tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198425Sun, 24 May 2026 09:37:23 +000042nd St. Moon BlogSince 1993 42nd Street Moon has been celebrating and preserving the art and spirit of the American Musical Theatre. Blogger and 42 St. Moon Founder, Greg MacKellan, and BlogMaster Elisa Camahort of Worker Bees hope to give you a backstage glimpse at the theatre and all of its activities, from putting on our staged concerts of "Lost" musicals, to our outreach programs.noreply@blogger.com (ElisaC)Blogger592125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198425.post-115171529345633188Sat, 01 Jul 2006 00:45:00 +00002006-06-30T17:54:53.466-07:00Summer hiatusYou may have noticed it's been a bit sporadic around here. Just wanted to give you the heads up that it may be a sparse summer here on the 42nd St. Moon blog!<br /><br />If you want to know what I'm up to, check out the <a href=" Conference</a>. Or you can sign up for my monthly newsletter <a href=" /><br />Hopefully we'll get Intrepid Annette up and running on here too, so you don't go through Moon Withdrawal. You can always <a href="mailto:alai@42ndstmoon.org?subject=subscribe 42 St Moon">subscribe to the weekly email</a>, which will probably resume when the blog goes more active again...that way you don't have to check back every day...as I know you rabid Moonies must!<br /><br />Finally, the new season starts in three weeks, so make sure you get in on the action...check it all out <a href=" /><br />Happy Fourth of July and have a great summer!!!2006/06/summer-hiatus.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ElisaC)10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198425.post-115144832936977299Tue, 27 Jun 2006 22:41:00 +00002006-06-27T15:51:00.363-07:00Harry Connick, part 1I received my copy of Harry Connick Jr.'s Harry on Broadway, Act 1. I just listened to <i>The Pajama Game</i>. Like most musical recordings, actually, there are certain tracks that just don't translate well to listen-only mode. There is something to be said for not only visuals, but context. Comedy numbers by the character leads are often like that. Ensemble dance numbers are often like that. It's no different here. (It's no different for musicals from <i>South Pacific</i> to <i>Rent</i>, for that matter.)</p> <p>There are two flavors of listenable tracks on <i>The Pajama Game</i>...the Sid/Babe duets, and the Gladys "hot" numbers. In the former category we have "Hey There", "Small Talk" and "There Once Was a Man." Harry Connick Jr. has a smooth, Sinatra-like flavor. I was wondering as "There Once Was a Man" if he was going to pull out the more booming belt of that number, given that he typically is more laid back. Never fear he does go for the gusto. As does Kelli O'Hara, who surely establishes herself as one of today's more versatile young women on Broadway. The leap from <i>The Light on the Piazza</i> to The <i>Pajama Game</i> is a big one! She reminds me a bit of Marin Mazzie...who can belt it out with the best of them and has a wonderful lyrical soprano voice too. Same kind of retro beauty too.</p> <p>The other crowd-pleasing numbers are, of course, "Steam Heat" and "Hernando's Hideaway." Definitely more fun to see than just to listen to, but still pretty fun on recording. Where <i>The Pajama Game </i>just loses me is with its overall plot and secondary plot lines (secondary to Sid and Babe I mean.) Forgive me for bringing politics into musical theatre, but with the Senate once again striking down the notion of a minimum wage hike, and the current minimum wage leaving a full-time worker below the poverty line, I don't find the whole "Seven-and-a-half Cents" number amusing. And if it was played with irony on stage, well, I missed it.</p> <p>Politics over, I also have to say that the comic duo's numbers don't translate that well to a listen-only mode. i.e. they're not so funny.</p> <p>Then again, my memory of seeing this show a few years back in London is that the show is pretty dated...its humor and its ethos.</p> <p>I wonder if this is available on iTunes, because like most musicals, I'm sure there are but a few songs I'll listen to, while skipping the filler between leading man and lady ballads!2006/06/harry-connick-part-1.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ElisaC)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198425.post-115091415241135176Wed, 21 Jun 2006 18:17:00 +00002006-06-21T11:22:32.496-07:00Moonie in the World: Kristopher McDowellKristopher is staying busy as usual, and here is his next gigs:<br /><br />This weekend only!