|
|
Who's Online |
5 Members and
15 Guests Online
| |
|
|
Forum Statistics |
Total user: 3594
Total message: 16542
|
|
|
Backstage of Spamalot |
|
|
|
Written by Melina
|
I had a string of VERY good luck and was able to go backstage on the set of Monty Python's Spamalot, and made a Broadway contact in the process.
I went to go see Spamalot on October 18th 2008. It was my graduating present from my parents to me. So my parents, grandma, and I went to NYC to see the show. I mainly wanted to see the show because Clay Aiken was in it. I'm a big fan of Clay. So we get to the city, have lunch, and head down 44th Street to the Shubert Theater. When we got there, what I feared would happen, happened. There was an announcement that Clay wasn't going to be performing that day. I was so upset. It's just my luck something like this would happen.
Depsite Clay not being there, the show was absolutely amazing! I really loved the "I'm Not Yet Dead" scene. I think that's the best scene in the show. Clay's stand by did a really good job. Rick Holmes as Sir Lancelot was hysterical! Merle Dandrige was a fabulous Lady of the Lake. I really liked her vocal technique. The way she sang the songs gave me hope that I don't need to be a big Broadway belter to play the role (I'm a Coluratura Soprano).
After the show, I waited at the stage door. To my surprise, I was pretty much the only one there. Alot of the actors came out and went about their business. I'm not sure which ones though because it's hard to tell who's who when they're out of costume. Dave Hibbard who played Patsy came out and he signed my playbill and I had my picture taken with him. Then Bradley Dean who played Sir Gallahad came out and signed my playbill as well. I said the usual stuff "Hi! You did great....the show was amazing...blah blah blah".... Then either Mom or I mentioned that we came to see Clay Aiken. Then Bradley told us he went back to North Carolina for the weekend. The he said "Would you like to see backstage?"
OMG!!!!! I couldn't believe it. He took me, my mom, and grandma on the stage. I got to walk the set and see some of the props. He also showed us how the Black Night looses his legs. There's a trap door in the wall he's pinned up against. I kind of figured. I got to see some of the props and costumes like the giant wooden rabbit and the prams and the killer rabbit. Anyway, he showed me around. He asked where I was from, where I went to school, and I told him. I also told him I was a theater major, hoping to be on Broadway someday. I asked him how he got started. Bradley went to Carnegie Mellon and started out doing children's theater tours. From there, he got other jobs that landed him on Broadway. Then he gave me some advice: Work really hard so you're always prepared for when opportunity meets luck.
Being backstage and meeting Bradley is something I will never forget. I really needed him to talk to me. Lately I've been doubting myself a lot on whether going to college for theater is a better idea than not going to school and just auditioning where I can. The younger you are, the easier it is to make it. I've also been doubting whether or not I can actually do this and perform for the rest of my life. It's my passion and I can't see myself doing anything else. I know it's hard getting started but I always figured I'd make it and not worry. No problem...until school started. I also wondered if the school I went to had anything to do with making it or not. I would have loved to go to ADMA or Carnegie Mellon, but of course, money was an issue. So I go to SUNY Binghamton. It IS on of the top schools in the nation. Probably the world too. I think about half the students here are from over seas. They're probably just as selective as Harvard. Where you went to school shouldn't matter as long as you have the degree... but still......
Now that I saw Spamalot, watched the actors and dancers, and talked to Bradley, I feel so much better. My hope has been restored. I know now that I CAN and I WILL make it. Not to sound egotistical but I know I'm really good. Most of my roles have been leads or supporting. BUT... I know I have much to improve on as well. My voice is strong for my age and I have a wide range, but it could be stronger and my range could be wider. I need alot more dance training than I have at the moment. And, some acting classes wouldn't hurt. I just have to continue busting my butt, maybe even harder than I'm busting now. Now I know what to do: stay in school, get my 4 year degree, and take it from there. Bradley was a big help to me and I will forever be grateful for what he did. He is totally going in my Tony Award acceptance speech.
| Comments () >> |
 |
| Write comment |
You must be logged in to a comment. Please register if you do not have an account yet. |
 |
|
|
