Colder

So it's finally cold here. Who knew.

Today I recieved the call from these one24one alphashoreavenue (whatever) people. This is the web-based TV show I somehow got involved in through a Loyola Phoenix ad. So he calls me right before Spanish class and tells me he wants to have be more involved in the project, which includes this production meeting on Friday.

And then I picked up a copy of today's Phoenix and saw on the back another ad. It was the main guy asking for a personal assistant to balance his school and other things. What was he paying? $80 a week for an hour a day, plus a free iPhone. This led me to wonder: "Who the f is this guy?" Who gives away a free iPhone for some crap like that? And a really cool book thing to some bum who just answers an open casting call????

I feel like I'm looking down the rabbit hole right now. And Alice (read: Barry) is about to plunge in. And although I'm a little weirded out about this whole thing. I'm thinking the rabbit hole might be the way to go anyway. At least it's sorta exciting.

I'm just hoping this doesn't turn out to be some how porn-related.

Whatever,
Barry

Jersey Boys

Tonight I went and saw the new musical in town--Jersey Boys, the story of the Four Seasons. It was pretty wicked good, and it involved New Jersey, where I have a lot of family. It was sentimental.

Now I have like every Frankie Valli and the Four Season song stuck in my head. The production was awesome, there was one moment where they were singing to upstage as lights flashed--basically it looked like the image on the poster. Wow. And Frankie Valli's voice was phenom.

That's been the highlight of the week so far. I've had to do some stage design crap, but other than that this week is pretty made in the shade.

Sherry,
Barry

P.S. Oh, what a night.

Digging in the Dirt

So I'm going through my Peter Gabriel phase right now. Yeah. Don't make fun.

This weekend was chockful of stuff.

Friday I went and saw the Loyola production of Wit, which is about this female professor with Ovarian cancer. I was actually somewhat surprised that it was remarkably good. The actress that played the woman was on stage the entire 2 hours, and she really carried the show. Overall, I was really impressed with everyone. After the show, Chris lured me with alcohol to go watch 30 Days of Night instead of going straight to the cast party. The movie was awful, but getting drunk to it was really nice. I almost threw my empty gin bottle at the screen, but instead dropped it loudly on the ground in protest. It was a fun experience. The fat bad cop from Batman Begins was in it, and I give full support to any fat person in a movie. The cast party was alright, not the best, but not bad. Whatever.

Saturday I auditioned for this web tv thing. I'm still pretty sketchy on the details, but they have a lot of cool merchandise. I got a pen with a USB port on it and this really nice leather journal thing. It seems pretty legit, there is free food involved, and I have a speaking part as this research assistant guy. Whatever, I'm just gonna hump my lines like no other and see where it goes. It's a professional production team, so maybe I'll make a name for myself. I'm not that excited--I have a feeling the story is going to be sorta lame, but at the same time I'm really excited I'm doing it. I'll keep y'all updated, even though I'm kinda keeping this underwraps in real life.

Other than that, I saw Jitney for free at the Pegasus Players. I love August Wilson plays. One of our professors was the director, and he did a cracker-jack job. There were some amazing scenes. And I don't think I ever felt carthasis like I did at the end of that show before. It was great. Then we did the ol' musical powerhour and everyone was happy once again.

Today I fumbled around on the interweb, drew my scene design, and did my freakin acting journal. We have to have an entry for every class up to now, which I did tonight. My hands be acheing.

I'm getting increasingly excited about my scene design for As You Like It. I'm doing it under the sea--kelp forests and pearls. It's gonna be cool kids.

In your eyes,
--Barry

P.S. I can be your bumper car bumping.

I had to round that out.

A Quickie

Have philosophy in 8 minutes. An update:

Costume in Burial samauri-inspired. Barry excited.

Mid-terms were easier than expected.

Darjeeling Limited--good movie.

Auditioning for Rogers Park web-tv show. Watch out.

Office tonight. Then Micheal Clayton. Then alcohol.

Seeing Wit tomorrow. We'll see.

