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Friday, May 23, 2008

Opening Night in LA, baby!

      Wow.  That's pretty much all I can say.  Ok, so...being me, I'll say just a bit more...The house was absolutely packed.  And more than that, the audience's sense of anticipation could be felt like electricity.  They were expecting something great--making it easy for us to give them just that.  As soon as the lights dimmed to black, they broke out into wild applause.  You can only imagine how it was when we were actually on stage--performing.  We didn't have to work--not for laughs, not for sympathy, not for anything.  I wasn't sure how the L.A. crowd would react to a show that is set in New York City, especially since it's just so film and television here, while our show is about the stage.  But, they loved it.  Tonight was fantastic.  I will always remember it as one of those standout moments that are hard--if not impossible--to repeat.  

     My brother, Jason, came to the show and loved it (or so he says--just kidding, I believe him).  He also came to the reception afterwards, which was fun.  He got to meet my delightful friends from the cast--these people I am falling in love with (in a strictly platonic fashion. Don't you worry, Drew...).  I must say that Perez Hilton and Julia Roberts were not there (sorry, Jenna). However, Amy Adams (the star of Disney's Enchanted) was there and very sweetly praised the show. I met her and we were able to talk about how her first theater gig was playing Kristine in A Chorus Line (!!!).  Jason got a picture of us on his iphone, too.  Also, Broadwayworld.com was there taking snapshots of us. Plus, I met an actor from Startrek (whose name escapes me), as well as a host of publicists, agents, and people of that ilk.  The director of our show, Bob Avian (who has been with A Chorus Line since its inception in the early 70's) said that this cast is truly one of the best casts the stage has ever seen.  Wow, I am so lucky to be a part of it.  So blessed.  I met a man who is friends with Tommy Tune (a Broadway director/choreographer) who told me to make sure I get seen by him, because I am exactly the kind of person he would like to hire--and that Tommy has a new project coming to Broadway.  I told this to Jase, and he quickly made me write down my info and give it to this man...I am learning that I need to be forthright and even a little aggressive when it comes to meeting people in the business.   Though I always want to conduct myself with grace and humility, that does not mean I have to shrink into the shadows and wait for things to simply happen.  I need to meet people and let them know that I mean business--specifically, once hired, that I will be getting business for me and will in turn bring business to them.  So, business all around, right?    
    Now, I have a seven-week run to look forward to in this beautiful city that has the ocean on one side and mountains on the other.  And in my more immediate future, I have a five-show weekend looming before me...But, a glorious day off on Monday.  Thank God for Mondays.  And for opening nights. And for wedges of cheese (which was about the only thing I found to eat at this reception, which was slightly disappointing considering they had honest-to-goodness hamburgers at our first preview party--and that was just a preview!).  But, other than the lack of hamburgers, it was a very good night.  I really love my job.  

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jess, I am so happy for you that opening night went so well! It is thrilling to read your blog about your experiences on tour...you describe everything so well...makes me feel like I'm there! It was great that Jason was with you, supporting you and encouraging you to take care of business. Promoting yourself, yet remaining humble and true to who you are in God is a balancing act, but I trust God will enable you to keep your feet planted firmly in Him. I will pray that God will open (and confirm to you) the doors He wants you to walk through regarding opportunities that present themselves while you are on tour. God bless you!

Anonymous said...

How wonderful to see that you had written about opening night because, of course, I was thinking, thinking, thinking about it. And asking God to be with you. So I didn't have to wait long to hear all about it! Thank you, Jess! Our life is so different from yours right now--leaving for beach with Josh/Sunshine/Kids/Jenna---and maybe, Drew! Of course, we wish you were with us---but we know you are where you need to be. Have a great weekend!!!!! We love you!!!!

jason j said...

I hope it was Chakotay that you met. He is one of my favorite star trek characters of all time. I associate well with him since we both share an excellent understanding on the subtle nuances of time travel.

laura said...

That is so fun and exciting!

Anonymous said...

Jessica you were awesome and I was so proud to be in the audience and then by your side at the party. Really really such an accomplish to perform at that level! Guys, this was a class A+ venue, a packed house, and people just loved Jessica!

And more than anyone... gay men LOVE Jessica, it's pretty hilarious. So much so, that it makes me question Drew's orientation a bit. It's the style, the fierce haircut, and the long legs. They really love her legs. I heard so many gay men talk about Jessica's long legs.

Jason J - it was Sulu.

Jessica said...

Lol--believe me, the love is mutual!

Anonymous said...

jes you MUST buy a camera. you never know when it is your last tour and you simply must take pics. you have no excuse. i am glad you are doing well. tour is fun and crazy.

Jenna Latshaw said...

Opening night sounded like it was amazing! I only wish i was there to share it with you. A little b/c you met amy adams who is one of my favorite actresses and a little b/c you have so many gays that love you and errrbody knows i love my gays. But I am so happy you had such a great opening night and I can't wait until I get to see you perform. Love you!!

p.s. perez missed out!!!

Jessica said...

Who is anonymous? He/she is so commanding and so authoritative--I am almost scared! Anonymous, please don't hurt me-I will try to buy a camera really soon...And Jenna, I wish wish wish you were there, too! You, me, and Jase would have taken the town (buffy, faith, and xander style!).

Anonymous said...

You met George Takei? Wow! That's fantastic! That's incredible! Wow, what an amazing experience!!!! Did he sign anything for you? Can you wipe the hand that shook his with a handkerchief and send it to me (the handkerchief, not the hand)?

Oh, and congrats on opening night.

Anonymous said...

Hah! Had to write a real post, after the joshing one.

I'm so glad that opening night went well. It sounds like a great experience. Yay for you!

Writing down your information? You need cards or something. Be ready for people to love your work!

Jenna Latshaw said...

haha that made me laugh so hard!! we deff would have tore up LA buffy, faith, and xander style!!