Some Shameless Self-Promotion

JTMF is proud to present a One Night Only staged reading of The Laramie Project; Sunday, October 6th, 2013. The reading will take place at the Kelsey Theatre on the campus of Mercer County Community College in West Windsor, NJ.

Proceeds will benefit The Tyler Clementi Foundation.

Presented to commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the attack on Matthew Shepherd, the reading will be followed by a special talk-back with the cast and representatives of The Tyler Clementi Foundation.

Directed by Judi Parrish, the cast includes Melissa Abrahams of Chesterfield, NJ; Brian Bara of Levittown, PA; Christian DiTullio of Lawrenceville, NJ; Damian Gaeta of Hamilton, NJ; Kathy Garofano of Morrisville, PA; Laurie Hardy of Hamilton, NJ; Jennifer Nasta Zefutie of Cranbury, NJ and Jeremy Robinson of Chesterfield, NJ.

We hope you can join us for this very special event (the only JTMF event this year). Tickets are $10 to $15 and are available by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333; online at www.kelseyatmercer.org or at the Box Office one hour before curtain.

Bullying and suicide among teens and preteens remain at all-time high. You can be part of the solution by attending this important event.

You have read this article Bullying / Hate Crimes / Homophobia / JTMF / Matthew Shepherd / Shameless Self-Promotion / Teen Suicide Prevention / The Laramie Project / The Trevor Project / Theatre / Tyler Clementi / Uncle P with the title Shameless Self-Promotion. You can bookmark this page URL https://tammycross.blogspot.com/2013/08/some-shameless-self-promotion.html. Thanks!

Why I Don't Like Pictures of Me

Jeffrey Final Dress, Photo by Rich Kowalski

No, that's not a still from the latest J-Horror movie; nor is it some bizarro production of Madame Butterfly. No dear readers, this is a production still from last month's JTMF production of Jeffrey. From left to right: Dear D, adorable Chino Devine and (dear lord) Uncle P. The script called for "elaborate Chinese pajamas, perhaps." I got a gorgeous custom-kimono that was so fun to wear, but look at the puss on that guy. I'm telling my Broadway dancer boyfriend Darius (Chino) to "Leave this house!" because he didn't know who Ann Miller was. It looks like I'm about to vomit! And there are plenty more, where that came from. My mouth hanging open; my eyes squeezed shut; my hair in a thousand and four directions like a fat, gay Professor Irwin Corey (how much does that date me?). Ugh! 

Anyway, here are a few more shots from the first half of Act I. I'll post more here tomorrow and others on the JTMF blog, soon. All photos in this post are copyrighted to NJ's best theatre photographer, Mr. Rich Kowalski.

"Hi there!"

I Work Out!

"Nice Set"  "You, too!"

"Do you like this? On me, I mean."

"It's! Just! Sex!"

"Am I making you nervous?"

"Your single, you're gay..."  "It isn't pretty."

Okay, so that last one isn't too terrible. And you should know I got a haircut the very next afternoon, before the show opened. If I can't be photogenic (I really appear much more human in person), then I'm going to surround my self with actors who are. 

But that's really unfair, because the folks other than Yours Truly aren't just pretty faces. They are exceptionally talented and giving performers who work with JTMF because they really want to and are thrilled when asked. And while we expand our talent pool every year, we've also developed a core company whose members consider one another to be family. The talent we've discovered and developed all believe in JTMF and our mission. They are all people who I personally love beyond words. If you're reading this and you are one of those people, then you know what I'm talking about. Nothing brings us more joy each year, than participating in the JTMF event. I am both proud of and humbled by what we've accomplished these past ten years. Everyone who has ever taken part in a JTMF production (and there are several dozens), should feel the same way. 

Watch for more photos (and maybe a backstage story or two) from Jeffrey in the next few days.

More, anon.

Prospero

You have read this article Jeffrey / JTMF / Photographs / Shameless Self-Promotion / Theatre with the title Shameless Self-Promotion. You can bookmark this page URL https://tammycross.blogspot.com/2012/07/why-i-don-like-pictures-of-me.html. Thanks!

Another Opening; Another Show

Tonight is the final dress rehearsal for Jeffrey and the last chance I'll get to talk about it here until after it's all but a memory.

Last night's tech run was all kinds of weird. There were new props, new costumes, and new set pieces and all eight of us were just a little thrown. I actually got lost at one point early on in Act I (in a spot I've never had a problem with before) and forgot an often-mentioned but never-seen character's name in Act II.

