I know where I'll be in October! At The New York Musical Theatre Festival watching The Broadway Dolls amazing show TOUR DE FIERCE!

And spoiler alert -- there might even be a song or two of mine in the show!

From the NYMF website:

TOUR DE FIERCE

GIRL GROUP MEETS BROADWAY

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!

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.

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

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"...

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

ACT Theatre

Bullitt Cabaret

Union and 7th, downtown Seattle

TICKETS

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

If you are planning on going to COCKTAIL NUTS with your host Rich Gray, don't delay!

There are only 23 tickets left so buy your tickets now!

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

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

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

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

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

The NightClub Gentlemen (the "almost" Rat Packers)

Also featuring appearances by Bill Robison and Myrna Conn

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

WHEN

Monday September 28, 2009

Door: 7pm for cocktails and complimentary gourmet snacks

Show: 8pm to 10pm

WHERE

ACT Theatre

Bullitt Cabaret

Union and 7th, downtown Seattle

TICKETS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TIckets are going fast, so buy yours now!

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

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

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

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

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

The NightClub Gentlemen (the "almost" Rat Packers)

Also featuring appearances by Bill Robison and Myrna Conn

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

WHEN

Monday September 28, 2009

Door: 7pm for cocktails and complimentary gourmet snacks

Show: 8pm to 10pm

WHERE

ACT Theatre

Bullitt Cabaret

Union and 7th, downtown Seattle

TICKETS

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

COCKTAIL NUTS with your host Rich Gray tickets now on sale at ACT theatre!

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

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

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

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

The NightClub Gentlemen (the "almost" Rat Packers)

Also featuring appearances by Bill Robison and Myrna Conn

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

WHEN

Monday September 28, 2009

Door: 7pm for cocktails and complimentary gourmet snacks

Show: 8pm to 10pm

WHERE

ACT Theatre

Bullitt Cabaret

Union and 7th, downtown Seattle

TICKETS

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

Breaking news: COCKTAIL NUTS welcomes special guest Anthony Fedorov!

That's right, in addition to our already stellar line up, Anthony Fedorov will be joining us on Monday September 28! Anthony Fedorov is an American Idol runner-up who will be starring as Joseph in The 5th Avenue Theatre's production of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT from October 10 - November 1, 2009!

So, here is the final fabulous line-up of talent for our inaugural COCKTAIL NUTS on Monday September 28:

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)

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 the inimitable VESSEL.

WHEN

Monday September 28, 2009

Door: 7pm for cocktails and complimentary gourmet snacks

Show: 8pm to 10pm

WHERE

ACT Theatre

Bullitt Cabaret

Union and 7th, downtown Seattle

Tickets will go on sale at ACT by the end of the week. Stay tuned for more information!

Sometimes salty, sometimes spicy, but always entertaining and delicious!

We're bringing back the night magic with COCKTAIL NUTS!

What is COCKTAIL NUTS I hear you ask?

COCKTAIL NUTS is a fabulous evening of live entertainment where cabaret meets variety show. COCKTAIL NUTS is a cross between the spontaneity of Jim Caruso’s Cast Party and the sophistication of Feinstein’s at Loews Regency, with a dash of Merv Griffin and Mike Douglas thrown in for good measure. Gourmet cocktails and snacks will round out a very tasty evening!

And, (drum roll please) COCKTAIL NUTS will be hosted by Seattle's own Rich Gray!

So come and celebrate “Landing the Gig” with the comedy & musical stylings of:

·       Anne Allgood (from ACT Theatre’s upcoming ROCK ‘N’ ROLL)

·       Jessica Skerritt (from Village Theatre’s current CHASING NICOLETTE)

·       The NightClub Gentlemen (the “almost” RAT PACKERS)

·       Also featuring appearances by Bill Robison, Myrna Conn and a Surprise Guest (from The 5th Avenue Theatre)

The pilot for this exciting "cabariety" (hey Webster, I just invented a word!) will occur...

WHEN

Monday September 28

Door: 7pm for specialty cocktails and gourmet snacks

Show: 8pm to 10pm

WHERE

ACT Theatre

Bullitt Cabaret

Union and 7th, downtown Seattle

Stay tuned for more information and how to order tickets!

  

Television Gold! (or is that Television Yellow?)

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

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

From the DVD cover:

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

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

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

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

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

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

The best kind of deja vu...

Contemporary Classics is bringing back ZANNA DON'T! for a limited run at the Seattle Repertory PONCHO Forum, from June 26 to July 5 2009!

I saw this show last summer and it was a blast! Not only was it funny, but I really liked the music too!

Brandon Ivie, who is the Artistic Director of Contemporary Classics is directing the show again, with a lot of the same cast members as last year. Contemporary Classics also presents the concert series New Voices (the next one is August 3 at ACT in the Falls Theatre), which is always a blast, and is introducing Showtune Suckapunch!

