Disaster! - 2013 - Off-Broadway Articles Page 2

Happy February, everybody! A moment of truth, this is my least favorite month of the year. It's cold, it's dark, our senses are assaulted by Valentine's Day (barf), but luckily it's short, and I get to spend it doing pelvic thrusts and body rolls Off-Broadway. Silver lining!

DISASTER!, the critically-acclaimed 1970s disaster movie musical now playing Off-Broadway at the St. Luke's Theatre, will welcome new cast members in February. David Hibbard, previously seen on Broadway in Elf, Billy Elliot, Spamalot, A Class Act, Once Upon a Mattress and Cats (2,197 performances as Rum Tum Tugger), will take over the role of casino owner Tony Delvecchio on February 4th. Max Crumm, best known for winning the reality television series 'Grease: You're the One That I Want!' and subsequently starring in the Broadway revival as Danny Zuko, takes over the role of Scott (replacing original cast member Robb Sapp) on February 14th. And as previously announced, award-winning comedian, writer and actress Judy Gold -- currently seen on the reality series 'Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-off,' and known for her acclaimed Off-Broadway shows The Judy Show - My Life as a Sitcom and 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother -- will take over the role of Shirley (currently played by Annie Gold) on February 10th.

Well, it's the end of January which means it's the end of my month as a guest blogger for Broadwayworld.com. But here's the exciting surprise: the blogs will keep on coming through February. I was informed by the lovely folks over at Broadway World that you guys have enjoyed my little musings, so they've offered to extend my stay as a guest. Since I'm an attention whore, obviously I said yes.

Last week was a pretty great one on the Barricuda. We survived another snow storm (Why, oh why, oh why-o? Why did I ever leave Southern California...) and luckily New York did not stand us up. We had a great audience who trekked out into the grossness to laugh at us. Even pianist and late night sidekick extraordinaire, Paul Shaffer, endured the Polar Vortex. Fun Fact! He played on the original track for Barry Manilow's 'Daybreak' which happens to be our closing number. Full circle.

So, my blogs are usually kind of sassy and silly, but I'm about to get real, y'all! If you don't mind, indulge my sentimental side for a moment. Last night, I missed my first performance of Disaster! which was slightly heartbreaking, but it was for a good reason. I was actually swung out of the show which means that our swing goes on for my track and I get to sit in the audience and watch. A few blogs ago, I told you about my role in the show and how I understudy three principles. We have limited time for understudy rehearsals so being swung out is a way for me to watch, learn, and take notes. I came prepared with track sheets for the roles and a list of moments I really needed to focus on. My BroadwayWorld peeps, I had to actively tell myself to do my job! I was having such a great time as an audience member that I had to force myself to pay attention as an actor.

The last few performances of Disaster! were very special for me; my mama was in town from California and in the audience!

So I'm realizing that I haven't really told you guys what I do in Disaster! My bad, BroadwayWorld. I'm one of three ensemble members, and I also understudy three roles:

Alright guys, real talk. There's a certain cast member who needs to be called out.

This post is 100% a love letter to Mary Testa. You're welcome, Broadway World! Know why? Cause Mary Testa is the best-a (yup, that happened) and here are the reasons why: