درباره این اپیزود
What happens when you mix the talents of a director, actor, singer, and dancer? Find out as we sit down with Lon Barrera for an episode brimming with theatrical magic! Lon recounts unforgettable performances and shares heartwarming stories about his long-time collaborator, Kristen Spires, whom he affectionately calls his "theater wife."
From the nostalgic hits of the '80s and '90s to the emotional highs of watching "Rent" with a friend affected by HIV, our conversation explores the transformative power of theater. We reminisce about iconic productions and the influence of legends like Andrew Lloyd Webber, all while celebrating our tradition of catching every Tony Award-winning best musical since 1989—minus the elusive "Passion." Lon’s journey from a small barn theater to landing leading roles showcases the impact of perseverance and passion in the arts.
Laugh along with us in our theater-themed game show segment, where Lon tries to recall lines from his past roles. We dive into the joy of memorable performances and dream projects, like Lon’s desire to direct "The Drowsy Chaperone." The episode also touches on the importance of creating a safe and diverse theater environment, and the significant role that inclusivity and respect play in the creative process. Tune in for a heartfelt, humorous, and deeply insightful exploration of life in the theater.
If you want to catch all the action, you can watch the full episode video at YouTube.com/@DanielDoesDFW. Follow us on Instagram and Tik Tok: @DanielDoesDFW
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Hi guys and welcome back to Dana West KFW Theater where we talk about everything theater.
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Today we have a very special guest on.
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I say that every single time because I love every single person, so please make sure you are tuning in on YouTube, on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, wherever you're listening or watching, so you can watch this whole thing or listen to this whole thing, because it's going to be amazing.
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We may cry a little bit, we may be a little happy, a little sad We'll see what happens as everything goes on but we have the amazingly talented director, actor, singer, dancer.
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She's beautiful, charming Lady Gaga.
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No, it's not Lady Gaga today.
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I promise, it is the beautiful Lon Barrera.
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Who do you doot?
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Thank you so much for being on today.
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Of course, if you don't know Lon, it's okay, because now you know Lon.
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I didn't know Lon for the longest time.
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I mean, I had seen you trying to think it was in Mamma Mia.
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Oh, okay, when Kristen Spires did it.
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Yeah, was that a g-pack?
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yes, it was, yes because one of the first, mama Mia's thank God before the Mamma Mia, that the summer of Mamma Mia yes, which you were phenomenal in.
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You sang that little duet with Kristen.
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I can't remember what it is, but I can't remember either that with Kristen.
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I can't remember what it is.
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I can't remember either.
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That's a song.
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I can't remember either.
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Yeah, but our last summer, yes, so beautiful.
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I think I teared up at that point.
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Well, Kristen and I have a long relationship, so to play opposite her was just a gift.
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She's my theater wife.
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She has been for 15 years, something like that.
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Do you know what I can't wait to be gay and aged and have a theater wife.
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Did you just call me old?
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No, I would never.
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I said aged like fine wine.
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Oh, Amanda, that's good today.
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Yeah, it's lovely.
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Valero had a good choice.
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I love it.
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No, because I feel like.
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So, like Michael Cerechia has, maybe Kelly Bates?
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Yeah, right, you have Kristen Speyer.
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Who else is old?
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No, darling Me, I'm older than I ever intended to be, but I'm still here.
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No, thank goodness.
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No, because you've done some amazing stuff, because I've also seen you.
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Well, not seen you, but I've seen shows that you've directed as well.
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I saw Disaster, one of my favorites Phenomenal.
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I mean you had amazing.
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Is that the first time you directed Disaster, which was phenomenal?
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I mean you had amazing?
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Is that the first time you directed Disaster?
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I've done it twice.
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Which one did you see?
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I saw it the time with Jaden.
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Okay.
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So the most recent one, yes At.
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Runway.
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Yes, I actually directed the regional premiere oddly enough On Stage in Bedford got the rights to it.
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Wow, like the day the rights were released and Michael Winters, who is artistic director there, called me and said I know you were supposed to do this other show, but you want to do it.
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Yes, I would like to do that.
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So we were the first people to do it.
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And it's just, it is just a plate full of ridiculousness.
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Yeah, and my favorite note to give the cast during that was that's ridiculous, keep it, that's stupid, keep it.
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Yeah, it was just, it's just fun.
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Well, because it's all the camp Times 10 and then, you know, some glitter on top of it.
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Because it's set through Devsky, right?
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Yes, yeah, so, yeah, so he and jack platnick, right, yeah, all the camp.
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I mean, I don't think you can go too far, no, with that show.
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No, you cannot, uh, but yeah, that had.
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It was jayden.
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Uh, I know donovan who was in it.
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Donovan was in it.
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Who else?
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Oh, uh, patrick bilbo, yes, played your twins.
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Look when I tell you bad kid, perfect bad kid, and of that cast of I think it was 18 or 19, he was the most professional, came in, knew his stuff.
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Like he, he is legit.
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That kid is the real deal.
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He's great good kid, good kid, he's great.
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So I heard a little thing that Jaden told me the other day, because I was just hanging out with them, that Patrick would follow them around and like wanted to hang out with Jaden and somebody would have.
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It was Hannah, the stage manager.
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Yeah, I love Hannah too yeah yeah, love me some, hannah.
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Hannah went up and said oh, patrick thinks you're 14.
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Jake was like at first, was taken aback, like, and then was like oh, thank you, she got good genes.
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That one, she really does.
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It just made me laugh.
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I was like you could pull 14.
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Yeah, you could, you know.
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Well, I will tell you, in the casting of that, the way that we put that show together is we had one night of auditions and then we were planning the next night to do auditions and then callbacks.
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Well, the next night it snowed, so, oops, I guess we're not going to do that.
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And then that thursday or friday of that week I was going ironically, on a cruise.
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So I was like we have to cast this somehow.
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So we just went through the list of people who had signed up, people that we knew, people that we loved and we considered before we found patrick, we considered jayden for the twins.
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It's like she could do it because they they look like they're 12, but yeah, so it worked out.
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Lovely that she could play Levorah and that Patrick that I got a chance to meet, and that whole family yes, yeah, shout out to the Bildos.
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We love you.
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Yeah, no, I mean, t, I was originally cast as a child and I had to decline because I also look 12.
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No, no, we're not cutting to that.
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No, I do look 12.
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I don't know why everybody's shaking their head in this room right now.
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But thank you so much, t.
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So thank you.
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Yeah, kristen actually called me for that and said I'd love for you to play the child.
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Here we go, and I thought we were doing a Christmas show and I was playing the Jesus.
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I like it In a swaddling club Okay yes, no.
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And I will be the virgin.
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Mary.
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Well, that's a first.
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Yeah, I am a virgin Mary Again.
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Isn't that how it works after a day?
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born again.
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I'm dead, okay, um, but let's backtrack a little bit, now that we know about you and who you are and how, and honestly so I want to say we met, maybe at I think you came to a cabaret here at Theater Arlington.
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Maybe, I think I don't recall, to be honest, or maybe it was a show, it was something where I got to meet you in person and I was like, oh, super sweet, cause you may have come with Joe Brown, or nope, nope, sorry, no, not you, joe Brown, no, no, you were here with someone and I was like, oh, I got to meet you and Steve was like, yes, you need to know Lon, you know wonderful person, but we had never really chatted in person before today and now we're besties.
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What can I say?
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Move out of the way, kara.
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Um, yeah, bitch, we just yeah, yeah.
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I mean, you saw the episode I did where she said outright yeah, she's going on the amazing race with someone else.
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Yes, that bitch yeah yeah, james, whatever, cuz he can get her on Broadway, whatever yeah, I know right.
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Whatever.
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Have you talked to her since?
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Or you've caught off all communication.
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She's dead to me.
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You heard it here at first.
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She's dead to me.
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She's dead to me too, but I have talked to her because it's our problem.
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Oh, that's right.
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Oh, yes, that's right.
00:08:16.865 --> 00:08:19.161
Okay, so let's backtrack.
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You got your start.
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Start with the little the funk theater in cedar hill.
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How long ago um more years than I'd like to count.
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I wasn't even born it.
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You probably weren't.
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It was 1991.
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Nope, not even born, and I had been um, that's just rude by the way I was born, I was.
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I was a year.
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I'm'm kidding, I'm kidding.
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That's even ruder.
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So I had been in college, I'd been a theater major and I realized that I'm not really good at auditioning and that it scared the hell out of me.
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Oh, can I cuss?
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Oh, yeah, you can say whatever the fuck you want.
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Okay, great, because I tend to have a mouth that'll say that.
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So I kind of turned away from theater in 84 or 85 and just thought, okay, that was done.
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And then I was working at a travel agency in 91 and a friend of mine ran a theater and another friend of mine that worked there was doing a show.
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So I went to go see it to support him.
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Whatever it was in a barn.
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So I went to go see it to support them.
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Whatever it's little it was in a barn, in theater on the hill it was called theater on the hill in cedar hill.
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It was in this like acres of land and it was a barn and it was three-quarter in the round.
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And so I went to see the show and it was a melodrama.
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It was fun, you know was whatever.
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And then, um, after the show, my friend, terry kioff, who was in the show, said they're having auditions for their next show on monday.
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I dare you to come audition.
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Well, you dare me, I'm okay, that'll do it right.
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So I showed up and, daniel, I swear to god, swear to God, I was petrified, petrified, but somehow I got one of the leads.
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I don't know if they didn't have enough people, I don't know if they felt sorry for me, and it was Carol Rice, who now runs Rover Drama Works.
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She cast me in Charlie's Aunt, which was my first show, and I haven't stopped since then.
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Thanks a lot, carol.
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It's Carol's fault.
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She knows it's Carol's fault.
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I can blame Carol for this.
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No, so what was it like back in the day no musical theater.
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To know Andrew Blake Lepper in the 80s.
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What was it like To be around when Cats came out the theater?
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To know Andrew Lloyd Webber in the 80s, to be around when Cats came out.
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Oh, you know, oh, don't get me starting on Cats.
00:10:53.061 --> 00:10:54.927
But I want to see the Jellicle Ball.
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Okay, have fun.
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You don't think that it's going to be.
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I'm not a fan, but they've said I'm not a fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber.
00:11:01.961 --> 00:11:03.563
Oh period Overall.
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Okay, overall.
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Sunset Boulevard is really the only show that he's done that.
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I thought, oh that that the rest of them, I don't have a.
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I don't have a use for.
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Would you want to see the new version of it?
00:11:15.842 --> 00:11:16.323
That's like broken down.
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I probably will, just because it's so drastically different than the original, but I did see it because I am that old.
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I did see Glenn Close in the original production.