From the Facebook event page:

ZANNA, DON'T! is a hip musical fairy tale about a matchmaking teen who turns relationships upside down, challenges our point of view, and changes the world forever. In a world where it's normal to be gay and taboo to be straight when Kate and Steve fall in love it's up to Zanna, the local love fairy, to search for the right spell to make the world safe for the two lovers. But Zanna's spell has a bigger impact than he planned. Is this new world really what he wanted? With a little magic and a fresh pop score, ZANNA celebrates the discovery of love in a world of adversity.

The Seattle production was named one of the Best Musicals of 2008 by Seattle Gay News and won a Seattle Times Footlight Award.

Creative Team
Director: Brandon Ivie
Music Director: Mark Rabe
Set Design: Andrea Bush
Costume Design: Harmony Arnold
Lighting Design: Robert J. Aguilar

Cast
Zanna: Justin Huertas
Steve: Jared Michael Brown
Kate: Sarah Davis
Mike: Connor Russell
Roberta: Diana Huey
Tank: Don Darryl Rivera
Candi: Lindsey Hedberg
Arvin: Arthur Allen

"Few shows have the appeal of ZANNA, DON'T! Something about it's pure sugary hopefulness satisfies a sweet tooth that many of us may have forgotten we have."
-The New York Times

"ZANNA, DON'T! is hands down the gayest thing I have ever seen on stage - and that's a good thing‚ It isn't without a profound message that's bound to put ideas into people's heads."
-Seattle Weekly

"A joyful romp!... ZANNA, DON'T! is a sparkler la John Waters to brighten your Fourth of July celebration."
-The Seattle Times

Hey, ZANNA DON'T! opens next Friday! Better get your tickets soon!

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

Mmmm, tasty theater!

At The Village Theatre gala on May 16, we successfully bid on the live auction item, "Year Of Theatre", as well as the silent

auction item, "Seattle Men's Chorus Subscription". So I finally got around to looking in the goodie bag to see what was there:

(you can sing along...)

On the first day of gala the Village Theatre gave to me:

2 tickets to ACT

2 tickets to Intiman

2 tickets to ArtsWest

2 tickets to Seattle Musical Theatre

2 tickets to THE TEMPEST at Seattle Shakespeare Company

2 tickets to UTOPIA LIMITED at Gilbert & Sullivan Society

2 tickets to On The Boards

2 tickets to Taproot Theatre

4 tickets to Unexpected Productions

Seasons tickets to UW Drama

and Seasons tickets to Seattle Men's Chorus!

I'm really excited about all of these tickets because I've never been to most of these theaters! I've seen productions at ACT, Intiman, SMT and Seattle's Men Chorus, but that is it!

First up, Judd Hirsch in BELOW THE BELT at ACT!

"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!

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”!

CALL IT HOME – Susannah Mars sings the music of Richard Gray

Tuesday April 14, 2009 was the official drop date of Rich Gray and Susannah Mars’ new CD – CALL IT HOME. I’m not sure where the term “drop” comes from, but I’m guessing that it is probably  hold over from the old vinyl days. It is now available on Itunes, Amazon, Tower and LML Music.

I was lucky enough to pick up a copy of CALL IT HOME a while ago, at a performance of A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE (starring Rich Gray) at the Kirkland Performance Centre. I’ve always loved CDs of vocalists who sing “the music of” (such as the Jennifer Warnes/Leonard Cohen FAMOUS BLUE RAINCOAT), because you feel like you get to know two people, the writer and the vocalist.

This is one of those great (but rare) CDs, where you want to listen to every track. My personal favs are Holiday Letter, Food Court Love and Leading Man. Leading Man is the only song on the CD sung by Rich. Rich performed Holiday Letter and Leading Man at a cabaret (I REMEMBER SKY) at ACT THEATRE. Rich is great on the CD, and even more fun to watch perform live! Now that I mention it, it would be great for Susannah and Rich to do a live performance of this CD!

So go out and but yourself a copy! And if you still can’t get enough of Rich and Susannah, they are both appearing in the 5^th Avenue Theatre’s production of SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (April 21- May 10)

Hmmm, maybe I can finally get them to autograph my CD...

An evening of song and dance with the fabulous Krystle Armstrong!

Krystle Armstrong is holding a “THOROUGHLY NEW YORK” evening of song and dance on Monday April 27^th at 7:30pm at the Broadway Performance Hall (get your incredibly cheap $20 tickets now here ).  Krystle, who most recently played Ermengarde in the 5^th Avenue’s production of HELLO DOLLY, and also Belle in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at Village Theatre, is a fabulously talented triple threat! She sings, she dances, and she acts (all for one low ticket price of $20)!

