Back So Soon?........

Yes, that's right, another blog entry already. How can I keep neglecting my adoring readers when they will be without by blog entries in such a short time. Now you'll all have to find something to do at your respective jobs and homes, like bake me some cookies!!

Two shows today and two more tomorrow, then a day off. This week's been OK, but I suppose that has something to do with home being on the horizon. The last week here will be a long one, though. Except for Monday, we only have one more scheduled day off, and it looks like it's going to be squandered on rehearsals in case of "No Bridge" shows in Osaka(see previous blogs). Not a big deal, but that means we'll be up to our eyes until we leave. As it is now, we have no more one show days, only "two do shays". You want my whole schedule this week? OK!

Sunday- 1PM + 6PM Shows, Monday- Off, Tuesday- 2PM + 7PM, Wed.- 2PM + 7PM,
Thursday- Travel to Osaka, Friday-????, Sat.- 1PM + 6PM, Sunday- 12PM+ 5PM,
Monday-Travel to NYC via Seoul. Tuesday- Drink Heavily in Worcester.

Sounds fun, eh? I suppose it could always be worse but, for those of you out there who think I'm just screwing around over here, we've had a 8-9 show week since we opened in Taejon. (except on our week off.) "It's not funny, this is my Job!"

So, it looks like they have a replacement for the Westchester show, but who knows what might happen between now and when I get back? You never know if multiple people go down and they need a sub on the quick. It would only be a few weeks of work anyhow, so no big loss. That means you get to spend more time with me in beautiful Worcester! Fun Fun Fun!!

I'll leave you for now, but enjoy reading while I'm still away and not annoying you with my actual voice in person or on the phone. If you get bored, go back and re-read old entries before I knew what things would actually be like. It's kind of interesting and it furthers you from your actual duties. Talk to you soon. Ja Mata!
Peace,
Steve

I'll Have A Rodin, Hold The Manets.......

My fellow Americans,... I've always wanted to start a speech like that- because it would mean I'd be President or at least the head of a very big chicken farm..... or something like that. Speaking of Chicken Farm, look out Wright's, 'cause I'm gonna eat a whole coup-full of your best birds when I get back.

OK, so here's the deal. I'm arriving at JFK in NYC on Monday, Sept. 6th at 8:30 PM. My good friend(and many of yours') Mike Kaz is picking me up and I should be in Worcester by about midnight or so on that Monday. I'm not sure how I'll be feeling after such a long trip(@20 hours), but don't be surprised to get a call from me at midnight rip-roarin' ready for a beer, as I'll still be on Asia time(+13 Hours). The reason it's so long is because we have to fly from Osaka back to Seoul and then from Seoul to NYC. I guess it was the cheapest, most direct flight available.

So, I was scolded the other day for not entering more blogs here in Tokyo. Well, part of that is because the "P.C." is a long walk from the hotel, it's five times as expensive as it was in South Korea and because, hey! I'm in Freakin' Tokyo! I got better things to do than sit in a smoke filled room typing on a dirty keyboard when I could be out gettin' loaded!!!(Just kidding, Ma).
Really, though, there's been so much to see and do, I find my free time away from the show taken up so quickly, it's amazing. Today, for example, I went back to Ueno Park and visited the Tokyo National Museum and the Tokyo Western Art Museum. The first was not bad, but the Art Museum was fantastic! It's supposedly the best collection of Western art in all of Asia. If you are a Rodin fan, your head would have exploded! His sculptures were all over the place, as well as a slew of Monets, Manets, a few Piccassos, a couple of Van Goghs, and a plethora of beautiful works around every corner.(Lots of French Impressionist material) It was really nice.

