Making History (Boys)

New Blog!

2007-12-13T17:32:00.000-08:00

Hello HISTORY BOYS AND GIRLS!

Now that the show has come to a close and I am back home in San Jose, I must end the HISTORY BOYS BLOG!

However, never fear, for I have created a new blog that will chronicle the next step!

I don't know what that step will be, but when I do, so will you!

So if you are interested, please check out my newest blog, "ACTING CRAZY."

thank you so much for reading and keep the comments coming!

always,
Alex Brightman

The Home Stretch

2007-12-07T14:11:00.000-08:00

Well, History Boys and Girls, it's about that time.

With only 4 performances left to go, the sadness begins to set in. I have had such a wonderful time in the show and I wish it didn't have to end.

I have made so many good friends that I'm sure will be lifelong, and I've learned more about acting and work ethic than I could ever have imagined.

Thank you to the whole cast and crew for every single thing! This has been a family that I will surely never forget.

And, of course, to the fabulous audiences! With so many different and unique reactions to the show, it made every show a new show. Thank you also to those who saw the show more than once. Thanks for making it through.

A special thank you to the HISTORY BOYS AND GIRLS who have been avid readers of this blog.

Thank you for your comments and the love!

Alright, time to go get ready for our last 4 shows!

Love to everyone!

Alex Brightman

"I was looking for something more...lingering."

Posner

SCHOOL...THAT'S ALL IT IS...BACK TO SCHOOL.

2007-12-04T23:12:00.001-08:00

I know that I haven't updated for a long time. That is probably because there hasn't really been anything going on.

However, today was a very special day for THE HISTORY BOYS. Today, we performed the show for almost 2,000 high schoolers from all around the Los Angeles area.

Needless to say, we were a little anxious about what it was going to be like.

2000 teens + 1 dense script + plenty of sexual humor=POSSIBLE DISASTER!

I am pleased to report that my math skills (like always) were completely wrong. I can honestly say (and I speak for all of my cast mates) that this was one of our best audiences yet. They were attentive, on top of the references, and really responsive!

We had such a fun time performing the show, because it was like performing it for the first time.

If any of the high school students get ahold of this blog and are reading it right now, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for making these shows outstanding. You were truly a great breath of fresh air!

We have one more student show tomorrow and I already know it's going to be wonderful.

After that....ONLY 5 MORE PERFORMANCES LEFT!!!!

Signing off,
Alex "Poz" Brightman

"You've been a very long way away. Thank you for coming back to me!"

-Brett Ryback as Scripps as Cyril Raymond from Brief Encounter (whew!)

A Shameless Plug!

2007-11-26T17:19:00.001-08:00

My friend Matt Doyle, currently appearing in Broadway's Best Musical, SPRING AWAKENING, also keeps a blog that tracks his career.

He just recorded a new studio recording of the musical, BARE.

I suggest you all head to his blog and pick up the CD when you get a chance.

www.mattdoyleweb.blogspot.com

www.barethealbum.com

On a HISTORY BOYS note, performances are going INCREDIBLY! We are having different and exciting crowds each and every night! Thanks to those who have come and a special thanks to those who have seen it more than once!

If you haven't seen the show yet...WE ARE ONLY OPEN UNTIL DECEMBER 9TH! What are you waiting for?

Have a nice day/night!

"So much for Shakespeare!"

-Mr. Hector to Mr. Irwin

Higher Res Magazine Cover

2007-11-23T00:18:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to post the better quality picture that is gracing the cover of FRONTIERS MAGAZINE!

enjoy!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2007-11-22T23:18:00.000-08:00

A VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM THE CAST OF "THE HISTORY BOYS!"

Back to the usual show schedule from now on!

love,
alex

OPENING NIGHT PICTURES!!!

2007-11-21T10:22:00.000-08:00

Hello Everybody!!!

As promised, here are some OPENING NIGHT photos!

Enjoy!

Me with Zachary Quinto (Sylar from HEROES!) and TR Knight (Dr. George O'Malley from Greys Anatomy)

The HISTORY BOYS before the big show!

Talking with TR

Me and Seth (who plays Dakin)

Me and Seth talking with Matthew Rhys (from BROTHERS AND SISTERS on ABC)

Me and Charlotte (who plays Mrs. Lintott) with Mr. Tim Curry!

