Recently in Theatre Category

I am thrilled to announce that my daughter Trinity will be appearing in Youth Theatre Northwest's production of THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE on Mercer Island. She is bobbin' her hair and puttin' on her tap shoes and playing "Gloria".

THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE opens August 27 so get your tickets now!

From the press release:

Youth Theatre Northwest (YTN) proudly presents Thoroughly Modern Millie, written by Richard Henry Morris with music by Jeanine Tesori and lyrics by Dick Scanlan. This delightful, toe-tapping musical performs August 27 – September 5, 2010 and is directed by YTN Artistic Director Mimi Katano with musical direction by Heather McLaughlin-Garbes.

Thoroughly Modern Millie is a high-spirited musical romp that will have everyone on their feet, dancing the Charleston. Set in New York City in 1922, the story follows Millie Dillmount who has just moved to the big city in search of a new life. It’s a New York full of intrigue and jazz—a time when women were entering the workforce and the rules of love and social behavior were changing forever. Based on the popular 1967 film, the stage version of Thoroughly Modern Millie includes a full score of uplifting songs and spirited dance numbers.

Performance Schedule and Location: August 27 – September 5, 2010; Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00 pm with Matinee performances on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm.

All performances will be held at Youth Theatre Northwest, located at 8805 SE 40^th Street, Mercer Island, WA 98040. For more information, visit www.youththeatre.org.

Age Appropriate: Thoroughly Modern Millie is best appreciated by ages nine and up.

Tickets for Thoroughly Modern Millie are $17 for adults and $15 for youth/seniors for the August 27th Opening Night Gala which includes an intermission dessert. All other performances are $15 for adults and $13 for youth/seniors. For tickets or information on group rates, call (206) 232-4145, ext. 109, or visit YTN online at www.youththeatre.org.

Production: 25 actors, ages 10 to 17, are from Mercer Island, Bellevue, Issaquah, Renton, Newcastle and Seattle.

Direction and Design:

Directed by Mimi Katano, musical direction by Heather MacLaughlin-Garbes, choreography by Mimi Katano and Ashley Fitzsimmons, set design by Brian Jackson, lighting design by Melinda Short, costume design by Janessa Styck and properties by Stephanie Merrow.

It was so exciting! Last night was the start of the 10th Annual Village Theatre Festival of New Musicals! Every year the Festival kicks off with a Preview Party, held in the lobby of the Village Theatre in Issaquah. There is delicious food catered by Lombardi's and a musical preview of all but one of the shows of the festival. The first show of the festival (IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU) didn't participate because their cast was getting ready to perform their show at 7:30pm!

The lobby of the Village Theatre is packed with Village Original Members and the performers and musical directors perform on the staircase, giving everyone a good view, and great sound! Each show is introduced by their director (PLANE CRAZY was introduced by David Ira Goldstein from the Arizona Theatre Company) and the director tells the audience a little about the show, and about the background on the number they are about to hear. First off was BUDDY'S TAVERN, and then LINCOLN IN LOVE. PLANE CRAZY was third and we did a number with all the "stews", "I Wanna Get Married/Mr. Right Now", with Billie Wildrick as Janet Jones and Jennifer Weingarten as Faith Hope. Singing back-up were all the stews (Natalie Moe, Megan Chenovick, Kristin Culp, Mara Solar, Lindsey Larson and Bryan Tramontana). Our musical director Kim Douglass was rockin' the keyboard! The stews totally rocked the song! Yay!

Following PLANE CRAZY, came IN YOUR EYES and then CLOAKED. It was so great to hear songs from the other shows since rehearsal schedules don't allow us to see the shows until after we have performed ours. So I will be able to see IN YOUR EYES, LINCOLN IN LOVE and CLOAKED.

After the preview performance it was back to rehearsal in Room B. Everybody is doing such an amazing job, I can't wait for Saturday at 2:00pm, when PLANE CRAZY flies at the Festival!

Look Ma, I'm on Playbill!

How exciting -- only 9 days until the 10th Annual Festival of New Musicals at Village Theatre begins in Issaquah! And only 11 days until PLANE CRAZY takes off on August 14 at 2:00pm! And only 11 days until you can see my daughter Myrna Conn in the Brian Yorkey/Tom Kitt musical IN YOUR EYES at 7:30pm!

