THEATRE RESPONSE: CRUCIFIXION

On Wednesday night I had the great pleasure of being a part of the first audience that saw the world premiere of Terrence McNally's Crucifixion at New Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco. My friend, BATCC Award winner Paul Araquistain was in the cast and Mr. McNally was in attendance. The play is really outstanding - though I am still trying to figure it out, two days after seeing it. It is one of McNally's more abstract plays - told through flashbacks. The play is presented with great pace and with a minimalist set. The cast is outstanding and a true example of a great ensemble cast. I highly recommend you see this play. After the show I was able to shake Mr. McNally's hand and thank him for the great work that he has done. He signed my hardcopy of Master Class - which remains to be my favorite play ever. A truly great night in the theatre.

THE WOMAN IN WHITE

My pal Daniel Marcus (I had the honor of being his understudy in Harold & Maude) will be part of the Broadway company of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Woman in White. Way to go Daniel!!

THEATRE RESPONSE: RAGTIME

I attended the preview performance of BBBAY’s Ragtime. It was amazing how many people I knew that were involved with the production so I had to go see it. I always feel like I’m home when I go see a show at BBBAY. In the audience I ran into my friends Paul Araquistain (who will be performing in the world premiere of Terrence McNally’s Crucifixion over at New Conservatory Theatre), Cabaret’s Brian Couch & costume designer Barbara Rosen (who did an amazing job costuming the 50+ actors onstage!)

Director Brooke Knight (who directed me in Jesus Christ Superstar & Cabaret) has done an amazing job with this show. It is visually stunning. Of course she has the best team ever - my pal Mark Hanson is the musical director & conductor, and the great duo of Berle Davis & Robyn Tribuzi did the amazing choreography (The Getting Ready Rag was hot!) The lighting by Michael Ramsaur was just phenomenal.

Standouts in the cast were my World Goes ‘Round cast mate Linda Piccone who kicks ass as Emma Goldman and my Sweeney Todd cast mate Andrew Sanford as the Little Boy - this kid is amazing and has such great stage presence at such a young age! I know he has a great career waiting for him. I am the ultimate Audra McDonald fan and didn’t know what to expect of the actress playing Sarah, but Dawn L. Troupe made the role her own and was fantastic.

Though the show runs a bit long but it is definitely worth seeing. The show performs until October 9th.

LADY EMMY

I was actually looking forward to this year's Emmy Awards (since on my down time I was able to watch a few of the nominated actors & shows) but was so dissapointed in many areas.

Here are my rants & raves:

*The best acceptance speeches came from S. Epatha Merkerson (whom I love on Law & Order) for Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie (Lackawanna Blues) and Felicity Huffman (left) from Desperate Housewives. I must admit I didn't see either performance or show but these ladies were so honest in their speeches and I have long admired both.



*Ellen Degeneres not so funny as a host - maybe she is too emotionally involved with what just happened with the hurricane and who can blame her - but it was her job to move the show along and remind the world that the television field matters. She was brilliant when she hosted after 9/11, not tonight.

*The tribute to Dan Rather, Tom Brokaw & the late Peter Jennings. See, T.V. does matter. Brilliant.

*Blythe Danner's win for Supporting Actress in a Drama series - I have watched this lady get so many nominations and never win - about damn time!

*Brad Garrett & Doris Roberts needed another Emmy like I need another snickers bar. It should have gone to Entourage's Jeremy Piven (or even Peter Boyle) and Arrested Development's Jessica Walter.

*So much for critics predictons - all wrong. Ha!

*Surprise win: Patricia Arquette - she beat out Glenn Close & Mariska Hargitay! You go girl.

*Was Everybody Loves Raymond funnier or more clever than Arrested Development? I think not.

This was one of the worst Emmy Awards I have seen - here's hoping next year's show gets better.

THEATRE RESPONSE: INTIMATE APPAREL

It truly was a great night in the theatre. I caught TheatreWorks' Intimate Apparel by Lynn Nottage last night and I loved every aspect of the show (Considering I complain about everything - this show honestly gets my highest praise- I could not find any flaws in the entire production). From the music, sets, costumes, direction, lighting & especially the inspired casting. The brilliant 6 member ensemble cast all deserve accolades for their work but especially Laiona Michelle as Esther. It is such a brave & spirited performance. Set in 1905 New York, this poignant tale of love & survival is really inspiring and well worth seeing. The show closes this weekend - I highly recommend it.

P.S. I almost forgot - there is still kindness in the world. I was in line at the box office when a lovely lady gave me a right orchestra seat free of charge. It made my night to know that there are nice people out there.

=+)

STILL CELEBRATING

I have had the most amazing birthday celebration - started last Tuesday and continuing still. I was able to catch the preview performance of Aida at Bus Barn Stage Company where I saw my beloved production team from The World Goes 'Round: directors Barbara Cannon, Michael Spector & choreographer Shannon Stowe and my dear pal Jen Oku in the title role. I had never seen the show or heard any of the music and I really liked it. It was great seeing so many performers that I have worked with in the cast.

The next night, I was whisked off to Lake Tahoe for some serious R & R and came back Sunday evening to see my best friend Heather Clemens in a new production of Teatro Zinzanni featuring disco diva Thelma Houston (Don't Leave Me This Way). The show was amazing and Heather never fails to blow me away with her beautiful soprano voice. This particular production is thrilling & hilarious and features the comedic genius of Christine Deaver. I have seen the show before - but this by far my favorite cast. The show is fabulous and also features a fantastic dinner. I can't encourage you enough to see Heather in the show since she will be leaving the show in October - so catch her while you can! In January she will be joining the Seattle cast for a few months. I am saddened to see my best friend leave but thrilled for her success because to me - she is a star.

I am feeling rested & happy and will be going to see TheatreWorks' production of Intimate Apparel this week. That's all from me now - wishing you all a wonderful week.

Mwah!

M

UPCOMING THEATRE

My heart goes out to the people of New Orleans & their families. Once again we are shaken by the power of mother nature. www.redcross.org

It's a new month and I will be celebrating my 27th birthday on the 9th of September. Yes I am officially old.

I am looking forward in seeing a couple of shows in which I know a lot of the performers: Aida at Bus Barn Stage Company & Ragtime at Broadway By The Bay.
But the show I am most looking forward to seeing is Lestat at the Curran Theatre later this year. I can't wait for that. My sister is the ultimate Anne Rice freak and she is all about the details. It should be interesting to hear her reactions to the show.

Rehearsals have begun for the plays at school and I love assisting Linda. She is the coolest boss. I am thrilled to be taking less units this semester since I was a bit tired. Next semester should be exciting & hopefully full of theatre.


That's all for now.

M.