Armed with a digital camera, Schecter snapped everything from his morning wakeup to final journey home and introduces us to the various characters who inhabit Studio 54.
Here is a two-show day at The People in the Picture with Jeffrey Schecter:
When I get up in the morning I have some big hair and puffy eyes. Needless to say I reached for my cat Chloe and my shades to protect the world from the truth. I am not always adorable and extremely handsome!
Jeffrey Schecter
My wife Melissa Swender and I are expecting our first baby! Even with child she still has a better "Passé" than I do! Note how she follows my lead and wears shades to cover her
eyes. She doesn't need them though, as she always looks beautiful!!
Jeffrey Schecter
A good breakfast before a two-show day is essential for me, or i am just cranky. I love eggs. They're great for eating and obviously fun to play with, too.
Jeffrey Schecter
I pass the Shake Shack on 23rd and Broadway everyday. On a sunny day, the line goes down the block. I love burgers. Fortunately, I don't leave enough time to get a burger before the show or else I would be a very large man.
Jeffrey Schecter
Believe it or not, some guys actually want to know what's happening to their wives and the little baby in the womb. My wife is very impressed that I'm educating myself and reading something other than a script or the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition.
Jeffrey Schecter
I pass this marquee everyday just before I turn onto 53rd Street. Every time i pass it, I remember I never returned Dave's phone call to be on the show. Have to do that as soon as I finish this day in the life project.
Jeffrey Schecter
I love how my two favorite dressers hold the door open for me when I arrive. No, it's just a coincidence that Gary and Rick are at the stage door when I arrive today. They work so hard, and I am so lucky to have them both in my corner during the show.
Jeffrey Schecter
This is called the "people taking the picture in the picture." Fellow actor Jeremy Davis is an awesome photographer, so I asked him to help me capture my day. You'll see some great pictures shot by him. Thanks Jeremy.
Jeffrey Schecter
Unfortunately, I have to shave everyday. Fortunately, I gave myself two pictures I enjoy seeing everyday. On the left is Melissa at our wedding, and above my head is my grandmother Helen. She was an incredible woman, and so funny. Miss you granny!
Jeffrey Schecter
Chapstick is a must! It gets super dry backstage!
Jeffrey Schecter
This is Louis Hobson. He is hysterical. We call him Crazy Louie. He does this dance backstage that is reminiscent of that uncle who had a little too much to drink at the wedding. He also plays a doctor in the show and is fantastic.
Jeffrey Schecter
Paul Anthony Stewart plays a bunch of roles in the show. He is brilliant as "Jerzy" in the second act. But in act one he mostly looks like Vincent van Gogh, before he cut off his ear and just ate bananas.
Jeffrey Schecter
A good shot of the shoes I wear in the opening. What you don't see is me having to stand on a chair to get my hat.
Jeffrey Schecter
Someone thought it would be funny to put my hat as high up as possible. If I don't stand on a chair, I can't get my hat. Funny!
Jeremy Davis
Ready for the top of the show! I love this costume. Fortunately, I love green and don't mind looking like a leprechaun.
Jeffrey Schecter
I call this picture "Mini Tevye!" I have the honor of performing a great scene at the top of the show and this is my look. I am a peasant in great need of laughter. Donna Murphy, as the head of a Yiddish theatre group, helps me out.
Jeffrey Schecter
Daniel Radcliffe may be famous for playing Harry Potter and now starring in How to Succeed, but maybe when I leave the show he can replace me as Schlomo the tap dancing rabbi.
Jeffrey Schecter
Paul Gemignani is one of the coolest, most talented musical directors I've worked with. The first time I met him I was scared he might break me in two. He looks like he could be a wrestler, but he's just a big teddy bear with the most infectious laugh.
Jeffrey Schecter
Everyone loves to hang in the green room, and Rachel Resheff can definitely hold her own on and off the stage with the Broadway vets that fill the room. She is brilliant in the show and we are so lucky to have her.
Jeffrey Schecter
Lewis Stadlen is one of the vets. Every time i attempt to do something productive in my dressing room during the show I hear everyone laughing. 9 times out of 10 it's Lewis telling a classic story. Teaming him and Chip Zien together is genius.
Jeffrey Schecter
Chip Zien is a pro. However this cast will not let you live down a missed entrance! This sign hangs in the green room.
Jeffrey Schecter
Chip Zien and Hal Robinson are regulars in the green room. You can see one of the Chip Zien reminders above his head.
Jeffrey Schecter
No show would be a true Broadway experience if I didn't flirt and entertain the ladies. I often break out into spontaneous dance until I have at least one of them laughing.
Jeffrey Schecter
Emilee Dupre is usually one of the first people to laugh at my antics. She has a great laugh, and I really appreciate her support. I really hope she becomes a famous film casting director and remembers just how many times I made her laugh.
