Gregory G. Allen's Blog, page 8

The American Transition

At 47 years old I've seen many transitions of new presidents in our country. As a child, I had an entire  folder on Jimmy Carter. I grew up during the Reagan administration and stepped out into the world as Clinton held office. There have been moments where my choice didn't win, yet I still respected the office and all that it entailed for our country. There were many that felt the junior senator from Chicago wasn't ready to take on the role and yet he was voted in twice and under his watch my own relationship - my very livelihood was given the same recognition and rights as others.
And then 2016 happened and everything we had known about the office of the president was turned upside down. A large portion of the country wanted change. That's nothing new. People always want change each time we have an election. Usually it means it goes back and forth between parties, but this was different because it was an outsider this time. He was going to drain the swamp of DC and change the rulebook. He started his transition and suddenly the things he said during his campaign seemed to go out the window. He started acting as president with foreign countries before he was ever sworn in. He wants people in Washington that don't even know how Washington or the White House works. There are numerous positions to be filled (over 4,000) to create a peaceful transition, yet many of those are still waiting to be filled. 
People say to wait and see. Give him a chance. Yet over and over the man who will be the oldest president ever continues to use social media to share lies and attacks showing a lack of character, respect for the office, and respect for the people of our country. However WE'RE the ones that people say are not respecting the office because of our feelings for him.
If you think the protests and marches are about our person not winning, you are simply not paying attention to the transition. I've been called a whiny liberal snowflake who is upset over Hillary Clinton not being president. In the words of the incoming president: WRONG. I am upset over the loss of our country. I think that makes me a patriot. My feelings over Trump have nothing to do with Hillary. They have everything to do with how the rest of the world is viewing the USA under these oddest of circumstances. My feelings are based on what the man says and does and how it goes against everything I feel America is built on. A sense of decency is an important attribute I want to see in a leader and I've never seen that in his man. If you think "Love Trumps Hate" was a slogan for another candidate, you don't see that aligning yourself with a hateful leader of another country shows a lack of love for the very country we live in. We are swearing in a man that will continue to build up his own company/brand using America as collateral. If you are closing your eyes to all of these things, that is on you. I respect those that are marching against someone who doesn't seem to understand the new job means country before self. 
This is different from any other transition I've seen in my life. I mourn the end of the era as Obama leaves office and takes with him the grace, dignity, and temperament needed to lead our country. He has shown this over and over the past few weeks. I even respect him for going through the motions he must go through on Friday to turn the power over, but that doesn't mean I need to watch it. The end of an era is often overused. In this case...I truly feel it. 
Thank you, Mr. Obama. I'm sure it's hard for you to know that as you leave, there are many that feel you take with you any sense of comfort we have as Americans. 
Now we wait and see.

Social Media: The Good, Bad, & Ugly

We all use social media for different reasons. Keep up with old friends. Share photos of that trip you just took. Group watch your favorite TV show. Sell a product. Talk about a film, book, album you are crowd-funding for ... so many reasons.
The other side of that is when it gets ugly. I will be the first to admit, I often fall into this category on twitter. Hate-watching a show and making snarky remarks. Being political. Being political. Being political. The past year has been rough and many days I swear I'm not going to make a political post, but then I check a certain person's tweet and I can't stay quiet.
I'm just regular Joe. I'm not running for office. I'm not a celebrity. Yet we often see those people held at very different standards when they get involved in tweet conversations. We've seen Broadway performers attacked for their views on the Hamilton/Mike Pence event. We've seen regular people lose jobs because of a tweet they have done/photo shared and social media grabs the pitchforks and goes after them.
I stand behind my tweets. Rarely will I remove a tweet (unless I did something in so much anger and I need to delete it). I've had many heated discussions with people of opposing views and yes, have had to block many, MANY people when they are simply trolling me and not truly debating. Fine. Believe what you believe.
However, even small indie artist have to be careful because you never know what someone may do. Oh sure, I've had bad reviews written about me that I know came from a place that had nothing to do with my product. But recently, I was accused of something that was simply not true. I had made a humorous/snarky tweet, someone replied that I was anti-military (when my tweet had nothing to do with our military) and next thing you know - this person is tweeting a photo of my tweet, their reply, and the cover of my book telling people to make it go viral as I'm some sort of anti-American. Attack me for what I say, totally fine: make up crap...not right.
It simply goes to show the underbelly of social media that has nothing to do with facts or what is right or wrong. People can say whatever they want (hence the fake news stories) and people will believe. Yes, there were people that retweeted this person without ever questioning anything about it. Without noticing I had tweeted that VERY day a photo of a military family's Christmas card and sending my thoughts to them. That I come from a military family where my dad, brother, sister-in-law and numerous uncles and cousins have all served. None of that matters on social media. In the long run, it doesn't matter to me either as I know the truth. But for a moment, I thought "wow - this is what it's like to be a celebrity and be attacked!" (Who knows, perhaps she gave me publicity to a parent that will actually WANT to buy my children's books when they realize this person completely jumped to a strange conclusion from my tweet and I hit a new parent market!)
So to my fellow indie artist friends - stay true to yourself. Use social media as you see fit. If you stand up for a certain subject, don't stay quiet. But be prepared that even we are not immune to the ugly side of social media.

