RODRIGO VARANDAS
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Break = NYC

9/14/2015

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I am finally back in NY!! There were so many shows I wanted to see. Got to eat at my favorite restaurants, go to my favorite spots in town and see some of my best friends.

Now, I feel this was the best NY theater marathon that I have done haha.
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It started with Something Rotten

T'was hilarious! Hilarious indeed. I loved the role of Shakespeare. 

The number they presented at Tony is brilliant. They literally recreate the most iconic scenes on stage.

My only issue with the show is hook of it. The whole idea is to find what is going to be the next it thing and they find out it will be musicals. The joke gets a tad old after 2 hours of the same joke.

Mr Boyle is super funny!!! I loved it. 

​This show will be around for tad! 
Finding Neverland is all about Matthew Morrison.

But I didn't really like it. 

The choreography started well but then it got really weird. 

The story doesn't really makes sense. He is a struggling writer. Let me rephrase that. He is rich, has a perfect family, makes lots of money out of his art but is having a mid-life crisis. I was like: Why are you struggling? Let ME have your life.

The music didn't hit me either. It sounded like a mixture of 80's pop with an Irish flair on top of it.

​Now, for you not to think it is just bad, the ending sequence of the show made me cry! It was the most beautiful thing. I am not gonna tell you what happens but it is magical, windy and very glittery!! I loved the last 25 min of the show.
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An American in Paris was beautiful.

It was the perfect marriage between dancing and storytelling. 

It brought back the old school musical theater to the stage. 

It feels like what On The Town tried to accomplish on stage.

Stunning, grandiose and simple at the same time!
YES YES YES!!!

This show hit me hard. Incredible actors on stage. I got to se Alex before he left the show and it was totally worth it. He was incredible. This is such a demanding show vocally and physically.

Now the stage is just ridiculous. The way it helped the story without getting in the way at any moment was beautiful to be seen. We had that stage transform itself every time a scene changed.

Even if you don't enjoy plays, you need to see this. This is incredible.
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Awesome show. Before coming to the show, a lot of my friends said I wasn't going to like it because of its simplicity and as you all know I love a big production.

But this one hit me specifically for its simplicity. No Intermission. 1:40 straight. 

The little girl was just teaching us a lesson. A LESSON!

This show can't be missed. It talks about such a current matter which is sexuality. 

​Go there and have your heart melt with these characters.
Ok! This show had me clowning in that theatre.

I loved it but if you are extremely religious you might find this offensive. They deal with God and Satan in a very bold way.

I was uncomfortable in some of the scenes of the show. But slowly I was getting used to the language of the show until I relaxed into my seat.

It is a very strong play. Some people left the theatre, some people literally screamed in one of the scenes. 

Even though it was really religious, I enjoyed it and would advice people to come see the show with an open mind.
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And Kelli does it again! She had me heart on the floor.

This production is one of the richest shows I have ever seen. They are literally throwing money at us.

The show is incredible and Kelli is the LEAD of the show. Tony deserved. 

​I hope I can see this show again. It was remarkable.
I won free tickets to see this show and I was very pleased with what I saw!

Carole King' story is so beautiful. And the production was phenomenal. I never expect a lot of story from jukebox musicals but this story was very moving. To see her story from beginning until today was really nice for a performer to get courage to do whatever I want. Stick to my instincts you know.

The music was also really good. I didn't know a lot of her songs but I got to enjoy all of them in a small amount of time. 

Very well directed! The show will be in NY for a while. It was sold out!!!!
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I unfortunately missed this show when it was in Los Angeles but I got to see on Opening week.

I was moved. We all complain about life and how life is hard but for these performers life has another challenge: Life is silent. I can't imagine living my life in total silence.

They learned the show differently from all of us because they had to learn the dances and how to follow the music through visual cues.

Please, go see the touching piece of art. You will not regret.

Also, the speaking actors were ridiculously talented. Beautiful voices. 

It is a limited engaged so run to the theatre and buy your ticket.
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Get ready for this! Because Hamilton is THE SHOW!!!

I got to New York knowing this was the hottest ticket in town. I have decided to go to the show but I had to get through the lottery which was the only way to get tickets.

