Next Stop: B'Way!

Parents and Children

noreply@blogger.com (Marcellis Cutler) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 19:55:00 +0000

I don't think that my parents will ever understand why my careers goals lies in musical theatre. Recently, I joked how my mother doesn't understand my need to dance. Today, I showed my father a piece of artwork I found at the mall. I was really excited for the purchase because it got it for 50% off, and also, it's a piece that I've been seeking out for quite sometime.

"Look what I got at the mall awhile back ago!" I said with great enthusiasm. My father simply replied, "why?" and followed to question my connections with the street. I was dumbfounded because, obviously, this man has no idea who is son is. I just stared incredulously not really really sure if he even new that Broadway was more than just a simple street.

I recently started a new job (the main reason I'm back home for the Summer) and as Carl, my new supervisor, interrogated me as supervisors often do on first days on my hopes, dream, goals, and aspirations, of course school came up. "What are you studying?" he asked. I replied, "theatre," to which he then smiled brightly and said, "So you want to go to Broadway, huh?" All I could do was smile. Of course I want to go to Broadway! Why does this man understand this, but my own parents cannot. I suppose I wouldn't be so miffed about it if they would just support my endeavours with blissful ignorance. As in, never understanding why I wand to perform, but backing my decision to do so 100%. Instead my mother thinks I should be an accountant (i.e. anything but a performer with an unsteady paycheck) and my father just wants me to have a degree and--more importantly--my own money.

I hope to prove them wrong, one day. And though I've sworn to never live for anyone else, I still retain the want due to progeny to please my parents.

Born to Boogie

noreply@blogger.com (Marcellis Cutler) — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 01:35:00 +0000

I absolutely can not wait to start dancing again! Yesterday, via Facebook of course, a friend of mine let me know that she would be teaching at a local studio. I haven't taken a dance class in about two months and I feel so out of shape. It's been longer than that since I've regularly taken a jazz dance class. I'm pumped!

When I moved back home for the summer, I told myself that I had to dance. Even if it meant dancing with five year old girls in tutus, I had to keep up my training. That proved to be rather difficult since many of the studios around here don't necessarily cater to people my age. And those that do are all busy with summer intensives. And, unfortunately, my pedestrian day job doesn't allow me the flexibility to take classes at the local college--where I first started my training not so long ago.

I'm really excited to pick up where I left of. It's and adult class with no level specified, but at least I'll have some sort of structure to my dance once again. I've seriously been itching to get back into the studio. (Seriously--I've been using my dresser as a barre.)

When I told my mother my excitement to be taking classes again, she wasn't as enthused.

Marcellis: This'll just add more to my already hectic schedule, but I don't care. I have to dance.

Mother: Why do you have to dance?

Marcellis: Because I do!

And that about sums up our relationship. Regardless, I'm happy to be doing something that I love again. I was born to boogie.

The Word of Your Body

noreply@blogger.com (Marcellis Cutler) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 04:26:00 +0000

I've been on a health kick recently. I'm doing cardio and strength straining five days a week and also being more conscious of what I put into my body. Thought no one can tell (apparently I hide it well), I've gained weight. Not a significant amount, just enough to where I know and it bothers me. Those five or seven pounds one generally gains from getting complacent and not being active. I've always been a health conscious person, but never extreme. I just think it's important to take care of your body. Especially as a performer!

I have some friends who don't really care what they look like. As long as they don't let themselves go too much and still maintain singability, they're good. But performing is so much more than that. I need to look my best and stay in shape. This is also important to me because I also dance. Losing my ability to dance is truly something that frightens me because I can't imagine my world without it. And with all the breath control it takes to be in musical theatre, I can't imagine why one wouldn't want to be in the best shape of their lives. (Despite what Miss Spears does, singing and dancing at the same time is difficult!)

So as a performer, you should listen to the word of your body. When it aches, it's time to rest. When it's telling you that you're putting toxins in your system, slow down. Also know that you may never have six pack abs, or toned arms, as long as your healthy and committed to staying that way, your body will thank you in its own way.

