#david botana

[readwithjoy]

I LOVE David Botana's Boy Witch so so so much and absolutely love how different his take is on the character. The ending of his Is That All There Is? is heartbreaking in so many ways

I also love David Botana. He’s wonderful in any role he takes on!  David is not afraid to make choices, and I love that about his performances. 

[dunwannawakeup]

I finally caught David’s Banquo

I haven’t been so blown away by a Banquo, felt so connected and so touched, to a point I even felt emotionally overwhelmed, for sooooo longgggg. His performance was so powerful throughout. His solos were breathtaking, his 1:1 made me weep. Not to mention all the unique choices in timing and pacing he made. And EAM was Macbeth. Watching their murder scene gave me all the feels. 

[bloodwillhavebloodtheysay]

There are no words--  just NONE.

OK...   so there are some words...

David was my “Old Faithful” in the hotel.  No matter what role he played, I could count on a fabulous loop, and he was always evolving his interpretation of the characters.

His Taxi could be completely over the top, or more subtly sinister.  I remember watching him “play” a bone in his shop like a violin with a brush bow.  He drooled, he grimaced, he smiled maniacally. He was the creepiest of all the creepers in Bargarren’s Taxidermy Shoppe.

I watched an early Boy Witch performance that was almost pure “aging drag queen camp” with a Cabaret performance that made me think of a tragic Judy Garland, and others that were youthful and flirty and still others that were devious and menacing.  His Boy Witch 1-1 was --  well, it was special and we laughed about it in the Manderley. I loved him in this role because he changed it up with little nuances, but I forced myself to stay away after a while for fear of being too creepy, following it yet again.

His Banquo was always a favorite (that BALL ROOM SOLO!), and I his extended Cunning Man 1-1 and walk-down (back when they used to do it 3rd loop) was one of my favorite Cunning Man moments ever.  As Speaks, his awkward attempts at seducing Sexy Witch, making sure his shirt was unbuttoned down to his navel, and hanging open just so,  made me LOL.

I took for granted that he would always be there.  Amidst a constantly changing cast, he was like “coming home,”  making the unfamiliar feel more comfortable. 

I will miss him, but I wish him the best in all that comes next. 

I’m hopeful he will drop by from time to time. 

[bloodwillhavebloodtheysay]

If you don't mind sharing, what day did you get to see David Botana? I just finished reading your beautiful post and now want to go back to the show to try to see him perform!

I have no idea.  But that post was from a long time ago, and the cast has turned over quite a bit since then, so even if I could have told you, it would likely not apply now.

Also, David was a “swing,” which basically means that they are prepared to go on in any one of many different roles.  Sometimes that’s planned in advance to cover planned absences, in which case they may know when they will be on in a particular role.  But even then, the cast is subject to change up to the very last minutes, and sometimes even DRUING the show. 

So, as even with the best deducting sleuthing, it is likely not going to be easy to figure it out.

[chadchronicles]

SNM #62, Friday September 2, 2016, 7pm

I took in an early show on Friday in hopes of a seeing some of the new (and returning) cast members. There were so many new faces that I had to snap a pic of the cast board after. For me, it was the best show I’ve had in months... probably all year. Might have been because I was in a good mood and ready for whatever came my way. And ended up doing something old, something new, something borrowed... wait... 

Max and Kit greeted me in Manderley. And soon Annabella appeared as well. It was wonderful to chat with them. Max told me about a vintage clothing store in Chicago. We’ll have to visit... 

First loop: Steven Apicello’s Boy Witch. I somehow ended up as the only one following Boy Witch until the Rave. Steven really drew me in. And some great choices. His connection with Evelyn’s Sexy was spot on. Their combo switcheroo ‘block the passage’ as you come up the stairs from the ballroom before entering the lobby was unique, new for me and won me over. Also, their phone booth dance was in perfect SYNC! I don’t know if I’ever seen that. Bravo! Steven’s pool table solo was much more desperate and draining than I’ve seen. I really felt for him. 

Stood in some new spots—which as we all now helps immensely! And i actually saw new things that I’d somehow missed before. Witches 1 with the shot glasses into the mirror by Lost Luggage. How did I miss that angle before!?

