The Princess and The Frog

So many African Americans went to this movie, and blogged/complained about this short beautiful tale. African American Adults wanted so much out of this movie, because it is the first African American Princess. I hesitated on writing my blog entry, because I didn't want to be an adult male as the reviewer. I wanted this review to come from my nieces, who this movie is for, young African American children. Sorry you adults, your opinion (in my opinion) IS NOT VALID!!!!!!!

My nieces, danced in there seats, sang some of the songs (off key) and loved every moment of this tale! To quote my oldest niece at eight years old Diamond-Jay said "Tiana is so beautiful, and she looks like me"! "I want to be her, this halloween"! My smallest niece I must admit did fidget a bit, but fell in love with this tale as well! She laughed hard at the jokes, and smiled the biggest smile ever. They even had there dorky uncle James dancing along with them in my seat! They got to see themselves represented on screen, in a beautiful disney tale, that even uncle James can't wait to own. I even cried some tears of joy at the end of the piece, OK OK, I am a big old sap! I will admit though my one niece did say "Alvin and The Chipmunks the sequel was better, but she still loves Tiana"! Well, there you have it folks, no matter what people say, the Kids loved the movie! Who cares what the adults think, because it really isn't for them anyway!

My Job As Santa!

I went down stairs to help put all the toys under the tree, for my spoiled, cute, intelligent, beautiful, nieces. However, I ended up sitting there, because my sister had it all arranged in her head, and wanted to do it herself. Like the peanut gallery, I sat and commented on every present/toy, that went under the tree. Watching the placement, as my sister, meticulously placed everything in it's proper position. I thought about the story I told my nieces, about, getting a piece of black coal for Christmas, if they were bad this year! Telling them that Santa only brings toys to good kids. Watching how scared they were, before they went to bed, made me laugh, and was priceless. I know, BAD UNCLE!!!!!! I'm excited about the early a.m., and watching there beautiful faces light up, as they run to the tree! OOOO, how can I forget the whole reason for this blog entry. I had one job, and that was to take a bite of the Cookie, and drink some of the milk, they left for Santa. I hope I did a good job, it was tough, cause that cookie was good, and I almost ate the whole thing!

HOME

When i think of home, I think of a place, where there is love over flowing! That is such an amazing first sentence, I wish I actually wrote it, and it wasn't lyrics from "The Wiz"! I am home right now in Pittsburgh, and smiling from ear to ear! My nieces, my dog, my family, the big old Christmas tree, the presents under the tree! The smell of the Pittsburgh air, the cars covered in snow! I love coming home, as I never had a chance to be home for the holidays, in over eight years. I am always working on Christmas, but this year, I am unemployed, and taking advantage of my family! I probably won't blog as much this week my blog family, as I am going to enjoy this holiday week, eating, no gym, no stress, no blogs, just me and my family! I wish all of you bloggers that read my blog, a Happy Holidays!

Much Love

J.R.

Homeless v.s. Bum v.s. Wine Head!

How do you tell the difference between a homeless person, a bum, or a wine head? I have a serious problem with this, because you see I want to give to the world, and those in need! However I don't want to support a drug habit or someone who won't use the money for the right reasons! I gave up recently on giving to the people on the train or the streets. I felt so guilty lately saying no, when I'm blessed with so much! I'm like the Rosie O'donnell of the world, well, the poor version, and want to give, give, and give until no one is out on the streets. I wish there was a way to tell if your money is going for good or not? Back in the day I loved the people standing with the gimmick signs "Give Me a Dollar For Some Weed" signs! This would make me laugh, and I would think at least they are being honest! I would give them money, now I despise there honesty, because GO GET HELP, AND MAYBE YOU CAN GET OFF THESE STREETS! Or was this just a gimmick to get money for other things, like food....UGH!!!!!

My guilt is getting bad, but I'm learning to deal with it! Yesterday GOD knew I was feeling bad, and decided to step in and help me a little. I was ordering Chinese food from the corner Chinese restaurant! A homeless man looked at me in my eyes and pointed at me! I said "me" he nodded "yes". He put his head in the door and said "sorry sir, but I'm hungry, will you order me four chicken wings"! A big smile came over my face, and I said "Of course, come on in"! He said to me "Is this too much to ask for, can you afford it, I will just take an egg roll, if you can't afford the wings"!? I smiled even bigger "No, I can afford it"! Now this is the kind of a man, that I knew definitely didn't want alcohol or drugs! He was actually really hungry, and asked, exactly for what he wanted. I gave him more of course, four wings, shrimp fried rice, and an egg roll! Thank GOD for stepping in, and letting me help someone who looked so happy, and blessed by my actions! I watched a little as he tore through that food and finally said "Happy Holidays, and thank you so much sir, mmmmmm, this is so good"!

Movie Suggestions

I have been to a ton of movies in the last two weeks, because this is my favorite season for the movies. I'm hardly even finished, with my movie going! With The Golden Globes, The SAG Awards, and Oscars around the corner, I have to see as much as possible. Now is the time when all of the no frills, great acting, movies are released. I go to the gym, and when i come out, I walk down to the movies! Here are some of my movie thoughts, thus, far:

The Brothers

Jake Gyllenhaal, and Toby Mcquire are superb actors, and there performances are worth seeing! However, the movie itself is not so good. All the best parts of the movie you see on the previews, which I hate when they give to much away. The ending of the movie for me, was very disappointing! I thought to myself "is this it"? There is a new star in our midst in this movie, and her name is Bailee Madison. This little girl is the new child actress of our future, and she does some beautiful work in this flick!

Everybody Fine

I said, when I saw the previews for this movie, that I would rent it. It did not look that interesting to me. Why did I leave this movie filled with tears, and loving this simple story. It was so beautiful and Robert De Niro is brilliant as always. Such a tender role, and his mannerism was so familiar to me. I know this lonely old guy, and his performance was so touching! Such a sweet beautiful movie!

Precious

Well you know I already talked about Precious, and you have to know that this is the best movie of this year, hands down. I don't know if anything will touch this movie for me, but the race is still on! Monique's performance alone is worth more than the twelve dollars and fifty cents you pay in New York City for a movie! This movie is so heart wrenching, and you have to go with your Kleenex box ready at your arm at all times.

A Single Man

One of the most beautiful movies that I have ever seen, However, so dark, but simple and pure. Colin Firth gives a gorgeous performance! The supporting actors in it, are all super models in there looks, but so talented. The style and mood of the film is so artsy, and I enjoyed the feeling of the direction. I can't forget one of the best actresses who has been robbed in years to past, of an Oscar, (Being Julia) in my opinion Mrs. Julianne Moore! Her performance is stellar as well!

An Education

A must see at the movie theaters. I loved this tale, and all the performances were astounding! There is nothing more to say but go see this movie!

Up In The Air

I didn't care, and critics love this movie! People are obsessed, and it got nominated for so many awards already. I was bored, I found myself checking my facebook during this movie! Looking into space, wondering when it was going to end. I predicted most of the movie actually! BORING!!!! I can see how people find this movie interesting, but an award winner???? Hmmm, maybe it is just me, but I have to pass. George Clooney was great as always! I hated Anna Kendrick in this movie, and found her acting to be so NOT honest!!!!!! She could have made some of the funny choices she made, and it would have been better, if she believed them! HIDEOUS! On a happy note Vera Farmiga was so amazing and captivating on screen. Go see this movie at your own risk, I predict many awards for it, but I will be watching in disappointment!

