The Wiz is like a barometer. When the weather changes it manifests itself in a physical form and not a pleasant one. Sure enough, mid way through the show that feeling was there and better than the national weather service it was noticeably colder when we left the theater. So…. The Wiz report will be abbreviated by me tonight. The Wiz will be back in form tomorrow as soon as the weather completely settles down. Rest and get well Wiz. How does anyone know when to call the stick horse cue but you?
The Wiz report (By Jay Johnson): It was a fabulous show and Jay was funny, touching and clever. How does he do it night after night? He must be either possessed or insane.
Although a clue was given neither the Wiz nor Joe the electrician won the Monkey song contest tonight. I have not heard if "the other one" got it right. The clue was Broadway musicals…. The monkey song was. “Tomorrow” from Annie. Chalk one more for the monkey. Joe said that was reaching. Are you kidding me? Annie ran for a very long time on Broadway. If you can’t play the game don’t put your money down, kids.
On a personal note, tonight was a very tough show for me. I learned that a very good friend of mine passed away. He was my high school buddy. Great guy who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February, it took him very quickly. Between the Boston run of this show and Broadway I flew to Dallas to see him. We both knew it would probably be the last time we would get to be together. We laughed and relived some great experiences until it was time for me to go. Friends like that are hard to find and even harder to keep. Larry Imes this show was for you tonight. I know you saw it. I knew you were there. Be free now buddy.
As you were,
Jay
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Ask the Ventriloquist:
Here is a question I got today, and I think it is very interesting. I hope Kathy doesn't mind that I share it with the TAO group.
"My sister and I were wondering why so many famous ventriloquists' puppets seem to be of Irish descent, i.e. Charlie McCarthy, Jerry Mahoney and Art Sieving's Harry O'Shea. Their human partners don't seem to be Irish themselves...
Thank you,
Kathy Zogbi & Marina Zogbi"
Kathy,
You are right. There is also Danny O'Day, Jimmy Nelson's partner. I don't know why that is except Edgar Bergen, being the first, patterned Charlie McCarthy after an Irish newspaper boy he saw on the street. I guess we all want to follow the lead of the master.
Bob's last name is Campbell, which is the name they gave him on Soap. I guess that would be Scottish. He is actually made out of Hollywood (bad joke intended) so I guess he is really Californian.
Thanks for the question,
As you were,
Jay
Here is a question I got today, and I think it is very interesting. I hope Kathy doesn't mind that I share it with the TAO group.
"My sister and I were wondering why so many famous ventriloquists' puppets seem to be of Irish descent, i.e. Charlie McCarthy, Jerry Mahoney and Art Sieving's Harry O'Shea. Their human partners don't seem to be Irish themselves...
Thank you,
Kathy Zogbi & Marina Zogbi"
Kathy,
You are right. There is also Danny O'Day, Jimmy Nelson's partner. I don't know why that is except Edgar Bergen, being the first, patterned Charlie McCarthy after an Irish newspaper boy he saw on the street. I guess we all want to follow the lead of the master.
Bob's last name is Campbell, which is the name they gave him on Soap. I guess that would be Scottish. He is actually made out of Hollywood (bad joke intended) so I guess he is really Californian.
Thanks for the question,
As you were,
Jay
The Wiz report for Wednesday
I'm sorry that this is a bit delayed - I hope you'll forgive me!
What a terrific show we had last night! Our dear friend John Ivy (you may have read some of his responses to this blog) who was our sound engineer at the Atlantic, was there. He has a terrific laugh, and I could hear his laughter throughout. It was great to hear him enjoying the show as much now as he did a few years ago.
Last night's show was a bit different for me. I have begun the process of training a "sub" (for lack of a better term) for myself. Most other Broadway shows have two and three stage managers. We have one. It's always a good idea to have more than person who knows the show. You never know what can happen. As we're going through the show, I am explaining the cues that I am calling. What do I look for? What monitor do I look at?, etc, and found myself continually saying "I don't know where to tell you to call it - I just feel it." I was thinking about that last night (and again this morning). It really is a testament to the fact that this is living, breathing theatre. It changes nightly and every night is a different ride - and it's as exciting and thrilling as the giant roller coaster.
The score of "name that monkey song" is now: monkey 7 / Wiz 1. How am I supposed to win when the song is "Great Gates of Kiev"?
Until the next one,
Wiz
I'm sorry that this is a bit delayed - I hope you'll forgive me!
What a terrific show we had last night! Our dear friend John Ivy (you may have read some of his responses to this blog) who was our sound engineer at the Atlantic, was there. He has a terrific laugh, and I could hear his laughter throughout. It was great to hear him enjoying the show as much now as he did a few years ago.
Last night's show was a bit different for me. I have begun the process of training a "sub" (for lack of a better term) for myself. Most other Broadway shows have two and three stage managers. We have one. It's always a good idea to have more than person who knows the show. You never know what can happen. As we're going through the show, I am explaining the cues that I am calling. What do I look for? What monitor do I look at?, etc, and found myself continually saying "I don't know where to tell you to call it - I just feel it." I was thinking about that last night (and again this morning). It really is a testament to the fact that this is living, breathing theatre. It changes nightly and every night is a different ride - and it's as exciting and thrilling as the giant roller coaster.
