I believe!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We're Pigs!

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

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

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

The Door Song!

If

Little Patch of Potatoes/Wide Open Spaces

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

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

Clang, clang, clang went the Trolley!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What's EQUIVOCATION about?

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

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

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

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

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

I was lucky enough to catch one of the last two performances of Taproot Theatre's ENCHANTED APRIL. Despite a devastating fire last week, Taproot Theatre, with the generous support of Seattle Children's Theatre, was able to mount two final shows on Saturday October 24.

However, the mad scrambling and exhaustion certainly didn't show in the performance, which was indeed, enchanted.

ENCHANTED APRIL, a play by Matthew Barber, from the novel by Elizabeth Von Arnim was directed by Karen Lund, and featured Charity Parenzini, Nikki Visel, Ryan Childers, Jerff Berryman, Anne Kennedy, Kim Morris, Aaron Finley and Llysa Holland.

I was originally interested in going to see this because of Anne Kennedy. Anne played Georgia (among other roles) in The 5th Avenue Theatre's Adventure Musical Theatre production of my musical THE MERCER GIRLS. She was fabulous in that, and in ENCHANTED APRIL. Wow, what a versatile, talented actress. And she totally rocked a bob wig and flapper dress.

From the website:

The enticement of an enchanting Italian holiday captivates the hearts of two British housewives on a drizzly London afternoon in 1922, and fills their imaginations with wisteria and sunshine. By the time they arrive at their Mediterranean villa, an aging matron and a young socialite have joined their quest for something more. The gardens, sea, cinnamon and macaroni are just the beginning of the transformation they discover.

From the program:

Enchantment and Femininity

In the spring of 1918, British women over the age of thirty were granted the right to vote. Later that year, the Great War ended with an armistice treaty declaring a ceasefire. Society was changing; many women were loudly asserting their right to equality while others asserted their right to remain invariable. In THE ENCHANTED APRIl, a 1922 novel by Elizabeth von Arnim, this dichotomy becomes clear. Von Arnim, not a feminist writer per se, wrote astute and romantic novels for popular readership, with autobiographical bits snuck into the pages. Her own ideas of femininity did not always agree with the social norms, nor did she directly identify with militant feminism. Her unique perspective, that women can have simultaneous independence, equality and togetherness with men through cleverness rather than militancy, is apparent in the novel and the subsequent play by Matthew Barber.

As Taproot Theatre moves forward from this disaster, they will need all the help they can get. Please help out if you can. You can charge your donation by phone by calling 206.529.3672 or online. All gifts to Taproot are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Go, go, go see JOSEPH!

My daughter Trinity is in the children's choir for JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT at The 5th Avenue Theatre. She has been rehearsing since August, so it was quite a thrill to finally see opening night on October 15!

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, with music by Andrew Lloyd Weber and Lyrics by Time Rice, is playing at The 5th Avenue Theatre from October 10 to November 1. Directed by James Rocco, choreographed by Jayme McDaniel and musical directed and conducted by R. J. Tancioco, JOSEPH stars American Idol's Anthony Fedorov as Joseph and Jennifer Paz as The Narrator.

Oh yeah, and fifty two kids!

And these kids don't just sit cross legged on the stage. They are woven into the show and megamix, acting, singing, dancing, carrying corn, candles, and coats!

This has been (so far, since there are still 21 performances to go!) an incredible experience for Trinity, working with professional actors, directors, musicians, design and production crew, hanging out with old friends and making new ones. Luckily for me, Trinity had a few friends who got into the show with her who live close by, so I've been able to carpool -- shout out to the carpool moms!

Everything in this show is original except for the costumes, which I believe are the same design as the ones used in the Donny Osmond DVD. That includes a totally rockin' megamix created by Ian Eisendrath, Albert Evans, RJ Tancioco, Dave Pascal and Davee C. And did I mention Billy Joe Huels (The Pharoah) and his flaming trumpet?