I took my leave of Steven for Tori Sparks Hecate. Very strong dinner scene and cabaret. Loved seeing her in that role. 

Squeezed in some time with Evelyn’s Sexy and received her 1:1, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I like what she did... and the ending was cool.

Ended the night with David Botana’s Taxi. Jesus Christ David Botana. I love that freak. 

Wish I’d seen more of the new cast, but there’s time. 

Macbeth: Erik Abbott-Main Lady Macbeth: Annie Rigney/Isadora Wolfe Macduff: Austin Tyson Lady Macduff: Kelly Todd Banquo: Daniel Staaf Duncan: JWW Malcolm: Marc Cardarelui Bald Witch: Sarah Stanley Boy Witch: Steven Apicello (1:1) Sexy Witch: Evelyn Chen (1:1) Hecate: Tori Sparks (1:1) Porter: Louis Butelli Agnes: Ida Saki Danvers: (new) Jenna Saccurato ?? Speakeasy: Brendan Duggan Taxi: David Botana (1:1) Fulton: Parker Murphy Matron: Mallory Gracenin Nurse: Stephanie Crousillat (1:1 balcony) Man in Bar: Nick Atkinson (Max) Woman in Bar: Ginger Kearns (Kit) Woman in Bar: Ava Lee Scott (Annabella) 6th Floor: Jackie Schram (?)

[fantasticcats]

David Botana has a 1:1 that he gives no matter which character he is playing. Of course, I can give you no real information. All I will say is that it involves tangerines and Lagavulin. My favorite version of this one is the way he does it when he is playing Hamlet. Life changing.

@readwithjoy

I heard if you get this 1:1 on a full moon, the next day you will turn into a Nereid and disappear into the ocean.

Can you confirm?

[priceyc]

Sleep no more the return - part 2

Show 4 - Friday, 16 January 2015

I'm already a bit drunk when I arrive at the McKittrick for the first late show of the weekend. I've been catching up with friends old and new at the brand new Lodge and the Heath since 6pm, so it's hardly surprising. I'm not sure how long I'll last either, as a 2am finish sounds ridiculously late to someone who hasn't quite adjusted to New York time (it's 7am in London!).

My only plans for this evening, other than following any of the former TDM cast I haven't seen yet, are to try to find Nurse Shaw and the matron, as I haven't even caught sight of them in three shows. So I head to the ballroom and this time don't get lost so I watch the whole scene – fast becoming a favourite for its contrast with the rest of the show. It just feels happy, however many undertones of unpleasantness there might be – and I love watching the witches flirting with cast and audience. Boy witch (Tony Bordonaro I think) seems keen to get me to follow him, but I've already committed to Jesse being my first boy witch. I don't recognise many of the cast at all and so decide to go with whoever my instinct leads me to.

Which turns out to be David Botana's Banquo. I only recognise him halfway through his loop, having flicked through the residents' photos more than once. But I'm not initially sure whether I've followed Macduff or Banquo (I recognise Jonathan Lyons' Malcolm from Wednesday's show so I can rule him out) – but I work it out fairly swiftly from the storyline, in fact as soon as he reads the note at the porter's desk. It definitely helps to know the play in this case.

He's one of very few performers I follow this trip who are entirely new to me, and I quickly warm to him. He's a beautiful dancer, handsome, with (for want of a better word) soulful eyes, and a very believable actor. And Banquo's role is a traumatic one with a great character arc, from being chums with Macbeth, through losing his son, to being horribly murdered himself and returning as a ghost. What actor wouldn't want to portray that? Sorry if I've given away any major spoilers here, but I'm working on the assumption that everyone at least knows the story of Macbeth, even if they don't know exactly how it plays out in the McKittrick. Tumblr users don't strike me as the types who were upset to find out the Titanic sank before they watched the film.

EDIT: I have literally just had a flashback to his stunning moment in the cloakroom during the reset as he and Macbeth change after the battle. Reminds me so much of Andy's dance on the bar in TDM.

