Well, dear readers, I had an absolutely grand day yesterday and I am so exhausted from the doing and going and going and doing, but I shall try not to forget anything. I got up at nine, went to the gym and did two and a half miles on the treadmill (jogging) and then an additional half-mile walking. I then got ready for my interview on ABC News’ What’s the Buzz show. I cabbed it up to the ABC Studios on 66th Street. I was taken into makeup, made up, and then escorted to a small room with a camera set up, a stool for me to sit on, an earpiece and a mic. They wired me up and then showed me how it was going to work. There was a monitor next to the camera and I could hear the gal who was going to interview me through the headpiece. It was very odd, not being in the same space. The taping began and I found the whole thing unnerving because I could see myself on the monitor and was so concerned with the way I looked that I’m afraid my answers to her questions were not very personality-laden. But it was fun, lasted about five minutes, and that was that. By the time I got out of the studio it was really hot out. Since I had the time, I decided to walk the forty blocks back to the hotel, which turned out to be not such a good idea, as I was sweating like a pig by the time I’d done twenty blocks. I got back, washed the makeup off, and went downstairs to the bar, where it was wonderfully cool – I had a Diet Coke and put markers in the book for the sections I’d be reading. I then moseyed on over to the Drama Bookshop. I met someone from the Film Score Monthly message board – he couldn’t stay but just wanted to say hello, which was very nice. I then met several Facebook friends, which was also nice. My friend Jessica Rush (she sings Past My Prime with Guy Haines) showed up – hadn’t seen her in a couple of years and she looks a beautiful as ever and told me she’d just been cast in the Broadway production of Jersey Boys. Ant and Ben came, as did FJL, Julie, Jose, Kevin Hall, vixmom and the vixter, my friend Crista Moore, my friend Walter Willison and a choreographer friend of his (Walter showed me a nice e-mail from Pat Suzuki saying she was sorry she couldn’t be there), and there were several people I didn’t know. I read the usual three selections – the twenty people who were there seemed to enjoy it, and then I spoke a little. The lady from the bookshop asked me a few questions, and then I went upstairs to sign. We sold a few books, I signed a few books, and then we all hung out in front of the store until it was time to mosey on over to Joe Allen. The lady who’d arranged the signing told me I gave one of the best readings and presentations they’ve ever had and she said they’d be thrilled to have me back anytime.
They had a nice big table in the back for us. After a little while, elmore joined us. We all ordered our various and sundried meals – I had a side of mac and cheese, a shrimp cocktail, and a small Caesar. Photographs were taken, so hopefully they’ll be posted soon. Then a really fun group sat at the table next to us – conductor Jack Lee, who I hadn’t seen in fifteen years (we had a great chat), actor Don Correia, original Plaid Guy Stroman (who I hadn’t seen since we did Unsung Sondheim), and some other nice people. We all had so much fun and it was great seeing everyone again. Towards the end of the meal, my pal Alex Rybeck arrived and we had a great chat about many things. All in all, it was a perfectly perfect day and evening. I walked the twenty blocks back to the hotel and finally sat at the laptop like so much fish. There are times when the sensation of taking off one’s shoes is exquisite and this was one of them.
Well, why don’t we all click on the Unseemly Button below because I must be up very early to get myself ready for the eleven o’clock recording session with Mr. Skip Kennon and Miss Rebecca Luker.
Today, I shall do a recording session with the duo of Kennon and Luker. After that, I’m meeting with Walter Willison to talk about some stuff, and then I’ll have an early dinner with a friend. My plan is to be in bed by nine, as I have a really early flight back to LA. And keep those most excellent vibes and xylophones coming for continued good weather and an on-time, safe, and stress-free flight back to LA.
Upon my returning, I’ll get everything ready for the new release announcement and then relax and watch motion pictures. I have a vague memory that I may meet someone for a meal, but I can’t remember who. I’m kind of hoping I’m not remembering correctly.
Monday, we make the announcement, and then we have a Gardenia show rehearsal in the afternoon. The rest of the week is quite busy.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, do a recording session, meet Walter Willison, have dinner and then get some sleep before my early morning flight. Today’s topic of discussion: I know we’ve done it before, but I like it – what was the first Broadway play and musical you ever saw – on Broadway itself, or a tour? Let’s have loads of lovely postings, shall we, as I hit the road to dreamland and think of my perfectly perfect day.