look who's come crawlin' back
Holy crap it's been forever since I gave this journal some lovin'... and a day after Valentines Day no less!! I must apologize to you, my faithful readers (if there are any of you left, or any of you that even remember I had a blog). So, without further ado, here's what's been shakin' with me...in bullet point format:
JOBS
I recently went full-time at my 'day job' which may seem like I've given into The Man, but hear me out. In addition to a generous raise + actual health benefits (to arrive in April), my employer has agreed to allow me to be absent for auditions/gigs/etc. on the understanding that I will be docked for the time I am gone. It works for me. I won't be at
Was going to be in a production of Abduction from the Seraglio, but numerous conflicts--especially a wedding--led me to bow out gracefully from the production before my absences became an unwanted burden for all involved. Nevertheless, I'm going to see it, as the Blondchen, Pedrillo and Osmin are friends, so all is not so bad after all.
Tonight is opening night of Rigoletto with New Opera St. Louis. So far, I've had a very positive experience with this upstart opera company. They're the first to actually frickin' use my headshot in promotions. Learning and singing Marullo has been a valuable character study. The cast has been a blast to work with. I've really bonded with the chorus as well as Dan (Ceprano) and Charles (Borsa). Last night, I went out with some of the cast for wine, cheese and more alcohol at Brandts in the Loop. Fun times had by all...and some very hilarious (and quasi-incriminating) photos were taken...which may or may not include yours truly. :) I look forward to opening night as well as the rumored-to-be-bomb-diggety cast party at Dominic's across the street.
The show (8pm Fri/5pm Sun at St. Ambrose on the Hill) is technically sold out, but if you show up at the door before the show, they're going to sell general admission seats for $12. (Beware: some of these seats may be obstructed view.)
Ich bin KRANK
I'm so sick and tired of being... well... sick with any combination of fever, cold, sinus blockage and mucus cakes. Screw you, St. Louis Perennial Weather Smorgasboord!!! I shake my fist at you!!! VAFANCULO!!!
Fun Weekend
Next weekend ought to be a big ball-o-Spaß. Thursday Night: Avenue Q @ the Fox. Friday Night: Lizzie Borden @ Wash U Opera. Saturday Night: UAO Trivia Night! *prays for "Divas of Broadway" listening category*
Quest for Opera and Theatre Glory
Today I got info about my UAO audition at the end of the month. I'm aiming only decently high this year, and for decent reasons, I think. I'm hypothetically available only for Elixir of Love and Carmen (I'll be out of the country for crucial rehearsals of Otello). I'll declare interest in chorus for both operas, but I am definitely auditioning for either Remendado or Dancairo in Carmen. Therein lies an audition kerfluffle. My italian tenor aria list is anemic at best...and there ain't much excerptable from those roles in Carmen. I have a gameplan, though, and hopefully it will work out for the best. :)
I'm determined to do better at the MUNY auds one weekend later. I've got "I'm Calm" almost learned, and I just have to find a solid contrast to that jumpy comic number. Any theatre geeks wanna help a fellow out? After consulting the list of the MUNY's Summer 2008 repertoire, the only "singer-centric" shows are My Fair Lady and Fiddler on the Roof. I could be in town for all of the former's rehearsal/perf schedule, but unfornuately not for the latter...which bums me out because I <3 Fiddler. In any case, I would also be tickled to sing in the ensemble of My Fair Lady if Paul Blake is willing to take a chance on me.
FaCeBoOk LOLOMGZ!!!1!!
Is it just my cranky ass, or has Facebook been debased into a shameless sister of MySpace? The layout/format used to be clean, sleek and above all: sophisticated. This was until they sold their soul to all these godforsaken add-ons. I admit that I got sucked into a few of them (which I will delete)...but I'm tired of being challenged to be a pirate/ninja or take the umpteenth billionth quiz that's been shoved into my email inbox!!! I miss the days when Facebook was a way to get back in touch with people that mattered to you, or to invite friends to concerts/parties that meant something to you, or to network with others that could help you in your career. Oy...