I really get into Banquo's story. I particularly love his stunning dance alone in the ballroom, confused and scared after the prophecies, waking up to the realisation that maybe Macbeth might not be quite such a good mate any more. His 1:1 is also very moving, and ends up being one of my favourites of the six shows. So when he suddenly returns to the ballroom and we're back to where we started, I'm actually shocked the hour is up – it certainly didn't feel that long. 

I head upstairs next and wander around the top floor, and eventually meander into the maze and towards the matron's hut, and for the first time her window is open and she's sitting there! I recognise Megh Dixon from my chats with her as Eveen two nights earlier, and as soon as I arrive she looks down and spots me there, closing the window and opening the door, and inviting me in for her 1:1. I get very little of her character from our short interaction, other than the fact that she seems quite troubled, but it certainly brings back a few memories.

I decide to pick Nurse Shaw up after the banquet, as I've heard she follows Lady M upstairs. So I wander around, exploring rooms and corners I've not yet looked at, until it's time to head downstairs. I'm so pleased to see that she's played by Marissa Maislen this evening. I'd loved following her Catherine Campbell – her interpretation is particularly menacing – and am fascinated to see how she plays a different character. I'm not disappointed. Her versatility seems to take over her whole body. There's something almost ugly about her Catherine Campbell, and yet as the nurse she's very pretty – I always admire people who are able to transform like this to such an extent.

I've been warned that Nurse Shaw is not a great follow. But apart from one very annoying five minutes, I completely disagree. Maybe it's Marissa's interpretation that makes her such a great character. There are some moments where I feel such sympathy for her. She turns the nurse into a believable person rather than just an outline, a former patient trapped in this empty hospital on the edge of madness-inducing woods. She always seems on the point of darting away, and sometimes does – leaping out of the window and sprinting into the maze – and her hands are seemingly not always under her control. I particularly love one beautiful moment as she flutters like a butterfly in the window – it's catch-your-breath-style dancing.

I'm taken by surprise when she meets my eyes and holds out her hand for her first 1:1. There's quite a big group of us so I'm not expecting anything. But it's a good one – I definitely see a different side to her.

I get to see more of the Matron during this loop too. It seems she does leave the confines of her hut occasionally, but I still don't get any real grasp of her character – maybe she is just supposed to be mysterious. There's a lovely, very touching moment when the two of them are in the hut together. However, the second time they both go in there, the door closes, the lights go off and we few remaining followers glance at each other, confused. The black mask waiting there watches us for a bit then wanders off, and about five minutes after the door has closed (as we're coming to the realisation that they're not coming out again) another black mask rounds the corner and hustles us away.

This is really quite a frustrating end to my nurse loop and, as it turns out, my evening. Why let us wait there for five minutes if nothing else is going to happen? I assume this is the way it usually happens, and that no one has been injured. I wander out, having completely lost track of where in the loop I am, and initially assume it must be time for the finale. But on my way down I spot some interactions that suggest there's a little time left. And to be honest I can't be bothered to hang around. I'm too grumpy now. So I leave before the crowds and head 'home'.

It's been a great night until that point though, and it's probably only the fact that I'm a bit overtired that's made me grumpy. That night I wander Punchdrunk-style worlds in my dreams for the first time in months.

[chadchronicles]

Sleep No More #11 Recap

Friday, May 17, Late Show

Waiting for the late show with akajakeedwardmarks was such a pleasure. It was great to compare notes on the early show and I'm so glad he decided to stick around for the late show. In between shows, I was able to chat with the staff and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them better. I checked in again. This time with an Ace of Clubs—one I'd never seen before. And then it was darkness and "The Man Who Knew Too Much" and I was off again.

After such an enjoyable early show with all sorts of new characters, I needed a game plan for the second show. Knowing I couldn't be too specific, I just set out to find more new things and new characters. And I did—starting with the lovely Evelyn in Manderley. Why do I always have better luck with the amazing women of the bar? We hit it off instantly, and I knew we'd be life-long friends. 

