Monday, December 29, 2008

Holy Christmas Batman!

This Christmas was full of excitement, magic and... unfortunately... a few passings.

The magic began when we braved the crazies and went to Macy's to check out Santa Claus. No, none of us hopped up on his jolly little lap, but we did walk through his winter wonderland, sneak a peak, and get a jazzy little button that "ho ho ho'd" us right out into the fine china department. (Which is a strange place to dump out sugar-high kids that have just met the man of the seasonal hour. How about the plush doll section instead? CRASH SHATTER YIKES anyone?)

Snow was everywhere too - for a while. NYC at Christmas with snow on the ground in an absolutely amazing sight. If you haven't seen it... get your #@*$ up here and see it (next time... since the snow is melted now).

The new apartment is almost put together - bookshelves are up (the last obstacle to a gloriously cute apartment).

Now... on to the sad news. We lost three incredible talents over the holidays (more I'm sure, but these three have highlights the news feeds).

Eartha Kitt passed away on Christmas Day after a battle with colon cancer. She was 81 and, frankly, the only Catwoman who could take down Michelle Pfeiffer.

We also suffered the loss of two American theatre legends. Both Harold Pinter (78, battle with cancer) and Dale Wasserman (94, congestive heart failure) passed away this last week.

They say Hollywood leaves us in threes... you just don't expect so much so quickly.

On the lighter side of things, these three left us with amazing works that will be shared and cherished for eons.

So this New Year's Eve, lift your glass to American royalty and to the art they've left for us to enjoy.

Cheers!




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Friday, December 05, 2008

About damned time! Bea inducted!!

Bea Arthur (love her... no seriously, love her dammit) is being inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences' Hall of Fame!

The AHall of Fame Committee also selected Dan Burke, Larry Gelbart, Merv Griffin, Tom Murphy and Sherwood Schwartz.

But Bea is by far the most significant (for me). I grew up on Mame, Maude, and the Golden Girls.

Check out this footage of Bea in her Mame glory, performing "The Man in the Moon" from 1994's Jerry Herman's Broadway at the Bowl concert. Pure gold!


Wednesday, November 19, 2008

WHO RANG THAT BELL?

Just because this is too cute for words... enjoy.


funny pictures of cats with captions
more animals

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Keith Olbermann Pleads for a Stop to Bigotry

Keith Olbermann is an amazing journalist. He recently ended his show with passionate plea for people to end hate mongering and let gay marriage exist - side by side with "traditional" marriage. I couldn't have said these things better myself. Please watch below.

If for some reason the video below doesn't work or shows a Bill O'Reilly thing (which it did when I tested it) please use this link and click LAUNCH VIDEO from the MSNBC site instead.

Tribute to Prop 8 ... Listen and Think

My friend Jason posted this on his Myspace blog and I had to share it. It's really beautiful and makes me want to cry a little when I listen to how passionate he is. No more writing, just listen.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Um... gross but necessary?









I'm pretty sure that as a baby I attacked my parents once or twice mid-diaper change. But apparently there's a legitimate market for these! If you want to know more, go to their website and make your purchase.

I have a feeling there are a lot of little elves out there this Christmas pissed off that their hats are being misused. (Pun completely intended.)

CMT's Eckern Offers Apology for Prop 8 Funding

According to Playbill.com, California Musical Theatre's Artistic Director, Scott Eckern has offered an apology for his financial support of Prop 8.

Quoted from the article (to read the full article please visit the link above or click here):
In response to the words of Shaiman, Egan, Whitty and numerous individuals who contacted the theatre company, Eckern released an apology and has donated $1,000 to the Human Rights Campaign, which works to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans.

"I understand that my choice of supporting Proposition 8 has been the cause of many hurt feelings maybe even betrayal. It was not my intent. I honestly had no idea that this would be the reaction. I chose to act upon my belief that the traditional definition of marriage should be preserved. I support each individual to have rights and access and I understood that in California domestic partnerships come with the same rights that come with marriage," Eckern said in a statement.

He continued, "I definitely do not support any message or treatment of others that is hateful or instills fear. This is a highly emotional issue. I have now had many conversations with friends and colleagues and I now have a better idea of what the discrimination issues are, how deeply felt these issues are and I am deeply saddened that my acting upon my religious convictions has been devastating to those I love and admire… I am deeply sorry for any harm or injury I have caused."
Well, that's better. And I accept his apology. But I would prefer that people do this soul search and research before they make a leap towards discrimination.

