Break is over!!!

A very good friend of mine, Melanie, will be in town next week from the Philippines. As a thank you to great hospitality she has shown me the past two times I visited the Philippines, it's my turn to treat her to something I cherish. She loved the "Popular" tee shirt I sent her.

I can't believe it's been over a month since I've last seen the show! No, my friends did not do an intervention.

20th time.... is enough enough?

I had the privilege of seeing Wicked for the 20th time on June 27, 2009, Saturday Matinee performance with my friend Dan, who's seen it for his 19th time. We had great seats, row R seats 101 and 103.

Vicki Noon (right) performed as Elphaba. I can only say one thing about her, she has arrived. Vicki Noon also performed Sunday on the main stage of the San Francisco Pride Celebration, singing "The Wizard and I" and won the audience over.

After Wicked, my nephew Matthew (left) met Dan and I for a quick bite. We then headed up to the Castro for the annual Pink Saturday Night festivities. It wasn't the celebration as in previous years but more like Halloween, the last year it was in the neighborhood. My friends who live in the Castro avoided the area. I didn't feel safe there and we left within a couple of hours.

While watching the LGBT Pride Parade, I had a pleasant surprise witnessing Kendra Kassebaum and Teal Wicks serve as Celebrity Guests for the parade. The parade had come to a halt and Teal Wicks (below left, in hat) car had stopped directly in front of where I was standing. Both looked like they were having a great time.

After reaching my milestone of seeing the show 20 times, it's time for a break from the production. Not too long of a break, just a month or two. I'll still continue this blog but more about what's going on in my life and still relate it to Wicked. After all, "No one in all of Oz is ever going to bring me down!"

Teal Wicks proves herself!

Last night's performance of Wicked (6/10) was the first time since February no understudies were announced in any of the roles. I saw Teal Wicks (right) perform as Elphaba for the first time since February 20th. Her return to the role and the enthusiasm of the crowd, energized the entire ensemble. Teal and Kendra Kassebaum (Glinda, right) were on the top of their game. Though my review of last weeks show was a little harsh, this week my outlook has drastically changed. It's a new show with Teal back in the lead. Teal showed no signs of any medical condition she may have had the past few months as she nailed every scene and song. She was on fire as was Kendra. Lee Wilkof (Wizard) is the best ever performer in the role I have seen. His stage presence as well as singing voice blows away every other Wizard I've seen combined. Deedee Magno Hall (Nessarose) and Eddie Rioseco (Boq) continue to deliver stellar performances. Nicolas Dromard (Fiyero) duet with Teal in As Long As You're Mine was his best performance ever.

Part of the audience (where I sat) was extremely annoying as people were talking, pulling out their cell phones and leaving/returning to their seats throughout the show. I will give them kudos as this was the first time since the Los Angeles production I've seen the audience applauded loudly when Kendra, Teal, Patty Duke (Madame Morrible) and Lee came on stage.

I sat in row Z, seat 125 & 127 with my niece Kaila, her first time (left). The past few times I've sat fairly close to the stage. Since my seat was at the rear of the orchestra, I couldn't see the dragon as the Loge/Mezzanine overhang obscured my view.

I met Fernando and Greg (right Greg, Fernando) radio hosts of a morning show on Energy 92.7 Fm locally owned and based in San Francisco. They are truly down to earth people and extremely friendly. Thanks to Energy 92.7 Fm for the free tickets to Wicked.

The next time I see the show is with my friend Dan on June 27th, matinee, row R seats 101 & 103. He's seen the show 18 times in Los Angeles and is excited to see it in San Francisco. When I see the show on the 27th, it'll be my 13th time in San Francisco, 20th over all.

Where is Teal Wicks?

Last night was the 18th time I have seen the performance of Wicked, 11th time in San Francisco. Of the 11 times I've seen it here, I've seen Teal Wicks perform twice in the lead role of Elphaba, Dee Roscioli once, and Vicki Noon eight times. Vicki Noon returned from a vacation within the past week and I could tell that she was struggling a little bit with the part. The show had a different feel to it than in previous performances, I'm not sure whether it was good or bad.

