Results tagged “Acting” from Blogway Baby

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!

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

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.

My husband and I saw THE CIDER HOUSE RULES yesterday (which just happened to be our 23rd wedding anniversary) at The Book-it Repertory Theatre at the Seattle Center.

THE CIDER HOUSE RULES is being presented in two parts, Part One: Here in St. Clouds (just closed) and Part Two: In Other Parts Of The World (running September 15 - October 16). This was my first Book-it show, and I have to confess I never "got" that Book-it Theatre was about presenting theatrical adaptations of full-length novels. Not even after reading the tagline "Celebrating 20 years of Novel Theatre", or noticing that their flyers are shaped like bookmarks...(and the "duh" award goes to...).

Now I know :)

This was an absolutely astonishing production. Despite it running about three hours with 2 intermissions, it seemed to fly by, and I wanted it to keep going when it ended! I loved how the narration and the scenes were seamlessly integrated.

THE CIDER HOUSE RULES was adapted by Peter Parnell from the novel by John Irving, was directed by Jane Jones (based on the original direction by Tom Hulce and Jane Jones) and was conceived for the stage by Tom Hulce, Jane Jones and Peter Parnell.

The story telling was so beautifully done, so moving, so funny and so easy to follow (which is not always the case for me and a John Irving novel!). The whole cast was amazing. Peter Crook was magnificent as Dr. Wilbur Larch and shout out to the fabulously talented Jon Lutyens who played Fuzzy Stone, Jennings, MaryAgnes and musician (I had a perfect seat to watch Jon play the piano behind the scenes!).

Here's the scoop on THE CIDER HOUSE RULES PART TWO: IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD from the website:

September 15 – October 16, 2010 performed in the Center House Theatre

Irving’s Cider House is truly a signature piece for Book-It; Part Two completes the epic story that closed the company’s 2009-2010 20th Anniversary season. Leaving St. Cloud’s to experience the world beyond the orphanage and Dr. Larch, our Dickensian hero Homer Wells discovers that life’s joys and sorrows are neither black nor white, but infinite shades of gray.

Missed The Cider House Rules Part One this summer? Or just want a refresh before seeing Part Two -- Join us for one of these nine special reprise performances of Part One during the run of Part Two: In other Parts of the World. Part One will play again September 29, Oct 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 12, 14, and 16.

New York, New York! It's a helluva walk-on!

After my successful appearance on the 5th Avenue Theatre stage last year in HELLO DOLLY, I was asked back to appear in ON THE TOWN.

Well, okay, I wasn't exactly "asked back"...

Grad and I successfully bid on a dual walk-on role at last year's Gala at the 5th Avenue. We even snagged the closing show! I had a blast last year, but sharing the spotlight with my husband was even more fun. Although, I did have to share my dressing room with him...

We received the usual top notch star treatment - photos at the stage door, photos by the show bricks, big gold stars on our dressing room doors, a goody bag, flowers, chocolate, posing with the stars of the show...you know, my usual treatment.

I wore a fabulous kelly green (emerald green?) forties dress, gloves, hat, and my very own character shoes. Grad looked very cute in his forties suit and fedora. Then it was off to tech talk on stage. Boy ON THE TOWN is tech-intensive! And don't even get me started on the huge dinosaur hanging from the ceiling. We even got our picture taken in front of the cave man statue! Cast member Gabriel Corey gave us the run down on our scene - we were going to be part of the museum tour with Rich Gray as museum curator (in one of his many wigs!). Then as the show started it was off to hair and make up! I got to wear a red wig this time! And Grad got the old Brylcreem treatment. We watched a bit of the show backstage and then it was showtime!

We walked on and followed Rich, looking at all the amazing museum sights! We even laughed at Rich's jokes on cue! As we appeared on stage I could hear the chuckling from the audience in Row M, where my daughters Myrna and Trinity sat with their friends.

Much too soon it was over. Back to reality and the show! We got to watch the rest of the performance and meet up with everyone at intermission.

I hadn't seen the show since opening night and it was a magical performance! What a talented, funny company. I had actually just been reading about World War II that morning before the show (coincidentally), so I was watching it with new eyes! I got chills when they sang "We'll catch up some other time".

Thanks to everyone at the 5th Avenue Theatre for a thrilling afternoon!

ON THE TOWN was another fabulous production by the 5th Avenue Theatre!

Let the Leonard Bernstein festival continue with the final show of the season, CANDIDE!

Last night I went to see the play EASTERN STANDARD by Richard Greenberg at the Seattle Center House Theatre Black Box space. In case you didn't know, Richard Greenberg won a Tony for his play TAKE ME OUT. EASTERN STANDARD is a member project of The Sandbox Artists Collective, a part of the Lab at Freehold. Directed by Kathryn Van Meter, EASTERN STANDARD stars Nick Garrison, CT Doescher, Ashley FitzSimmons, Gretchen Krich, Alexandra Tavares and Jadd Davis.

EASTERN STANDARD takes place in 1987 in the bustling metropolis of New York City. In a trendy Manhattan restaurant, Stephen (CT Doescher*), a very successful architect, is having lunch with his best friend, Drew (Nick Garrison*), a rising avant-garde artist. At an adjacent table sits the unrequited object of Stephen's affection, Phoebe (Alexandra Tavares*), who is herself a shrewd and successful stock broker. As they watch Phoebe, her television executive brother Peter (Jadd Davis*) joins her, bringing with him some disturbing news. After several raucous episodes involving a schizophrenic bag lady, May (Gretchen Krich*) and a long-suffering actress/waitress, Ellen (Ashley FitzSimmons) the four characters meet and strike up an unlikely friendship.

A month later, all six assemble at Stephen's beach house, determined to get away from the craziness of the city and make some sense out of their relationships and careers. Inevitably, this leads to a series of very funny yet compelling incidents in which various relationships, non-relationships, mistaken motives, and often shaky alliances are cleverly set forth and examined.