Listened to Chris Issak's "Wicked Game" like 30 times already today. WTF?

Killing in the name of,
Barry

Stress and other things

Yeah, this week kinda sucks so far.

I had two midterms today, I have three big sketches due for design tomorrow, and I have a major paper due Thursday. Uh-oh.

Actually, today wasn't that bad. I thought I was going to be killed twice. Yet, it wasn't too bad. I didn't do supergreat, but I def didn't get all killt. It was almost inspiring. So whenever you're feeling down, just think about me. And stuff will be alright forever for you. Uncle Barry promises.

Love,
--Barry

Here's To Me

Yes, the castlist for Burial at Thebes (read, "Antigone") came out today. And yes, your's truly was cast as one of the guards. It's a non-speaking part, but looking at what other guys got cast, it looks like it will be an interesting group. Whatevs.

I guess I have a reason to drink tonight. Hooray!

--Barry

My Cosmic Autumn Rebellion

Friends, it has been too long.

Huzzah for fall! It is finally the right temperature for this time of year, you SUV-driving SOB. It is finally in the 50's and 60's, right where it should be.

And that means fall break. Yes, I went back to the 734 for the weekend, and it was interesting. My family now possesses a new little kitten that my little sister found. It's pretty cute, but it matches with our floors, so I was constantly worried that I was going to step on it and not even know. Kittens are interesting to watch--the whole world seems new to them. If only my life was filled with that much adventure. Alas, that is the rub.

Other than that, I got drunk with some old friends. I actually finally hung out with one of my best friends from middle school who had just turned 21. We got some Corona and talked seriously for like 5 hours. As this was happening, his little sister (and my sophomore year homecoming date) was detoxing in the next room from her oxy addiction. Funny how people turn out.

Tonight was "Burial at Thebes" auditions, which is basically a fancy title for the Greek tragedy "Antigone." I think it went purty good. We shall see soon. Cross yo fingers, fool.

Flagpole Sittin,
--The Barry

Despite All my Rage

I'm still a rat in a cage.

But seriously.

Sunday I started working on my set model for "Master Harold...and the Boys," a play about racism set in a 1950 South African tearoom (i thought about updating it to change the title to "Master H...N Da Niggaz" but I don't think that would fly). Anyway, I started at noon and ended at 3:30 AM.

LOOK AT THE PICTURES!!!!! GIMMEE SOME VALIDATION PLEASE!!! I'M DESPERATE!!! SAVE MEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Alright, I'm good.

Me finishing at 4 AM. Frickin chairs and tables took way to long

Close-up kinda.

Look at that sexy Jukebox. My crowning achievement.

Smoke Barry's Brand Cigarettes-Get Laid-Get Friends-And Healthy For You Too!

This is for my n-words,

-Barry

Ego-Trippin

Hmmm, friends. This weekend has been pretty intriguing.

Loyola put on Sammy Beckett's "Waiting for Godot," and I saw it twice, two nights in a row. It was the greatest stage production I have seen yet. I can't even explain it--I am blown. Because of my non-luck at auditions so far this year, I've been deeply questioning if I even want to act. Seeing this totally reaffirmed my love. I want to be able to cause such deep reactions.

The cast party was pretty bumpin, fun times has by all. I left at like 4:20, and listened to a bunch of Patsy Cline back home.

Today I had to memorize my lines for "As You Like It" for my Characterization class, so I took the el with the hope of getting somewhere. I ended up at the Merchandise Mart, whose name is strangely misleading. It's pretty lame. There is this place called the "Chopping Block," which has cooking classes, which I think I might take up. After I picked up a schedule, I sat in McDonald's for an hour and memorized my scene.

Then I sorta wondered the streets for awhile. It was a weird audio-visual experience featuring the Flaming Lips. Lots of musing on how bizarre the concepts like God, existence, and the general human condition are. I just kinda went wherever the light said "Walk, Barry." I probably almost got hit by buses on numerous occasions. I ended up at Trader Joe's, where I got some espresso finally, along with some really good peanut butter cups. Pretty good adventure.

