Q&A with David Grindrod

It’s hard standing on stage every night and talking about gonorrhea. Scratch that… it would be hard if you didn’t have an incredible sense of humor like A Chorus Line cast member David Grindrod. As the impressionable Mark, David has to feign immaturity and insecurity every night on the road. The real deal is anything but, as this thoroughly hysterical blog post shows. After you’ve finished reading, make sure to check out his own blog (complete with video and tour shenanigans) at http://www.dgrin63.blog.com/!

Name

David Grindrod

Role

Mark Anthony (Really Mark Philip Lawrence Tabori)


Describe your favorite song / scene / moment in A Chorus Line.

After doing the show 75 times I know every word of the show. I know when the audience is going to laugh. I know when my body is going to start complaining. I also know standing next to Jessi Trauth (Val) makes life on the line so wonderful. We keep each other smiling and giggling through the show. My favorite part of the show is whenever that cutie pie is looking my way!

Mark is a guy who goes through a lot of changes in his life. We know the tour is only half over, but how do you think you've changed since being on the road with A Chorus Line?

My mom told me that before she went to college she was very shy and quiet. When she left she decided that she was going to throw her shyness in the trash and be “chatty cathy.” This was a success for her! She asked me if I was planning on changing anything about myself as I headed off to college. I was kind of insulted. I thought I was pretty perfect. I asked if she had any suggestions. She said, "You might what to stop with the hugging random people." HOW RUDE! Unfortunately or fortunately this trait has not left me! So, if you come see the show, stay after and I will be overjoyed to say hello and I will be glad to give you a huge hug! As I headed out on tour, my mother knew not to ask me this question again, but I did think about it…

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you on or offstage on the tour?

In Richmond, VA it was about ten minutes until places and I am getting dressed. I put on my costume pants and the bottom of the pants go all the way up to my shins. The “ready for a flood” look is not attractive. Backstage in this theatre had probably 68 flights of stairs. I go running down the stairs looking for wardrobe. After 5 minutes I finally found it! The wardrobe lady says, "Take them off." She irons them to stretch them out. I am standing there with no pants. It’s not a cute look for me. I won't get too descriptive, but my legs haven't seen the sun in about 4 years. Then I hear "Ladies and Gentlemen, break a leg, and places please, places please." CRAP! I am still standing there with no pants! I quickly put my pants back on and run up 68 flights of stairs. I just made it in time for "step, kick, kick, leap, step, touch." Phew!

Near the end of the song, “What I Did for Love”, the music drops out and we just sing "What I did for.....(breath) loooooooovvvvvvveeee! In Pueblo, Colorado, we get to this point and its “What I did for (SNEEZE) looooooooovvvvveeeeeee!” Someone in the audience had a perfectly placed sneeze. It was hysterical!

A little birdie told us that Baayork Lee is obsessed with your sense of humor. If you two were to star in a sitcom, what would the name of it be and how many seasons would it run?

My life would be so wonderful if Baayork and I had show! It would be called "I'm Trying to Get a 6-pack, and You Keep Feeding Me Cookies!" Here’s the reality. Baayork told us she wanted us to look great in the very tight costumes. She expected us all to have 6-packs. She made us do this hour-long warm-up before every rehearsal and every show. The warm-up includes approximately 64 million crunches, 97 thousand sit ups, and 78 hours of these weird pelvis thrust things. We were all feeling good about our abs. Then about halfway through rehearsal Baayork would pull out these huge trays of cookies! Some people thought it was a test. If it was a test, I failed. I can't turn down a cookie (it was the Pepperidge Farm variety tray!). On our sitcom there would be an invited guest. On one side of the set, I would be laying on my yoga mat doing sit ups. On the other side, Baayork would be sitting with a tray of Pepperidge Farm Cookies. The guest would have to choose to do sit-ups with me or eat cookies with Baayork. It would be a huge hit for seven seasons and bring us success for the rest of our lives so we will finally be able to get off our diets, get in the car with our husbands, drive up to our 50 acres in Vermont, dance around our kitchen cooking, (making our own cookies) and enjoy getting fat!

Which past tour stop has been your favorite thus far and why?

I loved Charleston, SC. My sister goes to school there, lucky girl! We had a great time walking around the beautiful historic town. Okay I just said that to make myself sound smart. Historic towns aren't really my cup of tea, but I loved the pralines. What's a praline, you ask! It's some yummy candy and there are always free samples. Let's be honest, what's better than free candy!

