Karaoke & open mic nights with Two Gentlemen

Last week I saw The Two Gentlemen of Verona, at the Shakespeare Theatre Company's Lansburgh Theatre. I had run into a friend who had recently returned to the area and transferred from UArts to Howard, not two days before. Turned had we had a mutual friend in the show, Jade Wheeler.

Before I go any further, I just want to clarify that this is NOT a review, but merely a reaction.  First of all, there are plenty of individuals doing reviews to begin with. Secondly, I'm simply interested in sharing my personal thoughts and seeing what others think. I'm more interested in the dialogue, I suppose.

However, here are some reviews of the show, if you are so inclined:

• The Two Gentlemen of Verona (DC Theatre Scene)
• The Two Gentlemen of Verona (Metro Weekly)
• ‘The Two Gentlemen of Verona’ is entertaining, over-the-top (Washington Post)

The other...caveat I would like to put out there is that I am certainly not a Shakespeare fan, in the way that I'm not an Opera fan; this isn't to say I dislike either, as I can experience and appreciate both, but they're not my preference for live performance. That being said, I enjoyed this production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona.

But this isn't a review.

From the get-go, the opening set the stage for a certain amount of...Glee-ification, from lack of a better word (and to best describe the trend of musicalization by way of pop culture).  And this is almost certainly a case where my own experiences project themselves on the art (which is part of why I love art, in that the same event came mean completely different things for different people).  The thing is, I am...or at least was, a bit of a Gleek, and actually found my way into theatre and dance professionally, by way of musical theatre.

So I appreciated the various "musical" moments, incorporated into the production by way of interludes, karaoke, and open mic nights. These also provided a break from the script, and added another layer to the story.

I also did not "do my homework". It was actually an interesting question posed on STC's twitter, in terms of what kind of prep others do to see a Shakespeare play they've never seen before. STC tweeted back to one reply:

"That's a good point, I suppose less prep is needed for the comedies. They're not less complex but are more accessible." (see tweet here)

To which I would certainly agree. I personally do little to no prep, wanting the piece to be able to stand up on its own.

I also appreciated the monologues in a way I hadn't before. At first, it reminded me of those confessional moments in reality shows, where it's just the person, the camera, and the audience. I know, Shakespeare and stage monologues came way before reality tv, but in terms of forms and devices I've experienced, it was just interesting that THAT was the connection I made. Maybe it's a stretch, maybe not.

One thing I couldn't help but notice, and it's a lens which existed but was further developed through a semester-long class on Art, Community, & Diversity in AU's Arts Management program, is how much my friend and I (both young men of color) added to the diversity of this Saturday matinee, both in terms of age and race. I point this out simply and objectively, as an observation to discuss.  Part of the audience make-up was, I'm sure, because it was a Saturday matinee.

But by the end of the show, I left hoping that this was the exception in terms of audience demographics, and that others of every ethnic/cultural background, and of my generation and younger have been seeing this show, and taking a chance on it if Shakespeare isn't "your thing". Beyond the Glee-ified moments, the story is simple and certainly one that some might relate to. It is a story of two friends, and what happens when one doesn't put "bros before...", well you know the phrase.

And I digress. I actually hope to catch the show again, and if you're interested in catching it too, it is playing until Mar 4. You can get tix here.

If you're on Twitter, follow STC @ShakespeareinDC, and follow & use the hashtag #TwoGents. You can also find STC on Facebook.

- J Street Jr

Intersections reception last week

It's a small world, after all!!

Last Thursday, the Atlas Performing Arts Center had a reception for those participating in this year's Intersections: A New America Arts Festival (Feb 23 to Mar 11).

In fact, I had already been at the Atlas just a couple of days prior with Dance/Metro DC's Awards Committee, to meet with Festival Artistic Director, Mary Hall Surface, and her team on-site, but more on that in a later blog.

At the reception, I was there as a SpeakeasyDC Board Member, and also just as a member of the amazingly diverse performing arts community, here in the DC area.

Even before I entered the Atlas, I run into Colin Hovde, who recently returned to Theatre Alliance on staff as Artistic Director.  We were joined by Jenny Frederick, Artistic Director of Rorschach Theatre and Director of Performing Arts at Cultural Development Corporation, as we entered the lobby.

So we enter the lobby, and while I feel like I'm just name-dropping at this point...I think I've made peace with the fact that I kinda am. I'm thrilled to know the people I do in DC, and every time our paths cross, it just reaffirms that somehow I managed to end up where I need to be, doing what I love in life, here in the Washington metropolitan area.

Before the official reception program begins, I run into Jeffrey Blender, the board member who was responsible for recruiting me to SpeakeayDC's board before terming out, met me in the lobby, after which I proceeded to run into a number of other creatives.

One is Bobby T, a wonderful guy and singer, who I know through the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington. One of GMCW's small ensembles, Potomac Fever, will actually be performing in the festival along with local musician, Tom Goss.

I see Samia, an artist I know through my work at Class Acts Arts, as one of our MD Traditions in the Schools artists, and say hi. She's presenting her Spirit of Unity concert.Turning around at one point, I bump into Ouida, a classmate of mine from AU's Arts Management program and give her a hug. She's there on behalf of Dance Exchange's Teen Exchange program, which will be performing at the festival. A disclaimer: I recently became a member Society DX, Dance Exchange's twitter ambassador group.

Another dancer present was Angella, founder and Artistic Director of Alight Dance Theater.  Our paths actually crossed the last presidential election year, participating in a David Dorfman piece where I did my undergrad, in UMD's Dance program.

