LIGHT ONE UP FOR ME!!!!
Category: Jobs, Work, Careers

THE FOURTH IS COMING...

But, as with most holidays, we will be onstage performing and will miss the fireworks show in NYC!

Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled that we are still playing and will gratefully entertain the folks who come to see us, but some times it's nice to just get lost in a crowd of people and enjoy being a grain of sand on the beach.

So, for those of you who get out to the East River to watch the MACYS show... Say an extra "AH!!!" for me.

And for any of you who run the other way from loud noises and big crowds... Come see A CATERED AFFAIR on July 4th. We will be there doing our beautiful show.


SAMSUNG SINGING

Last week we did a CD signing over at the Time Warner Center. It was in the hyper modern Samsung store. It was lovely to see all those people who came out to hear us sing a few tunes from the show. After the entertainment, we all signed CD's for whoever wanted. Here are a few photos of the event.


HEATER MAC RAE and LORI WILNER await their turn to entertain.


KATIE KLAUS sings for the folks. And that'sETHYL WILL on the keyboards behind.


And then the one and only TOM WOPAT took to the stage and wailed for the crowd.

SPEAKING OF TOM... OR RATHER... SPEAKING NOT OF TOM...

Mr Wopat had a gig out of town on Sunday and so his very capable understudy, MARK ZIMMERMAN, took to the stage of The Walter Kerr Theater and rocked the house.

Here is Mr. Zimmerman in rehearsal proving that we didn't just hire him because he's the President of the stage actor's union! Ha!!! Really and truly, he did an amazing job stepping into that very difficult and emotional role. He did himself and the rest of the cast proud. Sorry I only have rehearsal shots, but you get the idea!





NOT LONG FOR THIS WORLD

As you've probably heard, A CATERED AFFAIR is now scheduled to close on July 27th. It would have been terrific to have had a longer run. The show is such an amazing piece to perform night after night. And our audiences keep getting better and better and more intense with each show.

Unfortunately, the numbers just don't match up with the enthusiasm and, although we have the MOST generous producers on Broadway, this is still a profit-making business and the numbers tell the tale.

So, if you can get to our theater... RUN and come see us before the end of the month. I promise that you will experience a show you will not soon forget with performances by FAITH PRINCE a brilliant cast that will blow you away.

We have THIRTY-TWO performances left. And remember that we are performing a new schedule with matinees on Thursdays so even if you are in another Broadway show, you can get to see us. Don't miss this, kids.

JULY BEGAN AN HOUR AGO... and I've got to get to bed! So I will leave you with two fun photos from last week.



What can I say about Josh? He's only 26 years old, so I'd better not say anything other than I LOVE THIS TALENTED YOUNG MAN who slaved to make the physical production of our show a stand-out. He's now off on a dozen new shows, but watch for this rising star. You're going to hear from him!



And here's LOLLY, dresser to the stars extraordinaire!!!! Here she models my "valuables" wallet as a hat. Believe it or not, she isn't a fashion model in her off hours. No, our Lolly is a successful real estate agent. This lady's got it all going!

SO THAT'S IT FROM ME FOR THIS WEEK. If you want more, you know what to do,...

STAY TUNED!!!!!

9:15 PM - 25 Comments - 45 Kudos - Add Comment

AFTER THE TONYS - ON WITH THE SHOW
Category: Jobs, Work, Careers

THE TONYS

Well, I know it's very popular to put down the TONY AWARD SHOW but I really enjoyed it. I was thrilled that this year they allowed performances by EVERY new musical instead of wasting time having some pop-star sing some old B'way tune. And although not every award landed in the hands of the one I would have chosen, I am happy for all the winners and hope the awards are appreciated.

AND NOW IT'S ON WITH THE SHOW...

Yes, now that award season is over, it's back to normal for those of us who strut and fret our hour upon the wicked stage. (Well, in the case of A CATERED AFFAIR, it's more like an hour and a half).

We start our new THURSDAY MATINEE schedule in two weeks, so I'm going to enjoy all of my free days while I can. Working 6 days a week is not the easiest way to make a living, but I ain't complaining too much. We are lucky to be where we are and WE KNOW IT!

