For a performer, there is no greater feeling of anticipation and excitement than in those moments before "show time." I am fortunate to be part of the debut show by Nathan Lucrezio, "Unheard." A short 2 weeks ago, I received a phone call out of the blue from someone I worked with a year and a half ago on my very first New York City gig. They needed a last minute replacement pianist for a new musical and there was no written sheet music - and only 2 weeks until opening night.
I spent the next several days transcribing music and chords from recordings and watching the hands of the musical's composer, Lucrezio, play the songs for me. In typical show business fashion, everything came together at the last minute, with our first and only complete run through finishing 2 hours before curtain. Opening night was a success. The audience was pleased. Eddie my dedicated fan and honest critic, had nothing negative to say and found himself tapping his foot along with the energetic, original songs.
The best moment for me however, was earlier in the day when Lucrezio checked his voice mail in the dressing room. He made a face of surprise at me as he listened to one message. When he hung up, he explained, "That was one of the pianist we called before you. Boy, I'm glad he never called me back!"
The show runs tomorrow and Saturday night at the HERE Theatre in Soho. Come check it out!
Comments
Rick, thank you. I'm looking forward to the next two nights!