MusicalTheatreAudition.com Blog

Center Stage Club

2007-02-04T15:17:00.000-06:00

MTA's Center Stage Club - Assignment #3

Do you have a show makeup kit? Is it well stocked? Is it clean? Assignment #3 helps us get our makeup under control.

Our Healthy Habit for the month of February will help us build skills while improving our physical activity.

Become An MTA Affiliate And Earn $$$!

2007-01-14T20:07:00.000-06:00

MusicalTheatreAudition.com's Store Affiliate Program

Do you have a blog or a website? When you become a MusicalTheatreAudition.com affiliate and link to our store products, you will earn 20% of every sale made as a result of traffic from your link.

Step One:: Go to http://www.cafepress.com/cp/members/affiliate/ and sign up as an affiliate. Cafepress hosts our affiliate program and will track your sales and pay your commission. You will get an affiliate ID number when you sign up.
Step Two:: Choose one of our banners or create a text link, using this URL:

http://www.cafepress.com/musicaltheatre?pid=YOURIDHERE

Don't forget to save the banner to your computer and upload it to your directory to make sure it loads quickly.


Step Three:: Post your link on your website or blog using text and/or images, and keep track of your traffic and earnings at http://www.cafepress.com/cp/members/affiliate/
Step Four:: Reap the rewards! You can get your earnings by cheque, or spend it on products on our site.

Valentine's Day Gifts For Theatre Lovers

2007-01-04T18:19:00.000-06:00

Give Your Sweetie A Theatre-Inspired Gift

Join The Club & Become A Better Performer

2006-12-31T17:27:00.000-06:00

At this time of year, it is easy for us to make promises to ourselves about all the things we are going to do to make ourselves better over the next year. It is also easy for those best of intentions to be forgotten after just a few weeks.

The Center Stage Club is MTA's way of helping you stay on track by giving you guidelines and reasonable goals. Every two weeks, you will be given an assignment that will help you improve your auditions and performances. Once a month, you will also be given a "healthy habit" to work on to keep your body and mind sharp and ready to perform!

No need to sign up, just jump in and follow along. You can discuss your progress in the club thread already set up in the MTA forum.

Win What You Didn't Get For Christmas!

2006-12-26T22:35:00.000-06:00

Win What You Didn't Get For Christmas Contest!

After the holidays, everyone has something on their wish list that they really wanted, but didn't receive. Now you can make up for it! One of MTA's lucky site members will win their item of choice from the MusicalTheatreAudition.com Gift Shop. For your chance to win, read all the details here.

Healthy Vocal Maintenance Reminder

2006-10-10T11:06:00.001-06:00

As the weather turns colder it is time to look ahead to cold & flu season. When your ability to perform relies on the overall health of your body it is extremely important to take preventative measures as well as treat symptoms once they appear. Here are some tips for keeping your voice healthy.

Avoid talking for extended periods of time while out in cold weather.

Know your physical limit for pitch and volume, seek professional vocal training, and never sing a high note you cannot sing quietly.

Take steps to avoid stress and exercise or stretch to relieve tension daily.

If you must talk softly, use extra breath instead of a harsh whisper.

Keep your body hydrated - carry a waterbottle.

Nourish your body by eating a balanced diet. Especially on days when you perform, "graze" throughout the day instead of eating large heavy meals.

Avoid overworking your voice - rest regularly as you would for any other part of the body.

Avoid using your voice when you are sick or feel tired.

Learn to be sensitive to the first signs of vocal fatigue: these include hoarseness, throat tension, dryness, and pain. Consult your doctor if you have throat problems for more than 10 days.

Don't expose your voice to pollution and dehydrating agents such as cigarette smoke, chemical fumes, alcohol, caffeine, and dry air.

Use a humidifier in your bedroom at night.

Practice good posture and alignment exercises.

Wear a scarf.

Keep a regular sleep schedule and ensure that you sleeping enough to feel well rested.

Halloween & Theatre Combine

2006-09-30T15:56:00.000-06:00

Comedy / Tragedy Jack o Lantern Tote

Maybe its the costumes, props, and makeup, but theatre people really love Halloween. Join us on the MTA forum for the month of October for a series of games and trivia all about the spookiest of musicals. How much do you know about the shows on our Halloween Musicals list?

Also for the month of October, you can send a special Comedy / Tragedy Jack-o-Lantern e-card in addition to our regular "Break A Leg" e-card.

Technorati tags: halloween

From Our Newsletter: Holiday Audition Tips

2006-09-16T23:04:00.000-06:00

Although the winter weather and sound of sleigh bells may seem so far away, the months of September and October are a flurry of activity as auditions for an abundance of holiday musicals are held.

While in many ways identical to any other musical theatre audition, an audition for a holiday show does have some additional considerations. When preparing for your audition, consider the following tips:

- Do not abandon your musical theatre repertoire unless the music from the show is NOT musical theatre. Some shows incorporate traditional Christmas carols, so using another carol would then be appropriate. For a show such as Here's Love, composed by Meredith Wilson, staying within the musical theatre repertoire is much more appropriate. In ideal situations, you may be able to find a suitable musical theatre piece that also has a Christmas theme.
- Holiday musicals (with some exceptions, of course) have an uplifting, hopeful, "good will to all men" type theme. It's important to do your best to appear as if you will fit into this theme in the audition (unless of course you are auditioning for Scrooge or the Grinch!)
- If getting into the Christmas spirit before you've even seen Halloween is difficult for you, try reading a favorite holiday story or listening to some holiday music before heading off to the audition to get in the mood.
- The most popular holiday musicals are all based on well known stories and films, so there is no excuse for not becoming familiar with the characters and plot lines before the audition.
- Holidays are a busy time of year for everyone - check the rehearsal and performance dates carefully for conflicts either before you audition or before you commit to a role.

Featured Link: The Improv Wiki

2006-09-14T21:02:00.000-06:00

The Improv Wiki is a very cool little site that would be of interest to improv freaks as well as anyone who would like to learn about improvisation. What makes this site special, in addition to explaining the often mysterious world of improv in plain english, is that because it is a wiki, anyone can add and improve the existing information to help it evolve.

From the page: "Welcome to the improv wiki--the wiki all about improvisational comedy and improvisational theater. We're a haphazard collection of people's ideas, observations, and prejudices about improv. You are invited to extend, improve, edit, monkey with, change, tweak, radically revise, and especially add to this wiki. Please give us your improv experience, ideas, and imagination whenever you feel the inspiration."

Technorati tags: improv; theatre

Contestant Profile: Michael Campbell

2006-09-05T18:20:00.000-06:00

Michael has been performing for the past 16 years in and out of the northern california area. He makes his home in the city of Sacramento. By day he makes his rounds as an actor with the B street theatre touring company Fantasy Theatre, performing about 3 shows a day at 2 schools a day incompasing a 150 mile radius of sac. By night he performs in whatever he can get his hands on! Some of his favorite roles include but are not limited to, (both) Man #1 and Man #2 in I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change! at (The Delta King, Magic Circle, and The Acting Company), Beadle Bamford in Sweeney Todd at (The Western Stage and Davis Musical Theatre Company) Bobby in Company at (VMT) Dick Deadeye in HMS Pinafore at (The Mondavi Center) Sam and everyone in Fully Committed, a one man show at (The Acting Company) Himself in The Complete Works of Shakespeare abridged (The Acting Co.) Clifford in Deathtrap at (Garbeau's Dinner theatre and The Acting Co.) and Remnar in Escanaba in Da Moonlight at (Main Street Theatre Works). Read our Q & A with Michael.

Contestant Profile: Jamie Muscato

2006-09-02T19:59:00.000-06:00

Jamie is sixteen years old and has been singing and acting in amateur musical theatre since the age of 10. He has had vocal coaching for two years and hopes to make a career in musical theatre and film. Read our Q & A with Jamie.

Contestant Profile: Kathleen Sera

2006-08-25T10:25:00.000-06:00

Kathleen has been performing in both professional and amateur productions since the tender age of eleven. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, she is currently studying Theatre Arts in Costume Cutting and Construction at Red Deer College. She looks forward to what she hopes will be a successful career, both on and back stage. Recent theatre credits include Amalia Balash in She Loves Me, Tuptim in The King and I and Charlie Brown in You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown. Read our Q & A with Kathleen.

New Musical Episode of "Scrubs" Planned

2006-08-21T10:17:00.002-06:00

'Scrubs' to Stage Full-Blown Musical Episode This Season
Monday, August 21, 2006

PASADENA, Calif. — Taking a page from the "Buffy" playbook, "Scrubs" is staging a full-blown musical episode this season, according to reports.

The show, which stars Zach Braff, has hired the songwriters behind the fractured Broadway musical "Avenue Q," to write the music, according to TV Guide.

"We can obviously help with the lyrics," series creator Bill Lawrence told the magazine. "But we needed somebody to not only write incredibly well-produced musical quality numbers, but also [make it] funny."

The episode won't be a complete fantasy, he said.

"We're using an actual medical case," Lawrence says. "We found one of a woman who had an aneurysm and [started] seeing everything as a musical."

No air date set yet.

Technorati tags: musicals Scrubs

Happy Birthday, Gene!

2006-08-19T15:00:00.000-06:00

Wednesday, August 23 will mark the anniversary of Gene Kelly's birth.

While Gene Kelly is probably best remembered for his role as Don Lockwood in the classic movie musical, Singin' In The Rain, he had a long career as a dancer, teacher, singer, actor, choreographer, and director. He also graced Broadway stages as both a performer and director, most notably for playing the title role in Pal Joey.

In honor of this legendary performer who gave so much to the evolution of dance as an art form, come celebrate with us on the MTA forum with games, prizes, and LOTS of cool Gene Kelly trivia. Celebrations start on Wednesday morning, but you can visit the forum now to see a sneak preview and pre-register for Gene Kelly bingo!

Technorati tags: Gene Kelly

Contestant Profile: Jessica Mennella

2006-08-18T11:10:00.000-06:00

Jessica holds a BA in French, English, and linguistics and a MA in speech-language pathology. Though a speech-language pathologist by trade, she is a musician and performer at heart. From her early days wearing a red nightgown singing “Tomorrow” to her most recent triumph as Eva Peron (her favorite role to date), Jessica is a self-taught vocalist. Other community theatre credits: Jack’s Mother (Into the Woods), Aunt Eller (Oklahoma), Nellie (J&H), Sonja (Godspell), Reno (Anything Goes), Domina (…Forum), Catherine (Pippin), Audrey (Little Shop), and Carmen in a concert version of Bizet’s opera. Jessica also cantors in churches during Masses, weddings, baptisms, and funerals, and is an accomplished violinist. Additionally, Jessica had the opportunity to musically direct Honk! last summer. Jessica enjoys many hobbies from d-i-y projects to playing Trivial Pursuit, but her favorite pastime is hanging out with her three best boys— husband Luigi, 3 year old Alexander, and 8 month old Nicholas. Read our Q & A with Jessica.

