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Betty Page Got Nothing On Us

Alexandra Del SoleHello Kitty Cats,

I made it through my first Burlesque show!  I’m alive, I didn’t fall, and most importantly I had a blast.  I truly had no idea what to expect going into this experience.  Would there be tassels?  People eating swords or fire?  How will I ever fit into this show?  Well, it was delightfully tame and cheeky.  All the girls in the show are adorable and extremely talented dancers and performers.  I used the term “are” rather than “were” because the venue we performed at loved the Va Va Va Venus show so much that they hired us back for more events.  I think my favorite part of the entire experience was peeking out from behind the curtain and seeing the silly grins on everyone’s faces.  From young men to grandmothers, every person beamed with excitement after every act.  At then end of the show I had the pleasure of interviewing our audience and getting their perspective.  You can see my personal performance video and below.

*Click on Va Va Va Venus to see a reel of our show

 

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Year 2013 is Looking Sexy

Alexandra Del SoleHello New Year of 2013!  I just wanted to post a few things to keep all you tons and tons of readers out there updated with what’s shakin.  We had a great run of the show Taming of the Shrew and we received a couple great reviews.  “Not to be overlooked is Alexandra Poncelet Del Sole, as the supposedly demure Bianca. Though she plays the cry baby early on, Poncelet Del Sole’s Bianca becomes more than a foil for Katherina here. She rightly gains a haughty edge in Act 3, Scene 1, first flirting with Lucentio and then rejecting Hortensio. Bianca has three suitors on a string in this play, and Poncelet Del Sole deftly handles each would-be lover.”  I have never been personally pointed out before so this was quite fun for me to see.  Check out the whole article HERE.

In other news I also filmed a Holiday restaurant commercial which was fun with the guys at SituatioNormal Studios.  Take a look-see….

This new year has started out pretty rad and I vowed to keep myself open to things outside my comfort zone and go for the changes in life and not fear them.  That being said, I joined a Burlesque show called Va Va Va Venus where I will be singing and performing with these lovely dancers.  Talk about stepping outside of your own box.  Oh, and I cut my hair and got bangs.  ( If you’re a girl you understand it’s a big deal 🙂 )  Hope you all had a great season and raise a toast to this being a very lucky year.  xoxo

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The Shuffle of Shrew

Days like these are rare and come very few.
It's the night before we open the show 
Taming Of The Shrew and the dress rehearsal 
ran for hours upon hours. 
Lines were flubbed, scenes are getting re-blocked, 
costumes are still being reworked and the 
thoughts of "will we be able to get through 
a show entirely without stopping," seems grim. 
I usually take 
the train after rehearsals with fellow 
actors discussing the anxieties of
what's to come in the next month 
and if we feel prepared. 
Waving a last goodbye before midnight, we all 
departed ways and decided to put all our 
worries in the hands of fate and let go.  
I popped my headphones in my ears while 
continuing onward towards my second train home.
It was one of those perfect moments when your 
iPod is on shuffle and chooses the exact 
song that fits your mood and what your thinking.  
There is no need to name the song because 
everyone's' musical triggers are different 
and just as fleeting.  I passed the big Macy's 
windows by Harold Square and saw advertisements and 
displays for broadway shows.  Each window contained 
theater memorabilia and a representation of the dreams
all us actors have.  I couldn't help but think of 
what My friend said to me today as I was nervously 
biting my cuticle and letting out impish sighs. 
He said "everything will be ok and if it's not, this is not 
the end."  Even though the sentiment was simple the deeper 
sense of meaning really hit a wonderful resonance in me. 
 I'm in a beautiful show right now and whether 
or not we nail it on opening night doesn't matter. 
It's the beginning of something greater. Something that 
grooms and prepares us for brighter stars, 
bigger projects, and dreams that keep us going.  
Whatever happens tomorrow, it is not the end. 
 Break a leg friends.
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Silly Singer