Here's the good stuff: Eddy Rioseco performance as Boq is getting better each time I see him. He's starting to emote emotions I haven't seen him do and I'm really like him in the role. Deedee Magno Hall is the best Nessarose by far. She is spectacular, especially in the second act where you see her transform unwilling into the Wicked Witch of the East. Lee Wilkof replaces David Garrison as the Wizard. At first I was shocked to see David Garrison replaced as I thought he was amazing in the part. Within minutes of Lee Wilkof performance, he won me over. His acting, timing and voice brings a refreshing take of the Wizard. The ensemble cast is consistently
awesome. Tom Flynn as Dr. Dillamond is a solid and reliable performer. He has yet to have a bad show.

Here's the bad stuff: Both Vicki Noon and Kendra Kassebaum (Glinda) appeared off and strained. I'll say no more because I love both of them in their respective roles and am chalking it up as a bad night. Patty Duke's timing isn't what it should be. Nicolas Dromard is still vocally challenged in "Dancing through Life" but his dancing and acting abilities compensate for it.

I sat in row F, seat 106 (then swapped at intermission to seat 110) with my friends Mike and his boyfriend Dan. This was their first time seeing the show and loved it. The next time I see the show is on June 10, 2009 with the tickets I won on the Fernando and Greg show Energy 92.7fm. I'm taking my niece Kaila for LGBT night, Kaila's first time seeing the show. We'll be sitting in row Z, seats 125 and 127.

Oh My God, I won tickets on the Fernando and Greg show!!

I was awestruck by Dee Roscioli performance of Elphaba. I saw her twice in Chicago and was impressed by her performance. This time I was blown away. Dee portrayed Elphaba as a girl who's been put down her entire life, lacked the confidence in anything she did, and had a nervous twitch in her right and. Every time she was unsure of herself, her right hand and fingers would nervously twitch. When she became the formidable woman, she loses her nervous twitch (is there a correlation between twitch and witch?). What impressed me the most was the emotions she expressed through her eyes, the vulnerability and the utter confidence she later acquires. It was like seeing the show for the very first time. I definitely want to see her again before she assumes the role on Broadway.

On my morning drive to work (5/26), I was listening to the Fernando and Greg (Greg is on the left and Fernando on the right) show on Energy 92.7 They play a game called "Hetero versus Homo", where they ask questions that every gay and straight guy should know the answers. The twist is they ask the gay guy questions that every straight guy should know and vice versa. I, of course, was the gay guy. I ended up losing but my consolation prize was 2 tickets to see Wicked on LGBT night, June 10. Can you believe it???

I'm defying gravity!

I went to Paramount's Great America with my friends Joe and Louis for Gay Day. Joe and I decided to do the Xtreme Flyer which is almost flying via bungee cord. As we fell almost 300 feet, all I could think of was Elphaba's Defying Gravity, so I started to sing it out loud. Joe was mortified and the crowd below started laughing. Towards the end of the ride, I sang the part "And nobody in all of Oz, no Wizard that there is or was is ever gonna bring me down!" That was totally awesome!

I'm seeing the matinee performance, row M seat 108, bought at the box office today for a total of $99. I heard that Dee Roscioli, who I've seen twice perform as Elphaba in Chicago, is taking over the role of Elphaba, while Vicki Noon is on vacation. It's been said that Teal Wicks has been performing once a week prior to her full time return in June. If either on is on today, I'll be extremely happy. I'll hold judgement for Angel Reed if she comes on. Hopefully Kendra Kassebaum will also be on today.

May 16th Performance

When I arrived at the Orpheum Theater, I saw that both Teal Wicks and Kendra Kassebaum were replaced with Vicki Noon as Elphaba and Natalie Daradich as Glinda. Even though I was disappointed that Teal was out, I was shocked to see Kendra out also.

Vicki Noon's performance as Elphaba was spectacular. She was on fire, especially her "No Good Deed". She continually impresses me each and every time I see her. However, Natalie Daradich as Glinda is okay. Although her performance was an improvement, I would rather have seen Kendra opposite Vicki.

Also spectacular was DeeDee Magno Hall as Nessarose and David Garrison as the Wizard. Nicolas Dromard's performance as Fiyero is definitely growing on me. My opinion of Eddie Rioseco as Boq has changed. I really like him in the role. He seems to be getting more comfortable and stronger as time passes. Patty Duke as Madam Morrible was off. She missed a few lines and almost injured herself with her necklace. She is still amazing and love watching her perform.

