Monday, May 25, 2009
Recording The Adventure
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever sit there in a small room as singer after singer ... actor after actor ... paraded into the recording room to audition for The Girl Who Has a Pathological Hair Fetish. But I'm getting ahead of myself. 
After a "rudder repair incident" cost us 2 hours on the runway, we arrived in The Big Apple at farking 3am. Oy. But even as thrashed as we were, I figured out very quickly that this is not a hotel that bothered with such trifles as amenities. Why bother when you have a history of Literary residents and a prestigious cabaret? (their claim to fame)
Still. . . in the dim light levels, it had its charm. Unfussy and stately, if a bit worn around the edges. The friendly restaurant staff were great. But the front desk staff... singularly unfriendly and a bit too busy to be helpful.If it ever rains in there, they'll all drown.
A painting of the Legacy of Literati graces the premisis prominently.
But the real charmer is Matilda, the only full-time resident at present. The hotel has a long history of Kitterati. :) She was very sweet.
The recording studio wasn't too far from Grand Central Station (above). There have been a bazillion photos taken of the iconic blue ceiling, but I offer my two anyway.
We walked to Grand Central on our lunch hour to a restaurant called OYSTER (below). And no, I didn't eat slimey raw things, but others did and said they were wonderful. I can vouch for amazing New England Clam Chowder, however.
Of course I couldn't take photos in the recording studio, or rather, those I took are for more professional use. But below is the entry hallway. :)
Put on your Asterisk Decoding Hats for this next paragraph.
Some of the 60 who auditioned included two cast members from Ugly B*tty, 2 from the new series about kids who sing in high school (name withheld on purpose), 3 cast members from SNL (past and present), 4 different Elph*ba's from W*cked, several original cast members from The L*ttle M*rmaid, Bl*the Sp*rit, Spring Aw*kening, Chicago, Nine, Cabaret, South P*cific, Next to Norm*l, Int* The Wo*ds, Hair, and several from both the movie and Bway musical versions of M*mma Mia and Ha*rspray! I'm not even listing half the musicals represented by this amazing bunch of actors and singers. The auditions were funny, entertaining and the singing just beyond amazing.
I was geeked out for 4 days straight.
We didn't really have much free time, but one day there were two cancellations, so we bopped down to ABC Carpet & Home ~ megafun decor store! (thanks for the correction, Carli!) I wanted both the blue and green chandeliers. Sigh. :) No clue what I'd do with them, since I don't have a house they'd work in. Would need to be a special funky fun room. I can imagine it...
After 10am to 7pm auditions, we usually had just enough time to walk or taxi to the theatre. We saw Next to N*rmal, Hair, Blithe Sp*rit and In The Heights. After the shows, we'd search for food, which sometimes involved a massive authentic slice of NY pizza (CARVE or RAY'S). Annd sometimes involved meeting our friend Jane (above) for fun. Jane's a dresser (someone who makes sure costumes are repaired, cleaned, and makes sure the actors get in and out of their clothes on cue... ) for several Bway shows. She gave us a backstage tour at one of the theatres... it's kind of our ritual/tradition when we visit her, for whatever show she's currently working. :) And yes, she's as fun and adorable as she looks.
(my favorite shot from this trip... Times Square at dusk) It was a whirlwind trip, and one I'll never forget.
At one point, a couple people dropped out, and I got to record a song, which was fun.
So many celebrities. Admittedly, I was a big chicken. I couldn't talk to a certain handsome and talented Broadway star. What a voice. (sorry Marty!) But I did talk to a couple people I loved (women), and was able to tell them how much I enjoyed all the things I'd seen them in.
And you know what... of the 60 auditioners, they were all very nice, very engaging, very friendly. Theatre People are the best.
Best of all, we go back in a week for Call-backs! Oy. Then Japan. Double-Oy. But I'm still basking in the afterglow of all that singing and I feel no pressure from the future.... just happy thoughts in the now.
~Shephard
Labels: NYC
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