Ouch.

So, I was galavanting around Trafalger Falls in Dominca, an island in the Caribbean last week. Beautiful, beautiful place BTW.

But I slipped on a rock and gouged my shin. Deep.

I rushed back to the ship and had to get seven stiches. I've never had stitches before and now I have seven.

It was also a show night so some of the dance numbers had to be reblocked to prevent the wound from reopening. The cast was great and took it all in stride.

Luckily, I can still dance some so the changes to the shows haven't been too major. The doctor just didn't want me going down to my knees or doing too much jumping.

But, the doctor also said I'll have a nice scar to show for the ordeal.

Great. No more swimsuit modeling for me!

Tony Nominations 2010

The Tony Nominations have been announced. Sucks to be The Addams Family. Have you seen the show?

Nominations for the 2010 American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards®
Presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing

Verizon vs. Apple

Is Verizon getting an iPhone?

Rumors persist with the optimists believing the announcement comes this summer proclaiming a fall release.

Well, you know what that means for me? If true, I'll be getting an iPhone this fall when my contract with Verizon runs out. Whoo-hoo!

BUT ... if the rumors turn out to be false (and there are a lot of people who think the hype is just hype), then I'll be getting an Android. Both my sisters have one.

One raves about it; the other hates it.

I don't want to leave Verizon, so I have a few more months to see.

Unfortunately, I think if Apple doesn't produce an iPhone for Verizon this year, the'll have missed the boat. Already, their market share is sliding as the Android grows in the US.

There's still a lot of unknown variables in the whole Verizon/Apple quagmire, but I'm crossing my fingers for that iPhone. We shall see.

Phantom 2

I finally got to listen to the soundtrack for Phantom 2: Love Never Dies, and the verdict is ...

Not as bad as I expected.

I actually like some of the music. There are hints of Sunset and another show ... Aspects, perhaps? I forget right now. And of course, the title song was originally heard in The Beautiful Game (though with different lyrics).

However, the whole thing sounds much more entertaining than I had thought possible. I also forgive my initial reaction to the Coney Island setting. I think it works.

Obviously, this is no critique of the show (which I haven't seen, and whose Broadway arrival has recently been postponed.)

I still think the show is probably going to be disappointing, if not completely awful. Why?

Raoul's character is a full 180 degree turn from the original. While that may happen in a real-life span of ten years (the time elapsed since we last saw him), audiences don't like to see such vastly different characters.

The Phantom, too, has lost most of his mystery ... his anger ... his devilishness ... that makes for such an intriguing character. Originally we pitied the Phantom for his situation, and yet were scared of him at the same time. But in the new production, he seems (on the soundtrack) to be just ... meh.

Overall the production appears to be lacking the pathos and horror that made the original such an entertaining phenomenon. The Phantom story is more than just a love story, it's a Gothic horror story surrounded by romanticism. I love the original set design for just such a reason: beautiful drapery could quickly create claustrophobia while the ornate Opera House was really just a facade for the dungeon below.

But perhaps the most egregious error is the plot point the entire show hinges on: Beneath a Moonless Sky is completely laughable in its total disregard for the original story. Listen to the song and then return to the cast recording of Phantom 1. No where can I find a plausible explanation for the events that transpired between Phantom 1 and 2.

And perhaps, ultimately for me, that will be the downfall of the show.

Rumor has it, the show will be undergoing major revisions before the Broadway transfer. Many have especially criticized the musical's lyrics.

Yes, okay. But I'd rather see some major retooling of the characters and their story.

We shall see what happens.

Until then ... I'll continue to enjoy the cast recording, for I actually rather enjoy the music.

More Spider-Man News

I think Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark just has to come to Broadway now. There's too much invested: emotionally, financially, publicly.

But with the loss of Rachel Evan Woods, Alan Cumming and the increase in budget ... I don't know ... is it headed for colossal failure or ultimate triumph?

I think a lot of people in the Broadway community are secretly hoping for a flop, but personally, I have mixed feelings. On one hand, I want it to succeed and be a boon to the NY community.

But, the other side of me worries this show could put another nail in the coffin of traditional musical theater, instead paving the way for more Cirque-like spectacles.

