Friday, May 06, 2011

“Is this the end or the beginning?”

I've found myself reading more blogs lately... Granted it's probably because I sitting at a computer 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. But its nice to catch up... almost like catching up with some old friends, meeting new ones. Lots of insight, perspectives, thoughts, opinions, etc...

Amongst the myriad of things that are going on in my life, I wanted to start with a nice and easy post... I surprised Michelle on her birthday back in March, with tickets to AMERICAN IDIOT. I knew it had won a few awards and heard some great things about it. PLUS... I grew up in the Nirvana/Pearl Jam/Green Day era. So take my love of the theatrical stage, add a Green Day themed show... AWESOME. Not only was it a Green Day themed show, BUT, we were catching it on its closing weekend... WHICH for those that followed, was starring BILLIE JOE ARMSTRONG. He re-joined the cast for the last few months...



THE SHOW WAS SIIIIIICK!!! In the show I just worked on, RENT, my director spoke VERY highly of the show... in fact, so much so, she tried taking elements of American Idiot into the story lines of RENT. I only wish I had seen American Idiot BEFORE we performed RENT... but then again, if I did then perhaps I wouldn't have been able to see Billie Joe in the cast. So I'll take seeing the show post-RENT.

Maybe people relate this show to the 'RENT' of our generation. It's funny, I mean, you listen to American Idiot at face value, its a good album. But then you see some of the themes acted out on stage and it opens up a WHOLE new world. And it's a one way street... I can't just listen to American Idiot anymore. The songs have much deeper meaning. And for those that weren't able to see the broadway show, I challenge you to read some of the lyrics. I'm sure most critics would dismiss Green Day because of the punk, out-of-control type of rock feel... but its almost like a wake up call. I'm not going to go through the lyrics and break down what I feel the song's meaning is... you can do that on your own. But, these guys have come a long way... and who would've thought such an album could've come from a bunch of punk rockers from the earlier 90s...



I snagged a few images online, but as you can see, the show is visually INTENSE. The limitless energy that each actor exhibits is amazing. I mean, these are Green Day songs... and if you ever say Billie Joe live, you can imagine that energy in almost EVERY song.

The day also including using an app on Michelle's phone to find featured restaurants all around NYC. Famous Food... an app that you CAN use online, but it's more meant for a mobile device. It finds your location and gives you all of the nearby restaurants that were featured on a food show. Man vs. Food, Triple D, Throwdown with Bobby Flay, Food Wars, The Best Thing I Ever Ate... its FANTASTIC. The day was full of donuts, walking around the city, stopping off at THE Life Cafe in NYC, featured in the show RENT, American Idiot, Sloppy Joes, Salted caramel shakes, Mini kobe beef burgers, rare beers, and ended with a concert performance by the Smith Street Stage Company's version of Jesus Christ Superstar. So proud to see my friends up there doing there thing... people including my sister Beth, very good friend Ruark, and others from college. The show was AWESOME... and I got to see it, not ONLY with my beautiful girlfriend, but my cousins Kate, Kelly and Sara came into the city too!!

And it was raining all day... but didn't even phase us. :)

Friday, November 13, 2009

You just tell me when you think you're ready...

Yeah it's been a while, blobby blob blob. October came and went... and here we are almost at the end of November. Believe it or not, I have been blogging - just more on the beer blog: BEER411. Check it out if you have a chance! To help gain a little momentum, I'm seeing if anyone out there would like to write a review of a beer that happens to spark your senses. Yeah, the idea of the blog itself came from my cousin Kate and me, but WE'RE FOR THE PEOPLE!! Haha... but seriously if there's something out there that you are curious about - we'd be happy to review it... or if you like to do your own "research" go for it and send in your results!

October was jam packed - Michelle finished up Wedding Singer at the Thomaston Opera House during the first weekend... 2nd weekend was the Monty Are I CD Release party in Providence... then she opened Rocky Horror for 3 weekends down at the Warner Theatre. My schedule was full of Weddings and Marching Band competitions. My good friend Lyndsey Ellis got married the first weekend up in Keene, NH... What a sight. Lyndsey husband, Christian is from South America so the festivities were FULL of culture. We had a great time and danced up a storm with the live band. You know, there are some people in your life where you retain a connection like none other. I honestly haven't been the best at keeping in touch with my friends that were at this wedding (including Lynds). But once I saw them, we all picked up where we last saw each other. We had so much fun it's hard to describe.

And for the last 4 weekends, I was immersed in the Wonderful World of Marching Bands. But after weeks of hard work... the kids can hang their hat two great accomplishments: USSBA Class V Open Connecticut State Champions & Second Place in Class V Open at the All States Championships in Allentown, PA. The season goes by so quickly every year... and I have to admit, this is the toughest class to see Graduate.

