case (kas) n. 1. A specific instance; example. 2. A set of circumstances or state of affairs; situation. 3. A question or problem; matter.
In this hustling bustling city, everyone I run into is in some way or another "working on a case." It's like Ally McBeal or something. Everyone's a hotshot lawyer, walking around really fast in circles, faxing documents, and being very important. "My latest case...." or "This case I'm working on now...." or "I just got this new case...." I don't know about you, but I hear it all the time. Especially in the entertainment business.
It used to be that my knowledge of case usage was limited to discount liquor stores where you could buy beer by the case, and my beat up old saxophone case which was covered in airport stickers. Other than that, I would occasionally take a book down from my bookcase, and maybe pop it into my briefcase. I remember once someone gave me a really nice silver cigarette case, but I didn't smoke, so I kept it just in case one day my boss was mad, and got on my case, in which case, I would give it to him to save some face.
Case in point: If you've never used this word before, try it out on your Chinese friends. Tell them that you have a "new case." See their eyes light up. Feel the power. Be important. You've joined the crowd.
So what kind of case have I been working on lately?
Actually a very interesting one, especially for all you foreigners out there who are closet KTV junkies, but too afraid to tell your friends for fear of excruciating embarrassment. If you love to sing, and can speak some Chinese, then this is definitely the case for you.
But first....some minor case history: Twelve years ago while was sitting on a horse inside a TV studio waiting to film my first commercial (I rode the horse while wearing a silk suit) for my first album which had just been released, I asked myself, "Am I the first foreigner to do this here? Am I out of my mind?"
Actually the answer to both questions was, "Yes." I didn't now it at the time, but I was in uncharted territory. After twelve years of album craziness and a lot of not knowing what the hell was going on, I guess I can actually say, that now I know what's going on. When I get the chance, I'd like to pass along this useful information to the next foreigner who walks down the same path.
Fast forward a lot of years. While hanging out in a Starbucks wondering why there was no foam in my cappuccino, I run into my good friend Joyce, who tells me about her most recent TV show (she's the producer) where a bunch of foreigners performed Chinese opera. (Behind her I see a glass box that says, "Break in case of fire." Aargh. That word will not leave me alone.) I ask if anyone could actually sing in Chinese, and she said, "Actually quite a few." We froze, and looked at each other for a couple of seconds, then it was like Robin talking to Batman. "Holy cappuccino! Let's do it!"
Do what? Turn a group of foreigners who can sing in Chinese into The Next Big Thing. A zillion phone calls later the machinery was set in place. Production team organized. Management team confirmed. Distributor signed. Promotion group assembled. "Mission control all go. We are ready for take off."
So how do you join the ride? If you are a foreigner, can sing, and want to be an angst- ridden pop star, then tomorrow is your chance. Join the audition. Sing your heart out. Give us your best attitude. Who knows, in a couple of months you might find yourself on MTV, but don't worry, there will be people next to you who will handle your case for you.
Auditions by appointment only. Saturday, June 19th. Crescendo Management Group, 2761-8648.
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