I Think I Can Play This Part

noreply@blogger.com (Marcellis Cutler) — Mon, 17 May 2010 01:08:00 +0000

Back in April, I traveled to Nashville, TN to audition at a Disney Channel and Disney XD open casting call. I have little interest in being on television, but the Disney Channel is a dream of mine that I've had ever seen The Mickey Mouse Club with Justin, Christina, JC, and Britney. So, when the opporutnity arrived to travel to some place somewhat near me to make my dreams come true, I jumped in a jeep with two friends and headed off on a six hour drive towards the home of the Grand Ole Opry!

The experience, however, was sobering. Normally, when I audition for something, I always walk out knowing I gave it my best. Even if I don't get cast, I know that I danced hard, and sang fiercely. Auditioning has never been an issue for me. But in Nashville, I realized that film auditions are so different. I was given a small side to read for a casting director, and before I could finish, I was cut off by the next person. Then, the casting director sent the eight of us in the room at the time on our way for the next set.

I was in shock. The CD didn't ask anything about me, didn't look at my headshot, and couldn't have been more uninterested in my application/resume. I hated the whole ordeal and afterwards, my two friends and I desperately tried to analyze what we had done wrong and what we could have done better. The answer is this: Nothing.

The fact of the matter is that the CD knew exactly what she wanted when she woke up that morning, and if the actors in that auditioning room didn't perfectly fit the image in her head, then it was a waste of time for everyone. Letting us even look at the side, much less, read it, was out of pure courtesy.

Well, being the avid Disney fan I am, I recognized the side as a scene from the new sitcom Good Luck, Charlie. And tonight, I saw that scene enacted in the episode "Butt Dialing Duncans." At first, I was really angry with myself. "Why couldn't I have read the side like that?" And then, I took a moment to reflect. The talented actress Bridgit Mendler had ample time to read the script, and a near unlimited amount of takes to perfect the scene. There's no reason why I should be comparing her performance to my cold reading.

I learned a lot of things with this audition. And though I don't have Hollywood dreams, I'm really glad I went on a film audition. Maybe I'll do so more. Just as a stepping stone to get to the Great White Way. ;)

Being Alive

noreply@blogger.com (Marcellis Cutler) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:07:00 +0000

I haven't updated in awhile. I've been so busy with school and trying to set a bunch of things up here in Orlando. I feel like, since moving here I lost a bit of myself. Over the Summer, I didn't dance at all, and although I was active, still managed to gain some weight. Moving didn't really help since I didn't know anyone and wasn't as physically active as I was before. Fortunately for me though, my apartment complex has a fitness center and I've been able to lose all they weight and gain back some definition that I've lost.

Phase one, completed. But what about jobs, headshots, theatre opportunities. Orlando has such a great theatre network, but unfortunately, I've yet to be a part of it. Most companies audition during the summer and here it is almost Fall. There's always Disney, but those auditions must be saved for when I feel that I actually have chance as you can only audition every six months. I'd had to frivolously audition for something I know I won't be able to get, and then something more reasonable come up and I'm not able to be considered.

Last week, I auditioned for a dance concert at Valencia. I did as well as I could, and actually was cast in quite a few pieces. So, now that'll be taking up my time. But now I'm wanting to sing. Not singing like I used to is just making me so frustrated. I'm not use to it, and I truly miss it.

Furthermore, I need to start thinking about auditions for BFA programs next semester. I really want to attend UCF and stay in Orlando, but I need to be reasonable and look at other schools in Florida (and maybe even outside Florida). It's odd doing it all by myself. Monologues, music, dance. Hopefully I can get a lot done this semester to where the beginning of 2010 will just be a light prep.

I'm tired of existing here, and ready to start being alive.

Now or Never

noreply@blogger.com (Marcellis Cutler) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 01:35:00 +0000

School started this week. It's weird going to classes only twice a week. What's even more stranger however, is not going to dance classes or voice lesson. I really need to get back into that. I can see my abs losing their definition, and my voice has been a bit scratchy lately. Quite possibly from not being exercised daily like it's used to.

