Patrick is the protege of my friend Linda, who has spent her life helping recognize and develop talent......but usually in the realm of professional baseball. However, from the first moment she saw young Patrick take the stage several years ago in local theater, she knew she would move heaven and earth to give this kid a shot at developing his full potential in front of a much bigger audience. And you know what? She did.....and so did he!
So when she invited me out to join them for his performance at the beautiful Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, everything else I needed to be doing got put on hold.
Patrick has been a hit in every city the tour has played. He has gotten excellent reviews from the theater critics........
.......and from the celebrities who have stopped by backstage to chat with him and congratulate him on his performance. This is Patrick with Stephen Tyler of Aerosmith, and presently an American Idol judge.
Tom Cruise stopped by to visit with Patrick after the show in Los Angeles.Linda, Patrick and I went to dinner on Friday before the show at a steak house Linda picked out for us. The Kobe steak and the grilled shrimp that looked like lobsters were amazing. But we knew we were in trouble afterwards when a giant platter containing a whole butter cake and large slice of chocolate/chocolate cake arrived with a giant serving bowl piled full of handmade whipped cream and..........
a $200 flight of their finest Scotches! Obviously, someone in the restaurant recognized Patrick and wanted to make sure THEY got a good review from HIM!
Completely stuffed and feeling very good, we left for the theater.
The board containing the list of actors in the lobby of the Segerstrom Performing Arts Center.
Patrick going into his dressing room back stage.
Patrick signing in on the message board back stage.
After the show, Patrick took Linda and I backstage so we could see how the show came together and where all of the magic happens. This picture was taken on the actual stage, in the bar where most of the scenes take place.
While walking around backstage, we passed by the section of the stage where the band plays. I took this photo standing behind the drums, looking out into the area where the audience would be sitting. Sort of a "drummer's eye view"!
Patrick showing us how the show comes together.
Big deals going down backstage!
One of the sets on stage..........think about it..........80s rock bands, bar bathrooms.......lots of action going on in here!
Patrick and another of his fellow actors in the show.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the amazing behind the scenes tour!!!
No one is allowed to take any pictures or film during the performance, so unfortunately I have no pictures of Patrick's performance.
Patrick and the female star of Rock of Ages, Rebecca Faulkenberry. The following day, she left the tour and headed to New York City to take over the same role on Broadway.
Patrick and fans at the House of Blues.
When I left Little Rock, I was excited about going to see two performances of Rock of Ages. But the trip turned into much much more.
a $200 flight of their finest Scotches! Obviously, someone in the restaurant recognized Patrick and wanted to make sure THEY got a good review from HIM!
Completely stuffed and feeling very good, we left for the theater.
The board containing the list of actors in the lobby of the Segerstrom Performing Arts Center.
Patrick going into his dressing room back stage.
Patrick signing in on the message board back stage.
After the show, Patrick took Linda and I backstage so we could see how the show came together and where all of the magic happens. This picture was taken on the actual stage, in the bar where most of the scenes take place.
While walking around backstage, we passed by the section of the stage where the band plays. I took this photo standing behind the drums, looking out into the area where the audience would be sitting. Sort of a "drummer's eye view"!
Patrick showing us how the show comes together.
Big deals going down backstage!
One of the sets on stage..........think about it..........80s rock bands, bar bathrooms.......lots of action going on in here!
Patrick and another of his fellow actors in the show.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the amazing behind the scenes tour!!!
No one is allowed to take any pictures or film during the performance, so unfortunately I have no pictures of Patrick's performance.
But this story gets better.
After the show on Saturday night, the House of Blues in Anaheim invited the band and some of the performers from the show to come out and take the stage for their late set at midnight. This was a wonderful opportunity for a group of very talented musicians to play together in a completely different environment, but really be able to ROCK!
So, this is Patrick as we arrived at the House of Blues.
When our group arrives, we were all given blue armbands giving us backstage access. This was taken right before they took the stage.
Patrick and another very gifted singer and actor, Nick Cordero, who plays the role of Dennis, the bar owner in Rock of Ages.
When our group arrives, we were all given blue armbands giving us backstage access. This was taken right before they took the stage.
Patrick and another very gifted singer and actor, Nick Cordero, who plays the role of Dennis, the bar owner in Rock of Ages.
Patrick and the female star of Rock of Ages, Rebecca Faulkenberry. The following day, she left the tour and headed to New York City to take over the same role on Broadway.
Patrick and fans at the House of Blues.
The boys take the stage and totally rock the house!
When I left Little Rock, I was excited about going to see two performances of Rock of Ages. But the trip turned into much much more. I think there are lessons to be learned from all of this. First of all, we should take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself, even when the alternative is easier or less hassle to accomplish. You just never know what lies around the corner out there. And some of these experiences change us forever.
But secondly, and perhaps more importantly is this: sometimes it all comes down to someone believing in us. There are countless people out there with talent and dreams......some of them isolated in small towns and others swallowed up in the anonymity in the of the big cities. But everyone is waiting for someone to come along to help us open those big doors that are just a little too heavy for us to maneuver by ourselves.
The story of Patrick is a musical with a moral to the story within itself. I would buy a ticket to see it, and I have had a front row seat all along.
Patrick had the talent, drive and desire, and he was peeking through the doors on his own..........he just needed someone with the ways and means to help him swing those doors open a little wider. So when the right person did show up and shoved those doors wide open..........that boy ran through with gusto!
Rock on Patrick.......rock on!
