Guys and Dolls

Guys and Dolls in concert at the Hollywood Bowl:
Just got back from the open dress rehearsal which was TOOOOO HOT, but worth it! The cast is great and I really fell in love all over again with the music and lyrics by Frank Loesser.
AND WHO KNEW JESSICA BIEL COULD SING? She can carry a tune and sounds great on the stage next to Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell.
MORE ON THE SHOW LATER
OFF TO SEE IT AGAIN!

"Guys and Dolls "-song from musical by the same title

Transylvania Mania

JUST ANNOUNCED: Tony Award winners Roger Bart and Shuler Hensley will reprise the roles of Dr. Frederick Frankenstein and The Monster for the national tour of The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein. YAY I can not wait for their stops in LA and in the OC!
"Transylvania Mania" -song from Young Frankenstein

And lost, still walk behind you

SPRING AWAKENING TOUR CAST UPDATE!
MORITZ --Taylor Trensch: Taylor will officially begin performances in Milwaukee on October 6th. Blake Bashoff's last performance will be in Chicago on Aug 16th. ERNST--Ben Fankhauser: Ben's first official performance will be in Milwaukee on October 6th. Ben Moss' last performance will be in Chicago on Aug 16th. THEA--Claire Sparks: Our original tour ensemble member has agreed to return and step into the role of Thea while Kimiko Glenn recovers from her foot injury. Claire can currently be seen as Thea in DC. Kimiko will return to the role of Thea in Milwaukee on October 6th. ENSEMBLE U/S WENDLA, ILSE--Kayla Foster: Kayla's first official performance will be in Milwaukee on October 6th. Julie Benko's last performance will be in Chicago on Aug 16th. ENSEMBLE U/S MELCHOIR--Justin Scott Brown: Justin's first rehearsal will be in Milwaukee on Oct 5th. Perry Sherman's last performance will be in DC on Aug 2nd.
DO NOT FORGET THE NEXT SO CAL STOP IS AT OCPAC NOVEMBER 17-29!
CLICK HERE TO READ THE SPRING AWAKENING TOUR'S BLOG!
"And lost, still walk behind you" -lyrics from Those You've Known from Spring Awakening

Sorry-Grateful

MUST READ: "Raúl Esparza is one of Broadway’s brightest major stars" according to his lastest interview for Stage Directions Magazine, written by Bryan Reesman . Esparza talks about his career, his past co-stars, the "Piven incident", and his creative relationship with Stephen Sondheim.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE
"Sorry-Grateful"-Song from Company

Luck be a lady tonight

Sooooo, Let me tell you about something I heard. I have been told that every year the last dress rehearsal for the musical in concert of that year (this year Guys and Dolls) is open to the public. The Final Dress Rehearsal, starts at 10:00 am, but people start claiming spots as early as 8:00 am. I myself have never been, so this year will be my first year that I will be attending the "open" rehearsal. I did do some investigating to make sure that this annual tradition is fact and not fiction. The Hollywood Bowl Website says "On some mornings, rehearsals at the Bowl are open to the public. Call 323.850.2000 for the latest information." I also found someone who has attended these open rehearsal and wrote about how it works. Click Here to read their entry. As I find out more information, I will let you know. If anyone has gone to one of these "open" rehearsals please us all know all the details by commenting below.
"Luck be a lady tonight "-song from Guys and Dolls

Somebody to love

OK, OK one more set of GLEE UPDATES: GLEE will premier Wednesday, Sept. 9 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. A special extended director’s cut of the pilot will air Wednesday, Sept. 2 (8:58-10:00 PM ET/PT) with encore episodes airing for three Fridays beginning Sept. 4 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

The "Gleek Tour": The cast of GLEE is hitting the road this summer in search of fellow “Gleeks”! Cast members Cory Monteith, Lea Michele, Amber Riley, Chris Colfer, Jenna Ushkowitz, Kevin McHale, Dianna Agron and Mark Salling will be at the following Hot Topic stores to sign autographs, hold Q&A sessions & give a sneak peek at the new season of GLEE.

