Top of the mornin to ya all! Well I have exciting news…COMPANY, THE MUSICAL OPENED LAST NIGHT! (The title above is from the lyrics of the opening song, so I thought I’d share…with all those exclamation points and everything!)BAM!

Last night was the official opening and Wednesday night was Gala night. For those who don’t know, Gala is when all the theatre majors each get a free ticket to come see the mainstage production. (We have 4 mainstage productions each year: 2 a semester. We have one musical a year (the 1^st production) and then the other three can be what the theatre faculty decide.)

Anywho, Wednesday night was chock full of theatre majors/minors and others who were given a gala ticket. For example, I gave my gala ticket to my roommate Samantha since I was in the show and couldn’t use mine, now could I?

Gala is always a wonderful, exhilarating, energy heightening experience, because it’s all your friends!! Some people aren’t a big fan of it because, again, since it’s all your friends, they laugh AT EVERYTHING! It gives us as performers over-exaggerated feedback and we’re unsure how it will be accepted the following evening with a paying crowd. However, I feel one just has to embrace all those positive responses because you’ll never get the applause or the laughter that tremendous again.

Anyway, here’s to videos of Gala that I took AFTER the show was finished and all of us are in the lobby, eating cheese, crackers, fudge, and fresh fruit while hugging, smiling and conversing with one another. It’s a lovely atmosphere! And as Marni Strump puts it: “Gala is ALL about the cheese!” I’m not really a cheese fan, but MANY agree with her!

Charlotte Pines plays one of the girlfriends, Marta, and sings the well known song, Another Hundred People. She’s fun and somewhat rebellious. Can’t you tell from that makeup!!

Larissa Goldberg plays April, the flight attendant who’s cute but somewhat odd. She’s one of Bobby’s girlfriends and sings the duet Barcelona with Bobby.

Andrea Green getting ready to play her role as Amy. She’s loving, but a little neurotic at times, which makes her scenes THAT much more hysterical.

Dana Paige Priebe designed all the costumes for the show! Here’s one of her sketches of Amy and Paul during the wedding scene.

All of the married couples and the main character Bobby in their black and white outfits for the Birthday Party scenes. Again, more mastery of Dana Paige Priebe.

Michelle Hines as Joanne, “the boisterous upper-class New Yorker who has been married three or four times.”

Let me go into a basic plot summary of Company. (I found this online by the way.) “Set in New York City, Company tells the story of five couples and their mutual friend Robert. Robert, turning 35 at the beginning of the show, seems to have everything: good looks, charm, and a great sense of humor. Nevertheless, he is still single. In Company he watches and learns from the various couples. He sees both the wonders and pitfalls of relationships. In the end though, Robert realizes that while relationships rarely turn out like they do in fairy tails, life is still better when you have someone to share it with.”

I think to get a REALLY good idea of what Company is about while getting the inside scoop, you should read the article written by one of our school newspapers here on campus: The Oracle.

It has interviews and WONDERFUL concepts of the show by our musical director Stephen Kitsakos. I highly recommend you check it out. Alyssa Jung wrote the article, and I believe she gave COMPANY justice. Thanks Alyssa! Click away!

http://oracle.newpaltz.edu/article.cfm?id=3917

On that note, please, please PLEASE everyone get your tickets to see Company. I can just say from experience, that one of the most amazing feelings in the world is when people you know and love come to see the show you’re in. I’m telling you, it’s the most rewarding experience! And everyone put so much work into just 2 weekends of shows!

Here’s the information:

The theatre department’s first production of the semester, “Company”, will debut Friday, Oct. 16 at 8 p.m. and on Oct. 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25. Sunday, Oct. 19 and 26 performances will be at 2 p.m. at McKenna Theatre. Tickets are $16. To get tickets call 845-257-3880 or go the McKenna Box Office from 11:30-4:30 (I believe those times are pretty accurate. If you’re unsure, you can just call them up.)

I know the price seems a little steep, but listen up students: tickets are $9 ON THURSDAYS FOR YOU GUYS! So take advantage of that I say. You still have one Thursday left!

Break a leg for ALL INVOLVED! We have a wonderful cast, crew, lighting design team, sound design team, director, stage manager, assistant stage managers, etc, etc! Thanks again and enjoy your Friday people!