Emotional & Beautiful Night at The Music Box

For the second time in six months, I was found at the incredible musical Dear Evan Hansen which moved from Off-Broadway to Broadway and opened this past Sunday at the Music Box Theater to rave reviews. Believe me, it deserves every rave that it gets. An original story. A kick-butt score. An amazing ensemble of performers. It has it all.
[image error] I first talked about the show when I saw it before, so I don't want to repeat myself too much. I do however need to praise the courage it takes for producers to bring a small scale show to Broadway. A show geared towards a younger crowd (and already embraced by them) that discusses themes they know: social media, feeling alone, trying to find your place in the world. The musical by Steven Leveson and Benj Pasek & Justin Paul goes beyond the old "after school specials" I would watch about these subjects. They take us inside that world with projections designed by Peter Nigrini that remind us how social media is a constant around us at all times; often making people feel even more alone while connecting others. 
[image error] The story has parts in it that one shouldn't give away in a review (much like Next To Normal also directed by Michael Grief who tackles family issues in this musical as well), so I don't want to share the synopsis. I tell people the show addresses the question that if you disappeared, would anyone care at all.
At the center of it all is a nerdy, anxious senior whose therapist has suggested he write letters to himself to have a good day. (Hence the title) I praised Ben Platt the last time I saw it and I have to say he's even better now. This young man is a gift to Broadway. His voice absolutely beautiful rather singing in falsetto or full-out. He LIVES Evan Hansen and every emotion that he goes through. Every tic, movement, delivery endears him to the audience and you want to take him in your arms and hold him. This time, I found myself looking at Ben Platt the actor (and not just Evan) wondering what his career will be as he ages and hoping he will never fully say goodbye to Broadway. I hope he sticks around a long time even though Hollywood will always want him as well.  He's just that good, but he deserves to be seen live...again and again.
[image error] Many of the cast have worked together at other incarnations of the show at Arena Stages in DC or Second Stage in NYC. (Most have been with the show since the beginning.) It is obvious they know each other so well in how they work off of each other. Rachel Bay Jones killed me even more as his mom that is struggling raising her kid alone and just trying to do the best that she can. Laura Dreyfuss as the object of his affection has a beautiful voice and incredible presence. Mike Faist stood out more to me this time for both his brooding AND humor (try and figure that one out). Jennifer Laura Thompson (who has played her share of teen roles in the past) as their mom knows how to display wealthy mom without making her a caricature. Will Roland and Kristolyn Lloyd gave me more dimension this time than the original comic relief I had thought they supplied off-Broadway.  [image error] I am really glad to see Michael Park back with the show (original dad at Arena Stages, but was in another Broadway show when this was off-Broadway). He is the dad everyone would want to have. His moment with Evan and the ball glove - incredible without going over the top. Subtlety is a great attribute for any performer to have and he uses it to his advantage (after an amazing career both on stage and TV).
[image error] I could go on and on about this show because I love it so much. It speaks to the geek buried deep inside of me that has spent a lifetime trying to fit in. In some way, we all do that no matter what our age is. Worried if we're making a difference, if we're making the right decisions - and here we see that from the kids to the adults...all wondering the same thing. Go see this show before people give away too much of the subject matter. Bring tissues. Cry if you want. Don't worry, you will be found. You are not alone.
 