And I should not have been surprised when I run into Paige Hernandez, performing a piece with B-fly Entertainment. Our paths crossed when she presented a selection from her show, Paige in Full, at Sulu DC's monthly event.

Can't forget running into Solomon, who was present on behalf of the Library of Congress and their concert series. "What?" you might be asking, "the Library of  Congress has a concert series?!" Yes, yes it does. At least that seemed to be the majority of the reactions he received. One of DC's best kept secrets, I might argue. Our paths intersected in the last professional show I did before starting grad school in '08, Jerry Springer: the Opera with Studio Theatre 2nd Stage.

That's about it, as far as I can remember.  And that's just the tip of the iceberg, when it comes to the variety and quality of performing artists that are presenting work at this year's Intersections Festival.

And if I saw you that evening, or mentioned you but didn't list your organization above or below, please let me know.

The amazing thing was looking at the festival calendar and seeing how many other artists I knew in some capacity.  The humbling thing is realizing this has less to do with me and more to do with the wonderful community that we have in the DC area, one in which we strive to better ourselves and each other, with our art.

More than anything, this evening really reminded me how exciting this year is going to be, as well as how much each year continues to top the last, for me as an artist, as an audience member, and just as a person who is part of this huge, extended family.

You can check out the festival schedule here. Anything you're looking forward to, or are you participating? Feel free to leave and comment!!

And if you're attending the festival, particularly the Speakeasy DC shows or the Dance/MetroDC awards, I look forward to seeing you there,

- J Street Jr

On social media? So is pretty much every organization I mentioned, those participating in the festival directly and others who were present by association.

• Intersections - Facebook | Twitter
• Atlas Performing Arts Center - Facebook | Twitter
• Alight Dance Theater - Facebook | Twitter
• B-fly Entertainment - Facebook
• Class Acts Arts - Facebook | Twitter
• Cultural Development Corporation - Twitter
• Dance Exchange - Facebook | Twitter
• GMCW - Facebook | Twitter
• MD Traditions - Facebook
• Rorschach Theatre - Facebook | Twitter
• SpeakeasyDC - Facebook | Twitter
• Studio Theatre 2nd Stage - Facebook | Twitter
• Sulu DC - Facebook | Twitter
• Theatre Alliance - Facebook | Twitter

Hot topics in theatre

Hey there,

Haven't blogged in a while, but due to several recent articles, just thought I'd blog about them.

No thoughts as yet, as I've had a long day, but just wanted to share the links, and see what you thought:

• Small theaters’ audiences are growing, but where will they sit?
• The state of D.C. theater
• Will Signature’s ‘Hairspray’ lead to a permanent wave of dance on D.C. stages?
• H Street Playhouse Priced Out of H Street, Looking For New Spot

And if you're on Twitter, join the conversation there with #dctheatre :-)

- J Street Jr

Give to the Max!!

So, there's only about 5 hours left as of the time I started writing this post.  Give to the Max, if you don't know, s a bit of a marathon of fundraising, 24 hours to galvanize organizations and their supporters to spread the word.

Class Acts Arts, where I'm on staff, and SpeakeasyDC, where I'm on the board, are both participating and I highly encourage you to check 'em out and consider donating.  But also, check out other arts & cultural organizations I'm a fan of, at my Razoo profile page.  These are organizations I both involved in as an artist, as well as just an audience member, or general supporter of their mission, but their some of the ones whose work I find the most compelling in the DC area.

Check it out if you have time, and the minimum donation is $10.  Razoo takes a 2.9% fee for the credit card charge, but all things considered, that's about typical, and ultimately still raises money for good causes.

- J Street Jr

Give to the Max and social media pages

• Class Acts Arts (Facebook | Twitter)
• SpeakeasyDC (Facebook | Twitter)
• Give to the Max (Facebook | Twitter)

Chillin' at the Wintergreen Starbucks

So here I am, chilling at the Wintergreen Starbucks. I decided to come here in lieu of dinner to get out a DC PAL bulletin that was supposed to go out last night, in the 30 minutes I have before rehearsal starts with Jazzlan Dance Theatre at Musical Theatre Center.

Trying to make the most of my time between times, if that makes any sense. Figure with this blog, I'd continue to write what I can when I could, instead of being overwhelmed by not writing anything completely comprehensive, knowing I'll get there eventually.

So, on that note, here's to what little free time I have, and always have something to do with it.

- J Street Jr

Give to the Max: Greater Washington

In board meeting, discussing incorporating Give to the Max: Greater Washington as part of larger fundraising campaign.

Note to others serving on board, if you suggest or seem enthusiastic about something, make sure you're ready to fill those shoes.

This is not a warning to not express yourself, but rather to remember, use, and channel that energy to fulfill your board responsibilities.

Good times :-)

- J Street Jr

Nap time...and validation

So I'm here early for rehearsal, which doesn't start for another hour or so. Grabbed dinner w/ Jesse at Chipotle and am just about ready to pass out.

Last night's opening of the Brookland Artspace Lofts was a blast, and the fourth floor really represented, during the open studio part of the evening. More than anything, it was great to meet all the other residents, as well as the family and friends.

My parents actually came, along with my lola and tito. It was the first time they got to see my place. And even though my dad criticized my on the paint job in my room, at the end of it, I think they both got why I really wanted to live there, to have that space, and be a part of that community.

Now I'm gonna take a quick nap,

- J Street Jr