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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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.

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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Never Neverland (Fly Away)

Well, it has been a month now since Peter Pan has closed. The project was a lot of work but it was also exceedingly rewarding. I believe we brought a good production to the community on a shoestring budget and exposed many kids and families to the wonderment of producing theatre. If we accomplished nothing else, it was that.



But we did accomplish more... In previous posts I have also mentioned The Heart Gallery exhibit that was being displayed in the theatre's Geissinger Annex Gallery during the run of Peter Pan. Every night after the show we would gather in the Annex among the faces of over 30 children searching for permanent homes through adoption. Words cannot express the feelings experienced when I learned that 4 of the children from that exhibit have now been placed in homes. Indeed, a little fairy dust was sprinkled on our unassuming theatre in Brookfield. And it is because of moments like that in life that I do believe.

So, I have left Neverland behind and have pointed my compass in the direction of Concord, NH. Beginning in September, I will be spending a few months at TBTA with Jo March and about as much estrogen as one show can muster. In many ways, Little Women will be the polar opposite of the musical about the boy who would not grow up. This is definitely a journey that I am eager to begin.

Beyond September, plans are in the works and announcements are forthcoming... So stay tuned.

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"Never Neverland (Fly Away)" from Dreaming Wide Awake by Scott Alan

TBTA's Peter Pan Opens Tonight

Recently there have been some lovely articles written about our production in the local papers. As I wrote previously, our theatre is hosting The Heart Gallery in its exhibit space during the run of Peter Pan. In fact, last week DCF hosted a reception recognizing some families that have been touched by adoption. TBTA's former artistic director Bart Geissinger, who selected Peter Pan for this season, spoke with his son about how adoption has touched their lives:



Following Bart's presentation, my husband and I rushed to New Milford Hospital just before my brother-in-law's wife delivered our first nephew. Needless to say, it was an emotional evening.

The next day the cast, crew and their families enjoyed a Sitzprobe & Potluck in preparation for Peter Pan's tech week. As I sat there watching everyone mill about I was struck by something I've been noticing a lot lately: the word family can mean so many things.

The next day I was at the theatre working on the set. I was there by myself and a woman popped her head in the theatre and told me that she had been calling and calling. Initially, I thought that she was talking about getting tickets for the show. Then I realized that she had been calling to make an appointment to see the photography exhibit. I walked her over to the gallery space and we talked briefly about the adoption of her daughter. She then told me about how she was feeling it was time for a sibling when she saw the article in the paper. I told her to take her time and indicated the cards on the table with details about each child featured in the exhibit.

I returned to the stage and continued to build the window pane through which Peter Pan flies into the Darling nursery. About five minutes passed and the woman returned to let me know she was leaving. She thanked me and waved the cards she held in her hand: "I've got five cards here!"

Yes, indeed, the word family can mean so many things.

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Peter Pan opens tonight at The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts. Performances are July 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 8:00pm and July 13 at 2:00pm. All tickets are $20. Call 203-775-0023 for reservations.

TBTA's Peter Pan: Helping Lost Children Find A Home

Thank goodness for the many theatre “incrediblogs” in existence to keep you up to speed on Broadway’s awards season. Without doubt, it’s been an exciting year on the Great White Way and my esteemed friends are covering the news with great panache. I will leave all the handicapping and dishing to them, as the amount of time I can currently devote to my writing is minimal. My fellow theatre bloggers will be much more thorough, so you are left in capable hands if that is the purpose of your visit.

You ask, then, why no time to write? Well, a few weeks ago I watched over 70 actors sing and dance their way through auditions for the musical Peter Pan. The production, which I am directing, is part of The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts’ 2008 Season. Guiding the cast of 37 through rehearsals that include flight, swordfights, Heelys, major choreography, four different sets and numerous costume changes will definitely be a Herculean effort.

Despite the monumental task of mounting this musical, I eagerly accept the challenge for I believe that our production has had a bit of fairy dust blown in our direction…

Everyone knows the story of Peter Pan. It is the story of the boy who would never grow up, who lives on a magical island where time stands still. Interestingly, in the first few weeks of rehearsal, it has become very evident the myriad ways we recall being told of Peter and his Neverland adventures. Most think of the Disney animated feature or the televised versions featuring Mary Martin or Sandy Duncan in the eponymous role. For others, it might be the recent Cathy Rigby revival on Broadway or the numerous cinematic adaptations of the Peter Pan story.