O Captain! My Captain!

There are teachers in this world that teach and then there are those that you know are driven by a love and desire to shape minds, impart wisdom, and truly care.
When I saw the 1989 film "Dead Poets Society" I recognized professor John Keating because I was lucky enough to have several like him when I was in school. Teachers that thought outside the box in how they taught. That took extra time because they loved their students so much. I was drawn into Robin Williams' performance in that film along with all of the young men (many who went on to so many more films in their lives).  
Skip ahead to 2016 and Classic Stage Company, an off-Broadway theater in New York City, is producing a stage version of the show written for the stage by the film's screenwriter Tom Schulman and directed by the always smart John Doyle. I don't like to write about shows that are still in previews, but I'm breaking my rule because if you're in the NYC area - you need to be doing the lottery daily to see this show.
Jason Sudeikis & CastI didn't think it would be able to translate to the stage, but for me it was a perfect translation. I also spoke to patrons afterwards who had never seen the film and everything made perfect sense to them. And why shouldn't it under the careful watch of Mr. Doyle. A simple set. Immersive theater where the audience is part of the school. Clever lighting and sound. All thanks to Scott Pask, Japhy Weideman and Matt Stine. 
However I'm sure deciding to do this for the stage was a tough decision as people's minds would think of Robin Williams' beautiful performance in the film. I have to say - boy, did they find their captain with Jason Sudeikis. I didn't think of Mr. Williams ONCE while watching. Sudeikis has made the role his. He is witty, he knows how to play the drama, he is genuine (and so comfortable on stage in his NY stage debut), and you can tell he loves these boys. He is the entire package.
Robin Williams in FilmThe rest of the cast is just as wonderful. I love David Garrison in everything that I see. I'd never seen the rest of the cast, but I'm sure I will in the future. Zane Pais, Thomas Mann, Cody Kostro, Bubba Weiler, William Hichman, Yaron Lotan, Stephen Barker Turner and Francesca Carpanini are all incredible actors - giving their all and taking us to the time of 1959 that doesn't feel all that different from the 80s when I was in school.
Thank you to Classic Stage Company for producing this and sending me out with a lump in my throat. And thank you to those teachers I had that taught me to go against the grain and to just be ME! 

Theater, Books, and Squirrels!

It's been five years this week since the launch of my first novel in downtown Manhattan. Here I am again with the launch of my third children's book and the excitement is still just as grand. I love the feelings I get as I lead up to the big day a book comes out. The build-up to that moment when it's out there for the world to see. I've had many opening nights on stage and several book launches. The difference is the weird feeling from when a book is released, you're not totally sure when people are buying it or reading it. That's why I'm doubled thrilled to be launching Irving the Theater Nut! at the Drama Book Shop in NYC on the same day of the release. What a great way to share a book all about theater.
I love theater. It's been a part of my being since I was a child. I think since the moment I was on stage in kindergarten for the Christmas play, I was bitten by the performing bug. I can recall all the rehearsals as a child, the incredible friendships made during the process, and the letdowns when a show closed. For children that love theater like I always have, they can either embrace the term of theater-geek/nerd/nut or let it bother them. Hopefully this new children's book with amazing illustrations by the very talented Morgan Swofford will show kids that it's okay to be different. If you'd rather be at play practice than football practice - it's all good! Let your freak flag fly (to steal a phrase from Shrek!).
I'm lucky in my job as an arts center manager I've been able to see so many children experience that same joy I always have when I see the different groups rehearsing in the theater. There's no other thrill like it and one that theater people can bond on. It was at my current job two years ago when a squirrel got into the theater that I decided to write a story about a squirrel that wants to be a performer. He watches the children rehearsing and wishes he could do the same. There are many messages in the story about teamwork, following your dream and yes..even diversity as Gwen Ricks-Spencer pointed out in her Huffington Post article. These themes are not accompanied with a flashing neon sign, but definitely ones that parents and teachers can discuss when reading the book.
So here I am like an actor waiting in the wings until I walk out on the stage and the lights hit me. This time, it will be at a great bookstore where numerous theater people have shared their stories many times. I'm excited about Monday. I'm thrilled for those across the country to grab the book at an indie bookstore (ask for it!) or from their favorite online site (IndieBound Amazon BN.com). The time has come for little Irving to shine.

