Results tagged “Myrna” from Blogway Baby
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Look Ma, I'm on Playbill!
How exciting -- only 9 days until the 10th Annual Festival of New Musicals at Village Theatre begins in Issaquah! And only 11 days until PLANE CRAZY takes off on August 14 at 2:00pm! And only 11 days until you can see my daughter Myrna Conn in the Brian Yorkey/Tom Kitt musical IN YOUR EYES at 7:30pm!
Oh, and did you happen to catch this fabulous article on Playbill:
By Adam Hetrick
02 Aug 2010
In Your Eyes, the 2002 high school-set musical by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning writers Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt, will be developed during the Village Theatre's Festival of New Musicals in Issaquah, WA.
Running Aug. 12-15, the 10th annual private showcase will develop six new musicals as part of the Village Originals series. Yorkey and Kitt previously developed their hit musical Next to Normal at the Village under the working title Feeling Electric. Yorkey previously served as associate artistic director of the Village Theatre and will also direct Jesus Christ Superstar there in June 2011.
Here's a look at the 2010 Village Originals works:
In Your Eyes
Book and lyrics by Yorkey; music by Kitt
"The students of Lakeshore high school are sent into a full-blown lock down (not to mention a flood of animosity, fear, and insecurity) when a plot of gun violence is suspected. As a group of unsupervised students attempts to make sense of the chaos, they end up learning more about themselves and their classmates—from the troubled rocker spitting lyrics, to the sarcastic fashionista pointing fingers from her pedestal."
Book and lyrics by Brian Hargrove; music by Barbara Anselmi
"What begins as a typical wedding, replete with indecisive mothers and jealous siblings, escalates to new levels of hysteria in this outrageous new musical comedy. As dissatisfied mothers fire snide comments at one another and ex-boyfriends make unsolicited appearances, arguments arise and secrets unfurl. With an uproarious score, It Shoulda Been You is a rollercoaster of laughs full of shocking twists that will leave your head spinning."
Buddy's Tavern
Book by Raymond De Felitta; music by Kim Oler; lyrics by Alison Hubbard
Based on the movie "Two Family House," written and directed by Raymond De Felitta
"Despite a pattern of failed professional endeavors, ambitious Buddy Visalo refuses to accept defeat. The year is 1956, and much to the chagrin of his wife, Buddy is setting out to open a flourishing bar where he can pursue his true passion: singing. Unfortunately, nothing ever seems to go quite as planned for Buddy, whose dreams are smothered by financial woes, his wife’s doubts, and, to add to the chaos, an Irish American tenant with a mixed race child. Torn between his conscience and the pressure of his peers, Buddy is transported onto a road of twists and turns that just might lead to everything he’s ever wanted."
Plane Crazy
Book, music and lyrics by Suzy Conn
"Attention, attention please. Now boarding is Faith Hope, winner of the Miss Teen Toledo pageant and recent graduate of the Venus Airlines Stewardess Academy. It’s 1965, and Faith is about to learn that being a stewardess is more about girdles and groping hands than onboard meals and emergency exits. Just as Faith enters the fray, Venus Airlines takes on a bold, new advertising symbol of the living breathing example of blossoming female sexuality…the stewardess. Little do they know that their chosen 'Miss Venus,' the once naïve Faith Hope, will soon become their worst nightmare: empowered. This quirky and upbeat new musical is an uplifting and hilarious story about fighting back and demanding respect."
Cloaked
Book by Michelle Elliott, music by Danny Larsen; lyrics by Michelle Elliott and Danny Larsen
"In this potent new musical, a young girl and a heroic knight venture into the woods in search of love and identity…but who are they, really? In the online world, you never know. This tantalizing tale will lead you deep into the dangerous, yet extraordinarily alluring landscape of the internet, where you can escape from reality and create a different life…but what happens when right and wrong become blurred and you lose yourself in the fantasy? With a modern, innovative score that blends computerized tones and haunting melodies, this intriguing story explores the reality of what the internet has become: a wilderness that can be your best friend or your worst nightmare."
Lincoln In Love
Book and lyrics by Peter Kellogg; music by David Friedman
"Step into history and watch as the young Abraham Lincoln dips in and out of trouble and makes his way as a future political leader. In the year 1842, young Abe is found slipping into the shoes of an aspiring lawyer, not to mention serving as a comedian among the townspeople. Enter the fervent and beautiful Ms. Mary Todd, who sends the young men of Springfield into a romantic flutter. This whirlwind new musical will take you through a witty and inspirational adventure as this future President grapples with his everyday ways and takes on his first real defense trial—while fumbling with the temptations of love and marriage."
Click here for information on how to see these shows at the Festival by becoming a Village Originals Member!
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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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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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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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The name says it all.
I am so excited to see Anne Allgood at COCKTAIL NUTS with your host Rich Gray on Monday September 28. Anne is the consummate performer. She has appeared on Broadway, national tours, every major theatre in Seattle, and now...COCKTAIL NUTS!
I first saw Anne onstage in THE WOMEN at ACT (see the picture below, that's Anne in the blue hat). She was hilarious. And then I saw her in MEMPHIS and SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE at The 5th Avenue Theatre, and most recently in DAS BARBECU at ACT Theatre. Anne can sing anything - from Sondheim to country and western! She'll make you laugh and then tear your heart out. Ouch!
And not only is Anne an amazing performer, she is an incredible voice coach.
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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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
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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Esquire magazine calls VESSEL one of the “Best Bars in America.”
Well, that very same VESSEL will be providing beverages and gourmet snacks at the COCKTAIL NUTS with your host Rich Gray on Monday September 28!
(Of course, soft drinks will also be available)
VESSEL became my favorite bar in Seattle when I walked in and saw a bottle of Hubertus behind the bar. I've never seen a bar with Hubertus, my favorite Hungarian digestif. Trust me, with all that goulash you need a good digestif.
