Welcome, Anthony Rapp!- Page 46

[grownupgroupie]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 9:59pm

Okay, have to be the heavy here:

TIFF, GO STUDY!!!!!

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 10:06pm

Okay. I'm sorry.

[grownupgroupie]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 10:07pm

I mean, look at your avatar!!

Your procrastination made Nick Nolte so sad that he had to go get smashed and crash his car! Tiff not studying makes Nick Nolte cry!!!


eta: Sorry for threadjacking. Updated On: 12/2/04 at 10:07 PM

[Chloe]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 10:39pm

It's exciting to hear a little bit about the rehearsals, Anthony. Have you been working out on Treasure Island? If so, how is it out there - sounds like an interesting place to shoot.

[QuiteSo]

Posted: 12/3/04 at 12:28am

*blinks* How in the world could I miss something as amazing as this thread?!

Hello, Anthony! I'm a huge fan! I simply adore your work in Rent, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, and a lot of the movies you've done! I wonder if I can manage to end a sentence without an exclamation point.....nope!

By the by, I was quite excited to hear that you were cast as Seymour in the Little Shop tour this year. The role seems a perfect fit for you!

Anyway, I don't know if it's been asked here before, but are you still close with your fellow cast members from You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown? And what was it like seeing two actresses you've worked with (Idina and Kristin, of course) going up against each other for the Tony this year?

It sounds like you're dealing with your busy schedule quite well, heehee. Glad to hear everything's going well!

On a final note, and I know it's been said many a time here, but I think it's really great that you converse with your fans via these message boards. What can I say - you're amazing!

[LaeloftheLakes]

Posted: 12/3/04 at 10:46am

Was going to wait until things had died down a little to post another question, but am realizing how little chance that has of happening anytime soon. Fine. Feel free to ignore me for a while.

I was talking to a friend of mine, and we were acting fangirlish (I said I'd do it in private--I never said I wouldn't do it), and I wondered; Are you ever struck with the strangeness of the fact that many people you've never even met have become enamoured with you, based on your work? Does it ever overwhelm you to know that you are important to so many people that you have never heard of?

Just wondering!

[Whiteboy Spice]

Posted: 12/3/04 at 1:35pm

Hey all --

Sorry I didn't post a bit about yesterday's rehearsal yet. I was really tired when I got home, and had only a little while to rest up before doing Little Shop. This burning the candle at both ends thing is tiring! But very very very fulfilling... I don't have a day off until the 17th. But I'm blessed to have such good projects to work on. As my manager likes to say, it's an "elegant problem" to have.

Anyway, yesterday was all about singing, all day long. The five of us (Adam, Rosario, Tracie, Wilson, and myself -- Taye, Jesse, and Idina are still working on their respective shows and will join us asap) went over Seasons, La Vie Boheme, the Reprise, Goodbye Love (the first group fight), and the Finale. Even though there were only five voices, the sound was huge.

Then Adam, Rosario, Wilson, and Tracie all came to see Little Shop last night, which they had a great time watching, and the Little Shop cast and the Rent cast all went out for a lovely meal together. It was lovely to get to bring my two worlds together like that.

It really is an embarrassment of riches to be surrounded by so many great and talented people.

Sorry if I'm getting maudlin or anything, I'm just very very moved by the whole thing.

Anyway, to answer a couple of questions:

"I don't know if it's been asked here before, but are you still close with your fellow cast members from You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown? And what was it like seeing two actresses you've worked with (Idina and Kristin, of course) going up against each other for the Tony this year?"


I don't get to see or talk to Roger and Kristin as often as I'd like, since we're all so damn busy, but when we do get to talk or run into each other there's a nice connection. And it was fun to see both Kristin and Idina up for the Tony, but I really was gunning for Idina to win, since Kristin already has one, and it's nice to spread the wealth around. They both were fantastic in the show, though. I was very very happy that Idina's performance was as acclaimed as it was, because even though she has that huge "Defying Gravity" number, overall what she's doing is pretty internal and subtle, and those kinds of performances don't always garner lots of attention.

"Are you ever struck with the strangeness of the fact that many people you've never even met have become enamoured with you, based on your work? Does it ever overwhelm you to know that you are important to so many people that you have never heard of?"

There are times when it's a little strange, yeah, but because so many people know me from Rent, and I know how much that show means to people, I understand it on that level. I've always maintained that it's much easier to be appreciated and recognized for working on something like Rent than for being a Spice Girl, (hence my BWW handle), because there's a deep connection people have made to the work itself, and not just to my image or something. I don't know if that makes sense.

But the strangest thing is when people approach me and they're shaking and can barely speak. It doesn't happen that often, but I try to reassure them that I won't bite. We're all people on this journey together. Some of us get paid to perform, and some of us don't, but we're all human beings trying to figure out how best to live, you know?

It's also a little surreal to realize that at any given moment there might be someone somewhere listening to a song I'm singing in, or watching one of my films, at any corner of the globe. That's strange and more than a little overwhelming. But also an honor, certainly.

