Greg Jbara Love Thread Part 5: Keeping the love for our true prance alive!- Page 49

[Dre2387]

Posted: 3/26/07 at 11:22am

That's how it is in my family too. My birthday is 2/23. my cousin's on my mom;s side is 3/12. my grandfather's, my aunt's, and my cousin's on my dad's side are 3/15, 3/19, and 3/21 (not sure which day is whose). All Pisces. All cool. hehe.

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 3/26/07 at 9:50pm

I saw Joe Cassidy in a reading which was excerpts from a new musical, Rock City, tonight.

He played a couple of different parts--sang about going to Rock City (in great voice of course), played a guy who awkwardly tried to hit on a girl (the silly things he was doing because he was so awkward about it was adorable and funny), and was hilarious as a bit of a sinister-seeming, certainly-weird tour guide. Made me laugh.

Though I think the highlight was a song called "You're My Bitch." Joe couldn't stop laughing on the side. I think my favorite lyric to that was: "You're the ozone layer and I'm Al Gore." Ha! Very enjoyable, and it was great to see him again. I wore my DRS shirt, happy to have something to wear it to again.

It was weird though...I feel like...DRS was a lifetime ago. I mean, my life really has changed a lot...classes at The New School started the day after it closed, and I desperately needed an escape then. It's just weird that it hit me that it feels like such a different time.

Anyway, Joe was a doll as always. The musical revue he did in Conn on William Finn's music was supposed to start off-Broadway April at the Zipper Theatre, but isn't happening due to scheduling conflicts or something. It will play there sometiime over the '07-'08 season. Ah well. Something to look forward to.

Posted: 3/26/07 at 10:15pm

So I'm going to give a really quick run down of my trip because I think I feel like typing right now.

We got to NYC on Wednesday and after a short problem with our luggage we checked into our hotel. Not even 10 minutes after getting in our room (at the Hampton on 8th and 51st), there were lots of sirens. My friend and I waved to the firefighters who were standing outside because only one or two went into the building, it didn't look all that serious, which was great, and yeah. We had fun waving to them. Later we went to the half price ticket booth, but there was nothing we were really dying to see so we just went out to eat. After that we went to the Top of the Rock. That was absolutely amazing. Then I saw Conan O'Brien crossing the street. Which was cool.

The next day we got up and (after seeing people who had been on our plane up IN OUR HOTEL (odd)) went to Ground Zero. It's neat to see the progress they've made there since I was there last. Then we went to Canal Street and shopped and ate lunch in Little Italy. *this is the part where I skip things*

So that night we went to see Mary Poppins and I have to say, I'm in love. I had been looking forward to seeing Gavin Lee for a looong time now.

I'm just going to say that some standouts were Practically Perfect, the sets, the special effects, Jolly Holiday (Hello dancing statues!), Supercalifragil- need I spell it out?, Let's Go Fly a Kite, Step in Time, and Anything Can Happen. And the curtain call. I basically just loved it. And Mark Price. I love Mark Price. If you want anything else about the show just ask.

Afterwards we stage doored and met Katherine Leigh Doherty (Jane) and Henry Hodges (Michael). They were both just like small adults-- they were very polite and very happy to sigh and take pictures. Also they are extremely talented. We also met Jane Carr (Mrs. Brill), she was wonderful.

Then Gavin came out and I about died. I swear I was standing there and you could knock be over by just blowing on me. That man is amazing. He was as sweet as could be and I would give anything to meet him again. He is truly fantastic. Ashley Brown came out last, but she was also great. She is an amazing person and actress.

The next day we went to Greenwich Village and then over to eat at the Life Cafe. I enjoyed eating there, but I believe I was the only one that did. Oh well.

That night was Les Mis night, and I can't begin to describe how I felt. We were on the 6th row Center aisle of the Orchestra, so that definitely added to it. From the moment the show started I thought I was going to die or throw up- I could hardly contain myself.

I don't know how to do this.. so I'll do this by actor and y'all can ask any other questions you have.

Alex Gemignani- This guy rocks. I love him. I can honestly say I've never heard a better Bring Him Home. I haven't heard many, but his was better than any I could imagine. Ever. He brings a new meaning to "Spit zone", but honestly who cares (except for maybe the actress playing Fantine during Valjean and Javert's confrontation)? My only regret is that NO ONE recognized him at the stage door. Seriously? That sucked. But it's okay because he's amazing and might've had somewhere to be. So I'll let it slide.

