Resolutions for a Girl That Doesn't Make 'Em

This piece of artwork hangs in a friend's home and I've admired it for years. Upon re-reading, I have decided that these ABC's of Life provide a wonderful guideline for living, especially as we embark on a new year and have resolutions on our minds. I wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year and hope that each of us can keep these ABC's close at hand as we wend our way through 2012.

Accept Differences

Be Kind

Count Your Blessings

Dream

Express Thanks

Forgive

Give Freely

Harm No One

Imagine More

Jettison Anger

Keep Confidences

Love Truly

Master Something

Nurture Hope

Open Your Mind

Pack Lightly

Quell Rumors

Reciprocate

Seek Wisdom

Touch Hearts

Understand

Value Truth

Win Graciously

Xeriscape

Yearn For Peace

Zealously Support A Worthy Cause

Welcome To My Life

Last Monday, my friend, the brilliant composer/lyricist Bobby Cronin, had his debut concert at Birdland. About nine months ago I met Bobby at an industry reading for one of his musicals and shortly thereafter joined him on what has been one of the most thrilling journeys of my life. In the months following that initial introduction to his music, he and I collaborated on the book for the powerful rock-musical Welcome To My Life, one of the many musicals Bobby wrote the music and lyrics for. During Monday's concert, Bobby said that every parent and every teenager should see this musical. I couldn't agree more - and not just because I am one of the writers on the project. I remember what being a teenager was like. It sucked. I can't even imagine what it is like to be a teenager today, let alone being a teenager in crisis. How wonderful to be able to tell the story that touches upon several of the issues facing today's teens in the form of new musical theatre!

That said, Bobby and I are ready to take the next steps in our journey together. 2011 promises to be very exciting as we work to put Welcome To My Life up on the boards and introduce this honest, moving and thrilling new rock musical to a new generation of audiences. The new year will also see Bobby and I working on some new projects together, an opportunity for which I am exceedingly thankful. Truly - the best is yet to come!

To preview some songs from Welcome To My Life, check out the videos below of Katrina Rose Dideriksen, Gerard Canonico and Tituss Burgess singing some selections at the Birdland concert.

Grateful.

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Check Out The Paving on the Road to Hell!

OK. I had a week where I did a couple of posts. Then I vanished into the thin air of the blogosphere. I guess you are going to have to take what you get and not get upset. I truly am striving to write more and more often. But I'm a busy gal.

Since I last wrote, here are a few of things that I would have blogged about individually: we had to put our dog Shakespeare to sleep, the family saw Elf on Broadway, I produced a concert at The Palace (Gaby Alter and Sophie Jaff's Not That We're Bitter) and I celebrated my 2 year anniversary of being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

Actually, since I have your attention, I wouldn't mind if you took a minute to check out this American Diabetes Month PSA.

You may not have known I had diabetes, it's that silent a disease. But to the one diagnosed with it, trust me, it screams. That shrill constant reminder to check your sugar, give yourself insulin and be aware of potential complications. It is precisely for this reason that you see me accomplishing so much in my life. It is because I live in constant fear that there will be no tomorrow. So in a way, my diabetes makes me live harder. And for that, I am oddly thankful.

In fact, those who know me, I don't live any harder than when I'm in the theatre. The theatre, my sanctuary. Tomorrow is the first day of auditions for a production of Parade that I am directing in Ridgefield, CT. This show is so seldom done and I am blessed to be at the of helm this powerful and important production. Take a glimpse of what will be coming to Connecticut in March 2011.

So if you are wondering as you wander by this little page of mine why there hasn't been an update, it is most likely because I have rehearsal. And to say that phrase, "I can't, I have rehearsal," is to utter what I believe are some of the most beautiful words in the English language.

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The Darling Apprentice

Today I am busy. And the clock is ticking. So today you get a gimme.

Last week I set aside a little time to do something that I haven't done in a long while: watch The Apprentice. It seems like eons have gone by since that day I scrambled to have my Apprentice submission video transferred to DVD and overnighted from Martha's Vineyard. Now I hardly watch the show, save an episode here and there when my husband is watching. However, when I heard that the task was related to pitching new musical theatre to potential investors, I was interested. When I heard the talent included several of young Broadway's A-listers, I was excited. So I tuned in

The episode featured presentations from two new musicals: Darling by composer Ryan Scott Oliver (with bookwriter B.T. Ryback) and Little Miss-Fix It by librettist Kirsten Guenther (with composer Joy Son). And here's a tidbit for you: Ryan and Kirsten collaborated on the award-winning Mrs. Sharp and also the revue Out of My Head. Not unexpectedly, coverage of the task was largely dedicated to the actual teams executing the task and not the presentations. The actors were shown so fleetingly that I did a double-take when I thought I caught a glimpse of the uber-talented Nick Blaemire. I watched the episode up until the board room, which is where I lost interest.

