Turtle Lane Playhouse Presents WEST SIDE STORY

Starting this Friday night, Turtle Lane Playhouse will proudly present the classic love musical West Side Story. For those that don't know what this story is about, then you are an idiot! haha. just kidding. It is a story about 2 rivaling gangs during the 1950's in New York City's west side and the forbidden love between a person from one side and another from the other side. One gang is the Jets, who are the white kids, and the other gang is the Sharks, who are the Puerto Rican immigrants. The forbidden love between Tony and Maria would be the bond that breaks the hate, but no one from either side sees that. It is the classic William Shakespeare tale of Romeo and Juliet brought to life in the streets of New York, with a different twist. It is one of my favorite musicals of all time, and an experience that I am so thankful to be a part of.



Like I said, opening night is this Friday, March 9th at 8 p.m. in Auburndale, MA. The show will also be playing every Thursday through Sunday in the month of March. Sundays are matinees at 2 p.m. The tickets are going fast, and there aren't that many left. The last show date is April 1st. That's a Sunday, so it will be a 2 p.m. matinee. Please come see the show! The link for it is below:

http://turtlelane.org/showdetail.php?show=WestSide

Michael Barry      ActorMike51

LIGHTEN UP!

So, since I have graduated, and even before I graduated, I have been going to one shitload of auditions. I have traveled far distances, and have made several day trips to New York City and back. It is a very tiring job, but it is a lot of fun. Plus, they make for some great stories. They say that for every 100 auditions that an actor goes to, only 1 will be successful. This causes for some very nerve-racking times. 

One thing that I have noticed at all of these auditions is the clear difference between people who audition for straight shows and people who audition for musicals. A lot of times, when I go to straight show auditions, the other people seem very down to earth. They still have that nervousness, but they don't let it show. When I go to these auditions, everyone is talking with everyone else. Not only that, they generally aren't talking about theatre. They like to talk about everything else. When theatre is brought up in conversation, it is usually because they have found connections with people that they have in common. In my opinion, it is a very relaxed environment.

Musical theatre auditions are a completely different entity. When I go to musical auditions, which is mostly what I go to, everyone seems very judgmental. Whenever I try to start a conversation, I get a very limited response. Everyone seems extremely uptight. The only time that I see people talking to each other is when they know each other. That is also very awkward because everyone is talking to everyone else, but no one is talking to you. There is also a lot of name dropping. Everyone is trying to outshine the other people. It makes for a very uncomfortable experience.

Here's my advice: Everyone just needs to lighten up! I know that it is a very nervous time, and the butterflies in you stomach are flapping like crazy, but it shouldn't keep you from being a respectable human being. I feel that talking with people definitely helps the process. It is a good relaxer. When you have a group of people that are generally outgoing and nice, then it makes for a very pleasant time. And as far as being judgmental, what is the point? It really doesn't matter what the other people look like, or what shows they have done in the past, or any of that. You are both auditioning for the same show right now. Whether you like it or not, the person you are judging might be exactly what the director is looking for. You never know! So, why be so closed off? In this business, it is not only about talent. It is also about creating relationships. Who knows who you might be sitting next to at an audition. Maybe it is the person that could really make your dreams come true; maybe it is the connection that you're looking for; maybe it is the one true love of your life! Like I said, you never know. I guess what I am trying to say is everyone should just be nice to one another.

Even if you are not an actor and you are reading this, you should still take this advice. Again, this is only my opinion. You don't have to take my advice. You can be a dick for the rest of your life, and if that makes you happy, then good for you.

Michael Barry (facebook) ActorMike51 (twitter)

The Top 5 Shows You Should Be Watching Right Now!

So, being (sort of) a recent college graduate, the real world has given me a lot of spare time. In that spare time, I have taken up a (sort of) hobby. I am currently following about 5 different T.V. shows. I was following about 10 at one point, but a lot of them were pilot shows, so they have stopped until next season.