Contestant Profile: Kaitlyn Stobbe

2006-08-14T20:25:00.000-06:00

Kaitlyn is a 16 year old Jr. who is looking forward to graduating and pursuing her heart’s desire, musical theatre. She has sung with the Houston Grand Opera and acted with the A.D. Players. Her favorite credits include Slightly/Peter U/S in Peter Pan, Joy in Cinderella, and Sally in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. She is also an accomplished pianist and an avid equestrian rider. Read our Q & A with Kaitlyn.

Featured Link: Broadway Beat

2006-08-13T09:20:00.000-06:00

Broadway Beat is a half-hour long show that features performance clips and interviews with some of Broadway's finest performers. In addition to watching entire episodes online, you can also read reviews and articles from their columnists and browse their photo album.

This is a great show to watch to gain a little insight into the realities and backstage goings-on of the performances on Broadway, particularly if you are living too far away to see the shows in person.

Technorati tags: broadway musical theatre

Contestant Profile: Megan Herzing

2006-08-12T15:36:00.000-06:00

Today we introduce Megan Herzing. Megan is a highschool student from Virginia Beach, Virginia. Read our Q & A session with Megan.

Tags: Broadway musical theatre singing contest

Audition Tip Links

2006-08-11T11:41:00.000-06:00

Just in case you didn't believe us when WE told you, here's some audition advice from a musical director:

http://www.conradaskland.com/blog/?p=253

Technorati Tags: musical theatre audition

Contestant Profile: Joe Amato

2006-08-08T20:40:00.000-06:00

Over the next few weeks we will be featuring different contestants from our King/Queen of Broadway Vocal Competition.

Today we introduce Joe Amato. Joe is a singer, actor, guitarist, and songwriter from Lockport, Illinois. Read our Q & A session with Joe.

Tags: Broadway musical theatre singing contest

Hugh Jackman Adds More R & H To His Repertoire

2006-08-02T11:36:00.000-06:00

After a wonderful performance as Curly in the filmed stage version of Oklahoma, Hugh Jackman is about to add another classic Rodgers & Hammerstein role to his list of accomplishments.

US studio Fox 2000 has announced that Jackman will star in a new film remake of Carousel.

Technorati Tags:broadway

Audition Preparation Guide

2006-07-23T07:55:00.001-06:00

Preparing for A Musical Theatre Audition: Steps To Success

Step 1: Research the Company & Audition Specifics

As soon as you have decided to audition, (and you meet the basic requirements) make an appointment right away if one is necessary. Some auditions have a limited number of spaces. Making an audition appointment early will also give you more choice of when you audition, allowing you to choose what fits into your schedule.
Add a page in your audition journal with all the important info: who, what, where, when, what the requirements are, etc. Mark the date on your calendar.

Step 2: Research the Show

Use this show index to read a plot summary, look at the cast requirements, make a note of the roles you are eligible for. Take notes in your audition journal.
Listen to the music from the show if possible. Pay particular attention to any songs sung by the characters you are suited for.
Read the script if at all possible. Take note of scenes that might be used for a cold reading.

Step 3: Choose Your Audition Song & Monologue

Use character profiles to research characters similar to those you are aiming for in your audition.
Search this song & monologue database for appropriate suggestions.
Check the overdone audition monologue and overdone audition song lists.

Step 4: Prepare Other Skills & Rehearse Thoroughly

Prepare for cold readings
Browse these online singing lessons to help you prepare your audition song.

audition

Usher Takes On Musical Theatre

2006-07-14T14:40:00.000-06:00

According to Vibe Magazine, Usher will soon go from music video to Broadway stage.

From August 22 until October 1, Usher will star as Billy Flynn in Chicago.

In a press release, the R&B star said, "This is a very exciting time in my career. I have always admired Broadway actors for their showmanship, dedication and focus that goes into performing live on stage every night. Being on Broadway allows you to connect to audiences in a whole new way that's different from music and movies.

“When they asked me to play Billy Flynn in Chicago, I jumped at the chance to be a part of such an amazing production."

There has been much discussion in years past about whether or not putting large stars from music and film onto the Broadway stage is a good idea or not. (Julia Roberts was criticized by many for her recent Broadway debut.) But I am reminded of something Michael Shurtleff mentions in his book about theatre people being sensitive about losing performers to television and film - so isn't this a good sign that Broadway is able to lure them back?

As to whether Usher will do well - I'm not going to make any predictions, since I have to say I don't know his music nor his acting work well enough. I will say though that I am encouraged by his comments as well as the fact that he does have acting experience.

Technorati tags: broadway usher Chicago

Become A Broadway Gypsy

2006-07-09T20:14:00.000-06:00

Design your own gypsy robe on a bag or shirt by adding a momento of each show you are involved in!

This would also make a great present, or your performing group could even start their own "gypsy robe" tradition.

Personally, my favorite is the tote bag, because then you also have something to carry your script/water/shoes in.

Broadway

Grumpy, & Musical, Old Men

2006-07-09T08:02:00.000-06:00

The hit movie Grumpy Old Men will soon be a musical.

Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau had a late career hit with "Grumpy Old Men," in which they played two crotchety neighbors whose intense dislike for each other only grows when they begin competing for the affections of sexy new neighbor Ann-Margret. The film produced a sequel, "Grumpier Old Men," in 1995.

Now these two loveable (and laughable) characters will also be singing, and maybe even dancing a little. The production team, which has just been announced, consists of composer Neil Berg, lyricist Nick Meglin and playwright Dan Remmes. The show will be produced by Jeff Gardner, who is an actor new to the world of producing.

Grumpy Old Men, The Musical is planned to hit Broadway in 2008.

If done well, I think this show could be an excellent addition to Broadway. It's nice to see some meaty roles for "older" performers, especially romantic leading roles.

High School Musical - Musical Theatre or Just Teen Drama?

2006-07-07T09:30:00.000-06:00

Support Real High School Musicals

Disney Channel's "High School Musical" is making quite a fuss, but not all of it positive. Is it more "drama" than theatre?

The plot of "High School Musical" is pretty standard high school fluff - Jock and Brainiac discover singing and decide to audition for the school musical. Their friends and relations (as well as the resident drama queens) try to thwart their efforts. While many preteen girls are raving about it (and Zac Efron) what do REAL high school musical performers think of it? Apparently not much.

Common complaints are that pop music has been used in place of traditional musical theatre, and that the story actually encourages stereotypes and segregation within the school. Most of all, a movie that calls itself "High School Musical" should in fact bare some resemblance to an actual high school musical, but many real theatre kids think it gives them a bad name. What do you think?

High School Musical

Online Singing Contest Offers Exposure for Budding Broadway Stars

2006-06-20T17:09:00.000-06:00

MusicalTheatreAudition.com's new online singing contest offers musical theatre singers from across the globe the chance to submit their recordings to a panel of professional performers, and to become the "King or Queen of Broadway".

After years of providing up-and-coming performers with the tools and resources to help improve their auditions and performances, MTA has found a new way to propel would-be stars forward. With an all-star judging panel of professional performers and teachers, this contest will not only provide valuable exposure, but offer some valuable feedback and opportunity for growth as well.

As an online singing contest, the King or Queen of Broadway competition will have a slightly different format than other singing contests such as "American Idol". The competition will consist of several rounds. In each round, each performer will have two weeks to submit via e-mail an mp3 recording of them singing a musical theatre song chosen according to certain criteria. Once all songs have been submitted, the judging panel will provide feedback to each contestant and identify two to four contestants (depending on the total number of entries) for possible elimination. The general public (via the MTA website) will then vote to determine who will stay to compete in the next round and who will be eliminated.

All contestants will be featured on the MTA website for the duration of the contest. To the lucky winner, along with significant site exposure, will go a substantial Broadway Singer's Prize Package.

Residents of North America, Europe, & Australia are eligible to enter. For further information and to register for the competition, performers must visit MusicalTheatreAudition.com and complete a registration form before July 30th, 2006. There is no entry fee, however, vocalists must pass through a qualification round in order to be featured on the site and compete in the rest of the competition.

Sweeney Todd... The Movie?

2006-06-19T14:27:00.000-06:00

Many Broadway fans and critics have commented on the recent trend of using popular feature films such as Legally Blonde, High Fidelity and The Wedding Singer as the source material for new Broadway musicals. But is this trend also going the other way? After recent hits such as Chicago and The Producers, rumors and opinions are flying about the possibility of a new movie version of Stephen Sondheim's Broadway hit, Sweeney Todd. Discussions of a film version of Sweeney were happening as far back as 1997, when Stephen Sondheim himself stated in an interview, "I don’t think it’s going to work for two seconds." This statement was made, however, before recent hits such as Chicago brought musicals back to the big screen.

Media reports in the last several years have named both Sam Mendes and Tim Burton as possible directors. Both Russell Crowe and Johnny Depp have been mentioned as contendors for the lead role of Sweeney himself, and several actresses, including Emma Thompson, Imelda Staunton and Toni Collette, have been mentioned as possible Mrs Lovetts. A glance at IMDB's Sweeney Todd listing confirms Tim Burton as the director and John Logan, screenwriter of "The Aviator" and "Gladiator", as writer of the screenplay, but no casting decisions appear to have been made final at this point.

There are a number of different opinions and arguments circulating about whether this film will be a hit as Chicago was, or a flop like the film version of Phantom of the Opera. Do you think Burton can pull off a Sondheim musical? Can Johnny Depp handle a role like Sweeney?

Happy Birthday Cy Coleman!

2006-06-13T15:08:00.000-06:00

Cy Coleman was born Seymour Kaufman in New York, NY on June 14, 1929. A child prodigy, he first played the piano at Carnegie Hall when he was only 7 years old. Most of his performance career was spent with the Cy Coleman trio, a popular club attraction that also made many recordings.

His career as a composer began in popular music with a successful yet turbulent early partnership with Carolyn Leigh. Together they wrote many pop hits, including Witchcraft and The Best Is Yet To Come. Cy also wrote the instrumental "Playboy's theme" which become the signature music of the TV shows and specials that Playboy magazine produced, and is still remains synonymous with Hugh Hefner himself.

Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh collaborated on Lucille Ball's Broadway debut, Wildcat (1960), and Little Me (based on the novel "Auntie Mame").

In 1964 Cy met Dorothy Fields at a party and they formed a new much more pleasant collaboration. Together they created Sweet Charity, and Seesaw before Fields died in 1974.

Cy Coleman's later works include I Love My Wife, On The Twentieth Century, Barnum, City of Angels, The Will Rogers Follies, and The Life.

Cy Coleman died of cardiac arrest on November 18, 2004 at the age of 75.

New "Nutty Professor" Musical

2006-06-09T14:51:00.000-06:00

Another new musical based on a movie is on the way, but unlike High Fidelity or Legally Blonde, this movie is a classic.

Jerry Lewis, the star of the original 1963 film, who has been bombarded with offers for years, has finally agreed to direct. Starring as the bucktoothed Julius Kelp who invents a potion that transforms him into the suave Buddy Love will be singer/comedian Michael Andrew. The Michael Andrew Company will produce the show.

The musical is in the earliest stages of production, and writers & composers have not yet been recruited.

The musical version of The Nutty Professor is set to hit the Broadway stage in October 2008.

Tony Awards Are This Sunday!

2006-06-08T17:22:00.002-06:00

Only three days left! If you consider yourself a true theatre or musical theatre fan, you won't want to miss the Tony Awards this Sunday at 8pm EST on CBS. In addition to seeing amazing performances by the Tony nominees, the list of presenters includes other stars of film, television, and stage including Julia Roberts, Eric McCormack, Julie Andrews, and many more.

While you're watching the televised event, join us on the MusicalTheatreAudition.com Forum for an evening of trivia, games, and prizes.

Here's a sneak peak of some of our prizes:

The Wedding Singer Original Broadway Cast Recording Released Today!

2006-06-06T15:11:00.000-06:00

Finally, the OBC recording of the Tony-nominated musical The Wedding Singer was released today.

Contrary to what I've heard some others say about the new musical The Wedding Singer, I believe this show is much more than just an 80s nostalgia trip. The music, while certainly not overly complicated (a la Sondheim or Jason Robert Brown) is catchy, sing-alongable, and very entertaining. Although I love "work of art" musical theatre too, I also think there is a place on Broadway for "fluff" shows such as The Wedding Singer, that put on a good show and entertain, with some original music that you'll be happy to add to your cast recording collection.

I'm actually quite impressed that the composer has managed to produce original songs that somehow remind you of the 80s without being too cutesy or obvious about it. The first time I heard this pop/rock inspired score, it was almost as if I had heard the songs somewhere before - they were familiar somehow, yet new and exciting at the same time. The standout songs for me are "It's Your Wedding Day", "Casualty of Love" and "Come Out Of The Dumpster". The first time I heard "Get Out Of The Dumpster" I could barely drive the car I was laughing so hard.

If you haven't heard this amazing score yet, what are you waiting for? iTunes is offering the rocking "It's Your Wedding Day" as a free download this week. I'm sure once you hear it, you won't be able to resist the rest of the album.

Get it on iTunes:

1. "It's Your Wedding Day"--Stephen Lynch
2. "Someday" --Laura Benanti
3. "A Note From Linda"--Felicia Finley
4. "Pop!"--Amy Spanger
5. "Somebody Kill Me"--Stephen Lynch
6. "A Note From Grandma"--Rita Gardner
7. "Casualty of Love"--Stephen Lynch
8. "Come Out of the Dumpster"--Laura Benanti
9. "Today You Are a Man"--Stephen Lynch
10. "George's Prayer"--Kevin Cahoon
11. "Not That Kind of Thing"--Stephen Lynch
12. "Saturday Night in the City"--Amy Spanger
13. "All About the Green"--Richard H. Blake
14. "Someday" (Reprise)--Stephen Lynch
15. "Right in Front of Your Eyes"--Amy Spanger
16. "Single"--Matthew Saldivar
17. "If I Told You"--Stephen Lynch
18. "Let Me Come Home"--Felicia Finley
19. "If I Told You" (Reprise)--Stephen Lynch
20. "Move That Thang"--Rita Gardner
21. "Grow Old With You"--Stephen Lynch
22. "It's Your Wedding Day" (Finale)--Stephen Lynch

Patrick Swayze to Star In Guys & Dolls

2006-06-05T15:18:00.000-06:00

Patrick Swayze will make his West End debut next month playing Nathan Detroit in Michael Grandage's multi award-winning production of Guys and Dolls at the Piccadilly Theatre - and, if the actor gets his way, he may be here awhile longer than the eight weeks advertised.

Speaking at a press reception this morning at West End club Century, Swayze recalled his frustration when in 2003, returning to the stage after a 25-year absence to play Billy Flynn in the Broadway production of Chicago, he only felt that he was hitting all the right notes as his limited contract came to end. He doesn’t want his enjoyment curtailed this time around with Guys and Dolls: “I would like to stay with it until I feel I’ve found that comfortability (sic) and sense of play,” he said.

Swayze’s main wish today is that the London drama critics, who he’s heard can be vicious, were coming later in his run rather than so early on. He imagines the press performance is “going to be like being shot out of a cannon… If you screw up, nobody can help you because it just moves too fast.” And he admitted that he does feel “an intimidation, a little fear factor about how you’re going to be judged but I think that just makes you work harder.”

The son of a choreographer, Swayze trained as a ballet dancer and appeared on stage in the Broadway productions of Goodtime Charley (1975) and Grease (1978) before finding international fame in Hollywood, most notably with the 1987 blockbuster film Dirty Dancing, in which he became a pin-up as holiday camp dance instructor Johnny Castle to Jennifer Grey’s teenaged Baby.

Asked today what his prediction is for the stage version of Dirty Dancing (See News, 24 Feb 2006), which receives its West End premiere at the Aldwych Theatre on 24 October 2006 (previews from 28 September), Swayze said: “It’s definitely going crazy everywhere it opens.” He attributes the success of “the movie that would not die” to the passion, and lack of ego, behind the original project. “When something works, it’s really about heart.”

As for Guys and Dolls, Swayze hailed it as “one of the best scores and best books ever written for musical theatre”. Though he’s never appeared in Frank Loesser’s 1950 classic before, he remembers fondly his mother choreographing a production in Houston when he was a child. He’s now looking forward to working opposite Claire Sweeney, who will play his long-suffering fiancée Miss Adelaide, in Grandage’s revival. The pair met for the first time last night. According to Swayze, “As soon as I looked in her eyes, I thought, this is going to be fun. She’s got a fabulous sense of play and I could just smell that she’s good at what she does.”

The First Wives Club will be a musical!

2006-05-22T17:51:00.000-06:00

FIRST WIVES CLUB TO BECOME BROADWAY MUSICAL
Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)
2006-05-22

THE FIRST WIVES CLUB is being adapted as a musical for the Broadway, New York stage. The 1996 film, which starred GOLDIE HAWN, BETTE MIDLER and DIANE KEATON, will be turned into a musical by legendary songwriters and producers, EDDIE and BRIAN HOLLAND and LAMONT DOZIER. The trio is responsible for such classic hits as STOP! IN THE NAME OF LOVE, HEAT WAVE, AIN'T TOO PROUD TO BEG and YOU KEEP ME HANGIN' ON. The project marks the first time the group has worked together in over a decade. Eddie Holland explains, "It's amazing...almost like we never left each other. The chemistry is unbelievable." According to Brian Holland, "We're going to be doing all new material. "The plan is to have all songs completed by December (06), then put it up at the beginning of next year to work out the kinks before we get to Broadway."

Tonys Contest & Online Party

2006-05-13T18:19:00.000-06:00

MusicalTheatreAudition.com is hosting a Tonys contest once nominees are announced (starting May 16) and an online party the night the Tonys are televised (June 11). There will be games and prizes in addition to the contest grand prize.

Click here for more info and to sign up (you must become a forum member - but its free!)
http://www.musicaltheatreaudition.com/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?

Phil Collins has 'Tarzan' singing

2006-05-07T07:25:00.000-06:00

By P ETER D. KRAMER
THE JOURNAL NEWS

What: "Tarzan the Broadway Musical"

Where: Richard Rodgers Theatre, 226 W. 46th St., Manhattan.

When: Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m.

Tickets: $51.25 to $111.25

Call: 212-307-4747

Web site: disney.go.com/ disneytheatrical/ tarzan/
(Original publication: May 7, 2006)

In "Tarzan, the Broadway Musical," opening Wednesday, the title character searches for a place to belong — either in the world of apes or the world of humans.

In Lionel Bart's musical "Oliver!," the title character faces a similar choice — either a life with Fagin and Sykes or in the rarefied world of Mr. Brownlow.

For Phil Collins, the comparison resonates.

The seven-time Grammy winner started his career at 14 in the original production of "Oliver!" in London. Now, Disney's "Tarzan," Collins — longtime drummer and lead singer of the band Genesis and an Oscar-winning songwriter — adds Broadway composer to his credits.

He considers himself at home.

"Whenever you do anything out of your world, in a new world, you can be made to feel uncomfortable or you can be made to feel welcome," Collins says. "And these guys have been fantastic."

The night before, he had taken "the band" out to dinner after the show — hoping to instill some of his rock 'n' roll work ethic in the 14-member orchestra.

"What we've done here is formed a band. The usual thing (on Broadway) is that people come in and they'll say 'Well, I'm doing something else tonight and they'll send in a sub.'

"I'm trying to tell them that it's their presence, they way we've rehearsed it, the way we've got to that makes it what it is. It's not just a job, it's a labor of love," he says.

Collins has labored for years to turn the 1999 animated feature film into a full-blown Broadway spectacular. The film had five Collins songs; the musical has 14.

"Tarzan" has kept him in New York for months at a time — away from his home in Switzerland — at every audition, at most rehearsals, writing, rewriting and taking suggestions.

"I'm usually first in, last out with anything I do, but these things — this show, the movie of 'Tarzan,' the movie of 'Brother Bear' — is a long-term commitment, and to drop the ball at the last minute and not being there when actually so much happens just seems to be the wrong way to do it."

That first-in-last-out approach was learned early, before rock 'n' roll, when theater was his first love.

Phil Collins started in show business on the legit stage, playing the Artful Dodger in the original production of "Oliver!" in London and, years later, returning to play Noah Claypoole, an older boy in the production.

(Theater fans note: His stand-by as Claypoole was a young assistant stage manager named Cameron Mackintosh, who would become a Broadway lion, producing "Les Miserables," "Cats" and "Phantom of the Opera," among others.)