And the extreme heat and humidity that descended on the east coast yesterday surely didn't help. Thank goodness the theatre is well air-conditioned. I had friends opening in an outdoor production of My Fair Lady last night and I can't imagine what those costumes did to them in that kind of heat.  I remember playing Sir Toby in a modern dress, outdoor production of Twelfth Night in weather like this and we were absolutely drenched by curtain. Imagine those heavy Victorian gowns and tweed jackets... Ugh! It's making me sweat just thinking about it.

Anyway, as I've said before (and will undoubtedly say again - just not about this particular production), if you are in the central NJ/Southeastern PA area and looking for something to do this weekend, I can't think of anything better on which to spend your money. Your $25 ticket gets you the show; the catered reception; some wine and access to our silent auction, all benefiting four amazing charities. You can buy tickets at the box-office (directions & map here) one hour before curtain or online here. For more information about the James Tolin Memorial Fund and our beneficiaries (or to make a donation via PayPal), please visit our website: www.jtmf.org.  

Okay, okay. Enough shameless self-promotion (for now, anyway). And enough Kiss Me, Kate! I never need to do that show again, either. I'll be back next week with more of my usual nonsense.

More, anon.

Prospero

You have read this article Jeffrey / JTMF / Shameless Self-Promotion / Theatre with the title Shameless Self-Promotion. You can bookmark this page URL https://tammycross.blogspot.com/2012/06/another-opening-another-show.html. Thanks!

Ride 'Em, Cowboy!

Yippee Kiyay, Motherf*cker!

Okay - this post isn't really about hot cowboys. Sorry to disappoint. This post is really about acting. The 'cowboy' on your left is my sweet and talented friend David, striking a pose last week during a rehearsal for Jeffrey. I've known David for a while, though this is the first time he's acting with me instead of for me. 

David is Dear D's best friend. D is godfather to David's son, Little D. David and D have played lovers in both The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told and Die Mommie Die! for JTMF. They are playing wannabe lovers in Jeffrey (if you know the show, you'll know what that means - if not, then you'll just have to come see it for yourself).

I took this photo with my phone and while the image isn't all that great, I think it conveys an unmistakeable air of 'Marlboro Man' masculinity. And before you ask, yes, David is straight. But that doesn't mean he's afraid to get in touch with his feminine side on stage.

Here's a picture of him in last year's JTMF show, as Angela Arden in Die Mommie Die!:

David as 'Angela Arden'

Quite a difference, no? As I said, David is a very talented actor. And like any good actor, he is capable of losing himself in a role and becoming someone else altogether. The best actors I know are completely fearless, and David is just that. In Jeffrey, he is playing Steve, a gay man who happens to be HIV+. I've watched him dive into the part with enthusiasm and humor, drawing on both his own and others' life experiences to create a character that is both real and accessible. Watching him work, both as a director and a fellow cast member, is simply inspirational. 

As is the case with just about every JTMF cast member in just about every show we've done. Directors love actors who are able to do what the JTMF actors do. And actors love working with other actors who can give them as much to play off as possible. The kind of trust, commitment and fearlessness they display towards each other makes working with them a truly joyous thing.

If you want to see some fine acting, share a few laughs, help raise money for good causes and just have a great evening at the theatre, tickets to the James Tolin Memorial Fund's 10th Anniversary AIDS Fundraiser featuring Paul Rudnick's Jeffrey are still available, but going fast. You can get yours, here.

More, anon.
Prospero

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And the Beat Goes On

And this is the official poster for the JTMF 10th Anniversary production of Jeffrey.

Jeffrey is playwright Paul Rudnick's romantic comedy about an actor/cater-waiter named Jeffrey living in New York City in the early 1990's. Jeffrey is so terrified of contracting AIDS that he swears off sex, forever. Of course, as soon as he does so, he meets Steve, the man of his dreams (who just happens to be be HIV+).  Jeffrey's mentor and older gay friend Sterling (an interior decorator), is in a committed relationship with Darius, an HIV+ member of the Broadway ensemble of Cats.

As the four men navigate their way through life in 1990's NYC, Jeffrey learns that love trumps fear; real friends will always tell you the truth; phone-sex with your parents is never a good idea; therapy isn't always helpful; Country/Western dancing can lead to trouble; game shows can be terrifying and Martha Stewart is a bitch.

Uncle P is reprising his role as Sterling, while several JTMF regulars join a few new-comers in this ensemble comedy from the man who wrote both Addams Family movies; In and Out and The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told. 

Box-office proceeds from Jeffrey benefit The Open Arms Foundation, which provides support and services for NJ residents (and their families) living with HIV; The James Tolin Memorial Scholarship at Mercer County Community College, which provides financial aid for Performing Arts majors at the college and The Tyler Clementi Foundation, which strives to end bullying and prevent suicides among New Jersey's young LGBT community. The Friday and Saturday evening performances feature a catered reception and silent auction. Sunday's matinee is a performance only. Tickets are on sale now here. If you are unable to attend, but would like to support our causes, you can make a secure donation via PayPal at our website, www.jtmf.org (though we honestly would much rather see you in our audience).

