Haines His Way

Thanks, DR Jane, but I don't really perform regularly - usually just for a specific event to which I have some personal connection.  And I don't have a website, a blog, or any shred of self promotion!  It's really something I just do for fun, here and there.  But thanks for asking!  

Jeanne asked:I wish I knew, Jeanne.  Oh, how I wish I knew.  I've spoken to some who've been through NYMF before, and they speak rather vaguely about rich uncles and generous friends and bake sales.  I've long feared that this wonderful opportunity, this grand and bully pulpit, is really only available to the rich and well-connected.

My musical Such Good Friends is a traditional large-cast show, in the grand tradition of, say, Bells Are Ringing or Guys and Dolls.  There’s no way it will cost less than $20,000There's a rationale, but it takes a whole lot of thinking to understand it:

Such Good Friends was one of 400 submissions to NYMF's Next Link.  The idea is to give a boost to shows and writers who've languished in obscurity, like me.  But there's no rule.  Experienced practitioners are welcome to submit.  All sorts of readers weed through the 400 to find the best 36 and these are sent to the Grand Jury.  The Grand Jury consists of top Tony-honored Broadway people, Victoria Clark, B.D. Wong, Rachel Sheinkin, Margo Lion, Adam Epstein, Casey Nicholaw and they select 18 shows that will get a slot in the festival.  None of this selectors know who wrote the shows or whether they've been produced before.

Then, the people who run NYMF - Kris Stewart, Isaac Hurwitz, Jess McLeod et al - think about what sorts of shows aren't in the festival.  It's easy to imagine them saying "You know what this festival needs?  A funny sci-fi spoof!  Wasn't there one playing in L.A. some months ago?"  And so, these Powers That Be contact those Esteemed and Experienced theatre pros (such as BK) whom they'd like in the festival, and have usually done their shows in another city.

So, the rationale for that $5,000 has to do with the idea that the Invited Works already have a track record, already have the wherewithal to stake 5 grand to the Festival, knowing that box office receipts will pay it back.  The Next Link shows, which often have never been seen before on any stage (like Such Good Friends) pay $500 to participate, and don't get the same box office split, unless every seat sells.  Those 400 submissions, by the way, all paid $50 to be considered.

Whew!  That's a long and complex explanation.  And hardly complete.  But I hope it begins to answer your question.

Thank you, NOEL, for taking the time to explain your experience with NYMF. I wish you the best for discovering a rich uncle you never knew you had or a really STUPENDOUS bake sale!

Was it rubbery and disgusting?  

No, it was really quite tasty.

Just think vanilla custard with a small piece of sponge cake on top and meringue.

der Brucer

Given MUSIC GUY'S posts regarding JOSE, I'd say this pose was very TAME, indeed!

You don't find foreplay exciting?

der Brucer

Here is the delightful and handsome DR Musicguy. You may notice The Paramount in the background which Musicguy has a connection to. I will ask that he explain that connection as I have forgotten the full details.

That can't be our DR MusicGuy -- an imposter!  Where's his pink shirt?

Two of a favorite boys...DRs Musicguy and Jose on the Broad Way!

It may look tame -- but it was enough to have that guy in the back there keeping an eye on 'em ...

You don't find foreplay exciting?

der Brucer

Surely, my dear DER BRUCER, you're not asking me about my romantic preferences, are you?

I have had baked alaska--the flaming variety--and found it good but not great. A lot of show, a lot of drama--quite fun, but not my favorite dessert.

Continued ***HEALING VIBES*** to DR MBarnum's mother

and thanks, DR MBarnum, for those fabulous NYC photos!

DR Danise, thanks for sharing your sleep study experience.  Here's hoping the doctors can review the results and get you some help!
And ***JOB VIBES*** for you!

Continued ***LEASE-SIGNING VIBES*** to DR elmore3003

DR DearReaderLaura - thanks for the lovely photographs!

My concert last night was a great success.  The Red Rock Center for the Arts is a fabulous venue, lovingly and beautifully restored.  The seating capacity is 275, and we had at least 300 people show up.  It went very well, and I was pleased.  No word yet on exactly how much we raised, but estimated to be in the $4,000 - $5,000 range!  Wish we could do it again and send the proceeds to The Brain seed money!

Must be some lounge act, DR SingSong!  You must put it on for us when all the HHWers converge on NYC to see The Brain and Such Good Friends .. I'm sure there'll be a lounge in one of the hotels ... or there's always DR ELmo's "balcony" ....

(seriously, CONGRATS!  And it would be nice to hear you do your Singdaw thing .. hint, hint)

Quite right, MISS KAREN. I'd missed that. Somehow my focus was on our two stunning H/Ks!

Yes, it is hard to take your eyes off 'em ....

And even more so together!

   

...  I just happened to notice that other guy agape, aghast or possibly ogling them as I matted and framed the photo for my bed-side table...

...  I just happened to notice that other guy agape, aghast or possibly ogling them as I matted and framed the photo for my bed-side table...

Obviously, Miss Karen will have very sweet dreams. (And not about Baked Alaskas)!

...  I just happened to notice that other guy agape, aghast or possibly ogling them as I matted and framed the photo for my bed-side table...

"My, what sharp eyes you have," said Little Red Riding Hood.

"My, what sharp eyes you have," said Little Red Riding Hood.

The better to see lurkers with ...