Macchio man
The author (center) flanked by Ralph Macchio (left) and William Zabka
NEW YORK—Never have I freaked out like that in my whole life.
The day after the Tony nominations were announced, our cast was scheduled to appear bright and early on “The Today Show.” “Once On This Island” garnered eight nominations: best revival of a musical, actress in a musical for Hailey Kilgore, director of a musical for Michael Arden, sound design for Peter Hylenski, lighting design for Peggy Eisenhauer and Jules Fisher, best scenic design for Dane Laffrey, best orchestrations for AnnMarie Milazzo and Michael Starobin, and best costume design for Clint Ramos.
Hours after we learned about them, we headed to Ripley-Grier Studios to rehearse our number with director Michael Arden and associate choreographer Rickey Tripp. We spent an hour working on the number, and an additional three hours cleaning up our vocals with musical director Alvin Hough Jr. and check out our Haitian accents with dialect coach Dawn-Elin Fraser.
Once our afternoon was done, I went home for a break before heading to Circle in the Square for our Tuesday evening performance.
I thought to sign into my TV service provider’s website in order to program my DVR to record the show in real time (my mother was watching something else, and I didn’t want to disturb her).
I found the program listing and was all set to hit the “record” button when I read that episode’s lineup and saw who else would be on the show with us: Ralph Macchio and William Zabka: Daniel and Johnny, the two adversaries from “The Karate Kid.”
I then proceeded to have a freak out in my apartment. Ralph and Billy were going to appear on “The Today Show” to promote their brand-new YouTube Red series, “Cobra Kai.”
For someone who grew up in the 1980s, “The Karate Kid” wasn’t just another movie. Ralph was one of the cutest and most talented young actors onscreen (of course I saw the two sequels that followed). I mean, who didn’t have a crush on him way back when? And that final scene, where Daniel defeats Johnny with that crane kick made us all cheer.
The underdog actually won—and the skinny kid that was picked on was able to rise up! And, although I wasn’t conscious of it back then, to see an Asian actor not being a caricature, but playing a meaty principal role (with the late Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi), and be nominated for a Golden Globe and an Oscar, as well, was nothing short of groundbreaking.
Wednesday morning came. Our cast had a few rehearsals at Rockefeller Center Plaza, then headed back to the dressing area to get into costume and makeup. Just after I got my wig put on, I caught sight of both “Karate Kid” stars heading into the makeup room—and I wasn’t the one getting excited.
Once Billy was in the same room as the rest of us, I summoned up enough courage to introduce myself (while trying not to lose too much of my cool). He then called Ralph to join us and introduced me to him.
As it turns out, Ralph is huge on musical theater, counting Gene Kelly as a hero. His daughter is also a musical theater performer. And this is the part that made me scream on the inside, he said, while looking into my eyes, “I totally know who you are. We listened to the original cast album of ‘Miss Saigon.’”
I. Was. Dying.
“Once’s” wardrobe supervisor Laura Ellington was ready with her camera, and snapped the photo of the three of us. Kenita Miller, our Mama Euralie, couldn’t help but join in one photo.
Both Ralph and Billy were so incredibly generous with their time, and posed for a few photos before it was time for their interview. It’s a morning that left us fans of theirs flying high (coffee couldn’t wake me up like that) and happy.
Thank you both for your kindness—and good luck with “Cobra Kai”!
