You Can't Take it With You

[Gemini Cricket]

On Wednesday, I auditioned for a play here in Boston. The play is 'You Can't Take it With You'. It's one of my favorite plays, films...

I just got an email that I was cast as Mr. DePinna.

I'm ecstatic and kind of blah about it at the same time. I love the show, and didn't really have any character in mind when I auditioned, but I was thinking I'd get cast as one of the younger characters. I got cast playing an eccentric older man. I love character parts, but I'm realizing I can't play characters of a certain age any more.

I'm old.

Can I have my Norma Desmond moment now?

I'm delighted about the play, though. I can't wait to sink my teeth into it.

I really do give myself credit for auditioning at all... I was getting into a stuck kind of funk lately. (You know, depression stuff again...)

Anyways, I thought I'd share.

:)

[Snowflake]

Congratulations!

There is nothing wrong with a doing a character part! Just think how much more business you can insert into it! Doing one of the younger characters, you'd be trapped in a more conventional portrayal. With this, you can go a little more wild, a little more broad. :snap:

Go ahead, have your Norma Desmond moment! Allow me to congraulate you on your "return" and now may I request a signed photo?:D
Donna

[Gemini Cricket]

Thank you, Donna! :)

There is nothing wrong with a doing a character part! Just think how much more business you can insert into it!
This is very true. I find the character parts to be more fun.
Allow me to congraulate you on your "return" and now may I request a signed photo?:D
"Think of the autographs I'll sign 'Good luck to ya, Roxie?' " ~ Chicago
:D

[Gn2Dlnd]

HAHA!

[Gemini Cricket]

HAHA!
'Animal Farm'?
:confused:

[Gn2Dlnd]

An odd production of "Sleeping Beauty" in which the prince's sidekick was a goat.

I had fun.

And, Mr. DePinna, I just started rehearsing "The Sound of Music" as Herr Zeller, the bastard that tries to get the Von Trapps Nazified. I have all of eight or so lines. Meh, I'm doing a show, I'm playing an old man, I'll get paid a little money, and Glendale Center Theater continues to know I exist.

Congratulations on hooking up with a new theatre company, THAT'S the most important part of getting cast in your show.

(You Can't Take It With You" has always been one of my faves, you'll have fun!)

[Gemini Cricket]

I was cast as Herr Zeller before! I had to turn down the part due to a scheduling conflict, but at the last minute it cleared up and I was cast as a Misc. Nazi instead.
:D

What a coincidence...

"By the way, Senator. Love your goat suit."
:D

[Not Afraid]

That's Fantastic, GC! Nice to see you getting back into theatre in your new town. Maybe you'll be on stage when Chris is in Boston?

I've contacted a photographer in Bean Town to visit yo, so get read for your close up. ;)

[Gemini Cricket]

That's Fantastic, GC! Nice to see you getting back into theatre in your new town. Maybe you'll be on stage when Chris is in Boston?
Thanks, NA. :) The show goes up in May.
I've contacted a photographer in Bean Town to visit yo, so get read for your close up. ;)

I'll get my turban.
:D

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Now open your eyes wide and strut slowly toward the camera...

Congrats! Wish you were closer so we could see it. And Commodore, why don't you let us know when your shows are going up? Hmm?? Hmmmm?

[innerSpaceman]

There are no small parts, only small actors.

With that heart of yours three sizes too large, there can be nothing small about you.

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

Congrats!

[blueerica]

Indeed, congratulations are in order, and as soon as you get over your Norma Desmond moment, you'll be fine with it all, I'm sure... :cheers:

[Gemini Cricket]

I didn't want to start a new thread about this so here goes.

Tonight is our first rehearsal and usually I'm really, really excited about it. It's the anticipation of meeting new people, fresh material, creating a character etc.

This time around, I'm feeling kind of blah about it. First time ever. That makes me worry. Should I worry? I'm feeling a classic symptom of depression and I'm kinda beating myself up about it. 'Loss of interest.'

I'm feeling like such a mess.

:(

[wendybeth]

Wait until after the rehearsal before you start smiting yourself, GC. (That almost sounds obscene, doesn't it?) Just because you're not feeling the usual thrill prior doesn't mean you won't, and if you are feeling down perhaps this might be the very thing to help bring you back up. If not, then maybe it will at least help take your mind off things for a while. You'll have to try and get an in-costume pic for us, okay?


Lovely goat, Gn2.:D

[Moonliner]

usually I'm really, really excited about it. It's the anticipation of meeting new people, fresh material, creating a character etc.



I got cast playing an eccentric older man. I love character parts, but I'm realizing I can't play characters of a certain age any more.
I'm old.


Sounds like you just are not that happy about this part, nothing wrong with that.

If you are doing this as a job for the money then you just need to go there smile and make the best of it. Work in just about any line of business has crap you don't want to do that's why it's called work. You just need to do the job well, network with everyone you meet and hopefully due better next time.

If you are doing this as a hobby, then you might want to reassess if this is what you are looking for.

In any case best of luck.