If you would like to watch the whole episode of The Apprentice, click here. Fortunately, NBC was kind enough to indulge the MT geeks and post both full presentations on their site. To watch the presentations and vote for your favorite, click here. RSO also has a wonderful post on his blog about the whole experience, click here to read it.

When you watch the presentation, take note of Jay Armstrong Johnson's insane riff at the end of the Darling presentation. Insane. I am such a fan of Ryan's music, so I am compelled to share with you one of my top-rated RSO songs. This is "The Ballad of Sara Berry", with Johnson, Lindsay Mendez, Alex Brightmean and Natalie Weiss. Take note of the transformational notes that come out of Lindsay Mendez. Mindblowing.




To check out the lyrics for "The Ballad of Sara Berry" (and hear some other RSO tunage), click here.

Yes, the future of musical theatre is bright. Blindingly so.

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Halloween & Shakespeare

I am a contradiction and I think that is what makes me interesting.

Yesterday was Halloween and, therefore, as a mother and a citizen I went through the obligatory motions. I applied my creative skills to help create a a dead Miss America, a corpse bride and a gladiator. I then piled my brood in a car, took them to a party and accompanied them as they went trick or treating. As I said yesterday on Facebook, I've never been a fan of Halloween. I don't like to dress up, I dislike being scared, I don't have a sweet tooth and I'm not a fan of walking around in the chill of late October asking for treats.

Whenever I say that I don't like Halloween people get this shocked look on their faces. They will often proclaim, "But you're a theatre person!" And I nod, understanding. Most of my friends are REALLY into Halloween. You see? I'm a contradiction.

I was also a Writing major. And I can't stand Shakespeare. Go figure.

This doesn't mean that I don't appreciate the awesome costumes that people dream up on Halloween or the important contribution that Shakespeare has made to literature and theatre.

It's just a reminder not to judge a book by its cover. A reminder that the contradiction that lies within could be the source of the best story you've ever heard or the spark of the best conversation that you've ever had.

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Flex Those Muscles, Girl!

I'm going to try something new. I am not sure whether or not I will be successful but I'll never know unless I try, right? I am determined to give my writing muscles a more disciplined and steady workout and I am hoping that this blog will be where that happens. Starting today, I am going to commit to posting to this site at least five times a week. Beyond that, all is fair game. You may get a review, a musing, a project update or perhaps a shopping list. Don't know. It's pretty much going to be a WYSIWYG situation. Enter if you dare.

So, what has been going on in my life since my post-back surgery blog in early August? Firstly, I have recovered from the surgery. Now my aches and pains are just age related, not herniated disc related.

In September, TheStage Repertory Company launched its monthly Musical Mondays! series at The Palace Theatre in Danbury, CT. Each month, our company produces a concert featuring the songs of new and exciting musical theatre composer/lyricists. So far we have heard music from the canons of Bobby Cronin and Robert Rokicki. On November 15th, we are going to feature Gaby Alter & Sophie Jaff's Not That We're Bitter, about the high, lows and further lows of dating. For December and beyond, we are preparing an exciting lineup that will be announced very soon! If you can spare $15 (or $35 including train fare for those of you in the City), don't miss the chance to see original and fresh musical theatre performed by some of Broadway's brightest rising stars!

At the end of September I went to The Catskills with Bobby Cronin, Erica Ruff and a group of deliciously talented young actors. Over the weekend, we put the musical formerly known as The Beaten Path up on its feet. From that weekend emerged Welcome To My Life, a beautiful, moving and important new musical about the challenges of growing up and what can happen when make missteps on the journey to adulthood. I am so excited for people to see the first collaboration from the writing team of Cronin & Dempster. It really is a powerful piece of original musical theatre! In fact, if you want a sneak peek at some of the songs, why don't you head to Birdland NYC on November 29th to see The Roads I'm Taking: The Music & Lyrics of Bobby Cronin. You won't be disappointed!

I continue to reallocate focus to my writing, which has become an increasingly more rewarding and exciting way for me to spend my "spare" time. I am in the process of putting some pitches together for some new projects and I'm thrilled to say that I'm going to be collaborating on a new project with Bobby. You can certainly expect to hear more about my writing adventures in the coming months. In addition to working with TheStage Repertory Company and my writing projects, I am beginning to put together the pieces for the production of Alfred Uhry & Jason Robert Brown's musical Parade. This has been a longtime favorite of mine and I am thrilled to be at its helm for The Ridgefield Theater Barn's March 2011 production. After it goes up, I will be taking a bit of a directing hiatus as I spend more time writing.