More, anon.

Prospero

You have read this article Jeffrey / JTMF / Paul Rudnick / Posters / Shameless Self-Promotion / Theatre / Uncle P with the title Shameless Self-Promotion. You can bookmark this page URL https://tammycross.blogspot.com/2012/04/and-beat-goes-on.html. Thanks!

"Hairspray" Act II

That's it. Tickets to the MCCC/JTMF production of Hairspray are all gone. Which means I have three more performances to go before I start Weight Watchers. I've already lost 7 lbs during hell week and last weekend's performances. I'd like to lose another 20+ before Jeffrey opens at the end of June. These pictures have helped motivate me, though I know Edna is supposed to be an "ample American," as Motormouth Maybelle says. These days, I'm looking to be a bit less ample and a lot more healthy. Anyway, here are a few more pictures (of the over 300) taken at last Sunday's matinee (copyright: Robert Terrano):

"Big Doll House"

"Hold it right there, sucker man!"

"You're Timeless to Me"

"Without Love"

"I Know Where I've Been"

"It's Hairspray!"

"Cooties"

"You Can't Stop the Beat"

"You can't stop my happiness..."

Tracy and Link - Happy at Last!

Finale

While I will be sad to say "Farewell" to 1962 Baltimore and the many friends I've made there, my feet will be very happy to never have to be jammed into those pumps again. And I'll move on to Jeffrey, reprising the first role I played (Sterling) in the very first JTMF show back in 2003. It's so strange to realize that a decade has passed since we started this amazing thing. Nine June Galas, Twelve shows and $50K+ for AIDS; Arts Education and Suicide Prevention Charities later and we're still going strong. 

Tickets for the JTMF 10th Anniversary Gala featuring Paul Rudnick's  Jeffrey are available now. If you are unable to attend, but want to help, you can always make a donation via PayPal here or contact us at JTMF@verizon.net to donate an item to our Silent Auction.

More, anon,
Prospero

You have read this article Hairspray / JTMF / Musicals / Photographs / Shameless Self-Promotion / Theatre / Uncle P with the title Shameless Self-Promotion. You can bookmark this page URL https://tammycross.blogspot.com/2012/04/act-ii.html. Thanks!

"Hairspray" Act I (or: R.I.P. Dick Clark)

John Waters based the character of Corny Collins in Hairspray on America's "Perpetual Teenager," Dick Clark. In the 50's and 60's, Clark hosted "American Bandstand" which was broadcast nationwide out of Philadelphia. He later went on to host "The $10,000 Pyramid" and in the 70's became the face of New Year's Eve as part of ABC's "Dick Clark's Rockin' New Years Eve." Clark - a respected and much-loved TV icon - passed away today age 82. I'll be dedicating my final performances in Hairspray to his memory. 

On a lighter note, here are some pictures from Act I of the MCCC/JTMF production of Hairspray.  Act II will follow tomorrow (Photos copyright Robert Terrano).

"Good Morning, Baltimore"

"The Nicest Kids in Town"

"Tracy Turnblad, where are your manners?"

"I Can Hear The Bells"

"The Madison"

"Miss Baltimore Crabs"

"Detention"

"You're Mama's Welcomin' the 60's"

"Go Mama, Go, Go, Go!"

"Run and Tell That"

"Tracy, Maybe He's Right"

"Big, Blonde and Beautiful!"

"Two-Four-Six-Eight! TV's Got to Integrate!"

And that's Act I. There are still a few tickets left for the Saturday and Sunday matinees, if you are in the area and so inclined.

More, anon.
Prospero

You have read this article Dick Clark / Hairspray / In Memoriam / Photographs / Shameless Self-Promotion / Theatre with the title Shameless Self-Promotion. You can bookmark this page URL https://tammycross.blogspot.com/2012/04/act-i-or-rip-dick-clark.html. Thanks!

A Quickie

Corny Collins: "It's Hairspray!" (click Corny's pompadour to embiggem)

I'm uploading pictures tonight, so I thought the very least I could was to give you another teaser.

Since everyone has already posted them on Facebook, I'm going to post a whole album of Hairspray pictures tomorrow. We rehearsed tonight and I'm tired and lazy and still not recovered from a rather grueling (though in the end, worth it) hell week. 

I do hope there's a picture of me riding the hot dog cart in my second costume and wig.

If you're so inclined, you can read our only local review (so far) here. The reviewer seemed to either forget or ignore JTMF but she liked the show, so I'll give her a pass. I promise to stop talking about it, soon (don't worry, Jeffrey will take it's place in a few weeks). Anyway - I'm off to finish downloading the rest of the pictures.