The score of "name that monkey song" is now: monkey 7 / Wiz 1. How am I supposed to win when the song is "Great Gates of Kiev"?
Until the next one,
Wiz
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Here is a shout out to all you TAO (Two and Only) blog readers. Thank you for reading. The Two and Only is a very exhausting show to do. There is the emotional roller coaster I take every night talking about my friend and mentor Art Sieving. The story of receiving Harry O’Shea has always been an exposed emotion in my life. There were times in the early run of this show that I could not get through the telling with out tears.
Comedy is also a very precise explosion. It requires razor thin timing to get the proper results every time. There are no retakes in live theater so there is never any time to rest between laughs or to revamp and reset the fuse. We don’t have an intermission so once I step onto the stage it is a marathon sprint to the finish.
Then there is the ventriloquism aspect of my show. It would be great to have fellow actors on stage to carry some of the show, but there really isn’t any rest for me when my partners are getting laughs. Most of the time I am working hard to make it seem like I am not working.
All of this to say, my job requires me to wind my inter clock very tightly for that moment when the stage lights go up. That clock is wound much tighter than can be unwound in just the time I am on stage. Like a scuba diver you can’t surface too fast or you will hurt yourself. So after a show I am slowly coming back to the real world in shallow increments.
Writing this blog is absolutely the best way to decelerate so I can sleep and start the process all over again the next day. The fact that you are reading it and absorbing it makes that process a lot less lonely.
It was another great night and unique experience. Our first talk back. Thanks to all who came and stayed and asked such wonderful questions. It helps me share more of my unusual art form with people who are interested.
As your were,
Jay
Comedy is also a very precise explosion. It requires razor thin timing to get the proper results every time. There are no retakes in live theater so there is never any time to rest between laughs or to revamp and reset the fuse. We don’t have an intermission so once I step onto the stage it is a marathon sprint to the finish.
Then there is the ventriloquism aspect of my show. It would be great to have fellow actors on stage to carry some of the show, but there really isn’t any rest for me when my partners are getting laughs. Most of the time I am working hard to make it seem like I am not working.
All of this to say, my job requires me to wind my inter clock very tightly for that moment when the stage lights go up. That clock is wound much tighter than can be unwound in just the time I am on stage. Like a scuba diver you can’t surface too fast or you will hurt yourself. So after a show I am slowly coming back to the real world in shallow increments.
Writing this blog is absolutely the best way to decelerate so I can sleep and start the process all over again the next day. The fact that you are reading it and absorbing it makes that process a lot less lonely.
It was another great night and unique experience. Our first talk back. Thanks to all who came and stayed and asked such wonderful questions. It helps me share more of my unusual art form with people who are interested.
As your were,
Jay
Here is a strange perspective. It is nine-twenty in the morning; I am sitting in my New York apartment watching the Today show. Meredith just said, “Thanks to Jay Johnson and Bob for being here.” I live two blocks away from 30 Rock, where they do the Today show. I was on at eight-thirty, I did my spot with Meredith and Matt, talked to Al Roker in the hallway for a while about his Jerry Mahoney puppet, and walked home. Now I am watching the very show I was just on. This is only possible in New York City. Even at this point it feels like a dream rather than an event that just happened. I’m not even sure what we did or said.
Okay so the surrealism continues. My Mom and Dad just called, the Today show is delayed an hour for the Central time zone. They just saw me, I told them it would be live and they thought I would still be at the studio.
Richard and Rick the O and M publicity dream team were at the studio with me, as were Murphy and Paul. It was more like a party than a gig. It was great fun. Richard and Rick said they read the blog about the ghost in the window and got chills reading it. I think once you have seen the theater and have been there for more than fifteen minutes it is not hard to believe in ghosts.
Here is hoping the box office phone is ringing off the wall with Today show fans. We are the little show that could.
As you were,
Jay
Okay so the surrealism continues. My Mom and Dad just called, the Today show is delayed an hour for the Central time zone. They just saw me, I told them it would be live and they thought I would still be at the studio.
Richard and Rick the O and M publicity dream team were at the studio with me, as were Murphy and Paul. It was more like a party than a gig. It was great fun. Richard and Rick said they read the blog about the ghost in the window and got chills reading it. I think once you have seen the theater and have been there for more than fifteen minutes it is not hard to believe in ghosts.
Here is hoping the box office phone is ringing off the wall with Today show fans. We are the little show that could.
As you were,
Jay
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
The Wiz report for Tuesday
It's always great to come back after a day off. We're rested, we're re-juvenated, and we're ready for another exciting week.
When I say "we" I generally refer to Jay and myself. However, this time I need to add Bob to the "we". He must have had a very restful day off, as he was a little feisty tonight. At one point, Bob must have been slipping off of Jay's knee. (I say "must have" because from my location in the wing I have a side view of the stage and can see Jay, but not Bob.) So anyway, Bob must have been slipping and Jay re-adjusted him, at which point Bob yells "Don't touch me there!" Jay asked him if he wanted to fall, and Bob replied "Yes, if that's the option. You're not Michael Jackson!" I'm sure the audience could hear me laugh. Later in the routine, Bob got so excited about a better trick than putting tape over his mouth, that he (Bob) started to hyperventilate a bit. That prompted Jay to tell him "take a deep breath". After a few deep breaths, they continued on with the routine. I had never seen them do this before.