In the "good news" section of today, Connecticut begins marrying same-sex couple today! Congrats to the smart, well adjusted citizens of Connecticut who knew better than to legalize discrimination (and shame on you California for not being mature enough to embrace equality.)

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

From Sacramento Bee: "Prop. 8 gift gets theater's leader in a ruckus"

I cannot believe that someone - whose livelihood is drawn from an industry essentially supported and employed by a gays - would support Prop 8 in California. I haven't written on this issue because I tend to slant toward the mildly humorous on the blog but this has got me really cheesed.

Scott Eckern, (pictured left from the Sacramento Bee) the Artistic Director of the California Musical Theatre, has admitted to giving $1000 to the Prop 8 Campaign. Read the full article here. Frankly... I say it's beyond time to voice our frustration with this. Write a letter to Richard Lewis (the organization's executive producer) and Carol Van Bruggen (Board of Directors Chair) asking for Ms. Eckern's resignation. It may be extreme but there is no way I would support or work for an organization that allows hate and bigotry to be in its employ. You can send a message to the theatre through their online form but I would recommend sending a letter directly to Mr. Lewis and Ms. Bruggen at the address below:

Mr. Richard Lewis and Ms. Carol Van Bruggen
California Musical Theatre
1510 J Street, Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95814

Civil liberties should NEVER be up for vote. It's insane that California allowed this to happen. This has to change and it has to change soon.

Marc Shaiman (Hairpsray) and Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q) have already contacted Mr. Eckern and voiced their concerns. Mr. Shaiman has stated that no show he has been involved with will play at the California Musical Theatre again and Mr. Whitty (though Avenue Q is already scheduled for production there this spring) will not permit his shows to be produced there in the future. Mr. Whitty's blog has an interested and insightful conversation with Mr. Eckard - click here to read.

Susan Egan has also supposedly voiced her feelings on this matter. Check out her letter at Broadwayworld.com.

Whatever you believe, there is NO reason that a gay marriage should be classified ANY differently then a straight marriage. God has no place in this argument. We are a nation of many religions and to presume that ONE has the veto power of another or over the government is asinine!

Special thanks to Towleroad for the news on this one!

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

The good and the bad of the new world!


Today is amazing... we have a new president-elect who will (I believe) make amazing changes to the way this country takes care of its resident and neighbors. This is "the good." I unfortunately passed out from a severe migraine during the hubbub last night, but did manage to wake up in time for the official announcement and to watch McCain's concession speech.

However, there is some bad news. It seems that James Nederlander plans to produce a Broadway musical based on Michael Jackson's Thriller. Seriously? No... SERIOUSLY? (In case you missed it, that qualifies as "the bad."

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Daughter of a man born into slavery votes!

This is an amazing story that is well worth the brief read. According to The Statesman, "Amanda Jones, 109, the daughter of a man born into slavery, has lived a life long enough to touch three centuries. And after voting consistently as a Democrat for 70 years, she has voted early for the country's first black presidential nominee." Check out the full article (linked above and below) and then remind yourself why we vote.

And if you haven't ever voted before, think about why Ms. Jones does.

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/10/27/1027jones.html

Photo credit: Larry Kolvoord, AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Sunday, October 12, 2008

HAPPY PRE-HALLOWEEN

Sigh... I just cannot get enough of this. I wish I could also find "Witch's Night Out," the 1978 cartoon special featuring Gilda Radner. It was a great cartoon with some freaky animation and some really fun/funky music. I loved it when I was little but haven't seen it in forever. Boo.


Saturday, October 04, 2008

It's like an Agatha Christie novel over here!


Yep, as the news has posted, HAIRSPRAY will likely be the next victim of the de-gaying of Broadway. (Of course, I'm being silly about the de-gaying. The gay is here for good.) According to Broadwayworld.com, the hit musical will close on January 18, 2009 after more than six years.

A moment of silence please.
(shhh)

Ok, enough silence. Besides, rumor has it that La Fierstein will return as Edna for the final round. EEEK! I think I just got so excited that my jeans burst into flames.

The blokes are back! LITTLE BRITAIN USA hits HBO.



Matt Lucas and David Walliams are back and hitting the USA. Little Britain USA has started on HBO and looks like it could be a fresh continuation of the original. If you didn't catch the first episode, find a friend who kept it on their DVR, bring over a casserole.eat and enjoy.