REGIS AND KELLY

So, last week, as promised, we made a bunch of TV appearances. Here are a couple of backstage photos from the rehearsal leading up to REGIS AND KELLY. And I gotta tell you kids, Kelly is such a doll. What a total dream to work with. And, of course, Regis is a total pro and makes an appearance on his show a joy.


JOHN BUCCHINO, composer of our show, accompanied me on the piano. Here we are playing with Regis' cue cards.


Rehearsing the number.


Our press agent, RICK MIRAMONTEZ, shot this from the dressing room monitor. Almost like being at home, wouldn't you say?

POKER AT THE WALTER KERR

We've begun a poker game in our very own theater in my very own dressing room.



KATIE KLAUS is the newest player to the game, but here she is pushing in her stack for an ALL IN MOMENT.



And one look at CAVENAUGH'S face will tell you that the move worked. He backed down and gave her his money!



CELEBRITIES VISIT

Here are a few cute photos to share of folks visiting backstage after performances...



DANA DELANEY was a DELIGHT



MICHAEL KOORS cried like a baby at the show. What a sweet man!



Broadway legends LEROY REEMS and DONNA Mc KECHNIE had a sit down. That's our own LESLIE KRITZER with them, just in case you didn't recognize my beauty girl.



And this is DANNY our FLY MAN. He's no celebrity, but I wouldn't chase him out of my dressing room. Would you?



And as long as I'm sharing family photos, here's TOM WOPAT with our Associate Director ADAM HUNTER. Ain't they a cute couple?

NEXT WEEK

Well, as we all know, right after the TONYS the Broadway shows get a real shake-up. Some hunker down for the summer tourist onslaught. Others decide it's time to pack up and ship out.

This year, with the economy and gas prices threatening entertainment dollars, I hear that Broadway ticket sales are already down 9% across the board. Not sure what that means for Broadway as a whole, or for us in particular. But whatever happens, I am thrilled that we got to put on the show we wanted to put on and give our audience an alternative to the usual musical fare.

I hope as many as you can get to see the show as want. We will be taping the show this week for the LINCOLN CENTER PERFORMING ARTS LIBRARY COLLECTION, but they don't let the general public see those tapes. So if you want to see us... get your butts over to the WALTER KERR THEATER and bring your tissues!!!!

Since we have been outgrossing most shows on the great white way for months now, I assume we will be just fine, but it don't hurt to hurry over just in case... Hey, you never know in our business.

I will, of course, keep you up to date on ALL DEVELOPMENTS right here. So... as always...

STAY TUNED!!!!!

3:37 AM - 35 Comments - 43 Kudos - Add Comment

IT’S TOO DARN HOT!!!!

HELLO DOLLIES!

Man,it is hot in Nueva York! And I ain't talking about the TONY race.

Sorry that I didn't have a chance to blog last week. It wasn't that nothing happened. And it wasn't because too much happened. It was just a busy week and time got away from me.

NEW SCHEDULE

As some of you may have read in today's news of the rialto, A CATERED AFFAIR will be adding a Thursday matinee to our schedule.

The truth is that our matinees have been virtually sold out since we first opened so we felt that it would be good business to add another matinee. Hey, your pal ain't no dummy! If matinees is what our audience wants, matinees is what we'll give them.

So, I guess we will be just about the only show to do a Thursday matinee this summer. The fun part for our cast is that we'll now have Wednesday nights free and can see all of the other shows in town. And, I guess if they want, all the other shows can come see us as well,

BUSINESS IN GENERAL

As much as we in show biz love to complain, the gang over at the Walter Kerr Theater can't complain too much. I mean, we did better business than SIXTEEN other Broadway shows last week including three of the musicals that got nominated for TONYS while we were not. Like I said, we can't complain at the moment.

And our audiences continue to be phenomenal. We love listening to them as their laughter turns to tears and the purses begin to open... It's really most endearing to know we are effecting people on such a genuinely emotional level.

TV APPEARANCES

Now for you's what like to keep up with such things, I want to give you fair warning that the following appearances are upcoming:

WEDNESDAY - REGIS AND KELLY - I will be singing 'CONEY ISLAND' from the show and chatting with the hosts. (Don't know what kind of croaking will come out of my throat at that hour, but tune in to find out.)

