The Covert Report – Week 12
The Men of Memphis
Sometimes in my business, I get so wrapped up with being on “Broadway” and stressing about the dreaded winter months in NY that I actually lose sight of the reason that I am here in the first place.
I am an actor. I am a singer. I am a dancer (albeit, I can’t quite kick as high as I used to…). The joy of being in a long running show, is that you do have the opportunity to explore your art in other forms besides at The Shubert.
I spent my day off yesterday attending two different events that featured my fellow cast mates. It was invigorating. It was inspiring. It made me wanna go out and take a ballet class or a voice lesson. It makes me excited to go to work tonight and explore the characters that I get to create nightly at MEMPHIS.
Firstly, I attended a benefit called “Dancers Responding to Aids”. Two of the MEMPHIS men were dancing. Ephraim Sykes and Charlie Williams. Ephraim actually did a solo towards the beginning of the program. My favorite dancers aren’t necessarily the ones who can do 6 pirouettes (although he can). I always enjoy watching dancers who are telling a story through movement. Ephraim was absolutely breathtaking. The choreography was beautiful and there was a moment toward the end when he just stood still and gazed into the audience. It absolutely took my breath away. Really amazing work.
The finale of the benefit was a number called “Boys, Boys, Boys”. Both Ephraim and Charlie were dancing in the piece. Again beautifully choreographed. Charlie has such amazing lines and is such a grounded and really solid dancer. I enjoyed the event tremendously. It was inspiring to see my boys dancing their hearts out and getting to do choreography that is different. They always knock it out of the park with the choreography they do nightly at the show, but it was really beautiful to see them dance different styles.
After the dance concert, I headed down to the Village to a venue called The Bitter End. It is a place for musicians to play their own music. Well, our very own Bryan Fenkart was playing last night.
Bryan is the understudy for Huey Calhoun in MEMPHIS, but I have never had the pleasure of hearing him sing his OWN music. He was ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT.
He is not only and amazing singer, he is a really gifted songwriter!!! I was absolutely blown away with his music!!! I suggest that everyone goes on itunes and buys his album. It is called “Imperfect Man”
It really is so inspiring to know that I am surrounded by people who are ridiculously talented. No wonder our show gets the insane reaction it does nightly. From top to bottom, this cast is top notch!!
Speaking of top notch, MEMPHIS has added a male swing to the troops!! I speak for everyone when I say that Tyrone Jackson is a welcome and amazing addition to our family!!! Such a talent and such a nice guy!!
January and February are traditionally crazy months on Broadway…the holidays are over, the tourists are not as plentiful….and, it is cold!! These are great months to come out and support a Broadway show. MEMPHIS has some nice deals going on!!! This Thursday marks our 100th performance!!! I can’t wait for 500!!
Thank you Charlie, Ephraim and Bryan for reminding me why I wanted to be an artist in the first place!! Come see MEMPHIS and bring a friend!!
Hockadoo!!
-Kevin
Celebrity Sighting of the Week – Tim “The Toolman” Taylor was in the house. YUP, Tim Allen came and had such an amazing time!!! ALSO, Mark Sanchez made a repeat visit to The Shubert!! GO JETS!!!
To see some of Bryan’s performance:
thanks for the pics and the you tube….Bryan looked and sounded great. And yay for Ephraim and Charlie!
Comment by raellen — January 13, 2010 @ 1:24 am