That brush with theater, which really ended before he was 20 and rock took over his life, whet his appetite for all kinds of music.

"That early experience kept me open and interested in listening to the scores of 'My Fair Lady,' the scores of 'West Side Story,' the scores of movie soundtracks, as well — 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'To Kill a Mockingbird' — and all kinds of things beyond pop music.

"It's always been running parallel, but I never dreamt that this would be given me."

Collins has always had a connection to Disney, beyond taking his kids to the movies.

"My sister was an ice-skater and she skated with Disney on Ice — 'Aladdin,' 'Snow White,' 'Sleeping Beauty,' 'Cinderella' — in London and on tour and we used to go see it at Christmas and we'd go on tour to see her when I was a kid so the songs are in my head.

"And my brother's a cartoonist, so the animators were his heroes. So really, Disney's been in my house all my life. To be asked to do the movie was like being asked to join a club you never thought you'd be a member of."

"Because of its size in my history, I was nervous about taking it on, because you know the musical heritage."

Knowing that heritage made him eager to learn.

"When I started acting I learned all the lines ahead of time. People said, 'What a waste of time, there'll be changes.'

"I guess if I did another dozen movies, that'd be my attitude," he says, "but at the moment I just feel like the process is something that I'm learning from so I immerse myself in it."

Part of the process of becoming a Broadway composer was meeting "Tarzan" director Bob Crowley, a longtime theatrical set designer.

Collins flew to London to meet him and they talked a bit of shop over lunch, about Crowley's concept, about Collins' work. Eventually, he and Crowley got to talking about how they got started in the business.

"I told him I was in 'Oliver!' and he said, 'My God! When I saw Sean Kenny's set design for 'Oliver!,' that's what made me want to be a set designer.' In a way, we bonded from that point on," he says.

Crowley's concept puts the focus on Tarzan finding himself. Set in a green box strung with vines, the actors take on the look of rock-climbers or bungee-jumpers, leaping from vine-covered nooks, sometimes flying over the audience and finding the nook again.

True to the Disney model perfected in Julie Taymor's "The Lion King," there are dazzling effects — the shipwreck that starts the show and the family's arrival in Africa is jaw-droppingly beautiful and effective.

A Broadway musical requires more music than a film — and not just catchy songs. Collins has also written the underscoring, the music that moves the action from scene to scene.

The drum-heavy "Jungle Funk" instrumental, where young Tarzan is watching and learning the apes, sounds a lot like "something you'd find on a Phil Collins record," the composer says.

He says the process of taking "Tarzan" to the stage was a matter of working within the film's sonic outline while filling in the gaps between the established songs. It meant expanding themes and finding more music, either at the piano at home in Switzerland or, interestingly, on the cutting-room floor.

"For the film and animation full-stop, everything has to shrink because of the attention span and also how long they can make it interesting to look at. With the show, everything went back in that was cut out and then expanded upon."

The impact on the audience is clear. When the familiar songs from the film begin — particularly the second-act curtain-riser "Trashin' the Camp" — the audience claps along.

It's gratifying, Collins says. "As soon as it starts, when they start clapping along, you've got Act Two, as opposed to it just sitting there. I sit here every night and I love it.

"The audience makes this thing come alive. You can rehearse and rehearse it and you know what is supposed to be funny. There are still a couple of things I laugh at every night that I'm the only one — nevertheless, I'm sure they'll catch up."

Now that he's a Broadway composer, Phil Collins wants to stay.

"I want to do this again. I've bought an apartment here so that I can be in this environment, so that I can capitalize on the friends I've met and find something more to do in the theater."

"The Drowsy Chaperone"

2006-05-04T16:00:00.000-06:00

May 03, 2006

It's a new Broadway musical that actually started out as a little show performed for the show's star at a party celebrating his upcoming wedding. NY1's Roma Torre filed the following review of "The Drowsy Chaperone."

The Drowsy Chaperone is a valentine to theatre fans– a lovely confection that has audiences swooning in sweet rapture. This unlikely little musical plays on a number of levels and succeeds beautifully on each of them.

To insiders it's a validation of theatrical tradition. To general enthusiasts it's solidly entertaining; and even to the very young like my 10-year-old daughter, it's a discovery of how magical legitimate theatre can be.

At show's open we meet a retiring theatre buff who has an affinity for old musicals. Along with his yearning to hear Cole Porter and the Berlins, he tells us his favorite show is a 1928 ditty called the "Drowsy Chaperone" by Gable and Stein.

It's all fictitious but that's where the magic comes in. When the man in chair, as he's called, starts to play his vintage recording of the show, it springs to life around him.

The creators ingeniously crafted a show that in every way seems authentic, and yet they've injected just enough silly antic humor to appeal to modern audiences. The Man in Chair serves as a framing device interrupting the show from time to time to supply hilarious little asides.

It couldn't be more charming thanks in large part to its inspired cast of characters: Among them - Sutton Foster plays Janet Van De Graaf, a star of the stage who's quitting Broadway to marry the wealthy Robert Martin. Keeping her chaste before the big day is her chaperone who's not only drowsy but tipsy from too much champagne.

The show piles on the comic relief with a pair of gangsters posing as punning pastry chefs; and Danny Burstein as the absurdly big-headed, ham boned Latin lover, Adolpho is classic

Bob Martin as the man in chair and the show's co-book writer along with Don McKellar delivers divinely on both fronts. And composers Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison create some truly exquisite gems that are as melodious as they are clever.

The criminally gifted Beth Leaval sets the house on fire. And just when you thought you knew the extent of Sutton Foster's talents she dazzles us with stunning versatility.

Director Casey Nicholaw who choreographed "Spamalot" maintains a marvelously unified vision. The beauty of this show is that it's universally appealing in spite of its seeming limitations– a hokey, phony old musical with no big stars or familiar tunes.

Sounds doomed, almost as bad as its lackluster title, but then what's in a name. With The "Drowsy Chaperone," Broadway is waking up to a bona fide original.

- Roma Torre

Introducing the new line for a landmark Broadway musical

2006-05-01T05:32:00.000-06:00

Sunday, April 30, 2006

By MICHAEL KUCHWARA
ASSOCIATED PRESS

They entered, one by one, to stand on the bare stage of the Hudson Theatre -- the new line in "A Chorus Line," the 19 performers who will appear in the first Broadway revival of the landmark Michael Bennett musical.

The production will open Oct. 5 at Broadway's Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre with preview performances beginning Sept. 18. Before New York, "A Chorus Line" will play the Curran Theatre in San Francisco, July 23 through Sept. 2.

"I love the idea that a whole new cast of characters, a whole new audience is going to see what we think is a very important and wonderful show," Marvin Hamlisch, the show's composer, said Wednesday before the cast came out onstage.

The musical, created and choreographed by Bennett from the real-life stories of chorus dancers, opened at the Public Theater on May 21, 1975, before moving to Broadway later that year. It ran for nearly 15 years, closing in 1990 after a run of 6,137 performances.

The new production will be directed by Bob Avian, the show's original co-choreographer with Bennett, and produced by John Breglio, Bennett's lawyer, business adviser and the executor of his estate. Bennett died in 1987.

"We knew that the critical issue here was to find an extraordinary cast, a cast that would reflect the message of 'A Chorus Line,' which, I believe, is of its time and timeless," Breglio said.

Among the performers chosen were Charlotte d'Amboise, who will portray Cassie, the former featured dancer now attempting a comeback in the chorus, and Michael Berresse as the director, Zach.

A whole generation of dancers has grown up since "A Chorus Line" first played Broadway, including many in this new version.

"I've never seen it, but I know it," said Natalie Cortez, talking about the original production. She will play Diana in the revival and will sing one of the show's best-known songs, "What I Did for Love."

Heather Parcells, who plays Judy in the 2006 version, also didn't see the original but may go to the performing arts library at Lincoln Center to watch a tape of that production. And she might contact Patricia Garland, who portrayed Judy in the original.

"I hear she now owns a Pilates studio in Los Angeles," Parcells said. "I really want to get in touch with her. I am sure I will pick her brain at some point."

New "Legally Blonde" Musical

2006-04-27T05:37:00.000-06:00

'Legally Blonde' To Open On Broadway On April 26, 2007

April 25, 2006 - by BWW News Desk

Hal Luftig, Fox Theatricals and Dori Berinstein, in association with MGM Onstage, Darcie Denkert and Dean Stolber, are psyched to announce LEGALLY BLONDE, the musical, based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture. Previews begin on March 30, 2007 and opening night is set for April 26, 2007 at a Broadway theatre to be announced.LEGALLY BLONDE will play a world premiere, pre-Broadway
engagement in San Francisco at The Orpheum Theatre January 2007.

Leading the creative team of LEGALLY BLONDE is Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell, who makes his Broadway directorial debut and will also choreograph. Music and lyrics are by both Nell Benjamin and Laurence O'Keefe, and the book is by Heather Hach. The production features scenic design by David Rockwell, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Kenneth Posner, sound design by ACME Sound Partners and musical direction by Alex Lacamoire.

Sorority star Elle Woods doesn't take "no" for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone more "serious," Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.

Casting will be announced shortly.

Musical Version of "The Princess Bride"

2006-04-26T11:15:00.000-06:00

Guettel to Premiere Princess Bride Suite at Hollywood Bowl
April 25, 2006 - by BWW News Desk

"Audiences at the Hollywood Bowl's upcoming "Fireworks Finale" concerts will be able to hear a suite from Adam Guettel's upcoming musical The Princess Bride. The concerts will take place on September 16th at 8:30 PM and September 17th at 7:30 PM.

It was first confirmed in August of 2005 that Guettel, who won a Tony Award for his score to The Light in the Piazza, is working on a musical version of William Goldman's beloved novel The Princess Bride. Goldman has also joined Guettel as the librettist of the show, whose title is also famous through a popular 1987 film starring Robin Wright-Penn, Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin and others. Blending romance and adventure with satire, The Princess Bride concerns lovely Princess Buttercup and the dashing Wesley, who must overcome many obstacles to find happiness together.

Guettel's suite will be performed by the Hollywood Bowl orchestra, which is conducted by John Mauceri. Members of the Joffrey Ballet are also scheduled to perform, while Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog are also slated to make guest appearances.

Guettel also penned music and lyrics to the Off-Broadway musical Floyd Collins and the song cycle Myths and Hymns.

The Hollywood Bowl is located at 2301 North Highland Avenue in Hollywood, CA. Call (323) 850-2000 or visit www.hollywoodbowl.org for tickets."