• Boston, MA Monday, Aug. 17 Natick Mall2:00- 5:00 PM
• New York, NY Tuesday, Aug. 18 Garden State Plaza3:00-6:00 PM
• Philadelphia, PA Wednesday, Aug. 19 King of Prussia Mall3:00-6:00 PM
• Washington, DC Thursday, Aug. 20 Fair Oaks Mall3:00-6:00 PM
• Chicago, IL Friday, Aug. 21Orland Square3:00-6:00 PM
• Minneapolis, MN Sunday, Aug. 23 Mall of America2:00-5:00 PM
• Houston, TX Tuesday, Aug. 25 3:00-6:00PM
• Dallas, TX Wednesday, Aug. 26 Dallas Galleria3:00-6:00 PM
• Denver, CO Thursday, Aug. 27 Park Meadows3:00-6:00 PM
• Los Angeles, CA Friday, Aug. 28 Hollywood & Highland3:00-6:00 PM

"Somebody to love"-song featured on GLEE

Thank You for the Music

Meryl Streep was on Conan O'Brien Show last night to talk about her new movie Julie & Julia! While there she shows off another musical talent she has besides singing; playing her new concertina!

"Thank You for the Music "-song fro Mamma Mia

Bust Your Windows

Ok so I know I have been covering GLEE nonstop but there is so much material coming out the show. 1st the GLEE Season Premiere has been moved up to September 9, 9/8c! 2nd here is a clip for an upcoming musical number (reportedly episode three).

And 3 here is Cory's Video Diary from the cast of GLEE's trip to NYC

"Bust Your Windows "-song featured on GLEE

Painting the Roses Red

The long awaited trailer for Tim Burton's version of Alice in Wonderland is finally out!

I can not wait for this movie to come out! Alice in Wonderland holds a special place in my heart not only because I loved the Disney movie but it was also the first play I was ever a part of. I performed in my local community theatre's version of the popular Lewis Carroll's book three years in a row. "Painting the Roses Red"-song from Alice in Wonderland (Disney)

Push it

HEY GLEE FANS! News straight from the standing-room-only Comic-Con panel this past Saturday; I think its safe to say that GLEE is gonna be a HIT! The producers of the show premiered the entire second episode to fans with a warm reception. The episode has two musical numbers, covers of Kanye West's "Gold Digger" and (especially) Salt N Pepa's "Push It,"; And thats nothing they have done 60 songs already in fliming season 1 so far! Now the cast is getting ready for a a 12-day, 10-city tour this summer to promote the show. It has been reported that the majority of the questions asked to the pannel were amided at Lea Michele who play Rachel Berry. My favorite quote so far out of the covergae of GLEE at Comic-Con was Cory Monteith's view of the show: "It's like if 'High School Musical' had been punched in the stomach and had its lunch money stolen."

Check out the videos below from part of the panel from Comic-Con.

For more on GLEE at Comic-Con Click Here.

"Push It" by Salt N Pepa's and featured in GLEE

Suddenly Seymour

DVD OF THE MONTH: Little Shop of Horrors!!!

This movie turned, Broadway musical, turn movie is only favorites musicals of all time are here is why.

1) The story: It is about a florist shop worker named Seymour who raises a plant that feeds on human blood. It sound crazy but it's amazing!

2) The Plant: Seymour finds the plant while was browsing the wholesale flower district, a sudden eclipse of the sun occurred, and when the light returned, the weird plant had appeared. He names the plant Audrey II after he is secretly in love with Audrey his co-worker at the flower shop. The plant not only loves blood but it sings too. Voiced by Levi Stubbs from the Four Tops.

3) Audrey: played by the beautiful Ellen Greene. She steals every scene she is in and I would do anything to have her singing voice.

4) Steve Martin AKA the dentist: He plays Orin who is a motorcycle driving, leather wearing dentist who enjoys bringing other people pain.

