Monday, June 28, 2010



Greetings and salutations, everyone! Well, the second week to 'Virgin Alexander' is off to a great start. Today, we shot on location at an office/health care building. The particular floor that we were shooting on was where disabled people are cared for by a very dedicated and kind staff. They were nice enough to transform some of their offices into set locations for us. There was a police interrogation room, a bursar's office and my scene for the day, which took place in a visitation room; a kind of which I will not disclose at this time. I will say, though, that the scene was quite intense and enlightening for my character.

I got to meet some new cast members, today, who were all very gracious and fun to hang around with. This has been such a great group of people to work with. I can't imagine a better way to experience my first lead role in a feature film.

Tomorrow, we'll be shooting some more dump truck scenes and some scenes with my grandfather in the film. There might even be a party scene! We shall see!

On Wednesday, I get to play the piano again (this time in an auditorium) and I also get to dance! I'll fill you in on that when it happens.

Well, it's been a long day. Thanks for stopping by! Talk to you soon.


Rick

P.S. This is a shot taken today of me in the visitation room. I seem a bit ominous!

Saturday, June 26, 2010


Hello, again, my cyber friends! Well, we just finished a very successful first week of shooting, here in Saratoga Springs, NY. I'm very proud of what our cast and crew have done with this film, so far and I am very confident that the final outcome will be truly great. Everyone has really stepped up their game.

For most of the week, we were in Alexander's house. It is a house that was built in 1824 and is pretty cramped and steamy (that's right, no A/C!) At any given time, there are probably 25+ people inside, each doing their separate jobs. You have the cinematographers, lighting, art directors, costume designers, make-up artists, sound, production coordinators, Director's assistant, writers and directors and of course, actors. Did I leave anyone out? You get the picture, I'm sure. Crowded is an understatement! Everyone has gotten to know each other quite well, at this point!

I don't think, though, that a better location could have been picked. This house just has the right feel for the kind of story that this movie is about. It captures the essence of the characters and it really has a life of its own. There is so much history attached to it, that it has really brought something out of everyone. I think that will come across when you see the film. I mean, Andrew Jackson was President when it was built!

Tomorrow, a much deserved day off for everyone!

Here's a pic of PJ and I in the only clothes we have lived in all week. They're smellin' mighty sweet about now!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Hello, there, blog readers! Things are going well here, on the set of 'Virgin Alexander.' It's been a busy first three days of shooting. Just to recap a little: Some things were thrown out of my bedroom window, a little piano was played (by me!), songs were sung and a surly tuba player was encountered! Sounds like fun, right?

I can't say enough about how great everyone here is. The cast is fantastic, the crew is on top of their game, and Jim and Carol are keeping us well fed. The process has been wonderful, as an actor. I couldn't have asked for a better experience for my first lead role in a film. I'm very excited to be part of such a great story.

Saratoga Springs is also a beautiful place in the summertime. I'm having a great time getting to know some of the locals. I might go to the race track, tomorrow, to watch the horses get put through their paces. That should be a lot of fun!

Okay, that's all for now. Off to bed for another day of shooting!

Talk to you soon!

Rick

P.S. The picture on top is Paige and I shooting a scene in Alexander's bedroom, yesterday.

Monday, June 21, 2010

After a long travel day from Las Vegas,beginning at 4AM, Joyce and I arrived in the beautiful town of Saratoga Springs,NY and met the fantastic cast and crew of 'Virgin Alexander.' A quick haircut, a costume fitting of my ever so cool scrap haulin' jumpsuit (picture to follow at a later blog!), a bbq made by our hosts Jim and Carol, then off to bed. Alexander's bed that is! Yes, I spent the night in a hot and stuffy, junk filled bedroom, that belongs to my character. I figured, "What the heck? Just throw myself into this guys mindset, right?" Joyce thought I was nuts after such an exhausting day, but I'll suffer for my art!
Today, was a long day of shooting. We shot a lot scenes in and around Alexander's house and I got to be the nerdy, awkward, dork I've always dreamed of being. Tomorrow, beginning at 7AM, PJ and I shoot some scenes on a big ol' dump truck! That'll be fun! Then a tuba scene! That's all I'm gonna say.
More tomorrow and hopefully some pics!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Greetings cyber friends! Join me on my new adventures as I blog about the next journey I'm about to take; the role of Alexander Mann in the film 'Virgin Alexander' (you heard right, Virgin Alexander!) Filming begins June 21st in Saratoga Springs, NY. Don't worry all you 'Jersey Boys' fans, I'll be back in Frankie Valli's shoes in Vegas on July 11th. See you then!