http://nelsonlugo.com/news.html Nelson Lugo: News/Blog Jannis' PHPRss class - http://www.jannis.to/ Sun, 31 Oct 2010 02:55:16 -0700 http://nelsonlugo.com/news.html#34 http://nelsonlugo.com/news.html#34 Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0800 The Charming Trickster - Nelson Lugo - News/Blog http://nelsonlugo.com/news.html#33
It's been just over three weeks since I tied the knot and I'm having the time of my life. I'm also busy as hell mind you, but I'm having so much fun I've barely stopped to notice. I've been performing like crazy and the best part about it is I've gotten to wear all my hats doing it... I performed magic at the Jalopy Theater in Brooklyn, Sideshow for Le Scandal and I even got to work my acting chops for the Workshop Theater. All the while, being a newlywed to the most beautiful woman in the world! Life tastes real sweet these days and it's only going to get better.

How so? I'm glad you asked.

Last night MTV filmed an episode for a brand new reality show. This episode in particular featured that little slice of heaven I like to call... Le Scandal Cabaret. But that's not all! Guess who was featured in the line up of acts? That's right, everybody’s favorite charming trickster... ME!! The whole experience was just awesome — from the super friendly crew... to the on stage performance. And I had a blast! As of right now I have no idea when the show will air but trust me — as soon as I get the word, I'll be blogging and emailing like a mad man.

Also, I've hooked up with this super talented Rockabilly Band called the Holy Roller Sideshow and these kids can ROCK! But not only are they wickedly talented musicians, they are also crazy-go-nuts promoters. These guys have put together the first Coney Island Rockabilly Festival and guess who hosting this swinging party to end all swinging parties? ME... that's who! I'm so excited my head's about to explode! I'll have more details really soon, but in a nutshell... we've got music, we've got magic, we've got sideshow and to top it all off... we've got burlesque. But not only that... this very well might be one of the largest gathering of beautiful ladies this summer who will shake and shimmy to that ol' bump and grind. If that doesn't put a smile on your face then there is something seriously wrong with your smiling apparatus.

If things keep going the way they have been then this summer promises to be the greatest summer of my life. So, stay tuned dear magic fans cause this bliss train has just started and I don't see it stopping any time soon.

ONWARD!]]> http://nelsonlugo.com/news.html#33 Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700 The Charming Trickster - Nelson Lugo - News/Blog http://nelsonlugo.com/news.html#27
Holy Crap! Five months ago if someone told me about all the red tape, meetings, forms, fees, certificates, paper work and rigmarole one has to go through to get married I would have chucked it all and just eloped. The sheer amount of "boring stuff" that has to happen before we ever get to the "good stuff" is just staggering. Then there are all the lists — now, I've never been one to shy away from list-making — but come on! I have to make lists just to keep track of all my lists. It's getting a little ridiculous. I don't know what's worse... planning a wedding or planning to plan for a wedding.

As for the finances... I am not even going to go there. Whenever I start to think about the cost of getting married I start to shake, my palms start to sweat, my brain begins to ache, my ears bleed and my eye balls boil up inside my head. In fact, just the other day my fiancé and I were discussing the budget and out of nowhere I had a full blown anxiety attack with a nervous breakdown chaser. It took my lovely bride-to-be and hour to talk me off the ledge.

Now, I've always prided myself on being someone who worked extremely well under pressure. But this... this is a whole new bag. The funny thing is, traditionally, it's usually the bride who's sweating the details, losing sleep and throwing temper tantrums. In fact, my bride-to-be couldn't be calmer. She's as cool as a cucumber without a worry in the world — which for some odd reason just drives me nuts! It's almost as if the calmer she is the more nervous I get. Which, if you think about it, supports Newton's Third Law of Motion.

Is all of this "stuff" worth it? Honestly, I don't know. If I remember, I’ll come to this question again AFTER my wedding day. Maybe the event itself will lend some perspective.

What I do know right now is... all of this stuff is important to the woman I'm choosing to spend the rest of my life with. So, in turn, all of this stuff is as equally important to me.

But at this point I'm just really tired of the "getting married" part and I just want to get to the "being married" part as quickly as possible... and as luck would have it... we're staring down the wedding barrel and I can't wait!

Countdown to the Wedding!


Onward!]]> http://nelsonlugo.com/news.html#27 Tue, 03 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700 The Charming Trickster - Nelson Lugo - News/Blog http://nelsonlugo.com/news.html#25
Let's see, where do I start?

I produced my own very successful one-man-show off-off broadway — not once... but twice!

Got to perform on the Coney Island Sideshow stage — not once... not twice... but three times!

I'm in the final interview stages...to be on the show "Miami Ink"... to get a tattoo... on basic cable television... by none other than the master artist himself — Mr. Chris Garver! I am completely awed and excited by the possibility of getting tattooed by this guy. I am a huge fan of not only his work but of also the show. I am totally stoked! For more on the show go here: Miami Ink

I'm writing a brand new one-man-show — this piece is going to be about my grandma. If you've seen my show you'll know what I'm talking about. If you haven't seen my show then all I can say is my grandmother is magical and I can't wait to stage the wonder and the majesty that is her life.

I just opened my own online store! So for all of you who've been chomping at the bit to get your hands on a Charming Trickster T-shirt or mug... you're prayers have been answered!
Your One-Stop-Shop for All Your Charming Trickster Needs an be found here Click Here for Nelson Lugo Merchandise!

Buy well... buy often

And last... but certainly not least...

I am getting married!

October 17, 2006 will go down in history as the day I got down on one knee and popped the biggest question of my life.

I could recount the story of the engagement, in vivid detail... but I won't. Why? Because I already have. For the complete story of the hows and whys go to the official wedding website at: kellieandnelson.com

As for the engagement party and upcoming nuptials you'll have to check the site for all those details. I will say this though... if the night of our engagement is any indication of how our life is going to be together... then I'm strapping myself in, holding on tight and just waiting for it to start. Because I know that the rollercoaster we create together is going to be the greatest ride of my life.

Onward!]]> http://nelsonlugo.com/news.html#25 Thu, 26 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700 The Charming Trickster - Nelson Lugo - News/Blog http://nelsonlugo.com/news.html#24
And what a crazy two months it has been... and I promise to blog about very it soon.

In the meantime... I just want to say that life is full of second chances, because...

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND is MAGIC & MAYHEM: An Evening of Two Beautifully Paired One Acts

Don't miss me, Brit Herring, and the Broken Pockets Band in our triumphant return to the WorkShop Theater.

This evening encompasses the fabulous return of my one-man-show called DECONSTRUCTING THE MAGICIAN - a heartwarming and extremely entertaining look at the intricate web of coincidences, choices and experiences that has shaped and defined a man's life in magic.

In a thrilling second act, we welcome the return of the epic Britton Herring, and his "Broken Pockets Band (Trey Albright and Sean Singer)" in Shel Silverstein Masterpiece, THE DEVIL AND BILLY MARKHAM. Both shows are wonderfully directed by Thomas Cote and vividly lit by Evan Purcell.

These shows are not to be missed, but if somehow you missed them in their previous incarnations, please know you are being given an extremely fortunate opportunity to not miss them again!

Consider some of the temptations Magic and Mayhem has to offer:
Blood and gore
Cowboy hats
Mentalism
Mid-show jam sessions
Fire
Damnation
Salvation
Guitar riffs
Rim shots and Air conditioning

August 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 @ 8pm
August 19 @ 3 pm matinee
Tickets $15 (TDF accepted)

WORKSHOP THEATER COMPANY — JEWEL BOX
312 West 36th Street, 4th Floor (between 8th and 9th Avenues)
For reservations, call (212) 695-4173, ext. 4#
www.workshoptheater.org

See ya at the show!!]]> http://nelsonlugo.com/news.html#24 Mon, 14 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0700 The Charming Trickster - Nelson Lugo - News/Blog http://nelsonlugo.com/news.html#23
But what I month it has been!!!

