Well, dear readers, Kritzerland at Sterling’s 71 has happened and here’s a little report on the show. It was, simply put, a wonderful evening – full house (surprised me, actually), with a great, great audience. Flaherty and Ahrens’ songs have such depth, character, resonance, and humor, and this cast brought out all of it superbly. I really can’t say enough about them but let me try: Paige Befeler – she’s done two of our shows before, but the girl who showed up at rehearsals for this one was in a whole other universe – poised, understanding the lyrics of her songs, and her voice is just beautiful, and tonight she just was incredible – she really blew me away. Roger Befeler, dad to Paige, is always a pleasure – such a strong singing actor and a really nice guy to boot. Brittney Bertier – I knew how great she was when she understudied in my production of Inside Out – she got to go on twice and knocked it out of the park. Tonight she was just perfect, finding the humor and pathos in each of her numbers. Jenna Gillespie, a newbie for us, was superb and she WILL be back – she got the vibe of our show and did great on all three of her numbers. Kim Huber, veteran of many Kritzerlands and one of my favorites – a spectacular interpreter of music and lyrics – nuanced, subtle, ferocious, and fun – she’s really got it all. Hadley Belle Miller did great in the group number, but she just shone so brightly in her solo – she just gets better and better. Nick Tubbs – another newbie and another who WILL be back – great voice, fine actor, and I just could not have been more pleased. And finally Cathy Rigby McCoy and her conservatory kids – this woman is a life-force all her own – she came in fully staged and just knocked it right out of the park. We had a few things to think out in terms of playing the room and she’s such a pro and so easy to work with and she’s just magical and the kids she brought did great, too. All that and Richard Allen on piano, doing his usual fine job. Co-producer Doug Haverty and I really could not be happier.
I was also pleased that the patter got some great laughs – I just was very free last night and let fly with some off-the-cuff stuff. I had a good line to do right at the top, and then a funny sight gag two lines later. And some fun stuff about the Jewish New Year. But it all worked and I really had a great time. Of course we have some actual photographs to share. Here’s our merry troupe – our largest cast ever thanks to the kids that Cathy brought to do her number.
Here’s Brittney Bertier, me, and Sami Staitman – please take note that there is no GUT on me – twenty-five pounds lighter and the first time I’ve worn only a shirt tucked into my now somewhat loose pants. That’s a new sportcoat, too.
Here’s a fun photograph of me and Richard Sherman.
Here’s me, Richard, and Sami.
Finally, here’s me with the Cat in the Hat herself, Cathy Rigby.
Prior to that, I actually managed to get nine hours of sleep. I answered e-mails, did a quick errand, then did a three-and-a-half mile jog. Then I relaxed for a half hour, then got ready and was on my way to The Federal for sound check. We began early so I could see Cathy’s Seussical number, which was loads of fun. We figured out her entrance and a few other things. Her head mic was supposed to be there by three-thirty – it was, but the person who brought it brought the wrong receiver and had to go all the way back to get it. Cathy used the hand-held just in case, but the head mic arrived at five-fifteen, we got her into it, ran the number and all was well. Whew. I had my usual artichoke. The Shermans were at our table, as was Sami and her mom. It was a little weird not having Sami in the show, but it was good to give her a break. Sami, in fact, has now appeared in more Kritzerland shows than any other performer.
After the show, a whole bunch of us, including Cathy, went to Little Toni’s. I had some rigatoni and meatballs – pretty good, sauce a bit watery, but they do make really good meatballs. There were about fifteen of us there and it was fun. Then I came home.
Today, I have some writing to do, I need a few miracles and instantly, so send your most excellent vibes and xylophones for instant miracles, I’ll eat, jog, and then we have a little group rehearsal for one of the numbers we’re recording tomorrow evening.
Tomorrow we have our recording session in the evening. I’m picking up Richard and Elizabeth Sherman and we’ll have a little something to eat prior to that. The rest of the week is meetings and meals and going and doing.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, write, jog, eat, hopefully pick up packages, have a group rehearsal, and relax. Today’s topic of discussion: What books are you currently reading or have you currently read and what do you think of them. I’m especially interested in non-fiction. Let’s have loads of lovely postings, shall we, whilst I hit the road to dreamland, happy to have had a wonderful Kritzerland at Sterling’s 71.