The BubsyTaylor

HOW TO SUCCEED IN NEW YORK: TRYING.

2012-02-03T14:35:00.000-08:00

Well, here we are again. Back in my dream city. My love affair with this city never seems to die out. It may calm down at times, but my heart has been here ever since I first stepped foot on Manhattan Island when I was 18 years old.

Let me start from about a year ago. I had just finished South Pacific at Lincoln Center, it was a truly amazing summer/fall. Working up at that beautiful space is really something. I would trek in from Astoria and cross central park every day to get to work. I was also in love with the show and everything it stood for, AND- I got to go on as Lt. Cable a few times and play opposite two of my favorite New York girls: Laura Osnes, and Lijun Li. Anyway- things started to quiet down at November and December hit. Jobs I thought I would be getting didn't come to fruition. I decided one night in December that I wanted to go to LA for various reasons, so I did. My past year there has been a learning and growing, and pretty much awesome experience.

I can't really explain it- but I grew up. Something about the various aspects of Los Angeles living taught me to be an adult, to work harder, and to take myself a little more serious. My first two years in New York were full of self discovery, a disastrous relationship, and my first two broadway shows which I also understudied and performed as the leading man in. I thought I was on top of the world. I'll admit- I was a little arrogant, a little hyper, and wanted too much attention. You know when you look at your past self every so often and think "That's embarrassing."? Yeah...that's how I feel. But, somehow leaving the city and coming back now, I am different, the city seems different to me- and my entire life seems to have changed. It also has to do with the fact that I am more fervent than ever about keeping God as a part of my daily life. It has made all the difference. I hope God isn't mad, but after my mission I somehow just wanted to be numb from it all for a bit. I can't explain it- I just...wanted a break. And there just can't really be breaks from God. He loves us too much.

Alas, going from various television stints in Los Angeles to a 8 show week Broadway schedule is....well...a slap in the face basically. I forgot how hard this is.

HOW TO SUCCEED is truly a great show. And this run will be extra special to me because it's the first time I have ever dedicated a show to anyone, and in my bio in the PLAYBILL I wrote "This one is for Grandma E." My Grandma is an amazing, amazing woman. Words will never express everything she is. My mother, and in turn my family is and are who they are because of her. She was recently diagnosed with severe forms of cancer and has about 4-6 months left. It breaks my heart. She is such a strong woman, and I wanted to give her this show. It was on Broadway when was in her 20's, and now I'm doing it in my 20's...and I dunno, this show just seems to constantly give a resounding "LOU JEAN ERICKSON" vibe. The show is classy, and sweet, and loveable and funny, just like my Grandma. I love you Grams.

On a lighter note- Rob Ashford's choreography is no joke though.

And as the understudy for FINCH, I fill a full on dance track. Here's the problem: I am not a trained dancer. I dance, yes, but muscles and hip flexers continually remind me that I didn't spend any time preparing for the costs of kicking my face and jumping non stop for two hours. Ouch.

The thing is...the dancers in this show are INCREDIBLE. They are like....THE dancers in New York. They are so, so good. I watch the dance captain, Charlie, as he is teaching me the numbers, and I am in some sort of awe. He's so good! Trying to match the men in this show is a serious, serious challenge.

Right now for instance, I am sitting with ice on my right hip flexer and tiger balm on my shoulder. All in the name of Broadway. And you know what? It's worth it. Because as much as I am not trained, somehow I pull it off, and in the off chance that for just a NIGHT I might get to be a Broadway star? Well...at this point in my life it's just a craving that seems insatiable.

Having said THAT- Nick Jonas is the nicest kid on the planet. He was raised well, and is just a good guy. I enjoyed working with him at Hollywood Bowl, and am enjoying him again here. Now- the problem with going on for Nick that I didn't quite face when I was understudying in Finian's and South Pacific- is that this kid is an INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTAR. Can you imagine? If he got sick, they would have to hold for 20 minutes because half the audience would be returning their tickets, then I would be expected to go on and still feel like shining. HA! Oh...its tricky you guys. But I will say, it is an honor. And to be honest- sometimes I have to remind myself of that. I am living right across from my theater on 45th street, and every night I can hear the throngs of young girls screaming Nick's name outside of the stage door. It's insanity.