THURSDAY - THE VIEW - Faith Prince and Tom Wopat will be sitting down for a gab session with the gals. I don't think they'll be singing, but I'm sure there will be footage from the show to view.

SUNDAY - THE TONY AWARDS - Faith Prince will be representing her nomination for BEST ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL singing VISION from the show. Also appearing in the number will be Matt Cavenaugh and Leslie Kritzer. And might I predict, without tempting the evil eye (TOI TOI TOI) that Tom Wopat will be the come-from-behind winner for BEST ACTOR IN A MUSICAL for his breathtaking performance in our show. I just feel it!

And talk about feeling... I am feeling the love as I've received a few messages from TONY voters saying that they "wrote in" A CATERED AFFAIR as Best Musical on their ballots. I know it's just a gesture, but it's a gesture of love that I find totally touching.

You gotta love Show Folks!

So, television appearances, our usual 8 shows a week, plus the preparations for Sunday night is what's in store for us this week.

I hope you all have beautiful spring weather wherever you are. I blow kisses and cool breezes your way.
And for those of you who want to stay in touch...

....STAY TUNED!!!!

8:41 PM - 27 Comments - 39 Kudos - Add Comment

BEAUTIFUL WEATHER - BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE
Category: Jobs, Work, Careers

FLEET WEEK IN NEW YORK!

WHAT MORE COULD I ASK FOR?

Can you imagine how divine it was to look out at the audience every show this week and see all those gorgeous men and women in uniform? And everywhere you walked in New York the streets were simply littered with our troops. There's simply nothing like Fleet Week and Memorial Day Weekend.

PHOTOS AS PROMISED

Now, I know I promised photos from last week's events, but I have to warn you first that they just came out ROTTEN. I don't know why. I think I may have gotten the lens of my camera wet or something. But here are a mess of photos and I hope they are not too out of focus for you.

SONDHEIM & COMPANY

As you may remember, I performed for JERRY BOCK'S 80th and faced an audience consisting of STEPHEN SONDHEIM, HAL PRINCE, SHELDON HARNICK, JOE STEIN, FREDDY GERSHON and more. Here is a really bad shot I tried to sneak from backstage. Sorry.



And here's a shot of me with accompanist CHARLES DuCHATEAU. (Ain't he yummy? You can see him in person playing cello at SOUTH PACIFIC)



BACK AT A CATERED AFFAIR...

...it was another week of fabulous houses, celebs dropping in, and terrific performances. Here's a taste of the week...



Diva BARBARA WALSH stopped by for an intimate chat.



MICHAEL LANGORIA, who is currently killing them nightly as Frankie Valle in JERSEY BOYS came by to see MATT SCOTT go on for MATT CAVENAUGH who was off to attend a family wedding.



Here's MATT SCOTT readying himself for his first scene in the show. Those who've seen it know that his character begins the show naked in bed with LESLIE KRITZER.



And just to be fair, here's a shot of him dressed to perform a later scene in the show. That's ZBORNIK mugging in the mirror. She's his biggest fan and he did a FABULOUS JOB!!!!



FAITH PRINCE got a new do just in time for award season. She's looking hot!!!!



PHYLIS NEWMAN dropped in with THE BOCKS for a visit.



And I ran over to SIRIUS to record an hour of gossip and music with the AMAH-ZING SETH RUDETSKY.



Back in my dressing room again where my dresser, KEITH SHAW, models a T-shirt that I am begging them to sell in the lobby: ARE YOU COMING? and the back says TO A CATERED AFFAIR.
What do you think? A winner?



And here's associate company manager ASHLEY modeling my pants. I was thinking of sending this photo to OPRAH and seeing if I could get ASHLEY a diet book deal. Think it would work?????

So, there you have a gaggle of photos from my world to yours.

Otherwise, things roll along as planned at the show. I must admit that I still find it fascinating that our show is so polarizing. There are folks who just love it. Absolutely adore it. In fact, we are starting to recognize people who are returning to see the show again and again. It has a profoundly deep impact on many people. And that makes me so proud. But then there are folks who just loathe what we're putting on. I don't think it's because they are dumb or heartless. They just don't connect with the material at all. And their reaction isn't just "ho-hum" but true rejection. I suppose it's possible that the show is setting off something within them, but I ain't no shrink and I don't even want to go there. But I do find the dual reactions fascinating.