I always appreciate everyone's interest and support. I hope I continue to earn it.

Take care --

Anthony

[insomniak]

Posted: 12/3/04 at 2:50pm

Good to hear from you, Anthony. Sounds like you're making it through your nutty schedule and I'm glad you're enjoying it. But no day off until the 17th? *hands Anthony case of Mountain Dew* You're going to need some help. No matter how much you love work, that sounds exhausting.

About the whole people being intimidated by actors thing, it's because we're all just awed at anyone who can get up onstage like that every day and convince us that they're someone else and hit those crazy notes. I've never really met any huge stars, but that's what it feels like. We're not afraid, it's just... wow. Confession: it's odd to listen to the Rent OBCR now, having sort-of talked to both you and Fredi... but it's in a good way.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/3/04 at 3:26pm

Yes... glad to hear everything's going so well. Get *some* rest, though!

it's odd to listen to the Rent OBCR now, having sort-of talked to both you and Fredi... but it's in a good way.
I totally geek out every time Tango:Maureen pops up on my iTunes. I feel so silly.

And about meeting people... it really is one of those "wow" moments. I've had instances where *literally* the only word that left my mouth was "wow." I'm the kind of person who's pretty shy in general, especially around people I don't know, and it takes a lot of courage for me not to clam up around people that I have so much respect and adoration for. I think it's an issue of being so humbled, and just having no idea what on earth to say.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 12/3/04 at 4:57pm

ha, Emcee... I never know what to say. I met Cathy Rigby after peter pan and she's not even like a *huge* deal to me, but I still just kinda stood there dumbstruck having no clue what to say... I held out my playbill and she signed it and all, but I don't think I really said anything, at least I don't remember... same thing happened for the rent tour only I was with all the people I had camped out with so I didn't really have to say anything cuz' I had David and he did enough talking for the both of us... but, I was able to tell Danny Calvert that I thought his abs were awesome cuz' I had already met him briefly when he was out for the matinee, but I just get all flustered and never remember to say anything constructive or even logical it's so sad... I'm not an obsessed fan, I'm too shy. I'm still debating weather or not to try and see Anthony after Little Shop here in San Diego cuz' I know I'll just make an as$ of myself...

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/3/04 at 5:00pm

Oh, you know you want to. Come on... I've made an ass out of myself more than once... especially in front of a certain Rent OBC alum. *headdesk* But yeah, I'm a big fan of the people I go meet, but I don't get flustered in the "OHMYGOD it's YOU!" sense (well, I do, but that's all in my head - that's not why I act like an idiot) I just get really shy and crawl right back into my proverbial shell.

[insomniak]

Posted: 12/3/04 at 5:02pm

Emcee, it's ok. The shyness probably downplays the nutty requests you've made to aforemetioned Rent OBCer.

What does 'Day Magnolia Tree' mean? Is there a new number that someone forgot to notify me of?

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 12/3/04 at 5:06pm

well, exaclty! I'm naturally really shy... throw in the social anxiety and the fact that I'm metting someone I adore and I'm screwed! It's exactly what happened when I met Cathy Rigby I just stood there like an idiot! Updated On: 12/3/04 at 05:06 PM

[UptownGirl]

Posted: 12/3/04 at 5:07pm

I get starstruck all the time... and totally speechless which produces many embaressing moments!

Anthony = awesome. That is all!

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/3/04 at 5:18pm

*looks around*
And just what are you talking about, insomniak? Nutty? Moi?

No, really. I have to figure out what it is that I want to say and literally force myself to say it. And I get more nervous than can possibly be healthy... but it's worth it.

[Jwaa]

Posted: 12/3/04 at 5:23pm

Wow it completely overwhelmed me to see you actually posting on here! You truly live the dream and deserve all you have!
The amount of train journeys and personal leisure time that have been filled with hearing you sing in 'Rent' and 'You're a good man Charlie Brown', its just amazing to hear you progress and i wish i could one day see you perform live, and until i can afford to buy a ticket from London to wherever your performing i suppose il have to wait. Really glad the filmings going well, and i cannot wait for the film,to see some of my heroes on the big screen!

Next time you see Idina, could you give her a big kiss from me, and tell her she has a fan in England who lives to hear her voice :), even if it is just on an ipod.

oooo 'You're a good man..' just came on my iTunes, woo woo! Keep ya stamina up and rock on mate!
Josh
xx

[LaeloftheLakes]

Posted: 12/3/04 at 5:32pm

"But the strangest thing is when people approach me and they're shaking and can barely speak."

The first time I met someone famous, that was totally me (as it happens, it was Roger Bart), but I've gotten somewhat better...I think. At least I don't hyperventilate anymore, or have other unpleasant side effects. Everyone at the "Little Shop" door (last Sunday) was just so nice, and friendly, it was impossible to be that nervous.

Okay, since I have no self control and can't stop thinking of things, here's another.

When you do an adaptation, do you go back to the original source material? For instance, did you see (or rent) "La Boheme," or read "A Beautiful Mind," or see the original (bad bad bad!) Roger Corman "Little Shop of Horrors?"

