How I Got the Job - Part 2: Keeping the Faith
or "You Gotta Fight to be Legally Blonde"
For Part 1, click here.
After the summer, I had a couple months off before my next project, which was playing John Truitt in Meet Me in St. Louis at Village Theatre. As I had no idea when, or really… IF a call would come for Legally Blonde The Musical, I moved on with things as usual in Seattle, while at the same time trying to put myself in a good position to get the job whenever the call came. This meant familiarizing myself with the show, continuing my training, and getting whipped into the best shape possible. You’ll see when the show gets to Seattle - these boys are FIT.
The call did eventually come, though not for a while. It was early December, midway through the run of St. Louis, when they called and said they wanted me to come to New York in about four weeks. This was actually much more advance notice than I had expected, so that was nice).
And as luck would have it, they wanted me to come in right in the middle of a three day break from St. Louis, so I didn’t even have to deal with a conflict I started to feel at that point that perhaps some stars were aligning for this.
So my wife and I got two cheap plane tickets (yay!) to New York and took a mini business/leisure trip. I realized before the audition that Jerry Mitchell would not be able to be there as he was in the middle of putting up Legally Blonde on London’s West End (which has now gone over as a huge hit and is already extended into 2011!). So I sent him a message, told him I was excited for the opportunity, and thanked him for calling me in. He responded and said he would make sure to give a call to the folks doing the casting and put his two cents in. Now, considering that Jerry’s two cents is more like the whole dollar, this was an exciting thing to hear. The producer, Hal Luftig, who also produced Catch Me, who you may have seen at Spotlight Night, also said he would speak on my behalf: Woah.
A couple days before the audition, I got a call from the casting agency, Telsey & Co., asking if I could come in an hour before my appointment to have a private session with Justin, the casting director. Justin and I had become friends over the summer and fall, and he wanted me to get a chance to run through the material in the room before the team showed up – awesome! That portion went very smoothly, and helped reduce my nerves for the real thing. Consequently, the real thing went very well. Part of the job is covering (or understudying) the role of Warner, so they had me sing his song, “Serious,” and also read a scene from act two. They said things like “That was great!” “Thanks Jason” “Really good.” which in truth, are pretty standard responses, but there did seem to be a tone of sincerity to their compliments, so I felt good. I was asked to come back for the dance call, so I knew things were going well so far.
I hung out around Times Square for a couple hours and then returned for the dance call. I hadn’t had a good sense yet of how many other guys were called in for this spot, but however many they started with, there were seven of us total at the dance call. Not the best odds in the world, but again, I felt like I might have a slight cosmic edge, so I was going in with a good amount of confidence.
We did a short combination from “What You Want,” one of the big dance numbers in the first act. This was brief as they just wanted to get a sense of how everyone moved. The real test was to follow. This particular track we were auditioning for involved a heavy dose of jumping rope (yes, jumping rope). There is a number in the show that is basically a live workout video, and there are four guys who do a whole jump rope routine. So we proceeded to jump rope for over an hour: Woah. Not knowing we were going to be doing that, and therefore not being fully stretched or prepared, I ended up straining my left calf, which luckily was completely healed by the time I joined the tour! This was a unique audition challenge, but luckily I had done a good bit of jumping rope in college (thank you, Fight Class!).
We finished up, and everyone chatted a little in the lobby as we got our stuff together to leave. I was completely exhausted, physically and mentally, and walked back up to Times Square, where I just sort of wandered for a little bit, taking in the city, and processing my day. After about fifteen minutes, I got a text from Justin that said “Let’s talk about today. Meet me at the Starbucks at 43rd and 9th?”. My heart leapt, but then quickly sank, because that message sounded like I was in for a “Hey, you did great today/Keep up the good work/Maybe next time” sort of talk. So with my stomach in knots I walked past about eight Starbucks to get to Starbucks.
I walked in, saw Justin, headed toward him, and he stood up and said “I just wanted to tell you in person…” (oh crap, here we go) “…congratulations.” (wait… what?!). “Oh and by the way, they want you to start in six days.”
I can’t really articulate the emotions that were happening for the next few hours – ranging from elation, to anxiety about having to leave my current show, Seattle, and most importantly, my wife for the better part of seven months – but over the top of it all, was the realization that I had just booked the biggest job of my career so far. Luckily, the tour was able to wait one extra week, which gave me the time I needed to get all my stuff in order .
