Okay, so this post is about the piñata-making party a few of our cast members had earlier this week. During the show, there is a birthday party, and at this birthday party is a piñata shaped like a penis. Now, this is not an easy thing to acquire, nor is it cheap, so the cast decided to make their own penis piñata. Below, find pictures from this endeavor, courtesy of Brittany Washington (who says the piñata is apparently pretty heavy, so we're going to hope she doesn't take out and cast/audience members while she swings it around onstage!).
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Piñata Party
Okay, so this post is about the piñata-making party a few of our cast members had earlier this week. During the show, there is a birthday party, and at this birthday party is a piñata shaped like a penis. Now, this is not an easy thing to acquire, nor is it cheap, so the cast decided to make their own penis piñata. Below, find pictures from this endeavor, courtesy of Brittany Washington (who says the piñata is apparently pretty heavy, so we're going to hope she doesn't take out and cast/audience members while she swings it around onstage!).
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
2 Weeks Out!!!

I actually watched this in rehearsal, and in person, it was even funnier than this picture. Poor Tara and Dan were trying to sing lovingly to each other, paper in hand, while Dan grabs Tara's butt to keep her from falling. Without the paper, she'll be able to hold on better, so he won't have to grip so hard, so it won't look as funny. But in rehearsal, it made me laugh.
This is one of two classic Ryan onstage poses. The other pose looks like Superman posing on top of a building with his cape billowing in the wind (though usually there's no billowing cape, for Ryan). When I go to see Ryan onstage, I always look for these poses -- I don't think it's on purpose that he does them, it's just that the roles I've seen him in lend themselves well to these "I'm singing very passionately out ot the audience" types of poses. I'm not making fun of you, Ryan. You know I love you.

A rare tender moment between Ivy and Nadia. I'm not entirely sure if this is actually Ivy and Nadia, or Juliet and the Nurse, but regardless, it's one of the few times Brittany's character isn't calling Tara's character a ho-face.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Update Tuesday strikes again!!!

Photo credit: Traci J. Brooks

Assistant Director B. Keith Ryder and Stage Manager Colleen Stock (greatest stage manager ever, from what I can tell) take notes. Lots of note taking going on at rehearsals. Kinda makes you wonder if they ever actually sing or dance or act, doesn't it?

Meet the Cast: The Last Installment
Okay, this week we have our final installment of Meet the Cast interviews, and I think, because I'm feeling particularly update-y today (and I kind of want to make Michael's head explode with the sheer power of Update Tuesday), I just might post ANOTHER entry after this one. You'll have to wait and see!!!
Name: Cory Okouchi
Role: Lucas
What are some of your favorite past roles? Scrooge, Sagot, Lucentio (short shorts picture Shannon found -- Erin says: I tried to find this picture to post but alas, I could not. If I can track it down in the future I will post it. It's pretty hilarious.)
If you could play any role you haven't yet played, what would it be? Sweeney, Hamlet
What do you do when you're not doing theatre (day job, hobbies, etc.)? Boring engineering work and making feature films! I'm kinda eclectic.
Anything else we should know about you? Nope.
And finally, what is one thing that people would not guess about you upon first meeting/seeing you (can't be something you've said already; make it good – "I'm allergic to cats" is lame, but "I once worked as a dancer in a vampire theme bar" is awesome!)? I'm from Idaho but I've never grown a potato. All my plants die.
Name: Asher J. Miller
Role: Zack - The Jock
What are some of your favorite past roles? Heck Tate, the Sheriff in To Kill A Mockingbird and Lewis in the musical Pippin
If you could play any role you haven’t yet played, what would it be? The Farmer in The Crucible (Erin says: Exactly which farmer, Asher? I'm pretty sure they were all farmers.)
What do you do when you’re not doing theatre (day job, hobbies, etc.)? I work with my production company to put webisodes online, I DJ, and try and find other movie- and music-related projects.
Anything else we should know about you? I enjoy pie a great deal.
And finally, what is one thing that people would not guess about you upon first meeting/seeing you? I am Samuel L. Jackson … I used to be a huge comic geek. On a more interesting note, my cousin was Miss World 1969 and my mom partied with Grateful Dead, no seriously. (Erin says: Asher's mom has facebook. Who knows what comes next??? Michael? Brittany?)