What is this COTA business, you ask? Ah, well it’s Celebration of the Arts that took place here at New Paltz’s Hasbrouck Park on Sunday September 28th. I know that was a little while ago, but I took some video footage and took some snapshots, so I thought I’d tell ya a little about it. Wow, this took place when we had that very long weekend! September seems so long ago! Well here’s the website that you could get a more in-depth view of what went on there!

http://www.celebrationofthearts.net/COTA.html

There were all kinds of artists, from: emerging, working, closet, and those taking a chance by bending convention. To give you an idea, there were over 100 artists showcasing and selling their artwork, performances through out the day, a local writers’ tent for signings and book sales, children events, an arts networking tent, free professional development seminars for artists, habitats for artists installations, and foood.

Here’s some videos of the performances I watched!

A New Paltz alum, Cuttz, performing at COTA.

So as I mentioned before, there were a lot of beautiful booths where artists were selling their work. We didn’t buy anything (alas the life of the poor college student) but my friends and I looked around! Check it out! Enjoy and till next time stay smiley!

The event took place right behind the Van Den Burg Hall, which houses our nursing and business programs. THAT’S how close this event was to campus.

Children were running all around, especially on this playground, despite the misty weather and the mud.

Kids made tambourines out of paper plates and decorated themselves!

I know at one time or another you all have been told to get involved in school and all the wonderful extra-curricular activities that school has to offer.  Well, just in case you were wondering: they are right! This past weekend, I went to Rock The VOTE at Old Main Quad and it was a DE-light. On the topic of getting involved, I was doubly involved this weekend because I was not only supporting Q.A.C by going to Rock The VOTE, but I was also supporting voting, and all the other organizations that were there.  To much dismay, I was only able to stay for an hour because I had laundry and other errands and such to tend to, but hey: better than NOTHIN’!  But an hour was good because I got to spend some time with fellow Q.A.C.-ers, listen to the LIVE music, educate myself and take some pretty snazzy pictures!

On that note, I would like to invite all of you to purchase a digital camera (you did?  GREAT!) and take it along with you, wherever you go.  That is precisely what I do, and let me tell you, it works splendidly.  There are more Kodak moments in a day than you could ever think up, and it should be for your photographic enjoyment that you document the day.  For example, when you’re at Rock The VOTE and NP Blogger Holly decides to “dance” to the live music, you can capitalize on this -and many other occasions- with a digital camera.  Speaking of which, I happen to have some choice pics from Rock The VOTE that I figured you’d all enjoy!

Anyway, enough Internet embarrassment!  I STRONGLY urge you to vote.  Think of it as your civic duty, that’s really fun!  No matter if you love ObamaNaderMcCain, or whoever else is on the ticket, just do it: VOTE.  Otherwise, you’d just be a Silly GOOSE if you didn’t!  I have recently discovered that the New Paltz Oracle (That’s our school Newspaper!) has published a sort of “both-sides-of-the-argument” two page spread in their paper stating the candidates’ positions on some major issues.  And get THIS:  The Information comes DIRECTLY from their websites!

So now you have NO excuse to “not vote” (<<what even IS that?)

Now as far as song for this post, well, I’m torn because as of late I have been listening to a lot of Frank Sinatra… so basically anything from:

“Fly Me To The Moon,”

“It Was A Very Good Year,”

to:

“Nancy,”

“My Way.”

Listen I tell you!

See You Lata,

Matt Stracq

: D

Every year F.Y.I. holds a few mandatory programs for the students, that will hit-them-with-some-knowledge so they can succeed!  In fact the first program is “Sweet Success Jeopardy!”  For this program, the RM’s made categories, questions and all the typical Jeopardy hullabaloo, and then we make teams and go for it!  The wining team gets FIRST PICK of the candy, and Esopesos (”ee-so-pay-sows”) -Esopesos are a sort of currency that one receives from attending a program, and an then purchase raffles at a later date.  But anyway, the anser is Yes: I DID dress up as Alex Trebek -and lucky me, The program runs for three nights, so I’m Mr. Trebek for each one!  Scrumtrelescent!  And for your enjoyment, I included a few photos of Diana, Tiff and I -and yes, I made the paper wig myself!

Thus far, we’ve had two of the three “showings”  for this program, and the third will be TONIGHT, so hopefully, all will go as planned.

Rosh Hashanah came and went, so how was your weekend?

LEAVE ME A COMENT TELLING ME ABOUT YOUR WEEKEND!!!