Simply Deplorable

I would definitely call this the worst election season that I can recall. Of course things have gotten bad in the past and friendships have been tested based on party lines, but it's much worse this time. Opposite sides simply yell back and forth at each other never hearing anything. The media has completely sold their souls to the rating devil and no one seems to truly care what the consequences will be for the country. I take that back - the patriots do. Of course the word ‘patriot’ seems to have been taken over by one part of the country and they believe only they can own it (I think it was bestowed on them by Bill O'Reilly). You're not allowed to think differently than God-fearing, Flag-waving, gun-toting people and still consider yourself one that loves the country. But I do. I love this land AND the people in it - the melting pot that is America. What upsets me the most is gone is the United part of the United States. The road we are currently going down (if polls are correct) will only make us more and more divided. As I type this, people will yell that Obama has divided us for 8 years – that he is to blame for the racial divide in our country - I strongly disagree with that statement. There is a man running now that has completely made it okay to believe you are a 'patriot' if you hate your neighbors. If you make fun of people that are different from you. That diversity is a bad thing. That you care about the nation by using the word 'nationalist' (which is someone who wants to be political independent from the country). That you can punch a 69 year old woman in the face at a rally simply because you disagree with her. Guess what: all of that IS Deplorable. The fact that many people are adopting that word and using it as their twitter handle simple shows how strong of a hold this twisted man has on many. They believe a man that lives in a golden penthouse can relate to them living on a farm. That's their guy. Are people truly that removed from reality that they think he is one of them? Oh sorry...I used the world reality: he is after all a reality TV star. And no matter what happens in this election, I look for him to build his loyal followers to create an entire network on TV where anything goes. I can say I’m just as guilty as I’ll tweet an inflammatory tweet which is met by disdain and jabs my way. I just get so upset that people don’t want to have the capacity to accept the diversity of our country; to make us united again. I'm so exhausted by this election. I'm tired of fighting with people on social media. I'm scared to death over what will happen if this 'outsider' gets into Washington and then America wakes up to what he truly is: a business man that will do whatever it takes to get a deal - even getting in bed with the enemy. (Just look at any of his properties to see where his products are made: clue, NOT in America.) But this is the savior to many people. And others simply hate Hillary so much and long for a change that they are getting behind him. But yes - deplorable is a great word as so much of what he stands for and what those that surround him, follow him, and believe in is truly the slime on the bottom of the boots of those that built this amazing country. He gets in, it all comes tumbling down.

