Check out Rubicon Theatre Company - It Takes A Village at http://rubicontheatre.givezooks.com/campaigns/it-takes-a-village
The Rubicon Theatre Company is the only professional theatre company in Ventura, California, where they were founded in 1998. They are progressive, very cutting edge, and the most incredible theatre company I know. They are my home away from home, like they are for many other people I know. Due to our failing economy, they REALLY need your help, so PLEASE help them!
Well, Dancing With The Stars wrapped up Season 8 Tuesday night, and, for me, it was a ROYAL DISAPPOINTMENT that Giles Marini and Cheryl Burke were not awarded the mirror ball trophy. Giles was FAR AND AWAY the best dancer on the show, and he and Cheryl had 5 perfect scores (to Shawn and Mark’s 2) and the most consistently incredible chemistry I think I’ve ever seen on this show. I won’t go into a tirade here, but let me say that I am hoping for a dance-off, like they had in Season 1 with Kelly and John, so that the mirror ball will ultimately go to it’s RIGHTFUL WINNERS: Giles Marini and Cheryl Burke. Below are 5 of my favorite DWTS dances. Four are from this Season (8) and one is from Season 2: 1) Giles Marini and Cheryl Burke dancing the Argentine Tango to El Tango de Assassinos by John Powell - Week 4, 2) Giles Marini and Cheryl Burke dancing the Paso Doble to Habanera by Charlotte Church - Week 5, 3) Giles Marini and Cheryl Burke dancing the Waltz to Come Away With Me (Norah Jones) - Week 10, 4) The 60’s Group Dance to The Clapping Song (Shirley Ellis) - Week 6, and 5) From Season 2 - 2-23-06 - Drew Lachey and Cheryl Burke’s Freestyle to Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy. ENJOY!
EL TANGO DE ASSASSINOS
HABANERA
COME AWAY WITH ME
60’s GROUP DANCE - THE CLAPPING SONG
SAVE A HORSE, RIDE A COWBOY
Just saw An Evening With Patti Lupone and Mandy Patinkin this week at PSHQ, had no idea someone was this brave, especially considering how many times they were told about cameras and recording devices. (Check my Patti videos a litle lower on this page for her reactions to similar antics inside a theatre during the second last performance of "Gypsy.") Anyway, this is my favorite number in the show: "April In Fairbanks."
DO-RE-MI
This is a live dancing train station stunt, I think from Germany. It's AMAZING!!!
The original bootleg of Patti's Audience Freakout has been removed from YouTube, however, I did find another recording of it, complete with subtitles and a few comments from the poster typed in as well. BRAVO!!!
Here's Patti's meltdown in remix!
I know this is a spoof, but the message is clear. The economy is hurting Broadway. If you live in NYC, or are visiting soon, see a show. If you live elsewhere and don't plan on visiting, see a show where you are. Theatre needs your support.
This Christmas Light Display was made by a guy named Carson Williams, an Electrical Engineer, who lives - or at least lived - in Mason, Ohio. There are at least two more displays (Jingle Bells - Sung by Barbra Streisand and Christmas Cannon) available on YouTube, but this one is my favorite, and the best one IMO. The lights are synchronized to Trans-Siberian Orchestra's Wizard in Winter. You might remember that this display was featured in a Miller Lite Beer commercial. I would have once said that Mr. Williams must have a lot of time on his hands, but as a former Engineering Secretary, I know that for Engineers this is like playtime, and it's what they most enjoy. The whole history on this is posted here:
Broadway Shows/Showtunes, soft rock, easy listening, Neil Diamond, George Winston, Livingston Taylor, Howard McGillin, Michael Cavanaugh, Jimmy Webb, Michael Feinstein, Jason Robert Brown, Jonathan Larson, Stephen Sondheim, John Denver, Barry Manilow, Harry Chapin, Joe Bonamassa, Bonnie Raitt, Barbra Streisand, Maureen McGovern, Jonathan Shew, Rie Sinclair, Mandy Patinkin, Les McKeown, and...
The Mamas and The Papas / Denny Doherty
Denny Doherty died 1/19/07 and was buried yesterday (1/27/07) in Halifax, CA. I met Denny here last year when "Dream A Little Dream" played at The Cleveland Play House. He was a really nice guy, funny and full of life. I think that The Mamas and The Papas were a much more influential group on the folk/rock scene than most people realize. This video is a montage of Denny's show "Dream A Little Dream - The Nearly True Story of the Mamas and the Papas". It was filmed in April, 2006, 9 months before he died. Before his passing Denny Doherty and Paul Ledoux completed a new book musical adaptation of "Dream A Little Dream" featuring a full company of actors. The show premiered on May 11th, 2007 at The Phoenix Theatre, Phoenix Arizona., and was a smash, a wonderful tribute to a lovely man. Denny, you are - and always will be - missed.
DENNY DOHERTY.COM
Kurth & Taylor
A really NICE bunch of guys. This is THE band to listen to if you want a REALLY nice cross between country/pop/rock and R&B. Very wide range. This was taken at their charity concert for Rainbow Babies & Childrens Hospital - at Dick's Last Resort in The Flats. That's me sitting between Wally Kurth and Rena Sofer (of GH). Check their music out at: KURTH AND TAYLOR.com
Idina Menzel
I couldn't believe how great she was in "Wicked", and then I met her briefly at the stage door of the Gershwin, and she is SO soft-spoken. Amazing talent. Of course, at the HOB show on 10/30/08, I saw her sassier side, where she can be "less soft-spoken," and a real hoot! Here she is singing her title single off her new CD "I Stand". You can also hear Idina singing "Gorgeous," in my profile player elsewhere on this page.