Norm Lewis- AHHHHHHHHHHHH! Ah! This man is also very, very amazing. And I very, very much love him too. I have never liked the song Stars. Not in London, and not when Terrence Mann did it. Call it personal preference or whatever, but Norm Lewis rocked that song when he performed it. My personal opinion is that you need to see him in this role. Now. I love him. And he is the nicest man (except for Greg) at the stage door.

Lea Salonga- I'm pretty sure we all know she is amazing. And it's true. She is. And she is very, very patient. At the stage door I swear there were 100+ people from the Philippines there just for her. It was crazy insane. But she rocks.

Gary Beach- I thought he was good. He was the funniest Thenardier I've seen. Technically I've seen one in London and one on a recording of the 10th anniversary concert thing, but I think people would agree with me. I liked him well enough and I'm happy I saw him in that role.

Zach Rand- I saw him as Gavroche and I just have to say this kid is great. he may not have the best singing voice, but he was exactly what I thought a Gavroche should be.

Megan McGinnis- Celia was out so we saw Megan. I was not displeased in the least. I really really enjoyed Megan and thought she did an excellent job.

Ali Ewoldt- She was great too... I don't really have much to say though. It was odd going from a blonde young Cosette to her, but I mean whatever, it was fine.

I'm rushing because I want to get to...

Aaron Lazar-- I love Aaron Lazar. More than anything. I think I've heard that people don't like him but I think he's great. I think he's marvelous. I could go on. I don't know how I managed to talk to him at the stage door- and I think he noticed and had a silent little chuckle to himself. But really, he was great and I would love to see him perform again.

Adam Jacobs- I lvoe him too. He was so... energetic and emotional. I have to say he is a much better actor than Jon from S Club 7 which is who I saw in London. And he's a sweetheart.

I have to say something about Drew Sarich- When he plays the guitar during Drink With Me I just want to die. I didn't realize who he was, but I got a picture with him anyway. Only later did I realize that he was Drew Sarich. He's great.

That's all I've got right now. Ask away if you want to!!

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 3/26/07 at 11:55pm

I'm so happy you got to make a long post, Julia! Aren't they fun?

Where were you sitting for Mary Poppins? (particularly in location to the curtain call). Didn't all the set tricks and well, set in general just dazzle you? I love Gavin too. It's hard to win over a part that Dick Van Dyke plays with such...adorableness, bad accent and all, but Gavin did it. And we know I have a soft spot for men with accents

I'm actually going back a bit...now I'm not asking in an obnoxious tone, I'm asking in a curious tone, because it's something I don't understand, so I'm curious why you (and many others) visit Ground Zero. It's just weird to me that people are visiting a construction site and even though it's classful and there aren't vendors or anything, it felt really weird to see some of the slides up as if it were a museum documenting the event. I don't know, it just feels recent still but now that work is being made...I know it's not just you, I know a lot of people do visit it, I'm just curious why they all do.

And heh, you weren't too far from me. I live a couple of blocks east. You could have visited

Life Cafe is fun, even though it's much smaller than one would think. I actually really liked the food...and did you pass Tomlinson Square and sing I'll Cover You while skipping around with a friend? I didn't do that or anything...*looks innocent*

Really? No one recognized Alex? Weird. Was it more of a tourist, or non-Broadway regular crowd? Just strikes me as weird. Or did he bolt out, not giving people much of a chance to recognize him? Or both?

You know what's funny? I still haven't exactly *stagedoored* Les Miz. I've seen it twice, the second time with a friend who had to get back to our dorm, the first time on opening night, and it really wasn't appropriate to ask for autographs then. I just said hello and great job to Alex and Aaron. I really do wanna get over there and really stage door.

I have to respectfully disagree with you about Gary Beach. He was great, sure, but Alun Armstrong on that DVD owns the role; you can't say Gary's funnier than him. Did you recognize/realize it was the same Madame Thenardier as the DVD? I adore Jenny!

And I actually saw Adam at the Lincoln Center Library this past Tuesday. Didn't see what he was watching, but you never know some familiar faces you may recognize around there.

Glad you're enjoying your trip!

Posted: 3/27/07 at 7:41am

MP SPOILER ALERT
The set was absolutely amazing to me. I really want to know how they pulled off the bed part so well. And I was in the balcony about ten feet left of where Mary Poppins flys up. And Gavin's accent is the best.
END SPOILER!

We went to Ground Zero because it's right across the street from Century 21. And Century 21 is pretty awesome. And I totally agree, it's not all that great to go to a construction site, even one with that history.

I wish I had known where you lived! Next time!

I did sing, though it was a rainy day and I didn't have the energy to skip.