Oh, and the fact that the bartender was using a small blowtorch on something in a glass. We asked him what he was doing, and he replied "I'm brulee-ing figs".
Nuff said.
We've sampled many a cocktail from their wonderful menu including one of my all time summer favs, Pimm's No. 1 Cup! My husband is partial to their Whiskey Sour. Everything is made with such inventiveness, care, and flair it is a welcome respite from the usual drinks you typically get in bars. And did you know they were the first to have a special ice maker (there are only three in Seattle) that makes their ice super cold so it doesn't melt quickly and dilute the drinks?
And, drum roll please, VESSEL is developing a special COCKTAIL NUTS cocktail!
It's a secret so you'll have to buy tickets and come to see the show on Monday September 28 to find out what it is!
Tickets are $35 which includes delicious gourmet snacks. Cash bar featuring a specialty COCKTAIL NUTS cocktail.
For TICKETS, call the ACT box office at (206) 292-7676 or visit the COCKTAIL NUTS ticket page at acttheatre.org
So let's recap:
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
And visit the Cocktail Nuts Facebook event page!
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COCKTAIL NUTS got a post BOING BOING, one of the premiere blogs on the planet*, with traffic in the millions of visitors per month. Thanks Cory!
Since Cory Doctorow, who is co-editor of BOING BOING, is a huge tiki nut, perhaps COCKTAIL NUTS should do a tiki-themed show soon.
Meanwhile, here is 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
And visit the Cocktail Nuts Facebook event page!
*Earth
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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
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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Shine a Light on Camp Broadway!
My oldest daughter Myrna was lucky enough to attend Camp Broadway in New York a few years back and it was indeed a life-changing experience. Not only did she work with Broadway professionals, it was with Camp Broadway that she was able to attend the Tony Awards hosted by Hugh Jackman. And, her picture still comes up on the Camp Broadway website.
Camp Broadway has really grown over the years thanks to a dedicated and hard-working staff. So when I got this information from Susan Lee, I wanted to share it with y'all right away!
I wanted to make you aware of an exciting opportunity for Camp Broadway...
Later this afternoon Mrs. Patricia Smith (a mom whose daughter was given a scholarship to attend Camp Broadway this summer) is going to nominate Camp Broadway in American Express' "Shine A Light" Competition, a national search for a small business that has had a positive social impact on their community. To be eligible, (1) the company must be a private, independently-owned and operated business, (2) organized for profit and operates primarily in the US, (3) has less than 100 employees with revenues under $10 million and (4) accepts the American Express card. Camp Broadway is eligible.
The judging will be based on: An inspiring story about a small business that has devised a new way of working in order to survive tough times ("innovation"), still finds ways to give back to the community, even when staying afloat is a challenge ("community") and continually demonstrates a "customer first" mentality, and during challenging times recognizes that connections are more important than ever ("customer service).
Once the nomination is posted it needs to get a minimum of 50 votes NO LATER THAN September 13 at 11:59 PM ET to be considered by the judges. Our team is hereby requesting your support of our nomination... Please go to http://shinealight.ivillage.com/ later tonight or soon thereafter and vote for CB if you believe our work over the last 15 years merits consideration. We believe there is an opportunity for you to add your own comment about how we have helped you, your family, a person you know and/or the community at large. If you have something nice to say, we would appreciate your adding it to the nomination.
You might also take a moment to review the other nominations. I hope you agree that we are worthy to be considered in this group.
The winning small business will receive $50,000 and $50,000 in marketing support. Someone has to win...why not Camp Broadway? You can encourage your friends around the country to vote for us too if you believe that a little company that is dedicated to theatre arts education for kids, whether or not they can afford it, deserves a helping hand.
Our staff, teaching artists and all the kids we work with appreciate your support (now as always).
Love and thanks,
Susan
What are you waiting for? Vote!
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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
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!
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Go, go, go Trinity!
I'm super duper excited about The 5th Avenue Theatre's JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT playing October 10 - November 1, 2009.
And it's not just because the show is super fun, and I've watched the Donny Osmond DVD a thousand times.
And it's not just because Anthony Fedorov (former American Idol runner-up) is playing Joseph.
And it's not just because the cast will be wearing spandex unitards and golden cow heads (I hope!).
No, no, no it's because my daughter, Trinity is in the children's choir! How cool is that! Over 150 kids auditioned and Trinity got in!
She's been in rehearsals twice a week since August... and things really heat up next week. Soon she'll be rehearsing every day! Luckily she has a few friends in the choir and we've put together a massively intricate carpool (actually the other moms have done most of the organizing, I just try to remember to show up when it's my turn!)
So, when JOSEPH starts, three out of four of the Conns will have been on the 5th Avenue Theatre stage -- Myrna was a performance intern in HELLO DOLLY, I had a walk-on in HELLO DOLLY, and of course, Trinity is in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT.
Now if I can jut get my husband Grad up there...
Stay tuned for more posts!
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I'll catch up if I can!
I apologize for not blogging more over the summer. It's just that it was hot, hot, hot in my office and when the house temperature reaches my internal body temperature (98 degrees), my brain ceases to function. That means my fingers won't type. Hence, no posts.
But looking back over those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, I seem to recall that lots of fun theatre-going was had by the Conns.
For example:
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN at The 5th Avenue Theatre!
DAS BARBECU at ACT!
Highlights:
1. Getting to see Anne Allgood and Billie Wildrick and Rich Gray in the same show! (Oh wait, I already did that with SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE)
2. Love that country music!
3. Now I can talk intelligently about the plot of THE RING with my opera-loving sister :)
4. Becoming members of ACT for only $25! Now I can go see shows as many times as I want for free!
WINNIE THE POOH at YOUTH THEATRE NORTHWEST!
SHOWBOAT at THE VILLAGE THEATRE!
Highlights:
1. Listening to the fabulous voice of Richard Todd Adams as Gaylord Ravenal.
2. Finally seeing this magnificent show in its entirety on stage, and not just the clips from THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT!