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Stop.
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Yeah, with that set and everything.
00:11:27.875 --> 00:11:29.303
Yeah, was it just phenomenal?
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It was remarkable, and Glenn Close was perfection.
00:11:35.302 --> 00:11:35.864
OK, do you know what?
00:11:35.864 --> 00:11:36.466
Here's a question I do.
00:11:36.466 --> 00:11:38.626
What is the best show you've ever seen?
00:11:38.626 --> 00:11:41.749
Because you've probably seen a good amount of shows.
00:11:41.980 --> 00:11:47.245
I think the two that stick out are, and for completely different reasons.
00:11:48.139 --> 00:12:07.304
Ragtime, the original company of Ragtime Stop, was breathtaking Like Brian Stokes Mitchell and Mary Lacey and Audra McDonald and yes, it was breathtaking because the scope and size of it and the sheer number of people that were on that stage it was, it was remarkable.
00:12:07.304 --> 00:12:15.107
But I think the thing that sticks out the most for me and I may cry when I tell you this story is I also saw the original company of rent.
00:12:15.107 --> 00:12:32.610
But I saw it, I went when it was, it was the big thing and and we went up there and I went with some dear friends of mine and I sat next to my friend Brad, who's no longer with us, and we knew he had HIV at the time.
00:12:32.610 --> 00:12:43.908
And that moment in the second act where they line up and Angel's not there, it's the first time I physically lost control of myself in the theater.
00:12:43.908 --> 00:12:58.428
I was sobbing so much, holding his hand because I knew that would be him, that space would be him at some time, and so those two theatrical experiences stayed emblazoned in my mind.
00:13:00.647 --> 00:13:07.046
I mean, just to hear the power that that show really has behind it right, and especially during that time.
00:13:07.879 --> 00:13:11.350
Right, because it was 95, 96, something like that.
00:13:11.350 --> 00:13:15.451
So the AIDS crisis was still, I mean, it was still ravaging people.
00:13:15.451 --> 00:13:17.044
Yeah, it was pretty remarkable.
00:13:17.144 --> 00:13:17.908
I can't imagine.
00:13:17.908 --> 00:13:22.284
Yeah, both of those shows, though, are just because even Ragtime.
00:13:22.284 --> 00:13:24.990
Every time I see it, i't care how many times.
00:13:24.990 --> 00:13:28.436
It's just stunning, it's just stunning theater.
00:13:28.436 --> 00:13:37.625
Yeah, I, I remember walking out the first time seeing it, still sobbing, saying he had his father's hands, like just oh every, and I can't imagine the original production.
00:13:37.625 --> 00:13:41.582
So I'm jealous of that yeah, do you take uh mini trips to new york.
00:13:41.823 --> 00:13:43.511
I try to get up there at least once a year.
00:13:43.511 --> 00:13:48.188
I have a ridiculous tradition now.
00:13:48.188 --> 00:14:07.644
Since 1989, I have seen every single Tony Award winning best musical in New York, not necessarily their original company, but eventually I've seen them all, with the exception of Stephen Sondheim's Passion, because it only ran for six months so I missed it.
00:14:07.644 --> 00:14:11.308
But I will go see things now.
00:14:11.308 --> 00:14:15.812
Just because they won the tournament I'll end up seeing the Outsiders.
00:14:15.812 --> 00:14:19.917
It wasn't necessarily high on my list, but now I've got to keep the trend going.
00:14:20.116 --> 00:14:20.277
No.
00:14:22.400 --> 00:14:36.633
So yeah, I don't know if I have interest in the outsiders either, but I hear that it's, it looks that that rumble scene on the tour was remarkable, and apparently it's all done in silence, like there's no music, there's no underscoring or anything.
00:14:36.633 --> 00:14:40.725
I'm like, oh, that would be a powerful moment, so I'll see it eventually.
00:14:41.046 --> 00:14:47.504
Yeah, no, and I mean just the the rain on the stage, everything, everything that they're technically, that they have to do with it.
00:14:47.504 --> 00:14:52.241
Yeah, have you ever made it rain on a stage before on purpose.
00:14:52.322 --> 00:14:54.783
No, you made it rain on accident.
00:14:55.144 --> 00:15:00.948
I don't think so I just see you, oops, no, I.
00:15:00.948 --> 00:15:32.687
We did do Poseidon, the Upside Down musical, several years ago, where we sweat so much that it felt like it was raining, because it was in the Dallas Hub Theater, which doesn't exist anymore because it was a health hazard, and we did it at about this time of year, in July I think, and there was no air conditioning in it and I played the Shelley Winters role, so I was in a fat suit and pantyhose, a wig and a polyester dress.
00:15:32.687 --> 00:15:34.826
That was really pretty.
00:15:35.259 --> 00:15:36.461
That's me on a Saturday night.
00:15:36.461 --> 00:15:41.953
That's me currently Look at this.
00:15:41.953 --> 00:15:48.042
No, so, speaking of many roles, I mean that sounds almost like what's that?
00:15:48.042 --> 00:15:54.753
That show that mark watt did um is his story, or did you see any of that?
00:15:54.753 --> 00:15:56.803
Did you see that show?
00:15:56.803 --> 00:16:03.774
And like frisco or plano, it was called his story and like it was hot, they didn't have bathrooms that were working yeah, it's just like.
00:16:03.833 --> 00:16:04.980
that's just not fair.
00:16:04.980 --> 00:16:08.429
You know, it's hard enough to be on stage and to do a show.
00:16:08.429 --> 00:16:11.839
You should at least be comfortable, and I don't know.
00:16:11.839 --> 00:16:14.649
Safe, safe, that's the word, right there.
00:16:15.721 --> 00:16:22.885
So, speaking of mini roles, we're going to go into a small little game segment, next where we call it.
00:16:22.966 --> 00:16:23.609
Who Said that?
00:16:24.019 --> 00:16:24.866
Okay, play the music it.
00:16:24.866 --> 00:16:25.269
Who said that?
00:16:25.269 --> 00:16:25.692
Okay, play the music.
00:16:25.692 --> 00:16:26.256
Who said that?
00:16:26.256 --> 00:16:30.952
Um, so we're gonna play a game.
00:16:30.952 --> 00:16:32.457
We'll catch you back on the couch.
00:16:32.457 --> 00:16:33.200
I mean, we're not moving.
00:16:33.200 --> 00:16:34.625
Honestly, we're playing the game right here.
00:16:34.625 --> 00:16:42.825
We're just gonna cut the tape and amanda's gonna be really good at editing it and bringing us back in, so we'll see you in a bit uh, hi guys and welcome to.
00:16:42.825 --> 00:16:44.508
That's what she, she Said.
00:16:44.508 --> 00:16:47.374
I need everybody to do that.
00:16:47.374 --> 00:16:53.414
We've got gay energy.
00:16:53.414 --> 00:16:55.508
Honestly, it just works so well.
00:16:55.740 --> 00:17:01.985
How dare you assume that I'm a homosexual Homosexual Because I said it that way Homosexual.
00:17:04.744 --> 00:17:08.511
Lon is now my co-star for this podcast, cheers.
00:17:08.511 --> 00:17:09.513
He'll be on every episode.
00:17:11.161 --> 00:17:13.888
We'll always be boys and ladies.
00:17:13.888 --> 00:17:16.541
Yes, sisters and pals.
00:17:16.541 --> 00:17:19.105
Mane said that, right Mane.
00:17:19.105 --> 00:17:21.128
Yeah, that's what she said.
00:17:21.568 --> 00:17:23.231
That's what she said yeah.
00:17:23.231 --> 00:17:31.648
So on this episode of that's what she Said, we are going to give you some lines from roles you've played before.
00:17:31.648 --> 00:17:35.147
Can I just say line Allie, offstage.
00:17:35.147 --> 00:17:39.847
So hopefully you remember some of these.
00:17:39.847 --> 00:17:44.780
Good, if you do not, I'm going to try my best to help you out.
00:17:44.780 --> 00:17:49.186
But God if I remember any of these myself.
00:17:49.708 --> 00:17:50.528
So here we go.
00:17:51.250 --> 00:17:51.410
Are you?
00:17:51.430 --> 00:17:51.990
ready.
00:17:51.990 --> 00:18:03.276
That's what it is I'm going to get the $100 question is the password is when I talk to the police.
00:18:03.276 --> 00:18:03.558
I get nervous.
00:18:03.558 --> 00:18:07.326
Oh, Emery in Boys in the Band.
00:18:09.330 --> 00:18:10.513
Close, but no cigar.
00:18:10.513 --> 00:18:12.483
I wonder if that's what it's supposed to be.
00:18:12.483 --> 00:18:14.990
No, no, it's not.
00:18:14.990 --> 00:18:17.444
Wait, say it again when I talk to the police.
00:18:17.444 --> 00:18:19.385
I get nervous when I talk to the police.
00:18:19.465 --> 00:18:20.170
I get nervous.
00:18:22.321 --> 00:18:27.830
I don't know Um, so it's a show.
00:18:29.321 --> 00:18:31.925
Well, that's good, because isn't that what this game is?
00:18:31.965 --> 00:18:34.002
about that, you talked about that.
00:18:34.002 --> 00:18:37.388
You really couldn't um ad-lib.
00:18:41.675 --> 00:18:43.002
Oh, um, I don't know.
00:18:43.002 --> 00:18:44.788
In Glen Gary Glen Ross.
00:18:44.788 --> 00:18:47.659
Yes, oh, oh, yeah, okay, in Glen Gary Glen Ross.
00:18:47.659 --> 00:18:50.162
Oh, yeah, okay, now I remember that.
00:18:50.162 --> 00:18:51.605
I think Emery said that too.
00:18:51.605 --> 00:18:52.645
Let's go with that.
00:18:52.906 --> 00:18:57.814
I've said that twice, so the score that we're showing right here is now 0.
00:18:57.814 --> 00:19:01.083
Thanks, okay.
00:19:01.083 --> 00:19:06.744
The $200 question Okay, it might be nice, but frankly it would give me gas.
00:19:09.648 --> 00:19:12.794
Oh, oh Cabaret.
00:19:12.794 --> 00:19:15.124
Yeah, yeah, that's in the song.
00:19:15.124 --> 00:19:20.068
Yes, yes, it was a pineapple for you.
00:19:20.068 --> 00:19:21.031
Would you like a slice?
00:19:21.031 --> 00:19:23.006
It might be nice, but it would give me gas.
00:19:23.046 --> 00:19:24.691
Yes, okay, wonderful.
00:19:24.691 --> 00:19:33.465
Oh, he got one right, because that's what she said I've had too much wine.
00:19:33.465 --> 00:19:35.596
I've had a little too much.