More, anon.

Prospero

You have read this article Hairspray / Musicals / Nonsense / Photographs / Shameless Self-Promotion / Theatre / Tired with the title Shameless Self-Promotion. You can bookmark this page URL https://tammycross.blogspot.com/2012/04/a-quickie.html. Thanks!

The Gayest Things You'll See This Week ( Probably NSFW Version)

Where's Uncle P? (click on Tracy Turnblad's wig to embiggen)

So, the first four performances are just memories. We are off tonight and most of the week (we do have a brush-up scheduled) and and by not jamming my toes into those "Cruel Shoes," my feet like they've died  and gone to Foot Heaven.

This picture was taken during curtain call, though I'm not sure at which performance. Think of it as a teaser for next week. This rather terrific cast of very attractive young folks with loads of talent, working alongside a trio of what they must think of as "Golden Oldies" (who between us have more shows under our belts than the other 29 cast members combined) has managed to become a show-family, at last. I see a young version of myself in them and I feel compelled to tell them to get out before it's too late. But would they listen? No. When it works, it's better than any artificial high there is and I'm afraid it's even more addictive than crack. Every single one of them is hooked for life, now.

Anyway, I'm being lazy (because tonight I'm just plain tired) and writing about three very different, but very gay videos I found at one of my usual haunts and thought worthy of sharing with those of you who may not have seen them.

Is This What They Mean by 'Sexting'?

First up is Jonny 'The Gay Pimp' McGovern's latest music videos for the singles, "#TOTDF" and "Man Areas" (Totally NSFW) from his album The Gayest of All Time. I've posted videos from Jonny before, and you might know him as a member of the 3-season Logo show "The Big Gay Sketch Comedy Show."  Featuring outrageously hilarious lyrics, a usually good dance beat and lots of semi-clothed men in flagrant displays of PDAs, Jonny's videos are always fun and sexy (via):

Now that's pretty gay.  But the next one is even gayer and a little naughtier (via):

This next clip is from the HBO series "Game of Thrones," based on George R.R. Martin's novel. Last week, Michael Offutt offered up (I love unintentional alliteration) his thought's on Martin's gay characters Renly and Loras and today, Towleroad posted this almost-steamy clip. You might get away with watching this one at work by saying you're just catching up on the show, but I still can't recommend it for most workplaces.

As much as I'd love to see this show, I just can't see paying for a premium channel that only has one or two shows I'd want to see. Besides, I simply don't have the time to invest in another series. Hairspray hasn't closed and I'm already working on publicity for Jeffrey, the JTMF 10th Anniversary show. I'm so glad this is the day job's slow period.

More, anon.

Prospero

You have read this article Fantasy / Hairspray / Hot / Jeffrey / JTMF / Music Video / NSFW / Shameless Self-Promotion / The Gayest Thing / Theatre / TV with the title Shameless Self-Promotion. You can bookmark this page URL https://tammycross.blogspot.com/2012/04/the-gayest-things-you-see-this-week_16.html. Thanks!

The Good Kind of Tired

Pictured kneeling from left, are Shannon Brueckner, Sabella Lichtman and Nicole Erkoboni. Standing, from left are Chris DiTullio, Meredith Bleemer, Ben Menahem, Ethan Daniel Levy, Dan Johnson, Alexandra Baldwin, Parker Harris and Julia Procaccino.

That's Corny Collins (c) and the Council Kids in a publicity still from Hairspray, about which you all must be sick to death by now. Uncle P was deliberately kept out of publicity photos, but I promise to post some of me and the rest of the cast in our full costumes, wigs and make-ups next Sunday, after the show. I'll be taking tons of pictures next weekend.

That having been said, I am both exceedingly pleased and happily surprised by the by the show's abject success! We've played to three sold-out and one near-capacity audiences and have had three full house standing ovations. The audiences are loving it; the cast is loving each other and the entire team couldn't be more happy. What was a sometimes difficult rehearsal-process resulted in a not-to-be-missed production of a fun, silly, toe-tapping musical that has left four very happy audiences in its wake.And while I may be bragging just a little bit, I'll risk having pride in being a part of yet another amazing theatrical experience.

Needless to say, after what amounts to seven full performances (we had two yesterday), I am very tired, and very sore. Given my recent absence of something else that could cause those symptoms (TMI??), the joy of performing and the rush from applause is better than any drug I can imagine.

If, like my buddy Sean* (who brought me some beautiful and exceptionally fragrant flowers), you want to see me singing and dancing in dresses and heels (and face it, you know you do), you have three more chances next Saturday and Sunday. Word on the street says that Saturday evening is very close to being sold out, though you might find limited-view seats for both the Saturday and Sunday matinees.