<br /><blockquote>WHAT: Carol Channing in Concer, Starring RICHARD SKIPPER with special guest KRISTOPHER McDOWELL<br /><br />WHEN: Friday, June 23 @7:30pm and Saturday, June 24 @8pm & 10pm<br /><br />WHERE: Octavia Lounge, 1772 Market Street, San Francisco<br /><br />MORE INFO: Richard Skipper returns to the Octavia Lounge following two successful shows last September. "Carol Channing in Concert Starring Richard Skipper" is a brand new show, which will come to San Francisco's Octavia Lounge after the New York premier at Helen's Supper Club on June 5. Musical Director Barry Lloyd. <br /><br />MORE, MORE INFO: Kristopher will be premiering material from his new act, THE JOKER-The Story of Anthony Newley.<br /><br />HOW MUCH: $20 cover charge, no drink or food minimum. <br /><br />TICKETS: Reserve online at <a href="; or call the Octavia Lounge reservation hotline (415) 863-3516.</blockquote><br />More info about Kristopher's appearances can always be found at his <a href=" site</a>.2006/06/moonie-in-world-kristopher-mcdowell.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ElisaC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198425.post-115081795359572694Tue, 20 Jun 2006 15:22:00 +00002006-06-20T08:39:13.790-07:00It's only fair...I've been contacted a couple of times recently by Victoria, a Marketing Director for a company called <a href="; that does marketing for a lot of music-oriented clients...including Harry Connick Jr. So far I hadn't felt compelled to post about the things she sent me, and truth be told, I hadn't yet even been polite enough to respond!<br /><br />But Victoria is an example of a smart blog marketer, continuing to keep track of what I'm writing and looking for opportunities to present something relevant to me. And she totally found one!<br /><br />She wrote me the following note yesterday:<br /><blockquote>Thanks for posting about the Tony Awards! Its great that you posted how you honestly felt about the Awards and their winners! I was wondering if there is the possibility to post up some song clips from Harry's latest album to give your readers the opportunity to hear for themselves. Thanks for your time and enjoy the clips once again! </blockquote><br />OK, I will totally bite. I said Harry seemed a little uncomfortable, and yes, I will post clips from his latest album, Harry on Broadway, Act 1, so y'all can hear for yourselves.<br /><br />The first CD of the 2-CD set features songs from <em>The Pajama Game</em>, and here are some clips:<br /><br /><a href=" New Town is a Blue Town</a><br /><a href=" Game</a><br /><br />The second CD features songs from Connick Jr's Broadway composing debut, <em>Thou Shalt Not</em>:<br /><br /><a href=" Like Love More</a><br /><a href=" Other Hours</a><br /><br />They are quite short clips, but I'd have to say I'm far more intrigued by <em>Thou Shalt Not</em>. There's a kind of languid, retro feeling to both clips.<br /><br />So, anyone out there a Harry fan who already has the album? If so, what do you think?2006/06/its-only-fair.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ElisaC)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198425.post-115073826162055482Mon, 19 Jun 2006 17:24:00 +00002006-06-19T10:31:01.620-07:00Tonight Only! Moonies n the World: Kristen Sharpley, Lianne Marie DobbsLocal impressario Miss Molly Bell is putting on her second annual <a href=" for Life</a> tonight, June 19th.<br /><br />It benefits the American Cancer Society and features a number of local divas, including a coupla Moonies:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="; border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />It's tonight; it's in Los Altos; it's not that pricy, and it's for a good cause, so consider going! Learn more <a href=";.2006/06/tonight-only-moonies-n-world-kristen.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ElisaC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198425.post-115073302009647616Mon, 19 Jun 2006 15:59:00 +00002006-06-19T09:03:40.126-07:00SF Theatre Festival needs volunteersFrom <a href=" List</a>:<br /><blockquote>The San Francisco Theater Festival Seeks VOLUNTEERS for a variety of tasks at the festival e.g. ushers, setup/breakdown, check-in, etc. <br /><br />WE NEED LOTS OF PEOPLE WITH DIFFERENT SKILLS AND MINIMAL SKILLS TO HELP! <br /><br />Join the festival team. Meet people. Get involved. Donate some time. This is a volunteer, unpaid short term job. Lunch & T-Shirt provided. The Festival takes place at Yerba Buena Gardens. Sunday, July 23, 2006, 11 am—5 pm. <br /><br />70 Theater Groups & Solo Artists Perform on 10 Stages. The free SF THEATER FESTIVAL presents live showcase performances by Bay Area theater arts organizations, including comedy, drama, musical, children’s theater, hip-hop, Shakespeare, solo performers, improv. <br /><br />For Info Contact: Bill Schwartz, 415-291-8655. <a href="mailto:bill@SFTheaterFestival.org">bill@SFTheaterFestival.org</a>, <a href=" />The SFTF is a theatre-lover's dream. Among the many many Bay Area theatre particiapting, 42nd St. Moon will be there performing scenes from <em>Li'l Abner</em>.2006/06/sf-theatre-festival-needs-volunteers.