00:19:35.596 --> 00:19:38.107
Now Hope I don't spill it on Allie's new laptop.
00:19:39.580 --> 00:19:41.548
She just wiped the fingerprint off.
00:19:41.548 --> 00:19:42.683
You spill that wine.
00:19:42.683 --> 00:19:45.020
You're done, Daniel.
00:19:45.020 --> 00:19:46.444
No longer does DFW.
00:19:48.450 --> 00:19:53.730
Almost made a comment we're going to keep going the $300 question Wisdom.
00:19:53.730 --> 00:19:58.909
Sorry, I had to restate this line in my head because I stopped where I shouldn't have stopped.
00:19:58.909 --> 00:20:00.786
Wisdom doesn't always come with age.
00:20:00.786 --> 00:20:05.211
Occasionally, the young can be as rational as you or I.
00:20:08.842 --> 00:20:15.509
Wisdom doesn't always come with age Did.
00:20:15.509 --> 00:20:16.902
I ever say that in a show.
00:20:16.942 --> 00:20:18.228
Wisdom doesn't always come with age.
00:20:18.228 --> 00:20:20.627
Occasionally the young can be as rational as you or I.
00:20:20.627 --> 00:20:23.886
This is kind of from left field.
00:20:23.886 --> 00:20:25.223
Allie did her research on this one.
00:20:26.007 --> 00:20:26.970
Allie, I hate you.
00:20:29.039 --> 00:20:36.432
Brian In the shadow box In this theater, at Theater Arlington.
00:20:36.432 --> 00:20:38.596
Yeah, oh yeah.
00:20:38.596 --> 00:20:42.704
This may be one of my favorite ones right here, so again, score is one.
00:20:43.768 --> 00:20:46.393
Okay, we're aware of the score, daniel, thank you.
00:20:46.393 --> 00:20:51.270
It gets bigger and bigger, that's what she said.
00:20:52.580 --> 00:20:56.759
Because that's what she said.
00:20:56.759 --> 00:20:59.868
I want you to pick up that toast as if you were John Wayne.
00:21:01.541 --> 00:21:04.881
Oh, albin in La Cage Aux Fonds, yes, la.
00:21:04.901 --> 00:21:05.324
Cage Aux Fonds.
00:21:05.324 --> 00:21:09.083
Exactly Wonderful, see, you got two points Except.
00:21:09.463 --> 00:21:10.487
I didn't say that.
00:21:11.288 --> 00:21:11.971
Oh, actually.
00:21:12.622 --> 00:21:15.068
Georges says that, yes, I was like, I've played both of them.
00:21:15.068 --> 00:21:18.145
So sorry, I've played both those.
00:21:18.145 --> 00:21:19.990
I've played both sides of that relationship.
00:21:19.990 --> 00:21:22.667
You've played two men In La Cage.
00:21:22.667 --> 00:21:23.329
I've played them both.
00:21:23.329 --> 00:21:26.067
And in life, yes, yes, yes, once or twice.
00:21:26.067 --> 00:21:32.445
Yeah, I was gonna pick up that tells like you're a john wood.
00:21:32.605 --> 00:21:36.344
yes, good, there you go see, because that's what she said.
00:21:36.344 --> 00:21:38.392
I don't know how many times I need to stop.
00:21:38.392 --> 00:21:40.819
Honestly, it's I'm getting sick of it.
00:21:40.819 --> 00:21:41.361
I'm sorry.
00:21:41.361 --> 00:21:45.267
I'm sorry people, I'm now sick of me saying it, so am.
00:21:45.548 --> 00:21:50.714
I Sorry, darren, go right ahead.
00:21:50.714 --> 00:21:53.500
Let's just remember you only have two points, but I have two.
00:21:53.500 --> 00:21:57.663
Okay, have you Listen?
00:21:57.703 --> 00:21:58.505
No, I'm going to keep going.
00:21:58.505 --> 00:21:59.444
Me, neither, me, neither.
00:21:59.444 --> 00:22:02.768
Okay, what's he have A lobotomy?
00:22:02.768 --> 00:22:04.969
What's he had A lobotomy?
00:22:08.551 --> 00:22:08.811
What's?
00:22:08.811 --> 00:22:12.895
He had A lobotomy.
00:22:14.737 --> 00:22:14.896
What's?
00:22:14.896 --> 00:22:15.917
He had A lobotomy.
00:22:21.103 --> 00:22:21.744
I don't know.
00:22:22.667 --> 00:22:24.824
So you thought Boys in the Band yes.
00:22:27.510 --> 00:22:30.786
Okay, that was 20 years ago.
00:22:30.786 --> 00:22:34.808
Stop 25 years ago that I did Boys in the Band.
00:22:34.828 --> 00:22:37.365
Yeah, and you're reprising the role again.
00:22:38.028 --> 00:22:42.220
Oh, old Ben in the Band no no longer Boys in the Band.
00:22:42.421 --> 00:22:43.906
We're no longer Boys in the Band.
00:22:43.906 --> 00:22:45.271
Seniors in the Band.
00:22:45.271 --> 00:22:45.403
Write that show.
00:22:45.403 --> 00:22:45.656
Seniors in the band.
00:22:45.656 --> 00:22:45.902
We're no longer boys in the band.
00:22:45.902 --> 00:22:51.657
Seniors in the band Write that show Seniors in the home.
00:22:51.657 --> 00:22:53.898
Seniors in the home, I love it.
00:22:53.898 --> 00:22:55.990
Plenty out of the apartment.
00:22:55.990 --> 00:22:57.626
Alright, here's your next one.
00:22:57.626 --> 00:22:59.626
I hope I get the chance to get my tongue around a little Greek.
00:23:03.192 --> 00:23:04.563
That's Harry the Headbanger and Mama Mary.
00:23:04.563 --> 00:23:07.054
Yes, exactly, that's harry the headbanger and mama mia.
00:23:07.054 --> 00:23:08.319
Yes, exactly, I love my tongue around a little.
00:23:08.319 --> 00:23:12.226
Do we have any creek man at dfw?
00:23:12.226 --> 00:23:16.612
I'm available, call in now lines are open.
00:23:17.574 --> 00:23:23.323
Flash alongs number um.
00:23:23.323 --> 00:23:24.827
All right, here's the big one.
00:23:24.827 --> 00:23:26.945
Okay, this is the last one.
00:23:26.945 --> 00:23:30.126
This is where double the points and the points don't matter.
00:23:30.126 --> 00:23:42.169
Okay, right, well, what kind of society do we live in if we can't discuss the similarities between pornography and musical theater that is man in Chair and the Drowsy Chaperone.
00:23:42.169 --> 00:23:43.845
Yes, Also known as Lawn Parera.
00:23:44.006 --> 00:23:44.185
Yes.
00:23:44.820 --> 00:23:54.271
Yes, yes, yes, yes, because that's what she said that's fun, that's hard right, that's hard, it unlocks a lot of stuff.
00:23:54.292 --> 00:23:57.329
Because I'm like I haven't said that with those words.
00:23:57.329 --> 00:23:59.278
Like cara said, I've never said those words.
00:23:59.278 --> 00:24:02.464
I'm like I don't think I've said those words, but it's been a couple of years and we've had a little bit of wine, yeah.
00:24:02.464 --> 00:24:03.086
Well, here's the funny thing.
00:24:03.086 --> 00:24:04.307
If we were to do this with roles that I've played, it would.
00:24:04.327 --> 00:24:06.612
I don't think I've said those words, but it's been a couple of years and we've had a little bit of wine, yeah.
00:24:06.612 --> 00:24:07.413
Well, here's the funny thing.
00:24:07.413 --> 00:24:10.017
If we were to do this with roles that I've played, it would just be stage direction.
00:24:10.017 --> 00:24:20.048
Yeah, it's like stumbles, right, because I never had lines in shows, or like sweetie, sweetie, just ensembles.
00:24:20.048 --> 00:24:24.999
So I'm glad that we can play this with you, because I could never play this game.
00:24:24.999 --> 00:24:25.279
There you go.
00:24:25.279 --> 00:24:29.509
Oh, buddy, no, you did great.
00:24:29.509 --> 00:24:30.405
You got what?
00:24:30.405 --> 00:24:34.002
Three, three, yeah, three out of 27.
00:24:34.002 --> 00:24:37.951
Okay, great, great, that's a good average.
00:24:37.951 --> 00:24:39.173
I would think I'll take it.
00:24:39.173 --> 00:24:40.001
Yeah, do I beat?
00:24:40.021 --> 00:24:41.066
Kara, that's all it is.
00:24:41.066 --> 00:24:46.046
No, I don't think you're gonna, but we can beat her, I will.
00:24:46.046 --> 00:24:49.163
I will Fix a messier Fat bitch Like a cross-up face.
00:24:49.163 --> 00:24:52.492
I would not do that.
00:24:52.492 --> 00:24:53.519
No, no, we're gonna do it.
00:24:53.519 --> 00:24:56.023
I would never do that.
00:24:56.023 --> 00:24:57.365
I would never strike a woman.
00:24:59.249 --> 00:25:00.791
I would not, I'd go on strike four.
00:25:00.951 --> 00:25:01.933
Yes, I would too.
00:25:03.980 --> 00:25:05.603
I would never strike.
00:25:05.603 --> 00:25:07.665
Okay, we're gonna head back to the chair.
00:25:07.665 --> 00:25:09.209
We're sitting in the chairs aren't we?
00:25:09.229 --> 00:25:11.491
Well, let's head back to them in the.
00:25:11.491 --> 00:25:13.335
Yeah, I don't know.
00:25:15.359 --> 00:25:17.169
I was trying to think of something funny and that didn't happen.
00:25:17.169 --> 00:25:18.012
Somebody close the curtain on us.
00:25:18.012 --> 00:25:19.218
Bring out the rod like the Apollo.
00:25:19.218 --> 00:25:22.951
No, all done, we'll see you back.
00:25:22.951 --> 00:25:34.528
Well, that just goes to prove that you never remember your lines no, I don't remember them when I'm doing them, much less years and years later.
00:25:34.567 --> 00:25:35.923
No, that was embarrassing for both of us.
00:25:35.923 --> 00:25:36.785
Cheers much less years and years later.
00:25:36.785 --> 00:25:38.931
Yeah, no, that was embarrassing for both of us.
00:25:38.931 --> 00:25:40.074
Well, you know, cheers.
00:25:40.074 --> 00:25:45.722
Fortunately, we're going to have to cut that game from future segments.
00:25:45.722 --> 00:25:49.268
Yeah, thanks, talon, you're welcome.
00:25:49.268 --> 00:25:52.932
Thanks Carol, that's my new saying.