James (Jeff Lyon) greeted us and sent us on our way. I noted that I needed to get back to him later in the night. Fourth floor exit. Dash to the ballroom. Scene surveyed. Chelsea as Blond and Andrea as Sexy again? They were also doing a Double! Impressive! 

And then it was time. I had to go to the 5th floor. I wandered around briefly with no one in site. It was good to get my bearings since I was the least familiar with this floor. And then the Orderly (Sai) appeared. Where's the Nurse? [I found out the next day that the Nurse and the Orderly are the same role.] But I thought I needed to wait for the Nurse. In the meantime, I followed Sai for a few minutes and then he selected someone to go into a private room. And I figured I'd come back to him later. 

Popped down to the 4th floor and saw that Emeri was playing Agnes again—another Double! So, I stuck with her briefly in hopes of getting her 1:1 which I didn't receive in the early show. Luckily she selected me and her story was complete. Locket around my neck, I set off to find the Speakeasy Bartender…

Speakeasy Bartender (David)

I'd seen a few scenes with the Bartender before but never seen his whole story. David brings so much fun and humor to this role. He enjoyed playing it up and playing with the audience. I had to chuckle multiple times—when he throws the papers around Malcolm's office; when he tosses salt over his shoulder and rolls his eyes; when he discards cards that he doesn't need. He does a lot of "tossing" of things. Such humor and joy. And yet he can bow in respect and fear to Hecate. He can turn boyish around Sexy Witch. And be evil when playing his card game. I played but lost. 

The best is when he prepares for Sexy Witch's arrival—charming and hysterical! Rubbing whiskey on as cologne. Unbuttoning his shirt. Striking a sexy pose on the bar. Love it! And their duet is sweet and playful and a joy to watch. I love when he carries her from the pool table to the bar and back again. So great!

I thought I'd figured out when the Bartender 1:1 happened, but he didn't select anyone. So I stuck with him for the entire loop and then some, but he shut the door in my face. Found out later that David doesn't do that 1:1 very often and I had the timing wrong anyway.  Ah well… maybe another time… 

Manderley

After so much time with the Bartender, I figured it was about time for my "intermission" in Manderley. I was only there a brief time before heading off on another new adventure. Something else that took to me places I'd never been—physically in the hotel and mentally/emotionally/artistically as well. Thank you Mr. McKittrick. You continue to amaze me… 

Taxidermist (Jeff Lyon)

Figured it was about time to check out Mr. Bargarran. Especially after following Fulton and Agnes in the early show. I'd heard amazing things about Jeffery in this role and damn, he does not disappoint. WOW! So creepy! The Taxidermist doesn't do much "dancing" per se, but it's Jeff's characterization and mannerisms. I get chills just thinking about it. Loved his interactions with Fulton. The "shirt-fitting" dance was awesome.

Missed his first 1:1, but surprisingly he did another one not long after, and this time, he carefully snuck me into the room past several waiting audience members. Let's just say, um, creepy and extremely scary. Actually gasped and jumped more than once. Thanks for the green—on fingers, mask and shirt. 

Afterwards, the Taxidermist led me to the rave, but I didn't want to leave his side. Followed him as he literally slinked away and down to the MacDuffs. He pulled me into the child's bedroom and forced me to look at the destruction in the mirror. Then he sewed up the teddy bear. And the next thing I knew he was climbing the walls. Speechless! 

Thank you random audience member who pulled me back as I was chasing after Mr. Bargarran. I didn't realize he'd be climbing the walls, and you saved me from getting in his space.

And thank you to Jeffery—for all of it! 

Found myself in my usual spot for the final banquet. And lo-and-behold, Blond Witch (Chelsea) grabbed my hand again in the dark! We both laughed as we walked up the stairs. And after she took off my mask, she said, "Fancy seeing you again." And gave me a big smile before disappearing. Chelsea, I'm sorry I didn't actually see your performance in either the early or late show, but you are now officially on my radar. Consider this a warning that I will be following you very soon.

Post-show chat and walk out with akajakeedwardmarks. Thanks again for the company and conversation. We were both exhausted, but I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. A truly amazing night at the McKittrick. So many 'firsts' and new things. I was beaming! Not sure how I'd top it the next night…