Tonight was the first rehearsal for APPLAUSE! production of “It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman”! I’ve done a whole slew of APPLAUSE! shows - more than any sane person should, really - but they’re so much fun I just can’t stop, and happily they keep inviting me back.

This time around, I thought I would report on the experience of performing in one of these one-week wonders. An “insider’s view” if you will, of how a show like this gets put together. It’s such a unique and fun experience - hopefully there will be amusing tales a-plenty to share. So, here goes! Read the rest of this entry »

>This is amazing! And it’s happening tomorrow - Friday, August 3!

The Fifth Avenue Cinemas (Fifth and Burrard) presents a sing-along showing of HAIRSPRAY with the lyrics right up there on the screen, printed on the film! OMG!

Everyone also receives a collectible card, and gets a chance to win a HAIRSPRAY soundtrack CD.

OK people. I know there are TONS of musical theatre fans out there. And there are a lot of Broadway Chorus folks who have sung some of these songs with me on stage! Let’s turn out in force and REPRESENT!!!

There is a 6:50 and a 9:20 showing. I think the 9:20 might be best to give more people time to get out there. (Though personally I could go to both of ‘em!)

Are you with me? Let me know! And remember…

YOU CAN’T STOP THE BEAT!!!!!!!

I was fortunate enough to attend this first-ever coffeehouse gig for local a capella group “The Marmaladies”. The harmonies were heavenly and the melodies were mellifluous! Incredible singing by this four-woman group. Check out the video! Read the rest of this entry »

For the first time ever, I was able to attend the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, a legendary local event that this year celebrates its 30th anniversary. Joining me was my friend Maita. We flitted from one stage to the next in search of musical delights, and found quite a few. And I even got an impromptu stilt-walking lesson! Read the rest of this entry »

This year, The Broadway Chorus presents their most ambitious, outrageous, hilarious show ever: MISPLACED… the musical!

Taking jabs at everything from LOST to SURVIVOR to Paris Hilton – with a bit of Gilligan’s Island thrown in for good measure – MISPLACED is the story of the impoverished residents of Port Apotti who, thanks to a fluke lottery win, embark on the trip of a lifetime through the great capitals of Europe. But they have some unexpected company in the form of their resentful neighbours, who manage to follow them to Paris, Florence and beyond in an effort to steal their jewels!

MISPLACED is a madcap (and very silly) musical adventure, peppered with sitcom-worthy one-liners and, of course, a selection of great (and only occasionally gratuitous) show tunes, including selections from SEUSSICAL, GUYS AND DOLLS, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, INTO THE WOODS, OLIVER!, and many more!

As “Robinson”, I help move the plot forward by coming up with a couple of completely crazy ideas, which everyone finds brilliant and follows immediately. Does it all lead to a final surprise plot twist and a happy ending? I’m sworn to secrecy. Come see “MISPLACED… the musical” and find out for yourself!

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WHERE:
Waterfront Theatre, Granville Island

WHEN:
Wednesday, June 13 (preview), Thursday, June 14, Friday, June 15, Saturday, June 16

TICKETS:
Wed. preview: $12/$8.
Thurs.-Saturday:
$18 @ door / $14 Students, Seniors, Kids / $16/$12 if reserved in advance!

To reserve tickets, call: (778) 322-7182

“Brains” is a former henchman - er, business associate – of Hubie Cram, an outsized character with a lot of big dreams and failed schemes. Hubie’s always looking for the “angle” – that big break that will finally make him a fortune and get him (and his long-suffering wife Kay) the best seat at the Casacabana nightclub. And his latest idea just might work: there’s a fortune to be made in the burgeoning jukebox industry. Best of all, it’s “strictly legitimate” – although it does mean getting mixed up with his former hoodlum pals, as well as a lot of other eccentric characters in the music business.

All this unfolds in the hilarious 1960 musical DO RE MI, presented by APPLAUSE! Musicals in Concert June 5-9! Written as a showcase for legendary comedian Phil Silvers, this production is its western Canada premiere. And starring as Hubie Cram is none other than tech-whiz and nationally syndicated TV host, Steve Dotto!

DO RE MI is a wacky romp, full of big laughs and catchy, jazzy tunes, including the beautiful ballad (which quickly became a standard), “Make Someone Happy”.

Presented in concert format, APPLAUSE! rehearses for a single week, and everyone remains “on book” with an emphasis on the music, and only essential props and costumes. It’s an exciting way to present rarely-seen or obscure musicals in their entirety, many (like this one) never before performed in the Lower Mainland. This may be your only chance to see DO RE MI!

I hope you’re able to come out to the Shadbolt Centre for a fun and laughter-filled evening to see myself and a talented cast, featuring Steve Dotto, in DO RE MI!

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Where:
Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, Deer Lake, Burnaby (view map)

When:
Tuesday, June 5 through Saturday, June 9. Here are the details for each night:

Tuesday, June 5, 8pm: Half Price Preview
Wednesday, June 6, 8pm: Opening Night
Thursday, June 7, 7:30: Preshow talk with director (show at 8pm)
Friday, June 8, 8pm
Saturday, June 9, 2pm and 8pm

Tickets:
Adults $28, Seniors $25, Students $15, Youth (15 and under) $12.

Tickets are available at the Shadbolt Centre box office: (604) 204-3000