I've only just now started to come off the post-show-high I've been riding since my one-man-show closed. After months of rehearsing, practicing, learning new magic, memorizing my lines, re-writing my lines, re-memorizing my lines, dealing with promotion, handling lights, costumes and props — I barely had time to enjoy the show that I was performing. When it was all said and done I thought for sure I'd suffer some sort of postpartum depression — but as it turns out... I have more energy than ever!

In fact, one day after I closed my show: I hosted the Sweet & Nasty Burlesque Show, spent the weekend with some of my closest friends and made a difference in the world, I'm marching in the Mermaid Parade this Saturday and I'm hosting Le Scandal the same night. All the while I'm gearing up for my performance at the Coney Island Museum and I am having the time of my life!!!

Meanwhile... my relationship with Rubie Fizz has just taken off and soared — everyday I spend with her is a blessing and an adventure. I now know what tears-of-joy are and what unconditional love feels like.

On top of all that I'm surrounded and supported by some of the greatest artists a magician could ever hope for... Brit Herring and his dedication to his craft, Thomas Cote and his pitch perfect direction, the music of the “Broken Pockets” always keeps me going, the beautiful lady in the booth — for being the beautiful lady in the booth and once again to Rubie Fizz who has the dubious honor of being the only person to have seen every show of the run as well several raw rehearsals, a tech-through and a final dress (If that ain't love then I don't know what is).

But more than anything else I've learned some valuable lesions...

- Having a dream isn't nearly as powerful as taking actions to have it happen

- Life is too short to worry about who's running the box-office

- I'm never as strong as when I allow others to support my vision

- Never try to save money when buying stage blood because zesty mint is better than no mint at all


I am truly honored to have performed this show for the workshop theater company and for the audiences that came to see it. I thank you all so much for the opportunity to live out a dream of mine.

To all of you who could not make it... worry not. Deconstructing the Magician will live on! I've worked too hard for too long just to put this puppy to bed now. So, be on the lookout for the next incarnation of this hour long magical thrill ride.

Until next time...

Onward!]]> http://nelsonlugo.com/news.html#23 Thu, 22 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700 The Charming Trickster - Nelson Lugo - News/Blog http://nelsonlugo.com/news.html#22
This is it... my one-man-show... my four year odyssey... is finally coming to fruition...

"Magic and Mayhem" is a play that is actually two shows in one. And I can promise you that neither of them contains a guy trying to hold his breath in a water filled bubble on national TV.

The first part of "Magic and Mayhem" is my one-man show entitled "Deconstructing the Magician". This is a piece that blends sophisticated stage magic and biographical storytelling to explore the intricate web of coincidences, choices and experiences that has shaped and defined one man's life in magic.

The second part, entitled "The Devil and Billy Markham", is a show written by Shel Silverstein. Yes, THAT Shel Silverstein. Britton Herring and The Broken Pockets Band help investigate the darker side of this renowned children’s author.

And to top it all off, Thomas Cote has directed both ends of Magic and Mayhem.

"Magic and Mayhem" is in the Jewel Box stage at the Workshop Theater — 312 West 36 Street, 4th Floor (between 8 and 9 Ave.)

The show opens on June 1. Performances start at 8pm and will take place on June 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. Tickets are $15. Call (212) 695-4173, extension 4 for reservations

For more information you can go to http://www.workshoptheater.org

See ya at the show]]> http://nelsonlugo.com/news.html#22 Tue, 23 May 2006 00:00:00 -0700 The Charming Trickster - Nelson Lugo - News/Blog http://nelsonlugo.com/news.html#21
So, here I am — smack dab in the middle of my Month of May Magical Mystery Tour and I am a man in love.

I am in love with life — I have so much to be grateful for, I am living my bliss. I get to be a magician and perform and be on stage and be with people and see the amazement in their eyes at a perfectly executed effect. I get to bring magic to an ever-changing world and for the briefest of moments get an audience to believe that magic is real.

I am in love with my friends — In my humble opinion, I am so very blessed to know and be a part of the lives of some of the most talented, gifted, generous and powerful people on the planet. I am truly privileged to know them because I'm a better person for it. There is no way I could ever list them all individually — but you know who you are — I honor you and I love you — I can only see the greatness in myself because I already see it in you.

