Playoffs & Posters

I hate not writing, even if it's only for a few days, because I feel like I'm neglecting all the good backstage dish! It's constant activity behind the scenes and it changes every minute of every day. Case in point:

David and I not only share a dressing room but we've become the focal point, the gathering place for much of our floor because we have a TV. We didn't bring it, it was there when we arrived. And at this time of year, when baseball playoffs rule the airwaves, we're everyone's best friend. The games are constantly on, with fellow cast members checking in on scores and stats. The thought is not lost on us, either, on how unique this situation is - a musical theater production full of "straight" actors interested in sports and athletics and full of testosterone. But sometimes, it rears it's ugly head, with uproarious results.

The question was begged this evening (by yours truly, an admitted Detroit Tiger LOVER and New York Yankee HATER) that perhaps my issue with said baseball team is that in adopting the "championship or bust" attitude, they may have lost sight of any humility they once had. But perhaps the real problem was not that they could win or lose in the playoffs (by the way, when was they last time they were in the playoffs, or in the World Series, or won the World Series? Champs? How about Chumps! Detroit was in the World Series 2 years ago. Yankees? 8! Anyway...), but that they simply tried to BUY their way to a championship - unsuccessfully, so far. Well, this bit of reality does not sit well with certain of my fellow cast members who are strong Yankees fans. A certain cast member became incensed at the idea the the Yankees would buy themselves a championship and he went on to list a (small) group of player who were "homegrown", who came out of the Yankees farm system. He neglected to acknowledge, however, the overwhelming amount of Yankees that have been bought and paid for (A-Rod, CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, Mark Texiera) with more millions ($) than the GNP of many African nations! The vehemence and vociferousness with which this cast member unleashed his vitriol was both shocking and absolutely hilarious! Who knew he loved the Yankees so much? Now I know the buttons to push.

The show continues to be a joy to perform. Audiences are deeply appreciative and I'm amazed that they show up at the backstage door after each show. Many people take pictures of themsleves with cast members. I'll try and get some to email me pics and I'll start posting them.

We're gearing up for fundraising season, the time of year when Broadway shows gather money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, an organization dedicated to helping those who are living with the disease. Among the many fundraisers are the selling of autographed posters, so the signing begins now, with hundreds and hundreds of Mamma Mia! posters, nearly a thousand in all, circulating throughout the dressing rooms. Sherry Cohen, part of our fantastic Stage Management team, flits about the dressing rooms carrying stacks and stacks of posters, making sure that everyone signs in their allotted spot on the board. There is a "master copy" to which she can refer to make sure everyone in the cast - 33 in all - have attached their John Hancock. A daunting task.

I think I prefer the shorter postings from last week, so I will try and post with more frequency, but less content. Less is more, no?

Two more shows today (Sunday), one tomorrow, then we get a day off. A day off for an actor with two children in different schools is an oxymoron - like a "deafening silence" - but at least I get a day off from the show. Actually, it may be a day off, but it's not a break. I love doing the show!