Silsby Samizdat

Oh the felicity of fortuitous fate

Seems that the random kids in the East Village may have seen a show with another Topeka High School grad.

In reading this weeks Village Voice, I came across a review for Oliver Twist with the picture of a familiar face and name.

Were the kids just confused by the names of Oscar and Oliver? Do I look like someone in Carson's cast? Or maybe there is an undeniable quality about Topeka High alums that draws random goth kids to their shows.

A taste of fame.

[Why not go for the hat trick of blog posts?]

Friday night, I was crossing 1st Av in the East Village. A couple of people next to me started whispering.

1: Is that an actor?
2: I... I think. Yeah.
1: Yeah. He is. Hey!
2: He was in... what was he in?
1: He was in...
2: Um, um, um... Oliver Twist
1: OLIVER TWIST!
2: OLIVER TWIST!
(third and fourth guys come up to them)
(mumbled conversation)
3: OLIVER TWIST!
4: No, not Oliver. Oscar Wilde.
1,2,3,4: Hey, OSCAR WILDE!

Until the end, I wasn't sure they were talking about me. Rescue Me was filming in the neighborhood, so I thought maybe one of the actors from that show was walking around. But when these goth kids started yelling for Oscar Wilde across a busy intersection on a Friday night, I had a pretty good idea that they were yelling at me.

I have been recognized in Minneapolis for roles I've played, but I have to admit, I never thought I would be recognized by strangers in New York City.
This wasn't the crazy stalkerish fame, they didn't chase me down or try to attack me for playing such a "gay character", just a little taste of recognition. I realize they were probably undergrads who had to see the show for a class or something, but it still felt kind of nice.

The Grinch's Musical Theatre Heart Grew Two Sizes That Day

[I know, a second post in one day! Shocking.]

Last week, at 5:30, I got a text message from an old friend from Kansas (since this post lies on the border between personal and famous people, I'll still refrain from using actual names). He is currently in the chorus of Les Miz and that night was going on as understudy for Valjean. In two and a half hours.

I rushed up to midtown to the TKTS line. No good. The show wasn't listed.
Ran to the box office, maybe there were some SRO tickets. Nope. Completely sold out.
I tried batting my eyes at the box office guy and insisting that I didn't want to see the show, but this performance, because my friend was understudying tonight! Even that didn't work.
I asked if there were ever turnbacks. He said, "Sometimes. Try back at 7:00".
I hung around the box office in the rain, for an hour, until a little before 7:00. I decided to give it a try and ask if any had been turned in, yet.
While I am waiting, a guy sneaks in the other door and cuts in front of me. He asks if there are any turnbacks, and the box office tells him one just opened up! What!? I shoot daggers in his back. Obviously, this works. The guy doesn't want to pay that much and walks away. I sidle up and buy it!

It was amazing! Specifically, the friend I went to see was amazing! I'm not just saying that in a friends sort of way. He was objectively amazing in the role. I had been to see him a couple weeks ago in the chorus role, so I had already had my cold Big Box Hating Musical heart thawed towards this show from my childhood. But in this role, he was fantastic! When you only have one chance to nail the performance, there is an extra electricity about the role. I've seen this added kick with other understudies, but this was someone who played my younger brother back in Kansas. And he nailed my three favorite Valjean moments. I can't wait to see what he can do with the role when he gets to cover after longer in the role.

The magic of theatre and friends can bring even an old, jaded musical theatre lover like me out of my funk for a little while.