As far as the aforementioned is concerned, I would like to see just how interactive this blog can get!  So if you read my blog, and you see some thing that resembles way to many CAPITOL letters, then comment on the blog!  I will try my best to comment on the comments that you commented me on -originally… Get it?  Also, regarding interacting with my readers (That’s YOU), by a show of hands, who has a Twitter account? …Mhm, ok, a few of you, so for those of you who do, log on and “follow me” so you can keep track on all the fun and exciting/slash/mundane and ordinary things that are going on for me!  For those, who have no idea what I’m talking about, go on http://www.twitter.com to find out this new and exciting internet property that is available.  And for any and all who are interested, check out my video blog that will be posted in a hot second!  Its way long, and takes up two videos (yikes) but if you don’t get a laugh out of that, then nothing will!

As far as D.J. Matt (who just refered to himself in the third person, and did so again) is concerned, there is a new song for your listening pleasure:

“I Get Around” The Beah Boys   -Classic!

Talk to you Lata,

Matt

: D

Hey hey hey!

How’s everyone doing on this oh-so-long weekend, or you could say, mini vacay? For those reading this that AREN’T going to SUNY New Paltz, let me inform you that we have NOOOO classes until WEDNESDAY! How splendid is that? Thank you Rosh Hashanah! I know a bunch of people went home or visited friends at colleges this weekend….but I’m staying here in the Paltz. This is due to: 1.) I have rehearsal for many of those days we have off. 2.) I’m giving tours around campus.

However, it was so nice to smack that snooze button this morning, without a consequence in sight! Oh and I want to get ahead of some homework, since Midterms (with a capital M) are around the corner and the musical will be in full storm very VERY soon. It would be IDEAL to get some of those papers and projects behind me. I hope I achieve my objective here. I don’t wanna be all talk and no action.

So last night I attended something called 24 Hour Theatre, which was presented by Alpha Psi Omega (the National Theatre Honor Society on campus) and New Paltz Players. Flannery Spring-Robinson and Kathleen Bulman were the Producers, keeping this entire event alive and kickin’! It took place in the Blackbox located in the Smiley Art Building.

The program (above) explains what 24 Hour Theatre entails and what the objective was, so I shall type up what it states.

“The mission of this event was to provide fresh talent, yearning to collaborate with other passionate individuals in order to create an innovative performance. The individuals are urged to take on roles which they may not be used to; such as Producer, Director, Writer and Actor. Each group had a task to take a common theme (in this case, the common theme was resistance), and thread it throughout everyone’s ideas: the Producer’s concept, the writer’s text, the director’s vision, and the honesty of the actor’s performance. Thus, culminating in an end product that, if for no other reason, is successful because it was created within the time frame of 24 hours! That shows true passion for commitment, collaborations, and fun!

This project wasn’t for people to go on massive power trips and gain a huge ego! NO NO! It’s about GREAT MINDS NOT THINKING A LIKE…and that is a good thing! Learning to work with others, who have varied views, is a beautiful and beneficial process: the true art of the theatre is collaboration.

We were told to please take in this experience with an open mind and the willingness to try something new!” <– And I couldn’t agree with this statement any more!

Alright, so on that note, the two short plays that were created within a 24 time span were called…From the Human Psyche, and Cross Beam. The Group Statement of …From the Human Psyche was that through this collaborative piece: “We are seeking to confront that which we want to resist. Before confronting, we must identify and accept. Before identifying comes the inevitable search. This is a compilation of what we discovered as a group through internal and external exploration. We invite the audience to explore these themes as they apply to their own lives.” And the producers, directors, writers, and actors in this production were Paul Rigano, David Mangiamele, Carley Colbert, Patricia Draghi, Kristin Dwyer, Meg DiMaggio, and Nick Bourchier.

Meg DiMaggio & Carley Colbert holding hands, adding movement to the piece.

David Mangiamele speaking his great monologue!

Nick Bourchier talking about life in America, with Trish Draghi in the background.

Paul Rigano playing the keyboard while the cast sings. In this picture Kristin Dwyer, Meg DiMaggio and Nick Bourchier.

They did a marvelous job! It was all so honest, delicate, and stunning. Music, lyrics, and monologues were created especially pertaining to this theme of resistance. Each piece the person did (sung or spoken) related to something personal that affected their lives. The vulnerability made it that much more beautiful! Paul Rigano said this was a great experience and we should all do it next time it comes up! Perhaps I will P. Rigs…perhaps I will.