Chris Mann
Chris Mann is currently on tour with Idina Menzel, and I saw him for the first time at HOB last night (10/30/08). He is an up-and-coming talent we should all watch! This video will give you some idea of who he is, and, yes, that is Chris singing in the background - "Someone To Love You." I've also put one of his newer songs: "New York Time" in my playist on this page, and the picture he took with me after the HOB show is in my "New Friends" photo album. Chris' concert merchandise table is a hoot. He has a sign that says: "CD's $15.00, T-Shirts $10.00, T-Shirt and CD $20.00, HUGS ARE FREE." And he's a hell of a nice guy, too! Catch him when you get the chance! Here he is with his friend Matt and with Idina Menzel after the show at HOB here in Cleveland on 10/30/08:
Jonathan Shew
I wanted to show you this guy. Jonathan's in Syracuse, NY, and he's really going places. He sang back-up on the road for Celine Dion, and has gone to the Show Camps of America, and I'm sure we've jusr barely scratched the surface of the talent he's got. And he's a nice guy too. Here's Jonathan singing "Sara" from "The Civil War" by Frank Wildhorn and Jack Murphy. Please listen until the end. It's just beautiful,and it even made me cry. Here's what Jonathan says about it:
"This is one of the most touching songs in the entire show. A man sings this song to his wife after he passes away in the Civil War. Just try to listen all the way to the end. Thanks."
And here is Jonathan with his Dad, Tim Shew, singing "You're Nothing Without Me," from City of Angels. You can see the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Wouldn't it be nice to actually see these two do this in a full production of this show? And Jonathan's response to my (and other recent) comments on this video? "HA! yeah, that was fun. We performed that in a talent show at a music camp. We don't sing too much, but when we do, I'm very honored...I love my dad. He's awesome."
Torn
This is one of the funniest things I've ever seen! The song is "Torn", sung by Natalie Imbruglia and the man doing the miming is Johan Lippowitz (real name David Armand). Wait until you see the ending!
For a close-up on Johan Lippowitz - in a different video - watch this:
I also was a Don McLean Fan. My friend Tina sent me this video, which may or may not have the exact meaning behind the lyrics of his hit song "American Pie", but it's interesting to watch, regardless. Take a look!
FAVORITE LOCAL MUSIC GROUPS: vanityCrash
The NICEST bunch of guys you could EVER hope to meet - and they're TALENTED too - some folks just have it all. You can get to their MySpace page in my "friends" links (they're number one), or check them out here: vanityCrash.com
Here is vanityCrash doing "New Girl" - live and in the studio - courtesy of these great guys - and YouTube:
....
OTHER LOCAL FAVORITES: Hotfoot Quartet (sorry, no pics available at the moment), HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH (hint-hint ye of vanityCrash fame...).
...and, for anyone who DOESN'T know, that's Dan from vC in the red dress - and I'd KILL for legs that good!
FYI: MY SITE BACKGROUND MUSIC: Where You Are - Rie Sinclair
FAVORITE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS:
(shows I love and/or have been involved in)
Catch this show while you can!
You Don't Know/I Am The One
This video is from the Tony Awards performance of Next To Normal. It features Alice Ripley (Diana), J. Robert Spencer (Dan) and Aaron Tveit (Gabe). What an AMAZING piece this is!
Grey Gardens
Okay, I'm a late bloomer here, but boy am I glad I finally found the garden (every pun intended once I realized it ;-) ). I just saw this show for the first time on 3/6/09 at The Beck Center starring Maryann Nagel as Edie, and I LOVED it! I am hoping that the Broadway show gets released on DVD, but I found some treasures on YouTube. The videos here are from the Original B'way cast, starring Christine Ebersole (Little Edie) and Mary Wilson (Edith). The first is Christine's Tony Award performance of "The Revolutionary Costume for Today," in which Edie turns her cousin Jacqueline Bouvier (and later Kennedy)'s fashion trendsetting completely on it's head. The second video, "Another Winter in a Summer Town," is from an actual B'way performance, in which Christine, as Edie and Mary, as Edith, show their complete helplessness with their situation. This show is utterly breathtaking, and it will stay with me for a long, long time.
Jersey Boys
I could not get enough of this production once I saw it the first time, so in the five weeks it played Cleveland (closing Sunday, July 20, 2008 after a record-breaking engagement at PHSQ, and the promise that it would be booked for a future engagement ASAP) I saw this show 5 times - and I'm not even close to the record! I can't remember ever having as much fun with a show as I did with this one, and I know I wasn't alone. After the closing performance, we were lucky enough to meet the "Jersey Boys" at the stage door, and a nicer bunch of guys you couldn't hope to meet. Erik Bates (Tommy DeVito), Joseph Leo Bwarie (Frankie Valli), Steve Gouveia (Nick Massi) and Andrew Rannells (Bob Gaudio) were our "Jersey Boys", and they were just amazing! The company is now in Dallas, TX, followed by Toronto, CA, and then some are going to Las Vegas. We will miss them, and PHSQ can't wait until they come back! This video is the original Broadway company, starring John Lloyd Young as Frankie Valli, performing at the 2007 Tonys, where it won Best Musical and Young won Best Actor, among other awards. "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" comes about 2/3's of the way through Act II, and "Who Loves You" is the big finale at the end of the show. As all the ads stated: "Oh what a night of theatre it was!"
The first video is from the 1994 Los Angeles reunion production. "What Would I Do" is the closing of the show and features Michael Rupert ("Marvin") dueting with Stephen Bogardus ("Whizzer), as well as Chip Zien ("Mendel"), Barbara Walsh ("Trina"), Sivan Cotel ("Jason") Heather Mac Rae ("Dr. Charlotte") and Carolee Carmello ("Cordelia’). While I didn't see this particular production, I did see the Broadway production which featured the same WONDERFUL cast.
The second video is the wonderful quartet "Unlikely Lovers," which takes place late in Act II in Whizzer's hospital room and features Michael Rupert ("Marvin"), Stephen Bogardus ("Whizzer"), Heather Mac Rae ("Dr. Charlotte") and Carolee Carmello ("Cordelia")< This video is also from the 1994 Los Angeles reunion production.