This show is so much fun from beginning to end and features some of the best Seattle talent around, including Rich Gray as Potiphar, Troy Wageman as Levi, Mo Brady as Zebulun, Dane Stokinger as Rueben, Shanna Palmer, Brittany Jamieson, and Charissa Bertels (just to name a few of the extremely talented cast!)

I left the theatre smiling, singing and ponying (of course, that's how I usually leave The 5th Avenue...).

Road trip to London! Yeah, baby!

BIBA THE MUSICAL sounds ultra cool, I wish I could go to the London Showcase on October 25!

BIBA THE MUSICAL was written by Anthony Barry, David Foster-Smith and John Renoir, with set design and styling by Andrea Dunne.

Here's the 411 on the show from the website:

It’s the story of a fantasy that became a fantastic reality. It’s the story of fashion, of the Swinging Sixties, of beautiful people, of a musical and cultural coming of age. London 1964. Biba started as a tiny boutique in a Kensington sidestreet and grew to become a huge department store – unlike any that had been seen before or ever will again. Biba’s ethos was to be affordable but chic, to be so very very cool it almost hurt. All who were so very cool hung out there, from Brigitte Bardot to the Rolling Stones. Flamingoes strutted their stuff on the Roof Garden, while the louche and glamorous sipped exotic and often illegal cocktails in the Rainbow Room.

By the mid-seventies, Biba, by now an icon in its own time, found itself struggling to survive in a world that had turned cold and grey, a world of strikes, power cuts and recession. Glam was gone, and the angry voice of punk was on the streets. Suddenly it was all over, almost as suddenly as it had started. But the memories lingered in the minds of the tens of thousands who had been touched by the style, the music, the hedonism and the beautiful decadence that was Biba.

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!

COCKTAIL NUTS is sold-out … but SRO may be available at the door.

Well, it’s been a pretty exciting ride on COCKTAIL NUTS so far – there is some great buzz on the show, and it looks like people do want to go out and listen to music and drink on Monday Night.

As previously noted, the September 28 show is sold-out … but we are going to have an SRO line at ACT. There are always a few people who have to decline at the last minute … and as those tickets become available, we are releasing them at the door.

And if you do have a ticket and suddenly – life intervenes and you can't make it – please let ACT box office know at (206) 292-7676 that you won’t be attending. There is a thirsty music-lover who will thank you!

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

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

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

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

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

The NightClub Gentlemen (the "almost" Rat Packers)

Also featuring appearances by Bill Robison and Myrna Conn

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

WHEN

Monday September 28, 2009

Door: 7pm for cocktails and complimentary gourmet snacks

Show: 8pm to 10pm

WHERE

ACT Theatre

Bullitt Cabaret

Union and 7th, downtown Seattle

TICKETS

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The NightClub Gentlemen (the "almost" Rat Packers)

Also featuring appearances by Bill Robison and Myrna Conn

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

WHEN

Monday September 28, 2009

Door: 7pm for cocktails and complimentary gourmet snacks

Show: 8pm to 10pm

WHERE

ACT Theatre

Bullitt Cabaret

Union and 7th, downtown Seattle

TICKETS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The NightClub Gentlemen (the "almost" Rat Packers)

Also featuring appearances by Bill Robison and Myrna Conn

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

WHEN

Monday September 28, 2009

Door: 7pm for cocktails and complimentary gourmet snacks

Show: 8pm to 10pm

WHERE

ACT Theatre

Bullitt Cabaret

Union and 7th, downtown Seattle

TICKETS

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

Someone give that man a microphone!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From an article in Seattle magazine:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The NightClub Gentlemen (the "almost" Rat Packers)

Also featuring appearances by Bill Robison and Myrna Conn

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

WHEN

Monday September 28, 2009

Door: 7pm for cocktails and complimentary gourmet snacks

Show: 8pm to 10pm

WHERE

ACT Theatre

Bullitt Cabaret

Union and 7th, downtown Seattle

TICKETS

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