Results tagged “Audience” from Blogway Baby
Despite the Super Bowl and beautiful sunny weather yesterday afternoon, the Bagley Wright Theatre at Seattle Repertory Theatre was packed. Not surprising, because the closing performance of Bill Cain's HOW TO WRITE A NEW BOOK FOR THE BIBLE was playing. I was excited to get a rush seat, since the last Bill Cain play I saw at the Seattle Rep was EQUIVOCATION, which is one of my favorite plays of all time.
This production HOW TO WRITE A NEW BOOK FOR THE BIBLE, beautifully directed by Kent Nicholson, was a world premiere co-production with Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Everything about this production was amazing -- I laughed, I cried -- no really, I did! The play featured an awesome cast -- Linda Gehringer, Tyler Pierce, Aaron Blakely and Leo Marks (who deftly played a number of roles). Also fabulous scenic design by Scott Bradley and lighting design by Alexander V. Nichols.
From the website:
Writers are told to write what they know. But as Bill Cain discovers in writing about his own family, sometimes those we are closest to are the biggest mysteries of all. From the writer of Equivocation comes a beautiful new play taken from Cain’s own experiences caring for his dying mother. He asks the questions that speak to the heart of every family: What will never change…and what has to? A Jesuit priest as well as a playwright, Cain brings a fascinating view to this simple, powerful illustration of why the details of our lives and loves matter.
Hopefully it will be headed to Broadway in the future. If you get a chance to see this beautiful, touching, funny, true play, then run, don't walk to get tickets!
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How do you make a perfect afternoon? Well, you end it with an early dinner at The Melting Pot and shopping at Bellevue Square. But it has to start with a family outing to see HUMOR ABUSE at the Seattle Repertory Theatre.
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Wow. What a performer! I went to see Hugh Jackman in concert at the Curran Theatre in San Francsico last weekend and was thrilled. I haven't seen Hugh live since THE BOY FROM OZ on Broadway (also thrilling!). The man was born to sing and dance! He appeared with two awesome back up singers, Angel Reda and Merle Dandrige and a 16 piece orchestra music directed by Patrick Vaccariello.
The Curran Theatre is a wonderful old Broadway size theatre steps from Union Square - not too big, fabulous acoustics! Every seat is great and it really felt like an intimate space, despite the sold-out and very excited crowd.
He opened the show with "One Night Only" and proceeded to sing one amazing song after another, including his "I Won't Dance" medley and "Soliloquy" from Carousel.
About half way through the evening, the two back up singers did a solo number (Take Me or Leave Me from RENT). When they were done Peter Allen appeared and we were treated to selections from THE BOY FROM OZ. He closed the show with "Once Before I Go" and brought the house down.
In between songs he chatted with the audience, took us through his career (musicals, movies, hosting the Tonys, the Academy Awards - "and then I got a call from...". Fun fact - did you know Hugh Jackman passed on the movie version of CHICAGO? He thought he was too young to play Billy Flynn. Needless to say he regrets that decision!
Musings from Hugh from the Playbill program:
Last summer, as I was watching Sting perform in Detroit, my friend and agent Patrick Whitesell turned to me and said, "All right, enough talking about it, you need to get your show together." Well, thanks in part to Patrick and his extra push, here it is...
Developing a one man show has always been a dream of mine and I couldn't be more thrilled to begin this adventure here in the beautiful city of San Francisco. As an actor, I have always tried to explore as many opportunities as possible, but to be honest, the number of those that I've been fortunate enough to gain access to has turned out to be more than I ever thought possible!
But of all the doors that have been opened, none have felt as naturally rewarding to me as being able to perform in the theatre. Tonight, at the Curran, I hope to share with you some of the eclectic world that is my career. From Australia to Broadway, to Hollywood and back again, I want to share with you some of that journey.
It was over too soon. <sigh> But hot off the press, Hugh is taking his concert to The Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto in July 5 - 17. Methinks he is prepping to take his show to Broadway!
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I'll be singing I Left My Heart In San Francisco after I see Hugh in this concert! Maybe I'll bring him some tiramisu...
From the article on Playbill:
Tony Award winner Hugh Jackman, most recently on Broadway in the two-character Keith Huff play A Steady Rain, plays a two-week limited concert engagement in San Francisco beginning May 3.
Hugh Jackman In Performance at The Curran Theatre will continue through May 15.
In the concerts Jackman will perform his Broadway and Hollywood favorite musical numbers backed by a 17-piece orchestra. Warren Carlyle (Finian's Rainbow, A Tale of Two Cities) directs with musical direction by Patrick Vaccariello.
In a previous statement Jackman said, "I have always loved performing live on stage. I'm excited to now have the chance to put together some of my favorite musical performances for Bay Area audiences. And I can't think of a more ideal place to do this than the intimate Curran Theatre in San Francisco, one of the best Broadway theatres in America."
Jackman, who was seen on screen in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," earned a Tony Award for his work in the Broadway musical The Boy From Oz. He is also known for his film roles in the "X-Men" trilogy, "Someone Like You," "Swordfish," "Kate and Leopold," "Van Helsing" and the recent "The Fountain" and "Happy Feet" (in voice). His stage credits also include Trevor Nunn's staging of Oklahoma! at Britian's National Theatre and award-winning work in productions ofSunset Boulevard and Beauty and the Beast in his homeland.For more information visit www.shnsf.com/shows/HughJackman.
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Last Saturday night I got Sauced! I know what you're thinking, "Suzy you always get sauced on Saturday nights!". But no, this was different!
I went to see CAFE NORDO SAUCED: Cocktails and Smokin' Music at the Theo Chocolate Factory. This was my first Cafe Nordo event, and my first Theo Chocolate Factory visit! When I first heard of SAUCED, I was intrigued - music, theatre, cocktails...served up in a chocolate factory? Yes!
SAUCED has a story/concept by Erin Brindley and Terry Podorski, with Nordo Lefesczki "in the shadows" of the kitchen. Murray Stenson is the cocktail Designer. Murray was just named "Best Bartender in America", and judging by these cocktails, it's true!
From the website:
This fall, Cafe Nordo returns to Fremont with Sauced, one part historical tour of mixology, one part film noir thriller, shaken and served up with a dash of the surreal. Fedoras nod to the beat of original jazz tunes performed love as four of the top performers in Seattle deliver salty one-liners and perfectly-poured classic cocktails to an intimate audience. Paired with each cocktail is Chef Nordo Lefesczki's interpretation of bar food: deconstructed, reconstructed, and then deconstructed again. As per the laws of Café Nordo, only the finest local, sustainable ingredients are served, and local craft distilleries provide the booze.
We were greeted by "Efie", a speakeasy waitress wearing fish net stockings who showed us to our table and served us up the first of our cocktails, "The Slippage" along with some delicious hot nuts! I love it when the waitresses are part of the show. As the show progressed (helmed by the joint's bartender Saul Needle, played like Rick from Casablanca by Ray Tagavilla) we were served more cocktails paired with food: "The Secret Kiss" with a pickled plate, "A Box of Nails", served with a fried lemon and fried stuffed jalepeno, and the delicious and mysterious Nordo Elixir served with desert. The Cocktails were delicious, but the nicest surprise was that the food was amazingly delicious! You can also buy more drinks a la carte if the cocktail flight isn't enough to wet your whistle.
Billie Wildrick stars as Charlotte Bright, "torch singer extraordinaire", and Mark Siano plays Mike Binnet, the owner of the gin joint and Opal Peachey plays Valerie Rush, Mike's long-suffering wife. Maridee Slater is Efie, our waitress, and Dana Blasingame was Irene, the other waitress. The music was great - some jazzy standards (eg. Love For Sale) mixed with new songs by Anastasia Workman, who also played the piano. Matt Manges was on drums. This "cocktail theatre" is so much fun that we've already planned to return before the end of the run on November 13.