I thoroughly enjoyed this production - funny and moving, brilliantly directed and beautifully acted! And shout out to Orlando Morales for the sound design!

Here's the note from the Producers that was in the program:

We all know theatre is a wonderful, and competitive, business. In an economic recession, even more so; survival of theatres becomes more and more dependent on smaller casts and co-productions. Work can be scarce. The questions arises: is it possible for us as theatre artists, between the last job and the next one, to have a place where we can work on a full process, where we can set new creative goals and then rehearse challenging material -- not just for a day or two, for a reading; but for several weeks, culminating in few workshop performances -- allowing us to continue clarifying and expanding how we work?

Financially, the answer can feel like "no": rehearsal space, performance space, props, design elements, advertising, even photocopying -- the debits can add up so quickly that the seedling barely sprouts out of the ground. But if we truly commit to some simple basics of theatre -- live performance, conflict, risk -- maybe we can figure out how to keep creating on a (relative) shoestring. We're glad to be here. And we thank you for coming.

===================
Remaining performances:

SUN May 2 7:30pm
MON May 3 7:30pm
TUE May 4 7:30pm

at the Center House Theatre Black Box space, which shares a lobby with the Center House Theatre (where Seattle Shakespeare Company and Book-It Repertory Theatre perform) on the first floor of Center House in Seattle Center. Donations suggested! You can reserve tickets here. Walk-ins welcome!

And they sell Top Pot donuts at intermission!

Don't miss it!

I believe!

Last weekend I went to Santa Ana, California to see Shanna Palmer starring as Peter Pan in 3-D Theatricals' PETER PAN at the OC Pavillion.

PETER PAN, a musical production of the play by Sir James Barrie, has lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, Music by Moose Charlap, additional lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green and additional music by Julie Styne.

3-D Theatricals is the newest professional theatre company in the Southern California area, and has made the OC Pavillion its new home with a full season of musicals.

I've seen the Mary Martin version on television many times of course, and I also saw an outdoor production in Carmel a few years back, so I was expecting more of the same. Not so!

This production of PETER PAN is exciting, fresh and totally endearing. Shanna is amazing! She was was born to play Peter. She is totally believable as a young boy, and her physicality is amazing - she is at once both graceful and powerful. She is funny, touching, and full of excitement! She's an amazing singer, dancer, actress and flyer (the new quadruple threat!). And boy, is there a lot of flying, swooshing and dancing mid-air! Just glorious.

The whole cast is fabulous; Gregory North as Captain Hook/Mr. Darling and Alyssa Kennedy as Tiger Lily were two of my favorites.

The OC Pavillion is a cool theatre. They took an old bank building and transformed it into an arts building complete with theatre, recording studio, dance studio and restaurant. The band (which was terrific) was split in two and was located up in box seating on either side of the stage. The theatre seats about 500, is highly raked with one row of banquettes in front. We had amazing seats in a banquette which seated all four of us. And we could bring our drinks in with us!

I also got to see Patti Colombo's fabulously exciting choreography! Her choreography breathed new life into a story and a show that I am very familiar with, and once again took my breath away! Here is a picture of the Ugg-A-Wugg dance number:

We're Pigs!

A production of the musical THE TALE OF PIGLING BLAND (book and lyrics by moi, Suzy Conn, and music by Mitchell Kitz) just finished at State Fair Community College in Sedalia, Missouri. They performed for over 4,600 during their week of productions for the public and area elementrary schools.

THE TALE OF PIGLING BLAND, adapted from the Beatrix Potter book, tells the story of a young pig who is forced to find his way in the world - a classic coming of age pig story! And remember: Always cross that bridge when you come to it!

Eric Yazell, the director of the show (he is also the Speech & Theatre Instructor at The Stauffacher Center for the Fine Arts at State Fair Community College) sent me some wonderful pictures of the production:

The Door Song!

If

Little Patch of Potatoes/Wide Open Spaces

Thanks to a great cast for another successful production of THE TALE OF PIGLING BLAND!

If you are interested in doing a production of THE TALE OF PIGLING BLAND, please send an email to suzy@blogwaybaby.com.

Clang, clang, clang went the Trolley!

Last night I had my walk-on role in Village Theatre's production of MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS. Last May when I bid and won the walk-on role at the Village Theatre Gala, the show seemed so far away. Suddenly it was November and time for me to face the music.

A couple of weeks ago I went for a costume fitting and wig fitting. I was to be dressed in a beautiful coral and creme dress, big hair, big hat and lace up boots.

The wonderful and talented Bobbi Kotula was my contact throughout all this organizing dates, fittings etc. Paulette Buse, the stage manager, was my backstage contact and the one who scheduled my "put in rehearsal" for 6:30pm last night. Louise Kincaid was my "wrangler".

I arrived at 6:30 pm thinking I would just be shown when to walk across the stage and wave. Never assume anything!

Steve Tomkins welcomed me with a warm handshake and went about fitting me into the finale. The entire finale. I even had choreography and music to sing! Luckily I'm very well aquainted with both The Trolley Song, and Meet Me In St. Louis, and generally never need much convincing when asked to sing.

I enter with the cast on the trolley, sitting smack in the middle and singing my little heart out! "The day was bright, the air was sweet..." etc. Then I get escorted off the trolley and back to chat with Henry Nettleton and Bill Williams, also in the cast. Then it's back on the trolley, holding on for dear life as it goes off stage. Then grab an ice cream and run on with Bobbi to look at the World's Fair and see the fireworks and sing the last line - "So won't you Meet Me In St. Louis, Louis, meet me at the fair!"

I even got to take a bow with the female ensemble members! And then with the rest of the company! Woot Woot!

I was able to watch Act 1 in the audience with my family and then I went backstage at intermission to get dressed, and get my wig on. I had my own little space in the women's dressing room. Waiting for me was a beautiful bouquet of flowers. I got dressed and chatted with everybody and waited for the finale.

My performance went off without a hitch! I even got to watch some scenes in Act 2 from the wings with Bobbi. After the show they took picture of everyone in the cast, and moi, on the trolley. Then off to meet my fans (my family) backstage. Rave reviews all round!

