The show went wonderfully, thanks to our amazing cast - sold out crowd and a terrific audience. So, many kudos to Chelsea Emma Franko, Tessa Grady (her first time with us and so lovely), Barry Pearl (his first time with us and just did a superb job), Jenna Lea Rosen (she's been doing these for a year now, off and on, but tonight was the first time she was a regular doing three songs and she was just stellar in each, but her Where Is Love made me proudest - watching this terrific kid grow better and better with each show is so gratifying), and Robert Yacko (stepping in to replace an ailing cast member at the last minute and delivering a flawless performance). Guest star Tony Tanner was charming, funny, and a complete delight recreating his Half a Sixpence number, and other guest star Kerry O'Malley brought the house down with the best As Long As He Needs Me I've ever heard. And the icing on the cake, of course, Shelly Markham at the keyboard, and even singing a song. Thanks to associate producer Adryan Russ, too. Next up - the Armenian musicals of the 90s. Kidding. Those who were at the show will understand the reference. Next up really is a show I cannot wait to do - two of my favorite composers ever, Meredith Willson (The Music Man, Molly Brown, Here's Love, etc.) and Gene de Paul (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Li'l Abner, and a slew of classic standards like I'll Remember April and Teach Me Tonight) - if you like by-God melody this is the show for you. We're already cast and should be able to announce as soon as we lock our guest star down.
