re: Thank You Late Night Fans

Left the theater tonight very late--about 11:30pm, following a talk back with a college buddy of mine and some of his colleagues, and a 1/2 hour of me sitting in my dressing room trying to put down in words what it's like feeling this show coming to an end. More on that later.

But I walk out the stage door and there are 4 lovely fans still waiting for an autograph and photos. So Allison (did i spell it right?), Christine, Joshua from Florida, and your friend from upstate NY whose name I never got--THANK YOU. I'm so very touched that you were so touched by our show and my work that you waited an hour for me. And Allison and Christine--thank your Union City school teacher moms (?) who were so kind enough to wait in the car while you waited all that time, to get you home safely.

Tutti Mi Amore...

What a Night!

So it's almost 1am. Just got home from having some beers and pizza with friends to celebrate tonight's PBS broadcast. I haven't seen it yet, but from the voicemails on my phone, apparently it went well :)

Whew! It's over. It's been an incredibly stressful, strange, exciting last 3 days in the theater with the 9 cameras, crews, trucks, plasma screen TV's, altered lighting schemes, etc; in preparation for tonight. I was equal parts terrified, stressed, and thrilled. Now I'm just thrilled. It's totally surreal. The adrenalin build up to the show was so intense, now that it's over, I can't really believe it.

I'm just so grateful for the company of actors, crew, and orchestra that made tonight as special as it felt out there on stage. Grateful to be a part of this company of incredibly talented, devoted, and honest actors.

I've gotta go watch it! My wife's already asleep, but she called me 4 times in my dressing room crying to tell me how beautiful it was. Thanks to all at Live From Lincoln Center who made tonight so special and to all of you for watching.

Ah! I'm gonna watch!

Bring Us Home

Well, I've been home sick for most of this week with some virus that has rooted itself on my vocal chords. Considering that over the 9 month run thus far, other than some food poisoning, I've been healthy--better that I get this out of the way now, 2 weeks before our PBS special, and with 4 weeks left in the run.

The usual remedy--complete vocal rest, an antibiotic to knock out a possible secondary infection, low dose of steroids to reduce the swelling on my vocal chords--is all the doctor can prescribe. Plus lots of rest, water, vitamins, etc;

Being home this week has been strange. I haven't had a 'vacation' from Piazza since January, and that was my one week off in this 9 month run, so being home sick feels equal parts disappointing and relieving. I'm disappointed I can't be there for my castmates and the audiences, but I'm relieved to give my beat-up body and voice a brief chance to heal. Just seeing my wife for a few more hours a day, enjoying some down time in front of the TV or sitting for a bit in the park--I've realized just how much of a sacrifice we actors make to do what we love. I wouldn't trade it for the world, but having no life outside the theater for nine months has taken its toll.

In the weeks to come, the home-stretch if you will, I hope for good health for our entire Piazza company in what will surely be a MAGICAL time.

P.S. I've taken some heat from some actors over my last post. Check out the comments and let me know what YOU think. This is an important topic and the dialogue is invaluable!