Armed with a digital camera and an ample amount of coffee, Bianco invites readers along as she spends quality time with her dog, commutes from downtown and powers up for an action-packed day of topical musical comedy.
Who needs an alarm when I have my schnoodle Jeff to wake me up! He’s usually kind enough to wait until 9 AM.
Christina Bianco
My husband is already at work so I take Jeff for his morning walk past our favorite spot - Grace Church.
Christina Bianco
We stop and smell the flowers. That’s all I let Jeff do to them...
Christina Bianco
I cannot make it through a two-show day without my coffee! I’m making a latte to drink at home but also making some regular coffee to take with me. I know it’s extreme but I’m addicted, like a true Italian girl!
Christina Bianco
I drink my latte and catch up on emails while Jeff relaxes. This ritual never changes.
Christina Bianco
One last look at my cozy home as I walk out the door.
Christina Bianco
Here I am! Waiting for the elevator.
Christina Bianco
Our doorman Rene waves goodbye to me. He loves hearing all my "backstage" stories.
Christina Bianco
I went to NYU so I really love living in the area. It’s truly home to me.
Christina Bianco
On this two show day, I have extra work! Time to rehearse for the Broadway Playhouse Concert at the Kaufman Center’s Merken Hall!
Christina Bianco
We’re celebrating the lyrics of Yip Harburg so naturally we’re spending a lot of time on music from "The Wizard Of Oz." Notice our little witch mascot at the piano.
Christina Bianco
We try on some costume options. Martin is the scarecrow. Is that really a garbage can, you may ask? Why yes, yes it is. And the tin man Jason isn’t too thrilled about it.
Christina Bianco
Oooh, this Dorothy costume might be a bit too short and sassy to skip around in!
Christina Bianco
I get off the subway at 42nd St and head to the theatre.
Christina Bianco
It’s a beautiful day to go to Theatre Row.
Christina Bianco
The Kirk Theatre’s Newsical poster, outside the building.
Christina Bianco
Our stage manager Scott Delacruz says hello from his booth, as I walk in.
Christina Bianco
Guil, our usher, is always there to greet us with a smile.
Christina Bianco
The stage! It’s small but grand!
Christina Bianco
There are some fun little secrets around this set! I like this spot for surprising people. (Cue evil villainess laugh)
Christina Bianco
Our wardrobe supervisor Christine Massoud has a LOT of mending to do and it’s all piled up on her station. She’s a really good sport!
Christina Bianco
Behold! The girls dressing room!
Christina Bianco
My station. Nothing special, but it’s got everything I could possibly need.
Christina Bianco
Ah, the glamourous life! I quickly eat some yummy chicken soup from Peter’s Rotisserie at my station.
Christina Bianco
Our female swing Amy Griffin is all smiles, as usual. She’s honestly the most peppy and positive person I know. I’m so grateful to have her around!
Christina Bianco
What is this creepy display of headless children? We shall get to that later!
Christina Bianco
Our show changes very frequently with the ever changing news so we have a whole rack of costumes on hand in case we quickly need to put in a new sketch. I think I see that red Sarah Palin jacket trying to force it’s way back out again...
Christina Bianco
Ok, I’m made up and all ready to start the show!
Christina Bianco
In the boy’s room, the handsome Tommy Walker is relaxed and ready to hit the stage. (By the way, no one really knows why there is an Elvis poster and cognac glasses on the top shelf... but they refuse to move any of it...)
Christina Bianco
Our wardrobe assistant Chad calls places! You see, we get the personal touch at The Kirk. We don’t need our stage manager to make calls over the intercom - there are only 4 of us in two rooms that are side by side! That’s the intimacy of Off-Broadway!
Christina Bianco
The hysterical Christine Pedi attempts to stall Chad... perhaps some eye shadow will do...
Christina Bianco
Pedi makes one more stop before hitting the stage. That quick massage from Tommy sure looks like it’s doing the trick!
Christina Bianco
Ladies and Gentlemen, please note that Mr. Michael West is now ready!
Christina Bianco
While the audience sees video and images on a big screen throughout the show, we get to see everything backwards on it, backstage!
Christina Bianco
Here’s a look at the chaotic, over-stuffed girls side backstage.
Christina Bianco
Here’s the boys side. They don’t use as many wigs so there is a lot more space.
Christina Bianco
My primary wig corner. We use a very sophisticated and scientific method of labeling them. It’s something we like to call duct tape. (Why? Because they change all the time and we need to remove the old labels as quickly as we put up the new ones!)
Christina Bianco
First up, after the opening number we sing a song called "The Republican Carousel," about all of the presidential candidates and their ups and downs. I get to sing as crazy eyed Bachmann!
Christina Bianco
Some light reading for Ms Pedi... There are always at least 5 books at her station at any given time.
Christina Bianco
Today, she begins with an informative apple computer manual.
Christina Bianco
Our musical director Ed Goldschneider picks up Patti LuPone’s autobiography. He’s clearly riveted!
Christina Bianco
I take a moment to study Christine Lavin’s autobiography...
Christina Bianco
Get your props here! (No, I don’t know why the "Harry Potter scarf" has been replaced with what looks like pepper spray. Yes, that does say Pee Wee Poop.)