I first met Krystle when she taught my daughter Myrna tap, and then went on to work with her in the week long MERCER GIRLS workshop I did last Fall (she played Miss Annie May Adams). Krystle  will be accompanied at the piano by Christian Duhamel another amazing performer who did the MERCER GIRL workshop, and is currently on tour with the Advenutre Musical Theatre production of MERCER GIRLS!

From her poster:

“Krystle Armstrong has performed at many of Seattle’s finest venues, including The 5^th Avenue Theatre, Village Theatre, and  Seattle Children’s Theatre. Come join her in an evening of story, song, and dance, with musical numbers from some of Krystle’s favorite roles, including “Gimme Gimme” from the hit show THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, “Someone To Watch Over Me”, a classic Gershwin favorite, and many more! This evening will be topped off with a surprise raffle, with items from from show tickets, to dinner for two at some of Seattle’s best restuarants!”

Krystle is trying to raise money to go to New York to pursue her dream of being on Broadway. So buy your tickets, and bring some cash to buy raffle tickets and have a ball!

Contemporary Classics strikes again!

On Monday August 4 I had the great pleasure of attending NEW VOICES 5 at the Poncho Forum at the Seattle Repertory Theatre. Presented by Contemporary Classics (Artistic Director Brandon Ivie, who also hosted the evening), NEW VOICES 5 is the fifth (duh) in a series devoted to showcasing new up and coming musical theatre writing talent.

I love this kind of evening. For $20 you get to hear amazing talent sing cool new songs accompanied only by piano (amazing piano playing actually, by R.J.Tancioco). That’s a value equation that is hard to beat!

From the email I got:

“Now in it's fifth incarnation, the New Voices series is a concert 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, join us for a break from the summer heat for an evening of brand new musical theatre songs.

Composers in this edition include Scott Alan, David A. Austin, Adam Gwon, Michael Kooman & Christopher Dimond, Brian Lowdermilk & Kait Kerrigan, Peter Mills, Orlando Morales, Jeremy Schonfeld, and more.

The young composers featured in New Voices have won such prestigious awards as the Jonathan Larson Foundation Award, the Richard Rodgers Award, Fred Ebb Award, Ed Kleban Award and have had readings, workshops, productions and concerts of the work at Ars Nova, Joe's Pub, The York Theatre, TheatreWorks, Second Stage, National Alliance of Musical Theatre and locally at Village Originals.”

The cast included Casey Craig, Kristin Culp, Antonia Darlene, Sarah Davis, Nick Desantis, Lindsey Hedberg, Diana Huey, Brandon Ivie, Mackenzie Miller, Ryah Nixon, Kat Ramsburg, Don Darryl Rivera, and Billie Wildrick. They were all totally amazing!

The song list included:

“A Way Back to Then” from [title of show]

“Climate Change” by Orlando Morales

“Exit Right” from Songs from an Unmade Bed

“For No Apparent Reason” from Room To Grow

“How Long” from Taxi Cabaret

“His Name” from Piece

“I’m a Star” by Scott Alan

“I’ve Gotta Get Out” from Ordinary Days

“Letting Go” from Writing Arthur

“Quiet” by Jonathan Reid Gealt

“Random Black Girl” from Homemade Fusion

“Say Goodbye” by Scott Alan

“See” from Writing Arthur

“The Sensitive Song” from Cops

“Simple Plan” from Dead Wives Club

“Walking Without You” from Homemade Fusion

“Way Ahead of My Time” from Taxi Cabaret

“Where I Dream” from Writing Arthur

“Why Can’t I Kiss You?” by Jeff Blumenkrantz

There were so many great performances, but some of the highlites for me were “Why Can’t I Kiss You”, “His Name” and “For No Apparent Reason” and “Way Ahead of My Time”.

I can’t wait until NEW VOICES 6, which is coming in December! Yeah!

Fun exceeds the legal limit at the Hollywood Theatre!

We bought our tickets for Donny & Marie at the MGM Grand back in November 2007. We figured we'd get good seats and it would force us to get away for at least a weekend in July 2008. As it turns out, it was a brilliant idea. I don't think we would have gone away for our "Hot and Sweaty 08" vacation in the desert if we hadn't bought those tickets. Of course at the time we didn't know they were going to also do a six month gig at the Flamingo Hotel starting in September!