3. Getting to meet Maria and baby Nate!
ORANGE FLOWER WATER at ACT
1,000 CLOWNS at INTIMAN
GILBERT AND SULLIVAN at THE SEATTLE REP!
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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
Bullitt Cabaret
Union and 7th, downtown Seattle
Stay tuned for more information and how to order tickets!
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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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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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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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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 27th at 7:30pm at the Broadway Performance Hall (get your incredibly cheap $20 tickets now here ). Krystle, who most recently played Ermengarde in the 5th 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 5th 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!
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Dolly'll never go away again... Well, it's over folks. My time as a Performance Intern in the 5th Ave Theatre's production of Hello, Dolly! officially ended on March 29, 2009... Sad panda. However, it was a hectic and amazing month of performances that I will always remember!! I have learned so much from this experience, and I felt so privileged to be able to share the stage with some of Seattle's best talent :) Unfortunately, it was such a busy time that I was not able to make daily accounts of my adventures, but here is a wrap-up post that will summarize the crazy month I just had...
So, the day after opening night, I wasn't feeling so well. It wasn't until after Sunday Clothes that it got really bad, and sure enough, I got sick backstage. :( It was so bad that I didn't go on stage and was sent home at intermission! It was very very sad to hear MY song!!! go by without me there on stage to enjoy it... Sigh. But that's show biz. Fortunately I felt better the next day, and was able to go back to doing my thang on the 5th Ave stage =)
One of the most special performances would probably have to be when my mom went on for her walk-on role! April 26th, Suzy Conn graced the stage as train rider/waver/kiss blower in Put on Your Sunday Clothes. She looked awesome in her white costume, big hat, and lace up boots :) A post from her point of view to come, stay tuned!!!
Closing Night (or should I say...day...hehe) was unbelievably bittersweet. It had been such a crazy, tiring night... 8 shows a week and then getting up early to go to a full day of school the next day? Not to mention homework? Yikes. But even when I thought I might not make it to the curtain call, it was worth it, for the audiences always went crazy at the end! What can I say, who doesn't like Hello Dolly? :D The closing party was at Palomino, and I definitely had enough pizza to last me for the rest of the year :P It was nice to be able to say some last goodbyes before the inevitable post-show depression :S
To sum it up, I had the best experience of my life doing this show. I learned so much from watching and performing, and I hope this isn't my last show at the 5th Ave Theatre! I hope all who were able to got the chance to come see this amazing production with the most amazing cast ever, and I will never forget how nice everybody was to this little intern! Speaking of, shout-out to the brilliant interns :D
TOTAL (goal=150): 202 HOURS
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Here we go, folks, the post you've all been waiting for!!! This weekend, we had our first preview of Hello, Dolly! at the 5th Ave Theatre in Seattle, with me starring (okay, maybe not starring...exactly...) as a Performance Intern! On Saturday morning, we had our first dress rehearsal. It was really useful because I got a good estimate as to how long I have to get ready. The interns' wig call is during It Takes a Woman (Reprise), so I had to do my pincurls and young girl make-up (lots of rosy cheeks!) before this song. I also started watching the show from the television in the green room upstairs, since the house wasn't available to us anymore.
After the dress rehearsal, we staged the bows. The interns have the first (and best, teehee!) bow, so make sure you cheer super loud if/when you come see the show right when the curtain comes up at the end!!! Hopefully during rehearsals before previews we'll be able to incorporate the entire Finale Ultimo (Hello, Dolly! megamix) during the bows. But right now it's just the "Hello Dolly" part of the medley when Jenifer comes out after her incredibly quick change into a white dress...
Over dinner break, my parents took me to Taste (one of my favorite restaurants, if you hadn't figured it out ;D), and then it was back to the theatre for our first preview!! I already had all my make-up and pincurls on/in, so all I had to do were a few touch-ups before the interns swarmed into the booth. When the orchestra started playing, it finally hit me: this was going to be amazing. I was quick to get into my wig and costume, and it seemed like the act was going on super speed. Before I knew it we were singing Sunday Clothes!! NOTE: We had our first walk-on this night!
I watched some of the show from the television in the green room. The funniest thing I saw would probably have to be that the door to the hat shop was broken/locked, so actors had to go through the invisible walls of the hat shop to get to the scene. Ah, the theatre!
Soon enough, Dancing was going, and it was time for me to grab my flag and wait backstage for my entrance! I focused up and calmed myself, and then I was walking on in the dark behind the scrim...and the lights came up!!! When I turned around to sing the ensemble's first lyric, I was overwhelmed by the full house!! By what I can remember, I did everything well, and with more enthusiasm and energy than ever before! The confetti cannons went off, and the audience burst into applause, and it was over. I walked offstage with the best feeling in the world. I could do this all day!!
The rest of the show went well, and I couldn't stop smiling during the bows. Once the curtain came down, it was a mad rush to the dressing rooms, but even so, I was still the last one out... :P It was one of the most exciting nights of my life, for I'd achieved a dream I'd had ever since I saw Camelot at the 5th during my first visit to Seattle.
Sunday brought the same kind of exhilaration during my performance, although I was able to relax a bit easier during the second act and do some homework. However, I did go to get my wig on a tad late, and had to interrupt it by running to the booth to sing Sunday Clothes just in time. Then I went back to finish the process of turning me into a blonde :)
After the show, we had our dinner break (which included some of the interns, including me, walking all the way to the end of PIke Place Market, only to decide to eat at the Subway at the beginning of the strip...sigh! :P), and then it was back to DAT5 for rehearsal! While the hat shop scene(s) were being worked onstage, the ensemble went down to the rehearsal studios to work dancing, staging, and music. We had cake at one of our breaks to celebrate Krystle and Bojohn's birthdays (cast members), and we had to say goodbye to our beloved assistant choreographer, Stephen Reed! We miss you!
