Theatre Superstitions

By: Tabitha Garnica

“I don’t even know what spell I ought to try” ~ Wicked

Theatre people seem to be one of the most superstitious groups I have ever come across. Every theatre group or school I have done a production with has their own pre-show rituals and traditions.  I have come across things such as ripping pieces of lucky charms boxes, praying to a “theatre god”, funny warm-ups, and group breathing exercises. I have also heard many things are “bad luck”, such as reading the playbill before opening night or stepping on stage with your left foot.  Why are theatre people so superstitious? The weird thing is that most people who are superstitious when it comes to theatre are not necessarily superstitious in all other aspects of their lives.  What about theatre brings this out in people? In this post I am going to discuss some of the most widely accepted theatre superstitions.

·         Bad Dress Rehearsal = Good Show

I have heard this one so many times.  When people are upset that their dress rehearsal went poorly, someone always says that a bad dress rehearsal is good luck for an opening night.  I somewhat understand the logic in this.  Usually the last dress rehearsal is at the end of a long tech or “hell” week filled with tedious rehearsals.  So obviously, actors are tired and on edge. During opening night, the excitement of an audience brings the energy level up to what it should be. Additionally, there is always logic behind the fact that if you have a great dress rehearsal all the energy will be gone by opening night.  Great dress rehearsals could make actors over-confident.  This superstition does make sense however I do not think it is a rule.  As an actor or director I would not freak out if I had a great dress rehearsal.  Dress rehearsals are meant to prove that the show is ready to be seen by the public.  If a show is truly ready it will be ready no matter who is watching or when it is being performed.  Additionally, if a show is falling apart during a dress rehearsal, it is almost unrealistic (but not impossible) for everything to suddenly be fixed within a day.  At any rate, this is a superstition that I respect.  However, I do believe it is possible to have great dress rehearsals, great opening nights, and great full runs. 

·         The “Scottish Play”

So I dare all my readers to do something.  Go into a theatre filled with actors, and scream out, “MACBETH! MACBETH! MACBETH!” Then, watch the actors stare at you in horror as if you just murdered ten people.  Or, get attacked by them. Either way….it will be an experience.  The Shakespearean play has seemed to be linked to many unlikely circumstances. Therefore many people think that it is cursed. I do not know much about all the stories linked to the superstition.  However, I do know that I have (accidentally) said “Macbeth” in a theatre and nothing has happened. (yet)

·         Hauntings

I have often heard of theatre ghosts.  Whenever someone hears a strange sound in the wings or backstage, someone always refers to ghosts.  This is a phenomenon that seems to be very popular in the Broadway community.   Many Broadway theatres are thought to be haunted by deceased performers.  Patti LuPone referred to the “ghosts of St.James Theatre” when she won the Tony Award for Gypsy. In a backstage tour LuPone mentioned that she heard mysterious screaming backstage, which she fully believed was the ghost of Ethel Merman.  I do not know how what my exact feelings are regarding this superstition.  I do know that theatres can be very mysterious places; especially historical ones.  They are huge, with creepy trapped doors, nooks, crannies, and are filled with open spaces with echoes.  All I can say is that if I were a ghost, a theatre seems like a prime location to haunt people!

·         Break a Leg!

This is definitely the most popular theatre superstition.  Apparently, it is bad luck to say, “good luck!” to a performer before a production.  Good luck is seen as jinxing.  Therefore, it is better to say something that is seemingly bad luck, such as, breaking a leg.  I have never purposely gone against this superstition.  However, it is funny when you accidently say “good luck” to an actor and they look at you as though you just said, “I hope you get crushed by a falling piano!” 

This post is not necessarily meant to mock theatre people and their superstitions.  After all, I consider myself a theatre person myself, and comply with most of these superstitions.  I do not know if I confidently believe in them or even if I confidently disbelieve them. In all honesty, I doubt that most of the people who play into these superstitions truly believe them. They have sort of become part of the theatre culture.  However, I do respect them. When you think about it, these superstitions are basically actors showing their respect for the mystery of theatre.  We do not know how it works.  When we pull it off we have no idea how we do it.  It can only be explained by “break a legs” and bad dress rehearsals.  The truth is theatre is magical.  It cannot be explained in any rational or scientific way.  Whether these superstitions are true or not, it does not really matter.  What matters is that we respect the mystery of the wonder that is theatre. 