Then the clock struck midnight and my carriage once again turned into a pumpkin. Back to life "behind the scenes" as a writer!

MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS is a fabulous show (even when I'm not in it) and the cast is wonderful. Go get your tickets now!

I went to see the first preview of EQUIVOCATION at the Seattle Rep last week, (thanks Kathryn!). I loved it!

EQUIVOCATION, written by Bill Cain and directed by Bill Rauch, had its world premiere at The Oregon Shakespeare Festival and will be running at The Seattle Repertory Theatre until December 13.

The Seattle Rep has put together a fabulous "know before you go" pamphlet also available on line which gives you some background on the plot, the times, historical figures and the plots of MACBETH and KING LEAR in 30 seconds:

What's EQUIVOCATION about?

It's London, 1605. William Shakespeare (in the play spelled Shagspeare, or Shag) has just been made an offer he can't refuse: King James I wants him to write a play about the recently foiled Gunpowder Plot. Shagspeare is leery: it's dangerous for playwrights to write about current events. Robert Cecil, the king's ruthless chief advisor, gives Shag the sanitized version of events, telling him to just add some dialogue -- and witches. The king wants witches. The rest of Equivocation is about Shagspeare's struggle to write a play that will please -- or at least not offend -- the king.

EQUIVOCATION stars Anthony Heald as Shag, Richard Elmore as Richard, Jonathan Haugen as Nate, John Tufts as Sharpe, Gregory Linington as Armin and Christine Albright as Judith, Shag's daughter. They are a brilliant.

The actors play different roles in the play, as well as characters in the play within the play. But fear not, Bill Cain's writing is so clear that the intricacies of the play flow seamlessly. Bill Cain's contemporary writing is brilliantly woven with threads of KING LEAR and MACBETH. And EQUIVOCATION manages to be incredibly humorous, despite the hanging, drawing and quartering.

Despite EQUIVOCATION clocking in at 2 hours and 55 minutes, I'm not equivocating when I say I want to go see this play again!

The name says it all.

I am so excited to see Anne Allgood at COCKTAIL NUTS with your host Rich Gray on Monday September 28. Anne is the consummate performer. She has appeared on Broadway, national tours, every major theatre in Seattle, and now...COCKTAIL NUTS!

I first saw Anne onstage in THE WOMEN at ACT (see the picture below, that's Anne in the blue hat). She was hilarious. And then I saw her in MEMPHIS and SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE at The 5th Avenue Theatre, and most recently in DAS BARBECU at ACT Theatre. Anne can sing anything - from Sondheim to country and western! She'll make you laugh and then tear your heart out. Ouch!

And not only is Anne an amazing performer, she is an incredible voice coach.

Chasing Jessica...all the way to COCKTAIL NUTS!

Jessica Skerritt, currently appearing as Gwendolyn in The Village Theatre's production of CHASING NICOLETTE, will make her COCKTAIL NUTS debut on Monday September 28.

I first saw Jessica perform in MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET at The Village Theatre, where she played Dyanne, Elvis's voluptuous girlfriend. I remember thinking, wow, it's not fair that somebody with that face and that body should also have that amazing voice! (No, I'm not bitter)

Then, after I saw Jessica play Phoebe in STUNT GIRL and Corrie in BAREFOOT IN THE PARK (again at The Village Theatre), I thought, wow, it's not fair that somebody with that face and that body and that voice should also be funny!

Well good news folks. Jessica Skerritt is bringing that whole package to COCKTAIL NUTS with your host Rich Gray.

The Bullitt Cabaret at ACT Theatre is a wonderfully intimate cabaret space, so COCKTAIL NUTS tickets are going fast. So get yours now!

Here's more on COCKTAIL NUTS with your host Rich Gray:

For an unforgettable evening of music, comedy, gourmet snacks and cocktails, come join our host Rich Gray as he celebrates "Landing The Gig" with:

Anthony Fedorov (from The 5th Avenue Theatre's upcoming JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, and AMERICAN IDOL)

Anne Allgood (from ACT Theatre's upcoming ROCK 'N' ROLL)

Jessica Skerritt (from Village Theatre's upcoming CHASING NICOLETTE)

The NightClub Gentlemen (the "almost" Rat Packers)

Also featuring appearances by Bill Robison and Myrna Conn

Tickets for this incredible night of entertainment are only $35.00 which includes complimentary gourmet snacks. And there will be a cash bar featuring an original COCKTAIL NUTS cocktail -- all cocktail and food service is by VESSEL, our neighborhood nightspot that Esquire magazine calls one of the “Best Bars in America.”

WHEN

Monday September 28, 2009

Door: 7pm for cocktails and complimentary gourmet snacks

Show: 8pm to 10pm

WHERE

ACT Theatre

Bullitt Cabaret

Union and 7th, downtown Seattle

TICKETS

For tickets, call the ACT box office at (206) 292-7676 or visit the COCKTAIL NUTS ticket page at acttheatre.org

Someone give that man a microphone!

Seattle favorite RIchard Gray will be hosting COCKTAIL NUTS at ACT Theatre on Monday September 28.

What would a cabaret or variety show be without a host?

A great host wraps a show up in a big hug and presents it to the audience. A great host is excited by the talent he is hosting and gets a kick out of sharing that talent and enthusiasm with the audience. A great host is charismatic, funny, and a natural performer who is quick on his feet.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I present tonight's host...Richard Gray!

I first met Rich when I worked with him on The 5th Avenue Theatre's Adventure Musical Theatre program production of Northwest Bookshelf 2. I had two musicals in that show (Larry Gets Lost in Seattle, and Daisy the Firecow) and Rich was the director. He was such a pleasure to work with, so funny, so good with the actors and a real respect for the intelligence of his audience. So I thought, hey he's a great director.

Then I found out he had written a bunch of the musicals in that show, so I thought, hey, he's a great writer.