Christmas at The White House A Surprise Revelation for me!

Joining Oprah and the first family through the beautiful White House, was an amazing experience for me. First of all, I'm in love with there dog Bo, and wanted him for myself asap! He was the sweetest dog, I had ever seen. The house was really beautiful, and I couldn't even imagine, living in that house at the holidays! How could you not be in the Christmas spirit every single day? A warm fuzzy feeling, grazed my body as I watched this stunning special on t.v. The interesting thing about the interview with the Obama family, was that I felt like I was watching my Aunt, Uncle, Cousin, or somebody I knew on the screen. There mannerisms, they way they spoke, there sense of humor. I know this sounds cliche, but now I understand more than ever, how important having the first family being an African American family, is to "us" as a culture. As you know, I never dreamed of this happening, and I'm all about may the best man or women win. I always knew that this was a special event, but the Christmas Special sent me over the edge. Wow, I can relate, to that person up there. If he can do it, so can my kids, cousins or any of my family members! The impossible dream, is now not so impossible anymore. Is this how Caucasians felt for years? Is this the feeling that was probably taken for granted? WOW, is this why Caucasian people felt relaxed in today's society? They got to sit at the most powerful seat for years, and also never felt like they couldn't reach and have what ever they wanted out of this life? This door has opened up for me, and I'm always one to try and break down a door! I'm glad I'm strong, but blessed to know that other young African Americans are watching, and feeling the exact same way! My wish now is that, other cultures: Latino Americans, Asian Americans etc. get to have the same feeling I'm having now someday!

Restroom

So I got a massage in New York City, which, happened to be amazing by the way! I had to go wee wee, so I went into the little boys room, and this sign was up! Do you find this funny? I sure didn't, well, I guess they attempted some humor! I think they would be better off without the humor! If you have a chance, also take a gander at the last sentence! I think that is more funny than the joke! Just wanted to share with you blog world!

The Soap Opera Dies

I'm sure many of you who have read my blog know how I one day dreamed of being on a soap opera! It is very interesting, how that dream is dying, as well, as how fast the soap opera is fading away into the dust! I always wanted to be a soap star who does musical theater once in a while! That sounds like the ideal life, you get to do scene work everyday, and take a break sometimes to sing and dance on Broadway! For someone like me who loves a challenge and is all about the work, this would have been ideal. You can also be a celebrity, and not lose your life!! I'm sad to say, it seems the soap opera is dying a slow death. "All My Children", just moved to L.A. on Friday, leaving New York City in the dust. "The Guiding Light", light is turned off, as it left New York City, like three months ago, and is now off the air! Now I just heard "As The World Turns", the world will not be turning anymore, and it is closing the end of this year! Leaving New York City with only one soap opera left, "One Life To Live"!!!! That sucks big time for all of us New York City actors, leaving us with no soap opera work to be had! Killing my dream, and stamping it's big toe all over it, and smashing that dream into shattered pieces! Well, there are some soap operas such as "General Hospital", "All My Children", and "The Young and The Restless", and all filmed in LA... I guess I can still be a soap star, but how do I do double duty??? I can't be on a soap and Broadway from the West Coast? I guess I need to dream bigger???? I'm OK with that, because the world is at my feet to be had! Poor Poor Poor Soap Opera folks out of work!!!!! How much longer does the hit soap operas have? Are they all doomed to death? This is crazy, do housewives not watch soaps during the day any more? What is going on? Well, at the least, I can say the only soap opera that I still admittedly watch, is still on the air, and going strong. I would have to move to L.A. for that dream, but I can still have it in the back of my head. Oh, if you don't know, that is "The Young and The Restless", yes I admit it, I watch it almost everyday!!!!!

Proud, Happy, Tears!

Last night, I went to the theater to see friends on stage, perform for there lives! It was amazing to go back to a show, that I have seen before, and see it again, but this time with many friends on that stage! The piece of work I saw was "In The Heights", and I enjoyed it more the second time, then I did my first go around! The energy of the show is so fresh and great. You feel like everyone up there wants to be on that stage. Well, mostly everyone, there where a couple of people I saw marking, but not many, and for the most part the joy of the piece was there. "In The Heights" is such a simple tale, and in this case--less is more--works for me! I truly enjoyed Javier Munoz performance, you would think it would be hard to be a replacement (with big shoes to fill) in that show, but he was superb. Chris Jackson and Robin De Jesus, was brilliant as always! Olga Merediz, and Andrea Burns are always top notch!!!! There was one casting choice I would have done without, but I won't mention it, and I will keep it to myself, however, SHE was fine, but I'm sure there was better out there. That is all I will say!

Now one of my x-cast members (Gabrielle Ruiz) who played Diana on the national tour of A Chorus Line is an understudy in the show! She was on for Nina the lead last night! When she walked out on that stage, I got so nervous for her. I don't know why, cause I know how extremely talented she is! She opened her mouth to sing, and heaven came out of her voice! She sounded so pure, so strong, so amazing. My eyes began to swell up like a proud dad. You see this is her dream show, and she talked about how she wanted to play Nina so badly while she was in A Chorus Line! To actually see her make her Broadway Debut, and to see first hand, everything she talked about come to life on that stage. Has touched me in so many ways, that I can't even express. She was beautiful, and triumphant last night, and I'm very proud of her.

Secondly our Paul from the A Chorus Line tour, (Kevin Santos) is also an understudy, but he was in the ensemble of the show last night. It was great to see him up on that stage. He danced so beautifully, and his presence was stellar and star studded as always. There was a scene in particular, when he wears this "smooth criminal" suit, and the grandma is singing her face off, and I couldn't keep my eyes off his lines, and the way he moved. BRAVO!!!!! I say "BRAVO"!!!!!

Lastly, a dear friend of mine from "Mamma Mia", (Rick Negron) who has many Broadway credits, is now playing the dad "In The Heights", and it was great to see him..I expected him to be the star that he is, because he is so seasoned, and gifted. It was amazing to see his work in this show, because he too, during the "Mamma Mia" days, talked about how he wanted this. Here he is making it happen, and that was awesome!

I am so proud and inspired by the theater once again, and it is good to see friends, and watch before my very eyes there dreams come true! I also had a couple other friends in the ensemble, that I don't want to forget, they were beautiful as well on stage! The show as a whole still has so much heart. The cast is stellar, and I suggest everyone to go see "In The Heights"!

match.com update

OK my friends keeping asking me how is match.com going for me? Well, here is your update on my online love life! I hated every second of it, and it didn't turn out to be something I personally wanted to do. I deleted my account, and am no longer looking for love on line! It is just not my kind of thing, and it was time to stop waisting my time. I think this was a great revelation at this point of my life. I am so focused, on me, and my career, that a love life will have to be on hold. Well there you have it, MATCH.com is not for me.