At the time we also bought tickets that included going to the sound check before the show. That was very cool. About 75 people got to go into the theatre around 6:30pm, and Donny and Marie came out and chatted with us. Donny gave occasional sound notes (Hey guys, I'd prefer a real acoustic guitar for "The Twelfth of Never") but mostly it was just hanging around, eating a quick snack before the next show. Marie came out first munching on some ice cream. She looked amazing. She's lost over 40 pounds and looks fab. I asked her if she was considering doing Broadway again (She did THE KING AND I and THE SOUND OF MUSIC). She said she's had three offers but is really looking for a day gig since she has 8 (count 'em, 8!) kids, including a five year old. I knew that as a youngin' I had a huge crush on Donny, but what I didn't know was that my husband had (or should I say "has") a huge crush on Marie! It never occurred to me that she was a teen heartthrob - duh! So needless to say he was dumbstruck during the sound check and didn't ask any questions. It was like his "Mark Hamill moment" when he saw Luke Skywalker in the lobby of the Marquis Theatre in New York and stood frozen! But I digress…

We came back for the show at 8:30pm and had a-mah-zing seats! The theatre seats about 1500, but we were at a table that had a railing in front of it so there wasn't anybody in front of us at our eye level. It was as if Donny & Marie were performing just for us (weren't they?). The couple sharing our table was from Utah and their daughter had actually dated Donny's son, Brandon. Too cool!

The audience might have been made up of 40+ women and their husbands, but we screamed like teenyboppers when Donny & Marie came out singing. They had singers and dancers and a great band. They did a few rockin' numbers together (eg. Dancing in the Streets) and then each did their own segment. First Marie went and started with (of course) "Paper Roses" and then went on to do a varied set of rock, country, Broadway and opera! I never realized what a versatile, powerful voice she has! Marie invited one lucky male audience member up on stage with her and challenged him to a water chug (he won the first time, they tied the second time). Apparently she prides herself on her water chug! Then of course she had to sing her Broadway medley with a belly 'o water! Did you know her "Dancing with The Stars" partner Jonathan choreographed her dances for her segment? Now you do!

Donny started his segment with "Soldier of Love" his 80s comeback hit (he was helped in that stage of his career by Peter Gabriel - who knew?) Of course we all sang along for the "na na na na na na na na I’m a soldier of Love' bit. Did you know Donny has two grandkids? Now you do. Then he did a medley of hits from his favorite singer, Stevie Wonder and really danced up a storm. Did you know Donny broke his neck body surfing and had to have his neck fused? Now you do! Then he gave us a medley of his hits (Go Away Little Girl, Puppy Love etc.) When he sang the lyric "someone help me, help me" my table mate and I stood up and screamed "I'll help you!" . Sort of like the time my Swedish friend and I chased Rene Simard to his limo. But I digress…

Donny finished his segment off with "Any Dream Will Do" from JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, which he toured for six years! I saw him twice in Toronto. It seems like such a long time ago!

Then Donny and Marie got back together for a dance off (Marie won) and "I'm a Little Bit Country/I'm a Little Bit Rock and Roll" and a medley of the hits they had together. They ended with their classic goodbye song from their tv show:



May tomorrow be a perfect day

May you find love and laughter along the way

May God keep you in His tender care

Til He brings us together again…Goodnight everybody!



<sigh> Back to reality…

THE SHOW GIRL MUST GO ON!

As I write this post, I’m wearing my super cool "Bette Midler The Showgirl Must Go On" T-shirt! My husband and I finally got away on a much deserved "awaycation" (we already had a "staycation" with the kids earlier in the month. The final leg of our "Hot and Sweaty 08" tour was Las Vegas (following triple digit weather in Palm Springs)) to see Bette Midler in concert at The Coloseum at Caesar's Palace, as well as Donny & Marie (yes, I'm over 40, duh!) at the MGM Grand's Hollywood Theatre. But more on D&M in another post…

We don't smoke or gamble, so there is really only two other (legal) things to do in Vegas - see a show and hang out by the pool. Friday night we sent to see Bette Midler in The Coloseum, the ginormongus 4,000 seater theatre that was built for Celine Dion. It is currently being shared by Elton John and Cher. You can't get more seventies than that! We had bought our tickets a while back, so we had awesome seats, although there was a large screen for those seated in the nosebleed seats.

What an awesome show! Bette started with "Big Noise From Winnetka" and "The Show Girl Must Go On" and came out in a sparkly silver pantsuit, very Vegas. She had three amazing back up singers (The Staggering Harlettes) an amazing band, and a great line up of chorus girls (The Caesar Salad girls, with as little dressing as possible!). It's hard to believe she is 60 years old, running back and forth across that huge stage, and jumping up and down in a mermaid costume while singing and dancing! She is so funny, and so much fun to watch. Of course, no body sings with such emotion as Bette. She's the only singer I know who can make me cry just by singing. She did a crowd-pleasing set of her hits:

In The Mood, From A Distance (which she sang barefoot, in contrast to her usual six inch heels!), Do You Wanna Dance, The Rose (which included audiences waving their cell phones back and forth like lighters), Hello in There, and Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.

She also did wonderfully zany segments as the finned "Dolores Delago" and "Soph", the oldest living showgirl -- "they gave me a f%@#$%ing chihuahua?"

Bette closed the show with Wind Beneath My Wings. I could listen to her forever!