And then I would hear him play and sing stuff at rehearsals, and I thought, hey he's a great piano player and singer.

Then I started seeing Rich perform at ACT (A Marvelous Party) and The 5th Avenue Theatre (The Buddy Holly Story, Hello Dolly, Sunday In The Park With George), and I thought, hey he's a great actor.

And then I thought, hey, who is this guy?

From an article in Seattle magazine:

WHEN RICHARD GRAY SPEAKS, it's as if he is composing a song on the spot; he starts, stops and edits his word choice until he says precisely what he means. If you don't already know when you meet him that he is Seattle's very own Renaissance man—actor, writer, director, composer, pianist, lyricist, librettist—this running wordplay is your first clue.

And it's come in handy in his work. Many recognize Gray from Forbidden Xmas, the popular cabaret-style, 15-year-on-and-off holiday parody of local events and icons that he writes and performs in with other local singer/actors. Initially a scheme to cheer up a friend in mourning, Xmas, with its snappy, leave-you-humming songs such as "Starbucks Coffee Grinder Suite" and "The Bon Star Blues," became one of the key works of Gray's career—and also one that helped him define his own unique skill. After many years of production, however, Gray grew tired of simply parodying other songs. So he started composing his own works, both for Xmas and for other musical theater projects. "I said, 'Well, I’ll just write the whole song,' ' he says, "and I realized I was good at it."

He's so good at it, in fact, that the 42-year-old Gray has decided to sell his skills to the masses with Song Portraits, his custom songwriting service for special occasions. Think This is Your Life meets a pop ballad, musical theater number or country-western song—whatever your inner tune happens to be, Gray will find it.

"You have to trust me as you would a painter," Gray says about writing for a client. "I want my songs to be like the songs on the radio, when you're listening and you think, 'Oh my God! That's my life!'

Before the Song Portraits launch last July, he had already ventured out, writing songs as gifts for his father and his partner {Seattle magazine Flash Talk columnist Ernie Pino), as well as for his brother's wedding and for a tribute to Jack and Becky Benaroya in 2005. But the real success of his idea came when his Song Portrait package went to not one but two of the highest bidders—at $8,000 a pop—at the 5th Avenue Theatre auction this year.

This "musical genius," as Linda Hartzell of Seattle Children's Theatre calls him, has an unstoppable passion for the local arts scene. In the late '80s, when he moved to Seattle from his native Portland, where he also studied acting in college, he began arranging music in his first job for the now-defunct Bathhouse Theater Company in Green Lake. A lifelong pianist and self-professed ham, his combined talent made music arranging and composing easy.

In 1989, he became a frequent performer (as a pianist and singer) at the Rainier Tower's dinner theater restaurant Crepe de Paris, where he created Forbidden Xmas. His nonstop work since then includes serving as composer of the Seattle Children's Theatre musicals Little Rock in ’95 and Time Again in Oz in ‘99; composer and director of The Donk Sisters in '95 at Crepe de Paris; composer and performer of Gray Matter, a revue of his own career and just this year, conductor and musical director for 5th Avenue's The Buddy Holly Story.

And then I thought, hey, he'd be a perfect host for COCKTAIL NUTS!

The Bullitt Cabaret at ACT is a wonderfully intimate cabaret space, and tickets are going fast so I would recommend getting your tickets now!

Here's all you need to know about COCKTAIL NUTS with your host Rich Gray:

For an unforgettable evening of music, comedy, gourmet snacks and cocktails, come join our host Rich Gray as he celebrates "Landing The Gig" with:

Anthony Fedorov (from The 5th Avenue Theatre's upcoming JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, and AMERICAN IDOL)

Anne Allgood (from ACT Theatre's upcoming ROCK 'N' ROLL)

Jessica Skerritt (from Village Theatre's upcoming CHASING NICOLETTE)

The NightClub Gentlemen (the "almost" Rat Packers)

Also featuring appearances by Bill Robison and Myrna Conn

Tickets for this incredible night of entertainment are only $35.00 which includes complimentary gourmet snacks. And there will be a cash bar featuring an original COCKTAIL NUTS cocktail -- all cocktail and food service is by VESSEL, our neighborhood nightspot that Esquire magazine calls one of the “Best Bars in America.”

WHEN

Monday September 28, 2009

Door: 7pm for cocktails and complimentary gourmet snacks

Show: 8pm to 10pm

WHERE

ACT Theatre

Bullitt Cabaret

Union and 7th, downtown Seattle

TICKETS

For tickets, call the ACT box office at (206) 292-7676 or visit the COCKTAIL NUTS ticket page at acttheatre.org

Anthony Fedorov will be performing at COCKTAIL NUTS on Monday September 28 at ACT Theatre.

Anthony is starring as Joseph in The 5th Avenue Theatre's upcoming production of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT.

Oh, and he was also a runner up on a little-known show called American Idol!

I hate to disappoint his fans, but he won't be wearing his JOSEPH loincloth at COCKTAIL NUTS...

Here's the 411 on Anthony from The 5th Avenue Theatre website:

Born in Yalta, Ukraine, Fedorov came to America at the age of 9 and eventually settled with his family in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. While still a toddler Fedorov had to undergo an emergency tracheotomy because of complications from a birth defect and doctors predicted he would lose all ability to speak. But after a miraculous recovery, Fedorov regained the use of his voice and soon developed a passion for singing. Throughout his teens he could be found shuttling between Pennsylvania and New York City, singing whenever and wherever he had the opportunity.

Following his success on American Idol the 24 year old singer has gone on to a variety of music, television, and theatre projects including being a contestant on Celebrity Fear Factor, serving as a guest judge on MTV’s Little Talent Show as well as appearances on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Ellen Degeneres Show, Live with Regis and Kelly, and The Tony Danza Show. He recently made his New York stage debut as “The Boy” in the current Off-Broadway revival of The Fantasticks and earlier this summer he starred in Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma’s production of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

His dynamic rendition of “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” on American Idol garnered acclaim from the show’s judges who compared him favorably to Clay Aiken.

