A Hellacious Opening ;)

Hell's Belles opened last night and our hard work seems to have paid off, because the audience graced us with generously loud applause. I was especially thrilled that my portrayal of Judy Garland was so warmly embraced, because as I looked out into the audience, I saw all these smiling faces, just beaming away at me. It was an incredible moment.

I'll have to get more of my character pics, though it's a challenge to do so because this show is like running a marathon. I change into 8 different characters in the span of 85 minutes, going from a devilish chorus girl to Lady Godiva, Salome, Janis Joplin, Alice B. Toklas, Princess Di, Joan Crawford and Judy Garland. Each character has their own song, though Lady Godiva (pictured left) makes the most quick-change appearances throughout the show, and I'm just praying I won't trip on my 5 feet long blonde wig.

Here's a picture of our motley crew right before the opening number, a devil and his "showghouls":

Left to right: Deb Radloff, me, Elaina Cope (our fabulous musical director in front), Omri Schein and Alicia Sable.

We have 11 more shows, running January 16-27, so if you're in the mood for "an infernal musical revue," come on down!

Clothes! Glorious Clothes!

With one week of rehearsals done, and less than a week to go before opening night of Hell's Belles, we had our costume fitting today. It was at the prestigious Starrett-Lehigh Building on 26th and 12th Avenue. I'd never been there before, and boy, was it posh! Executives and designers bustled about while delivery men and women moved shipments in and out. There was this great sense of "chic" that simply oozed out onto the sidewalk. :)

Once inside, I headed to the 3rd floor to Costume Collections where row upon row of costumes greeted me. Gorgeous stuff! I was in heaven! Then I met up with our costume designer, Gail Cooper-Hecht. She is a marvelously refined lady with a great sense of style and humor. I LOVE her vision of this show! Its so incredibly unique and we had a blast trying on all of the costumes that will clothe these famous women I get to play. My favorite was Judy Garland's "Get Happy" look from the movie Summer Stock. To put on that tuxedo jacket and jaunty black hat... well... all I could say was, "Wow!"

When you read a script (or any material for that matter), you get your own ideas about how something should look, but then a master or mistress designer takes the material into their hands, and that's when the magic happens! I noticed that earlier in the week when we first started rehearsing in the theatre. The set designer had begun to transform the space into... well, Hell! :) And it set the mood for sure! Then you add the music and the players and the lights and costumes and the audience....

That's what I love about theatre! We all come to the table with our own unique dishes, working together to create a delicious feast for the senses. Bon apetite!

Starting the New Year with a Bang!

Does anyone else feel like we've simply zoomed into 2008? I celebrated the New Year in CA with my family and friends, rockin out 2007 with one of my brother's bands, Hippie Cream. This was my first time seeing them live, and if you get the chance to see them, DO IT! Seriously, it was one of the wildest and most enjoyable concerts I've been to in a long time. Completely inventive and fun. Reminded me of some of Oingo Boingo's early stuff. I'll have to post pics and expound their virtues further in another post. :)

Right now, I'm deep into rehearsals for Hell's Belles, "an infernal musical revue." I'm playing Lady Godiva, Salome, Alice B. Toklas, Joan Crawford, Princess Di, Janis Joplin and Judy Garland, to name a few. The music is in the style of each of these characters, and it has been such a treat to research these women and bring them to life. Janis Joplin has always been my rock and roll queen, and it is a thrill to play her. Godiva is a hoot - can't wait to see the costume or lack thereof. And who wouldn't want the chance to play Judy Garland? I get a kick out of the fact that Judy and I have the same height in common: 4'11". There is some incredible footage of her on YouTube. One of my favorites is her duet with Sammy Davis. Though Judy wasn't in good voice for the number, her acting in astounding. Watching her performance of "Smile" is mind-blowingly inspirational!

Here's info for the show: January 16-27 at the West End Theatre on 263 W. 86th Street. Wednesdays - Saturdays 8 PM. Matinees Saturday at 2 PM and Sunday at 3 PM.

If you're in the Big Apple, come on down!

Happy Yule!!!

Had to share a few more pics from this beautiful Big Apple I call home.I just love how the whole town is decked out for the holidays! The shop windows are magnificent!
And the lanes are strewn with Candy Canes. :)
Happy Holidays!

Wonderful Winter Wishes to You!