I got a chance to correspond with Jerry a little more after I had gotten the job, and he congratulated me and let me know that he indeed had put in the good word he said he would. This whole process, from summer to winter, really drove home for me that in this business (just like in most others) it’s about who you know, and more importantly, what kind of a reputation you have. There is so much luck and random circumstance that plays into casting, that the best thing you can do for yourself is to make sure everyone loves to work with you, and knows that you’ll do a good job. Most of the rest of the stuff you can’t control.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
South Pacific reviews are in - the show is a HIT!
The reviews are in - the critics LOVE South Pacific! (Even The Stranger!)
City Arts finally caught up with South Pacific for a review: “Bart Sher's South Pacific is the real thing, a can't-miss masterpiece.“
Some critics like the show so much that they refer to it as “my South Pacific:”
The Everett Herald says this is the one you can’t miss: “If you see any show at The 5th Avenue this year, make it ‘South Pacific.’”
"An Enchanting Evening...graceful, with frisky humor and crowd-pleasing numbers,”-- Seattle Times
"It's got style. It's got substance. It's got Rod Gilfry's big baritone."--Seattle P-I
“Sher found exactly what South Pacific wants to be and gave it wings. For big Broadway shows, it doesn't get much better.”—The Stranger
Seattle Examiner:
“a perfect little Valentine treat. Sun-soaked beach, romantic villa on hill, mist-bound island in the distance, and two love stories (one happy, one sad, take your pick which moves you the most),”—Rosemary Jones, Seattle Examiner
“So much is wonderful about this virtually flawless production that it is hard to know where to begin.”-- Audrey Gervasi, Seattle Examiner
“What Sher has accomplished is a revival that makes us feel like we're hearing this story for the first time, and from people who were there, whose lives were changed by the things that happened…. this was as good a production of this great musical as I'm likely to see for quite some time.”—Jerry Kraft, Seattle Actor
City Arts finally caught up with South Pacific for a review: “Bart Sher's South Pacific is the real thing, a can't-miss masterpiece.“
Some critics like the show so much that they refer to it as “my South Pacific:”
The Everett Herald says this is the one you can’t miss: “If you see any show at The 5th Avenue this year, make it ‘South Pacific.’”
"An Enchanting Evening...graceful, with frisky humor and crowd-pleasing numbers,”-- Seattle Times
"It's got style. It's got substance. It's got Rod Gilfry's big baritone."--Seattle P-I
“Sher found exactly what South Pacific wants to be and gave it wings. For big Broadway shows, it doesn't get much better.”—The Stranger
Seattle Examiner:
“a perfect little Valentine treat. Sun-soaked beach, romantic villa on hill, mist-bound island in the distance, and two love stories (one happy, one sad, take your pick which moves you the most),”—Rosemary Jones, Seattle Examiner
“So much is wonderful about this virtually flawless production that it is hard to know where to begin.”-- Audrey Gervasi, Seattle Examiner
“What Sher has accomplished is a revival that makes us feel like we're hearing this story for the first time, and from people who were there, whose lives were changed by the things that happened…. this was as good a production of this great musical as I'm likely to see for quite some time.”—Jerry Kraft, Seattle Actor
"You Gotta Fight to be Legally Blonde!"
by Jason Kappus, Ensemble in LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL
How I Got the Job - Part 1: The Real Audition
or "You Gotta Fight to be Legally Blonde"
My life changed at the Starbucks on 43rd and 9th in Manhattan... but that's jumping a little far ahead.
This past summer, I had the amazing privilege of spending most of the beautiful Seattle sunny days in basement rooms rehearsing Catch Me if You Can at The 5th Avenue. Spending two months working with some of the best in the business (on both sides of the table) was a dream come true and stands out as a highlight of my Seattle career.
Our choreographer for Catch Me was the brilliant Jerry Mitchell, one of the foremost Broadway choreographers today - who had recently made his Broadway directorial debut with Legally Blonde The Musical (he also did the choreography).
Jerry and I had a couple of talks over the summer about my career: about my "type," some advice, some ideas on projects and roles for which I should angle. In one of these talks, he mentioned that I could be a good fit for the national tour of Legally Blonde. I said "That would be awesome!" or something similarly ecstatic while trying to sound calm and cool.
Now, I was already determined to do a good job and make a good impression with "the New York folks" coming into Catch Me, so now with some extra motivation, well... needless to say, I worked my butt off. (Literally. I lost almost 10 pounds just doing Jerry's crazy-fast high-energy choreography.)
As any of you who saw Catch Me can probably imagine, we had a blast. The whole process was an amazing experience, and everyone's hard work and love paid off in many ways. For my part, Jerry and I talked a couple more times about New York and the future, and he referred me to the casting director for Legally Blonde (one Justin Huff). Through talking with the both of them, it became pretty clear that they were interested in looking at me for the show, and that I would get a call to come to NY to audition once the right spot opened up.