There is another reaction that I find amusing. I have been told by several people that they've heard that my character doesn't quite fit in with the other characters. This makes me laugh since THAT IS THE POINT OF MY CHARACTER! He is an outsider. He doesn't belong in their world. He stands apart and watches them live their lives while he has no real life of his own. He is a gay man who has no idea that a full life is even available to him, and so he lives on the edges of other people's lives. The story is, in fact, told from his memories and the audience can see him watching the action from the sidelines even when he's not in a scene. It is only at the end of the show that he makes the decision to live his own life, (which is also the lesson he teaches his sister). In any case, I find it amusing that someone would think we're making a mistake rather than ask themselves why we would be doing what we're doing.

Well, so much for making demands of our audience, eh?

Meanwhile, not even our harshest critics would dare diss the towering performances turned in nightly by FAITH PRINCE, TOM WOPAT, LESLIE KRITZER and the rest of the gang. Believe me, each of them is a force of nature worthy of a trip to the WALTER KERR all on their own!!!

ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING

So, this week the cast CD gets released. How about that? The entire cast will be at BARNES AND NOBLES at LINCOLN CENTER this Thursday at 5:30 to sing and sign copies of the CD. If you're around, I'd love to see you there. I hear the recording is fantastic, but I haven't taken the time to listen to it yet. Heck, I hear it live 8 times a week. But for anyone out there who can't make it to NY... I hope you can pick up a copy and give it a listen.

TAPING THE SHOW

Speaking of Lincoln Center... We've just been informed that the LINCOLN CENTER LIBRARY OF THE PERFORMING ARTS will be video taping our show for posterity. Ain't that cool? So, from now on, the show will be preserved for anyone studying theater. Not sure when the taping will be, but probably in the next few weeks.

So that's the news for now. I hope y'all have a fabulous holiday weekend and SEE A BROADWAY SHOW and... as always...

STAY TUNED!

8:06 PM - 39 Comments - 58 Kudos - Add Comment

WACKIEST WEEK EVER!!!!

I AIN'T KIDDING - THIS HAD TO HAVE BEEN ONE OF THE WACKIEST WEEKENDS I'VE EVER SURVIVED!

(BUT SURVIVE IT, I DID. AND THAT'S ALL THAT MATTERS)

NEW DRAMATIST LUNCHEON

The wackiness began on Thursday when I was honored with a LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD from that wonderful institution, THE NEW DRAMATISTS. Oh, is was a star studded event sporting everyone from CELESTE HOLM to STEW.

HAIRSPRAY'S DYNAMITES, FAITH PRINCE and ELMO performed. I was toasted by the likes of ARTHUR LAURENTS and had messages from JERRY HERMAN and STILLER & MEARA.

DRAMA LEAGUE LUNCHEON

On Friday I MC'd the annual Drama League Lunch. For those who have never attended, it's a bit like those old MGM luncheons we've seen photos of. A three tiered dias is filled with more than SIXTY STARS of the stage from the past season. Everyone from LAWRENCE FISHBURNE, S EPATHIA MERKENSON, JAMES EARL JONES, CHRISTINE BARANSKI, DALLAS ROBERTS, KERRY BUTLER, PATTI LUPONE and on and on.

As MC my job is to introduce each one who then stands and makes a brief remark or two. I wish I was not so tired or I would relate a few of the tales. My favorite speakers of the afternoon were ROSIE PEREZ, CHAZZ PALMENTIERI and PATRICK STEWART.

AWARDS are also given out. The most important being the PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR which goes to a single performer and can only be won once in a career. (I was lucky enough to get it for HAIRSPRAY). Anyway, this year it went to La LU PONE. And she could not have been more gracious in her acceptance speech.

The big surprise of the luncheon, however, was that A CATERED AFFAIR won BEST MUSICAL OF THE SEASON!!!! I was so thrilled and surprised and GRATEFUL.

now that was a GREAT luncheon!

JERRY BOCK'S BIRTHDAY

Sunday evening I was asked to sing IF I WERE A RICH MAN for legendary composer JERRY BOCK'S 80th Birthday. The celebration was to be small. Just about 50 folks, And it was held at the National Arts Club on Gramercy Park. Since Mr Bock allowed me to do FIDDLER ON THE ROOF on Broadway, how could I possibly say no. So... After my matinee, and before running up to the DRAMA DESK AWARDS, I stopped off in Gramercy Park and waited for my introduction.

Well... When I walked out onto the small stage and looked out at the small group of people who I'd be singing to, I just about died. The first row alone consisted of... STEPHEN SONDHEIM, HAL PRINCE, FREDDY GERSHON, JERRY BOCK, SHELDON HARNICK, JOE STEIN, KRISTEN CHENOWITH and BRAD OSCAR!

I sang. They laughed. I ran!!!! HA!!!! That was some event.

DRAMA DESK AWARDS

And the weekend concluded with the DRAMA DESK AWARD CEREMONY for which A CATERED AFFAIR was nominated for TWELVE AWARDS!!!! Can you imagine? TWELVE NOMINATIONS AND NOT A SINGLE WIN! HA!!!

But I sat together with the rest of my cast, and right next to my friend and director JOHN DOYLE and we just laughed and giggled the entire evening away. When I was backstage getting ready to present 3 awards, I got to visit with RAUL ESPARZA, KELLI O'HARA, MICHAEL MCKEAN, MARISA TOMEI, MATT MORRISON and LINDA LAVIN so, all in all, it was a magical night for me.

In fact I probably looked too happy as I was leaving the auditorium at the end of the evening. Someone actually asked me why I didn't look sad after losing all of those awards. I couldn't help but laugh as I answered, "Well, either I'm a fool or we have different ideas about what's important."

Honestly, there is disappointment in not winning an award, but awards have nothing at all to do with my art. Awards help sell tickets, for sure. But they don't make you a better actor or writer. TRUST ME ON THIS ONE! I am proud of all the awards I've won in my career, but I'd trade them off, one by one, without a second thought. But I'd NEVER give up a single show I've worked on. (Well, maybe my appearance on MIAMI VICE.)

NEXT WEEK

So, on we go to a whole new week!!!! A CATERED AFFAIR continues to do terrific business and garner standing ovations night after night. And our matinee audiences are actually my faves. There there so many tears... It's most rewarding. Wish we could add another matinee, but I don't know how.

NO PHOTOS

I have to apologize for the lack of photos on this edition of the blog. I have a camera filled with pics, but... LOST THE CORD.... so I can't download them for you.

But I will remedy that as soon as I get to the big city tomorrow and promise to get you photos for next week. Okay? So...

STAY TUNED!!!

7:41 PM - 29 Comments - 45 Kudos - Add Comment

IT’S MOVING DAY!!!

Yes, friends, after two and a half years of construction, I am thrilled to say that Monday morning I will finally be moving back into my house. I tell you this just so you'll understand why I have no time to blog about A CATERED AFFAIR tonight. Sorry.

BUT... with TONY NOMINATIONS due out on Tuesday and the DRAMA LEAGUE LUNCHEON, TONY NOMINEE LUNCHEON, NEW DRAMATIST LUNCHEON, Jerry Bock's 80th Birthday celebration and THE DRAMA DESK AWARDS all this week, I am certain that I will not only have a few photos to share but a few words to go along with them.

So....

STAY TUNED!!!!

And keep your fingers crossed that my back holds out for at least one more day!

8:56 PM - 28 Comments - 44 Kudos - Add Comment

TWELVE NOMINATIONS!!!!
Category: Jobs, Work, Careers

THERE WAS PLENTY TO CELEBRATE...

...over at the WALTER KERR THEATER this week when we got the news that we'd been nominated for TWELVE DRAMA DESK AWARDS!!!!

I hope it doesn't sound like bragging, but as you know, we have not had the smoothest ride up the block to the Great White Way so these nominations, along with the OUTER CRITIC and DRAMA LEAGUE nominations, really meant a great deal to us.

On top of it all I am thrilled to tell you that our audiences continue to build and grow. It's simply thrilling for us hard working theater folks over at A CATERED AFFAIR. We're starting to feel like the little engine that could.

EASTER BONNET COMPETITION...

