A Beauty of a Stamp

To help celebrate the 12th anniversary of Beauty and the Beast on Broadway, the United States Postal Service has issued a special stamp. The current Beauty, Ashley Brown and Beast, Steve Blanchard (who I have seen play the Beast) pose with the stamp.

Casting for Beauty and the Beast

The cast list is up and it is time to get going! We have a strong cast and a good group of people. What a show! If you missed the list, here it is:

Beauty and the Beast Cast List

United 93

The first of two movies to open this year depicting events of Sept. 11, 2001 comes to the screen today. It is titled United 93 and deals with the one plane out of the four that did not successfully reach its target on that day, but rather crashed in a Pennsylvania field. I'm sure everyone has at least heard something on tv or read something in a newspaper or magazine about this project. Lots of controversy surrounds it. Some argue that it does not respect the families of those lost. Others believe that the story should be told. I read that before any filming was done the consent of each family was given to the producers and director before anyone of them would begin production. The script was written from the actual conversations of those family members. What do I think? I will be the first in line to see it. Because I think we should ALL see it, no matter how bad it may hurt. Maybe it would make us all appreciate everything around us more and realize how this second is the only second we really have. We all say that, a lot, but do we honestly realize what it means?

MSN Article

Movie Clips from the A & E docu-drama Flight 93

This is a quote from the father of one of the passengers:
“Be reminded of our very real enemy. Be inspired by a true story of heroic actions taken by ordinary people with victorious consequences. Be thankful for each precious day of life with a loved one and make the most of it. Resolve to take the right action in the situations of life, whatever they may be. Resolve to give thanks and support to those men, women, leaders and commanders who to this day (1,687 days since Sept. 11, 2001) continue the counterattacks on our enemy and in so doing keep us safe and our freedoms intact.”

The Pez Experiment

I was in the check-out line of Wal-Mart the other day and was looking over the various magazines and candies when I happened to see sitting at the top of the gum rack, a collection of Pez dispensers. There were various characters from the famous to the vague. As I dug through them (because I had nothing else to do, the cashier was taking her time) I found the Chicken Little Pez, all by himself. I thought, "He needs a good home." So, I bought him. To do what with? Who knows. All I know is that since the first time I saw that movie preview or advertisement in a magazine, I'm not sure which, I have been drawn to that pathetic little chicken. The movie wasn't that great- he was, but the movie wasn't. Great acting. I bought the soundtrack- not a great cd, but it has a really good song on it that will break your heart. My Chicken Little Pez is sitting on my desk at school beside my computer now. As I was thinking over some things today, he watched me and I began to connect with my plastic friend. Maybe I am drawn to that pathetic little chicken because I can identify with him, not that I'm a pathetic chicken, but because everyone thinks he's a little different or out there. Aren't all of us that claim to be show people. Maybe it is because he wears glasses- I wear glasses. Maybe it is because the first "real" play I ever did was Chicken Little with Mrs. Eldredge when I was in the first grade. Dunno, I'm just drawn to that face with the oversized green glasses.

He also got me thinking about how a person's personality can match a certain character, that is in the form of a pez. My goal for this summer is to match each of you to a pez. I have mine. I always seem to buy a huge amount of stuff when I go somewhere on an out of town trip or vacation. I've decided, that I don't need all of that stuff and that my new collection will be a unique and interesting pez I found on my journey. Yea, ya'll think I'm nuts! I've always had fun collecting things, and now I think I've gotten something new and fun to collect. I've got several people have given me- a Kermit, a Wonder Woman, a Mickey Mouse. I need to dig them out and create a display at school. I looked for one of those crazy tests that we pass around to see if one would match you to a pez, but couldn't find one. Maybe I'll make my own. What do you think? If you could pick a pez that most matched you personality, or should we say the concept you have of yourself- who would it be? Interesting, hmmmm? Be honest. You can call me CL for short.

The Cast List is Coming

After much thought and deliberation, I think the cast list is in order. I haven't gotten any more conflicts since before noon today. If any come, we won't be able to honor them. People seem to be very excited about this cast list. I don't know if it is because there are several parts that could go one way or the other or if they are just excited to see the actual beginning of the show. Some parts are obvious- they fit like a glove. At the same time some parts are going to be a surprise. I got a very good compliment from a kid the other day. He said he had been to another school where they had a drama program and he was impressed by the way we have our act together. In other words, we have a goal and we accomplish it rather than squaking around like a bunch of chickens. I appreciate that from everyone- they are very goal oriented within the whole of the group. Tomorrow by noon we will know who everyon is... and how many people will be quiting.

By the way, did anyone see that comment about "Going to the Chapel" on the blog about Lestat? I'm hoping the person that wrote that was refurring to a past blog and is not confused that Lestat is our fall show. Don't you know that would go over well. Hey, that's an idea- a vampire musical with music from the middle of the 20th century: "Going to the Chapel of Blood" or "The Bleeder of the Pack" or "When the Sun Gets in My Eyes I Die". My idea, no body steal it!

Did You Know?

Did you know that while we were auditioning Tuesday night, the Broadway production of Beauty and the Beast turned twelve years old? Pretty cool, eh?

Lestat Opens on Broadway

Elton John's new musical Lestat opened on Broadway last night. Several critics claimed it would "suck the life out of you" if you saw it. Others, including Peter Felichia (my favorite on line theatre critic) said that if you take it as camp entertainment, it is a pretty fun experience. There is a video sample of some of the musical numbers on broadway.com. A lot of the critics say that the music is "lifeless" (ugh, another vampire pun), but I like that kind of pop musical sound.