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ElisaC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198425.post-115040980878750925Fri, 16 Jun 2006 23:57:00 +00002006-06-16T17:00:36.450-07:00Moonie in the World: Brian Yates SharberBrian, who has trod the Moon stage on more than one occasion, most recently in <em>Roar</em> and <em>Minnie's Boys</em>, has an update for us:<br /><blockquote>I wanted to let you (and hopefully all of the more internet-savvy people of the world) know that someone actually hired me again!! I am going to be in the <a href=" Playhouse</a> summer production of <em><a href=" It Together!</a></em> With Dianna Shuster directing, and the cast and artistic team we have, it's sure to be lots of fun. Our show opens on Gay Pride weekend (6/24). A Sondheim revue opening Gay Pride weekend? I'm not sure that [producer] Bill, et. al. is aware of this potential coup.</blockquote><br />Checking out the show's <a href=" release</a>, I can also see that Moonie stalwart Dave Dobrusky is the Musical Director...so we can breathe easy knowing the music is in excellent hands!!!2006/06/moonie-in-world-brian-yates-sharber.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ElisaC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198425.post-115031426346081893Thu, 15 Jun 2006 15:02:00 +00002006-06-15T08:07:00.470-07:00Some Li'l Abner switcheroosGreg sent a note to the <em>Li'l Abner</em> cast to alert them to some staff/cast changes, and figured it was a blog-worthy heads up:<br /><blockquote>First, some of you may know that the original plan for this show was that I was going to be playing Marryin' Sam. Due to some family situations, I finally decided that I needed to withdraw from that role. We were lucky, though, to get Doug Santana to replace me. I know a lot of you know Doug, and he worked with us in <em>The Cabaret Girl</em> a couple of years back.<br /><br />But wait! There's more! Chapter Two:<br /><br />Some of you may also already know that, likewise because of family considerations, Dyan McBride has regretfully had to withdraw as director of <em>Li'l Abner</em>. So, with time short and options limited (and with the time commitment much less than if I were performing), her replacement will be -- me! I guess I am destined to do this show after all, and I am really excited that I will indeed get to be working with all of you.<br /><br />The production team has already met, and Tom Segal and I have been throwing around ideas for some of those big numbers (including a really nifty one for the Sadie Hawkins Day race that we'll let you know about shortly)</blockquote><br />Sometimes it's hard to keep up!2006/06/some-lil-abner-switcheroos.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ElisaC)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198425.post-115031404615863403Wed, 14 Jun 2006 19:25:00 +00002006-06-14T12:40:46.246-07:00Some fun Li'l Abner links from Greg<a href=" /><br /><a href=" /><br /><a href=" /><br />Enjoy :)2006/06/some-fun-lil-abner-links-from-greg.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ElisaC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198425.post-115024659846606581Wed, 14 Jun 2006 00:45:00 +00002006-06-13T20:29:29.423-07:00Celebration for Dean GoodmanThe following message was sent out to Theatre Bay Area members today, but it may be of interest to Moonies everywhere.<br /><blockquote><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="; border="0" alt="" /></a>Dean Goodman has dictated the following message for us here at Theatre Bay Area and all of our members. There will be a tribute, which he plans on attending, on Monday. See below for details. Theatre Bay Area extends our deepest respect to Dean Goodman, who has been such a positive force in the history of Bay Area theatre and who has so deeply contributed to its successes. <br />"Dean Goodman is terminally ill and in the last act of his long, fruitful life. He is grateful for the outpouring of concern and respect from his friends in the theatre community and wishes good luck to all artistic directors and managers, performers and actors, technicians and all associated with the theatre. He urges all of them to continue to strive for excellence."</blockquote><br />So, here are the details:<br /><blockquote>A Celebration for Dean Goodman<br /><br />A pre-birthday bash (his real B-Day is actually July 2, but time is of the essence) and/or a chance to say thank you for all he has given to the Bay Area theatre community.