I am in love with my one-man-show — this four year odyssey of sweat, tears and long lonely nights of writing and re-writing (or workshoping and re-workshoping) is finally coming to fruition. I am as joyously excited and as panic stricken as a brand new father. I'm chomping at the bit to get this show out. For those of you who are able to see it, you are in for one spectacular night of theater. For more info please go to http://www.workshoptheater.org/season/jewelbox.php or just check out my calendar page for tickets and times.

And lastly but certainly not in the least...

I am in love with a wonderful woman — her stage name is Rubie Fizz and she is newest "shimmy shaker" on the burlesque circuit. Her website is still under construction but you can see it at www.rubiefizz.com

I am so in love with her that I don't even know where to begin — she is the most loving, honest and compassionate woman I know. Not only is she wicked gifted and talented but her commitment to her craft is humbling. She is courageous — she has suffered through some profound hardships and has every reason and excuse to be jaded and bitter about it... but everyday she chooses to live a trusting, open and vulnerable life. We both love the vintage lifestyle, Mickey Spillane books and all things Coney Island. She is funny, smart, strong, knock-down-drop-dead-gorgeous and loves me unconditionally. Everyday I wake-up and figure out how to be worthy of her. She is the best thing that has ever happened to me and I find myself gushing like a school-boy whenever I'm around her.

And what I've learned from her is this...

Never give up on your dreams! Don't let anything stand in your way — stay committed, stay focused! Settling for what life hands you is not acceptable! Hold on! Patience and persistence will always win over resignation and resentment!

Onward!]]> http://nelsonlugo.com/news.html#21 Thu, 11 May 2006 00:00:00 -0700 The Charming Trickster - Nelson Lugo - News/Blog http://nelsonlugo.com/news.html#20
Welcome to the Magical Month of May!

Why is it magical? Glad you asked... For the next 31 days I'm going to be
a maniac on a magic mission. I'm up to some big stuff in my life.. gigs,
hosting, my one-man-show and my birthday.

I'm so blessed to know and be friends with some of greatest and most
talented people on the planet and consequently some the busiest. So I've
come up with a way to celebrate with as many people as possible for as
long as possible. You'll have six... count'm... six opportunities to come
on out and hang out with me and celebrate. And it all starts this
Thursday...


Thursday, May 4th
Starshine Burlesque - 10:00PM
Riffi - 332 East 11th Street at 1st Avenue - Price: 5 Bucks
www.starshineburlesque.com

This particular Thursday night is special because this will be my first
time on the Starshine stage. So come on down... enjoy a cocktail before the show, listen to the irresistible sounds of the Meat Mistress'
turntable and watch me pop my Starshine cherry. If that's not magic...
then I don't know what is.


Sunday, May 7th
Red Hots Burlesque - 10:00PM
Riffi - 11th Street & 3rd Ave. - Price: 5 Bucks
www.redhotsburlesque.com

That's right folks... it's the long awaited, heavily anticipated return
of... The Vegas Baby Show... now in its third incarnation!


Wednesday, May 10th
The Annual Celebration of the Day of My Birth (12,053 days fatality free!)

MY BIRTHDAY!! MY BIRTHDAY!! MY BIRTHDAY!!

Come on out - there are so many of you that I see all the time that would
love to see again and so many of you that I hardly see and I would love to
reconnected.

Time — 6:00 to ???
Place - Moe's Caribbean — 1454 Second Ave @ 76 Street
You will be there or you will be labeled a square


Friday, May 12th
The Living Room Lounge
Burlesque in The Living Room - 9PM
http://www.wasabassco.com
245 23rd Street (at the corner of 5th Avenue) - South Slope Brooklyn
(R) train to 4th Ave and 25th St
Price: 5 Bucks

Once again those crazy folks over at Wasabassco are cooking up yet another
home brewed installment of a little something they like to call Burlesque
in The Living Room. I'll be there... will you?