Don't most of you feel like superheroes this time of year? Rushing around, doing your daily tasks while trying to save the world and boost people's spirits? Trying to find those special gifts which will make your loved ones feel fabulous. I feel like Wonder Woman. All I need is my crown, bracelets, bustier and magic lasso. ;)

Of course, there are marvelous moments of serenity and beauty. I braved the elements last weekend to go to FAO Schwarz toystore for my nephew, and it was the most wonderful adventure. I haven't been over there in a few years and it was a treat to see how beautifully decorated the store was. There was a mystical menagerie right in the center of the store with plush dragons, unicorns, griffons, pegasi...
The dragons had to be over 20 feet tall! They even had a Harry Potter store which was just like stepping into Hogwarts!
It completely brought out the kid in me! Which come to think of... aren't kids always pretending to be superheroes anyway?

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas, a cool Yule, and a very Happy New Year!

The Wow Factor Continues

How cool is this? I just found out I'm going to be playing Janis Joplin in the new musical, Hell's Belles. I am beyond thrilled to say the least. Janis is one of my absolute favorites! She was truly unique, a rock n roll pioneer and beacon of inspiration. I am so psyched to get into her psychadelic groove.

I also had a neat growth spurt today. I've been working on music for the upcoming audition for Jerry Springer the Opera, soon to play at Carnegie Hall. The call is for a woman who can belt to the heavens, and the gal who set the bar was an Australian singer named Alison Jier. She belts a high G# (sharp) which is super super high. So I've been working on it, because I belt a G in my rendition of "Piece of My Heart" (another nod to Janis). Well, today, while working on "Once Upon a Time" from Brooklyn the Musical, which ends on a G#, I hit that high note. Hit it and didn't hurt myself, which is an accomplishment. :) Just let it ride.

Feel like I'm bustin' loose!

What a Wonderful Week!

I'm still in "wow" mode.

Monday was marvelous. I sang in the Kaufman Center's Bound for Broadway Concert, which was held at the lovely Times Center since the Kaufman Center is being renovated. The Times Center is part of the new NY Times building and it is gorgeous! Beautiful on the outside and sumptuous on the inside! There's even a little garden of trees and grass right in the middle! Astounding!

The concert itself was such a treat! There I was, sharing the green room (actors lounge) with Broadway stars Mary Testa, Chip Zien, Kelly O'Hara and Jan Maxwell, not to mention the wonderful writers and other up-and-coming performers. Everyone was really focused, and while the mood was buoyed with laughter and good-natured jokes, everyone was there to do the best job they could.

Our Singing Nun group consisted of Tracey Gilbert, who plays my love interest, book writer Blair Fell and composer Andy Monroe. We seemed to hit it off with the Ever After writers, Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich, who were BMI Musical Theatre alumni like Andy and Blair. They were lovely ladies, warm and funny, and their musical based on the Drew Barrymore movie, Ever After, was AMAZING! The concert ended with their presentation, but I'm getting ahead of myself.

5 new musicals were showcased: The Next Thing You Know, The Tragic and Horrible Life of the Singing Nun, The Road to Qatar, Vanities, and Ever After. Liz Callaway hosted the concert, and she was WONDERFUL! Sweet, funny and engaging, she interviewed the composers, writers and directors prior to each performance. She also performed the last song of the evening from Ever After.

We were 2nd to perform, and Andy and Blair spoke a little bit about the real Singing Nun and her history, which had inspired them to write the show. They had the audience in stitches! And all I can say is, "Truth is stranger than fiction."

Then I took the stage to sing Jeanine's (aka the Singing Nun's) opening number, "Don't Be Afraid , Adele." It's about her journey to the convent, and she sings the song to her guitar, which she has named, "Adele," her mascot and inanimate best friend.

The audience was so with me on this ride, sharing the laughter and love. There is something so magical about that connection between a live audience and a performer. It's a communion of sorts, and I felt like we were in sync. It was wonderful!

Next, Tracey Gilbert sang, "I'll Follow You," which is a love song that starts adolescent but gets much more adult in terms of the depths a person will go to for the one they love. And we finished up with the duet "Offer It Up to God," which was Jeanine's actual idea of how to handle the love these two women were feeling. "All of the shame that we dare not name... we'll just offer it up to God."

It was an absolute blast and the audience seemed to have a good time. When I went out for the reception later, a lot of folks came up to me, saying, "Hey! Singing Nun!" The response was big, warm and very encouraging. :)

One of the cool things that came out of this is the director John Znidarsic, who was the stage director for the concert, called me in for the new musical, Hell's Belles. I auditioned and booked the show! Received the script today, and it looks like so much fun! I'll be performing Jan. 16-27, 2008. "Proud Mary keep on rollin!"