Jeffrey Schecter
Yes, we have Internet at our theatre. What's a super talented girl like Shannon Lewis to do during the show but surf her favorite website, Playbill.com!!
Jeffrey Schecter
Jessica Lea Patty is always on her game. I've seen her eat unhealthy foods, but more often than not she is doing something good for herself or you. This is my second show with Jess, we did A Chorus Line on Broadway together, too!
Jeffrey Schecter
Jeremy Davis gearing up for act two. Jeremy has the important role of receiving special items and memorabilia important to the Jews of the Warsaw ghetto. He dances it beautifully and it is a pleasure to share the stage with him.
Jeffrey Schecter
This is my ghetto "get up!" I can't help but smile. Even in times off terrible tragedy, the Jews of Warsaw told jokes, danced and sang. It's what i do now and probably would have done back then. Type casting?!
Jeffrey Schecter
This Saturday was extra special. It was Passover, so I asked Roundabout if we could hold a Seder between shows. Not only did they okay it, but they took care of everything. Stuart Zagnit holds a beautiful Seder plate that he brought from home.
Jeffrey Schecter
I was so touched by how many people came. I'm not super religious, but doing such a powerful show, I have found myself wanting to revisit some of my roots. More than half the "people in this picture" had never been to a Seder before.
Jeffrey Schecter
Every good producer knows that you have to hire the right people for the job. I begged Stuart to lead our Seder and he was a perfect host. A Seder usually takes about 4 hours, but Stuart did the improvised "let's eat as soon as possible" version.
Jeffrey Schecter
What's one more piece of matzoh?
Jeffrey Schecter
Nicole Parker, who plays Red, brings her best pal Penny to the theatre between shows. Dogs and babies always score big at our show. Wonder how Penny will deal with my baby.
Jeffrey Schecter
Maya Goldman, our Jenny understudy, admires Penny's Yoda impression.
Jeffrey Schecter
Megan Reinking just takes a great picture. She passes the green room between shows, and I happen to catch her smiling. No surprise, as Megan is always smiling.
Jeffrey Schecter
People always ask, "How do you do two shows a day? Aren't you exhausted?" The answer is, "I'm fine, but people like Paul Anthony Stewart need their beauty rest." Okay, I'm just jealous that Paul got the couch first.
Jeffrey Schecter
The couch is mine!! Oh, and notice even when I am sleeping, I am advertising. "Everyone loves a Jewish boy!" Do they? Everyone? That's a lot of people.
Jeffrey Schecter
It's tough to be a Swing. You never get the couch. Or if you're as nice and thoughtful as Brad Bradley, you just sleep on the floor, guarded by your shoes and a chair.
Jeffrey Schecter
Before you know it, time for the next show! I do my best Billy Crystal impression and set out for Number Two. Show number two, not the other Number Two!
Jeffrey Schecter
I go home after the show. I'm pretty tired. Once again, I pass the Shake Shack. I resist. I'll go home and most likely watch some of my favorite TV shows with Melissa. Can't complain. Life is pretty good for this Broadway guy!
Jeffrey Schecter
Schecter is known for recreating the role of Mike in the Broadway revival of A Chorus Line. Recent credits include Bells Are Ringing (Carl), Robin and the 7 Hoods (Willie) and On the Town (Ozzie). He has appeared on Broadway in The Pajama Game, Wonderful Town, Beauty and the Beast and Guys and Dolls. Schecter is the star and co-writer of the film "Farm Girl in New York."
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This world-premiere production is billed this way by the producers: "Once the darling of the Yiddish Theatre in pre-war Poland, now a grandmother in New York City, Bubbie [Donna Murphy] has had quite a life. But what will it all mean if she can't pass on her stories to the next generation? Though her granddaughter [Jenny, played by Rachel Resheff] is enchanted by her tales, her daughter Red [Nicole Parker] will do anything to keep from looking back. A fiercely funny and deeply moving new musical that spans three generations, The People in the Picture celebrates the importance of learning from our past, and the power of laughter." The cast, directed by Leonard Foglia (Master Class), features Alexander Gemignani (Moishe), Christopher Innvar (Chaim), Hal Robinson (Doovie, Rabbi Velvel), Lewis J. Stadlen (Avram Krinsky), Joyce Van Patten (Chayesel), Chip Zien (Yossie Pinsker), Brad Bradley, Rachel Bress, Jeremy Davis, Emilee Dupre, Maya Goldman, Louis Hobson, Shannon Lewis, Jessica Lea Patty, Andie Mechanic, Megan Reinking, Jeffrey Schecter and Paul Anthony Stewart.
Tickets ($37-$122) are available by calling Roundabout Ticket Services at (212) 719-1300, going online at www.roundabouttheatre.org or at the Studio 54 Box Office (254 West 54th Street).
Tickets range from $127-$49 and can be purchased at The St. James Box Office or via telecharge.com at (212) 239-6200. Visit www.AmericanIdiotonBroadway.com.
