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!