Talking with Mr. Zach Quinto about his upcoming role in the new STAR TREK film (He plays Young Spock!)

PHOTOS BY RYAN MILLER, CAPTURE IMAGING

Dakin and Posner on the Radio!

2007-11-20T11:39:00.000-08:00

If you are in the LA area tonight, listen to KXLU 88.9FM radio at 7pm!

Mark Gordon will be doing a live interview with Me and Seth!

Listen up and I will try and plug the blog if I get the chance!

Enjoy, and thanks again for reading!

Alex b.

"I enjoyed your programs, but they were more journalism than history."

-Mrs. Lintott to Irwin

Peter Paige is Hungry!

2007-11-20T11:34:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit Greg Endries

Well folks, we took so many good pictures in our photo shoot...they couldn't use all of them!

But we were lucky enough to snag one from the cutting room floor and bring it to our loyal History Boys and Girls!

Here you go! Hopefully, more to come!

"I didn't know you were that way inclined."

-Irwin (Peter Paige)

The Cover of "FRONTIERS" Magazine!

2007-11-19T23:31:00.000-08:00

Hello History Boys and Girls!

The run is going just great!

We are getting great word of mouth and shows are selling like hot cakes! Get them while they are hot!

In other news, Peter Paige, Seth Numrich, and Alex Brightman (myself) made the cover of FRONTIERS MAGAZINE!

To see two more pictures of these handsome boys (if I do say so myself), go to the website below!

http://www.frontierspublishing.com/mag/index.php?o=art&article=1815

Enjoy!

"History isn't such a frolic for women. Why should it be? They rarely get around the conference table!"

-Mrs. Lintott

LA TIMES Review!

2007-11-16T09:10:00.001-08:00

Here is our first review that I have found. It is from the LA Times. Enjoy!

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-history16nov16,1,1649003.story?ctrack=3&cset=true

"I have a feeling Kafka was good at table tennis."

-Crowther

THE BOYS MAKE THE EVENING NEWS!

2007-11-16T01:35:00.000-08:00

Opening night was a success! There are plenty of fun pictures to come!

But to tide you over, here is the NBC news story on us! Enjoy enjoy enjoy!

http://video.knbc.com/player/?id=184657

OPENING NIGHT

2007-11-14T11:11:00.000-08:00

Well History Boys and Girls, we finally made it to the PRESS OPENING NIGHT of THE HISTORY BOYS!

So many friends, family, and not to mention a few celebrity guests will be joining us this evening for, what I think is going to be, an AMAZING NIGHT!

With the help and support of everyone in the cast, crew, and creative team, this show is now a livewire full of energy.

When I first read the play, I could only imagine the kind of energy it would take to make Alan Bennett's words fully come to fruition.

And now, a mere two and a half months later, I am fortunate enough to see that energy at work. It is a wonderfully satisfying feeling to bounce 3 tons of energy around a stage for almost 3 hours a night. I can't wait to share this beautiful play with everyone.

Thank you again to everyone who has been following along on this blog. And thanks to all of my friends back home in NYC. I miss you all so terribly and it kills me that I can't fly you all out here to come see it. I love you and miss you all!

I have to go get ready now because we have an interview today for KNBC news. Check it out tonight at around 5pm!

To those who have already seen the show, THANK YOU FOR COMING...AND COME AGAIN!

For those of you who are coming tonight or during the regular run, WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU!

And for those of you who don't have tickets yet...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!!!

Be on the lookout for post-show party pictures! Those should be a riot.

Until then, "Wish (us) luck as you wave (us) goodbye!"

Always,
Alex and the cast of THB

"Eight really brilliant, bright, good looking boys learn how to succeed in the modern world."

-Paul Miller on THE HISTORY BOYS

Production Photos!

2007-11-12T21:24:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple shots from the show in action!

Enjoy!

Mr. Irwin teaches the boys a lesson.

Peter Paige as Irwin/ Seth Numrich and Brett Ryback as Dakin and Scripps, respectively.

Mr. Hector (Dakin Matthews) connects with Posner (Alex Brightman)

Missing our UK Friends!

2007-11-12T16:24:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to take a moment on my day off to express how much we, as a cast, appreciate all of the support from our UK counterparts!

In just a few short days, Paul Miller, our incomparable director extraordinaire, will be leaving us to head back home to London!