I came up with the concept of a short play I might pursue--"Ego Trippin At the Gates of Hell." We'll see if I have the motivation to actually finish this one.

And tomorrow I have to create a whole little model set for "Master Harold...And the Boys," which takes place in Apartheid South Africa. It'll be interesting. I'll put up pictures.

Selassie I dub,
Barry

I Once Rescued Oppossums From the Road. They Later Died.

Bad segway.

I applied for more jobs today--I'm having doubts about these chocolate people. I applied to the B&N and Starbucks in Evanston, we'll see how that goes. I also put myself on the Opinion Wizard list. There are signs on the el proclaiming "Who Cares What You Think?" and a little wizard dude replies "We Do!" Hopefully the little douche won't lie. I had to tell this semi-obnoxious lady a bunch of weird personal information.

Hopefully soon I'll be whoring out my opinions for money.

I can't wait!
--Barry

Some time

I have way to much time on my hands. Tonight, I went downtown, had hot cocoa at the Hershey's factory, and still had enough energy to veg in front of the TV for way to long. It's pretty weird watching TV here. Last year the only stations I could recieve were Telemundo, History Channel, and BET. Having more than 3 channels makes a big difference.

In the end, I really hope that Ethel's calls me back for an interview. I'll probably call them tomorrow sometime. We shall see how that goes.

Other than that, not a whole lot has been going on. I'm one of the four sophomores putting on the Fresh Faces party this Friday (basically where we get all the freshman drunk). There has been some rabbling among certain parties that I'm in charge of cleaning up afterwards, but they are lieing to themselves if they think I'm the right man for that job. I mean, c'mon.

Dig it,
Barry

Frosted Mini-Wheat Thoughts and Theories

I have no idea why as my one and only breakfast cereal I purchased Frosted Mini-Wheats. I eat them nearly every morning, and nearly every morning I feel like throwing up. Yet I will eat them until they are gone. I know this. Life goes on.

I think however, they sort of present a metaphor for my present state. I realized Monday that the past three weeks I have been strangely depressed. Probably more depressed than I have at any other point in college so far. I think it's been a combination of things, including a big fight with my parents and me not getting into a show this semester.

Fortunately, though, I think I'm pulling through pretty well now. I've done a lot of self-re-evaluation the past two days, and I actually feel a lot happier. I felt out of balance and without purpose. I sat down and figured out what direction I want to go in, which includes a renewed dedidication to acting and getting a job that I really want. So far so good. I have reconciled with my family. I've put a lot of thought into my characterization scene, and I think I have a really good shot at this job I applied for at a fancy-schmancy Chocolate Lounge in Evanston. And I have been listening to a lot of White Stripes.

Yeah, I know this post is pretty lame. Think of it as an open letter, to you. Personally, I mean it. Nobody else can read this. Here's to you, reader.

With love,
--Barry

Free Chipotle and Other Thoughts

Yesterday's big halabaloo was that perennial gastrointestinal enemy Chipotle was giving out free burritos. Although the huge line might have detered some, I knew I would feel personally defeated if I didn't get my free Chipotle. So me and Courtney waited in line for like 35 minutes. Fortunately, we also jacked some of their cool Tabasco sauce salt-and-pepper shakers. Hoorah for theft!

Other than that, times are good. I'm gonna turn in my application tomorrow at a tropical fish store in Old Town. I already called, and they seemed mildly interested. I think it'll go well. Also tomorrow, I'm going to see that new Beatles movie musical, "Across the Universe." I've heard mixed things about it, but it looks crazy enough to be really good. I'll report back, never you worry, loyal reader.

Also, Courtney and myself will hopefully see that Rilo Kiley on Saturday. I think I can swing some decently discounted tix off Craigslist. Cross your fingers. And maybe your toes.

Who rocks the party (rocks the party),
Barry

100 posts

Landmark: This is the 100th post in playitoffcool history. Huzzah! Go out and have a drink on me ( just pay for it and I might get around to paying you back, sometime, maybe).