00:25:52.932 --> 00:25:56.498
Thanks Carol For everything She'll love that?
00:25:56.498 --> 00:25:58.605
Yeah, she'll love that.
00:25:58.605 --> 00:26:00.431
So we have a picture of carol right here.
00:26:00.431 --> 00:26:02.622
Right, we'll just put a pop-up.
00:26:02.622 --> 00:26:04.945
Yeah, um.
00:26:04.945 --> 00:26:14.664
So, speaking of your many new roles that you have done, uh, let's talk about some of your favorites, um there.
00:26:14.884 --> 00:26:26.636
I've been very, very, very, very, very blessed and lucky to get to play some roles that turned out to be dream roles that I didn't know were dream roles until I did that.
00:26:26.636 --> 00:26:30.680
Um, the first that comes to mind is Herr Schultz in Cabaret.
00:26:30.680 --> 00:26:41.247
I am not a feeble little old Jewish man, but Derek Weitner God bless him saw me as that and so I went to do it and it was.
00:26:41.247 --> 00:26:45.303
It was just remarkable, because that show is just remarkable.
00:26:45.303 --> 00:26:47.167
I love that.
00:26:47.367 --> 00:26:52.540
I loved Glengarry Glen Ross, where I played George Aronow.
00:26:52.540 --> 00:26:59.371
But it was Mamet and you talk about not knowing your lines, holy crap.
00:26:59.371 --> 00:27:09.108
And Ashley White is the one who directed that and she insisted that we get every single word in the text correctly.
00:27:09.108 --> 00:27:10.878
And I don't do that really well.
00:27:10.878 --> 00:27:24.990
It's why I don't do Shakespeare, because the only thing you can ad lib on Shakespeare is I take my leave and walk off, because I know and so Glengarry was was difficult but so much fun.
00:27:24.990 --> 00:27:37.311
But but the role that is me like I think Bob Martin wrote it for me, he just played it first was man in Chair in the Drowsy Shepherd.
00:27:38.212 --> 00:27:46.939
I've been blessed enough to do Drowsy four times, once at Theater 3 as Underling and then three times again.
00:27:46.939 --> 00:27:48.101
Thank you, derek Widener.
00:27:48.101 --> 00:28:02.726
At Firehouse twice, and once in Rockwall, and it I can just sit in a chair and and if anyone's casting it now, a manager could use a cane, he could use a cane.
00:28:02.726 --> 00:28:04.128
I see it Right.
00:28:04.128 --> 00:28:07.888
So, yeah, that, that is just for me.
00:28:07.888 --> 00:28:12.664
It's the perfect Valentine of a show for anybody who loves the theater.
00:28:12.664 --> 00:28:17.432
And he, just he just sits on me very, very well.
00:28:18.096 --> 00:28:23.392
So yeah, I've never seen that show before, never Really, I know.
00:28:24.763 --> 00:28:26.048
It is just perfection.
00:28:26.048 --> 00:28:28.493
You know the conceit of the show, right?
00:28:28.493 --> 00:28:29.440
No, tell me a little bit about it.
00:28:29.440 --> 00:28:36.588
So he starts off, he has a huge monologue in the dark and it starts with I hate theater.
00:28:36.588 --> 00:28:39.527
Well, it's so disappointing, isn't it?
00:28:39.527 --> 00:28:44.970
And it goes from there and then he decides he's feeling a little blue today.
00:28:44.970 --> 00:28:49.769
You know, a little self, self-indulgent sadness, a state that I call blue.
00:28:49.888 --> 00:28:53.083
So you remember those lines now, but when we played in the game you couldn't remember that.
00:28:53.262 --> 00:28:56.488
Yeah, yeah you're welcome, um.
00:28:56.488 --> 00:29:11.759
But then he decided he's and he has had, he has a relationship with the audience and he speaks directly to them and he says that he he feels like, in order to to curb his state of being blue, he's going to play his favorite record.
00:29:11.759 --> 00:29:33.804
So he chooses gabel and stein's, the drossyaperone, which is a fake 1929 musical, and he plays the cast album and as he plays it, he stops the album and he talks about the actors, he talks about the scene, he talks about how ridiculous it is, and then he continues and plays the whole album for the audience.
00:29:33.804 --> 00:29:37.199
So, as he's playing the album, the show comes to life behind it.
00:29:37.199 --> 00:29:38.181
Album for the audience.
00:29:38.181 --> 00:29:41.406
So, as he's playing the album, the show comes to life behind him, and it is two separate shows.
00:29:41.406 --> 00:29:54.965
It is his show, which is basically a monologue, and it is the show that drives you chaperone and it you know we did.
00:29:54.965 --> 00:29:55.807
It was the last matter of fact.
00:29:55.807 --> 00:29:57.953
It's it is the last thing I've done on stage as an actor.
00:29:57.973 --> 00:30:04.971
Um Firehouse Theater brought back the original cast from 2000, most of the original cast from 2015 in 2020 to do it.
00:30:04.971 --> 00:30:09.605
We closed it the end of February 2020.
00:30:09.605 --> 00:30:13.913
I got on a plane right after that, I went to New York to see some shows.
00:30:13.913 --> 00:30:16.165
When I came back, the world had shut down.
00:30:16.165 --> 00:30:34.744
So it literally is this little nugget of time where we got a chance to do this show and it was a huge hit and everybody in the cast was lovely, both the folks that returned and the new folks, and so, yeah, I'd do it again in a minute.
00:30:34.744 --> 00:30:43.430
My big goal, I think, of what's left of my theater career is I'd love to direct it and sit in the chair.
00:30:43.430 --> 00:30:50.670
It would be a huge challenge to do that, but I'm like, yeah, let's do that, let's do that.
00:30:50.670 --> 00:30:54.127
So anybody who wants to do that, I'm available.
00:30:56.031 --> 00:30:56.633
Throw it out there.
00:30:56.633 --> 00:31:01.201
I love when people find that show, you know, like my show.
00:31:01.201 --> 00:31:05.471
Kara has said that she could always play the mom in next to normal.
00:31:05.471 --> 00:31:09.457
Right, she could do that like she wants to go on the road with that.
00:31:09.457 --> 00:31:10.901
God she's good.
00:31:10.901 --> 00:31:12.624
God she was good.
00:31:12.663 --> 00:31:33.277
Yeah, and I think she's good yeah amen right here, but but she's good at that um you know, uh, you would play that, you would take that, and just anywhere, anytime, wherever, yeah, well that's amazing and I mean, I think it's just when you find that and you know what your niche is.
00:31:33.718 --> 00:31:38.612
Yeah, I think that that's just so special because I think I haven't done a lot of shows myself.
00:31:38.612 --> 00:31:41.509
I'm still fairly new to being on stage.
00:31:41.509 --> 00:31:44.627
I like working behind the scenes, vocal coaching, teaching etc.
00:31:44.627 --> 00:31:48.006
And I've had people ask you know what is that dream role?
00:31:48.006 --> 00:31:51.787
It's not until I see a production or I happen to be.
00:31:52.119 --> 00:31:54.769
And sometimes you won't even realize it.
00:31:54.769 --> 00:31:59.046
You'll see it and go oh, I love that show, but I could never do that.
00:31:59.046 --> 00:32:05.449
And sometimes you do and you go oh that I want to do that like cabaret for me.
00:32:05.449 --> 00:32:09.626
Like I love that show, but I'm like I can't do that show.
00:32:09.626 --> 00:32:12.088
I'm not German Jew, like what.
00:32:12.088 --> 00:32:27.291
And people who are willing to take a risk on you can make that happen, can bring you a gift that you didn't even know you wanted.
00:32:27.291 --> 00:32:29.886
So thank you, derek Weiner.
00:32:31.821 --> 00:32:32.967
I mean right.
00:32:32.967 --> 00:32:36.248
So, and I know you've directed a lot as well.
00:32:36.248 --> 00:32:39.729
Yes, Do you have any directorial favorites?
00:32:40.800 --> 00:32:42.405
um disaster was a favorite.
00:32:42.405 --> 00:32:44.491
Um xanadu is a favorite.
00:32:44.491 --> 00:32:45.875
It's gonna do so much fun.
00:32:45.996 --> 00:32:50.208
It's jet that that you talk about as well I I, I have a.
00:32:50.307 --> 00:33:05.596
I have a tell you know, I love a good camping show, but how many times have you directed xanadu twice because I saw the original production with sarah dickerson yes, yeah, right, and dustin simmons, yes, loved it.
00:33:05.817 --> 00:33:07.580
And amanda was in that one right.
00:33:07.580 --> 00:33:08.683
Yes, she was.
00:33:08.824 --> 00:33:15.744
Yes, she loved amanda and you know we were talking about about dream roles and and people taking a chance.
00:33:15.744 --> 00:33:26.859
I'll never forget casting that Kristen and I were casting, that We'd seen lots of people and we literally had headshots on the stage trying to figure out this puzzle.
00:33:26.859 --> 00:33:28.266
Because that's what casting is.
00:33:28.266 --> 00:33:29.724
It's always a puzzle.
00:33:29.724 --> 00:33:47.260
And I tell actors all the time, just because you don't get a role, doesn't mean it was you, it was the director sees the role in a certain way or or envision something that just isn't you and that doesn't mean you're good or bad or whatever.
00:33:48.582 --> 00:34:02.461
And we were placing headshots on on the stage and diane powell and shannon walsh ended up next to each other and I'm like, oh well, that's interesting.
00:34:02.461 --> 00:34:06.210
Diane powell is a soprano, right, she is not.
00:34:06.210 --> 00:34:08.782
She doesn't do a whole lot of pop shows and stuff.
00:34:08.782 --> 00:34:25.311
I don't think they just had um lunch with her a couple days ago and she talks about that show because we gave her something that nobody would typically cast her in and I'm like, I think this is gonna work and it was perfection.
00:34:25.311 --> 00:34:27.418
They were perfection together.
00:34:27.858 --> 00:34:28.561
I love that show.
00:34:28.561 --> 00:34:31.547
I mean, I went so far I saw it twice, did you?
00:34:31.547 --> 00:34:36.443
And the second time I did the the stage cd that you had that came with the little disco ball.
00:34:36.443 --> 00:34:39.947
Yeah, yeah, that was goodness, a long time that was at on stage earth.
00:34:39.947 --> 00:34:49.170
Yeah, I, and I wasn't even in the theater realm at that point, I didn't even know, so why do?
00:34:49.170 --> 00:34:53.467
I was friends with Sarah Dickerson, okay, and so I was like, was it?
