Attend the tale
New Year's was pretty good, though less in the way of partying and more in the way of networking. I saw a few shows around Providence, ate at Union Station (which is apparently the only restaurant within my price range that's still open at 11 PM), and I was lucky enough to get the best parking spot in town. I spent a little time at AS220, and I like it as much as I thought I would; I was there at midnight, and they handed out little cups of champagne. Good stuff. There was dancing and stuff going on until 12:30, even though the schedule said 2 AM; just as well, though, since I'm usually too shy to dance. Once the music stopped, I asked around to find someplace else to go, and heard from a very cute and somewhat inebriated girl named Susie about a place called the Dirt Palace. She didn't actually know where the place was herself, but gave me some vague directions.
Susie and her friends went to get more friends on their way, so I ended up in the right neighborhood first. I parked the car and went searching for this place on foot; I was a little nervous, it's a rough-looking neighborhood. I noticed a bunch of emo-looking people moving in a certain direction, and from there, found the Dirt Palace. Susie and her friends caught up with me there.
I expected a club, and I was sorta right. It's not a club. It's not an apartment building. It's...kinda both, plus a studio space. I fought the crowds to get inside, and the first floor had a huge open room, ringed with church pews, where the DJ was working the late-night crowd. A very small, strange-looking marching band that had been performing in Prov. just walked through the door and played in the middle of the dance floor. Upstairs, a little quieter. Tiny bathroom. Huge library. About eight studio apartments. If that was a house, it was the biggest house party I'd ever seen. AND THERE WAS ART EVERYWHERE! Every imaginable surface was decorated in a very eclectic fashion; it reminded me of my room, but more chaotic. I fell in love with the place. At the advice of another person there, I left a note saying how much I liked the place, and if someone would invite me to come hang out I'd make them dinner (apparently only women can live there, so seeing about occupancy was out.) I could've painted a note on the wall, and it wouldn't have looked odd. But instead, I taped one to the library desk. It was noticed, but I've had no offers.
Anyway, Susie spent a lot of time talking to someone else, so I talked to her friend Natalie, who was kinda depressed. I think it was a boyfriend issue. We kept each other company, and tried to make sense of something I called "Theater of the Insane": I think it was improvised, and consisted of one guy repeatedly screaming, "What part of 'meow' don't you understand?!" and another guy beating people with huge stuffed animals. I feel dumber for having seen it. I enjoyed Natalie's company though, and hopefully helped her feel a little better. I doubt I'll see them again, but it doesn't bother me. I actually feel like I'm a better person, when I'm able to spend time with a girl like that and just let her go without really hitting on her. I'm getting old enough now that I need more focus.
So yeah, that was an all-night deal. I found more info from www.dirtpalace.org, and put myself on a waiting list for The Dreyfus--I think I've mentioned this. Well, I got an email back from them, looks like the Dreyfus is opening in April, but even if I'm at the top of the list, I won't be ready to move for a while. Not until I can stop wondering where my next car payment is coming from.
The title of this entry refers to today. Thursday, Mom found out about a theater that's performing Sweeney Todd--in Fall River, and hour away. Cadi and I practiced a little over the last few days, and went to the audition today. It was very thorough; I felt bad for Cadi, she had to wait for the Johannas to audition, then she did her one song, and that was it. I wanted Sweeney, so I had to stick around for a while; since me, Cadi and Mom all took my car, we all had to stay. I had fun, though. I'm sure they want a Sweeney who looks older than me, but as far as talent, I think I was a solid contender. I got to do the best part of the show, from "Epiphany", and I think I really sold the insanity. Todd and Lovett's finale to "A Little Priest" gave me a chance to do some actual singing, as did Todd and Judge's "Pretty Women". See, age-wise, I'm more suited to Anthony or Tobias' roles--and they're good parts, too--but not quite within my range. Sweeney's mostly baritone, easier for me to sing. I wonder if trying to make myself look older before going in would have helped...ah well. Even if I don't get a part, that's not the end of the story. They need a chorus, and I can do that. I think Cadi's got a good shot at Johanna. And I let the music director know that if he needs a bass player, I'm on it. And if all this fails, I'll at least have a chance to go see the show. Either way, based on the talent I saw, it's going to be anexcellent production.