I continue to go to New York and, when I can, try to catch my favorite performers in action. As part of NYMF, I saw some amazing productions including Anthony Rapp's Without You and Jennifer Ashley Tepper & Kevin Michael Murphy's If It Even Only Runs A Minute 4. I was at the first preview of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, caught a Times Talks panel discussion with Tom Kitt and the new cast members of next to normal, took in a couple installments of the Joe Iconis Rock & Roll Jamboree run at The Beechman (where the breathtaking "Ammonia" made its debut) and I saw Off-Broadway Close-Up, which featured the pleasant surprise of the entire [title of show] cast joining the ever-cramazing Susan Blackwell in a kick-ass performance of "Die Vampire, Die!".

I will take a brief moment here to say that the 2010-2011 Tony Season on Broadway is getting off to a smashing start. I know that time and money won't allow me to see everything but if both were in abundant supply, these are the shows that I would be getting tickets to: BROADWAY: War Horse, Catch Me If You Can, The Scottsboro Boys, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark and Godspell. I am interested in The House of Blue Leaves with Ben Stiller & Edie Falco and Death of a Salesman with Philip Seymour Hoffman, admittedly this interest is primarily because of casting. OFF-BROADWAY: Angels In America, The Milk Train Doesn't Stop Here Anymore, Compulsion, The Intelligent Homosexual's Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures, By The Way, Meet Vera Stark, and One-Arm. I am also really, really hoping that I make it down to DC to see Follies at The Kennedy Center, featuring Bernadette Peters, Jan Maxwell, Linda Lavin and Elaine Page. It will be interesting to see how many of these shows I actually get to see. Thank God for things like TDF.

Tomorrow is Halloween, which really marks the beginning of holiday madness for me. In addition to raising three kids, wrapping up the year at the 4o-hour a week income generation establishment, producing a couple Musical Mondays! and casting Parade, the family has some exciting trips planned including the much-anticipated trip to Great Wolf Lodge in The Poconos. This time is also known as "time for mommy to write, while the kids conquer the indoor water park". Everybody wins.

So there you have it. I have written something. I have caught you up. And I've probably exhausted you a little bit.

I think I'm going to go take a nap.

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Help Diabetics & Vote for Tony's Plate

Although it is not something that I spend a lot of time advertising, there is something about me that you probably don't know. I am a Type I diabetic. I was diagnosed in November 2008 and, as you can imagine, being diagnosed weeks away from my 40th birthday with a chronic illness typically associated with children was like a punch in the gut. However, I am one that is fairly adept at rolling with the punches and my diagnosis was no exception. Almost two years later, I have grown accustomed to the inconveniences of diabetes: the constant carb counting, the incessant pricking of my finger, the occasional low blood sugar episodes ("Drink the juice, Shelby!") and being constantly tethered to an insulin pump.

Last week I had a herniated disc removed from my back, which required an overnight stay at the hospital. After the surgery, I was wheeled up to my room. It was about 5:00pm and, having not had any food since midnight the night before, I was a bit hungry. I proclaimed that I was starving and, shortly thereafter, I was delivered my hospital cuisine which consisted of macaroni and cheese and some of the best damned canned peaches I ever ate. Alongside the tray was a menu, with the carbohydrates conveniently listed next to each menu item. I took my blood sugar reading, entered the BG level and the total carbs into my pump, and I had a very satisfying meal of institutional cuisine.

The next morning, after a virtually sleepless night, my breakfast arrived. This menu, however, did not have the convenience of the carbs listed next to the menu items, so I asked the nurse if someone could get me that information. After asking three times and getting no response, I stared longingly at my breakfast and resorted to my trusted Blackberry to Google each individual item to ascertain what the carb value of my breakfast was. By the time I had all the information at hand, my scrambled eggs were cold. Believe me, there is nothing worse than cold, hospital prepared scrambled eggs.

At lunchtime, as my sugar levels had elevated to near 400, the same thing happened. The food was delivered and there were no carb values listed. At this point, I was reduced to tears. Quite ridiculous, really. A 41-year-old woman sitting there sobbing because all she wanted to do was eat her lunch and get her blood sugar under control. This was certainly one of the moments that I missed the convenience of being able to eat anything I wanted, whenever I wanted. A convenience that the average, non-diabetic takes for granted.