*Sean was an early follower who share's Uncle P's taste in men and is very sweet man who I met for the first time this weekend. You can link his very popular blog by clicking the link to 'Just a Jeep Guy' on the left.  (While very little of what Sean posts is NSFW, some of the links he shares, are). He, I and two of my friends from college (Alex and Gail) whom I hadn't seen for 25 years, shared a delightful dinner between shows on Saturday. I only wish I could have spent more time with all of them. All three shared their enthusiasm for the show, as has everyone (friends, co-workers and complete strangers) I've talked to, including the people I know will tell me the truth.

Because unlike most media, theatre is a temporary art; I thought I'd share with you something I shared with the company on the production's Facebook timeline. It is heartfelt and honest:

Dear Cast and Crew: Enjoy being with this family as much as possible. Continue to share that love for each other with our remaining audiences, and we'll be guaranteed full houses and standing Os for every performance. What we have is a rare and magical thing; it's like to be sought after with every show you do. When you find that magic again (and you will), remember the joy we're sharing now and include it in the joy you share then. You guys are all extraordinary and I am so very proud to be associated with each and every one of you and this production. I love playing Edna and I love playing her with all of you! Thank you for sharing the love with me.

The show as (every show does), has its flaws but this large and diverse cast has pulled together in way I worried it never would to deliver a funny and entertaining show that our audiences are loving. And that's good enough for me. The magic of a show coming together never ceases to amaze me. It's a better high than any drug you can imagine.

Enough crowing. It's back to the real (for a little while at least) tomorrow (well, today). And I'll be forming a new temporary family when rehearsals begin for the JTMF 10th Anniversary Production of Paul Rudnick's Jeffrey in May.

More, anon.

Prospero

You have read this article Audiences / Hairspray / Joy / JTMF / Shameless Self-Promotion / Theatre / Tired with the title Shameless Self-Promotion. You can bookmark this page URL https://tammycross.blogspot.com/2012/04/the-good-kind-of-tired.html. Thanks!

The King of Trashy Movies (Totally NSFW)

With the MCCC/JTMF production of Hairspray set to open in just a week, I thought I'd talk about the demented genius behind the original story, filmmaker John Waters.

Waters grew up in Baltimore in the 1950's, obsessed with horror movies, violence and gore. Thankfully, he channeled those obsessions into his own films, rather becoming a serial killer. 

His first full-length 16mm film, 1968's Eat Your Makeup, was about an insane nanny who kidnapped young models and forced them to model themselves to death (whatever that means). It starred Waters' dear friend Harris Glen Milstead (better known as 'Divine') as Jacqueline Kennedy(!) and was only screened once, in a church basement Waters rented out for the screening. His first commercially screened film, 1969's Mondo Trasho, starred long-time collaborators Mary Vivian Pearce; Divine and Mink Stole. It was a day in the life of a hit-and-run driver and her victim.

Next came 1970's Multiple Maniacs, about a traveling sideshow that was actually a front for a band of psychotic killers. It is infamous for the scene in which Divine has sex with a giant lobster:

In 1972, Waters released his most infamous film (the first Waters film I ever saw, ten years later), Pink Flamingos. Babs Johnson (Divine) has earned a tabloid's title as the "Filthiest Person Alive." When the title is challenged by Connie and Raymond Marbles, Babs and her family set out to prove they are filthier. I won't subject you to the infamous 'dog poop' scene, but here's one where Babs and her son Crackers (Danny Mills), break into the Marbles' home and lick everything they can to defile it. The scene culminates in Babs fellating Crackers on the sofa (though the clip below ends before that happens). Pink Flamingos also features Edith Massey as Babs' mother, who is obsessed by the Egg Man (as referenced on Cyndi Lauper's debut album, 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun').

Flamingos was followed by Female Trouble in 1974 and probably Waters' most insane film, Desperate Living in 1977. In Desperate Living, Peggy Gravel (Stole) and her maid Grizelda (Jean Hill) murder Peggy's husband and go on the lam, ending up in a cardboard kingdom atop a garbage dump, called Mortville. Mortville is ruled by Queen Carlotta (Massey) and her daughter Princess Coo-Coo (Pearce). It features lesbian glory-holes, FtM transgenderism and cannibalism, among other things. It may well have been partially inspired by Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus.