Get your tickets now!
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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!
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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!
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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
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Yes, it says "musicals" not "musical". Of course I'm very excited that PLANE CRAZY is in the 10th Annual Festival of New Musicals at Village Theatre in Issaqauh, but it turns out PLANE CRAZY isn't the only musical in the festival - who knew?
In fact, there will be six new musicals! And more importantly, five parties!
Here's the festival line up from the Village Theatre website:
Thursday, August 12, 2010 6:00 PM – FESTIVAL PREVIEW
Thursday, August 12, 2010 7:30 PM - IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU
Book & Lyrics: Brian Hargrove
Music: Barbara Anselmi
Friday, August 13, 2010 7:30 PM - BUDDY’S TAVERN
Book: Raymond De Felitta
Music: Kim Oler
Lyrics: Alison Hubbard
Based on the movie TWO FAMILY HOUSE, written and directed by Raymond De Felitta
Saturday, August 14, 2010 2:00 PM - PLANE CRAZY
Books, Music & Lyrics: Suzy Conn
Saturday, August 14, 2010 7:30 PM - IN YOUR EYES
Book & Lyrics: Brian Yorkey
Music: Tom Kitt
Sunday, August 15, 2010 2:00 PM - CLOAKED
Book: Michelle Elliott
Music: Danny Larsen
Lyrics: Michelle Elliott and Danny Larsen
Sunday, August 15, 2010 7:30 PM - LINCOLN IN LOVE
Book & Lyrics: Peter Kellogg
Music: David Friedman
Pretty cool bunch o' musicals, huh?
To partake of this musical-palooza all you have to do is buy a Village Originals membership.
Stay "tuned"...
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A couple of weeks ago I went to New York City and I realized I hadn't seen a show there in three years! I was there last spring, attending Robert Mckee's STORY workshop, but only had time to see the last 45 minutes of TOXIC AVENGER!
This trip was all about seeing people, seeing shows and eating at some of my favorite New York restaurants.
I know there are a gazillion amazing restaurants in New York, but my trip wouldn't be complete without at least a couple of post-show trips to Sardi's. I love that I usually never eat dinner in NYC until after 10:00 pm. We usually get the appetizer plate, or maybe a New York cheesecake with strawberries...
We also made our regular pilgrimage to The Boat House in Central Park. Ever since we saw WHEN HARRY MET SALLY, The Boat House has been a must when we're in NYC. The scene were Carrie Fisher is trying to fix up Meg Ryan with a guy and she goes through her rolodex is priceless. It's so relaxing to sit at a table by the water and watch the boaters and the turtles!
And of course, the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station is another must. Fried clams...mmmmm.
Friday night we saw PROMISES PROMISES. I know a lot of people didn't liked it, and I don't think it got rave reviews, but I LOVED it! And the audience LOVED it! I would see it again in a heartbeat. It was so much fun. With a Bacharach and Hal David score, Neil Simon book, mid century modern sets, lots of dancing, Sean Hayes and Kristin Chenoweth and Katie Finneran, how could I not like it? The opening of the second act with Sean and Katie is worth the price of admission - I am NOT a pick up!
Saturday afternoon I saw Sondheim's A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. Catharine Zeta Jones was out sick, but to be honest, i was there to see Angela Lansbury and Keaton Whittaker. What a gorgeous show and Keaton was awesome! And seeing/hearing "Send in the Clowns" performed in context by the lovely and talented Jayne Paterson, I finally understood the song. Yay for me!
Saturday night was EVERYDAY RAPTURE, Sherie Rene Scott's one woman show about her spiritual journey from Topeka Kansas to New York City. If you get a chance, see it before it closes. It is wonderful. She is one of those engaging performers who you could just listen to for hours and still want more. And if that isn't enough, there are songs from Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood in the show!
Sunday I saw NEXT TO NORMAL. We were three rows from the stage right in front of "the chair". Alice Ripley is fierce. What an awesome show. But I have to admit, Brian D'arcy James was my favorite character (he played the father).
Monday night we saw THE KIDD off-Broadway with Christopher Sieber, and Susan Blackwell and Jill Eikenberry. Christopher Sieber is another one of those performers who are so easy to watch. But Jill had my favorite line in the show -- "Man up, Mary". Nuff said.
Until next time New York...
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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!
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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.
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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!
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A new musical in six months... What were we thinking?
As we head into the final week of rehearsal I'm taking a moment to catch my breath and reflect back on the craziness that has been the last six months.
This is my second year as writing mentor/lyricist for VIllage Theatre's Kidstage Company Originals program. Last year we wrote SAVE AS... and did a full production at the soon-to-be-renovated First Stage. This year we are focusing on doing readings, partly because of space issues, but also because when you are writing a new musical, quite frankly, it makes a lot more sense to do readings first!
I started with the writing team, which consisted of four teens, in October 2009. We worked on the principles of dramatic writing, and developed the themes,
storyline and characters before the actors auditioned in December. Then our cast of fourteen actors joined the process in January and we held our first reading of Act I in February, our second reading in March of the whole show (the first time it had been read all the way through!) and on Monday April 12 we'll be doing our third and final reading of the whole show. We've been getting feedback from the audiences along the way, which has been very instructive.
Kathryn Van Meter is directing, and Orlando Morales is the musical director/composer and Helen Voelker is the stage manager. Luckily for me, they've been with the process since the beginning, so the addition of the actors and the evolution of the piece has been seamless. We also got some wonderful help from Eric Jensen who stepped in to direct for a couple of weeks in March while Kathryn was busy. I have to say, working with those guys has been a blast!
THE LAST SHOT explores how the healing power of art can help people overcome fears and find strength and peace, while telling the story of a high school senior/aspiring filmmaker who takes a cast of fellow students to shoot a movie over Memorial Day weekend. When the filmmaker's best friend screws-up, the group has to relocate to an old, abandoned, and possibly haunted hotel. The students are forced to confront their worst fears about the future, while still trying to complete the film.
THE LAST SHOT is a full length musical with brand new storyline, intriguing characters and 15 new songs plus reprises! The readings have been very helpful in cutting the show down to a respectable two and a half hours of tasty musical goodness. It is playing one night only at the Village Theatre mainstage, so get your $10 tickets now before they sell out and help us make musical theatre history!
Here's a super cool article about THE LAST SHOT on Broadwayworld.com
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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:
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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:
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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!
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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!
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Monday October 26 I had a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet both Stephen Sondheim and Frank Rich.
I attended STEPHEN SONDHEIM A LIFE IN THE THEATER, AN ONSTAGE CONVERSATION WITH FRANK RICH at Benaroya Hall.
We (of course this night was a Conn family event) started the evening off at a 6:30pm reception in the Founder's Room hosted by David Armstrong, Producing Artistic Director, The 5th Avenue Theatre, and Dennis Coleman, Artistic Director, Seattle Men's Chorus /Seattle Women's Chorus. Delicious food, yummy wine, and what a beautiful room!
We were there not just for the wine and food, but to meet Stephen Sondheim and Frank Rich! So as soon as Stephen entered the room, the Conn family made a beeline for him! Wow, what a friendly, gracious and talkative man! We introduced ourselves, told him what huge fans we were, told him that INTO THE WOODS is Trinity's favorite show, and that Myrna was The Baker's Wife in INTO THE WOODS at Village Theatre Kidstage. Stephen congratulated Myrna on nabbing "the best role" in the show. He asked about the production - what was the orchestration, how much rehearsal time etc. I was then able to inform Mr. Sondheim that the girl who had played Little Red in that same show (Keaton Whittaker) was going to be in the Broadway production of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. This was news to him, since he had left New York just days before the role was cast! So, I was able to tell Stephen Sondheim something he didn't already know. My husband went on to tell Stephen how much he loved COMPANY.