Wicked Withdrawals

I last saw the show on May 5th and am having major withdrawals. Am I really having withdrawals or something else? Recently, I ran into Jason who I haven't seen in two years. The last time I spoke with him was right after my mom had passed away. Running into Jason sparked something in me, problem is I didn't know what it was. Did it spark memories of the good times we had together and all the traveling we did or did it bring on a reminder of my mom's passing a year ago on May 31st. After sleeping on this, I realized how much I love and miss my my mom. At least I will be in a sound frame of mind when we remember my mom on May 31st with family and friends.

In light of all this, I bought a ticket for tonight's performance. I'm hoping Teal Wicks will perform tonight as Elphaba but if not, I know I'll still enjoy the show. I'm sitting in Orchestra, row J, seat 126, cost $99 purchased at the box office. To the right, mom holding Joshua, dad holding Jazmin and Jared.

Vicki Noon on again!

When I heard Teal Wicks had returned from her leave of absence earlier than expected, I was hoping to see her in last night performance. However, Vicki Noon took the lead role of Elphaba. As much as I like seeing Vicki Noon grow in the role and continues to get stronger after each performance, I really wanted to see Teal Wicks.

Though I was disappointed that Teal Wicks was not on, Kendra Kassebaum did not disappoint. This was one of her best performances I have seen as Glinda. Deedee Magno Hall had also returned and once again delivered another outstanding performance as Nessarose. Nicolas Dromard is starting to grow on me as Fiyero. His duet with Vicki Noon "As long as you're mine" was his best performance I have seen so far. Alexander Selma assumed the role of Boq, replacing Eddy Rioseco. Though Eddy Rioseco acting abilities are far superior than Alexander Selma, Alexander has a better singing voice. David Garrison delivered his usual stellar performance as well as Patty Duke.

This is the 15th time I've seen the show and I haven't gotten bored yet. I'm looking forward to the day of Teal Wicks arrival, till then, I'll continue to enjoy the show with Vicki in the lead.

Teal Wicks back!

I just read on http://www.witchesofoz.com/wicked_boards/index.php?showtopic=32500&st=640&start=640 that Teal Wicks officially came back on May 2.

I am definitely going Tuesday to see her for myself. Vicky Noon has been an excellent replacement for Teal and has had tremendous growth in the role.

I took my sister Mercy to see Wicked on April 8 (my birthday) as a present for her birthday. I was shocked to see both understudies come on for Teal and Kendra Kassebaum.

I saw it again on April 14th with my friend Speros and on April 22nd with my friend Joe. I am really excited about seeing it Tuesday with Teal back in the lead.... so it will be the 15th time I've seen the show.. 8th time in San Francisco!

Where have I been?

It's been a while since my last blog and I've only seen the show twice since then. It seems as though Teal Wicks is having health issues. Vicky Noon is now on until Teal is able to return. More on that later... I'm seeing the show again tonight with my friend Joe (another first timer).

Again!

I saw Wicked for the 11th time last Wednesday, February 25th. I tried the lottery for both matinee and evening performance with no luck. Frustrated, I ended up buying a ticket for the evening performance. I was seated in the front Loge, row A, seat 8, total cost $88.

Vicky Noon, the understudy, performed as Elphaba. This is the second time I've seen her in the title role. She played Elphaba as a wide eyed, impressionable, and naive girl who grows into a formidable woman. This was a vast improvement over the last time I saw her. She was the one who stood out more than anyone else.

I'm going to try again Thursday, March 6 for the lottery. If I don't win, I might buy another full price ticket full, but this time I want to see it from the orchestra section, center of course.

No One Mourns The Wicked

"Are people born wicked or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?"

That's a really good question asked in the opening scene. I ask myself: 1) Who I am? 2) Am I on the path I'm supposed to be on? 3) Is my life predetermined?

"And of course, the minute she was born, she was, well, different."

I knew I was different when I was 4 years old. My mom would take me along to drop Ernesto off at school. Every time we walked passed a certain teacher, my mom would say to me "stop acting silly". I knew being different would cause problems for me. I hid my true identity from everyone. I became extremely good at hiding who I was, my feelings, and especially the things I was doing the past few years. Exposing the real me to everyone, I realize I still have my family and friends.

The next two months I'll have plenty of time to reflect on what's really important in life. I can either wallow in self pity or use this time constructively to help myself, family and friends, and those less fortunate.

"Now at last, there's joy throughout the land. And goodness knows, we know what goodness is."