Role: Rory
What are some of your favorite past roles? It was an honor to play Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, our first show as 2nd Flight! Ms. Casewell in Mouse Trap was the most deep and interesting character I've had the pleasure of bringing to the stage. Poppy in Noises Off ... yes, Matthew watch out ... "I'll make it my own!" Mayor Maggie, Ron, and Clem must round out the list from Batboy: The Musical ... it's not often one can flirt with one's husband the Reverend as Mayor, play his brother, and get killed along with the rest of the cast.
If you could play any role you haven't yet played, what would it be? Elphaba in Wicked; I actually met Stephanie Block a couple months ago after the show. She was fabulous as Elphaba, and if you've seen my Halloween picture from last year, you'll know it's a dream role of mine. (Erin says: Yes, the picture posted here is from Halloween last year ... Carla is not typically green.) Mimi in Rent -- another show that I would LOVE to be part of in the future. Velma in Chicago and Kim in Miss Saigon.
What do you do when you're not doing theatre (day job, hobbies, etc.)? I'm a music educator by day and spend any free time outside of working on shows ... dancing or playing billiards ... I actually have a couple trophies from APA league. Rack 'em!!
Anything else we should know about you? Making a movie "Ninjas versus Zombies" with my husband and friends. Check out http://nvzmovie.com/ for a sneak peek! And no, my character is not a ninja or a zombie.
And finally, what is one thing that people would not guess about you upon first meeting/seeing you? I'm an animal lover and should have studied to become a veterinarian ... too bad I can't stand the sight of blood. If we could own a farm I'd have plenty of horses and dogs running about! Ever since I was little riding horses had been my favorite outdoor activity.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Meet the Cast of "bare": Part 4!
I'm trying to get better about updating this thing. My goal originally was to update every Monday. Well, Mondays are rough days, cuz I'm usually not awake or functional till after lunch, and by then I'm already logged into my personal gmail account, which means to log into blogger on this account I have to log out of gmail, then into blogger, then out of blogger and back into gmail, which is just too much for my brain to handle on a Monday. So I've decided that Tuesdays will be Update Tuesdays, and I will do the update first thing in the morning (unless my bosses have something else for me to do!) before I log into gmail. It's a win-win for everyone (except maybe my bosses).
Today, meet Cathy, Felicity, and Michael! (I had originally typed "And now, on with the show!" but that sounded really cheesy, and besides, it's Show Biz Radio's tagline -- I don't want to be a tagline thief unless it's a really, really good tagline. I can't even think of one I'd want to steal right now. Perhaps Tuesday mornings aren't ideal update times either ... )

Role: Claire
What are some of your favorite past roles? Last summer, I played Grizabella in CATS … what an awesome role to play! It was my first time back into theatre since HIGH SCHOOL!
If you could play any role you haven’t yet played, what would it be? ????? (Erin says: I assume this means Cathy has played all the roles she's ever wanted to play. Well, after playing Grizabella, that makes sense.)
What do you do when you’re not doing theatre (day job, hobbies, etc.)? During the school year, I teach pre-kindergarten at a preschool; I have been singing with a Jazz Combo since 1987; I love water volleyball; I am raising my beautiful 13 year old daughter and 6 year old Shih Tzu.
Anything else we should know about you? I am an M&M freak, I love to watch CSI and Ghost Hunters, and I love to enjoy the outdoors in the summer (as long as it is not camping). (Erin says: Cathy and I might be the same person, except for the part where she can sing and loves the water ... so, not really the same person. But I, too, like M&Ms and CSI, and hate camping!)
And finally, what is one thing that people would not guess about you upon first meeting/seeing you (can’t be something you’ve said already; make it good – “I’m allergic to cats” is lame, but “I once worked as a dancer in a vampire theme bar” is awesome!)? I played on a dodge ball team last winter!! It was a serious sport! Also, speaking of serious, I am a ruthless Scrabble player.