First Snow

There is nothing like the first snow of the year. It is just so beautiful, pure and white. I always marvel at it and simply have to be outside IN it! :)

That's how this past Sunday was for me. I awoke to find snowflakes drifting past my windows, and was absolutely delighted to see all the NY rooftops covered with white. It was a light dusting and wasn't rumored to stick, so I threw on my big coat and snowboots and went dashing through the snow. :)

My sweetheart and I gathered some pine boughs and wreaths for our apartment, courtesy of our favorite bodega/grocery/flower-stand. Then we hurried home as the snow was already turning to icy rain and spent the rest of the day decking our halls with holiday trimmings.

This weekend I also rehearsed my Singing Nun songs and scenes for the Bound for Broadway concert. It was great to get back into this character a year later. I've grown a lot since then and it was neat to discover some new things about Jeanine, the Singing Nun, and her experience with her world. Really cool stuff.

More to come!

Busy!!!

The holidays always feel like a whirlwind, but this year in particular my schedule is jam-packed with gigs, and I am loving it!

Tonight I'm singing a song from The Kid by Andy Monroe and Jack Lechner for the BMI (Broadcast Music Inc) "Smoker." This workshop showcases new writers and their works and has that whole "about to ignite" factor. Very cool.

I'm just jazzed to be singing music I really love. Andy's tunes have this way of getting into your heart and mind and they're so much FUN! This song from The Kid is called "Deep Process" and it's about a lesbian couple exploring the process that goes into any important decision (like having a baby). It's really funny and can be applied to any couple in the midst of those big life lessons.

The music is in the realm of The Indigo Girls meet Melissa Ethridge. And I love that I get to let my growly rock side out. ROAR! :)

Then after "The Smoker," I head to Jen Rudolph's Film/TV workshop for our showcase with NBC casting director Katja Blichfeld. I have a scene from 30 Rock, and it's really fun and funny.

Seems to be the theme of the day. :)

An abundance of blessings

Autumn has finally hit NY and it's so beautiful! This weekend my sweetheart, Rob, and I bundled up and strolled around Central Park, enjoying the flourishes of red and gold that seem to have appeared over night. Truly a gorgeous sight and just in time for Thanksgiving!

I am so grateful for the abundance of goodness in my life, made meaningful by getting to share it with my sweetheart, friends and family. Thanksgiving seems particularly poignant, giving thanks for all the love, laughter, good health and happiness that abound!

There's also an interesting bit of serendipity in that I just discovered I'll be performing in the Bound for Broadway concert with Mary Testa, the actress who originated the role of Rita in Lucky Stiff. Since I just came from playing that role at Mason Street Warehouse, I can't help but marvel at the coincidence.

Playbill.com is covering the Bound for Broadway concert, and I'm feeling positively buoyant to be sharing the stage with such incredible artists. I mean, I saw Chip Zien in Into the Woods when I was kid! And now... I'm getting to perform in the same concert with these folks... singing a role I love... Wow!

Back in the Habit

I have been so fortunate this year to get to revisit and perform 2 characters from my past whom I absolutely adore. First was Rita in the Ahrens/Flaherty musical, Lucky Stiff, a tornado of a character with a killer sense of humor and perspective. Stepping into her stiletto high heels this summer allowed me to click down a path that I had travelled two years prior, and it was exciting to find new aspects to this character. It was like going on an archaeological dig to a site I’ve been to before, having a good sense of the terrain, but finding marvelous new treasures.

Now I’m back in rehearsals for The Tragic and Horrible Life of the Singing Nun, prepping for the Bound for Broadway Concert December 3rd, and I am so thrilled to get back into the habit of Jeanine aka Sister Smile, the Singing Nun. The show is a fun mix of fact and fantasy, and it’s a great tale of this woman’s journey to find spirituality, love and acceptance. Really big themes. And the 3 scenes/songs we’re doing for the concert give a nice preview of the show as a whole.

Since Sister Smile was a real person, I’ve been going back to my notes, reacquainting myself with her. In rehearsals, it’s all coming back very quickly, because I’m remembering what I had learned about Jeanine when I did the show last year, and finding a new understanding as well. Digging deep. I love it!

Everyone has been remarking on how much “heart” there is in this show. There is a lot of broad humor and irony, but most importantly, are the matters of the heart. And the music pulses with that beat... which is wonderful!

The Subtle Science of Film

Since I've been doing a lot of theatre work this year, I wanted to refresh my film acting "chops," so I started taking Jennifer Rudolph's 4 week Film/TV workshop. Jen has been on my mailing list for all my promos, and when she sent me a note about her workshop, it seemed like a good place to dive on in. And it really is!