Hello Doll Faces,

I’ve been hustling about lately trying to make things happen for my acting career and be part of new projects.  After filming for the horror film “THEM” and reading for King Lear I didn’t have another job lined up right away.  That’s a scary thing for an actor because we are basically freelance and it takes hard work to book your next gig.  The best thing to do is be persistent in your search and be confident in your ability to do so.  For the longest time I was so insecure with my dreams and pretty much came up with any excuse for not fully pursuing them.  Don’t get me wrong, I still have my “eeeeeeeeeep, I’m such a nerd!” moments and can be socially awkward at times but I’m more comfortable with it now.  Let your freak flag fly is my new motto!!!! In keeping up with the mood of always being active, I decided to kick things up a notch and take some new head-shots and start embracing the whole YOUTUBE craze.  For a little less then a year I started taking vocal lessons with an amazing teacher who has been patient and is always positive in making me believe in myself.  When I was younger I enjoyed singing and even went to PACE University with the major of Musical Theater.  Within that time I had so many performance blunders, mistakes, forgotten notes, voice cracking, and even forgetting lyrics that I stopped singing for years.  I had mentally handicapped myself in such fear of failure and made myself believe I should never sing in front of people again.  I dropped my major and decided to strictly study ONLY acting.  My parents consistently pushed me to have a voice again but I was too scared.  Its been about 8 years since I got the courage to sing in front of people and the process isn’t easy and isn’t over.  My vocal teacher set me up to perform for a recital.  That morning I was so nervous that I almost called him to say I was horrifically sick and couldn’t make the concert, but I put on my big girl pants and survived my first semi performance in 8 years!!  I now have set mini goals to learn new songs fast and post them on the inter-web so I get more experience and know the world is watching and its ok.  In the mean time I filmed a part for a new web-series and got the part of Bianca in Taming of the Shrew at the West End Theater coming up in October.  So more reports of that coming soon.  Here is a recent video of a No Doubt cover. xoxo 

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Zombies, Mad Men, and a King

Today was surreal.  For a few hours I was sitting in a room at Pearl Studios in NYC  with the cast of the up coming reading of King Lear.  So what?  You might say that, but here is the insane part.  I spent the day with Bebe Neuwrith, Jeffery DeMunn (Dale from THE WALKING DEAD), Darrell Hammond (SNL), and Rich Sommer (MAD MEN) and a few more extremely awesome people.  It was so exciting to meet Jeffery since his character was my favorite on The Walking Dead, and I literally jumped out of my chair screaming and crying when he was killed off.  I might have had a few glasses of wine so I was emotional but either way Dale was the best.  Tomorrow night is the actual Gala event and I feel like I have drunk 10 Mountain Dews like honey boo boo child (toddlers in tiaras reference) and can’t wait to see the audience’s reaction to this star-studded venue.  For now I am going to do jumping jacks until I pass out. Here is a link for tickets and info on King Lear, as well as an article on Broadway World.

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Feels Like The First Time

ImageCan you think back on those moments in your life when you feel like the course of your path is changing, but for the better? I just had to start writing this post because the universe seems to be turning its cosmic axis where I’m finally understanding myself and what I want from life. It might be a fleeting moment and that leaves me anxious so I feel I must grab onto it like a balloon and try not to let it float away. The play I have been rambling about for the last month “Midsummer Nights Dream” has finally come to an end. We received so much love, admiration, and praise for this show that it blew my mind. Every time I had a friend or family member in the audience I was so afraid they weren’t going to like the performance and when I walked out the stage door to see their reaction I would take a deep breathe. To my surprise I was always welcomed with huge smiles, hugs, and kindness. There is no better feeling for an actor to know you affected someone’s soul in a small way. ImageOne Saturday evening during intermission we all participated in something behind the scenes on Broadway. Its a fun way on Twitter to peek into some of Theater’s biggest names as well as smaller venues to see what the actors are up to before they go on stage for the Second Act of the show. Its hash-tag is #SIP which stands for Saturday Intermission Picture. I was stoked to see we made such headlines as Broadway World.com and Broadway Spotted.com. We were blessed with a wonderful cast, director and composer Ian McDonald; founding member of the band Foreigner. Being a fan of classic rock this was such a treat for me. He was such a sweet man but didn’t quite like my fondness for Adam Ant’s music as we played the juke box at the cast party. Image