Role: Kyra
What are some of your favorite past roles? Topsy in The King and I, Professor Willard in Our Town, Granny in the party scene of The Nutcracker. I loved being an ensemble member in American University's production of Kiss Me, Kate, because the dance routines were incredible. Oh, and chorus member of The Mikado with Washington Savoyards, because that's how I met Guillaume. (Erin says: According to Facebook, Guillaume is Felicity's boyfriend. Probably you could figure that out, but since I had hard proof, I figured I'd pass along that little nugget.)
If you could play any role you haven't yet played, what would it be? Kate in Kiss Me, Kate.
What do you do when you're not doing theatre (day job, hobbies, etc.)? I'm the Acquisitions Coordinator for American University's Library. I'm starting library school in the September. I try to squeeze in ballet classes here and there, but I'm also on the Board of the Victorian Lyric Opera Company (shameless plug: http://www.vloc.org/) so I don't get away from theatre much.
Anything else we should know about you? I like alternative and punk rock … and I like it loud.
And finally, what is one thing that people would not guess about you upon first meeting/seeing you? Nerdiest high school moment: I once soldered together a circuit board for my F.I.R.S.T Robotics team while wearing a nun's habit (it was during my dinner break for The Sound of Music dress rehearsal). (Erin says: If there are pictures, I would like to see them. That sounds even nerdier than MY nerdiest high school moment!)

Role: Priest, and I’m serving as the vocal director
What are some of your favorite past roles? Ali Hakim in Oklahoma and Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof.
If you could play any role you haven’t yet played, what would it be? Leo in The Producers. If I were MUCH younger, I would love to play Matt in The Fantasticks. I'd like to play the Wizard of Oz in Wicked. Hmmm …There are so many fun roles, it’s hard not to write a huge list.
What do you do when you’re not doing theatre (day job, hobbies, etc.)? I’m the choral director at W. T. Woodson HS in Fairfax. I just finished my 20th year. I’m also the president of the Virginia Music Educators Association. I love to travel, love to cook, bake, read, go to the movies, theatre. Spend as much time as possible with Roger and also with my 1 year old golden retriever Max!
Anything else we should know about you? I’m not sure … let’s see … I’m a tap dancer. I told color guard for quite a few marching bands for over 22 years. Does that count for something interesting?
And finally, what is one thing that people would not guess about you upon first meeting/seeing you? I’ll never tell!! :) (Erin says; Oh, now that's just mean!)
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Meet the Cast of "bare": Part Three!!!

Role: I play Diana, the "naive Asian." It's one of those stretch roles.
What are some of your favorite past roles? Mayor Maggie in Bat Boy: The Musical (CCT), a dancing student revolutionary in Footloose (LTA) and Liat in South Pacific (LSDT).
What are some of your favorite past roles? Chiffon (Little Shop of Horrors), Cinderella (Into the Woods), Mama Euralie (Once on This Island)
If you could play any role you haven’t yet played, what would it be? My dream would be Aida , Dorothy in The Wiz or any part in Dreamgirls
What do you do when you’re not doing theatre? I work 2 jobs ; Online Resources and Coach. I am a major movie buff so watching movies is my favorite. Shopping, sleeping, laughing, cooking, eating (I’m a big foodie!) and generally having fun.
Anything else we should know about you? I am a constant source of entertainment but usually not on purpose … it’s just who I am!
And finally, what is one thing that people would not guess about you upon first meeting/seeing you? I have been trying to answer this question for over an hour … I can’t think of anything!
Name: Richelle “Rikki” Howie
Role: Sister Chantelle
What are some of your favorite past roles? Narrator - Joseph... Dreamcoat, Vera Charles -Mame, Muzzy Von Hossamere - Thoroughly Modern Millie, Kate - Wild Party, Sarah Friend - Ragtime, Momma Rose - Gypsy, DeeLee - Smokey Joe's Cafe, Charlene - Ain't Misbehavin', Director of The Piano Lesson
If you could play any role you haven’t yet played, what would it be? Deena - Dreamgirls, Cassie - A Chorus Line, Roxie - Chicago
What do you do when you’re not doing theatre? Management consultant to the gov’t. I have over 100 pair of shoes and have a shoe shopping addiction and a Family Guy addiction.
Anything else we should know about you? I cook a killer death by chocolate dessert; I’m busier than a one-armed paper hanger at a wallpaper convention with theatre, usually doing 3-4 shows at once. It keeps me sane.
(Erin says: Oy. I struggle with one show at a time and all the other crap going on in my life. Rikki, you are a rock star.)
And finally, what is one thing that people would not guess about you upon first meeting/seeing you? I worked in a theme park outdoor show as Yogi Bear, Cindy Bear, Scooby Doo, and George Jetson in Charlotte, NC, and one show Yogi became decapitated by mistake and I scared a group of kids when Yogi's head rolled off the stage into the audience and I hear "Oh no!!! Yogi’s a black girl!!!!” Trust me, it was hilarious. All characters onstage and singers lost it!!!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Meet the Cast, Part 2!
Role: Alan
What are some of your favorite past roles? Ken de la Maize – The Musical Comedy Murders of the 1940s
If you could play any role you haven’t yet played, what would it be? Princeton/Rod – Avenue Q (pipe dream, I know, but I’d love to do it)
What do you do when you’re not doing theatre (day job, hobbies, etc.)? I’m a Quality Assurance Engineer for Honeywell. I like to go to the movies, play video games, board games, sleeping (that’s my favorite), dining out, and causing shenanigans when with my friends.
Anything else we should know about you? I like long walks on the beach (bet you get that a lot ... Erin says: You know, I do, actually, everyone wants me to walk on the beach with them), cooking outdoors, dodging traffic, being sarcastic, making a scene in public, and I’ll do just about anything for a laugh (I’ve ordered diet water at a restaurant and they came back to say “I’m sorry sir, we don’t offer that here”).
And finally, what is one thing that people would not guess about you upon first meeting/seeing you (can’t be something you’ve said already; make it good – “I’m allergic to cats” is lame, but “I once worked as a dancer in a vampire theme bar” is awesome!)? I’ve dressed up as Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and Superman (full spandex) …not necessarily for Halloween, and looked damn good I might add. (Erin says: Heck yeah, you did! I have the Superman picture somewhere, but for whatever reason, gmail won't find it for me. If it decides to give it back to me, I'll post that one here too ... the world needs more men in spandex.)