Certainly, as you grow older, the story takes on a completely different meaning than it did when it was all about flying, Pirates & Indians and defeating the bad guy. I think that is the sign of a great story – when it is both timeless and universal. For me, it is a story about our search in life to find people to love us and to look after us. Whether searching for a parent, as in the case of Peter and the Lost Boys, or growing beyond the years of requiring parents and starting to seek a different kind of companionship, as with Wendy, this story is about developing relationships and trusting and relying on one another.

And here’s the bit of fairy dust…

Last year, the former President and Artistic Director of TBTA adopted a son through the Department of Children and Families. The Department has now partnered with TBTA to utilize our gallery space for their Heart Gallery, a photo art exhibit featuring children in need of a permanent family connection through adoption. In my life, I’ve had the great fortune of seeing several friends who have created families through adoption. I truly feel the connection between my personal experience and this production is not accidental and I am honored the Heart Gallery will be displayed during the entire run of Peter Pan.

I leave you with this. Anyone who has ever done theatre identifies with the notion that those involved in the production become, for a time, your family. Being a musical that has so much focus on parents and children, I suspect that our production of Peter Pan will be no different, especially given the exhibit that will be hanging in our gallery. Without doubt, those sitting in the audience in July will be seeing a very special production of this classic musical. Because, you see, in our cast there are sixteen performers from six different families, including two sets of twins! If you also consider the cast members that have family helping behind the scenes, Peter Pan’s cast and crew will be a family in the truest sense of the word. And for this particular production, I think that speaks volumes.

Please, come see it… and be a part of the magic.

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TBTA presents Peter Pan
Performance Dates:
July 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19, 2008 at 8:00pm
July 13, 2008 at 2:00pm
Ticket Price (All Performances): $20.00
Reservations: 203-775-0023

Department of Children and Families: The Heart Gallery

Signs: Part I

I extend my apologies to scribes and cinephiles that happened by thinking there might be something about M. Night Shama-lama-ding-dong's film in this post. Nope. This is a post of a more personal nature. So bear with me or go back to your Google search and try again.

As insomnia strikes again, I find myself at the PC with the need to document a series of events whose relevance may end up being nil. But I will let you be the judge.

First, it is important that you know that I am a true believer that signs are everywhere and that your receptiveness to them depends on a state of being. With that, I would like to share with you the unfolding of some recent events.

In the past year I have found myself immersed in the life of the theatre and have been loving every minute of it. I knew that once I started again that I would not be able to quit. Theatre is my drug - the people, the production, the art. I grew up in the theatre. My father was a Professor of Theatre & English at the University of Pittsburgh during my formative years. I spent many years as a rehearsal tagalong and saw many plays that were beyond my years. As a result, I have a solid knowledge of the art as a whole.

Over the course of the past year, I have had the occasion to meet some interesting and talented people. I have to say that theatre people are as diverse and insane as they come. Those of you who are thespians know this. There is one person that resonated for a couple of reasons. Through various conversations, I got to know about this person and various aspects of his life. This gentleman is about a decade my senior and he would often talk of his two daughters. Over the course of time I learned that he was divorced and was raising his daughters and that his ex-wife was an alcoholic.

My parents were divorced when I was 6 and my sister was 3. My father retained custody of us and, as it would happen, my mother's alcoholism played a significant role over the years. She is now, thankfully, in recovery.

During conversations with this person you will find yourself mired in fancy words and would be fairly certain to hear a casual name dropped at least once an evening.

My father was an English teacher for crying out loud. Vocabulary was not taken lightly in our home (I think I posted a while back about my love of words...) And I can think of so many names that have been dropped over the years - all of which I believe to and/or have experienced to be legitimate.

A common discussion had in the theatre is about shows you'd like to do, roles you'd like to play and shows that you have already done. This actor was practically salivating as he talked about approaching the ideal age to play Dysart in Equus.