What's next... BEER411 has officially shifted to the WINTER SEASON!! Yeah, it's a little early, but that's what the stores are carrying now! Time to turn the pallet to the dark varieties out there. So be on the lookout - and if you want something reviewed or want to review something yourself, LET US KNOW!!!

As for shows... I'm still stuck in my rut. Work has to be my priority right now. But there are some GREAT shows coming up:










Forever Plaid
January 2010
Thomaston Opera House

The Full Monty
February 6, 2010-February 13, 2010
Warner Theatre

Glengarry Glen Ross
February 19, 2010-February 28, 2010
Thomaston Opera House (Studio)

They are a ways off... but definitely on the mind since auditions are being held this month. I'll get back on stage some day. Just have to wait this part out. The good news is that I hope to play trumpet in the pit orchestra of Full Monty. I definitely miss playing trumpet so this will give me a great outlet. The soundtrack is really big band sounding so I'm excited - hopefully it'll all work out.

As far as life goes - PRESTO as some of you know, is currently on the chopping block. She's been a great car - but it's time to get something with better gas mileage and I couldn't pass up this deal. She'll be around until the Monday of Thanksgiving - then she'll be someone else's. We've been through a lot of crazy times together! Sad to see her go... but she'll be great for whomever buys her!

TGIF!!! Have a great weekend everyone!!

Thursday, October 08, 2009

Happy Chucktober!!

So I have a Chuck Norris calendar at my desk at work... FULL of Chuck Norris'isms. One of our editors here has a book that has over 400 Chuck Norris myths and its absolutely hysterical. The other day when I listed one as my status on Facebook, people started listing THEIR favorites... here's a recap:

Chuck Norris doesn't wear a watch, he decides what time it is.
Chuck Norris counted to infinity - twice.
Chuck Norris destroyed the Periodic Table of Elements, because he only recognizes the element of SURPRISE.
Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups....he pushes the Earth down.
When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.
Superman has a pair of Chuck Norris pajamas.
Chuck Norris is the reason Waldo is hiding.
Chuck Norris slams revolving doors.
Chuck Norris carries a flashlight,...NOT becasuse he afraid of the dark. It is because the dark is AFRIAD of Chuck Norris.

Wedding Singer was a tremendous success... I know you are probably tired of hearing me say this but, Congrats to the cast and crew on an awesome show. Seeing everyone up on stage and behind the scenes makes me want to get on stage now more than ever. Now, that it's all done with, Michelle is focus on her next project... The Rocky Horror Show. This production is going up at the Warner Studio Theatre and from what I hear, it's going to be off the freakin' wall. I've seen parts of the movie... but something tells me that this will be like no show I've ever been at. Audience participation kits?? This could be nutty... and just yesterday, I got an email blast from the Cambridge House Brewery promoting their annual Halloween party. (FYI: The Cambridge House Brewery is NEXT DOOR to the theatre.) Let's see... Halloween Party at Cambridge 6p-12p... Rocky Horror Show at Midnight... oh nelly. The fixins for an AWESOME night.

Of course Marching Band is rolling along... luckily I missed out on the chaos that was last week. Tornado warnings... downpours... indoor competitions... fire alarms... it was like the freakin' Apocalypse from what I heard. Hopefully this week will be better... we have a BIG show coming up with our neighbors in Cheshire. Always a good time... only 4 competitions to go!!!

And the REASON I wasn't at last week's competition was because I had the pleasure of attending my dear friend Lyndsey's wedding up in Keene, NH. Her husband, Christian, is an awesome guy too. The wedding ceremony was moving to say the least as Lyndsey's dad gave his usual amazing sermons. However seeing that he was speaking on behalf of his own daughter made things that much more close to home. Needless to say, there wasn't a dry eye in the house when he was done. Then, the reception was a blast!! Live music... dancing... with a lot of the old crew. Great times had by all... Congrats Lyndsey and Christian!!

And as if there wasn't enough going on... tomorrow Michelle and I along with a few friends are off to our buddy's CD Release party up at the Lupos in Providence. These guys were actually one of the first things that Michelle and I found in common over a year ago. She was friend's with the drummer Justin at UHart, and I was good buddies with his twin brother Ryan up at UConn. Small world!! So, if you haven't already - download Monty Are I latest album Break Through The Silence on iTunes!!



Here's a little sneak preview of what's to come:

Friday, September 25, 2009

'Wedding Singer' shines at Opera House

Congrats to the Cast and Crew of THE WEDDING SINGER at the Thomaston Opera House on their 5 STAR REVIEW!!! In the wake of everything that is happening at the TOH this could not have come at a better time. While my gf Michelle has been at WS rehearsals, I have heard over and over how hard these guys were working, day in and day out. I thoroughly enjoyed the show when I saw it last week, and NOW the critics have spoken. All of their hard work has paid off and they have a 5 star review to hang their hats on. BRAVO!!!