Ok, back to me. I just emailed B.T., my "Cabaret" director here and in Worcester, and asked him to let me know if there's a trombone spot still needing to be filled in the Westchester Broadway Theatre version of the show.( I mentioned this in earlier blogs.) So, I'll wait and see if they need me, but I'm guessing they already had a replacement before they began rehearsing. Even so, It's a good thing for me to keep in touch with B.T., as he is very busy and you never know when he'll be mounting this show again, or something else, and think of little ol' me. Keep your fingers crossed and I'll blog you a few more times before I'm on the tarmac at JFK a week from Monday. Ja Mata!
Peace,
Steve

Guess Who......

That's right, it me again with another in a long line of insightful blog postings to help you get through your day. Well, at least it's something to do besides actually working. So, today was supposed to be a Disney day, but I kind of bagged out because the weather was crappy and the group left at 8 AM this morning. Yeah, right. I haven't seen 8 AM since I stayed up all night. Just kidding,.... wait, no I'm not. Well, I slept late(not too late) and did some sightseeing in a place called Ueno instead. The weather held off just enough so that I could visit the outside temples, shrines, and statues surrounding the Park established in the mid 19th Century. It was the spot where the last of the Shoguns(@2,000) put up a fight against the new government around 1860 and lost a lopsided battle with no survivors. It became that government's first National Park and is home to many museums and shrines. I'm going to try and do the museum circuit sometime in the next week or so- It's a big park.

So, the show is going pretty well, some drama, but I've tried to steer clear and just do my job for the next few weeks and come home with a good reputation within the company. I would like to work with them again, so I'll wait 'til I come home to complain to people who will nod their heads, say"yeah, man, I know what you mean", and not have a clue what I'm saying. That suits me just fine. I'm getting anxious about getting back and picking up where I left off. Where I go from here is anyone's guess, but if a nice casting director takes pity on me, maybe they'll cast me in a role where I say more than just "Fritzie, where are you?" and "It would be my pleasure, frauline." It's been nice playing my horn, though, and not having to worry about my singing voice for a change. Not that I'm abusing or neglecting it, it's just nice to know I'm working and it's not because of my voice. It's sort of a vote of confidence in my other abilities, I suppose.

Enough about me, how are y'all? I've been hearing through a few folks that most of you out there are holding it together pretty well. Feel free to comment here(**Reminder: All comments left can be read by ANYBODY:) or email me at sgagliastro@ yahoo.com and, if you already have and I haven't answered you, boil some oil and have it simmering for a couple of weeks- That'll teach me! Just kidding, but, it's kind of difficult keeping track of who I've written to and who I just thought I have already written. (Sorry to those folks...)

Many thanks to all those who participated in my little book Colleen put together this summer. It was a real boost to have so many wonderful people thinking of you from so far away. I hope I get a chance to thank you all in person when I'm back home. I missed so much and so many people this summer I couldn't begin to list it all. I guess it was some consolation that I was doing a cool job in a place where I'd never dreamed of visiting in my lifetime. Oh, well, back to Worcester where the Hills have Feet, the "Fun" is put in "Funeral", and everybody knows your name. Everyone except the press, that is.... "Who do you have to %*@! to get some press in this town!!!"-Max Bialistock(modified quote). See you soon!!!
Ja Mata!
Peace,
Steve

Go Giants!!!......

Hey, there! I just came back from the baseball game and the giants won a 4-2 squeaker over the Swallows. It was way cool, especially since nobody left the stadium until 15 or so minutes after the win. That allowed for an easy escape on the train, unlike the usual mad dash for the "T" following Sox games.

It was a very unique experience, as I was rooting for a team I had no affiliation with, save the fact we were at the Giants' home stadium, a dome called "The Egg" by the locals. The team colors were everywhere(same as the San Fran. Giants) except for the small but loud sections rooting for the Swallows.(I know I said I was going to root for the Swallows but you'll understand why I didn't in a sec.) It's funny, but we did the SRO thing and some of my group members were scolded and eventually booted from behind the Swallows' section because they had Giants hats and noisemakers. I wasn't there, but I'm told it was a bit of an uncomfortable situation until they moved the area behind the Giants' "Bleacher Bums". That gave us reason to root root root even louder for the home team. I suppose it's to prevent fights between rivals, but it was a strange experience none the less. I'd love to see them try that at Fenway when the Stankees are in town...

