 THE NATE BERKUS SHOW - taping: March 8, 2011 a.m. Aired: March 21, 2011  The only shot from the audience section where I was sitting. They call it the 'West Wing". Snaps from TV... I'm on the far right hand side, pink shirt.
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Monday, April 11, 2011
NATE Show - Does Your Home Tell Your Story?
NATE Show - Catch up
This is where I catch up with documenting the Nate show tapings I've been to and the airings before the April 5th airing of the March 15th p.m. taping. Since this blog puts most recent at the top, I'll start with the first taping I went to and the fun I had there and continue on upward with the most recent after that coming up only to the ones that start from this point down. Confusing? Just read...
I've been going to CBS Broadcasting Studios on West 57th St. in Manhattan to be in the studio audience of the Nate Berkus show. It's fun and energetic. The audience warmer, Dena Blizzard is a riot to listen to. She has a very quick wit and is very entertaining during the "down times" between segment tapings. So, whenever a show airs on TV that I was in the audience for, I will try to give the details for that particular show. It'll be fun to document them here.
THE NATE BERKUS SHOW - taping: March 16, 2011 a.m.
Aired: April 7, 2011
Nate shares design ideas to help revamp any room in your home. Plus, "Cake Boss" Buddy Valastro makes a house call to end a couple's kitchen debate!
Nate shares one of the most important design plans for your home - how to make each room connect and have purpose. Then, TLC’s "Cake Boss" Buddy Valastro makes a house call and helps put an end to one couple’s kitchen debate. Plus, the secrets to making your kitchen the heart of your home.
Also:
"Cake Boss" Buddy Valastro has made many cakes in his time cooking. Learn which cake was his favorite. (Hint: It's life-size!).
Nate asks audience members to share the design inspiration behind their favorite room in their home.
"Cake Boss" Buddy Valastro is in the kitchen with Nate sharing his grandmother's delicious lasagna recipe.
Nate and design blogger Kate Riley help a couple who are in major need of a family room update.
The audience was given Buddy Valastro's book, "Cake Boss: Stories and Recipes from Mia Famiglia" and a DVD of Season 3 of TLC's "The Cake Boss".
I've been going to CBS Broadcasting Studios on West 57th St. in Manhattan to be in the studio audience of the Nate Berkus show. It's fun and energetic. The audience warmer, Dena Blizzard is a riot to listen to. She has a very quick wit and is very entertaining during the "down times" between segment tapings. So, whenever a show airs on TV that I was in the audience for, I will try to give the details for that particular show. It'll be fun to document them here.
THE NATE BERKUS SHOW - taping: March 22, 2011 a.m.
Aired: April 06 2011
Nate and guest Kelly Killoren Bensimon reveal the hottest trends in design and fashion that you can find right outside your front door!
Nate proves that when it comes to the latest trends, the best finds are often in your own backyard! "Real Housewives of NYC" star, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, shows off her favorite finds in her home and in the city she considers her backyard – New York! Plus, Nate’s guide on how to refresh your style with items in your closet.
Check out Nate's unexpected ways to use local businesses for design projects.
House Proud- Real Housewife Kelly Bensimon takes you on a tour of her chic Manhattan home.
Kelly Bensimon takes you for a tour of her neighborhood and her favorite haunts.
Nate reveals his favorite Manhattan locales.
Lilliana Vasquez - Fashioneista will make new outfits with what's in your closet.
Learn the most essential tips for cleaning out your closet from professional organizer Andrew Mellen.
Nate's Tearsheet: I’m lucky to have New York City as my backyard, so I’m bringing you my favorite blocks, stores, restaurants, hidden spots – everything I love about this city! Because not only can you visit them if you’re ever in town, but with the internet expanding all of our backyards, MY New York can easily become YOUR New York. The first stop on your tour? The Antiques Garage on West 25th street between 6th and 7th ave. It’s one of my favorite places to hit up on the weekend, and it’s full of buys no matter how much money you’re looking to spend!
Lately, I've been going to CBS Broadcasting Studios on West 57th St. in Manhattan to be in the studio audience of the Nate Berkus show. It's fun and energetic. The audience warmer, Dena Blizzard is a riot to listen to. She has a very quick wit and is very entertaining during the "down times" between segment tapings. So, whenever a show airs on TV that I was in the audience for, I will try to give the details from the Nate show website & my notes for that particular show. It'll be fun to document them here.
THE NATE BERKUS SHOW - taping: March 15, 2011 p.m.
Aired: April 05 2011
Nate shows you how to make the best first impression when it comes to everything from decorating to dating! A former federal investigator reveals inside secrets on how your body language can help you land your dream job or date. Then Nate shows how to create a grand entrance in your home with five foyer essentials.
Author Janine Driver reveals how your body language is perceived by others.
Celebrity event planner Debi Lilly reveals how to create the perfect party ambiance to make your guest feel welcome the moment they arrive.
Matt Odom of rockandrollhearts.com shares tips on how you can get the most out of your wedding footage.
Interior designer Taniya Nayak does "room readings," predicting a stranger's personality based on a picture from their home.
Nate's Tearsheet: The message you send with a thank you card is priceless. Here are my two easy updates for making your next card stand out. Create stamped stationary by using blank, inexpensive stationary cards and using a beautiful stamp to create a classic, timeless, elegant look. Seal the envelope with wax, and personalize the type of seal!
In 1971, ten-year-old Michael Stern thought he had died and gone to heaven as he watched a filming of Here’s Lucy. He was enthralled with a redhead gifted with beauty, stage presence, and the ability to make others laugh. Over the next few years, he would attend several more filmings, meet Lucy, and eventually become (in Lucy’s own words) her “number-one fan.”
In his memoir, Michael Stern offers a refreshing glimpse into the life of a natural comedienne and actress as he provides a fascinating narrative on what it was like to become first a fan and then a friend with one of the biggest television personalities of all time. Known to fans simply as Lucy, she entertained millions of people across the world with shows like I Love Lucy, The Lucy Show, and Here’s Lucy. But to Michael, who was eventually allowed access into her private world, she was a fascinating woman with whom he would share many unforgettable adventures.
I Had a Ball is a unique tribute to Lucy’s legacy, her spirit, her talent, and her enthusiasm for life—sure to entertain Lucy fans, television aficionados, and comedy lovers around the world.
“Knowing how much Mom liked Michael Stern, I knew his book would be honest—and it is. I HAD A BALL is full of stories no one but Michael would know. His friendship with Mom is evident on every page. A good read. Thank you Michael.”
—DESI ARNAZ JR.
“Michael’s memories are my memories, only clearer. What a talent for details! It was very moving for me to relive so much of our lives through Michael’s eyes. Very entertaining. Charming. And, more importantly, true. As Mom wrote on one of her photos to him, ‘Happy Thoughts.’”
—LUCIE ARNAZ
‘Laughter On The Lake’ A New Era For Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center
POSTED: August 20, 2010
Thursday evening may have marked the end of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center series of comedians, "Laughter on the Lake," but it is also a clear sign of a new beginning for the center, according to board president Tom Benson.
"The board is committed to an aggressive expansion plan for the center that will see the strengthening of its Lucy Desi Museum and I Love Lucy Playhouse operations and the development of an over-arching Legacy of Laughter program that will be designed to promote comedy and laughter on a much broader scale," Benson said. "We want to preserve the incredible contributions of Lucy and Desi through the transformation of Jamestown into the Comedy Center of America.
The Legacy of Laughter platform will have four segments. The first will be the Legacy of Laughter Award and Hall of Fame. This award will be given annually to the comedian who, as determined by the judges, most exemplifies Lucy and Desi and the mission of the Center. The initial award will be presented in August 2011 during Lucy's 100th birthday celebration.
The second Legacy of Laughter segment will be the Festival of New Comedy which will return the center to its roots when the likes of (then unknowns) Ray Romano, Ellen DeGeneres and Paula Poundstone played in Jamestown during the early Lucy Fest programs.
"We want to get to the point where every up-and-coming comedian feels that they must play the Legacy of Laughter Festival in order to make it to the top," said Benson.
Legacy of Laughter's third part will be a Short Comedic Film Festival that will inspire new artists to follow Lucy and Desi's footsteps and delve into comedic theater. The fourth will be the development of a comedic education program in conjunction with an accredited university that will have satellite programs in Jamestown and the surrounding region. Part of this program will focus on the healing power of laughter and will eventually provide services to local health care institutions.
''Our plans are very ambitious, but we have a great deal to work with. As evidenced by the Laughter on the Lake Series, we will develop close collaborations with the other local attractors so that we can share marketing and public relations functions for the overall benefit of all and we will be much more global in our thoughts and actions,'' Benson said. ''At the same time we will reach out to the Jamestown and regional community and ask for input and participation in meaningful ways.''
Plans are in the works for Lucy's 100th birthday celebration next August and details will be released over the coming months.
In addition, a new robust website complete with social media and state-of-the-art merchandizing will be launched in about six weeks.
"My brother and I are thrilled at the direction the Center is taking, and we fully endorse it," said Lucie Arnaz. "We are committed to helping Tom and the board make our mother's 100th birthday celebration a huge success, and to getting the Legacy of Laughter platform off to a great start.''