But the week started out with fun and games as FAITH PRINCE, DAVID HYDE PIERCE and I were invited to read out the competition results for this year's BCEFA major fundraiser - THE EASTER BONNET COMPETITION. I have to tell you that the skits this year were uniformly fabu! And the bonnets? Well, every single one of the lit up or did some other trick. Yes, the Easter fairies were busy this year.

Here are a couple of snaps from my point of view onstage with the entire cast. Sorry you can barely make folks out, but being onstage is NOT the place to get a good view of the proceedings.





And here is the one and only FELICIA RASHAD preparing to go on for her part of the show.



POKER LOSER

That's what they call me. POKER LOSER!!! I lost another $20 at the table this week, but I had a blast. Meanwhile, that charmer CAVENAUGH won a handful of moolah. Here he is flashing his wad for HEATHER MAC RAE.



BUT MORE GOOD NEWS...

...was all of the wonderful folks who came to see us this week. Here are snaps of two of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF'S creators visiting my dressing room. First is JOE STEIN and secondly SHELDON HARNICK. I will be singing IF I WERE A RICH MAN next week to celebrate JERRY BACH'S birthday.





SPEAKING OF CELEBS...

Here's the one and only HELEN REDDY visiting us after a performance. Spies tell me that she later ran into MICHAEL REIDEL over at JOE ALLENS and told him that she thought A CATERED AFFAIR would win "every prize this season" to which he politely smiled, nodded and said, "Of course it will". HA!!!! I do love me some Reidel even when it's at my own expense.



HAIRSPRAY ALUMNI

I ran over to HAIRSPRAY this week to catch a bit of my pal JENNIFER LEWIS as Broadway's newest MOTORMOUTH MAYBELLE. She was a screech and you MUST see here. Meanwhile, outside the theater, look who I ran into: GEORGE WENDT who now wears EDNA'S size XXX girdles and original cast member JUDINE who is still kicking it as a DYNAMITE 8 times a week.



And just in case you think I spend no time with my own folks, here's a snap I grabbed as FAITH and TOM posed for a few more publicity shots. Oh, those multi award nominees are in demand by everyone!!!



SO...THAT WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS. A little crazy. A lot of fun. And so much more to look forward to next week. So, don't miss a thing and just...


...STAY TUNED!

8:04 PM - 37 Comments - 60 Kudos - Add Comment

STANDING OVATIONS FOR EVERYONE!!!!

WHAT A WONDERFUL WEEK!

This was our first full week of shows since our opening and it was a marvelous one!

Business was absolutely wonderful with our audiences and advance building every day. And the people have been demonstrating their appreciation for the show with STANDING OVATIONS at every performance. And the fans outside...? Well, they've been wonderful to greet and sign autographs for. Here are two photos so you can see for yourself. I think their smiling faces tell the tale. And that's MATT CAVENAUGH posing in the crowd just in case you didn't recognize him.





AWARD SEASON

Well, award season has indeed begun and the nominations have started being announced. So far we've been nominated for BEST MUSICAL OF THE YEAR by THE DRAMA LEAGUE and THE OUTER CRITICS CIRCLE. Besides those, FAITH PRINCE was nominated BEST ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL for both of those awards, and TOM WOPAT and I were nominated for the DRAMA LEAGUE as well. Tomorrow they announce the DRAMA DESK nominations so I'll let you know how we fare there next week.

THE DAILY GRIND

Legendary actress MARION SELDES is famous for announcing on matinee days, "Aren't we lucky? Today we get to do it twice." And that's kind of the way I feel. There are many actors who love the rehearsal process best. I'm one who enjoys the day to day playing of the show. I seem to like the routine of going to work and facing a new audience each day to see what else I can learn. I guess that is why I enjoy doing long runs. I did TORCH SONG TRILOGY on and off for nearly 10 years. And I stayed in HAIRSPRAY for 2 years, and even did FIDDLER ON THE ROOF for more than a year until I had to leave due to a prior commitment in Las Vegas. Too early to tell what kind of run A CATERED AFFAIR will have, but I'd love to do it for a good long time SO TELL YOUR FRIENDS TO COME SEE US!

Meanwhile, the day to day playing of the show gets us playing backstage. Here are a few shots of life in my dressing room.


Stage Manager, HEATHER WEISS, shows off her hot footwear.