Another bonus to the audition was running into Mr. Mulvey, the man who played The Wizard of Oz. I guess his wife is running a show in Pawtucket, a little closer to home, and they need more men for "Hot Mikado", a swing-era Chicago version of "The Mikado". It seems like a cheesy show, from the audition bulletin, but if I want more involvement in local theater--as actor, musician, whatever--I've got to actually GET involved. The audition--an extra one, since they're short of people--is on the 9th, I think I can be ready by then. And if they're that desperate, than the basic talent I've got should get me in. One of the characters is in his 20s and plays trumpet, perfect...but I think his name is Nanki-Poo, or something stupid like that. The female lead is named Yum-Yum, so...there you go. Cheesy. Japanesey. But it's something.
I don't think I'll be taking classes for the spring semester. I still can't get my grades from LAST semester, since I'm having problems getting my immunization records run through the mill, and classes start in just over a week. It's okay, though. It'll give me time to catch up. To re-organize my academic goals, to work lots of hours to pay off my debts, to figure out the GI Bill. I think it's a good idea, as long as being out of school doesn't let me get lazy. If I stay busy, then go back to school for the summer or fall, I'll be okay.
Ech...I shouldn't be up this late. I'm trying to get back on a normal sleep schedule. But tonight I can justify it because I fell asleep right after dinner, a big dinner. Long sleep.
My birthday's next week. 23 years old. You know, I haven't celebrated a birthday in four years? Well, three, I guess. 2003, I went home after ATD school for my birthday, that was pretty cool. 2004, I had duty. 2005, out to sea. 2006, normal work day, then I was too broke for anything else...oh, wait, I went to the Wave, didn't I? But I was all depressed and stuff. So here's 2007, and I'm at a loss. Still broke. Nobody I know here is over 21. I dunno. It really wouldn't bother me too much to not have a party, but I know that I'd end up dperessed one way or another. I'd like a party, or a get-together, or something. I dunno. I miss my friends.
Eh...I guess that's all I have to write for now. More than I thought. I ought to get some sleep, so I can go job-hunting tomorrow. Incidentally, if you ever think of buying a futon to use as a bed...don't. Better off buying a good mattress and putting it on the floor.
Susie and her friends went to get more friends on their way, so I ended up in the right neighborhood first. I parked the car and went searching for this place on foot; I was a little nervous, it's a rough-looking neighborhood. I noticed a bunch of emo-looking people moving in a certain direction, and from there, found the Dirt Palace. Susie and her friends caught up with me there.
I expected a club, and I was sorta right. It's not a club. It's not an apartment building. It's...kinda both, plus a studio space. I fought the crowds to get inside, and the first floor had a huge open room, ringed with church pews, where the DJ was working the late-night crowd. A very small, strange-looking marching band that had been performing in Prov. just walked through the door and played in the middle of the dance floor. Upstairs, a little quieter. Tiny bathroom. Huge library. About eight studio apartments. If that was a house, it was the biggest house party I'd ever seen. AND THERE WAS ART EVERYWHERE! Every imaginable surface was decorated in a very eclectic fashion; it reminded me of my room, but more chaotic. I fell in love with the place. At the advice of another person there, I left a note saying how much I liked the place, and if someone would invite me to come hang out I'd make them dinner (apparently only women can live there, so seeing about occupancy was out.) I could've painted a note on the wall, and it wouldn't have looked odd. But instead, I taped one to the library desk. It was noticed, but I've had no offers.
Anyway, Susie spent a lot of time talking to someone else, so I talked to her friend Natalie, who was kinda depressed. I think it was a boyfriend issue. We kept each other company, and tried to make sense of something I called "Theater of the Insane": I think it was improvised, and consisted of one guy repeatedly screaming, "What part of 'meow' don't you understand?!" and another guy beating people with huge stuffed animals. I feel dumber for having seen it. I enjoyed Natalie's company though, and hopefully helped her feel a little better. I doubt I'll see them again, but it doesn't bother me. I actually feel like I'm a better person, when I'm able to spend time with a girl like that and just let her go without really hitting on her. I'm getting old enough now that I need more focus.
