Randy!
What is up my man?
I see that the weather in the Bahamas today is a lovely 81 degrees which is a whopping 44 degrees warmer than the Big Apple- although, our office is doing its fun “tropical-steamy” thing so I’m currently feeling a little island fever myself right about now.
I’m glad to know that you have internet access in the islands and that you were able to get my letters. It’s important work we’ve got going on here.
I’m not sure I can explain last night, but I do think that my recent foray into a pescatarian diet may have directly contributed to my inability to handle those refreshing adult beverages. Whatever the cause, I have to catch you up on yesterday’s events.
I think I’m going to start where my last post left off and work backwards- an homage to Merrily We Roll Along if you will.
Fun Fact: In Memphis, Felicia says to Huey “Why aren’t you wearing any pants?” In Merrily, Franklin says “Why didn’t you tell Daddy that he has no pants on?” I think this justifies the use of Merrily’s backwards in time construct for this blog.
Here’s where we last left off:
Sue, Kristel and I ended our long day at the mothership- the Sardi’s 2nd floor bar. Kristel, this her first time at the bar, realized why we like it up there.
A picture of a picture=artsy
Besides the excellent view, there is of course the famous crackers and cheese, though there were no mini pizza bites going around; this proved only to be a slight bummer but did not damper the spirits of the group.
Speaking of groups, I know how much you love seeing the buses pull up outside the Shubert, so I thought I’d throw this in as a little added bonus to your 81 degree day.
We love bus groups
Bryan was on again last night so Chad could fully recover- I didn’t get a chance to see him go on again as I had Samson with me and well, I had been the victim of the 2 drink minimum at the Chatterbox.
Now I love me some Seth Rudestsky- maybe because he knows everyone and everything about musical theatre, maybe because he appreciates a well placed belt more than a fine wine- and having been to the Chatterbox interview he did with Montego, I was giddy with anticipation about James, J. Bernard and Derrick being on the show last night.
The Men of Memphis with Seth at Chatterbox
Randy! Did you know that J. Bernard went to college on a football scholarship but then had an ACL injury? That Derrick lived in Germany for part of his childhood? That Derrick and J. Bernard were in a production of AIDA at Northshore Music theatre where Montego played Aida? I knew none of this so I was enraptured the whole time. And slightly inebriated.
One of the best stories that I had not yet heard was that James and J.Bernard were the last two guys going up against each other for the Lion in the City Center Production of The Wiz last summer!
James with Seth Rudestsky
I can’t really retell the story, but will totally reenact it when you get back to the office; Sarah can play James and I will play J. Bernard.
Perhaps the funniest story told last night was from Derrick. First, I did not realize he has a degree in biology (though I realized today it is in his bio in the Playbill. I may have proofed the Playbill but I apparently didn’t read it). But he told Seth that he came to New York because he wanted to sing jingles and be a hand model!! Sing Jingles. Be a Hand Model. Brilliant.
Derrick enjoys the chatter
I neglected to get a picture of Derricks hands but perhaps we want to consider using him if future Memphis ad campaigns require someone to be holding something in a photograph. Maybe the next Times Square billboard should just be Derrick with a thumbs up- Thoughts?
The afternoon in between Bryant Park and Chatterbox was pretty typical. Samson was also, pretty typical.
Samson working hard
Though perhaps Samson was a bit more tired than usual because I walked him across town with Sue to catch the cast performing at the Pond at Bryant Park. As we walked up, you could hear the cast album playing over the loudspeakers while everyone skated, which was excellent. It was pretty face-burning cold out there but the rink was packed with what looked like a bunch of school groups.
Most spend more time on their butts than on their feet
Sue and I couldn’t quite figure out how to get in to say hi to everyone so we found a spot across from the stage to make sure we didn’t miss the performance. Cass, J. Bernard, Derrick and James knocked it out of the park with “Change Don’t Come Easy”, Mama’s big song from Act II.
Derrick, James, Cass and J.Bernard singin' at Bryant Park
You can’t quite see Cass in this picture but she was there! James followed with some “Big Love”- he was in terrific voice and nothing was as cute as this dad making his child dance along. I know your not a big softy, but I could resist snapping a picture.
If only I had my flip cam to film this cuteness
But perhaps the coolest part of the day was hearing someone ask “Is that Samson?” Yes! Samson was recognized in Bryant Park. He’s really quite famous you know. If you Google image search “Samson Show Pup” his picture comes up. Perhaps I should think about contacting Bill Berloni and getting him an agent…
Of course it was members of the Front Row Crew out at Bryant Park that recognized Samson so we had to take a picture.
FRC members Athena and Michelle with Samson!
Before Bryant Park, there was just more Inbox management infused with a dollop of technical mishaps. Why is Flipshare causing my computer to freeze? Why won’t Apples and Oranges come to my rescue? There are videos to edit and get out on the interweb!! Clearly, Jacob does not read the blog everyday…busted.
You’re in the Bahamas and you’re still reading the blog everyday.
You a good man, Randy Adams.
Your currently sober employee,
Carolyn
hand model…sing jingles..bawhahaha….
Glad Memphis on Ice went well…
Is Chatterbox released for public listening/viewing?
speaking of chatter….can we have a Tues Evening Chat back with the cast…cause I got questions????!!!
Like where did Chad’s red jacket go?
You know inquiring minds want to know
Comment by raellen — January 22, 2010 @ 1:23 pm
Yay for Samson! Little known fact, Michelle is my roomate, and I was texting her all day for updates on Bryant Park. Other little known fact, she was the one who made the initial sign (that we gave to the cast/crew on opening night) even though she hasn’t been able to come with the FRC either time we descended as a group.
Comment by Kelley (part of the FRC!) — January 22, 2010 @ 3:47 pm