Those of you who know me well, know that I am too ambitious and driven for my own good. I go to bed thinking about work, and wake up thinking about it as well. I expect of a lot out of myself in terms of this industry, and I feel as if I am just barely embarking on this journey. I need to often remind myself to enjoy the journey. These are days that I will look back on with a lot of love. Sometimes I see the end goal and can't think of anything else, and I have to stop that and just enjoy it as it comes.

If there's one thing I've learned, it's that most things happen for a reason. I do believe that! Sure, you can work hard and try to control or conquer as much as you can, but at the end of the day, what will be, will be, and who they will choose for whatever role on whatever project, they will choose. After you reach a certain point where you have really started to hone your craft, it has so little to do with you. BUT- that doesn't mean we can't ALWAYS improve. :)

Anyway, it feels wonderful to be back in my city. This place just screams my name I tell you. I feel like me here. I feel at home here. And though I feel like there may be more opportunities for various things in Los Angeles over the next few years, the grease paint really is in my veins, and I will ALWAYS, ALWAYS leave my heart on the stages of Broadway. After all.... it was the original dream. And just cause you add things to the check list, that original passion never leaves.

-BUBS

2011-08-20T09:54:00.000-07:00

new shots.

SOUTH PACIFIC

2010-03-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

It's official. I will be starting in South Pacific at the Lincoln Center on Broadway on April 6. The understudy for Lt. Cable, one of the leads in the show, is leaving to do an off-broadway gig where he is the lead. I will be onstage nightly in the ensemble, and oh- I have some pretty genius lines like "Who you trying to fool?" and "What is that thing?" I am grateful to be working on Broadway again this year, and in such a stunning show. I have never felt this way about a show or project, I have pretty much fallen in love with the piece. Bartlett Sher is an amazing director and I am stoked that he cast me, it has been fun getting to know him a little. He also did Light in the Piazza and other award winning shows. The set is incredible, and I would even be content just listening to those orchestrations every night in pit. But alas, I get to sing the songs and act like a member of a soldier during World War II. Laura Osnes is an incredible Nellie. And Paolo Szot who originated the role of Emile and won a Tony for it, returns to the cast to finish out the run this week.

The cast is awesome. Lincoln Center is a dream to work at, its the most beautiful place in Manhattan in my opinion. Anyway, that's the latest kids. Hard work and preparation.

GOSSIP GIRL

2010-02-03T23:18:00.000-08:00

So, I booked an episode of Gossip Girl. It's kind of unreal how many guys they audition for two lines. I had one scene with Leighton Meester, she's probably my favorite on the show actually.

They fed me good food in my dressing room, and I actually filmed for about and hour and a half. Took a long time getting all the different angles they needed. In the end, watch out in about two weeks for my best line, "Oh yeah....You're like, really hot."

HA. What is going on....

BROADWAY

2009-09-14T20:25:00.000-07:00

Well, many of you know that it has been a hard few months of hitting the pavement trying to get seen for shows and getting lots of call backs but nothing solidified for me. Boo.

BUT THEN, something did. After weeks of auditions, and one BIG, SCARY audition for the entire creative team (Producers, Directors, Choreographers and Casting Directors sitting behind one big table.....and then, there’s you, all alone in the spotlight), I received an offer to understudy Cheyenne Jackson (number one male broadway star currently hitting broadway stages) as the lead part “WOODY” , and dance in the ensemble on the other nights in the broadway revival of one of the most beautifully written shows ever to hit broadway- FINIANS RAINBOW! Last seen on Broadway in 1947. In other words, BUBSY IS GOING TO BROADWAY!!!! And I can’t freaking believe it. I remember dreaming about being on Broadway since I was in 9th grade. When I walked on stage that first night singing “Any Dream Will Do” as Joseph, braces shining and all, I knew that there was some truly magical and exciting about what I was doing. And now, to be able to do it as a profession, is truly a blessing. Also, to cover Cheyenne Jackson is the biggest compliment I think I could ask for. I have idolized the man’s voice since I first heard him sing. He has since led five broadway shows to sell out success. It is very, very flattering. And a bit beyond what I imagined my Broadway Debut would be. I thought MAYBE I could snatch a swing spot in some show, or some back right corner ensemble dancer or singer. But to cover a lead is another story. Those of you who don’t understand what it means to break into the Broadway world and be a part of the community that is walking around the theater district/times square every night around 6:50 to be in their dressing rooms getting ready at seven, it is a coveted experience. Make up, costumes and hair, stretching out and warming up are all key during this hour before the traditional 8:08 on the dot curtain rises in theaters all around between 42 and 54th streets. The sun goes down, the theater lights go up, and the orchestra tunes up their instruments and strings, the people from all over the country are flocking to their various historical and beautiful theaters to see some spectacle that might inspire, make them feel something, or help them forget about their everyday worries for a few hours. AND I GET TO BE A PART OF THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Needless to say, it is a huge milestone in my life. I know that it will be a fulfilling experience, and will probably just leave me hungry for more.