Tamara Tunie

Like me Tamara Tunie is born and raised in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania! I met her mother the other night, she was with a friend of mine going to see the musical "Girl Crazy" at encores! Her mom was so sweet, with such a beautiful light around her, and great energy! The weird thing was I had been meaning to blog about Tamara Tunie, she had been in "my blog ideas" for a while now! After meeting her mother, I knew it was time to finally write about this talented actress that I admire! Now, oddly enough, with as many mutual friends as we have, I have never met Tamara Tunie, but I'm sure it will happen in the near future! The genius part about Tamara's career, is that you may see her in a movie, on a soap, on T.V. and on Broadway at any time. She is also a silent producer, such as producing shows like Spring Awakenings! This women is smart, and has her hands all over New York City! This is the career I only strive for. At one point Tamara was in the concert production of Dreamgirls playing Michelle, also, on As The World Turns, as a principal, and at the same time on Law Order SVU! A show that you can still see her on. I was in amazement, at all the shows she was in at once. Did she have a life? How did she do it all at the same time? I have so many questions for the beautiful star?? Well, I just wanted to introduce you blog world to another talented actress! With a life I dream of someday having, I say hat's off to Tamara Tunie!!!!!

My Heart Was Happy

Yesterday as I got on the train I felt my heart get filled up with love, and I couldn't help but stare at some amazing New York City simple events! I saw a dad, pushing a stroller, and he had his little daughter and son! Something about seeing a dad take care of his two children, pulled at my heart strings. I watched the masculine man, push the stroller, listened to the roar of his New York City voice, and loved the precious moments he spent with his children. I think this gets me every time because I never had a dad growing up. It was always just me and my strong beautiful mother (Trudy)! When they got on the train, I watched out of the corner of my eye, in envy, in awe, as he played with the kids, explaining the New York City transit map to them, and just gave them all the love in the world. This made my heart very happy!

Then I got off the train to the gym, and was doing my workout! I was sweating, and not really wanting to be there, I kept day dreaming. I looked in one of the aerobic work out rooms, and inside I saw a Big Latino Man, ballroom dancing with an African American Male. I stopped, looked, and gagged, at how good they were. My eyes were mesmerized on the foot work, and the beauty, but yet the oddness of two men partnering each other! The big Latino man was the leader, and the skinny African American boy followed, as he turned, kicked, lunged, and dropped that head back to the ground in a layout. It was so stunning to watch, and motivated me for the rest of my work out. This made my heart very happy!

Lastly, I got back on the train to go back home, because I had a whole lot of homework to do, like learning this new monologue, Christmas cards, and learning some new music for my audition book! This time I got on the train upset, because it was so crowded and had to stand up. Ugh, I didn't want to stand, but right below was a little boy around 6 years old, and his mother. Nothing out of the ordinary about that, I watched them a little, and it was your normal mother/son relationship. Then about 10 minutes into the ride, the other mother grabbed the boys leg, and start playing in his hair. Oh, I didn't even know she was with them, I thought she was just another passenger on the train! This was a beautiful thing to behold, two moms taking caring of there son! My heart was very happy!

I Am Not Perfect And I Hate It!

I have a serious problem of wanting to be perfect at everything I do! This will definetely become a problem when I start my acting class at the end of January! UGH! Why am I such a perfectionist? Why do I work so hard at making it right? Why do I get frustrated when I can't get it the first time around? Yesterday in my voice lesson, when I couldn't sing, (OK I'm exagaratting) but I didn't sing my best! I got so upset with myself, and went home and practiced, practiced, practiced, practiced until my vocal chords was on the floor, and I could barely sing anymore. What???? They say practice makes perfect? Right? Then at the gym today, I couldn't get an excercise my traininer was teaching! I couldn't do it? My heart raced, my mind raced, and couldn 't grasp at the idea that it wasn't happening? I kept trying, and my trainer encouraged me by saying" in time, I will be able to do it and, that I just need to work on my core more". But I was not happy with it, and it ate at me the whole day! UGH! I hate this perfectionist side, wish me luck, and I hope I can breathe through it!

Update/The Visitor

My room is coming together quite nicely, I have painted it a very calming color, I have furniture, I even hung up some art! I'm so happy to finally have a bed to lay my head on, and when I tell you that mattress that I selected is like heaven. I never wanna get out of the bed, it is so amazing to my body! I was not playing with the mattress selection, I made sure to lay my head on all of them, before I chose one!

I have my first voice lesson with my teacher tonight, after like 5 years of being away. I'm a little nervous, and excited to work on some new music! I also have my interview with the acting school, I will be joining in January, tonight as well!

I did it again, I chose New York Sports Club, and got myself a personal trainer, but only for 10 sessions. I felt like I needed someone to give me a new work out. I'm feeling so stagnant with my old one! New York City has been great thus far, and the transition is going well, although, in many ways I feel like I'm starting all over in my career. However, I do think it is a great thing to reinvent ones self. I thought I should give you a brief update before I started my short blog entry this morning!

Here is the real reason I'm writing, I rented a movie yesterday, that I fell in love with! It is a short, simple, and great story. The name of the movie is "The Visitor", and I just fell in love with this indie film! I wanted to put it out there for the blog world to know what a great escape this movie is. I don't want to tell you what the movie is about, but I do want you to rent it! Lately, I feel like I should have been a critic in another life! However, that is one of the reasons I started this blog, I love to tell people about gem movies, theater, actors, etc! I love to give folks insight on things that are not that popular, so that you can explore other artistic avenues! The only problem is, you could enjoy the things I dislike, and dislike the things I love, and that is why having an opinion is so important! RENT THE VISITOR, tell me what you think?

In The Next Room or The Vibrator Play

Last night I got a free ticket to "In The Next Room or The Vibrator Play", and I didn't know what to expect! The play is taking place in the 19Th century, and it is about a man who is a scientist, and he invents a vibrator for "medical use"! That is all the information I will give you! This is definitely an adult comedy, that is produced by Lincoln Center! I laughed so hard, I found the play very sexual, adult, and smart! The story was very simple and interesting, however, I didn't leave raving about this play. I found it to be such a simple story, that I felt like the major conflict wasn't strong enough! To the point where there were times I was thinking to myself "When is something major going to happen"! I know sometimes less is more, but for me this time less didn't work! The cast is very strong, and the talent up on that stage could not be denied! Every character has a resolve at the end, which is always nice to feel complete at the end of a play! I will say it was quite clever and I was entertained, just not a rave review from me! On a last note you do get to see complete nudity at the end of the play, which kind of shocked me! I don't mind nudity when it furthers the plot, and I definitely felt like you needed it, for the arc of the lead character! It was done very tastefully and the set was a beautiful stunning transition in the end! Well blog world this is my review on this play, more to come, as I have more free tickets next week. I love having friends in the business, I don't have to pay to see Broadway! YAY!

Our First Lady; Michelle Obama!

They had the first state dinner at The White House, and last night I dreamed I was at the lavish-- vegetarian feast! I saw it on the news, and it looked beautiful! Well, due to the holiday, and my baby sister's birthday! I'm keeping this blog entry short and sweet! The highlight of the evening, and the thing everyone is talking about! Is the fashion our first lady wore. Michelle Obama is so stunning and is giving Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy a run for her money as best dressed first lady! Jacqueline was a star and a trend setter, and it is nice to see Michelle do the same thing for our generation! I leave you blog world with some pics of our beautiful first lady, and her stunning dress designed by Naeem Khan (whose name is now on the map)! HAPPY TURKEY DAY MY FRIENDS!

