I Hate Hamlet!

So, I went for a play last night with mum and Bengs. It was called I Hate Hamlet. Written by Paul Rudnick, directed by Nick Dorian and performed by the T4YP year 5 ensemble as well as some from the alumni.

First of, I gotta say that I really like the KLPAC compound. Just being in the vicinity makes me feel so artsy! :) There's this one building; it's 2 storey's high and both levels are full of arches. It's just incredible. The brickwork walls, the many arches, the grass and the fact that it's kind of in ruins; it's just beautiful!

Anyway, on to the play. I really enjoyed it! I mean, I really don't know much about theatre and performing live but I really enjoyed the show and that's all that matters. The actors were great. I laughed a lot and of course, the script was hilarious.

Nick Dorian, director, was also in it. He played John Barrymore (ghost). He was really good! I've always liked him so, this is a no brainer for me. Obviously, I think he's great. I also really liked the guy who played the lead, Nabil (character: Andrew). I saw him in Twelfth Night a couple of years ago. Back then, he kind of swallowed his words but now he's awesome! And he's got lovely hair! The girl who played the lead's girlfriend was great too. She was very cute. I liked her character very much, almost insane but adorably so.

The story was about a TV actor who was  selected to play Hamlet at the open air theatre in New York. He wasn't confident that he could be a great Hamlet. So then the ghost of John Barrymore appears and convinces him that he'll be ok.

They work on it and he performs. Andrew, as it turns out, was terrible. But there was 10 seconds of greatness and Andrew ends up hooked on theatre. All in all, I loved the jokes and sarcasm. The actors delivered well, in my inexpert opinion.

I love watching plays, so much more than movies. There's just something about watching live shows that is so beautiful. It's art being made right in front of you. Like watching Picasso paint, or Micheal Angelo sculpt. Being right there while art is being created and brought to life. There's nothing like it.

Anyway, I had fun. Of course, one of the highlights of the night for me was passing Nick Dorian when we exited the theatre. I passed right by him! He's pretty tall, or maybe I'm just short. Either way, I was so excited! :)

I mentioned that on twitter and he replied! It was a good end to the week:) He probably thinks I'm a mad fan girl and he wouldn't be far off (I'm not actually mad. I just seem like I am :P ) But anyway, I'm up for more plays, especially if Nick Dorian is in it:) I might say hi next time! :) (Most probably not, I'd be incoherent.... Hmmm..)

*Starstruck*

I have not learnt how to describe the sensation of your insides sighing and swooning. But that's how I felt today and still feeling right now!

Today was a great day. I haven't felt like this in such a long time. In fact, I can't remember when I last had this feeling at all.

School was great. Today was our last day before an 11 day break (because of PMR). Everyone had a ball of a good time. Our P.A teacher was missing in action, which meant 2 free periods. Also, we got our Econs marks back and I didn't do too bad. My CGPA isn't all that good but I feel improvement coming my way:)

Also, I found out that I won 2 media passes to the biggest, baddest book sale in Malaysia! The Big Bad Wolf Books Sale is opened to me and a few lucky others, one day earlier! :) I am pumped!

After school, my brother and I headed to the mall where he works. It was his off day so we hung out. That in itself was awesome because I really miss him! Anyway, we had something to eat and then we headed to the cinema, planning to watch a movie. However, there was nothing nice on. So that's the plan scuppered.

Anyway, on our way out, guess who I saw? Yusuf Amin! Some of you are probably wondering who this Yususf Amin person is. Well, let me fill you in. Yusuf Amin is part of the T4YP Alumni. T4YP stands for Theatre for Young People. It's a Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC) thing. Yusuf joined the ensemble last year, with Dinesh. I first saw him in Twelfth Night as Orsino, Duke of Illyria. I remember thinking how great he was. The only other play I've seen him in is their latest T4YP production, Much Ado About Nothing. This time, Yusuf was in the alumni. He played Claudio. Again, amazing. He's has this presence about him.

I saw Yusuf Amin sitting in a restaurant, using his laptop. At first I didn't know if it really was him, but then I kept right on looking and, I think he sensed the power of my gaze because he suddenly turned his face towards me. I knew right then it was him. Also, my reflex action was to look away, which I did, after that split second recognition. That was starstruck moment number one.

Here comes starstruck moment number 2.

When we got home, I immediately went online, as usual. I checked my twitter account and I saw that someone replied to one of my tweets. It was none other than Nick Dorian himself! Wow! Two KLPAC encounters in one day? Phew!

Nick Dorian joined T4YP in 2009, but I first saw him in Twelfth Night too. He was Feste, the clown. And in Much Ado About Nothing, he played the part of Benedict. Nick Dorian has a really nice singing voice. It's beautiful! I just loved the part when he sang in those plays.

So, after watching Much Ado About Nothing, I tweeted about it, tagging T4YP. Nick Dorian replied to that tweet. My tweet! Then I replied to that which he then replied to. This went on for a few more tweets. I had a mini conversation with Nick Dorian! To me, this is akin to talking to Orlando Bloom. I was, honestly just so excited and in disbelief. Me, he replied to me! Just some random girl who saw him in a play. Wow! I felt so starstruck.

Awesome Possum man!

Those two encounters were amazing. Seeing one actor in real life, and having a conversation with another via twitter. No, they're not Hans Isaac or Siti Nurhaliza famous but I'd take KLPAC actors over the other kind anytime. They're stars to me.

I know, I shouldn't be so excited seeing as one of my classmates in an actor at KLPAC but this is just, argh! I know Dinesh, but I don't know Nick Dorian or Yusuf Amin. It's just different.

Anyway, because of the days events, I am on cloud nine. Nothing has brought me down, and nothing will. Not today at least:)

HAPPY!!!!!!!