In the photo, Allison Fischer, Jim Stanek & Hugh Panaro in Lestat

Beauty and the Beast Auditions

We had a very large crowd last night. Between young and old, there was a grand total of 67 people. Some, of course, will not come back. For some people the amount of time it takes for a show is too much and for some one to realize and acknowledge that is very respectable. We had some good singers, actors and some surprise dancers. I'm impressed with the over 21 age group of dancers. We had some fun, learned that Chris sounds like he's cussing when speaking French and that Mrs. Berger has a secret desire to be a tea cup. We also learned that Betsey is always going to "bring up the rear" and that Sarah's will not be mentioned at all during this entire show. And yes, we had the usual "I'm not going to be here for an entire week until the show, but I still want to be in it." Yea, right! All in all, I think I have everything cast- but I will sit on it for a day or two until I get all the final conflicts- that always changes things.

I am looking forward to this show. It is going to be the greatest amount of work of any summer, but I think the most rewarding. I talked to the janitor of the fine arts building this morning and she and I are going to set up dressing rooms in the down stairs hallway. As for where to put all the people, I've decided the balcony thing isn't such a bad idea- that person must have been a genius. The little kids I think we can put on coat hangers and then slide them on a hook or rod back in the corners.

So many people to bless with my presense. Ahhhhhhhh!

It Is Time

After planning and planning since last June- finally the day has come to begin.

People ask, "Do you get nervous?" Heck, yes! And excited and sick to my stomach and dizzy and frustrated and thrilled and angry and bored and anxious and sleepless and thinking if I just throw myself down the stairs, I won't have to do this. But then I get over it.

I'm How Old?!?!

Happy Birthday, Kathi!!! We won't discuss your age because we know how sensitve females are about getting older. I will say she is much older than me... much, much older. Have a good day!

Big Number Eleven!

Happy Birthday Jake!!! Eleven years, holy cow!!!

Rent is Ten

The Broadway musical Rent turns ten years old today. A special concert performance of the original cast will be performed tonight- many of whom are in the movie version.

All Good Things...

Here I am again among those that must work. Alas, spring break is over. I am having to wipe the tears off of the keyboard in order to write this. But why should it end? My new philosophy is life should be one long spring break! But at the same time, with the ending of "official" spring break means that is time for the beginning of lots of fun and exciting stuff. I now have three weeks to get everything done for The Wiz and to get the show on its feet. Yesterday I worked on the wiz head- he looks like a cross between Hitler and a toad- yes, he still needs a little work. Tomorrow are B & B auditions. So in other words, I'll be getting The Wiz ready during the day while rehearsing B & B at night. Why do I do this I ask myself sometimes? Not sure- then I think of the joy it brings for all those people to get to see me at rehearsal each night. I guess it is the least I can do.

Beauty Marches On

I've had a good response so far to the newspaper ads about auditions. What does that actually mean? Who knows? Today has been a pretty lazy day, except for designing the whole castle again. I thought I had a good design that would be easy to create and would function in the show and in the space we have. Speaking of space, where are we going to put the actors backstage? There is so much scenery, I have no place for the actual flesh and blood- not to mention some of the characters are going to be large as a piece of scenery (a walking, talking, dancing wardrobe and tea pot). I guess we will have to build gigantic balconies above the stage. Ha! Anyway, the castle- on Easter Sunday, I was thinking about all the ideas and designs, for now is the time to finalize and begin making, and it hit me- a whole new castle design with different levels and arches and ways to light it. The original idea had such things, but not like these. I am working on a model and will post a picture when it is done. The crazy thing is, the castle is one out of eight different sets we are going to be needing and not just a chair or a table, but eight sets. Effie and Paul are going to love me for this one!

Happy Birthday to The Producers

The Producers, the musical turns five years old today. The movie version of the musical (which was originally based on a movie, which makes it a musical movie of a musical based on a movie- whew!) will be released in May. Having seen all three, (the musical, the movie musical and even the original movie) I would pick the movie musical over them all. Nathan Lane is hysterical as Max and only in the movie can you see his facial expressions- his double takes are priceless! It is one of the few movies in which I have laughed out loud from beginning to end.

Mamma-Mia to be a Movie Musical

Mamma-mia has announced a movie version to be released in late 2007. This is one of my top three favorite shows and is easily my most favorite to see. It has energy, comedy and dancing like nothing else, not to mention those fun ABBA songs. The Broadway tour will be at the Fox in July and then at the Peace Center in August. Having already seen it twice before, I plan to see it twice again at each place- yea, it's that good. A lot of people will say it lacks the depth that real theatre should. To that I say , "Oh, get a life and have some fun!"

Fall Show... Already?

It looks as if we have our fall show scheduled and ready to go. We are doing Leader of the Pack, a really fun musical based on the life of Ellie Greenwich. She is the lady that wrote a bunch of fun and well known songs such as "Going to the Chapel" and "Be My Little Baby". Since it centers around do-wop soda fountian type music, we decided to do a do-wop diner and serve hotdogs, hamburgers, fries and ice cream sundaes- sounds fun, doesn't it? Haven't even started B & B and already getting plans made for the one after it. It must be a sickness.

Auditions

Seven days till B & B auditions- very excited and anxious to begin.

Happy Easter!

Let the earth shout and the heavens rejoice that He has risen. Some may ask, "What does that have to do with play production?" In my opinion, EVERYTHING!

Ahhhhhhhh!

Finally, spring break at last. What to do now? Well, I'll tell you. B & B auditions, Wiz costumes and scenery, fabric shopping for B & B, not to mention some major cleaning out. Before I can start building things, I have to clean out a place to put them. All the while trying to see every movie possible between now and next Tuesday. I would take a shopping trip, if I hadn't quit shopping for the year 2006. So I guess I'll have to go just for the chic-fil-a. Spring, it makes my heart happy and my mind ready for fun. Bring it on!