So I after getting called back for 4 of 6 male roles in Diviners, I did not get a part. This means I'm essentially out of theatre productions until late this semester, with the exception of directing scenes, etc.

I'm trying to keep it positive. Thinking I'll get a job with the extra time. We shall see.

Did you see High School Musical's Vanessa Hudgens nude photos?

I did,
Barry

Shot through the heart, and You're to Blame

It's been a rocky first week of college, and it's only Wednesday evening.

I've gone through two auditions, one callback, and nine classes. The classes aren't so bad, characterization (basically, intro to Shakespeare), ancient philosophy, spanish 101 taught by a guy who can barely speak English, Arabic 101, stage design, and theatre history...fun stuff all around. And I kinda already have a huge project due on Wednesday.

Loyola held auditions for productions of 'Arcadia' on the mainstage and 'Wit' in the studio, and I'd be cool to get into either one (Arcadia moreso than Wit). However, I totally blew my monologue. Both times. I think Tuesday night might've been my worst auditions of all time. I world get through a few lines, start thinking, hey Barry, doing pretty good, let's not screw up, get pulled out of the moment, and then everything would shatter apart. I forgot words and had to repeat sentences. It really sucked, and I was pretty depressed after the fact.

However, I somehow made callbacks for Arcadia. Those were pretty meh. I waited around for an hour, read for one scene, and then the director said, "alright, there's nothing I can really give direction-wise" and we let go. I'll see tomorrow if I made it. Here's hoping. I've already made good use of the leftover tequila, so everything's pretty cool.

And I also was ask to help plan the fresh faces party, basically where the older theatre kids get the freshman drunk. Myself and three other friends of mine (none of us really are that hip to the idea) have to get a location, set a date, and raise money. Whatever.

I think I'm going to see Herbie Hancock tomorrow night.

-The Barry

The Barry is Back

As I walked to breakfast this morning, I ran into my old neighbor from Mertz. He hadn't showered, and carried a lap top bag among other supplies.
"Oh, hey," I said, "how's it going?"
"I just woke up in the hospital."

Yes, I am back in college.

We kinda chilled here for my first night, I unpacked my things, tried to figure out my TV, etc., etc. Fransico, myself, my friend Courtney who transferred here from JC (and a member of our Toledo Cru), and two of Fransico's friends drank a little in our new wicked sweet room Saturday night. Not gonna lie, I was sweetly surprised when I stepped in. We got like a table, and some cool chairs, and a stove, and a fridge, it's not what I expected at all. We still need to get groceries and install the putting green, but it will come with time.

Today I helped set up Fransico's stuff, and then went downtown with Courtney and her roommate to see some old friends and get dinner. They got a truly loaded English roommate who buys $80 bottles of champagne. Some people have all the luck. Not this guy.

Well maybe.

Then I went off to the beach with my theatre friends who were quite high. I borrowed a play to get monologue for Tuesday's auditions (I freakin know). And I figured out my class schedule for tomorrow, and added some 300-level Ancient Philosophy to the mix. Semi-productive. Always sexy.

Welcome back,
Barry

Rockit

So here I am, in my room, at 12:42 AM, listening to Herbie Hancock. And I have to work open tomorrow at 9:45. That kinda sucks. Tomorrow will officially be the longest day I have ever worked at President Tuxedo, all gloriously boring 11 hours. I smell suckage. Whatevs.

Today I went to Swedish design paradise insanity IKEA in Canton, MI to get stuff for ma new dorm. Pretty exciting, I know. All in all, I spent about ten dollars. I got a rug, two coffee mugs, a wine glass, a dish towel, two picture frame things, a measuring thing set, and a threesome of cooking stuff (as in a spatula, a giant fork, and a giant spoon). Wow, if my life could get any more exciting. Basically, Drew and I spent the day hitting each other with random found objects, some hurt more than others.

I have three more days here, and I have still a lot of people to see. It doesn't seem like a big deal, cause I'm sure I'll be back for breaks, but it still kinda is. I think I'm a little nervous to get back into the routine after spending most of the summer watching Spongebob. Loyola already has auditions for Arcadia on the 28th, two days after classes start. I have yet to start thinking about a monologue. Some people might toss around the word totally screwed, but I'm not some people.