I just hope you all know, that I KNOW that happiness if following your dreams, serving others, and being happy while you do both. God has such a plan for every single one of us. He has designed us to do certain things, and I know that we can all live up to our fullest potential if we take chances, risks, and put in hard work.

I know I wouldn’t be where I am without the talents that were instilled in me by a loving Father in Heaven. I am forever grateful that I get to do what I love to do and have the means to support myself while doing so. It is a great, great blessing.

Lastly, thanks to everyone who believed in me. Sorry if I sound like a sap, but I don’t know if any of you could possible know what it means to me. Some people were always asking “So what show you gonna do now?” or “Whats next?”. Haha. If only it were that simple. I truly appreciate you who told me always that I had what it takes, even when I doubted myself. It helped me keep going.

I LOVE YOU! Come see me dancing around the St. James theater this fall.

DREAM BIG!

-Taylor

West Side Story

2009-05-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

Work has been a bit scarce in the entertainment industry of NYC as of late. Anyone is lucky to have a job performing, anywhere. This past January 7 Broadway shows closed. The economy is our enemy. The first thing to go is entertainment in a recession. People don't want to spend money on a sensible Broadway play or show when times are tough. Alas, I was excited to land the role of "Riff" in Virginia Beach's "West Side Story" at the Sandler Center.

Let me sum up this experience for you: PAID VACATION. Let me list a few of the things that made this contract SO sweet.

Condos on the beach
They gave me a car
I was Riff, so I was not in the second act and had a week off of rehearsal to play around the beautiful Virginia Beach area. (I didnt go anywhere but the beach and boardwalk)
"The Sandler Center" is a beautiful new facility that was incredible to perform in.

I couldn't have asked for a better contract. It was short and sweet, and perfect for a little time away from the city.

2008-12-21T15:03:00.000-08:00

Look at the Frey Maffia taking over the upper west side! All in black!

2008-12-21T15:00:00.000-08:00

It was so awesome to have my family in New York with me during Thanksgiving so I didn't have to spend it alone. Besides seeing Jersey Boys and sitting behind Tom Cruise and David Beckham, we also ate at the Porter House in the Time Warner Building at Columbus Circle for Thanksgiving Dinner. It was pretty amazing. We attended the Christmas Spectacular at the Radio City Music Hall, and Christmas Shopped. On the last day, we ate at one of my favorite New York Restaurants, SERENDIPITY. They have the most amazing frozen hot chocolate. Good times with the Frey Family.

New Headshots

2008-08-16T00:05:00.000-07:00

So...to make it in this biz, a good headshot is key. I finally was able to get an appointment with one of my favorite photographers in NY. He is expensive, but does a great job with his clients. It was a fun day and took a lot of time. He does a good job at getting your eyes to pop, which is most important to casting directors. They wanna look at you and see your personality and a story without ever meeting you. Kinda weird, but it works!

Anyway, here is one of the ones I liked the most. There are about 200 shots, but this is just one.

Hairsprayin' The Communism!