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Copyright (c) Tabitha Garnica 2013

            

Top 10 Male Roles in Musical Theatre

By: Tabitha Garnica

“There is a Brotherhood of Man” ~ How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

10. Seymour- Little Shop of Horrors

Seymour is a sweet man who works in a plant shop.  In an attempt to make business better, Seymour reveals a special plant he has discovered.  Sure enough, it has customers flocking in.  Much to his dismay, the plant is revealed to feed off human blood.  Seymour eventually becomes the plant’s slave and commits immoral acts in order to keep the plant content.  This is a heavy role which requires sweetness and a sense of desperation.

"I believe in you"

9. Pierrepont Finch- How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

As a window washer, Finch comes across a book called, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.  By following some simple steps, Finch is able to climb his way to the top by simply following the guide of this book.  He shows us the powerful tools of networking and flattery. This role requires someone who has perfect comedic timing.  If performed right, this role can have you laughing hysterically.  Not to mention, it also incorporates romance, singing, and dancing. 

"But alone is alone; not alive"

8. Bobby- Company

Company revolves around a single man named Bobby whose ten best friends happen to be five married couples.  Bobby spends the entirety of the show going back and forth on the idea of marriage.  We see relationships through his eyes as he takes us through single life in NYC.  Bobby contemplates what exactly he is looking for in a woman, and whether or not he is even interested in the idea of marriage.  Filled with many heart-warming solos, this role has a perfect balance of comedy and emotion.

7. The King- The King and I

"Is a Puzzlement!"

“When I sit, you shall sit! When I kneel, you shall kneel! Etcetera! Etcetera! Etcetera!”  The King of Siam is looking to make his country more “scientific”.  He may not have the best ideas, but he definitely has determination.  We see this king as one who often doubts himself and life in general.  Behind his booming power, we see a man of weakness who needs and even desires companionship. How can an audience love a man who is an unrepentant slave owner?  How can an audience love a man who sees women as possessions?  An actor must be willing to give an audience a bit of culture shock.  This role is very comedic, yet, the King may have you crying by the end of the show.

6. Prof. Harold Hill- The Music Man

"The idle brain is the devil's playground!"

Prof. Harold Hill is a fast-talking salesman who uses his rhetoric and his personality to make a living off of people’s naiveté.  He goes from town to town selling the idea of a boy’s band. The only problem is he cannot read a note of music! His plan is to run out as soon as he sells music books and uniforms, and he turns towns upside-down.  Everything changes however when he arrives at River City Iowa.  This town seems especially gullible, yet he finds himself feeling at home. He even finds love! This role includes a sense of unabashed deception followed by sensitive embarrassment. Harold Hill has many amazing solos in which he almost “speak-talks” his way into the hearts of audiences everywhere. 

5. Tevye- Fiddler on the Roof

"Would it spoil some vast eternal plan, if I were a wealthy man?"

“Without tradition, our lives would be as shaky as a fiddler on the roof.”  Tevye is a poor Jewish milkman in a small town in Russia called Anatevka.  Tevye has five daughters who he hopes to marry off to wealthy men.  However, it seems as though each daughter is trying to push him further and further from the traditions of his society.  As Tevye is left in the middle of a battle between family and tradition, we watch him try to hold on to his ideals in a changing world. 

"She is so deliciously low"

4. Prof. Henry Higgins- My Fair Lady

“I shall never let a woman in my life” says Henry Higgins, an expert in phonetics who does not let himself become emotionally involved with anyone.  However, it all changes when he meets poor unfortunate Eliza Doolittle.  Higgins makes a bet that he can turn this flower girl into a duchess by teaching her how to speak properly.  However, his methods are far from lenient.  His lack of regard for human emotion makes him a tough man to figure out.  This role starts out with self-righteousness and ends with humility.  He is definitely not your typical musical lover-boy. 

3. Sweeney Todd- Sweeney Todd

"You are young, life has been kind to you"

It would be easy to say Sweeney Todd is your typical barber who slits the throats of his customers…wait…no it wouldn’t! The story of Sweeney Todd definitely is a tragic one. He was driven away from his wife and daughter because the judge simply wanted his family for himself.  Now sixteen years later, Todd is back and hungry for revenge.  How can the so-called “protagonist” be a murderer? We have to have some sort of sympathy for him.  This role requires much strength as a performer. 

