Well, dear readers, it’s almost two in the morning so I’d better just write these here notes in a whiz bang hurry because I am so tired I can’t even see straight, although I can see crooked. So, let me cut right to the chase. Yesterday was a pretty fun day. I got up early, did a three-mile jog, went for a sandwich, and then wrote an article for Backstage magazine. That took about two hours, then I did some errands and whatnot, made a couple of revisions on the packaging for our new release, and then approved it. I then answered a whole slew of e-mails, and packaged up about fifteen orders and put postage on them. And then it was time to mosey on over to Mr. Barry Pearl’s. Once there, we headed out to Cabrillo Music Theatre to attend the opening night of Cinderella.
Last night, I attended the opening night of Cinderella. I did the show when I was sixteen, and even back then I knew it wasn’t a great theater piece. I saw the City Opera production in New York, which starred our very own Miss Crista Moore, and I really didn’t like that production at all. So, I had no illusions about what I was going to see, and I suspected I really wouldn’t like it. But lo and behold and also behold and lo, I did like it. In fact, it was a terrific production, as good as Cinderella has probably gotten. Very well directed by Lewis Wilkenfeld, who had some truly magical moments in his staging and stage effects. The score has always been lovely, although I really wish they hadn’t interpolated Boys and Girls Like You and Me. The cast was really terrific – it was a mix of Equity and non-Equity, but everyone did a stellar job. Nineteen-year-old Melissa Mitchell was a lovelier than lovely cute-as-a-button Cinderella, with a beautiful, clear voice. Her Prince was charming Derek Klena. As the King and Queen we had Norman Large, who was very amusing, and the lovely and wonderful Christina Saffron Ashford. The two stepsisters were great – Ann Myers and Dana Shaw. I’d met the latter when she auditioned for the long musical. Marcia Wallace played the Stepmother and was her usual amusing self. But the show truly belonged to Miss Sally Struthers as the Fairy Godmother. This is my first time seeing her onstage, and she was just wonderful. There is nothing like watching a pro strut her stuff, and Miss Struthers’ comedy timing, singing voice, and professionalism were really excellent. She took that stage and never let it go. She got huge laughs, and I had no idea she sang so well.
After the show, we went backstage and talked to Miss Wallace and then Miss Struthers. I haven’t seen her or spoken to her in decades, but she remembered me, gave me a hug and a kiss, and was simply delightful. I’d love to work with her and may ask her if she’d like to do one of our Gardenia evenings. Then we went to the opening night partay at Brent’s Deli. The food was excellent, and I chatted up each of the stepsisters, who were delightfully delightful. I spoke to the leading lady, and met some really nice folks. All in all, it was a fun evening.
Well, why don’t we all click on the Unseemly Button below because it’s now after two and I really need to get my beauty sleep and must complete these here notes in a whiz bang hurry.
Today, I shall attend the Hollywood Show, after which I will hopefully pick up some packages and an important envelope. I then have to begin work on the liner notes I’m doing for another label, eat something fun, and the relax and watch a motion picture or three.
Tomorrow, I shall try to do as little as possible. I do have to approve our new master and then we announce on Monday morning, I think. The rest of the week is extremely busy.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, do a jog, go to the Hollywood Show, write, eat, and relax. Today’s topic of discussion: What are your favorite Rodgers and Hammerstein shows and songs? Let’s have loads of lovely postings, shall we, whilst I wrap up these here notes in a whiz bang hurry.