Oh, and did you happen to catch this fabulous article on Playbill:

By Adam Hetrick
02 Aug 2010

In Your Eyes, the 2002 high school-set musical by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning writers Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt, will be developed during the Village Theatre's Festival of New Musicals in Issaquah, WA.

Running Aug. 12-15, the 10th annual private showcase will develop six new musicals as part of the Village Originals series. Yorkey and Kitt previously developed their hit musical Next to Normal at the Village under the working title Feeling Electric. Yorkey previously served as associate artistic director of the Village Theatre and will also direct Jesus Christ Superstar there in June 2011.

Here's a look at the 2010 Village Originals works:

In Your Eyes
Book and lyrics by Yorkey; music by Kitt
"The students of Lakeshore high school are sent into a full-blown lock down (not to mention a flood of animosity, fear, and insecurity) when a plot of gun violence is suspected. As a group of unsupervised students attempts to make sense of the chaos, they end up learning more about themselves and their classmates—from the troubled rocker spitting lyrics, to the sarcastic fashionista pointing fingers from her pedestal."

Buddy's Tavern
Book by Raymond De Felitta; music by Kim Oler; lyrics by Alison Hubbard
Based on the movie "Two Family House," written and directed by Raymond De Felitta
"Despite a pattern of failed professional endeavors, ambitious Buddy Visalo refuses to accept defeat. The year is 1956, and much to the chagrin of his wife, Buddy is setting out to open a flourishing bar where he can pursue his true passion: singing. Unfortunately, nothing ever seems to go quite as planned for Buddy, whose dreams are smothered by financial woes, his wife’s doubts, and, to add to the chaos, an Irish American tenant with a mixed race child. Torn between his conscience and the pressure of his peers, Buddy is transported onto a road of twists and turns that just might lead to everything he’s ever wanted."

Plane Crazy
Book, music and lyrics by Suzy Conn
"Attention, attention please. Now boarding is Faith Hope, winner of the Miss Teen Toledo pageant and recent graduate of the Venus Airlines Stewardess Academy. It’s 1965, and Faith is about to learn that being a stewardess is more about girdles and groping hands than onboard meals and emergency exits. Just as Faith enters the fray, Venus Airlines takes on a bold, new advertising symbol of the living breathing example of blossoming female sexuality…the stewardess. Little do they know that their chosen 'Miss Venus,' the once naïve Faith Hope, will soon become their worst nightmare: empowered. This quirky and upbeat new musical is an uplifting and hilarious story about fighting back and demanding respect."

Cloaked
Book by Michelle Elliott, music by Danny Larsen; lyrics by Michelle Elliott and Danny Larsen
"In this potent new musical, a young girl and a heroic knight venture into the woods in search of love and identity…but who are they, really? In the online world, you never know. This tantalizing tale will lead you deep into the dangerous, yet extraordinarily alluring landscape of the internet, where you can escape from reality and create a different life…but what happens when right and wrong become blurred and you lose yourself in the fantasy? With a modern, innovative score that blends computerized tones and haunting melodies, this intriguing story explores the reality of what the internet has become: a wilderness that can be your best friend or your worst nightmare."

Lincoln In Love
Book and lyrics by Peter Kellogg; music by David Friedman
"Step into history and watch as the young Abraham Lincoln dips in and out of trouble and makes his way as a future political leader. In the year 1842, young Abe is found slipping into the shoes of an aspiring lawyer, not to mention serving as a comedian among the townspeople. Enter the fervent and beautiful Ms. Mary Todd, who sends the young men of Springfield into a romantic flutter. This whirlwind new musical will take you through a witty and inspirational adventure as this future President grapples with his everyday ways and takes on his first real defense trial—while fumbling with the temptations of love and marriage."

Click here for information on how to see these shows at the Festival by becoming a Village Originals Member!

Saturday night I went to see the 8pm show of the first weekend of 14/48. This was my first time, so I didn't know quite what to expect. What I did know was that Kathryn Van Meter would be directing one of the plays, and Jon Lutyens would be performing in one of the plays!

14/48 is the world's quickest theater festival. By that they mean they write, cast, direct and perform 14 plays in 48 hours. Which breaks down to 7 plays in 24 hours. Oh, and there's a totally cool band. 14/48 is produced by Three-Card Monty and One World Theatre.