Adam Lambert

The American Music Awards is always my least favorite award show, because the winners are based on record sales! Which is not as thrilling as some academy of music, nominating a person, on talent and artistry! However, I did manage to catch some of the show, and most of the performances! Now to the point of this whole blog, I did enjoy Adam Lambert risky performance, although he does sound like a musical theater performer singing pop! He works a little too hard vocally, but it is nice to hear he can actually sing. When most albums are over produced with pro tools and affect!

His over the top performance, of making out with a man, and walking around sexually driven! Was fun to me, and it look liked an awesome show! Nothing about that number, has freaked me out, and it isn't anything I haven't seen on stage before. When we have artist like Lady Ga Ga who gets praise for rolling around in blood. Or Madonna who sings Like a Virgin in a wedding dress while basically masturbating on the ground , and then making out with Britney Spears. When we have Marilyn Manson period! Why does Adam get so much flack you might ask? Hmmmmmm..Is it because he is a homosexual male? So many double standards in this country, and America needs to get over themselves, and there "gay" issues! Now Good morning America is not letting him perform on there show, but CBS said " Your Stupid" we will take him! I don't know what exactly happened, but why couldn't Good morning America just ask him to tone down his performance???? Oh well, I guess CBS knows controversy sales. This is actually a great beginning for Adam, making people talk about you, is the best thing an artist can do!

THE MORAL OF THIS STORY IS HOMOSEXUAL RIGHTS, LET FOLKS GET MARRIED, AND LEAVE ADAM LAMBERT ALONE!!!!! (BIG SMILE)

The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

To walk into church on a Sunday is always something I look forward too! I actually love organized religion, a place where you can pray, experience your faith, and love for GOD with others! The one reason I chose The Brooklyn Tabernacle was, because I love music ministry! If you know me , then you know, I love good music, and when I sing I feel closer to GOD! However, this Sunday at the Brooklyn Tabernacle I just did a bunch of listening! The choir sang, joy, love, peace, and happiness swept through my body! The 5 time Grammy award winning choir is so amazing, then, unexpectedly a new soloist came up, that I never heard sing! She was a white women, with big eyes, and she stood there, so calm, and reverent! I thought to myself "What is she going to do", I know judging at church!!!! (OPPS) Anyway, she opened her mouth, and a voice from heaven, a anointed voice like no other came out of her mouth! She sang for the blood of Jesus, and the holy spirit was filled all over that place! She hit notes, and modulated up, up, up and up! Just when you thought a human voice couldn't go any higher, she did it again! WOW!!!! There is so so so much talent right there at The Brooklyn Tabernacle, and I truly enjoy there music ministry! If you get a chance and you are in NYC, you have to make a trip to Brooklyn on a Sunday just to hear this awesome choir sing! It is something I look forward to every week!

DREAMGIRLS

I have always been obsessed with the musical "Dreamgirls", and I probably know every song, every line, and every beat in that show! It is apart of my history in theater, and is one of those shows that has helped me to dream of what I want to do for a living! I haven't seen a good production of "Dreamgirls" in my life, I always see the show, and I'm disappointed at something! Thursday evening the cast of A Chorus Line, (The X Cast of ACL) got free tickets to the revival tour of "Dreamgirls", because it was a Michael Bennett work, and we share producers!

I walked into the legendary iconic Apollo theater, with a joyous spirit, this is where it began for many artist! To see the musical "Dreamgirls" in this space was so appropriate to the show, the era, and where this show takes place! Some people claim the story of "Dreamgirls" is the true untold story of Diana Ross and the Supremes! However Diana Ross denys it, and claims that it is a work of fiction. Even though the parallels to the Supremes and the musical is very evident! I sit back in my seat, greeting all my fellow X Chorus Liner's, I felt very safe, because I didn't feel unemployed anymore. I felt like I was still on tour with the cast in some random city! Anyway, the show begins, and too much my surprise this production was revived and was brilliant! I loved every moment of it, from the amazing costume changes, to the jumbo trom projectors, to the extreme talent on that stage! I was twisting and turning through the music, and enjoyed every one's performance. Those folks on that stage was sanging there faces off, and I can't imagine doing that eight times a week! The choreography was amazing, a new take on Michael Bennett's work, and I usually don't like change to this musical, but it was all for the better. One of the highlighted choreographed moments was "Stepping To The Bad Side", this was off the chain! AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!! I'm trying not to tell you too much blog world, because you have to see this national tour!!!! It is so hard for me, because I want to tell you everything! Just trust me it was an awesome experience, and wonderful unexpected night in theater. Three actors to mention of stealing the show was the characters Effie, James Thunder Early, and Lorelle! All three were superb and went home with the show in the palm of there hands! The Lorelle was my favorite by far though, she was the most well rounded, actress, singer, and dancer! Some scenes left me speechless with chills up and down my spine! I advice everyone to go see this production of "Dreamgirls" you will not be disappointed! One of my favorite shows brought back to life, and done in a way that everyone will enjoy it!

The Jheri Curl

I was on the train yesterday, minding my own business, reading "Breaking Dawn", the last of the books from The Twilight Series! I looked up from my book, and across from me was a man with a jheri curl! A real life jheri curl, from the 80s! I haven't seen one in so long, that it took me by surprise! Do they still sell "soul glow" products out there in the world? I started laughing so hard, that I had to pretend that my loud chuckle came from reading my book! I really couldn't believe my eyes, and he had the kind of jheri curl, that had the big shag in the back of his head. Jheri Curls were always so messy in the late 80's, you had to wear a cap over your head so that you wouldn't have pillow stains! The jheri curl is so greasy, shiny, and crazy looking! I found myself mesmerized by the jheri curl, and staring at him out of the corner of my eye! He looked so "period" on the train, and I wondered does this man think he is cool? Is he making a statement? Did he just never change his hair from the 80's? Is he married? What does his wife think about his hair? How does his friends or siblings feel about his hair? Is the person next to him going to get wet from his jheri curl juice? Hmmm?? Well, this man certainly got me to thinking about a messy time in African American hair, and I truly hope the jheri curl doesn't come back!!!!!!

Chapter TWO: First Day "Home" in NYC

The day started with a lot of phone calls, and just trying to get settled! Searching for furniture for the bed room, (as I lay on an air mattress) paint colors, etc! The beginning of furnishing a bed room that is just four walls and some suit cases! Calling to make all my doctors appointments, dental, eye exams, etc! Things that were hard to do on tour! After all of that was done, I went on the search for the "right" gym for me! The gym is so important to my lively hood and my career! This tour has put me in many gyms, therefore I feel my search and fit has to be just right! I now know what I want from a gym: clean, good classes, and a friendly supportive environment! My search led me to many in New York City, but today I'm deciding between David Barton or New York Sports Club! We shall see who wins the fight???

I fired my agent yesterday, because we just want two different things for my career, and now I'm on the search for a new agent! I feel like I'm starting all over again, and I'm not mad at it! Now I'm doing things, that I know I should do, because the last time I lived in New York City, I didn't take advantage of the system, and couldn't afford to do so many things. This time I am doing it my way, and taking a major intensive acting class! That I start at the end of January, and I'm getting those chops back up to par! I realized that this is my dream, and I have to make it happen. I'm very picky now, and hands on with my career! I'm going to make it happen, and nothing is going to stop me!!!!!

