• Like About
  • Archives
  • Categories

    • Archive for the ‘Musicals’ Category

    « Older Entries

    Back At EHS


    2010 - 03.04

    Tags: ,
    Posted in Musicals | 6 Comments »

    The return of the high school musical.  It has been years and long over due!  I’m sure there is some talent still in the school.  I remember the days when the musical was one of the highlights of the school year!  I may only vaguely remember seeing The Wizard of Oz back in the late 70s but I don’t think I have missed either being an audience member, in the cast, or helping in other regards of all the others.  I remember Carousel (my favorite Rodgers and Hammerstein show), Music Man,  Finian’s Rainbow, and many others.

    March 18th-20th, my alma mater will once again present You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.  I remember the last time the school performed it.  My two oldest brothers were in the chorus.  For the new staging, there will be a nostalgic feel.  Schroeder’s piano is being donated by the person who built it and had the role 25 years ago!  The mother of the actor and I reminisced the other day at the store.  Her daughter played Peppermint Patty.  Maybe would have been nice to have a show never done before at the school but at least the interest is there for the future.

    DON’T READ THE POST….


    2009 - 10.15

    Tags: , , , ,
    Posted in Musicals, Williams County Community Theatre, community theatre | 9 Comments »

    unless you have seen WCCT’s extremely fun-filled production of Little Shop… Little Shop of Horrors.  Megan and I checked it out tonight since I figured a Thursday night showing would need more help filling the seats than a Friday night.  I must say that it was very well done.  The set took you to Skid Row, U.S.A. full of bumbs and trash laden streets.  Someone mentioned that the first weekend shows were a bit loud in the musicians area, but I did not notice it.  The man with the fingers and the gal with the sticks must have toned down a bit?

    The entire cast was great, but I will pick on a few remarkable standout performances.  I have to say that Travis is Seymour.  He had the bumbling, nerdy, inept orphan turned flower shop attendant down to an art.  So many great scenes that it would take an entire post to detail it all.  SUPERB PERFORMANCE, my friend!  I can’t wait to work with you again.  If it were in my power, you would be the Willie Award winner!

    I must say that I was extremely taken aback by Shelley’s performance of Audrey.  She usually has this great, big, powerful voice that truly commands the stage.  This time, she backed off the power to give a touching, sincere persona to the meek, “semi-sadist” dating character.

    Finally, the trio of Mary, Amber, and PEGGY! They very nearly stole the show and for good reason… they were incredible.  I’m running a bit long here, so I will comment on the young lady whom I have known since the 5th grade on her stage debut.  I couldn’t be prouder!  Where were you !& years ago in high school?!  For her first time on stage, Peggy had to deal with some truly powerhouse stage veterans but she held her own brilliantly.  I was asked to tell her if I could hear her.  Going against my trained experience, I tried to hone in on her voice during the trio numbers and yes, I could hear you.  More importantly, the mixing of the three voices was great!  The attitude was dead on.  During the scene changes, the three divas kept things lively by ad libbing which brought some chuckles from the audience.

    So.. if you are in the area this weekend, take a few hours down on Skid Row.  You will be in for a treat!

    A Sequel to Broadway’s Longest Running Musical


    2009 - 10.09

    Tags: , , , , , ,
    Posted in Musicals | 2 Comments »

    A few months ago, a fellow tangenteer posted about the upcoming continuation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, a musical that first hit the London stage 23 years ago… today on October 9, 1986…WOW!  Since then, it has been translated into 15 languages, seen in over 25 different countries by over 100 million people, and has won over 50 major theatrical awards worldwide… we will just mention the movie version in passing.  Yesterday, the Lord held a press conference in which he announced (once again) that Love Never Dies will be given its West End premiere on March 9, 2010 and in New York in November 2010.  What happened to the triple opening New Year’s Eve gala of 2009?  He began working on a story 15 years ago coming up short.  I guess it takes years to come up with a show when you haven’t produced anything even remotely original and successful (did anyone see Woman in White?  I didn’t either and apparently no one else did either).

    From what I gather the plot will find the characters (Raoul, Christine, and the Phantom, himself) at Coney Island ten years following the events in Phantom.  The Phantom has traveled to America and is billed as the top draw at the amusement park while still pining for his true love.  Christine accepts the invitation of an impressario to perform in the States.  Not much there.  Time will tell if love will never die or if it will be buried like all of the most recent Lloyd Webber works.

    But you can check out the press release, listen to the overture of the new show, as well as a new Phantom song (“Til I Hear You Sing”…it’s no “Music of the Night”) by visiting the official website.  I wonder… if a show has an official site, does this mean that it is going to be produced or is it just another red herring?

    P.S.  If any of my readers are in or around the London area or plan to visit, there is already a site which is offering travel packages for the show.  Maybe that is another sure sign.