"You alone can make my song take flight"

2. The Phantom- The Phantom of the Opera

What does it take to play the phantom?  It takes emotion, stamina, and a killer falsetto.  Yet again, we have a murderer who absolutely NEEDS to be loved by the audience.  The phantom needs to start the show scaring you and end it moving you to tears. The story of the phantom is a tragic love story in which we see him at the height of human frailty.  There is not much more I can say about this role other than the fact that it is a musical theatre treasure to stand the test of time. 

1.      Jean Valjean- Les Misérables

"What have I done? Sweet Jesus, what have I done?"

The epic story of Les Misérables follows the journey of Jean Valjean. As a poor man who steals a loaf of bread, he is sentenced to five years in prison, and fourteen additional years for attempting to run away.  As he tries to escape his identity, he changes himself into a man working for God and others.  Becoming a leader and a father; Jean Valjean learns that “to love another person is to see the place of God.”  This role sure seems like hard work.  Imagine going through years of spiritual changes and suffering all in a two and half hour show.  Not to mention carrying songs such as “Who am I?” and “Bring Him Home.”  Much respect to any man who has ever carried out this role.  This role is one that all men in musical theatre should definitely be proud of.  

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Copyright (c) Tabitha Garnica 2013

How to Handle Rejection

By: Tabitha Garnica

“What I Did for Love” ~ A Chorus Line

Everyone who has spent enough time in theatre has had their fair share of rejection.  It has played an interesting role in my life.  I am not a person with thick skin, so dealing with rejection is something I have struggled with.  Yet, I am happy to say that I am getting better.  I have had experiences in which I have been completely rejected from a show or performance group, as well as experiences in which I did not get the role I was passionate about. 

The hardest thing about rejection is that it can distort an idealistic view of theatre.  Since I had been in love with musicals as a child, I had been accumulating dream roles and scenarios for years. It can be rough to see a role that you believe is perfect for you slip through your fingers.  You may even doubt your love of theatre for a while because it gives you sickening feeling after rejection. 

The best advice I have ever heard about rejection is not to take it personally.  That can be difficult since theatre is such a vulnerable and personal experience.  You have what you have.  We all come with a package of looks, talents, and abilities.  As long as you try your hardest to showcase these abilities, what is there to regret?  If someone gets chosen over you it’s because they had a different package that worked best for that director, and that time and place. There is no use being depressed because you are a brunette and the director envisioned a blonde, or you are too short or tall.  One day you will be that person with the exact package a director is looking for.   Theatre is all about paying your dues and doing it for the art.

The best way to get over a difficult rejection is to surround yourself with people who love you and support you no matter what.  It can be slightly embarrassing telling family and friends about a rejection.  The best friends are the ones who will support you even when you are the most fragile. 

It also helps to have a life outside the theatre.  Whether you act for fun or for a living, it is important to be a well-rounded person.  If you can focus your attention to other stimulating activities it will keep you from dwelling on disappointment. 

In show business, as in everything in life, it is important to be hopeful.  We are all meant to win and lose battles.  It seems like every single famous actor had at one point their fair share of rejection.  It is all part of the craft and it makes you stronger in the long run.  I always felt that to be in love with theatre is to know true love.   It can break your heart thousands of times, yet you keep coming back.     

I have heard so many stories about actors who had a rejection which led to success.  For example, before Lea Michele got cast in “Glee”, she was mourning a rejection from the Broadway revival of West Side Story.  Similarly, Lisa Kudrow was fired from “Frasier”, and if she had not been she would not have been cast in “Friends”.  We just need to stay strong and see every rejection as a possibility for a different opportunity.

Plus, the more you experience rejection, the more you will appreciate it when the stars do align.

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Copyright (c) Tabitha Garnica 2013 All Rights Reserved

Photo Credits:

• Rejected Sign
• http://unleadedwriting.com/tag/j-k-rowling/

           

           

My First Audition

By: Tabitha Garnica

"Ding Dong the witch is dead. Which old witch? The wicked witch!"

“And I dug right down to the bottom of my soul to see what I had inside. Yes, I dug right down to the bottom of my soul, and I tried, I tried.” ~ A Chorus Line

We all have that “First Audition Story” that follows us throughout our lives.  It is the story in which we are first introduced to the horror- I mean the honor of auditioning.

