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Showing posts with label Stage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stage. Show all posts

Christopher Schram: The Actor


Above: Christopher by BAMART.

I often get e-mails from people who enjoy the blog asking ‘Where did you find that guy?’ Well, to be honest, usually it happens, such as it does in life, when I am not looking. Last week when I was researching my post on Nick Ayler I came upon a photographer whose work I have posted about before, the wonderful Richard Gerst. At about the same time I was on the hunt for a pic of the day (sometimes that is the hardest part of the blog). I went to a photographer whose work I enjoy, Tony Jones to see if I could find one. What I did find, in both Richard and Tony’s portfolios’s was Christopher Schram. I was immediately drawn to Christopher. His face is magical expressing both a sense of fun while at the same time a sense of serious maturity. I also loved his freckles. I am sure most people with freckles at one time or another wished they would disappear, and I often wonder if they know how attractive many of those around them think they are.

I was thrilled to click on a link to Christopher’s site and see that he is an actor. I love showcasing actors on FH, especially stage actors that might not be as well known. I have said many times that being a working actor, not to mention actually making a living as one, is not an easy road to go down.

Below: Christopher in Anita Bryant Died For Your Sins.


Christopher received his BA with honors in Theatre from the Conservatory of Performing Arts of Point Park University, in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.. On stage Christopher has been in a number of productions including two shows I also appeared in, ‘West Side Story’ and ‘Waiting For Godot’ (wonder if there were as many walk-outs in the production Christopher was in.) In addition, Christopher has had roles in Carousel, A Christmas Carol, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown and garnered rave reviews for his role in Anita Bryant Died For Your Sins. Christopher also traveled the country in the role of ‘John Darling’ in the National Tour production of Peter Pan.

Below: Christopher in Peter Pan


On tv and on screen Christopher has been featured on The Young And The Restless, Diabolique, The Journey and as well has traveled the globe hosting a travel show. Christopher describes his host job as a ‘dream job’. His latest trip was to South Africa, where he learned to surf and to speak Zulu.

Christopher also worked as a stuntman on The Mothman Prophecies. Of his time on Mothman, Christopher says;

“Mothman Prophecies was a great time. Myself along with 3 or four other actors were on a 40 foot replica of a PA bridge that collapsed I believe sometime in late 80s. The replica was raised about 50 feet in the air and it would turn 45-65 degrees from side to side and up and down. I had to hold on for dear life has fake lamp posts crashed to the ground and sparks flew all around-- really fun and very cool!”

Christopher is about to take on one of his biggest roles in a short film due to start shooting in the next few weeks. The film, Requited is written and directed by Sal Bardo. Christopher plays the lead, Nicholas, who is in love with his best friend Aaron. Aaron however is straight and is getting married. After the two have a falling out, Nicholas has to decide on whether he should go to the wedding and what to say to his best friend if he does. The film is expected to be released in 2011.

On top of all that Christopher is just finishing the final edits of a book and finishing up writing songs for his debut album. Christopher describes his music as folk, pop soul.



Getting back to that question ‘Where did I find that guy?’ I don’t really have an answer, I am just glad I did. When I see a guy that interests me, whose photographs speak to me, whose talent shines through and whom I respect, I want to showcase what I see and share with others. I am certainly happy I stumbled upon Christopher Schram.I hope you have enjoyed getting to know him as well as I did. I am sure I will be seeing, and hopefully hearing the music of Christopher for a long time to come. Be sure to stop by Christopher’s site HERE: to see and learn more about this wonderful and talented guy!


Last two head shots by Marcie Bramucci.
These are two of my favorite shots of Christopher. When I saw them I asked if Marcie was a friend. His reply was yes. I had a feeling by the intimacy I felt in looking at them that there was a high level of trust between photographer and subject. This trust allowed a venerability to shine through.

Chris S: The Model

Here are some of my favorite shots of Christopher. Some are by photographers I have showcased before on the blog, some by photographers whose work I have just discovered and hope to post more of in the future.

Chris S by:

Brent Murray


Brent Murray’s work has has appeared internationally in The New York Times,Vanity Fair, Der Spiegel, Zeit Magazine, Condé Nast Portfolio, O Magazine, Jane and
Curve magazines and Random House books. Brent also recently had his first picture featured in Vogue: a portrait of the designer Logan Neitzel.