Parade
The first video is from the 53rd Annual Tony Awards, featuring the entire original Lincoln Center production cast, including: Brent Carver (Leo), Carolee Carmello (Lucille) and the show's ensemble. "This Is Not Over Yet" happens late in the second act of "Parade", when Leo, convicted and in prison for the murder of Mary Fagan, finds out that his wife Lucille has convinced Georgia's then Governor Slaten to review the trial evidence, in the hopes of getting him acquitted of a murder Leo is innocent of committing. "The Old Red Hills of Home" (the ensemble at the end of the video) is the basic underlying theme of the show, and is both a great anthem and a nightmare of a "testament". The second video is from an appearance on the Rosie O'Donnell Show, and features Brent Carver (Leo) and Carolee Carmello (Lucille). "All The Wasted Time," happens just before the lynching, when Lucille visits Leo in prison, assuring him he will be home soon. The song is the crux of their relationship, when they realize they are finally truly committed to, and in love with, each other. This isn't the complete song, though it is most of it, and I laughed when Rosie interrupted at the end, because the next step was disolving into lovemaking (on national tv primetime? LOL!). I had the great pleasure of performing in this show at The Beck Center in 2002, and I only wish I had the video to show you what a WONDERFUL production we had. This is a truly GROUNDBREAKING musical, but its' subject matter, as important and necessary as it is to see, probably shortened it's Lincoln Center run (by the time the Tony Awards were broadcast, the show had already closed), and definitely shortened the national tour, which was shortly closed down after it played in Cleveland (I was fortunate to see the tour, live, but not the Lincoln Center production). It is a shame, and I really hope the show gets a revival and runs for a long, DESERVED time.
Les Miserables
Probably the best musical staged in the past few decades, and, IMO, the best musical ever written (and, for me, that includes Phantom - sorry guys, but that show is so dependent upon its' pirotechnics, this one has a book you can REALLY sink your teeth into!) - and I would PAY someone to let me play Eponine (although, to do this show as a non-Equity adult performer you still need to go to Australia, where they've had the adult production rights since 1991 - save a few "special permission rights" productions here in the last few years). In the first video, "At The End of the Day" is the first company number after the prologue ends, and "One Day More" is the first act finale. Here is the original Broadway cast, including Colm Wilkinson, Terrence Mann, Michael Maguire, Frances Ruffelle, David Bryant and Judy Kuhn (most of whom originated their roles in the original London production - the first of this show) on the Tony Awards telecast in 1987, when Les Miz won the Best Musical of that season. It went on to dethrone the 12+ year run of A Chorus Line and become the longest running show on Broadway on January 25, 2002, until it was dethroned on February 4, 2004 by Phantom of the Opera. In the second video, per the video description: "On 7th October 2006 the original London Production cast of this record breaking show reunited on stage at the Queens Theatre. Colm Wilkinson, Michael Ball, Rebecca Caine, Frances Ruffelle, Peter Polycarpou, Sue-Jane Tanner, Ken Caswell, Clive Carter and Patti LuPone sang "One Day More" together to rapturous applause." Les Miz is still the longest running musical both at the Palace Theatre and in the west end. Phantom may be the longest running musical on Broadway at this time, but if you check the LES MIZ FACTS AND FIGURES, you will find it damn near impossible to find another show that can beat this one!
The Last Five Years
Jason Robert Brown's BRILLIANTLY funny and heartbreaking autobiographical account of his doomed first marriage. (I would PAY someone to let me play Cathy in this show - and you can see and hear me singing "A Summer In Ohio" from this show elsewhere on this page!) "The Next Ten Minutes" (the wedding vows) comes in the middle of the show, and is the only time that Cathy and Jamie are in the same place and same time, as Cathy tells the story from end to beginning and Jamie tells it from beginning to end simultaneously. Here are Norbert Leo Butz and Sherie Rene Scott from the original Off-Broadway production.
Sunday In The Park With George
Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's BRILLIANT Pulitzer-Prize winning musical about the painter Georges Seurat and his world during the creation of his most-known paining, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. Nominated for ten Tony Awards, the musical won only two design awards but won the 1985 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, numerous Drama Desk Awards, the 1991 Olivier Award for Best Musical and the 2007 Olivier Award for Outstanding Musical Production (analagous to the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical). We Do Not Belong Together comes about halfway through Act I, when Seurat's mistress Dot decides she must leave him as he is more wrapped up in his painting that he will ever be in her. Children and Art comes shortly into Act II when 98-year-old Marie, daughter of Georges and Dot, gives her Grandson Georges the last lesson she can leave him with - that all we can have is family, children and art. Move On comes just before the Act II Finale, when Georges' Grandson George makes a trip to La Grande Jatte to find himself and his art again, and meets a vision of his Great Grandmother Dot on the island, along with other members of his Great Grandfather Georges' painting. All three numbers in the show are so heartbreaking that I had to post them here. So here are Mandy Patinkin as George, Bernadette Peters as Dot/Marie, Mary D'Arcy as Georges' ex-wife Elaine (unspoken character in Children and Art) and Barbara Byrne as Georges' Mother.
RENT
Everyone knows the Jonathan Larson tragedy that ties into this groundbreaking, Pulitzer Prize winning show that just closed this past September 7th on Broadway after a 12-year run. The final performance was filmed and shown on select movie screens for four showings/performances only. I found these two treasures from the opening night perfomance on YouTUBE. The first is "Over The Moon," Maureen's performance piece - featuring Idina Menzel, which comes about halfway through Act I, and the second is the Act I finale, "La Vie Boheme", featuring the entire cast of RENT.
And here is a little look into Jonathan Larson's humor and jadedness about his own life, which is evident in this video from "Broadway The American Musical," in which Jonathan sings "Sunday" during a performance at The Village Gate. "Sunday" is from the score of his musical Tick...Tick...Boom, which is an autobiographical look at Jonathan's life. It's also a great little send-up to Sondheim's Sunday In The Park With George, which I have written about above in this section. What a loss Jonathan's death is to musical theatre.
WICKED
Stephen Schwartz's BEAUTIFUL adaptation of what happened between Galinda/Glinda the good witch and Elphaba the wicked witch in OZ, before Dorothy "dropped in." Now, I loved Avenue Q, BUT,Stephen Schwartz and the cast of Wicked were robbed of the Best Musical Tony, because this is the BETTER show. Here, live at Macy's, are Idina Menzel (Elphaba) and Kristen Chenowith (Glinda) singing "For Good," which comes near the end of Act II of Wicked. Stephen Schwartz introduces them, and tells the audience a bit about the show.
OTHER SHOWS I LOVE / OR HAVE PERFORMED IN:
Into The Woods, Miss Saigon, Company, Children of Eden, The Producers, The Boy From Oz, West Side Story, Guys & Dolls, Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up, Rags, Sweeney Todd, Spamalot, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Jesus Christ Superstar, Honk!
