Lonnie The Theatre Lady and Nancy Mimless team up for a trip “under the sea” to talk about Pittsburgh Musical Theater’s THE LITTLE MERMAID, playing through February 1st at The Byham Theater. www.pittsburghmusicals.com Continue reading “Review: THE LITTLE MERMAID, Pittsburgh Musical Theater”
Pittsburgh, PA — Musical Theatre Artists of Pittsburgh, the group becoming better known simply as MTAP, announces both the shows and cast for Hot Metal Musicals, the inaugural showcase of members’ work. With generous funding from the Small Arts Initiative of the Heinz Endowments and in cooperation with the Pittsburgh CLO, Hot Metal Musicals will be presented on Monday, March 2, 2015, at 7:15 pm at the Cabaret Theater at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222. The show is free and open to the public; MTAP encourages online reservations at the following website: https://www.artful.ly/store/events/3925. A meet and greet reception with the artists and performers will follow the showcase.
Hot Metal Musicals will focus on musical theatre works-in-progress, presenting one song each from a number of new musicals, even some that have already been produced. That’s the case with Doug Levine’s and Marcus Stevens’s Eastburn Avenue (Playhouse Rep), or Jeremy Richter’s [best imitation] (2014 Pittsburgh Fringe). And Joe Domencic’s The Next Galileo is currently touring schools with the CLO’s Gallery of Heroes program. Other shows have had full public readings, like the MTAP-produced Off with Her Maidenhead by Amy Claussen and James Rushin, or Ted Kociolek’s and Walter Holland’s The Age of Innocence, or Jeanne Drennan’s and David Berlin’s Dear Boy. Other shows, in keeping with MTAP’s focus on building new musicals from the ground up, will give us songs perhaps being heard by the public for the first time: John Keating’s and Sandra Lowell’s Kitty, Stephanie Riso’s The Storm, Frank Gagliano’s and James Rushin’s The Magical Moscow McDonald’s Miracle of Love, Eva Rainforth’s one-woman show, Me, Myself and Others, Chuck Sperry’s Lazarus, and Andy Nagraj’s and Jonathan Spivey’s Murphy’s Law, which is to have a full reading in New York this February.
The audience will also hear a spattering of songs unattached to shows, from members David Michael King (“We Could Easily Fall in Love”), Nanette Midgley (“In Your Arms”), Laurie Klatscher (“Kiss the Cook”), and Laura Lind with the Pittsburgh anthem “Back to the Burgh.”
Two guest teams are also contributing songs from recent shows: Pittsburgh’s own Michael Mitnick, working with collaborators Kim Rosenstock and Will Connolly on Fly by Night; and CMU alums Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond with a song from their new show The Noteworthy Life of Howard Barnes.
MTAP member and advisor Steve Cuden, co-creator with composer Frank Wildhorn of the Broadway hit Jekyll & Hyde, The Musical, will be Production Director for Hot Metal Musicals. Member Douglas Levine will serve as Music Supervisor and also be at the keyboard, accompanying an ensemble of gifted local singers: Natalie Hatcher, Missy Moreno, Lisa Ann Goldsmith, Eva Rainforth, Justin Lonesome, Eric James Davidson, and Leon Zionts.
MTAP’s focus is new musicals, and it seeks to foster collaboration between musical theatre artists in the region and create opportunities for the development, presentation, and production of new musical theatre. Prospective members, including writers, composers, musicians, performers, managers and producers, are always welcome at meetings, which are held at the Wightman School Community Building in Squirrel Hill. Visit http://mtap.weebly.com/ for more information, including dates of meetings and bios of some of MTAP’s active members. MTAP—Musical Theatre Artists of Pittsburgh is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit service organization.
Tonight, ‘Burgh Vivant gets “crabby” with Actor and Vocalist Tru Verret-Fleming on his budding career and current role as Sebastian the crab in Pittsburgh Musical Theater’s THE LITTLE MERMAID, January 22nd through February 1st at The Byham Theater. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast for more insights from a young professional performer, lots of laughs, and where to find the best crab legs in Pittsburgh! Continue reading “TRU VERRET-FLEMING – Actor, Vocalist”
by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.