In 1981, Waters got 1960's heartthrob Tab Hunter (Damn Yankees) to appear as Divine's lover in the first movie to be filmed in Odorama ("Smelling is Believing!"), Polyester.  Patrons were given a scratch and sniff card and instructed to smell-by-number. The odors included fish, feet, flowers, glue and pizza. Divine played the improbably named Francine Fishpaw:

Seven years later, Waters made his first "mainstream" hit, Hairspray. It starred Divine; Sonny Bono; Jerry Stiller; Debbie Harry; Pia Zadora; Ric Ocasek and future talk-show hostess Ricki Lake in a Baltimore fairy tale about a chubby high-school girl who manages to break both weight and race barriers on a TV dance show. It would go on to inspire both the musical in which I am currently appearing and the musical movie which starred John Travolta in the same role as Divine, Harvey Fierstein and Uncle P. Divine also appeared as Arvin Hodgepile, the man who owned the TV station which aired "The Corny Collins Show."

Waters followed Hairspray with Cry-Baby in 1990. Starring and up-and-coming Johnny Depp, Cry-Baby was Waters' "Romeo and Juliet," in which a boy from the wrong side of the tracks falls for a debutante. New Jersey's own Amy Locane co-starred along with Susan Tyrell; Polly Bergen; Iggy Pop; Ricki Lake; porn legend Traci Lords; Willem Dafoe; Patricia Hearst; Warhol discovery Joe Dellesandro and 50's icon Troy Donahue in the semi-musical parody. This is my favorite number:

The team behind the musical version of Hairspray tried (unsuccessfully) to strike gold again with a stage version of Cry-Baby in 2008.

Waters followed up next with 1994's Serial Mom, starring Kathleen Turner; "Law and Order" star Sam Waterston; Matthew Lillard, Lake; Lords and Stole. Beverly Sutphin appears to be the perfect suburban mother, even though she kills anyone who stands in the way of her family's success. Serial Mom may well be my personal favorite Waters film:

Now that's a movie I can see adapted into a Broadway musical!

Sadly, Waters seems to have lost his edge in his most recent recent films.1998's Pecker is amusing at best, while 2000's Cecil B. Demented lacks the true outsider feel of his earlier films. And 2004's A Dirty Shame is just plain bad. Of course, that simply may be the result of America's desensitization to shocking material. Sex and violence are so commonplace in today's media, Waters' brand of filmmaking may well end up being relegated among the films of Warhol, Corman and Coppola as products of the '70's  Independent Film boom. 

These days, Waters divides his time between his beloved Baltimore, San Francisco, New York and Provincetown, MA. His trademark pencil mustache made an appearance as the Flasher in the musical film adaptation of Hairspray and will next be seen in the horror film, Excision. His 2006 one-man show This Filthy World, is available on DVD.

.

More, anon.
Prospero

You have read this article Hairspray / Indepemdent Film / John Waters / Movies / Musicals / NSFW / Shameless Self-Promotion / Theatre / Uncle P with the title Shameless Self-Promotion. You can bookmark this page URL https://tammycross.blogspot.com/2012/04/the-king-of-trashy-movies-totally-nsfw.html. Thanks!

Dog Tired

Uncle P, If I Were a Dog

Tonight was another long rehearsal. We had a costume parade which lasted about an hour, then started where we left off last night. We got about three-quarters of the way through Act II, and called it a night. 

We have an advantage though -- Thanks to the holiday weekend coming up, there is nothing scheduled in the theatre before we open, so we get an extra 5 days of tech, giving us the luxury of not having to complete a run just yet. And things seem to be finally coming together. I got to see some scenes I am not in and had not seen previously. There's some great stuff going on in them. And the duet with my 'husband' is actually cleaner than I thought it was, even though we haven't run it in a long time (Tom had a shoulder injury and hasn't been able to rehearse for a while). 

I'm finally beginning to see the light at the end of what was a very long tunnel. Maybe now I can get a decent night's sleep.

Don't forget - Caliban's Revenge will feature several guest bloggers next week, many of whom have already submitted some awesome posts. I hope you love these bloggers as much as I do. I consider them my friends, even though I've only actually met a few of them.* And as a special treat, Uncle P's sister will be writing a post of her own. Woo-Hoo!

*And I'll be finally meeting one of them after the Saturday matinee on the 14th.

More, anon.
Prospero

You have read this article Caliban's Revenge / Guest Posts / Hairspray / Musicals / My Sister / Rehearsals / Shameless Self-Promotion / Theatre with the title Shameless Self-Promotion. You can bookmark this page URL https://tammycross.blogspot.com/2012/04/dog-tired.html. Thanks!

Sitzprobe is NOT a Dirty Word

'Big Dollhouse' from the Broadway Production of "Hairspray"

With just under two weeks until opening, tonight was the sitzprobe for Hairspray and it was rather amazing. For those unfamiliar with the term, a sitzprobe is the first time the cast of a musical or opera sings with the band or orchestra. The only dialog is that used to cue the music or whatever happens to take place during the music.