00:34:53.489 --> 00:35:04.503
now so, yeah, sarah Garcia, I was friends with her at the time and which now she's a kid, I never get to see her anymore, and so I was like, of course I want to see this show it sounds funny.
00:35:04.583 --> 00:35:05.606
You know why not?
00:35:05.606 --> 00:35:06.570
I've never heard of it before.
00:35:06.940 --> 00:35:11.500
It's really really smart and just the skating alone did.
00:35:11.840 --> 00:35:13.467
Oh, I can tell you a Sarah story about that.
00:35:13.467 --> 00:35:26.327
A story about that that I told her that, over and over, put pads on as she was skating.
00:35:26.327 --> 00:35:29.577
Put pads on because if something happens, I want you to be okay.
00:35:29.577 --> 00:35:32.282
And we had we had kevin brown, kevin, oh built that incredible step.
00:35:32.282 --> 00:35:47.050
We like literally tore down walls so that whole theater was open for us to play in, and we built that ramp and the first time she would get it she busted her ass and hurt her elbow and I just looked at her and went it's your own damn fault.
00:35:47.431 --> 00:35:55.567
I told you to wear pads and to this day, she, yeah, yeah, kevin did a great job, because I mean, yeah, that ramp that came down and then it just remarkable.
00:35:55.567 --> 00:35:58.697
So good it remarkable yeah, it was a really good.
00:35:58.697 --> 00:35:59.659
Yeah, I would agree with that.
00:35:59.659 --> 00:36:01.885
That's probably one of my favorite shows that I've ever seen.
00:36:01.885 --> 00:36:04.202
Yeah, so fun that you did so fun.
00:36:04.202 --> 00:36:17.112
Now you talked a little bit about you auditioning and being afraid of audition, so I want to talk about a funny audition story okay, okay, hold on.
00:36:17.172 --> 00:36:18.315
What was my funny story?
00:36:18.315 --> 00:36:21.132
No, sorry, it was a funny mishap.
00:36:21.434 --> 00:36:21.735
What was it?
00:36:21.735 --> 00:36:22.438
Audition what?
00:36:22.458 --> 00:36:22.639
was it.
00:36:23.722 --> 00:36:28.990
Both you can talk about, like the callbacks being the best of it all.
00:36:28.990 --> 00:36:44.713
Yes, yes, wonderful, both all of the above, okay, yeah, so you talked about you being nervous just a little bit for auditions, but I want to talk about a story that you told me about you at a callback one day.
00:36:45.141 --> 00:36:58.168
I went to audition for a show that was speaking of dream roles, that I thought was a dream role of mine, that I thought I was perfect for it was one man in the entire cast.
00:36:58.168 --> 00:36:59.512
I was called back.
00:36:59.512 --> 00:37:13.047
I was there for three hours, sang, read with everybody in the callbacks to the point where people were like, well, this is yours, right, I'm like well, I think so.
00:37:13.047 --> 00:37:14.351
I assume so.
00:37:14.351 --> 00:37:55.726
And a week later or whenever the cast announced without me on the cast list, I was so pissed Not because I didn't get the role, but because I I didn't sign up to be a reader I was so mad and at the time in my theatrical career I was like I only thought I could audition at, you know, lower-level community theaters, like I would never go to a professional house, never In my head.
00:37:55.726 --> 00:37:57.411
I wasn't good enough for that.
00:37:57.411 --> 00:38:03.532
I needed to get that audition out of my head and out of my that bad taste out of my mouth.
00:38:03.532 --> 00:38:07.891
So I looked up and I was like what's auditioning?
00:38:07.891 --> 00:38:13.632
So I went to go audition for the late great Jack Alder at Theater 3 for a show called Royal Family.
00:38:13.632 --> 00:38:22.632
Didn't get a callback, but it didn't matter, it wasn't about getting the show, it was about getting making sure that that wasn't the last audition right there.
00:38:22.632 --> 00:38:34.867
And then I saw that, um, uh, lyric stage was doing funny girl and so I went and auditioned and sang I am what I am from la cage because I just played that.
00:38:34.867 --> 00:38:36.969
I'm like I know that song, I don't have to prepare.
00:38:36.969 --> 00:38:46.230
I went and God bless Cheryl Denson, she cast me and I played a small feature role in the ensemble and lots of different characters and stuff.
00:38:46.230 --> 00:39:03.184
But at the cast party for Funny Girl which was a remarkable experience to do that show, because nobody ever does it I looked at Cheryl and I said because I love the way Cheryl Benson directs, she's very much.
00:39:03.184 --> 00:39:13.146
She was an actor, so she directs with an eye towards actors and I just loved how she cared for us and helped us through all of that.
00:39:13.146 --> 00:39:16.769
I said, cheryl, I only want to work with you.
00:39:16.769 --> 00:39:18.246
Like what are you doing next?
00:39:18.246 --> 00:39:22.367
And she went hmm, that's good to know.
00:39:22.367 --> 00:39:25.914
And I said, okay, back to my wine and whatever.
00:39:27.001 --> 00:39:30.733
Fast forward a year and Uptown Players is doing Dirty, rotten Scandals.
00:39:30.733 --> 00:39:35.385
I make an audition appointment and I'm so scared.
00:39:35.385 --> 00:39:40.226
I'm like I don't have any reason to be an uptown player so I'm never gonna use me.
00:39:40.226 --> 00:39:52.371
So I canceled my appointment and I was like, no, it's just not for me, because in my head, if I don't show up for the audition that's why I didn't get it right I don't have to be disappointed.
00:39:53.333 --> 00:40:06.224
And so then the day after their auditions, craig, who is one of the producers at Uptown Players, calls me and says Cheryl would like you to come to the callback for Dilly Rotten Scoundrels.
00:40:06.224 --> 00:40:10.626
I'm like, but it didn't audition, like how does that happen?
00:40:10.626 --> 00:40:13.829
And he said I said what do I need to do?
00:40:13.829 --> 00:40:21.346
He said be prepared to read in a French accent, which I don't do very well, and sing something from the show.
00:40:21.346 --> 00:40:30.110
Okay, so I went and got I dressed appropriately because I was taught you dressed for an audition.
00:40:30.110 --> 00:40:38.947
So I was wearing black slacks and a white shirt and tie and a vest and I walked in saying something from the show.
00:40:38.947 --> 00:40:42.362
I read I, I had gone to um, I.
00:40:42.362 --> 00:40:52.123
I watched the pink panther on a loop to try to get a french accent in my head and um went, read, sang.
00:40:52.123 --> 00:40:54.166
The table was like thank you very much.
00:40:54.166 --> 00:40:59.434
And cheryl said to me what are you doing later today that you're so dressed up?
00:40:59.434 --> 00:41:01.126
And I said oh, nothing special.
00:41:01.126 --> 00:41:05.530
And Jeff Rain, the other producer, said he knows how to dress for an audition.
00:41:05.530 --> 00:41:08.869
And I just looked at him and smiled and I said thank you, and he got cast.
00:41:09.820 --> 00:41:16.550
And that show changed my career Because now I became known as somebody that could do it.
00:41:16.550 --> 00:41:18.949
It led to me getting drowsy the first time.
00:41:18.949 --> 00:41:26.967
It led to me getting the Golden Girls, where I played Bea Arthur, which also scared the hell out of me.
00:41:26.967 --> 00:41:29.686
That was scary.
00:41:29.686 --> 00:41:35.032
That was scary because it was with Uptown and we did it at the Rose Room.
00:41:35.032 --> 00:41:45.652
So there were going to be a bunch of queens in the audience that were drunk, that knew Bea Arthur and everything she did, and it was me.
00:41:45.811 --> 00:41:51.643
Michael Moore, chris Robinson and John De La Centis played the four girls and it was a remarkable experience.
00:41:51.643 --> 00:41:56.226
And it was a remarkable experience.
00:41:56.226 --> 00:42:00.367
We were all so scared Because these women are iconic.
00:42:00.367 --> 00:42:08.994
That show is iconic and the way the show was constructed was we each got you know sitcom entrance applause.
00:42:08.994 --> 00:42:14.438
When an actor comes in, you just applaud because you're seeing Bea Arthur or Lou McClanahan or whatever.
00:42:14.438 --> 00:42:17.644
It was constructed that way.
00:42:17.644 --> 00:42:18.853
So we each had an entrance.
00:42:18.853 --> 00:42:20.461
And I'll never forget opening night.
00:42:20.461 --> 00:42:24.025
I walked in and I don't remember who was first to come in.
00:42:24.025 --> 00:42:26.143
But I walked in and got entrance applause.
00:42:26.143 --> 00:42:30.440
I'm like, okay, we can do this, we can do this, yeah.
00:42:30.440 --> 00:42:32.528
So it was that, yeah, pretty brilliant.
00:42:32.528 --> 00:42:55.528
So that audition led and changed my career because I didn't get cast in what I thought was the perfect role for me Turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me, because had I got that role, I wouldn't have gone to the Fener Girl audition, I wouldn't have, yeah, all that stuff.
00:42:55.659 --> 00:43:07.992
I think that's a true testament to continuing to audition right, continuing to put ourselves out there, which is something that, as actors, we take a rejection and then we just take it and it'll sit with it right, right.
00:43:08.193 --> 00:43:17.202
And so when you don't get something, go try someplace else, because you don't know what may change the trajectory of your career.
00:43:17.704 --> 00:43:18.965
No, and I believe that fully.
00:43:18.965 --> 00:43:27.280
I mean, I auditioned for a show goodness, it was supposed to be this summer, didn't get it.
00:43:27.280 --> 00:43:31.036
Happened to audition for something else that I didn't even expect, and got it, and so now I'm having the time of my life working with that show.
00:43:31.036 --> 00:43:32.987
But I want to backtrack a bit.
00:43:32.987 --> 00:43:39.389
First off, when you said you were watching the Pink Panther, for the French accent all I could imagine was Steve Martin, she's bugger.
00:43:39.389 --> 00:43:42.914
She's bugger, but not that, I'm sure.
00:43:42.994 --> 00:43:48.969
I was scared to death because I had done a French accent.
00:43:48.969 --> 00:44:01.672
An actor dropped out of Valley of the Dolls that Bob Hess and Doug Miller had adapted and were directed, and my roommate at the time, rick Starkweather, was in the show.
00:44:01.672 --> 00:44:05.891
And they dropped out and Rick said Juan's available, you need somebody.
00:44:05.891 --> 00:44:08.860
So I went and parted with Kara Serber.
00:44:08.860 --> 00:44:13.407
That's how I met Kara Serber, that bitch, that bitch and we.
00:44:13.407 --> 00:44:22.786
I had to play a French, basically porn director, and Tara was my star, and so I had to do that.
