I haven't spoken enough, at least specifically, about the people I'm currently working with. In a career like this you get the chance to work with a lot of really talented people, and I don't talk about them nearly often enough in this blog. The people you work with can drastically affect your time at any gig - they can make a less-than-perfect situation redeemable, and vice versa. A few of the many skilled people I'm working with right now:

Stephen Agosto - he plays the titular role in TOMMY. I've always been a fan of the music but never been a fan of the show. However, Stephen's work lifts the show above what it really is. He creates, in my opinion, something out of almost nothing, bringing a ... well, I could say something here about an "Amazing Journey" but I'm better that that. He takes you on a ... neat... trip...

Jamie Castiglia, the lovely lady I have the joy of playing across from in BYE BYE BIRDIE. Audiences may vary, things may go wrong, but when I get to end the show by sharing a sweet little number like "Rosie" with Jamie it's almost always redeeming.  It's such a silly little song, but it honestly is so nice to work with Jamie that, for me, it's brought to a better, more genuine level than I thought was possible going in. Shortly before that, Jamie tears it up with a really strong "Spanish Rose" which gets better every show.

Yuri Rodriguez, they're simply lucky to have him. He's a good guy and a great performer. He's a rare find, in my opinion. He's someone who works just as well in an ensemble as he would in a principal role. He's a strong, sure presence with a determined head on his shoulders - he doesn't do enough in either show but in my opinion he's the the center of the male ensemble of both shows. He could probably handle any role in either show, but when you can build an ensemble aroudn someone like him as well.

In the past year I've had the privilege to work with dozens of amazing folks I'd love to have the chance to cross paths with again - Louis Palena and Amy Zanetto, Percy and Marguerite in SCARLET PIMPERNEL... tons of the folks from Bucks County and Poconos... Aaron Lake, Erik from PHANTOM... Too many people to name from the Dutch Apple PHANTOM and JCS... the list goes on. If I didn't mention your name, it's... c'mon, it's late.

I guess I'm feeling kind of reflective due to the time of year. I was writing something tonight that made me realize that I've worked with a lot of people in the past 10+ years, for better or worse... and that it all tends to shade toward the better the farther away you get from it.

Now, I still don't know what I want to do for my birthday. Today was a great, relaxing day spent mostly in watching movies and playing MARIO PARTY 5 with the roomies and other work folk.