To combat these issues I decided to audition for the musical here at Valencia Community College (the school where I'm doing my time until UCF accepts me). Tonight there was a workshop where everyone interested in auditioning could sing their pieces. I went in there--barely prepared--singing to audition standards for me: "Being Alive" from Company and "All I Need is the Girl" from Gypsy. My uptempo song went well, but I think I performed the song too much instead of singing it straight for feedback (a habit that I need to break). The Sondheim ballad was awful the first time though. Sixteen bars of straight pitchiness. I'm blaming the fact that I cut it at awkward spot and because I haven't sang it in months (since February).

The workshop was a lesson learned, and I'm sure I'll be better prepared come Tuesday when the auditions are actually held. And also less nervous. Imagine this: Walking into a Blackbox theater where four pale and scrawny boys eagerly talk about their favorite shows, their books, and laugh raucously at inside jokes created during previous shows working together. You're the new guy and the only person of color (for the time being) who's just come to a new school. Nervous was I? Not exactly. Uncomfortable would be a better term. It eased up though once I sat on the opposite end of the room from everyone else and precariously the room segregated itself by color and newbs versus those who have been there before.

I get it--I do! I've been on the opposite side of the fence before. But I also usually try to extend friendship to people new in whatever theatre department I'm in. I just felt awkward and as if I didn't matter too much. Of course, I know that's new true, but my feelings still have merit.

I wanted to join this musical because I need something to do, and I want to be surrounding by people who share the same interest as me. Unfortuantley however, I don't think I'll be satisfied here at Valencia. Especially when I have a Tuesday night class that conflicts with rehearsal time. I'm just gonna go in on Tuesday, blow them away, and leave him beggin' for me.

Playbill News: A Song Like That: Collaborators Reconsider Spanish Lyrics in West Side Story

noreply@blogger.com (Marcellis Cutler) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:12:00 +0000

I recently read that the revival of West Side Story (now on Broadway) is switching it's bilinugal script, back to its original words. This is dissapointing to me. I loved the idea of the Puerto Ricans actually speaking their native language. And I certainly obsessed over Karen Olivo rendition of a Un Hombre Asi (A Boy Like That). Even though I never saw the show, I can still imagine how great it must have beeen to hear such a thing. If ever this show gets a tour, I hope that they add the Spanish back into the script.

Playbill News: A Song Like That: Collaborators Reconsider Spanish Lyrics in West Side Story

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I'm Here

noreply@blogger.com (Marcellis Cutler) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:32:00 +0000

I made it to Orlando! I'm here, and I'm lovin' this city. My apartment, is alright, too. My roommates however, not so much. I got here and the place was a pigsty. I wasn't happy, and my parents were absolutely pissed.

Saturday, I spent the day unpacking and grabbing last minute things...also hiding out in my room watching HSM until one of my roommates knocked on the door. I guess it had to happen sometime, but why did he have to interrupt HSM?!?

Today's Monday, and I've hit the ground running looking for a job. School doesn't start until next Tuesday so I'm taking this week to do all the things that I want to do. By the way, I've lost my phone which is absolutely disgraceful! I'm seriously dying on the inside. :(

This post is sporadic, and comes a bit late, but there's just so much to do! I'm excited and I can't wait to blog about further adventures in O-Town!

I Know It's Today

noreply@blogger.com (Marcellis Cutler) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:39:00 +0000

I'm just waiting for my big break on Broadway!

That's what my headliner says as of this post. I read over it recently and something struck me as odd. The word "waiting."

No great actor that there ever is or was simply waited for their opportunity to come forth. People like Norm Lewis, Meryl Streep, Audra McDonald, Oprah Winfrey, Gene Kelly, Sutton Foster, and Audrey Hepburn chased after their dreams. They did not wait to be discovered. I'm sure that they went after their dreams. Sure there were bumps in the road, but I know that they were proactive.