I love the quote that Brent has on his MM page by photographer and writer Diane Arbus. It says ‘A Photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know’. How true this is. We all see photos on the net and within a split second we make dozens of assumptions about the person in the photograph based solely on what we see. Yet...if the photographer is skilled, what you really know is less about the person we are seeing. Instead, it is what the photographer whispers quietly for us to see and feel. Brent’s work with Christopher whispered to me.... character. Character for two reasons; firstly character as in role to match Christopher the actor. Secondly character as in who Christopher is. In my brief interactions getting to know Christopher it is clear he has a strength of character that touches all those around him. Check out Brent's site HERE:




Nelson N. Castillo


New York Photographer Nelson N. Castillo has been described as someone whose passion and positivity are skillfully channeled into creating a vision of what he wants out of a shoot. He is known to make the desires and needs of those he works with his number one priority. Given his desire is to get the best out of the model he is working with get the look they wants has led to him to be a favorite for many models to work with to complete their portfolios. Love these casual outside shots of Christopher taken by Nelson. You can check out Nelson's website HERE:




Michael Cali:


Michael Cali is an up and coming photographer currently attending The Hallmark Institute of Photography. One of Michael’s loves is shooting lifestyle shots on location. This theme is present in his work with Christopher. I love these two shots, and the ‘big’ feel they have to them. I love his use of juxtaposition showcasing one man alone in a big city. Heroic, and epic. Michael does not have a site yet, but you can check out more of his work at his Model Mayhem page HERE:





Tony Jones:

No matter how many pictures I have seen taken by Tony Jones, no matter how much or how little the model is wearing, his skill as a photographer takes you instantly to their eyes. Tony does not just shoot bodies, he shoots emotions. Erotic and sexy yes, but also shots full of lust, longing, love, isolation and often pain. It makes sense images of sexuality would be surround by these emotions, they certainly accompany it in life. Yet...many photographers choose to remove certain painful emotions from erotic images. This quote certainly speaks to one of Tony’s philosophies about his work.

Tony says
‘Photography is about telling stories. Capturing a moment that asks the question: what happened before and what happens next.’

Tony also likes to have fun when he is working. I certainly had fun spending time checking out his website with extensive galleries showcasing his work. I hope to showcase more of Tony’s work in the future. Check out his website HERE:






Richard Gerst


Some of the strongest images of Christopher come from Photographer Richard Gerst. I first discovered Richard’s work last year when I was profiling model Matthew Lewis. Richard’s shots of Matthew brought out a side I had not seen before. This is what I think distinguishes Richard’s work from others.

Richard does the same thing in his work with Christopher. There is a side to Christopher, a commanding strength, that comes through in these shots. It is not just the physical strength on display, it is more emotional, more to one’s core. It is seen clearly in his eyes. Richard says that he captures images he himself want to see. I would also add his lens captures something inside his subjects that they are longing to express. Richard recently did this as well with Nick Aylers whom I profiled on Sunday. The shot below is an exlusive shot that may be a part of future book by Richard. You can see more of Richards work at his site HERE:

Reichen Lehmkuhl in My Big Gay Italian Wedding


Above: Reichen by Scott Hoover.

If your in New York don't miss checking out favorite Reichen Lehmkuhl in 'My Big Gay Italian Wedding' which begins previews tomorrow night at the St. Luke’s Theatre at 308 West 46th Street. The show runs Wednesday through Saturday. You can check out the official site for more info HERE: Reichen has been a great support to FH and you can check out my interview last October for Favorites Of Favorites HERE:

Below: Reichen with the cast of 'My Big Gay Italian Wedding'

And the Tony Goes to:



Speaking of the New York Stage, the Tony Award nominee's were announced this morning. Several favorites of mine took nominee's. Congratulations to all the show nominated. I have only listed the acting nominee's here, but for a complete list check out Playbill HERE: The Tony's will be handed out on June 13th.

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play
Jude Law, Hamlet
Alfred Molina, Red
Liev Schreiber, A View from the Bridge
Christopher Walken, A Behanding in Spokane
Denzel Washington, Fences

Below: Jude Law in Hamlet.


Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play
Viola Davis, Fences
Valerie Harper, Looped
Linda Lavin, Collected Stories
Laura Linney, Time Stands Still
Jan Maxwell, The Royal Family

Below: Valerie Harper with Chad Allen in Looped.



Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical
Kelsey Grammer, La Cage aux Folles
Sean Hayes, Promises, Promises
Douglas Hodge, La Cage aux Folles
Chad Kimball, Memphis
Sahr Ngaujah, Fela!

Below: The cast of La Cage aux Folles


Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical
Kate Baldwin, Finian's Rainbow
Montego Glover, Memphis
Christiane Noll, Ragtime
Sherie Rene Scott, Everyday Rapture
Catherine Zeta-Jones, A Little Night Music

Below: Catherine Zeta-Jones and Angela Landsbury in A Little Night Music.


Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play
David Alan Grier, Race
Stephen McKinley Henderson, Fences
Jon Michael Hill, Superior Donuts
Stephen Kunken, Enron
Eddie Redmayne, Red


Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play
Maria Dizzia, In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play
Rosemary Harris, The Royal Family
Jessica Hecht, A View from the Bridge
Scarlett Johansson, A View from the Bridge
Jan Maxwell, Lend Me a Tenor

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical
Kevin Chamberlin, The Addams Family
Robin De Jesús, La Cage aux Folles
Christopher Fitzgerald, Finian's Rainbow
Levi Kreis, Million Dollar Quartet
Bobby Steggert, Ragtime

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical
Barbara Cook, Sondheim on Sondheim
Katie Finneran, Promises, Promises
Angela Lansbury, A Little Night Music
Karine Plantadit, Come Fly Away
Lillias White, Fela!

And...Just Because: Jonathan Groff



I was pretty excited when actor Jonathan Groff joined the cast of Glee in the guest role of Jesse St. James. Although I have not seen in him stage, I have seen him perform on youtube and television. I love the soundtrack to Spring Awakening and wish I had been in NY when he and Lea Michele were in the show.

I love getting to see this talented stage actor get to showcase his talents on a show that is reaching viewership highs. I am hoping it will lead to more notice for this underated actor. Jonathan, best known for his role in Spring Awakening, has also been on stage in Hair, The Sound Of Music, Fame, In My Life, Godspell and Prayer for My Enemy. Although the character is meant to be diliked, I can helped by loving Jonathan Groff.



Below: In 'Hair' with Will Swenson.


Below: Jonathan as Jesse St. James in Glee.


Below: Jonathan with Lea Michele in 'Spring Awakening'.


Nick Adams in 'La Cage aux Folles'



Broadways 'La Cage aux Folles' opened last Sunday night to rave reviews! All reports are this show is one not to miss! I love that the production acknowledges it's men are men in drag and the costumes highlight the male forum instead of trying to hide it. That means that actor and singer Nick Adams arms and legs are on full display.

Be sure to Check out Nick's appearance tomorrow on 'As The World Turns' and later this week with the cast of 'La Cage aux Folles' on 'Regis and Kelly'!



More of Ace Young in Hair



Thanks to The New York post we get to see 'a little more' of Ace Young's performance in Hair.








Ace Young in 'Hair'




I loved me some Will Swenson, but Ace Young is looking mighty fine as well in the role of Berger in Broadways 'Hair'. Another former AI contestant Diana DeGarmo joins Ace in the production.


Just Because: Anthony Fedorov in Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat



It was last year when Anthony Fedorov, one of my favorite past contestants on American Idol toured the country as Joseph in Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'. Although Anthony and cast were not overly praised for their acting, most reviews for the show did agree it was a standout visually and vocally. Anthony never got the credit he deserved for his strong vocal abilities during his season. Carrie Underwood and Bo Bice garnered most of the attention while Anthony and the equally talented Vonzell Solomon were left behind. Although Carrie has certainly turned into a superstar, during that Idol season I much preferred the performance of Anthony (Climb Every Mountain aside) and Vonzell.


(Although looking fine, the pic above reminds me a bit of Jodi Foster in 'Silence Of The Lambs'....)




Below: Billy Joe Hues (Pharaoh)



Below: Anthony with Jennifer Pazthe (Narrator and Richard Grey (Baker and Potifar)


Below: Anthony with R.J Tancioco (Musical Director and Conductor).


Anthony Fedorov in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat from user name on Vimeo.


Thanks to Lisa for the video Link!