5) Seymour: You can not help but all in love with Frederick Alan "Rick" Moranis who most people know from " Honey, I Shrunk the Kids " and "Spaceballs".

6)Lastly the music: There is not one single bad song in the piece. These gems will be stuck in your heads for days.

"suddenly seymour" -song from Little Shop of Horrors

Bushel and a Peck

Check out this photo from rehearsals of Guys and Dolls in concert at the Hollywood Bowl. For more behind the scenes info on the show visit broadwayworld.com (PS:doesn't Ellen Greene's hair look amazing!!!!!) "Bushel and a Peck:-song from Guys and Dolls

Aquarius

Fashion Show with the Cast of Hair in honor of WoodStock, Check It Out!

"Aquarius "-song from Hair

Esa pregunta es TRICKY

Look what I found :) ENJOY

"Esa pregunta es TRICKY"-lyrics from 96,000 from In the Heights

The Wizard and I!

JUST ANNOUNCED: Grammy Winner Paula Cole To Join 'EDEN ESPINOSA: ME' At The Ford Amphitheatre 7/24.
"The star of Los Angeles’s smash production of Wicked makes a triumphant return to the Southland with her critically acclaimed concert that introduces audiences to the woman behind the green. With Audra Mae and special guest Grammy Award-winning and Decca recording artist Paula Cole."
Click here for discount tickets Wicked Star Eden Espinosa in ME at the Ford
"The Wizard and I!"-song from Wicked

What would we do without you?

Can you believe that Stephen Sondheim is turning 80 (next year)?

To Celebrate Sondheim's 80th B-DAY on July 31, 2010, The Ravinia Festival in Chicago will host a concert directed by Lonny Price. The Gala Benefit Evening will feature Tony Award winners Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, George Hearn and Michael Cerveris. The concert will feature songs from such Sondheim musicals as Sweeney Todd, A Little Night Music, Passion, Sunday in the Park with George, Anyone Can Whistle, West Side Story and Gypsy.
"What would we do without you?"-song from Company

We Go Together

Your Monthly GLEE Update!!! Here are some better quality videos (thanks to FOX) from the GLEE screening I went to in May to hold you over until the show returns this fall :)
(I am kinda sad they did not use my question from the Q& A)



"We go together" song from Grease

What's in the daily news?

DO NOT FORGET!!!
GUYS & DOLLS in concert at the Hollywood Bowl!!! Get your tickets now, last year they sold out for Les Miz in concert. Click Here to buy tickets.
Photo of Ellen Greene who will play Miss Adelaide in the show.
"What's in the daily news?"- lyrics from song entitled Guys and Dolls by the musical by the same name

Flight of the Conchords: The Broadway Musical

Congratulations to everyone who got an Emmy nomination today! Here are a few people I am pulling for who also have musical roots: Flight of the Conchords received 6 nods, Kristin Chenoweth, as Olive Snook in Pushing Daisies, Vanessa Williams, as Wilhelmina Slater Ugly Betty, Jane Krakowski, as Jenna Maroney 30 Rock , Neil Patrick Harris, as Barney Stinson How I Met Your Mother (he will also act as host for the ceremony), and Elisabeth Moss, as Peggy Olson Mad Men. For Full List Click Here!
"Flight of the Conchords: The Broadway Musical"song from FOTC

Where troubles melt like lemon drops, Away above the chimney tops.That's where you'll find me.

On the morning of the final performance of Twelfth Night this past Sunday, lucky fans waiting in the ticket line were treated to pizza hand delivered by Anne Hathaway herself. Isn't that sweet! But do not worry if you missed her on stage this time around because she will be back soon! She reportley has signed on to do an adaptation of Gerald Clarke's biography Get Happy: The Life of Judy Garland, in which she will play the title role on the stage and screen. Photo and story brought to you by Gawker.com! Click Here for full story!
"Where troubles melt like lemon drops, Away above the chimney tops.That's where you'll find me."-lyrics from Somewhere Over the Rainbow from the Wizard of OZ

Hair

In case you missed it here is the cast of the Tony Award-Winning Broadway Revival of "Hair" perform "Hair" and "Let the Sunshine In" on The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien on July 13, 2009.