My favorite characters are back, and the new ones look to be just as clever. Enjoy the show!

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

The De-Gaying of Broadway

Don't get me wrong... there is still plenty of gay out there on Broadway, but I'm about to fall to the floor and weep for the loss of yet another favorite show, Legally Blonde.

So... once again... the recurring theme of this blog as of late... is GO SEE THESE SHOWS BEFORE THEY CLOSE!

Here, I'll make it easy for you. Visit Playbill.com to buy your tickets to this show now.

And then be sure to buy Xanadu and [title of show] before they are gone as well.

Friday, September 19, 2008

[title of show] closing... sigh


So, in one week, two of my favorite shows on Broadway have posted their closing notices... and they are closing on the same day.

First, Xanadu. (Jump back a few days here.) And now [title of show].

I might just have to curl up in the corner and rock myself to sleep as I cry.

Ok, that's a smidge dramatic but still.

If you haven't seen either show please go see them now. They are lots of fun, very irreverent, and each take shots at musical theatre in a way that no other show can (or would be allowed) to do - except maybe Forbidden Broadway (who is ALSO taking an extended hiatus this winter... argh!)

And here I was all excited about International Talk Like a Pirate Day and then this. Lame.

ARGH MATEYS! It's "International Talk Like a Pirate Day!"

Ever dreamed of sailing the seven seas, wind whistling past your mast, waves sloshing the salty blue against your boards? Well... today you can... sort of.

It's International Talk Like a Pirate Day! So avast ye hearties, yo ho!

Batten the hatches and set sail. Not sure HOW to talk like a pirate (because you've never seen Hollywood's version of the piratey-life?) Check out the official "how to" at the International Talk Like a Pirate Day website.

You'll be swearin' like a sailor in no time flat!

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Legally Brown: Episode 2

Episode 2 of "Legally Brown: The Search for the Next Piragua Guy" is on Youtube. It is so FRICKIN' funny I could just spit. But that's nasty. Instead, I did a little dance on the sofa. For $40 I'll do it at parties. Until you have $40, watch the clip below and enjoy with me.



Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Suddenly, the wheels are in motion... straight outta town!

(Photo by Paul Kolnik. Courtesy of Playbill.com)

It is officially the saddest day in the theatre industry. Xanadu has announced its closing.

I love this show. I mean, I could eat this show for breakfast, lunch, dinner and a midnight snack. Fourth meal? Screw you Taco Bell! Serve me up some Xanadu in a to-go bag and I'm set.

But alas, the fires of Hephaestus will soon be snuffed. Sigh. But it will at least skate across America in it's national tour, starting in LaJolla.

So, point being... if you haven't seen it, go NOW. If you have seen it and loved it, go NOW. If you saw it, didn't care for it, go BACK!

Hell, it would even make the Lehman Brothers forget there current woes. (Although this probably didn't make them laugh.)

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Welcome to the Lavender House, Madam Vice-President

If only McCain's new VP running mate was her doppleganger, I'd be in gay heaven.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Night at the Museum 2 filming?

After walking through Central Park tonight, we came out onto Central Park West at the American Museum of Natural History and there was a film crew all over the front entrance. It was pretty cool. We saw a monkey, some Huns, and the "son" riding his bike along the front sidewalk... apparently in a huge hurry. Some pics are below for your entertainment. Enjoy!



Saturday, August 16, 2008

UNDERWEAR REVIEW #2... and it's FAB


Check out the review that UNDERWEAR: A SPACE MUSICAL got from nytheatre.com. It's fantabulous!

Here's a brief preview but you can read the whole thing here!

"Mind control. Robots. World domination. Attractive men and women in their skivvies. That was enough to send 12 of my friends into an emailing frenzy to be the one to join me for Underwear: A Space Musical at FringeNYC. However, if you're not hooked already, perhaps it's worth mentioning that this fluffy, campy, zany, hysterically funny pop tuner is also really, really, "blastin'"-ly good. . . Don't let Underwear: A Space Musical blast off without seeing it while it's here at the Fringe! It's far too much fun to be missed." - Ethan Angelica, NYTheatre.com

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Nancy Drew and the Tale of the Missing Nano

So, about two years ago (give or take a few months), I lost the BRAND NEW Ipod Nano that my friend Mike gave me. He had a great Ipod already and got the Nano with his new Mac so he offered it to me and I gleefully accepted.