A very Italian, dysfunctional family has moved into the neighborhood, and things will never be the same. No Name Players, fresh from their gore-fest musical, “Evil Dead – the Musical,” are back with the “The Sisters Sorella,” a live situation comedy, complete with commercials. It’s performed in front of a live studio audience, it’s just not filmed. It’s a madcap romp of an evening.
A greeting card author Raffie, short for Raphaela (Maggie Carr), and her slacker sister, Ernie, short for Ernestine (Julianne Avolio), dread a visit from their uptight, older sister Cetta (pronounced Chetta), short for Concetta, (Tressa Glover). The visit goes horribly awry. The two roomies can’t wait to jettison their big sis back to her husband, but somehow, against their better judgment, they keep extending her stay. Lucky for us! Because the comedic tension between the three of them sizzles with energy.
But wait! There’s more. Longtime Pittsburgh improvisational troupe Hustlebot provides filmed commercial spots (Trust me; you’ll never be able to look at, or hear, Sarah McLaughlin without laughing).
One of the founding members of the Hustlebot troupe, John Feightner, and singing improviser Connor McCanlus provide additional, live interstitial material as well. When Feightner is presented with a strange contraption, the audience gets to decide what the device does. Then, he hawks the product; riffing on the item, its function, and its moving parts. His huckster is slick, oily, brash, yet lovable and befuddled. It’s a joy to watch him figure it out as he goes along.
McCanlus plays the king of the Jingle. The audience yells out the name of some types of commonly sold commercial products, ranging from dog food to tampons, and McCanlus sings about them. He’s able to pull it off with equal parts lunacy and brilliance.
And now, back to our regularly scheduled program. When we last left the sisters, Raffi and Ernie learn a terrible secret from Cetta. Though, it’s not as horrible as their insane guesses. Cetta finally opens up to them in one of the few poignant moments of the production. Almost everything is played for laughs, and they are plentiful, but these sitcom sisters are more than caricature. Glover is especially adept at mining the softer, more vulnerable moments.
Avolio is the mistress of the funny face. She is also the most awkward. She chews the sparsely decorated scenery. It’s a joy to watch her face contort and twist.
Carr is the most relatable; a struggling writer trying to keep the family together (her greeting card ideas, however, are 100% nonsensical).
The three actors, Glover, Avolio and Carr, also share the writing credits for “The Sisters Sorella.” None of the humor is too raunchy, but there is some sexual innuendo and allusions to male genitals. “The Sisters Sorella,” takes place smack dab in the middle between “The Facts of Life” and “The Golden Girls.” Actually, Saturdays at 8:30 pm in the mid-80s would have been the perfect time slot for them.
The show is directed by Don DiGiulio (now, that’s Italian!). The show’s pace is fast, frenetic and high energy. It’s a DiGiulio specialty.
Like the Bolognese the sisters are trying to perfect, every ingredient is the absolute best, making a delicious, delightful meal. I can’t wait to tune in to the next episode.
Note: You have one more chance to the first episode; January 17 at 10 pm at the Arcade Comedy Theater, 811 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh. For more information, go to http://www.nonameplayers.org/index.php/2015-season/the-sisters-sorella
Episode 2 goes live February 27th and 28th at 10 pm at the Arcade.
Episode 3 will “air” March 27th and 28th same bat time, same bat channel.
-MB.