I thought that since a good number of people are reading my blog, I would try to give not only insight on what kind of T.V. that I watch, but also some advice on some great television. So, here are the top 5 T.V. shows that you should be watching:

1.) ONCE UPON A TIME

This show is probably the best new show on television. It comes from the genius writers of Lost, one of the best and most thrilling shows in television history (in my opinion). When I first saw previews for this show, I actually thought that it was going to be really cheesy and stupid. In actuality, this show is pretty incredible.

2.) THE WALKING DEAD

Who would've thought a television show about zombies would be so great? Already on it's second season, it has grown quite a big cult following. The show is based off of a graphic novel written by Robert Kirkman, and a very thrilling and creepy show! I highly recommend this show!

3.) SMASH

I like to think of this show as kind of like Glee, only for intelligent, intellectual people. This is a show that shows all the drama, excitement, nervousness, and heartbreak of trying to be an actor on Broadway. This is a very entertaining new show, with a star-studded cast. It also features a lot of surprising cameos.

4.) MODERN FAMILY

Already on it's 3rd season, this show is probably the funniest show on T.V. In case you aren't already watching this show, It is the closest thing to Seinfeld than any other show, and we all know that's a great compliment. I think this clip from episode #1 pretty much sums it up.

5.) HELL ON WHEELS

I know that this show is currently not T.V. right now, but I am positive that it will come back for a 2nd season. This show is such a friggen badass show. It is like a steam punk version of the old west, but not as stupid as Will Smith's Wild, Wild West. I think this show is going to become a phenomenon.



I think that you should all watch these shows, because in my opinion, they are the best. Let me know what you think!

My Picks for the 2012 84th Academy Awards

It is almost that time of year again. After the sweet, sweaty, delicious smell of football season has slowly diminished, their lifts a new kind of smell. That smell - of course - is the smell of... THE OSCARS!

I always love watching the Academy Awards. The magnificent films, the supremely talented actors and actresses, and the best part about it is that they are all wearing TUXEDOS! You don't see that kind of class at the People's Choice Awards!

Anyway, the nominees are out. Who is going to take home the prize? This year, they have only nominated 9 films, which I thought was very weird. They couldn't find one more movie to throw in there? (J. Edgar perhaps?) As I do every year, and I'm sure that most of you do the same, I will try and guess who will win the Oscars this year. Okay? HERE WE GO:

BEST PICTURE: The Artist (I haven't seen it yet, but I heard that it is phenominal)

BEST ACTOR (LEADING ROLE): George Clooney (The Descendents)

BEST ACTRESS (LEADING ROLE): Meryll Streep (The Iron Lady) (much to my chagrin)

BEST ACTOR (SUPPORTING ROLE): Kenneth Branagh (My Week with Marilyn)

BEST ACTRESS (SUPPORTING ROLE): Berenice Bejo (The Artist)

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE: A Cat in Paris (Haven't seen it, but the American choices are so bad, this one has to win. Going out on a limb)

CINEMATOGRAPHY: The Artist

ART DIRECTION: The Artist

COSTUME DESIGN: Hugo

BEST DIRECTOR: Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist

DOCUMENTARY: Hell and Back Again (SHORT): The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom

FILM EDITING: Hugo

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM: Israel, Footnote

MAKEUP: Albert Nobbs

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE: War Horse

BEST ORIGINAL SONG: The Muppets, "Man or Muppet"

ANIMATED SHORT FILM: A Morning Stroll

SHORT FILM (LIVE ACTION): The Shore

SOUND EDITING: War Horse

SOUND MIXING: War Horse

VISUAL EFFECTS: Hugo

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: Hugo

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: The Artist

POST YOUR WINNERS, AND WE'LL SEE WHO HAS THE BEST RECORD AFTER THE OSCARS! TELL YOUR FRIENDS! WHOEVER WINS WILL WIN A PRIZE!!!!!!

CHECK THIS OUT!

A friend of mine, Jordan Russell, tagged me in this video on facebook. It was such an interesting video, that I thought I would share it with all of you.

I posted this video because I want to take my own poll. I want you all to post your own top 10 favorite disney songs. you can either post on this blog, or on the facebook post, or you can retweet it on twitter. I want to see what you think.

Thanks Jordan!!!!!!