And I think one man recognized Alex because he shouted Jean Valjean! but Alex kept going. I really think he had somewhere to be. It was kind of both.

I'm going to have to go back and watch the DVD. I don't remember some of it. And I'm just partial to Gary Beach lol.

Why did I not know that about Jenny?? I'm a little depressed! Next time I'll know!!

It was a great trip though!!




Updated On: 3/27/07 at 07:41 AM

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 3/27/07 at 11:22am

You might want to put spoiler in your thread right before the part in curtain call I asked you about

*MARY POPPINS SPOILER*


While Ashley and Jane are holding up the sheet, a trap door in the floor opens up and the bed rises. After 3 times seeing it and reading things, I'm pretty sure I have a decent idea of how everything works, so if you have questions about any other of the tricks...



*END MARY POPPINS SPOILER*

Posted: 3/27/07 at 9:40pm

MARY POPPINS SPOILER

So the hat rack. Is it just something that can extend?

END

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 3/28/07 at 12:01am

She took that out before she put the bag on the table right? Then yes, it's collapsable.

[ilovedrsandNLB]

Posted: 3/28/07 at 10:12am

So somehow, when i get bored and lonely, or missing the good ole days of DRS, i find myself checking out this board. aaaand i know its not nice to just lurk behind the bushes, so i finally decided that i'd make a re-appearance. sooo..

HI!!!!!!!!!!

[Dre2387]

Posted: 3/28/07 at 10:59am

YAY!!! Hey!

[Dirty Rotten Scoundrel]

Posted: 3/28/07 at 11:08am

I was at Staples the other day and there was an advertisement and the guy looked freakishly like Greg. Wasn't him, but it made me think of him (obviously). Hope everyone is doing well.

[ilovedrsandNLB]

Posted: 3/28/07 at 11:45am

yo yo dre hows it goin? surprised to see me on here? lol

[Dre2387]

Posted: 3/28/07 at 1:18pm

no, not really.

I know what you mean Liz. I swore I saw him in NYC last time I was there. Same shaped head and haircut and height...but not him. It was weird.

oh, Barb added updated news to the site. check it out.

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 3/28/07 at 5:01pm

Aww Ali, when you IMed me and said I'll be pleasantly surprised when I go to this thread, you got me really excited. I thought maybe Greg had posted or people revised the PANDA-monium fan club or something.

Then I found it was just you.

Eh.

Got my hopes up. Boo.

Posted: 3/28/07 at 7:17pm

So this is random. I've got this crush on this actor in Les Mis (not a lead, but awesome). I'm not saying who because on the off-chance he reads this particular thread, I could be in an odd situation. Have I mentioned I hate commas? In any case, it's weird because it's not like I'm ever going to have a flicker of a spark of a chance, it's not like I expect it... but it's not just the "Oh I think Gavin Lee is so awesome and I want to marry him" kind of crush. It's the "my friend saw his myspace and said, 'Julia this guy is cool,' and I looked at his myspace and read blogs and think he's a really awesome person from what little I know about him and he just so happens to be the ensemble member that I watched the whole time and now I have a crush" kind of crush. Yeah. Thought I'd share. It's good to get things off my chest that my other friends would think is completely odd. Yall might think that, but I don't see you everyday so it's totally cool.

Whoo. I'm done now.

Hi Ali!

[ilovedrsandNLB]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 4:34am

haha hi everyone! (and thanks amanda! geesh)
So ya'll, i have to tell you..i have this crush to end all crushes on my brothers friend..its awful. he was here for dinner last night (my brother is home for the weekend from chicago) and i just love him. so then they got to talking and next thing i know this guy Derek is like "ali come with us to the casino tomorrow night! we'll get you a wheelchair and we have an extra ticket to the show!" (i have no clue what show) (and the wheelchair is cuz i'm on crutches) So yeah i'm like ok well obviously i'm gonna go..but i love this guy. the bad news? he's my brothers friend, and he's 9 years older than me! lol but i can't help it he's SO funny.

ok. SO what is everyone up to this weekend? any fun plans? i've missed you guys!

[Dre2387]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 11:38am

awww, that's so cute! Good luck with that AlI!

I'm light board op. for 'The Visit' at Dickinson. Dark comedy play.

oo, and I forgot to tell all you guys. I started going out with this guy at Dickinson. He's really sweet and funny and has the best entrance in the play. He's the priest and when they move back these panes, he's behind them in a bishops hat and holding a gun. It is the funniest thing ever.

yeah.

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 3/31/07 at 2:27pm

Dre, I knew you were going out with someone...gotta love facebook. Congrats.