<br /><br />DATE: Monday, June 19<br />WHERE: At A.C.T<br /><br />SCHEDULE:<br /><br />5:30pm: Doors open<br />6:00pm: Schmoozing<br />6:30pm: Dean arrives<br />7:00pm: Staged Reading<br /><br />A reading of Dean Goodman's new play Bloody August<br /><br />R.S.V.P to Phoebe Moyer at 415-464-0578<br /><br />Refreshments: Contact Kenna Hunt (415-492-1179) if you can donate food and/or beverages, and/or paper goods.<br /><br />Readings: Contact <a href="mailto:edholmes@comcast.net">Elizabeth Holmes</a> if you want to participate in a tribute to Dean or if you can't attend and would like a tribute read by George Maguire in your absence.<br /><br />Please pass this invitation on to your friends and colleagues.</blockquote>2006/06/celebration-for-dean-goodman.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ElisaC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198425.post-115012636359481910Mon, 12 Jun 2006 15:07:00 +00002006-06-12T08:32:43.650-07:00So, what did we think of the Tony Awards?Up until 2001 I went to NYC at least once, and usually twice a year. I'd visit my grandmother, I'd have business there, or both, but whatever the reasons I made it out there and usually had caught a number of the shows nominated for Tony's.<br /><br />Since my grandmother died in 2001, I'm lucky to make it there once every couple of years, and my last trip, in March, didn't even include time for theatre. The last couple of years were the first where I had not seen a single nominated musical or play. So it's hard for me to feel very emotionally invested in the outcomes. Obviously I still have favorite actors, composers etc, butthat's rooting for legacy recognition, not current recognition.<br /><br />My thoughts on the show:<br /><br />-Well, only one winner had music start playing under him, and that's good, because nothing bugs me more than when they start interrupting someone, especially if it's someone who's actually saying something moving or amusing or anything other than a list of "thank yous"<br /><br />Of course they may have been able to avoid the music play-off by keeping the pace of the show so rapid it felt like they were trying to win a race. 60 stars, count 'em! They'll be moving by so fat it'll be hard to actually count 'em, but you get the idea.<br /><br />-Color me shocked that Pajama Game beat out Sweeney Todd for Best Musical Revival. I've only seen the show once, in London, and it seemed like your basic, blah 50s American musical. My S.O. and I were noting that the last few years Tony voters have really favored the frothy/fluffy over the substantial, but Pajama Game struck me as onle average material. Kelli O'Hara clearly shows her versatility, moving from the lyric ingenue of Light in the Piazza to the modern woman (and belter) Babe, but didn't Harry Connick Jr seem a little stiff and uncomofortable? Sweeney Todd remains my favorite musical ever, and everyone has raved about this re-imagining of it, so this was the most surprising moment for me last night.<br /><br />-The second most surprising moment (but one I enjoyed) was seeing LaChanze take the Best Actress in a musical award. I have loved LaChanze ever since I saw her in Once on this Island over 15 years ago. The Color Purple was obviously getting the BIG Tony voter snub last night, so I thought Patti LuPone had it sewn up. Maybe Sutton Foster. LaChanze is a wonderful performer, and her life has had a few tragic turns (her husband died in 9/11) so I was very happy that she won.<br /><br />-It's hard for me to imagine that Jersey Boys is really that good...I'm not typically a fan of jukebox musicals. But it certainly did look entertaining last night. Anyone seen it?<br /><br />-I love Cyndi Lauper and would love to see her in a show that could use her interpretative skills and emotional intensity, but having done Threepenny Opera some years back I was reminded: I really don't like it. Long, rambly, non-melodic, non-poetic songs...just like I remember :) And now that the same artistic staff sleazed up Cabaret a few years back, this just looks like they had a production meeting and decided to do the exact same treatment to Threepenny without a lick of customization. Throw a little leather here, a few tattoos there, some homo-erotic and S&M-oriented undetones here and there...Presto! You've got a "re-interpretation!"<br /><br />-Why wouldn't they let us see Patti LuPone play the tuba? Whyyyyyyy?<br /><br />-Molly Ringwald is coming to San Jose, playing Charity in Sweet Charity at AMT. Hence I was a little disturbed to see her looking so uncomfortable on stage! If her eyes popped open any wider I was afraid we'd have an incident straight out of the season finale of House. (Yes, I'm mixing my theatre talk with TV references, so sue me.)<br /><br />-Lastly: The Wedding Singer looked appallingly, embarrassingly bad, didn't it? Horrible song...which might have been carried off if there were even a soupcon of irony in the mix. But no. It just was horrible, (And horrible, frenentic, cliched choreography too.) My jaw dropped soon into the number, and I never got it closed until the number was over.