Magicshak Spotlight: Miss Saigon's, Billy Bustamante!

It's not everyday that we get to hangout with a fabulous renaissance man like Billy Bustamante. Billy is currently performing on Broadway in Miss Saigon (Ensemble, U/S The Engineer), owns a successful photography business (Billy B Photography) and also serves as the Co- Artistic Director for B-Side Productions! Billy is as humble as he is talented- he's seriously a gem!

Magicshak asked Billy about one of his most embarassing moments on stage (because we're jerks like that), and he didn't dissapoint!!

"It was actually about 2 days ago," laughed Billy. "There is this big scene (SPOILER ALERT) where one of the characters is killed. I have this dramatic moment where I run through the ensemble, find his body, check his pulse, and realize that he is dead. When I got off stage, I realized that my fly had been open the entire time! HA! My LOUD colored under-dress totally peeking through!" 

Hilarious. We've all been caught with our lunchbox open, but not in front of 1700 people on a Broadway Stage, am I right?

One of Billy's favorite moments in Miss Saigon? He watches Eva Noblezada (Kim) sing 'I'd Give My Life for You' from off-stage right at the end of Act 1 every single show. Billy explained that he loves taking these 3 minutes to just breathe and enjoy the moment. Ugh, LOVE HIM.

When asked if he had any pre-show rituals, he mentioned that when going on as The Engineer, he actually walks through all of his blocking on stage before the show. Talk about dedication and professionalism.

To top it ALL off, Billy is also producing a benefit this Sunday in NYC called SHOW/SWAP featuring the cast of Broadway's Aladdin and Miss Saigon, with all the proceeds going towards the medical expenses of his fellow cast members husband (who was recently paralized in a hit and run accident). For more information on tickets and how you can help, visit: https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe.c/10192935.

Magicshak looks forward to following Billy's amazing career!

 

 

Magicshak goes backstage with the cast of 'Beautiful: The Carole King Musical"

Magicshak Media went backstage with Julia Knitel while on tour with Beautiful - The Carole King Musical! We can't get enough of her- she is the sweetest! Even with a grueling schedule; traveling to a different city each week (playing the title role of Carole King), Julia remains upbeat and energetic!

Magicshak's Lauren Conlin gives her take on 'Sunday in the Park with George'

I have a soft spot for ‘Sunday in the Park with George’ as it was the first Sondheim musical that I was introduced to back in high school. I remember getting the chills as I listened to the CD with Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters.  Side note- it was 2002, all we had were CD's and the occasional Napster download. Anyway, when I heard about Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford playing George and Dot, I obviously had to get tickets. Jake is crazy talented (and attractive) and Annaleigh is equally amazing, plus we share the same Alma Mater of Marymount Manhattan College.

First, the newly refurbished Hudson Theatre is fantastic. So beautiful and clean! You don’t have to use the dumb sippy cups for your drinks; you can enjoy your adult beverage out of a real glass. Classy, right? My non-musical loving husband was a big fan of that. Second, the amount of leg room per seat is insane. So comfortable. The Hudson could probably sell out a one man show starring Carrot Top because theater goers were so impressed.

For those of you that are not familiar with the show by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, it was inspired by the painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by George Seurat. It’s an interesting musical as it follows the complex and intense relationship between Dot and George in Act 1 (in the 1890's), and then jumps to 1984 in Act 2; focusing on George and Dot’s great grandson, also an artist named George. The show opens in Paris, France with George (Gyllenhaal) sketching his model and mistress, Dot (Ashford) as she tries her hardest to stay still and concentrate. Ashford’s smooth voice and animated nature was perfect for the opening song, ‘Sunday in the Park with George’. I seriously think she has the voice of an angel.

I was curious about Jake’s singing (we all know he has serious acting chops); he was incredible.  Some of my favorite numbers were ‘Finishing the Hat’ and his duet with Penny Fuller (the Old Lady), called ‘Beautiful.’ Sondheim isn’t easy, but Jake nailed it. I loved his portrayal of George: he captured George's complicated nature, without making him completely void of human emotion. You could actually see the ongoing struggle he had with himself in every scene.

Another highlight was Annaleigh playing the role of Marie in Act 2 (the daughter of Dot and George). She was so hilarious as a southern old lady, I almost forgot she was in her 30’s. Her comedic timing was impeccable.

Hmmm…a weak spot? I wouldn’t even call this ‘weak’, though. I was anxiously waiting for ‘Move On’ to completely blow me away in Act 2, and I was slightly disappointed. While their acting was spot on, I wanted a little more belting from Annaleigh and Jake. To me, this is the ‘show-stopping’ number- I didn’t get that vocally. It was beautiful… I just wanted more ‘Bernadette and Mandy’!

Without giving anything away, the ending was especially moving. Under the direction of Sarna Lapine (niece of James Lapine), the ensemble simultaneously gestures to George with a bow, and I lost it- totally cried! Musical Director, Chris Fenwick (Fun Home) had a beautiful orchestra on stage and the finale (along with every other group number) was perfectly harmonized.

Sondheim fans- you will not be disappointed with this revival! You only have until April 23rd…run, don’t walk! 

Congratulations to Mahershala Ali on his 2017 Oscar Win!

Mahershala Ali won his first Academy Award this past Sunday for Best Supporting Actor in the film, 'Moonlight.' Despite the mix-up, 'Moonlight' also won the award for Best Picture! In February 2016, Magicshak Media had the pleasure of shooting Ali in a promo video for the Off-Broadway show, 'Smart People' where he starred opposite Joshua Jackson.  We see an incredibly bright future for this talented actor!

Magicshak's 2016 montage for 'Smart People,' starring Mahershala Ali.