As I keep myself focused on the good things life has to offer, I'll have the ability to discover every treasure, every wonder, and every joy the world has to offer. If I can concentrate always on the present, I'll be a happy person. I will discover who I am all over again. Life is the moment we're living right now.

"So you see, it couldn't have been easy."

Happy Birthday Scott!

Today is Scott's 35th birthday! Doesn't he look great? Well, he could probably use a tan in the picture to the left. Sun, Scotty, not shade!

Last night, I took Derrick to see Wicked. It was his first time and wants to see it again. Teal Wicks did an amazing job. She is getting stronger and more confident as she continues to grow in the role of Elphaba. Kendra Kassabaum, Glinda, seemed a little off, but was still spectacular. Deedee Magno Hall, Nessarose, continues to deliver amazing performances. Carol Kane and David Garrison delivered another great performance. As for Nicolas Dromard, I still like his acting but his vocals aren't up to par for the role of Fiyero. I was disappointed with "As Long As You're Mine". Eddy Rioseco performance as Boq is starting to grow on me. As for the hat toss in the cornfield, Dan was right. It's part of the performance I haven't noticed till a few weeks ago.

I was pretty disappointed in the crowd. This is the first time in 10 performances I have seen, no one applauded when Glinda or Elphaba appeared on stage. It didn't stop me from applauding for them. My next scheduled time to see Wicked is on April 1. Since I have a lot of free time the next couple of months, I'm sure I'll see it a few more times.

Valentines Weekend

Tuesday, I'm seeing Wicked with Derrick. Rob (lower right) bought tickets for us to see it on April 1, 2009.

Valentines was a lot of fun. Joe and I went into the Castro to participate in Drag Queen Bingo. At our table sat Shane, Miguel, and Michael. I was the only one at the table to win a bingo game for a grand prize of $20, however, admission was $20 so I broke even. We had a great time laughing playing bingo that at the end of the night my voice was almost gone. The drag queen who was emceeing or the "ball caller" kept us entertained all night. At one point when there was a glitch with the bingo machine, an auction was held to see another drag queen do a push up. I ended up with the winning bid of $25 but also included a cup cake. As the drag queen did the push ups, she was also eating the cup cake every time she went down.

On Sunday night, Kip, Joe, Keith, and myself saw John Cameron Mitchell (left) do a live performance along side his famous movie "Hedwig and the Angry Inch". It was great seeing him in person commenting on various parts of the movie. At the end of the movie, I ran into Scott (second time this weekend) and Nick.

Even though Valentine's Day has the capacity to make single people feel left out, I truly enjoyed the weekend with my friends. Hanging out with friends, laughing together, and feeling alive again is priceless.

Rainy Day Emerald City

It's finally raining! It may not be enough to end the drought that has plagued the area for the past couple of years. We need all the rain we can get. Just try to stay dry or you may end up melting. Since the rain usually brings thoughts of sunny places, I'm posting a couple of pics that I took during past vacations. Enjoy!

I would love to sit in one of those chairs again. The picture was taken in Yelapa, Mexico, south of Puerto Vallarta. The picture to the right was taken in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. I like to call it the walk way to the unknown.

This picture was taken at a Bloc Party Concert outside of Geneva, Switzerland. This beautiful trellis was picture perfect, in Barcelona, Spain. Traveling to other countries, seeing how people live, and enjoying different foods and cultures is what I love doing most. Maybe my next trip will be by broom, balloon, or bubble.

More Dancing Through Life

"Skimming the surface, gliding where turf is smooth. Life's more painless, when you're brainless."

Lately, I haven't had to do much thinking. Doing what I'm told to do, showing up at places where I'm supposed to, and do what's expected of me.

This past December, a couple of friends of mine went sky diving for the first time. Joe (down below next to Rande), Rande (right), Teddy and myself did a tandem jump at an altitude of 13,000 feet. What rush of adrenaline! I wasn't scared as I got into the plane or did the jump. Thought for sure that I would have a heart attack on the way down, but it didn't happen.

As we parachuted down, I kept looking straight ahead at the horizon. I knew that if I looked down, it wouldn't have been pretty for the cleaners. When I looked up towards the sky, I knew I was missing a lifetime experience. At one point, the tandem instructor released a couple of hooks and it felt as though I were being ejected, but I didn't separate from him. The landing was smooth, just fell on my butt.