I went there every day and there were around 800 people there. YES, EIGHT HUNDRED!!! In every lottery.

I tried and tried and tried. No luck -.-

Then on the last day, I walked there and said it is now or never. Guess who is the second name they pull out? MINE!!! I screamed like I have won the lottery, like the real one haha.

Well, I spent s few hours at Times Square showing off my TEN-DOLLAR tickets and the Hamilton bracelet. 

I sat front row center. 

The show was unbelievably amazing. I was waiting for a show to hit me like this. The music is genius and of course he reinvented Musical Theatre with this show.

The staging, the music, the actors and the lights were conducted so well that I was jumping on my seat. 

If you can save some money and buy your ticket, do it! If not, try the lottery. It is worth it. 

UPDATE: They just released the music of the show! Please listen to it. My favorites are: "Satisfied", "You'll Be Back", "Say no To This" and pretty much the rest of the show!!!
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Phantom

6/20/2015

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I just saw the brand new National Tour of Phantom of the Opera.

This post will go in two different ways haha

First is: I think the way the show was restaged was kind of like Les Mis meets Phantom. Very well crafted. I was still not believing that they were able to do such a big production on a Tour. It was remarkable. 

Nowww, I love soooooo much the original that it hurt me a little bit to not see my favorite scenes on stage. I was expecting to see the staircase in Masquerade. The Chandelier did NOT hit the ground. But one of the things I liked about the new staged version is the Cemetery scene. It looked like a cemetery to me.

All I can say it was a bit of a mixed feeling I had. But overall it was an awesome experience. And the show is such a classic. I loved it even though the original is my favorite show ever.

I hope it stops by again!
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Side Show

4/25/2015

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This show just closed its revival on Broadway.

But the show that 3D brought to us is stunning. I was on Broadway. 

Leslie Stevens created a magical choreography!! Stunning just stunning.

GO see the show! It is probably the best show in town at the moment. 
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Newsies

3/28/2015

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It closed on Broadway but this show lives on the National Tour!

I was impressed! They made some minor changes and included a new song to the show. It gave me chills that song. 

Newsies will always be Newsies and it will will always impress by its dancing but this time, the story really got me. I fell in love with the characters and their life. 

It will go to a city near you for sure, so don't miss out on this hit show.
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Seussical

3/8/2015

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Kathy Rigby everybody! She is incredible. I don't know how she is still flipping around that stage. And I am here complaining about a single pirouette haha. 

The show doesn't speak to me. I can't really relate to it but I loved the production and the kids in the audience were in it to win it.

Melanie was incredible. SHE BELTS! 

It was a very sweet show and I enjoyed watching it. 3D Theatricals is a great company and even though the actual story didn't speak to me, the way it was staged was super fun and unique. 
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Billy Elliot

2/20/2015

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Get out!! 

I started this year checking out LA theater with Billy Elliot and LA Mirada did a great job!!!

I am still mad that those kids exist!! They literally make my life harder but oh well! haha

The cast was great. Got to see a teacher on stage. I have seen the show on Broadway and was very pleased to see it done here in LA.

And the theater is beautiful!!! It was outdoors then indoors! Very different.
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The Bells of Notre Dame

12/7/2014

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I finally got to see this show!! I was waiting for waaaaay too long.

I LOVED IT!! The music from the movie is so good and epic that I was expecting a lot from the stage version of it. 

I was amazed by Hunchie's voice! This is not an easy score for him. He is singing in the stratosphere. Made of Stone is going straight to my book haha.

It is a bit dark for a Disney audience but it is still really powerful and beautiful. I wasn't a huge fan of the movie but now I am watching the movie again. Disney has magic!!!

I don't if the show will head to Broadway, but it sure is a spectacle. I wonder what is the next step for the show.
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Back to the land I love

9/19/2014

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And I am back in New York!!! I landed yesterday, all I got to do is see this girl so far!! Updates very very soon.


UPDATES!!!!
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A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder is a delightful experience. It was so simple, smart and hilarious. 