My husband and I had a fun, but brief, talk with Frank Rich, and he seemed genuinely pleased that we had both read and enjoyed his memoir Ghostlight
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Oh what a night! What a party! Our COCKTAIL NUTS Landing The Gig pilot was a sold-out success!
We had a great rehearsal Sunday night, and then Monday afternoon as well. The pictures in this post are from Monday's rehearsal.
As I was helping set up the chairs and put the candles on the tables I couldn't help but get a little freaked out...
Luckily, I was working with pros - cast, crew, ACT theatre. Whew!
It was a couple of minutes to 7:00 pm -- each table had a cocktail glass full of cocktail nuts, and we had lit the last of the candles...then they opened the house! The people started pouring in! My Matt Dusk CD was playing in the background, and soon the room was filled with chatter, and the clink of glasses (yes glasses, not plastic cups) as people helped themselves to the buffet of gourmet snacks, and tried one of two Vessel cocktails: The Callback (my personal fav, and A Contemporary Tipple). The Bullitt Cabaret was transformed! The joint was jumping!
It was so nice to see so many familiar faces who had come out to support our pilot, and even nicer to see faces I didn't recognize! People who had bought tickets because it sounded like a fun evening. Cool.
Drum roll please....ladies and gentlemen, welcome Rich Gray to the stage! Time to start the show!
Rich Gray was our fabulous host for the evening. He sang, he chatted with the guests, and he made us all feel at home! He started with a song If Someone Had Told Me, and then went into our signature theme song, Cocktail Nuts, in which the fabulous Marianne Owen had a surprise cameo.
Then Rich introduced Jessica Skerritt, currently in CHASING NICOLETTE at The Village Theatre. Her set included If You've Got it, Flaunt it, Running, and Can't Help Falling in Love .
Then it was onto something different. In each COCKTAIL NUTS we plan on showcasing something different -- perhaps an instrumentalist, or dancers or a comic...you get the idea. Well Bill Robison was our first "something different" and he did not disappoint! He did a hilarious act that involved fabulous physical comedy, reading minds with a microphone, and scotch tape. This guy was amazing!
Then Rich did a number called Heidi with an I, which included a very original lyric that rhymed with mountain climbin' (you had to be there).
Then it was time for the high school spotlight. In every COCKTAIL NUTS we plan to showcase a talented high school student. And what better way to start than with the talented Myrna Conn singing You There in The Back Row! Needless to say the audience went wild.
To cap off the evening in style, American Idol finalist Anthony Fedorov sang three gorgeous ballads -- one in spanish to boot. Sigh. Anthony is starring as Joseph in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT at The 5th Avenue Theatre.
The Night Club Gentlemen came back for a swinging traveling medley, and then the whole cast signed off with the Cocktail Nuts goodnight song.
Thanks y'all. See you in December!
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COCKTAIL NUTS is sold-out … but SRO may be available at the door.
Well, it’s been a pretty exciting ride on COCKTAIL NUTS so far – there is some great buzz on the show, and it looks like people do want to go out and listen to music and drink on Monday Night.
As previously noted, the September 28 show is sold-out … but we are going to have an SRO line at ACT. There are always a few people who have to decline at the last minute … and as those tickets become available, we are releasing them at the door.
And if you do have a ticket and suddenly – life intervenes and you can't make it – please let ACT box office know at (206) 292-7676 that you won’t be attending. There is a thirsty music-lover who will thank you!
Here's more information 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
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
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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
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
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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
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
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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
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
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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 10th. 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
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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
For Aspiring Performers in Grades 7-12Student Workshop
Do you love to sing dance and act? The 5th Avenue Theatre is proud to offer a unique professional training experience designed for the aspiring middle or high school musical theater performer. This camp offers young performers the special opportunity to gain insight into the life of the professional musical theater artist as well as build the skills necessary to be a successful performer. During this two-week immersion experience students will train like professionals and develop the skills and techniques used by Broadway performers. All classes, studio workshops and master classes are taught by working theater artists with extensive professional credits on Broadway, at nationally recognized musical theatre companies, and at The 5th Avenue Theatre.
Dates: August 10-22, 2009
Week one: Monday-Friday
Week two: Monday-Saturday
We are excited to offer two wonderful opportunities for ages 12-18: a Junior Camp and a Senior Camp. Both camps offer classes in dance, voice and acting and the final day will culminate in an informal presentation where students share their work with one another.
* Junior Camp for ages 12 -13: This year we have two sessions of Junior Camp to choose from: 10:00am-2:00pm or 2:00pm-6:00pm. Students will take classes in dance, voice and acting for musical theater.
* Senior Camp for ages 14-18: 10:00am-6:00pm. Students will take classes in dance, voice and acting for musical theater and participate in afternoon master classes and studio workshops.
*The 5th Avenue Theatre does not provide housing for camp participants
For information, contact Anya Rudnick at 206 625-1418 ext 234 or arudnick@5thavenue.org.
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Lucky number seven!
If you are wondering what to do the evening of Monday August 3 to celebrate Canada's civic holiday, (or you just want to rock out on a balmy August eve), look no further than NEW VOICES 7 brought to you by Contemporary Classics. Yes, this is the same concert series that Myrna rocked last December!
From the Facebook event page:
Its back! Don't miss the seventh edition of the popular NEW VOICES series. This edition is part of the CENTRAL HEATING LAB at ACT Theatre.
NEW VOICES is a concert series showcasing the best of today's most promising young musical theatre composers. An exciting blend of Sondheim and pop/rock, this next generation of composers is turning Broadway on its ear with musicals about grunge bands, electroshock therapy, road trips, and Anna Nicole Smith. Performed by some of Seattle's hottest talent, joins us for a break from the summer heat with an evening of brand new musical theatre songs.
August 3 at 8pm
Allen Theatre at ACT
700 Union Street in Downtown Seattle
$20 general admission, $15 student (with ID)
Purchase tickets at https://www.acttheatre.org/TicketsPlays/Play.aspx?prod=2340 (tickets on the right by the calendar)
**Some material may not be suitable for younger audiences**
STARRING
Krystle Armstrong (5th Ave's HELLO, DOLLY!)
Mo Brady (5th Ave's CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, SEVEN BRIDES)
Sarah Davis (ZANNA, DON'T!)
Nick DeSantis (5th Ave's SUNDAY IN THE PARK...)
Beth DeVries (SCT's WIZARD OF OZ)
Christian Duhamel (5th Ave's SEVEN BRIDES...)
Ashley FitzSimmons (Village's SHOW BOAT, BEAUTY & THE BEAST)
Nick Garrison (HEDWIG..., 5th Ave's CABARET)
Diana Huey (ZANNA, DON'T!)
Cayman Ilika (Village's SHOW BOAT)
Kate Jaeger (REEFER MADNESS)
Naomi Morgan (5th Ave's WEST SIDE STORY)
Brandon O'Neill (Village's TOMMY)
Kat Ramsburg (5th Ave's MAME)
Don Darryl Rivera (SCT's I WAS A RAT!, BUSYTOWN)
Tanesha Ross (Village's SAINT HEAVEN)
Jenny Shotwell (Seattle Musical Theatre's JANE EYRE)
Troy Wageman (Village's BEAUTY & THE BEAST)
Billie Wildrick (5th Ave's SUNDAY IN THE PARK...)
and Justin Huertas on cello
With R.J. Tancioco on piano
Hosted by Brandon Ivie
WITH SEXY SONGS BY
Jeff Blumenkrantz
Bobby Cronin
Adam Gwon
Joe Iconis
Michael Kooman & Christopher Dimond
Brian Lowdermilk & Kait Kerrigan
Michael Mahler
Dan Martin & Michael Biello
Peter Mills
Ryan Scott Oliver
Benj Pasek & Justin Paul
Jeff Thomason & Jordan Mann
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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!