Here’s a little clip with Producers Flannery Spring-Robinson and Kathleen Bulman giving a nice introduction, as well as a little clip of From the Human Psyche before my camera’s battery gave out!

24 Hour Theatre Introduction on YouTube

Then there was a 10 minute intermission, so the Blackbox could be arranged differently for the next play, which was Cross Beam. This play dealt more with lighting effects. Their mission statement of their work was the following: “We have created a semi-traditional drama, through experimental means, in an attempt to communicate a series of resistance between the ideas of the natural and the contrived.” So this play was a little more abstract. Jess Maxwell was the producer as well as the writer with Alex Oates. Ryan Carlesco, a freshman here, got involved by being the director, and the cast included Chris Lavin as Steven, Rachel Ritacco as the Mother, Alex Rich as the Father, and Stephanie Spohrer as Light Girl. At first, it was hard to grasp the concept, but after talking with Chris Lavin, he stated the turning on of the flashlight symbolized the opening of portal to his own, mystical world, which was resisting reality. Anyway, that’s the basic gist. The spectacle was striking, as well as the message. Here are some pictures to show you what I mean.

Chris Lavin with the light!

Stephanie Spohrer freezing in place.

Alex Rich, Rachel Ritacco acting as concerned parents.

This one is my favorites! Chris Lavin and Stephanie Spohrer shinging the light on one another.

Anyway, everyone had a great time and the audience was very supportive! That’s always lovely!

A big round of applause everybody, for all who was involved!

So hey ya’ll. How’s everyone doing? Whenever I ask how people are doing, I seem to get responses such as: “Eh- I’m getting sick,” or “I’m tired.” So everyone take those vitamins and try to get some sleep. Ah I sound like my ma, but she’s totally right. I could really use some more Zzz’s. I know, I know, it’s easier said than done right? Yes, well I’m in the same boat as all you sleep deprived and sickly kids. However, hopefully this little viral “bug” will be stepped on soon and we’ll all be able to enjoy this lovely autumn season!

Anyway…

I know I just posted and ever’thaaang, but I wanted to give you an inside view of one of my classes. This is my class, Voice 1, with Professor Stephen Kitsakos where we meet every Tuesday and Friday from 12:15 until 1:30. I recorded bits and pieces of our class on Tuesday, September 16^th. On this particular date, we were each given one of our solo songs, which we will be working on all semester to achieve specific goals such as audibility, dynamic variety, clarity, resonance, etc.

So in this particular video, Shana Circe and her husband edited it (I cannot take the credit.) They did a really nice job! They incorporated background music when we weren’t singing, and has the page “flip” as a nice transition from one image to the next. However, I wish they edited me out when I’m singing in the end…buuuut I will not complain, since it’s beautifully done and all. OHand Professor Kitsakos told us to sing with a southern accent for fun, and mine came out…well…not southern… Oh dear. Amy Smith, the girl I was singing with in the center of the circle, now SHE had a southern accent. Not I!

OK enjoy! See how much fun we all have in Voice 1! Click the video below!

See Voice 1 for yourselves, on YouTube!

Talk to ya soon, I gather.

Today I got a great start to my day.  My 8AM class was canceled so at 8:30 I was able to go for a nice walk.  For those of you who were all snuggly in your beds, it was very cool and crisp -almost cold this morning; and as much as I enjoy the warm months to swim, bike, kayak and have a catch, the cooler months also hold a special place in my heart.

I have heard that after Michael Phelps swims, he logs in a little down time in a jacuzzi to keep his muscles, loose, flexible and relaxed.  However, I find that in the wee hours of the day, when it is just cold enough, my whole body and mind become relaxed.  There is a wonderful calming, clarifying and relaxing affect that the cool air and some well deserved alone time can allow, when on a walk on a crisp day.  And if you’re a morning person like I am, they you’ll surely enjoy the privacy of the shade and the breeze.

As for the rest of the day, it was pretty enjoyable as well.  After my walk I was able to visit my Comp. II professor from last semester, Ms. Perisse.  She is a doll!  It was good times just to talk and catch up
with her about her summer adventures with family in Washington and her Carpentry endeavors at home.

ANDDDD, I have recently rekindled my love for “Don’t Fear the Reaper,” by Blue Oyster Cult:

“Hey, I got a FEVER, and the only prescription, is More COWBELL!”

-Christopher Walken/Bruce Dickenson