It is bittersweet because this is just the beginning of the run and yet all of the UK has been taken out of the show.

I want to take the time to really say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to the following studs who made this show possible.

Richard Sisson: For letting us know when our singing was "7 shades of SHITE." You inspired us all to work harder and really focus to make the musical aspect of this show truly shine.

Jack Murphy: For teaching us to "COST IT." We have been keeping it at a 6 and we couldn't be prouder of the work we are doing. Thanks to you, we are that much more of a team.

Ben Taylor: For taking this show to a whole new level with his PHENOMENAL video work. Not only are his videos professional, fun, and awe-inspiring, but Ben is a true friend to all. We had so much fun hanging out with him outside of rehearsal as well. He is a true AMERICAN GANGSTER. "My Man!"

JB Blanc: For taking a rag-tag group of American boys and transforming them into a group of best friends from a small town in Yorkshire called Sheffield. With his crazy anecdotes and filthy jokes, I know that I have never had so much fun working than with this show. Thank you sir, for kicking our "laughing gear" into shape.

and last, but not least...

PAUL MILLER!!!

I am physically hurting that our true "SIR," is leaving. Mr. Miller inspired all of us to work hard and play hard. He helped us boys to establish a 7+ year friendship in under a month. He is clever, funny, bright, and caring.

We will all miss him dearly.

To all of our friends from the UK:

THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR GRATEFUL HEARTS!

love always,
Alex

A Time to Learn

2007-11-11T00:36:00.000-08:00

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the full page spread in THE LOS ANGELES TIMES!

The article is all about the masterful JB Blanc's "unenviable task" of turning 8 American boys into 8 boys from a small South Yorkshire town called Sheffield.

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-ca-history11nov11,1,1204023.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

"It's cutting edge miss. It really is."

-Rudge to Mrs. Lintott

Dakin Matthews in VARIETY!

2007-11-10T11:09:00.000-08:00

Check out the interview/article on one of the best actors I have seen in a long while. He just so happens to be portraying the rolel of our teacher/role-model, MR. HECTOR in the show.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117975683.html?categoryid=15&cs=1

Enjoy, and if you need more info about the show, please visit CenterTheatreGroup.org or check out:

http://lastheplace.com/2007/10/10/the-ahmanson-theatre-presents-the-history-boys/ for more information.

Articles (Present and Upcoming)

2007-11-10T10:53:00.000-08:00

Hello hello!!!

Three previews out of the way! It still feels like we started rehearsals yesterday. Personally, I am having so much fun performing this show for an audience. We have been getting great, energetic, and extremely responsive crowds each night. That really helps with the momentum of the show as a whole.

However, je divague.

There's some more stuff to check out about our fun little play.

First off, there is an article about the wild History Boys in the Downtown News...just a precautionary note...Kristen, the reporter made a small mistake in the article and printed that I (Alex Brightman) portray the role of Dakin in the play. This is just a mistype. I play the role of Posner in the show, and they are going to print a correction ASAP. I just didn't want any of the readers to get confused.

http://www.downtownnews.com/articles/2007/11/12/entertainment/entertainment01.txt

Also, if you want to check out the Center Theatre Group website, they have recently put up 3 separate PODCAST interviews.

Here is one with our esteemed director, Paul Miller:

http://www.centertheatregroup.org/uploadedFiles/Plays_and_Tickets/Productions/2007/The_History_Boys/files/Paul_Miller_Podcast.mp3

Here is one with our very own Mr. Irwin, Peter Paige:

http://www.centertheatregroup.org/uploadedFiles/Plays_and_Tickets/Productions/2007/The_History_Boys/files/Peter_Paige_Podcast.mp3

And here is the interview with Seth Numrich (Dakin) and Alex Brightman (Me/Posner):

http://www.centertheatregroup.org/uploadedFiles/Plays_and_Tickets/Productions/2007/The_History_Boys/files/Seth_Alex_Podcast.mp3

Enjoy all of these fun supplements to the show! Also, we have seen the Sunday LA Times spread on us learning the dialect from our fantastic dialect coach, JB Blanc. It is very cool and I will post it the minute it is released.

Also, look out for an upcoming article/interview in VARIETY with our Mr. Hector, Dakin Matthews. He is so cool.

Bye bye for now!