If you are interested in going, please visit the Thomaston Opera House website or call the TOH Box Office at (860) 283-6250 (Hrs are Monday thru Saturday from 1:00pm until 6:00pm. Online* ticket sales are available 24 hours a day!)

Ohhh Nelly... did I mention that I love this time of year?! If not for the beer season, one HAS to get excited about local festivals... most importantly - THE BIG E!! Now, most people have been raised on going to this foodie fest since they were little. Me? Nope. Last year was the FIRST year I went... maybe I'm just trying to make up for lost time perhaps. But last week Michelle asked if I would mind using one of the comp days towards a mini one day vaca up at the Big E. I couldn't think of a better way to spend a day. Luckily this year, we decided to go during the middle of the week, as opposed to going @ Noon on Saturday; or ANY time during the weekend for that matter. If you don't time it right, you will spend hours... YES HOURS, in traffic. Mich and I went this past Tuesday and there were still TONS of people. She's been really busy with shows and classes... while I've been tied up with Marching Band on the weekends. It was definitely a nice way to spend the day. The food was just as we had imagined - AWESOME!! On the way to the Avenue of the States we split a corn dog. Then we hit up all the State Houses. For those that have never been, each house is themed after a particular eastern state: Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, & Maine. We had a lobster roll in the Maine house... then cheddar & otter creak beer in the Vermont house... then Kettle Corn in the New Hampshire house. Then it was off see the Farm animals... and the butter sculpture... then it was off to the Oktoberfest Beer Garden for brews and clam chowder in a bread bowl... after eating ALL day, we ended our day with........ Deep Fried Cheese Curds. (Hey, anything is good deep friend, right?) They were ok, but I don't think I need to get them again. :) Our friends Jim, Jim and Jess met up with us later on in the day and we just walked all over the place. If you have a free day and don't mind spending a little extra on food... the Big E is the place. They also have rides and attractions. I almost forgot about the Circus show that we saw... yeah - it's nuts. Get involved.

This weekend is full of more Wedding Singer... a fundraising walk for ALS Research in New Britian, a Marching Band competition, and potentially a BOS/NYY game on Sunday. HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

Thursday, September 03, 2009

Oh man... it's September already?!

Well, it's not necessarily a bad thing if you ask me. As I pointed in my last entry, I'm pretty darn excited for the Fall beer season. (Insert shameless plug here) My cousin Kate and I have talked back and forth about Octoberfest and Pumpkin Ales to the point where people were saying that we should start a blog. I present to you: beer411.blogspot.com. The idea behind it is to openly talk about the beers of the Fall season... which I've discovered are people MOSTEST FAVORITEST season. CHECK IT OUT!! First off we did a review on Shipyard's Pumpkinhead Ale. So perhaps we can "educate" the public on what micro brews are out their this season. Ahhh, who am I kidding... it's an excuse to try more BEER!!! Haha...

But this whole Summer to Fall signifies a lot more that just what we drink... CHANGE. I've been reading about my friend Ally who's changing her location. Moving from NYC back to CT. CHANGE. I've been catching up with my sister who's little boy (my godson) is starting 1st grade. CHANGE. Then there's me... what's going on with me? I don't know yet - but I'm feeling bored/excited/anxious/scared about life. My monetary situation is improving (something that we ALL need to CHANGE!)... and I'm, well, looking for a change. It's scary not knowing what's next - but exciting when you're sitting there in front of a blank canvas. Like the first day of elementary school when you see who's in your class. It's easy to get caught up and scared - especially me. Someone who needs security. But I'm going to think things through and make the right decision when the time comes!! CHANGE!!!

Nothing really planned for this Labor Day weekend. Michelle is crazy busy with her two shows that she's in. Oh, now I remember, I was going to include information on tickets for this entry. Ok... first up is THE WEDDING SINGER at the Thomaston Opera House. The show runs from September 19th-October 4th and is SURE to be a great show. For ticket information, check out ThomastonOperaHouse.org/ and click on PURCHASE TICKETS in the left hand column. ***Online reservations can only be accepted up until 5:00 pm on the day of performance. After that time please call the box office at 860.283.6250 for tickets.

THEN... right in time for Halloween, there's the cult classic, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW at the brand new Warner Studio Theatre. This is a GREAT theatre and will have PLENTY of interaction btw cast and audience members. AND, they're performing 3 MIDNIGHT SHOWS!!! The show runs October 19th-October 31st with midnight shows EVERY weekend. You can buy tickets online by visit WarnerTheatre.org at or call the box office at 860.489.7180.

Have a great Labor Day weekend everyone!!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

The Marching Band refused to Yield...