_____________
Well folks, that's it for now. I think that once the opera ends, I'll be back to a freer schedule. Laterz...
I recently went full-time at my 'day job' which may seem like I've given into The Man, but hear me out. In addition to a generous raise + actual health benefits (to arrive in April), my employer has agreed to allow me to be absent for auditions/gigs/etc. on the understanding that I will be docked for the time I am gone. It works for me. I won't be at
Was going to be in a production of Abduction from the Seraglio, but numerous conflicts--especially a wedding--led me to bow out gracefully from the production before my absences became an unwanted burden for all involved. Nevertheless, I'm going to see it, as the Blondchen, Pedrillo and Osmin are friends, so all is not so bad after all.
Tonight is opening night of Rigoletto with New Opera St. Louis. So far, I've had a very positive experience with this upstart opera company. They're the first to actually frickin' use my headshot in promotions. Learning and singing Marullo has been a valuable character study. The cast has been a blast to work with. I've really bonded with the chorus as well as Dan (Ceprano) and Charles (Borsa). Last night, I went out with some of the cast for wine, cheese and more alcohol at Brandts in the Loop. Fun times had by all...and some very hilarious (and quasi-incriminating) photos were taken...which may or may not include yours truly. :) I look forward to opening night as well as the rumored-to-be-bomb-diggety cast party at Dominic's across the street.
The show (8pm Fri/5pm Sun at St. Ambrose on the Hill) is technically sold out, but if you show up at the door before the show, they're going to sell general admission seats for $12. (Beware: some of these seats may be obstructed view.)
I'm so sick and tired of being... well... sick with any combination of fever, cold, sinus blockage and mucus cakes. Screw you, St. Louis Perennial Weather Smorgasboord!!! I shake my fist at you!!! VAFANCULO!!!
Next weekend ought to be a big ball-o-Spaß. Thursday Night: Avenue Q @ the Fox. Friday Night: Lizzie Borden @ Wash U Opera. Saturday Night: UAO Trivia Night! *prays for "Divas of Broadway" listening category*
Today I got info about my UAO audition at the end of the month. I'm aiming only decently high this year, and for decent reasons, I think. I'm hypothetically available only for Elixir of Love and Carmen (I'll be out of the country for crucial rehearsals of Otello). I'll declare interest in chorus for both operas, but I am definitely auditioning for either Remendado or Dancairo in Carmen. Therein lies an audition kerfluffle. My italian tenor aria list is anemic at best...and there ain't much excerptable from those roles in Carmen. I have a gameplan, though, and hopefully it will work out for the best. :)
I'm determined to do better at the MUNY auds one weekend later. I've got "I'm Calm" almost learned, and I just have to find a solid contrast to that jumpy comic number. Any theatre geeks wanna help a fellow out? After consulting the list of the MUNY's Summer 2008 repertoire, the only "singer-centric" shows are My Fair Lady and Fiddler on the Roof. I could be in town for all of the former's rehearsal/perf schedule, but unfornuately not for the latter...which bums me out because I <3 Fiddler. In any case, I would also be tickled to sing in the ensemble of My Fair Lady if Paul Blake is willing to take a chance on me.
Is it just my cranky ass, or has Facebook been debased into a shameless sister of MySpace? The layout/format used to be clean, sleek and above all: sophisticated. This was until they sold their soul to all these godforsaken add-ons. I admit that I got sucked into a few of them (which I will delete)...but I'm tired of being challenged to be a pirate/ninja or take the umpteenth billionth quiz that's been shoved into my email inbox!!! I miss the days when Facebook was a way to get back in touch with people that mattered to you, or to invite friends to concerts/parties that meant something to you, or to network with others that could help you in your career. Oy...
_____________
Well folks, that's it for now. I think that once the opera ends, I'll be back to a freer schedule. Laterz...