"You don't object to our use of the word mindset, do you sir? Mr. Hector doesn't care for it. He says if he ever catches us using it, he'll kick our arses from bollocks to sundown, sir."

-Akthar to Mr. Irwin

Flowers and Sweet Transvestites

2007-11-09T11:14:00.000-08:00

Two previews under our belts and we are feeling extremely positive and excited about the upcoming month!

Just a quick post this time because I have two new fun pictures!

My family sent a gorgeous arrangement of flowers to the stage door for me! It was a wonderful surprise and gave me such an energy boost for the show that night. Here is what they look like sitting at my dressing room table! Thanks family!!!

Also, last night's preview went extremely well! And as most of you theatre folk know, the second performance is always the toughest. This audience was a dream! They were with us from the very start and they never let go. It was a thrill!

It also didn't hurt that Mr. Tim Curry decided to join us that evening. He came backstage after the show and I was fortunate enough to meet him and talk to him briefly. He is the sweetest, kindest, and most complementary gentleman! I was also fortunate enough to snag a quick picture with him before I took off! Enjoy!

We have a few more previews left to go! If you would like to see the show in it's fetal stages, please come support us during previews! Visit the Center Theatre Group website and get your tickets now! Otherwise, we will see you whenever you decide to come! Time to get ready for another day of rehearsal/show! Take care!

Alex "I Met Tim Curry" Brightman

"A euphemism is a nice way of saying something nasty. Whereas, "have a drink," is a nice way of saying something nice."

-Dakin to Mr. Irwin

Post Preview Excitement!

2007-11-08T06:53:00.000-08:00

Hello History Boys and Girls!

Our first preview is behind us and I think it went over extremely well! We have already been getting enormous positive feedback and I think the show can only get better!

Let's just put it this way...BRUCE VILANCH liked the show...and our FIRST PREVIEW at that! And he's the freaking CENTER SQUARE on "Hollywood Squares!" Nuff sed.

Anyway...for your visual enjoyment, a couple new articles have appeared online and I will be sharing those with you right about...now.

A new Playbill.com article graced the front page yesterday about our show starting it's run.

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/112553.html

Also, a new interview with Peter Paige is on the Hot In Hollywood website.

http://www.hotinhollywood.tv/ (Look for the article "Peter Paige at Play)

And to top it all off, there is a promotional video showing off all of our gorgeous mugs on YOUTUBE! Check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTn3tB1Ahn8

I think that's enough for now! As always, I will continue to post new stuff as it comes to me!

Keep the comments coming! We always love to hear from you!

Love,
Alex and The Company of The History Boys

"It's famous, you ignorant little tarts!"
-Mr. Hector

PREVIEWS!!!!

2007-11-07T00:03:00.000-08:00

It is now a couple minutes after midnight...which means THE HISTORY BOYS has its first audience TONIGHT!

We have been in the theatre for a good week or so now and we are starving for an audience. We can't wait to see how the show is going to work with an audience to bounce it off of.

I am nervous and scared...but mostly just ANXIOUS AND EXCITED!

Please come and check out the show if you are in the area! From what I have seen and from what I know about the talent of the cast, it is sure to be a hit!

Below are some pictures of THE BOYS hanging out backstage and in the dressing rooms!

Enjoy!

"About suffering, they were never wrong, the old masters. How it takes place while someone is eating or opening a window."

-Timms quoting Auden

The History Boys in the Ventura Star!

2007-11-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

Hello History Boys and Girls!

As the show nears opening, it is now the special time where we are going to start getting some press attention.

Today, we are in the Ventura Star with a small article focusing on our resident studs, Paul Miller and Peter "Hey Aren't You That Guy on Queer as Folk" Paige.

Check it out!

Lata!

http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2007/nov/01/making-history/

Tech Week is on the Rise!

2007-10-29T09:26:00.001-07:00

Hello all!

I just wanted to drop in a post because I haven't done one in a little while. It is my day off today and I have a whole lot of nothing to do.

We have just begun running the show in it's entirety...all 2hr 45min of it! It is an exhausting show, both mentally and physically and we are starting to add elements of scene change music tracks and all of that technical stuff.

Which brings us steps closer to the looming TECH WEEK! For those of you that know the lingo, it looks as if we are going to be doing 4 "10 out of 12s" this coming week. And then we begin previews! And for those of you that don't know, preview week goes a little something like this:

Rehearse all day...show at night...sleep....get up, and do the same thing. We do this for a week straight, at the end of which we will have a 4 show weekend. Let's just say that this is not the time to start developing a cold...or stage fright for that matter.