00:44:22.786 --> 00:44:37.329
And Bob Hess, who is a dialect coach and knows how to do dialects, was directing it and I could tell he was like you suck, because I just couldn't do the accent.
00:44:37.329 --> 00:44:49.643
I couldn't do the accent, I couldn't do it and, ironically, in dirty, rotten scoundrels I was cast opposite bob hess stop, and most of my stuff was with him and I thought, oh, I can't screw this up.
00:44:49.643 --> 00:45:02.471
So I literally got a, a, an online tutorial on how to act in an accent and learn how to do it, because I'm like, okay, nope, but nope, again accents are so scary
00:45:02.570 --> 00:45:05.521
and I think because we don't concentrate them, you can really screw them up.
00:45:05.521 --> 00:45:06.744
Yes, you can really.
00:45:06.744 --> 00:45:15.806
No having to do a cockney accent, as mr wormwood right now is just blowing up uh, kids who care, oh yeah, that's their sw show.
00:45:15.885 --> 00:45:21.793
Oh, that's so sweet and we have one of the students' parents is Australian.
00:45:21.793 --> 00:45:34.644
Okay, and so the first time I said daughter and she came over after and she's like glottal stops right and no R's, and I was like okay, okay, da-a, da-a, da-a.
00:45:34.644 --> 00:45:37.088
She was like there, there.
00:45:37.088 --> 00:45:38.952
It was like oh, oh, I cannot do this.
00:45:38.952 --> 00:45:40.840
I was like I just need you to record all my life.
00:45:40.942 --> 00:45:42.385
It's hard, it's hard.
00:45:42.405 --> 00:45:43.608
I was like we don't do it enough.
00:45:43.608 --> 00:45:48.893
I think we just we're just kind of thrown up there and go with it, right, right, we need more of that.
00:45:48.893 --> 00:45:51.282
Um, one other thing that I want to back up to as well.
00:45:51.282 --> 00:45:57.954
You mentioned, uh, how cheryl is an actor who started directing you as well.
00:45:57.954 --> 00:46:07.288
Right, actor, director, are there moments and I mean you especially being put in that callback position where you were reading with everyone?
00:46:07.288 --> 00:46:16.650
Do you now, being a director, do you keep those moments where you know you're like, oh, I don't want this to be the same situation, absolutely?
00:46:16.650 --> 00:46:17.552
Are you aware of that?
00:46:17.592 --> 00:46:18.335
How do you use that?
00:46:18.335 --> 00:46:32.248
Absolutely when, in right before the pandemic, the last thing I directed was Legally Blocked at GBAC and it's a huge show I think we cast 28, 29 people.
00:46:32.248 --> 00:46:33.644
I mean it was massive.
00:46:33.644 --> 00:46:47.827
And just before that there was other auditions a friend of mine was going to and he was at the callback and he was there three hours before they had him do any of that and that's just rude.
00:46:47.827 --> 00:46:49.364
That's just rude.
00:46:50.641 --> 00:47:11.222
So I literally planned out, like Tetris, how to singing in one room, dancing in another and and reading in another, and me and the team moved around to see stuff so that everybody was busy for the whole callback.
00:47:11.222 --> 00:47:19.130
I was determined not to excuse me, not to allow anybody to sit there and do nothing.
00:47:19.130 --> 00:47:39.681
So, yes, running callbacks and and rooms in a professional way is incredibly important and I think if you talk to actors that work for me, they would say that that I I make it fun, but it's also very professional and you know your shit.
00:47:39.681 --> 00:47:41.485
You come in and you know your shit.
00:47:41.485 --> 00:47:47.809
We'll have a good time, but you're gonna work and you're gonna work, um, at the top of your game.
00:47:48.170 --> 00:47:57.161
Yeah, I would say, uh, one of my favorite callbacks, jubilee they did the same thing where it was like in this room, something's going on this room, you know guys are singing over here.
00:47:57.161 --> 00:47:58.965
Okay, now switch dancing singing.
00:47:58.965 --> 00:48:02.965
Yeah, because I have sat in callbacks before where you're just sitting there waiting.
00:48:02.965 --> 00:48:04.190
It's ridiculous.
00:48:04.190 --> 00:48:10.971
Yeah, no, and I actually had this conversation with rebecca lowry where rebecca's like why even call people back that you know are casting the role?
00:48:10.971 --> 00:48:13.744
Do your callbacks for what you need callbacks for?
00:48:13.744 --> 00:48:18.012
Right, and that's it, and so I'm glad that you are mindful of our time, right?
00:48:18.253 --> 00:48:20.478
absolutely cuz you don't want your time wasted either, right sure?
00:48:20.498 --> 00:48:22.764
right, and so love that.
00:48:22.764 --> 00:48:25.289
No, I love that you're mindful of our time.
00:48:25.289 --> 00:48:31.880
Um, speaking of mindful of our time together, yes, I want to be mindful that we have a song for you to sing.
00:48:31.880 --> 00:48:32.643
Okay, we'll see.
00:48:32.643 --> 00:48:33.304
Lon just learned it today.
00:48:33.304 --> 00:48:34.447
I did so, please be prepared.
00:48:34.447 --> 00:48:34.547
Also.
00:48:34.547 --> 00:48:35.490
I just learned it today.
00:48:35.490 --> 00:48:37.936
So I did so, please be prepared.
00:48:37.936 --> 00:48:40.025
Also, I just learned it today.
00:48:40.025 --> 00:48:42.842
So don't, vonda, don't come after me again, go ahead.
00:48:43.003 --> 00:48:43.606
Vonda, you can.
00:48:46.019 --> 00:48:49.048
Okay, I'm going to start saying Lon that bitch instead of Kara that bitch.
00:48:49.250 --> 00:48:51.626
You know what Good I've taken her crown.
00:48:53.760 --> 00:48:54.605
So we'll be right back.
00:48:54.605 --> 00:48:57.065
Lon's going to do some singing for us.
00:48:57.065 --> 00:48:59.431
Who knows, I might sing too, okay let's do it.
00:48:59.431 --> 00:49:03.159
Yeah, let's go.
00:49:03.159 --> 00:49:04.686
I'm so excited to hear you sing.
00:49:05.280 --> 00:49:05.842
Oh, we'll see.
00:49:05.842 --> 00:49:07.608
It's been a minute or two.
00:49:08.440 --> 00:49:10.572
It literally has been a minute because we just ran into something.
00:49:10.572 --> 00:49:16.490
It has been a minute, um, okay, so, uh, I think this song is perfect for you.
00:49:16.490 --> 00:49:19.139
I love this song you give fatherly.
00:49:20.344 --> 00:49:21.427
Oh, are you calling me old?
00:49:21.983 --> 00:49:22.778
No, I said daddy.
00:49:23.001 --> 00:49:24.485
Oh, oh, okay, I'll go with that.
00:49:24.485 --> 00:49:25.851
I'll go with that.
00:49:29.599 --> 00:49:30.213
We're cutting.
00:49:30.213 --> 00:49:31.094
Okay, I'll go with that.
00:49:31.094 --> 00:49:31.242
I'll go with that.
00:49:31.242 --> 00:49:31.588
We're cutting, but I promise we're not.
00:49:31.588 --> 00:49:36.300
Don't cut it.
00:49:36.300 --> 00:49:44.206
No, I would say that, yeah, no, you give that fatherly, you know.
00:49:44.206 --> 00:49:46.494
That's why I think that Feed Me from Little Shop is a perfect song for you.
00:49:46.494 --> 00:49:47.918
Is that not what we're doing?
00:49:47.918 --> 00:49:48.199
Let's do it.
00:49:48.199 --> 00:49:49.661
Does it have to be human?
00:49:49.661 --> 00:49:50.280
Actually?
00:49:50.280 --> 00:49:55.184
Oh my gosh, we're going to talk about this in a minute, about the role that he would do really well from this.
00:49:55.184 --> 00:49:58.065
Yeah, hold on, but for real, tell the people what you're singing today.
00:49:58.065 --> 00:50:00.806
I'm singing Happy, sad from the Addams Family.
00:50:01.226 --> 00:50:17.076
Let's do it Right and wrong?
00:50:17.076 --> 00:50:21.197
Who's to say which we should refuse?
00:50:21.197 --> 00:50:42.922
All we know, love survives either way we choose.
00:50:42.922 --> 00:50:44.324
Here you are at the edge, Go ahead and fall, Don't resist.
00:50:44.324 --> 00:50:45.505
I insist, Love still conquers all.
00:50:45.505 --> 00:50:55.956
I'm feeling happy, I'm feeling sad, a little childish, a little dad.
00:50:55.956 --> 00:51:04.371
I think of all the days you've known, all the ways you've shown.
00:51:04.371 --> 00:51:07.195
See you on your own.
00:51:17.481 --> 00:51:20.304
You've shown see you on your own.
00:51:20.503 --> 00:51:23.547
And then I'm feeling happy and sad again.
00:51:23.547 --> 00:51:24.648
I think I'm rested, but then I'm tired.
00:51:24.648 --> 00:51:35.463
Today requested, tomorrow fired, and now a boy says he adores she who once was yours.
00:51:35.463 --> 00:51:40.452
How can I ignore such news?
00:51:40.452 --> 00:51:44.021
I'm sad and happy.
00:51:44.021 --> 00:51:49.063
Why should I choose?
00:51:49.063 --> 00:51:59.449
Life is full of contradictions every inch a mile.
00:51:59.449 --> 00:52:05.293
At the moment we start weeping.
00:52:05.293 --> 00:52:09.795
That's when we should smile.
00:52:09.795 --> 00:52:22.510
In every heaven you'll find some hell, and there's strict who would dare predict?
00:52:22.510 --> 00:52:35.623
And the boy you've picked not bad.
00:52:35.623 --> 00:52:52.175
So let's be happy, forever happy, completely happy, and a tiny bit sad.
00:53:07.280 --> 00:53:09.925
Oh, that makes me happy and a little bit sad.
00:53:09.925 --> 00:53:15.690
Do you know who else?
00:53:15.690 --> 00:53:21.172
Because I mean, it just came to mind when we were talking about father figure Mushnik.
00:53:22.561 --> 00:53:26.911
Oh, I've directed a production of Little Shop but I've never done it.
00:53:26.911 --> 00:53:27.793
But that would be fun.
00:53:27.793 --> 00:53:29.385
I think you'd be hilarious.
00:53:29.405 --> 00:53:34.592
That would be really fun, because I think with that show it's also camp, right, right.
00:53:34.592 --> 00:53:38.929
If you're not on the other side of camp, then you're playing it too serious and it doesn't make sense.
00:53:38.929 --> 00:53:39.813
That show doesn't make sense.