Now that I am home from the hospital, recovering from back surgery, I spend a lot of time on the computer. Yesterday, the cramazing Susan Blackwell posted a video on her Facebook page and it came through my news feed. When I saw the [title of show] gang in the thumbnail, I clicked on it, diehard Tosser that I am.

This video, embedded below, is a call to action. Susan Blackwell's nephew was recently diagnosed with Type I diabetes and, in response, her brother built this amazing application called Tony's Plate. The application is a one-stop calculator where you can enter all of your food items and portion sizes online and it calculates the nutritional information for you - most importantly, the total carbohydrate intake. I cannot express how invaluable this tool is for a diabetic. Believe me, I wish I had known about it a week ago. It would have spared me a pretty pitiful emotional display.

This application has been submitted to Michelle Obama's Apps for Healthy Kids Competition as part of the Let's Move Campaign and, if it wins, Susan's brother gets to go to the White House and could win a couple of doubloons for this invaluable effort. So please, click on this link and take 90 seconds to vote for this application. Do it for Susan! Do it for me! Do it for diabetics everywhere! Do it because you're a Tosser! Do it because John and Susan are from Ohio! Just do it!

Rock the vote, kids!

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In Memoriam: Patrick Lee (1959-2010)

It would seem you have stumbled upon a rare post on a neglected blog. This blog started in 2005 and through the last 5 years, in spits and spurts, I’ve posted my thoughts and musings about theatre, film and life. Writing for my blog is a beloved hobby. It started around the time I was writing the screenplay Harvest Home and, over the years, has morphed into a blog that is primarily theatre-centric.

I love theatre. I love it hard and I love it true. I’ve said it several times in my life and I will say it several more: it has been my one true constant, ever since I toddled around backstage during shows my father directed. Theatre never disappoints. She entertains, she educates, she energizes. She is most definitely the jealous mistress in my life and she will always beckon.

Not many people feel the way I do about theatre. But I’ve been lucky in my life to find a few. Several of them are bloggers themselves and are included in the “Bloggers You’ll Learn To Love” list to the right. I’ve met most of these passionate and intelligent theatre addicts and my appreciation for this glorious art has undoubtedly been made richer by reading their blogs.

Someone who has been included on this list for quite some time is Patrick Lee who, among other things, was the author of the blog Just Shows To Go You. On Wednesday afternoon, a mutual friend and fellow blogger posted a link on his Facebook page, informing us that Patrick had unexpectedly passed away at the age of 51. Through the magic of social networking, it did not take too long to realize just how many lives Patrick touched.

My only face-to-face meeting with Patrick was at a bloggers brunch at Angus McIndoe in March 2008. For the majority of the brunch he was seated at the other end of the table. However, before dashing off to a matinee of Passing Strange, he came to our end of the table and introduced himself. We chatted briefly about Show Showdown, our blogs, Taboo and Passing Strange, for which he had a great enthusiasm. That afternoon, I was off to see Lit and Messy and Not At All Ashamed at NYU, a concert featuring the music of my composer friend Joe Iconis. At the time, he hadn’t heard of Joe (also a Passing Strange fan, BTW) but soon thereafter he became a big fan and supporter of Joe’s work.

Following that brunch, I started reading Patrick’s blog. I would also read his reviews on Theatermania, became Facebook friends with him and followed him on Twitter. I knew him virtually, as so many of us did. It did not take long for me to realize what a gift to the theatre community he was. Most definitely, Patrick was a champion of new and original theatre as evidenced by his love of [title of show], Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, The Amoralists, Joe Iconis and more. We are so fortunate, to have an online legacy of Patrick, where we can Google his reviews, interviews and musings to our heart’s content.

I am lucky to also have a tangible reminder of Patrick. When Equus returned to Broadway, I won, via a Just Shows To Go You contest, a Playbill that had been autographed by the entire cast of said revival. Little did Patrick know, Equus was an instrumental part of my theatrical development, so it was a thrill to own such a meaningful piece of memorabilia. While I don’t know for certain, I am going to presume that Equus was one of Patrick’s favorites as well, since the original logo is the first tile on the banner affixed to the top of his blog. Ironically, one of Patrick's last published articles on Theatermania is an interview with Sam Underwood, who is playing Alan Strang in Tony Walton's production of Equus in East Hampton. From this day forward, whenever I look at that Playbill, I will think of Patrick.

It is always very hard, when someone passes away suddenly and unexpectedly, to make sense of it. I barely knew Patrick and I instantly became immersed in thoughts of his life, his family, his close friends and his colleagues. If I’m so deeply affected, how do those closest to him make sense of it? Then I think to myself, how wonderful it is that Patrick was a writer! How wonderful that so many of his friends are writers! As Patrick’s family and friends gather this weekend to memorialize him, they need only turn to the blogosphere for comfort. The online eulogies that have been cropping up on the internet are numerous, several of them by the bloggers listed to the right. In them, Patrick is remembered as an intelligent, passionate, sarcastic, inspiring, jovial, caring, witty, kind and much loved person. Most of us can only aspire to be remembered so fondly.