And for those of you playing "name that monkey song" at home, the score is something like: Monkey 6/ Wiz 1. I'm getting beaten at my own game by a monkey. It doesn't seem quite fair to me. If you're at the show, and you're playing the game, please post a response and let me know how you did. I want to see if I'm the only person losing this badly.
Until the next one,
Wiz
It's always great to come back after a day off. We're rested, we're re-juvenated, and we're ready for another exciting week.
When I say "we" I generally refer to Jay and myself. However, this time I need to add Bob to the "we". He must have had a very restful day off, as he was a little feisty tonight. At one point, Bob must have been slipping off of Jay's knee. (I say "must have" because from my location in the wing I have a side view of the stage and can see Jay, but not Bob.) So anyway, Bob must have been slipping and Jay re-adjusted him, at which point Bob yells "Don't touch me there!" Jay asked him if he wanted to fall, and Bob replied "Yes, if that's the option. You're not Michael Jackson!" I'm sure the audience could hear me laugh. Later in the routine, Bob got so excited about a better trick than putting tape over his mouth, that he (Bob) started to hyperventilate a bit. That prompted Jay to tell him "take a deep breath". After a few deep breaths, they continued on with the routine. I had never seen them do this before.
And for those of you playing "name that monkey song" at home, the score is something like: Monkey 6/ Wiz 1. I'm getting beaten at my own game by a monkey. It doesn't seem quite fair to me. If you're at the show, and you're playing the game, please post a response and let me know how you did. I want to see if I'm the only person losing this badly.
Until the next one,
Wiz
Monday, October 09, 2006
I've been trying to write this ghost story but got distracted by life and other obligations.
A couple of nights ago, while on stage, I had an encounter. There are two windows, for want of a better description, on either side of the house, balcony level at the Helen Hayes. They are actually recessed alcoves where lighting pipes have been placed. Clifton has put a few lights in each one. I look toward the “window” stage right (house left) a lot during the show. That is where I look when I do the scene finding Judy’s Jerry Mahoney doll. I must stare at that place for a several minutes during that scene alone.
This particular night, as I was looking, a door opened behind the lights in the alcove. That perspective can’t be seen unless you are on stage looking that direction so no one could have seen it but me. This door opens and a white haired lady peeks in. At first she is confused but as she looks around she realizes that she is staring into the theater and a show is in progress. She quickly shuts the door. It was as if she came upon the door by mistake and opened it to see where it led. At least that is what I assumed had happened at the time. I did not get a great look at her because the lights are in my eyes and it happened quickly.
The next day or so I am sitting in the balcony (one of my favorite meditating spots) with the Wiz. I asked the Wiz if she knew what hallway the window connected to. The Wiz did not know. I checked out the balcony fire exit and there is an alarmed door that I could not open with out sounding the alarm. It looked like it might lead to the hall way and the window door. I didn’t think much more about it.
Sunday night I was talking to Doug the carpenter, who by the way is one of my new favorite people, and I asked if he knew about the door to the window. He told me there is no door up in the window, never has been. In fact they are just “set backs” for lights. To place lights in that alcove he says he has to get a ladder and access it from the audience.
Okay, I know what I saw. It was as real as any event in my life. It was neither spooky nor mystical, just a lady looking in the wrong door. And yes, based upon the color and style of the hair do it could have looked like the picture of Helen Hayes that hangs in the lobby. You believe what you want, I know what I saw.
Helen, I hope you liked the show, but please come back and see all of it. And thanks for letting me share your stage. I have not attempted to re-attach the nameplate to my dressing room door.
As you were,
Jay
A couple of nights ago, while on stage, I had an encounter. There are two windows, for want of a better description, on either side of the house, balcony level at the Helen Hayes. They are actually recessed alcoves where lighting pipes have been placed. Clifton has put a few lights in each one. I look toward the “window” stage right (house left) a lot during the show. That is where I look when I do the scene finding Judy’s Jerry Mahoney doll. I must stare at that place for a several minutes during that scene alone.
This particular night, as I was looking, a door opened behind the lights in the alcove. That perspective can’t be seen unless you are on stage looking that direction so no one could have seen it but me. This door opens and a white haired lady peeks in. At first she is confused but as she looks around she realizes that she is staring into the theater and a show is in progress. She quickly shuts the door. It was as if she came upon the door by mistake and opened it to see where it led. At least that is what I assumed had happened at the time. I did not get a great look at her because the lights are in my eyes and it happened quickly.
The next day or so I am sitting in the balcony (one of my favorite meditating spots) with the Wiz. I asked the Wiz if she knew what hallway the window connected to. The Wiz did not know. I checked out the balcony fire exit and there is an alarmed door that I could not open with out sounding the alarm. It looked like it might lead to the hall way and the window door. I didn’t think much more about it.
Sunday night I was talking to Doug the carpenter, who by the way is one of my new favorite people, and I asked if he knew about the door to the window. He told me there is no door up in the window, never has been. In fact they are just “set backs” for lights. To place lights in that alcove he says he has to get a ladder and access it from the audience.
