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The Life and Times of A Saint Peter's Student (or, Living the Metropolitan Life)
45 days. Yes, only 45 days until graduation but who's counting! I am still in shock that in only a matter of a few weeks I will be sitting at my college graduation with all my friends and family around me. Of course I will start to get weepy, to which one of my lovely friends will simply tell me to, "Butch it up, Mary!" O how I love my supportive friends. With a change like graduation comes much planning. I have to find a place to live full time now, the dorm is no longer an option, sadly. I am in the process of hammering out final details so that is one less thing to have to worry about. I also have to put the finishing touches on the arrangements for my graduation party. I kind of don't want a party because it will upset my sister. She is a year older, but is graduating next spring. (I really hope she doesn't read this!) Also, I am going to be so busy with work at the theatre at night and whatever it is I will be doing during the day. I have a bunch of applications out for theatre management office work but don't have a definite yes, yet. The ceremony itself will be exciting but I just can't wait to get my diploma. That's my accomplishment. The pomp and circumstance is more for my family, and they are so excited about it. I am more focused on getting to May 18th. Wrapping up my thesis, completing the rest of my course work, and packing up the dorm are what I spend my days doing. Still working at the theatre at night, which is my release from the busy life of a full time college student. One of the shift leaders at the theatre has hinted at retirement, and in the event he goes through with it, I intend on applying for his position. Yes, it would make my life even more busy, but it is a step up and one step closer to making my dreams come true. On that note, I found out that in addition to prospective students and members of the SPC community reading my blog, people from work have begun to read as well. Welcome new readers, especially Gabe at the Stage Door!
In preparation for this post, because how boring would it be to repeat myself, I read over some of my previous entries and realized I really don't write about going out with my friends much. That's probably because I don't really go out an awful lot. After getting home from work, I usually go to sleep in preparation for my morning class. Real exciting, I know! Anyway, this past Saturday, that changed. I got out of work early, they didn't need all of us to stay the whole show, so I came back to campus and got invited to go to Hoboken with some friends (fellow bloggers Jolie and Andrea were among them!). I of course said yes, because I never get to hang out with anyone. So, after a quick shave and change, I met up with them and we set off. It was an awesome night, a great time was had by all. Dancing and catching up were awesome. I even got to be each of their boyfriends throughout the night to ward off any guys with bad intentions. Hanging out with the ladies made me realize what I had been missing, but luckily my friends understand that life is busy and don't harp on it too much. Plus, they get to see Broadway shows for free so its a good trade off. Here are some pictures of the night.
O Yes, It's Ladies Night!
Posing On the PATH!
Outside of all things graduation, nights at theatre, happy friends, and packing, life is pretty routine. I like that though. When life is rocky, it makes me sad. One of the best lessons SPC taught me was to always be myself. A wise professor once told me, "Just Be You, Man!" I think he was right and it made me think. It is no great secret that I am hardly shy about the way I lead my life. The truth is, once I stopped caring what other thought and acted like myself, I got more respect in life. I got beat up less, I got made fun of less, the name calling slowed drastically and I actually gained popularity because I knew who I was and I wasn't afraid of it. Of course, not everyone was always cool with the "gay kid" but to those few I would simply say "...its my world, that I want to have a little pride in, my world, and its not a place I have to hide in, life is a sham till you can say, hey world, I am what I am..."
Hey! So graduation is an attainable goal now. I sat down with my advisor last week and found out that I will be walking in May with my class! I will be taking the extra semester in the fall to fully complete my undergraduate work because of my medical leave this past fall semester but because I have less than 12 credits to complete, I will be permitted to process with my classmates at the graduation ceremony on May 18th. Not going to lie, I cried a little when I found this out. First person I called was Mom. She was super excited too. My sister, not so much so because although she is a year older, I am graduating first!
So on the theater front, I got to see Gypsy last Monday. To say it was fierce was a gross understatement. For the first time in my life, I was inclined to stand and applaud at the conclusion of Ms. LuPone's rendition of Rose's Turn. The whole audience was on their feet cheering loudly when she finished. It was that intense! The overall show is fabulous too but Patti LuPone commands everyone’s attention anytime she is on the stage. It is no wonder she is so prominently displayed in the advertising for the show. See!
On the school front, I got my classes all in line for my last term. A light schedule, giving me the ability to intern as much as possible. I hope this will lead to a full time job in a management office. About that, I have 4 internship applications currently pending for the summer with theater companies or management offices so I am a little nervous. I know my experience and seasoned resume will be enough to get me at least an interview but I just worry. Housing selection for the fall is also squared away. I will miss my current roommates but it will be fun to live with someone different. We have had some memorable times in my dorm this year. On that note, here is a picture of myself with fellow blogger and friend Tricia, who also happens to be dating my roommate!
