So...A little update on the life...
Been insanely busy of course...working mostly on SNOOPY!!! It's going very well, the producers all had a fantastic meeting last night at Sutton's, over a bottle or two of wine...meetings can be far more fun that way-please recommend a good bottle of wine for any meeting you need to go to-highly recommend it!
So Snoopy!!! Is a blast. We have our special press preview happening tomorrow morning, so keep your eyes out for all the pictures after tomorrow. There is also an ad on page 18 of today's New York Observer (primarily a financial paper here in the city-it's the pink colored one). But a nice large free ad nonetheless!
Sutton and Deven May performed at Therapy on Monday night at Scott Nevins Presents...and that was just a blast, one of the most fun evenings I've had in a long time...(well one of the most fun PUBLIC evenings I've had in a long time ;-)). They sounded great and a rather intoxicated Kimberly Locke was rather excited to introduce herself to Sutton at our corner table (we were VERY fancy).
The evening was preceded by a reading of BAND OF DREAMS down at the Gene Frankel Theatre, which I played Thomas, a tall, handsome African Prince...I'm leaving that one right where it is.
and the evening ended at the renaissance diner with Me, Scott Nevins, Jim Caruso, Chris Seiber and Kevin Burroughs all having omelettes, pancakes and fun with the people at the next table (JD, Max von Essen's roommate).
That's the update for now...hope it keeps my loved ones at temp jobs entertained for a minute
Love, Jamie
with love from Jamie at 3:26 PM
Hey there...
So here we are...the end of a LOOONG Monday. I am doing a reading called "Band of Dreams" at The Gene Frankel Theater downtown...it's an interesting little journey. Today's rehearsal was more like a jam session...I made up the parts I was singing on everything...but alas, it was fun and kinda relaxing.
I'm also taking on another little project...I am directing a new play for my friend Jason Cicci's Theatre company, Monday Morning Productions. The play is about a young man who becomes obsessed with the life of Francis Bacon (the painter, not the poet). It's really a compelling portrait of art and what art means to it's beholder(s). It's about obsession and the compulsion we all have instinctively to live the life we most desire. The play will go up in May in the West Village, and I'm really looking forward to it!
All else is well in the world so far as I can tell. Had a lovely dinner last night with Michael Musto of the Village Voice, and since I try my best not to say anything mean in my blog about anyone, I won't comment further on the dinner. Suffice it to say I think he is doing as much damage to the gay movement as Mr. G. W. Bush. I had dinner with him because he is co-hosting the (NOW SOLD-OUT) Standing Ovation concert for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, produced by BroadwayWorld.com.
I am very happy with my new roommate. He's a really nice guy and has done wonders with the apartment. And Mick is also very happy in his new apartment in Astoria-it's a really beautiful place with a great feeling about it. So I guess that's about it. It's late and I have rehearsal tomorrow and a production meeting for SNOOPY!!!-GO buy tickets and bid on auction items!!!
Hope you are wll wonderful!
Much Love,
Jamie
with love from Jamie at 1:16 AM
So Jamie McBenefit is at it again!
Standing Ovations: A Benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
I'm really excited about it, it should be a really fun project. I also will be working with Mandy Gonzalez on a cabaret. The young entrepeneur and lover of Broadway, Robert Diamond has invited me along for some projects that he wants to produce for his website, Broadwayworld.com, a fantastic new site with the most up-to-date info on all that is Broadway!
Order your tickets now.
I am going shopping with John Tartaglia for some show props for his April 5th Ars Nova Broadway Spotlight Concert. I believe he will be doing an added encore performance on April 26th...keep your eyes peeled!
And of course there's SNOOPY!!! I'm having so much fun with Sutton putting together our ebay auctions...there's some nice items coming up tonight, so go check them out on ebay.com...
That's it for now...apparently it's snowing out....IT'S MARCH FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!
love, Jamie
with love from Jamie at 1:07 PM
HAPPY 5th YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF LIVING IN NYC TO ME!
So today officially marks my fifth anniversary of my move to the Big Apple. A lot has happened since I got here...funny to think about it...5 years ago seems like yesterday, but living in my East 13th Street 6th floor walk up seems like it was a decade ago.
Overall though, I can't possibly put into words how grateful I am to have the circle of friends that I have, so thanks to all you crazy people I am very happy to call a friend.
Just a quick note for today...off to some auditions!
Love, Jamie
with love from Jamie at 2:34 PM
Gearing up for the highly anticipated SNOOPY Benefit concert next month, The launch of The Snoopy Pied Piper Children's Theatre Company online EBAY Auction has begun and will continue over the next three weeks with new items being posted every Tuesday.
SNOPPY will star: CHRISTIAN BORLE, JENNIFER CODY,HUNTER FOSTER, SUTTON FOSTER, ANN HARADA, DEVEN MAY, And Introduces McKINNY DANGER-JAMES as "Woodstock"
The evening will be hosted by JOHN TARTAGLIA
Musical Direction by SETH RUDETSKY
Choreography by JAMES De FORTE
and Directed by BEN RIMALOWER
You will be able to view the items available via the http://www.snoopyconcert.org website, but for now check these out!
A Tony Award Watch given only to presenters and nominees!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2696485834&category=31387
A Designer Debbie Brooks Handbag
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3467150765&category=15728
Autographed David Friedman Songbook
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2231366418&category=14433
Autographed Samurai Deeper KYO DVD - Anime
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3392716970&category=41524
A Rankin/Bass Special Gift package
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3280417422&category=363
Autographed Thoroughly Modern Millie Demo CD
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4001395964&category=1576
Prop Candles from the Revival of Fiddler on the Roof
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3803156419&category=2366
Collector's Item Rosie O'Donnell T - Shirt
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4001396646&category=60379
Autographed Lucky Stiff Vocal Selections
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3710351489&category=38105
Autographed Alan Cumming Photo and Advance Reader's Edition of Tommy's Tale
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3803158202&category=778
Enjoy! And Happy Bidding!
with love from Jamie at 2:11 PM
So after a pretty incredible evening, i found myself writing on the train ride home to da heights. I felt like sharing, so here it is. I hope you enjoy it.