I thought the cast did a great job! My two favorite moments were LaBama dancing with a cast member and Conan eating a sunflower.
Here is my friend Allyson's Review: " I just watched the cast of Hair on Conan. They were very cute and I imagine it would be tough to do out of context semi spontaneous theatre for a crowd of tourists with very little interest in what you are doing. And it seemed like the sound was a little off, but they were very good. I'm warming up to them and the show." (Thanks Allyson and we hope we get a full review if you see the show in NYC!)
"Hair"-song from Hair

And Then There Were None

Check out Spring Awakening’s cutie Blake Bashoff interview for profile of the month (part 1 &2)! I know you LOST fans miss him as Carl and soon SA fans will miss him as well (his run as Mortiz is sadly coming to an end this August). Enjoy!
- Video brought to you by Totally Trucked


"And Then There Were None"-song from Spring Awakening

A Man's Gotta Do

The Doctor Returns!

That's right, stage and TV star Neil Patrick Harris will host the upcoming Emmy Awards. Harris must have done something right as host of the 63rd Annual Tony Awards! The 61st Primetime Emmy Awards will be broadcasted live on Sept. 20 on CBS from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles starting at 8 PM ET. Harris will also serve as a producer for the broadcast.

What do you think? Did he do a good job on the Tony's?

"A Man's Gotta Do"-song from Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

(Photo By DEBORAH SCHOENEMAN)

I Believe in Love

Hair cancels upcoming show to support a great cause! I love when theatre truly inspires change within society and what a better example of that then Hair. It was announced today by the producers of the Tony-winning revival of Hair that they will be canceling their Oct. 11 performances so that the entire cast can join the National Equality March in Washington, D.C.

"The Public Theater has always aspired to make theatre that matters, that speaks to the great social issues of our time. Hair has never been just a show; its message of change and hope and inclusion is one we try to live, not just preach. This is the moment when we need to recognize the right of all citizens, gay and straight, to have their love and their unions acknowledged by the state. We are proud to join with Cleve Jones and the National Equality March in support of gay marriage. Peace now! Equality now! Justice forever!"-Oskar Eustis, artistic director of The Public Theater and producer of Hair.

DO NOT FORGET YOU CAN WATCH THE CAST OF HAIR ON CONAN TONIGHT!!!
"I Believe in Love"- song from Hair

Don't lose sight of who you are

Tickets are going fast! Get your Tix! CLICK for EDEN ESPINOSA TIX! or call 323-461-3673. Purchase before July 17 and save $10!
(Discount Code: edenfriend)

"Don't lose sight of who you are"-lyrics from I'm Not That Girl from Wicked

Must've Been High

Update: Spike Lee's documentary on the musical Passing Strange will arrive in theatres Aug. 21.
Passing Strange will not only have a theatrical release but will also be part of PBS' "Great Performances" series in 2010. The documentary was filmed live at the Belasco Theatre on July 19, 2008 (the day before the final performance on Broadway).

"Must've Been High"-song from Passing Strange

Word of Your Body

Spring Awakening now in the Philippines.
Here is a picture of Joaquin Valdes and Kelly Frances Lati stars of the Chari Arespacochaga directed the production of Spring Awakening. The new production will features a Filipino design team. The show will open in the fall at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in Manila.
"Word of your Body"- song from Spring Awakening

Atencion

Say it ain't so, apparently Menudo the Musical may be in the works? That's right, the word on the street is that the popular 80s Latin boy band Menudo might be headed to the Broadway stage. Menudo founder Edgardo Diaz is preparing a musical; no storyline has been released as of yet.

I hope this is not true. What do you think?
"Atencion" -song from In The Heights

Man, fix your collar-Holler!