It was a very long day, but full of fun and totally worth it! I made my premiere performance at the 5th Ave Theatre, and I basically lived at the theatre for an entire weekend! Stay tuned for more updates on rehearsals and an upcoming month of performances!!!
FOR TICKETS: Visit this website, call (206) 625.1900, or go to the Box Office at the theatre between Union and University...on 5th Ave. =D
TOTAL (goal=150): 114 HOURS
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Shows may change, but tech remains the same: a long process that is critical to the show's success, but highlights the well-known saying "Hurry up and wait."
On Tuesday, the two main sections of the show that we "tech"-ed were Put on Your Sunday Clothes and the hat shop scene(s). The interns were called later in the day, since they are not required for the majority of the morning work. Once at the theatre, I did some more watching! One of my favorite parts of the show would have to be Suzanne Bouchard singing Ribbons Down My Back. She has such an amazing voice and presence on stage that I could watch her for HOURS! I also learned about "comedy door" today. Comedy door is when you open the door and do a full rotation to close it... Makes the simple act of entering a hat shop way funnier! =D
On Wednesday, we "tech"-ed MY SCENE!!!! Also commonly known as Before the Parade Passes By. I got fully dressed and made up, with my wig on and my glasses off. I grabbed my flag and proceeded to watch the beautifully dressed parade go back and forth across the stage! Considering I couldn't really see anything (I don't have contacts), I think I did a pretty good job of not getting run over by a lamp post... :P At the end of the number, the "Spirit of 14th Street" float comes onto the stage with a couple of strategically placed confetti cannons! Yes, that's right, CONFETTI CANNONS. Don't miss this show.
Also on Wednesday, there was a Meet & Greet hosted by Rock Bottom in the lobby of the theatre for board members, cast and crew, etc. This actor can't refuse a free meal, so during the dinner break I grabbed some pasta and introduced myself to the room when we all lined up along the edge of the balcony lobby. It really opened my eyes as to the fact that this theatre community is truly one big family that needs so many people to work properly. No one is unimportant in this business; we are all a part of the puzzle that is Hello, Dolly!
When Thursday came around, they had to re-do some parts of the Harmonia Gardens scenes. I was SO excited to see these, because the set is totally amazing and the Waiter's Gallop occurs at this point in the show... I love dancing and these guys are AMAZING. Also, the classic number Hello, Dolly! is part of this mega-scene, and Jenifer looks, sounds, and IS fantastic!! The audience is going to go crazy for this number.
The interns have also started finding ways to fill their free time. These include decorating our dressing room with the theme "Neverland," buying loaves of bread, stretching/working out, napping, and doing homework! We are also available for emergency Specialty's cookie runs and parking validation!
On Friday, we finished "tech"-ing the show!!!! That was what we did in the morning, at least. After dinner break, we came back, got into mics, and started our Wanderprobe. In a Wanderprobe, you sing the songs of the show with blocking, but skip all the scenes and don't use costumes or scenery. It was also our first time with the orchestra, which can only be described as heavenly. This is probably one of the best orchestras in musical theatre that I have ever heard, no joke. With the large ensemble that this production has and the abundance of talent on this stage, we sound ridiculously good if I don't say so myself. ;-) It was pretty exciting to be on the 5th Ave stage, singing Before the Parade Passes By to a full orchestra. Living the dream. :)
I'm going to make a separate post for the weekend, in which we had our first preview and some great times! ;) Keep reading!
FOR TICKETS: Visit this website, call (206) 625.1900, or go to the Box Office at the theatre between Union and University...on 5th Ave. =D
TOTAL (goal=150): 90 HOURS
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It's been a very busy week, but today I'm going to catch up on all my posts!! :)
So, Saturday of last week (February 28) marked the beginning of Hello, Dolly! tech week at the 5th Ave Theatre! However, they started with the hardest part of the show: the Harmonia Gardens scene(s), which do not include the female ensemble until the very end (polka!). Therefore, the girls had a music rehearsal in DAT5, conveniently located just below the theatre. We learned the Finale Ultimo, aka the awesome megamix for the end of the show!! :P This was my last day of storing my belongings in the cubbies in this wonderful rehearsal space, and I couldn't believe we were already one week away from our first preview!!!
Also, earlier that day, I had my costume fitting! I am one of the two female interns who are not in the marching band in Before the Parade Passes By, so I get to be a "little" girl -- black Mary Jane shoes, a pink ankle-length skirt, a detailed cream blouse, and a pink and light green "capelet"! I am really really excited about this costume, especially since it is kind of the first "period" costume I've ever worn...
Sunday was my first official day of hardcore tech rehearsal. We started from the top of the show, so the interns all gathered in the booth (pictured above) to sing the opening number. In the booth, we have a "recording studio" microphone to sing into which is fed and mixed into the house. We also have a small TV which shows our conductor, Joel, so we can stay with the music. There's a little space heater by the door, as well as a speaker above the door so we can hear David and...sometimes...Joel. :D
After they moved on to the next part of the show (I Put My Hand in There), most of the interns made their way down to the house to watch rehearsal. The seats are nice and comfortable, and it's really cool to watch Jenifer Lewis have fun up on the stage. Also, the 5th Ave auditorium is BEAUTIFUL, and such a pleasure to be in. Then, the female interns made their way to the hair department to take a look at our wigs... All but two of us have boy wigs, for the marching band, and I am...wait for it...BLONDE!!!! I have two blonde braids, and I look like a completely different person! I also learned how to do pincurls today... :S They will need practice.
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It was a long but fun weekend!! Stay tuned for more backstage blogging on my life as a Performance Intern!!
FOR TICKETS: Visit this website, call (206) 625.1900, or go to the Box Office at the theatre between Union and University...on 5th Ave. =D
TOTAL (goal=150): 52 HOURS
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I'm the one on Sutton's right (aka the left) in the grey. Fridays at the 5th, August 29, 2008. Go see Shrek.