Gus us Van Sant's masterful film about the gay rights advocast Harvey Milk and his fight against Proposition 6. I have seen this beautiful film 3 times now, and have been touched more each time. Sean Penn is perfect in this role. I HEARTILY RECOMMEND that you see this film, WHATEVER your stand on this issue is/has been, because it's more about ALL of our rights in the final analysis.
Sean Penn, in his speech before the 6/17/08 Harvey Milk Dinner, somehow explains exactly why this film, and this man, are so groundbreaking: "...What happens watching this particular man, Harvey Milk, is that you genuinely fall in love with this person, the spirit of this human being, so it not only transcends your own agenda in terms of finding yourself as an actor in a movie, but very easily you find yourself in that same thing that with the races we call colorblind. There is a separate experience, there is a completely different experience in the straight world of it, ... so though you believe of yourself that you are purely open-minded, and certainly it's easy to be that way when it comes to the policies of civil liberties and human rights, there's still not the understanding that happens with - but you know you look for it in an experience that you could never ever have directly had, though I hear it only hurts the first time - but when you look at the heart of a man like that, and whether you believe in GOD or not, you can look at that man and you can say: 'God damn anybody who would keep from that kind of a man or that kind of a woman anything they want to do in their life.'" Here is a link to his entire speech at that event:
SEAN PENN'S SPEECH
Here is a video that contains a partial recording of the real Harvey Milk speaking his last words:
You can see 7 other videos from this groundbreaking film here:
See this film. It will change you, and you will not regret going.
TWILIGHT
Okay, I came a little late to this party. Apparently this has been a big thing for AGES, but I just saw the film today (11/23/08), and it kept my attention in a BIG way. I love the chemistry between Edward and Bella (what amazing casting!), the angles in the shots, and pace, you name it. I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE SEQUEL!!!
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, The Lake House, Capote, the FIRST Terminator, Dangerous Minds, Forrest Gump, The Shawshank Redemption, The Sixth Sense, Schindler's List, Frost Nixon, Milk, Doubt and RENT!!!
With Jay Leno leaving Tonight last night, I started watching old clips from The Tonight Show on YouTube, and found Johnny's second last tonight show, but it was missing this clip. I finally found it on Yahoo video, and it was SO worth the hunt! Here's one of that all-time classic TV moments ever, and one of my favorites too: Bette Midler singing "One For My Baby" to Johnny Carson on his second last show.
Johnny Carson died on 1/23/05 from Emphysema, as we all know, and Marc Shaiman, Bette Midler's accompanist for her appearance on Carson's show (among other things) posted the the following text the day after Carson died on the Stephen Sondheim list. This is rather long, but fits so well with the video above, that I am adding it here for all of you.
"SOMEONE IN A TREE"- My view of Johnny Carson's last night
Posted by: Marc Shaiman 12:54 am EST 01/24/05
(WARNING: I DON'T HAVE A BLOG OF MY OWN TO POST THIS ON. I KNOW THIS READS AS INCREDIBLY SELF-SERVING. AS USUAL, IT'S ALL ABOUT ME. SORRY!!)
>>
As her musical director at the time, I co-wrote/conceived, arranged and played for Bette Midler on Johnny Carson's penultimate show.
As it has been played over and over and over today, I felt a lot like the young boy in a tree in Stephen Sondheim's "Pacific Overtures". The night had nothing to do with me, and yet I have my own unique perspective on it and feel inextricably a part of it.
When Bette called to ask me help her put together her performance as Johnny Carson's last guest, I was thrilled. The whole country at the time was watching every night, as star after star were making the final appearance to thank him. I knew it was an honor to be part of this final evening with guests (his last night was a monologue). So, Bette, Bruce Vilanch and I got together and immediately thought of writing new lyrics to the Judy Garland version of "YOU MADE ME LOVE YOU", which Judy has sung as a worshipful fan. It seemed perfect. We wrote:
YOU MADE ME WATCH YOU
I DIDN'T WANNA DO IT
JACK PARR HAD PUT ME THROUGH IT
YOU MADE ME WATCH YOU
I LOVE THE JOKES YOU'RE FLOGGIN'
WHEN YOU ARE MONOLOGUE-IN'
I WATCHED YOUR HAIR TURN SLOWLY
FROM DARK TO WHITE
AND WHEN I CAN'T SLEEP
I COUNT YOUR WIVES AT NIGHT
(That line got a huge reaction, especially from JC. It is very odd to write something like that, knowing it is going to be sung to the actual person, and then watch him crack up. Anyway, I digress...)
I'D DROP MY DRAWERS FOR
THE KIND OF BUCKS YOU'RE MAKING
FOR SIMPLE DOUBLE-TAKING
BEFORE YOU BID ADIEU
DON'T BE CHEAP
PUT DeCORDAVA TO SLEEP
(see above digression!)
JUST THE THOUGHT YOU'RE LEAVING
SURE GIVES ME THE SHIVERS
ARSENIO IS AT THE GATE
AND SO'S JOAN RIVERS!
YOU KNOW THEY MADE ME WATCH YOU!
(big finish)
HOW I'LL MISS THE SOCIAL INTERCOURSE SO VARIED
NOW I'LL HAVE TO HAVE IT
WITH THE GUY I MARRIED
YOU KNOW I'D RATHER WATCH YOU!!
Well, that number was fantastic. I was over with the band, playing it and BEAMING with pride! I mean seriously, playing for Bette at anytime is beyond thrilling, but co-writing lyrics and watching her bat them out of the park like that is positively orgasmic.
So, after that, I am brought backstage to the piano on set, where she will, after talking, come to sing...the ballad.
Now, when she first called, I put my thinking cap on and tried to come up with the ultimate "I've talked to you for years and now you want to go home and I would just love to thank you" song. I jumped into the shower, started scrubbing, when "ONE FOR MY BABY" popped into my head. I think I almost had an embolism. I called Bette dripping wet "I'VE GOT IT!! THE MOST PERFECT SONG!" I told her, and as she did pretty much with every idea I ever threw at her, she said "eh". But I was like a dog with a bone. I could literally hear and see it in my head and I would NOT let her pooh-pooh it. Despite her moaning "I can't sing that song..I'll be too nervous to hit those notes", I persevered.