<br /><br />What do I want to see based on the show? (Since it is mostly a big commercial for Broadway, after all.)<br /><br />Sweeney Todd (but that was already true)<br />Drowsy Chaperone (looks fun, no doubt)<br />Color Purple (those are some powerful women performers up there!!)<br />Jersey Boys (I can be convinced this one is worthwhile...and those boys are definitely talented!)<br /><br />How about you?2006/06/so-what-did-we-think-of-tony-awards.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ElisaC)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198425.post-114995569462913325Sat, 10 Jun 2006 16:05:00 +00002006-06-10T09:08:15.820-07:00And now for something completely differentIntrepid Annette has another review for us, but this time for something off the typical Moonie path: musical politicl parody from the <a href=" Steps</a>.<br /><br />According to Annette:<br /><blockquote>Favorite line of the night was something like... <br /><br />Said by Iraqi/Middle Eastern-looking characters:<br /><br />"You Americans take all the rights you have for granted... rights like... THE RIGHT TO DO MUSICAL THEATRE! " And then they launched into a Gilbert & Sullivan parody. I laughed loudly at that one.<br /><br />Another funny number was a parody of "Springtime for Hitler" from "The Producers," called "Springtime for Liberals...and Hilary!"<br /><br />No punches were held back... they made fun of everyone on the political scene ("Dubya," Dick Cheney, Barack Obama, Hilary, John Kerry, the Supreme Court Justices,<br />and more) - although they didn't take a swing at Mayor Newsom... but they did take a swing (excuse the pun) at Barry Bonds. They also did a parody about illegal immigrants called "Juan," sung to the tune of "One" from "A Chorus Line."</blockquote><br />Annette points out they're playing in Santa Cruz tonight, so it's not too late to check them out :)2006/06/and-now-for-something-completely.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ElisaC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198425.post-114988601911128416Fri, 09 Jun 2006 20:42:00 +00002006-06-09T13:46:59.223-07:00Kander & Ebb's last show finally being mountedIntrepid Annette pointed me to <a href=" story</a>. There are casting updates for and impending production of Kander & Ebb's last collaboration, <em>Curtains</em>. Sounds like fund, as it's a Murder Mystery set backstage during a pre-Broadway run of a musical. Hmmm. Drawn from life?<br /><br />Many a Broadway stalwart is making the trip to L.A for the production, including personal faves Jason Danieley and Karen Ziemba. And apparently David Hyde Pierce has decided he likes the theatre post-Frasier, because he's set to star.<br /><br />42nd St. Moon is doing two of Kander & Ebb's older works this season, <em>Flora the Red Menace</em> and <em>Zorba</em>, but as you can see they were still actively at it decades down the road from these shows.2006/06/kander-ebbs-last-show-finally-being.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ElisaC)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198425.post-114973615722057354Thu, 08 Jun 2006 02:00:00 +00002006-06-07T20:09:17.316-07:00What plays in Vegas, closes in Vegas?Close on the heels of a premature closing for Tony-winning <em>Avenue Q</em>, the producers of Tony-winning <em>Hairspray</em> recently announced <a href=" too will close early</a>, next week.<br /><br />So, is it the lure of the slots? The lure of the nudie revues? The lure of Celine Dion and Cirque du Soleil that keeps audiences away?<br /><br />Could it be that by dumbing down (and really, how do you dumb down Hairspray!!??) these musicals, cutting stuff and making them run an intermissionless 90 minutes they're understimating their audiences and short-changing them...and people don't want to pay for that?<br /><br />Nah, it's probably the nudie revues.2006/06/what-plays-in-vegas-closes-in-vegas.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ElisaC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198425.post-114955601385195783Tue, 06 Jun 2006 01:01:00 +00002006-06-05T18:06:53.863-07:00Annette's Excellent AdventureHere's a report from the Intrepid Annette on where the next generation of Moonies might be found:<br /><blockquote>So, where are the future 42nd Street Moon performers?