Then Catch Me ended, we all went our seperate ways, and I waited...
(to be continued...)
How I Got the Job - Part 1: The Real Audition
or "You Gotta Fight to be Legally Blonde"
My life changed at the Starbucks on 43rd and 9th in Manhattan... but that's jumping a little far ahead.
This past summer, I had the amazing privilege of spending most of the beautiful Seattle sunny days in basement rooms rehearsing Catch Me if You Can at The 5th Avenue. Spending two months working with some of the best in the business (on both sides of the table) was a dream come true and stands out as a highlight of my Seattle career.
Our choreographer for Catch Me was the brilliant Jerry Mitchell, one of the foremost Broadway choreographers today - who had recently made his Broadway directorial debut with Legally Blonde The Musical (he also did the choreography).
Jerry and I had a couple of talks over the summer about my career: about my "type," some advice, some ideas on projects and roles for which I should angle. In one of these talks, he mentioned that I could be a good fit for the national tour of Legally Blonde. I said "That would be awesome!" or something similarly ecstatic while trying to sound calm and cool.
Now, I was already determined to do a good job and make a good impression with "the New York folks" coming into Catch Me, so now with some extra motivation, well... needless to say, I worked my butt off. (Literally. I lost almost 10 pounds just doing Jerry's crazy-fast high-energy choreography.)
As any of you who saw Catch Me can probably imagine, we had a blast. The whole process was an amazing experience, and everyone's hard work and love paid off in many ways. For my part, Jerry and I talked a couple more times about New York and the future, and he referred me to the casting director for Legally Blonde (one Justin Huff). Through talking with the both of them, it became pretty clear that they were interested in looking at me for the show, and that I would get a call to come to NY to audition once the right spot opened up.
Then Catch Me ended, we all went our seperate ways, and I waited...
(to be continued...)
Thursday, January 21, 2010
XANADU 50% discount offer
5th Avenue Theatre blog readers, facebook fans and twitter followers are invited to get 50% off tickets to Xanadu at The Paramount, for tonight's performance. Discount applies to regularily priced $40 and $60 tickets.
Tickets at www.STGPresents.org. Use the code ARTS to take advantage of the 50% discount.
Tickets at www.STGPresents.org. Use the code ARTS to take advantage of the 50% discount.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Chad Jennings - backstage with the guys
The tour of South Pacific brings back Seattle native Chad Jennings (Ensemble) to The 5th Avenue Theatre. We armed Chad with a flip camera to take some shots of his fellow cast members behind the scenes. Chad gives us a peek at the regular work out routine of the sailors:
Monday, December 28, 2009
Spotlight Night Tuesday 1/5 - South Pacific & Legally Blonde!
Don't miss the next Spotlight Night at The 5th Avenue Theatre!
These popular free events take you behind the scenes of our upcoming production.
Reserve your tickets in advance by calling 206-625-1900 or stopping by the box office.
You can also reserve your tickets online here:http://bit.ly/8NBVpA
Three of the most important people of the American Theatre will be on our stage for this special free evening: songwriter Laurence O'Keefe, Tony-Award winning producer Hal Luftig and Seattle's Own Tony-award winning director, Bartlett Sher.
ACT 1: “Oh, My God You Guys!”
Meet the Co-Composer/Lyricist and the Lead Producer of Legally Blonde The Musical.
Legally Blonde songwriter Laurence O’Keefe and Tony Award-winning producer Hal Luftig will take us behind-the-scenes of the creation of this big, hit Broadway musical based on the popular film. O’Keefe will play and sing excerpts from his musicals (including the cult favorite Bat Boy) and Luftig will share experiences of his 20-year career as the producer ofBroadway hits such as Thoroughly Modern Millie, Movin’ Out, the current Broadway revival of West Side Story and the upcoming Catch Me If You Can.
ACT 2: “Some Enchanted Evening”
The Rebirth of a Classic Musical
Director Bartlett Sher’s smash-hit Tony Award-winning revival of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific brought spectacular new life to a musical that hadn’t been revived on Broadway since its original production in 1949. Join Sher—the outgoing artistic director of Seattle’s Intiman Theatre and resident director at Lincoln Center Theatre—as he discusses how he and his team made a classic come alive for a new generation.ACT 3: “A Grand Night for Singing”The Art and Artistry of Rodgers & HammersteinSouth Pacific’s creators, Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II, revolutionized the American musical by creating what they called “the musical play.” The 5th Avenue Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director David Armstrong will tell the story of this legendary team, from their early shows with other collaborators to their historic partnership, their timeless shows and their enduring effect on the musical theater. Featuring musical performances by some of Seattle’s finest singers including Patti Cohenour, Jessica Skerrit and Eric Ankrim performing selections from Oklahoma!, Carousel, Flower Drum Song, Cinderella, The King and I and The Sound of Music.