Of course, who knows what the show will look like until it premieres, but by all accounts, it sounds to be a Vegas-style show: heavy on style and lean on substance.

Regardless, one has to admire the chutzpah of the investors and creative minds putting this thing together.

Now if it would just get here!

N2N Fan Video

I love the Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway musical Next to Normal, and I love this video. If you've seen the show, you might get a kick out of it, too:

Traveling to St. Marten

Some of the cast and I went to Airplane Beach in St. Martin, officially known as Maho Beach.

The airplanes literally fly over the beach and land on the other side of the road. One of a kind experience and very fun!

** SIDE NOTE ** Don't worry. I wore 85 SPF to protect my virgin skin.

Love Never Dies. Or does it?

I'm dying to see the Phantom sequel: Love Never Dies.

I thought it was a hideous idea at first:

*A sequel to one of the most famous and successful musicals of all time?

*A continuation of the haunting, gothic, mysterious Phantom's life?

*Coney Island? Really?

And the reviews are all over the place.

However, one thing is for sure. There's lots of buzz.

Will it be as successful as the original? Doubtful. But if it flops I want to be there! And if it does succeed, I want to cheer it on!

Why? The idea of a successful sequel intrigues me. It's practically uncharted territory. Not that I want the musical sequel genre to gain traction. I'd rather see some new shows being developed.

But I give Sir Webber credit. He's willing to take one heck of a calculated risk!

What do you think? Want to see Phantom 2: Love Never Dies?

UPDATE: here are a few articles that kind summarize the Phantom sequel experience. The Daily Mail review and The Telegraph review.

Tell me a secret

I'm IN LOVE with Post Secret.

I discovered the Post Secret blog about a year ago, and I'm addicted. Every Sunday new secrets are published. Some are sad and heartbreaking and some are funny and whimsical. There's usually always a wide variety.

Some are probably fake, but maybe not. If you lie about a secret and it's true for someone else, is it a lie in this kind of forum? Besides, the creativity itself is always entertaining.

I have yet to send a secret in, but I want to. Now it's time to think about what kind of secret I should tell ...

Back on a ship

Just a quick note to say:

Yes, I'm out on another ship. This time it's Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas.

Blogging is difficult when I don't have internet access. But never fear, I'm still around.

And my website has been updated so if you haven't checked out www.taitmoline.com recently, you should!

Whew!

So much time passes so quickly ... Christmas ... New Year's ...

Before you know it, we're already into the second month of 2010!!!

I've been hard at work rehearsing for a new contract with Royal Caribbean: the Serenade of the Seas. We still have another month to go before we join the ship, but that day will come sooner than later, I'm sure.

But last weekend, I finally decided to see what all the hoop and holler was about Avatar.

What the heck?? Did James Cameron actually strike gold twice??

Indeed, he did.

I have to say, I give the movie an enthusiastic 2 thumbs up! I was not expecting to like it as much as I did. A wonderful blend of science fiction, CGI, and emotional impact. Excellent movie.

Definitely go see it if you haven't. And make sure to see it in 3-D.

In other news ... anyone think Spiderman the Musical will ever open??? I'm dying to find out.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

No matter where you are or what you're doing, I hope you had a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Let's raise a glass to 2010, a wonderful new DECADE!

Where oh where is Spider Man?

Spider Man, Turn Off the Dark … Broadway’s latest WaterWorld/Carrie fiasco or Titanic triumph?

Reports seem to hint that the production will still premiere in 2009 as the most expensive Broadway show of all time with a price tag set at a whopping $52 million!

No doubt, with Julie Taymor at the helm and infused with the music of Bono and The Edge, the show promises to be a non-stop feast for the eyes and ears. The problem is … is this kind of production sustainable?

The LA Times reported the show would need 4 years of completely sold-out performances just to break even. But, then again, Taymor’s The Lion King is still going strong ten years later with mostly packed houses and productions all over the world.

Now the NY Times is reporting that the new lead producer of the show has reached out to Broadway stalwarts Kevin McCollum and Jeffrey Seller to possibly invest.