When she came over, we rehearsed it. She was frightened of it, but at least she sat with me and we even started to toy EVER so slightly with the final verse, to make it more specific to MR. CARSON. Now, that takes balls, to re-write Johnny Mercer!! But neither Bette nor I seem to lack chutzpah!
Ok, cut to the sound check at The Tonight Show. Earlier in the day, Bette started second-guessing "ONE FOR MY BABY" and asked the guys in the band what Carson's favorite song was. In unison, they all said "HERE'S THAT RAINY DAY". I sensed "ONE FOR MY BABY" was doomed.
Ok, so now, it is the segment after "YOU MADE ME LOVE YOU". I am seated at the piano, behind the curtain. I have a monitor at the piano. Bette asks Johnny what his favorite song is and starts singing "HERE'S THAT RAINY DAY" acapella I think "NO!! She is sabotaging my musical director masterpiece!! They are gonna run out of time! AAIIIEEE!!!!!" Meanwhile, Carson has started singing along with her, completely sincere and totally in tune! I wait to see if the band's piano player is gonna join in, since it is now clear they are gonna sing the whole song! When he doesn't, I plunk a high note to confirm the key and just jump in, hoping I am miked, but who even cares. I am an accompanist and I hear people singing...I HAVE TO PLAY FOR THEM!! Well, I am having a schizophrenic discussion in my head "This is so exciting, you're PLAYING FOR JOHNNY CARSON/Stop playing, this moment is gonna spoil the one you fought so hard for!"
Anyhoo, they finish, they go to commercial and I am sure they are about to tell me the final song is cut for time. GOD SMILES!! IT ISN'T!! Bette takes her place. The entire staff of the show is huddled in the wings, watching her live and on the monitors. They are VERY emotional, this is THEIR final night also. We come back from commercial and Johnny Carson intro's Bette and we start...
IT'S QUARTER TO THREE
THERE'S NO ONE IN THE PLACE EXCEPT YOU AND ME...
I have tried to play the song in the style of Bette's first two albums, where her original musical director and arranger Barry Manilow had created beautiful arrangements of standards using Laura Nyro type chords. To say you could hear a pin drop would be the understatement of the year. As I've listened to it today, I am reminded that there were little "licks" I meant to play between lyrics, but the moment was SO tender and I was on such pins and needles, my fingers didn't even attempt ANYTHING but the most simple accompaniment.
Then, right before the final verse, they cut to a new angle, one never used on the show. Over Bette's shoulder, we could see Johnny Carson, mesmerized as the rest of us by Bette's performance, his eyes locked with hers. She sings our "adapted" lyrics
FOR ALL OF THE YEARS
FOR THE LAUGHS, FOR THE TEARS
FOR THE CLASS THAT YOU SHOWED
MAKE IT ONE FOR MY BABY
AND ONE MORE FOR THE ROAD...
THE LONG...LONG...ROAD
I swear, I felt like I was floating on a cloud. There is no other way to describe it. On the final measures, I did what any other gay musical director would have done, I incorporated THE TONIGHT SHOW THEME into the final measures.
We finished, and the place went insane. Bette was so overcome that, after placing a lei around Johnny's neck (she is Hawaiian, ya know) she ran backstage so as to not be seen so overwhelmed. I myself was in a daze, as I walked through the show's staff, all sobbing. As we all "celebrated" backstage, Mr. Carson disappeared into the night.
Well, that's it. I just wanted to write this down. I hope no one is TOO disgusted by the self-serving perspective of this remembrance, but Sondheim (as always) put it best, when two witnesses to a historic event sing:
I am hiding in a tree.
I'm a fragment of the day.
If I weren't, who's to say
Things would happen here the way
That they happened here?
It's the fragment, not the day.
It's the pebble, not the stream.
It's the ripple, not the sea
That is happening.
Not the building but the beam,
Not the garden but the stone,
Only cups of tea
And history
And someone in a tree.
The Last Lecture, Tuesday's With Morrie, The Promise (Danielle Steel), An Inconvenient Woman, The Thorn Birds, The Outsiders, The Unoriginal Sinner and the Ice Cream God
150 people might not be alive today if it weren't for Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger, III and the crew of U.S. Airways Flight 1549 on Jan 15, 2009, in what has been named "Miracle on the Hudson." 60 Minutes invited some of the passengers to reunite with them in, of all places, Charlotte N.C. If I were ever in a plane in trouble, I would DEFINITELY want this man as my pilot and his crew (co-pilot Jeffrey B. Skiles and flight attendants Doreen Walsh, Sheila Dail and Donna Dent) to be the people taking care of me. Sully is the true definition of a hero. I would love to meet him someday. Watch this video below, and you'll find how impossible it is not to be moved.
Doctor/Professor Randy Pausch
On Monday 9/22/08, a memorial service/celebration of life was conducted for Randy Pausch. Aptly named: "Remembering Randy: A Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Randy Pausch," It was attended by hundreds of people (unfortunately, I was not one of them, because I only found out about it online Thursday 9/25, but, per the CMU website media announcement, it was, apparently, by invitation only). I am posting it here, because I found it a really BEAUTIFUL way to remember such a special man. Please watch it. Two of the songs I've added in my profile playlist (elsewhere on this page) have been written/used for Randy and his lessons. The Last Words by John Kear was written for Randy and was used to end the CMU Memorial Service/Celebration of Randy's Life on 9/22/08, and Better Days by the Goo Goo Dolls) was used as background music at the end of the Diane Sawyer Primetime Specials on Randy: "The Last Lecture - A Love Story For Your Life" and "The Last Lecture - A Celebration of Life." Even though I never had the good fortune to meet Randy, these songs make me think of him when I hear them, and I, somehow find them a comfort to listen to. When I am back in Pittsburgh, I will make the trek to Carnegie Mellon, and walk over the Randy Pausch bridge. I plan on that being soon. You can also view Randy's memorial service here, if you want a bigger screen:
REMEMBERING RANDY
Early in the morning on 7/25/08 Professor Randy Pausch passed away at his home in Chesapeake, VA. It was a very sad day for this world, because we were much richer when Randy was still living in it. Below are some of Randy's videos and some of my thoughts on his accomplishments.