TIckets are going fast, so buy yours now!

Here's the 411 on COCKTAIL NUTS with your host Rich Gray:

For an unforgettable evening of music, comedy, gourmet snacks and cocktails, come join our host Rich Gray as he celebrates "Landing The Gig" with:

Anthony Fedorov (from The 5th Avenue Theatre's upcoming JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, and AMERICAN IDOL)

Anne Allgood (from ACT Theatre's upcoming ROCK 'N' ROLL)

Jessica Skerritt (from Village Theatre's upcoming CHASING NICOLETTE)

The NightClub Gentlemen (the "almost" Rat Packers)

Also featuring appearances by Bill Robison and Myrna Conn

Tickets for this incredible night of entertainment are only $35.00 which includes complimentary gourmet snacks. And there will be a cash bar featuring an original COCKTAIL NUTS cocktail -- all cocktail and food service is by VESSEL, our neighborhood nightspot that Esquire magazine calls one of the “Best Bars in America.”

WHEN

Monday September 28, 2009

Door: 7pm for cocktails and complimentary gourmet snacks

Show: 8pm to 10pm

WHERE

ACT Theatre

Bullitt Cabaret

Union and 7th, downtown Seattle

TICKETS

For tickets, call the ACT box office at (206) 292-7676 or visit the COCKTAIL NUTS ticket page at acttheatre.org

My new favorite movie!

Every once in a while I totally fall in love with a movie and it occupies a special place in my heart. I can watch them over and over and over again. Movies in the past that have done this: White Christmas, Holiday Inn, The Pajama Game, My Best Friend's Wedding, Family Stone, When Harry Met Sally, Love Actually, any Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers movie...

Now Paris 36 have entered that exclusive (or not so exclusive) list!

I watched the movie in French with English Subtitles, but after a while it felt as though they were speaking English. Maybe it's all that French I got growing up in Canada (Ou est Pitou?), but I was completely engaged.

From the description on Fandango:

A star is born in a time of both celebration and instability in this historical drama with music from director Christophe Barratier. In the spring of 1936, Paris is in a state of uncertainty; while the rise of the Third Reich in Germany worries many, a leftist union-oriented candidate, Léon Blum, has been voted into power, and organized labor is feeling its new power by standing up to management. While such matters might normally seem unimportant to Germain Pigoil (Gérard Jugnot), who runs a small vaudeville house in the Faubourg district, the chaos of the city seems to be impacting his life and his work -- his wife, Viviane (Elisabeth Vitali), has run off with her lover, she demands custody of their son, Jojo (Maxence Perrin), and unscrupulous local entrepreneur Galapiat (Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu) threatens to put Germain's theater out of business. With the help of a local political organizer, Milou (Clovis Cornillac), and veteran entertainer Jacky Jacquet (Kad Merad), Germain strikes a deal with Galapiat to reopen the theater, but business is slow until a lovely young woman with a remarkable voice, Douce (Nora Arnezeder), comes looking for a spot in Germain's show. Faubourg 36 (aka Paris 36) received its North American premiere at the 2008 Montreal World Film Festival.

I absolutely love the slightly larger than life feeling of this movie. And j'adore the songs! The original music and lyrics are by Reinhardt Wagner and Frank Thomas and wonderfully evoke shades of Piaf and mid century France.

Paris, Paris!

Shine a Light on Camp Broadway!

My oldest daughter Myrna was lucky enough to attend Camp Broadway in New York a few years back and it was indeed a life-changing experience. Not only did she work with Broadway professionals, it was with Camp Broadway that she was able to attend the Tony Awards hosted by Hugh Jackman. And, her picture still comes up on the Camp Broadway website.

Camp Broadway has really grown over the years thanks to a dedicated and hard-working staff. So when I got this information from Susan Lee, I wanted to share it with y'all right away!

I wanted to make you aware of an exciting opportunity for Camp Broadway...

Later this afternoon Mrs. Patricia Smith (a mom whose daughter was given a scholarship to attend Camp Broadway this summer) is going to nominate Camp Broadway in American Express' "Shine A Light" Competition, a national search for a small business that has had a positive social impact on their community. To be eligible, (1) the company must be a private, independently-owned and operated business, (2) organized for profit and operates primarily in the US, (3) has less than 100 employees with revenues under $10 million and (4) accepts the American Express card. Camp Broadway is eligible.

The judging will be based on: An inspiring story about a small business that has devised a new way of working in order to survive tough times ("innovation"), still finds ways to give back to the community, even when staying afloat is a challenge ("community") and continually demonstrates a "customer first" mentality, and during challenging times recognizes that connections are more important than ever ("customer service).

Once the nomination is posted it needs to get a minimum of 50 votes NO LATER THAN September 13 at 11:59 PM ET to be considered by the judges. Our team is hereby requesting your support of our nomination... Please go to http://shinealight.ivillage.com/ later tonight or soon thereafter and vote for CB if you believe our work over the last 15 years merits consideration. We believe there is an opportunity for you to add your own comment about how we have helped you, your family, a person you know and/or the community at large. If you have something nice to say, we would appreciate your adding it to the nomination.

You might also take a moment to review the other nominations. I hope you agree that we are worthy to be considered in this group.

The winning small business will receive $50,000 and $50,000 in marketing support. Someone has to win...why not Camp Broadway? You can encourage your friends around the country to vote for us too if you believe that a little company that is dedicated to theatre arts education for kids, whether or not they can afford it, deserves a helping hand.

Our staff, teaching artists and all the kids we work with appreciate your support (now as always).

Love and thanks,

Susan

What are you waiting for? Vote!

Elizabeth Lucas, a friend of mine in New York, sent me this email.

Sounds like a super cool movie! Don't miss it at the New York Musical Theatre Festival!

From the email:

Three years ago I began a project that has grown into the most extraordinary experience of my professional life, the rock movie musical CLEAR BLUE TUESDAY.

