When I thought about starting this blog, I had all of these genius ideas for what I was going to do with it. As it turns out, nearly six months later, most of those ideas are still in my head. But finally, I am actually debuting one of my original ideas: A personal profile paired with a Memphis inspired questionaire; part Playbill Q & A/part James Lipton, I hope to do a regular series to introduce those who make Memphis Magic. Except, I don’t know what to call it. Six months of thinking about it, and I am stumped for a name.
Tonight, I’m choosing “Behind the Title” as a nod to VH1’s Behind the Music. I don’t know it its exactly right but “Playbill Exposed” felt wrong. To quote the show, “Is that dirty?”
And so, without further ado, I give you Gary Mickelson.
Walk into the stage management office and it becomes clear that this is no ordinary theatrical lair. Maybe its the TV that is usually tuned to the important sporting event of the moment. Maybe its the wall of neatly laminated sports clippings of people who I don’t recognize. Gary’s corner of the stage management office is the den of a dude who has spent his life working in theatre and has somehow managed to remain straight a sports fan.
He can tell you about Mark Sanchez as easily as he can tell you about Patti Lupone (with whom he worked with on the Gypsy revival)-he clarified for me the historic divide between what makes a Yankees fan and what makes a Mets fan; he has stories about Julie Andrews from Victor/Victoria, though he seems less impressed that she is Mary Poppins and more impressed that she came to watch the V/V softball team. He’s better than Wikipedia though most of his stories are unpublishable (sorry kids).
Perhaps Gary’s most hidden talent is found in the nightly Production Stage Management reports. In the general notes section, Gary has been known to add these brilliant one liners when discussing the elements that make live theatre exciting- commenting on the occasional mishap. He writes things like “The only caterpillar in our buttermilk was when…”. I need more examples as I am really not doing it justice. I need to dig into my outlook folder of PSM reports and do like a top ten of Gary witticisms for you to get the full picture. Let me get back to you on that.
A full on prankster who seems to be able to get me everytime, Gary is also the guy who, in addition to calling the show and the other 3,000 daily stage management duties he has, always makes sure that the Opening Night notes to other shows get signed, or finds a place to put the newest Front Row Crew poster up.
And while I still may not know everything about the difference between a Giants fan and a Jets fan, I do know who I can ask to get the answer.
Gary: Unplugged
What is your favorite piece of Memphis swag?
GM: The fleece vest I got from Sergio.
How long have you been wearing glasses?
GM: Since 5th grade.
What’s your favorite song in Memphis?
GM: “Colored Woman.”
If you had to go on in someone’s track, who would you want to go on for?
GM: I would do a one man Memphis, and go on in every track.
What’s your favorite thing to do on a Monday?
GM: Ski
(follow-up) Do you own or rent your skis?
GM: Own. Renting creeps me out. I also own my own bowling shoes.
Fun Fact: Gary came up with the name “Strike-Adoos” for one of our Bowling teams
Do you own a car?
GM: Yup- a Mini-Cooper in British racing green with white stripes.
Favorite Cue in Memphis?
GM: Any cue where I get to flirt with Katie Webber.
Any Pets?
GM: a 17 year old cat named Simon
Snack of Choice?
GM: Reduced Fat Cheez-its
Rockband?
GM: Vocals and guitar- on medium
Are you OCD about anything?
GM: The shorter list would be what I am not OCD about. I thought this was suppose to be an exposé, not a humiliation…
1st Broadway show you worked on?
GM: Victor/Victoria
Last movie you Netflixed?
GM: Julie and Julia- though I did instant stream Man on a Wire
Boxers or Briefs?
GM: Boxers exclusively. Currently wearing Hawaiian themed Winnie the Pooh boxers.
Favorite thing about your office?
GM: My corner. It looks like a dorm.
Favorite thing about working on a Broadway Show?
GM: The Bowling League and the Softball Team. And flirting with Katie Webber.
Gary appreciates Jets QB Mark Sanchez almost as much as he appreciates beautiful women: Memphis ladies Sydney Morton, Hillary Elk and Katie Webber.
And as I end my first Behind the Title Exposé, its only fitting that tonight’s PSM report has just come in on my blackberry. I wonder what Gary has to say tonight…what’s this about a mouse??…
As a stage manager myself, I love that you chose to do your first “behind the title” on one of the stage managers! Next time I come to see the show, I will have to meet him and get his autograph as well.
I must also add, that now I think I am in love! Is Gary single and wanting to have a coast to coast relationship with someone in California? :) Ask James Monroe Iglehart for photos…
Comment by Jenn — January 29, 2010 @ 1:49 pm