You Gotta Believe

Have you ever been asked by a friend to attend something at the last minute and then be completely moved by what you witness? That's what happened to me Monday night at the Al Hirschfeld Theater when my friend Cathy asked me to go to the You Gotta Believe "Voices for the Voiceless" Stars for Foster Kids concert. That may seem like a mouthful, but it was actually 2 and half hours of utter joy and beauty.
You Gotta Believe is one of a few organizations in the U.S that has a mission to find families for young adults, teens, and pre-teens in the foster care system. Too often, children 'age out' of the foster care system, but this incredible group believes ALL children are adoptable and make it their mission to find homes for older 'kids' - some who are even college aged.
Alec Mapa & Stephanie MillsAnd those are the stories we heard tonight.
It was a star-studded event with Chita Rivera opening the evening as only she can, and yes there were Broadway, TV, film, sports personalities that flooded the stage and wowed the crowd with talent...I mean come on, Gloria Gaynor!  (Plus I simply want to follow Alec Mapa around and just laugh at everything he says.)
But it was the real stories that got to me. That was the reason for the night. The kids that came out and shared how they were adopted later in life after a rough road to their early lives. Adults who told how a certain child took their hearts and they knew they were meant to be a family. Joseph Tole who went through the foster system himself and then created his own family by adopting older children.  Rosie Perez sharing her absolutely moving story of her childhood living in a group home and singing the song "Home" from the Wiz to get herself through dark times. And then Stephanie Mills comes out and sings the song and there isn't a dry eye in the house.  
I've never been a parent, but I grew up in a family that was a foster family. I often wondered what happened to those kids in the 80s when they left our house. What became of them. I know what became of one of them because we adopted him and he is my little brother that I'm so proud of having served our country in two tours of duty overseas. For me, he was meant to be our family after coming into our lives at 2 years old (and stealing all of our hearts). But for those that are older, that think they will never know what it means to have that unconditional love and connection - I could cry again now typing this as I think back to those stories tonight. Rosie Perez
Check out this group or a group like it in your area. Mentor a child. Be a big brother or sister to someone younger than you. I never thought I wanted to be a dad, but boy I sure left there tonight wishing I had that capacity like those amazing people that stood and shared their stories. I'm lucky that I get to travel to schools and speak to kids and perhaps inspire something in them. Tonight, I was the one inspired and came home, went on their site to make a donation to this awesome group!
Thank you, Cathy, for thinking of me to invite. And a HUGE thank you to Seth & James for producing an incredible evening!! 

Three Years Later, But Made it to Kinky Boots

Kinky Boots opened on Broadway on April 4, 2013. Two weeks later I had tickets to see the hot new show, but my father-in-law passed that very day and I never tried to see it again. Sitting in the Al Hirschfeld Theatre last night, I realized what a connection this show is for fathers and sons. My dad and my father-in-law were both more accepting of their sons' choices and lives than the two main characters in this musical, but I still couldn't help but think of them both while watching the show.
Based on the 2005 British film, the musical written by Harvey Fierstein with a score by Cyndi Lauper is basically an old-fashioned feel good musical and won 6 Tony awards. Charlie Price must step into his father's shoes in a failing business (making shoes) and when he meets a drag queen decides to create boots for a niche market. It's about letting go of preconceived notions of others and being who you are. The writing team uses La Cage Aux Folles as a blueprint (also written by Mr. Fierstein) where the drag queen is not one you would see on RuPaul's Drag Race (that can cut you with their tongue), but instead one that the straight people attending the theater will champion for and fall in love with. (The married man next to me loved the show.) And  why should he not? There is a lot to love on that stage.
The show felt very fresh to me with a very full audience (for a Monday night) after running for three years. I'm thrilled that the producers realize the show is the star and you don't need stunt casting because Alan Mingo, Jr. (having played the role in Toronto) is absolutely brilliant as Lola. Too many times I've seen actors in drag give a nod & wink to the audience, but Mr. Mingo inhabits the character and lives his life in all of his glory. I saw him last at Paper Mill Playhouse in The Little Mermaid and the same fire and dynamic personality he had then shines through again.  He is stunning to watch on stage! 
Aaron C. Finley recently took over the role of Charlie Price and has a wonderful singing voice, shares lots of acting levels, and tackles the challenge of his arc head on...and masters the red boots too!
The entire cast is wonderful under Jerry Mitchell's direction and choreography. Stage 'bits' feel as real now as when they were first blocked. I must give a shout out to Haven Burton and Daniel Stewart Sherman for two well done characters (without making them caricatures) and to Devin Trey Campbell as young Lola who has the moves!!
There is a lot of heart on the stage in this musical and a message that we should all be reminded of now and again. We're in a political climate where diversity seems to be a bad word...thanks to the cast and crew of Kinky Boots for reminding us that it's something to be celebrated! 

Norbert and Girls, Girls, Girls

Some of the best concerts in New York City happen at Feinstein's/54 Below on 54th street. I've had many a great evening there, but never one where I wanted to run home and write about it.