I've thought for years that "The Princess Bride" was just screaming to become a musical, so I'm so happy to see that it's finally going to happen.

Me vs Reba in South Pacific

2006-04-25T11:36:00.000-06:00

Don't you hate it when a bigger, flashier version of a show comes out right before or after you're own meager production?

I'm glad I missed this on TV.

New High Fidelity Musical

2006-04-25T11:19:00.000-06:00

"High Fidelity" The Musical
NEW YORK (AP) - April 25, 2006 -

""High Fidelity" started out as a book. Then, John Cusack starred as the love-lorn record store owner in the movie six years ago. Now, it's being turned into a Broadway musical.

Unlike so many Broadway shows these days, one of the producers says "there won't be any stars, only star talent." The cast hasn't been announced yet.

"High Fidelity" will play in Boston September 26th through October 22nd to see how it goes.

Then, it'll come to Broadway."

'High Fidelity' musical to premiere in Boston
By Catherine Foster, Globe Staff | April 25, 2006

The musical version of Nick Hornby's novel ''High Fidelity" and the Boston premiere of John Patrick Shanley's ''Doubt" are among the highlights of Broadway Across America's 2006-07 season in Boston.

''High Fidelity" makes its pre-Broadway world premiere at the Colonial Theatre in September, announced Drew Murphy, president of Broadway Across America-Boston, yesterday. The announcement, held in the balcony of the Opera House, was accompanied by a musical performance from ''High Fidelity" and an appearance by South Boston native David Lindsay-Abaire, who's writing the book for the musical.

''Boston is the only city 'High Fidelity' is trying out in," said Murphy. ''We're hoping to keep that tradition going and attract more in the future."

Cherry Jones will reprise her role in the Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning ''Doubt," and Doug Hughes, who helmed the Broadway production, will direct.

''High Fidelity," a romantic comedy about a record-store owner struggling back to life after being dumped yet again, comes to the Colonial Sept. 26-Oct. 22. The score is by Tom Kitt (music) and Amanda Green (lyrics).

Well, I am encouraged by the fact that this new musical will be a vehicle for unknown talent, but will it do well? As a huge John Cusack fan, I would think that if the musical bears a large resemblance to the movie, people will probably be doing some comparisons.

Vintage Theatre T-shirts, Clothing, & Gifts

2006-04-22T12:32:00.000-06:00

http://www.cafepress.com/musicaltheatre/1380046?pid=4167732

Bernadette Peters to Guest Star on "Will & Grace" May 11

2006-04-15T09:05:00.000-06:00

By Andrew Gans
05 Apr 2006

Two-time Tony Award winner Bernadette Peters will guest star on the May 11 episode of the Emmy-winning NBC series "Will & Grace."

The next-to-last episode of the series will feature Peters as Karen's (Megan Mullally) sister, reports Zap2it.com. Josh Lucas will also guest on that episode of the series, which airs on NBC-TV Thursdays at 8 PM ET; check local listings.

"Will & Grace" will end its lengthy run on NBC this season. In addition to Mullally, the comedy also stars Eric McCormack and Debra Messing in the title roles with Sean Hayes as Jack. Harry Connick, Jr., currently on Broadway in The Pajama Game, is also a recurring character.

Bernadette Peters was last on Broadway in the acclaimed revival of Gypsy, for which she received a 2003 Tony Award nomination for her performance as Momma Rose in the Sam Mendes-directed production. She won her two Tonys for her performances in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Song & Dance and Irving Berlin's Annie Get Your Gun, and she has also starred on Broadway in Mack & Mabel, On the Town, Sunday in the Park with George, The Goodbye Girl and the original production of Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods.

Peters' newest recording, "Sondheim, Etc., Etc.—Bernadette Peters Live at Carnegie Hall (The Rest of It)," hit stores on the Angel Records label last summer. She will appear in concert at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall May 1.

For more information visit www.nbc.com/Will_&_Grace.

The Light in the Piazza to be Broadcast Live on PBS June 15

2006-04-14T08:13:00.000-06:00

by Broadway.com Staff

The Broadway musical The Light in the Piazza, scheduled to end its run at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre on July 2, will air on PBS as part of the Live From Lincoln Center series. The Thursday, June 15 performance will be the one broadcast live.
The Light in the Piazza, based on the novella by Elizabeth Spencer, is set in the summer of 1953 and tells the story of a mother and daughter traveling through Italy, the daughter's romance with a handsome, high-spirited Florentine and the mother's determined efforts to keep the two apart. The musical features a book by Craig Lucas and a score by Adam Guettel.

New Clothing & Gifts for Dancers

2006-04-10T11:11:00.000-06:00

Female dancers will love this quote: "Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, except backwards and in high heels."

Whether a dance fan or dancer or a fan of the old musical movies, this makes a great gift.

Norbert Leo Butz to Star in a New Sitcom for CBS

2006-04-09T09:11:00.000-06:00

November 9, 2005 - by BWW News Desk

Norbert Leo Butz, whose comedic antics in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels helped to net him a Tony Award this year, will become a sitcom star.

According to an article in The Hollywood Reporter, Butz has signed a development deal with Paramount Network Television, CBS and producer Joe Roth. The team is currently involved in meetings with prospective writers for the show.

"I believe he's got something really special and will become a big television star...He's got charm and a (knack for) physical comedy like Jack Black, and he looks like a regular guy," stated Roth, who first saw Butz in Rent almost a decade ago. Roth was once again taken with Butz' comedic skills after seeing a preview of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels in February; the producer had already snagged a comedy series deal with Paramount TV and CBS, and decided to mold it around Butz. Coincidentally, Butz had bumped into CBS head Les Moonves, who was seated in front of him, at the Tony Awards in June.

In addition to a Tony Award for playing the endearingly scheming Freddy Benson in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Butz received a Tony nomination for his performance in Thou Shalt Not. Other Broadway credits include Wicked (in which he created the role of Fiyero) and Rent, in which he played Roger. He was also seen as the Emcee in the national tour of Cabaret, and created the role of Jamie in the original off-Broadway production of The Last Five Years.

"Dirty Actor" T-Shirts

2006-04-04T20:41:00.000-06:00

"Actors do it on stage... wanna watch?"

These T-shirts make great gifts for actors.

http://www.cafepress.com/musicaltheatre/1332938?pid=4167732

1999 Version of Oklahoma ROCKS!

2006-04-02T10:10:00.000-06:00

I had heard very good things about the 1999 London production of Oklahoma! but hadn't had a chance to see it on DVD yet. Well it turned up on PBS today, and this is undoubtably the best version (recorded or live) of Oklahoma I have ever seen. I would love to show this to anyone who has ever claimed that musical theatre characters are not well developed enough! I would also love to show this to young performers, as an example of what they should aspire to. This production is a testament to just how good Rodgers & Hammerstein were when they created this show.

I have to say if I wasn't already a fan of Hugh Jackman I definitely would be after seeing this production. Curly is a great role, but he can easily come off as just an arrogant pretty-boy. Jackman, however, plays him with sincerity and a very natural confidence. He does not do any particularly difficult dancing in the show but what he does do is done very precisely and very naturally. I could go on and on, but I just love him! He can act, sing, dance... and he's a dreamboat!

Shuler Hensley plays Jud with an absolutely showstopping voice and handles a difficult role well. While I usually find Jud to simply creep me out, I actually found myself feeling a little sorry for this Jud - just a little.

I also enjoyed seeing Laurie played with a more earthy quality, and I was happy to see that Josefina Gabrielle did all her own dancing in the dream sequence. I hate seeing dance doubles, especially when there are so many great triple-threat performers capable of handling it.

Maureen Lipman rules the roost as Aunt Eller. When she twirls that gun around on her finger she had me rolling on the floor. Jimmy Johnston as Will is a real heart-throb, especially in the hamper scene. Although it is true that Peter Polycarpou's accent for Ali Hakim is weak, he is certainly sincere and loveable. Vicki Simon's Ado Annie was fine, but I found she didn't quite live up to the magic of the rest of the cast.

Every single role, even the small chorus one-liners, had polish and appeal. The farmer & the cowman scene, which has a very lengthy dance and can be an absolute staging nightmare, is handled BRILLIANTLY and doesn't once give your mind a chance to wander.

I thoroughly enjoyed the choreography and the dancers were superb. I am not even going to start on the technical aspects of this show because they were just so perfect I don't know where to start. I found some of the lighting effects particularly stunning, and the barn raising is incredible.

This is a DVD that abolutely has to be added to my collection.

Adam Pascal to Gueststar on Cold Case!

2006-03-31T21:04:00.000-06:00

Sunday, April 2, 8PM ET/PT

"Willkommen"

When a theater owner discovers a .38 slug in a piece of set furniture that is not being used as a prop, Lilly and Jeffries reinvestigate the 2002 case labeled the "Cabaret Murder," which involved the shooting of a local cabaret singer.
Rating: TVPG-V

Adam Pascal ("Rent") guest stars as Dennis Hirschfelder.

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/cold_case/

I'm interested to see this one...

Wicked and Showtune Symbolism

2006-03-26T21:37:00.000-06:00

I stumbled across this blog entry:

http://journals.aol.com/hsauls/Tighteningthecorset/entries/1387

I love how it talks about a musical touching someone on an individual level.

I am also glad to see something that approaches an intelligent discussion of "Wicked". Although I certainly do not want to give the impression that I don't think this musical is "awsome", I would love to see more people talking about what actually MAKES it awsome, instead of just sort of arbitrarily worshiping it.

While I'm not sure I totally embrace how the story from the novel was tweaked to suit the stage musical, I am impressed with how the musical version of Wicked fully explores the essential theme in the novel, which is that the invisible line between good and evil can become extremely blurry. Although I'm not going to list them now, (too tired) there are a number of places in the lyrics that use symbolism in the words to further this theme. It shows a lot of work really went into it.

Online Theatre Seminars

2006-03-21T20:10:00.000-06:00

http://www.americantheatrewing.org/

A New Musical by Bjorn Ulvaeus & Benny Anderson

2006-03-19T19:03:00.001-06:00

On Broadway

WHEN the Swedes behind a musical that's grossed $1.5 billion worldwide unveil their next project, Broadway's there.

Last Friday, a dozen or so the ater owners, producers and high-ranking industry insiders trooped down to 890 Broadway (Michael Bennett's old building) to see a workshop of "Kristina," the new musical from "Mamma Mia!" composers Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, otherwise known as the boys of ABBA.