I can see the rope stretch to the other platform.
Don't look down, only forward.
The rope is so tight.
So tight you'd think the slightest touch
would SNAP it!
A sound like a breaking string of a guitar.
I stretch out my arms to either side.
Praying to God they'll counter my weight.
I close my eyes, breathing, tears
welling up in my eyes.
one foot out.
Don't look down, only forward.
My inhales race, my heart in my throat.
STOP breathe.
I lift my right foot, slowly, deliberately..
Looking forward, the rope, the far platform.
Arms outstretched to either side.
I float.
In slow motion my foot hits.
The rope shimmers ahead
My weight shifts, pushing into my toe.
My left foot flies up and forward.
Me. Rope. Earth. Arms. God.
This is dangerous. I didn't know.
The step I last took told me so. God.
The pit of my stomach begin to tremble.
So deep, a tremor inside. Breathe.
Trust the rope.
Safety in the instability beneath my feet.
Another step. Slow. God.
Look forward. Breathe.
Step...step. breathe...KNOW
Standing. Balanced seemingly.
I bring my arms in, my elbows tight.
Hands in fists in front of my chest.
Plie. deep breath. spring. fly.
Love, J
with love from Jamie at 2:02 PM
Dear Friends,
As many of you know, I've been working with Tony Award-Winner, Sutton Foster, putting together a benefit concert of SNOOPY!!! The Musical. What many of you don't know is who this concert is benefiting...
The Pied Piper Children's Theatre Company (uptown in Inwood) is giving more than 400 children a year, the opportunity to create. The company is dedicated to creating a non-threatening environment where young people can explore their creativity, learn new skills and develop a sense of leadership, community and service.
What makes PPCT unique is that it provides a truly safe atmosphere for young people, ages 5-17, regardless of race, color, religious belief, gender or sexual orientation. In a time where cultural and artistic freedoms are regularly challenged by budget cuts and a lack of governmental funding, organizations like PPCT are forced to turn to outside sources to provide an essential service to the youth of this country.
This is a call for your support. Through our website, we've created a VERY easy way for you to contribute to this incredibly vital organization. Any and ALL donations are welcome. We realize that it is a difficult time for many. But please consider making a donation towards the efforts of this company that provides an artistic and creative home for many children who may not otherwise have an outlet like this one where they can feel safe doing what they are doing and being exactly who they are.
The following are different levels of participation for you to consider. For donations in these amounts, your name will be listed in the program for your generosity. Thank you so much in advance for your support.
SNOOPY CONCERT / PPCT DONATION WEBSITE - CLICK HERE!
$20 - Mascot - This donation will help pay for script rental.
$50 - Tag-a-long - This donation will pay for office supplies for a week.
$100 - Pen Pal - This donation could purchase a cordless drill for the theatre.
$150 - Buddy - This donation could cover one child's tuition.
$250 - Friend - This donation could help build new bookshelves for the theatre's library.
$500 - Best Friend - This donation could assist in the installation of lighting instruments.
All contributions toward this event are tax deductible and letters of acknowledgement as well as not-for-profit 501(c)(3) documentation will be provided by The Pied Piper Children's Theatre.
Any assistance you could offer will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your contribution and your time. Please feel free to contact me at 212-539-3652 with any questions you may have or if you are interested in reviewing the advertising contract to purchase an ad in our souvenir program.
Sincerely,
Jamie McGonnigal
Executive Producer; SNOOPY!!!
PS- Keep your eyes on the SNOOPY!!! Concert Website for information on exciting upcoming EBay and Silent Auction Items!!!
with love from Jamie at 3:34 PM
So here I am...
Uptown in my empty 2 bedroom apartment in Washington Heights...due to some...lets just call them "issues," I've asked my now former-roommate to leave the apartment. I have a new person moving in next week, which I am looking forward to. He seems great and he is a friend of a friend, so not a complete stranger moving in, which is nice and rare if you've ever gone looking for a roommate in NYC.
The struggle for gay marriage goes on across the country. Mayors, Governors, all sorts of people have begun issuing marriage licenses to gay couples all over the place...I do hope that this uprising continues and people start to realize that the world will not end and in fact will be a better place after these actions occur. There will be a demonstration tomorrow morning at City Hall. Since it is now 1AM, and as I said to Mick on the phone this evening, I will be there in spirit. I will also be with Mick in spirit at an important audition he has in the morning, so if you're reading this and its Thursday morning, send a good though his way-even if you don't know him.
The Snoopy Concert tickets went on sale yesterday morning and the phones at Symphony Space have been ringing off the hook- Sutton made me dinner last night, while we discussed items for our silent auction and ebay auction...keep your eyes on the SNOOPY CONCERT WEBSITE for auction details! And order your tickets now...we've already sold over 300 in 24 hours of the box office being open!!!
ALSO- I will be appearing in my friend Mark Hartman's new cabaret-talk show-party-event thing entitled LATE BREAKING NEWS <--- Click here to find out more about it. Max von Essen, Brian Lowdermilk and myself will be interviewed this Sunday night around 10 I guess. I will be singing my friend Pat's song FIELD FLOWERS, which uses the poetry of my ancestor Thomas Campbell. It should be a lot of fun! Join us!
That's about it for now I believe! I hope you are all well!
Love, Jamie
with love from Jamie at 1:08 AM