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

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

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!