Anyway...as Gracie Fields once said, "Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye! Cheerio, here I go on my way!"

Until the next post, happy day off!

Always,
Alex b.

Sunday Times Ad

2007-10-26T09:06:00.000-07:00

Hello all! This is the FULL PAGE AD they will be running in the Los Angeles Times on Sunday.

Get them while they're hot. Enjoy!

Check these out!

2007-10-23T20:29:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone! Below are two professional pictures that we will be using in the ads! Enjoy!
Photos by Craig Schwartz

A Great Day Off!

2007-10-23T08:26:00.000-07:00

Usually, I am so bored on my days off, I resort to watching CSI: marathons on Spike TV until I fall asleep. Exciting right?

But yesterday was different. This day off was special. Why you ask? Because my dad was in town!
He came down to LA to meet up with his two brothers, Rich and Jerry, so they could surprise my grandma (their mother). They decided to come and pick me up as an added surprise for her.

The day was so much fun. We had a great lunch at Brent's Deli, Uncle Rich tried to learn my Yorkshire dialect, I got to see all of my cousins who I love so much, and Grandma was thrilled to see all of us. It was a very successful day.

We only have 2 weeks until we open this show to the public. Seeing my Dad was just the boost I needed to get me through the next 14 days.

To my family who is following the blog, I love you all so much. Thank you for reading and supporting.

I will wrap this blog entry with a quote from my cousin Mike, who is the most hysterical up and coming stand-up comedian on the planet.

"Jell-O...it's twelve different colors that all taste the same. And yet, restaurants will always serve it to you in a crystal goblet, while the Carrot Cake, the best of all vegetable-based cakes, gets a styrofoam plate and Saran Wrap." -Mike Brightman

The Boys...in Character.

2007-10-22T09:25:00.000-07:00

And now, introducing the boys of THE HISTORY BOYS!!!

Demond Robertson as CROWTHER

Sean Marquette as TIMMS

Brett Ryback as SCRIPPS

Alex Brightman as POSNER

Ammar Ramzi as AKTHAR

Cord Jackman as RUDGE

Adam Armstrong as LOCKWOOD

Seth Numrich as DAKIN

And Peter Paige as MR. IRWIN

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures!!!

2007-10-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

Peter and Cord
Good Ol' Mr. Hector!
Scrippsy and Poz!
Me and Mr. Ben Taylor
Dakin Playing Peekaboo!
The History Boys Badge
Andrew, Seth, and JB
The Boys!
Posner and Posner!

Lights, Camera, History Boys!

2007-10-22T08:53:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, we have been filming a movie.

But Alex, I thought you were doing a play! First you tell me that there is singing and dancing in this "play." Now you are telling me there is a movie?

Yes I am. High above the stage, there is a mammoth movie screen. During scene changes, the audience is treated to short clips of various "goings-on" at the high school. Not only does it distract the audience from noticing the scene changing, but it also gives insight into what happens in between scenes. They are not merely for show. They enhance the story at hand.

So for the last couple of days, we have been in the generous, wonderful, and hysterical hands of Mr. Ben Taylor, the man responsible for all of the video segments in EVERY SINGLE PRODUCTION OF THE SHOW...EVER! He, among others that we have worked with during this process, is partly responsible for all of the awards this show has recieved. We couldn't be more fortunate to get to work with such amazing people.

We got to set early both days, got into our signature school suits and makeup, and off we went!

We filmed opening shots of the first day of school, the boys goofing around in the hallway, the boys studying for Oxbridge exams in the library, and many more.

It's going to be edited together and put on screen with incredibly important 80's jams behind it. It is going to look gorgeous and very clean.

I am going to post a bunch of pictures! So heads up!

Oh yeah, I forgot! We also had a photo shoot! We took pictures for the poster and ads, so the minute those are available, I will post that as well.

Thanks for reading!

"What a wanker!" -Timms

And Now We Add Movement!

2007-10-17T22:46:00.000-07:00

The fun never ends!

Today we added choreography to our little play. I know what you are thinking. "Wait...it's a play...but it has singing...and NOW DANCING?!!! What's going on here?"