The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center's purpose is to promote and develop comedy as an art form, including new forms of comedy, and the mission is to preserve and celebrate the legacy of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz and enrich the world through the healing powers of love and laughter.
For more information on the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, call 484-0800 or go to their website, www.lucy-desi.com.
Showbiz Memoir I Loved Lucy Will Star Jeffry Denman and Diane J. Findlay in California
By Kenneth Jones, 19 Aug 2010
Laguna Playhouse's world premiere of I Loved Lucy, the stage version of Lee Tannen's book about his friendship with aging actress Lucille Ball, will star Diane J. Findlay as Ball and Jeffry Denman as Lee.
Performances under the direction of Todd Weeks will play Oct. 5-31 in Laguna Beach, CA. Opening is Oct. 9.
According to production notes, "Comedienne Lucille Ball left an indelible imprint on fans throughout the world, but most saw only the public persona. Now, go behind the scenes and get a glimpse of the personal side of Lucy. Few people knew America's comic sweetheart the way Lee Tannen did. Though distantly related by marriage and 40 years apart in age, Lucy and Lee became the nearest and dearest of friends during the last decade of Lucy's life. It was a time Lucy spent out of the spotlight and around a backgammon table, and Lee was lucky enough to be sitting across from her for much of that time."
"Lee Tannen has a unique insider's knowledge of Lucille Ball," Laguna Playhouse artistic director Andrew Barnicle said in a statement. "He spent years as her friend and confidant, and he saw her through many of the ups and downs in the last decade of her life. Yes, she was a comic powerhouse. She was also stubborn, philosophical, affectionate, mercurial, vulnerable, and very human."
Denman appeared in Off-Broadway's Yank! (for which he was a 2010 Drama Desk nominee) and Broadway's White Christmas, The Producers, Cats, Dream and 1995's How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
Findlay appeared in Off-Broadway's Flamingo Court, Paper Mill Playhouse's Funny Girl and Goodspeed Musicals' Dear World and They All Laughed.
For more information, call (949) 497-2787, or visit LagunaPlayhouse.com.
By: Dan Bacalzo · Aug 6, 2010 · Colorado
Carol Channing will release a new Patriotic-themed CD, tentatively titled American Carol in September 2010.
Among the songs featured will be "Over There," "Dear Old Glory," "God Bless America," "America," and "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."
Channing won the Tony Award for Hello, Dolly! and also appeared on Broadway in The Vamp, Lend an Ear, and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. She received an Oscar nomination for Thoroughly Modern Millie. Channing also recently released the CD, For Heaven's Sake, which includes spirituals, hymns, and rousing gospel tunes.
The actress will be making a number of upcoming appearances as part of a national campaign to restore the Arts back into the public school system through The Dr. Carol Channing and Harry Kullijian Foundation for the Arts. She will appear in Denver on August 6 before the national PTA, followed by a San Francisco panel discussion on August 8 with friends Rich Little and Steve Rossi for Comedy Talks, then on to Los Angeles where she and Kullijian will co-host an August 14 event for Spirit or 45' honoring US Veterans of WWII on the 65th anniversary of the end of the war.
Channing also recently produced a PSA for California in conjunction with the PTA to speak out in support of the need for the Arts in the public school system. It featured friends and colleagues Lily Tomlin, Alec Mapa, Florence Henderson, Kevin Sorbo, Donna Mills, Lesley Ann Warren, Stefanie Powers, Kate Linder, JoAnne Worley, and Phill Lewis. Another is being planned for national distribution.
For more about Channing's national efforts, visit www.ChanningArts.org.
This is the original article.
Personalities
The Complete Picture
By: Duane St. Clair
A planned one-hour interview with a light-hearted but still serious Yolanda Brown easily lasts two hours in the dormant-for-the-summer classroom where she teaches art at Dublin’s Davis Middle School.
Next Nov. 4, she’ll be honored as middle school art teacher of the year by the Ohio Art Education Association at its annual meeting in Columbus. Quickly she points out that it’s a shared honor this year and that Mary Baine of Baker Middle School in Fairborn is the other honoree. Yolanda’s says only a handful were nominated.
Written descriptions of art education, its goals and significance, often are not quite as revealing as is a chat with Yolanda, whose relaxed demeanor and candid conversation reveal the charm and dignity she brings to her charges, their parents and the Dublin school system.
Talking with Yolanda, who has a master’s degree in art education from Miami University, reveals who she really is and what she’s about in a half-dozen classes a day for sixth and eighth graders. First and foremost, she sees art as a valuable tool in school and life, regardless that a person is not an artist. For her art is fun, something she has done since childhood, beginning with making coal chalk marks on her grandparents’ sidewalk. She notes that art impacts us in many ways by depicting history, in Power Point presentations, advertising, exhibitions, home decorating, the list goes on.
She has taught art seemingly forever and since 2002 in Dublin, all but one year at Davis. “I like middle school kids. I’m especially in love with sixth grade kids. This is their first real academic independence. They never had a locker … changed classes every hour or had a different teacher for every subject. They’re eyes are bright and shiny and their hearts are open. They’re so sweet,” she says, noting without disdain that when they reach the eighth grade “They know everything.”
Yolanda finds that the arts and learning about them provides an unending background for life and the world. “My job is to train them for high school” so they’ll be aware of “how you can use what you know about color. It’s somewhat philosophical,” Yolanda explains. “It’s as important as reading … reading the visual landscape around you.”
She works in a multi-cultural environment. “The world has come to this school,” says the native of Dayton. Students and their parents speak over 40 languages, she says, before a roll call of countries represented, including China, Korea, India, Pakistan, West Africa and the Middle East.
At the beginning of the school year, she will ask students from each country to write on the blackboard “all the different ways they can say hello.” Fellow students “can learn from them, hearing different accents.” Some foreign students grow frustrated that the “English ear” keeps Americans from saying their name as it’s pronounced in their native tongue.
Yolanda says she “can communicate with pictures so they get some degree of knowledge.” Youngsters find a commonality in drawing a picture of a house. Art, she finds, helps bolster their language learning efforts. She wants student to realize that their art should be something that’s understood in Taiwan. “Your grandmother has to understand,” as she mentions the universal language of art that’s created and appreciated internationally.
She teaches watercolor, acrylic, clay, acrylic mediums and is “very heavy on color pencil drawings.” Some projects are 3D, or sculptures, perhaps involving a combination of mediums. She makes it fun, saying she wants the kids to “find joy” in the arts, in life. She sings songs she makes up. “They’re horrible, horrible songs,” she admits with a typical big smile. One for instance, is about the “Binder Bin,” a storage place on each desk that’s to be used so there’s nothing on the desktop where artwork is done.
Yolanda concedes she’s also demanding to the point students have said, “You’re mean.” Because she finds art so important, she says getting it right “is like getting ready to go on a trip to another country,” in that they’ll be heading to high school where 40 to 50 percent of her students will take at least one art class. She notes with pride that Scioto High School, next step for most of her students, has one of the top arts programs in the state and it produces numerous winners in state exhibitions each year.
She tells students who take art as an elective in the seventh and eighth grades, “If you want an easy ‘A’ go take something else.” About Scioto, she says, “it’s not a slacker program. You just can’t take art to get an ‘A.’ ”
Her classes, she feels, are “98 percent fun and learning. We should be having fun and you should be learning.” Yolanda’s disappointed that sometimes parents don’t want youngsters to bring home their artwork because it’s “too messy,” regardless that it’s a child’s self-expression.
When asked, she fills in a few bits of information about her life, which has centered around the arts since she started going to classes at the Dayton Art Institute at age eight. Quickly she provides a vita that goes on for two pages about her extensive activities in the arts. She briefly breezes though high school where she took woodshop and metal shop besides the usual courses. She went to Wright State University to study computer science but didn’t like it and quit after a year. Next stop was Sinclair Community College before earning her bachelor’s degree in fine arts and literature from Goddard College in Plainfield, Vt. She applied to a half dozen colleges to study for a master’s degree and decided, “The first letter I get, that’s where I’m going.” It was from Miami in Oxford, Ohio, not far from home.
In Oxford she was a full-time substitute high school art teacher and an adjunct instructor at the university with classes in women’s studies. Naturally, she taught some too at the university’s art institute. All the while, she continued creating artworks and having exhibitions.
“I just couldn’t seem to get out of Oxford” where she also did some class work preparatory to seek a doctorate. Other aspects of her own art education involved working with several mentors.
A lot of her conversation is about being happy and how she thinks kids can find something they like and do it. “It doesn’t have to be art.” Thus explains her classroom songs. “Kids need to see people who are joyous.”
She notes that “Einstein was a violinist. Tony Bennett’s a painter. We’ve got to keep the arts. I teach art. I like teaching art. I’m good at it,” she says smiling broadly.
She wasn’t boasting. She didn’t have to. It’s obviously the truth about this dynamic woman who’s dedicated to her profession, to the arts as important parts of all aspects of life – and her young students.