My father directed the Pennsylvania premiere of Equus at the Pitt, where he played the role of Dysart. My father resurrected that role in the late 80s for Seventh Sign Theatre in NYC (see aforementioned note about seeing plays beyond my years).

This actor played Don Quixote in Man of LaMancha.

My father and I auditioned for a production of Proof in Ridgefield and when my father received his "no thank you" call, they asked him if he would consider auditioning for their upcoming production of Man of LaMancha.

This man is an art framer.

My father's current wife is an artist and curator for Sacred Heart University.

This person is interested in directing an obscure show written by Lanford Wilson, in which, he said, there is a role suited for me.

My father once intereviewed Lanford Wilson (see aforementioned namedropping note).

As they always do, closing night for this production came followed by the typical mandatory strike the next morning. About an hour before I left for the theater I received a call from my father telling me that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

So what does this mean?

Perhaps nothing. But there have been other signs... Which I won't divulge just yet. In the meantime, there are some other interesting theatre notes that I'm going to share because they may end up being relevant.

1. This year I was supposed to direct Extremities at TBTA but we were unable to procure the rights. At the last minute we decided to do The Diviners, the very first full-length show I directed.
2. Musicals at Richter is doing On The Twentieth Century, which the very first musical I was ever in. On a recent trip business trip, I was driving home from the airport listening to the soundtrack when a truck happened by with the letters MAR spray-painted on the tailgate. I desperately wanted to audition for the role of Lily but have to secede to my husband's "it's my turn" argument.

There you have it. That may be the end of my tale but I suspect it is not... We shall see. Strange that these are the thoughts that clutter my brain.

And I wonder why I have insomnia...

And Just What Are The Rising Stars?

The Diviners at TBTA has officially opened and we've got two weeks left in the run. It has been just as much fun the second time around and I miss the cast already, even with 5 performances left to go. However, as the lights go down on one show, they go up on another. One week after The Diviners closes come auditions for Musicals at Richter. Part of this year's season includes Richter Rising Stars, my next project.

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What is Richter Rising Stars?
Richter Rising Stars is an elite group of young musical theatre performers that will perform prior to Richter’s main stage musicals and at various venues in the Danbury area. Richter Rising Stars will be limited to 20 performers with strong musical and dance abilities. RRS will be directed and choreographed by Alicia Dempster with musical direction provided by Charles Wade.

What are the age restrictions for Richter Rising Stars?
Richter Rising Stars is limited to performers aged 21 years and under, with a repertoire especially suited for high-school and college-aged performers. While there are no minimum age restrictions, the repertoire requires performers that are self-disciplined and quick learners.

What is expected of the Richter Rising Stars?
Richter Rising Stars performers are expected to learn the repertoire and be available for select performance evenings throughout the 2007 Season. Additionally, RRS will be performing at Danbury area venues over the summer. The flexibility of the repertoire/schedule allows for performers to commit to performance dates based on their summer schedules (e.g. other production commitments, work, vacation, camp, etc.).

What are the rehearsal requirements for Richter Rising Stars?
RRS will rehearse on Sundays from 2-6 during the months of June, July and August. There will be weekday evening rehearsals scheduled in May, exact dates TBD. Due to the limited number of rehearsals available to RRS, excessive rehearsal conflicts may prevent performers from being cast.

What does the 2007 RSS Repertoire include?
In cooperation with ASCAP and BMI, Richter Rising Stars will be performing age-appropriate selections from contemporary musical theatre. All selections to be performed in 2007 have the distinction of being from musicals that premiered on Broadway after Musicals at Richter opened its lawn in 1985.