A PSA on Randy for the Lustgarten Foundation, which shows some lovely family moments, parts of an interview with Randy's wife Jai, and part of Randy's famous lecture. It also shows Randy more emotional than anything else I've found on him thus far - and it makes his passing even more poignant to me:
Here is the story link about Randy's passing - it now has over 900 responses/comments attached since it was posted 7/25/08 on AOL:
Diane Sawyer had a very special 20/20 on Tuesday, 4/8/08, in which she interviewed Carnegie Mellon Professor Randy Pausch and his wife, Jai and they told their story with video and pictures. That program was re-aired on Tuesday, July 29, 2008, with an update on Randy's family and comments from a close friend on Randy's final moments (the friend told him it was okay to let go and Randy's last words were: "I'll get back to you on that." He never gave up even at the end.) Here was a 47-year-old, happily married, family man with three children (aged from 22 months to 6 years) who had months to live (he'd already lived longer than the original 6-month sentence he was given back in August, 2007) and was dying of Pancreatic Cancer, yet the video below shows him with more positive outlooks, more humor and more to teach and give back to everyone who wants to listen than the rest of the healthy world combined. I would have LOVED to have met this man, but I did not get the opportunity, but I wanted to post his now legendary Carnegie Mellon Lecture: "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" here for everyone to watch. It's also been published as a book (released 4/8/08) called: "The Last Lecture." The book had more lessons than the original lecture, and also had a more detailed look into Randy's family life. The lecture was part of what had been called "The Last Lecture" series (renamed "Journeys") at Carnegie Mellon University, and Randy gave this lecture on September 18, 2007. It got on the internet by accident (posted for a group of students who couldn't attend that evening), and has now been viewed by over ten million people. And Randy became somewhat of a celebrity because of his lecture. When you watch it, you'll see why. Also check out Randy's homepage here:
The Last Lecture: "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams"
If you want an more encapsulized version of Randy's lecture, then watch this video of Randy's first appearance on Oprah, on October 22, 2007. The show was taped just weeks after he was given his final terminal diagnosis. Randy gives a shortened version of his lecture, and then has a very frank discussion with Oprah and Dr. Oz, which is very revealing, yet shows how much class he had, and how much in-control Randy remained during his entire ordeal.
Randy Pausch lived five months past his terminal diagnosis (he was given 3-6 months of good health left in August 2007, and died 7/25/08). On May 18, 2008 Randy and his wife Jai were flown to Carnegie Mellon where he gave the charge to this year's graduates. Here is a recording of his speech, which says more in a few words then many say in an epic.
This world is a much poorer place now that Randy is gone, and he is, and will always be, sorely missed, but his life lessons, his work in computer science, ETC and the "Alice Project" (see Randy's webpage for information on this) will live forever.
Harry Chapin
Harry probably did more for World Hunger than any man on this planet, alive or dead. One of my biggest regrets is not seeing this man live in concert. Here is Harry singing "sniper" live from his 1975 PBS Soundstage concert. The video is a little messed up, but it's still a very powerful performance. As soon as it is fixed and reposted, I will replace this with the new video. What a loss this was for all of us. Harry, you are terribly missed.
John Denver
John Denver died 10 years ago this past Friday (October 12, 1997) in a solo plane crash in Monterey Bay, CA. This tribute shows a lot of what he did for our country. I think he was very underrated, and under-appreciated, once his popularity died in the '80's, and, aside of Harry Chapin, did more to help stop World Hunger than ANY of the other artists on the "We Are The World" recording. When his name was mentioned, the response was that the artists on the recording all came from the music awards show held earlier that evening, and John's "omission" was an oversight. That, to me, is probably the understatement of the century. John, you are, and always will be, greatly missed.
Ted Neeley
Here is Ted singing Gethsemane on The Tonight Show during the JCS 1993-1997 AD Tour.
See my website - predominantly about Ted - but also about a wonderful actor named Joseph Fuqua, and The Rubicon Theatre Company. It's here: Cindi's Ted Neeley and Joseph Fuqua Page
You can also subscribe to the replacement list for the ORIGINAL Yahoogroups List (GROWING FAST!) for Ted Neeley (removed for unknown reasons). It's called The First Ted Neeley List, and I Own and Moderate it here:
This video was given to Ted at the final show of Leg 3 of the current JCS tour. It's tongue-in-cheek, and makes good fun of some of Ted's admirers, but I thought it was a real HOOT!
Found this cool link today. If you've ever wondered how your computer works, take a look (apparently someone had WAY too much time on their hands ... (LOL!)) How Your Computer Works
This guy's name is Chris Bliss (www.chrisbliss.com) - you have GOT to watch him juggle! Download/get imbed script for this video here: The Juggling Finale
And here is Chris Bliss' new juggling video. He has a lot to say, and it's worth listening to.
Koula turned me onto this video in her blog today, so I went and got it to put it here (for as long as TPTB leave it ..). Watch it and you will NEVER think of Bush and Blair "in bed together" the same way again! It's by the Electric Six and it's called "At The Gay Bar". Download/get imbed script here: At The Gay Bar
You take life as it is, and you find happiness in a variety of things.
You tend to be close to family and friends. But it's hard to get into your inner circle.
Making the little things wonderful is important to you, and you probably have an inviting home.
You seek harmony with others, but occasionally you have a very stubborn streak.
Your strength: Your intense optimism
Your weakness: You shy away from exploring your talents
What Musical Are You? A Chorus Line You're A Chorus Line! You're wild, kinky, and love dance. Music is your life. You've had a dramatic past, but then again, who hasn't?
What Dramatic Play Are You? Romeo & Juliet Shakespeare's classic play about two star-crossed lovers in the city of Verona, Italy, and the trials and tribulations of love.
What Dramatic Play Are You? Torch Song Trilogy A very personal story that is both funny and poignant, TORCH SONG TRILOGY chronicles a New Yorker's search for love, respect and tradition in a world that seems not especially made for him. From Arnold's hilarious steps toward domestic bliss with a reluctant school teacher, to his first truly promising love affair with a young fashion model, Arnold's greatest challenge remains his complicated relationship with his mother. But armed with a keenly developed sense of humor and oftentimes piercing wit, Arnold continues to test the commonly accepted terms of endearment--and endurance--in a universally affecting story that confirms that happiness is well worth carrying a torch for.
