Just finished playing in my second of three pit bands this month, as John Burroughs High School’s hilarious production of Midsummer SoCal finished its three show run yesterday. As the title suggests, it’s a modern-day telling of Shakespeare’s classic set in Los Angeles. While it’s not a musical, director Guy Meyers decided to add some big musical numbers and transition music. Had a blast in that pit with a top-notch band made up of my good friends Andrew Orbison (MD/keys), Austin Farmer (drums), and Ian Felchlin (bass).
The week before, I had the privilege of filling in on guitar for closing weekend of Celebration Theatre’s hit production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical. I’d played the show back in April, and boy did it go out with a bang this month! Sold-out, extremely appreciative crowds every night for this truly stellar, touching, passionate production. It was a pleasure to be involved.
The day before I started back with Priscilla I had to catch a flight to LA from New York, following an incredibly rewarding week of shows and rehearsals with Selda and Derek. The show at the Cutting Room went great, and I wound up playing a last minute set at the West End the day I arrived. In between I got to reconnect with old friends, see Wayne Brady’s last show in Kinky Boots, and make music with some unbelievable singers and instrumentalists. Looking forward to heading back East in July to play for Zach Spound’s new show. Details to come soon.
In between all of this pit work I’ve found time to work on a few personal projects. Trent Mills and I put out a brief ukulele cover on Instagram of “You Sent Me Flying” by Amy Winehouse before starting a fruitful writing session. Everjohn Feliciano and I started preproduction on a video that should be coming out early next month, and later today Everjohn will be helping film a video with the fabulous Nicci Claspell and myself. I’m super excited to film this one. It’s gonna be a burner :) It’s great to be collaborating with so many awesome friends from last year’s production of Dogfight.
Oh, and the third and final pit of the month is Footloose at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. Rehearsals and performances are next week. Excited to dive into that music this week! Phew!!