Back to the grind tomorrow, but the time is coming when we'll begin to count down to our departure from Nippon, the Japanese word for Japan. It's been interesting being here for the Olympics, as the coverage is slanted towards the Japanese perspective. It's not too biased, but the event coverage is totally different from the States. I suppose they could care less about events not involving the Japanese athletes- that is except the embarrassment known as the "Dream Team". Those highlights were all over the news coverage. Oh well, maybe Iverson finally understands the importance of "Practice!!".

Ok, I'll blog you later this week. Keep the comments and emails coming, as it gives me something to look forward to at the end of my(usually) long days. Ja Mata!

Peace,
Steve

Tomorrow, I'll Be Rooting For The Swallows.....

The Osaka Swallows, that is- Osaka Swallows vs. the infamous Giants of Matsui/Oh fame. I'm off to my first non-U.S. baseball experience tomorrow night and, from what my friend says, it's going to be wild. So, I'm looking forward to that as well as(possibly) going to the aquarium tomorrow, if I get up. No, I'm not that lazy, the ball game starts very early for a night game(@ 5 PM I think).

So, I had a nice relaxing day off and get back to it with two shows on Wednesday. The next few weeks' schedules are a bit nutty and varied, but I guess that mixes things up and makes it go by quickly. Even though I'm enjoying myself a great deal here in Japan, I'm looking forward to coming home to Red Sox telecasts, driving anywhere, and waking up in my own room.

About 3 more weeks worth of blogs, so, I'll try and keep them coming, as I know you'll be having withdrawals.(Yeah, right!) So, we had another substitution yesterday, as our Emcee Vance Avery went out with vocal issues. Luckily, his cover, Anthony Harkin knew the day before and had covered the role many times in the Australian version of the show. My number hasn't come up yet(thank goodness), but I'm keeping on my toes just in case. I only hope I'm not mouthing the lines of the people I cover while I'm observing from the band bridge- theatre 101 no-no.

Speaking of the band bridge, I understand for the few days we are in Osaka, the shows will be "no bridge" shows. That means the bridge is set on the ground and all exits/entrances are made from off left or right. It's kinda gonna suck, but by that time, we'll all be so ready to come home that it won't matter much. I would officially like to nominate that sentence as the worst of all sentences in my blog so far. Do I hear a second?

OK, I'm-a gonna go now, so I'll leave you squirming with anticipation awaiting my arrival. Keep marking those calendars and I'll talk to you next blog. Ja Mata!

Peace,
Steve

Hands Are For Clapping, Not Sitting On....

Hi, all! It's Friday night @ 11:45 PM and here I am again, blogging away. So, the show opened well and is chugging along. Andrea is very nice and a real pro. She had a very short rehearsal schedule and is doing a nice job. She's funny as hell to boot. And, for those of you wondering what she looks like now, I believe she has a website- just google her and you can see for yourself she looks just fine. Audiences have been very full- not 100%, but very good houses. It's strange, though, because they are very quiet and respectful audiences, and we work best with rowdy, loud crowds. Oh well, they seem to like the show anyway and love the curtain call- that's when they get off their hands and actually clap. (I never thought I'd miss the Koreans clapping along to every up-tempo number- go figure...)

The weather here has been good, warm, but almost no rain and tons of sun. It looks like I won't be going to Hiroshima(my own decision) but, Tuesday a bunch of us are going to a Giants baseball game here in Tokyo and, from what I've been told, it's crazy! I can't wait. The company is also going to Tokyo Disney in a week or so- considering I've not been to any other Disney parks, it should be a fun time.