Company - Some people think of you as vulgar.. you think of yourself as edgy. You make people think, but when all your friends have gone home, you're left feeling alone, not alive..
You are Kermit the Frog.You are reliable, responsible and caring. And you have a habit of waving your arms about maniacally.FAVORITE EXPRESSIONS:"Hi ho!" "Yaaay!" and "Sheesh!" FAVORITE MOVIE:"How Green Was My Mother" LAST BOOK READ:"Surfin' the Webfoot: A Frog's Guide to the Internet" HOBBIES:Sitting in the swamp playing banjo. QUOTE:"Hmm, my banjo is wet." Take this quiz!
You Are Kermit
Hi, ho! Lovable and friendly, you get along well with everyone you know.
You're a big thinker, and sometimes you over think life's problems.
Don't worry - everyone know's it's not easy being green.
Just remember, time's fun when you're having flies!
Your vivid emotions and imagination takes you away from this world
So much so that you tend to live in your head most of the time
You have great dreams and ambitions that could be the envy of all...
But for you, following through with your dreams is a bit difficult
You are charming, endearing, and people tend to love you.
Forgiving and tolerant, you see the world through rose colored glasses.
Underneath it all, you have a ton of passion that you hide from others.
Always hopeful, you tend to expect positive outcomes in your life.
Souls you are most compatible with: Newborn Soul, Prophet Soul, and Traveler Soul
Brush High School
Lyndhurst, OH
Graduated: N/A
Student status: Alumni
Degree: High School Diploma
Clubs: Chamber Choir, Concert Mixed Choir, Band, Marching Band
PATENT LEATHER SHOES (Becky) (with Jim Haffner) - Beck Center
MY CURRENT SHOW(S) ONSTAGE:
Inherit The Wind
Role: Juror
Directed by: Seth Gordon
Oct. 23 - Nov. 15, 2009
I am having a GAS of a time finally making my debut on the CPH Mainstage as a juror in this wonderful show which shows that eighty years after the Scopes Monkey Trial, this classic courtroom drama about evolution, creationism and an American society struggling to balance science and scripture is as timely as ever. COME SEE US!
The Cleveland Play House
8500 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106
Phone: 216-795-7000
Starring Original CPT Cast Members:
Dan Folino as Hedwig
Alison Garrigan as Yitzhak
Dennis Yurich as Skszp
Directed By Alison Garrigan
September 4 - October 3, 2009
The Hi Fi Concert Club - Show is All Ages
11729 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
"the tighter focus and superior rock acoustics of the Hi Fi Concert Club make the story cohere better by a factor of two and sound better by a factor of 10. You can now marvel, perhaps more up-close and personal than is healthy, at the sequin-tears forming in Folino's doe eyes, right underneath his sequined eye shadow, as his voice sweeps from baritone to falsetto and the chorus swells behind him, around him, enveloping him."
-Tony Brown, PLAIN DEALER
"...now occupying the small stage at the Hi-Fi Concert Club in Lakewood, the show has an even more intense vibe than it had in its previous incarnation at Cleveland Public Theatre…now’s the time to wrap your arms around Hedwig once again." - Christine Howey, RAVE AND PAN
"It was the most fantastic performance we have seen in eons. If we had paid $200 for a ticket to see it in NYC I would not have been disappointed. Just fabulous." - Cary, NEW FAN
"Hedwig ... requires audacity, vulnerability and the acting chops to expose one’s soul on stage so the character’s pathos can convincingly seep through to the audience...Mr. Folino most certainly delivers the goods." - Bob Abelman, News-Herald, Chagrin Valley Times, Solon Times, Geauga Times Courier
"if you are turned on by big rock and roll music, it’s worth going to see and hear Dan Folino and his band in action." - Roy Berko, COOL CLEVELAND
Text by John Cameron Mitchell
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Trask
I am SO VERY PROUD to have been part of this beautiful show! This was the third Cleveland production of Hedwig, which featured three of the original cast members (Dan, Ali and Dennis), as well as the members of the local top glamor rock band vanityCrash and other incredibly talented Cleveland personalities. It is an experience that will stay with me forever. Thank you Dennis and Ali. :-)
This was a TRULY AMAZING, once-in-a-lifetime evening of theatre which raised money for YouTHeatre-America! and The Ricardo Montalban Foundation. It took place on 8/13/06 at The Ricardo Montalban Theatre in Los Angeles, CA. I am VERY, VERY proud that I was a part of this event. Below is a video made partially during the event itself and a few weeks after (Jenean and Barry's potion) which gives you a better idea of what an INCREDIBLE evening this was, and what a WORTHWHILE ORGANIZATION YouTHeatre - America is to support!:
MY CABARET:
"LIFE UPON THE WICKED STAGE"
August 18, 2007, 4:00PM
Parma Little Theatre
It was a WONDERFUL afternoon! See for yourself below! Video courtesy of Matthew Martin Thomas:
(Somebody Write Me A) Love Song
from the Canadian musical: Disco J & the DNA
Matchmaker
from Fiddler on the Roof
featuring Brian Marshall (Hodel) and Dan Marshall (Chava)
Whatever Happened To My Part
from Spamalot
Nobody Does It Like Me
from Seesaw
Sometimes - Henry and Felice Mancini (this was my "encore")
Role(s): Sophie The Kettle, Perkins, Warbucks Staff/Servant, NYC'er.
Directed by Pierre-Jacques Brault
September 11 - October 4, 2009
This was a kind of "full-circle" experience for me, as these roles were the first I performed with Pierre and Mercury Summer Stock eight years ago, and I had the opportunity to create them in this all-new production at GLTG with Pierre.
Geauga Lyric Theater Guild
101 Water Street
Chardon, OH, 44024
440-286-2255
August 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21 and 22, 2009
Role: Lady Diss/Joan of Arc
I was honored to appear again at MSS in this time-honored classic, about an unlikely Cockney heir finding exceptance in his newly-found haughty aristocratic family. A "My Fair Lady" for the male, and a fun, hilarious evening of theatre for all.
