UNFORGETTABLE PERFORMANCES BLOG

This blog site is going to undergo a major renovation. In the past I’ve brought you coverage and reviews on films, television and theater. However, from this point forward, it’s going to focus exclusively on actors, and their great performances in those mediums. In a simple, daily blog setting, I’ll take you through some of the most legendary (and some of my personal favorite) performances of all time.

Today, we’ll start with one of my very favorite performances, and one close to my heart- Steve Carell’s legendary 7-season run on the American version of “The Office”. As Michael Scott, the manager of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, Carell managed to strike a blissful balance between ignorance, innocence and delusion. (The fact that he never received an Emmy Award for the role is not only criminal, it’s upsetting)

A character with zero self awareness, Scott had little to no self- censorship, and frequently behaved in an outrageous and offensive manner. In the hands of a lesser actor, this character would not only have been unfunny, but would have turned people away from the show entirely. But Carell,-the canny actor that he is- imbued Scott with humanity and love from the very beginning. When he says idiotic things, behaves childishly, or makes comments that are beyond politically incorrect, the actor is so good- he allows us to see completely through these attributes-instead giving us a glimpse of a tragic man-child, desperate to fit in, but completely unaware how. Due to the wonderful writing, and Carell’s performance, the audience begins to understand that Michael Scott really isn’t a bad guy- just a naïve, and socially maladjusted one. And, though he often makes a complete and utter fool of himself, Scott occasionally has moments of insight and clarity.

Let’s take a look at some highlights:

In the episode “The Injury” Michael Scott has an unfortunate incident- watch how brilliantly Carell plays this out. This is a beautiful example of absurdity played for complete and utter truth.

A second season episode entitled “Booze Cruise” involved the office going on a trip around the harbor as part of a team-building exercise. Michael Scott becomes extraordinarily jealous of the host of the cruise, and tries to upstage him at every moment, resulting in a painful and humiliating experience for everyone on board. For fellow co-worker Jim, the trip is even worse, as amidst all of Scott’s antics, he witnesses the love of his life get proposed to. After the events of the evening have transpired, in a surprising moment, Michael Scott provides some lucid and completely moving advice for Jim. Carell nails it here- as we see some real humanity after all of the silliness.

Carell also had the ability to be devastatingly tragic and hilarious all at once. Take this moment from season 3, where after being dumped by his short-term girlfriend, he spills his heart to the cameras. At once endearing and horribly offensive, this moment exemplifies Michael Scott. It takes a great actor to make an absurd moment like this believable, let alone lend it actual gravitas. He somehow does both.

Let’s take a listen to Steve Carell talking about his character from the Paley Center discussion:

As the show went on, Carell’s character became more and more human, and over 7 seasons, we watched him grow (well as much as Michael Scott could grow). We say goodbye to him on a touching, and bittersweet note, and are truly happy to see good things happen to him- a real testament to Carell when you think about the absurd, and often incomprehensible things that he has put his co-workers (and the audience) through.

Because of his commitment to the reality of the character, and a knack for finding truth even in the most ridiculous of situations, Steve Carell gives an UNFORGETTABLE PERFORMANCE.

I’ll leave you with one more.

Master Class and Intensive: Don’t Just Sing, Say Something!

Led by Brandon Alpert and Broadway’s Danny Gurwin
A Six Week Musical Theater Workshop Presented by The Alpert Studio for ages 12-25

September 26th – November 7th, 2011

Six Monday nights from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. and a cabaret performance on Saturday November 12th at 7:00pm.

(Non mandatory class on Halloween)

What’s the magic ingredient that will unlock your talent, rivet your audience and get you the part?

It’s the heart of the audition season, and acting is now the single most important factor in booking jobs, winning competitions, and getting the parts you want in musical theater.

In the past, performers could get work based on sheer vocal quality, but those times have come to an end. In the contemporary theater world, the interpretation of the song comes first and foremost. To succeed in today, you must not only be believable, but able to act and communicate your song in a way that is clear, and specific, yet layered.

In this class you will do just that, plus have the opportunity to show off what you learned in an intimate evening performance.

Participation is limited – Enroll Now to Reserve Your Spot.

This class is open to the general public, as well as friends and families of the Alpert Studio, so tell your friends!

Tuition: $160 per student, $100 per additional student (siblings)

TO ENROLL CLICK HERE:

http://www.thealpertstudio.com/

Or call (909) 754-5792

For more information, contact me at brandonalpert@gmail.com

Who Should Attend:

This intensive is aimed at the serious student, who is looking to be a part of the competitive, but rewarding world of musical theater. It will prepare you for your musical theater audition, and give you all the tools (and songs) you need to book the job, and get the part.

We will explore the world of song interpretation in depth, with a strong focus on the fundamentals of acting a song.

And excitingly, all of the students hard work will be shown off in a cabaret performance to close the class.

We are honored to feature Broadway star Danny Gurwin who will lead a dual session master class. Performers will have the opportunity to work at every session with pianist and accompanist Janet Noll.

Brandon Alpert Bio:

Award winning actor and singer, Brandon Alpert is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Brandon is a busy performer and teacher, working all over Southern California. He has appeared in over 20 productions including most recently, acclaimed productions of “RENT”, and “Urinetown”. He recently signed with Buchwald Talent Group, one of the finest agencies in the entertainment business, and was recently accepted into the world renowned acting studio of John Kirby, a coach with clients such as Jeff Bridges, Denzel Washington, among many others. Recently, he attended the “MAKING IT ON BROADWAY” Intensive, and was a part of National Teachers of Singing Conference in Salt Lake City.

“ Brandon, brings life and love to his character and also has a truly beautiful voice” alt=”" />

Danny Gurwin Bio:

A Broadway veteran for the last 12 years, learn from one of New York’s best! With shows such as Little Women, Urinetown, The Full Monty, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Kismet, A Little Night Music, Forbidden Broadway, A New Brain, and The Thing About Men to name a few, Danny Gurwin has hands-on experience working with some of the New York Theatre’s most accomplished directors, choreographers, designers, and actors.

“Danny manages to push you to places with your talent you never thought possible, in a completely safe and always encouraging environment. Ultimately, he focuses on bringing back an honesty to Musical Theatre, digging for truth in a character with every song a journey of self-realization. To put it simply, after working with Danny, I feel as if I could do anything without any restrictions or fear. I could conquer any obstacle or challenge the business has to offer.” – Kelly McCormack

Janet Noll has earned degrees from the University of Kentucky (Bachelor of Music and Master of Library Science) and the University of Montana (Master of Music). Ms. Noll’s accompanying and coaching experience spans thirty-five years, and includes work in the areas of chamber music, solo, vocal and instrumental duo work, choral ensembles, musical theatre and opera productions. She is a solo and duo pianist, harpsichordist, fortepianist, and chamber musician.