The Child in the Mirror

As I was doing some research on potential dancers I came across a young man by the name of Jayden Cooper. I’ve never met Jayden. I did comment on some photos he had posted on his site and all of this brought me back to my childhood.  You see, Jayden is approximately 13 years old and he is an Michael Jackson impersonator. 

Jayden Cooper

Jayden has many MJ costumes that I have no idea where he got or if he had them made. He has the costumes, the shades, the glove, the socks, the fedora but most importantly, the passion. Through his photos I could tell that this is something he is truly passionate about and that is so neat to see especially in young people. It doesn’t have involve the arts. It could be anything. 

Coming across his page during my research sunk in with me and brought me back to when I was his age. I was doing exactly the same thing. I was dressing like MJ, dancing like him and taking any opportunity to perform. I want the readers of this blog to check his page out and see what I see. If you like what you see, “Like” his page and show him support for his passion. Again, I don’t know Jaden and never spoken to him. 

(eyes blocked for privacy)

What I do know is his passion and I know what he is feeling when is dresses like Michael and dances to Michael. That I do know. I also know the importance of feeling support for what you do especially at that age. He is doing something great and I hope you can see what I see and support this talented young man. 

-Luis

Jayden’s Link:

Jayden Cooper, Michael Jackson Impersonator 

https://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Jayden-Cooper-Michael-Jackson-Impersonator/136944153048851

            

Adam Hester = Genius!

Adam Hester is a professional photographer and videographer that I met via online  three weeks before “LEGACY- A Tribute to the King of Pop” opened in May, 2011. Adam has worked with Target, Olson Advertising and The Be The Match Foundation just to name a few. Obviously he’s got what it takes. He’s got “A” caliber work in his portfolio.

LC in the dressing room on June 3, 2011

Adam wanted to come to LEGACY to film and photograph the behind the scenes footage as a personal project. This sounded like a great idea although it was literally 3 weeks before opening and we had never worked together before. Adam came to one show during the second weekend of LEGACY at SteppingStone Theatre. When I met him, I was looking like Phantom of The Oprah with all this light-base makeup on and tons of eye-shadow. Obviously my makeup wasn’t done if I didn’t look like MJ quite yet; that’s was the first time we met in person. We briefly discussed the show (he had never seen a LEGACY show), his ideas and plans for the shoot that night. I was delighted to see him do what he does best! Then, our stage manager gave him a tour of the backstage area, showed him the exits and entrances to use during the live performance and he seemed super excited!!! Two hours later after the show was done he called it a successful wrap!

LC performing to Billie Jean (June 3, 2011)

Working with Adam was an incredible experience. He was so much fun to make fun with and he quickly learned our atmosphere before the shows. In the dressing rooms, everyone is crazy, having fun, knocking on each other even Adam got knocked-on for something. I can’t remember what we were making fun of him for but he took our jokes very well. He quickly learned the LEGACY love.  It was a super fun experience. I remember being backstage minutes before taking the stage, hearing the rumble of the crowd when he asked: “aren’t you nervous?” I said “not at all, this is fun!” and he gave me the funniest look and said “I’m nervous for you guys!”.. we both laughed and I nodded. Then, after performing Billie Jean, I exited to the right and he yelled “That was amazing! This show is amazing!” . That made me feel very good. Having someone who is a professional who’s worked for big names tell you that about your work makes you feel like you’re doing something right. It really meant a lot to me although at the time we were scarmblingfor the next costume change and I didn;t have time to really "take-in" the moment.

Adam Hester = Genius

When I saw the final product of his work yesterday I was truly STUNNED but not surprised. I knew his work was incredible. This video he created  says SO MUCH without a single word. THAT IS VERY difficult to achieve in an effective, professional manner. It was flawless, clean and effective. Please CLICK link below to see this incredible piece:

Directed and Edited by: Adam Hester 
In Collaboration with Luis Castillo

http://vimeo.com/25432368



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Adam Hester Photography
http://www.adamhester.com/

LEGACY Live Picks Up Momentum AND THEN SOME...

LEGACY had a wildly successful run at SteppingStone Theatre once more! In a matter of six shows, LEGACY raised over $19,000 and donated 100% of the proceeds! That is LEGACY’S biggest success to date.

LEGACY is now operating as a live entertainment business (LEGACY Live Entertainment, LLC- www.legacylivellc.com). It’s amazing how much work has come our way in just the first month after the shows. We’ve booked shows pretty much every weekend in July. It’s very motivating to have a good start with this new business venture. I admit, it’s a scary thing but as the days go by, I learn new things and I am getting the hang of this.

There has been a large interest in LEGACY since earlier this year and even more after the shows at SpettingStone Theatre.
We’ve had interest from high-profile theatre director who wants to bring a new LEGACY show to their venue in the Summer of 2012. This conversation is still in process. Nothing has been set in stone or on paper for that matter.

Also, there are management groups interested in taking over this show in order to take it to the next level. This means bigger production, bigger audiences, bigger budget etc. It all sounds great right? It is. It could be, I’m sure.  However, as I always say: Everything comes with a price. I’m not talking money or anything like that. I mean the changes that all of this could bring to everyone involved if LEGACY went in a much different direction. It sounds exciting and new but it comes with a price.

It’s a matter of stepping back and really seeing the big picture and deciding what is best for this show in the long run and seeing how that will change the current system.  On the other hand, this could take LEGACY to an entire new level; a level that could take me years to reach on my own. All I know is that I will stay true to myself no matter what. I’ll do what’s best for my family and this show in its entirety. I want to share this show with everyone and I will do my best to reach as many people.

Luis