I've been good about shopping lately, partly because I've been sleeping in, or sleeping off a hangover, as was the case yesterday. We found an English pub near the hotel called the Hobgoblin. Great beer, real darts, and a nice staff-a Frenchman and an Irishman running an English Pub in Tokyo...why not? I'm sure we'll be visiting again soon. Not too soon, though....

Alright, I'm done. Two shows tomorrow and Sunday(1pm and 7PM) and then a few days off. I can't really complain about the schedule, as it could be a lot worse. It's only 8 shows a week and a nice long break between weeks. And in Tokyo to boot! Not bad at all.... I'll be in touch again very soon. Sayonara!
Peace,
Steve

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, We Open, Tomorrow...

Domo! Hi there! That's right, another opening night this time in the land of the rising sun. By the way, due to the 4:15 AM sun streaming into my room every morning, I now where they got the name. It's crazy- the sun sets at 7PM and is up so early the birds' union rep. is beginning to complain. Not much to report, except we met and had rehearsals today with Andrea and she seems really nice and down to earth. Although we'll all miss having Katrina every night, it's nice to know the situation could be a lot worse but isn't. Thank goodness for small things, right?

Pretty lazy day today, besides the few spread out hours of rehearsal. I got my package from home today(thanks!) and it was full of goodies guaranteed to keep me my fat, jolly self when I come home. Although, I think I've lost a few lbs, it's not enough to make a visual difference- just enough to make my pants a little looser and my watch slide on my wrist a bit.

If I haven't already said so, it's been interesting navigating traffic here as the Japanese drive on the left side of the road and, like the Koreans(wisely) avoid J-Walking. I still can't get past the anxiety of having the driver paying absolutely no attention to the road until I remember the driver is on the other side. Either that or stupidly marveling how the cars are driving themselves. Yeah, I know, but if you were here....nevermind....

So, we open tomorrow for another group of foreigners but, this time, there's a twist. Those of you who know the show will appreciate this- So, the show takes place in Berlin during the Nazi's rise to power in the late '20's, early '30's. I wonder just how ironic it will be, seeing as Japan, although concerned about building their own empire, was the main ally of Germany and Italy in WWII. It's further irony that yesterday, on the anniversary of the Nagasaki bombing, was yet another in a recent rash of nuclear(or, nucular for W) plant accidents- a steam leak that killed 4 and injured about 7 just north of Tokyo. Nothing to worry about-yet. Save your worries for the earthquakes(just kidding, but we did have one the other day-@5.4 - I slept through it).

Enough for today, I gotta get to bed for an early call followed by a long day- 10AM-10:30 PM- definitely a non-union show. Cheers and I'll see here for the next blog-stallment of "Gags' Asian Adventure"! Dewa Mata!
Peace,
Steve

P.S. It doesn't cause physical pain to leave a comment- I promise! -S

Look At Me, I'm Blogging, I'm BLOGGING!!!...

Hey there, all. Didn't think you'd here from me so soon, eh? Well, with this much time off comes a certain level of boredom-or inebriation, so I have opted for the former. We start rehearsing with Andrea Tomorrow(heh, heh) and those people who have met her say she's really nice and easy going. Good to hear, especially considering the situation.

Myself, I have been window shopping the past few days...alright, more shopping!! But, I'll have you know that 90% of my shopping has been for my family, so at least I'm not being selfish, right?(I know. Ma, save my money..) On the other hand, when will I ever be in Japan again? Exactly! I'll also have you know that the Japanese have a soft spot for the "Barbapappas". Who, you say? Only the best thing to come out of France since the croisannt! It's a French cartoon(although it might be French-Canadian) featuring these shape-shifting blobs who do good around the world-sort of multi-colored shmoos working for Greenpeace. Trust me, they're cute as hell and bring my family and I(hello to all the Armys out there!) back to a time when games of flashlight tag and "Witchie-Poo" were the only things we had to worry about.