- “Light in the Piazza” from Light in the Piazza (SSA Choral Arrangement)
- “Waitin’ For The Light To Shine” from Big River (SATB Choral Arrangement)
- “Lay Down Your Head” from Violet (Female Solo)
- “Skid Row (Downtown)” from Little Shop of Horrors (Group w Solos)
- “Mama I’m A Big Girl Now” from Hairspray (SSA Choral Arrangement)
- “The I Love You Song” from 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Trio)
- “Big News” from Parade (Male Solo)
- “Written In The Stars” from Aida (M/F Duet)
- “We’re All In This Together” from High School Musical (Group)

MEDLIES:
WICKED – No One Mourns the Wicked, The Wizard and I, One Short Day, For Good, Defying Gravity, Finale (SATB Arrangement w Solos)

MAMMA MIA – I Have A Dream, Mamma Mia, SOS, Take A Chance On Me, Thank You For The Music, Dancing Queen, Waterloo (SATB Arrangement w Solos)

RENT – Rent, One Song Glory, Without You, Santa Fe, La Vie Boheme, Will I?, Seasons of Love, Finale (SATB Arrangement w Solos)

JERSEY BOYS – Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You, December 1963, Let’s Hang On, Stay, Who Loves You, Working My Way Back To You (TTB w Solos)

AN AMERICAN TRIBUTE - Patriotic Medley for 4th of July Performances, etc. – America The Beautiful, America, Battle Hymn of the Republic

** NOTE: Repertoire is subject to change based on casting and rehearsal progress.

For more information about Richter Rising Stars and auditions, visit the Musicals at Richter Web site.

A Life So Theatrical

Let's talk progress on my writing. No - wait. Let's not. What you are reading now is basically the most that I have written in months. The Harvest Home revision sits in my brain collecting dust. If I get hit by a bus tomorrow, only one person knows the story and I doubt that he could recollect it. I could be wrong... But I'd rather not wait and see. I will rewrite eventually - hopefully before that bus happens by.

So, what has been occupying my time? Well, I mentioned back in June that I had started doing theatre again. Of course, for me the theatre is like a warm blanket. Familiar, pleasant and soothing... despite its typical tragedies. The theatre invigorates me. So much that after stage managing Damn Yankees, I auditioned for, and was cast in, Stephen Sondheim's Assassins at TBTA. I played Emma Goldman and was in the Ensemble. I had so much fun! It was the first time that I had been onstage in 10 years! Marriage, children, jobs and the occasional bump in the road really never afforded the opportunity. It seemed that any time a role I wanted became available, the timing never worked out. However, the timing worked out that past September and I look forward to the next time the Moon is in the 7th House and Jupiter aligns with Mars.

The autumn brought a new position at work as a Database Marketing Manager. I really enjoy the job and the people that I am working with. It is also more analytical and strategic than my old job, so I get to use my brain (which my new boss once said was "as big as the planet" but I think he is prone to hyperbole).

I have also been elected to the Board at Musicals at Richter, which has been an interesting, challenging and rewarding experience all at once. I have been able to channel some of my marketing and database experience into my role on the Board, which has been a fun way to use my "day-job skills". For the 2007 Summer Season, I am also directing/choreographing a new group called Richter Rising Stars. It is going to a lot of fun because the repetoire will consist entirely of selections from contemporary musical theatre that premiered in 1985 or afterward. Why 1985? That was the year that Richter was founded! And these Rising Stars? They are the next generation of Richter! It will be, as Randy Jackson says, "The bomb, dawg!"

Currently, I am directing The Diviners at TBTA and sometimes things truly are better the second time around. Certainly my first experience will always be special and doing it again leads me down Memory Lane once or twice a night but the years have made a difference. And, of course, it is great to cast actors that are the actual ages. I am fortunate to have some very talented actors in the cast and look forward to how this rarely done play is received.

In other theatre news, I purchased my ticket to Spring Awakening and am so psyched to see it! I've watched all the You Tube postings, saw The View and have been listening to the soundtrack non-stop! I love it when a show breaks the mold, attracts young and old alike and becomes a sensation. I predict great things for this show - it is the Rent of this decade. I saw Rent a few times and will likely see this one more than once! It's a thing with me... a theatre geek thing.

Santa brought my husband and I subscriptions to the Roundabout, so we saw The Apple Tree with Kristen Chenoweth and are going to see Prelude to a Kiss tomorrow night! If I were diligent, I would review those. But when it comes to blogging, diligence has not been my strong point.

For those that have returned, thanks for keeping the faith!

For those that have stopped by for the first time, come on back, I might be here.

Peace.