When I was in college (back when dinosaurs ruled the Earth), we had a sitzprobe for just about every show. The few musicals I've done since then, rarely had them. The great thing about doing one, is the cast really gets ramped up about the show when they finally get to hear what they sound like with more instruments than just a rehearsal piano. And tonight was no exception. 

The band (I hesitate to use the word 'orchestra' when there are only six of them - three brass/woodwinds; a drummer; a guitarist and two keyboardists in this case) was nothing short of amazing! Fitted with wireless mikes by our equally amazing sound crew, singing with the musicians was both exhilarating and inspiring. Typically, there is no dancing or movement during a sitzprobe, though we all tapped our feet, wiggled our hips and generally got into it. And tonight the cast seemed to really bond more than ever before, supporting one another and cheering each other on in a way I was worried wouldn't happen. And personally, it was a relief to hear my singing voice making a comeback after lying dormant for almost 10 years. Six weeks of rehearsing have made me re-think my proposed retirement from musical theatre. I still got it, bitches!

If you want to see Uncle P sing in a dress and dance in heels (and you know you do), you can still get tickets to the MCCC/JTMF co-production of Hairspray by visiting www.kelseyatmccc.org or calling the Kelsey Theatre box office at 609-570-3333. But hurry, they're going fast!

Here's a clip from the U.S. National Tour of my personal favorite number, "Big Doll House:"

More, anon.
Prospero

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Sheer Terror

Glen "Divine" Milstead as Edna Turnblad in the original Hairspray

It has been over 8 years since I last appeared in a musical and more than 10 years since I had to dance in one (I'm not even going to go into the whole 'dancing in heels' thing).

Hairspray opens in just over 2 weeks and I must admit that I haven't been quite this anxious about a performance since Sweeney Todd in the mid-90's. 

The rehearsal period for this show hasn't been perfect. Personally, I haven't had the number of rehearsals I would prefer. I have always been the type of actor who relies on the repetition of many rehearsals to learn a role (unless it's one I've done before). And while I'm hardly the star of the show, I am playing an iconic role that comes with certain expectations. Oh, I know everything will work out fine and the show will be terrific. Still.. there's that niggling voice in the back of my head that says "You suck. You're going to fail. People will hate you." And I know it's that same voice that every performer hears in the back of his or her head which drives them to give the best performance possible. Frankly, if that voice wasn't there, I'd be even more worried. Still... I have many friends, family and co-workers coming to see the show. That only adds impetus to do my best and anxiety about not being able to. 

Truth be told, no performance in a live production is ever perfect. The nature of the beast makes that impossible from the get go. There will always be some flub; some dropped line; some stumbled-over word; some misstep that remains unnoticed by the audience but which makes the performer want to bang his or her heard against a wall once it's happened. 

Two weeks is both a lot and a little, when it comes to live theatre. I know this from many, many years of experience. Sadly, that knowledge is of little help, right now. And as much as I know how ridiculous that statement sounds, unless you've been there; done that; bought the t-shirt and returned it, you have no idea...

Okay - Deep breaths. It's going to be fine... At least, I hope so...

Posting here is about to get really sparse, folks. Don't forget me while I'm away (Wow! How pathetic is that?). Of course, once this show closes, rehearsals for the JTMF 10th Anniversary Gala production of Paul Rudnick's Jeffrey will start. At least I'll be playing a role I've done before, albeit with an entirely new set of actors (including Dear D, with whom I've been dying to act for a while, now). I have a feeling that Jeffrey will be a walk in the park, compared to this show. Of course, you never know.

More anon.
Prospero

You have read this article Fear / Hairspray / Musicals / Rehearsals / Shameless Self-Promotion / Theatre with the title Shameless Self-Promotion. You can bookmark this page URL https://tammycross.blogspot.com/2012/03/sheer-terror.html. Thanks!

The Red (and the White) Shoes

Not exactly the shoes I'll be wearing...

Eight years ago, when I played Arnold in the JTMF production of Torch Song Trilogy, I wore a pair of black patent leather pumps with a 4" heel for all of 10 minutes for the opening monologue. I did okay walking in them, though I certainly didn't do any dancing in them.

In Hairspray, I'm wearing 2" heels for much of the show. There's a white pair and a red pair. I started wearing the red ones the other night while working on "Welcome to the 60's." Tonight, my 'husband" Tom and I got together to work on "You're Timeless to Me"* and I wore them again. I was given the red pair to take home, though I think I'll be requesting the white ones instead, as that's the pair I'll be wearing for most of the show.

