Rep Radio Interview

I talk about taking over as the new head of PTW and also talk about all the other hats I wear in the Philly Theatre Community.

104DMhowiebrown by represented

Blogging For Act II Playhouse

The following is a post I wrote for Act II's blog.  See other posts on the Act II blog HERE.

The New Guy, But a Familiar Face

Today’s blog post is from our new Development Director Howie Brown, a familiar face to the Act II family.

Audience Services Manager Beth Dietzler (left) and Howie work to get out the season announcement to subscribers.

Act II has become a second home to me in the past year. I had the time of my life last winter running around the aisles of the theater as Tony Braithwaite made fun of the inhabitants of the Oval Office in First Impressions and continued that thrill ride as the Ed McMahon to Tony’s Johnny Carson in Heeere’s Tony! In addition to being on stage for these special events, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing countless productions in Act II’s wonderful intimate space.

As an audience member at yesterday’s matinée performance of The Pride of Parnell Street, I had a new aspect thrown into the mix of my Act II experience – being an Act II staff member.

In March, I took over as the Development Director at the Playhouse and as I watched the powerful performances yesterday, I found myself constantly checking in with the audience members around me. I guess typically as an audience member, I’m more “selfish” and am there to take in the show for myself. After the final bow and some quick process time, I like to share my experience with friends and other audience members.

But yesterday was different – not I only did I experience the show as a regular patron, I felt extra pride watching audience members enjoy their journey, knowing I’m apart of the team making it all possible.When David Whalen’s character made a joke and as a result the gentleman in the row in front of me laughed, as I smiled I laughed more heartily. When poignant moments between the actors made the woman behind me sigh, I sensed an added dose of empathy inside myself. I look forward to sharing this group experience with you again during Art.

Act Now For Act II!

Check out the video I made with Tony Braithwaite for Act II Playhouse.  For those who don't know, one of the many hats I wear is as the Development Director at Act II.  This video is part of a new giving campaign called Act Now For Act II.  Check it out -- and while you are at it make a donation :)

McNamara's Band, The Tourney, and My Picks

Today is the start of one of the best days in sports!  With it also being St. Patty's Day, the official song today honors the celtic holiday and one of Syracuse's most beloved players, Gerry "We Wouldn't Have Won Ten F&%$ing Games This Year" McNamara.



Of course, Gerry will always be remembered for shooting the eyes out of the ball when we beat Kansas for the the Nat'l Championship in '03followed by his historic run in the 2006 BET (only to be rivaled by Kemba Walker in this year's BET), but one of my favorite memories of Gerry was in his curtain call to the '03 title during the the opening round of the '04 tournament against BYU.

Gerry drops 43 against BYU in the first game of 2004 Tourney

As for this year's picks, I have a lot of chalk and as always I have Syracuse going farther then they probably will in reality.  Some specifics from my bracket:

• Opening Round Upsets: Richmond, Florida State, Michigan State (How the hell do you pick against Tom Izzo in March?)
• My Final Four: Syracuse, Duke, Kansas, and Pitt (Jamie Dixon finally gets there -- the easiest bracket helps)
• Championship: Kansas (81) over Duke (78)
• The only person with more chalk than me is President Obama (which reminds me -- come see the all new First Impressions!)

A Glimpse of First Impressions

Get some background on First Impressions, now playing at the Hedgerow Theatre.  Video courtesy of Stage Magazine.

How Carlos Ruiz Celebrates a Perfect Game

Yesterday, Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz had another son. This is Ruiz's second son and in the style of George Foreman, both are named Carlos. The most interesting fact -- Ruiz's newborn was born 9 months to the day when Roy Halladay threw his perfect game. So on that day 9 months ago, Roy threw a perfect game and Carlos went home and hit a Home Run! Congrats Chooch!!!

How Out Of Touch Was Mubarak?

Take a look a the former Egyptian leader. He seems to be dressed like a normal politico in a traditional pinstripe suit. However, go a little closer and you'll see his pinstripes are really composed of repeating lines of his name.

For that, we dedicate a little Hall and Oates to Heeere's Tony! contributor (uncredited :) ) Hosni Mubarak: