"Phone rings, door chimes..."

I'm not currently doing a show (what??), so it's time to go see friends in their shows. Of course I had to go to "Company" at Seattle Musical Theatre. I know practically the entire cast and was disappointed last fall when I realized that because of my commitment to "Trial" that I couldn't even audition.

Full disclosure. I've worked (a lot) for SMT. I really enjoy the folks there, so this "review" will have a bias.

In a word, brilliant. SMT has mounted an excellent production of the 1970 Stephen Sondheim/George Furth meditation on marriage and coupling.

Musical director Paul Linnes leads an amazing group of musicians in bringing the great score to life (I especially love "Sorry-Grateful" and "Side by Side"). Great work from friends Danielle Barnum, Bill Hamer, Ben Derby, Krista Erickson and Julia Beers.

Dawn Brazel simply tore it up as Joanne (loved her "Ladies Who Lunch"), Kat Schroeder brought great controlled nervousness to "Getting Married Today" and Julie Drummond was hilarious in the role of Jenny. I also enjoyed Allison Standley as feisty Marta (she did great things with "Another Hundred People"). And the girl can rock a pair of hot pants (all the costumes in the show were fabulous in their "Groovy '70s" way).

And the center of the show, Bobby, was performed with understated charisma by Ryan Demerick. He sang the role well (especially the great "Being Alive"), but it was when he was silent, watching everyone else, that his Bobby spoke volumes.

Bravo director Vicki Webb and Seattle Musical Theatre. This show deserves to be a big fat hit.

"I Got the Horse. Right. Here."

"The Producers" hasn't been closed for even a week, and now I'm involved in two new shows. I previously mentioned the murder mystery/fundraiser for Centerstage (first rehearsal is tonight), but now I'm going to be playing Harry the Horse in "Guys & Dolls." My friend Loretta contacted me that she might need someone for the upcoming production that she's directing and it was all finalized today. I'll start rehearsal next week.

The funny thing is, I just did a production of "Guys & Dolls" this past spring at SMT. I played Rusty Charley. Bring back the gambling and the dames.

Superior Donuts

It's Thursday, kids! What are you up to?

Another day of work at the coal mine, and am now backstage at Seattle Musical Theatre waiting for the start of our 7:30 performace of "The Producers."

Heard a great radio story in the car on my way to the theater about a new play called "Superior Donuts" opening tonight on Broadway. It's by Tracy Letts ("August: Osage County") and sounds intriguing. And come on, you gotta love that title.

Another blog...Really?

Does the world really ned another blog? Hmmm, probably not, but heck, I'll give it a try.

I'm presently backstage at Seattle Musical Theatre. We are 10 minutes in to our fifth performace of "The Producers." I'm playing Franz. Don't go on 'till about 8:45.

Yes, I'm an actor (God, another one?). Have been most of my life.

Gotta go. More soon.