Well...I'll tell you what's going on here...a freakin' Tony Award Winning Play...that's what. Now no more questions!

Sorry...i didn't mean to fly off the handle like that.

Anyway...
Today the wonderful Jack Murphy landed in the states after an 11-hour flight and what did he do? He didn't go to his hotel and take a nap. He didn't even go home to change! He came to our rehearsal annex and began teaching us the movement to our one musical number in the show.

Just to explain, right before the boys in the show go off for their Oxford and Cambridge exams, they put together a little musical number out of appreciation for their esteemed and beloved teacher, Mr. Hector.

For the first hour, it felt like I was back at NYU at 18 West 18th street at the CAP21 studios doing a Voice and Speech warmup. He had us walk around the space, jog around the space, be present with everyone, and capped it off with a couple of rolldowns.

After we were warmed up, we started putting together this little number. It's not very elaborate. It's a little movement piece to Gracie Field's "Wish Me Luck as You Wave Me Goodbye." We began the primary frame of the number, learning some of the basic movements and putting them into rhythm. Tomorrow, we will chunk the number together and see if we can put some semblance of a story into it.

After "dancing" for a bit, we went back into staging the show. We are trucking along at a nice pace and the show is starting to come together even more. Also, relationships outside the show are building as well. We are becoming a great group of 8 friends, which really helps the dynamic onstage. For example, there is rarely a time where the 8 boys are apart...whether we are getting lunch together, seeing movies, or going to sport's bars to watch the Red Sox! I am so grateful that we are not sick of each other yet. We're a good group of boys.

Alright, that's it for now. A couple of us boys had an interview with the LA Times today...more on that later!

Until then.

Rudge: "What's the verdict then sir? What do I write down?"

Irwin: "You should write down, Rudge, that I must not write down everything teacher says."

And Now We Add Music

2007-10-16T18:50:00.001-07:00

Unlike most straight plays, "The History Boys" has a lot of MUSIC!

So, today we began learning it all! My character (Posner) sings the majority of the songs in the show, but there are also two songs we sing as a group.

Some of the songs include:

* Accordeoniste by Edith Piaf
*Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered
*Bye, Bye, Blackbird
*Wish Me Luck as You Wave Me Goodbye by Gracie Fields

and a couple more....all played fabulously by two handsome gentlemen...Mr. Brett Ryback and Mr. Andrew McClain.

Today was really intense with Richard because we are trying to squeeze in so much information in such a short amount of time. But I think that all of this crazy work is going to pay off in the end. We already sound good...soon enough, we will sound GREAT!

Alright...time to watch the Red Sox game with Seth.

"Give me a smile I can keep all the while in my heart while I'm away." ---Excerpt from Wish Me Luck

Staging (and Sitting)

2007-10-13T18:20:00.000-07:00

Today began the staging process of the show. Which means that we were right back to where we were a couple days ago. Not mentally, mind you...but physically...

ON OUR ASSES!

For those that are unfamiliar with the show, it takes place, mainly, in a classroom. So most of the time, we are sitting down behind desks.

Today we began to create rough "sketches" of the first scenes of the play. It was great fun! It felt nice to finally be active, especially since we haven't gotten a chance to experience what it feels like to act...and do a dialect! That was it's own little adventure for all of us.

We decided to attack the famous "French Scene" today, in which the entirety of the scene is spoken in French. I had a wonderful time pretending to be a French Madame in charge of a whore house...don't ask.

Anyway...it's the weekend and I have laundry to do. I hope that all of the shows back home in NYC are going swimmingly and I miss every single one of you...you know who you are.

Until then...adieu mes enfants!

"Oh! Quelles belles jambes!" (Oh what beautiful legs!)

A Poem About a Lost Boy

2007-10-11T19:45:00.001-07:00

This is a poem that I recite in the play. It's beautiful.

"Drummer Hodge"
by Thomas Hardy

They throw in Drummer Hodge, to rest
Uncoffined – just as found:
His landmark is a kopje-crest
That breaks the veldt around;
And foreign constellations west
Each night above his mound.

Young Hodge the Drummer never knew –
Fresh from his Wessex home –
The meaning of the broad Karoo,
The Bush, the dusty loam,
And why uprose to nightly view
Strange stars amid the gloam.

