Broadway Melody

It's the often-anticipated week for theatre here in NYC. To kick things off, earlier in the week was Stars in the Alley, a free revue in Tin Pan Alley (very close by) of different Broadway shows. It was fun, although I felt a majority of the shows didn't really represent with their best material. There were a few strong performances, such as Karen Ziemba and Debra Monk from Curtains and John Gallagher Jr. from Sprink Awakening.

My favorite performance of the afternoon was an old friend (former castmate) who's now in Spelling Bee on Broadway. They did a song that reeeeally let him shine and he closed the whole show. I'm always so happy when I see really good people making it. He's not only sweet as pie but has a kick-ass, soulful voice that just fills my arms with goosebumps whenever I hear it. I'm so proud that he's made it to Broadway. I figured it was only a matter of time, but you never know. There are other equally-talented friends here who've been trying for a long time. It just takes that right opportunity and open door.

I also saw Journey's End earlier in the week. Sadly, it's closing today. It's a spectacularly moving piece (it's a straight play, btw, for those of you who think I only see musicals). Somewhat amusingly, it's the second time in two weeks I've seen a supporting cast member from the 70's sitcom, "One Day at a Time". Although, in this piece, Boyd Gaines was far from his light, funny old sitcom persona. So different that it took a few moments to even recognize him (although part of that was also the 25 years or so that have passed). He was quite moving in his performance. The whole cast, in fact, was spectacular.

Tonight, a mere few blocks from my apartment, the Tony Awards take place. Am I going to watch the red carpet? You bet! At my friend's house a few blocks away on his television. I'm not one for crowds or hanging about for what *might* happen. I live in the theater district, so can see most of these faces just walking down the street on the way to the theater. I could also get tickets to the Tonys, but in the nosebleeds. You see more on the small screen than in person and don't have to dress in black tie apparel to do so :)