[Gn2Dlnd]

Hey GC! Some shows are like that, you just show up, be pleasant and helpful backstage, and do the job they hired you for onstage. The worst thing I can do as an actor is spread my discontent amongst the cast. Take The Sound of Music, for instance. We have a lackluster cast in many of the roles, a director who fusses about details of costumes and hair, but leaves entire scenes unblocked, and a Frau Zeller who needs to double-check with the director everytime I put in some bit of business not specifically blocked (which is ALL of my business). When the show opens on Wednesday, and the house is full of happy oldsters enjoying a favorite show, all these things will cease to matter. We're not going for a Tony (tony, tony, tony), we're providing a service. I try to keep that as my main focus backstage as well. I know the producer wanted me in this show because not only will I bring my best performance onstage, but, as an experienced actor, I can be a friction reducer backstage. I get to provide an example to the kids, and some of the less experienced cast members, of how to behave, how to help each other with quick changes, etc., how to have fun, and, most of all, how to leave my ego at the door.

Have fun tonight, Mr. DePinna! Get to know your new closest friends for the next couple months. You get to be, if you so choose, the actor that the director doesn't have to worry about.

[Gemini Cricket]

Once I'm face to face with my castmates, I'm totally professional. I'm one of those low maintenance actors. (Believe it or not.) :D I don't take Depression Brad into the theatre with me, ever. I always 'put on a happy face'. But what worries me is that this is the first time I haven't been excited to do a show. I know everyone will be cool and that I'll have a great time, but I'm so blah about it right now... Bleh. It's not the part, either. I think it'll be a cool part...
Tonight will be fun...
:)

[MouseWife]

Bradley, Bradley, Bradley. *sigh*

I haven't read all of this thread, just the last ones {where you said you didn't want to start a new thread...}

Of course, I pick up on what I personally want to, so, please remember that when you read this.

I picked up:

Originally Posted by Gemini Cricket:

"I got cast playing an eccentric older man. I love character parts, but I'm realizing I can't play characters of a certain age any more.
I'm old..."

Oh, fellow Piscean. Doesn't one have a birthday coming up? Now, I am totally putting you in my shoes {don't worry, they aren't too high;) } but I also have a birthday coming up. And, I have also had some birthdays that left me feeling...ahem...old.

Oh, the pain! Could this be part of what ails you? I mean, I know I personally try and shrug off that nagging voice 'That hot young man is right about your DAUGHTERS age!!!' or 'He is comparing you to his mother....'

But that is me. I think your voice might be saying something else. Or nothing?

Either way...tell it to shut the heck up!!

Why oh why is 'Laverne and Shirley' running through my head...{imagining them, trying to lift one anothers spirits}

'Just what makes that little old ant, think he can move that rubber tree plant. Everyone knows an ant, can't, move a rubber tree plant but he's got High hopes, he's got, high hopes. He's got, high apple pie in the sky hopes.'

That's all I got. :blush:

Kick booty, GC!!!!

[wendybeth]

I'm sure all the wonderful winter weather doesn't help, either. We got socked with some snow last night and it kind of sent me into a bummed state- I was hoping that little gopher was wrong. (Furry little bastard).

You'll have fun, GC- and you are still very much a young man, so don't stress about all that stuff. Every actor goes through this, and the great ones own their age and use it to their advantage. Or, they get really good at lying about it- which is also acting, right?;):D

[Gemini Cricket]

Well, I just got back from our read-through. It went well. There are about 20 people in the cast. There are a lot of fun people that I will be working with. I feel better. I feel energized.

I found out the director wants to have us in period costumes. 1930's. That's going to be fun. I also get to wear a Greek toga in one scene. (Ahem.) :D

MW ~ The big 35 is coming up. Ugh. I was supposed to be a millionaire filmmaker by now. That didn't quite happen. I'm feeling old, but maybe I shouldn't. Thanks for the kind thoughts as always.

wb ~ You always know the nicest things to say. You totally rock. I don't think the snow is helping. It's cold. But it's kinda pretty, too...

Now from the 'Things That Happen for a Reason' file: I met three people in the cast who studied acting overseas. Guess where? London. Wow. I've already asked them if I could pick their brains about me going there. They said they'd totally help. That's so very wonderful.

:)

All in all, my day turned out okay.

[wendybeth]

Very cool, GC! Again, we'll need a photo essay, alright?;):D

(Especially of the toga.....)

[MouseWife]

Ah, the young age of 35? LOL

Well, glad to hear it all went well. And, that you've met some people who can give you info about London.

Well, I am a little bit older than you are. I have come to try and enjoy life more than when I was younger. I met a man who is only about 30 and says he is old! I scoffed at him and said he was going to wake up in 10 years and realize he's made a big mistake by not enjoying his life today. And every day.

Sounds like you've gotten your groove back. :snap:

You rock, GC!!

[Gemini Cricket]

wb ~ Uh, we'll see... :D

MW ~ I'm trying to get there. In fact, the irony of this all is the play is about enjoying life and being happy. Maybe I should pay attention to the play a little more, eh?
:D

[MouseWife]

That is true. Duh. I haven't read/seen this play before but the title is a dead give away, right? :blush:

Yep, you can't take it with you. And, what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. And, the cops can't come in unless you let them in. Or unless they have a warrant.

But I digress.

You know what to appreciate, like I do. Somedays {weeks?} it is harder than other days.

Are there rainbows there in Boston? {I've never lived, that I can remember, anyways, in snow}

When you see your first rainbow, remember me and that I wish you happiness always, wherever you are.

[Gemini Cricket]

MW ~ Haven't seen any rainbows in Boston yet. But when I do, you'll be the first to know about it.
:)

[innerSpaceman]

I dig the synchronicity of meeting castmates who have studied abroad in London. I would love it if you would remember, in your dark moments, that this is the way life is. There is always a gift for you in everything that happens. You just may not be seeing it yet.



Awesome about the toga!