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This year (in addition to doing Urinetown =S) I had the pleasure of doing the 5th Avenue Theatre's Musical Theatre Camp. It ran from August 11-23 at the Theatre Puget Sound facilities in the Seattle Center... which was quite convenient because Urinetown was just downstairs! There were 4 groups of "Seniors," and then one group of "Juniors." The Seniors had class from 10-6, while the Juniors had class from 10-3. It was SOO MUCH FUN!
The camp consisted of 5 classes every day (for the Seniors) with an hour break for lunch =) Some of the classes were Song Interpretation, Vocal Technique, Text Analysis, Fundamentals of Dance, and Broadway Dance! In addition to these classes, we were cast in four production numbers (with all the Juniors doing their own). I was in Paris Original (from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying), but the other three numbers were The Three Bs from Best Foot Forward, The Ballad of Sweeney Todd from Sweeney Todd, and Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats from Cats!
I really love this camp because the final performance isn't open to parents or those who aren't involved in the camp. Unlike other theatre camps that I've been involved in, the pressure of the last performance isn't really there, making the process of putting these numbers together much more fun!
I definitely recommend the 5th Ave classes and workshops to anyone who is interested in musical theatre or even wants to make it their career, because they have amazing instructors and valuable information for anyone who loves to perform!
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You should all come see me (Myrna Conn) in Seattle Children's Theatre's production of Urinetown the Musical! It opened on Friday at the Center House Theatre and had two performances on Saturday. Performances restart on Tuesday evening and the last performance (tear) will be on Saturday, August 23, 2008. So don't miss your chance to see a hilarious musical about a world in the future in which you must pay to pee because of a severe drop in the water table.
Directed by Don Fleming, this full length production ends Seattle Children's Theatre's Summer Season '08 on an incredibly funny but shockingly relevant note, addressing our dependance on water that is becoming more and more precious each day as our world population keeps growing. With such songs as "It's a Privilege to Pee," "Don't Be the Bunny," and "Run Freedom Run," you can't help but love this extremely strange but wonderful show.
So make sure you check it out! Here is an official information page on the performances. If you plan on buying tickets "at the door" you have to go to the Seattle Children's Theatre box office... Plus, I'm in it. So yeah! =)
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One Singular Sensation! (lol tis a bit overused but WHATEVS)
Last week I saw the Saturday matinee performance of A CHORUS LINE's national tour at the Paramount Theatre. It was CRAMAZING! Oh my goodness, I think this was the best production of CHORUS LINE that I've ever seen. This tour opened in Denver, CO at the Buell Theatre on May 4, 2008. Seattle is the 5th stop on the tour.
The cast was stellar. Of course, my favorite was Hollie Howard as Maggie - see her bio here (scroll down). Notice how under "Favorites" there's the one, the only PLANE CRAZY! She was also fantastic as Holly Banks in the NYMF 2005 production of PLANE CRAZY. Other favorites included Jessica Latshaw as Kristine, Colt Prattes as Al and u/s Mike, Clyde Alves as Mike, Gabrielle Ruiz as Diana, and Kevin Santos as Paul! However, everyone was really good and brought a new dimension to their character that I had never seen in any A CHORUS LINE production before.
The set was the same as the Broadway revival that I saw in New York (which closes today... tear). Simple yet powerful. The choreography was old school CHORUS LINE (well of course) and... everything was just fabola. Paul's speech moved me (and my dad, the fantastic Microsoft employee and avid theatre fan Grad Conn) more than ever before, and What I Did For Love was even more poignant with Gabrielle Ruiz's spectacular performance as Diana Morales... who coincidentally sings my favorite song in the show, Nothing.
In conclusion, WOW. I would definitely count this show as one of my favorite theatre experiences ever, and you should definitely check it out if it's coming to a theatre near you! Check out the tour schedule here.
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For those of you who have been waiting for hours for the past three days, refreshing the BlogwayBaby home page every 5 minutes in the hopes that a new post would appear, I'm very sorry. My mother and I went to San Jose to see Wishful Drinking (post to come), Carrie Fisher's one-woman show about her life and such. 'Twas excellent.
We stayed at the Fairmont San Jose, which was the best hotel ever. It was across the street from both the San Jose Museum of Art and the Tech Museum of Innovation. It was also walking distance from many restaurants and stores and such. There was a Starbucks 2 minutes (walking) away, and the San Jose Repertory, where the show was, was probably 4 minutes (walking) away. I definitely recommend this hotel if you plan on staying in San Jose, and want to have a good time.
We got room service by the pool (delish chicken and cheese quesadilla) and read historical fiction novels about the Tudors... :D Plus, we definitely saw Carrie Fisher. Like at the pool. No jokes. So we stared at her as she walked into her hotel room which had a patio that opened out onto the 4th floor pool. Mark Hamill/Marie Osmond moment...... for Suzy Conn =O
So, I will be posting again this week. I know you missed me >:-)
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From an article on Bloomberg.com:
July 10 (Bloomberg) -- The acclaimed Broadway rock musical Passing Strangewill close on July 20 after a six-month run, its producers announced today.
Investors haven't recouped any of the $5 million the show cost on Broadway.
The coming-of-age story of a young black American musician in bohemian Amsterdam and Berlin wowed critics but never attracted a mass audience. Last week it played to just over one- third capacity and was the lowest-grossing show on Broadway, taking in $176,068.
Not going to lie, did not love their performance at the Tonys. However, it did show how Broadway is evolving. It definitely was not "traditional" Broadway that some young people (not my friends...hehe) shun. Therefore, we must take a moment of silence to mourn this loss.
Okay, moment's over.
