See it to believe it!

We are now represented by Tim Fox at Columbia Artists Management, which is a really exciting development in the Basic Training journey. I am finally able to look back at the run in New York and it feels good to come out on the other end with some positive feelings. Still some things that need to be figured out but for now I can say that it's all good. I am also working with a wonderful attorney in Los Angeles and things are definitely looking up. I'll be sure to keep you in the loop as things develop.

Speaking of developing, the baby is growing like mad. My wife is still all baby which makes me happy because when you marry a girl you kind of wonder how she's going to look pregnant and I'm proud to say she shines. Got me a good one yall.

Here in Vancouver the snow has taken everyone by surprise. Two huge dumps of snow in the last week and believe it or not there's more on the way! I haven't been this cold since spending my teen years in Davenport, Iowa. The Midwestern US and the Canadian prairies AIN'T NO JOKE when it comes to cold weather. At least the air temp here is reasonable and we don't have that cutting wind to deal with. This snowstorm caught Vancouver by surprise - so surprised that the city didn't even plow the streets for four days and the side streets are still not done.

Anybody got an extra shovel? I love some hard work.

The Vancouver performances are selling really well, as a matter of fact the Feb 14 8pm show is sold out and the others are filling nicely. Check out www.thecultch.com if you'd like to join in the fun.

For anybody on the east coast we have some dates in Charlotte, North Carolina coming up in March so keep an eye out for it. Just gotta make sure the dots are connected before the tickets hit the streets.

I hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas and if Christmas ain't your thang then be safe and eat up. Tis the season to get chubby!

TONYTONETONI

It has come to my attention that several fans of Basic Training have come to my defense in an online argument regarding an unfavorable review of Basic Training in TimeOut New York. On the TimeOut NY website these fans have posted comments defending the show and my talent against some reviewer who remains among the 1% of people who didn't like the show despite the fact that he was laughing and applauding throughout. (one of the fans sat behind him on the night he saw Basic Training). He has a right to his opinion, I just think these people want him to make up his mind.

The editor of the TimeOut New York theater section expressed that he didn't appreciate these fans calling his reviewer a jerk and he accused me of 'standing in the doorway and creating an awkward exit' as if I don't allow people to leave the theater when the show is over. This is New York. When New Yorkers are ready to go, they go. And I stand to the side after the show. I was raised to say thank you. It never ceases to amaze me how someone who didn't even see the show can make assumptions about things they know nothing about.

Maybe he needs to stand there 'in the doorway' with me and listen to the stories of hope audience members share with me as they exit about how they don't normally go to the theater and my show makes them feel like they might want to consider going again- for a few reasons:

a. Basic Training ain't a musical and it actually speaks to issues that are on people's hearts and minds every day

b. The American Fear Machine wants everyone to think we'll all be living in hostels and eating at soup kitchens by 2010 so hearing a story of hope and redemption is never a bad thing.

To the fans I thank you, because you are the reason I get out of bed every day. Much like the 2008 election, the people have spoken. It's good to see democracy at work.

Not everyone who sees this show likes it and I fully accept that. I think that's the same for every show, movie, restaurant, whatever. Choice is a good thing. But when you get 10 awesome reviews and one bad one, it ain't the show that needs to change.

Keep it comin.

Finale

Tonight was the final show and it was pretty exciting. Uncle Tony and Aunt Debra were in attendance so Uncle Tony got to bask in his glory for a bit. I won't be able to process things about this run until I can get back to Vancouver and step away from it. Mixed feelings. My wife made it home safe and our baby is growing by the minute. Its fun to see it move when it hears my voice, apparently when my wife came to see the show the baby was moving and kicking like crazy. Either it hates theater or it thinks daddy is a genius. Once its born next year I'll be sure to ask.