There's another interesting. "Proactive." I recently had a discussion with my friend Cristin about being proactive as an up and coming actor. We both go to a school where a lot of people are just waiting to be discovered. Cristin and I have come to the conclusion that there's isn't another school in our respective departments (her, acting, me musical theatre) that work as hard as we do at to achieving our goals. Why is this? Because we're proactive. Example: I'm taking this move to Orlando as a major opportunity in my life to get things done. Find theaters, work as a paid actor, find an agency, and all that jazz. I know it's not simple task, but it certainly isn't a daunting one either.

To conclude, I'm going to change the tagline of my blog. No longer will I be "waiting for my break on Broadway." From now on, I'll be "proactively pursuing my dreams to Broadway."

Disney's The Princess and the Frog

noreply@blogger.com (Marcellis Cutler) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 17:18:00 +0000

It seems that people are up in arms over this whole "Black Princess" thing. Not just that, but the fact the in the world that Disney has created, segregation doesn't exist. Furthermore, instead of giving Princess Tiana a counterpart Black prince, he his Hispanic. I suppose that it's time for me to sound off on this issue now.

As a Black performer I know what it's like to look at screen and stage actors and rarely see people who represent you. Movies are especially bad about doing this, but the stage has always been accommodating to portraying it characters of color, though infrequently. I'm so glad the Disney went with this storyline and set it up the way that they did. Frankly, I think this princess is long overdo!

Disney had some problems at the beginning of this production with the princess' name which was originally "Maddy." Some said that it was a slave name and not fitting of a Disney princess. So the name was changed to Tiana. Problem solved, right? No, wrong. Once the title of the movie was released, "The Frog Princess," it became a problem as the named seemed to imply that Princess Tiana was froglike. (Dare I mention the plot of the film has Princess Tiana turned into a frog?) Soon after, the name was changed to The Princess and the Frog.

That should have been the last of the problem but it wasn't. Of course, you'll never gonna be able to please everyone--especially when African American people are prominently being displayed. So the naysayers came up with yet another fuss saying that the characters are stereotypical and the questioning the Black villain. The film does take place in New Orleans--a predominately Black area. And New Orleans has a very distinctive culture. I think that its denizens will be very proud of of how they're world is depicted.

Which leads me to the world of the film. Imagine a New Orleans in the Jazz Age where there is no segregation and that is even more culturally diverse than what we know today. Idealistic? Of course it's idealistic--it's Disney! Furthermore, this culturally diverse land has allowed for a Hispanic prince. I think that Hispanics get discriminated against just as much as anyone else in this country and have been struggling their own civil rights war in the States underground. Not only is The Princess and the Frog a great milestone for African Americans, but for the Hispanic community as well.

I'm so excited to see this film come holiday season and can guarantee you that I won't be disappointed. Despite all the controversy surrounding the movie, Disney will prevail. I was brought up on the magic of Disney, so what else am I to believe?

Orlando Bound

noreply@blogger.com (Marcellis Cutler) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:09:00 +0000

In one week, I'll be in Orlando. I'll be getting ready to move into my new apartment. I'll be meeting new people. I'll be home. I'm so excited for this move and I need it more than anything right now in my life. I'm so excited for what new things are to come to me!

Disney's High School Musical

noreply@blogger.com (Marcellis Cutler) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 18:25:00 +0000

Children's theatre, I feel, is only for proud parents and the strong willed. I recently saw Disney's High School Musical at the Pensacola Little Theatre. The production was well done. An awesome set that greatly resembled the well-known East High School cafeteria, red and white costumes splattered with the EHS letters, and a cast of talented young singers. However, the acting was lacking from quite a few cast members and the two leads were just lackluster.

Not to say the show was bad by any means, it was simply a show put on for children by children. And that's okay. So Gabriella didn't quite know her motivation and Troy didn't seem the least bit attracted to her. Who cares of Sharpay only tactic was to yell each one of her lines eluding some of the funniest moments in the movie? It was an entertaining show for children. I certainly don't feel like my time was wasted because I knew what I was expecting of this production.