Last night we worked on dramatic scenes, which reminded me of the short film I did last year called Divine Intervention. With the camera right on your face, a little goes a long way, so there's no need to be larger than life. Theatre demands an extra amount of fireworks and energy while film is so wonderfully subtle. Just breathing, being present, letting the writer's words guide you (and there are SUCH wonderful writers out there)... its such a pleasure!

I was also reminded of something another acting teacher had told me, that every scene is a love scene. I noticed this in all of the scenes last night. Even though there was a great deal of conflict with various characters fighting and families and friends at odds, all of these scenes had humanity and heart and small touches of humor. Good writing, as I said. And I marveled at how art expands our hearts and our minds.

It is so cool to be doing this, to be finding freedom and truth and inspiration in my art... in all of its forms! From film and TV to music and theatre. Follow your muse!

Two Times the Fun!

The next few weeks are going to be a blast! Sure, Thanksgiving will be here before we know it and that means lots of savory treats and joyous connections, but I'm also gearing up for two cool NY concerts right after that! Woo!

First is BMI's Musical Theatre Fall "Smoker," a semi-annual showcase that focuses on new musicals that seem about to ignite. I'm singing a song from The Kid, a new musical based on the novel by Dan Savage, and it's a fun song called "Deep Process." I performed it in October with my Singing Nun co-star, Tracey Gilbert, and the music is by Nun composer, Andy Monroe. We were invited back for the Smoker which is going to be a blast!

The Smoker is on Thursday Nov. 29th at 5:30 PM in BMI's 3rd Floor Media Room on 320 W. 57th St. I believe it's open to the public.

Then there's the Bound for Broadway Concert on Monday December 3rd. The Tragic and Horrible Life of the Singing Nun was chosen to be amongst 5 new musicals presented, and I am absolutely thrilled to reprise the role of Jeanine, the little Belgian girl who becomes the Singing Nun. So much fun!

Word is that the show is already sold out, but here's the info just in case:

Sweet Halloween Wishes

Thanks to my great graphic guy, Rob, at whatsyoursigndesign.biz for this fun Halloween card. Have a marvelously magical harvest celebration!

How to Help CA Wildfire Survivors

With the horrors of the CA wildfires emblazoned on TV and computer screens and newspapers, I cannot help but feel a terrible disquiet and desperate need to help the state I grew up in. My adopted Grandma Leta used to live in Escondido where tons of homes were destroyed. I have friends and family in San Diego, San Bernadino and Riverside Counties, and my brother lives in Santa Clarita above Magic Mountain where fires raged as well. Miraculously, all of these people were unharmed, but I doubt that any of us were unaffected.

If someone you know has been affected, or if you just want to help, please investigate the many Red Cross stations or donate to Red Cross directly and there's also America's Second Harvest. I wish I could fly out there right now to wrap them all in a big hug.

Thank you to the brave firefighters, volunteer firemen, National Guard, Marines and other military officers who have fought these fires, and thank you to the incredible volunteers who have been striving to comfort the evacuees. An abundance of blessings, love and support to you all!

Remembering Benny Reehl

I was sad to learn that the "father of the new vaudeville," Benny Reehl, passed away a few years ago. He was one of my directors at the PA Renaissance Faire when the Faire still had a strong Shakespearean improv troupe, and he directed me in the original show, "Bumble, Rough and Tumble."

Benny was a master at physical comedy and was great at inspiring the cast to explore our characters' full range of physical expression. A great teacher, I still remember him painstakingly teaching me to juggle beanbags, and I LOVED our trampoline work. I remember doing a somersault off the trampoline, and as he spotted me, I accidentally nicked him with my nails, and he said, "Those have to go!" But he was very patient, fun-loving and kind-hearted. He touched my life forever.

Kudos and great respect to a master craftsman:

http://mainearts.maine.gov/news/newsletter/2005-2/reehl.shtml

Attitude of Gratitude

It's not Thanksgiving yet, but I had to blog about this today: the attitude of gratitude. Bonnie Gillespie started it with her "I'd like to Thank the Academy" column this week, and I had to accept her challenge. There are so many people who inspire me and rock my world with their kindness, love, friendship, and wisdom. First, there's my guy, Rob, who has been with me on this wild ride since we met in the Shakespeare troupe for the PA Renaissance Faire many moons ago. To quote Jessica Rabbit, "He makes me laugh," and that is one of the greatest gifts ever! There are my soul sisters, the ever essential Tina on the East Coast and Lisa and her family in the West; my real-life couldn't wait until he was born brother, Sean (drummer man for SMUG and Hippie Cream); my "book brothers" and NY family, Carl and Michael and shaman Ataman; my Mom, who always taught me to live life to the fullest; Dad, Lani and John and Johnny Rocket; the Catawissa crew, Mark Sikes and his Casting Corner (actors take heed!), my Singing Nun and Lucky Stiff (MSW and APAC) peeps, all casts and crews actually, Wendy-bird, classmates, teachers like VP Boyle and Marcia Cloyd; writers who make me thrill to read their works, casting directors who've been kind and encouraging in auditions, directors who've helmed projects magnificently and the producers who've produced them; and to all those folks who inspire with kindness, strength of spirit, empowerment and compassion. Thank you for your gifts of friendship, love and insight.