Poll Time! What is your favorite Show Apparel?

Then go to the Poll on the right and pick your favorite!

Spamalot (I'm Not Dead) West Side Story (logo)

The South Pacific ( I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair)Spring Awakening (There's A Moment You Know.....)Wicked (I Heart Oz)Jersey Boys (Walk Like A Man)Grease (Beauty School Dropout)Rent (No Day But Today)Hair (Afro)Sherk (Eat Me)Avenue Q (monster shirt) Mary Poppins (Supercalifragilistic)Phantom of the Opera (logo)9 to 5 (Dolly)

In The Heights (Light n Sweet)

"Man, fix your collar-Holler!" lyrics from The Club from In The Heights

Can You Picture That?

OMG! Cinespia cemetery movie screenings will be showing the Muppet Movie on July 25th!
At the Hollywood Forever cemetery: 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard at gower. Gates 7:30 pm movie 9:00 pm no reservation necessary. To attend you can buy your $10 donation tickets at gate. As a courtesy to other moviegoers: NO TALL CHAIRS!! Bring blankets, a tarp, food, drinks, and have a blast! I have been to one of their screening before and it is an experience you must do at least once or even twice in your life, just so you can say "Oh Yeah I saw that movie in a cemetery".

For Full Details and more on what Cinespia is click here!

"Can You Picture That?"- song from Muppet Movie

Who can take a sunrise, Sprinkle it with dew, Cover it in chocolate and a miracle or two

Free Movie Screening all summer long at the Orange County Performing Arts Center! They will be screening:

July 13 - Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Also hosted by public radio station KCRW-Santa Monica (KCRW.com).

July 20 - Annie. There will be a best Annie look-a-like contest.

July 27 - Footloose. There will be a coolest ‘80s dance moves contest.

August 3 - Mamma Mia! There will be a trivia contest for Mamma Mia contest

Click Here for more info!

"Who can take a sunrise, Sprinkle it with dew, Cover it in chocolate and a miracle or two "-lyrics from The Candy Man from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

HAY

Here are some photo's from Opening Night of Spamalot in LA! Also Check out the video done by AP below (playbill.com/Ryan Miller/Capture Imaging):

"Hay"-lyric from the song "You Won't Succeed On Broadway " from Spamalot

The Lady of the Lake will make him a man!

Go See Spamalot, It's the best show in town!!!
I just got back from the standby line and opening nite of Spamalot at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles (I love free tickets). The cast was great; headed by the best King Arthur ever John O'Hurley. Also Merle Dandridge was a great Lady of the Lake (her voice is amazing). The set, sound, music, made me feel like I was on Broadway and not in LA anymore.

It was my 2nd time seeing Spamalot and I must say it was even better then the first time!!! First of all it is longer and makes more sense then the Las Vegas production. WOW, I was left breathless at the end of the performance when Eric Idle came on stage to a standing ovation from the crowd. Mr. Idle told a story about how Spamalot came to be. He said he was at a performance of A Little Night Music at the Ahmanson Theatre in LA and that he turned to John Pu Prez and said one day Spamalot will be playing here.

Spamalot runs until September 6th so hurry! Special Thanks for Katy, Katelyn, Audrey, and Sasha who stood with me in line for two hours (it was so worth it)!!!
"The Lady of the Lake will make him a man"-lyrics from the song "Laker Girls Cheer" from Spamalot.

Birdhouse in Your Soul

Pushing Daisies season two to be released on July 21, 2009 on DVD!!!

"Birdhouse in Your Soul"- Chenoweth and Greene sang the song in season1 song by the band "They Might Be Giants".

Crazy 'Bout Ya Baby

FOREVER PLAID: SHOW AND MOVIE PREMIERE

“Forever Plaid” 20th Anniversary Special bash LIVE @ LA Live!
Get tickets right here to the Worldwide Premiere of "Forever Plaid" on July 9th at LA Live’s "Club Nokia,” and make it a Plaidster Paradise for a night of Plaid.