<br /> <br />Well, some of them are probably in the Danville Girls Chorus! I ventured out of the City (and across the Bay Bridge!) on Saturday to see their show, "That's Broadway!" I went to see a friend's daughter perform and was treated to songs by some of 42nd Street Moon's best friends: Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Yip Harburg, Rodgers and Hart and more! Congrats to artistic director Kenneth Abrams, staff and chorus for putting on a fine show. (They sang songs from everything like "It's De-lovely," to "Over the Rainbow," to medleys from "Oklahoma!" and the faculty-performed "West Side Story".) <br /> <br />They also sang a song from "Leave It To Me!", but I didn't keep the program, so I don't know which tune.<br /> <br />To find out more about the DGC, please visit <a href=" website</a>.</blockquote><br />Wow...all the way across the Bay Bridge! I get in trouble with my East Bay friends all the time because I look at it as some far-off foreign land, not even really the Bay Area! (One friend used to chastise me pretty strongly, telling me her hometown of Alameda was actually <strong>on the bay</strong>!!!)<br /><br />It's ironic I should behave that way, given I lived in Queens when I live in NYC, and I heartily lamented the fact that my Manhattan friends looked down their noses at other boroughs and rarely, if ever, crossed a bridge to visit me.2006/06/annettes-excellent-adventure.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ElisaC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198425.post-114899747736055349Tue, 30 May 2006 13:42:00 +00002006-05-30T06:57:57.476-07:00More on "Abner" from GregGreg shares a bit more on <em>Li'l Abner</em> for our edification:<br /><blockquote><em><iframe src="; style="float:left;width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe> I enjoyed reading the blog review of the Goodspeed <em>Li'l Abner</em>. It was especially fun to link over to <a href=" Goodspeed site</a> and see the clips they had up from their current production.<br /><br />It's worth noting that this year marks the show's 50th anniversary, and also providing <a href=" link to the DVD of the movie at Amazon.com</a>. <br /><br />The film is a rare example of an extremely faithful adaptation of a stage musical, and features many of the original Broadway cast members (including Peter Palmer's Abner, Howard St. John's General Bullmoose, Carmen Alvarez's Moonbeam McSwine, and of course Julie Newmar's Stupefyin' Jones). It's also noteworthy for the appearance in the chorus of 17-year-old Valerie Harper in her first major gig (especially<br />noticeable in the "Put 'Em Back" number) as well as 18-year-old Beth Howland in a bit part early on (as a 14-year-old who'll be available for the Sadie Hawkins Day race "as soon as her divorce comes through.")<br /><br />Watching the movie (filmed in splashes of super-bright, cartoon-like colors), it's easy to see why the show was such a "good time" hit back then (certainly it represented a contrast to the other big 1956 hits, "My Fair Lady" and "Bells Are Ringing"), but it's curious that it's fallen out of the regular repertoires at community theatres and civic light opera companies.</em></blockquote><br />I believe my high school did Lil Abner in the mid-70's a year or two before I arrive there, but I don't recall another opportunity to see it around here since then. And I've never seen the movie either. Very curious, personally, to see it.2006/05/more-on-abner-from-greg.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ElisaC)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198425.post-114884748925689797Sun, 28 May 2006 20:15:00 +00002006-05-28T13:18:09.266-07:00Li'l Abner playing at the GoodspeedAnd Suzy Conn from <a href=" Baby</a> reviews it <a href=" /><br />Li'l Abner is apparently one of Suzy's favorite shows, so she was excited to have a chance to see it done live. In fact she's crossing her fingers hoping for a Broadway revival! Perhaps we'll just convince the Broadway Baby to come to the Bay Area and see it at 42nd St. Moon!<br /><br />Hey Suzy: It's playing at the same time as <a href=";, so you could kill two birds with one stone!2006/05/lil-abner-playing-at-goodspeed.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ElisaC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198425.post-114848952188622863Wed, 24 May 2006 15:33:00 +00002006-05-24T09:52:02.040-07:00Moonie Moving On: Lisa Peers<img src=" />Moonie Lisa Peers, here with David Curley<br /><br />Long-time Moonie Lisa Peers is moving, and we thought we'd get a little Lisa Peers retrospective before she went. Lisa kindly answered my questions about her tenure as a Moonie and her future plans:<br /><br /><br />How did you come upon 42nd St. Moon?