00:53:39.813 --> 00:53:41.586
Well, I might argue with that.
00:53:41.920 --> 00:53:49.634
Really In that camp, when you play it for the reality in the script.
00:53:49.634 --> 00:53:52.106
That's when the camp works better.
00:53:52.106 --> 00:53:57.532
If you play the camp, then it can become silly and stupid.
00:53:57.532 --> 00:54:00.288
Disaster is a perfect example.
00:54:00.288 --> 00:54:08.268
One of the big things that I've told both casts that I've directed is you have to believe that you're going to die.
00:54:08.268 --> 00:54:13.483
That's what amps the stakes up, which makes the camp so funny.
00:54:13.483 --> 00:54:14.585
Don't play the.
00:54:14.585 --> 00:54:20.623
Don't play the comedy, because the comedy's there, yeah so, yeah, no, I understood, no, I get that.
00:54:21.023 --> 00:54:27.092
I just my favorite because I've seen it, goodness, four times now in New York.
00:54:27.092 --> 00:54:33.467
And Jinx Monsoon, she's amazing, she's amazing, it was so great.
00:54:34.340 --> 00:54:49.210
And I think, just because she is camp, lives in camp, right, right, and so everything about her, audrey was just I bet, I bet I haven't seen that production, but I would love to and I love that it's been running for three or four years.
00:54:49.210 --> 00:54:50.456
Yeah, I mean it's been running for a while.
00:54:50.476 --> 00:54:51.219
Yeah, which is great.
00:54:51.219 --> 00:54:53.786
Yeah, shout out to Major, who's back in it now?
00:54:53.786 --> 00:54:56.724
Yep, yep, I know, but yeah, I mean, I saw it.
00:54:56.724 --> 00:54:58.324
Goodness, I've seen it with too many.
00:54:58.545 --> 00:55:19.965
Audreys already go okay, so let's talk about goodness, what am I supposed to talk about, ellie?
00:55:20.025 --> 00:55:25.610
I just said what was the first thing?
00:55:25.610 --> 00:55:31.713
Oh, you're wondering.
00:55:31.713 --> 00:55:41.570
So you had said, uh, that the story that you wanted to tell today is um, doing things that really scare you, right, and putting that out there.
00:55:41.670 --> 00:55:44.344
I think art is better.
00:55:44.344 --> 00:55:46.407
This is gonna sound weird.
00:55:46.407 --> 00:56:00.248
Art is better when you're afraid of it, when something scares you, I think you tend to work harder at it because you want to make it work.
00:56:00.248 --> 00:56:04.471
Disaster the first time scared the hell out of me the first time I directed.
00:56:04.641 --> 00:56:06.039
I didn't know what the hell I was doing.
00:56:06.039 --> 00:56:10.586
I had no idea, but I'm like okay, I'll try.
00:56:10.586 --> 00:56:17.972
My motto is if it scares you, you kind of have to do it.
00:56:17.972 --> 00:56:22.590
If you think it's going to be easy and a breeze, then why do it.
00:56:22.590 --> 00:56:27.931
If you're not going to learn something from it or grow, then why do it?
00:56:27.931 --> 00:56:35.509
Golden Girls, when I did, scared the hell out of me, um, but I'm like that means I should do it.
00:56:35.509 --> 00:56:40.242
Glengarry glenn ross scared the hell hell out of me.
00:56:40.242 --> 00:56:45.168
But if it doesn't scare you, why do why?
00:56:45.168 --> 00:56:46.210
Why do it?
00:56:46.210 --> 00:56:48.773
There's no reason to do it.
00:56:48.773 --> 00:56:56.097
There's no reason to do it, in my opinion, if you're not just a little afraid of it don't do it no.
00:56:56.157 --> 00:56:56.619
I think you're right.
00:56:56.619 --> 00:56:59.865
I think you'll completely learn from the experience, no matter what.
00:56:59.865 --> 00:57:00.286
Right right.
00:57:00.306 --> 00:57:06.753
Even if you have that fear, even if you fail at it, even if you go nope, you're right, I should have been afraid of that because I wasn't good at it.
00:57:06.753 --> 00:57:06.268
Oh, no, you're right, I should have been afraid of that because I wasn't good at it.
00:57:07.820 --> 00:57:09.853
Then do it, you know why not do it.
00:57:09.853 --> 00:57:12.065
Was it through Golden Girls that you learned that you were gay?
00:57:12.065 --> 00:57:14.487
Oh honey please.
00:57:15.260 --> 00:57:23.190
I came out of my mother, the J, going hello my honey, hello my baby, come on, just immediately.
00:57:23.190 --> 00:57:24.172
Come on.
00:57:24.172 --> 00:57:25.760
You're there, come on.
00:57:25.760 --> 00:57:33.306
I felt, yeah, the you know pumps fell out of my mouth the first thing I opened my mouth.
00:57:33.407 --> 00:57:44.431
No, no, I agree, it's all about a learning experience and I think that's where, like when I did uh, sweeney todd with michael serechia, I had I learned so much he's.
00:57:44.952 --> 00:57:47.085
He's one of the people that I learned that.
00:57:47.085 --> 00:57:48.429
Cheryl Benson, who I mentioned.
00:57:48.429 --> 00:57:57.626
Michael Cerechia, bj Cleveland, in this building is where I learned how to that the three of them stick out.
00:57:57.626 --> 00:58:12.771
Andy Allen sticks out as directors that I learned from, learned how to do things and how to conduct a room and how to balance things and make sure that it's fun and safe.
00:58:12.771 --> 00:58:25.168
And a quick Andy Allen story we were doing, you know, pegasus does those black and whites For two years Irving.
00:58:25.168 --> 00:58:28.784
It was then Irving Community Thinners yes, it's now Mainstage.
00:58:29.585 --> 00:58:47.864
They did a couple and I did the second one and the set that was built were stairs that were higher than like each set was huge and we had chase scenes and I can remember hindi allen running up and down those, telling the set designer I can't do this, how do you expect my actors to do that?
00:58:47.864 --> 00:58:50.027
And I took note of that.
00:58:50.027 --> 00:58:52.731
I went oh, it's got to be safe.
00:58:52.731 --> 00:59:09.693
Like, yes, it may be the right vision, it may be what you know the designer wants, but if it's not safe for actors who are already putting their heart and soul out, then then you can't do it, you need to change it.
00:59:09.693 --> 00:59:15.449
And so she ended up getting that set changed after it was already built and put in the theater.
00:59:15.570 --> 00:59:39.106
Yeah, and so what I appreciate about all those people that I mentioned is they all taught me something about being vulnerable, being safe, caring for actors, because a lot of people because I've worked for directors who don't give a shit about you they're there to put on a show and, oh, you've got a problem.
00:59:39.106 --> 00:59:41.572
Sorry, and that's.
00:59:41.572 --> 00:59:49.152
None of us, particularly in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, are to make a living or be rich from doing theater.
00:59:49.152 --> 00:59:56.768
There are some people who make a living doing theater here, but not many, and most of us don't.
00:59:56.768 --> 00:59:59.148
So it's got to be fun.
00:59:59.621 --> 01:00:11.009
It's got to be fun and it's got to be safe, and it's the experience you take with you that is your payment, because most of the time, if you get get paid, it's $100.
01:00:11.009 --> 01:00:12.592
Yeah, okay, great Thanks.
01:00:12.592 --> 01:00:29.603
That doesn't pay for the gas that I spent in the last month, literally, but if you have a good experience doing it the production disaster that you saw a lot of those people were my regulars that I said please come do this, and a lot of them had never worked at runway.
01:00:29.603 --> 01:00:45.719
Excuse me, but they were like yes, because we know you and Kristen are gonna create an environment where we can be silly, we can be fun, we can try things and we're not gonna be judged or told oh that's stupid.
01:00:45.719 --> 01:00:49.800
Well, except when it is stupid and it's in the right way of stupid.
01:00:50.521 --> 01:01:00.442
So that's important, yeah I think that that's the most important part, right, because I cannot tell you how many times I've been up and down stairs that are uneven on set.
01:01:00.442 --> 01:01:01.264
Here's looking at you.
01:01:01.264 --> 01:01:04.728
You know who it is that have built those steps before.
01:01:05.889 --> 01:01:06.831
It's not fair.
01:01:06.831 --> 01:01:09.835
Actors are already carrying.
01:01:09.835 --> 01:01:18.108
I mean, once a show opens, it's not the directors anymore, it's not the designers anymore, it's the actors and the stage manager.
01:01:18.108 --> 01:01:25.652
And if someone's not safe, then how does that work, you know?
01:01:25.652 --> 01:01:27.226
So, yeah, it's important.
01:01:28.181 --> 01:01:32.210
Speaking of safe space, I want you to talk about the process of creating a safe space.
01:01:32.210 --> 01:01:41.126
Not only you know physically safe spaces, but for gender diversity, you know every type of diverse LGBTQ.
01:01:41.126 --> 01:01:46.760
How do you put that into your casting and your For?
01:01:46.820 --> 01:01:47.141
me.
01:01:47.141 --> 01:02:00.476
I'm open to whomever walks in the room that strikes me as right for the role, regardless of what's written.
01:02:00.476 --> 01:02:08.251
And I say that with a caveat if I'm gonna do dream girls, I'm not gonna to cast a bunch of white bitches, right?
01:02:08.251 --> 01:02:09.273
You know?
01:02:09.273 --> 01:02:27.250
I mean right, but I mean there was a story a couple years ago where a pay-for-play children's theater somewhere in the area did hairspray with all white people.
01:02:27.250 --> 01:02:35.532
I'm like really, so Seaweed sang the black of the berry, the sweet of the juice, and he was white.
01:02:35.532 --> 01:02:48.211
Like there are some things that you must play it cast it appropriately because it's written that way.
01:02:48.300 --> 01:02:53.487
But if it's not written specifically for that, then why not?
01:02:53.487 --> 01:02:56.028
Why not take the most talented people?
01:02:56.028 --> 01:02:59.971
I get really angry at people.
01:02:59.971 --> 01:03:09.686
Being a gay man who has done lots of gay theater, people are like oh, you know what Straight people shouldn't play gay roles.
01:03:09.686 --> 01:03:11.110
Why not?
01:03:11.110 --> 01:03:16.190
If they're the best actor for it, then why not?
01:03:16.190 --> 01:03:22.351
And conversely, gay men can play straight roles.
01:03:22.351 --> 01:03:35.007
Most of the characters I've played have been straight, so it's about being open enough to see everybody and to take chances with somebody.
01:03:35.007 --> 01:03:41.623
That isn't necessarily the way it's written or the way it's always been played.