Mercury Summer Stock
Parma Little Theatre
6285 W. 54th Street
Parma, OH, 44129
216-771-5862
For More Information on Mercury Summer Stock - go here:
March 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, April 3, 4 at 8:00
March 15, 22, 29, April 5 at 2:00
Tickets $14 (Adult) $12 (Senior/Student)
Role: Fruma Sarah
I was honored to appear again at GLTG in this time-honored classic. Per the GLTG website: Tevye, the deeply devout father of a poor family, invites us into his little village of Anatevka, where the traditions that have defined his life are being challenged by the winds of change. His determined wife, five spirited daughters and a colorful assortment of townspeople bring this acclaimed musical to life. Magically weaving music, dance and laughter, against a background of rejection and oppression, they create an electrifying and unforgettable theatrical experience. We had a wonderful time in Anatevka!
Geauga Lyric Theater Guild
101 Water Street
Chardon, OH, 44024
440-286-2255
Godspell
July 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24 and 25, 2009
Mercury Summer Stock
Parma Little Theatre
216-771-5862
John-Michael Tebelak's Carnegie Mellon theatre thesis, set to music by Stephen Schwartz. Full of stories/parables based on the Gospel of Matthew. I was blessed to stage manage this wonderful evening of theatre!
For More Information on Mercury Summer Stock - go here:
A hilarious and powerful story of a fractured family learning to open doors to each other. It had a WONDERFUL cast, and made a great evening of theatre!
For More Information - go here:
The biggest show that ever hit Wiley Auditorium! HSM was performed by a talented cast of over 45 at Heights Youth Theatre and directed by Pierre-Jacques Brault. It broke all long-standing attendance records for HYT, and we turned people away on closing day (pretty great for an auditorium that holds over 900)!
"LIES AND LEGENDS" - Beck Center (Lightboard Operation) - (Glamorous job - but you get a PERFECT seat to see the show - LOL!) This was a FABULOUS SHOW, and PURE JOY to be a part of!!!
LIES AND LEGENDS
PREVIOUS ROLES INCLUDE: Miss Maudie (To Kill A Mockingbird (Geauga Lyric Theater Guild), Maria (West Side Story) - Willoughby Fine Arts, Becky (Patent Leather Shoes) - Beck Center, Sarah Brown (Guys and Dolls) - Lakeland Center For Performing Arts, Amy (Company) - Powers Players, Grace (HONK!) - Mercury Summer Stock, Tuptim (King & I) - Aurora Theatre, Zosia (Throne of Straw) - Halle Theatre, Millworker Singer (Working) - Cain Park, Young Scrooge's Mother (A Christmas Carol) - CVLT. Studied theatre at/coached with: Andrew May, Brian Zoldessy, Joseph Fuqua, Cleveland Play House Summer Theatre at Chautauqua, NY.
MY PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENTS:
1. House Managing "BeckettFest" at The Rubicon Theatre Company in Ventura, California 9/17 - 10/03/04.
2. Appearing with the Agape Choir and Ensemble in, and working as one of Jack Nakano's (YTA Founder and Owner) Production Assistants on, the "Jesus Christ Superstar Live In Concert One Night Only" - YouTHeatre - America (YTA)! Benefit at the Ricardo Montalban Theatre in Los Angeles, California 8/13/06.
3. Appearing in To Kill A Mockingbird at GLTG:
(January 25 - February 10, 2008):
To Kill A Mockingbird - Geauga Lyric Theater Guild
Character: Miss Maudie Atkinson
This was an INCREDIBLE show, with an AMAZING ensemble cast. On 9/6/08 GLTG held its annual Awards Gala, and 'Mockingbird' was nominated for 13 awards! Among them was my nomination by Pierre for Best Supporting Actress. I was very honored to be nominated. Unfortunately, I didn't win, however, we did win the following 8 awards:
Best Featured Actress: Maria Lister (Calpurnia)
Best Featured Actor: Adam Thompson (Dill)
Best Supporting Actor: Darryl Lewis (Tom)
Best Actress: Liz Jones (Scout)
Best Actor: John Hazard (Atticus)
Best Director: Pierre-Jacques Brault
Best Non-Musical Production - 2007-2008 Season
Best Overall Production - 2007-2008 Season
That last award was a real shocker, because we all expected the season's biggest musical "Jekyll and Hyde" to walk off with that honor!
I am VERY, very proud to have been involved in this amazing production, and I thank our Director, Pierre-Jacques Brault for this WONDERFUL opportunity!!!
And if you'd like to see the "Mockingbird" set being struck at 78RPMs:
I have followed Neil Diamond's work since his 1976 concert here in Cleveland. Neil is currently touring again, and to celebrate his upcoming US tour leg, and new album, he treated his fans to an historic MySpace Secret Show at the West Village's famed music venue, The Bitter End, May 7, 2008, NYC. The video below is coverage from that concert. "Pretty Amazing Grace" is the first single off of Diamond's latest release, Home Before Dark, produced by Rick Rubin, in stores now.
Thank you for adding the memorial page for Michael Jackson.This memorial page for him was created for his fans all over the world to pay their respects to him on. Please leave a memorial comment for him on it now,and also add yourself to the memorial guestbook on it. We leave for you the eternal burning flame that will always be lit for Michael on your page.God bless
Show Choir! - The Musical is thrilled to announce the kickoff of our Official Website!http://www.showchoirthemusical.com Swing by to check out our page and to get your official Show Choir merchandise! While you’re there, be sure to join our mailing list to be kept up to date on all the latest Show Choir news! Coming soon… The Jazz Hands Across America Campaign…A National Campaign to Bring Show Choirs Together in Harmony! Be sure to join us elsewhere on the net! on Facebook: http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Show-Choir-The-Musical/18416084396 on iLike:
Hey Just dropping in to say hello and let you know about my Next Show w/The Little River Band May 3rd at Myrtle Beach House Of Blues in North Myrtle Beach SC Jeff The Little River Band-total record sales around the world have eclipsed the 25 million mark. 16 hit singles by 1985, as well as gold, platinum, and multi-platinum album sales awards. All-told LRB have notched up eight top 10 singles in the US.I hope to see yall at this INSANE SHOW!!!! For tickets go to www.hob.com/myrtlebeach
Hi Cindi...thanks for adding me....have a listen to my tunes some time and leave a comment if you like any of them......all the best from Ireland...David
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