Saturday, May 13th
Le Scandal - 10:00PM
The Cutting Room - 19 W.24th Street
Price: $20.00 - www.lescandal.com

That's right folks... Once again I'll be hosting New York's preeminent
variety, burlesque and cabaret show. Come for the magic... Stay for the
spectacle — and the NYC Blues Devils will be kicking it old school with
their unique twist on classic songs.


Tuesday, May 16th
An Evening at the Grindhouse - 7:30PM
Anthology Film Archives - 32 Second Avenue (at Second Street)
Price: $25.00

An Evening at the Grindhouse celebrates old and new burlesque styling. The
evening opens with a star-studded burlesque show, showcasing New York
City's finest burlesque and New-Vaudeville performers. The show is
promptly followed by a screening of the classic Barbara Stanwyck film,
"The Lady of Burlesque" based on the Gypsy Rose Lee novel, The G-String
Murders.

Starring: The World Famous Pontani Sisters, Dirty Martini, The World
Famous *BOB*, Tigger, Jo Boobs, Dottie Lux, Scotty the Blue Bunny,
Veronika Sweet, Nasty Canasta, Delirium Tremens and me your host, Nelson
Lugo.

For more info please go to http://www.luxkillmore.com

Space is limited. To reserve a ticket please email xvalkillmorex@yahoo.com
And put "Grindhouse" in the subject.]]> http://nelsonlugo.com/news.html#20 Mon, 01 May 2006 00:00:00 -0700 The Charming Trickster - Nelson Lugo - News/Blog http://nelsonlugo.com/news.html#19
It all started at the Museum of the City of New York... then a walk across Central Park... then a tour of South Street Seaport... then a meal at a great empanada joint... then a trip to "Opening Day" at Coney Island. There were rides, corndogs, funnel cake and a real live Sideshow. Like I said... the greatest day of my life!

Now, for those of you who know me (and for those of you who don't) it may come as no surprise for you to learn that I love all things Coney Island.

When I was kid my father would take me to Coney Island three or four times every summer and some of the greatest things about Coney Island, for those of you who've never been, is that as soon as you step off the elevated train... Nathan's Hotdogs is right on the corner. As soon as those train doors open you can smell the hotdogs and knishes in the air. And right down the block from Nathan's is the Cyclone. The single greatest wooden roller coaster ever created by man and it still scares the living crap out of me every time I ride it.

I remember this one day in particular, I was twelve years old — we had spent the day playing games, riding rides, building sandcastles and towards the end of the day we did what everybody eventually did during they're stay at the beach... we strolled along the boardwalk.

Now, Coney Island's world renowned boardwalk is equally famous and infamous for a number of reasons. And on that one day in particular I was introduced to one of those reasons. On very rare occasions, if you're very lucky and if the crowds are just right and the sun is not quite dusk and if there are no cops around — sometimes you'll hear someone chanting in the distance.

"A little fun, just now and then,
Is relished by the best of men.
If you have nerve, you may have plenty;
Five draws you ten, and ten draws twenty.
Attention given, I'll show to you,
How Jim hides the peek-a-boo.
Select your shell, the one you choose;
If right, you win; if not, you lose;
The game itself is lots of fun,
Jim's chances, though, are two to one;
And I tell you your chance is slim
To win a prize from Gambler Jim."

The Boardwalk con-men, the sidewalk cheats, the Shell Game sharps, offering up a game that's played with their props and your money. Some of the best magicians New York had to offer and no one knew their names. Well, not their real names anyway. What they can do with just three shells and a pea is downright amazing.

Now, on that one day in particular, there was this one gentleman in particular who caught my eye. He wore a black felt fedora hat, a white button-down shirt and a black vest. He must have seen the wonder in my eyes because he winked at me before he started barking... and that image of the Coney Island Sidewalk Shyster has stayed with me ever since — it has defined and flavored the way I approach and perform magic. This is why going back to "Dream Land" on a regular basis is as important to me as my magic books.

So, thank goodness for "opening day"... thank goodness for "Dream Land"... and thank goodness for "The Fizz"

Onward!!]]> http://nelsonlugo.com/news.html#19 Wed, 26 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0700 The Charming Trickster - Nelson Lugo - News/Blog