CLEAR BLUE TUESDAY is a movie of and about New York City, developed by a community of actor/singer/songwriters from the rock clubs, comedy clubs and Broadway theatres of New York. We rehearsed for nine months, developing fictional narrative out of improvisation and conversation about what it means to be a New Yorker and an American post-9/11. The actors wrote the songs they sing. The spirit of the movie is such that donations have been generous and have given us production value well above and beyond our budgetary means. We shot for free inside 7 World Trade Center, the Ritz Carlton andRockefeller Center. Dozens of artists contributed their paintings. Our extensive special effects were entirely donated. The movie is thoroughly unconventional and independent in the truest sense of the word, neither political nor treacly, made with humor, humanity and craft.

I am so proud of what we came up with and would love to share it with you. We are premiering the results next Thursday, September 10^th. Please join us.

We’ll be screening at the SVA, a newly renovated facility with top of the line High Def projector and sound equipment, and the second largest screen in New York City. This presentation is the movie in its best possible form.

You can view the trailer on our website at www.clearbluetuesday.com. Edited by Alex Hammer, the trailer is a beautiful representation of the movie. If it moves you at all, don’t miss this screening.

You are invited to the World Premiere of the musical movie CLEAR BLUE TUESDAY, premiering as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival!

WHERE: SVA Theatre, 333 West 23rd Street

WHEN: Thursday, September 10
7:00pm and 9:15pm

TICKETS: $20 (includes post-screening Q&A)

FOR TICKETS:www.nymf.org/clearbluetuesday

VIEW THE TRAILER:www.clearbluetuesday.com

We're back!

Yes, following last year's smash hit SAVE AS... (I get so many comments on that darn sweatshirt!) The Village Theatre's KIDSTAGE Company Originals program will be back for another exciting year of writing and performing an original musical! And I am pleased to announce that I will be back as Writing Mentor/Lyricist!

Here is the 411 from Suzie Bixler at The Village Theatre:

We are currently seeking writers and composers (ages 16-20) for our Company Originals program.

Company Originals is a program functioning out of Village’s KIDSTAGE division that produces theatre for young people by young people. For more than six years, Company Originals has produced shows using the best young talent in the area as writers and performers. Company Originals is also seen as a breeding ground for tomorrow’s top talents. In the last few years, Company Originals participants have gone on to college at Boston Conservatory, University of Washington, Tisch School of the Arts, University of Southern California Writing Program, Biola Film School, Cornish College of the Arts, Carnegie Mellon, Penn State, University of Arizona, College of Sante Fe, Occidental, Point Park, and many more, several on performing scholarships. Past participants have also performed locally at venues such as Village Theatre Mainstage, Seattle Children’s Theatre, 5th Avenue Theatre, Showtunes, The Paramount Theatre, Civic Light Opera, Seattle Public Theatre, and ACT.

KIDSTAGE Company Original productions are original musicals written by a student writing team, advanced performers, and emerging theatre artists. After a competitive audition process, students will create and perform their own original musical material under the mentorship and guidance of a professional writing, composing, and directing team. The program will culminate in a one night workshop to be performed on the Village Theatre Francis J. Gaudette Theatre. The process will also include additional workshop readings with musical theatre professionals and a Seattle school. The Company Originals production is written by, for, and about teens, and it addresses some of the most important issues facing teens today. Past original teen works include: trust me., Last Exit, In Your Eyes, A Perfect Fall, and Save As.

We are specifically looking for very committed writers and composers or those that are interested in learning more about these disciplines.

Writers will meet twice weekly (Mondays & Fridays) after school starting in October. Actors will join the process in January and a series of workshop readings starting with Seattle musical theatre professionals and a Seattle school will occur in February and March. The project will culminate with a staged reading of the musical on the Francis J. Gaudette Stage on Monday, April, 2010.

Tuition for the program is $500 (scholarships and work-exchange available for those who qualify.)

The application is due on September 18 and can be found on our website.

If you are interested in being an actor in the program, auditions will be in late November. Information will be posted on our web-site soon.

Thank-you!

Suzie Bixler

KIDSTAGE Programs Manager

Village Theatre

303 Front Street North

Issaquah, WA 98027

Office: (425) 392-1942 x147

If you are looking for something free to do at 4:00pm in New York on Monday August 31, why not check out the industry reading of the new musical FLYER ...

From the press release:

Fresh from its premiere Equity Regional Production in Delaware , Flyer, an award-winning musical based on the majestic and turbulent lives of the Wright Brothers, comes to NYC with a one-night reading presentation at the esteemed Florence Gould Hall Theatre next Monday, Aug. 31 at 4:00 pm.

Flyer was the first recipient of an unprecedented two-time (consecutive years) ASCAP / Disney Workshop Award for its Co-Composer/Lyricists Dan Tramon and Diana Belkowski. The second ASCAP award given was for their musical, Rocket Boys (film version known as October Sky with Jake Gyllenhaal), which had its own premiere last year in Huntsville, AL. Directed by Carl Anthony Tramon (SDC), Flyer was initially presented at the Lamb’s Mainstage Theatre in NYC, followed by a week-long stay as part of North Carolina's NASA/Smithsonian 2003 'Festival of Flight. It was also presented in abridged concert form at Oklahoma City University in 2006.

Dan and Diana have long-collaborated for the Broadway community and beyond, also composing for jingles, multi-media, and both Presidential and gubernatorial campaigns. Carl has been performing on stage since 3 yrs old, and directing professionally for the past 5 years. The current Flyer cast includes Billy Clark Taylor (Wilbur), Michael Mott (Orville), Natalie Newman (Kate), Beau Allen (Milton), Sabina Petra (Susan), and Trip Plymale (Charlie).

This year marks the 100th Anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ very first plane sold. 2009 also celebrates the Centennial of the renowned Paris Air Show, which figured greatly in Wilbur and Orville’s path to notoriety. However, the message of Flyer is timeless, as the story is as much about the complex influences that nurture or inhibit potential as it is about a child’s dream to fly.