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This is my second Fourth of July in the United States, but my first one occurred in 2001... So, it's going to be fun! Dig out your red, white, and blue clothes, put out your American flags, and starting baking that apple pie! Oh, and fireworks are patriotic too :D
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Hey, wait a second! I definitely have not introduced myself yet! I'm Myrna, Suzy's daughter and brand new blogger. You may remember me from this or maybe even this but I thought a formal introduction was needed. I am now going to be an official poster on this wonderful blog, so you can look forward to my insights EVERY DAY for the REST OF THE SUMMER. :-)
I have been involved in theatre for my entire life, because my mother is a writer... Duh. I started being in shows when I was about 9, and haven't looked back ever since! Now that I'm in Seattle, my involvement in theatre has QUADRUPLED, and I love it! I read up on musical theatre, listen to musical theatre, youtube musical theatre, and take part in musical theatre. Therefore, I believe that I am very qualified for this job =D
I also love TV. Here is a short list of the shows that I watch from the top of my head: Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Dancing with the Stars, America's Next Top Model, Brothers & Sisters, THE LIST GOES ON. So don't be surprised when an analysis of the most recent DWTS appears on this blog. It will happen, so I hope you're prepared.
Well, I've kind of run out of things to say about myself. I'm your average teenage theatre dork and I'd like to say that I'm proud of it. >:-) I hope this post has inspired you to check back EVERY DAY for fun and exciting things going on in musical theatre (and other places...). After all, who knows what will happen during Summer '08! Cheers :D
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For the last 24 hours Myrna has been the 'bliss child'...and she is overwhelmingly excited at winning the role of Annie in the upcoming City Youth Players production ofAnnie Warbucks.
Annie Warbucks continues the story of Little Orphan Annie...and in fact the first bar of the musical picks up where the last bar of Annieended.
Written by the original Annie team of Thomas Meehan (Book), Martin Charnin (Lyrics), and Charles Strouse (Music), Annie Warbucks opened July 6, 1993 and ran for 200 performances and 38 previews, all Off-Broadway. Although it wasn't the blockbuster of the originalAnnie which opened April 21, 1977 and ran for 2,377 performances, Annie Warbucks was favorably reviewed and has had a great second life in licensing because smaller regional theaters like to put Annie and Annie Warbucks on back-to-back, like an old-fashioned serial.
In the story, the action picks up right where Annie leaves off, when Child Welfare Commissioner Harriet Doyle arrives on the scene to inform Daddy Warbucks he must marry in sixty days so the newly adopted Annie can have a proper mother. In the end, Daddy Warbucks' whirlwind search for a fitting bride uncovers not only a plot by Doyle and her daughter to strip him of his fortune, but also his true feelings for Grace Farrell.
Full of peppy melodies, plenty of laughs, marvelous choreography, smart sets, bright lights and snappy costumes"
--The New York Times
"ANNIE WARBUCKS is an enormously entertaining evening!"
--The New York Daily News
"Surefire family fun! Charles Strouse's tunes are charmers. Well worth catching"
--New York Magazine
The production will be staged in late November at the Vaughn City Playhouse...stay tuned to Blogway Baby for dates and ticket information!
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Well, I finally got to see the full up production of Captain Louie. As you may have read in my previous post, I had seen the reading at NYMF last year. I went with my producer (and friend)Michael Rubinoff so we were able to get comps! Yahoo!
What I didn't know was that this piece started over 20 years ago! One of the producers, Meridee Stein (who also directs it; her husband Anthony Stein adapted the original children's book The Trip by Ezra Jack Keats for the musical) had approached Steven Schwartz about writing a children's musical and he signed on.
In 1983/84, The Trip played in New York City and then at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. In 2000 the creative team revisited the show and decided to expand it into an hour-long piece. New scenes and songs were added, as was a new character. The production was finally mounted at the York Theatre at Lexington and 54th. I found out that some of the original cast from 20 years ago have since grown up and brought their kids to see this production -- how cool is that?
Jimmy Dieffenbach plays Louie and is wonderful. I saw him at NYMF and some of the cast has changed but all are amazing young performers. The set, choreography and use of projections are charming. The music is extremely catchy and it's great to see a kid-targeted musical with sophisticated music and lyrics. But it's still loads of fun and extremely accessible. A delightful hour of theater!
BTW [ahem] -- My daughter Myrna would be perfect as Roberta/Mouse.
It closes today at the York Theatre and I’m not exactly sure where it is going next. It is a very urban musical and I think it would be great in a city like Toronto. I believe a certain producer friend of mine thinks so too...
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Glad you asked.
My daughter Myrna is involved withCamp Broadway. Last year she spent a week at Camp Broadway taking dance, singing, and acting classes in the heart of the theater district and getting backstage looks at the workings of musicals such as Wickedand Fiddler on the Roof (how cool is that...).
Every year Camp Broadway runs a great Tony Master Class weekend. Sunday started with a two-hour dance class where they study the different dance styles from nominated shows (dancing like the Cagelles from La Cage Aux Folles, like Fosse fromSweet Charity, or hoofing it fromSpamalot). Then it's back to the hotel to get glammed up for the mocktail party at Alfredo's of Rome at Rockefeller Center.
Myrna looked amazing in a brand new pink dress from Camari, with black crinoline and two little black bows (very Sarah Jessica Parker, very New York). She wore sparkling little sandals and looked gorgeous. They had a group of about 20 kids at Alfredo's all dressed up, all very excited to be going to the Tonys. They offered a limited number of tickets to the parents -- so motherhood paid off big time and I got a ticket to the Tonys as well!
Even the tickets are classy -- all silver and black and glossy -- not yer average theater ticket, my friend. And it does say black tie only!
And starting early on Sunday, Radio City Music Hall gets busy! The policevans park, the red carpet goes up, the crowds start to gather. This is big time stuff for New York!
So my husband took Myrna over in style, in a pedicab, at 4:30pm while I started to get ready (the parents don't get dinner -- just the kids). I wore my best fancy black gown with my black pumps and sparkly black handbag. The best part of meeting the kids at 6:30pm is all the tourists looking at you, trying to figure out if you are somebody famous!