This is the Original Article
THE NATE BERKUS SHOW - taping: January 25, 2011 a.m. Aired: February 9, 2011   |
Oh, what fun I had. Wish you were there with me. I became famous. Today's taping theme began as a dance studio. There were hanging disco balls everywhere throughout the studio. The guests were a couple that couldn't and didn't dance at their wedding. So to help them were "Dancing With the Stars" real-life married couple Jonathan Roberts and his wife Anna Trebunskaya. So it was a cute segment of the show. In between taping segments, the audience has a bit of down time. So the audience girl, I don't know what she's called but she's the one who warms up the audience and prepares them for what's to come. She makes us practice clapping and laughing and reactions- anyway, pics me to dance in front of our audience section. So I went nuts dancing and everyone loved it. For this first dance section they gave me a NATE tee shirt.
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Oh, at some point during one of the breaks in taping, they came around with stickers to hand out to those who "stole" a banana from the audience waiting room. They were there to take and eat and she explained that a lot of people take them and keep them for later. I actually ate one there in the waiting room before being taken to the studio. She asked how many people had bananas with them now. About 10 people held up their bananas. So when they were passing out the stickers that say "I stole a banana from NATE: THE NATE BERKUS SHOW," I said I ate one in the waiting room. So they gave me a sticker. |
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They loved me and said to come back anytime I want and they'll probably have me dance. I can't wait to see me dancing on their website. They know me by name. Everybody called me by my name every time they referred to me. It was a lot of fun. Didn't get to meet NATE in person though. Bummer. But I took a pic of Anna and Jonathan as they were coming out of the building. |
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The show finaly aired February 9th. I took this snippet from Nates website about the show and even snapped a shot off the TV. They didn't get my face in there but still... it's me!!! I never did get to see the dancing section get onto the website. I guess they changed their minds. |
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 I'm in the lower right corner in this one... |  This one... |
 And this one... |  Here, I circled myself for easy ID. |
Thursday, April 07, 2011
NATE Show: Your House Proud Blueprint
I've been going to CBS Broadcasting Studios on West 57th St. in Manhattan to be in the studio audience of the Nate Berkus show. It's fun and energetic. The audience warmer, Dena Blizzard is a riot to listen to. She has a very quick wit and is very entertaining during the "down times" between segment tapings. So, whenever a show airs on TV that I was in the audience for, I will try to give the details for that particular show. It'll be fun to document them here.Aired: April 7, 2011
Nate shares design ideas to help revamp any room in your home. Plus, "Cake Boss" Buddy Valastro makes a house call to end a couple's kitchen debate!Nate shares one of the most important design plans for your home - how to make each room connect and have purpose. Then, TLC’s "Cake Boss" Buddy Valastro makes a house call and helps put an end to one couple’s kitchen debate. Plus, the secrets to making your kitchen the heart of your home.
Also:
 I am in the red shirt behind these girls. |  I am in the blured part in red top right. This was at the end for the credit roll. |
The audience was given Buddy Valastro's book, "Cake Boss: Stories and Recipes from Mia Famiglia" and a DVD of Season 3 of TLC's "The Cake Boss".
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
NATE Show: In Your Backyard
I've been going to CBS Broadcasting Studios on West 57th St. in Manhattan to be in the studio audience of the Nate Berkus show. It's fun and energetic. The audience warmer, Dena Blizzard is a riot to listen to. She has a very quick wit and is very entertaining during the "down times" between segment tapings. So, whenever a show airs on TV that I was in the audience for, I will try to give the details for that particular show. It'll be fun to document them here.Aired: April 06 2011
Nate and guest Kelly Killoren Bensimon reveal the hottest trends in design and fashion that you can find right outside your front door!Nate proves that when it comes to the latest trends, the best finds are often in your own backyard! "Real Housewives of NYC" star, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, shows off her favorite finds in her home and in the city she considers her backyard – New York! Plus, Nate’s guide on how to refresh your style with items in your closet.
 I am in a light blue shirt top center. |  Here, I am in the top right corner. | |
 Top behind the front & center girl. | ||
Nate's Tearsheet: I’m lucky to have New York City as my backyard, so I’m bringing you my favorite blocks, stores, restaurants, hidden spots – everything I love about this city! Because not only can you visit them if you’re ever in town, but with the internet expanding all of our backyards, MY New York can easily become YOUR New York. The first stop on your tour? The Antiques Garage on West 25th street between 6th and 7th ave. It’s one of my favorite places to hit up on the weekend, and it’s full of buys no matter how much money you’re looking to spend!
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
NATE Show: First Impressions
Lately, I've been going to CBS Broadcasting Studios on West 57th St. in Manhattan to be in the studio audience of the Nate Berkus show. It's fun and energetic. The audience warmer, Dena Blizzard is a riot to listen to. She has a very quick wit and is very entertaining during the "down times" between segment tapings. So, whenever a show airs on TV that I was in the audience for, I will try to give the details from the Nate show website & my notes for that particular show. It'll be fun to document them here.Aired: April 05 2011
Nate shows you how to make the best first impression when it comes to everything from decorating to dating! A former federal investigator reveals inside secrets on how your body language can help you land your dream job or date. Then Nate shows how to create a grand entrance in your home with five foyer essentials.Nate's Tearsheet: The message you send with a thank you card is priceless. Here are my two easy updates for making your next card stand out. Create stamped stationary by using blank, inexpensive stationary cards and using a beautiful stamp to create a classic, timeless, elegant look. Seal the envelope with wax, and personalize the type of seal!
Monday, April 04, 2011
Emmy Award-Winning Comedian To Headline Lucy’s 100th Birthday Celebration
By The Post-Journal editorial@post-journal.com.
A comedy legend and one of the industry's hottest stars will both be joining the celebration of the 100th birthday of Lucille Ball.
Emmy-winner and comedy icon Joan Rivers is set to headline the birthday festival set for Aug. 3-7, The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center announced Friday, while also mapping out a vision for the center's future which includes the creation of a festival of comedy.
''In 2011 for her 100th birthday, we give Lucille Ball what she always wanted, The Lucille Ball Festival of Comedy,'' said Journey Gunderson, the center's executive director.
With Rivers highlighting the festival by performing Thursday, Aug. 4 at the Reg Lenna Civic Center, another big name was added to the celebration in rising comedian Whitney Cummings.
''Staying true to our mission of not just honoring established comedy genius, but showcasing rising stars as we did Ray Romano, Lewis Black and Ellen Degeneres on their paths to the top in the early '90s, we couple our legendary headliner with a contemporary, just as she is exploding onto the scene, or as it's said in the business, 'blowing up right now,''' Gunderson said.
Cummings who has performed on the Comedy Central roasts of Rivers, Donald Trump and David Hasselhoff, and appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno twice in the last month, has been courted by both NBC and CBS, who have each built pilots around her for this fall's network sitcom lineup.
''Jamestown is thrilled to have grabbed her when we did,'' Gunderson said.
The pairing of Rivers and Cummings is the start to the first of a four-pillar vision mapped out for the center's future.
''Pillar one is a festival of comedy, the concept regarding her legacy that resonated with Lucille Ball the most when it was presented and discussed with her by the Arts Council of Jamestown shortly before her death in 1989,'' Gunderson said.
The second pillar is a partnership with institutions of higher learning in order to provide educational programming in support of the development of the comedic arts.
Bob Thompson, founding director of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture at Syracuse University, and professor at the Newhouse School of Communications, has agreed to be a lecturer, panelist and partner as we develop this programmatic series of seminars and classes.
''With Candace Huber, director of Continuing Education at Jamestown Community College, we're developing the Summer 2012 platform of 'comedy college' courses, and, this August we begin a new category of Membership to the Center for Comedy, proceeds of which go to fund programs and opportunities for people and youth interested in all facets of the comedic arts, so that we can cultivate the next little Lucille Ball,'' Gunderson said.
The third pillar, is a comedy film festival paying tribute to the legacy of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.
The final pillar, and most aggressive in the Legacy of Laughter vision according to Gunderson, is the formation of a Comedy Hall of Fame and Award.
''Like Cooperstown to baseball, Jamestown will induct and honor the comedic artists who most embody the legacy of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz for their impact on the world through the comedic arts,'' Gunderson said.
Tickets to all of festival performances go on sale Tuesday, and can be purchased at www.lucy-desi.com. A complete list of festival events is also available online.
Original article found here.
A comedy legend and one of the industry's hottest stars will both be joining the celebration of the 100th birthday of Lucille Ball.Emmy-winner and comedy icon Joan Rivers is set to headline the birthday festival set for Aug. 3-7, The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center announced Friday, while also mapping out a vision for the center's future which includes the creation of a festival of comedy.
''In 2011 for her 100th birthday, we give Lucille Ball what she always wanted, The Lucille Ball Festival of Comedy,'' said Journey Gunderson, the center's executive director.
With Rivers highlighting the festival by performing Thursday, Aug. 4 at the Reg Lenna Civic Center, another big name was added to the celebration in rising comedian Whitney Cummings.
''Staying true to our mission of not just honoring established comedy genius, but showcasing rising stars as we did Ray Romano, Lewis Black and Ellen Degeneres on their paths to the top in the early '90s, we couple our legendary headliner with a contemporary, just as she is exploding onto the scene, or as it's said in the business, 'blowing up right now,''' Gunderson said.