The theme for the seven plays I saw Saturday night was "Pop Goes The Weasel". This theme was picked at random from audience suggestions on Friday night around 9:30pm. Then the seven writers scurried off to write the seven plays, and the next day they were rehearsed and then performed with costumes and props for us at 8pm, and again at 10:30pm.

It was a blast! 14/48 was held at Theatre Off Jackson and the place was packed. The plays were varied in style and in how they interpreted the theme, but they were all great. Kathryn directed "A Cock and a Carnation", and Jon performed in "And Nothing Too". Too much fun!

Next weekend will be all new directors and actors and themes. Get your tickets for next weekend now!

From the press release:

Tapestry Opera is pleased to announce the composers and librettists participating in the 2010 Composer-Librettist Laboratory, which will run from August 23rd to September 2nd at Toronto’s Rosedale United Church. The writers chosen for the 2010 Composer- Librettist Laboratory (affectionately called the LibLab) are Hannah Moscovitch, Anusree Roy, Michael Pollard, and Maja Ardal. Joining them will be composers Norbert Palej, Anna Höstman, Iman Habibi, and Gareth Williams. Also joining Tapestry in 2010-2011 is multi-talented theatre and opera artist Marjorie Chan, as the company’s new Writer in Residence, a role most recently assumed by Governor General’s Award Winner Colleen Murphy. Marjorie is a graduate of the LibLab (2003 and 2009) and librettist for the Dora Award-winning new opera Sanctuary Song which premiered with Tapestry and Theatre Direct for the 2008 Luminato Festival.

Here’s how it works: 4 composers and 4 writers are brought together for a 10-day period

of collaborative discovery through the creation of sixteen 5-minute scenes, each of which

are written, composed and performed within a 48 hour cycle that is repeated four times,

enabling each writer to work with each composer. Guiding the composers and librettists

throughout the process are dramaturg Michael Albano and musical dramaturg Wayne

Strongman (Tapestry’s Managing Artistic Director). At the disposal of the creative teams

will be some of Canada’s most respected performers, including soprano Carla Huhtanen,

mezzo soprano Kimberly Barber, tenor Keith Klassen, baritone Peter McGillivray, as

well collaborative pianist Christopher Foley.

For more information check out Tapestry New Opera website.

Now Boarding: Venus Airlines Flight 2010 from Gate Issaquah…

With rehearsals starting in only two weeks, I'm thrilled to announce the cast for my musical PLANE CRAZY at the Village Theatre Festival of New Musicals, which runs the weekend of August 13 to 15, 2010.

PLANE CRAZY will feature Jennifer Weingarten (Faith Hope),  Billie Wildrick* (Janet Jones), Megan Chenovick (Holly Banks), John Bogar* (Sam Crenshaw), Michael Cimino (Clive Miller), Ian Lindsay (Brett Mansford), and Vince Wingerter (Larry Stevens). Our amazing ensemble will include Kristin Culp*, Lindsey Larson, Natalie Moe, Mara Solar*, Bryan Tramontana, Jordan Delp, Michael Ericson*, Aaron Shanks* and Troy Wageman*.

* = member of Actors' Equity Association

The show will be directed by David Ira Goldstein (Artistic Director of Arizona Theatre Company) and the Music Director is Kim Douglass. Book, Music, and Lyrics are by Suzy Conn.

PLANE CRAZY will run on Saturday, August 14 at 2pm. The show will appear on the Village Theatre Mainstage (Francis Gaudette Theatre), 303 Front Street North, Issaquah, WA, 98027.

To see the PLANE CRAZY, you must be a “Village Originals” member. To join Village Originals, go here – on that Web page there are links to the membership form (or you can just call the Village Theatre box office at 425.392.2202). The great thing about joining Village Originals is that it’s a one-year membership that entitles you to see all six shows in the Village Theatre Festival of New Musicals, as well as other Village Originals readings and specials events throughout the year.

Stay tuned!

We searched all of NYC and here they are...The Broadway Dolls!

The Broadway Dolls was created by Hollie Howard (she's the one in the middle of the picture), who just happened to originate the role of Holly Banks in the NYMF production of PLANE CRAZY in New York! (see how I always bring it back to me?). Hollie is an incredible triple threat Broadway performer who has put together an amazing group of women.