In whichever way great or small Patrick Lee may have touched your life, I think we can all agree we are better for having known him and for having known the work that he loved so dearly.

We have learned that Patrick had a heart attack and passed away quietly in his sleep. While nobody knows for certain what happened, I like to think that Patrick enjoyed a nice glass of wine, posted his interview with Joe Colarco about Burnt Part Boys, climbed into bed thinking about his predictions for the upcoming Tony Awards and then drifted off to his final sleep dreaming about the theatre, something he loved hard and that he loved true. A love that, thankfully, he shared with so many.

Curtain.

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There's A Woman At The Piano!

A recent project that has come across my "desk" has once again stirred up my ire about the disparity in opportunities for women in the arts. I was asked to think of living female musical theatre/composer lyricists that would perhaps like to have their work showcased in NYC and after rambling off a few names, I soon came up dry.

Many moons ago I posted about the imbalance of female directors in Hollywood. I don't know why I should be surprised by the same irksome fact about women in the theatre arts. According to 50/50 in 2020: Parity for Women Theatre Artists, female playwrights, directors and designers receive only 20% of professional production opportunities nationwide. Sadly, this is not surprising. Testosterone still dominates on Broadway, with the big three, The Shubert Organzation, Nederlander and Jujamcyn, helmed by men. Without getting on a soap box, I will simply say that as a female theatre artist, I certainly hope that the male/female ratio on Broadway does reach 50/50 in 2020. Much can happen in 10 years, that is for certain.

So, back to the task at hand. Below is the list of female composer/lyricists that I was able to come up with. Have you got any to add to the list? Surely there are more female musical theatre composer/lyricists with a story to tell. Let's make sure that their story is heard!

• Deborah Abramson
• Lynn Ahrens
• Beth Blatt
• Kirsten Childs
• Maggie Kate Coleman
• Gretchen Cryer
• Mindi Dickstein
• Danica Dora
• Beth Falcone
• Nancy Ford
• Ryann Ferguson
• Jenny Giering
• Zina Goldrich
• Rebecca Greenstein
• Kirsten A. Guenther
• Marcy Heisler
• Anna K. Jacobs
• Sophie Jaff
• Kate Kerrigan
• Kristen Lopez
• Julia Meinwald
• Kacie Sheik
• Georgia Stitt
• Joy Sun
• Jeanine Tesori
• Katie Thompson
• Sarah Wordsworth
• Amanda Yesnowitz
  

Rising From The Ashes

Today is the first day of a new decade. Today is also my birthday and, thusly, the beginning of my 41st year (or, depending on perspective, the beginning of my 42nd year).

Last year was difficult. And I'm not going to lie, I'm happy to see it end. I worked hard and I was let down hard. I made friends and I lost friends. It was a year of accepting truths - about myself, about my relationships, about my illness and about my aspirations. For me, 2009 was not only the last year of the decade but the end of a significant chapter in my life.

After my most recent blog post, the following T.S. Eliot quote appeared as the Facebook status of TBTA's future leader: “For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice.”

At first, I took it very personally. Last year, I spoke words in a language that will soon become obsolete. This year, a new voice will speak new words, in a new language. With one single quote, I felt both hurt and dismissed, as though all of my contributions were for naught.

Appended to the end of the quote from "Little Gidding II" was a fragment from a different T.S. Eliot quote: "And to make an end is to make a beginning."

Now, T.S. Eliot holds a special place in my heart. As a child, my father read to me from Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats (before Andrew Lloyd Webber got his hands on it). As a student, I explored the deeply complex world of T.S. Eliot, most specifically The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock and The Waste Land.

Of course, I know that my friend's usage of this quote was more likely predicated by the onset of the New Year rather than as a personal affront to me. However, despite its intent, I choose to use that quote, in its entirety, to begin the next chapter of my story: "What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from."

Much like the Seneca quote in my previous post, T.S. Eliot purports that without an ending there cannot be a beginning. Endings are hard and often sad but they are, indeed, where we start from. Beginnings are exhilarating.

From the ashes rises the Phoenix and, as such, I am proud and excited to announce that, in collaboration with B. Peter Hughes and Joseph Russo, a new theatre company is being born. TheStage Repertory Company, devoted to championing new and lesser known theatre, will spread its wings in 2010.