Unlike "Mamma Mia!" - which is built around the hugely popular ABBA back catalog - "Kristina" has an original score.

It is, in fact, the first original score ABBA has written for the theater since "Chess," which, despite many first-rate songs, flopped on Broadway in 1988.

Sources who attended the workshop say "Kristina" is a sweeping, operatic musical, much closer in style to "Les Miserables" than "Mamma Mia!"

Based on four novels by the Swedish writer Vilhelm Moberg, "Kristina" tells the story of a family of poor Swedish farmers who emigrate to Minnesota in 1850 to escape starvation.

The books were the basis of the 1971 movie "The Emigrants," starring Max von Sydow and Liv Ullmann.

"Kristina" ran for several years in Sweden and has been reworked in English by Herbert Kretzmer, co-lyricist of "Les Miserables," and John Weidman, who wrote the books to "Pacific Overtures" and "Assassins."

Kretzmer was upbeat about the workshop.

"The mood is as optimistic as I've ever known it to be," he said. "We know what needs to be done [with the show], and we shall proceed on the knowledge we've gained."

Word from people who saw "Kristina" is mixed.

They praise the richly melodic score, which is loaded with the kinds of soaring anthems, ballads and duets that are found in "Chess."

And they say the immigrant story is dramatic and stirring, and has been translated successfully into English.

But at more than three hours, "Kristina" is too long.

"I think it took less time to discover the New World," one source jokes.

"The trip to Minnesota was a long one," says another.

A big question hanging over the show is whether Broadway audiences will still embrace an epic musical spectacle the way they did "Les Miz," "Phantom" and "Miss Saigon" 20 years ago.

Audiences today seem to prefer lighter fare like "Hairspray," "Jersey Boys" and, well, "Mamma Mia!"

"It's very '80s in style," one theater person says of "Kristina."

"It might be too heavy for the pop-culture environment."

Andersson and Ulvaeus, who are producing the show, will be announcing a production schedule soon.

It is likely "Kristina" will have a pre-Broadway run this fall in Minneapolis (where there are still some very good Swedish restaurants) and open in New York next spring.

New Vintage Microphone Designs

2006-03-16T18:12:00.000-06:00

You can link to our products on your website or blog and earn 20% off each sale. Visit http://www.cafepress.com/cp/members/affiliate/ to sign up as a cafepress affiliate. Once you have your ID, link to our site using this url:
http://www.cafepress.com/musicaltheatre?pid=YOURIDHERE

Jerry Springer Musical isn't feeling the love...

2006-03-16T13:37:00.000-06:00

Just came across the following. I'm certainly not a musical theatre "purist" and enjoy a lot of the crazy new musicals, but...

Isn't Jerry Springer a little too low brow? To be fair I haven't seen it yet, but since I can't stand more than 3 minutes of it on television I can't imagine sitting through it in a theatre. Would anyone who's seen it like to comment?

Protesters gather outside 'Jerry Springer the Musical' theater

UPI News Service, 03/07/2006

The touring company of "Jerry Springer the Musical" was met by a protest organized by Christian Voice in Glasgow, Scotland.

The demonstrators gathered outside the King's Theatre for Monday's opening night and asked people not to enter the show, which is booked for a one-week run, The Scotsman reported Tuesday.

The racy musical has come under fire from the Christian group for its depictions of God and Jesus, the newspaper said.

A spokesman for "Springer the Musical" described the action as a "minor, peaceful protest" and said hundreds of fans were in attendance despite the slight inconvenience.

The show has won four Olivier awards and an accolade from the Critics' Circle.

People I Know On Television

2006-03-14T12:31:00.000-06:00

It's such an odd feeling when you see people you know in real life on TV or the big screen.

Before I pretended to grow up and got a real job, I worked at a day camp running a musical theatre program. I hated it there, mostly because of the terribly uncool and clique-y people working there, but that is beside the point.

One of the semi-interesting people that I worked with there showed up on Degrassi: The Next Generation last night playing a disgruntled movie patron waiting for his popcorn. Weird. I knew that he "wanted to become an actor" but how many times do we here that from people and nothing comes of it? Well, there he was and I thought he was pretty good. So then of course I wanted to see if he was on IMDB and there he was!

So now, among my many other very important credits, I can say that I once worked with someone who is on IMDB.

I know, I know, you're in awe of me now, aren't you?

You too could audition to be on Degrassi!

Theatre Uncovered 2006 Workshops

2006-03-13T10:46:00.000-06:00

NEWS RELEASE
CONTACT: Isobel Smith
TEL: 07779 138131

13th March 2006

Theatre Uncovered 2006

Award-winning production company Giudecca Productions has joined forces with the Bridewell Theatre to launch ‘Theatre Uncovered’, a series of master classes in theatrical techniques and practices.

‘Theatre Uncovered’ fuses the ideologies of Giudecca and the Bridewell, who are both committed to nurturing and supporting new talent. Giudecca Productions, who hosted the UK Premiere of Jason Robert Brown’s ‘Parade’ at the 2005 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, believe in original people and creative ideas, aspiring to seek out potential and bring talent to the foreground. As an established centre of excellence for musical theatre that is renowned for developing new talent, the Bridewell Theatre is an ideal platform for Giudecca to cultivate a new generation of theatre professionals.

Both informative and interactive, the ‘Theatre Uncovered’ series offers both a guide to theory and a hands-on approach in practical workshops. A range of stage crafts from directing & audition skills to set design & producing will be covered by leading practitioners, offering both established and emerging artists the opportunity to develop their knowledge base.

The programme will run throughout the year at the Bridewell Theatre from April 8th 2006.

For more information please contact:

Isobel Smith
Giudecca Productions
Mezzanine Office
Bridewell Theatre
St Bride Institute
14 Bride Lane
Off Fleet Street
London
EC4Y 8EQ.

020 7583 4896
07779 138131
giudecca@hotmail.co.uk
www.giudecca.org.uk

Clare Scanlon
Press Office
Bridewell Theatre
St Bride Institute
14 Bride Lane
London
EC4Y 8EQ

020 7353 3331
clare.scanlon@stbrideinstitute.org

NB: Possible topics that will be covered this year are: Academic Forums, Acting, Acting for Opera, Agents, Alexander Technique, Audition Skills, Cabaret, Choreography, Composition, Costume Design, Directing, Drama School Explored, Employment Options, Estill Singing Technique, Film Showings, A Guide to Funding, Health for Performers, Lighting Design, Musical Theatre, New Writing, Producing, Rehearsed Readings, Running a Performing Arts School, Set Design, Singing, Sound Design and Theatre as Education.

A Prima Donna Moment...

2006-03-10T23:34:00.000-06:00

Perhaps I need one of these shirts to wear to rehearsals so people will disregard my diva behavior.

I stuck my foot in my mouth at rehearsal the other night. Or, more appropriately, I had a prima donna moment.

Prima donna offense #1: Not knowing my lines for the scene we were rehearsing.

Prima donna offense #2: Leaving the script that contained the lines I did not know sitting on the table when I went up onstage.

Prima donna offense #3: Yelling out for my techie-fiance to bring it to me, instead of getting off my ass and fetching it myself.

Prima donna offense #4: Yelling out a few minutes later, "So, can I HAVE my script?" (in my bitchy voice, I admit it) and then looking down to see that the script was sitting at my feet.

Oops.

Hating Your Part

2006-03-05T19:51:00.000-06:00

Have you ever started working on a role and partway into rehearsals decided maybe you didn't like the role so much? What do you do about it?

I am in rehearsals playing Nellie in South Pacific, and I have to say I am not liking her much right now. Part of it is I am not totally believing that she would fall in love with Emile, which is making it hard for me to play it believably. The other thing is that I HATE my dialogue. It seems like every other character gets witty, interesting things to say and I'm finding Nellie dull to say the least.

I realize that it is my failings as an actor that are making me feel this way, but how do you get over it?

Good opportunity for performers

2006-02-25T14:08:00.000-06:00

Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 15th, 2006

Positions: HAUNTED WALK TOUR GUIDE / STORYTELLER
Location: Ottawa, ON or Kingston ON
High Season: May - October (plus some shifts in winter season)
Hrs/week: PT: Average of three - four 2.5 hour shifts / week during
high season
Rate of pay: $11.00/hr and up
Hours: PT: All work is in the evening

Details:

Working for the Haunted Walk is one of the most exciting and
rewarding opportunities out there. Our company is made up of the
best tour guides in Canada, and we go to great lengths to get and
keep the most interesting and competent people around. It is a work
environment where all tour guides play an important role in
developing and promoting the tours. It is this 'entrepreneurial'
aspect of the work which keeps our guides coming back for a third or
fourth season, long after they cease to be afraid of ghosts! Our
staff come from diverse backgrounds, many with experience in acting,
tour guiding, history or tourism, but all have that positive and
unique outlook that make our tours so popular. It is more than just
a job to every one of us!

If you are interested in a guiding/storytelling position where you
will meet a terrific group of people, learn more than you ever
imagined about the city in which you live and earn a competitive
paycheck, check out the job listing below and apply as early as
possible by email or fax.

Tour guides are the heart and soul of the Haunted Walk. They breathe
life into the stories and make certain that every one of our
customers goes home satisfied (if not a little scared). They must be
willing to learn a provided tour script and a fair amount of local
history. They must also be willing to wear an appropriate tour
uniform (ie. cloak and lantern) and work in any weather.

Qualifications :
Successful Candidates will possess:
· Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
· An interest in local and Canadian history.
· A mature, professional attitude and appearance.
· A flair for the dramatic!
· An abundance of diplomacy and tact.
· A willingness to learn and follow a set of standards.
· A positive, cheerful and optimistic disposition.
· An ability to work and contribute ideas as part of a team.
· An entrepreneurial spirit.
· Current or recent certification in emergency first aid (or a
willingness to become certified).
· Bilingualism, as well as experience in Drama or Tourism will be
considered strong assets.

Please address resume and cover letter by email or fax to:

Glen Shackleton, Director

Email: info@hauntedwalk.com
Fax: (613) 562-4988

Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 15th, 2006

For more information visit: www.hauntedwalk.com

Only selected candidates will be contacted. Thank you to all
applicants.

A Valentine for My Character...

2006-02-15T17:02:00.000-06:00

This is absolutely the cutest thing ever.

Yesterday, a rose was delivered to me at work. Naturally I assumed it was from my sweetie, but imagine my surprise when I saw the name on the card was not my own, but the name of the character I am currently rehearsing. My leading man sent the rose from his character to mine, the finishing touch being an appropriate quote from the script on the card.