    Morning Guilty Pleasure


    2009 - 10.06

    Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
    Posted in Celebrities, Movies, Musicals, TV Shows/Movies, theatre | 8 Comments »

    This morning, I was able to catch most of Regis and Kelly (the ONLY celebrity focused morning show I enjoy watching).  As I made mention of earlier, John Stamos is now in previews for Bye, Bye Birdie for its return to the Broadway stage since the debut 50 years ago (WOW!).  Mr. Stamos will be playing the lead part of Albert Peterson.  Dick Van Dyke originated the role of Conrad Birdie’s manager in the original production as well as the original movie.  The cinematic experience does not do the stage version justice at all.  Not sure why but like many musicals it is much better to have that live, theatrical experience.  I honestly cannot think of many musicals that have translated better or at least as enjoyably on the screen.  I guess I would say The Sound of Music only because it has been so ingrained into pop culture as a movie that many forget or don’t realize that is was Rodgers and Hammerstein’s theatrical swan song.  That reason and the puppet show version of “The Lonely Goatherd” is my favorite part of the movie and IS NOT in the stage version.

    Ok… back to my original topic.  During the interview, Reege made mention of the fact that Ann-Margrock (err.. Margret) played the young girl, Kim MacAfee in the movie.  Shortly after the movie was filmed, Ms. Margret would be Presley’s leading lady in my mother’s favorite Elvis movie, Viva Las Vegas.  However, Mom was not aware that she was in the cast of Birdie.

    Here’s a few more tidbits: one of our fellow tangenteers has played the role of pop singing idol/draftee Conrad Birdie. I assisted in the directing of my high school alma mater’s production a few years ago.  AND there was a veery short lived sequel (4 performances) entitled Bring Back Birdie which was set twenty years following the events of the original.  Twenty years is quite a LONG time to wait to attempt a comeback.

    Some Added Spring In His Step


    2009 - 07.20

    Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
    Posted in Celebrities, Musicals, You Tube Videos | 4 Comments »

    Sometime ago, I blogged about the famous and infamous celebrities who have gone through the seemingly revolving casting door of the musical Chicago.  Well, you can add one more: sleaze television king Jerry Springer.  This month, the lawyer-turned Cincinnati mayor-turned talk show host-turned Dancing with the Stars (yes?) contestant wrapped his six week stint on the London West End as ethically elastic lawyer Billy Flynn.  I suppose the acting would not be a far stretch from his days as a real lawyer and questionable politician.  He is well known for his flamboyant, quick talking, flim flam personality.  However, singing?  Never had the pleasure of hearing him so I can’t judge (let me see if he has made the you tube rounds).  Here he is performing “All I Care About” at a performance of selected songs at a Leicester Square park.  You just have to forward past the opening “All That Jazz.” Personally, I would rather watch the first number but that is not what this post is about.

    Well at least he and David Hasselhoff have something else in common.  Jer-eee was the host of America’s Got Talent and the Hoff is one of the judges.  And as some will recall, the Burger King aficianado played the roles of Jekyll and Hyde on Broadway.  Wonder if ol’ Dave is going to put on the tux.  Springer says that he is going to be joining the Broadway cast until he returns to the Windy City for the talk show.  However, the producers of the New York show have no knowledge of this.

    Wherever One Door Closes Another Is Sure to Open Soon


    2009 - 07.08

    Tags: , , ,
    Posted in Audition, Musicals, community theatre | 10 Comments »

    While at work tonight, my sister and cousin came into the store with some bad news.  The director for Little Shop called the house to inform me that I was not cast in any role… apparently my attempt at a Jewish accent did not meet with the director’s approval?  Have to work on that…. I would hate to think that he only one I am good as is one from Liswathistan ;) .  I will have to think about the offer to work backstage this time.  It has happened previously and while it was fun, I really want to be on stage.  I know that the Village Players are doing a murder/mystery soon.  Another area theatre usually has a fall production… although the drive is a bit longer.  As I have noted before, I have been on different stages in the area and have had great times on each of them.  I dunno… is this wrong of me?   I love to be a part of the theatrical experience in any way especially when great friends are involved (two of them are producing Little Shop), but I am definately an on stage person.

    Another great supporter suggested I research a theatre even farther away in Fort Wayne where they are doing Joseph in the near future.  I signed up to join their email list to be informed of audition dates and info.  That would be a GREAT BIG WONDERFUL adventure.  We shall see.  Until then…

    Another Night Of Horrors


    2009 - 07.07

    Tags:
    Posted in Audition, Musicals, community theatre | 4 Comments »

    Tonight was the second and final night of Little Shop auditions.  Tonight, I did not travel from E-town alone.  A friend commented on my Facebook space that she would like to go and put her foot in the door of the world of community theatre.  If you are frequent guest of my blog, you know that one of my 50 high school classmates has been cast in a B-horror movie.  Peg told me that she would like to try auditioning for a live stage show.  Never having been on film (aside from a certain television news broadcast a year or two ago), I could only say how much I adore the smell of the greasepaint and the roar of the crowd.