Yay for Happy Friends!
I hope you enjoyed this brief update, finding time these days between school, work, internship applications, sleep, and a little thing called a relationship is sometimes tough. Luckily I am good at multi-tasking and all parties involved are understanding. Always date someone who is just as busy as you are, they tend to be more understanding! For this quote, I dug deep into my musical archive, because I knew it would be a perfect fit. We, the class of 2008, came together in August, 2004 from different places and walks of life and were merged into one unit and now our time is coming to an end. 08, this is for you. We did it! "A day of peace, a day of pride, a day that can't be denied. Let the new day dawn!"
Hey! So life continues to be busy but I found time for you loyal blog readers! Doing the school and work routine but still finding moments of unique-ness. I saw some new shows, Sunday In The Park With George was phenomenal. I see it totally walking away with Best Revival at the Tony Awards. Look at the cool art work!
Another of the new shows I got to see was The Little Mermaid. Hmm where to start. Well, the performances were amazing, but some of the sets and costumes were a little abstract for me. Anyway, I was entertained at least. Except for the chattering little children that were essentially singing along with the characters, it was an enjoyable evening of theater. I "borrowed" a picture for you!
On the school front, last night members of P.R.I.D.E., the college's gay-straight alliance that I co-founded, participated in their spring community service activity by bringing prepared food to the homeless in the streets of New York City. On all accounts, it was a rousing success! Outside of that, nothing new has really been going on. Richie Sambora (of Bon Jovi fame) came to the show a few weeks ago with a woman! O, scandal!
The other day, they recorded a commercial for Young Frankenstein, which premiered on Broadway.com Here is a link!
So, I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of new musicals. Gypsy with Patti LuPone had its first preview last night, Crybaby and A Catered Affair start in just a few weeks. It is shaping up to be a good spring on Broadway!
Wow, so it has recently hit me, graduation is like really soon. Where did the time go? Well at least I can say I had a good run here at Saint Peter's! These have been some of the best times of my life. I made lifelong friendships, grew up, learned new things, and most importantly I found my career calling. Stop the world, I want to get on! This quote's origin is not too difficult to figure out, but you know, try to feel challenged! It is directed to the powers that be on Broadway. "I don't know when, I don't know how, but I know something's starting right now, watch and you'll see, someday I'll be part of your world!"
Wow, it has been forever since I have posted. Sorry loyal blog readers, life has been crazy. Balancing 6 classes with a full time job proved harder than I expected. Fret not however, I have lived! Let me bring you up to speed. "Young Frankenstein" is sailing smoothly, yesterday was our 100th performance. Cake and cheering happened pre-show. My mother is still yelling at me because I went a little crazy on Christmas, but my reasoning was, I'm happy to be alive, why not thank those who prayed for me when I was in the hospital and didn't know what was wrong with me. Angry she is, but it still hasn't stopped her from bragging to all her friends that her son who is on Broadway bought her a Tiffany necklace for Christmas. Gotta love Mom and her vanity. Christmas was actually the first time I saw my whole family in a long time. They all wished me luck on my trip.
Moving to that, right after the New Year, I traveled with a group of Saint Peter's students and professors to London to study theater techniques. What an experience. I indulged as much as I could, seeing a show every night, and even one afternoon. Of course I took pictures. Look Kids, Big Ben!
As part of our tour, we saw all the historic sites, Windsor Castle, The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, London Bridge, not to be confused with Tower Bridge! Luckily for me, we had lots of free time to see what we wanted to. On Sunday, a group of us went in search of Abbey Road (I found it!) One of the popular things to see in London is the Queen's guards. Here is one of the famous Beefeaters, they have alot of personality!
The highlight of my trip was finally seeing Billy Elliot. There are no words, I was simply blown away. I had to go see it a second time, I was so enthralled. It is scheduled to come to Broadway in September, 2008 but with the success of August: Osage County (the Imperial Theater's current tenant) I have a feeling Billy will get delayed. Also, while there I saw, Phantom, which was exactly the same as New York, as was Wicked. The Sound of Music was rather enjoyable, I just wish we had better seats. The West End revival of Joseph was very colorful and upbeat, but felt kind of amateurish. They did reality show casting so I wasn't holding out too much hope, but Lee Meade was the best thing about the show. Apparently British reality shows actually find talent, too bad America can't follow suit. The last show we saw on the West End was The Lord of the Rings. A fine example of stage craft and technique it was, but an engaging story it was not. It also lasted upwards of 3 hours. Not on my list of favorites, but I left at least entertained so it served its purpose.
