#irtlive

…well, we close Three Musketeers tonight with a double-header. This is a day earlier than expected, but our final matinee tomorrow was canceled a few weeks ago. I realize I’ve written very little this time around. I’ve been working through some stuff and haven’t wanted this to become a forum for venting, which is not its purpose. But I’ve been very productive out here: writing, living healthy, sticking to a schedule… I’m thrilled for my Dodgers, of course. Game 5 against the Nationals was one of the best games I have ever listened to. It was everything that makes baseball - and the National League in particular - incredible. 

It’s been a good run. I think this show is a rousing success in all the ways it can be. It’s pure entertainment, and the audiences have loved it. It’s also a really good ensemble, and I’ve made some great friends along the way. I’ll raise a glass to it tonight, send it on its way, and fly back to LA tomorrow. One week there, and then back again, for my first Christmas Carol.

…may we play with panache. And daring. And love.

A little throwback assemblage of my previous Dumas excursions on the eve of my next opening. In both my previous Musketeers, I played the King and John Felton (it was the OSF adaptation). I also played the twins King Louis and Philippe in a world premiere adaptation of Man in the Iron Mask by Scott Wentworth. Tomorrow we open here at IRT, and I’ll hit the boards as Buckingham in Catherine Bush’s adaptation (as seen in the final photo by Zach Rosing)

That’s a lot of Dumas. 

…with a 2pm and a 6pm show… it’s been an excellent run. I haven’t written much since opening, partially because we’ve been so damn busy (9-show weeks), partially due to my guests, and partially because this wonderful cast spends most of its time together both in and out of the theatre. But the show is really strong, the houses have been great, and the group of us are having a lot of damn fun up there. The ending reveal continues to get gasps, huge laughs continue through the play, and some real human sweetness and vulnerability continues to survive and maintain this script full of clues and red herrings. 

So all and all, a great success. At least from where I’m sitting.

My pops came in for opening and my godfather Paul joined him (surprising me!). It was lovely to see them both -- pops went off with Paul to gallivant through New York for a week after that. My mom and I had a perfect visit with a Mother’s Day weekend full of shows and a day off full of adventure. And Christine and I had a perfect few days during the final week. Dear friend and director Bruce Longworth caught the show last night with his daughter Emma. We enjoyed a drink after. It was exciting to hear how Shakespeare Festival St. Louis is thriving.

So my bags are half-packed, but I own so little that’s plenty for the nonce; closing cards written; always the melancholy at releasing a show one loves to play… the final goodbyes to each moment. But I am happy to be getting back to the City of Angels for a little while… plenty to do. But I will miss this.