    I thought Peg did fine her first time out.  She just lacks the confidence that only repeated auditions and experience will bring.  She has a lovely voice but just needs to project her voice more so that it can be heard.  When she read scenes from the script, I could see a bit of the ‘tude necessary for one of the trio of Skid Row gals come through.

    Another newbie (well… someone who was not available to attend yesterday’s round) continued to amaze me.  Chris may have been running on fumes but his excerpt of “Love Changes Everything” was brilliant.  He asked me to keep him awake if we were ever called down to read together… never happened.  Dunno… too much talent to put on stage at once?  His plant voice was tremendous and brought a tear to my eye from laughter.  I did catch him dozing in his seat a time or two, but his stage presence still rocks!

    I once again read mainly for Mushnik, a bit for Orin, and once for the voice of the plant, Audrey II.  I would be happy with either of the roles.  However, I think the part of the florist would be a hoot.  I was tempted to ask to read for Seymour but I thought why when I had already read for two of the supporting roles who have ample opportunity to shine.  I’m just not sure that I could do justice to the plant.  A bit of off the wall reading was asked of the men when we were asked to read a few lines as women.  Weird, to say the least.

    Well, we were informed that we would learn of our sentencing tomorrow.  I have waited longer than that to find out the results of show casting  (one I will not mention).  So… good luck to all and once again… great job, Peg.  Hope to see you again!

    Little Shop Of Which?


    2009 - 07.06

    Tags: , , , , , , ,
    Posted in Audition, Musicals, community theatre | No Comments »

    Tonight began auditions for WCCTs newest venture: Little Shop of Horrors.  I knew of at least two others who would be joining me.  Mare and Travis from my stint with the Village Players in Meet Me in St. Louis.  However, I began to wonder if they were going to show as Mary promised that they would be early.  Early turned out to be about 7.05 PM.  There was a wide range of talent… some young high schoolers to twenty somethings to the older set (30ish).

    To break the ice, we all went around and introduced ourselves (including the director and asst. director).  We then sang our selected audition piece.  SOMEONE so kindly volunteered me to go second.  So, I handed my excerpt to piano man/producer.  I thought I did well.  Honestly, there were a few who I could barely hear singing.  Apprehension, nerves, but there were some who barely opened heir mouths.  Some sang with the MIDI track from the show provided by the director.  Only two others bothered to bring music that was not “canned.”  I have to mention Tim who sang something called “Ladies Choice”  (I have no idea where the song comes from), but the performer was flamboyant to say the least.  So much so, that he was asked to perform the song again.  This time with his hands in his pockets and not moving so much across the stage.

    The role of Seymour (after night one of tryouts) seems to be down to two.  If it were up to me, Travis would have had it from the start.  In my eyes, the poor sap should have a whiney voice, totally lacking from self-confidence, and shy.  Travis not only had the voice, but the mannerisms.  He projected well while maintaining the meek, humble character.

    As expected, Mary totally rocked as one of the pivotal doo-wop girls.  Her stage presence and “ghetto tude” was exceptional.  Until the director asked the girls on stage to develop a Spanish(?) accent.  Thankfully, that request was quickly abolished.

    We also had a lot of readings done for Orin Scrivello, D.D.S.  Tim once again brought some chuckles from the audience.  I attempted to be sly, slippery, and sadistic, as I led Seymour to the chair (“Say, AHHHHH”).  Squirmy put a southern twang into his performance.  I’m just not sure that I could do justice to the dentist’s songs.

    Only two were asked to read for the voice of Audrey II.  Tim put his own spin on the voice.  There was a young high schooler who seemed to have the voice.  For his audition piece, he sang with the vocal track for “Feed Me/You Can Do It.”

    I was asked to read a segment of Mr. Mushnik’s lines.  After my first reading, I was told to be more Jewish.  After my second and third, I heard no comments.  Maybe I will rewatch some of Vincent Gardenia in the movie version before going back tomorrow night.  No one else was asked to read the role… no one else old enough, apparently.  Guess I am too old for Seymour… did not get asked to read for the role.  But, I think Mushnik would be a fun challenge… he gets eaten, anyway.

    I don’t remember too many reading the role of Audrey.  Dunno, maybe tomorrow night.

    So… if anyone else is interested, round two tomorrow night at 7.