The next morning, we boarded our plane and returned to the United States and I returned to work that night with a new appreciation for my craft. Whenever I get tired of my job, I will just think of how it could be worse. If I ushered in London, I would have to also sell Playbills (they aren't free there!) as well as sell concessions on top of my duties to seat patrons and enforce theater policy, like the prohibition of photography and video! I think I will stick to Broadway.
Since returning, classes began again, and nothing too eventful has been going on. Just learning, working, and taking care of myself. Well, I guess there is one eventful thing. We will just suffice it to say that "life has suddenly gotten beautiful again" and I will let you use your imaginations! This quote comes from a song I heard, but (shockingly enough) it isn't from a show. It sums up how I feel about good old SPC! "In my dreams, I'll always see you soar above the sky, in my heart there will always be a place for you for all my life."
Well, I survived Opening Night. It was an absolute blast. It was the biggest gathering of celebrities I've ever seen in my life, and I was stationed in the lobby distributing Playbills. It meant I got to welcome each and every one of them. I was in heaven, Joan Rivers touched me! The show went great that night and the party at the Empire State Building was quite a celebration. First, I succeeded in getting my picture with Ms. Mullally. She is beautiful in person, I hope I look that good when I'm 50!
During the party, I pretty much stayed with my fellow ushers, strength in numbers. We as a group got pictures with most of the cast, like this one with Christopher Fitzgerald, who plays Igor. He used to be one of us ushers and our people stick together.
This is probably the highlight picture of the night, I can truly tell you it is good to know people. We used some influence on his assistant and that's how we got it, security was being extra tight around him. The one and only Mel Brooks!
As some of you may have heard, there is a strike on Broadway but luckily Young Frankenstein isn't affected because they have a separate contract with the union that's on strike. Its hard to walk to work past all the picket lines on my way to work, it makes me sad. That could be me out on the sidewalk with my sign one day, I hope it never comes to that though.
In other news at the theater, celebrity sightings have been frequent lately. On Saturday night, I was the VIP attendant, and just my luck, Howard Stern, David Schwimmer, Glenn Close, and Meryl Streep all decided to show up. It made my job difficult because I'm supposed to keep people away from them but there were 4 of them to guard. I did the best I could and all of them were appreciative of my efforts. I've noticed, the most famous people who come to the show, the less star struck I am. However, if Madonna walks through the door, all bets are off.
Outside of that, things at the theater have been pretty normal. School is also progressing along nicely, finally almost all caught up from my medical leave. Finals are quickly approaching, Ugh! I really can't believe it, in a few months I'll be a college graduate. I really never thought the day would come. Standing on that stage, as everyone watches me become the first Kennedy to graduate college will probably make me cry. (Shh, it is quite the sour topic with my sister that her little brother is graduating first!) It will be the highlight of an awesome college career. In these 4 years, I've made lifelong friendships, grown up immensely, and realized where I belong in life. Its all because of Saint Peter's --because in all the ups and downs I have experienced in my time as a Peacock, there was always someone standing in the background supporting me, telling me they were proud of who I became. I promise when I become famous, I will be generous to my alma mater. Yes, its in writing so I will be held to that promise. Its the least I can do for SPC, they have done so much for me.
Well, Class of 2008, we're almost there. In a few weeks, we will be entering our last semester in college and just for you, I'll quote a show. (It can also be used by you high school students as motivation to finish strong and get into college!) "...I'm so close I can taste it, so I'm not gonna waste it, with the chance I've been given, its what I need to be driven..."
Well, I'm alive. In fact, I haven't felt this good in a very long time. Everyone on campus could see that as the semester was progressing, I was getting sicker. So, when I returned on Monday looking well rested and energized, people took notice. I got so many compliments about how good I looked. Maybe I should get sick more often. Or not! Worst 2 weeks of my life being in the hospital. It feels good to be back and in the swing of life again. Having been out for 2 weeks put me slightly behind in work, but I am slowly getting caught up. As for the theater, I am back and better than ever. As I am writing currently, I am getting dressed for the Opening Night performance. Lots of pictures for the next post hopefully. I love the show and it has been drawing some big names. Last night Bob Saget and John Stamos from Full House came to the show, and they came through my ticket scanning line. I felt so honored to allow them entry. Tonight promises to be a who's who of Hollywood and Broadway elite. Did I mention I was excited? I am determined to get a picture with Megan Mullally, but it will depend how nice her security is. The after party is being held at the Empire State Building, so it should be interesting, I've never been there before. Well, I really should do some homework before heading to work for the big occasion. I will try to take lots of pictures for all my loyal readers. This quote is dedicated to all my seniors, who are facing graduation. "...we can do it, we can make our dreams come true, everything you've ever wanted is just waiting to be had..."