OK, enough for today, but I promise I'll be back to the "P.C." to write again soon. As always, peace to all who read my literary fumblings and I'll be home before you can sing "This is the story of the Barbapappas...". Sayonara!
Peace,
Steve
P.S. I hope all the Gagliastro/Army/Blanchard/Jones/Halloran clans(hello to the absent Houbres and Quinlavins) had a blast this week in the Adarondacks. I miss you guys! -S

It's 7AM, Do You Know Where Your Gags' Is....

Konichiwa! Howdy, all- I'm here in a local "PC" that is literaly 5 times as expensive as Korea(@US$5 an hour) Anyhoo, I'm having a great week off-lots of temples, a visit to Mt. Fuji(way cool!) and more shopping than should be allowed. I only hope I can retain some of my savings before I leave here. Believe me, if you were here you would understand! I'm here on a Sunday at 7:30 AM because the laundramats don't open 'til 8 AM, so I figure I'd sent a blog update whilst I wait.

So, as I said, I'm on my week long break before a 3 week run here in Tokyo and a few days in Osaka after that and, ta-da! I'm home! I'll be at Vincent's before you know it! I'm not sure which day I get home, but it's around the 7th or 8th of September. I'll let you all know.

Things here are terriffic and I'm very pleased to say for someone who never had much of an inkling to see this part of the world, I'm very impressed. If you can, I would highly reccommend seeing Tokyo sometime in your life. I know I said that about Seoul, but Tokyo is ten times cooler than Seoul, and Seoul was pretty cool.

And with that, I'll say goodbye, as I'm trying to conserve my precious "P.C." minutes for future blog entries. I'll blog you later! Sayonara!
Peace,
Steve

I Think I'm Turning Japanese, I Think I'm.............

Whew! Boy it feels good to have a keypad beneath my fingers again! Thanks to Jina Manning, our Costumes Guru's kindness, I have a computer to use for a little bit tonight. It's 1 AM Thursday and I'm sitting in the basement of the Akasaka Prince Hotel in Tokyo, Japan fighting to keep my eyes open from fatigue(no shows, just vigerous sight-seeing) and keeping the vomit from escaping my throat as I sit here listening to a terrible Muzak rendition of "Green Dolphin Street". Gag me with a chopstick.

OK, OK, so I've been a nasty about communicating, but, as great as things are here in Tokyo- and they are pretty great- there are no plethera of "P.C.'s" to plop into casually and update you fine folks on my escapades here in the land of the rising sun. Believe me, I can't even figure out how to call home without having to sell a kidney or at least a finger or two(I know I'm a trombone player, but I do need to pick my nose here and there..) As far as Tokyo, it's excellent however rather expensive. I've probably spent more in the short time here than the last two weeks in Korea. The food is high, travel is expensive, and the girls are....well, never mind.....(Just kidding, but we seem to have landed in close proximity to yet another red light district-I gotta find out who is booking these places!) Although near some very "friendly" local girls, we are still in a great hotel. It's where Bill Clinton stays now that he's not the.... Oh, now I get it! It's funny, but the street walkers are very well dressed and you sometimes have to be careful not to offend a genuine female pedestrian with your avoiding glance.

So, again, sorry about the lack of communication recently, but it's been a real uphill run the last few weeks. Plus, we were spending a lot of time doting on our Sally(Katrina) as she finished her run as the "Toast of Mayfair" before Andrea comes in. The first few days of next week are going to be hellish with put-ins and brush-ups, etc., but once we're off and running, our 8 show per week schedule is really going to be OK. that means we have Mondays and Tuesdays off, with our first show on Wednesday at 8PM. That means I'll probably get to visit Hiroshima, a trip I really would like to take that seemed all but unpossable(not a typo, for all you non-Simpsonians out there, although there are many others I'm sure!)

Allright, I'm getting booted by security, so I gotta finish up, but, I understand there's a Kinko's kind of nearby, so I should be in touch, but when, I cannot say. I'll talk to you soon. Konichiwa!
Peace,
Steve