    Where You Can Eat And Get Gas Or Get Gas And Eat


    2009 - 05.02

    Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
    Posted in Musicals, Performance, community theatre | 2 Comments »

    Tonight, a group of self-anointed “cougars,” Megan, and I (the only male) traveled to Findlay to see a production of Pump Boys and Dinettes.  Before our hour and a half trek began, piling into the minivan was almost worth a few dollars to see itself.  I would have gladly given up my front seat but to see the ladies crawling over each other to get a seat was priceless.  We drove through quite a bit of rain… so much for the “Slight chance of evening showers.”

    For dinner, we decided on a place called The Gathering that was right beside The Tavern in the Inn (I almost thought I was back in NYC at  Tavern on the Green).  I decided on the restaurants signature ribs.  Thank goodness, I decided on the Piglet order instead of the full-rack Oinker platter.  I barely finished the half-rack.  Guess I was not as hungry as I was when I tackled the full-pound sirloin burger.

    Ths show itself was billed as “a country music review.”  However, while most of the music had a country feel, I did notice a few pieces that had a rock sound from the 50s-60s. The music was ALL ORIGINAL.   Since the show was a review, the plot was totally secondary and seemed to be spliced together from old bits of Hee Haw corn.  The small cast included sisters Rhetta and Prudie Cupp who run and operate the Double Cupp DIner and the three main attendants at the garage/filling station next door.  The leader of the Pump Boys, Jim, seemed to be the MC of the evening and introduced the ladies man, Jackson and the more suspicious, L.M.  The pit was included on stage and the two guitar players, pianist, and drummer each seemed to have personalities of their own without saying a word.  I would say my favorite selection was L.M.’s recollection of a week he spent while attending the concert of a certain buxom blonde country legend.

    The set really made you think you were in a small backwater town in Carolina where the men far outnumber the ladies (inbreeding).  Where beer is home brewed as well as the ’shine and a cow eats the field of marijuana  (be sure to have that milk tested).

    After the show, Megan and I were encouraged to check out the green room in the basement.  Although the ceiling was a bit low (thank you Megan for pointing that out as I hit my head more than once), I must say that I found myself thinking of making a switch.  There was furniture galore (comfortable furniture), a large television which served as a monitor showing the action on stage (very nice to have), as well as cast pictures from previous shows.  As the Fort Findlay Playhouse is also constucted inside a hollowed out church, it made me wonder how many theatres have been converted from places of worship.

    On another note, it seemed that the Fort Findlay Players stole our theme idea for a season (or more members of their board were more receptive to the suggestions).  Next year, the theatre is doing a Salute to Hollywood by presenting a series of plays that were also movies.  Shows like Arsenic and Old Lace, House of Frankenstein, Singin’ in the Rain, and The Wizard of Oz (the version based on the 1939 classic film), and The Odd Couple are on the season.  See… it is possible.

    Pump Boys and Dinettes was just a fun bit of escapist fun that just flew by.  The vocal talent was extraordinary and the choreography was simple yet energetic.  I could see myself doing it.  That again is saying A LOT.

    Sometimes I Amaze Even Myself


    2009 - 05.01

    Tags: , , ,
    Posted in Musicals, community theatre | 8 Comments »

    Once again my reputation has followed me.  I walked uptown this afternoon to deposit three checks (ok… deposit two and cash my State Refund).  At the bank, I had the pleasure of meeting the new, quite personable manager.  I was immediately impressed.  First, he identified me as the “guy from the grocery store.”  So, I formally introduced myself.  He then began his spiel to see if I knew how to get the store to switch banks.  I told him it was not me… he would probably have to go to the big guy himself (Good luck with that).  I know the manager would be of no help.  That put me off a bit as I am not that high on the feeding chain, but after I was totally amazed.

    He then mentioned that he has seen me in the paper (been a while) and on stage many times and asked what was coming up.  Well… next weekend I have an audition for the 10th Anniversary of an area theatre’s production of Joseph… His daughter is also planning to try out.  I asked if she had been to the theatre’s website where she could download an audition sheet as well as follow a link to some MIDI files of the songs from the show.  I have been going over “Benjamin Calypso” and other songs since  discovering the link.

    This summer also marks the 10 year anniversary of my foray into community theatre.  I auditioned for FCF’s first summer show but did not get a part.  Happily, I did not let this deter my efforts (a LOT of HELP from a certain teacher who is now helping from above did not hurt either).  The following summer, I tried out for a neighboring production of Joseph and got my first role in a non-school show… and a monster was born.  The first few years, I tried out for summer shows only.  The manager of my FPOE was not too keen on even that much rearranging of my schedule.  But the fabulous person in charge of the front end pleaded my case.  And the rest I will elaborate on later.  Always keep them wanting more (where have I heard that before).

    But I will once again be auditioning for one of my favorite ALW shows.  Now if only the rights had not been taken away for the other (a toss up between Cats and Aspects of Love …. WOW… so not).

    Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.
    « Older Entries