It's been a busy two weeks... The Marching Band season officially kicked off with Band Camp on August 12th. Joining the staff this year is our good buddy, Jared who up until a few months ago was out on the West Coast. He'll be lending a hand with the woodwind section... while all of the brass instructors came back in full force: Me, RJ, Graham, and Tom. It's such a weird season when you start in the Summer... and finish at the beginning of Winter! It goes by so quickly... This season we are performing THE KNIGHT (fitting since our school mascot is the Blue Knight!). Every year we always have so much potential... hopefully this year the kids will realize it. Not that they haven't in years past, but I can't tell you how frustrating it is to set your sights on a specific goal, then "settle" for something else. Unfortunately, we the instructors can only help... the kids have to be motivated to get the job done!

Other things to be excited about... Ahh yes. It's exciting to look at the date and still talk about Yankees Baseball. Last year we weren't so lucky. This year, the team looks solid (most of the time). Let's just hope they can stay in first for the remainder of the regular season. 6 Games in 1st is GREAT... but definitely not safe when both the Sox and Rays are playing good baseball.

ALSO, looking at the calendar, you HAVE to get excited about the beer season. While I love all beer seasons, the Fall/Autumn/Octoberfest season is by FAR my favorite. No, I don't want the summer to end either, but let's be honest, the idea of Fall beer gets you gitty. Michelle and I took at trip up to Maine a few weeks ago for Jack's birthday and stopped by the Shipyard Brewing Co. Home of the most excellent PUMPKINHEAD ALE!! At the time it hadn't come out yet... but I found a 6-pack at Southington Wine & Spirits last week. It's AWESOME!! And Shipyard also announced that it'll be releasing a new "Smashed Pumpkin Ale". I think it'll only come out in their big 22 oz bottles... but the description sounds awesome:

Smashed Pumpkin is a big-bodied beer with a light coppery orange color and pleasing aroma of pumpkin and nutmeg. The OG and final Alc./Vol. provide the structure and body. Pale Ale, Wheat and Light Munich Malts combine with the natural tannin in pumpkin and the delicate spiciness of Willamette and Hallertau Hops to balance the sweetness of the fruit. 1.088 OG, 9.00% Alc./Vol.

Another beer that I'm very excited to try is the new PROBST variety from Clipper City. These guys have put out a few great styles in the past: Loose Cannon, Holy Sheet, Uber Pils just to name a few. Of course I'm looking forward to other varieties from Sammy Adams, Thomas Hooker, Spatan, Dogfish... Man, let's just say that I'm glad that Aida was not a Fall show. See, when I was training for the role of Radames, I swore off ALL alcohol until AFTER the show. I went about 2-3 months with a drop. I don't know if I could do that in the Fall!!!

Ok, that's it for now... be on the lookout for some GREAT local Theatre coming up in the next month or so. Next update will include information on Wedding Singer, Rocky Horror and more!!!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

June 11th...
June 16th...
July 22nd...
August 19th...

Sooooo, I haven't been the most CONSISTENT blogger. But as of last night, I have a newly discovered motivator:

@ToeNee11 you'd better start updating your blog more frequently! I had no idea it existed but you're now linked to mine. No pressure!

My friend from back in the days of Trumpets, Marching Bands, High School, and Long live the Moose, Rick (the famous blogger of, Strangely Involuntary) left me that note above on Twitter last night. I always wonder if anyone actually read this blog... since my layout is somewhat homemade, I haven't been able to figure out how to get the cool widgets that other blogs might have. Especially the FOLLOWERS or COMMENTS section... if you check out one of the newer layouts, people can sign on directly ON the site so you can stay informed when a blogger posts a new entry. Then the blogger sees who is actually following their updates... But I don't have that on mine! AND, if you know Rick - the guy is one of the most connected individuals in this computer-based world. So, if HE's reading up on me... you KNOW other people may end up here as well!! He even added me to his list of LINKS directly on his site... oh boy.

Blogging is so weird. You can look at it several different ways... For people that don't understand, they'll ask...

So... it's like a journal? That you're posting online? Who reads it? You're just putting it out there for ANYONE to read? Huh... well, whatever works for you.

Ok, so blogging circa 1999 - there wasn't much. You had cool links and some pictures on your site. Now... hop in your little Back to the Future DeLorean, set it for 2009 and WHOA check it out. There's a WHOLE freakin' community out there!! Post movie reviews... album reviews... songs... movies... clips... slideshows... twitter... flickr... facebook... it's crazy. I hope I can keep up with all of the cool bells and whistles that are out there. But, back to my point (did I really have a point?)... Ah yes - WHY BLOG you ask? Because it lets us keep in touch with our friends... and reach out to people that you normally would never have met! And, get to know people on levels that you never thought possible!! I've been keeping up with friends that are getting married... having kids... training for ironman competitions... auditioning in the city... all sorts of things. And no, I don't blog because I think that my views and opinions are better than anyone elses. I like to share my thoughts and I guess that's where we all connect. Sharing parts of our lives with each other... via the interweb.

Crazy.