Cummings who has performed on the Comedy Central roasts of Rivers, Donald Trump and David Hasselhoff, and appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno twice in the last month, has been courted by both NBC and CBS, who have each built pilots around her for this fall's network sitcom lineup.
''Jamestown is thrilled to have grabbed her when we did,'' Gunderson said.
The pairing of Rivers and Cummings is the start to the first of a four-pillar vision mapped out for the center's future.
''Pillar one is a festival of comedy, the concept regarding her legacy that resonated with Lucille Ball the most when it was presented and discussed with her by the Arts Council of Jamestown shortly before her death in 1989,'' Gunderson said.
The second pillar is a partnership with institutions of higher learning in order to provide educational programming in support of the development of the comedic arts.
Bob Thompson, founding director of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture at Syracuse University, and professor at the Newhouse School of Communications, has agreed to be a lecturer, panelist and partner as we develop this programmatic series of seminars and classes.
''With Candace Huber, director of Continuing Education at Jamestown Community College, we're developing the Summer 2012 platform of 'comedy college' courses, and, this August we begin a new category of Membership to the Center for Comedy, proceeds of which go to fund programs and opportunities for people and youth interested in all facets of the comedic arts, so that we can cultivate the next little Lucille Ball,'' Gunderson said.
The third pillar, is a comedy film festival paying tribute to the legacy of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.
The final pillar, and most aggressive in the Legacy of Laughter vision according to Gunderson, is the formation of a Comedy Hall of Fame and Award.
''Like Cooperstown to baseball, Jamestown will induct and honor the comedic artists who most embody the legacy of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz for their impact on the world through the comedic arts,'' Gunderson said.
Tickets to all of festival performances go on sale Tuesday, and can be purchased at www.lucy-desi.com. A complete list of festival events is also available online.
Original article found here.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Book - I HAD A BALL - by Michael Stern
In 1971, ten-year-old Michael Stern thought he had died and gone to heaven as he watched a filming of Here’s Lucy. He was enthralled with a redhead gifted with beauty, stage presence, and the ability to make others laugh. Over the next few years, he would attend several more filmings, meet Lucy, and eventually become (in Lucy’s own words) her “number-one fan.”In his memoir, Michael Stern offers a refreshing glimpse into the life of a natural comedienne and actress as he provides a fascinating narrative on what it was like to become first a fan and then a friend with one of the biggest television personalities of all time. Known to fans simply as Lucy, she entertained millions of people across the world with shows like I Love Lucy, The Lucy Show, and Here’s Lucy. But to Michael, who was eventually allowed access into her private world, she was a fascinating woman with whom he would share many unforgettable adventures.
I Had a Ball is a unique tribute to Lucy’s legacy, her spirit, her talent, and her enthusiasm for life—sure to entertain Lucy fans, television aficionados, and comedy lovers around the world.
“Knowing how much Mom liked Michael Stern, I knew his book would be honest—and it is. I HAD A BALL is full of stories no one but Michael would know. His friendship with Mom is evident on every page. A good read. Thank you Michael.”
—DESI ARNAZ JR.
“Michael’s memories are my memories, only clearer. What a talent for details! It was very moving for me to relive so much of our lives through Michael’s eyes. Very entertaining. Charming. And, more importantly, true. As Mom wrote on one of her photos to him, ‘Happy Thoughts.’”
—LUCIE ARNAZ
BREAKING NEWS FROM LUCIE ARNAZ HER SELF
HERE ARE REVIEWS AND A NOTE FROM LUCIE ABOUT DAUGHTER KATE'S SHOW
"...brutally (and at times, hysterically!) honest about the ups and downs of her love life, seamlessly intertwining personal stories with songs." -Jenna Esposito
GREAT NEWS!!!!!!!! For those of you who were bummed that you missed my daughter, Kate Luckinbill's, one woman show LOVE (or the lack thereof) during her three SOLD OUT performances last month at DON'T TELL MAMA's, she will be reprising the show for TWO NIGHTS ONLY MARCH 20th and 21st at 7pm. (Notice there is now a SUNDAY show!)
If you were one of the first to see the show, in February, you know how good it is and understand the "buzz" that was created fro it. So, even if you can't come back for seconds, we would love you to pass this on to people you know who you think should see it. And, if you haven't seen it yet, and were bitch slapping yourselves that you missed it, lucky, lucky you!!! You can now catch one of these two performances next week. AND it's ONLY $18 a ticket!!
Don't Tell Mama's is at 343 West 46th St., NYC., but, DON'T WAIT until the last minute to make your reservations. If it's anything like last time, the tickets will be gone soon.
Also impressive was Ms. Luckinbill's connection to her material. It is rare, even for a veteran performer, to be so perfectly in touch with their material that they seem to be living the lyrics as they occur....she had the audience in the palm of her hand....One of the most exciting cabaret debut shows in recent memory." ---Jenna Esposito
"this gal was standing on her own two very capable feet and almost made me forget that she had any special DNA, except when she was funny which was A LOT!"
"this script was so fully realized and funny and profound and well delivered"
"I'd like to see more shows like this"
"There's a fun element of surprise, particularly on her rants, which I loved."
"Did I mention what a good actress she is? She's really good." ----Sue Matsuki
Hope I see you all there. xxxxxxxLucie A (aka: "proud mother!")
"...brutally (and at times, hysterically!) honest about the ups and downs of her love life, seamlessly intertwining personal stories with songs." -Jenna Esposito
GREAT NEWS!!!!!!!! For those of you who were bummed that you missed my daughter, Kate Luckinbill's, one woman show LOVE (or the lack thereof) during her three SOLD OUT performances last month at DON'T TELL MAMA's, she will be reprising the show for TWO NIGHTS ONLY MARCH 20th and 21st at 7pm. (Notice there is now a SUNDAY show!)
If you were one of the first to see the show, in February, you know how good it is and understand the "buzz" that was created fro it. So, even if you can't come back for seconds, we would love you to pass this on to people you know who you think should see it. And, if you haven't seen it yet, and were bitch slapping yourselves that you missed it, lucky, lucky you!!! You can now catch one of these two performances next week. AND it's ONLY $18 a ticket!!
Don't Tell Mama's is at 343 West 46th St., NYC., but, DON'T WAIT until the last minute to make your reservations. If it's anything like last time, the tickets will be gone soon.
Also impressive was Ms. Luckinbill's connection to her material. It is rare, even for a veteran performer, to be so perfectly in touch with their material that they seem to be living the lyrics as they occur....she had the audience in the palm of her hand....One of the most exciting cabaret debut shows in recent memory." ---Jenna Esposito
"this gal was standing on her own two very capable feet and almost made me forget that she had any special DNA, except when she was funny which was A LOT!"
"this script was so fully realized and funny and profound and well delivered"
"I'd like to see more shows like this"
"There's a fun element of surprise, particularly on her rants, which I loved."
"Did I mention what a good actress she is? She's really good." ----Sue Matsuki
Hope I see you all there. xxxxxxxLucie A (aka: "proud mother!")
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Hugh Martin, Composer of Meet Me in St. Louis, Dies at 96
By Robert Simonson
11 Mar 2011
Hugh Martin, the songwriter who enlivened the Judy Garland movie musical "Meet Me in St. Louis" with an indelibly melodic trio of evergreen songs — "The Trolley Song," "The Boy Next Door" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" — died March 11 in California, according to family members. He was 96.
A talented lyricist as well as a composer, Mr. Martin wrote the scores for several Broadway musicals, including Best Foot Forward (1941) (which featured the rousing fight song "Buckle Down, Winsocki"); Look, Ma, I'm Dancin' (1948), which was conceived and co-directed (with George Abbott) by Jerome Robbins; Make a Wish (1951); and High Spirits (1964); and did musical and vocal arrangements for the likes of Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and Richard Rodgers.
But it was for the lush M-G-M film "Meet Me in St. Louis," a collaboration with his frequent writing partner Ralph Blane, that he made his most lasting contribution on the American songbook. A sentimental tale of a close-knit St. Louis family at the turn of the 20th century, whose serenity is threatened by the father's plan to move to New York, the movie was made memorable through Judy Garland's ardent, warm delivery of the score. Her boisterous take on the bouncy, syncopated "The Trolley Song," sung while riding on a bustling trolley, became a piece of cinematic history. And the melancholy "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" evolved into a yuletide classic, recorded by hundreds of artists over the years.
The wistful expression of guarded holiday hopefulness is typically credited to both Mr. Martin and Blane. However, during a Dec. 21, 2006 interview on NPR, Mr. Martin said he wrote the song with no assistance from Blane. In 1989, "Meet Me in St. Louis" was converted into a Broadway stage musical, for which Mr. Martin did the vocal arrangements and wrote a few new lyrics.
Mr. Martin and Garland became close friends after the movie. He later acted as her accompanist at many of her concert performances in the 1950s, including her famous comeback at the Palace Theatre. However, during the filming of "A Star Is Born," the two broke when an argument over her performance of "The Man Who Got Away" led him to walk off the production.
Mr. Martin and Blane, who were on contract at M-G-M, were twice nominated for Academy Awards, for "The Trolley Song" and for "Pass the Peace Pipe," a rousing number used in the college-set movie musical "Good News" starring June Allyson and Peter Lawford. Mr. Martin also received four Tony Award nominations, three for High Spirits (Best Musical, Best Book Author of a Musical, Best Composer and Lyricist), a musical take on Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit (and directed by Coward), and one for the Meet Me in St. Louis (Best Original Score).
Hugh Martin was born in Birmingham, AL, on Aug. 11, 1914. He began studying music at the age of five at the Birmingham Conservatory of Music. His original intention to be a classical musician was altered when he became enamored of the music of George Gershwin.
He moved to New York City in the mid 1930s. He made his Broadway debut in 1937, both performing and doing the musical arrangements for Hooray for What!, a show which also featured future collaborator Ralph Blane. Soon after, the men and two women formed a vocal quartet called The Martins. The Martins appeared on Fred Allen's popular radio show and also appeared in Irving Berlin's 1940 musical Louisiana Purchase, for which Martin and Blane were the vocal arrangers, as well as The Lady Comes Across in 1942.
In 1938, Richard Rodgers gave Mr. Martin a chance, hiring him to do vocal arrangements for The Boys From Syracuse. Thereafter, Mr. Martin bounced from show to show, doing vocal arrangements, choral arrangement, providing vocal direction, simply acting or doing a combination of the above, for such shows as Too Many Girls, Louisiana Purchase, Cabin in the Sky, The Lady Comes Across, Heaven on Earth, As the Girls Go, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Top Banana, Hazel Flagg, Lorelei and Sugar Babies, the 1979 hit revue for which he was musical director.
His film work included "Athena" (1954), "The Girl Rush" (1955) and "The Girl Most Likely" (1957) as well as a movie version of "Best Foot Forward" starring Lucille Ball.
Mr. Martin was often candid in his assessment of his talents and achievements. In the liner notes for Look Ma, I'm Dancin', he told the story of his getting the job as composer. He auditioned "with three great numbers, 'Gotta Dance,' 'Tiny Room' and 'I'm the First Girl (in the Second Row).' They were received rapturously by everyone, even Robbins, and I reacted very stupidly. I got a false sense of security and instead of working hard, I relaxed a little. As a result, there are songs that are, well, OK, but not up to the standard of a George Abbott, Jerome Robbins, Nancy Walker musical. I wish I had tried harder."
Mr. Martin, a Seventh-day Adventist, spent much of the 1980s as an accompanist for gospel female vocalist Del Delker. In 2009, he published his memoir, "The Boy Next Door," in which he wrote frankly about his years battling speed and he conversion in the 1970s to a born again Christian.
Original article found here.
11 Mar 2011
Hugh Martin, the songwriter who enlivened the Judy Garland movie musical "Meet Me in St. Louis" with an indelibly melodic trio of evergreen songs — "The Trolley Song," "The Boy Next Door" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" — died March 11 in California, according to family members. He was 96.A talented lyricist as well as a composer, Mr. Martin wrote the scores for several Broadway musicals, including Best Foot Forward (1941) (which featured the rousing fight song "Buckle Down, Winsocki"); Look, Ma, I'm Dancin' (1948), which was conceived and co-directed (with George Abbott) by Jerome Robbins; Make a Wish (1951); and High Spirits (1964); and did musical and vocal arrangements for the likes of Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and Richard Rodgers.
But it was for the lush M-G-M film "Meet Me in St. Louis," a collaboration with his frequent writing partner Ralph Blane, that he made his most lasting contribution on the American songbook. A sentimental tale of a close-knit St. Louis family at the turn of the 20th century, whose serenity is threatened by the father's plan to move to New York, the movie was made memorable through Judy Garland's ardent, warm delivery of the score. Her boisterous take on the bouncy, syncopated "The Trolley Song," sung while riding on a bustling trolley, became a piece of cinematic history. And the melancholy "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" evolved into a yuletide classic, recorded by hundreds of artists over the years.
The wistful expression of guarded holiday hopefulness is typically credited to both Mr. Martin and Blane. However, during a Dec. 21, 2006 interview on NPR, Mr. Martin said he wrote the song with no assistance from Blane. In 1989, "Meet Me in St. Louis" was converted into a Broadway stage musical, for which Mr. Martin did the vocal arrangements and wrote a few new lyrics.
Mr. Martin and Garland became close friends after the movie. He later acted as her accompanist at many of her concert performances in the 1950s, including her famous comeback at the Palace Theatre. However, during the filming of "A Star Is Born," the two broke when an argument over her performance of "The Man Who Got Away" led him to walk off the production.
Mr. Martin and Blane, who were on contract at M-G-M, were twice nominated for Academy Awards, for "The Trolley Song" and for "Pass the Peace Pipe," a rousing number used in the college-set movie musical "Good News" starring June Allyson and Peter Lawford. Mr. Martin also received four Tony Award nominations, three for High Spirits (Best Musical, Best Book Author of a Musical, Best Composer and Lyricist), a musical take on Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit (and directed by Coward), and one for the Meet Me in St. Louis (Best Original Score).
Hugh Martin was born in Birmingham, AL, on Aug. 11, 1914. He began studying music at the age of five at the Birmingham Conservatory of Music. His original intention to be a classical musician was altered when he became enamored of the music of George Gershwin.
He moved to New York City in the mid 1930s. He made his Broadway debut in 1937, both performing and doing the musical arrangements for Hooray for What!, a show which also featured future collaborator Ralph Blane. Soon after, the men and two women formed a vocal quartet called The Martins. The Martins appeared on Fred Allen's popular radio show and also appeared in Irving Berlin's 1940 musical Louisiana Purchase, for which Martin and Blane were the vocal arrangers, as well as The Lady Comes Across in 1942.
In 1938, Richard Rodgers gave Mr. Martin a chance, hiring him to do vocal arrangements for The Boys From Syracuse. Thereafter, Mr. Martin bounced from show to show, doing vocal arrangements, choral arrangement, providing vocal direction, simply acting or doing a combination of the above, for such shows as Too Many Girls, Louisiana Purchase, Cabin in the Sky, The Lady Comes Across, Heaven on Earth, As the Girls Go, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Top Banana, Hazel Flagg, Lorelei and Sugar Babies, the 1979 hit revue for which he was musical director.
His film work included "Athena" (1954), "The Girl Rush" (1955) and "The Girl Most Likely" (1957) as well as a movie version of "Best Foot Forward" starring Lucille Ball.
Mr. Martin was often candid in his assessment of his talents and achievements. In the liner notes for Look Ma, I'm Dancin', he told the story of his getting the job as composer. He auditioned "with three great numbers, 'Gotta Dance,' 'Tiny Room' and 'I'm the First Girl (in the Second Row).' They were received rapturously by everyone, even Robbins, and I reacted very stupidly. I got a false sense of security and instead of working hard, I relaxed a little. As a result, there are songs that are, well, OK, but not up to the standard of a George Abbott, Jerome Robbins, Nancy Walker musical. I wish I had tried harder."
Mr. Martin, a Seventh-day Adventist, spent much of the 1980s as an accompanist for gospel female vocalist Del Delker. In 2009, he published his memoir, "The Boy Next Door," in which he wrote frankly about his years battling speed and he conversion in the 1970s to a born again Christian.
Original article found here.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Lucie Arnaz and Valarie Pettiford Will Sing Songs of Ron Abel and Chuck Steffan at Birdland
By Andrew Gans 27 Oct 2010
The songs of Ron Abel and Chuck Steffan will be presented Nov. 22 at Birdland.
Entitled Who The F*#! Are These Guys, The Songs of Ron Abel & Chuck Steffan, the evening will include the composers as well as special guests Lucie Arnaz and Valarie Pettiford. Show time is 7 PM.
Composer, arranger, orchestrator and producer Ron Abel and lyricist Chuck Steffan's new shows are Bombshell, the story of Hollywood love goddess Cleo Moore, the Queen of the B-Movie Bad Girls; Presenting Laurette Bishop, celebrating the return of one of the greatest jazz singers you never knew; and undressed, a new and raw telling of the novel “Camille” by Alexander Dumas fils.
Birdland is located in Manhattan at 315 West 44th Street. For tickets, priced $30 and $40 with a $10 food/drink minimum, call (212) 581-3080 or visit www.BirdlandJazz.com.
Original article found here.
The songs of Ron Abel and Chuck Steffan will be presented Nov. 22 at Birdland.
Entitled Who The F*#! Are These Guys, The Songs of Ron Abel & Chuck Steffan, the evening will include the composers as well as special guests Lucie Arnaz and Valarie Pettiford. Show time is 7 PM.
Composer, arranger, orchestrator and producer Ron Abel and lyricist Chuck Steffan's new shows are Bombshell, the story of Hollywood love goddess Cleo Moore, the Queen of the B-Movie Bad Girls; Presenting Laurette Bishop, celebrating the return of one of the greatest jazz singers you never knew; and undressed, a new and raw telling of the novel “Camille” by Alexander Dumas fils.
Birdland is located in Manhattan at 315 West 44th Street. For tickets, priced $30 and $40 with a $10 food/drink minimum, call (212) 581-3080 or visit www.BirdlandJazz.com.