We filed in (squished in, really) to Radio City, opening our handbags to security. Once inside my daughter spied the I LOVE HUGH (I HUGH) t-shirts for sale. We went up to the second mezzanine where we bought one of those t-shirts and got our program. They are special bound versions -- one ticket, one program. We tentatively went to our seats and discovered all of Camp Broadway was front row second balcony -- w00t! Awesome seats! And there were two very large TV screens on either side of the stage. Myrna went nuts with excitement.
The beginning of the untelevised portion of the show was already in progress as we took out seats. Immediately we went on "celebrity watch" with our binoculars, scoping out famous people in the orchestra. Myrna "eagle-eye" Conn found Marcia Cross sitting in the front row and we followed her every move the whole night (stalkers anyone?). It was so much fun picking out the celebs -- including Kathleen Turner, Billy Crystal, and Matthew Broderick.
Idina Menzel came out and gave a number of awards before the show started and Sally Field (who is she? Asked Myrna -- yikes!) gave Edward Albee the lifetime achievement award.
Then it started!! Of course the bit between Billy Crystal and Hugh Jackmanwas hilarious. We furiously passed the binoculars back and forth the whole night. The sound was awesome. Hugh sounded amazing in his opening number. The live numbers from the musicals were great, lots of energy and electricity. And of course nothing was bleeped out, so we were able to hear the lyrics "Hummer in my Hummer" sung by Norbert Leo Butz!
During commercials Hugh Jackman would come out and chat with the audience, occasionally bringing a seat filler or crazed audience member up on stage for some schtick. That man is so damned charming! Also, they played video bits (a la Letterman) after every show performance where a Tony reporter would be out on the streets of Manhattan asking questions (after Dirty Rotten, the intrepid reporter asked people what they thought of Norbert Leo Butz's name, and how would they rearrange the letters to come up with a new name!).
I thought it was an interesting choice to sing "Somewhere" from West Side Story to honor Sondheim's 75th...didn't it always bug him that he was only asked to do lyrics and not music as well on that project? And thank God he wasn't?
Myrna and I screamed and hooted and then hooted and screamed. And then we did it again, even louder. And then we got up and shook our respective booties! What a night! And I've already told you in another post about how Hugh Jackman confessed his love for Myrna.
It was kind of cool sitting up high. We could see the "Christina Applegate" stunt woman fall onto a mattress and then watch the real Christina crawl out of the pit.
Walking out after it was over we rubbed elbows with Celia Keenan-Bolger ofSpelling Bee and Adam Guettel who had won for Light in the Piazza (Myrna thought it was supremely cool that he was not only the grandson of Richard Rodgers, but the son of Mary Rodgers who had written the music for The Mad Show!)
Of course we took a pedicab home, pointing out all the celebrities and producers as we drove by, so elegantly outfitted in our Sunday finest.
It was an honor just to be there!
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This article from the official Tony Awards site is a nice summary of some of the stuff that happened off camera.
What they don't mention is that a certain 11-year old girl named Myrna Conn (that's MY Myrna) yelled out, 15 seconds to air in one of the commercial breaks "I LOVE YOU" to Hugh Jackman, who responded with "I love you too!" Hugh's reply was caught on air, so if you noticed a moment in the later part of the show where Hugh seems to be talking and smiling to someone in the audience, that's MY DAUGHTER HE'S TALKING TO...w00t!
A Night of Surprises
By Randy Gener
At the 2005 Tony Awards, everything is a surprise--the identities of the winners, the number of producers who will file onstage to receive a best play or best musical awards, the words the winners will say once they accept their trophies.
But, aside from who wins, there are other surprises that turn the annual ceremonies into a can't-miss event. And this year was no exception.
One surprise was that Billy Crystal, who won a 2005 Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event for his one-man show Billy Crystal's 700 Sundays, turned out not to be the host of this year's ceremony. Although it was widely known that Hugh Jackman is actually this year's emcee, some audience members at Radio City Music Hall were briefly puzzled when Crystal was the one who appeared at the top of the show began announcing that all the musical numbers this year "will be sung by Beyonce--in French".
Jackman soon returned to his place in center stage, and another unexpected happening occurred when Christina Applegate, the Tony-nominated star of Sweet Charity, twirled around an onstage lamppost and toppled over into a pit. It turned out to be an elaborately choreographed--and very funny--bit leading in to Applegate's presentation of the Tony Award for Best Choreography.
Later in evening the Reverend Al Sharpton made an unexpected appearance as a spelling-bee contestant. He put on a numbered placard and took his place on stage, joining the very young and very multicultural cast of The 25th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee. When his name was called, Sharpton approached the microphone and was asked to spell the word "dengue."
"Can you give me a definition please," Sharpton asked. And the reply was the dengue is a kind of hemorrhagic fever, caused by a virus, transmitted by mosquitoes and causing infected victims to feel skin rashes, headache, nausea and vomiting.
When the former presidential candidate failed to spell "dengue" correctly, the Spelling Bee cast escorted their bemused guest, in song, back to his seat.
A couple of other Tony surprises were improvised or choreographed moments that involved Hugh Jackman entertaining the Radio City Music Hall audience during TV commercials.
In one bit, Jackman publicly apologized to Matthew Broderick for Jackman's onstage antics when he danced with Broderick's wife, Sarah Jessica Parker, at the 2004 Tony ceremony.
Later Jackman took requests from the audience. Someone from the audience suggested that he sing "I Go to Rio" from The Boy from Oz, the show for which he won a Tony Award--and he did.
And to the delight of the Radio City audience, Jackman asked a couple of spectators (including a spirited female friend and a young man who sang from The Fantasticks) to come on stage. He gave them a chance to show their stuff. "Come on, go do it" Jackman suggested, egging the two on. "This house is full of Broadway producers."
Speaking of Jackman's irrepressible hosting antics, Radio City Music Hall audiences were amazed to find out, during a commercial break, that his well-received opening "Gotta Dance" solo number was written and arranged by composer Michael John LaChiusa, directed by George C. Wolfe, and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall. That's a lot of Broadway heavy-hitters.