Okay, I know what I saw. It was as real as any event in my life. It was neither spooky nor mystical, just a lady looking in the wrong door. And yes, based upon the color and style of the hair do it could have looked like the picture of Helen Hayes that hangs in the lobby. You believe what you want, I know what I saw.
Helen, I hope you liked the show, but please come back and see all of it. And thanks for letting me share your stage. I have not attempted to re-attach the nameplate to my dressing room door.
As you were,
Jay
When I started this blog I promised a look at a Broadway show from behind the curtain. Mostly I have been giving the view from on stage, which is fantastic. The show is working so well I could not be more proud. I can feel a connection to the audience that is electric. Everything that concerns the show is wonderful, except one thing. We are not selling enough tickets to break even. Don’t ask me why. It isn’t reviews, or publicity, or marketing or advertising. The team that runs this show is the best there is.
But you don’t need an MBA from Harvard to know a business does not survive long if it doesn’t pay for itself. Everyone believes in word of mouth, and we are sure that it can turn around given enough time. However, the cost of Broadway time is very expensive. There is some other show waiting to take over the stage and hoping we don’t make it so they can.
I never knew there would be so much negativity toward my chosen art form. I always thought New York audiences would be willing to try most anything. If they didn’t like it they wouldn’t come back and wouldn’t recommend it and then the show would close. We have had people come back four times during this run alone, that is an average of once a week. I have never heard of any one who wouldn’t recommend the show. New York just doesn’t seem to believe a show with ventriloquism in it has value. This from the town that embraced “I am my own wife” like they were there own sex slave?
Well, I believe and I will keep looking for other believers. I don’t think it is a case of this show not being ready for Broadway. Maybe the Broadway that keeps Mama Mia open for five years isn’t ready for this show.
All I can do is what Art Sieving told me to do, “The best show you can every time.” If you are planning to see this show. Come now. I know you will like it. I wish the producers would give a money back guarantee, that’s how much I believe. However, on the slim chance you don’t relate to my show, well, we start early and by the time we end you still have time to second act “The Lion King” across the street.
As you were,
Jay
But you don’t need an MBA from Harvard to know a business does not survive long if it doesn’t pay for itself. Everyone believes in word of mouth, and we are sure that it can turn around given enough time. However, the cost of Broadway time is very expensive. There is some other show waiting to take over the stage and hoping we don’t make it so they can.
I never knew there would be so much negativity toward my chosen art form. I always thought New York audiences would be willing to try most anything. If they didn’t like it they wouldn’t come back and wouldn’t recommend it and then the show would close. We have had people come back four times during this run alone, that is an average of once a week. I have never heard of any one who wouldn’t recommend the show. New York just doesn’t seem to believe a show with ventriloquism in it has value. This from the town that embraced “I am my own wife” like they were there own sex slave?
Well, I believe and I will keep looking for other believers. I don’t think it is a case of this show not being ready for Broadway. Maybe the Broadway that keeps Mama Mia open for five years isn’t ready for this show.
All I can do is what Art Sieving told me to do, “The best show you can every time.” If you are planning to see this show. Come now. I know you will like it. I wish the producers would give a money back guarantee, that’s how much I believe. However, on the slim chance you don’t relate to my show, well, we start early and by the time we end you still have time to second act “The Lion King” across the street.
As you were,
Jay
Sunday, October 08, 2006
If you go to the Two and Only main menu, click on “The Show” and then go to “History” you will find a wonderful story. It is accompanied by a picture of “The three and only”, Paul, Jay and Murphy. It is our story, but it only tells the genesis of the show. It can’t begin to tell the whole story.
Paul and Murphy, I alternately call my playmates, the other two, dream team, Frick and Frack and Trixie and Pinky, among other names. They are my directors, collaborators, producers, cheerleaders, hand holders, crying shoulder, spiritual support, spelling checker, protector and most importantly friends. Since I arrived in New York I have constantly been asked, “How does it feel to be on Broadway?” No matter what wonderful adjective I use to describe that feeling it can’t come close to the feeling of having friends like Murphy and Paul. They are more than friends, we are family.
When you come to my show at the Helen Hayes you will see something you will probably never see on Broadway again. You will see director/producers handing out fliers, talking to the crowd and promoting the show on the spot. By now most directors would have flown back to LA and be sipping vodka by the pool recounting the stories of an exciting New York opening night. But here they are, still working for the show. Of the hundreds of times I have performed The Two and Only in four cities they have been absent from the audience only a dozen times. Now that is a show business Broadway record, never to be matched.
I try to tell them how much this all means to me and how much they personally mean to me but I am running out of adjectives and ways to say it. So, do me a favor. Come to the show, afterwards find Murphy and Paul and tell them thanks. This show would not be here if not for them. Murphy and Paul will be easy to find, they will be the ones radiating joy and friendship while handing out fliers and smiles.
As you were,
Jay
Paul and Murphy, I alternately call my playmates, the other two, dream team, Frick and Frack and Trixie and Pinky, among other names. They are my directors, collaborators, producers, cheerleaders, hand holders, crying shoulder, spiritual support, spelling checker, protector and most importantly friends. Since I arrived in New York I have constantly been asked, “How does it feel to be on Broadway?” No matter what wonderful adjective I use to describe that feeling it can’t come close to the feeling of having friends like Murphy and Paul. They are more than friends, we are family.
