"Some Men"

[thoreau]

I've been asked to audition for "SOME MEN" by Terrance McNally at New Conservatory Theater. They are talking auditions for a play in November for a show that doesn't even start rehearsals till April. The rehearsal/performance period would be April 11th to June 30th.

There are several roles I could play - and McNally is one-of-a-kind theater - and he is a MASTER of stage conversation. It borrows the device from Moises Kaufman (Gross Indecency and Laramie Project) to have each actor play several people - each a different age, style and history. The play's overarching theme is gay marriage - and a couple getting married and how their lives led up to that very single moment in time when they say "I DO". (including events gay or not from 1968 forward including Stonewall, pre-AIDS sex and bathhouse culture, AIDS and the modern gay rights struggle) I think the play is going to be a huge opportunity for NCTC to make a strong political social statement with the words one of the greatest playwrights of our time.

Now - I know - I've been asked to audition - that doesn't mean I'm in. but I hesitate because I know about acting's impact on my life. I know the play is meatier - so it would mean a month of 5 day weeks - rushing home - and rushing out. That impacts three people:

1) David - who is just the biggest blessing of my life! (and who looks at me like "Duh - of course you should do it if you get a part"),

2) My darling Miss Kate - - who would not understand why she'd spend so much time alone again - -

3) and of course, me. I get so wound up doing plays - and it would be VERY VERY hard work. (As the master of stage dialogue - McNally's scripts are notorious ballbusters) and I have to think about dewittar's point - that the script calls for a lot of nudity; tasteful nudity - but nudity nonetheless.

(Which means I best use my gym time real well if I get a part; and work on my naked body image issues)

I have sent them an email requesting an audition spot. I'm unsure when they'll be exactly. Who knows.

Comments

[dewittar.livejournal.com]

I did not see the version that played in NYC (a substantial rewrite from what I understand), but the Philly premiere version had lots of nakedness. We saw it a couple of times and enjoyed it-- with Mr. McNally sitting just behind us on one evening.

[balanceinchaos.livejournal.com]

More Gym time may make your body more appealing to people who only want to see gym-honed physiques, it won't make a substantial difference to your body image issues (what ever they are). I hope you come to realize that you're a dynamic, engaging, handsome man... whether you have six-pack abs or a keg.

I'm sure you'll make the right decision about the play -- and if you choose to accept a part, you will do it justice in all ways.

[cuboz.livejournal.com]

Wow.... that would be pretty awesome to be in the production of a play by someone who is considered one of America's greatest playwrights!

I can't understand how someone like you has body issues... I know why I do - which I've never really covered in a post, but one day I may....

Can I ask - is this a "volunteer" theatre group, or would you actually get paid for this work as well?

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

well they are lingering issues from when I was a 'bigger guy' - a combo of a less than supportive childhood with lots of negative reinforcement, a rough time in the service and 11 years with a partner who wouldn't know how to pay Mother Theresa a quality compliment. Their my issues :) I know them well (giggle). I do feel lots better about myself these days - as for the theater? NCTC pays - it is professional theater. :)

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

as I said to Dom later in this post's comments - its just lingering stuff - and when I have to jump out "nude" - it sets off all sorts of personal flags - - that perhaps doing it more often might help solve. :)

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Why are they auditioning so far ahead of time? They certainly run the risk of having to recast when actors drop out. Curious ...

[rob-nickel.livejournal.com]

Hey good luck! Go for it and knock em dead!

[gorkabear.livejournal.com]

I totally agree with your cute David!
I just hope I could go and see the play and get an autograph from you!

[grizzlyzone.livejournal.com]

Dude. I'm 5'5", weigh in at over 300 lbs., and if I can go nude at the beach, I think you should be able to as well.

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

its possible they are putting out feelers - and auditions might not be till after the holidays... my guess is that they want people off-book at the start of rehearsals; so they are casting early so people can get into their scripts.

[rsc.livejournal.com]

Well, I look at it this way: If you get a part and do the play, there's a possibility that you'll regret it -- for a few weeks while it's screwing up your day-to-day life. If you don't do it, there's a possibility that you'll regret it -- for the rest of your life.

Of course, it's easy for me to say this from 3,000 miles away.

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

we'll see. its a bit of cart before the horse - as the auditions haven't even happened yet. :)

[kc-risenphoenix.livejournal.com]

Terrance McNally asked you to be in his play?????? FUCK! You better say yes! And you look HOT nude! So don't worry about that! And Miss Kate will understand, she will!

OMG! Terrance McNally asked you to be in his play!!!!

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

no - I've been asked to be in a Terrance McNally play.... LOL deep calming soothing breaths.

[kc-risenphoenix.livejournal.com]

I've been asked to audition for "SOME MEN" by Terrance McNally...

*shakes finger at you*

I've been asked to audition for Terrance McNally's "SOME MEN"...

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

WOW! Off-book before rehearsals? I've never heard of that. I'd never be able to do that. I learn from reading with the other actors, from the direction and blocking. I find it much more difficult to erase lines that change in the rehearsal process than to set them once they're in the production for sure. Plus .. and you may disagree with me .. (and I'm not trying to be disagreeable) .. if it's a paying production, there is no way that I will begin work on the script until I'm under contract and being paid.

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

i've been in several shows where its the case. a lot of this show - are long solo soliloquies.. we'll see. I love McNally - I've done (counting) three of his shows - (Love!Valour!Compassion!, Lips Together Teeth Apart and The Lisbon Traviata)

[starzinked.livejournal.com]

oh i hope you get a part!!!

[bukephalus.livejournal.com]

Wow, seems like quite an honor just to be asked to audition! I thought you and Leo were the best thing about "Friends Are Forever," so I'm sure you'd be FABULOUS in a McNally play.

Yeah, yeah, yeah... He just can't resist putting naked men on stage. Just think of it as motivation to keep up your workouts!

Hey maybe you could get me or nudewoody to be your stunt double for the nude scenes...