David Grindrod as Mark in A CHORUS LINE
Photo by Phil Martin.

Name one item you can't live without while on the road.

Hardy! Well, he's not an item, he's my bus buddy. Hardy plays Bobby, who is very mean to my character, Mark, onstage. Offstage Hardy keeps me laughing. He is also very well-educated. We have a “word of the day.” He teaches me a big word and I will use it, or attempt to use it throughout the day. He also encourages me to read, which I don't do, but he is trying. We spend hours and hours and hours sitting next to each other and not once has he ever smelled stinky. Granted we are only half way done, but so far so good. (I'll keep you posted!)

What is your favorite Broadway show and why?

Ugh! Why this question? So much stress! "Who's your favorite child?" Okay, okay, okay. I love West Side Story, tick, tick, BOOM, and A Chorus Line. I am not just saying that either! It's true! I really loved this show. Often, when I see a show, I can list things I didn't like. I saw A Chorus Line the first time and I said "I have to be in that show." The show is just perfect. Love it!

What are the top five most listened to song on your iPod?

- The entire soundtrack from the film "UP" (Great music to listen to when you just need something pretty lingering in your ears.)
- “Free Fallin'” - John Mayer (This is my sister’s favorite song. Whenever we drive anywhere together, we open the window and belt this out!)
- “Seize the Day” from Newsies (This is my pre-show song for the 8th show of the week, the 5th city, and I am in need for some kind of inspiration!)
- “Sunday Morning” - Maroon 5 (Just a great song.)
- “Umbrella Beach” - Owl City (For spontaneous dance parties...which are not so rare in my life!)

Do you have any pop culture guilty pleasures?

Ugh twitter. I love it, but hate it. I find it so weird, but I have one and I love it. (http://twitter.com/DGrin63)


If you had to pick just one, would you describe yourself as peripatetic, poetic or chic? Why?

Chic, because I am not poetic at all. Words are not my specialty. I'm not peripatetic, well I don't think I am, I don't have a clue what that means, So chic is my only option, as I sit on the bus in sweat pants and bright orange sweatshirt... oh so chic!

I have my own blog! Follow my experiences on tour! http://www.dgrin63.blog.com/

A Chorus Line on Tour performs "What I Did For Love" at a benefit in Phoenix

The company of A Chorus Line on Tour performs "What I Did For Love" at a benefit at the Rock in Phoenix raising over $400 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation! Click below to watch!

Gaspare DiBlasi - Q&A

Do you happen to know, dear reader, what it feels like to hold the audience in the palm of your hand for over eight minutes solo each night? Gaspare DiBlasi certainly does. Sometimes he does it twice in one day! It takes a great deal of focus, confidence and grace to successfully embody the character of Paul San Marco and, here, the talented DiBlasi gives us a glimpse inside what it takes to pull off one of musical theatre’s most endearing book scenes and some pretty hysterical highlights from touring life thus far.

Name: Gaspare DiBlasi

Role: Paul San Marco

Describe your favorite song / scene / moment in A Chorus Line.

My favorite song is listening to Gina Duci beautifully sing “What I Did For Love.” My favorite scene is Jessi Trauth’s hysterical monologue before her song. My favorite moment is standing on stage during my monologue. It is such a beautifully written story that needs to be told. It is a gift to be able to do it every night.

What was your process to learn Paul’s pivotal monologue? Do you have any tricks to keep it fresh each night?

As soon as I got the callback, I took the monologue and separated it into sections. There are four sections and I treated each one individually. Like I said, the writing is so perfect that it made it so much easier to learn. I have an awful memory, but when it came time to memorizing it, I did not have any trouble. In order to keep it fresh, I carry the script with me on tour and go over it at least once a week. I go back to just reading it and reviewing my notes from rehearsal in my journal. I feel like by doing this, I will stay true to my character and ultimately keep it fresh.

If you could be any other character in A Chorus Line for one night only, who would you play and why?

I would love to play Mike! After all, Sammy Williams’ story (who originated Paul) is really Mike’s story. Plus I can relate to Mike’s story being an Italian whose grandma used to hang out the window on a little pillow.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you on or offstage on the tour?