2008-07-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are in China. Hairspray has arrived, and has been very well received! The critics love the show, as do the audiences. Sure they are basically silent, and hardly applause, but the smiles on their faces tell me that they are enjoying themselves. There was a lot of press to do at first, but things have calmed down. Last Monday I spent the day flying to and from Beijing for press interviews before our travels there next week. Our opening night party in Shanghai was a blast! They even asked me to cut the cake! China is good, I am becoming very familiar with Pizza Hut which is across the street. Though, I have been good at trying lots of Chinese food and spending lots of money at the Markets. Who said Louis Vuitton should be more than twenty bucks??? Charlie and Anna better be ready for a whole new wardrobe of Burberry outfits! Not to mention three bangin' suits that were tailored to me this week. Can't wait to get those on Tuesday.

My family somehow schedules their vacations with horrible timing, so they are in Hawaii right now. Who needs Hawaii when you have a country which feels like a steam room when you walk outside anyway? Just give me some beaches, sand, and some air I can actually breathe and we're okay!

Last Leg of Tour

2008-06-28T00:41:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I have last posted anything, but I am here in Dallas now. San Francisco was a blast. We had a lot of fun and I had the support of a lot of family and good friends. The shows went well. This past week we had the broadway musical director, Lon Hoyt helping us here in Dallas tune up the show before China. We also just found out that Marc Shaiman and Scott Whitman (the writers of the music of Hairspray), are coming to Shanghai to watch their little baby (Hairspray) go Asian! It's going to be quite the experience performing their material in front of them, after so many years on Broadway and such, I'm sure they know how they DO and DON'T like their songs being sung. Uh oh. :) Wish me luck. Dallas is awesome, lots of pool time here before shows. Great reviews lately too! The latest is on www.pegasusnews.com/news2008/jun/25/theater-review-hairspray/.....it's an interesting one but a keeper.

Lately I'm still driving myself crazy thinking about what my next move is. I gave Hairspray my final "no" today in regards to returning to do another year of the tour. I feel like it is time to move on.

The Break from the 'Spray

2008-06-12T13:06:00.000-07:00

These blogs are going to be just a little bit out of order.....ha. So, before coming back on tour, I spent one blissful week in L.A. where I was able to meet with some awesome agencies who were excited about some future possibilities. This is the trickiest industry I know! It is all about timing. Things are definitely still in the works, but it is looking good. It is hard to know which way to go at this point. L.A. really treasures the whole idea of youth in movies and television, while Broadway always casts older. Anyway, it was a fun week. I was able to visit some friends from Young Ambassadors who are living there for the summer. We visited Newport and Laguna Beaches and had a very warm and fun time. California is definitely my style. My goal is to end up there doing film. We'll see if I don't get sucked into the B'Way scene first.

The other two weeks were spent at home with the family. It was so fun to be able to play with Charles and Anna again. I miss those two like CRAZY! I think about them all the time. We had a fun BBQ at Tanner and Jennie's, the first one I was able to attend since I've been home from the mission. It is always eventful around our family.....someone is always making some comment that keeps everyone on their toes and laughing. Kamille and I spent some quality dough at our new favorite store, Urban Outfitters. They are coming through for us while no other clothing store has lately in Utah. Life at home goes on as usual (a very good and relaxed thing), Travis and Konner are always busy with sports and Mom and Dad are trying to keep up on everything else. Though, I must say.....it is quite different being there while realizing only two siblings technically live at that house during the year. I don't know what my parents are going to do with the whole "empty nest" situation. Their lives have been us for so long. It's almost time for them to move to a tropical island and do nothing! We also had our family pictures taken of the siblings for my Dad's Fathers Day gift. Hopefully he doesn't see this blog before then.

Hairspray Wow

2008-06-12T02:23:00.000-07:00

Well, it's getting kind of late here in my hotel room. We have just opened our shows here in San Francisco. It was awesome to have Mom, Dad, Kamille, and both Grandma's in attendance of the opening of our two week run here. We ate at a lot of good restaurants and went to "Sausalito" and had the most amazing lunch on a pier. Dinner tonight was at a classy joint in down town San Fran called "Absinithe". It was so good to have them here. It is always more fun doing the show when you have people in the audience.

So, Jennie has just inspired me to start blogging a little bit. Her posts are always fun and keep me informed on life, so I wanted to do the same thing. Life here is good, it is good to be back on tour. San Francisco is a great city with a lot of fun things to do. Lots of friends and family are coming out over the next two weeks to see the show, so it should be fun!