Yet portion of that unknown plain
Will Hodge forever be;
His homely Northern breast and brain
Grow to some Southern tree,
And strange-eyed constellation reign
His stars eternally.

Table Work

2007-10-10T19:20:00.000-07:00

Two days into rehearsal and already the show is looking great!

We are spending a lot of time doing table work, sitting around a table and talking through each scene.

The show is chock full of references and poems and it is important that we understand everything in the script before we begin to put it on it's feet.

I am personally having the time of my life sitting and talking with brilliant people about this play.

Our director, Paul Miller, also supplements the table work process with audio clips of Alan Bennett reading from his diary. It is both hysterical and insightful into the mind of the playwright.

Something that i was primarily worried about was the dialect and how authentic it was all going to sound. After all, this is a British show with an almost all American cast.

HOWEVER, my worries have ceased 100% after the last couple of days. Even though we still have work to do, everyone in the show is putting on a stellar accent!!!

That is all thanks to the uncomparable JB Blanc, who mixes a crash course dialect class with hysterical stories from his life. And when i say hysterical...I mean...I wish i could explain it, hysterical!

Basically, we are all having a great time.

I feel so fortunate to have the honor of working with such talented and wonderful people. I mean that from the bottom of my heart.

That's it for now! Get excited about The History Boys...because it's coming!

"I really enjoyed doing this one. And I'm beginning to get it. Turning facts on their head. It's like a game."

We're on Playbill.com!

2007-10-09T08:35:00.001-07:00

Check out the press release for the show on PLAYBILL.COM

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/111717.html

The article features the unmatched, fiercely talented, and handsome (that's for you Peter), Peter Paige, who will be playing Mr. Irwin.

The rest of the cast follows in alphabetical order.

Enjoy!

"Do you exist on an unhealthy diet of takeaway food sir?"

The Heartbreak Kid

2007-10-07T23:37:00.000-07:00

It's good. Not thrilling. Not unique. But good. It's good.

Dialect...Bloody Hell.

2007-10-06T20:12:00.000-07:00

I knew this was going to be a fun experience...but I had no fuhkin cloo it wez gohna bee soh haaahd!

Today we began learning DIALECT!

To be more specific, the YORKSHIRE DIALECT!

To be even more specific, a YORKSHIRE DIALECT FROM THE TOWN OF SHEFFIELD.

It is too hard to explain how this accent sounds, but i can give you examples from movies and TV.

For example, today we started our lesson by watching "The Full Monty," because the movie takes place in Sheffield.

Also, we were told at the end of our lesson to watch "Wallace and Gromit" because Wallace has a very overenunciated version of what we're aiming for.

Our teacher is the notable JB Blanc. He is most known for his work in the film, "The Count of Monte Cristo," and the television series, "Prison Break" as Jerry Curtin.

He is a fantastic teacher and a hilarious Yorkshire boy himself.

We took a crash course in Yorkshire for five hours after watching the movie and it was grueling work.

But I am having the time of my life! The absolute time...of...my...LIFE!

More dialect tomorrow! More fun and games on the way! And more pictures!

And even though this isn't a line from the show, it was the first thing JB Blanc said to us this morning regarding learning Yorkshire:

"Run for your lives boys...we're fucked."

First Look at Some of the Boys!

2007-10-05T18:13:00.000-07:00

Just a quick look at the cast of "The History Boys."

First photo: Adam Armstrong (Lockwood), Amar Ramzi (Akthar), Brett Ryback (Scripps), and Demond Robertson (Crowther)

Second photo: Peter Paige (Irwin)

Third photo: Cord Jackman (Rudge)

Fourth photo: Dakin Matthews (Mr. Hector)

More photos to come! Enjoy!

THE FIRST REHEARSAL!

2007-10-05T17:57:00.000-07:00

I just got home from a long day at the Ahmanson Rehearsal Annex where we had our first rehearsal for our little British show.

In a word: AMAZINGINSANEAWESOMERIDICULOUSFASCINATINGNEWEXCITINGSPECTACULAR!

First off, I got to meet the rest of the boys! They are all incredible guys and we all had such an immediate bond with each other. I guess we were all psyched to be where we were. It's so funny because almost all of the boys know each other in one way or another. For example, Brett Ryback, who will be playing Scripps knows about 10 people I know from different walks of life. It's the same for all the rest of us.

