Chronicles of Dustin Ashley Beam

I received the call today that I am cast as various characters/ensemble in Les Mis at the Arkansas Rep. I am thrilled and it was the validation that I needed!! I cannot wait to dig into the show and songs. I adore musical theatre and am tickled to be doing it once more. I borrowed Ugly Betty Season One from a friend (Hello Sequoia) and have become enthralled. Touching, charming, witty, spunky, and beautiful. It affirms that we should be who we are and learn to love it. I shall be back with more news from the "tale of London" (opening next week -- Yikes!)and my forthcoming journey into Les Mis . I could not be more happy. Life is beautiful. I am deeply blessed. As always, floss those teeth... dab

Much, much has transpired since my last communication. I am portraying Anthony in a production of Sweeney. I have met some beautiful and fun new people and am enjoying the process of building a character and his story via musical theatre. It is a challenge to learn this music. Sondheim is not easy, as anyone knows. I loved Iron Man . It was ludicrous!!!! I still believe that Hillary can win and is the way to go. Let us count FL and MI please. Newfound people like Justin (Justonian), Ian (nickname still being decided - TBA), and Josh (Sequoia) are making my life happy and full of charms and delights. It is a pleasure to return to some older friends like Duane, Andy, Kathryn, etc. Working with my Sheabuttah is a distinct blessing. Anthony has to have a capable Johanna and she is all that and then some. What a pleasure to act and sing with her. The chemistry is palpable. Sandi Patty's new CD, Songs for the Journey is astounding and I am amazed at how she and her artistry s...

Just another lazy Sunday, Lounging in pjs, Watching Friends always, My resty-rest fun day... dab

Exhibit A: This is how I actually looked whilst dancing. Exhibit B: This is how I thought I looked whilst dancing. May we take a moment for the word whilst? What a fun and intriguing underused li'l word. :-) Jojo Joy and I traversed to Roscoe's, a cool ass gay bar in Chicago's " Boytown ". You just cannot make up these names. It was a rollicking good time with great drinks (best Dirty Shirleys ever), stunningly handsome, cute, and beautiful lads/men/boys, a dance floor that literally vibrated from the beats o' the dj , amazing light shows during the dance o' the gays, and a kick-caboose display o' the ceiling that made me feel as though I was in the sea and in the middle of a jellyfish. The places that my mind meanders whilst the dance overtakes my extremities and very soul.... quite alarming orange blossoms, quite alarming and charming all at once. Years ago when I came out (how peculiar is that terminology especially re...

The fourth time to Oz proved to be a deeply moving one. Without a doubt, Wicked is my favourite musical, period. * It is just goodness to see actors up there working their craft and making characters come to life. Such a bizarre concept live theatre is, but when done well, it electrifies the senses. * I have now seen Idina, Shoshana, Stephanie, and Dee. * All had their strengths... On Thursday, Dee was viciously sharing her tale with me and it was impeccable. * Unless I was suffering from some episode, there have been tweaks to dialogue, song, and special effects. All interesting... all noted. * I think that Defying Gravity is the culmination of brilliant scene writing by Winnie Holzman. After all that Elphaba has experienced, everyone is ready for her to proclaim her rebellion. I am like a child in those moments... I simply cannot get enough of the story/song. When she bounds to the air, I forget that it is a hydraulic lift. I believe that a green witch can fly... I believe, I beli...

On this day where we celebrate resurrection, I wanted to also take a moment and say: * I am a believer in beginnings, even those cleverly disguised as endings. * Happy Birthday to you Dad on what would have been your 64th birthday. What a day full of mixed emotions, huh? I miss you and wish you were here to hug. There are great things happening in this place that I wish you could witness, but I do believe you do know and peek in from time to time. May this day bring hope to anyone that needs it and beckon awareness that wherever you are, there is always possibilty of resurrection, be it emotional, physical, or spiritual. My life has certainly been a testament to the fact that there is always hope, always a new day, always an opportunity to arise from the ashes and begin anew... often when least expected. As my Dad departed this realm, I sang him the following words. They are just as true today. It is my prayer that everyone finds love this precious and never-ending. For Dad, a man tha...

"It's the day of the show, y'all!" After much rehearsal, it is time to present Bach's The Passion According to St. Matthew (only portions mind you, but still what a workout!) We will all be Bachstars and shall bach it up! Ha. I know. Silly man, silly man. Serious night, but it had to be said. I am looking forward to my trip to the Windy City and getting back to writing some music. Happy Easter all! The Dash