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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!
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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 semblance of humanity and self despite a crushingly conformist and hypermasculine bureaucracy. Cross the sitcom The Office with Samuel Beckett, and the results might look like something like this—darkly funny, and disconcertingly familiar.
To be honest, I was originally interested in this play because Judd Hirsch was in it. My hubbie and I are big Judd Hirsch fans, and loyal followers of his tv shows, Taxi, Dear John and George and Leo. But we loved the play, and having spent a few years of my own in a large corporate setting, can say that it rang hilariously true! And it sounds like a case of art reflecting real life for the playwright:
(From an interview with Richard Dresser in the Encore Program)
Q: In an interview about why you became a playwright, you addressed your time working as a plastic molder at a plant. Did that experience shape the characters of the factory workers?
RD: My own experience working in factories - I worked at a lot of factories in New England - certainly shaped my conception of the industrial compound and the workers. One of my first factory jobs involved making the thighs of G.I. action figures. In another factory I found myself operating a plastics molding machine which produced white cones in twenty second intervals. The foreman came over the first day to see if I had any questions. My first question involved the procedure for turning off the machine, and he made it clear that was never to happen under any circumstances, even if no one came to relieve me on the next shift. My follow-up question was, "What are we making in this factory?" He stared at me and cautioned me not to be a wiseass.
You just can't make that stuff up!
Judd Hirsch was wonderful, as were R. Hamilton Wright and John Procaccino. I really enjoyed John Procaccino as Willie Stark in ALL THE KINGS MEN (at Intiman) where he was directed by Pamela MacKinnon. He just has a way of owning the stage when he enters. As the boss, Merkin, he is able to utter riduculous things, and make them honest.
BELOW THE BELT is totally worth a second viewing for us before it closes. Next up in our "Year of Theatre" odyssey, A THOUSAND CLOWNS at Intiman.
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Broadway royalty right here in Seattle!
It was a little surreal to be honest. Seriously. I was only a few rows away from Bob Mackie.
Last night I went to The 5th Avenue Theatre's Spotlight Night for CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, the new musical premiering in Seattle starting July 23.
The theatre was packed, and there was a palpable electricity. Forget the fact that the event was free (yes, you heard me, free!), it was one of the most enjoyable, exciting nights in theatre I've had!
Spotlight nights are hosted by David Armstrong, the Producing Artistic Director of The 5th Avenue Theatre and are a great way to familiarize yourself with upcoming shows - hearing songs performed, learning the history behind the show, meeting the creative team, as well as gaining new, interesting perspective on shows you already know. The CATCH ME IF YOU CAN spotlight gave insight on the creation of an exciting, new musical!
The evening was divided into three acts:
Act I
The Incredible True Story!
David recounted Frank Abagnale's true crime adventures on both sides of the law and discussed this with special guest, Ken Kirkpatrick, President of US BANK, Washington State. Ken had actually hired Frank not so long ago to consult on bank security and fraud so he had lots of interesting anecdotes about this incredibly charismatic man (everyone throughout the evening commented on how charismatic Frank Abagnale is, and how he can walk into a room and suddenly command all attention!) and tips on how to avoid bank fraud - micro shredder and the uni-ball pen (it can't be erased from a cheque with acetone unlike other pens.) When Ken asked Frank whether it would be harder to pull of his fraud nowadays versus in the 60s, he said that today it would be far easier to do everything! Downloading logos, lifting signatures, wiring money...but I digress!
Act II
Meet The Dream Team
Songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (HAIRSPRAY), playwright Terrence McNally (THE FULL MONTY), director Jack O'Brien (HAIRSPRAY), choreographer Jerry Mitchell (HAIRSPRAY, LEGALLY BLONDE), musical director John McDaniel , and legendary costume designer Bob Mackie gave an inside look into how a Broadway musical is conceived and created. Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman told the story of how they were looking around a bookstore and Scott saw a CATCH ME IF YOU CAN movie book on display and said, Hey how about that? So they bought it, and called Steven Spielberg the next day and they were on their way! I was most intrigued by the description of how they were taking the film and putting it on stage. They weren't going to compete with the movie's ability to show Frank's narrow escapes from the law or just put the movie on stage. Instead, The songs/scenes would be how Frank would view the characters as if they were in a big tv show spectacular. The mid 60s was the time of tv variety shows and specials, with a variety of musical styles from Frank Sinatra to The Rolling Stones. So, Marc and Scott went for a sort of Ed Sullivan Show soundtrack! It sounds very, very cool. We saw Bob Mackie's sketches for the costumes and they look absolutely fabulous. It was so special to be able to listen to this team talk about putting this show together.
The whole team agreed that four weeks of rehearsal might seem like a long time, but they have a lot of work to do so it will fly by!
Act III
Meet The Stars
Norbert Leo Butz, who plays the Tom Hanks FBI agent character Hanratty, Aaron Tveit, who plays Frank Jr., and Tom Wopat, who plays Frank Sr. all performed songs from the show (Fifty Cheques, I'm Good At What I Do, Happy Ending, Making Butter Out of Cheese, Seven Wonders). Wow, all three of these guys were amazing. I got chills!l And they also announced that Kerry Butler, and Felicia Finley (who played Linda in THE WEDDING SINGER) will be in the show. dThis is going to be an amazing cast!
Oh, and one more piece of trivia - the song that Neil Patrick Harris sang at the end of the Tony Awards night was actually written that night, over the course of the awards, by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman! They said it was like putting together a puzzle, and they had lots of options to go with depending on who won the awards (the Fonda/Honda rhyme never made it into the song!)
Hurry and get tickets to see CATCH ME IF YOU CAN live and in living color!
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Those were the days!
I was out browsing in Easy Street Records while my daughter Myrna was tapping away at Kristin Culp's Advanced Tap 3-Day Event and I happened upon
this CD in the Children's section, filed under comedy! What a gem!
Is it a coincidence that the name of the store is the same as one of the songs that Carol Burnett sang in the film version of ANNIE? I think not! But I digress...
Carol Burnett, Featuring If I could Write A Song is a combination of a record released in 1971 plus three bonus tracks that were originally released as singles -The Christmas Song, Love's The Only Game in Tow, and You're My Reason.
Other tracks include:
If I Could Write A Song, It's Too Late, Those Were The Days, Rainy Days and Mondays, Who's Sorry Now, Saturday Morning Confusion, For All We Know, Rose Garden, Try To Remember, Sunrise, Sunset and Guess Who/Turn Around, Look At Me
The Carpenters, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, THE FANTASTICKS, Carol King...sheesh, what a great collection. Boy, I do so miss the early 70s.
And what a great singer she is. I've always associated her voice with her comedy, but listening to an entire of Carol Burnett just singing? I loved it! It's called easy listening, because it is so darn easy to listen to! Duh!
From the original liner notes by Morgan Ames:
It was not until about four years ago that I realized what a lovely singer Carol Burnett is. It took that long because she doesn't make a big deal out of her singing. She doesn't hurl her voice at us dramatically, insisting on its impact. Instead, she comes over with natural sweetness and simplicity, as if to say, "Here is a song; would you like to hear it?
And as only liner notes from the seventies can say:
But the first thing this lady is...is just that: a lady - warm, real and in full flower.
One of my favorite tracks on the CD is Saturday Morning Confusion, written by Robert Russell. It reminds me of Saturday mornings when I was a kid!
From the re-release liner notes:
Saturday Morning Confusion is a charming evocation of parenting woes that Burnett, the mother of three daughter, delivers with knowing wisdom. The tune was written by Robert Russell, whose best known composition, The Nights The Lights Went Out In Georgia, was a #1 hit for Vicki Lawrence in 1973 (at the time, Lawrence was both Russell's wife and a featured performer on The Carol Burnett Show.
