Hey there,
Hope everyone is great...
Been crazy busy here. Last week, I did a lot of travelling. I visitied Kent State University in OH to speak to their Gay, Lesbian, etc association about Gay Stereotypes in the Media and focused primarily on the importance of community in battling stereotypes. It was really eye-opening for me and I think I found a new fun thing I'm going to enjoy doing...I hope to do a lot more of it.
Also working hard on Secret Garden. Trying to raise money madly of course. And we are going to be holding auditions for Mary and Colin next weekend.
Hmmm...what else. Ive been out meeting a lot of people lately and seeing a lot of shows, which is always great.
Some upcoming things to let you know about although tickets aren't yet on sale-
December 11th-MIRACLE on 13th STREET at the LGBT Center in the village. This is the 3rd installment of the Miracle concerts. The first two being Miracle on 47th Street (Supper Club) and Miracle on Lafayette (Joe's Pub)-incidentally at last year's concert, we had the first snowfall of the season-DURING THE SHOW! so magical!
December 12th, I'm helping my friend Garrett put up a reading of his new musical, JUDGMENT DAY also at the LGBT Center. He's a pretty amazing guy who I'm glad I've met...more on JUDGMENT DAY later on.
and January 16th, I'm putting up a concert of Jonathan Reid-Gaelt's FORWARD at the Makor on the upper west side. It was originally called CHANGE, but we switched that around...it may change again, one never knows...should be a lot of fun-he's a very talented new writer.
Outside of that, I don't think a whole lot is going on...I recorded KIZUNA last week, a Yaoi or "man-on-man" anime. It's not pornographic, but definitely not for kids. I get to be the boyfriend of the same guy who plays Yu Gi Oh and the guy who's chasing after me is played by Leonardo from the turtles...I love that.
I think that's it for now...
Hope all is well!
Love, Jamie
VISIT www.WorldAIDSDayConcert.org NOW!
with love from Jamie at 12:16 PM
Wow! Two Broadway shows in one day! Whaddya know!
So my friend Garrett and I went to see JERSEY BOYS for the Wednesday matinee. I was invited by my friend, John Lloyd Young, who is playing Frankie Valli. I've known John Lloyd for about 4 years now I believe. We met at the BMI Workshop while I was performing in the Archie Musical and he was playing Orlando in "Like You Like It." Little did I know I'd also be performing in it too as time went on. I had an immediate crush on John and it developed even further when I discovered not only how bright, sweet and kind a person he was, but that he was straight. I tend to do that...crushes on cute straight boys...it's safer that way. I know what I can and can't have and there are no dashed expectations!
Anyway...I've watched John grow as a performer and person over the years and one thing that never ceased to amaze me was his talent and love for the game of this business. He is a person who not only studies and masters the game, but it is something that is truly fun for him. I'd bump into him on the street, we'd share some book recommendations and maybe a chai. Then a few days later, without fail, I would get a lovely card or postcard from him just saying "Nice to see you last week."
So now here he is making his Broadway debut in Jersey Boys.
I'm completely biased, but I really believe John is one of the best young actors of this generation. He has worked his ass off on this role and it shows. He sounds incredible and when I close my eyes, I think it's Frankie Valli onstage. I'm so honored and thrilled to see something like this happening to someone who has continually worked his ass off for all he's achieved. He deserves every accolade he will receive for this role!
Then I saw In My Life.
Lemons. Pirates. Heaven is apparently a big gray office. Alan Cumming is slumming. Drunk driving accidents which kill small ballerinas. Tangoing with skeletons. Fuck Suck Duck. Meeting, Falling in Love and getting Married all within 2 weeks. How can people say it's not plausible?
I was far too young to see Carrie onstage, and it's because of that I'm grateful for In My Life
with love from Jamie at 12:29 PM
so i had a really fantastic night last night.
I've been trying to get better about getting to bed at a reasonable hour...it's been 3am sometimes 4am for the past 2 weeks or so. Not to mention I've been OUT late a lot.
So last night, I went to support The Matthew Shepard Foundation in their annual NY Fundraiser. It was Randi Driscoll and friends at Birdland. Such a wonderful sweet evening. Max von Essen sang one of my favorite songs, "Not Afraid," by my friend Michael Arden. He did such a wonderful job with it. Max really knows how to capture the tiny emotions that a lot of actors don't really get. I know it's not necessarily a conscious choice for Max, but that's what makes him good.
The lovely Chris Seiber sang as well...he's a nice boy. David Gurland did a Sting Cover that was quite beautiful and the really easy on the eyes out gay duet, Jason and DeMarco were fantastic. And then there was Randi Driscoll-she never ceases to amaze me. There is something so sweet, and genuine about everything she does and says. She's a good one.
And then of course the lovely host Jim Caruso sang and strutted and brought the touch of class needed for an evening like this. So great and I am looking forward to seeing him still doing it when he's 90...60 years from now.
I then went to XL, a gay club in Chelsea to see XL STAR. My friend Scott Nevins hosts a new American Idol type evening down there. It's SUCH a blast...such amazingly talented people that Scott has found. And as a host it's so ideal for him. He's funny, looking very good, and a nice presence in this atmosphere. I'm really proud of him for taking his career in a great direction after leaving Therapy.
Anyway...that was all followed by a trip to Posh, when I should have gone home. But luckily, I got to sit down and chat with a brand new friend. It kind of made staying up that late really worthwhile.
with love from Jamie at 2:57 PM