<br /><blockquote>Juliette Morgan and I were in the same year in the American Conservatory Theater training program back in the early 1990s, and Dan Johnson was a year ahead of us. Juliette told me about this great musical theater company that specialized in old musicals; Dan had just done one or two shows with them, and Juliette was getting ready to do her first. I went to my first audition there and fully expected to be anointed the next Ethel Merman. Instead, Greg corrected my lyrics when I sang "Bewitched." Thankfully, he forgave me, cast me in "Goodtime Charley" as Bill Fahrner's mother ... and soon enough, I performed Ethel's role in "Girl Crazy," with Bill playing my husband. (If I stick it long enough, I assume Bill will some day play my father ...)</blockquote><br />What turned you into a Moonie regular?<br /><blockquote>The easy answer is, I just kept showing up! 42nd Street Moon specializes in the shows that suit my vocal range, performing style, and sense of humor, so I was bound to worm my way into at least one show each season. I've done a dozen productions, at least six fundraisers, a cabaret and two CD projects with the company. I got my Equity card thanks to Greg giving me a chorus contract for "On a Clear Day." I was the organization's first office manager and helped with the move to Moon Space. Hell, I even did three shows and a CD while pregnant with my daughter, Davis. How could I not be a Moonie after all that?</blockquote><br />What was your favorite show and favorite role?<br /><blockquote>I gotta say, "Out of This World" was just that. It had a stellar script,<br />nifty score, and a professionally hysterical cast. Everyone in it got his or her moment to shine. The audience ate it up; it never got old. I got to wear a great hat. I got to jitterbug with David "Mars" Miailovich. Getting drunk and propositioning Darlene Popovic every night was a dream come true. And, having Isadora written with me in mind was an honor and a gift.</blockquote><br />Which former Moonies do you miss?<br /><blockquote>Are Moonies every truly gone? It seems like we all come back into orbit at some point. I'd love to work with Lesley Hamilton again, if for no other reason that to let people see us both in the same room together to prove that we're two different people. And Richard Pardini - whether playing a befuddled Topekan in Russia or Tallulah Bankhead - always makes me laugh to the point of embarrassment.</blockquote><br />What sends you to Michigan?<br /><blockquote>The move is for a lot of grown-up reasons. My partner's parents and sisters live within five minutes of our new house. My family is on the East Coast, and I wanted to be less than a day's travel away now that Mom is 80. My kids need a back yard and a good school within walking distance. We sold our house in a seller's market and bought in a buyer's market. All the pieces fit together.</blockquote><br />What are your theater plans?<br /><blockquote>Actually, what may be next is a fundraiser concert in Toledo with ...<br />Juliette! (See, I told you we all come back into orbit!) Juliette's husband Bill Quinlan started a professional theater company, so this will likely be my introduction into the Midwestern theater scene. After that, if I don't find a friendly theater company specializing in musicals from the Golden Era, I will likely go back to doing cabaret. I will certainly have plenty of material.</blockquote><br />Thanks for the walk down memory lane, Lisa...we'll miss you and best of luck in Michigan, Toledo, and all the Midwestern cabarets you can find! :)2006/05/moonie-moving-on-lisa-peers.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ElisaC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198425.post-114831999868855488Mon, 22 May 2006 17:32:00 +00002006-05-22T10:46:44.950-07:00Schedule details for 2006/200742nd St. Moon is on a brief summer hiatuses (hiatii??) but next season isn't far away. rehearsals will probably kick off in a mere 4-5 weeks.<br /><br />Just thought I'd do a run-down of performance schedules for next season, since we haven't done that here. If you're interested in Season Tickets, call 415-255-8207 on Tues.-Fri. between 12-5PM.<br /><br />Li'l Abner (Mercer/De Paul/Panama/Frank)<br />July 20th-August 13th (2006)<br />Opens July 22nd<br /><br />Pardon My English (Gershwin/Gershwin/Ives)<br />October 19th-November 5th (2006)<br />Opens October 21st<br /><br />Flora the Red Menace (Kander/Ebb/Thompson)<br />November 16th-December 3rd (2006)<br />Opens November 18th<br /><br />Zorba (Kander/Ebb/Stein)<br />March 15th-April 1st (2007)<br />Opens March 17th<br />(Notice how this one opens on St. Patrick's Day and closes on April Fool's Day!!)<br /><br />Gay Divorce (Porter/Taylor)<br />April 12th-May 6th (2007)<br />Opens April 14th<br /><br />You can buy a season subscription for Previews, for Opening Nights, for Sunday matinees with cast discussion, and of course for other weekend or weeknight performances. The preview subscription is only $85...which is a great discount. Again, call 415-255-8207 if interested.2006/05/schedule-details-for-20062007.