Ali, that's a gorgeous pic of you! Is it THAT bad that he's your brother's friend? I mean, it gives you a way in...look at Monica and Chandler on Friends. And 9 years is nothing. The love of my life to the left over there is 17 years older than me.

Of course, nothing exciting in my romantic life. There was this guy in my opera class who I started talking to a lot, we go on and on about musicals, and he's a composer so we can get all into this music stuff...I wasn't especially attracted to him (which is prob why I didn't realize...you'll see), but still I was kinda like...hmm. Of course he's gay. But I didn't realize that because i didn't find him attractive. Ulgh! Story of my life, no matter what...they're all gay. Penis schmenis, we're all people!

Did I post here that I got a new show? Sorry if I did, but I'll repeat myself because it's exciting. La Chusia's the wild party at Columbia Grad School. Not great pay, but I love this stuff anyway. I just got the music yesterday. It's weird, I'm playing the reed 4 book which is a lot of clarinet low notes, bass clarinet and bari sax...which pretty much means lots of low notes, which is so weird b/c I don't think I've played low parts like this for any musical yet. It should be interesting. Still should be challenging though. Plus, I think a lot of the other musicians are professionals, so making contacts is good.

To answer your question Ali, I'm meeting my sister soon and we are seeing Spring Awakening tonight from the stage (got the tickets months ago). Her first time, my third, 2nd time from the stage, so that should be exciting. I was gonna go home with her and we were gonna have our seder tomorrow night, but that didn't work out. Now it's Tuesday, and that's my first Wild Party rehearsal, so I can't go. Boo. So nothing too exciting planned for tomorrow--maybe i'll go to the museum of tv..

Last night was so much fun though. One of my friends here has cards and we play a lot, not realizing how much we adore cards and games and stuff. So I brought a bunch of games back after spring break, and we had games night last night...trivial pursuit pop culture dvd, scrabble (i kicked ass), and chess. We played till 6:30 in the morning. Oops.

Or maybe I'll try to see a show tomorrow...hmm...things to think about.

ooh, I still hafta watch lost!

[ilovedrsandNLB]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 3:38pm

Good Sunday afternoon to everyone!

So i did go to the casino yesterday, and let me tell you..SO much fun. It was just so fun..it was me, 2 of my brothers, and then 4 other guys..so i was the only girl lol.
Actually, at like 10:30, we decided to leave the room and go back downstairs to the casino and 2 guys went to gamble and then my 2 brothers, me, and Derek (my love) went to the arcade to play around...Derek won 400 tickets on this one game, and got me this huge adorable teddy bear!! soooo cute!!

How is everyones weekend going? Cuz i know i don't wanna go back to class tomorrow haha

[Dre2387]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 4:06pm

good.

auditioning for short plays directed by students tonight. Haven't acted since last year. going to be interesting.

yeah, not looking forward to class tomorrow either.

[Dre2387]

Posted: 4/4/07 at 8:27am

that
is
awesome!

have you heard about Papermill? that it might be closing down? I can;t believe it. I mean, I live like two towns over from Millburn, have seen couple of shows there but never thought it would be in danger like this. If they need to have a benefit concert to raise money, they should try and get Norbert. He lives in the town (though I have still yet to see him.)

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 4/4/07 at 1:37pm

I'm playing clarinet for an off off Broadway show!

[Dre2387]

Posted: 4/5/07 at 9:54pm

ok, so I started a global group on facebook to help save Papermill Playhouse and invited about 80 people. only a handful of them joined and others are random people that I don;t know. And the membership number is up to 165. and the people who have been invited but have not responded, that number is up to 744. This is awesome! It everyone can spare $5, that would help out a lot! And I think it might work!

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 4/6/07 at 12:49pm

Great group Dre! My feeling is that like, I joined, you invited me, and I later saw that one of my friends joined. The feed does that, you see the groups your friends join, and as long as membership isn't closed, you decide to join too. I think that's what my friend did. I do that a lot.

BTW, here's the website of my show, because it's on the off-off Broadway official website, and that's just exciting!

http://offoffonline.com/listings.php?id=4838

I tentatively registered for my classes next year. Among those of interest to you all are...

THE MUSIC OF GERSHWIN AND BERNSTEIN!!! YES!!! YAAAY!!! SOO EXCITED!!!!

And an arts criticism workshop. Sounds very interesting, learning to be good critiquers/reviewers of arts like theater.

Posted: 4/6/07 at 1:07pm

So I was wondering if it would be awkward to go to Spring Awakening with my mom. And when does Les Mis close?