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I’ve got cabaret fever!
It seems every time I turn around (which is often) someone is thinking about, planning, or doing a cabaret night, or one man/woman show! Krystle Armstrong did a one woman show, Thoroughly New York, Christian Duhamel is doing a Songbook Release party, and I've heard Billie Wildrick is thinking about doing a one woman show in the fall (just to name a few). Wouldn't it be neat to have a regular place for artists to perform, for audiences to have a drink or two, to get to know a congenial host, perhaps something along the lines of Jim Caruso's Cast Party in NYC? Or how about Feinstein's at Loews Regency?
Meanwhile, self-starting Thaddeus Wilson is hosting his own one man evening of song at Amore! Thaddeus is a friend of my daughter Myrna, and also a very talented musical theatre triple threat currently appearing in SHOW BOAT at The Village Theatre (He appeared in HELLO DOLLY with Myrna at The 5th Avenue Theatre). His featured special guest, Cayman Jacobs, is playing Julie in SHOW BOAT. This sounds like an evening not to be missed!
From the facebook page:
"A Night Of Musical Theatre", is a show featuring me with songs by Oscar Hammerstein, Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, with accompaniment by Kyle Clark.
The music of the "Golden Age" is my favorite music. With that in mind I decided to dedicate every Tuesday in June to my favorite composers and lyricist. The show will range with songs from shows like South Pacific, Babes in Arms, Higher and Higher and many more!
It's at this incredible little Italian restaurant that carries amazing food, drinks, great service and a wonderful atmosphere. Musical Theatre is my passion, so I am very excited to share my talent and knowledge of musical theatre to Seattle. Shows are at 7 and 9 with a little 10 min break in the middle of the show.
Opening Night is June 23rd. There is a cover charge of 8 dollars at the door. (Soon it will be dinner and a show, all for one price) So come join me for some musical theatre fun until the end of July! For reservations visit www.tasteofamore.com.
Featured Guest: Cayman Jacobs
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I am so excited for this year’s Tony Awards!
First of all, I’m glad they are done with that whole “we don’t need a host” thing that they did last year. Every awards show needs a host! Thankfully, Neil Patrick Harris will be hosting this year! My oldest daughter Myrna is currently watching old Doogie Howser episodes, and Neil Patrick Harris looks about 6 years old on that show! He didn’t look that young when I watched it!
And that electric keyboard musical theme! But I digress..
Most of all I am thrilled that Hunter Bell is nominated for best book for TITLE OF SHOW! I still remember my “first time” at the 2004 New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF), sitting on wooden bench, looking down at Hunter, Jeff, Heidi and Susan perform a show I felt they wrote just for me! I also remember laughing so hard I actually fell off that wooden bench. I’ve been following them (no, not stalking, just following) ever since, reading the TITLE OF SHOW blog, watching THE TITLE OF SHOW SHOW, and even watching Hunter compete in LEGALLY BROWN: THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT PIRAGUA GUY.
So today as I was casually checking out their site, I noticed there is a “TONY VOTERS CLICK HERE” button on the site. I clicked through, only to be met with a login/password request. Foiled again! So it got me wondering – what marvels lie beyond that login page? What treats? Is it a portal into some kind of musical theatre wonderland?
Sadly, I may never know! All I know is that I’ll be tuned in to The 63rd Annual Tony Awards on CBS at 8pm on Sunday June 7, with a glass of champagne in my hand, toasting all the wonderfully talented nominees!
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"I saw it in the window, and I just couldn't resist it"
I was (and still am) a huge fan of The Carol Burnett Show. I loved the comedy, the music, the ensemble, and the Bob Mackie costumes! I loved it when Carol Burnett would come out at the top of the show in a glamorous gown, designed by Bob Mackie of course, and answer audience questions. I still remember watching the “Went With The Wind” episode live and busting a gut when she came down the stairs. I mean, didn’t it seem a little strange in the actual movie when Scarlett comes down the stairs dressed in a perfectly tailored green velvet dress that she just happen to whip up from the curtains? They barely had any food, yet the sewing machine was in perfect working order? This costume was a perfect send up of that scene, and the curtain rod is priceless!
I’m thrilled that Bob Mackie’s “Went With The Wind” dress is becoming a permanent part of television history in the Smithsonian’s Kennedy Center Honors Collection!
From Smithsonian.com “Around The Mall – Scenes and Sightings From The Smithsonisan Museums and Beyond, May 14, 2009”
Movie parodies were always a mainstay of the Carol Burnett Show—and her 1976 Gone With the Wind takeoff is unforgettable. Between the artistry of Burnett and fashion designer Bob Mackie, it’s a comedic tour de force:
Miss Starlett, with her home and finances ravaged by the American Civil War, is visited by her beau and needs to doll up so she can work him for a little cash. Deciding to use her green velvet curtains to make a dress on the fly, Starlett meets her man in one of the grandest, most memorable entrances in television history.
Like Miss Starlett, the Smithsonian saw that Bob Mackie dress in the window and couldn’t resist it. That’s right, folks, the curtain rod dress now honors the hallowed halls of the Smithsonian as a part of the American History Museum’s Kennedy Center Honors collection. And that’s hardly something to fiddle dee dee about. Not only is the dress representative of Mackie’s decadently innovative designs, it’s a monument to the art of parody and the golden age of American comedy. dNo word yet on if and when it will go on public display, but we’ll be sure to keep you posted. Because, frankly, we give a damn.
And for all you Bob Mackie fans, he will be designing the costumes for the new musical CATCH ME IF YOU CAN premiering at The 5th Avenue Theatre this summer in Seattle. Plus, don't miss the June 9 Spotlight Night at The 5th Avenue Theatre -- Bob Mackie will be there!
Gotta go...my banana phone is ringing! Oh, silly me!
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From The Wall Street Journal, May 23, 2009
Springtime for Hitler in Berlin
THE PRODUCERS opens in Germany to nervous laughter
The German transplant of Mel Brooks’s ridiculously popular 2001 Broadway musical, THE PRODUCERS, based on his 1968 film about two Jewish con men who cook up a scheme to produce the world’s worst musical and defraud the investors, was anxiously awaited in the nation’s capital.
In the weeks leading up to opening night, newspapers here were full of headlines such as “Can Berlin Laugh at Hitler,” in reference to the show-stopping musical number “Springtime for Hitler.”
This certainly isn’t the first time that Germans have had the opportunity to laugh at Hitler—films ranging from Charlie Chaplin’s “The Great Dictator” (1940) to Swiss director Dani Levy’s 2007 comedy “Mein Führer” are not unknown to German audiences. The original movie version of “The Producers” was banned in Germany for nearly a decade but finally shown in 1976 at a Jewish film festival (with the title “Frühling für Hitler”), where it gained a cult status that it retains to this day.
Still, the sight of real Germans goose-stepping in Nazi uniforms and dancing in Swastika formation (that symbol is unconstitutional in Germany, though a dispensation is made for works of art) promised to be a different animal, especially for an audience snacking on blutwürst with sauerkraut at intermission. (In fact, most of the principle cast is Austrian—like the führer himself—as this production comes to Berlin by way of Vienna, where it recently ended a year-long run two months early due to poor ticket sales.)
In an interview with the Associated Press, Mr. Brooks said that he expects most of the Berlin audience—at least those born after the war—to understand the show. “I don’t think there’s a problem at all. . . . They’re hip, they’re bright and Berlin has always been a great theater town.” At the same time, he’s been insistent that THE PRODUCER is not a musical about Hitler or Nazism, but about the boundaries of taste.
It is a message that seems to have been lost on most people here.