OK I have two funny stories that I can laugh about now. I used to keep a water bottle in my dance bag. One day when I fell in the show and Maggie went to get my bag to be placed under my injured knee the water bottle opened in my bag and went all over me. It looked like Paul San Marco had a little accident. I was mortified. To top this story, the last show before our Christmas layover I was on stage for the opening and went to get my picture and resume from my dance bag. Well my bag was no were to be found and I was running around trying to find it. I was so scared that I would miss my solo in the opening. Thank god I found my bag in another wing and ran from stage right to stage left in two seconds right before we charge forward with our resumes. I thought I had a heart attack. Everyone who has ever done the show before knows how important it is to not be the only one standing without a picture in your hand.

Gaspare DiBlasi as Paul in A CHORUS LINE

Photo by Phil Martin

Which past tour stop has been your favorite thus far and why?

My favorite tour stop thus far has been South Carolina. My roommate’s sister goes to school there and she picked us up in her mini cooper and we were able to fully enjoy the town. The weather was beautiful and the food was great.

Name one item you can’t live without while on the road.

One item is my Nintendo DS. I love video games and it keeps me occupied on our long travel days. It also reminds me of home because I grew up playing video games with my brothers and sister. It is a way to bring a little piece of home with me.

What is your favorite Broadway show and why?

A CHORUS LINE. When I saw the revival and the cast turned away from the mirror I shook. I said to myself, “I have to do this show. I don’t care when or where but all I know is that I have to.” The show changed my life. It was the first of its kind and such a universal piece.

What are the top five most listened to songs on your iPod?

“Stereo Love” - Edward Maya and Vika Jigulina
“Just the Way You Are” - Bruno Mars
“Yeah 3x” - Chris Brown
“We No Speak Americano” - Yolanda Be Cool and DCUP
“Only Girl (In the World)” – Rihanna

Do you have any pop culture guilty pleasures?

Yes I love those trashy magazines that give all the gossip on celebrities! Like “People” and “Star” magazine. Don’t tell anyone, so embarrassing.

If you had to pick just one, would you describe yourself as peripatetic, poetic or chic? Why?

Hands down I am poetic. I definitely have an imaginative and sensitively emotional style of expression.

A Chorus Line Adventure at Albertsons

Don't miss A Chorus Line cast members Ashley Klinger and Chelsea Swanderski's dance adventure at the local Albertsons before their evening performance in Palm Desert, California!

Q&A with Eric Carsia

Next under the cast spotlight is the dapper Eric Carsia, who sincerely embodies everybody’s favorite card-carrying AGVA member Don Kerr in A CHORUS LINE. Eric explains why he has relished the tour’s time in chilly ski country this past week and makes you feel a little better about yourself if you’re one of those people who secretly loves Kim Zolciak’s “Tardy for the Party.” We know you’re out there.

Name

Eric Carsia

Role

Don Kerr (Zach cover)

Describe your favorite song / scene / moment in A Chorus Line.

I personally love “the march” or the moment when the cast revisits their spots “on the line” right after Diana and the rest of the cast finishes “What I Did for Love.” I had the liberty of watching the show one night and found that moment to be very powerful. It’s probably the most universal moment where actor/audience empathy unite. The audience is living the final moments of the audition with the cast. It’s quite haunting actually.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you on tour?

In Billings, Montana there is a cliff overlook of the city called the “Rims.” Myself, Seth Danner and his mutual friends decided to visit the scenic overlook... in the snow. Needless to say the car got stuck just off the highway. We had to push the car three times to get out of the snow. Sounds pathetic, but at the time it was HILARIOUS.

What past tour stop has been your favorite thus far and why?

I really enjoyed Beaver Creek, CO. The ski resort where the theater was located in Vail was just gorgeous, and the landscape was phenomenal. Sure the elevation made it hard to perform, but the audience was one of the best we’ve had on tour.

What upcoming city are you most excited to visit and why?

I can’t wait for Santa Barbara!! I have always wanted to go and my parents said it is one of the most beautiful places in North America... and there is a beach.

Eric Carsia as Don in A CHORUS LINE.
Photo by Phil Martin.

Name one item you can’t live without on the road.

This is going to sound so sad, but I CANNOT function without my IPHONE. It is literally my only connection to the world as I chose not to bring my computer on tour.

What is the first Broadway show you ever saw?

The Lion King.

What is your favorite Broadway show and why?

I love West Side Story. Cliché but that show is timeless.

