December 2017 – It Takes a Village and THEN Some
It’s been a joy working with my fellow cast-mates: Desiree Goyette, Mark Robinson and Carolyn Bacon – Director, Jennifer King – Musical Director, Cesar Cancino and the band: Jan Martinelli and Randy Wood. Everyone, from our stage manager to the designers who set the mood with sets, costumes, and lighting – a heart-felt note of appreciation. This whole rehearsal process has been a blast. Let’s all enjoy the moment! Check the latest Ticket Availability
December 2017 – Doing it Frank’s Way
My Way is officially on it’s feet! A special thank you to Jenny for her great photos of the dress rehearsal. My Way – A Tribute to Frank Sinatra, is an infectious show made possible by all the talented artists involved. When an ensemble really clicks, theater magic becomes possible. This run is off to a phenomenal start and we are going to swing our way through the next four weeks. Remember, there is a SPECIAL New Year’s Eve performance and after-party! Click HERE for Ticket Info.
December 2017 – We’re On Stage Now!
Our opening night is fast approaching! I snapped a photo of our newly completed set design last night, I think it is quite charming. There is so much incredible music in this show, 56 songs in total. Tonight is our first night with the trio, our “Sitzprobe.” The opera/musical theater term when singers come together the first time with all the musicians. I am absolutely loving our cast and our director is phenomenal, the entire show has been blessed it seems! And today is actually Frank Sinatra’s 102nd Birthday, so Happy Birthday Frank! Click HERE for Ticket Info.
December 2017 – Cinnabar, the Theater on a Hill
Where in the world are we rehearsing today? Cinnabar Theater, in the iconic red schoolhouse perched atop the hill, is known for eclectic presentation of theater in all forms and genres. Each production is “relevant to contemporary life and challenging to audiences and artists alike.” Dedicated to the next generation, Cinnabar Young Rep engages local youth as well as they create lasting connections between art and daily life. Like to sing? Cinnabar Singers welcome all to their chorus. I am honored to be a part of Cinnabar’s 45th Season.
November 2017 – The “Rat Pack” Years
Character description “Man #1” – My Way – A Tribute to Frank Sinatra. 40-60 yo. Dark, Italian look. Deep/rich, strong, velvety baritone. Needs to have incredible vocal instrument and feel for Sinatra’s unusual phrasing and distinctive vocal style. Should dance or move extremely well. Tap dance skills big plus.Ideally, this actor projects the style and easy sophistication, the Sinatra trademark, without any sort of physical or vocal imitation. Must relate to audience and possess the charisma to bring them along on this musical journey into the world of “cool.” No pressure!
November 2017 – Harmony & Brain Work
After working with Spencer’s tracks on the Japan trip and doing memorization on planes and trains for the past couple of weeks, we had our first cast rehearsal here at our apartment in San Francisco. I took a candid work photo of César Cancino, our musical director for “Sinatra’s My Way.” We have a lot of very close harmonies weaving out of everyone’s solos and duets which makes for a very interesting show musically and visually. We are all in memory mode these days trying to get “off book” before the official rehearsals begin Sunday night, November 12th.
October 2017 – Come Fly with Me!
Ever wonder what you can do to enjoy an 11 hour flight from San Francisco to Japan? May I suggest 5 hours of memory work on a show about Frank Sinatra and then try to get it uploaded to Facebook. Not sure which took longer! Ah, the joys of this technical age – now you see it… now you don’t. Finally got it to show up. Speaking of… would love to see YOU. My Way – A Tribute to Frank Sinatra, opens on December 15, 2017 and runs through January 14, 2018 at Cinnabar Theater in Petaluma, CA – Click HERE for Ticket Info.
October 2017 – Life in All its Facets
Spencer Blank and I had a couple rehearsals at the apartment; creating rehearsal tracks. Would you believe, I forgot to take “people” pix! Hence the piano. Spencer is off on tour with the SF Gay Men’s Chorus. We cross over for two days before Rich and I go to Japan mid month. While we’re not rehearsing in Petaluma until November 12th, dear friends in the area have been on my mind. Petaluma was spared from the fires, however, it’s humbling to realize the power of Mother Nature and just how many people have been affected by the fire-storm.
September 2017 – My Way: a Tribute to Frank Sinatra
The script has arrived! NOW, the fun of memorization begins!
PS – The show opens on December 15, 2017 at Cinnabar Theater in Petaluma, CA. Have you been? It is so charming! I hope you can make it. Turns out that the four of us in the cast live here in San Francisco or very close by. In fact, one of my cast-mates lives just down the street! Makes it easy to get to know one another and connect for rehearsals in town. If you’re looking for ALL the show details and ticket info I have a couple blog posts to fill you in… Click Here
July 2017 – Siletz Bay Music Festival
We’re having just as much fun this year as last and I think the audience will too. We’re wishing Dick Hyman well as we put the finishing touches on his tribute to the poetry of Willard Espy. Ehud Asherie stepped in for Dick at the last minute and joined, Ken Peplowski, on clarinet, and the trio of singers pictured here: Nicole Greenidge Joseph, Clairdee, and yours truly. We’re ready to put on some phenomenal performances for you! See you soon! PS – It’s now July 10, 2017. You can read my post-Festival musings… Click Here
June 2017 – Annual Artist Showcase/Fundraiser
This year, the Artist Showcase and fundraiser for the Siletz Bay Music Festival features two Centennial Tributes and plenty of moving parts. So much musical talent under one roof! Things are coming together in final rehearsals here in Gleneden Beach, Oregon. The benefit concert, honors Lena Horne and Leonard Bernstein, and shows us just how quickly 100 years can fly! If you’re on the Oregon Coast, check the CALENDAR for ticket info. Come say hi!
May 2017 – CONTRASTS “Almanac of Words at Play”
Rehearsals these days are a dream. It is so much fun to be working once again with vocalists, Clairdee and Nicole Greenidge Joseph. Last Summer I had the great pleasure to work with them both in a delightful show created by Dick Hyman. These two beautiful women were a joy in “On Wings of Shakespeare.” Such a fabulous marriage of music and Shakespeare in a brilliantly entertaining format. Working with them again this Summer, and with Dick Hyman at the helm, it’s perfection to me!