Who knows? If all the stars align, it’ll be an interesting spectacle to see, that’s for sure. And with all this financing publicity, I’m sure people will be clamoring for tickets.

It just remains to be seen if the show can live up to the hype.

Anyone remember The Lord of the Rings musical? Anyone?

Are you listening Verizon??

I want an iPhone.

Period.

But, I'm under contract with Verizon. Which isn't to say I haven't enjoyed my time with Verizon. I have no complaints. I've had no problems. I'm very happy with the coverage.

However ... according to legend, Verizon turned down the iPhone, and Apple turned its sights on AT&T. Bad move Verizon. (Bet they're kicking themselves now.)

I'm not adverse to switching, but it IS a hassle. And AT&T isn't supposed to be as good as Verizon.

HOWEVER, there are rumors rumbling around that Verizon and Apple are in "discussion".

Of course, then Verizon puts out the iDon't ads, showing off their new Android phones. Google=good. Apple=bad.

Sounds open and shut, right?

And yet the rumors keep swirling. Some insist Verizon is still on the hunt for the iPhone. Others say it won't happen.

I don't know what's true, but it would definitely be good business for both companies.

All I know is ... if Verizon doesn't have the iPhone when my contract expires in 2010, I will definitely consider switching to AT&T.

Are you listening Verizon? I'm waiting ...

Unattractive

One can always find things not to like about people. Some things are deal-breakers for relationships (platonic or romantic) and others have different levels of annoyance that can, ultimately, be looked over.

However, stubbornness tops my list of negative attributes.

I'm not going to go so far as to say that being stubborn is a deal-breaker for me, but it IS a turn-off. There's "being set in your ways", "sticking to your guns", and just plain having a strong opinion.

But, if you can't bend a little bit here-and-there, what's the point? Relationships are about compromise, and if you can't bend every so-often, you might as well move along, because I just don't have the time ... unless I reeeeally like you!!!

My new favorite obsession

The Broadway show Next to Normal is phenomenal. Not a spectacle, not really even a BROADWAY show as most people would expect, it's nevertheless a show that packs a punch in large part because of the tour-de-force delivered by Alice Ripley, this year's Best Actress Tony Award Winner.

She absolutely acts the heck out of her role as Diana. I saw her twice in New York, and both times she was completely and effortlessly in each and every moment.

In fact, the entire cast is rock-solid with strong performances and even stronger voices complimented by a pop rock score that keeps better with each listen (although there are some lyrics that border on insipid).

Known as being the "mental health musical", Next to Normal is more accurately about a family dealing with loss, grief, depression, and the struggle to connect to each other in some way, any way, even if it's not "normal".

The show sounds hard to swallow, but it makes you ponder life and relationships.

And really ... what better reason to go to the theater than that?

Update

Yes, I'm still here ... out on the open seas.

We've visited:

• Boston
• Portland, Maine
• Bar Harbor, Maine
• New Brunswick, Canada
• Halifax, Canada

The problem is the day before I signed on to the ship, another boy dancer hurt his shoulder. Eventually he had to sign off to have surgery for a broken bone that had healed improperly. Needless to say, that's been quite a roller-coaster for everyone.

We finally got a new replacement dancer so we've been in rehearsals for him. We're about half-way through getting him installed into the shows. Hopefully there won't be any more drama after that.

We only have a few more cruises before we transition down to the Caribbean and the ever-popular Panama Canal!

Cheers!

Fun with YouTube

Here are two fun videos I found. Short and sweet. I thought they were funny.

Ship Life

Okay kiddos ...

I'm going back out on on the open seas. Royal Caribbean asked if I could come and do a replacement contract on the Jewel of the Seas, so off I go. I leave September 14th.

I just moved to New York and already I'm leaving. Lots to do. Lots to do.

Pack, move stuff into storage, see as much theater as I possibly can ... you know, the important stuff!

Wish me luck!

Boo United! Part II

Here is Dave Carroll's follow-up to his first viral video about how United broke his guitar.

This one features a much larger production and cast size. Supposedly this is the second in a trilogy of songs/videos Carroll is producing as a "screw you" to United.

Ah, the magic of the internet. Go Carroll!