However, within weeks it was gone. I searched high and low.

The Nano was no more.

Then tonight, I was at Cleo's on 9th Avenue celebrating my friend Brandon's birthday (Brandon is one of the authors of and a producing partner on UNDERWEAR: A SPACE MUSICAL). I had on this jacket that I hadn't worn in ages... literally... AGES! Well, I slick it down (making sure I don't look bulgy in it) and feel this weird, blocky spot.

I reach into the inside pocket and FOR CRYING OUT LOUD... there's the $#*(*&(#&% Nano hiding... COMPLETE with ear buds!

So, that's the idiocy of my night. Hopefully I've gained enough dumb points to get me through the next few months. If not, you'll hear about it.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Ogre My God!


Today, DreamWorks Theatricals released the first photo of Brian D'Arcy James as Shrek... the upcoming Broadway stage musical based on the first film and the children's book by William Steig.

Not too bad. I was a touch nervous about this adaptation but BDJ actually looks pretty cool.

According to this article it took 2 hours and 15 minutes to transform him for the first time. That's a LOT of time in a chair. After 10 minutes at the salon I'm ready to bolt.

Until then, follow the show at www.shrekthemusical.com. Let the battle of the green guy vs. the green girl begin.

Photo credit: Andrew Eccles, DreamWorks Theatricals

Saturday, August 09, 2008

It's the day of the show, y'all!

It is 9:49am and we're heading downtown the Pace University for our NYC Fringe premiere of UNDERWEAR: A SPACE MUSICAL. Nerves are shot and I'm sweating bullets, but it's all from excitement! The show has come together so well and I think we have some of the most talented cast members I've ever met. If you can make it, please do. It'll be a hoot-and-a-half!

Gotta run... but please don't forget to buy your TICKETS now before things get really crazy! It's the most fun you can have in two hours without getting arrested!!

Attend the tale of Two Cities!


I don't know if you've noticed or not, but there's something interesting happening with some Broadway marketing right now.

While browsing my theatre websites, like the good like Broadway dork I am, I noticed an ad for A Tale of Two Cities (to the right) and was stunned by how similar it is to the iconic photo from Sweeney. Really? This cannot be a marketing goof... right?

I mean, sure, find your target audience and play to their interests. Thoughts?

Now I don't know anything about Two Cities. In fact, I've heard GREAT things about it. I'm just curious about that specific ad and only wish the show the best. Break legs Cities!!!

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

UNDER-SQUARE (on the UNDERBLOG)

Check out the update on our UNDERWEAR: A SPACE MUSICAL blog! We did an amazing photo shoot today in Times Square... yes, in the middle of Times Square. Check out the story on the link!

And then be sure to buy your ticket to UNDERWEAR. The show starts this weekend!!!!!

Cheers!

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

BRIGADOON postpones...

Does this mean that Broadway won't have a revival of Brigadoon for 100 years?

From Playbill.com:
To read the full article please visit
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/119942.html.


"The new Broadway-aimed production of Lerner and Loewe's Brigadoon, directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Rob Ashford and scheduled to play in Boston this fall, prior to a Broadway opening, has been postponed. The reason given is..."

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Contributing to democracy...

... and my wallet.

Yes, it's blatant. I'm helping the American system and myself at the same time. Go buy one from my Zazzle.com store. Fun for yourself, a friend, family member, etc. They're cute and go with your football attire. :)

Sunday, July 20, 2008

The pancakes who must not be named...

I spent the weekend in Montgomery, Alabama to speak at the MFA Class of 2008 graduation. It was a good time and I got to see some great friends. I arrived Friday night - late - and almost immediately was swept away to Ihop with Mike, Lynn and Kerrie. Good times were had by all... but I couldn't help but sense that something otherwordly might be in our presence. Not a "wow, Ihop is haunted" kind of feeling, but a sense... a tingling... that danger lurked nearby.

It wasn't until we left that I realized what I was feeling. To the right is my evidence that this bench at Ihop is the "bench who lived." No one else seemed particluarly impressed by this, but I knew. I knew that seven books later, this bench would be a milestone in children's literature.

Monday, July 14, 2008

How many acres is this thing!?

So I went on a true excursion in Central Park yesterday. In all the times I've been to NYC (including living here now) I hadn't ever really explored it. I had of course been to the ball field, and the outer skirts near Columbus Circle... but had never truly plowed my way through thicket and thorn.