The we met the adults, or as our director wants us to call them, the "teachers." He believes that we should all be ADULTS!

Everyone is so nice and talented, and we barely got the show off the ground yet!

Today was not really a rehearsal, as far as rehearsing goes...allow me to elaborate.

All of the boys got measured for their suits...then we all got haircuts. Some of us got cut big time...some of us, just a snip.

After going over some business (Equity papers, contact sheets, paperwork stuff), the boys were let go.

However, I was asked to remain to begin tablework with the teachers. Because a number of my scenes are conversations with the teachers, I stayed and had my first REAL REHEARSAL.

We read through all of the scenes and talked about the various subtexts and references throughout. After about two hours of that, it was time to call it a day.

Tomorrow, we begin dialect! I'm nervous.

Oh yeah! Our stage manager told us today that we have been invited as a cast to see the most recent production that is taking place at the Ahmanson. It will give us a chance to see the theater at work.

Turns out, that show is "AVENUE Q." I couldn't be more excited! That's on Tuesday!

Bye for now!

"If you want to know about Hollywood, study Henry VIII."

New Photo!

2007-10-04T20:49:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to post the promotional picturer that The Ahmanson Theatre has put up on their website.

I'm sure that there will be more promo photos as the weeks progress and we take more pictures.

But until then....ENJOY!

Home Sweet (Studio) Home

2007-10-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

I am finally here in Los Angeles!!!

After a 5 hour drive with my mom (chock full of listening to Todd Rundgren and Hall & Oates), we moved into my new home.

It is a small studio, but it is awesome! It is furnished like a hotel with all of the utensils and amenities I could ever want.

I think I'm going to love it here. I have a murphy bed (a bed which pulls out of the wall) and that's awkward in the best way.

After moving the clothes in, we went grocery shopping and stocked the fridge with the necessary items (Vitamin Water, Water, Bagels, Cream Cheese, and, of course, MICROWAVEABLE PIZZAS!

Alright...it's time to watch Survivor with my mom...and then...CSI: Crime Scene Investigation!

Take a look at some pictures I took of my new digs.

Rehearsals start tomorrow! More pictures to come tomorrow with my new History Boys Hairdoo!

"Most of the stuff poetry is about hasn't happened to us yet!"

love love love

Flying Home

2007-09-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I left New York City with my dad and hopped on a flight to San Jose, California...my hometown. Stepping off of the plane was a weird experience. I was met by the deafening sound of...absolutely nothing. Instead of honking horns and constant ambient traffic and sirens and gang shootings...there was nothing. Strange.

Before I left, I had a dialect lesson with a one Ms. Susan Cameron. It was fun, but also a strong reminder of how much work this whole experience is going to be. The dialect is so subtle and so intricate...i just want to make it second nature so i can really focus on the play.

Today, my mom and I went shopping for some "Los Angeles" clothes. She really wants to pick me out a funky outfit for opening night, or as she called it, "a mod, Beatles, rocker outfit." We found some good stuff and I think I have a good start as to what I think I want to wear on the opening.

In honor of the show at hand, I couldn't resist buying a couple Ben Sherman things (for the Union Jack).

It was nice to drive. It was nice to spend some time with my mom. And it was especially nice to see a Carls Jr. Why we don't have them on the East Coast I will never know.

Anyway, I miss all of my friends. I wish I could be around to see "In Trousers," "Urinetown," and "Galileo." To everyone apart of those shows and others that I will be missing...BREAK SOME FUCKING TIBIAS AND FIBULAS! I will be thinking about all of you and how amazing you will all be.

Alright...that's it for now.

I've decided to end each post with a quote from "The History Boys." So, here it goes.

"With a poem or any work of art, we can never say "in other words". If it is a work of art there are no other words."

The Beginning

2007-09-27T21:29:00.001-07:00

Okay...here we go.

Someone who shall remain nameless (Frank Ventura of NYU's CAP21) told me that I should start a blog to document my time in Los Angeles, where I will be performing in the West Coast Premiere of "The History Boys."

Rehearsals start on October 5th. I wish they started tomorrow.

I don't know if I am any good at blogging...so this is also an experiment to see how efficiently I can keep this up. I want to have a detailed memory of this whole experience and I also want to share this journey with those who are interested.

If you know someone who would be interested in reading this blog, let them know. Or as they say in "The History Boys,"

"Pass it on."