Christina Bianco
This is a step stool I have to use in the next number, in order to be seen over a high counter. No one else has to use one because they are all "normal" height - but I try to stay cheery and not let that fact bother me.
Christina Bianco
I’m a big kid now! Even my biting her hair won’t stop Christine from reading.
Christina Bianco
It’s no secret that we have WAY too much fun with these "little kid" costumes!
Christina Bianco
Lady Gaga says there’s only 5 of my sketches left before the finale!
Christina Bianco
My favorite number as Celine Dion is coming up soon. She waits patiently.
Christina Bianco
I’m back in my "basic" news reporter suit (don’t I look intelligent?) which means the 1st show is almost over.
Christina Bianco
Home! Jeff excitedly welcomes me, because he loves me - and because he wants me to feed him.
Christina Bianco
I’ve got about two hours until I have to be back at the theatre so we take a nice walk to Washington Square Park.
Christina Bianco
Quality time with my dog is very important to me and he needs his exercise, so we both win!
Christina Bianco
Dinner out with my husband Billy! Sometimes I cook on a two show day but today is not one of those days. Today it’s time for some fried chicken!
Christina Bianco
I was hungry! In my defense, I need to eat a lot to get through a two show day :)
Christina Bianco
I get back to the apartment, grab my bag and I’m off again! My boys wave goodbye.
Christina Bianco
Times Square at night! It’s a wonderful sight and I’m so grateful that I get to be a little part of it!
Christina Bianco
Ryan checks our microphones to make sure we’ll all sound perfect
Christina Bianco
The thought of another show sends me crashing to the floor. Why?!?! Can’t I just rest here for a while?
Christina Bianco
Hmm...it’s not like me to phone-in my performance...and I won’t start now!
Christina Bianco
The boys are all calmly reading in their dressing room.
Christina Bianco
Things are louder in the girls room though, with Amy’s son Nicky over to visit!
Christina Bianco
Time for a little vocal help! (That Aguilera impression can take its toll)
Christina Bianco
Christine has her second show "push" ritual - with more coffee and Aspirin. Ahhhh...
Christina Bianco
Apparently we go through a lot of water here
Christina Bianco
Strangely, we have a lot of alcohol on hand. A pre-show cocktail anyone? Just kidding!
Christina Bianco
Our producer Tom D’Angrora tries to be scary while yelling notes at us - "You’d better get a laugh on that Angelina Jolie joke tonight! Or else!" - but he’s really a teddy bear!
Christina Bianco
Um, where’s the wig master? Oh, right - we’re don’t have one! I try to give my Aguilera wig a little volume.
Christina Bianco
Who needs the wig and the glasses? Michael prepares - getting into character as Larry King.
Christina Bianco
You wanna know what my mom looks like? She looks like THIS!
Christina Bianco
The old ladies ready themselves for an exciting moment with Ashton Kutcher (spot Tommy in all his drag glory, hiding in the back)
Christina Bianco
The brats are back and we are strong like bull!
Christina Bianco
Tommy swaggers in Sinatra style.
Christina Bianco
Only two numbers left until the end of the second show!
Christina Bianco
I’m happy in my Kelly Ripa outfit because I love doing the scene - but also because it means the finale is next! One more to go!
Christina Bianco
Right after the show, I run into the house to collect for Broadway Cares Equity Fights Aids. We are blessed with many generous audiences.
Christina Bianco
Mic off! The second show is over!
Christina Bianco
I get the express train and exit the subway at 14th St - where the Occupy Wall Street movement has set up camp. TV cameras are everywhere.
Christina Bianco
My puppy is glad I’m home and we get a little play time in.
Christina Bianco
Billy, Jeff and I take our evening walk together. We love walking down fifth avenue and every night we walk past chef Mario Batali’s bright orange vespa!
Christina Bianco
It’s so nice to end my long day unwinding with Billy and Jeff - aren’t they cute?
Christina Bianco
Just little old me, so happy that I get to do what I love - especially on a two show day!
Christina Bianco
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Bianco's theatre credits include It Must Be Him, Forbidden Broadway Dances With The Stars, Tony and Tina's Wedding, Forbidden Broadway Goes To Rehab, Dora The Explorer Live!, Rent, Beehive, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Candide, A New Brain, Into The Woods and The Wild Party. She performs as a soloist for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, is a MAC award nominated cabaret artist and sings with the band Brother Joscephus.
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The cast features Christine Pedi (Forbidden Broadway, Talk Radio), Christina Bianco (Drama Desk nominee, Forbidden Broadway), Michael West (Forbidden Broadway, When Pigs Fly), Amy Griffin (How the Grinch Stole Christmas) and Tommy Walker (Evil Dead).
"From Occupy Wall Street to the 2012 Presidential Election and the national fight for marriage equality to the Mayan calendar, Ashton and Demi and the end of soaps, all the biggest stories of the year in pop culture and politics are given composer-lyricist Rick Crom's signature skewering" in the 90-minute revue, according to press notes.
Rounding out the creative team are Ed Goldschneider (music director), Jason Courson (set designer), Josh Starr (lighting designer) and Scott Delacruz (stage manager).
Tom D'Angora produces.
Theatre Row is located at 410 West 42nd Street. Tickets are $70 and can be purchased through Telecharge.com or by calling (212) 279-4200.