Call me heartless, but I've never been a fan of children's theatre. The young children, the lack of pitch, and uninspired dancing of it all was just never appealing to me. I can take things with a grain of salt, and I'm certainly in favor of instilling fine arts into children at a young age, but it doesn't mean I have to sit through an hour and a half of their finished products.

Dancing Through Life

noreply@blogger.com (Marcellis Cutler) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:06:00 +0000

I took my first dance class when I was a Junior in hugh school. It was a hip hop class at the Northwest Florida Ballet. My friend Brittany had told me to take it with her because it world be fun. So I did. After all, I love hip hop and love to dance. Combining the two seemed like a great reward.

Brittany ended up switching classes because her schedule conflicted with the night class, but I stayed in it despite always having soccer practice before. (Man, was I ever busy that year!) The class was interesting. My instructor, Miss Jazz, seemed to infuse more elements of jazz dance into the class than hip hop, but I liked it enough. Even if my best friend had abandoned me leaving with a bunch of middle schoolers. (Seriously, me and two girls were the oldest people enrolled in that class.)

It was my first dance class and it was certainly a memorable experience. The summer after graduation I took another dance class and actually excelled. I have a natural ability to move well and I think that taking that hip hop class also helped me. I'm not a trained clasical dancer who's ready to perform the works of Barishnakov by any means, but I'm good. And I'd like to get better.

I owe my greatest interest in dance to my instruction at Northwest Florida State College. Kelly Murdock and Joseph Taylor taught me so much and believed in some talents like no one else before. I find them so inspirational and hope to one day be, not just a great dancer, but a great performer as well. Then I can say, I'm here because Joe and Kelly believed in me.

The Who's Tommy

noreply@blogger.com (Marcellis Cutler) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 03:57:00 +0000

Everyone has their own musical preference, even when it comes to musicals. My high school drama teacher, for example, prefers to the harmonious melodies of the classic duo Rogers & Hammerstein. Although I can appreciate the excellence of The Sound of Music, Cinderella, and Show Boat, I much prefer to rawness of Stephen Sondheim. And sometimes, for whatever reason, there are just Broadway shows that just don't appeal to everyone. I have an extensive and somewhat surprising list. Spring Awakening, 1776, Wicked, The Music Man...I could probably go on. But sometimes there comes a show that's just so awful in my mind that I can't even appreciate it for its artistic creativity. One of those shows happens to be The Who's "rock-opera" Tommy.

After witnessing the accidental murder of his mother's lover by his father, Tommy is traumatized into catatonia, and as the boy grows, he suffers abuse at the hands of his sadistic relatives and neighbors. As an adolescent, heâ€™s discovered to have an uncanny knack for playing pinball, and when his mother finally breaks through his catatonia, he becomes an international pinball superstar.
- Broadway Musical Home

Often times I would see this movie on premium movie channels and my natural interest in theatre is what made me intrigued. If it weren't for that, I'd pay this musical no mind at all. I'm not a fan of rock music and didn't know of The Who before Judd Apatow's Freaks & Geeks and had never heard their music until CSI. However, while trying to get it credit, I'd never fully watch the film. I'd either start somewhere in the middle, or just couldn't understand the story through all the screeching.

Well, tonight I thought I would sit and watch Tommy from beginning to end on Ovation TV. I quickly got bored and found the storyline confusing. Thanks to some quick Wikipedia searching though, I was able to get myself back on speed. But somewhere, an hour into the movie, the singing turned into screeching/yelling/cacophonous displeasure. I like my musicals to have a melody, thank-you-very-much!

