2.0

So we are at opening (for what feels like the 4th time). We’ve spent the last 11 days making some great tweaks to the show (acting and script-wise). It really feels like Gordo 2.0, essentially the same show, with some new added features. We’ll see how people respond in Cleveland, where much more traditional fair usually plays (right before us was Pride and Prejudice, right after us is the Glass Menagerie). I have faith it’ll find it’s audience. Last night there were 6 people, who appeared to be under 30, and they went crazy for it, and that seemed to allow the rest of the audience to relax and enjoy it go (our first night getting scene applause after every scene). So, we’ll see.

The staff at the Playhouse has been awesome. The production staff built us new walls instantly, the bar kept the kitchen open each night so the actors could eat, and everyone has seemed delighted to have us here.

Best Burger: Old Angle in West Cleveland. Apparently the rust belt (as the locals call it) is famous for it’s hamburgers, after much debate with my cast, and much sampling, we’ve declared it the best. Though while we were there, this man (who we named: meat with eyes) just kept staring at Tracy. Weird. So, we faked taking a picture of the boys so we could capture him in all his mustache glory.

Best purchase so far: Fro $2.50 I purchased an old-school game of Battleship (as in “you sunk my battleship”), and since we couldn’t find any open bars, created the game of Beer Battleship, where you take a drink for each hit. If it sounds like the worlds most ludicrous-college-seriously-how-old-are-you-game, you’re correct. And Matt Dellapina and me are unstoppable at it.

Also, in more shocking news, we attempted to go see LeBron James play in the playoffs – we braced ourselves for the high ticket price and legions of scalpers ready to jack up the price – until we found out: the game wasn’t sold out. Whoa. Cleveland Cavalier fans are the new Atlanta Brave fans: call me when we get to the second round.

Also, in a strange 1984-esque turn, while the visiting team is shooting free-throws, the Cavs management flashes images of things that the audience hates: The Red Sox, The Yankess, John Elway, The Pittsburgh Steelers – it was pretty insane, I think the idea is that the fans seem to hate almost everything, we kept waiting to see pictures of: trans fat, recycling, John Kerry, or babies to show up on the jumbotron.

So, a few hours till opening….