As I walked around New York City yesterday, it felt new to me! The air, the buildings, the people, and maybe it is because I have changed so much since the last time I lived here! I'm more focused, grounded, and ready to fight for my career! I know it sounds so intense, but in this big city you have to put your arms up! And just start swinging, if you want to come out on top. New York will take you in, chew you up, take all your money, and spit you out!!!!!! GET INTO IT!

The night ended with one of my favorite things; a movie! Going to see a movie with a savvy New York audience is always fun! I saw the movie "Precious" last night! I cried from beginning to end, and marvelled at it's brilliance! All of the actors in this movie are so raw, honest, and spell binding! I will say it again, this cast is so fantastic, and this story tore me to pieces! You have to go see this brilliant work on the screen and I predict many Oscar nods coming it's way! I loved, loved, loved, this movie! Run to go see it! ASAP! Oh, and have your tissues in an easy place to reach, cause you will be using them!

Oh by the way, blog world, this is my 100Th post! I find it quite comforting that it is my 100Th and my first day writing about my new chapter of life! Thanks blog friends for following, supporting, and listening to my head! MUCH LOVE JUST J.R.

Chapter One is Over!

I have finished my year and half, and beautiful journey of A Chorus Line! It was an amazing closing night, and a feeling of joy rushed over my body! It was an emotional evening filled with cast members, smiling, crying, laughing, hugging, and just LOVE! You felt the ray of light shine through the whole company, and the love for each other through out the day was unavoidable! It was a very proud moment for me, and this chapter of my life on tour is now closed! I'm so happy to have shared a year and half with so many special people! With a show I dreamed of since I was a little boy, and to do it on this big scale! To tour the world, and give to people the joy, love, and passion I have for this show was an honor! I thank GOD every day for the experience itself! I also love my new family, we have been through so much together. Tour fights, love, laughs, cries, complaints, showmances, yearning and many other things! I will miss these people that I spent every moment with for a year and a half, my ACL family! Now off to the next chapter of my life! Chapter 2 begins today, as I lay here safe and sound in my Brooklyn apartment! This blog is no longer about the employed actor on tour, now to get to know the unemployed actor on a job search! On a journey to fulfill his life long dreams!

NOW! PANICK! CALM! LOVE! JUST BEING!

Slight panic attack, and excitement ran through my body this morning! Did I save enough money? Did I pack everything I was supposed to? Was NYC the right place for me or should I have tried LA? Is this show really ending? Is my body going to heal itself after the year and half of torture? BREATHE!

I have three days left of A Chorus Line, and no more pay checks! YAY! I'm so excited for my future endeavors, and the unknown scares me! Remember I have to live in the now, and I am doing fabulous here and now! I have my own dressing room stage level at the theater, and I'm still going to get paid for my vacation days! I get to go home to my family for the holidays! I'm so happy to finally be in one place and be able to say hi to the people at the grocery store, gym, laundry, and neighbors! A sense of being stable is enough for me! I love feeling stable, and I'm moving back to Brooklyn, where my church is, and where all my dreams began! This apartment has many memories for me, and my roommate is one of my friends from child hood, and one of my best friends in the world! This place I'm moving back to, is a place that I lived in when I first began my career and struggled as an actor! To move back there with money now, and the new knowledge I have, is going to be a full circle moment! See my best friends roommate moved out right when I was in need of a apartment! FATE!!!! I feel like it was all meant to be, the timing of it, and the way it just all fell into place! LIFE, a new chapter, is finally beginning for me! This blog has pushed all my panic away--for now anyway! This was an interesting journey, and I have made new great friends along the way! I love what I do for a living, and I can't wait to inspire the world with what I have to offer with the next gig! I can't wait to just give myself to GOD, and let him work his magic! I can't wait to just be!

Oh Canada

My stay here in Canada has been a pleasant surprise, and I must admit that I truly love this country! I enjoyed most of my moments here in Canada. I just wish I could use my phone, and the Internet was a little better! The shopping, the people, and the places have been great to me! A year ago we went to TORONTO, and this city reminded me of New York City, (but cleaner) I enjoyed my stay in Toronto, even though it was freezing cold! Toronto had so much theater, culture, friendly people, Jazz, Food, Museums and just a plan old awesome city! Here are the new places in Canada, I have been on this last leg of the tour:

OTTAWA

I have never been to Ottawa before, and immediately fell in love with this city! The castles I past on the way to work, and the people were great. It was a beautiful city, and full of city life, trend and culture! I didn't know what to expect when I got there, but it ended up being a favorite spot of mine!

SASKATOON

This is the worse place I have been to in my life, dirty, and just nothing to do! I will never ever want to go back to that dirty, dreary, gloomy, disaster of a city. It was the Detroit of Canada, with that said, I'm sure you understand how I feel about that city!

CALGARY

Was a great cow town, with Lot's to do, and great restaurants, and just a nice down home city in Canada. The hotel we stayed at the Westin, was so beautiful and comfortable! I must admit, I didn't want to leave that hotel. It was awesome, and we as a cast had an amazing Halloween Party at Earls! Calgary also had a nice night life, full of fun, and interesting people! I really like this town!

VANCOUVER

I want to move to Vancouver ASAP, and this is my favorite place in Canada thus far. They have a great city, and the condos were so beautiful! The architecture was superb, and the bridges, mountains, beaches, and water was stunning! I felt like you got the feel of a big city life, with suburbia all around you. You got the best of both words. If there was more theater in that town, I would definitely want to think about living there! VANCOUVER ROCKS!

EDMONTON

Is dull, but I don't care, because it is my last week! I'm spending more time getting my life together for NYC, and packing stuff up and winding down this gig! The hotel here is great, and we are connected to a mall. They also have Canada's biggest mall here, The West Edmonton Mall, with a full water park, roller coasters, etc inside the mall, which is quite awesome!

All together Canada is a friendly, and a great country!

MAD MEN

I know you are thinking I'm crazy, and obsessed with the "Boob Tube", as my late grandmother would call it! However, I just did that whole top 10 t.v. blog! Now I just had to write about Mad Men. Last night was the season finale of the show, and I have to say it has inspired me so much that I have to blog about it! When I tell you the writing on this show, is like none ever written before in the history of television. I love that it is on American Movie Classics, and they stay so true to the time period, from the clothing, gestures, ambiance, down to the way they pour drinks! The style of acting is even staying true to the time period! I want to be on this show but I fear as an African American male, I can only play the door man or the elevator guy! This show is so brilliant, and so mesmerizing! The actors on it are all fantastic, even down to the under 5's or the extras! Everything about this show is amazing! I advise all my blog friends to start at season 1 and work there way to where we are now! I strongly think there is no way you can't fall in love with this show! Every time it comes on the screen it is so simple, honest, and you go into there world! LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE MAD MEN!

T.V. T.V AND MORE T.V.

Everyone knows how much I love to watch television, and am obsessed with acting, good scripts, twisting plots, and just anything to get away from daily life! Here is my list of the Top 10 T.V. shows that I love so far this season! It was interesting for me to make this list, because there are things I watch this season, that I vow never to watch again! Things that I watched in the past that is just getting worse by the season! Things that are new to me, that I just am falling in love with! Here are my favorites in order, number 1 being the most compelling thing on T.V. this season!