Candid laughter and tales of the theatre abound with tonight’s guest, actress Robin Abramson! Learn about her current production of OR at Off the Wall Theater, her approach to acting, and talents we never knew about. Games, cocktails, psychological analysis, and a profession of love for… Bill Peduto? It’s an episode not to be missed! Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete unedited interview in audio podcast for more, and see OR at Off The Wall Productions through January 10th. www.insideoffthewall.com Continue reading “Robin Abramson – Actress”
“A perfectly timed, hilariously executed farce” says ‘Burgh Vivant’s Lonnie the Theatre Lady of OR by Liz Duffy Adams, directed by John Shepard, playing through January 10 at Off The Wall Productions, www.insideoffthewall.com Watch and listen to the review here and let us know what YOU think! Continue reading “Review: OR, Off The Wall Productions”
PICT Classic Theatre puts the “great” in GREAT EXPECTATIONS, according to ‘Burgh Vivant’s Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli. Catch his review here and GREAT EXPECTATIONS at PICT Classic Theatre through December 20th, 2014. AND – who else do we know besides Ms. Havisham who’s been wearing the same outfit for years?? Continue reading “Review: GREAT EXPECTATIONS, PICT Classic Theatre”
Lonnie The Theatre Lady gives us her best “Stellaaaa!” and her review of STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE from Barebones Productions, playing at The New Hazlett Theater through December 6th, 2014. www.barebonesproductions.com Continue reading “Review: STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, Barebones Productions”
PITTSBURGH – 2nd Stage @Prime Stage Theatre will lift your Christmas spirits with a night of fun, songs, and surprises for the entire family with Fractured Xmas Carols that includes an Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest!
On Saturday, December 13 at 7pm, Special Guest Emcee Brian Edward, host of ‘Burgh Vivant, will lead the fun which features The Penny Arcade Players, a local comedy improvisation team, who will share the stories behind the songs that include Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, All I Want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth, Frosty the Snowman and others.
Refreshments, a sing-a-long, improvisations, and a contest for who wears the ugliest Christmas sweater make this an event not to be missed! Winners of the contest receive tickets to an upcoming Prime Stage show.
Fractured Xmas Carols will be presented at the Prime Stage Studio at 840 Sawmill Run Blvd which has loads of free parking! Tickets are $15 on-line at www.primestage.com and $20 at the door.
You may not be any closer to having your shopping done after our Fractured Xmas Carol event – but we guarantee you’ll be in great spirits!
by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.
Plop the Judy Holliday bio down in the middle of Greater Tuna, add in some beautiful, breezy show tunes, and you get City Theatre’s smart, blonde and ambitious show, “Smart Blonde.”
Actress Judy Holliday was a leading lady who went from a singing in dives like the Village Vanguard to full-on star in a matter of years. In Hollywood, she was the closest thing to an overnight success playing un-credited extras in the 40s in a small number of films and winning the Academy Award in 1950. Born (a lot longer ago than yesterday) in 1921, Judith Tuvim pursued her interest in show business with vigor. We even get to see the moment when Tuvim changes her name to Holliday. The actress was blonde, beautiful and full of life (she even starred in a movie called “Full of Life” with Richard Conte).
“Smart Blonde” opens in a day in the life of Holliday, as she’s laying down tracks for an album. Suddenly, we flashback to her earlier life. It’s a tumultuous tale of triumph and tragedy spinning around in the recording studio set. It’s a retrospective of some of the best days and worst days of her life.
It is sort of a musical. A more apt description would be “drama with music.” Don’t look for the happy ending most musicals tack on. It also isn’t an overly-dramatized E True Hollywood Story, but a lovingly rendered glimpse into the relatively short life of the star. Death takes a Holliday in her early forties from breast cancer.
Holliday was famous for being typecast by Hollywood as a dumb blonde, but she was smarter than she looked. The eponymous blonde had an IQ of 172. She resented being pigeonholed, but it worked in her favor when she outfoxed HUAC (the House Un-American Activities). She was the only person ever called before the McCarthy era committee who was neither blacklisted or compelled to name names.
Andrea Burns deftly plays Holliday with gusto. Her co-stars Adam Heller and Jonathan Brody play everyone else, both male and female; hence the Tuna reference. You just haven’t lived until you’ve seen Brody cavorting around as Gloria Swanson, complete with turban.
Burns so immerses herself in the role. A star is re-born! She is a veritable reincarnation of the famous blonde bombshell.
It’s a smart script from playwright Willy Holtzman, but it is enhanced by kinetic direction of Peter Flynn. Flynn makes the most of the tight space of the Hamburg Studio theatre, even on a cluttered stage; looking like a replica of the aforementioned 60s era Manhattan studio where the actress recorded “Holliday With Mulligan.”
Holtzman and Flynn are an excellent combination. Add Burns, Brody and Heller and you have a magical evening.
SMART BLONDE continues through December 21st at City Theatre. www.citytheatrecompany.org
– MB.
