On to the next…

{sigh} I am up late and can’t sleep – too many things to think about! First of all, I lost my beautiful Aunt Mary to a heart attack yesterday. She was a crazy, lovable, fun, and beautiful woman whom I always loved dearly, and I am sad to be in this world without her. But at the same time, we all move on at some time or another. But still… even though we haven’t talked regularly enough in my adult years, she will be greatly missed. I’m trying to figure out if I can head back to Omaha for the funeral… I hope so, but the answer is still inconclusive. I have a lot of commitments over the next week. I’m not sure. I guess I will have to decide once the funeral arrangements are set, tomorrow (or should I say, in a few hours).

In happier news – I am in full swing scheduling the 2013 season for The Conejo Players, working my butt off preparing to direct MISS SAIGON followed immediately by another AIDA this Fall, and I just got cast as Smee in PETER PAN, opposite my amazingly talented Arryck as Captain Hook. That’s gonna be fun!

So… movin’ on. Oh but the good news is – some of the weird pains and illness I had been having during SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN – the ones that prompted the emo note in March – have gone away. Went to a bunch of docs, had my head CT’d, blood tests, ultrasounds, chiropractors… the only problems found were a pinched nerve in my neck and pre-diabetes. That is actually really not good news, but I am committed to changing things so it doesn’t go any further than that. Its reversible, and I am young. I shall reverse it.

OK – ciao for now!

Posted in General | Leave a comment

Emo Time, but Excited

So I’ve been a little emo lately… I just feel like crap! And its been 2 weeks! I feel like I’m falling apart, and (age jokes aside), I am only 37! NOT FAIR!

But hopefully will be feeling better soon.

One thing I AM feeling good about right now is SINGIN IN THE RAIN – opening this Friday! I’m actually ON STAGE for this one, as RF Simpson. Having a great time with a great cast, and I am SOOOOOO proud of my Arryck! He’s rocking the house as Don Lockwood. Guess I got my glamorous movie star after all! LOL!

Anyway, just felt like posting. Hopefully I will be leaving emo-land soon… I don’t like it here.

Posted in General | Leave a comment

Moving On…

Well, we had a great run with HAIRSPRAY and I was so sad to say goodbye to Baltimore and my fabulous cast / crew / staff… this past weekend was weird without my hair-hoppers!

And now, on to SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN at The Conejo Players, in which I will be playing the role of RF Simpson. Fun show with a GREAT cast, led by the amazing talents of Miriam Durrie-Kirsch (director/choreographer) and John Gaston (music director). Can’t wait!!!

And then Conejo Players play selection for 2013 is coming up soon. THAT’s always fun!

Oh yeah – and constant prep for MISS SAIGON, which I am directing this Fall for The Conejo Players. How do I feel about that one? Well, to quote Little Red from INTO THE WOODS: “Well, excited AND scared.” LOL! But I get to take this journey with Lisa Yaldezian (music director), Arryck Adams (co-choreographer), Tami Keaton (co-choreographer), and Courtney Potter (producer) – YAY!

Oh and then ELTON JOHN AND TIM RICE’S AIDA at the High Street Arts Center. Thrilled to get to go back to Egypt again!!! This time, with the lovely and talented Nick Newkirk (music director), Arryck Adams (co-choreographer), and Tami Keaton (co-choreographer).

So yeah. I’m busy. But I love it! And I’m humbled by the fact that people want me for these projects. Theatre = life!

Posted in General | Leave a comment

HAIRSPRAY – High Street Arts Center and Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center joint performance for the FOUR STAR THEATER ALLIANCE Awards

This gallery contains 10 photos.

I am so proud of the two casts of HAIRSPRAY in Ventura County! We had a fabulous joint performance of “You Can’t Stop the Beat” from HAIRSPRAY at this year’s Four Star Theater Alliance Awards Ceremony (January 22, 2012)!!! The … Continue reading

More Galleries | Leave a comment

HAIRSPRAY… The reviews are in

Several great reviews for HAIRSPRAY – so proud! There is another production of the show running concurrently in Simi Valley, so we did get 1 comparison review, but it was favorable for both shows… Whew! I hate comparison reviews, honestly, but what can you do?

Weekend 2 of the run starts tomorrow… Can’t wait to see my Hair Hoppers again!

Posted in Mobile Post | Leave a comment

HAIRSPRAY – Opening Weekend at High Street Arts Center

Wow! I am SOOO proud of my current project – HAIRSPRAY at the High
Street Arts Center! We set a record for opening weekend attendance!!!
The cast did an amazing job, and even though it was down to the wire,
the set and lighting looked FABULOUS! Not to mention the COSTUMES – Laurel Marion, you rock!!!

I’m totally exhausted after the past few weeks’ work, leading up to
opening. Looking forward to some rest – NEXT WEEK! This one has
already filled up!!!!

“I do this because I love it… I do this because I love it… I do
this because I love it…”

Next up for me: MISS SAIGON at The Conejo Players, and then AIDA at
the High Street Arts Center. Love it!!!

Posted in Email Post | Leave a comment

HAIRSPRAY Photos

This gallery contains 20 photos.

FINALLY get the opportunity to direct HAIRSPRAY – January of 2012 at the High Street Arts Center. Thank you to Barbara Mazeika for some fabulous Tech Week photos!

More Galleries | Leave a comment

ROCKY HORROR SHOW Photos

This gallery contains 13 photos.

Some photos from THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW at The Conejo Players. OK – I didn’t direct this one… I produced the show, and my partner, Arryck, directed and designed the whole thing. It was an amazing and beautiful production!

More Galleries | Leave a comment

The Who’s TOMMY Photos

This gallery contains 12 photos.

I directed THE WHO’S TOMMY at The Conejo Players in 2010 – what a fabulous production! Take a look for yourself:

More Galleries | Leave a comment

CHILDREN OF EDEN Photos

This gallery contains 52 photos.

I had the opportunity to direct a very intimate production of this amazing musical for The Elite Theatre Company. With a cast of 11 amazingly talented and hard-working actors, we focused on the relationships and story-telling aspects of the show … Continue reading

More Galleries | Leave a comment