At Sunday’s gala premiere, everyone seemed pumped to ridicule the führer. Politicians, actors and rock stars crowded the courtyard of the Admiralspalast, which was a sea of red and black as Nazi flags with pretzels and sausages in lieu of swastikas fluttered about. Ushers in traditional Bavarian dress handed out flags and armbands and scattered audience members sported World War II helmets and other regalia. Showtime was announced by an air-raid siren, which added to the giddy carnival atmosphere.
But inside, the theater held a palpable charge of nervous energy. Germans have been doing so much apologizing for the past 60 years that they need to justify how they could laugh at Hitler. This has been evident not only from the buzz surrounding the show, but also in a marketing campaign that alternately struck tones of irreverence and sobriety. No surprise then that the playbills carried a quote from Mr. Brooks about the importance of laughing at Hitler. “If you denounce such people with humor, they simply have no chance.” Having been granted permission to laugh, the audience eagerly awaited their moment of catharsis.
Before the curtain rose, the Club of German Film Journalists awarded Mr. Brooks the Ernst Lubitsch Prize for achievement in comedy, named for the Berlin-born filmmaker whose 1942 film “To Be or Not to Be” was among the first Nazi satires. The presenter reminded the audience that Hitler’s bunker was but a short distance away, and grouped Brooks together with Lubitsch and Chaplin as an artist who bravely harnessed humor to combat fascism. Huh? THE PRODUCERS is many wonderful things, but a pointed satire of the Third Reich it is not. Seriously, there’s nothing deep about Nazi showgirls pirouetting or carrier pigeons doing the Hitler salute.
Judging by the reception opening night, I’m sorry to report that Mr. Brooks seems to have overestimated his audience. While his nothing-is-sacred breed of skewering everyone and everything—not only Nazis, but also Jews, homosexuals, the elderly and blondes— seems to have gone over well (Berlin’s openly gay mayor, Klaus Wowereit, was screeching in the box from which Hitler used to watch operettas), the fundamentally Jewish nature of so much of the humor does not resonate for a society that has been starved of Jewish culture for the past 70 years. Add to that the fact that THE PRODUCERS is in large part a send-up of the whole Broadway musical tradition, an unfamiliar one to Germans. Many of the show’s best jokes were greeted with dead silence. It was somewhat like going to see the original Broadway production surrounded by clueless out-of-towners.
So far, the reviews have been mostly positive, although—predictably—very focused on the Nazi content. The Berlin tabloid BZ answered the question of whether Berlin should be allowed to laugh at Hitler with a resounding “yes.” “Not only should we laugh about Hitler. We must laugh about him. Especially in Berlin.” That’s a pretty strong imperative, but something tells me that Germans are historically sensitive enough to use it wisely. And with caution.
The gala audience certainly laughed loud and long during the “Springtime for Hitler” centerpiece. But despite this, the number of empty seats did not augur well for the remainder of the show’s two-month run.
Boy, I would have like to have been a fly on the wall that night!
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Now this is why I miss New York!
The Astaire Awards, presented by Ava Astaire in tribute to her Father and Aunt, will be held this year on June 1st at 7:30pm in The Haft Auditorium at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.
Wow. What a night! Alan Cumming will host the evening, with Liza Minnelli presenting Stanley Donen with The Douglas Watt 2009 Lifetime Acheivement Award, Georfffrey Rush presenting The Best Choreography in Film Award and Bebe Neuwirth presenting the Best Male Dancer Award!
Here are the nominees from Broadwayworld.com:
BEST BROADWAY CHOREOGRAPHER NOMINEES: 9 to 5: Andy Blankenbuehler Hair: Karole Armitage Billy Elliot: Peter Darling Guys and Dolls: Sergio Trujillo Pal Joey: Graciela Daniele
BEST FILM CHOREOGRAPHER NOMINEES: Mamma Mia: Anthony Van Laast Slumdog Millionaire: Longines Fernandes Center Stage Turn It Up: Aakomon "AJ" Jones Make It Happen: Tracy Phillips Fados: Patrick De Bana and Pedro Gomes High School Musical 3: Kenny Ortega Were the World Mine: Todd Underwood
BEST FEMALE DANCER NOMINEES: West Side Story: Karen Olivo Rock Of Ages: Angel Reed, Katherine Tokarz, Savannah Wise Guys and Dolls: Kearran Giovanni You're Welcome America. A Final Night with George W Bush: Pia Glenn
BEST MALE DANCER NOMINEES: Billy Elliot - role of Billy: David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish Billy Elliot - role of Michael: David Bologna, Frank Dolce White Christmas: Jeffry Denman Pal Joey: Matthew Risch
The Astaire Awards, established 26 years ago by the Anglo-American Contemporary Dance Foundation, recognize outstanding achievement in dance on Broadway each season. The awards were established with the cooperation of Fred Astaire to honor him and his sister, Adele, who starred with her brother in 10 Broadway musicals between 1917 and 1931. In 2008 the Awards were expanded to include dance in choreography for film as this was the métier that brought Fred Astaire to international fame and a permanent slot on every list of the top movie stars of the century.
In addition to the Awards Ceremony, the show will include some of the best live Broadway and Hollywood dance numbers! Holy Top Hat Batman! Not only that, but a friend of mine and extremely talented playwright, Randall David Cook, is writing the show (you know, the stuff that is said between numbers and awards, and creating the order of events!) So that means I am one degree of separation from Liza...just sayin’!
i have a sudden urge to put on my tap shoes!
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"A Garden of Giving"
Or, How much is that doggie in the window?
The Fairmont Olympia Hotel in downtown Seattle was hopping last Saturday night with The Village Theatre Gala! Free champagne and helping to raise money for a theatre are the only reasons I ever put on nylon stockings anymore, so I glammed up (hubbie in a tux!) and headed out!
The auction was divided into three sections – Act I, Act II and the Live Auction plus dinner, hosted by John Curley. Act I was slighter smaller items while Act II items were larger and included lots and lots of cool wine. After Act II closed we all headed into the Spanish Ballroom for a delicious dinner and live auction.
Before the auction got underway we were entertained by Rich Gray, Bobbi Kotula, and Randy Rogel. Rich and Bobbi sang some wonderful Rich Gray songs (Don’t Go Into Show Business, The Leading Man and I Hate The Sun, to name a few). Randy is the book writer, composer and lyricist of the new musical THE GYPSY KING which will appear on the Village Theatre mainstage next season. But even more thrilling, Randy wrote the songs for one of my favorite animated shows THE ANIMANIACS! He performed Yakko’s Nations of The World song – too fantastic!
Then the auction began! Boy, John Curley is an amazing auctioneer (apparently he does more than 85 auctions a year)! He kept the evening going quickly, and did that “auctioneer” fast talking, all the while cracking jokes, and getting up close and personal with the audience. And yes, one of the live auction items was a labradoodle! What a cute puppy! (This is why you never want to drink too much at an auction! ) I ended up with a walk-on role in MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS being produced at the Village Theatre next fall! So, combined with my walk-on role in ON THE TOWN at The 5th Avenue Theatre, I’m fully booked for next season!
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THE CHRISTIAN DUHAMEL SONGBOOK RELEASE PARTY!
Well, I know where I’m going to be on Monday June 8 at 11pm! No, not happily sleeping in bed, but at Martin’s Off Madison in Seattle, happily listening to local artists singing the music from Christian Duhamel’s new songbook, HERE WITH ME. Yes, I know I need my beauty sleep, but this is more important!
Christian Duhamel is an extremely talented Seattle-based actor, singer, dancer, writer, musician, director, musical director and teacher. I’ve been lucky enough to work with Christian on my Adventure Musical Theatre musical THE MERCER GIRLS – Christian was involved in the very first workshop and is now touring with THE MERCER GIRLS cast as “the man of many hats” (and voices), piano player and musical director. Christian also appeared in The 5th Avenue’s production of SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS as one of the high-kicking and high-jumping suitors!