This actually came at a perfect time, because we haven't been rehearsing long, and I haven't really found my character yet, nor have I been able to really find the chemistry between our two characters. A gesture like this has given me a big push.

It's a nice idea to keep in mind for the future... or perhaps this is a common thing and I'm just out of the loop?

How Well Do YOU Know Your Shakespeare?

2006-02-07T17:17:00.000-06:00

Here is a fun quiz...

http://www.folger.edu/who-am-i.cfm

Lord of the Rings The Musical

2006-02-06T22:12:00.000-06:00

Lord of the Rings Musical Given Good Reviews By Fans
February 06, 2006 - Monday
News : Theatre : (From Canada.com)

Liam Kearns, 36, from Vancouver, travelled to Toronto specifically to see the show and said he felt lucky his show wasn't cancelled.
After taking in the production, he said it was definitely worth the trip, and added he wasn't bothered by the technical glitches.
"I knew this was just a preview," he said. "It's 95 per cent perfect already, so when it opens it'll be a big event, I'm sure."
He said the show is something really unique for the theatre and should impress frequent theatregoers while still appealing to the general public.
"It's not really a musical in the tradition sense, it's really a stage extravaganza. There's music but it's a dramatic play," he said.
"And for people who haven't gone to the theatre, this is a good venue for them to break into becoming theatregoers."
He said he was impressed by how well the story was translated to the stage, especially since Hollywood special effects couldn't be employed.
"They did an excellent job, they relied on the story to tell itself," he said. "And the choreography and the stage fighting - you can tell they'd been working on it for months and months."
Fifteen-year-old Kaitlin Marrin said she was impressed by how well the sets and characters were portrayed on stage.
"Gollum's costume is really creepy and he (plays) a really amazing role. You just watch him and all the behaviours that he does are really amazing," she said.
The pint-sized hobbits also looked just the right size on stage, she said.
"They look like they're four-feet-tall while everyone else looks like they're six-feet-tall; they pulled it off really well."
Kearns said knowing the story and its characters isn't essential to enjoy the play, so even those who don't know an orc from an ent can follow the story.
Hashimoto said newcomers might actually enjoy the show even more because they'll be kept in suspense, unlike most fans.

Audition Postings for Major Cities

2006-01-31T19:45:00.000-06:00

my8by10.com

Auditions & Tech Jobs Posted

2006-01-30T23:35:00.000-06:00

http://www.playbill.com/jobs/find/

Auditions in the UK

2006-01-29T08:17:00.000-06:00

Audition Postings @ The Stage Online

Auditions in the United States, Canada & the World

2006-01-28T09:59:00.000-06:00

The Right Cast Casting Calls

Auditions in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago

2006-01-28T09:53:00.000-06:00

TVI Studios Auditions

Auditions for Hairspray, the Movie

2006-01-27T23:16:00.000-06:00

The search is on for the future star of the Hairspray movie version.

http://www.hairspraymovie.com

Plan your audition: Audition Preparation Tips

New Tarzan Musical

2006-01-14T12:04:00.000-06:00

From Broadway.com:

Tarzan
Disney's newest family sensation soars onto Broadway in Spring 2006!

A shipwreck leaves an infant orphaned on the West African shore. The helpless baby is taken under the protection of a gorilla tribe and becomes part of their family. When he eventually encounters his first human--Jane Porter, a curious young explorer--both their worlds are transformed forever.
Based on the award-winning animated film, Disney announces its first new Broadway musical in five years, and the remarkable team of artists assembled to tell this story. Six-time Grammy® Award winner Phil Collins has expanded his original songs-including the Oscar® and Grammy® Award winning "You'll Be in My Heart" and "Two Worlds"--creating a complete theater score. Two-time Tony® winner Bob Crowley directs and designs the show, and Tony® winner David Henry Hwang has adapted the story for the stage. The Broadway debuts of acclaimed Australian choreographer Meryl Tankard and aerial designer Pichon Baldinu, creator of De La Guarda, will help bring the world of Tarzan® to life.

Tarzan soars onto Broadway on March 24, 2006.

Colm Wilkinson in The Pirate Queen!

2006-01-14T09:07:00.000-06:00

by BWW News Desk

Colm Wilkinson will return to musical theatre by once again collaborating with Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg, whose Les Miserables launched him to theatrical fame 20 years ago.

Wilkinson will play the male lead in The Pirate Queen, an historical musical epic based on the life of Grace O'Malley (called Grania in the show), "a larger than life figure in Irish history. Set in 16th century Ireland and England, it tells the story of her losses and triumphs, both in her personal relationships and in her battles with the English in defending her beloved Ireland."

The Pirate Queen will be directed by John McColgan and produced by Moya Doherty, both of Riverdance. The swashbuckling show would get its start in Dublin in 2006 before setting sail for London and most likely, Broadway.

The musical, with a score that blends pop, rock, musical theatre and Irish music, will use Irish-step choreography in its scenes of battles and funerals, according to McColgan. Mark Dendy of Taboo will create the dances that evoke those of Riverdance.

Boublil (book) and Schonberg (music and book) wrote Les Miserables with lyricist Herbert Kretzmer (based on the French ones of Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel). Together, they also wrote Miss Saigon and the less-successful Martin Guerre.

The Pirate Queen would herald Wilkinson's return to Broadway after an absence of more than 15 years. The star, who makes his home in Toronto, has occupied himself for several years as a concert performer. Wilkinson originated the role of Jean Valjean in both the London and Broadway productions of Les Miserables (for which he received a Tony nod), and also created the role of the Phantom in the Sydmonton workshop of The Phantom of the Opera; he would star in the show in Toronto for four and a half years, and won two Dora Mavor Moore Awards for his performances in the two roles. As a recording artist, he sang the title role(s) in the Highlight album of Frank Wildhorn's Jekyll and Hyde and the many albums on which he has sung include his solos Stage Heroes and Some of My Best Friends Are Songs.

Site Praise - Yippee!

2006-01-13T17:34:00.000-06:00

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside Theatre Arts Program calls us...

an amazing musical theatre resource which includes audition information, advice, and extensive descriptions of musicals and audition pieces that work for a wide variety of actor/singer/dancers.

Are you bored?

2006-01-08T15:37:00.000-06:00

A whole page of musical theatre quizzes....

http://www.funtrivia.com/quizzes/humanities/theatre/musicals_mixture.html

Audition Posting Links

2006-01-05T10:37:00.000-06:00

An excellent source for audition postings:

http://www.auditionsandcasting.com

A fun quiz...

2005-12-31T22:49:00.000-06:00

What Part of the Theatre World Are You?

This is actually quite accurate - have fun!

This one is good too, but only if you are a techie: The Theatre Geek Test

I thought I'd heard all the theatre jokes...

2005-12-29T14:03:00.000-06:00

... but this one is pretty good.

Theatre terms

Eternity -
The time that passes between a dropped cue and the next line

Prop -
A hand-carried object small enough to be lost by an actor 30 seconds before it is needed on stage

Director -
The individual who suffers from the delusion that he or she is responsible for every moment of brilliance cited by the critic in the local review

Blocking -
The art of moving actors on the stage in such a manner as not to collide with the walls, the furniture, the orchestra pit or each other. Similar to playing chess, except that the pawns want to
argue with you.

Blocking Rehearsal -
A rehearsal taking place early in the production schedule where actors frantically write down movements which will be nowhere in evidence by opening night

Quality Theater -
Any show with which you were directly involved

Turkey -
Every show with which you were not directly involved

Dress Rehearsal -
Rehearsal that becomes a whole new ball game as actors attempt to maneuver among the 49 objects that the set designer added at 7:30 that evening.

Tech Week -
The last week of rehearsal when everything that was supposed to be done weeks before finally comes together at the last minute; reaches its grand climax on dress rehearsal night when costumes rip, a dimmer pack catches fire and the director has a nervous breakdown. Also known as "hell" week.

Set -
An obstacle course which, throughout the rehearsal period, defies the laws of physics by growing smaller week by week while continuing to occupy the same amount of space

Monologue -
That bright, shining moment when all eyes are focused on a single actor who is desperately aware that if he forgets a line, no one can save him

Dark Night -
The night before opening when no rehearsal is scheduled so the actors and crew can go home and get some well deserved rest, and instead spend the night staring sleeplessly at the ceiling because they're sure they needed one more rehearsal

Bit Part -
An opportunity for the actor with the smallest role to count everybody else's lines and mention repeatedly that he or she has the smallest part in the show.

Green Room -
Room shared by nervous actors waiting to go on stage and the precocious children whose actor parents couldn't get a baby-sitter that night, a situation
which can result in justifiable homicide

Dark Spot -
An area of the stage which the lighting designer has inexplicably forgotten to light, and which has a magnetic attraction for the first-time actor. A dark spot is never evident before opening night.

Hands -
Appendages at the end of the arms used for manipulating one's environment, except on a stage, where they grow six times their normal size and either dangle uselessly, fidget nervously, or try to hide in your pockets

Stage Manager -
Individual responsible for overseeing the crew, supervising the set changes, baby-sitting the actors and putting the director in a hammerlock to keep him from killing the actor who just decided to turn his walk-on part into a major role by doing magic tricks while he serves the tea

Lighting Director -
Individual who, from the only vantage point offering a full view of the stage, gives the stage manager a heart attack by announcing a play-by-play of everything that's going wrong

Makeup Kit -
(1) Among experienced community theater actors, a battered tackle box loaded with at least 10 shades of greasepaint in various stages of desiccation, tubes of lipstick and blush, assorted pencils, bobby pins, braids of crepe hair, liquid latex, old programs, jewelry, break-a-leg greeting cards from past shows, brushes and a handful of half-melted cough drops
(2) For first-time male actors, a helpless look and anything they can borrow

The Forebrain -
The part of an actors brain which contains lines, blocking and characterization; activated by hot lights

The Hindbrain -
The part of an actors brain that keeps up a running subtext in the background, while the forebrain is trying to act. The hindbrain supplies a constant stream of unwanted information. Such as who is sitting in the second row tonight, a notation to seriously maim the crew member who thought it would be funny to put real Tabasco sauce in the fake Bloody Marys, or the fact that you need to do laundry on Sunday.

Stage Crew -
Group of individuals who spend their evenings coping with 50-minute stretches of total boredom interspersed with 30-second bursts of mindless panic

Message Play -
Any play which its director describes as "worthwhile," "a challenge to actors and audience alike," or "designed to make the audiencethink." Critics will be impressed both by the daring material and the roomy accommodations, since they're likely to have the house all to themselves.