TheStage Rep will begin producing theatre for our community in Spring 2010 and will announce our inaugural season in February 2010.

Join us, won't you? Because beginnings are, indeed, exhilarating.

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A Change of Heart

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." - Seneca

Tomorrow marks the end of 2009, a year that I will look back upon as a year of preparation. Ironically, what I thought I was preparing for and what I was actually preparing for ended up being completely different.

Without question, 2009 was a very busy year. I directed two stage productions: Doubt at TheatreWorks New Milford and Little Shop of Horrors at The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts (TBTA). As the VP & Managing Director of TBTA, I produced four special events for the theatre: The Paddy Awards, the acclaimed production of Tea at Five, Susan Blackwell's Die, Vampire! Die! Workshop and Joe Iconis' Connecticut concert debut in The Not Suitable for Children Concert: The Songs of Joe Iconis. Also for TBTA, I directed two youth workshop productions: Sleeping Beauty Kids and Dear Edwina, Jr.

In 2009, focus on my writing took a back seat to theatre projects that were production-focused, not creative-focused. I spent the year entrenched in my activity, hoping that 2010 would see all of my hard work pay off. At the end of 2008, the current President of TBTA told me that I would be her choice to succeed her presidency. She also told me that 2009 would be her last year. I held that information close to the vest for the entire year. Since she said it, I took it to be true and I made plans accordingly. To make a long story short, she changed her mind. Instead of me being President, she wanted me to be a grant writer. Instead of nominating me, she nominated someone else to succeed her.

This change of heart devastated me. Many tears were shed. No explanation for the change in direction was offered, aside from the fact that it was the inherent right of the President to do so. So, in the end, I resigned from the Board and walked away from the theatre that I had called "home" for three years.

As I said before, though, 2009 was a year of preparation. While I thought that I was preparing to become the President of TBTA, that turned out not to be the case. TBTA slammed the door in my face but were kind enough to open up a window. Outside the walls of TBTA there lies a world of opportunity. And 2010 is the year that I will discover that world.

Want to join me on my expedition? Then stay tuned for a big announcement in 2010 that will mark the beginning of an incredible journey. And who better to share it with than you, my faithful readers?

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Shing-A-Ling, What A Creepy Thing To Be Happening!

Here it is, October, and I find my favorite time of year whizzing by, chock full of all of the usual craziness. Naturally, that craziness involves a theatrical project. In a sense, I am returning to the familiar in so many ways. I am very excited to be directing Little Shop of Horrors , a favorite show, at The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts, my home away from home.

Many moons ago, while in college, I played Audrey in Little Shop. Hands down, I would say that playing that role was my single most memorable performing experience. It is very exciting now to be on the other side of the footlights as the director and to have the opportunity to work with such a remarkably talented cast that includes Matt Austin (Seymour), Jessica Braun (Crystal), Elayne Cassara (Ronnette), Rachel Corn (Audrey), Stephen DiRocco (Mr. Mushnik), Joe Harding (Voice of Audrey II), Barbara Kessler (Ensemble), Caitlin Kuhfeldt (Chiffon), Bob Lussier (Orin Scrivello, DDS), Jim Ryan (Puppeteer) and Alex Vournazos (Ensemble). We also have a crackerjack production staff that includes Stephanie Gaumer-Klein (Musical Director), Meg Jones (Producer), Brian Casella (Lighting Design), Kyle Pascuitti (Puppet Design), Patty Tompkins (Costumer) and Cindy Tyler (Costumer).

For those of you who recognize any of those names, you know that it is a lot of fun going to rehearsal every night and that the production is going to be off the hook. It is also insanely busy trying to juggle it all – work, family and rehearsals. That said, my feeble attempts at keeping this blog current will remain just that – feeble.

The other night I had dinner with a couple of theatre blogger friends and I was bemoaning the fact that I never get asked to attend Broadway shows for free. And then I knowingly admitted that if I actually spent time reviewing the shows and blogging more often that would probably be different. It was at this point that my friend pointed out that I don’t have time to write because I am too busy making theatre.

And that is a good thing. A really good thing.

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Little Shop of Horrors

at The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts (TBTA)
Evenings: November 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21 at 8:00pm

Sunday Matinee: November 15 at 2:00pm

RESERVE NOW! Click here to reserve online or call the box office at 203-775-0023.

