So I went to the Museum of Sex the other day...

...to do research for an upcoming role.  Seriously.

Last week, the Abingdon Theatre Company emailed to inquire about my availability and interest to participate in their Monday, June 18, 2012 "Highlights of the Benefit Challenge Series." They advised it would be for the role of "Steele" in Richard Pioreck's play SEAT OF POWER, to be directed by Michael Hardart. The script was attached to the email.

On the cast of characters page, I read:

RODERICK STEELE, curator of the Museum of Sex

Interest piqued.

And then I read the play. Funny. And naughty. (Two of my favorite things.)

I quickly replied: "I'm in. Thanks!"

...

Fast-forward to the business at hand: figuring out Steele's WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, and HOW. During this work, one "issue" stood out: I knew NOTHING about the Museum of Sex (which they cleverly abbreviate on their website as "MoSex").

I mean, I knew MoSex existed (it is blocks from my day-job and I walk past it almost weekly), and I have always meant to check it out (admittedly, my hedonistic side was more interested than anything), but I never did.

But if I am to truthfully ground Steele in his given circumstances, one of which is that he is the curator of MoSex (CURATOR, not one who works in their store or coat check), I had to see MoSex for myself.

Experiencing this museum, with the goal of learning more about MoSex the facility, was quite fulfilling. The overall aesthetic is sleek and modern, and the exhibits are presented in a way that make them accessible to all guests - whether they be eighteen years of age or eighty, merely curious or possessing a sincere desire to learn more about human sexuality. MoSex is a bona fide museum, and its curator MUST take the work and its subject seriously. The curator must always be on the quest for more knowledge about human sexuality and have the vision to translate this knowledge into relevant, engaging exhibits for guests to enjoy... and learn from.

This field trip was worth the price of admission, and will definitely inform my choices as I play Roderick Steele.

...

If you would like to attend the "Highlights of the Benefit Challenge Series," click here for more information, including ticketing.

And if you have not been to MoSex, go. But first visit Museum of Sex's website for an overview, as well as museum admission discount offers.

...

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"WTF?!?" or "A Strategically-Timed Pic to Promote A MODEST SUGGESTION"

My next stage project, A MODEST SUGGESTION, runs through May 27, 2012 at The Studio Theatre at Theatre Row.

If you are trying to figure out what the f*ck is going on in this picture, you're just gonna have to come see the show.

Honestly... it is so worth it.

A Hairy Situation

Last month, I performed the role of a homeless person in Jackob G, Hofmann's TOWER OF TOYS as part of the 2011 Samuel French Off Off Broadway Short Play Festival.  The role required that I wear a beard (gulp!) and let the hair on my head grow back in (double gulp!). 

 

(Above: Me, and cast mates Victoria Vance (l.) and Jacqueline van Biene, in a tech rehearsal of TOWER OF TOYS.)

 

A few days before TOYS was to perform (it was a one-day performance and I had vowed to go back to my clean-shaven self immediately afterward), I had an audition for a Public Service Announcement. I went in... with "the hair." And I got a callback. The callback was a few days after the TOYS performance. All my folks in the business basically said that I must attend the callback with... "the hair." I did. And I was hired for the job.

(Above: Me and my "family" in holding on set of Sprout's KINDNESS COUNTS Public Service Announcement shoot.)

 

In the transportation vehicle that carried my "family" back to New York (our shoot was in New Jersey), I showed them an electronic version of my headshot stored on my iPhone, proudly stating, "I am going back to this look tomorrow!!!"

So, a few days pass... and I have yet to shave "the hair."

Actor-friend, Robin Madel, maybe a day or two later suggests that I take some character photos with "the hair," so I would have these optional "looks" as part of my portfolio. 

 

(Above: The "looks" with..."the hair.")

 

Time goes on. And I've since shaved and am back to my clean-shaven "office-friendly" self.

And now, this...

A few days ago, actor-friend Michael Valentine reaches out to me to advise that he's working on a "multi-ethnic version of Popeye" and that he was thinking that I would be great playing the role of Popeye's father, Pappy. He goes on to ask if I would be OK with his "comp-ing" a photo of me so I could see how I might look. Well, lo and behold...

(Above: Me as "Pappy.")

 

Aside from the fact that Michael is just amazing and his vision to even "see" me as this character is beyond awesome, it begs this question: Has the time come for me to change my brand to include a beard and/or hair on my head? I must say, I'm finding myself nowadays being considered for more opportunities with "the hair" than without it.

Hmm. A hairy situation, indeed.

Let the (Samuel French OOB Festival) games begin!

On July 18, 2011, I attended the Samuel French Off Off Broadway Short Play Festival Meet & Greet. With playwright Jackob G. Hofmann and actor Victoria Vance. Victoria and I will perform in Jackob's play TOWER OF TOYS on Saturday, July 23, 2011.

 

The OOB Festival logo, official poster, and placard displaying all of this year's plays.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Me, Victoria, and Jackob. (Jacqueline van Biene, our third cast member, had a prior engagment and could not attend this event... we missed you, Jax!)

Shot of me before the start of the evening's events.

And me... clowning.

Click here for additional TOWER OF TOYS info (including ticket ordering info). Hope to see you there!

Me, and my (5 o'clock) shadow....

russell.vlog.2.mov Watch on Posterous

To learn more about TOWER OF TOYS check out the July 2011 edition of Russell Mail.

It's not my fault! Blame the shirt!

A not so subtle hit as to the best musical nominee I'm rooting for. #TonyAwards