This summer proves to be one of the busiest yet with lots of terrific work in store.
I just opened "The Toxic Avenger" at San Jose Stage last weekend to rave reviews . This rock-farce retells the story of the classic B horror movie using only 5 actors. I have the distinct pleasure of cycling through nearly 20 quick changes to pull the thing off. It's hilarious, and definitely worth checking out if you're in the area over the next month.
Immediately after I close Toxic, I'll be off to play Lt. Cable in "South Pacific" at the beautiful outdoor amphitheater at the Woodminster Theatre. It'll be such a privilege to play such a wonderful part in this classic musical.
Following that up, I have the great pleasure to play the role of Cliff in "Luna Gale" at the Aurora Playhouse in Berkley. This tremendous play by Rebecca Gilman is already shaping up to be one of my favorites. Definitely a must see.
After that, I'll spend my Halloween in "The Woman in Black" at Hillbarn Theatre in Foster City as "The Actor". I've longed to play in this terrifying production for some time now, and I could not be more excited about this two-hander coming in October.
All the while, I will be serving as teacher and program director of the brand new Conservatory program at the Theatre Arts Academy. This exciting program for teens is an intensive unlike anything else; a program meant to challenge and prepare aspiring students at a college-level using real technique and practice. I am very excited for our inaugural summer!
Theatreworks, Raktor, and 42nd St Moon
We closed "Crimes of the Heart" at Theatreworks Silicon Valley last month to rave reviews! It was such a treat to work with such an amazing company, as well as with our director Giovanna Sardelli. I am very grateful for the cast, the crew, and the amazing story that will serve my memory for years to come.
Afterwards, I immediately went back to my immersive work. I did some writing and directing for "Raktor" in San Francisco, a Virtual Reality improvisational theatre company focused on expanding the horizons of live entertainment. We would invite a small audience to our studio based in downtown SF, then select one individual to wear the VIVE headset that would allow them to see the digital environment around them. Then, an actor on stage being filmed by a Kinect Camera would appear in the headset as a digital character (a pirate, wizard, robot, monster, etc...) What's more, individuals watching the show being streamed online were able to control certain characters within the environment and participate in the narrative themselves. The whole thing was a whirlwind of fascinating, ambitious, innovative work.
Two days ago I began rehearsals at 42nd Street Moon in San Francisco to work on "The New Girl in Town", the Tony-Award Winning musical from the 1950s based off of Eugene O'Neill's "Anna Christie." I play Matt, the Irish sailor with a heart of gold, the temper of a devil, and voice of an angel ;) I am really excited about the project, and the cast is stellar. Look out for our opening on March 29th.