I did this time. I only WISH I had a pedometer to know exactly how far I adventured.

If you want to take a virtual tour with me, go check out the pics I uploaded on Myspace. Enjoy... and take a day to go check out this oasis in the middle of the concrete jungle. Kinda amazing!

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

For Sale...


So, having moved to NYC I am burdened with my 2004 Honda Accord. God Bless Ren for working on selling it for me. But... I don't want to put all the burden on him of course. So, if you're out there in the ether, looking for a fabulous car at a fabulous price CALL ME! :)

The headline above will link you to the Craig's List page or you can click here --> http://neworleans.craigslist.org/car/748670620.html.

Here's the scoop: Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, ABS, Power Steering, AM/FM Stereo with built in XM Satellite Radio (service not provided in the sale), Power Driver's Seat, Power Windows, 6-disc CD changer in dash, Power Door Locks, Dual Front Air Bags, Tilt Wheel, Power Sun Roof. VIN 1HGCM568X4A029180

In excellent condition. Only one previous owner. Barely driven in 4 years. Used to commute to and from work. Never been damaged. Asking $16,200 or best offer.

Give me a shout if you're interested. It is currently in New Orleans in Ren's capable and amazing hands but it can certainly get to you (or vice versa). Enjoy!

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

The sky is falling...

So a piece of the sky just fell... well, a piece of the ceiling. And I'm so gay that I immediately thought of this classic Golden Girls moment.

Monday, July 07, 2008

And we're back...

So... back to this blog business. I've been in NYC for just almost three weeks now... which is ironically about how long I have not been actively blogging. So updates:

Had a birthday on Sunday... it was great. I spent the day with great friends, had good times, and enjoyed every minute of it. I also got a great care package from Ren today which made me happy and I, of course, showed off to my office mates. Not in the "you didn't get a package so I'm better than you" kinda way... but in the "I'm lucky to have amazing people in my life" kinda way.

Ok, enough sap... we also had our first set of auditions today for UNDERWEAR: A SPACE MUSICAL today. I could only be present for the last hour but I was thrilled to see some great talent come out way. It'll be interesting to see how the creative team makes their decision.

Speaking of auditions, I've been addicted to LEGALLY BLONDE: THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT ELLE WOODS. It's so juicy and I just can't stop watching. It also makes me want to throw on some pink houndstooth, some highlights (ok, full on blonde) and storm the stage. But... that just isn't reasonable... and they're about to announce who leaves tonight so I gotta scoot! More later!!!

Thursday, July 03, 2008

Sorry for the long delay in posting... more details about the new life in NYC are forthcoming. Patience is a virtue... so is internet access. But until I get to that, be sure to check out the new TKTS Booth opening in Brooklyn next week! Enjoy!

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Hello, Hunger Pains... Well Helloooo, Hunger Pains

I'm starving... and I blame Carol Channing. I had these grand plans to get some cheap food on the way to the theatre today (my last in Gulf Shores) but en route I decided to blast some of Ms. Channing's 1994 revival of Hello, Dolly!

Somewhere between "Put On Your Sunday Clothes" and "Elegance" my mind forgot I was hungry and I went on auto-pilot to the theatre.

Now I sit here, show in progress ("A Book Report on Peter Rabbbbbbit") and I cannot leave my post to retrieve sustenance. But this got me to thinking... can a theatre nerd survive on showtunes and faded memories? Could I actually support myself by listening to the myriad of recordings that are securely tucked inside their showtune binder in the backseat of my car? Um.... NO!

Saturday, June 14, 2008

A little fall of rain


It's raining... a lot. It's been raining at least some almost every day this week. Oh, AND last week. The beach is not beachy. In fact, I haven't been out to the beach once since getting to Gulf Shores for "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." I like the beach, but I've been so wiped after the shows that I sleep late in the morning, roll out of bed, and then get the theatre opened for business the next day.

And the rain isn't helping much either. In fact, the rain is making everyone here drive EXTRA slow, EXTRA painfully slow!

Rain, rain, go away.
Come again some other day.
Little Tommy wants to play,
On the beach beside the bay.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

A Road Movie... sans the "movie"

So, next week I head out for the long trek to NYC. All told, it's a 16 hour and 10 minute drive (according to the "totally reliable" Google Maps). Ren (thank God for him) is coming with to keep me company, keep me sane, share the burden... lol... THANK YOU REN! It'll be a nutty, wild trip and hopefully the world will not open up and swallow us whole like that time the interstate collapsed and I drove into a sink hole. I'll tell that story soon... no worries. If you know it already, go ahead and laugh. It's ok to laugh NOW.