Check out the trailer below:

If you can not make the special bash you can still head to your local movie theatre and watch the movie on the big screen. The exclusive event will conclude with a LIVE onscreen performance by "The Plaids" and a bouncing ball sing-a-long where you join in the joy! You've only got ONE CHANCE on Thursday, July 9th at 8:00pm ET / 7:00pm CT / 6:00pm MT and 8:00pm PT (tape delay). Limited seats available in almost 400 movie theatres nationwide - buy your tickets online now at Fathom Events.

Side note: My Jesery Boy Daniel Reichard part of the cast as one of the plaid boys.

"Crazy 'Bout Ya Baby "-song from Forever Plaid

Grow for me

Do you want to see Little Shop of Horrors from Musical Theatre West at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, CSULB (Long Beach, CA) for only $17.50 - $31.50
July 10th- 26th???

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO!
"Grow for me" -song from Little Shop of Horrors

Old Red Hills Of Home

Center Theatre Group announced the cast for the upcoming production of the musical "Parade". Previews start on September 24, 2009, at the Mark Taper forum. Opening night is set for October 4 and performances will concluded on November 15. Parade won the Tony Award for Best Book and Best Original Musical Score. The play takes place in 1913 Atlanta and tells the story of a Jewish man who was convicted of the murder of 13-year-old factory worker. "As the press frenzy and public hatred surrounding the trial grew, Frank's wife continued to campaign for justice. In a time of religious intolerance, political injustice and racial tension, the musical explores the endurance of love and hope against all the odds," states Donmar (director of the producation).

Cast Includes: T.R. Knight (Leo Frank), Lara Pulver (Lucille Frank), Brad Anderson (Officer Ivey, Luther Rosser, Guard), Michael Berressee (Governor Slaton, Britt Craig, Mr. Peavy), Will Collyer (Ensemble), Charlotte d'Amboise (Mrs. Phagan, Sally Slaton), Karole Foreman (Ensemble), Laura Griffith (Ensemble), P.J. Griffith (Officer Starnes, Tom Watson), Curt Hansen (Young Soldier, Frankie Epps, Guard), Deidrie Henry (Minnie McKnight, Angela), Christian Hoff (Hugh Dorsey), Lisa Livesay (Monteen), Hayley Podschun (Iola Stover), David St. Louis (Newt Lee, Jim Conley, Riley), Rose Sezniak (Lila, Mary Phagan), Phoebe Strole (Essie), and Josh Tower (Ensemble).

PS: I love love love Christian Hoff who won the Tony for his performance in Jersey Boys. Also Phoebe Strole was in SA original cast and in Hamlet 2!
CLICK HERE FOR TICKET INFO!
"Old Red Hills Of Home "-song from Parade

We're All In This Together

BIG FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT(Thursdays) @ Universal City Walk!
Every Thursdays through August 28th, they are hosting a giant outdoor movie screenings, for FREE. Entertainment starts at 7:30 and movie start at 8:00pm.
The screening are sponsored by the Universal American Express® Card from GE Money. Universal American Express cardmembers and their guests (up to 3 guests, in addition to the cardmember) can show their card to get a chance to sit in big comfy couches in the VIP Section. A reminder to get there early as seating is limited.

HERE ARE THE MUSICALS THEY ARE SHOWING:
JULY 9TH: THE WIZ
AUGUST 13TH: GREASE
AUGUST 27TH: HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3
For there full list of screening as well as more info click here.

UPDATE!!!: Universal City Walk's will host a tribute to the King of Pop during their Thursday Movie Night. The tribute will include screenings of "The Wiz" and "Michael Jackson's Thriller," plus a "live" dance retrospective of Michael Jackson's phenomenal musical history, from his days as the youngest sibling in The Jackson Five to his history-making solo career as the world's most renowned pop music star. Starts at 7pm and the admission is free!
"We're All In This Together "- song from HS musical 3