Initially there was no working script in hand, so the actors did some improv, and from that a script was finalized. In the first skit, The Morning Commute, Gamal was to play a stuttering and angry conductor. However due to a few cast changes--which are normal in this business--Gamal was given a different role as the Dancing Duane Reade, a man who sells drugstore items from his coat, while dancing and singing on a subway train! So, for a week, Gamal practiced to be The Dancing Duane Reade. Then, just like that he was back to the Angry Conductor Role. Finally the Producers said enough was enough, and Gamal was permanently given the Dancing Duane Reade role. There is an old saying among performers: "Bad dress rehearsal, great opening night!" This was the case for Gamal. During the last rehearsal right before the show, Gamal stumbled with one of his lines for The Dancing Duane Reade. During the rehearsal, he was able to correct himself, but during a live show, you have to keep going and improvise. Ten seconds before making his stage entrance, he said a brief prayer, and went out there and gave an exceptional performance: "My name is Duane Reade, and I CAN DANCE!"
Ecuador RPCV Gamal Dillard performs in the Mikey and Gigi off-Broadway Show
The Mikey and Gigi off-Broadway Show January 2004
Two people who were good friends--Graziella and Michael--decided to produce an off-Broadway Show. It was to include sketch comedy, dancing, singing as well as stand-up comic performances. Now, producing a show is no easy task.
Not only do you need talented people, you also want to create an environment that allows them to do their best in front of a live audience. Graziella, also known as Gigi, is a great dancer, actress and a talented writer. Michael can't dance, thinks he can write, is a stand-up comic and is one of the most professional people Gamal has ever met. The two met at Stand-Up NY Comedy Club and when Mike decided to produce an off-Broadway show, calling Gamal was very easy.
So in October 2003, rehearsals began twice a week in the evenings.( Later they were increased to three times a week ) Initially there was no working script in hand, so the actors did some improv, and from that a script was finalized. In the first skit, The Morning Commute, Gamal was to play a stuttering and angry conductor. However due to a few cast changes--which are normal in this business--Gamal was given a different role as the Dancing Duane Reade, a man who sells drugstore items from his coat, while dancing and singing on a subway train! So, for a week, Gamal practiced to be The Dancing Duane Reade. Then, just like that he was back to the Angry Conductor Role. Finally the Producers said enough was enough, and Gamal was permanently given the Dancing Duane Reade role.
As October flew by, November was there waiting, standing right next to December. Within weeks from the Show's premier, the cast was feeling the pressure. There were some last minute script changes. Gamal's Duane Reade character was given an almost completely new write-up. Once it was written, the rest was up to Gamal to add his impeccable timing and comedy to the role!
Not only did Gamal have to memorize his lines for the sketch comedy routines, he would have to prepare for his stand-up comic performance. He would have fifteen minutes to tell jokes and tickle the audience's funnybone. Gamal was at the theatre until 2:30 in the morning before opening night just practicing his delivery with the microphone. Since there would be a band on stage, Gamal choreographed some comic moves with the band's drummer, Chris. In the opening monologue, Gamal imitated his recently-wed father walking down the aisle looking for his absent son, who was in NY rehearsing for his off-Broadway debut. All this while the drummer tapped a very soulful drum beat!
There is an old saying among performers: "Bad dress rehearsal, great opening night!" This was the case for Gamal. During the last rehearsal right before the show, Gamal stumbled with one of his lines for The Dancing Duane Reade. During the rehearsal, he was able to correct himself, but during a live show, you have to keep going and improvise. Ten seconds before making his stage entrance, he said a brief prayer, and went out there and gave an exceptional performance: " My name is Duane Reade, and I CAN DANCE!"
Gamal was going to do his stand-up routine between skits, and right after a number by the lovely dancers, The Ballamore Girls---Graziella Baratta , Reagan McDuffey ,Taraleigh and Janet. The Ballamore Girls are a group of professional and very attractive dancers founded by Graziella (Gigi)--one of the show's producers. As the girls exited the stage, Gamal's did his own dance routine as a segue into his routine. " I just wanna say those are some very beautiful girls. And no matter how hard I try, I still haven't managed to get any of their phone numbers!"
Minutes after the closing of the curtain, the cast found themselves outside in the foyer, greeted by friends and new fans. Gamal even signed his first autograph. He then went out in the snow with his friends who took him out to celebrate. "The feeling was surreal," he later remarked. " Three months of hard work came to a wonderful conclusion. Now let's do this for three more days, and we'll be fine!"
The routine went perfect. His timing was great and his delivery was amazing. At one point during a joke a little kid in the audience, said, " Hi, Mommy." Gamal, remembering lessons he had learned from comic veterans, did what is known as "calling it" which is improvising something offstage right into your routine. The audience loved it!
Immediately following his routine, he had two seconds to go backstage and prepare for the next scene which was taking place in a loud bar. Gamal was playing the role of a snobbish businessman spending a happy hour with his co-workers.
At the end of the show, ( the show lasted over two hours including intermission) the cast gladly took their bows to the voracious applause of the audience. Opening night included many of Gamal's friends and he knew he had to put on a show for them!