As fast as the show came is as fast as it blew by. Its a bitter-sweet moment to end a show. The mere fact that that specific production will never be seen by the eyes of anyone again is a bit daunting. You think back of all the relationships that are made during rehearsals and the late nights of struggling through practicing lines and choreography and when you think the day was done, we all had to gather in the audience chairs and wait for our notes on how to be better. I remind myself of those moments and how the struggle of putting a show together makes you stronger as a cast. That’s where the “sweet” comes in. Ending a show is a like a badge of honor. You have made it through the dark forest and prevailed. The next adventure awaits you. Which brings me to the other reason I jumped onto my keyboard just now. The day after Midsummer Nights Dream ended, I was contacted to audition for a SYFY kinda film. I was a bit hesitant due to the subject matter. As I read the script my mouth dropped even more with every page. It mentions drugs, goddesses, worshipping animal-people, and murder. What in the world was I about to get myself into??!!! I just got out of a fun loving comedy play and now I have to find my inner “crazy” to get the guts and audition. I put on my big girl brave pants and traveled to Brooklyn to deliver my monologue. I was so relieved to know the director and crew were very accommodating and exceptionally interesting. So, that’s that good part, it was a fun experience. Bad part…..the waiting to hear if I actually got the role. I have spent the majority of my day checking my email more then necessary. In last efforts to save myself from Iphone overdoes, I hid it in the bottom of my laundry basket and decided to write out my screaming meemies. Oh no..I can check my mail on my macbook. I-Temptress.

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BEST NEW ANTI-DIET

If you haven’t heard, there is a lot of emphasis in the actor community on appearance.  The majority of stars are gorgeous, thin, tall, and pleasing to the eye.  Anyone else: is in the category of a “character actor.”  I’m guessing that anyone who is average looking or shaped is put into a sub-par level in the industry.  I am here to put a stop to “normal person discrimination.”  I have developed  THE AVERAGE ACTORS WORK OUT GUIDE.  Step number 1:  Lets talk about empty calories.  I’m assuming as some of us artists got older, we were unaware of the cute little lbs. we can pack on due to certain alcoholic beverages.  You no longer can enjoy glasses of wine and beer as you weep over your rejection from auditions and the fact you no longer can do a dance split (I may or may not be talking about myself).  I recommend sticking with straight vodka (only 80 calories per ounce) and getting your wastey pants on faster so you don’t drink as much.  Step number 2:  Before you indulge in your liquid treats, use them in your exercise routine.  Whether you secretly bring home a case of Miller Lite or a Box O’ Wine, you can be using these items as weight lifts.  Before you put the boxes in your fridge make the best of the situation and do 3 to 4 reps of bicep curls to get those Madonna cut arms.  Forget Tracy Anderson.

Step number 3:  Don’t forget how you worked out as a child.  I recommend you hit up your local park and challenge some 8 year olds in a Swing Set competition.  Place your bum bum on a swing and remember the times you tried to pump your legs so high that you could possibly flip over the top bar of the swing set.  I have been practicing late at night when kids are asleep.  I believe it gives me an edge against the youth and I get quality time without being disturbed during my workout.  Step number 4:  This is not for the weak so, I recommend hitting the black market of your local inner city neighborhood and getting yourself a “tape worm.”  Its an old Russian concept on how to connect with your inner mental and physical pain.  Truly how hard can it be and if the results are rewarding, what more could you want?  Lastly Step number 5:  This is for my fellow Vegans/Vegetarians who have difficulty in finding a good meal plan.  Dear friends, you are in luck because it is Spring and that means plants are in bloom.  If you are an artist of some sort that usually means your wallets are tight and indulging on vegetables from the local Farmers’ Market can be a dream not easily obtained.  I have the answer for you.  Many people over look these gorgeous weeds but, dandelions, as well as honeysuckles make for a good source of supplements and they are free.  I remember eating them as a kid and I seem to have turned out alright.  Look at me now…I have just created my own Dietary Program for those in need.  Enjoy! xo p.s.–The Surgeon General did not approve this program.  This is not a real, please don’t try this.