$20 for General Admission, $15 for Students with Valid ID

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What The Future Holds: My Original Musical

Theatrically speaking, this is the time of year when my mind becomes preoccupied with what will happen next year. As many of you know, most of my spare time is spent in a theatre – either as an audience member, as a director or as a producer. When this year ends I will have produced two shows (Tea At Five and The Not Suitable for Children Concert: The Songs of Joe Iconis), directed the Young Performers Series (Sleeping Beauty Kids and Dear Edwina, Jr.), coordinated three special events (including a writing workshop with [title of show]’s Susan Blackwell) and I will have directed two full-length productions Doubt and Little Shop of Horrors).

2009 was a busy year. And it isn't even over yet.

In 2010, my spare time will continue to be spent pursuing theatrical endeavors but there will be a notable shift in focus. I will not be directing any full-length productions next year to free up more of my time for focus on writing, development and producing. There are so many talented directors in the area and I love that several of them want to be involved with TBTA. I directed four shows at TBTA in the last three years, they can do without me for a year or two.

I will continue to direct the Young Performers Series at TBTA, which will include a winter non-musical and a musical theatre summer camp for elementary and middle school students. I believe that the development of a young person’s appreciation for theatre is paramount to the future of the art and I am committed to making sure those opportunities continue to exist at our theatre.

My principal goal, however, is to get the rewrite of my original musical, Harvest Home, completed and to find a composer that will write the music for it. I just know that if I build it, they will come. I’ve had this rewrite in my head too long. When Maya Angelou said that there is no agony like bearing an untold story inside of you, she wasn’t kidding.

I’m tired of the agony.

So in 2010 I will tell that untold story and mark the year that the agony ended and the ecstasy began. Because that is the year I will have written the book to what will be an award-winning musical.

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Shanley's Doubt Opens at TheatreWorks in July

Sister Aloysius has her certainty and armed with that she will not stop. Don't miss this riveting and thought-provoking production of the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning play Doubt, which runs July 10 through August 1, 2009 at TheatreWorks New Milford.

Doubt is directed by yours truly and features some of the finest actors in the area, including regional favorite Noel Desiato as Sister Aloysius Beauvier, J. Scott Williams as Father Flynn, Jessica Alex as Sister James and Stephanie Jackson as Mrs. Muller.

Tickets are selling fast, so order yours today!

I’m Making Strides To Cure My Diabetes

I am a Type I diabetic. This is not something that generally gets conveyed in conversations, so I have friends that are still surprised to learn this information. Type I is also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. I was diagnosed with in November 2008 at the very juvenile age of 39.

Being diagnosed with diabetes changes your life. It did not take long for me to learn about the conditions/complications associated with the disease or about the various treatments available and research being conducted. There are some fascinating advances that have been made and much of it is funded by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). In fact, in a couple of weeks, yours truly will be handing over injection pens for an insulin pump, which will greatly reduce a bit of the PITA component of diabetes.

On Sunday, June 14th, I will be participating in a walk to raise funds for diabetes research. The walk is being co-sponsored by the Brookfield Lions Club and the JDRF. The Brookfield Lions Club also donated $200 to The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts, the theatre where I serve as VP & Managing Director, so for me participating in this walk is paying it forward and sideways and every which way.

Please consider making a donation to support my participation in this walk. There is no amount too small. If you are going to see me in person before the walk, you can give the cash/check donation directly to me. Unfortunately, this walk does not take online payments through the Lions Club or JDRF. If you would like to donate online, though, you can click here and make a secure online donation via PayPal. I will then write a check for whatever amount you donate and will provide the Brookfield Lions Charities with your name (and info if you want to provide for tax purposes).

If your pockets are feeling a little light right now, no worries. I’m planning on doing the big JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes in the fall and I’ll reach out to you then, too.

Because I will keep participating until they find a cure.

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DVR Alert: Broadway in Your Living Room!

PBS never disappoints when it comes to bringing the magic of live theatre to our living rooms. While my eldest daughter is too young to see Billy Elliot (due to the frequent use of the F-bomb), the taste of Broadway she got from watching Finding Billy Elliot sufficiently awed her.

On May 27th, PBS will broadcast In The Heights: Chasing Broadway Dreams, another documentary about a Broadway juggernaut. This film will chronicle the journey of Lin-Manuel Miranda as he chased, and found, his dream: winning the 2008 Tony Award for Best Musical. View the trailer here:



Also airing on PBS, last year's concert of Chess filmed at Royal Albert Hall in London, starring Josh Groban and Idina Menzel. The musical, by the dudes from ABBA and prlolific lyricist Tim Rice, didn't have much success after it transferred from London to the States. However, it had a cult following and spawned the Murray Head hit "One Night in Bangkok". PBS will air the concert on June 17th at 9:00pm.