Role: Matt
What are some of your favorite past roles? ‘Puck’ in William Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream is my all-time favorite … so far. There’s nothing better than playing a mischievous fairy decked out in glitter and bells. (Erin says: It's so true. And again, I'm so jealous. I don't have nearly enough opportunities to wear glitter and bells in my life.) Portraying the ‘Dauphin’ (Prince of France) in Henry V was another awesome experience. I love any role that allows me to speak French and partake in a brutal sword fight. Outside of Shakespeare, ‘Linus’ in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown was a ton of fun and my friend made me a blanket for the show. I stopped carrying it to work, but I still sleep with it sometimes. And ‘John Landis’ in Fifth of July was probably the toughest dramatic role I’ve taken on to date. John was a very complex individual with very complex circumstances. He’s the antithesis of me in almost every way, but the experience was priceless.
If you could play any role you haven’t yet played, what would it be? I definitely have a list going: ‘Henry Jekyll’ in Jekyll & Hyde. ‘Mark’ in Rent. ‘Matthew’ ‘Mark’ or ‘Luke’ in Altar Boyz. ‘Adam’ in The Shape of Things. ‘Irwin’, ‘Dakin’ or ‘Scripps’ in The History Boys. I also want a part in any future M. Night Shyamalan film.
What do you do when you’re not doing theatre? Acting is my passion and I would prefer to put it first in my life. (Insert shameless plug here: If anyone wants to subsidize my acting career please feel free to contact me!) I’m a project analyst (accountant) for a telecommunications integrator during the sun-filled hours of the day. It pays the bills and I like my co-workers a lot, but it’s not the love of my life. I also like to hang out with my friends, travel, eat at great restaurants, write the never ending screenplay, party-party-party in DC & NYC, shop, play video games, see a lot of live theatre and spend quality time at home with Netflix.
Anything else we should know about you? I’m in an improv troop called ‘Mission Impromptu’. I’m a ‘totally fierce’ cook and avid wine drinker. I’m also ‘Godfather’ (Erin says: Godfather like Marlon Brando? Cool!) to my best friend’s son, Alex, who just turned 1 in May. In the very near future, I plan to move to New York City to further pursue my acting career.
And finally, what is one thing that people would not guess about you upon first meeting/seeing you? I dated a dancer in a vampire theme bar … Wait, no, um … When I have the time, I still read comic books and collect action figures.