I had my first audition at the age of 9.  The interesting part is that I was pushed into auditioning by my mother. Now, my dad is responsible for my love for theatre, and my mom thinks I am somewhat of a freak.  Therefore, that is why it is so intriguing that she was the one steering me towards this first audition experience. 

"There is a lady all in white, holds me and sings a lullaby"

She saw an ad on our church bulletin about an audition at a local summer community theatre group for The Wizard of Oz.  When she told me about it, I was very indifferent to the idea. I knew I loved musicals, but I had not actually considered the fact that I could actually take part in them.  My mom persisted and told me I had to audition. When we got home she got out the soundtrack to Les Misérables, which she had recently seen on Broadway, and told me to listen to “Castle on a Cloud” until I had it memorized.  “Come sing it to me when you have it down perfectly” she said.  I vividly remember being in my living room for hours just playing that song over and over again.  It was the first time I took myself seriously as a singer.  Finally, I was able to sing it in front of my mother. 

This is the exact songbook. I still have it today.

The audition called for a photo and a resumé.  My dad made copies of my recent school picture, and devised a resumé.  Looking back, I have no idea what he wrote on it because I had absolutely no experience.  Somehow, it looked full.  It also called for sheet music, of which I had none of, so my mother went to a theatre store in the city and bought me a music book called “Broadway Songs for Kids”, which of course featured “Castle on a Cloud.”

My father took me to the audition, and I was introduced to the world of performing.  I remember being shocked that so many other kids my age were there. I mean, I was the theatre weirdo at school.  This was the first time that I actually realized that so many other children out there shared my passion.  I remember how I could pick out the girls who were auditioning for Dorothy.  They were a few years older than me, and they wore blue outfits, and pigtails. 

I remember shaking of nerves because I had no idea what was going on and everyone seemed so intimidating.  I was also coming to grips with the fact that I was actually going to have to sing in front of people.

 A group of us were called in for a dance audition.   We learned a routine to “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead.” The choreography basically consisted of skipping and hand motions.  I remember having a grand old time and wishing that was all to the audition. 

But alas, there was more.  We all were taken to a separate room into which one by one we were to be called to sing our song.  I went to the back of the line on purpose because I needed time to calm my breathing.  When it was my turn I shyly went in and was faced with a table filled with people and a video camera.  I gave the pianist my music and it was time.  I opened my mouth and this shaky little voice came out.  To make matters worse I messed up the lyrics!

When it was all over I remember I was almost in tears and in my head I was saying, “I am never doing that again!” 

I got rejected, but not because I performed poorly.  The funny thing is that I probably never should have auditioned for that show.  That summer I was going to be away on vacation for three full weeks, and they rejected me because I would have to miss too many rehearsals.  I remember the man on the phone telling me, “It’s alright. You’re young.  You’ll get another chance.”  I was immediately introduced to the phenomenon of rejection.  The good thing is I did get another chance.  But, that is for another post. ;)
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Copyright (c) Tabitha Garnica 2013 All Rights Reserved

Photo Credits:

• The Wizard of Oz
• http://lexleader.net/the-wizard-oz-summerstock/
• Kids Songbook
• http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kids-broadway-songbook-hal-leonard-corp/1110975040
• Castle on a Cloud
• http://shattalyrics.blogspot.com/2013/01/les-miserable-castle-on-cloud-lyrics.html

Hugh Jackman is Awesome

By: Tabitha Garnica

“Some people got it and make it pay.” ~ Gypsy

This picture makes me smile :) 

I have been thinking Hugh Jackman is awesome for quite some time now. Initially  because he is incredibly good-looking and I think his Australian accent is really cute!

I first fell in love with him when PBS aired the 1998 London Production of Oklahoma!, in which he played Curly.  I thought he did such an incredible job with that role.  He gave such a well-known and beloved character as Curly so much depth.  After seeing several productions of this show, including the Broadway revival, he has definitely been my favorite Curly, even against the lovable Gordon MacRae who played him in the movie.  For the first time I actually fell in love with Curly.  I finally saw his heart, his humor, and even his flaws.  He no longer was the typical musical leading man.  Hugh Jackman gave the character layers and he made us truly understand who he was.  This was the first I had ever heard of Hugh Jackman.  All I knew about him at this point was that he was a cute musical actor.  Of course, that is off to a great start!