Though it isn't going to air until 2010, PBS has also acquired Spike Lee's film adaptation of the rock musical Passing Strange. I was very disappointed that I missed Stew's run on Broadway when the show ended prematurely. Fortunately, though, someone in Hollywood had the good sense to capture it on film and I simply cannot wait to see it. Initial rumors were that Showtime was going to acquire the property but I, for one, am glad I don't have to re-up my subscription.



Hooray for free television broadcasting live theatre!

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Releasing My Inner Van Helsing

Today, it's all about gathering up those wooden stakes and slaying those Vampires!

Check out our nifty article on BroadwayWorld.com and our groovy feature in The Connecticut Post. And when you've finished doing that, come on down to TBTA and join in the fun!

The ass-kicking begins at 2:00pm at the The Brookfield Theatre for the Performing Arts, 182 Whisconier Road behind the Library. Tuition is $60 ($50 for TBTA Members).

For further information, visit the TBTA web site.

A Gaythering Storm

Once again, Funny or Die and Hollywood pair up to make a point... Brava!

A Gaythering Storm from Jane Lynch

P.S. I am so proud to live in the State of Connecticut!

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TBTA Offers Die Vampire, Die! Workshop with Susan Blackwell

proudly presents


featuring Susan Blackwell

Sunday, May 3rd from 2:00-5:00pm

From the [title of show] Vampire Hunting Guide:
“a vampire is defined as any person, thought or feeling that stands between you and your creative self-expression.”


This writing/performing workshop, led by [title of show] star Susan Blackwell, invites participants to identify and nurture the seedlings of ideas through the writing process and into performance.

THEMES OF THE DIE VAMPIRE, DIE! WORKSHOP INCLUDE:
Creative Writing * Performance * Identifying and taking creative risks

Contributing to a collaborative process * Tapping into brave artistic freedom
Developing clear self-expression * Establishing a creative safe space

The Brookfield Theatre

for the Arts
182 Whisconier Road (Route 25 behind the library), Brookfield CT
For further info: 203-775-0023 or www.brookfieldtheatre.org

Fee: $60.00 per person ($50.00 for TBTA Members), includes all supplies

Space is limited! Click here to register now!
Fee and contact info must be received by Thursday, April 30th.

Registrations processed on first come, first served basis.

Mail Payment and Contact Info to:

TBTA [tos] Workshop, P.O. Box 528, Brookfield CT 06804

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Now Playing or Coming Soon to a Theatre Near... Me!

As regular readers know, most of this blog is spent posting about other people’s projects or shows that I’m not directly involved with. I’m okay with that. I feel that I have a fairly valuable and informed opinion when it comes to such things.

However, I would be doing myself a great disservice if I didn’t highlight some of my own projects, one of which is currently underway at The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts. At the moment, I am producing the critically acclaimed production of Tea At Five starring the incomparable Noel Desiato. This play, about legendary stage and screen actress Katharine Hepburn, has been touted a “theatrical phenomenon” in Northwest Connecticut.

The show’s playwright, Matthew Lombardo, attended the opening performance of this production, which premiered in January 2008 at TheatreWorks New Milford, and said: “This was the first presentation of the play I have seen outside of the original production [featuring Kate Mulgrew] and national tour. To witness Noel’s fearless interpretation and loyal dedication to the text was perhaps one of the greatest gifts I have received during my entire history with this play.”

If you haven’t seen this production and you have some availability in your calendar (only one more weekend to go!), I implore you to come and see this show. This performance is too important to miss.


Meanwhile, in the background, I am preparing for my next directing project, one of Connecticut’s first regional productions of the Broadway hit Doubt at TheatreWorks New Milford. My recent directing projects have been limited to musicals, for which I also have a deep devotion, but I am infinitely pleased to be helming a non-musical for a change of pace. And what a piece to sink my teeth into! This play, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2005 and the Tony Award for Best Play, is a gripping story of suspicion, morality and certainty (or doubt) set in a Bronx Catholic school in 1964. I am certainly looking forward to spending time with both the text of this play and the talented actors that this production will most likely attract.



And in October it’s back to The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts, my home theatre, to direct the wildly popular and bloody rock musical Little Shop of Horrors. Back in my college days I portrayed Audrey, the ditzy blonde with the squeaky speaking voice, and fifteen years later it continues to be my fondest performance memory (yup, that's me in the pic above). I am definitely thrilled at the prospect of bringing that mean green mother from outer space to our quiet little corner of the world. It should be a grand way to end the season.

So, as you can see, I have a full plate for 2009 and, while I know your entertainment dollar is spent more judiciously these days, I hope that you consider stopping by to support both my creative endeavors and the fabulous theatres that are so graciously hosting them.

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