It would seem like an obvious answer, but a surprising amount of stars from things like, "Lord of the Rings" and "Harry Potter" films didn't read the books, preferring to bring their own interpretations to the characters, and to not get attatched to things lost in the adaptation.

It's always interesting to hear about the creative process, particularly when dealing with material people are alredy attatched to.

Although it's hypocritical and highly unnecessary, I'm going to tell you to get some sleep, just as part of my Jewish-mother training. Get some sleep! And make sure you don't get sick. Drink your echinacea (you're in California now, I know for a fact that stuff is everywhere)! Tastes terrible, but does wonders for preventing a cold (which I'm sure is the last thing you need).

Er, right. Shutting up now. Thanks again for your continued responses!

Updated On: 12/3/04 at 05:32 PM

[iheartmark]

Posted: 12/3/04 at 5:35pm

Wow, I can't believe I missed this before! Anthony is the best! *puts on Look Around* I met him in Seattle and (my friend that went with me will vouch for this) I was totally freaking out. I don't get starstruck easily (I mean like Orlando Bloom-no big deal) but I was shaking and everything and my friend was like Oh my gosh calm down. I would never have made it without her there. Anyway, about the thread, this is totally awesome! Yay!
...sorry, kind of rambled on and on there..

[JadedBenevolence]

Posted: 12/3/04 at 5:59pm

I love you Lael and your great Jewishness. That's just to cute. hehe.

Anyway, Anthony if I may ask, in regards to what Lael was asking, when you see fans acting all squirmy and fangirlish when they see you, what are some of the thoughts running through your mind?

Thanks for letting me ask.

~Chris(tie)

[stacey717]

Posted: 12/3/04 at 6:02pm

What does 'Day Magnolia Tree' mean? Is there a new number that someone forgot to notify me of?

I actually was wondering the same thing when I read the title-- is it a pun or something of the like because "tree" sounds like "three"... Magnolia trees are far more interesting and pretty than the number three... (I already tried googling it and nothing really showed up of signifigance)

It's nice to get another update-- Don't wear yourself out!
However, it's all good though as long as you're enjoying yourself which it seems exceedingly so and you're not tooo worn... but if its a labour of love and you're doing it out of love, well, it's an obvious action...

It's also a little surreal to realize that at any given moment there might be someone somewhere listening to a song I'm singing in, or watching one of my films, at any corner of the globe. That's strange and more than a little overwhelming. But also an honor, certainly.

Along identical lines, I love thinking (even though it makes your mind numb) about how right now, this very moment, everyone, people you know, friends, family, celebrities you admire--anyone and everyone-- is doing something. Thinking indevidual thoughts about schoolwork, an upcoming production, emails. Listening to music, watching movies. Unlimited numbers of activities. As I sit here, at my computer writing a post my friend in Korea just about has to wake up for school on Saturday. Mindblowing that everyone, with their own little consciousnesses (I presume, assuming we are coming from that philosophy of thought which is not Ithink therefore I am, but I don't know if you are...which most people do in order to live everyday life or things get really complicated and impractical...) are performing little actions and thinking their own thoughts all at the same time...

I always appreciate everyone's interest and support. I hope I continue to earn it.

Is there any doubt? Your interest in a connection to everyone else shows us something special, it's so wonderful to hear from someone who cares. (There are many performers who forget the other half of how they go to their current status--the fans--you clearly have not....)


~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~
I had a question that ran away from my mind... I'll have to remember it...

Thanks again!
~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~
slightly on/off topic....but i feel like sharing
I've really only waited once at a stage door (right after the show, etc)--age 6.5-- and it was for Matthew Broderick after H2$...I didn't realllly know who he was at the time and my parents insisted that I ask for him to sign...we waited out in the cold for sometime but I did get it signed...didn't really say anything much that I remember though ( so crazy to think that was a decade ago!)...
I have a feeling the next time I get to wait I might get nervous physically though, as opposed to mentally -I think its really more of an adrenaline rush thing in truth, but anyway-there's definitely no reason for anyone to be nervous just waiting at the stage door (they're human beings! we're all humans!)

(Sorry that was a long post...I'll shut up for now...)

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 12/3/04 at 6:04pm

"How much will that restraining order cost?"


"Is my phone number still unlisted?"


"If they tell me my Roger was the best they've seen one more time..."


"D-d-did she just BITE me?"

[iheartmark]

Posted: 12/3/04 at 6:07pm

*is very excited to hear the answer to the squirmy fangirl question* That would be me. lol. ^-^

[LaeloftheLakes]

Posted: 12/3/04 at 6:17pm

Tiff, WHERE did you get those?

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 12/3/04 at 7:48pm

The same place where I got my essay that I just faxed in 6 minutes late - from my bum.

[LaeloftheLakes]

Posted: 12/3/04 at 8:10pm

Excellent! That's where I should get that paper that was due earlier today...*whistles unconcernedly* Oh, stupid classes.