The Florence Gould Hall is the premier theater of the French Institute Alliance, and is located at 55 East 59^th Street in Manhattan. Tickets are free, and may be reserved online at www.flyerthemusical.com.

My oldest daughter is looking forward to the last few weeks of summer vacation. Why? because when August arrives, so does The 5th Avenue Theatre's Summer Musical Theater Camp! This will be Myrna's 3rd year at The 5th Avenue's Summer Musical Theater Camp.

This is such a great camp for a number of reasons. First off, this is a skills based camp, where the kids are taught all facets of musical theater (singing, dancing, acting, etc.) and is not just focused on getting a show up. They are exposed to material from everything from golden age musicals to the current shows on Broadway. The parents don't see the final showcase, because the kids perform for each other. This means they can spend the full two weeks learning new material, new skills and then perform for their peers and the staff. Secondly, they are taught by working professionals both from the Seattle area, and from New York. I can't tell you how many times we've seen shows at The 5th Avenue where Myrna has pointed out people on stage who taught her in camp! That kind of access is invaluable. Finally, they create a really supportive environment and she has made really great friends there.

Here is Myrna singing at last year's final showcase!

From the 5th Avenue Website:

Summer Musical Theater Camp

Television Gold! (or is that Television Yellow?)

I first saw Mitzi Gaynor in the movie musical Anything Goes with Bing Crosby and Donald O'Connor. One viewing of Mitzi doing "Blow Gabriel Blow", "Anything Goes" and "It's Delovely" and I was a huge fan! Such a fan, in fact, that the name "Mitzi" was on the short list of names for my second daughter (as was "Velma" and "Gladys"...I stopped short of "Daisy Mae").

My wonderful husband of 22 years bought me "MITZI GAYNOR RAZZLE DAZZLE! THE SPECIAL YEARS" for my birthday. Wow! This is an amazing must-see DVD.

From the DVD cover:

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Mitzi Gaynor's blockbuster film, Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC and the 40th anniversary of her first televised special, MITZI GAYNOR: RAZZLE DAZZLE! THE SPECIAL YEARS is an all new documentary that captures the creative excellence, the briliant fusion of song and dance, the glamorous Bob Mackie costumes and the non-stop excitement that were the hallmark of her glittering annual television events. For 10 years, Mitzi Gaynor's annual specials captured the imagination of audiences the world over. Now, for the first time in three decades, experience the groundbreaking Emmy winning performances choreographed by some of the most inflential forces in the world of dance: Peter Gennaro (ANNIE, WEST SIDE STORY), Danny Daniels (THE TAP DANCE KID), Robert Sidney (THE DEAN MARTIN SHOW) and Tony Charmoli (WOMAN OF THE YEAR). Including newly taped interview with Miss Gaynor, Bob Mackie, Kristin Chenoweth, Carl Reiner, Kelli O'Hara, Rex Reed and rare photos and footage from Gaynor's personal archive that illuminate the behind-the scenes stories and impact of her landmark television events.

The present day chats between Bob Mackie and Mitzi Gaynor are worth the price of the DVD on their own! It's so nice to see genuine affection between two artists, and to hear the stories behind the costumes. And what costumes! Mitzi wears sequins, beads, beads and more beads, short dresses, long dresses, dresses that zip up and zip down. As they were always in gorgeous, bright colors! It's like my dream wardrobe! (I can't help it, I like shiny stuff). And the guys costumes are just as amazing!

Speaking of guys, the specials are always just Mitzi and "her dancing boys". No other women in sight! And I recognized on of those guys as a dancer on the Carol Burnett show! I don't know his name but he played the Yankee soldier in the Went With The Wind skit! My favorite special is Mitzi and 100 Guys -- it seemed she had literally every male 1970s tv star on that show! From Captain Stubing to Mannix! Two of my favorite dances are EVERYBODY LOVES MY BABY and PRETTY FOR ME from her first 1968 special Mitzi (watched by 33 million viewers!).

Mitzi seems like such a level-headed woman, someone who really enjoyed her career, and appreciated the good fortune she had, and laughs a lot. There's none of that bitterness or regret, or exploitation/substance abuse stories you so often see in stars when they look back at the "good old days". Not only that, but she was happily married to Jack Bean for over fifty years! I would love to go out to lunch with Mitzi Gaynor and hear more cool stories!

Mitzi Gaynor is currently touring with a one woman show (of course!) called MITZI GAYNOR RAZZLE DAZZLE - MY LIFE BEHIND THE SEQUINS. Here's hoping she comes to Seattle!

One singular sensation of a movie!

Last night I went to the Landmark Harvard Exit movie theatre in Capitol Hill to see EVERY LITTLE STEP, the documentary about casting the revival of A CHORUS LINE.

FIrst of all, the Landmark Harvard Exit is one cool movie theatre! I'd never been before, and I almost drove right by it. The Landmark Harvard Exit is an old woman's club turned movie theatre.

From the theatre's website:

The theatre is located on a quaint, tree-lined street at the north end of Broadway, at Harvard and Roy on Seattle's Capitol Hill. The building in which The Harvard Exit currently resides was originally constructed as a clubhouse for The Woman's Century Club in 1925. The club continues to hold meetings in the lobby, although the building was sold in 1968 for conversion to a movie theatre. In the 1980s, a second auditorium was added in an unused ballroom space on the third floor of the building. One of the very first "art" theatres in Seattle, the Harvard Exit set the standard for the exhibition of independent film and foreign language cinema. Its large and glorious lobby retains a 1920s atmosphere, adorned with a fireplace, a grand piano and chandelier. A recent remodel adds a fully wheelchair accessible restroom on the main floor, expanded concession stand and an inside box office for those rainy Seattle nights.

I had seen the revival of A CHORUS LINE, so I was really excited to see the film. Also, a friend of a friend of ours, Natascia Diaz was figured prominently in the movie since it had come down to her and Charlotte D'Amboise for Cassie. I absolutely loved Natascia in JASQUES BREL at The Zipper.

