welcome to my renaissance!
Let me introduce my passion for theatre as Minstrel, an iconic narrator of the musical Something Rotten! with an even more iconic outfit. Transforming this traditionally male role, I had so much fun playing with the character itself and truly making it into my own. This role and musical holds a special place in my heart, as it also lifted up the curtains of MY renaissance as well as England’s at the time. The two videos open each act of the show, and I’m just going to leave it at this:
what a way to open a musical!
girl power.
When your husband isn’t listening to you, don’t fret and just belt out your heart. That’s exactly what the number “Right Hand Man” from Something Rotten! captures: Bea Bottom appealing her strong will to buttress her husband’s career by resorting to… singing! This number heavily resonated with me, as the lyrics defy the norms at the time, battling prominent misogynistic misconceptions of stay-at-home wives. Bea is unequivocally a girl boss, and I absolutely adore her!
* Special thanks to Jehiel McCoy for performing this with me!
who loves, who LOOKS BACK, who tells the story
Hadestown explores various themes of love and loss through powerful storytelling. In “All I’ve Ever Known”, a number that depicts the love story between Orpheus and Eurydice, the two lovers express their feelings toward each other but also are bounded by systematic obstacles. Hadestown is one of my favorite musicals because it gave me a new perspective on storytelling. It asks the question of: why do we tell the same story again and again when we know the ending won’t change?
* Special thanks to Ridley McLeod for performing this with me!
scene from:
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time
An autistic teenager boy’s take on the British tube experience. I mean, the tube is overstimulating for most people (including myself), and this scene from the play captures Christopher’s raw character. As a person with synesthesia, I connected with Christopher through relationships with sound: we are both sensitive to it, and it subconsciously produces a physical reaction. I had a lot of fun exploring Christopher’s unique character, alongside playing two other characters (Mrs. Shears and Mrs. Gascoyne). On top of his character being originally male, I experimented with his explicit gestures, tone, and habits :)
the lady’s improving
You’re bound to discover, this book’s not her cover, so don’t make a move you’ll regret! This self-empowering yet humble story broadway star Dee Dee Allen tells seamlessly weaves inspiration and comedy together. No one is perfect, but if you’re improving, you’re doing the right thing. Amidst uncertainty, this number from The Prom never fails to stand up and keep going.
* Special thanks to Jehiel McCoy for performing this with me!