Tim Tebow: Why I Can't Stand Him

For all of you who don't know who Tim Tebow is (I doubt that you haven't), he is the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos. He was also a Heisman trophy winner at the University of Florida. Not only is he well known for his luck on the football field (which was ended by the New England Patriots), but also for his strong Christian beliefs. He has become a nationwide phenomenon. His signature move of taking a knee and praying has become a term in the dictionary called "Tebowing."

Well, I'm sorry, but I can not stand it! I'm not putting down his religious beliefs or any of that. I'm a Christian too. I believe the same things that he does. And I am not denying the fact that he is a great athlete. I think that he has tremendous atheticism. I just hate the fact that he is a quarterback.

Has anyone ever seen the guy try and throw the ball. As I was watching the game against my team, the New England Patriots, I don't think that he threw one tight spiral. Actually, if I remember correctly, I think he threw a few that went end over end, like a kickoff. I'm sorry, but if you can't throw the ball, then you SHOULDN'T BE A QUARTERBACK (Are you listening, Coach Barry?)! I would not be as hating of him if he played another position. If they threw him in as a running back or a tight end, he would be okay in my book. Just NOT AT QUARTERBACK!

Another thing that bugs me about him is that devout Christians think of him as some sort of savior. I work at Christian Book Distributors, and we sell Tebow's biography Through My Eyes. It is a very popular book for customers to order, and every time some crazy Christian orders it, they always have to mention how great they think Tim Tebow is. They treat him like he is Jesus Christ.



 Well, I hate to break it to you crazy Christians, but he is not a savior. He is just a kid who plays football. THAT'S IT!

Another thing that bothers me is that they have given his praying before and after games a new name. They call it "Tebowing." They don't realize that this move already has a name. It's called genuflecting! That's all I have to say about that!

Other than those things, I think that he is great guy. I just can't stand how crazy everyone is getting over this guy. I don't think that there is anything special about him at all.

MOVIE REVIEW: The Muppets

So, I have to admit, I absolutely love the muppets! They have always made me laugh ever since I was a kid. I think that these characters are absolutely hilarious. That's why I was so excited when I saw that they were making a new muppet movie! And guess what?  It was EVERYTHING THAT I HAD HOPED FOR!!!

The synopsis of the movie is about two brothers, Gary (Jason Segel) and Walter, who falls in love with the Muppets and The Muppet Show. As they grow older, Gary invites Walter to LA with him and his girlfriend (Amy Adams). When they get to LA, Walter's only ambition is to see the Muppet Studio. When he gets there, it's completely run down. When he stumbles into Kermit's old office, he overhears an oil tycoon's plan to tear down the studio because its over an oil well. When he hears this, he goes to find Kermit to warn him. When he meets Kermit, he tells him everything he heard. They then decide to go and get the gang back together to try and raise $10 million to keep the theatre alive with a show. Come to find out, they are not famous anymore. So putting the show on and raising enough money seems a lot harder than they thought. It's full of a whole bunch of amazing celebrity cameos, including Alan Arkin, NPH, Selena Gomez, The chick from I Love You, Man, Whoopie Goldberg, and many more.

In my opinion, it was the perfect movie. I think this may have been the best movie that I have seen all year. It was perfect! The greatest part about the movie was that it had all of the same old jokes that we all know and love mixed with a modern atmosphere. They managed to come up with an interesting plot that keeps the audience interested. It wasn't a script that was unoriginal or boring. If they tried to do do something that was similar to all of the other movies made before, then it wouldn't have been as great as it was.

Also... RAINBOW CONNECTION!! AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!



Since this is a movie review, I have to point out at least 1 dissappointing part. If I have to, I would have to say that the only thing that it was missing was Rizzo the Rat. Rizzo has become a serious part of the Muppet cast and crew. In a few of the more recent Muppet movies, he has played a pretty big role in them. He has a lot of great lines in these movies too. In this new Muppets movie, he was almost non-existant. I have to say, I did miss Rizzo in this movie. I wish they had more with him.



All-in-all, The Muppets is an instant classic. I think that this movie was brilliant and perfect in every way! There's probably only a few more weeks of this movie being in theatres, and I STRONGLY suggest that everyone goes and sees it, especially if you love the Muppets.