I next saw him host the Tony Awards in 2004.  He had me laughing my head off. He even joined in with the Rockettes in a kickline in the opening number.  Not only was he the host that year, but he was nominated for Best Actor in a Musical for The Boy from Oz.  Jackman took on the persona of Peter Allen for this musical.  During the performance at the Tony’s, Jackman dragged Sarah Jessica Parker on stage to dance with him, for a hysterical turn of events.  By the end of the night, he stole the hearts of everyone watching the Tony’s and won a Tony as well! 

It does not end there.  He even won an Emmy for his hosting job at the Tony’s!  The next year, they asked him to host a second time, and he was just as amazing as the first time. 

            He was able to show his incredible talents as a host to a wider audience when he hosted the Oscars in 2009.  Once again, he did an amazing job.

In 2008, he was voted the Sexiest Man Alive, showing that I am not the only one who sees it!

In 2012, Neil Patrick Harris, another incredible host, hosted the Tony Awards for his second time.  Hugh Jackman and Harris did a memorable duet performance during the awards, as two of the greatest hosts of all time.

What is most incredible about Hugh Jackman is that he has been able to bridge the gap between movies and theatre.  He is able to be Wolverine and join in a kickline! He definitely deserves the title of, “A Triple Threat.”

Of course most recently, he played Jean Valjean in the movie version of Les Misérables.  I for one believe this was the role of his lifetime.  He has finally been able to show the world how talented he really is.  After all, he was able to show off his incredible Broadway singing voice, while showing massive acting chops, nabbing him a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination.

Who could not love this guy?!

I will definitely be routing for him come Oscar night.

One of the most beautiful aspects of Hugh Jackman is his dedication to his wife.  Jackman got married right before his rise to stardom.  His wife is not a model, she is not younger than him, and she is not a celebrity.  Jackman has been able to break the negative stereotype of Hollywood men and their marriages.  His marriage is not superficial.  I have not seen one alleged infidelity story or even any clue that an end is near.  He seems like an incredibly dedicated husband and father, which is very rare in celebrities this day and age.  Every time he wins an award, his wife receives the larges praise and thanks.  The truth is, he probably has women throwing themselves at him left and right. Yet, he is still able to be one hundred percent devoted to his wife.  He is living proof that you can be famous, good looking, rich, and talented, while still living a beautiful domestic life.

Nice. Hot. Can sing/act/dance. What more can you ask for?

Most importantly, he is a Broadway man who is STRAIGHT! They exist! All in all, Hugh Jackman truly is one of the best actors of our time.  The best thing about him is that he does not flaunt it, and he is able to escape all the negative press that seems to accompany fame.  LOVE YA HUGH!  

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Copyright (c) Tabitha Garnica 2013 All Rights Reserved

Photo Credits:

• Hugh Jackman
• https://twitter.com/RealHughJackman

            

Why We Love John Raitt

By: Tabitha Garnica

It's alright, you can stare at him :D

“My boy Bill I will see that he’s named after me. I will!”~ Carousel

John Raitt was one of the most iconic leading men of the Golden Age of Broadway.

His strong built body, good looks, attitude, and booming voice made him the epitome “macho man”.  His acting style was also extremely developed for the musical theatre.

He originated roles such as, Billy Bigalow in Carousel and Sid Sorokin in The Pajama Game.

Many male actors look up to him today because he was able to convey the complexity of characters such as Bigalow, and the crooning romanticism of characters such as Sorokin.  He knew how to take control of a stage and his voice could catch anyone’s attention.  He will always be remembered as one of the men who coined what it really meant to be a leading man.

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Copyright (c) Tabitha Garnica 2013 All Rights Reserved 

Photo Credits:

• John Raitt
• http://www.mkstage.com/pajamagame/raitt%20remembers.htm

            

“People Will Say We’re In Love”

By: Tabitha Garnica

“Sweetheart, they’re suspecting things” ~ Oklahoma!

They're cool :D

            This version of “People Will Say We’re In Love” has always been my favorite.  Hugh Jackman and Josefina Gabrielle have so much comedic chemistry.  Their version is so flirtatious that it almost seems more romantic.  After seeing this version, the movie version seemed almost boring.  I love what these actors did with this song, and I love that they added such a great element of flirtatious comedy.

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Copyright (c) Tabitha Garnica 2013 All Rights Reserved

Photo Credits:

• Hugh Jackman and Josefina Gabrielle
• http://getfilm.co.uk/film.php?id=27074