"Swaying and sweeping, and always keeping cool. Life is fraught less, when you're thoughtless. Those who don't try, never look foolish."

In doing the jump, I've learned a few things about myself. 1) If I don't try different things, I'm selling myself short and missing out on some memorable life experiences 2) Staying focused on the task at hand will ensure a smooth landing 3) I can't do it alone, someone always has to have my back.

Dancing Through Life

"But I say 'Why invite stress in?' Stop studying strife, and learn to live in the unexamined life"

I'm excited for the long weekend, Friday the 13th (this happens to be my 13th post), Valentine's Day, and President's Day. Of course, I'm taking my friend Derrick (blue stripped shirt next to Mary Lynn and her boyfriend Aaron) to see Wicked on Tuesday. It's his first time seeing it and he seems pretty excited about it. Kip is back for the long weekend, primarily for IGB Weekend (lions, tigers, and bears, oh my!). He's also using this time to find a place to live because he's moving back in March. We've been friends for close to 15 years and I'm glad he's coming home.

I'm having breakfast with Scott on Saturday, it'll be the 4th weekend in a row that I haven't flaked on him, well at least not yet. Saturday night, there's a Valentines Ball in the Castro that I might go to, stag of course. I'm extremely excited about Sunday night. My friend Joe and I are going to the Victoria Theater in the Mission because John Cameron Mitchell is performing live along with his movie "Hedwig and the Angry Inch". No plans for Monday yet.

"And the strange thing your life could end up changing, while your dancing through life"

Thank Goodness

"Cause getting your dreams, it's strange but it seems a little, well, complicated. There's a kind of a sort of cost, there's a couple of things get lost."

The last few years weren't the best for me. My mom passed away, a friend committed suicide, and my judgment was clouded. I've learned I have the capability to achieve a life that has eluded me the past few years. I've had a pretty hectic schedule the past few months and it doesn't seem to be letting up anytime soon. I am feeling lost at times.

Manifesting what we may have always wanted, finding ourselves feeling as if we have no purpose, desire, or interest in anything, feeling completely alone with absolutely no connections, anger and resentment at the past, stuck in old relationships, being extremely busy wrapping up so we can move forward, setting things up for the new, or feelings of bliss, excitement and having the beginning experiences of new connections and an amazing new beginning of freedom and joy. emergingearthangels.com

"There are bridges you cross you didn't know you crossed until you crossed"

Am I starting to resent all I have to do or am I feeling nostalgic? Do I want to stay here or move on to something else? Is it disconnection with those around me or am I being complacent? I definitely don't want to go back to the lifestyle that has encompassed me the past few years.

"And if that joy, that thrill doesn't thrill you like you think it will, still"

So I'm letting go of past experiences but keeping them close to remind me of what did or didn't work so I can experience new and better ones. Each part of me must fit in with the new path I am on without disruption in order for me to achieve my goals.

"Because happy is what happens when all your dreams come true, well isn't it?"

Am I finally getting everything I wanted? If so, is it enough? Has the new me arrived or am I still waiting? I know that as I continue to navigate through life, creating new paths, meeting new friends, the old me continues the process of departing.

Weekend after Opening Night

I'm enjoying living life in the city. My friend Kip, from L.A., stayed with me over the weekend. Hanging out and helping him get re-acquainted with the city, renewed my appreciation for the city and good friends. On Saturday morning, I had breakfast with my friend Scott (pictured with Tim Tam). As we finished breakfast, another friend David walked by. Running into friends, even if it's for a brief moment, are life's unexpected joys. Sunday night I had dinner with my sisters, Lee and Mercy.

It's awesome how the city is embracing Wicked. City Hall, the Ferry Building, War Memorial Building and a few others, were glowing green. Almost everyone I've talked with is excited about seeing the show but can't find decent seats till May. I haven't tried the lottery yet, but will in the near future. Dan (right) has won the lottery 3 out of 5 tries, at least the ones he told me about but I suspect the number to be a lot higher.

"I'll wake up my body and make up for lost time."

I've been going to the gym 3 times a week, trying to eat as healthy as I can, and reading books (currently re-reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo). I realize I can't make up for time lost but I can ensure I'll at least have a healthy mind and body.

"And if it turns out it's over too fast, I'll make every last moment last."

Sometimes, it's moments we remember the rest of our lifetime.