I was first aware of Christian’s great songwriting talent when I went to see his musical A BEAUTIFUL END at the Freehold Theatre in Seattle this past January.
From the Release Party facebook page:
Join us to celebrate the release of "Here With Me - A Collection of Songs By Christian Duhamel". A concert of local artists singing the music of Christian Duhamel will begin at 11:00 p.m. Tickets will be sold in advance for $5 and a $5 bar/food minimum is required. Martin's Off Madison's Happy Hour will be in effect so come join us for food and drinks prior to and during the concert. Songbooks (including an accompaniment CD) will be available at the concert and can also be purchased in advance for $25. Contact Charissa Bertels at charissa.bertels@gmail.com to purchase tickets and/or songbooks.
Get your tickets now. I hear they are going like “hotcakes”!
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Dear Mister Mercer...
The 5th Avenue Theatre’s Adventure Musical Theatre (AMT) program put on a performance of my musical THE MERCER GIRLS for donors at Downstairs at the 5th on Tuesday May 12. Very, very exciting! The 5th Avenue Theatre commissioned me (Suzy Conn) to write the book, lyrics and music for a new musical based on the true story of The Mercer Girls, eleven women who travelled from the east coast to Seattle in 1864.
THE MERCER GIRLS is still on tour around Washington state schools, but the cast (Charissa Bertels, Jason Kappus, Christian Duhamel, Jon Lutyens, Anne Kennedy, Sara Parish, Elise Campello, and stage manager Jen Geisler) made a pit stop at DAT5 to do their 95th performance of the show!
We started with a lovely wine and cheese reception beforehand, and then David Armstrong and Bill Berry introduced the show, talking a bit about the AMT program in general, and THE MERCER GIRLS specifically. This is the 15th year of AMT, and in their first year they only performed at 20 schools!
It was great to see the amazing set again, and marvel at how the cast sets it up and packs it away after every performance and stuffs it into a van with all the costumes and props!
The show was awesome! The last time I saw THE MERCER GIRLS performed was back in the first week of the tour, and the show has gotten so much tighter and everything is humming along like a well-oiled musical machine! It was extremely rewarding to see the show so beautifully performed. They only have two more weeks of shows before the run is over. I’m going to miss this cast, so I’m definitely going to catch another school performance!
Thanks to the cast, crew and everyone involved at The 5th Avenue Theatre for making THE MERCER GIRLS a success!
Next year AMT will be touring JOURNEY WEST (the Lewis and Clark story) in rep with BEST OF NORTHWEST BOOKSHELF. I am proud to say that my musical version of LARRY GOT LOST IN SEATTLE made the cut and will be part of BEST OF NORTHWEST BOOKSHELF!
For more information and to book an AMT show at your school, contact Anya Rudnick at The 5th Avenue Theatre.
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THE TONY AWARDS at The 5th Avenue Theatre!
The 5th Avenue Theatre will be hosting a Tony Awards party this year!
This is going to be an amazing party! This year Neil Patrick Harris is hosting the Tony Awards (maybe he'll sing the Confrontation from LES MIZ with Jason Segal!) so don’t miss this chance to see it in style!
From The 5th Avenue website:
The 63rd Annual Tony Awards ...In Your Own Backyard
SUNDAY JUNE 7, 2009 7:30-11:00 PM The 5th Avenue Theatre --- 1308 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101
There’s a Little Bit of Broadway in Everyone
Join us for the biggest Tony Awards party in town! Watch the festivities with fellow theatre lovers as Shrek The Musical competes for 8 coveted Tony Awards, including Best Musical! Follow other Seattle stars such as The 5th Avenue’s own Louis Hobson (Best Musical Nominee, Next To Normal), as they shine on stage at Radio City Music Hall.
Meet past Tony Winners and Nominees. Challenge the 5th Avenue's Producing Artistic Director David Armstrong with Broadway Trivia questions! Win exclusive Tony swag playing "Broadway Bingo" and "Name That Showtune!"
At 8 PM, watch the Tonys on the big 5th Avenue Theatre screen! Games and Entertainment will fill the commercial breaks!
TICKETS
Tony Winners ($130): Enjoy an exclusive preshow champagne reception in the STAR dressing room of The 5th Avenue Theatre. Experience what it is like to be a Broadway star as David Armstrong shares stories of the many Tony Winners who have shared your dressing room. Be seated in the BEST seats for the Tony Awards party with your personal Tony Swag Bag that includes one complimentary ticket (value $71-$78) to a preview of Catch Me If You Can! (Limited to 30 guests)
Tony Nominees ($63): Attend the Tony Party at The 5th Avenue Theatre with reserved seating among the other nominees. Receive a Tony Swag Bag filled with gourmet snacks and fun showbiz prizes including one complimentary ticket (value $71-$78) to a preview of Catch Me If You Can!
Special rates for artists ($25) and high school students ($15).
Dress: Smart Casual/Festive
RSVP BY WEDNESDAY MAY 20, 2009 For more information or to RSVP, please contact Kat Ramsburg in the Development Office at (206) 625-1418 x285 or kramsburg@5thavenue.org .
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My walk-on role in HELLO DOLLY at the 5th Avenue Theatre!
The critics agree -- I was a hit!
At last year’s 5th Avenue Theatre Gala, I bid for and won a walk on role in HELLO DOLLY. I was really excited, but it seemed like it was so far away for so long. Finally HELLO DOLLY opened on March 12 and my walk on was imminent!
The whole walk-on experience is amazing and so professionally handled. First, you pick your date and then you have to send them your measurements (gulp). Then as you get closer, you have your costume fitting! I tried on a petticoat, a day coat, a collar ruffle and some wonderful Mary Poppinesque lace up boots.
The evening of March 27 had arrived. At 7pm I was greeted at the stage door by a photographer and Lonnie Angle, who is the Special Projects Managaer at the 5th Avenue Theatre (and trust me, I’m a special project!). The photographer started snapping shots and didn’t stop until I was in full costume!
First Lonnie showed me the show bricks! Every show that has played at the 5th Avenue Theatre has a personalized brick in the wall! It’s really amazing to see these artistic, amazing bricks (Sweeney Todd was my favorite). Then it was off to my dressing room – it even had a gold star with my name on it on the door! Yes, I had my own dressing room while Cornelius, Barnaby and Ambrose all had to share one, not to mention all the female interns squished into one dressing room! C’est la vie!
My dressing room was adorned with flowers, copies of my bio, a HELLO DOLLY poster signed by the cast, and a 5th Avenue chocolate bar! I was joined by my daughter Myrna, who was a performance intern for the show (squished into the aforementioned intern dressing room!).
First I got into my costume, and chose a hat. I chose the beige gloves and the beige hat with the feathers to go with my beige costume (don’t pull focus!). Then it was off for tech talk! This was really, really fun and interesting. Not only did I get more pics take of me onstage, but I got to see how “the magic” happens backstage. The whole backstage is like a puzzle. To move a set piece, another set piece has to move first. And then there’s the stuff hanging from the celing. And by “stuff” I mean Irene Malloy’s hat shop! Large set pieces are dangling securely and have to be lowered and raised as needed. I saw the train on which I (and many others) would be riding for “Put on Your Sunday Clothes”. The train would be pulled and pushed by the stage crew – ouch!.The people who work backstage are truly the hardest working people in showbiz!
A quick rehearsal with my wrangler (cast member Karen Skrinde) and I was done with my tech talk!
Just before the show started I was lucky enough to have my picture taken with lots of cast members – Pat Cashman (Horace Vandergelder), Krystle Armstrong (Ermengarde), Mo Brady (Barnaby Tucker), Rich Gray (Rudolph), just to name a few! Then it was off to make up and wig! I even have pictures of me in my flattering wig cap! I wore an auburn wig, and my hat. I was ready for my grand entrance.