When you come to my show at the Helen Hayes you will see something you will probably never see on Broadway again. You will see director/producers handing out fliers, talking to the crowd and promoting the show on the spot. By now most directors would have flown back to LA and be sipping vodka by the pool recounting the stories of an exciting New York opening night. But here they are, still working for the show. Of the hundreds of times I have performed The Two and Only in four cities they have been absent from the audience only a dozen times. Now that is a show business Broadway record, never to be matched.
I try to tell them how much this all means to me and how much they personally mean to me but I am running out of adjectives and ways to say it. So, do me a favor. Come to the show, afterwards find Murphy and Paul and tell them thanks. This show would not be here if not for them. Murphy and Paul will be easy to find, they will be the ones radiating joy and friendship while handing out fliers and smiles.
As you were,
Jay
Saturday, October 07, 2006
The Wiz report for Saturday.
If you've been reading our previous posts, you'll know that Jay and I have both written about "live audiences" and how a live audience makes each individual performance unique. Sometimes there are forces beyond anyone's control that make a particular performance special. Tonight it was a fly. I have, on occasion, seen a fly buzzing around the stage. They haven't bothered us, and we haven't bothered them...until now. We're having a great show tonight and Jay and Bob are in the middle of their routine and a fly buzzes right around Bob. Bob sees this fly and he and Jay both follow it with their eyes for a bit. The audience laughs and then Bob calls it a "Helen Hayes incarnate". Jay quickly tells Bob "Don't mess with the ghost." Later in the routine, in response to Jay and Bob switching voices, Jay says to Bob, "I told you not to mess with the fly", as if to say that the fly caused the voice mix-up.
We both believe in ghosts. We both believe in signs. You bet we're going to keep our eyes on this fly.
Until the next one,
Wiz
If you've been reading our previous posts, you'll know that Jay and I have both written about "live audiences" and how a live audience makes each individual performance unique. Sometimes there are forces beyond anyone's control that make a particular performance special. Tonight it was a fly. I have, on occasion, seen a fly buzzing around the stage. They haven't bothered us, and we haven't bothered them...until now. We're having a great show tonight and Jay and Bob are in the middle of their routine and a fly buzzes right around Bob. Bob sees this fly and he and Jay both follow it with their eyes for a bit. The audience laughs and then Bob calls it a "Helen Hayes incarnate". Jay quickly tells Bob "Don't mess with the ghost." Later in the routine, in response to Jay and Bob switching voices, Jay says to Bob, "I told you not to mess with the fly", as if to say that the fly caused the voice mix-up.
We both believe in ghosts. We both believe in signs. You bet we're going to keep our eyes on this fly.
Until the next one,
Wiz
Here is a quote from a fan who sent me an email via the web site. He complimented the show but also said:
“Along with the very friendly house staff (which is uncommon in most theatres) it made for a excellent night at the theatre.”
I am glad he said it, because it is true. The house staff at the Helen Hayes is exceptional. I was always taught that a performance begins the minute the audience walks into the theatre. Having such wonderful ushers helping people get to their seats, and excellent house management makes my job so much easier. The audience, because of the staff, is happy from the first moments of the show
Ladies and Gentlemen of the front of the house, if you are reading this, I thank you and salute you. This is not just a one-person show; we are all performing in this experience together. I could not be happier to share the stage and house with such consummate professionals.
By the way I love to see you in the Darwin shirts. Too much fun.
As you were,
Jay
“Along with the very friendly house staff (which is uncommon in most theatres) it made for a excellent night at the theatre.”
I am glad he said it, because it is true. The house staff at the Helen Hayes is exceptional. I was always taught that a performance begins the minute the audience walks into the theatre. Having such wonderful ushers helping people get to their seats, and excellent house management makes my job so much easier. The audience, because of the staff, is happy from the first moments of the show
Ladies and Gentlemen of the front of the house, if you are reading this, I thank you and salute you. This is not just a one-person show; we are all performing in this experience together. I could not be happier to share the stage and house with such consummate professionals.
By the way I love to see you in the Darwin shirts. Too much fun.
As you were,
Jay
Friday, October 06, 2006
The Wiz report for Thursday and Friday
Please accept my apologies for not posting anything after Thursday's show, but I needed to get some sleep to gear up for the weekend!
Thursday night's Darwin was one to "write home" about. As I'm sure you know, Darwin likes to yell at the crowd. He'll tell people to "shut up". He may make fun of the way they laugh. He may even threaten to jump on them. At this performance, there was a kid towards the front who started conversing with Darwin. Jay was explaining that the difference between a human and a monkey is that the human has an opposable thumb. So the kid in the audience started to actively demonstrate that he had an opposable thumb too. I wish I could have seen it. It must have been adorable. But "adorable" isn't always Darwin's style - he then tried to scare the kid by asking him if he's ever seen "those Chuckie Movies" and then screams like Chuckie. Here's a shout out to the kid who showed Darwin that he has an opposable thumb too. And for those of you keeping score at home: I did not win Thursday's "name that monkey song".
Friday night's show was quite lovely. It was a great audience and a lot of fun. Today I did win "name that monkey song." It was a little bit of the Can-Can that went into the theme song from the old tv show "Love That Bob". If they're going to try to stump me, they've got to try harder than that.