10. Vampire Diaries -- Pop television at it's best, with a feeling of TWILIGHT SERIOUS! Very teeny bopper, but I like it!
9. Modern Family--New funny comedy on ABC, that is just a twist at raising kids in 2009! FUNNY FUNNY FUNNY
8. The Real Housewives of ATL--Ghetto Fabulous smut! LOVE IT!
7. Desperate Housewives--They lost me last season, and I almost gave up! Glad I didn't this season is light and fun!
6. Ugly Betty--Another show that I didn't enjoy last season, this season is clever, and brilliant!
5. Top Chef Las Vegas--AMAZING, EVERY SEASON OF THIS SHOW, I HAVE LOVED!
4. Brother's and Sisters--What can I say? Sally Fields, and this whole cast is awesome. Love this show, I laugh, smile, and cry!
3. Grey's Anatomy-- One of my favorite shows, and the new cast members are compelling and amazing!
2. Glee--Is brilliant, and I wish they had a show like this when I was a young lad! AWESOME
1. Mad Men--By far the best script, and acting on T.V. today, and ever!!!!

SHOWS I'M EXCITED ABOUT THAT AREN'T OUT YET! 24, BIG LOVE, AND TRUE BLOOD!

HERE IS MY OPINION OF WELL ROUNDED T.V. FOR THIS SEASON! WHEW, SO MUCH TIVO WORK TO DO WHEN I GET BACK TO THE CITY!

WHAT???? ........

I don't eat fast food much at all! I probably actually walk into a McDonald's, KFC, Burger King etc. maybe once every three to four months! When I do actually step foot into a fast food joint, that means I am craving it! I love Burger King, because it has a charbroiled hamburger, that is watery and delicious in my mouth! I honestly probably haven't had a Burger King Whopper in a year! I saw a Burger King, two cities ago, and I was going to go inside, but never made it! Therefore, I see one her in Vancouver, and I thought to myself, mmmmm, that sounds like a nice treat at the end of the tour! A nice, big, juicy, Whopper, to enter in my mouth, with some onion rings to top it all off! OOOOOOO I can't wait to fill that thing in the back of my throat, and my taste buds to savor every last moment of it! I walk inside the Burger King with a grin on my face, and ready to get my grub on! I order a number one with an onion ring, with a chipper disposition! The man behind the counter turns to me, and says " We are out of Whoopers"! WHAT???? YOU ARE ALL OUT OF WHOPPERS? I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING! A BURGER KING, WITH OUT THERE MAIN BURGER? WHERE AM I? UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

This Is It

Jealousy hit me hard, as I watched these very talented dancers, get picked to dance for Michael Jackson! As they poured there hearts out in the beginning of the flick, talking about there dream coming true! WOW, I thought to myself, that is an accomplishment, and had to be an indescribable thrill! I watch these talents, of all different races, dance like never before, and live in every moment, it was awesome! The talent on that stage was unreal, from the band, ex specially that female guitarist! WOW, and the Asian back up singer, with the voice of a angel! Everyone was so gifted, and if this concert happened, I would have paid tons to have experience it live!

Michael Jackson is the man, and at first it was hard to watch his mask of a face, frail body, and HUGE hands! I thought to myself "He doesn't look so good"! Then 10 minutes in the movie, I became an audience members biggest night mare. Smiling, crying, dancing in my seat, bobbing my head, fidgety, living in every moment, dreaming, loving, and mostly inspired. To watch this genius work, was such a feeling that I can't explain. The professionalism, the way he treated his band, crew, back up singers etc. It was amazing to watch this man, and someone I idolize work! He worked it out, Michael sounded great, and would get so caught up in the moment, and sing everything full out! He would get mad at himself, because he wanted to rest his voice! That very recognizable, voice penetrated through my body, and I felt a spirit inside of me, that lifted me up, and made me feel so awesome! The genius M.J. heard many things in the orchestrations of his songs! He can hear things, that I would be like "what are you talking about"?, and when they corrected it I said to myself "Oh WOW, powerful, and genius"! How can he hear those things? He danced up there on that stage free style, choreography on point, pop locking, spinning, jumping, something moving in his soul, depth, brilliance and love! This legend is like no other, and I'm glad I got to see the movie. I don't want to give away to much, because I advise anyone who reads my blog to go see this flick! Take it all in, and I'm already excited for the DVD release! The legend, the man, the king of pop, Michael Jackson!!!!!!!

Advertisement At It's Best!

I have seen it all, and thought you should see it as well! I was walking up the street minding my business, and then BAM it hit me like a flash of light! The sign above, and I just had to share it with the blog world! Does this make you wanna get waxed for XMAS?

Look Out World

I love to find, search, and discover new talent! OK I don't discover them, they do all the work! I just love to see a face that no one really knows on T.V. Someone who is just breaking the mold of years of trying to make this thing called acting happen! Who I think is extremely talented, and would love to work with! The big Oscar winners of the future, and some of the most talented people on screen today! Someone who is not a household name yet, but has talent oozing out of there pours! Being a actor myself, I have very high standards, of what I consider good! Here are my four new favorite actors of 2009! Mind you they are not that new, some have been in Broadway shows, and have been working there booty off! They are just not house hold names yet, and I enjoy there work equally!

AISHA HINDS

This actress is amazing, and usually has an accent in every project I see her in! She is not your traditional Hollywood beauty, but stunning never the less! She has some of the most unique, honest, and soulful amount of work out there now! I loved her in the first season of True Blood, and saw her in many other projects since that show! I just rediscovered her again in this season of Desperate Housewives! Watch out world this women's talent, is going to let you have it!

Nelsan Ellis

This actor is probably my favorite on True Blood by far! He is so talented, and captivating on screen! He was also in The Soloist with Jamie Fox, and many other. He is a graduate of Julliard, and also is a writer! He is one of those actors that I see, and say "damn I want that role"! WOW, amazing! I'm in envy of this man's talent!


VIOLA DAVIS

If you don't know Viola Davis, then you need to know her asap! She got nominated for an Oscar in doubt! She has many supporting film credits, and many t.v. credits. I first fell in love with her when she was on Broadway in Seven Guitars! This women puts the "A" in acting! Never have I seen a more brilliant actress, and if she doesn't win many Oscars. I don't know what the world would be thinking! Viola Davis is a master class in acting, and I hold her up there with my idol Jeffrey Wright! Run to see Viola in anything, even if she has one line. I'm sure you would learn something just from watching her one line!

CHRIS MESSINA

This actor makes me fall in love with him every time I see him on screen. His charm, is a brilliant untouchable thing! He is usually so funny, but yet honest, and pure! I love his work, and find myself very happy to see him as a leading man! I don't know his work as well as the other candidates. I just remember watching Julie and Julia the movie, and while I liked Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, I loved Chris Messina! He stole the movie for me, in my opinion! Then I just rented Away We Go, and there he was again,just as charming, and amazing as the first time! Truly talented man, and I hope to see more from him in the future!




NOTE: Pics on the top! Are in the order I speak about the actors!