So, the cats are going to stay with my mom until I secure my own place. For the time being I'll be subletting in Washington Heights... "In the heights I buy my coffee and I go..." It's a great apartment and I'll be surrounded by friends (thank God). And luckily, in case my lips ever blow up again (see my Jessica Rabbit moment to the side) there's a hospital down in the 160s that Adam can rush me to. Perfect! Ciao for now! Wish me luck!

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

In his triumphant NYC return...

Yep, it's true! I left NYC back in 2002 and took some time to finish my degree, develop a career, etc... and now it's time to go "back home." Six years is a long time but the city is still the same amazing place that I've always loved.

I have an apartment lined up, exciting new job, and tons of support from friends and family... both in the city and from afar... and some of whom are going to come from afar and join me soon.

I cannot wait. This is such an exciting new part of my life and career. It will be equally terrifying, thrilling, fabulous, and frenzied. Throw in a dash of my typically, clutsy disasters and you've got a recipe for a new NBC "must see TV" sitcom!

I'll miss all of my friends that I've made in Bama but fear not... I'm just a phone call/email away. And when you come to the city for a little vaca, you know where to find me!

"I might not know if we are in an adventure. So if we get into an adventure you say.....Pudding!" Well friends.... PUDDING!

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Show choir and Bridezillas!

So, I follow several Broadway themed blogs... including Andrew Keenan-Bolger's. He recently posted a clip of the failed (maybe?) MTV series SHOW CHOIR and it made me (for about ten minutes) obsessively look up other YouTube videos of show choirs in all their sequined glory. I found this... and about died. No offense to anyone in it, or anyone who was ever involved in show choir. Trust me, I'm a cheesy, musical theatre obsessed goon and only wish the show had made it to MTV... my DVR would have a new responsibility.



In other news... one of my dearest friends, Angela, is featured in the new (new to me anyway). You can check it out below. Angela's the one to your right of the center bride. Love it!

GREASE to get Speared?


I'm incredibly conflicted. Broadwayworld.com posted this news piece about 3 hours ago and I've been struggling with this ever since.

On the one hand, I loved Britney up through (and including) her STRONGER phase. She was fun, we all enjoyed her. We thought, "Now that is a good 2.5 minutes of pure bubble gum pop." It was almost (repeat... almost) as fun as Debbie Gibson and Tiffany.

On the other hand, she's gone bat ass crazy it seems and her stock has plummeted, risen a tad, plummeted, split shares with Cheetos, inched up, dove, yada yada. Now this.

So... I offer two scenarios:

A) This is an ingenious move by the producers to generate buzz for a show that has received generally negative reviews. In doing so, they generate sales, could possibly offer super-priced premium seats, run the show longer, yada yada. (The risk here is in turning the show into the revolving door of TV celebs like the 90s revival.)

or

B) This is a train wreck waiting to happen and the show will crumble under the weight of craziness, the paparazzi, the... you get the idea.

So, this will either be a major coup for the show... or the biggest disaster on Broadway since Bobbi Boland.

Stay tuned!

Monday, May 26, 2008

A light goes out in Hollywood

Actor, director, producer... genius... Sydney Pollack passed away today. The NY Times offers a respectful and thorough obituary (linked) but I wanted to take a moment to thank the gentlemen who directed so many amazing films ("Tootsie" being one of my favorite of all time). As a director he won an Oscar for his his 1985 film “Out of Africa” as was nominated for "They Shoot Horses, Don't They in 1969 and "Tootsie" in 1982. Yes, I was seven years old when that movie came out but I remember thinking it was funnier, sadder, sweeter than anything I would normally watch on TV.

Ok, maybe I wasn't that precocious (maybe I was), but seeing it on VHS and TV in later years, I knew it was something special.

Underwear: A Space Musical


So, it's official. I'm producing a great show by a really good friend of mine and his writing partner. UNDERWEAR: A SPACE MUSICAL will make its NYC premiere during FringeNYC.

Check out the link above (it is the title of this post) for details.

You can also click on the UNDERWEAR MySpace page to listen to some samples from the show. It's incredibly hysterical and you'll love ever irreverent minute of it. Come, enjoy, believe in your drawers.