Until tonight.
I am a huge fan of Norbert Leo Butz on stage. The man is an incredible singer, actor and puts his all into everything he does. (Hell, I saw Big Fish three times on Broadway because of him and then had the honor of playing his role this past June in a New Jersey production of that show.) But seeing him in a different surrounding - in a concert setting - it's pure magic. Don't go to Feinstein's thinking you are going to be hearing showtunes because Butz gives us much more. Taking us on a journey of dealing with all the numerous women in his life (daughters, wife, ex wife, mother, mother-in-law, nieces) he uses Greek stories of goddesses to weave a story that is engaging, enlightening, and pure entertainment. 
And then he opens that mouth and shares that voice that can send chills down my spine. There is a rawness and a truth in his singing that truly makes him one of my favorite male singers in New York City. I told my friend this evening he could easily have had a career as a country, blues singer had he decided to go that route. Lucky for us, he shares all of those colors in his song choices. Ruby Don't Take Your Love to Town, Sunny Came Home, Come on Eileen, and oh yes...there is ONE showtune....Wig in A Box from Hedwig (not a standard for sure). 
Michael Moritz Jr. is the MD/pianist and he is incredible at his job as well (the entire band is top notch). The arrangements that Moritz does is truly wonderful. The man really is a a genius in his own right as a producer of several shows and projects. 
I could have stayed there for another hour tonight because it's just that entertaining. Butz is a performer who doesn't believe in giving 1/2 of anything. His entire body, heart, and soul are there on that stage and the sweat pours off of him showing just how hard he is working. And yet...he makes it feel effortless. From accompanying himself on the guitar to singing a moving ballad - he holds an audience in his hands. It's obvious why he's so beloved in New York. Television may have grabbed him up with Bloodline, but he's New York's son and we're lucky to have him as ours.
Do yourself a favor and get to 54th street to catch this show. It runs several nights until August 12th. (You can also grab the CD of the show from Broadway Records.) 

An Open Letter to Ivanka Trump

Dear Ivanka,
It is quite obvious how much you respect and admire your father. Children should look up to those that rear them. My father passed away in his late 50s, but he always instilled in me there was nothing I couldn't do if I put my mind to it. Having watched you for years, it's obvious you've been taught a similar thing from your dad. I remember seeing you years ago when you were younger at the movie theater in NYC holding tightly to your father for his support and protection. 
As we age, the roles often change with our parents and we step up in many different ways. I see your dad turns to you for so many decisions in his life (even when he was talking to celebrities and reality stars on TV). You were there in the fake board room giving your thoughts and concerns. You now do the same thing as your dad chose Mike Pence to add to his ticket and it seems he went with what you kids wanted versus going with his gut.
Only what is happening now isn't a studio set of a reality show. This is actual life and this is the largest job in our country. As a parent, don't you cringe when your dad says something that you'd hate for your child to repeat. That he allows bullying and bigoted rhetoric to be such a part of his campaign? Perhaps this was how he ran a business (and as someone who has been in business for years, I've dealt with many men like your dad), but being the leader of the free world it's not the same as working out deals with foreign countries to create a clothing line.
It's hard when I hear people discuss his negotiating skills in a board room and think that same skill set will work out for our country. It troubles me when his views on diversity center around the "lots and lots" of foreign people that work for him. As a New Yorker, how he can disregard the millions of Americans in the LGBT community is beyond me. But you - you're a younger generation. You have friends that cross political boundaries. You seem to have a level head on your shoulder. You can still love and respect your father, but call him out on his hateful bigotry. My dad was a great man, but I'm sure there were some that would have believed racism was flowing through his veins (even if it didn't seem to be something he would admit to). But that's the problem. There are millions of white Americans who harbor those feelings of bigotry, homophobia, racism and your dad has made it 'okay' to let those flags fly.
How I wish you could intervene with your father. Rein him in and get him on a track that would be good for ALL Americans. It's sad to think the legacy of what many believed to be a great entrepreneur will be replaced with a man that could destroy the very fabric of America and be compared to some of the worst leaders in world history. But he's your dad. You're proud. And that is truly sad.