Bedroom Farce -
Any play which requires various states of undress on stage and whose set sports a lot of doors. The lukewarm reviews, all of which feature the phrase "typical community theater fare" in the opening paragraph, are followed paradoxically by a frantic attempt to schedule more performances to accommodate the overflow crowds.

Assistant Director -
Individual willing to undertake special projects that nobody else would take on a bet, such as working one-on one with the brain-dead actor whom the rest of the cast has threatened to take out a contract on.

Set Piece -
Any large piece of furniture which actors will resolutely use as a safety shield between themselves and the audience, in an apparent attempt to both anchor
themselves to the floor, thereby avoiding floating off into space, and to keep the audience from seeing that they actually have legs

Strike -
The time immediately following the last performance while all cast and crew members are required to stay and dismantle (or watch the two people who own Makita screw drivers) dismantle the set.

Actors (As defined by a set designer) -
People who stand between the audience and the set designer's art, blocking the view. That's also the origin of the word "blocking," by the way

Stage Right, Stage Left -
Two simple directions actors pretend not to understand in order to drive directors crazy. ("No, no, your OTHER stage right!")

Funny take on a popular musical

2005-12-28T13:32:00.000-06:00

I didn't think the review as a whole was very detailed or interesting, but this opening paragraph is very witty:

"I saw a musical last night in Denver about a freak sociopathic loser who stalks a sweet young thing. He thinks that the girl "owes him" after he gives her some voice lessons. The freak goes nuts and kills some people after she rejects his creepy advances. And then we're supposed to feel sorry for this phantom of the opera."

Read the rest of it here.

How many of you honestly knew what musical was being described before reading the last sentence?

Some very excellent audition advice...

2005-12-28T13:11:00.000-06:00

... here:

42ndstmoon.blogspot.com

A Very Cool Website...

2005-12-22T15:51:00.000-06:00

http://www.pandora.com lets you put in the music that you like and then recommends other music for you based on a very detailed analysis of the musical elements.

The only problem? Can't get any cast recordings. :(

Once Upon A Mattress

2005-12-20T17:44:00.000-06:00

I have finally gotten around to posting my review of the new 2005 TV version of Once Upon A Mattress.

Carol Burnett, as expected, was wonderful. I could tell she was having a great time playing Queen Aggravain, and she made the character as equally funny as she is awful.

I also thoroughly enjoyed Zooey Deschanel as Lady Larken. I've been a fan of hers ever since the bathroom singing scene in Elf, and I thought her personality and voice shone nicely. I also thought Matthew Morrison was a total cutie! Their chemistry was good.

I have to say though, I was not a big fan of Tracey Ullman's performance as Winnifred. While her acting was entertaining, I found her singing difficult to listen to. While Winnifred's songs are certainly not difficult to sing, they do have pleasant melodies, and I was dissapointed to find that Ullman's singing was so brassy that I couldn't hear the melodies at all.

Denis O'Hare was fine, I wasn't really moved either way, but I think this has to do with the fact that he was playing such a pitiful character that he was much too old for. A guy in his 40s needing the birds & bees talk?

I would have liked to see more of Michael Boatman as the Jester. He was good at what he did but he sure didn't get much to work with. Where was "Very Soft Shoes"?

Performances aside, I was horrified with how this show was cut up and calmed down. Yes, it is based on a fairy tale but it is NOT meant to be a children's musical, and that is what this Disney version was trying to be. They glossed over the racier parts which also means they glossed over quite a bit of the comedy. And it seems they spent their entire budget on Carol Burnett's outfits. Everyone else looked ridiculously plain in comparison.

Perhaps if this show hadn't been produced by Disney it would have been better...

Links to some other views on OUAM:

Peacebang's Review

Under the Lobsterscope's Review

Hit Musicals from Non-Musical Movies

2005-12-18T10:55:00.000-06:00

Today I found an interesting article highlighting the musicals that are based on "straight" movies.

All the musicals mentioned have been quite successful, but are there others that followed this same formula that did not fare as well?

More nice words said...

2005-12-17T09:39:00.000-06:00

I just love unsolicited praise!

read it here.

Christmas Concert Finally Over! (and venting about parent audiences)

2005-12-17T09:02:00.000-06:00

The christmas concert I've been working on with the kids at the elementary school where I teach was finally performed this Wednesday night. It featured Christmas carols from various countries as we tracked santa's progress around the world. It was very cute. We had two "news anchors" sitting at a desk at the front of the stage and painted a map of the world on the back wall. Before the news anchors talked to the field reporters in each country, they asked the weathergirl for the Christmas Eve weather forcast for that city.

It went over very well, but I am always frustrated at these performances. Because I myself do quite a bit of performing, I try to make the experience for the kids as authentic and professional as possible. We use the correct terminology for things, I train one or two kids to act as stage managers and run all the sound and lights and they even call all their own cues on headsets. The kids take it very seriously. It is a really great moment for them when they finally get to put it all together.

The problem is that the parents don't seem to take it as seriously. Some come really early and then complain that the house isn't open, some come very late and cause a disturbance coming in, I even had a mother walk right across the front of the gym, right in front of the stage in the middle of a scene, walking right in front of the camera as we were taping the show. I know that they are very likely to bring young siblings, but is it too much to ask for them to keep them from crawling around on the floor and up under the dress of a primary girl as she performs in the choir? (Yes, that happened too!)

I know this happens all the time, but do I really have to just clench my teeth and bare it?

Win a free script tote!

2005-12-03T18:36:00.000-06:00

MusicalTheatreAudition.com is hosting its very first contest!

Carry your scripts in style with a free script tote from MusicalTheatreAudition.com.

To enter to win, fill out the form on our Contests page.

Shakespeare Resource

2005-12-02T18:31:00.000-06:00

I bought this book recently and am very happy with it, both as a read on its own as well as a companion.

If you are someone who performs a lot of shakespeare (or plans to) I would strongly recommend it, since it contains valuable information about character breakdowns at a glance.

Searchable Database of Local Performance Groups

2005-11-19T08:45:00.000-06:00

The database for performance groups (both paid and amateur) is now live. Please add your local performance groups if they are not already listed.

Performance Group Database

Stages of Stage Performing - A Funny

2005-11-13T11:12:00.000-06:00

I just found this post on another blog about the stages we go through as performers while working on a stage show.

Stages of Stage Performing

I find it funny because it is so accurate - especially about the post-show blues.

Funnies: An Actors Guide

2005-11-12T09:13:00.000-06:00

I found the following really funny, but a couple of them, I wasn't sure what was wrong with them... :)

Hold for all laughs---real, expected, or imagined! If you don't get one, face front and repeat the line louder. Failing this, laugh at it yourself.

Cultivate an attitude of hostility. Tension gets results---on stage and off.

A good performance, like concrete, should be molded quickly and then forever set.

Your first responsibility as an actor is to find your light.

Do not listen to your fellow actors on stage. It will only throw you. Do not look at them either---you may not like what you see.

Always be specific---point to what you're talking about.

If a line isn't working for you, change it.

Stage Managers are NOT actors---ignore them.

Never be afraid to ad-lib to get attention, especially if the leads aren't very entertaining.

Mistakes are never your fault.

Always find something to bitch about, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. Your fellow actors will respect your professional attention to detail.

Never carry make-up---someone will have what you need.

If you can't be heard, it's not your fault. Any decent theatre should have body mikes.

Never, never help understudies (They secretly hate you and want your job).

Do help your fellow actors by giving them notes whenever you feel necessary. And give the notes immediately before they go on---it will be fresher that way.

Speak your lines as if the audience had difficulty understanding the language.

Keep other performers on their toes by ridiculing their performances, and never let them know what you're going to do next.

Play the reality---always be aware of the audience and whether you think they like the show, then gauge your performance accordingly. Why knock yourself out for ungrateful assholes?

The only difference between an amateur and a pro is that the pro does exactly the same thing for money.

Need a character? Get a costume.

Never change anything that is working, no matter how wrong or phony it may seem.

Even if a piece of "shtick" doesn't work, keep using it. The important thing is for you to have fun and feel good about yourself.

Searchable Audition Song & Monologue Database Now Live!

2005-10-31T20:09:00.000-06:00

I have finally launched the new scene, song, & monologue database. I am still in the process of entering all existing data.

You can find it here:

http://www.musicaltheatreaudition.com/smdb/

As always, suggestions are appreciated.

2005-10-28T19:52:00.000-06:00

Found a good tip for preparing for auditions that require you to perform more than one monologue:

In between your monologues, you need to make a physical and mental transition. Use your transition to show what a smooth and crafty actor you are! Do something with it. For those of you with long hair, you might want to remove a clip and change your look for your second piece. For those of you with a grungy 2nd character, you might want to kick off your shoes in your transition. Use your imagination! Without making a complete costume change, how can you change your look? Rehearse your transitions from introduction to character and in and out of characters ahead of time. Don't say things in the middle. Run the whole thing through as a production, not as several productions broken up with intermissions.

2005-10-26T10:51:00.000-06:00

I found this great audition postings site:

http://www.auditionsandcasting.com/

Seems to cover all different areas and countries too, which is nice.

Enjoy!

2005-10-25T17:19:00.000-06:00

I am working on a brand new database for songs, monologues, scenes and duets.

Watch for it!

2005-10-23T13:39:00.000-06:00

If you are looking to expand your knowledge of musicals, or looking for fresh audition material, you are in luck!

I just found this online radio station, Maximum Broadway - Showtunes 24/7. I've had it on all day since I came across it this morning. Wow!

2005-10-22T17:35:00.000-06:00

I hope to add to the section for kids in theatre. As always, suggestions are welcome.

Tell me what characters I am missing in the list of shows with child characters.

2005-10-19T16:14:00.000-06:00

I am working on expanding the production section with more
information about choosing musical shows for schools. If you have any
tips to contribute to this section, or have questions you would like
the answers to, please let me know.

2005-10-16T09:11:00.000-06:00

I love finding stuff like this! It isn't often you get to hear people saying nice things about you:

http://wefew.ca/Forums/viewtopic.php?t=71&highlight=site

2005-10-15T12:02:00.000-06:00

I want to start expanding the site to include more resources for
professional performers. I would love to hear your criticisms and
suggestions of what should be included.

2005-10-15T11:40:00.000-06:00

A new section is in progress - I am now building a page for each of the major professional centres in the hopes of helping performers who are beginning their professional careers or are planning to relocate to a new area. Any suggestions for improving this new section would be much appreciated.