01:03:41.623 --> 01:03:44.911
That doesn't necessarily mean that's how it has to be.
01:03:45.641 --> 01:03:54.025
I'm going to challenge that just a little bit and say that sometimes I feel as though if it is a specific gay role.
01:03:54.025 --> 01:04:02.324
Let's say that there's not as much as many roles for gay people, and so the opportunity for a gay person to play that role.
01:04:03.125 --> 01:04:07.210
Right, and I agree with you if they're the best suited for it.
01:04:07.210 --> 01:04:16.146
Because I go back and think, okay, if only gay people can play gay roles and I understand what you're saying, yes, yes, yes.
01:04:16.146 --> 01:04:22.393
But if that's the case, then we wouldn't have Robin Williams in the Birdcage, right?
01:04:22.393 --> 01:04:27.648
We wouldn't have William Hurt in Kiss of the Spider Woman, right, we wouldn't have Tom Hanks in Philadelphia.
01:04:27.648 --> 01:04:32.804
Should those films be made now, today, with straight actors?
01:04:32.804 --> 01:05:02.353
Maybe, maybe not if they're the best person for the role, because the flip side of that is and and I know this is not necessarily a popular opinion but if, if only gay people can play gay roles, then only straight people can play straight roles no, no, and I hear because I love to Wong Fu and the remarkable, late great Patrick Swayze.
01:05:02.393 --> 01:05:03.918
Yes, is perfect.
01:05:03.918 --> 01:05:05.601
All three of them are perfection.
01:05:05.601 --> 01:05:18.570
Yeah, and so if there is somebody, all things being equal from a performance perspective, yes, it has to be a person, but I don't think we should pigeonhole people.
01:05:18.570 --> 01:05:33.807
I think directors should be open enough to see oh you know what, maybe she could play this guy, maybe this gay man could play the straight man and this straight man could play the gay man.
01:05:33.807 --> 01:05:43.226
Whatever the case, it's important for me to give people the opportunity if they're the best suited for the role.
01:05:43.527 --> 01:05:46.509
No, I agree, and I think it's a conversation that we are continually going to have.
01:05:46.509 --> 01:06:04.893
It's something that we're going to continually learn about and learn to grow from, in whatever direction we need to right, and so I think that recent revival of Boys in the Band, everybody was played by an out gay man, which was very, very powerful.
01:06:05.134 --> 01:06:10.681
Even the one ambiguous character that is possibly straight was played by a gay man.
01:06:10.681 --> 01:06:15.349
That was powerful as a gay man to see that right, you know.
01:06:15.349 --> 01:06:21.128
So there I I think it's a great conversation to continue to have no completely agree with that.
01:06:21.389 --> 01:06:25.664
Um, let's speak of conversation I want to talk about your upcoming project.
01:06:25.664 --> 01:06:30.914
Well, it's not officially upcoming, but a work.
01:06:30.914 --> 01:06:33.068
It's a work in progress.
01:06:33.068 --> 01:06:39.893
I'm about to, like I said, I'm older than I ever intended to be.
01:06:39.893 --> 01:06:43.088
In a couple of weeks, I will turn 60 years old.
01:06:43.989 --> 01:07:09.300
Yes, so I've been writing this series of posts on both Facebook and Instagram about just random memories and since even since the pandemic, I think I have a story to tell and I couldn't figure out what that was out, what that was.
01:07:09.300 --> 01:07:12.547
And as I started to write this series, I write one every day and I've done one for the 60 days leading up to my 60th birthday.
01:07:12.547 --> 01:07:14.532
I think that's a show.
01:07:14.532 --> 01:07:21.307
I think there are stories that I tell that are some are funny, some are sad.
01:07:21.307 --> 01:07:24.322
There's a lot of theater stuff, because that's been a lot of my life.
01:07:24.322 --> 01:07:32.842
So I think that's a show that I'm going to try to put together and figure out what it might be.
01:07:32.842 --> 01:07:39.782
So stay tuned because we'll see, and if any theater wants to give me space to do it, I'd love it.
01:07:39.782 --> 01:07:41.947
Yeah, I think that'd be so much fun, I think.
01:07:41.947 --> 01:07:43.972
I think it could be really interesting.
01:07:43.972 --> 01:07:45.001
Who would play you?
01:07:45.001 --> 01:07:49.193
I think I would officially become man in Another Chick.
01:07:49.193 --> 01:07:51.922
Maybe that's the title of the show.
01:07:52.304 --> 01:07:58.302
I don't know, I could see you know someone Carouserber complaining.
01:07:58.302 --> 01:07:59.224
Carouserber.
01:08:00.626 --> 01:08:03.293
Aslan Barrera, you bitch Bitch.
01:08:06.061 --> 01:08:07.005
Speaking of people that we hate.
01:08:07.005 --> 01:08:09.509
In our pre-discussion, you also talked about a couple of guests that we hate.
01:08:09.509 --> 01:08:14.311
Um, in our pre-discussion, you also talked about a couple of guests that you also hated, no I.
01:08:14.833 --> 01:08:19.932
The only one I said I hated was kara serper, and she knows I love her, that's because it's across the board.
01:08:20.033 --> 01:08:23.162
I think all all my followers on instagram also hate kara.
01:08:23.162 --> 01:08:33.273
Um, we're starting that hate kara campaign and I think she's across the street, but she is sorry care.
01:08:33.273 --> 01:08:36.681
But you also mentioned which I mean we've talked about Jaden multiple times.
01:08:36.681 --> 01:08:39.708
Obviously we adore Jaden, we love Jaden.
01:08:39.708 --> 01:08:44.163
Jaden is a piece de résistance in our DFW area.
01:08:44.163 --> 01:08:51.143
But somebody else that you mentioned, shannon mcgrann, speaking of people making a living off of acting.
01:08:51.182 --> 01:08:53.226
You know um I.
01:08:53.226 --> 01:09:00.748
The first time I really met shannon was when she did cake at uptown players and I went out of.
01:09:01.690 --> 01:09:11.967
I felt like obligation, I think, and I thought, okay, I'll go see this show, but I'm not gonna like it because it's about a woman who doesn't want to bake a cake, like ugh, I want to watch this.
01:09:11.967 --> 01:09:35.813
She is just a remarkable actor who is able to I mean, that's a brilliant script anyway but she's able to take somebody who you're not supposed to like and I fell in love with her, like so much so that actually Kara and I came together to see her do it here at Theater Arndt.
01:09:35.813 --> 01:09:39.809
And she's just remarkable in everything she does Everything.
01:09:39.930 --> 01:09:41.153
Everything, unfortunately.
01:09:41.153 --> 01:09:42.905
That's why we hate her so much.
01:09:42.905 --> 01:09:44.814
I love her, I love her.
01:09:44.814 --> 01:09:49.270
I can't stand her Crazy, crazy bitch.
01:09:49.270 --> 01:09:49.493
I love her.
01:09:49.512 --> 01:09:49.854
I can't stand her.
01:09:49.875 --> 01:10:02.301
She's a crazy, crazy bitch that she is, Because I and honestly I mean, and I love her story, that she has tried acting out her whole life, and then she's like I finally found it later in life where I can do this, and she goes.
01:10:02.301 --> 01:10:08.443
You know, it took me this long to get here and I was like that's the testament as well, to just keep trying, just keep going.
01:10:08.443 --> 01:10:14.305
Yeah, I think, and I mean you too, just keep trying, you're gonna find it one day.
01:10:14.828 --> 01:10:17.615
I'll be 90 you're almost there, I feel it.
01:10:17.615 --> 01:10:19.564
You're right, right on the precipice.
01:10:19.564 --> 01:10:20.628
Yeah, right on it.
01:10:20.628 --> 01:10:22.037
Right, you know, right on the bubble.
01:10:22.037 --> 01:10:24.904
Yeah, you're just close yeah, someday yeah.
01:10:24.904 --> 01:10:27.849
I'm gonna keep trying, trying.
01:10:27.849 --> 01:10:29.993
One day everyone's going to know who Lon is.
01:10:29.993 --> 01:10:36.390
Yeah, maybe because or not, I mean or not I feel like everybody already knows who Lon is.
01:10:36.390 --> 01:10:43.148
Maybe everybody knows who Lon is, unfortunately, carol.
01:10:43.148 --> 01:10:45.148
Thanks Carol.
01:10:46.158 --> 01:11:06.507
So no, I've enjoyed our time today thank you, I um yeah I'm glad that you and seeley came on yeah, today, I'm sorry we never introduced miss um, but, uh, I appreciate your time and you sharing all your stories with us and, um, every, I mean I.
01:11:06.507 --> 01:11:09.792
This is probably one of my favorite episodes.
01:11:09.792 --> 01:11:11.395
Better than Kara's, of course.
01:11:11.395 --> 01:11:14.408
What isn't better than Kara's?
01:11:14.408 --> 01:11:19.742
So, yes, anything else that you want to put out there, anything else?
01:11:19.802 --> 01:11:20.867
no I think I'm good.
01:11:20.867 --> 01:11:22.846
Oh, he's good because he is good.
01:11:22.846 --> 01:11:24.405
He's that good I try.
01:11:24.405 --> 01:11:28.305
Don't forget to catch us on social media.
01:11:28.305 --> 01:11:31.578
Follow us at Daniel Does DFW on Instagram, facebook.
01:11:31.578 --> 01:11:33.605
You can watch this on YouTube.
01:11:33.605 --> 01:11:44.220
If you're doing it right now, make sure you're watching it, or listen to it on Spotify or Apple Podcasts or wherever you pick up your podcasts to watch not only Lon's episode, but if you missed it, apparently you have to watch Kara's.
01:11:44.220 --> 01:11:49.409
Apparently you have to watch Karas because you know that bitch.
01:11:49.409 --> 01:11:50.551
But thank you again, lon, thank you.
01:11:50.572 --> 01:11:52.194
I had a great time I did too.
01:11:53.443 --> 01:11:55.470
And do you have any socials Lon that you want to plug?
01:11:56.079 --> 01:11:57.527
Facebook and Instagram you can find me.
01:11:57.527 --> 01:11:59.908
There's not a whole lot of Lon Barreras in the world.
01:12:00.060 --> 01:12:02.890
But you can follow along to 60 Days to 60.
01:12:03.220 --> 01:12:05.963
It's hashtag Lons60on60.
01:12:05.963 --> 01:12:08.328
69.
01:12:10.051 --> 01:12:15.904
No, no, 60s on 60s, don't age me, I would never.
01:12:15.904 --> 01:12:18.564
I'm only 12.
01:12:18.564 --> 01:12:20.371
So thanks again, we'll catch you later, bye, bye.