Introducing Theresa Hermann–who will be playing the role of Velma Kelly in our upcoming production of Chicago! Her blog for the run of Chicago will be titled “Velma Takes The Stand,” so look forward to more blog posts from her coming soon!
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Your Daily Dose of Sunshine – Part One
Introducing Omega Jones–who will be playing the role of Mary Sunshine in our upcoming production of Chicago! His blog for the run of Chicago will be titled “Your Daily Dose of Sunshine,” so look forward to more blog posts from him coming soon!
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Wrapped Up with Mr. Cellophane – Part One
Introducing Justin Spurgeon–who will be playing the role of Amos Hart in our upcoming production of Chicago! His blog for the run of Chicago will be titled “Wrapped Up with Mr. Cellophane,” so look forward to more blog posts from him coming soon!
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When I found out that Act Two was producing Chicago as the first show of their upcoming season, I knew I had to audition. To add to that, when I found that Andrew was directing, I definitely had to be there. I had heard nothing but wonderful things about Andrew as a director and I was able to see first-hand how wonderful of a director he was when I went to see The Curious Savage produced by Act Two as part of their 2014 season.
Next step, auditioning.
One of my dream roles has always been Amos Hart. Ever since I received the revival cast recording of Chicago my freshman year of high school, roughly 20 years ago.
What song should I choose to showcase my “Amos-esque” qualities? I chose “I’d Rather Be Sailing” from A New Brain. It’s a sweet, funny, heartfelt ballad about hope and change (something Amos craves from his spouse), and the point that we would all love to do what we want (I’d rather be golfing/sailing/singing/etc…) but then “come home to you” (as the song lyrics go). Amos loves Roxie, even when he is blindsided by her infidelity and the fact that she murdered a man in their apartment. He even goes as far as to incriminate himself for the murder before his wife takes the blame. Much like my audition song, Amos would rather work/drink/gamble/etc…but still come home to Roxie. Perfect choice, I feel.
Callbacks. Ugh. I don’t know any sane person that likes callbacks. It’s the period of the audition process where you stand toe to toe with your competition and give it your all, knowing full well that all but one will be heartbroken. I got a callback for Billy Flynn, a part that I placed on my audition form, but didn’t have my heart and mind set on. I was up against four very talented men, who thankfully all got cast in the end, so I sang my piece, and that was that.
What about Amos? No callbacks for Amos. You want to talk about nervous. That was the part I wanted, but it looked like Andrew already had someone in mind. Keep your focus. Amos. Amos. Keep your energy toward Amos.
Days later, my phone rings. It’s Andrew. He’s offered me the role of Amos Hart. (cue the screaming) I must have been the person he had in mind for the role of Amos all along. I was beside myself. This is a dream role coming true for me. I cannot put into words all the excitement bottled up (pffft…let’s be real, it poured out of me) when I sat in our read through room with all these wonderful people that I get to work with, especially Lindsay Gingrich, who was cast as Roxie Hart, my troubled wife. I have known Lindsay for about two years now, and she is so talented and I have the honor of sharing a lot of my scenes with her.
And now we gear up for the rehearsal process, and it’s onto the show!!
Mama Always Knows Best – Part One
Introducing Lynda Waters–who will be playing the role of Matron “Mama” Morton in our upcoming production of Chicago! Her blog for the run of Chicago will be titled “Mama Always Knows Best,” so look forward to more blog posts from her coming soon!
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As I prepared myself for my audition, I was so scared.
Auditions are the worst part of being an actor. I fretted over what song to sing, what to wear, what time to arrive, how hard the choreography would be and how well I would be able to sing. I chose “When You’re Good to Mama” which I assumed Andrew and the production team must have heard over and over during the process. To my surprise, I was the first one to sing it! I was so nervous that I had to start over and was sure I had blown my chance to play one of my dream roles. When Andrew phoned to ask me to come to call backs, I was thrilled!
Then the fear set in again.
How many people would I be up against? Would we have a chance to read against other actors? Again, I was incredibly nervous. I loved that Andrew had each of us sing the song twice. He gave direction for the second attempt and I loved that. I felt fairly confident that I had done well, but now the endless waiting to see if I was cast began. When I received my call on Thursday night, I was ecstatic! I did it!
It was a bit intimidating going to the first rehearsal. I only knew two people in the cast and no one on the production team. I liked that we were able hear each person speak. The read through was a bit bumpy and hearing the original Broadway cast was not really what I had expected. I enjoyed that everyone was supportive of one another and believe we have a fantastic cast, crew, and production staff. When Andrew announced he wanted us to be off book as much as we possibly could by our next rehearsal on January 4th, I freaked out!
My daughter is coming home for over a week and I want to spend every second I have with her. I am sad that her brothers won’t be able to make it home this year and I have presents to wrap, shopping to do, the house to clean, clothes to wash, the litter to change, friends to see, parties to attend and my boyfriend to comfort and support while he directs a show that a cast member had to drop out of just three weeks before opening! In addition to my daughter, my sister and her husband will spend the 24th and 25th with us.
I will work hard on my lines and lyrics and be as prepared as I can be on January 4th! I like to record my cues and lines in addition to my music and listen to it whenever I have to go somewhere in the car. I forbid myself from listening to the radio or a CD during my preparation for my role.
More on the holidays later! I usually manage to have at least one kitchen disaster a week!