Original article found here.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Lucie Arnaz to host Abingdon Theatre Co.'s 4th Annual AB*IE Awards 9/13
By Thomas Peter 09 Sep 2010
Veteran stage and screen actress Lucie Arnaz will host The 14th Annual AB*IE Awards, a celebration of the Abingdon Theatre Company's 2009-2010 season, at the June Havoc Theatre Sept. 13 at 6:30 PM.
The event, which includes pre- and post-show receptions, is free and open to the public. No reservations are required.
The favorite production, director, cast members and designers from the productions that made up the company's 17th season will be chosen for the awards, which were voted by theatregoers. Eligible productions include Robert Cary and Benjamin Feldman's Inventing Avi, directed by Mark Waldrop; Jan Buttram's Phantom Killer, directed by Jules Ochoa; John Morogiello's Engaging Shaw, directed by Jakob G. Hoffman; and Stephen Swift's Sister Myotis's Bible Camp, directed by Jerre Dye.
Arnaz has appeared on Broadway in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Lost in Yonkers and They're Playing Our Song and in The Witches of Eastwick in London. Additional stage credits include Master Class, Seesaw and Annie Get Your Gun. A Golden Globe Award nominee for her performance in "The Jazz Singer," she won an Emmy Award for "Lucy and Desi: A Home Movie," a documentary about her parents, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.
The June Havoc Theatre is located at 312 West 36th Street. For more information, call (212) 868-2055 or visit www.abingdontheatre.org.
Veteran stage and screen actress Lucie Arnaz will host The 14th Annual AB*IE Awards, a celebration of the Abingdon Theatre Company's 2009-2010 season, at the June Havoc Theatre Sept. 13 at 6:30 PM.The event, which includes pre- and post-show receptions, is free and open to the public. No reservations are required.
The favorite production, director, cast members and designers from the productions that made up the company's 17th season will be chosen for the awards, which were voted by theatregoers. Eligible productions include Robert Cary and Benjamin Feldman's Inventing Avi, directed by Mark Waldrop; Jan Buttram's Phantom Killer, directed by Jules Ochoa; John Morogiello's Engaging Shaw, directed by Jakob G. Hoffman; and Stephen Swift's Sister Myotis's Bible Camp, directed by Jerre Dye.
Arnaz has appeared on Broadway in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Lost in Yonkers and They're Playing Our Song and in The Witches of Eastwick in London. Additional stage credits include Master Class, Seesaw and Annie Get Your Gun. A Golden Globe Award nominee for her performance in "The Jazz Singer," she won an Emmy Award for "Lucy and Desi: A Home Movie," a documentary about her parents, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.
The June Havoc Theatre is located at 312 West 36th Street. For more information, call (212) 868-2055 or visit www.abingdontheatre.org.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Richard Skipper Brings CAROL CHANNING IN CONCERT To Cape Cod, 8/30-9/2
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Richard Skipper, the 4-time MAC Award winning celebrity tribute artist, brings his critically- acclaimed show "Carol Channing" IN CONCERT to Cape Cod for a 4-Night Only Special Engagement prior to this Fall's Off-Broadway run. A portion of proceeds from each ticket will benefit The Dr. Carol Channing & Harry Kullijian Foundation For The Arts. The performances will occur Monday August 30th through Thursday September 2nd at The Madeira Room Vixen located at The Pilgrim House in Provincetown.
"Carol Channing" IN CONCERT is a fully staged and researched musical montage celebrating the career and persona of the unique theatrical legend. Blending Channing's standards with original material and other familiar songs sung by Skipper in a spot-on Channing-on-Broadway perfection, the musical evening surveys Channing's life with many stops along the way for Skipper's unique--and riotous--"ad-lib" interactions with the audience is accompanied by a 3-piece band. The show is directed by long-time NYC actor/director Mark Robert Gordon.
Making his return to Provincetown for the first time in 8 years, Skipper is fresh off a joint appearance with Carol Channing preceding a 1-night standing room only engagement of "Carol Channing" IN CONCERT in New York (a star-studded event with luminaries such as Oscar-winner Celeste Holm, Betsy Palmer, Joe Franklin, original Broadway Hello, Dolly! cast members, and Channing songwriter Ervin Drake in attendance). The buzz created by the New York concert has prompted demand for a longer-term Off-Broadway production, which is slated to open in New York City this Fall in conjunction with bookings worldwide. The Provincetown and upcoming Off-Browadway productions of "Carol Channing" IN CONCERT are produced by The Camelback Kid.
Richard Skipper is a 4-time recipient of the MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabaret) Award a Back Stage Bistro Award, and a CLONEY AWARD in Las Vegas for best performer. He was named as one of the Top Ten Cabaret Performers by Cabaret Hotline and as one of the Top of the Century Premiere Cabaret Acts by Cabaret Scenes Magazine.
"Carol Channing" IN CONCERT runs 4-nights only from Monday August 30 through Thursday September 2 at 9:00pm at The Madeira Room Vixen located at The Pilgrim House, 336 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA.
Tickets: available in-person at The Madeira Room Vixen box office or at (508) 487-6424. Further information is available at www.thepilgrimhouse.com, www.ptownvixen.com, www.TheCamelbackKid.com, and www.RichardSkipper.com.
Tickets are $35.00 ($30.00 if advance purchased). A portion of proceeds from each ticket benefits The Dr. Carol Channing & Harry Kullijian Foundation For The Arts.
Running time is 1 hour 20 minutes (no intermission).
The show is suitable for all ages.
Original article found here.
Richard Skipper, the 4-time MAC Award winning celebrity tribute artist, brings his critically- acclaimed show "Carol Channing" IN CONCERT to Cape Cod for a 4-Night Only Special Engagement prior to this Fall's Off-Broadway run. A portion of proceeds from each ticket will benefit The Dr. Carol Channing & Harry Kullijian Foundation For The Arts. The performances will occur Monday August 30th through Thursday September 2nd at The Madeira Room Vixen located at The Pilgrim House in Provincetown.
"Carol Channing" IN CONCERT is a fully staged and researched musical montage celebrating the career and persona of the unique theatrical legend. Blending Channing's standards with original material and other familiar songs sung by Skipper in a spot-on Channing-on-Broadway perfection, the musical evening surveys Channing's life with many stops along the way for Skipper's unique--and riotous--"ad-lib" interactions with the audience is accompanied by a 3-piece band. The show is directed by long-time NYC actor/director Mark Robert Gordon.
Making his return to Provincetown for the first time in 8 years, Skipper is fresh off a joint appearance with Carol Channing preceding a 1-night standing room only engagement of "Carol Channing" IN CONCERT in New York (a star-studded event with luminaries such as Oscar-winner Celeste Holm, Betsy Palmer, Joe Franklin, original Broadway Hello, Dolly! cast members, and Channing songwriter Ervin Drake in attendance). The buzz created by the New York concert has prompted demand for a longer-term Off-Broadway production, which is slated to open in New York City this Fall in conjunction with bookings worldwide. The Provincetown and upcoming Off-Browadway productions of "Carol Channing" IN CONCERT are produced by The Camelback Kid.
Richard Skipper is a 4-time recipient of the MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabaret) Award a Back Stage Bistro Award, and a CLONEY AWARD in Las Vegas for best performer. He was named as one of the Top Ten Cabaret Performers by Cabaret Hotline and as one of the Top of the Century Premiere Cabaret Acts by Cabaret Scenes Magazine.
"Carol Channing" IN CONCERT runs 4-nights only from Monday August 30 through Thursday September 2 at 9:00pm at The Madeira Room Vixen located at The Pilgrim House, 336 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA.
Tickets: available in-person at The Madeira Room Vixen box office or at (508) 487-6424. Further information is available at www.thepilgrimhouse.com, www.ptownvixen.com, www.TheCamelbackKid.com, and www.RichardSkipper.com.
Tickets are $35.00 ($30.00 if advance purchased). A portion of proceeds from each ticket benefits The Dr. Carol Channing & Harry Kullijian Foundation For The Arts.
Running time is 1 hour 20 minutes (no intermission).
The show is suitable for all ages.
Original article found here.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
‘Laughter On The Lake’ and 'I Loved Lucy'
‘Laughter On The Lake’ A New Era For Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center
POSTED: August 20, 2010
Thursday evening may have marked the end of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center series of comedians, "Laughter on the Lake," but it is also a clear sign of a new beginning for the center, according to board president Tom Benson.
"The board is committed to an aggressive expansion plan for the center that will see the strengthening of its Lucy Desi Museum and I Love Lucy Playhouse operations and the development of an over-arching Legacy of Laughter program that will be designed to promote comedy and laughter on a much broader scale," Benson said. "We want to preserve the incredible contributions of Lucy and Desi through the transformation of Jamestown into the Comedy Center of America.
 Dan Dalpra of Bemus Bay Pops, left, and Tom Benson, president of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center board, promote the partnership that resulted in Laughter on the Lake. |
The Legacy of Laughter platform will have four segments. The first will be the Legacy of Laughter Award and Hall of Fame. This award will be given annually to the comedian who, as determined by the judges, most exemplifies Lucy and Desi and the mission of the Center. The initial award will be presented in August 2011 during Lucy's 100th birthday celebration.