What are the top five most listened songs on your IPOD?
“Supermassive Black Hole” - Muse
“Hysteria” - Muse
“Bad Romance” - Lady Gaga
“Little Red Corvette” - Prince
“Through the Trees” - Low Shoulder

Do you have any pop-culture guilty pleasures?

BRAVO’s “Real Housewives...” series. I am addicted to Atlanta and Beverly Hills is kicking a**. I can’t wait for New York though! I have an autographed Jill Zaren headshot... it’s ok to be jealous.

If you had to pick just one, would you describe yourself as “peripatetic,” “poetic,” or “chic?”

Well since I am traveling so much I guess I will have to say “peripatetic.” By the way thanks for asking the question because it forced me to look up and finally understand what I was singing.

On the Line with Baayork Lee: Michael Bennett "The Genius"

In this month's episode of "On the Line with Baayork Lee," Baayork reflects on working with A Chorus Line's original creator, Michael Bennett. Don't miss this video!



For more information about the national tour, visit the official website at www.achorusline.com.

Q&A with Emily Rice

We shine our first cast spotlight today on the lovely Emily Rice, holding down the fort as the shimmy-tastic Vicki Vickers every night in A CHORUS LINE. Read below to learn what her favorite moments in the show are as well as how to have a good time with the local firemen if you’re ever stranded in Charleston SC!

Name

Emily Rice

Role

Vicki Vickers

Describe your favorite song / scene / moment in A Chorus Line.

I love the drums during Greg's monologue/solo before the 4th montage!

My favorite song is "At The Ballet." I love the "Ballet Blaze" section of the choreography and the entire rainbow colored lighting!

I also love walking out in darkness and standing in the three lines just before the lights go up and the opening begins. It's fun to hear murmurs of excitement from the audience and to feel the energy among the cast members onstage.

I also love when Sheila says, "please, I've had three already today" in reference to the Valium during the alternatives scene.

Another favorite moment is when Diana Morales says, "Because I remember when I used to stand outside of that stage door and watch all of these girls come out of there with their eyelashes and their makeup, and I'd think, 'God, I’ll never be that old...'" That's kind of the way I feel about being in a national touring company. Am I really old enough to be doing this??

One of my favorite lyrics in the show is "the gift was ours to borrow" from the song "What I Did for Love." It reminds me that this show is a gift to share with the world and that we have borrowed it for the next four months to bring it to cities across the country.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you on or offstage on the tour?

While exploring Charleston we met 2 firemen at the oldest fire station in the US who gave us a tour of the firehouse and even demonstrated sliding down the fireman pole!

Which past tour stop has been your favorite thus far and why?

Charleston, SC - We were in Charleston for two full days, which meant we actually had time to enjoy the beautiful weather, great food, and great shopping - it was such a charming and historic city! We took the city bus 20 minutes to the downtown area and found a bike rental store! We rode bikes through the streets and along the coast! We also met some very fun locals in the airport who gave us a driving tour and took us to the Dock Street Theatre, the oldest theatre in America!

Which upcoming tour city are you most looking forward to visiting and why?

Thousand Oaks, CA should be wonderful! Warmer weather, a one week sit down and I get to see two of my very good friends from college!

But I am most looking forward to February 25th! We will be in Charlottesville for a night at the John Paul Jones Arena and I get to stay with my second family and eat goldfish and drink grapefruit juice with one of my best buddies, Taylor Short!

Name one item you can’t live without while on the road.

My dog bed. A much preferred alternative to the cold, hard often wet from ice and snow bus floor! Makes the 10 hour bus rides significantly more comfortable!

What was the first Broadway show you ever saw?

Gypsy with Bernadette Peters.

What is your favorite Broadway show and why?

Gypsy. It has heart stirring music, fun characters, a well-written book and all the pizzazz and sparkle of old-school Broadway.

What are the top five most listened to songs on your iPod?

“Doubting Thomas” -Nickel Creek
“Simple Love” - Allison Krauss
“Till You're Gone” - Gabe Dixon Band
“Add To the Beauty” - Sarah Groves
“The Music that Makes Me Dance” - Judy Kuhn

Do you have any pop culture guilty pleasures?

Not really!

If you had to pick just one, would you describe yourself as peripatetic, poetic or chic? Why?

Peripatetic - we do quite a bit of traveling on this tour.