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Oh boy, oh boy, am I ever excited...Tony Awards here I come! And my oldest daughter, Myrna, is going as well, all pretty in pink and looking like Sarah Jessica Parker!
According to this article in Playbill, the peformance line-up for Sunday night is going to be fantastic! Make sure you watch it on TV to catch a glimpse of moi!
Aretha Franklin, Jesse Martin and Bernadette Peters to Perform at Tonys
By Andrew Gans
In addition to the nominated musicals, the 2005 Tony Awards will feature other performances as well.
Tony Award winner Bernadette Peters, Grammy Award winner Aretha Franklin and original Rent star Jesse Martin will all lend their talents to the 59th Annual Tony Awards broadcast.
The 59th Annual Antoinette Perry "Tony" Awards will be broadcast on CBS-TV Sunday, June 5 from 8-11 PM ET. For the third consecutive year, Tony Award winner Hugh Jackman -- on Broadway last season in The Boy From Oz -- will host.
Visit www.tonyawards.com for more information.
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Monty Python's Spamalot -- the Eric Idle-John Du Prez musical at the Shubert Theatre -- will perform "Find Your Grail." The song features Tony nominees Sara Ramirez and Tim Curry and the entire company of the musical, which has been nominated for 14 Tony Awards.
The revival of La Cage aux Folles -- the Jerry Herman-Harvey Fierstein musical at the Marquis Theatre -- will offer its title tune, "La Cage aux Folles," which spotlights the talents of Les Cagelles.
The Light in the Piazza -- the Adam Guettel-Craig Lucas musical at the Vivian Beaumont Theater -- will perform their opening number, "Statues and Stories," which features Victoria Clark, Kelli O'Hara and the Piazza company.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels -- the David Yazbek-Jeffrey Lane musical at the Imperial Theatre -- will offer "Great Big Stuff," which features Norbert Leo Butz, John Lithgow, Gregory Jbara and members of the Scoundrels ensemble.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee -- the William Finn Rachel Sheinkin Rebecca Feldman musical at Circle in the Square Theatre -- will offer portions of two songs: their opening number, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," and "Prayer of the Comfort Counselor."
The revival of Sweet Charity -- starring Christina Applegate at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre -- will perform a medley of songs from the Cy Coleman Dorothy Fields-Neil Simon musical.
Pacific Overtures, which played Studio 54 this past summer and was nominated for a Tony for Best Revival of a Musical, will not be performing at the upcoming awards program.
Like the 2004 Tony Awards telecast, the opening number of the 2005 Tony Awards will feature host Hugh Jackman and cast members from most of the season's nominated musicals and musical revivals. The company of Spamalot will perform a portion of the song "Camelot" and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels will perform part of the "Dirty Rotten Number," among others.
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The other night we went to see theCharActors Senior Elite performance of Bye Bye Birdie at the York Woods Library Theatre.
Not only was my daughter Myrna in the show, playing Randolph McAfee, but I was going to see the building that my dad, Thomas Ibronyi, had designed!
The library is a gorgeous building in the middle of a nondescript area. The lobby of the theater is circular with wonderful attention to detail in the theater (every seat is a good one!). Surprisingly, even the women's washroom is roomy! Wonderful job, Dad!
Myrna was her usual brilliant self. She was one of two grade 5 students amongst the grade 7 and 8 students (the other was a boy who played Conrad Birdie). She knew her marks, every move, every line of dialogue. Her voice in "Ed Sullivan" and "What's The Matter With Kids Today (Reprise)" was amazing! Wonderful job Myrna!
A real family affair!
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My daughter Myrna's CharActors Senior Elite Musical Theater class (she's part Hungarian so of course her class would be elite!) is performing Bye Bye Birdie at the York Woods Library Theatre at 1785 Finch Avenue West on Thursday, May 12. She is playing Randolph McAfee, her second male role in a month, after Mr. Bumble!
This is interesting in its own right, but what makes it fascinating is that during the course of research for theLost Land John Malkovich post, I discovered that one of the buildings my father designed was the York Woods Library! Get outta town! How cool is that?
If only he was around to see one of his granddaughters sing and dance in one of his buildings! My father was a brilliant architect whose taste for mid-century modern design I seem to have inherited.
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My daughter's class did excerpts from Oliver! at her music night last night and they left us wanting more! They did two numbers: "Food Glorious Food" and "Oliver!" and Myrna played Mr. Bumble.
She was fantastic! What a star! And I am going to take credit for assembling an awesome Bumble costume and pinning a large pillow into her costume (w00h00 Mom!). She was wonderfully portly. Actually the whole night was musical theater -- the grade 4s did "Summertime" from Anne of Green Gables and the grade 6s did "Sunrise Sunset" and "Wedding Dance" from Fiddler on the Roof, complete with a bottle dance!
Minimal sets, but great costumes and wonderful piano playing by the music teacher -- way to go Mrs M!. The kids really loved doing the musical theatre numbers because the music is so great and it gives them a chance to be dramatic and and discover a different world than their own. (and also because dressed as orphans they got to wear bare feet and ripped clothes!)
There was also a wonderful performance by the grade 5 and grade 6 string ensembles. (Myrna is in grade six strings.) It was so cute with all the girls dressed in their orphan rags playing the violin! Way to go Mrs C!
Bravo Myrna! Encore! Encore!
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Funny, I was just talking about Roger Bart with my oldest daughterMyrna, when I read this article about Roger returning to The Producerson Broadway.
My daughter is practising some songs from You're A Good Man Charlie Brown for an upcoming audition and we were thinking how great it would have been to have seen Roger Bart (Snoopy) and Kristin Chenoweth (Sally) in the 1999 revival of said show.
They both won Tonys for their performances...sigh.
Anyways, then I got to thinking about how Roger Bart was the one redeeming feature of the movie remake of The Stepford Wives, and how much I enjoyed him on his stint on Desperate Housewives. And how he was a highlight of