The second Legacy of Laughter segment will be the Festival of New Comedy which will return the center to its roots when the likes of (then unknowns) Ray Romano, Ellen DeGeneres and Paula Poundstone played in Jamestown during the early Lucy Fest programs.
"We want to get to the point where every up-and-coming comedian feels that they must play the Legacy of Laughter Festival in order to make it to the top," said Benson.
Legacy of Laughter's third part will be a Short Comedic Film Festival that will inspire new artists to follow Lucy and Desi's footsteps and delve into comedic theater. The fourth will be the development of a comedic education program in conjunction with an accredited university that will have satellite programs in Jamestown and the surrounding region. Part of this program will focus on the healing power of laughter and will eventually provide services to local health care institutions.
''Our plans are very ambitious, but we have a great deal to work with. As evidenced by the Laughter on the Lake Series, we will develop close collaborations with the other local attractors so that we can share marketing and public relations functions for the overall benefit of all and we will be much more global in our thoughts and actions,'' Benson said. ''At the same time we will reach out to the Jamestown and regional community and ask for input and participation in meaningful ways.''
Plans are in the works for Lucy's 100th birthday celebration next August and details will be released over the coming months.
In addition, a new robust website complete with social media and state-of-the-art merchandizing will be launched in about six weeks.
"My brother and I are thrilled at the direction the Center is taking, and we fully endorse it," said Lucie Arnaz. "We are committed to helping Tom and the board make our mother's 100th birthday celebration a huge success, and to getting the Legacy of Laughter platform off to a great start.''
The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center's purpose is to promote and develop comedy as an art form, including new forms of comedy, and the mission is to preserve and celebrate the legacy of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz and enrich the world through the healing powers of love and laughter.
For more information on the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, call 484-0800 or go to their website, www.lucy-desi.com.
Showbiz Memoir I Loved Lucy Will Star Jeffry Denman and Diane J. Findlay in California
By Kenneth Jones, 19 Aug 2010
Laguna Playhouse's world premiere of I Loved Lucy, the stage version of Lee Tannen's book about his friendship with aging actress Lucille Ball, will star Diane J. Findlay as Ball and Jeffry Denman as Lee.
Performances under the direction of Todd Weeks will play Oct. 5-31 in Laguna Beach, CA. Opening is Oct. 9.
According to production notes, "Comedienne Lucille Ball left an indelible imprint on fans throughout the world, but most saw only the public persona. Now, go behind the scenes and get a glimpse of the personal side of Lucy. Few people knew America's comic sweetheart the way Lee Tannen did. Though distantly related by marriage and 40 years apart in age, Lucy and Lee became the nearest and dearest of friends during the last decade of Lucy's life. It was a time Lucy spent out of the spotlight and around a backgammon table, and Lee was lucky enough to be sitting across from her for much of that time."
"Lee Tannen has a unique insider's knowledge of Lucille Ball," Laguna Playhouse artistic director Andrew Barnicle said in a statement. "He spent years as her friend and confidant, and he saw her through many of the ups and downs in the last decade of her life. Yes, she was a comic powerhouse. She was also stubborn, philosophical, affectionate, mercurial, vulnerable, and very human."
Denman appeared in Off-Broadway's Yank! (for which he was a 2010 Drama Desk nominee) and Broadway's White Christmas, The Producers, Cats, Dream and 1995's How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
Findlay appeared in Off-Broadway's Flamingo Court, Paper Mill Playhouse's Funny Girl and Goodspeed Musicals' Dear World and They All Laughed.
For more information, call (949) 497-2787, or visit LagunaPlayhouse.com.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Entertainer Carol Channing on GDLA
Published : Friday, 13 Aug 2010, 12:09 PM PDT
Los Angeles - Carol Channing has been performing on stage, in movies and on TV for most of her life. So as an accomplished entertainer she truly understands the value of the arts in the lives of youth.
Carol and husband Harry Kullijian are embarking on a national campaign to bring the Arts back into the public school system - through The Dr. Carol Channing and Harry Kullijian Foundation for the Arts.
Carol will be appearing:
Carol will be hosting the Spirit of 45 tribute to Veterans of WWII (Which her husband Harry is a veteran) on Saturday August 14 (the 65th anniversary of the end of WWII) at 800 Bringham Ave (West LA VA Campus off Wilshire) from 2 to 5pm. Also in attendance will be Carol's friends Rhonda Fleming and Margaret O'Brien.
online: http://channingarts.org
Original Article is here.
Los Angeles - Carol Channing has been performing on stage, in movies and on TV for most of her life. So as an accomplished entertainer she truly understands the value of the arts in the lives of youth.
Carol and husband Harry Kullijian are embarking on a national campaign to bring the Arts back into the public school system - through The Dr. Carol Channing and Harry Kullijian Foundation for the Arts.
Carol will be appearing:
Carol will be hosting the Spirit of 45 tribute to Veterans of WWII (Which her husband Harry is a veteran) on Saturday August 14 (the 65th anniversary of the end of WWII) at 800 Bringham Ave (West LA VA Campus off Wilshire) from 2 to 5pm. Also in attendance will be Carol's friends Rhonda Fleming and Margaret O'Brien.
online: http://channingarts.org
Original Article is here.
Monday, August 09, 2010
Carol Channing to Release New Patriotic-Themed CD in September; Several Appearances Planned
By: Dan Bacalzo · Aug 6, 2010 · Colorado
Carol Channing will release a new Patriotic-themed CD, tentatively titled American Carol in September 2010.Among the songs featured will be "Over There," "Dear Old Glory," "God Bless America," "America," and "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."
Channing won the Tony Award for Hello, Dolly! and also appeared on Broadway in The Vamp, Lend an Ear, and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. She received an Oscar nomination for Thoroughly Modern Millie. Channing also recently released the CD, For Heaven's Sake, which includes spirituals, hymns, and rousing gospel tunes.
The actress will be making a number of upcoming appearances as part of a national campaign to restore the Arts back into the public school system through The Dr. Carol Channing and Harry Kullijian Foundation for the Arts. She will appear in Denver on August 6 before the national PTA, followed by a San Francisco panel discussion on August 8 with friends Rich Little and Steve Rossi for Comedy Talks, then on to Los Angeles where she and Kullijian will co-host an August 14 event for Spirit or 45' honoring US Veterans of WWII on the 65th anniversary of the end of the war.
Channing also recently produced a PSA for California in conjunction with the PTA to speak out in support of the need for the Arts in the public school system. It featured friends and colleagues Lily Tomlin, Alec Mapa, Florence Henderson, Kevin Sorbo, Donna Mills, Lesley Ann Warren, Stefanie Powers, Kate Linder, JoAnne Worley, and Phill Lewis. Another is being planned for national distribution.
For more about Channing's national efforts, visit www.ChanningArts.org.
This is the original article.
Sunday, August 08, 2010
CD REVIEW: LUCIE ARNAZ/LATIN ROOTS
By Daryl Glenn
Infectious is the first word that pops into my mind to describe this collection, only the second solo outing by the fabulous Lucie Arnaz. Ms. Arnaz is, of course, the daughter of legends Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, who rose to fame during her memorable stint on her mother’s sitcom "Here’s Lucy!" and celebrated her Broadway debut in the Neil Simon/Marvin Hamlisch/Carole Bayer-Sager musical They’re Playing Our Song.
I had the pleasure of watching her perform a couple of the numbers from this album at the recent MAC Awards, and can attest that time has done nothing to dim the voice and look of this remarkable performer.
This CD is a valentine to her father, and Ms. Arnaz evokes fond memories of time gone by, while adding her own unmistakable stamp to several of the songs made famous, or famously rendered, by her dad. She slips effortlessly between English and Spanish, bringing to life such gems as “Blame it on the Bossa Nova” (with a new third verse written by Bary Mann and Cynthia Weil just for her) and “I’ll See You in C-U-B-A.” The opening, “You and the Night and the Music,” perfectly sets the mood for the delights to come, and there are many! I found a particular thrill in hearing that voice, untarnished and potent as ever, that I fell so madly in love with as a child devouring Broadway cast albums in Lexington, KY, tearing into these treasured songs! Ms. Arnaz has the infinitely pleasing sound of a Helen Reddy or Karen Carpenter, and I have always wished she had provided more for our enjoyment. However, this collection does more than make up for her lack of content in the ensuing years. Particuarly pleasing are versions of the now-standard pop hit “Johnny Angel” (which was, by the way, the moniker of our local gay disco!) which she turns into a tender ballad of longing set to a gentle Bossa beat, and her lovely take on the famous Dan Fogelberg creation “Leader of the Band,” which, as she astutely states in the liner notes, seems written just for her! This fantastic band is led by Ms. Arnaz’ longtime collaborator Ron Abel, and in addition to some fresh and fun reworkings of the classic tunes included here, is one of Mr. Abel’s own compostions with lyricist Chuck Steffan (“Just To Be Near You”) and another penned with Arnaz’ son Joe Luckinbill, with lyrics by Ms. Arnaz and Madeline Stone (“The Music In Your Heart”), both immensely enjoyable.