I'm not a musical theatre snob. I understand what I a rock musical is (Jesus Christ Superstar, Rent, Evita). But this is my absolute least favorite show of this genre. I'm in need of some classic Alan Menken to make my ears feel better after this night. I feel so cheated out musical theatre goodness.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast

noreply@blogger.com (Marcellis Cutler) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 22:09:00 +0000

I was recently in a production of Disney's Beauty & the Beast produced by Northwest Florida State College at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center this summer. And I had the privilege og being cast as Cogsworth. The show was so much fun, and I've honestly never been placed as such an important lead character before. It was all so very exciting! I met some really cool life-long friends, and was able to perform to a sold out house almost every night. I love theatre!

But the show didn't come with it's downside though. The cast rehearsed for three months and in that three months, there was a two week period when I was Europe. The day after getting back from Paris, France, I had to go in and present that very world on stage. Ah, the life of a Broadway baby. Our rehearsal schedule was heinous as ever, and it didn't really allow me a lot of room for a Summer job. (I've never been so broke in my life.) Through it all, however, I learned a lot and found this to be an extraordinary experience.

I've never felt so sure about a performance either. Every rehearsal it seemed, every preview show, every performance, I was getting commended upon by my patrons of the arts, directors, and fellow cast and crew about what an awesome job I was doing. It was truly uplifting and I thank them all for their kind words. It was nice to know that my portrayel of Cogsworth was actually working out, because I had initially auditioned as Lumiere. I hadn't even considered Cogsworth as a role for myself. When I didn't get the role I wanted, I was upset, but never bitter. I made the situation work though, and clearly everything was to my advantage. (And to be quite frank, I think that Cogsworth is a much more fun character than Lumiere.)

This was my last production at Northwest Florida State College, and it was bittersweet. I'm so ready to get up out of this area, but I'll never take for granted the friendships I've built here, the instructors I've learned from, and the experience that I've gained. This truly will be a memorable summer and one of my favorite productions I've been able to a part of.

God, I Hope I Get It

noreply@blogger.com (Marcellis Cutler) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 03:44:00 +0000

I recent had lunch with my friend Mia today. We talked about shows, auditions, agencies, music. And the both of us are moving our lives to bigger areas where we'll both juggle performing with academia. It was a good lunch. I love my theater/industry friends. I always feel so classy whenever we have these lunch dates. As if we're affluent Broadway babies discussing the hardships of auditioning, agencies, and workshops. Then it hits me: We're are those affluent Broadway babies!

Why is there some sort of romantic air about the lifestyle of a gypsy? We all go through it. Audions, the let down, the subsequent pick me up, and the way we all do it over again. I love this industry, but man, is it hard!

Recently, I've been trying to find an Orlando agency that will take me to where I want to be. I'm not expecting anything majuh, but I do want representation, the exclusive auditions, and more importantly, paid work. There are those who say that they don't do this for the money. However, comma, I realize that money makes the world go 'round and theatre is is a multimillion dollar industry year round. If I'm not making money, my agent isn't making money, which means they won't get me jobs, which means I won't be doing what I love. It's funny how these work out, eh?

Beyond My Wildest Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Marcellis Cutler) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 03:52:00 +0000

I've wanted this for so long. To move to a big city and begin my life as a metropolitan socialite. Alright, so Orlando, FL, home of The Mouse, isn't exactly the setting for the next CW glam-drama, but it's a nice start. In comparison to my home town of Mary Esther, FL--which is virtually nonexistent--Orlando is a thriving Metropolis where the affluent flurish. Okay, so my home town isn't that bad, but at least you understand my plight.

I'm from a not so big area. I've always felt like I was living in the wrong place. Much like Ariel from 2007's The Little Mermaid, I long for a place "beyond my wildest dreams" where there's art, culture, and new and exciting people everyday. I've spent enough time in my parent's house and finally come to conclusion that I'm ready for stardom. Do I think I'll achieve in Orlando? Maybe. Who's to say? I do know that it'll be a great start to my career.

I love musical theatre, and I hope to be a student at UCF's theatre conservatory in the Spring. I've got it all worked out. Work in a theatre box office, audition for roles, earn my BFA. And then move to New York where the big leagues are. Big dreams, and it may not all happen that way, but at least I have a plan.