Until the next one,
Wiz
Please accept my apologies for not posting anything after Thursday's show, but I needed to get some sleep to gear up for the weekend!
Thursday night's Darwin was one to "write home" about. As I'm sure you know, Darwin likes to yell at the crowd. He'll tell people to "shut up". He may make fun of the way they laugh. He may even threaten to jump on them. At this performance, there was a kid towards the front who started conversing with Darwin. Jay was explaining that the difference between a human and a monkey is that the human has an opposable thumb. So the kid in the audience started to actively demonstrate that he had an opposable thumb too. I wish I could have seen it. It must have been adorable. But "adorable" isn't always Darwin's style - he then tried to scare the kid by asking him if he's ever seen "those Chuckie Movies" and then screams like Chuckie. Here's a shout out to the kid who showed Darwin that he has an opposable thumb too. And for those of you keeping score at home: I did not win Thursday's "name that monkey song".
Friday night's show was quite lovely. It was a great audience and a lot of fun. Today I did win "name that monkey song." It was a little bit of the Can-Can that went into the theme song from the old tv show "Love That Bob". If they're going to try to stump me, they've got to try harder than that.
Until the next one,
Wiz
Today I am coming back from an interview about 2:00 in the afternoon. I ask the driver to stop by the theater so I can pick up some clothes I left in my dressing room the day before. Le Miserable is going into the Broadhurst theater across the street from us. History Boys just closed. The Le Miserable trucks are three deep unloading the set and it is tough to get down 44th street.
I jumped out of the car to make a quick dash into the Helen Hayes when I hear…. “Hey… Jay.”
Sticking his head out of one of the trailers is Joe. Joe is a stagehand. I met Joe when I did Broadway on Broadway a few weeks ago. He was working that show as well. “How is it going? Are you having a good time?” He shouts.
“Could not be better”, I say and give him the thumbs up. He returns my thumbs with a big smile. It took all of ten seconds, but it made my day.
There you have it, the Broadway theater community. It is a very nice family. I feel like I just got a hug from George M. Cohen.
This is a great ride for anyone, but for a boy from Abernathy, Texas. Wow.
As you were,
Jay
I jumped out of the car to make a quick dash into the Helen Hayes when I hear…. “Hey… Jay.”
Sticking his head out of one of the trailers is Joe. Joe is a stagehand. I met Joe when I did Broadway on Broadway a few weeks ago. He was working that show as well. “How is it going? Are you having a good time?” He shouts.
“Could not be better”, I say and give him the thumbs up. He returns my thumbs with a big smile. It took all of ten seconds, but it made my day.
There you have it, the Broadway theater community. It is a very nice family. I feel like I just got a hug from George M. Cohen.
This is a great ride for anyone, but for a boy from Abernathy, Texas. Wow.
As you were,
Jay
I have done at least seven interviews this week as well as the shows at night. For the guy who brags he did 918 performances one summer, I really can’t admit that it is exhausting. Besides every bit adds up, and every interview has the potential of bringing in more audience. That really is the goal: To have as many people see this show as we can. You might think it would be easier to just film it, release it to HBO or some other mass media outlet in several venues at once. Well, that might work for some things but not this show.
This show is a live event. Immediacy, and intimacy are major characters in this play, and this art form. My art form was discovered thousands of years ago before there was any way to reproduce a performance. The magic happens in real time on stage one performance at a time. And I am willing to do it one show at a time for as long as it takes. There is no other way. It is "hand made", one of a kind, not mass produced. My mentor Art Sieving is probably the poster boy for that metaphor.
.
I am starting to use the term “converts”. I talk to so many people after the show that say they were not sure they wanted to see a show about ventriloquism. Or maybe they were dragged to the show by their spouse. Afterwards they tell me how moved, how informed or how much they laughed. They had an experience they did not expect.
I wish I could in some way take personal credit. But I am only the switch not the electricity. What a person feels when they see my show is created and owned only by them. How someone reacts to art is the power and beauty of art but it is not created by the art itself. Art is the catalyst, the switch. The emotional reaction is created by the observer’s imagination, and that is what makes it unique.
Appearing nightly at the Helen Hayes Theatre, your imagination. Come discover it.
As you were,
Jay
This show is a live event. Immediacy, and intimacy are major characters in this play, and this art form. My art form was discovered thousands of years ago before there was any way to reproduce a performance. The magic happens in real time on stage one performance at a time. And I am willing to do it one show at a time for as long as it takes. There is no other way. It is "hand made", one of a kind, not mass produced. My mentor Art Sieving is probably the poster boy for that metaphor.
.
I am starting to use the term “converts”. I talk to so many people after the show that say they were not sure they wanted to see a show about ventriloquism. Or maybe they were dragged to the show by their spouse. Afterwards they tell me how moved, how informed or how much they laughed. They had an experience they did not expect.
I wish I could in some way take personal credit. But I am only the switch not the electricity. What a person feels when they see my show is created and owned only by them. How someone reacts to art is the power and beauty of art but it is not created by the art itself. Art is the catalyst, the switch. The emotional reaction is created by the observer’s imagination, and that is what makes it unique.
Appearing nightly at the Helen Hayes Theatre, your imagination. Come discover it.