Titties 2009

I have worked my booty off this year, to get my pecs to pump out of my chest! You see I began this tour "flat as a pancake"! I weighed 150 pounds, and consistently stayed there! I now weigh 160 and have gained 10 pounds of muscle! I made a vow in one of my first posts on here "I saw what they are hiring"! To make my body, so much better! Me and a friend on the tour had a slogan "Titties 2009"! With that in my head, I am actually very happy with my pecs, shoulders, and arms! GOD only knows it has been a struggle for me. Some months of working out, were much better than others! Sometimes I was obsessed and would go to the gym all the time. There were also weeks, no maybe even months, when I ate cake, cookies, and said forget the gym! It is tough to maintain your body, and everyday I struggle at making it a lifestyle. Like today, I said I was going to the gym, but I'm sitting here blogging about it instead! LOL! The work has paid off, and I'm happy that I have gotten bigger! I can leave this tour with some pecs! YAY!

Now for the abs, and that takes even more discipline, cause that means I have to do more cardio, add more ab days, and eat right! UGH, it is never ending, but one day I will take a picture of my body and I will be so so so happy! I have a beautiful friend on the ACL tour, and she knows who she is! Who has a husband who has been working out for like only 6 months. She showed me a picture of his new abs. I just about passed out, AMAZING, wash board stunning, WOW and he is now my new motivation! My new slogan is "Abs 2010"! The never ending process, I guess will keep me healthy! I will keep you posted on the progress! WISH ME LUCK!!!!!

Living In The Now

To live in the now is so hard for me, and I'm learning to just take a breathe and do it! It is a constant struggle to not worry about the future! So much happens in life, be it family, friends, Brewster or just plan old me! A friend told me he is reading a book that helps you live in the now! Opps I don't remember the title of it, but listening to his conversation made me attempt to try this! I think it is a beautiful thing, to stop, take a breathe and say "Hey, are you fine right now"? "Are all your bills paid right now"? "Do you have a job right now"? "Is everything Ok right now"! WOW, did I ever relax, and realize how frivolous stressing about the future, can pay a toll on your life! This all seems so easy to do, but it is so hard for a person like me. I'm now glad I have this theory in my head, and believe me, over the past two weeks, I have used it a lot! Living in the now, whew, you should try it!

For Every Mountain!

Dear God

I want to start by giving you all of the honor, glory, and praise you deserve! For giving me strength each day, for helping me to have a "clean heart"! You are such an awesome GOD, and as I sit here with tears rolling down my face! I just want to say I Love You! I thank you for waking me up this morning, for letting me see the sunshine! For all the gifts and talents you have given me! For letting me use them in the right way! For giving me the strength to mentor to people! For every time I fall down, you are there to lift me back up! GOD I feel so unworthy of your love, no matter what I do, how I fall short sometimes,you don't care, you are always there for me! OH GOD thank you thank you thank you! Thank you GOD for giving me 34 years on this planet!!!! Thank you for this special day of birth, that I got to wake up, see it, and now enjoy it! Thank you for sending your son to die for my sins! GOD YOU ARE AN AWESOME GOD! For my health, for my sight, for everything you have blessed me with! I take nothing for granted my lord and saviour! Thanks again for my BIRTHDAY!!!!! WOW here's, to many more years together!

My Favorite Song For You God!


FOR WAKING ME UP THIS MORNING! FOR SENDING ME ON MY WAY! FOR LETTING ME SEE THE SUNSHINE OF A BRAND NEW DAY FOR JEHOVAH JIREH! YOU BEEN MY PROVIDER! SO MANY TIMES, YOU MET MY NEEDS. SO MANY TIMES YOU RESCUE ME! I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE BLESSINGS! YOU GIVE TO ME EACH DAY! THAT'S WHY I PRAISE YOU! FOR THIS I GIVE YOU PRAISE!
FOR EVERY MOUNTAIN! YOU BROUGHT ME OVER! FOR EVERY TRIAL YOU SEE ME THROUGH! FOR ALL THE BLESSINGS! HALLELUJAH! FOR THIS I GIVE YOU PRAISE! FOR THIS I GIVE YOU PRAISE!

AMEN

My Last Richie!

I didn't want to write earlier today, but now I'm going to write a short blog entry. LOL! My mood is gone, I guess, well for now! I think I needed to write the last blog entry to get to the place that I am at now!

Tonight I went on for the role of Richie, and I'm not sure, but I think it might have been my last time on for that role, seeing as we only have 2 1/2 weeks left! Tonight, I did the role, the way I wanted to do it, and I riffed a little more than usual! Then I was trying to hide from the musical director, and by my surprise he said "Well done, you better riff, sounded amazing"! It was fun, to be able to express myself my way! I got a little emotional in the Alternative "What I did For Love" scene, and I felt my energy realize that, this was probably it. Richie has a line, that hit home more than ever. Mike says "Nothing last for ever, a show is going to close someday" Richie says "Right, and then you have to start ALL OVER AGAIN, CAUSE THE ONLY "CHORUS LINE" YOU CAN DEPEND ON IN THIS BUSINESS, IS THE ONE AT UNEMPLOYMENT!

I Don't Want To Write

Lately, I have been starting to write blog entries, then my stomach turns, and I hate the entry! I delete the whole thing, and I'm back at square one. I'm in a funky period where I don't want to write. Therefore, I will keep this entry brief. I will be back soon, I need the writing spirit to move me! There are things I have on back hold to write about, from not having Internet last week! I will get to it all, I promise! Right now I'm listening to my inner self, and I'm not going to write! See ya soon blog world! However I will be reading all of the blogs that I follow!

Personal Day Drama

Wow, this is the weirdest thing in my professional career, and of course it happens in A Chorus Line! I'm blogging because, I have an uneasy energy inside of me. Please note, that I have bad Internet, in this hotel, but fought to find a place to write. Therefore this is very important in my eyes.

Yesterday, a cast member, comes up to me and says that someone in stage management, told him that if he asked me "to NOT take my personal day, so that he can have one". This is the first in my long career, that management was so unprofessional, and made me uncomfortable, by putting two cast members up against each other like that! WOW! I am appalled, and very upset, because what makes his personal day more important than mine? Is it because I'm just and understudy!? Why didn't management come to me, and not put another cast member in my face? So many questions, I can't even write how unprofessional this was!

Oh, this story isn't over, I was upstairs watching a movie in my dressing room, trying to relax. A stage manager comes into the room with his hands in his pocket. Puppy eyes, staring at me, and says "Two people want personal days, will you not take yours"! What????? Huh? But, I put my personal day in long ago, and first! Is someone in there families dying? NOPE, they want to go on an audition! WHAT? Where am I? What am I doing? Why do we have a union? Why do we have rules? Is this a non equity tour? Why again, is there audition more important than me and my day? If I had an audition would they ask someone to not take there personal day? I will answer this question...NO THEY WOULD NOT!!!!! Why do I feel under valued, and used? Why is this happening, when I have three weeks left?

OK OK you think I'm finished, but I'm not....... Then the stage manger says "I will put you on for Richie, and you can put the line back in, "And I Am Black"! Does this sound like a bribe?

Here is my answer! I am going on my personal day, and going to enjoy every second of it! I am going to do exactly all the things that I had planed, and spent my money to do! Do you like apples? Well, I do, and how about them apples!!!!!!