Spotlight Night is sponsored by US Bank.
Performances and guest appearances are subject to change.
Facebook event page here: http://bit.ly/7OUODv
These popular free events take you behind the scenes of our upcoming production.
Reserve your tickets in advance by calling 206-625-1900 or stopping by the box office.
You can also reserve your tickets online here:http://bit.ly/8NBVpA
Three of the most important people of the American Theatre will be on our stage for this special free evening: songwriter Laurence O'Keefe, Tony-Award winning producer Hal Luftig and Seattle's Own Tony-award winning director, Bartlett Sher.
ACT 1: “Oh, My God You Guys!”
Meet the Co-Composer/Lyricist and the Lead Producer of Legally Blonde The Musical.
Legally Blonde songwriter Laurence O’Keefe and Tony Award-winning producer Hal Luftig will take us behind-the-scenes of the creation of this big, hit Broadway musical based on the popular film. O’Keefe will play and sing excerpts from his musicals (including the cult favorite Bat Boy) and Luftig will share experiences of his 20-year career as the producer ofBroadway hits such as Thoroughly Modern Millie, Movin’ Out, the current Broadway revival of West Side Story and the upcoming Catch Me If You Can.
ACT 2: “Some Enchanted Evening”
The Rebirth of a Classic Musical
Director Bartlett Sher’s smash-hit Tony Award-winning revival of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific brought spectacular new life to a musical that hadn’t been revived on Broadway since its original production in 1949. Join Sher—the outgoing artistic director of Seattle’s Intiman Theatre and resident director at Lincoln Center Theatre—as he discusses how he and his team made a classic come alive for a new generation.ACT 3: “A Grand Night for Singing”The Art and Artistry of Rodgers & HammersteinSouth Pacific’s creators, Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II, revolutionized the American musical by creating what they called “the musical play.” The 5th Avenue Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director David Armstrong will tell the story of this legendary team, from their early shows with other collaborators to their historic partnership, their timeless shows and their enduring effect on the musical theater. Featuring musical performances by some of Seattle’s finest singers including Patti Cohenour, Jessica Skerrit and Eric Ankrim performing selections from Oklahoma!, Carousel, Flower Drum Song, Cinderella, The King and I and The Sound of Music.
Spotlight Night is sponsored by US Bank.
Performances and guest appearances are subject to change.
Facebook event page here: http://bit.ly/7OUODv
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
New Voices is back and better than ever! ACT Theatre Monday December 28
Back and better than ever, NEW VOICES gives Seattle its first look at the future of musical theatre. An exciting blend of Sondheim and pop/rock, this next generation of composers is turning Broadway on its ear.
In its' eighth incarnation, NEW VOICES brings Seattle audiences something unique and incredibly entertaining: the chance to hear new musical theatre numbers sung by some of the best vocal talents in town. NEW VOICES will not want to miss out!
Join the Facebook Event Page: http://bit.ly/91CA4t
Order tickets through ACT Theatre: http://bit.ly/6NhzT8
5th Avenue Theatre alumni include:
Nick Garrison (Emcee, CABARET; ROCKY HORROR...; Re-Bar's HEDWIG)
Brandon O'Neill (JOSEPH..., MISS SAIGON, ROCKY HORROR, BUDDY, CABARET)
Eric Ankrim (Jack, INTO THE WOODS; PETER PAN at Seattle Children's Theatre)
Angie Louise (Frau Kost, CABARET)
Nick DeSantis (SUNDAY IN THE PARK...)
Jennifer Paz (Narrator, JOSEPH...)
Tanesha Ross (HAIR)
Diana Huey (MAME)
Cayman Ilika (BUDDY: The Buddy Holly Story; PATSY CLINE, CenterStage/ACT)
nd R.J. Tancioco (JOSEPH..., HAIR) at the piano. (we hear there's also a guitar, bass, cellist and drummer, too!)
Makes a great gift for any musical theatre fan. Or, if you're on santa's "nice" list this year, treat yourself to a fantastic evening of theatre.
It's this coming monday, so clear your calendar and get your tickets!
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