Stressed in Bedford,
Barry

Late

Not gonna lie, last night was pretty interesting. I went down to BGSU to see my friends' new apartment and attend the official christening partay. It was pretty good, a lot better than I expected it to be. Free booze and random chicks, which is different from the norm this summer.

And then Drew, who drove with me, shattered the hookah. Good times, indeed. Everyone was a little sad, but everything was settled (except for one cat, who was really, really pissed/drunk/sick for awhile, but that's a different story). I was half-worried they might kick Drew out and then I would be stuck going home waaay early and be in quite the awkward situation in general. In the end, I think my good chi was able to overcome all the bad chi that follows Drew by principle.

I finally got home around 5 AM, and then set my phone for 10 AM, because I had to open at President at 11. Then I woke up at 10:58. My phone had died. I flew around the house, a blur of water and pants and tie. I finally got to the store and had the drawer counted at 11:22. We'll see what happens, but I'm none to worried. I bank a lot on the fact that everyone loves me.

I spent the day staring blankly into space, talking with the other dude who came in at noon and just moved in to the University of Toledo, and trying to find prices on cocktail shakers for Barry's superdorm (Coming to you live, August 25th, 2007).

The rest of the week is pretty dull, working like 36 hours and then moving in on Saturday. I'll prolly end up spending at least one more night in BG, but not much other than that. I kinda want to go to the IKEA in Canton on Tuesday, so we'll see how that goes. Maybe get some sexy stuff.

And I saw Superbad on Friday. Funny stuff. One of the best depictions of high school life ever on film, and even better because most of the actors are pretty lowkey. I'll tell you, with a track record of the 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up, and now this, these guys are on a roll. We'll see if they can keep it going. But seriously folks, see the movie. There's alcohol, menustration, and guns. Make it happen, bub.

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh,
Barry

Working Hard For the Money

Sorry for the lame title, I'm somewhat pressed for time.

Last night I went and visited my friends' spankin new apartment in Bowling Green, and not gonna lie, it's pretty sweet. It got me thinking, uh oh, I need to amass all the stuff for my dorm. Fact: I leave in 8 days. I have yet to get a hold of my roommate to talk about what we're both bringing. Actually, I probably should be doing that than writing this. What can I say? I love each one of my fans.

Here's a list of crap off the top of my head that I want.

NEW STUFF I NEED TO GET:
A good blender that will last me forever
A Big Cactus that could possibly kill me when I'm drunk and stumbling around in the dark
A Martini mixer
A light-up globe
An Interesting rug, perhaps
Silverware
Really sharp knives
Walk-in humidor/gun safe
That one was a joke
My Monopoly Millenium edition
Julia Child's French Cookbook
Etc. Etc.

I got to get to President Tuxedo--and after my shift I'm hoping to catch Superbad (Hoorah!)

Give me something to believe in,
Barry

*************BARRY AND THE ON OCCASIONS NEWS********
I've actually been quiet on here about it, but me and my one-man band have been working pretty intensely on a few new mashups, and they been getting pretty semi-decent viewings on a few mashup sites. I'm working on a pretty intense one now (with like 10 songs, including Makes Me Wonder, Crazy, and LoveStoned)....so get pumped.

My latest, Da Superclub
50 Cent + RHCP + Gym Class Heroes + Stevie Wonder + Rick James


Another, the Cure and OutKast


And our official (albeit not very decorated) MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/barryandtheonoccasions

Enjoy.

Is Your Ego Satisfied?

Yes, I just watched like freakin 3 hours of Aqua Teen Hunger Force, by far one of the funniest/most bizarre television programs alive today. I have yet to watch the movie that came out, but people tell me I should. Honestly, the show makes little to no sense. I have no clue what makes it appealing.

Other than that, twelve days till move-in/move-on. Exciting. I know.
Either way, you should check this out.

I like to think I change lives with this blog. You can thank me later.

Love,
Barry