Rumors

What's the buzz, tell me what's a happening! What's the buzz.....zzzzzzzzzzzz! Rumors, Rumors, Rumors, now to put the rumors to rest! I have heard two rumors about me at the theater, from many people! Therefore, I'm going to come clean today, and tell the truth, nothing but the truth!

Did I write an email to my stage manager Ray Gin, and say" I ain't coming in"! ? Nothing more just that phrase, hmmmm, well, I don't quite remember, but I'm sure I said something like that! It was a short and sweet email, that I sent on a day I was calling out! You see, in Japan we got to email our call outs, and I think I did write that email. I'm sure , it also said, Love Always J.R. Whittington at the end! That rumor is true, Hey what else was a boy to say?

The second rumor I heard was that "I didn't want to go on for my covers anymore, and that I would call out, of every show, if I was put on from now until the end of the contract"! FALSE, if you know me, you know that I love money, and I want it all the time. I would never call out, of the show, for that reason! I think it all started when I was supposed to be on for Richie a couple of weeks ago, and I called out of the show! Most people thought, I wasn't really sick, and that I was calling out, cause I hate that role. True I don't like playing Richie, and it is not one of my favorites! I don't connect with him, at all, like I do my other covers. However, that is a challenge, that I love as an actor, to push yourself to become someone you are not! To find, that person deep in the depths of your soul! Yes I think his song is way too high, and male voices shouldn't be singing that high! Yes he does jump around the show, hookin, buckin, in a stereotypical African American way, that I hate. With all of that aside, I WOULD NOT CALL OUT FOR THAT REASON. I LOVE A CHALLENGE! I actually woke up that morning steamed, showered, did a vocal warm up, and the notes weren't coming out they way I wanted them to. I would prefer, to call out, if I can't give my performance 100%! Contrary to popular belief, I do love what I do, and I have lasted in this business, because I have a passion for my job! I may want to do another show, and be ready to go, but I don't comprise the gift that I have now! This isn't my FIFTH Big Production Equity Contract for no reason!

Well, I thought I would put the rumors to rest!

When Did I Become Grandpa

Last night, I decided, to go out dancing at the last second. I felt like I needed to move my body, and listen to some good beats! I get there, and the DJ was awesome! The music, I felt in my spirit, soul, and body! It was exactly what the doctor had ordered for the night! J.R, a dance floor, good music, sweat, and body moving, all my cares away! I'm a little shy in that category, at first, I know I dance in front of thousands of people a night! It takes a minute, to get up the courage to go up on a pedestrian dance floor, up close to strangers, and try and work it on out. However, once I get there, it is hard to sit me down. I don't go out dancing much, I'm more of a chill, glass of wine, listen to good music, conversation, and lounge kind of a guy!

I started to look around the dance floor, at all the faces in the room! BOOM it hit me like a fast flashing light to my brain cells! There I was, as I danced in slow motion, the OLDEST man on the dance floor! All of these kids looked 19, which is the legal age to drink in Canada! Just a bunch of babies, right out of high school, dancing around me! I felt older, older, older, and older! More insecure than usually, not that they danced better than me, they couldn't touch grandpa in the moves department! I pondered in my twisted head, are they looking at me like grandpa in the corner? Insecurity sunk in, and Grandpa J.R. left the dance floor! Went straight for the bar, and ordered a Vodka/Tonic, watched a while, moved my head a little. Then left the venue, wondering, when did I become so old?

WHO DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?

As a child, I sang and practiced hard to sing like Teena Marie, Sade, and Whitney Houston! My audition song for the Rogers Junior School of the Performing Arts, was "The Greatest Love of All"! I stole every riff, and held every note, that Mrs. Houston had. But the question is, who did I idolize, inspire to be, Dream of there Career, Study Hard on Video and tape? Three gentlemen came to mind, Cab Calloway, Gregg Burge, and Sammy Davis Jr! These three men, gave me hope, and there old school ways of performing was an inspiration to me! Sammy had style, he could dress, he was cool, and hip! He had a presence about him, and style that no one could touch! Cab Calloway, was the Harlem renaissance man, performing at places like the cotton club! He scatted, he was also a cool kat, and I studied his every move! 20's jazz, Duke Ellington, to this day is my favorite music to sing, and wanna of the genres I sing best! Gregg Burge, danced his face off, and he was a triple threat! The Original Richie in the A Chorus Line Movie, and Sophisticated Ladies, was my all time favorite works of his! I still haven't seen a jazz dancer, that can jump, and turn like he did! Now I idolize someone different, a man who I respect, and I would love to work with! His name is Jeffrey Wright, and he is one of the most talented African American actors in the business. Denzel who? Is what you would say after seeing his work, on stage, and screen! Angels in America Movie, Shaft Movie, Martin Luther King HBO film, Ali, and many many more! Not to mention his amazing captivating work on the Broadway Stage.

RIP Sammy Davis Jr., Gregg Burge, and Cab Calloway

Question of today.... who is your inspiration, and why? Who do you want to be when you grow up?

Autumn is NOT her name

Remember the post, that I posted like 5 days ago about how I love Autumn, and it is my favorite time of the year. Well, I still love Autumn, and it makes me very happy! I just arrived in Ottawa Canada, and it looks like I'm skipping over Autumn, and going straight into winter. I'm in Canada for five weeks, and my iPhone tells me that it will be snowing, and getting colder as the days go by! AND when I finally get back to the states it will be winter! I will not see my favorite season, and I have to wait all the way until next year, to enjoy it! Ugh, and guess what? Winter is my least favorite season of all times, although I do love Christmas! Autumn is not her name, well, not for me!

The Temper

I know, I must seem like an angel, and the sweetest guy in the world! (NOT) I used to have a terrible temper, when I was young boy, and all through high school! I had to learn through out my years here on this planet to wheel it all in! It sometimes starts to flare, and I it takes everything in me, to keep it under control! I must admit It takes a whole lot for it to come out, but when it does, it is not a pretty thing.

Yesterday, I went out with some cast mates, and had a wonderful time! I think I was the only one that was sober, but I still had a great time. We ended up at White Castle, for food at 3 am, and was enjoying the end of our evening! A tall red head in our show, said "Goodbye", with a flirty smile, to a drunken group of guys sitting across from us. One of the guys just so happen to be a violent drunk. He began to challenge our table, with a whole bunch of, immature, I wanna fight you statements. I just stared at the stupid guy with a glare, that I'm sure, was penetrating right through him. It was my turn, and he choose to say to me, "You eyeing me bro, you got a problem"!? I had to breathe, in my head the room was spinning, my blood was racing, and I was ready to fight! It took one small comment for this rage, at the pit of my stomach, (that I had kept suppressed for most of my adult life) to boil to the top of my head. As he taunted my friends, I'm sure I looked crazy, because I was breathing, and telling myself to keep your mouth shut! It was the hardest exercise in my life! I was ready to start some crap up in the middle of the White Castle! I made it, and the man finally left, but I didn't keep my eyes off of him, for not even a second! It was night of realization for me. I found out that the ghetto boy, that has no fear, with a big mouth, is still somewhere deep inside of me! I pray, that no one ever pushes it to come out again! SCARY!