From the website:

The Broadway Dolls searched New York City for the finest Broadway talent and found Five Broadway Stars! We specialize in developing a customized theatrical experience for your corporate event, business party, fundraiser, benefit or theatrical event! Five, real triple threat women -- all singing, all acting, all dancing come directly to you from the most well known Broadway shows, including Mamma Mia, Chicago, A Chorus Line, Rent, Legally Blonde, Hairspray, Grease, The Wedding Singer, Spamalot, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and more.

The Broadway Dolls was created by Hollie Howard, and is directed by Joey Murray, and assisted directed by Barbara Helms (a former Broadway Doll and she was also in PLANE CRAZY! See, I did it again!). Music supervision is by Lon Hoyt, with choreography by Jordan Fife Hunt and Bryan Knolwton.

For more information:

Phone: 646-537-1708 or info@thebroadwaydolls.com

Here's one for your "Must See" list -- SIDE SHOW at ArtsWest in West Seattle!

I went to opening night on Wednesday and LOVED it!

I didn't know too much about SIDESHOW before last night (other than the fact that Emily Skinner and Alice Ripley starred in it on the Broadway) so I was excited to see the show itself, in addition to seeing my daughter Myrna in the show.

SIDESHOW (book and lyrics by Bill Russell, music by Henry Krieger) is directed by Christopher Zinovitch and choreographed and musical directed by Troy Wageman. SIDESHOW is a musical about Daisy and Violet Hilton, conjoined Twins who make a change from being a circus act to becoming famous stage performers in the 1930s.

This show is awesome. From the opening number "Come Look at The Freaks" I was hooked. The direction and choreography are compelling, the costumes are awesome and the actors are totally invested in this show. Great singing, great dancing and great violin playing (courtesy of Myrna)!

Last night I sat "on stage" and it was a really cool experience seeing the show from a different perspective.

That's Myrna in the blonde wig and fat suit playing Dolly Dimples!

Get your tickets now. There are only five more shows left!

There are times when you think, "gee, does it get any better than this?". Yesterday was one of those moments. Just minutes away with free parking, Luther Burbank Park on Mercer Island was our destination on a glorious sunny summer Sunday afternoon. The temperature was perfect -- not too hot, not too cold. We carried our amazing chairs on our backs (I say amazing because I get non-stop compliments on them, whether at swim meets or at free Shakespeare in the park) to the Luther Burbank Amphitheatre to see a FREE production of Seattle Shakespeare Company Wooden O's OTHELLO. As we settled into our chairs, perfectly shaded from the sun and surrounded by gorgeous greenery, the show began. Sigh.

I find it a little odd that the older I get, the easier it is for me to understand Shakespeare. Consequently, the more I enjoy it. I remember in high school it was like seeing a show in another language without subtitles. But sitting there yesterday, watching the show, I forgot I was watching "Shakespeare". I laughed, I was on the edge of my exceedingly comfortable seat, and I followed the story like I would any contemporary play. Maybe because the acting and directing were so darn good! No really, the cast was superb, the pace was quick. I understand they cut these plays down to 90 minutes for these park presentations -- it is probably a good idea to avoid an intermission in this setting. The whole cast was fabulous, and my favorite characters were Iago (George Mount), Roderigo (CT Doescher), and Emilia (Heather Hawkins).

Next up, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. Maybe I'll bring some munchies and have a little picnic.

Go see some some fabulous theatre now. In a park. For free.

If you happen to be in the vicinity of Ithaca's Hangar Theatre then you don't want to miss their production of MAN OF LA MANCHA, which runs July 1 - July 17.

First of all, it got this incredible review on ithacajournal.com. The review described the show as "glorious" and "superb".

And did I mention that it stars two of my favorite performers? Richard Todd Adams, who played Brett Mansford in the New York production of my show PLANE CRAZY, stars as Cervantes/Quixote. You gotta love this quote from the review - "His rich tenor/baritone fills the house, and once he begins to sing, you want to crawl up inside his voice and simply live there."

Natascia Diaz stars as Dulcinea. I was blown away by Natascia when I saw her a couple of years ago at the Zipper Theatre's production of JAQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS. She's also in the fabulous movie "Every Little Step".

So hurry and buy tickets because it closes on Saturday!