#61: Brian Krinsky's Stunning Moment

Here is the full Living in the Bonus Round concert video + Brian Krinsky's big moment.

You have to understand that no one in the cast of Living in the Bonus had heard the show before. Except for their particular moments, nothing was rehearsed. We had no run through. As we all told my story (with script), some cast and musicians were hearing it for the first time and reacted (crying, laughing) just as the audience did.

At this moment in the show, i'm talking about how I was only kept alive because I was surrounded by friends who cared for me. When I went to group therapy session, I realized how unique I was. Many people with AIDS simply died alone, too afraid to come out to their families, too afraid to even tell their own friends. Some seemed to just disappear.

It's the moment when I let my prideful self go and simply gave in to being cared for. I couldn't lift my head up off the pillow. 

So when Brian steps up to the mic to sing "Let Yourself Be Loved," he was barely holding on singing a song he had only just learned. You can see it in his eyes. Luckily, I hired Michael Lee Stevers (who also didn't know what was going to happen) to taped it professionally. So we caught the moment beautifully.

Link to his full performance, barely two minutes long. Watch it: https://youtu.be/7YhgJPFjaAQ

The spontaneity of the night was what made it so precarious and fun. Sue Matsuki, who produced the entire Winter Rhythms Festivel, in reviewing it, said it was an Off-Broadway show ready to go. (She also had no idea what we were going to do.)

Link to full hour-long show: https://youtu.be/8nISTbpm03w

You'll notice when you click through, that I've placed a fundraising tab at the end for Urban Stages. Winter Rhythms was a benefit for their summer schools programs that reach across the entire city into underserved communities. Even if you don't watch the show, go make a contribution anyway. https://www.urbanstages.org/support

This show, barely an idea in my mind four weeks prior, blossomed into something that no one was prepared for, not even me. I hope you enjoy it. Take some time during the holiday season to watch the magic unfold. It's totally free to watch. And have a great new year.

 

Steve (Jim says hi!)