Life upon the Wicked Stage

I just finished the first run of my new play, "Isn't it Sarcastic," at Society Hill Playhouse in Philadelphia. A one-man show. Jesus. If I'd known what an undertaking that was - I might have thought twice. Three times, even. But still I would have forged on because I wanted to write it and do more than just another "cabaret" show.

This picture oughta show you what a crazy night it was. Definitely not a serious drama. But much more so than I thought it was going to be. You start out writing a semi-autobiographical piece about a guy who's too funny for his own good, and damned if you don't get a lot more pathos than you meant to.

Here's a link to my theatre company:
http://www.philly-cabaret-theatre.com

I created it in January 2004 as a place to write and develop pieces that were a little off the beaten path, to break that Fourth Wall and let the audience join in. Since I moved to Philly from NYC 5 years ago, I thought that was a unique idea for a company - one that could add something to the arts community here.

Well.

Seems it's hard to get anything new off the ground, but at times this has felt like pushing an elephant through a port hole. And I've tried that. Getting audiences to come is just as tough here as it was in NYC, although it's a smaller scene and people said that fewer companies to compete with would equal more exposure. Could I be any more exposed? Not for lack of trying - but I'd have to be naked and walking down Broad Street to have the kind of exposure it'd take to get people into the joint.

Well, what did I think? There's no biz like showbiz and boy ain't that the truth. Since I moved here I have not had to toil in the Land of Temps, and that's been a good thing. I've created and been part of my own projects and been cast in two mainstage musicals at two of the biggest theatres in town -- so quit whining, eh?

http://www.yourvoicecoach.com

This is how I make my bread and butter. Much better than working FOR anybody else. Although not so hot when the clients don't come. But I'm workin' on the "glass half full" idea.

Fill 'er up!