Skip to main content

The Civil War & 9-11, a breakdown:

What if.
The only 2 shows that you had to audition for and knew you'd seriously be considered for were shows about,
A.) The Civil War
B.) 9-11
Because all the other shows that were being posted by casting and brokedown by agents were shows about families, families with struggles, families who triumph. Or quirky young adults who find themselves in awkward life situations but through the course of navigating those awkward situations find love with an unexpected person. Or a coming of age story, based on beloved novels that all just happen to be about...
Asian People!!!
Now what?
But every six months another breakdown comes around again for,
Civil War: an American Musical.
Or,
9-11: an American Tragedy.
And you think,
'Oh my God, this is it. There are multiple white people in that show. I have a chance! Maybe a swing spot at least.'
And you sign up,
You get there on time.
You sing your heart out.
They ask you to dance.
'Oh my God they asked me to dance.'
You learn the gun dance,
You learn the seat belt securely fastened seated tap number.
You're not much of a tapper but you fake it.
And they ask you to come back for FINAL CALLBACKS!
You get the packets:
“How Can I Be Civil At A Time Like This?!”
“I Miss Britain”
“What Time Is My Departure?”
“The Seatbelt Song” (a rap)
You study… you even memorize.
They call your name,
You go into the big room.
Oh there's the director, Ang Lee.
And the choreographer, Kristi Yamaguchi.
20 Producers: All. Asian. Women.
You do your thang.
The room is very unresponsive so you're not sure what to think.
You rationalize,
'They were probably just really with me.
They were taking me in.'
A week goes by,
Nothing.
You check AUDITION UPDATE.
Nothing.
You go to some EPA’s to stay active and keep your mind off it…
You hit up the auditions for,
Seoul Mates: a musical about finding Love.
Tokyo Temptations: another jukebox musical.
The Greatest Wall of All… they opening a 3rd touring company?!
After weeks of waiting,
Catering.
Self hating…
You finally accept that this just wasn't your round.
Hey, you made it to final callbacks… that what counts!
Besides,
I hear they're turning Crazy Rich Asians into a musical.
'I can totally play the mean hotel owner in the first scene,
This is gonna be great!'

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Sunny Spot.

Sunny runs Lenox Fast Food breakfast spot in Central Harlem. He and his beautiful wife, And Fernando, Run the spot on Lenox Ave, Just below 143rd St. Next to a bar called 'A Touch of Dee'.  They serve plates, Fried fish, Coffee with milk or half 'n' half only... And cheese grits.  Everyone orders the cheese grits. I've never had them, But secretly, always want to try them.  The waffles are toaster waffles, And come in 2 sizes:  Regular and silver dollar.  There are tins ready with butter, Prepped bacon, And these little metal bowls, That Fernando has on hand to mix your eggs.  Which he folds with precision and skill. In the back of this narrow, Black-painted-walled hole in the wall (the kinda spot my Dad would love), On this block of Lenox Ave., There is a picture of Obama- maybe from 2008. On the wall next to the "If someone is choking" sign. Today a man, Much taller than me, With a smile and energy that could light up NY, A man who Sunny knew by name, Wa...
Post a Comment
Read more

SPAMALOT

I was just cast in the upcoming Musical Theatre West production of Monty Python's SPAMALOT !!! June 29-July 15 2012 http://www.musical.org/ DANIEL MAY (Ensemble) Daniel is thrilled to be back on the MTW stage where he got his start in their productions of WEST SIDE STORY (Baby-John), HELLO, DOLLY! (Barnaby Tucker), CHILDREN OF EDEN (Abel), & THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (Bun-Foo). Daniel has journeyed to Broadway in the 2003 Revival of FLOWER DRUM SONG starring Lea Salonga and on the road in the 1st National tour of THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE. Daniel has performed with The East West Players (PIPPIN) and McCoy Rigby (MISS SAIGON) and currently trains with Joshua Bitton. Thank you Across The Board Talent & MTW for this opportunity. Love to Mom & Dad and Mateo!
2 comments
Read more

My Pride

" My P r i d e "  Lyrics by Daniel May A man once told me that I couldn't come back, Our secret too un-safe to be sound. I begged and I plead-ed for my unsworn little life!   That, with him, I'd finally be found. He touched me. He tore me, Deeeep-er and clipped my wings far from the ground. In pieces I fell, Into the swell. Swirling like dust to the ground. My pride is what's keeping me from telling you, The truth, The pain of what's going down. I'm a lost little boy with no sheep to be found and each day just feels like the same. My Mother, She scold me, And told me, "You can be anything that you work to be." But running and jumping through fiery rings, Leaves men singed, Burnt so black they can't see. She held me, and told me... "There's a light at the end of this tunnel! Don't leave befooore it gleeeams." And then she let me go, (with) My pride in tow, ...
Post a Comment
Read more