By the time Matt Damon's character reaches his "mature" position within the CIA, we all know exactly the kind of self-made pitfalls and hubris he's going to face - because we've seen it happen already to two other supporting players. Three times in this case is not good vaudeville set-up - it's just overkill.
Didn't know this was also going to have movie reviews, huh?
Have a good day off!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Escape from New York
So you probably heard about the ice storm that bogged down NYC and most of the Northeast this past weekend. After getting prepped and all set to leave for Florida to begin rehearsals last Saturday, our flight was canceled. Add insult to injury, we had to move all our stuff into storage during said ice storm. But after a long on-hold filled phone called, Delta managed to get us on the evening flight to Ft. Lauderdale on Sunday. (It actually gave us an extra evening to chill and clean our apartment.)
And then the first day of rehearsal! After showing up late the evening before, all that anticipation and not knowing what it was going to be like - we awoke bright and early and went to rehearsal at 9 am. Now those of you that know performers - rehearsing that early in the morning is not the favorite of most civilized peoples. But there I groggily was, ready to give it my best, even though it wasn't even a double digit daytime hour.
But the rehearsal was like most first day rehearsals - minus two of the other dancers - who were stranded in the U.K. because of the same ice storm. It's a cute, entertaining bunch of material. We learned most of the music for the first piece, and started staging. The next few weeks will be like that - nothing that spectacular or exciting - these are the woodshed weeks. Day two consisted of much of the same, although we started at 8 a.m. this time due to scheduling constraints. Joy. We also had to get medical exams since we're joining a ship's crew. Mind you, they don't want hepatitis or TB on board, so that's probably a good thing. You know how dirty most actors are. Florida is Florida - traffic ridden, flat, and right now very wet. I will never understand the rampant viral strip-mall architecture that has consumed the better part of the eastern seaboard. At least the hotel is nice, and has a jacuzzi. I'll need it after today's dance rehearsal. Hi-ho the glamorous life.
And then the first day of rehearsal! After showing up late the evening before, all that anticipation and not knowing what it was going to be like - we awoke bright and early and went to rehearsal at 9 am. Now those of you that know performers - rehearsing that early in the morning is not the favorite of most civilized peoples. But there I groggily was, ready to give it my best, even though it wasn't even a double digit daytime hour.
But the rehearsal was like most first day rehearsals - minus two of the other dancers - who were stranded in the U.K. because of the same ice storm. It's a cute, entertaining bunch of material. We learned most of the music for the first piece, and started staging. The next few weeks will be like that - nothing that spectacular or exciting - these are the woodshed weeks. Day two consisted of much of the same, although we started at 8 a.m. this time due to scheduling constraints. Joy. We also had to get medical exams since we're joining a ship's crew. Mind you, they don't want hepatitis or TB on board, so that's probably a good thing. You know how dirty most actors are. Florida is Florida - traffic ridden, flat, and right now very wet. I will never understand the rampant viral strip-mall architecture that has consumed the better part of the eastern seaboard. At least the hotel is nice, and has a jacuzzi. I'll need it after today's dance rehearsal. Hi-ho the glamorous life.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Feels like the First Time
Welcome to the blog.
Or maybe you all should welcome me. I've finally joined this online world of opinion, rants, and musings with my own offering. Most of you who know me probably thought I'd already done it by now, but no - I've been saving myself.
In truth, this blog is starting because I'm heading to sea with my wonderful partner in crime, Kristin McLaughlin, working for NCL and touring for six months. A large portion of this blog will be devoted to travel reviews, life aboard a big ship, and general observations of all things cruising and/or European. And of course, there will be songs, dance, wine, spirits and stories galore. So Enjoy!
Cheers - James
Or maybe you all should welcome me. I've finally joined this online world of opinion, rants, and musings with my own offering. Most of you who know me probably thought I'd already done it by now, but no - I've been saving myself.
In truth, this blog is starting because I'm heading to sea with my wonderful partner in crime, Kristin McLaughlin, working for NCL and touring for six months. A large portion of this blog will be devoted to travel reviews, life aboard a big ship, and general observations of all things cruising and/or European. And of course, there will be songs, dance, wine, spirits and stories galore. So Enjoy!
Cheers - James
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