Well, talk about going from being on the ultimate high to crashing and burning. At the time of my last post, I was flying high all excited because Young Frankenstein’s run had just begun and it had much promise and longevity. However, just a week and a half into the run, I was sidelined with a horrible sickness. In between shows on Saturday the 13th, I started feeling a little under the weather. Thinking it was just a common cold coming on, I took the usual precautions, drink lots of fluids, take some medicine, and I’d be ok. Unfortunately I didn’t get any better. In fact, with each passing day, I got worse. Finally I decided to pay a visit to Health Services. After seeing Health Services at the College on Friday the 19th , they gave their diagnosis and sent me home to have some tests run and to rest. Well, apparently the test results alarmed someone, because I ended up spending a week in the hospital. The final diagnosis being I have the Epstein-Barr virus, which my nursing major friends tell me has symptoms such as chronic fatigue, high fever, and a sore throat. All symptoms that I had. The worst part, there is no cure, it just has to run its course. The fever went away, but the fatigue and sore throat remain. As I am writing, I am now resting at home but it is not a happy time. I miss everyone at school and I miss the show. During my hospital stay, a few friends made the trip down to visit, which I really appreciated. It shows how much my friends really do care. My family also visited often so I was never alone. On one hand I understand that I need to take time and fully recover before resuming my busy lifestyle but on the other hand, a part of me thinks the sooner I get back to my daily routine, the better I will feel. For now I’m taking it one day at a time on my road to recovery which has been hard but I am surviving. Today, I went to the doctor’s to follow up and find out when is a safe time to return to life. He said when I feel ready, which really didn’t help me any because anyone who knows me knows that I am going to want to return as soon as possible. However, I know I need to be fully recovered before going back to life because a relapse would only hit me harder. Luckily, I have understanding professors who have told me to get better first and we will worry about the work later. The theater has been equally as supportive, telling me when I feel ready to return, they will have a spot for me. I am aiming for a return next week, after having taken this week to rest and recover but it will depend how I feel. Until then, it’s a daily regiment of drinking lots of fluids, sleeping late, and watching “The View.� What a day! Well, that’s all for now, but I will keep you updated on any changes. A cheesy quote, I know, but its something to give hope and I need some right now. “The sun’ll come out tomorrow, so you gotta hang on till tomorrow�
Well, I finally sat through an entire run through of "Young Frankenstein." Since the first paying audience isn't until tomorrow, I can't really tell you about it, or can I? Who am I kidding, of course I am going to tell you about it, I'll even show pictures! Firstly, let me say I have been waiting for this show for months. Thankfully, the show did not disappoint. I keep getting asked how the show was and I keep giving the same response. "There are no words, I was simply blown away!" Is that enough for you? However, I must warn, if you have epilepsy, stay away, its guaranteed to give you a seizure. The special effects are simply jaw-dropping. Right now, as I am writing, I have a huge grin on my face because I can't wait to go to the theater tonight and see it again. The first picture I have for you is of one of the more iconic scenes.
I'll simply say, "Give My Creation...LIFE!"
Last night after the performance, the theater hosted a meet and greet for everyone involved with the show. It was more than just a little intense to be eating pizza with Megan Mullally! Yes, I know everyone wants to know, and I can confirm, she is indeed a delightfully nice person, very unlike Karen Walker, her character she played on Will & Grace and the role that she won 2 Emmy awards for. She is a fabulous singer, which most people don't know because she played a non-singer on TV. Here is a shot of her in full costume, hitting a high note, Enjoy!
This picture needs no introduction, I'll simply just say, "Puttin' On The Ritz" anyone?
Ok, besides my new show, life has been going really well. I am spreading my wings this winter and finally going abroad over winter break. Much to the unhappiness of my family, who worry about me in the "big, bad city" which it totally isn't, I am going to London to indulge in some West End theater. I have my heart set on seeing "Billy Elliott," its one of my favorite movies, and I imagine the show will be just as tear-inducing. The way I see it, no time like the present. No worry of the show closing while I am on vacation, like what happened with Pirate Queen, since Young Frankenstein is pretty well sold out through the spring! Yay for job security! Anyway, I have to get some homework done before setting off to the theater for tonight's show. Everybody have a great day and enjoy the musical quote. Good luck guessing where its from, I enjoy challenging all of you! "And right there is where you'll see it too, what you want is right in front of you!"
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