I thought I was not gonna like it because as you all know I sure like an amazing production with dances and fireworks haha. But I was completely wrong and loved every bit of it. 

​GO SEE IT!!!
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LOTTERY TICKET WINNER!!

I won the lottery for Aladdin and got to see the show in the Orchestra!!! I have been doing lots of research on the show and I was really curious about it.

Can someone please tell me how the carpet works??

I loved it and the Genie is the show!! The versions of the songs are incredible. I was jamming in the audience with jazzy/bluesy feel that they put to the music of Aladdin.

Favorite number: Friend Like Me, of course. The number is long but you want more at the end.  The dance, tap, play games, explode fireworks and delight the audience during that number. 

​Once again, well done Disney!
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Opening night of On The Town.

I was excited just because of the choreography at first. Then the show amazed as soon as it started. I was impressed with the Orchestra. The Score of this show is incredible.

The dancing was, of course, phenomenal. It just opened and I am positive it will have a great run. 

The only thing that concerns me is the size of the theatre! It is huge!! To sell out it is a challenge.

​I wish the cast and crew of this show an amazing run.
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Another Lottery!! 

Hedwig was sensational! I was a tad hesitant towards the show. But the way it was staged got me!!! 

The set is pretty much what you are seeing in the picture with some changes throughout the show but the show is pretty much a monologue. I was impressed with Hedwig!

The music was really loud and you could see people banging their heads during the show! It was a mixture of a concert with a musical theatre show. Pretty much a perfect world for Rodrigo haha.

Come enjoy this show. If you like Rock, I don't know why you are not here... 

I am sure you will be singing one of the songs from the show after you see it.

​
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GAGA

7/21/2014

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So, let's start like this: I WON A TICKET FOR THIS SHOW.

Now, let's talk about the show. I have been entertained!! 

Everybody is talking about her album and saying all the things they want. My take is IT IS GOOD MUSIC!!! It sure is different. She was recreating her sound. I really enjoyed it but I also understand some people wanting to hear the Gaga sound.

But now, this concert was for everybody! She transformed the Staples Center into a big Rave!! The idea of the show was extremely smart and fun. I enjoyed listening to her old hits and the new ones. TRUST ME!!! It all comes together in this show. I was having a blast.

AAAAAND, she is an amazing performer. She takes charge of that whole thing. 

This was a great show! Very different from the Born This Way Ball but still INCREDIBLE.
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Millie

5/25/2014

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I HAVE BEEN AWAY FOR SO LONG!!! Well, another semester is over and we just closed Thoroughly Modern Millie. 

Since I came back from NY, my mindset changed so much that I am starting to feel I don't belong here anymore! 

Well, this show sure was another learning experience. I auditioned for the show and gladly got in the show. I LOVE TAP!!! But our director knew me from a past experience and we didn't.... click, let's say that.

So I know the job of a director is not easy. I give them the credit for taking charge of this crazy boat that is to direct a show. But, one thing I need from my fellow co-workers is respect. Unfortunately our director kept on getting frustrated with the pace we were learning the show and started yelling back at his cast. I understand when we are not bringing what is necessary and you are frustrated but we were all doing our best.

I want to work in a good environment like everybody else. In one rehearsal, I got yelled at because I decided to ask a question about a dance move for the dance captain: "RODRIGO, can't you just shut the f*** up?!? JESUS!! This is not the time to talk or joke. If it was about the show, ok?!!? But c'mon!!!" and he leaves rehearsal for that night. Our choreographer who is the sweetest thing in the world saw how in shock I was, walked towards me and gave me a hug: "Don't worry, you are doing a great job. It is not you!!". OK! I get it that I probably asked a question at the wrong time but was that necessary?

Unfortunately, the whole rehearsal process was like that and I was getting detached each day from the show to the point, I cried before every performance before the show. 

All I can say is that I learned a lot from this. Not everything is beautiful and sparkly in theater. And I just want to say to my cast and choreographer, I love you all and I hope to work with you guys over and over. 
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    From Brasil to the world. Actor, Singer, Dancer, Entrepreneur. Storytelling drives me.

    Insta: rodrigo.varandas

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