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Sometimes We Smell

Happy Saturday!  Tonight will be the third run of our show Midsummer Nights Dream.  Instead of boring you with news about all the wonderful “oooooohs and ahhhhhhhs” we got for our preview shows, I am gonna give you a few behind the scene details that made me chuckle and doubt if things were gonna be pulled off in time for opening night.  First things first….we lost our set designer the day before we opened and the stage was left in a sad, weeping, naked and vulnerable state.  If you could picture in your head three plain black walls with two benches and that’s it, then you probably understand why were a little shocked.  Within moments of our director telling us the bad news, our amazing costume director swooped in like a super hero and offered to help out.  In doing so, he created a beautiful forest with draping trees and a visual world for the actors to run through.  (problem 1)  Then we ran into an issue for me and the other fairy dancers that the stage and new platforms created a challenge since the rehearsal space we had been practicing in was quite different and we didn’t account that we were going to be dancing on a 6×6 ft raised box.  We had one fairy down but she bravely got back up and into the game.  Thank goodness it was only during a rehearsal and she wasn’t badly hurt.  (problem 2)  Some of the male characters were given boots as part of their costume and boy did they create a whirlwind, literally.  Those boots were so new that when the men ran across stage they each ended up either on their asses or gliding around stage with flailing arms like a terrible ice skater.  (problem 3)  I don’t know what it is about someone tripping or accidentally falling (with no injuries of course) that makes me giggle.  That’s actually how I made one of my best friends years ago.  I had just started working at the Barnes and Noble Cafe and one of our closing tasks was to mop the floors.  Me and Alana* were almost finished when all of a sudden I saw her slip, fall, and then slide into a bunch of garbage cans as if she were the bowling ball and the cans were the pins.  I could not contain my laughter and finally managed to spit out an “are you ok?!”  I later found out she didn’t like me very much from that moment on but fortunately she forgave me and we can still laugh about it today.  An Alex issue kept coming up for me during dress rehearsal which is that I COULD NOT remember one of my lines, and by line I mean one word.  I think I need to work on my short-term memory skills because every time the fairies ran on stage I had to cue them by saying the word, “Ready!”  I would get so wrapped up in the moment I was entering stage in full excitement that I would blank out on what to do next.  It finally took my friend behind me to continuously poke me in my ribs to realize I had to say something.  I keep joking with her that maybe on the last night of the show I will finally remember my line.  (problem 4)  Another issue that actors rarely bring up is the smell of their costumes.  I’m gonna keep it real for this blog and for those that don’t participate in theater so they know what really goes on. Sorry to break the news.  Costumes usually get cleaned once a week so you can imagine it creates a very interesting Eau Du Stinky (read that with a fake French accent and it makes it funnier.)  Good thing there is such products as perfume and febreze.  (problem 5)  I guess most of these aren’t earth shattering problems but they just make me shake my head and smile and hopefully bring you a little closer into the world of THEATRE.  xo

 

* -Alana is not my best friend’s real name.  It is not to protect her, but to protect me from being yelled at.  😉

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Massacre and Faeries

 

Hail all you mortals. Faery Alex here. I’m sitting in the dressing room of the West End Theater awaiting my que to pop on stage. We are having a 10 hour rehearsal today so my exhaustion is setting in and I feel slap-happy. I’m making up spontaneous dances and I can’t help but create songs with farting noises. I’ve officially hit the wall and need to relax on the couch with a cold beverage (preferably alcoholic. ). I’m almost there. Must stay focused…. I know! I’ll tell you about what I did yesterday. I recently got an IPAD so I have been procrastinating life in general while playing games and being a drone to Facebook. I am the person that keeps the plastic on new objects as long as possible so it stays so fresh and so clean. Due to the constant use of my new toy I realized I probably need a cover to protect Prefontain (my IPAD’s new name.). I went to multiple stores looking for a damn case and was appalled by the ridiculous prices on just a piece of cloth to cover Prefontain. The lowest price was $50. It’s unbelievable the amount of money we spend on technology just to keep up with the world. I have decided to put the cover on the back burner for now and just carry Prefontain in its original box. Yes I might look strange but I will find him a good home when the right time comes. Later that night I went to see my friend Anatol’s play called Massacre: Sing to your Children. It is a new play written by Jose Rivera. Click on his name so you can see his other works. The play was phenomenal. It was modern, scary, and had a few twists that made you want to shrink down in your seat and peek through your hands that covered your eyes. Well, maybe that was just me. Maybe I am biased but Anatol’s performance was flawless. His excellence as an actor is humbling so, if you are available this month check out this show. You won’t be disappointed.
I have finally arrived home from a long day of playing a faery and my wish came true. I’m in a sleepy state sitting on the couch with a girlie facemask on and about to watch an episode of Anthony Bourdain. Ahhhh till next time little elves. Xo

Fairies Backstage:

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The stage for Massacre:

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