Cottleston, Cottleston, Cottleston Pie

I saw END OF THE RAINBOW. Tracie Bennett is one of the most amazing things I have seen on Broadway. It is really interesting to me how Off-Bway has really been my theatre of choice this year--CARRIE, ASSISTANCE, SONS OF THE PROPHET, HAPPY HOUR etc. Not only Off-Bway, but most of the things I have seen this season have been plays (except for FOLLIES and CARRIE). I am happy Stephen Karam recieved a special Drama Desk Award for his brillant and touching SONS OF THE PROPHET. I am sad it did not win the Pulitzer, but WATER BY THE SPOONFUL seems more applicable to a general society as it deals with Iraw. All this being said, SONS OF THE PROPHET really pulled at my inner strings. I still cannot attach why I was an emotional wreck after the show, but the closest I have come to is how we all have influential people in our lives and all are HUMAN!!! Man, bringing that Kindergarten teacher in at the end... I am also sad SOTP did not receive any artistic nominations anywhere.

FOLK WANDERING is going to be playing at Ars Nova June 15. I am really excited about this. A year ago, if I told myself I would be involved in a truly special project that is FW, I would not have believed it. Granted, I have not been paid, but it is one of the most rewarding things I have ever attached myself to. We lost Roe and Annie to bigger projects, but I am very excited about the upcoming months.

I did a recording session for a Columbia Student Film called FIVE YEARS. It is going to be playing at the Lincoln Center Columbia University Film Festival. I am excited see to it May 6th. I played with some awesome players, and I am always happy to "perform" with talented players.

I also performed Britten's War Requiem at James Chapel. Definitely a treat. It felt right to play it in an amazing, Gothic style church. I wish I could have played with full orchestra and chamber (the full was played by the organ), but needless-to-say, it was still a treat. I have an audition coming up on Saturday. I am really excited about it, but I need to not psych myself out. Stephanie Baer mentioned at my last lesson how when I relax and "act" like I am performing for myself or close friends I play much better. I always walk into a room and need to play "perfectly." This stems from the stress of Grad auditions and Masao...

I am reading the most fascinating book entitled The Tao of Pooh. I love the interjections of book, history and A. A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh. It really has made me realize life moves on a course, and I need to just go with the flow of the river. I need to do the best I can in every situation and be BLAKE. I cannot control situations when other people are involved. I just need to stay the nice, personable, strong player I am until I make it big. That day will come--my path is my path and I cannot relate it to other people.

Austyn and Dustin are moving here in May so Dustin can do his internship at NBC Sports. I am really looking forward to having family near me. Until other cool things happen B