The walk on role occurred in the reprise of the “Put On Your Sunday Clothes” number, as the train arrives. I waited in the wing during the first part of that number, which was thrilling. I was so close to the cast who were singing their hearts out! Then it was time! Cast members Ty Willis and Karen Skrinde guided me across the stage and onto the train where I proceeded to wave my arm off, and throw a thousand kisses as the train made its way across the stage! The lights! The music! It was thrilling!
Then it was back to my dressing room to de-costume and de-wig! Before you could say “holy cabooses” I was seated next to my husband and daughter Trinity in the theatre watching the rest of the show, which included my daughter Myrna who performed in a blonde wig in “Before The Parade Passes By”!
Thanks to Lonnie, cast and crew of HELLO DOLLY for giving me a magical night I’ll never forget!
Next year’s walk on roles were auctioned off at the 5th Avenue Gala on April 18, 2009. Up next? Another starring walk-on role in ON THE TOWN!
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ROBERT MCKEE Story Seminar in New York City!
Aka “Shut up and listen!”
When I realized I hadn’t been back east for almost two years since I moved to Seattle, I decided a trip to New York was in order. And what better reason to fly 5 hours than to attend Robert Mckee’s famous “Story” seminar. Yes, I had read his book, aptly named “STORY”, but I wanted to experience it first hand since I had heard so many great things about his seminars. So my husband and I signed up, and started packing!
From the website:
Over three intense days, McKee's Story Seminar effectively demonstrates the relationship between story design and character. Quality story structure demands creativity; It cannot be reduced to simple formulas that impose a rigid number of mandatory story elements. Robert McKee's course teaches you the principles involved in the art and craft of screenwriting and story design, and proves the essence of good story is unchanging and universal. Whether on the big screen, on television, in novels, on stage and in ALL creative work, everything works in the shadow of classic story design.
The seminar ran Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9am -8:30pm. Yikes! I haven’t sat for that long in a long time. And it didn’t leave much time to see any shows! I did manage to squeeze in a matinee of EXIT THE KING (Geoffrey Rush is amazing!) and the last 30 minutes of TOXIC AVENGER!
I thoroughly enjoyed the seminar, and having Robert Mckee basically talk us through the book really helped solidify the concepts and ideas in my mind. And he runs these workshops with a iron (and grumpy) fist. No questions allowed except at break time (by then, you’re too scared to ask!) and no cell phones at all. If your cell phone rings by mistake, you have to pay him ten dollars. If it happens again, he kicks you out. And he loves to go off on tangents (aka rants) on the current sad state of movies, and various political topics. Perhaps his grumpiness had something to do with the fact that he had just badly hurt his back playing golf and had to sit the entire time.
One of my favorite parts of the seminar was the screening and anaylsis of CASABLANCA (the seminar really is geared towards the cinema, but the fundamentals of story apply to other mediums as well, such as musical theatre). Plots, subplots, text, subtext all unfolded before us. Interestingly, I don’t remember CASABLANCA being so funny! I chuckled constantly throughout the film. That is until the iconic farewell scene as the last plane out is about to take off. It was then that I realized, to my horror, that I had left my cell phone on from the last break! Oh no! What to do, what to do? And my cell phone sounds like a jet engine when you turn it on or off!
I thought about making a run for the door, but then in a moment of pure genius, I waited until the screen was full of loud, rotating airplane propellers and I pressed the off button. The jet engine sound of my phone was muffled by the movie! Robert Mckee remained blissfully unawared of my cell phone situation, and I watched the last few minutes of the film peacefully (ignoring the disgusted glare from my husband who couldn’t believe what had just happened!).
Mckee does this story seminar around the world, as well as single days devoted to genres (love, comedy etc.) .I would highly recommend his seminar to anyone who is in the business of telling stories.
The end.
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When I read the words "children's jazz puppet show", I just had to post this press release that I got!
Culture Project Presents The Cat Who Went To Heaven,
Captivating Jazz Puppet Show at The Harlem School of The Arts
with Music And Lyrics By Nancy Harrow
Based On The Newbery Award-Winning Book By Elizabeth Coatsworth
Directed By Will Pomerantz
Six Special Performances Begin Wednesday, May 13, 2009 (suggested donation $10)
New York, NY, April 13, 2009 — Culture Project (Allan Buchman, Artistic Director), who brought to the stage the successful, seven season run of the children’s show Maya the Bee, has announced a special, six-performance run of the acclaimed children’s jazz puppet show The Cat Who Went to Heaven at The Harlem School of the Arts Theater (647 St. Nicholas Avenue @141st Street). Directed by Will Pomerantz, with music and lyrics by Nancy Harrow (creator of the Maya the Bee production), this delightful show is based on the 1931 Newbery Award-winning children’s book by Elizabeth Coatsworth.
The Cat Who Went to Heaven features notable instrumentalists Clark Terry, Kenny Barron, Frank Wess and the voice of Grady Tate. The delightful tale is about the intertwined fates of a struggling Japanese artist, his housekeeper, a Buddhist priest from the local temple and an inspirational cat named Good Fortune. The story’s timeless message of compassion for all beings resonates with people of all ages.
The Cat Who Went to Heaven brings together contemporary jazz and the traditional Japanese art of “Bunraku” puppetry. The full cast includes the singing voices of Ms. Harrow (as the title cat), Grady Tate (as the Artist), Anton Krukowski and Daryl Sherman, with Kameron Steele as the narrator. The puppeteers include Matt Brooks (as the Artist), Melissa Creighton (as the Cat), with Anna Sobel, Lara MacLean, Kate Katz and Eric Wright.
The full design team includes Jane Catherine Shaw and Amanda Maddock (puppet design and construction), Amanda Maddock (costume design) and Joseph Silovsky (set design).
“The show is a perfect introduction to jazz for children,” said Allan Buchman, Artistic Director, Culture Project. “For more seasoned jazz lovers, the show is an opportunity to enjoy Harrow’s beautiful score while soaking in the visual feast of Japanese Bunraku Puppetry.”
The six performances will take place at The Harlem School of the Arts Theater, 647 St. Nicholas Avenue between West 145th and 141st Streets, New York, NY 10030 as follows:
Suggested donation is $10. Reservations can be made at 212-479-0829.
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Apparently, Meryl Streep is a fan favorite with the Australian crowd! According to an article in the Herald Sun, the attendees of the Melbourne Central premiere of Mamma Mia! (opening in theaters July 18) "...gave [Streep] a standing ovation. Streep, in turn, waved regally and blew kisses to her fans." That's what I call a rep!
Unlike most major international movie stars, who leave before their screening in Australia starts to be schmoozed by film company minders at expensive restaurants, Streep stayed for the entire film, appearing to be genuinely interested in the reaction the movie would get from the Melbourne audience. At the post-screening party, people working on the premiere had to "...sign forms stating they were not to approach [Streep]... and could only speak to her if she spoke to them first." DUDE!
If you just can't wait for the movie to come out, and you're in the Big Apple, you can go see the live show on Broadway! I remember when I saw the show when I was quite little in Toronto... Party in the house!!!!
So, hats off to Meryl Streep, who truly knows how to work a crowd :-D
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I love reading about the behind the scenes stuff of Broadway andthis article onPlaybill talks about performers first auditions. It's very heartening to know famous stars had less-than-illustrious first auditions!
My first high school audition for a leading role was greeted the comment: "Are you sure you don't want to try out for the chorus? You're such an animated chorus member. We really need you there..."
My first university audition (for Gladys Hotchkiss in The Pajama Game) went much better. Wearing my Commerce 86 jacket I overacted and undersang my way through "Adelaide's Lament" for the director (Michael Stotts) and the choreographer (David Ivey). I even brought a book (a prop!) to read from. They smiled and applauded -- bless their hearts. And I got the part.
Gary Beach who is now up for a Tony Award for his performance as Albin in