As you were,
Jay
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Something happened tonight. There is no way to quantify it and I'm not sure I can explain it nor am I sure this is the right forum to talk about it. It happened on stage at the end of my performance. During my final speech I really heard my self say, "Sometimes we just need to believe." Believe what, Jay? Believe in your art, believe in this show, believe that it is worthy to be seen, believe it will survive the economic needs of the "business" people? Yes, all of that. However, It is not enough just to say you believe, you have to actually believe.
Here is what I believe. I believe, if you are reading this you were drawn to it for a reason. I believe this is a word of mouth show, which is perfect for a ventriloquist show. I believe, if you have seen the show you know who you want to send to see it. You should tell them to see the show tomorrow. If you haven't seen this show you are in for an experience different from what you think it will be. You should see the show tomorrow. I believe that this is the right show at the right theater at the right time. Tomorrow night's show is going to be a unique experience. I believe it.
As you were,
Jay
Here is what I believe. I believe, if you are reading this you were drawn to it for a reason. I believe this is a word of mouth show, which is perfect for a ventriloquist show. I believe, if you have seen the show you know who you want to send to see it. You should tell them to see the show tomorrow. If you haven't seen this show you are in for an experience different from what you think it will be. You should see the show tomorrow. I believe that this is the right show at the right theater at the right time. Tomorrow night's show is going to be a unique experience. I believe it.
As you were,
Jay
The Wiz report for Wednesday
What an amazing crowd tonight! These audiences have been our best, responding from the time Jay steps on stage until the time he steps off. We're having so much fun just listening to them enjoy the show.
My personal favorite part of this evening was Darwin's routine. Toward the beginning of the routine, Darwin does a little jazz "scat" before he announces that he can talk. When we were at the Atlantic Theatre a couple of years ago, Jay started changing the scat a bit, just to shake things up a bit. This led to a game that we like to call "name that monkey song". It's a fairly easy game. Darwin does his scat and I try to guess what song it is. Suffice to say, I am not very good at this game, but it's fun and I enjoy playing. As time passed, the game became more challenging as I starting giving Jay categories from which he could choose a song. So we're in the middle of the show tonight, and imagine my surprise when Darwin does a different scat. I immediately start thinking of what song it could be, as it's not one of the songs that Jay usually does. I couldn't figure it out. At the end of the show Jay comes offstage and I asked him what song it was. Well I never would have guessed it, as it was a jazz riff that Jay made up. So there you have it - now you too can play "name that monkey song".
Until the next one,
Wiz
What an amazing crowd tonight! These audiences have been our best, responding from the time Jay steps on stage until the time he steps off. We're having so much fun just listening to them enjoy the show.
My personal favorite part of this evening was Darwin's routine. Toward the beginning of the routine, Darwin does a little jazz "scat" before he announces that he can talk. When we were at the Atlantic Theatre a couple of years ago, Jay started changing the scat a bit, just to shake things up a bit. This led to a game that we like to call "name that monkey song". It's a fairly easy game. Darwin does his scat and I try to guess what song it is. Suffice to say, I am not very good at this game, but it's fun and I enjoy playing. As time passed, the game became more challenging as I starting giving Jay categories from which he could choose a song. So we're in the middle of the show tonight, and imagine my surprise when Darwin does a different scat. I immediately start thinking of what song it could be, as it's not one of the songs that Jay usually does. I couldn't figure it out. At the end of the show Jay comes offstage and I asked him what song it was. Well I never would have guessed it, as it was a jazz riff that Jay made up. So there you have it - now you too can play "name that monkey song".
Until the next one,
Wiz
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
The Wiz report for Tuesday
I always love coming back after a day off. There's a certain excitement and energy to the evening. Tonight was no exception. We could tell from the murmurs in the audience before the show that this was going to be a good one.
Bob had me in hysterics tonight. I wouldn't be surprised if you could hear me laughing in the wings. Bob called Jay on a jumbled line, and they start a little improv. So I'm laughing, and I see Bob look over at me and say "Do it again, and I'll call a rehearsal." It was very funny!
Darwin also had me going tonight. He was really after the audience. I thought that he might just try and leap on that front row as he so often threatens to do. He also threatened to "walk" if Jay "touched his hiney" again. He always makes me laugh.
Until the next one,
Wiz
I always love coming back after a day off. There's a certain excitement and energy to the evening. Tonight was no exception. We could tell from the murmurs in the audience before the show that this was going to be a good one.
Bob had me in hysterics tonight. I wouldn't be surprised if you could hear me laughing in the wings. Bob called Jay on a jumbled line, and they start a little improv. So I'm laughing, and I see Bob look over at me and say "Do it again, and I'll call a rehearsal." It was very funny!
Darwin also had me going tonight. He was really after the audience. I thought that he might just try and leap on that front row as he so often threatens to do. He also threatened to "walk" if Jay "touched his hiney" again. He always makes me laugh.
Until the next one,
Wiz
Monday, October 02, 2006
Well I’m back after not posting for a couple of days. My family is in town and we have been enjoying New York.
The Wiz is keeping you up to date on the show. It is going well, even if Spaulding is trying to pad his part recently. It was a tough weekend for me physically. I have been nursing a cold all week, able to get through a show a day, but when we get to the “five show, three day weekend” it is more problematic. Roger the back stage wooden American wrangler said on Friday, “Well we are half way through the week”. It is true we do four shows from Tuesday to Friday and four more in the next two days before a day off. Sometimes I think I am back at Astroworld doing 5 a day.