So yeah, that was an all-night deal. I found more info from www.dirtpalace.org, and put myself on a waiting list for The Dreyfus--I think I've mentioned this. Well, I got an email back from them, looks like the Dreyfus is opening in April, but even if I'm at the top of the list, I won't be ready to move for a while. Not until I can stop wondering where my next car payment is coming from.
The title of this entry refers to today. Thursday, Mom found out about a theater that's performing Sweeney Todd--in Fall River, and hour away. Cadi and I practiced a little over the last few days, and went to the audition today. It was very thorough; I felt bad for Cadi, she had to wait for the Johannas to audition, then she did her one song, and that was it. I wanted Sweeney, so I had to stick around for a while; since me, Cadi and Mom all took my car, we all had to stay. I had fun, though. I'm sure they want a Sweeney who looks older than me, but as far as talent, I think I was a solid contender. I got to do the best part of the show, from "Epiphany", and I think I really sold the insanity. Todd and Lovett's finale to "A Little Priest" gave me a chance to do some actual singing, as did Todd and Judge's "Pretty Women". See, age-wise, I'm more suited to Anthony or Tobias' roles--and they're good parts, too--but not quite within my range. Sweeney's mostly baritone, easier for me to sing. I wonder if trying to make myself look older before going in would have helped...ah well. Even if I don't get a part, that's not the end of the story. They need a chorus, and I can do that. I think Cadi's got a good shot at Johanna. And I let the music director know that if he needs a bass player, I'm on it. And if all this fails, I'll at least have a chance to go see the show. Either way, based on the talent I saw, it's going to be anexcellent production.
Another bonus to the audition was running into Mr. Mulvey, the man who played The Wizard of Oz. I guess his wife is running a show in Pawtucket, a little closer to home, and they need more men for "Hot Mikado", a swing-era Chicago version of "The Mikado". It seems like a cheesy show, from the audition bulletin, but if I want more involvement in local theater--as actor, musician, whatever--I've got to actually GET involved. The audition--an extra one, since they're short of people--is on the 9th, I think I can be ready by then. And if they're that desperate, than the basic talent I've got should get me in. One of the characters is in his 20s and plays trumpet, perfect...but I think his name is Nanki-Poo, or something stupid like that. The female lead is named Yum-Yum, so...there you go. Cheesy. Japanesey. But it's something.
I don't think I'll be taking classes for the spring semester. I still can't get my grades from LAST semester, since I'm having problems getting my immunization records run through the mill, and classes start in just over a week. It's okay, though. It'll give me time to catch up. To re-organize my academic goals, to work lots of hours to pay off my debts, to figure out the GI Bill. I think it's a good idea, as long as being out of school doesn't let me get lazy. If I stay busy, then go back to school for the summer or fall, I'll be okay.
Ech...I shouldn't be up this late. I'm trying to get back on a normal sleep schedule. But tonight I can justify it because I fell asleep right after dinner, a big dinner. Long sleep.
My birthday's next week. 23 years old. You know, I haven't celebrated a birthday in four years? Well, three, I guess. 2003, I went home after ATD school for my birthday, that was pretty cool. 2004, I had duty. 2005, out to sea. 2006, normal work day, then I was too broke for anything else...oh, wait, I went to the Wave, didn't I? But I was all depressed and stuff. So here's 2007, and I'm at a loss. Still broke. Nobody I know here is over 21. I dunno. It really wouldn't bother me too much to not have a party, but I know that I'd end up dperessed one way or another. I'd like a party, or a get-together, or something. I dunno. I miss my friends.
Eh...I guess that's all I have to write for now. More than I thought. I ought to get some sleep, so I can go job-hunting tomorrow. Incidentally, if you ever think of buying a futon to use as a bed...don't. Better off buying a good mattress and putting it on the floor.