My calves are very angry with me, right now. It's not that I can't walk or dance in them (though they are a little large and I have requested heel inserts). It's the workout they're giving my calves. Not that my calves are bad. Quite the contrary. Regular readers have seen them in my posts about the tattoos that adorn each of them (something else that must be addressed for this production). Gentlemen, spend an hour or so in a perpetual releve', walking only on the balls of your feet and you'll have some idea of what I'm experiencing right now. Not that I'm complaining. Far from it. Edna Turnblad is one of those iconic roles that an actor of my age and size is more than happy to tackle. And the shoes make my legs look amazing (Ladies, I completely understand why you do it). And I'm sure that as rehearsals progress, the pain will ebb and my calves will return to the heart-shape they had in the 90's (any leg men out there?). 

It never ceases to amaze me what we will endure for the love of our art. Wigs; gowns; dresses; togas; tunics, tights; armor; hats; tuxes; suits; shaving and heavy makeups are all part of the world in which I've spent most of my life. If I'm not used to it after more than 35 years, I should give up.

Tickets are still available for some performances of the MCCC/JTMF co-production of Hairspray. If you want to see Uncle P dance in patent leather pumps, I  suggest you order yours now. You can do so here, by phone at 609-570-3333 or at the Kelsey Box Office, one hour before curtain.

*Here's a version of the number from the London production, featuring former Monkee, Mickey Dolenz:

More, anon.
Prospero

You have read this article dance / Hairspray / JTMF / Musicals / Shameless Self-Promotion / Theatre / Uncle P with the title Shameless Self-Promotion. You can bookmark this page URL https://tammycross.blogspot.com/2012/03/the-red-and-white-shoes.html. Thanks!

Good News, Sad News, Good News

So let's start with Good News, shall we?

The MCCC/JTMF joint production of Hairspray is well into rehearsals and I am having a ball playing a certain lady of size. There are some very talented folks in the cast, including my friend Tom as my hubby, Wilbur. Our 2nd Act number together is going to be a blast. I'd honestly forgotten how much fun being in a musical can be. 

Ticket sales are brisk - several evening shows have already sold out. Opening night's audience will include a rather large contingent from the Day Job (who just can't wait to see me in a dress). Several of them have already seen me play an arrogant, bullying director (Noises Off) and a complete  idiot (The Nerd), so they're chomping at the bit to see me play a woman, especially one who sings and (sort of) dances. And our first matinee audience will include both college friends I haven't seen in almost 25 years and at least one blogger friend I've never met in person. You can order tickets on line at www.kelseyatmccc.org or by phone at 609-570-3333. Directed by Jeremy Robinson; Choreographed by Jody Person; under the musical direction of Peter DeMets and co-starring Yours Truly in several dresses, Hairspray should be a rollicking good time.

In other Good News, the James Tolin Memorial Fund is pleased to announce our Tenth Anniversary Gala AIDS Benefit, featuring a reprise of our very first production: Paul Rudnick's gay romantic comedy Jeffrey. Having directed our last 10 productions, I am happy to hand over the reigns to founder Tracy Antozzeski (who also directed the show the first time around), so that I can reprise my role as interior designer of a certain age, Sterling. I'm even more excited that I will finally get a chance to really act with my Dear D, who will be playing the title role of actor/cater-waiter Jeffrey. The Gala will include an Opening Night Red Carpet Extravaganza; a catered reception on both Friday and Saturday nights and our biggest and best Silent Auction, ever. Tickets can be purchased by clicking the link above or by phone at 609-570-3333. Trust me, you DO NOT want to miss this one.

This second bit of Good News is also my Sad News. Jeffrey will be the final annual June AIDS benefit for the JTMF. After 10 years of very hard work by the Board and Staff, as well as the many talented people who've contributed artistically, we've decided that our current formula is no longer working for us and we'll be taking a year off to reassess and reinvent ourselves.

That's not to say that the JTMF is going away. Far from it. And that's the final bit of Good News. We'll be back. We're already looking at ways to continue to raise money for good causes in James' name and have already planned a special Halloween staged radio play* for Fall of 2013. Additionally, we're working to foster a relationship with a local NJ anti-suicide foundation while exploring other avenues for raising funds to keep both the James Tolin Memorial Scholarship going, as well as continuing to support the good work of the Open Arms Foundation, which provides support and counseling for NJ residents who are both afflicted with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

If you've supported JTMF in the past, I thank you. And I sincerely hope that you will continue to do so in our future endeavors, whatever they may end up being.

All that having been said, here's a taste of the 2002 Seattle production of Hairspray:

*Any guesses as to what said Radio Play will be? Your guess is probably right.

More, anon.
Prospero

You have read this article Hairspray / Jeffrey / JTMF / Musicals / Paul Rudnick / Shameless Self-Promotion / Theatre with the title Shameless Self-Promotion. You can bookmark this page URL https://tammycross.blogspot.com/2012/03/good-news-sad-news-good-news.html. Thanks!