This is not a complaint. Except for the fact I need to rest my voice today, I would be back on that stage tonight. I love doing this show. This is exactly what I thought it would be, thrilling, overwhelming, every minute I get to be on this stage doing this show is a blessing.
I’ve been trying to figure out how to describe the emotions I one feels on opening night. Remember the cartoons when a character has a decision to make; a little angel appears on his right shoulder and a little devil on his left and they begin to argue? Well it is sort of like that only they are not devils and angels but different departments of your brain. One department is responsible for the now, doing the opening night show. The other department is the historical record what you will remember later.
At any given moment while I was performing opening night the historic voice would say something like, “Listen to that reaction, this is something you never want to forget.” At the same time the now voice says, “ Don’t forget your next line, hurry up and don’t blow the timing.” One voice is saying savor the moment forever, and the other voice is saying move on before they start throwing things. I think the Wiz used the word surreal… that it was, and in some ways continues to be.
I am always amazed at the number of people that tell me they are reading his blog. Bless you. You are a member of a unique club. As a matter of fact as a special bonus for you bloggies, go to www.thetwoandonly.com/bonus and check it out.
As you were,
Jay
The Wiz is keeping you up to date on the show. It is going well, even if Spaulding is trying to pad his part recently. It was a tough weekend for me physically. I have been nursing a cold all week, able to get through a show a day, but when we get to the “five show, three day weekend” it is more problematic. Roger the back stage wooden American wrangler said on Friday, “Well we are half way through the week”. It is true we do four shows from Tuesday to Friday and four more in the next two days before a day off. Sometimes I think I am back at Astroworld doing 5 a day.
This is not a complaint. Except for the fact I need to rest my voice today, I would be back on that stage tonight. I love doing this show. This is exactly what I thought it would be, thrilling, overwhelming, every minute I get to be on this stage doing this show is a blessing.
I’ve been trying to figure out how to describe the emotions I one feels on opening night. Remember the cartoons when a character has a decision to make; a little angel appears on his right shoulder and a little devil on his left and they begin to argue? Well it is sort of like that only they are not devils and angels but different departments of your brain. One department is responsible for the now, doing the opening night show. The other department is the historical record what you will remember later.
At any given moment while I was performing opening night the historic voice would say something like, “Listen to that reaction, this is something you never want to forget.” At the same time the now voice says, “ Don’t forget your next line, hurry up and don’t blow the timing.” One voice is saying savor the moment forever, and the other voice is saying move on before they start throwing things. I think the Wiz used the word surreal… that it was, and in some ways continues to be.
I am always amazed at the number of people that tell me they are reading his blog. Bless you. You are a member of a unique club. As a matter of fact as a special bonus for you bloggies, go to www.thetwoandonly.com/bonus and check it out.
As you were,
Jay
Sunday, October 01, 2006
The Wiz report for Saturday.
There is nothing like a live audience. I love to hear their responses - both laughter and sniffles. It's the audience that makes each individual performance a unique one. Saturday's matinee is a prime example of that:
We get to Spaulding (who for reasons we don't quite understand works perfectly during our pre-show checks, yet fails during performances), and towards the end of the routine, we hear a younger voice say something. We couldn't really hear what he said, but it must have been funny as the audience laughed. Jay laughed with them, and at the end of the routine gave the Spaulding eyes to him.
We continue on with the show, and we get to Bob. At this point, Bob and Jay both have adhesive tape over their mouths, talking about the fact that Bob cannot be understood, when we hear our young friend say "I can't understand either one of you." Uproarious laughter. Now as you may know, Bob is not a very sweet guy. He asks the young man, "Who works your head?" and later on even tries to scare him by saying "Hey kid, have you ever seen those Chuckie movies?" (and he screams). Each time the audience burst into laughter. All of us enjoyed it immensely. Those of you there Saturday afternoon saw a very unique show.
Here's a shout out to our young friend. We hope you enjoyed the show, and thank you for making us laugh.
Until the next one,
Wiz
There is nothing like a live audience. I love to hear their responses - both laughter and sniffles. It's the audience that makes each individual performance a unique one. Saturday's matinee is a prime example of that:
We get to Spaulding (who for reasons we don't quite understand works perfectly during our pre-show checks, yet fails during performances), and towards the end of the routine, we hear a younger voice say something. We couldn't really hear what he said, but it must have been funny as the audience laughed. Jay laughed with them, and at the end of the routine gave the Spaulding eyes to him.
We continue on with the show, and we get to Bob. At this point, Bob and Jay both have adhesive tape over their mouths, talking about the fact that Bob cannot be understood, when we hear our young friend say "I can't understand either one of you." Uproarious laughter. Now as you may know, Bob is not a very sweet guy. He asks the young man, "Who works your head?" and later on even tries to scare him by saying "Hey kid, have you ever seen those Chuckie movies?" (and he screams). Each time the audience burst into laughter. All of us enjoyed it immensely. Those of you there Saturday afternoon saw a very unique show.
Here's a shout out to our young friend. We hope you enjoyed the show, and thank you for making us laugh.
Until the next one,
Wiz
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)