What I didn't realize is how much footage we would get to see from the original 1975 production of A CHORUS LINE! As a "Hello 12, Hello 13" teenager I had lived and breathed that cast album (as a record of course) and sheet music when it was released, but had never seen the show until the revival in 2006.

Seeing Donna Mckechnie do The Music and The Mirror dance was unbelievable. She was other-worldly. Don't get me wrong, Charlotte D'Amboise was fantastic, but Donna Mckechnie defied description. You just have to see it. And she was just a wisp of a thing!

Eeyore is going to steal the show!

I'm very excited to see WINNIE THE POOH at Youth Theatre Northwest because my youngest daughter Trinity will be playing Eeyore!

Opening night is next Friday July 10, so get your tickets now!

From the Youth Theatre Northwest Press release:

Youth Theatre Northwest (YTN) commences it’s 26^th Season and Summerstock program with a magical adventure into the lush 100 acre woods with a stage adaptation of the beloved story Winnie-the-Pooh.  

Winnie-the-Pooh is a fat little bear who would like to drift peacefully through life, humming tunes and stopping frequently to eat “a little something.” However, he finds himself involved in all sorts of franctic adventures with his friends Eeyore, Piglet, and Rabbit. Pooh’s intentions are always the best, but his passion for honey and condensed milk keeps getting him into trouble. When friend Piglet gets roped into Kanga’s house and Kanga starts bathing him (with soap!), Pooh wants to fly to the rescue, but he’s had so many snacks he gets stuck in the door. Can his dear friend Christopher Robin help him now?

Adapted by Kristen Sergel from the popular children’s book by A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh’s wit and special understanding of young people make this one of the most successful and endearing plays for children.

Winnie-the-Pooh is the first production in Youth Theatre Northwest’s Summer Stock 2009 lineup. Paying tribute to classic stories, YTN will also produce Annie (July 31 – Aug. 9) and Pajama Game (Aug. 21 – 30).

Performance Schedule: Winnie-the-Pooh performs July 10^th through 19^th, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00 pm with Matinee performances on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Weekday matinee performances will also be held July 14, 15, and 16 (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) at 2:00 pm. Youth Theatre Northwest is located at 8805 SE 40^thStreet, Mercer Island, WA 98040.

Details:            Friday, July 10^th at 7pm

                        Saturday, July 11^th at 2pm and 7pm

                        Sunday, July 12^th at 2pm

                        Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (July 14, 15 and 16) at 2pm

                        Friday, July 17^th at 7pm

                        Saturday, July 18^th at 2pm and 7pm

                        Sunday, July 19^th at 2pm

Tickets for Winnie-the-Pooh are $17 for Adults and $15 for Seniors and Youth (under 18) for the July 10th opening night Gala (which includes an intermission dessert). Tickets for the remaining performances are $15 for Adults and $13 for Seniors and Youth. Discounted group rates are available. For tickets or information, call (206) 232-4145, ext. 109, or visit YTN online at www.youththeatre.org.

Production: 18 students, ages 8 to 13, from Mercer Island, Bellevue, Redmond, Issaquah, Newcastle, Medina, Kirkland and Seattle.

Direction and Design: Adapted by Kristen Sergel and based on the book by A.A. Milne. Directed by Meghan Arnette, set design by Brian Jackson, costume design by Kim Tepe, lighting design by Rob Ward, and props by Stephanie Merrow.

Celebrating it’s 26^thyear, Youth Theatre Northwest “nurtures the intellectual, artistic and personal development of children and youth through drama, education, performing opportunities and live theatre experiences.” YTN is both theatre and school, providing a wide range of classes and programs designed to further theatrical learning, initiate creative play and stimulate intrapersonal development for children and young adults age 3-18. At it’s 200 seat theatre home on Mercer Island, YTN produces 10 annual plays. Additionally, YTN offered 109 classes to Puget Sound students and offers outreach programs to schools and libraries throughout the region.

Be still my heart.

Broadway's upcoming season will hereafter be known as the Season of Hunks! First, Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig will be appearing in A STEADY RAIN.

And now Johnny Lee Miller will be on Broadway this fall.

I have been a huge fan of Mr. Miller since I saw him in the films Mansfield Park and Afterglow. And nobody was as crushed as I was when they cancelled his television series Eli Stone (well, except for the writers...).

From Playbill.com:

Roundabout Theatre Company, in association with Sonia Friedman Productions and Ostar Productions, announced on June 10 that Jonny Lee Miller, of "Trainspotting" and the ABC series "Eli Stone," will be Sienna Miller's co-star in the fall production of Patrick Marber's After Miss Julie.

Sienna Miller will play Miss Julie, and Jonny Lee Miller will play John. Both will make their Broadway debuts in the American premiere of this updated (to the 1940s) version of August Strindberg's classic play Miss Julie, directed by Mark Brokaw.

After Miss Julie will begin preview performances Sept. 18 and open officially Oct. 22 at the American Airlines Theatre on Broadway (227 West 42nd Street). This is a limited engagement through Dec. 6.

What could possibly top this? Nathan Fillion in a revival of LI'L ABNER!

BELOW THE BELT at ACT, A Contemporary Theatre!

We used the first of our “Year of Theatre” tickets last Saturday night at ACT to see BELOW THE BELT by Richard Dresser. BELOW THE BELT is directed by Pam Mackinnon, featuring Judd Hirsch, John Procaccino and R. Hamilton Wright.

BELOW THE BELT is being performed in the Allen Theatre, the same “in-the-round” theatre where I saw Sean Griffin as Scrooge in A CHRISTMAS CAROL last December. Normally, I'm a bit wary of in-the-round theaters because I usually feel, no matter where I sit, that I'm missing something. But both BELOW THE BELT and A CHRISTMAS CAROL worked really well in-the-round, and I never got the feeling I wasn't "seeing" what was going on.

From the ACT website:

Below The Belt is a farcical skewering of globalized corporate culture. Somewhere, in an anonymous factory cranking out units of some unnamed product, three men try to maintain some