Blog Action Day

My friend Tina is so informed. Since she's an online business owner of The Essential Herbal, she is so up-to-date with whats going on in cyberspace. Today in blogland is Blog Action Day: working to protect and save our environment. Tina's blog captures this beautifully, so please check it out. Thank you!

To Everything... Turn, Turn, Turn

"There is a season.... turn, turn, turn...."

I love this time of year! Autumn has finally hit the East Coast, and as many New Yorkers have been saying, "It's about time!" Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed the extended summer - it takes me back to my Southern CA roots - but there's something about the crisp Fall air that really gets my blood pumping with excitement and anticipation.

Last night, I met up with an old friend from NYU who was production manager of a really lovely 30 minute film I did called Sincerely Yours, which earned me the NYU Craft Award (and which I hope to post online soon). Anyway, we caught up on our adventures while watching the Dbacks play the Rockies, and it was very cool, sipping ale while sharing stories about art, life, and baseball. Jonathan's production company, Myriad Arts, has blossomed beautifully. Definitely check them out!

So many of my friends have been echoing the same sentiment about transformation, feeling a need to refocus, reconnect and create anew. I always feel that way this time of year, and I can't help but wonder if its spawned by the natural changes around us.

There's something about seeing the harvest pumpkins lined up on stands near the small grocery stores and the stalks of corn festooning these stands that just makes me want to celebrate! :) Change is in the air!

For me some of these changes include joining the community of writers for The Essential Herbal. I had written a short story for The Fairy Home Companion a few years ago, and my friend, Tina, has always encouraged me to keep writing. So writing a column for a magazine that just celebrated its 6th year in circulation is a nice challenge.

This is also spurring me on to write my next one woman show. I've written two pieces prior: the serio-comic 10 minute short, CHEER, and the cabaret with a story (or the story with a song list), Love in 35 Minutes. Both received great response and allowed me to bounce around Off Off Broadway. My next piece is noodling around in my head so we'll see what takes shape.

In the meantime, I'm reading lots of plays, getting wonderfully inspired, listening to lots of new music... Speaking of which, I have to share the appropiately Halloween-ish song, Cuddles the Vampire, written and performed by the band Hippie Cream, which my brother Sean plays the drums for. They are truly unique, and one of my FAVORTIE songs of theirs is called 76 Years Young.... about agelessness. :)

"Spreading our beautiful wings...76 years young." Rock on!

New Music

In the musical Ragtime there is a glorious song about "New Music" and how music can inspire us, change us, bring us to life in ways we never dreamed of... And there is something about NY in the Autumn that simply hums with that same kind of energy.

There is a pulse, a heartbeat to the city, that everyone seems to tune into. And though we've been having a bit of a heatwave lately (cue Marilyn Monroe singing, "We're having a heatwave... a tropical heatwave....") I've been enjoying that Fall frenzy that fills the air.

Since most of my auditions are around Times Square, I've been racing about, dodging taxi cabs and tourists as I make my way to the audition studios that are scattered throughout town. I usually walk by the Broadway theatres on my way to these auditions, and I've been delighted to see trucks parked outside the stage doors where stagehands are unloading set pieces for the new shows. The stage doors are wide open, and it's so cool to get glimses of the blackened Broadway stages. They're almost like clean chalkboard slates, waiting to be filled.

So back to this "new music" I was talking about. On Monday I sang in a BMI presentation of new composers' works. My Singing Nun composer, Andy Monroe, had written a song for me and my Singing Nun co-star, Tracey Gilbert, to sing for the presentation, and it was from his new musical, The Kid. It was such a blast, because not only did I get to rock out to Andy's new tune, but I got to hear some of the other composers as well, and what an absolute treat! Each composer has such a unique sense of style, and it's thrilling to partake of such excellent work, to be hearing it and performing this new music for the first time. Incredible!

What I especially love about Andy's music is that its a great mix of today's pop sound with really strong musical theatre roots. It's part of that pulse I was talking about earlier. And to be able to sing that, to make people laugh and feel and be inspired by this new music, it's an absolute delight!