A SALE IS A SALE, YES?

File this under the "Why am I the last one to find out about these things" category: Robin's Bookstore, the oldest Independent Book Store in Philadelphia, is closing after 73 years. I've been an on-again/off-again customer there since 1992 - when I came to Philly to attend my first year at University of the Arts. Robin's had a great selection of plays, scripts, magazines and, of course, comics at college budget prices. Now, they are discounting everything in the store to move product. After January 5th, everything will be 50% off. Including a diminishing selection of trades ranging from Preacher to Nova to Strangers in Paradise to American Splendor. If you're in the Philadelphia area, give it a look see. I know I'll be spending some X-Mas money there.

FISHTOWN. ONLY A FEW MILES AWAY.

Inspired by real events, Kevin Colden's story explores what led the teens to commit such a heinous crime. Fishtown is an absorbing read that compels the reader to explore a world they hope to never experience.

I'm a sucker for anything to do with Philly. You can find more here and here.

STANDIN' ON THE CORNER...

...anyone recognize that song those three words kick off?

So I've been in Philly for a month a week and I'm so loving it. The South Philly neighborhood I'm in, now starting to put up every lovely Woolworth Christmas doodah that I thought only existed in my mom's house during the 70s and 80s, is quiet and cute. I live superclose to the subway and to the famous Melrose Diner (been there every 2-3 days. I got a crush on a waitress there. I'm like Frankie and Johnny). If need be I can even walk to Center City - which I did the other day when it was nice out. My roommate is ultra-cool, laid back and fun and has been great about having a boy live with her. I haven't left the toilet seat up yet. Yay me. She has two dogs, Walter and Blanche - boxers just like Rosco back home - that are hysterical. It's been a sweet deal all around.

I start choreographing the Fantasticks next weekend. Tony Braithwaite - the funniest actor in Philly - is directing. It's performing at the Kimmel Center in their black box theatre. I performed there in 2002 with the "world premiere" of I'll be Seein' Ya. I'm fairly certain we were the first show to be put up in that space back then. I love the music in the Fantasticks but it's a tricky book. I'm curious to see what Tony will do with it.

Since I've been in Philly, I managed to see a couple theatre productions. Into the Woods at Temple, a new show at the Prince (it was like a melding of Fiddler on the Roof, Light in the Piazza and Faust. I kid you not) and also Being Alive at the new space for the Phila. Teatre Co. That show was amazing. Created by Billy Porter, it's a revue of Sondheim pieces but mixed with Shakespeare dialogue featuring an all black cast. It was incredibly powerful - both emotionally and theatrically - and weaved 3-4 loose stories through different stages of "man" from youth to death. And the band kicked ass. We were seated in one of the upper boxes to the side so I had a good overview of the audience during the show. Oh by the way - Sondheim himself was there taking notes. Yes he was. I was invited to go by a friend who got us in for free. How cool is that.

Anyway, the audience was made up of mostly older people and they were so boring! They hardly emoted or responded during numbers, waiting instead for them to end. The show and performers (and direction) practially screams out "Live! Laugh! Love!". It's in one of the songs. It's a piece that's meant to be interactive. And the audience sat there like lumps. I read a review of the show where the critic, commenting on the humor of the show, said something like "the audience didn't really laugh". That's because they probably didn't get it. I get so tired of lazy audiences that turn their brains off the minute they sit their asses in a seat. When we met the cast afterwards, they were so thankful for our responses during the show and during the curtain call. It's called energy, people. An audience can make or break even the best of shows. Don't be afraid to respond when warranted. The person on stage will love you for it.

Anyway, I've been going back and forth to Reading to record episodes of CGS. And I just started a new podcast, DC Noise, discussing all things DC Comics (that's Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, etc. for those not in the know). As if I needed a new project right? But I'm excited about possibilities for upcoming shows. I've come to really enjoy and respect the podcasting medium - and if I was set up properly, I'm sure I would create a third podcast to talk about all the things I don't talk about on my other shows. We'll see.

I'm looking forward to spending more time with my friends in the area - from college or from other shows. They make me laugh, they make me drink and are just good fun people.

Yea. I love living in Philly.

(Oh. The title of this post is in reference to the fact that my apartment is on a corner. So ummmm... yea).

STREETS OF PHLADELPHIA

Heading to Philly tomorrow for two days of rehearsal for my New York/Radio City gig.

I miss Philly.

I attended University of the Arts between '92-'96 and then lived in Philly between 1999-2003. Something about that city feels...right. Like home away from home. I'm looking forward to going back, even for only two days. To hit my favorite pizza place, to see what has changed around the city, even to ride SEPTA again.

It's weird to think that ten years ago was my last semester of college. Ten years ago I was rehearsing for the musical Nine as the lead role of "Guido". I was trying to figure out what I would do after I left. And I started dating the love of my life (well, for a year and six months anyway). She recently married a guy named Peter.

Go figure.

I need to get back there again.