Bouncing back to the MAC Awards show for a moment, I must add that joining the sleek and sassy Lucie Arnaz onstage was the incompable award-winning singer/songwriter Billy Stritch, who dreamed up the simply mesmerizing entertwined arrangement of “It’s Alright With Me/Something’s Gotta Give,” which the two of them jointly (live and here) give something that’s more than alright with me! Highly entertaining as well, is a spirited take on “Promises” by Polish songstress Basia (whose catalog I simply must investigate further!) and the inspired pairing of Desi’s signature “Babalu” with Desmond Child’s “La Copa de la Vida” (who knew?). This winning album is a highly entertaining, spirit-raising and touching tribute by the endearing Lucie Arnaz to the endearing legacy of her famous and famously talented father.
BTW, be sure and listen for our very own Raissa Katona-Bennett and Dr. Garrett Bennett amongst the lively backup singers!
Infectious is the first word that pops into my mind to describe this collection, only the second solo outing by the fabulous Lucie Arnaz. Ms. Arnaz is, of course, the daughter of legends Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, who rose to fame during her memorable stint on her mother’s sitcom "Here’s Lucy!" and celebrated her Broadway debut in the Neil Simon/Marvin Hamlisch/Carole Bayer-Sager musical They’re Playing Our Song. I had the pleasure of watching her perform a couple of the numbers from this album at the recent MAC Awards, and can attest that time has done nothing to dim the voice and look of this remarkable performer.
This CD is a valentine to her father, and Ms. Arnaz evokes fond memories of time gone by, while adding her own unmistakable stamp to several of the songs made famous, or famously rendered, by her dad. She slips effortlessly between English and Spanish, bringing to life such gems as “Blame it on the Bossa Nova” (with a new third verse written by Bary Mann and Cynthia Weil just for her) and “I’ll See You in C-U-B-A.” The opening, “You and the Night and the Music,” perfectly sets the mood for the delights to come, and there are many! I found a particular thrill in hearing that voice, untarnished and potent as ever, that I fell so madly in love with as a child devouring Broadway cast albums in Lexington, KY, tearing into these treasured songs! Ms. Arnaz has the infinitely pleasing sound of a Helen Reddy or Karen Carpenter, and I have always wished she had provided more for our enjoyment. However, this collection does more than make up for her lack of content in the ensuing years. Particuarly pleasing are versions of the now-standard pop hit “Johnny Angel” (which was, by the way, the moniker of our local gay disco!) which she turns into a tender ballad of longing set to a gentle Bossa beat, and her lovely take on the famous Dan Fogelberg creation “Leader of the Band,” which, as she astutely states in the liner notes, seems written just for her! This fantastic band is led by Ms. Arnaz’ longtime collaborator Ron Abel, and in addition to some fresh and fun reworkings of the classic tunes included here, is one of Mr. Abel’s own compostions with lyricist Chuck Steffan (“Just To Be Near You”) and another penned with Arnaz’ son Joe Luckinbill, with lyrics by Ms. Arnaz and Madeline Stone (“The Music In Your Heart”), both immensely enjoyable.
Bouncing back to the MAC Awards show for a moment, I must add that joining the sleek and sassy Lucie Arnaz onstage was the incompable award-winning singer/songwriter Billy Stritch, who dreamed up the simply mesmerizing entertwined arrangement of “It’s Alright With Me/Something’s Gotta Give,” which the two of them jointly (live and here) give something that’s more than alright with me! Highly entertaining as well, is a spirited take on “Promises” by Polish songstress Basia (whose catalog I simply must investigate further!) and the inspired pairing of Desi’s signature “Babalu” with Desmond Child’s “La Copa de la Vida” (who knew?). This winning album is a highly entertaining, spirit-raising and touching tribute by the endearing Lucie Arnaz to the endearing legacy of her famous and famously talented father.
BTW, be sure and listen for our very own Raissa Katona-Bennett and Dr. Garrett Bennett amongst the lively backup singers!
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Teacher awakens creativity and expression in Dublin students
Personalities
The Complete Picture
By: Duane St. Clair
A planned one-hour interview with a light-hearted but still serious Yolanda Brown easily lasts two hours in the dormant-for-the-summer classroom where she teaches art at Dublin’s Davis Middle School.
Next Nov. 4, she’ll be honored as middle school art teacher of the year by the Ohio Art Education Association at its annual meeting in Columbus. Quickly she points out that it’s a shared honor this year and that Mary Baine of Baker Middle School in Fairborn is the other honoree. Yolanda’s says only a handful were nominated.
Written descriptions of art education, its goals and significance, often are not quite as revealing as is a chat with Yolanda, whose relaxed demeanor and candid conversation reveal the charm and dignity she brings to her charges, their parents and the Dublin school system.
Talking with Yolanda, who has a master’s degree in art education from Miami University, reveals who she really is and what she’s about in a half-dozen classes a day for sixth and eighth graders. First and foremost, she sees art as a valuable tool in school and life, regardless that a person is not an artist. For her art is fun, something she has done since childhood, beginning with making coal chalk marks on her grandparents’ sidewalk. She notes that art impacts us in many ways by depicting history, in Power Point presentations, advertising, exhibitions, home decorating, the list goes on.
She has taught art seemingly forever and since 2002 in Dublin, all but one year at Davis. “I like middle school kids. I’m especially in love with sixth grade kids. This is their first real academic independence. They never had a locker … changed classes every hour or had a different teacher for every subject. They’re eyes are bright and shiny and their hearts are open. They’re so sweet,” she says, noting without disdain that when they reach the eighth grade “They know everything.”
Yolanda finds that the arts and learning about them provides an unending background for life and the world. “My job is to train them for high school” so they’ll be aware of “how you can use what you know about color. It’s somewhat philosophical,” Yolanda explains. “It’s as important as reading … reading the visual landscape around you.”
She works in a multi-cultural environment. “The world has come to this school,” says the native of Dayton. Students and their parents speak over 40 languages, she says, before a roll call of countries represented, including China, Korea, India, Pakistan, West Africa and the Middle East.
At the beginning of the school year, she will ask students from each country to write on the blackboard “all the different ways they can say hello.” Fellow students “can learn from them, hearing different accents.” Some foreign students grow frustrated that the “English ear” keeps Americans from saying their name as it’s pronounced in their native tongue.
Yolanda says she “can communicate with pictures so they get some degree of knowledge.” Youngsters find a commonality in drawing a picture of a house. Art, she finds, helps bolster their language learning efforts. She wants student to realize that their art should be something that’s understood in Taiwan. “Your grandmother has to understand,” as she mentions the universal language of art that’s created and appreciated internationally.
She teaches watercolor, acrylic, clay, acrylic mediums and is “very heavy on color pencil drawings.” Some projects are 3D, or sculptures, perhaps involving a combination of mediums. She makes it fun, saying she wants the kids to “find joy” in the arts, in life. She sings songs she makes up. “They’re horrible, horrible songs,” she admits with a typical big smile. One for instance, is about the “Binder Bin,” a storage place on each desk that’s to be used so there’s nothing on the desktop where artwork is done.
Yolanda concedes she’s also demanding to the point students have said, “You’re mean.” Because she finds art so important, she says getting it right “is like getting ready to go on a trip to another country,” in that they’ll be heading to high school where 40 to 50 percent of her students will take at least one art class. She notes with pride that Scioto High School, next step for most of her students, has one of the top arts programs in the state and it produces numerous winners in state exhibitions each year.
She tells students who take art as an elective in the seventh and eighth grades, “If you want an easy ‘A’ go take something else.” About Scioto, she says, “it’s not a slacker program. You just can’t take art to get an ‘A.’ ”
Her classes, she feels, are “98 percent fun and learning. We should be having fun and you should be learning.” Yolanda’s disappointed that sometimes parents don’t want youngsters to bring home their artwork because it’s “too messy,” regardless that it’s a child’s self-expression.
When asked, she fills in a few bits of information about her life, which has centered around the arts since she started going to classes at the Dayton Art Institute at age eight. Quickly she provides a vita that goes on for two pages about her extensive activities in the arts. She briefly breezes though high school where she took woodshop and metal shop besides the usual courses. She went to Wright State University to study computer science but didn’t like it and quit after a year. Next stop was Sinclair Community College before earning her bachelor’s degree in fine arts and literature from Goddard College in Plainfield, Vt. She applied to a half dozen colleges to study for a master’s degree and decided, “The first letter I get, that’s where I’m going.” It was from Miami in Oxford, Ohio, not far from home.
In Oxford she was a full-time substitute high school art teacher and an adjunct instructor at the university with classes in women’s studies. Naturally, she taught some too at the university’s art institute. All the while, she continued creating artworks and having exhibitions.
“I just couldn’t seem to get out of Oxford” where she also did some class work preparatory to seek a doctorate. Other aspects of her own art education involved working with several mentors.
A lot of her conversation is about being happy and how she thinks kids can find something they like and do it. “It doesn’t have to be art.” Thus explains her classroom songs. “Kids need to see people who are joyous.”
She notes that “Einstein was a violinist. Tony Bennett’s a painter. We’ve got to keep the arts. I teach art. I like teaching art. I’m good at it,” she says smiling broadly.
She wasn’t boasting. She didn’t have to. It’s obviously the truth about this dynamic woman who’s dedicated to her profession, to the arts as important parts of all aspects of life – and her young students.
This is the Original Article
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