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ElisaC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198425.post-114814751010763862Sat, 20 May 2006 17:48:00 +00002006-05-20T10:51:50.116-07:00Couple more Gala shots42nd St. Moon inspiration and sheet music collector extraordinaire Bob Grimes, flanked by Moonies (and future Dogpatch denizens) Fiona Cheung and Molly Coogan:<br /><img src=" /><br />Laura Lutz, auction chair Joanna Leighton-Nevesney, and auctioneer par excellence Fritz Hatton working out the details of the auction:<br /><img src=";2006/05/couple-more-gala-shots.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ElisaC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198425.post-114808154457865756Fri, 19 May 2006 23:23:00 +00002006-05-19T16:32:24.590-07:00Shots from the GalaAs Promised:<br /><br />Klea Blackhurst and Steve Rhyne being utterly charming singing their <em>Call Me Madam</em> duet:<br /><img src=" /><br />Much of the cast singing, I believe, "Hernando's Hideaway" with Ann Morrisson:<br /><img src=" /><br />And it's 42nd St. Moon Board President on the right in this shot:<br /><img src=";2006/05/shots-from-gala.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ElisaC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198425.post-114796886815391006Fri, 19 May 2006 14:00:00 +00002006-05-19T10:42:02.526-07:00UPDATED: Blast from the Past: A shot from the Something For the Boys recording sessionAh, the good old days. Although we all look exactly the same, I swear! Stephanie dug up this old photo and scanned it to send to me. It must be from 1996 or 1997, not actually sure:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="; border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />UPDATED: Greg reminds me that: "Something for the Boys performed in Sept/Oct 1997, was recorded around the second or third week of October."<br /><br />Thanks Greg...I knew I could count on you :)2006/05/updated-blast-from-past-shot-from.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ElisaC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198425.post-114796801399835851Thu, 18 May 2006 15:54:00 +00002006-05-18T09:00:14.033-07:00Moonie in the World: Stephanie RhoadsCheck out what Moon co-founder Stephanie is up to this weekend:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href=" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="; border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Her description:<br /><blockquote>No, it is not some terrifying biological scourge...I am doing a concert on the Peninsula this Sunday afternoon that should be quite fun. I am singing some Kurt Weill (one in German) & a <em>One Touch of Venus</em> song & Sondheim ("There Won't Be Trumpets", "Worst Pies in London", "I Wish I Could Forget You" from <em>Passion</em>). I am nervous as heck...Sunday afternoon @ 3PM (2PM for lecture) More info <a href=";2006/05/moonie-in-world-stephanie-rhoads.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ElisaC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198425.post-114788341394168579Wed, 17 May 2006 15:36:00 +00002006-05-17T09:30:14.590-07:00In praise of DaveI forgot to mention when talking about Monday's gala, that seeing it through my friend's Moon-virgin eyes also reminded me of another wonderful 42nd St. Moon asset: musical director Dave Dobrusky.<br /><br />It was nice that they turned over the stage to Dave alone to play the overture from <em>My Fair Lady</em>, but he shone throughout the evening...whether solo or accompanying.<br /><br />In fact, at the end of the show my friend wanted to shake his hand! (But, true to my impatient, I-live-in-San-Jose-and-that's-a-long-drive-home form, I wanted to scurry out of there pretty quickly.)<br /><br />I play the piano, in mediocre fashion, so I am 100% appreciative of how difficult it is to makeeven a grand piano sound liek an orchestra...and appreciative of how easy Dave makes it seem.<br /><br />And obviously I'm not the only one who notices :)2006/05/in-praise-of-dave.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ElisaC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198425.post-114788016312232714Wed, 17 May 2006 15:34:00 +00002006-05-17T08:36:03.133-07:00I love small world coincidencesAnd here's one from Intrepid Annette:<br /><blockquote>I met Alex Kaprielian's mom last night...and if you wonder where Alex's talent comes from - it's such a small world - her Mom and I went to the same high school together (Mercy, SF) and I remember Alex's mother from her star turn as Fraulein Maria in Mercy's production of "The Sound of Music." (mid-'70s)!</blockquote><br />So, now I've dated both Annette and Alex's mom!<br /><br />But that really is a small world coincidence!2006/05/i-love-small-world-coincidences.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (ElisaC)0