Stage Manager CLAUDIA LYNCH shows off her new spring coat.


And Sound Tech STEPHANIE just shows off!


Speaking of showing off....? Oh, that ZBORNIK!


And CAVENAUGH drops in for a visit...


...as does his understudy MATT SCOTT.

POKER

By the way... I finally got to play in two of the Broadway poker games this week. I think I'm a little rusty since I haven't played in many months, but who can regret losing to the beautiful young men and ladies who play? Not me! Still, I think I'll have to stop looking at them and start concentrating on my cards instead.

Well, that's the week in the world of HARVEY & A CATERED AFFAIR. I'm sure next week will bring more news of award season and such so...

...STAY TUNED!!!!

12:05 PM - 37 Comments - 54 Kudos - Add Comment

FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF THE RUN!
Current mood: excited

YES, MY FRIENDS, WE ARE OPEN AND INTO THE RUN!

Last week was the crazy busy week you would imagine as we prepped for our opening night, partied, took in the reviews and began to settle in for (what we hope will be) a LONG RUN.



The week began with a luncheon we hosted for all of the TOURING PRESENTERS who bring Broadway shows to their theaters across America. Here you see FAITH PRINCE, JOHN DOYLE and I posing for the press before going in to lunch.

During the meal we showed an 8 minute documentary about the making of A CATERED AFFAIR. I still need to figure out how to post this video here, but if you want to see it just go to our website -

http://www.acateredaffaironbroadway.com/

- and click on "SEE OUR EXCLUSIVE VIDEO" and you can watch it. There's lots of wonderful footage of the show so anyone who wants a real taste can find it there.



Back at the theater our doorman, JOHN, bulks up on his veggies so that he'll be strong enough to manage the coming tide of flowers and gifts that will soon be arriving.



ADAM HUNTER and JOHN DOYLE lurk in my doorway before the final preview.



And the always wonderful CBS Anchor DANA TYLER drops by for a hug.



Down in the bowels of the theater, I get a final trim of my 1950's haircut in prep for the opening.



And darling HENRY KRIEGER, composer of DREAMGIRLS, stops by to offer encouragement. You may be interested to know that Henry and I have been working together as friends since 1973. That's thirty-five years of friendship shared. And I truly treasure this man.



Backstage, just before the curtain goes up on opening, a few cast members, plus Faith's son HENRY, drop by for a hello.

THE OPENING NIGHT

I've got to start by apologizing to you. I was intending to take lots of photos for you, but I just got too involved having a fabulous time at our HILTON HOTEL WEDDING to get my camera out.

Believe me, the entire evening was a Storybook opening from the red-carpet celebs including JOAN RIVERS, REGIS AND KATHY LEE, GLEN CLOSE, BERNADETTE PETERS, BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL, RAUL ESPARZA, SHEILA MAC RAE, SUZANNE VEGA, and on and on.

They served the wedding menu that we arrange in the show. And there was a dance band and wedding cake... The whole thing was a wonderful HOOT!

I'm certain there are dozens of photos on other sites including BROADWAYWORLD.COM so check them out. But here are my few photos.



In my dressing room right after the performance are SUSAN BRISTOW, RICHIE JACKSON, JORDAN ROTH and JOE MAJODA.



I know it's a terrible photo of her, but I had to share this pic of me with one of my idols JUDY COLLINS.



ZBORNIK certainly looks like she's having a great time, yes? This was, afterall, her Broadway debut. I think that requires real celebrating.



And here I am with my brother/partner RON.



Songstress KAREN AKERS was there looking fabu.



And no Broadway event is complete without GLIKAS!!!!



And here is a shot of me with some of my closest friends who all came out to celebrate. They were the ones, in the long run, who have been around the entire time I was creating the show. They deserved the celebration the most.

REVIEWS AND THE RUN

We certainly got our share of FABULOUS REVIEWS! I know that everyone says they do not read reviews, but I swear that I only skim them briefly and move on. But I am happy to report that USA TODAY, VARIETY, HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, THE NEW YORK POST, ASSOCIATED PRESS and tons of others got what we are doing and embraced the show with praise and enthusiasm.

And then there were the ones who just didn't want to "go there" if you know what I mean. A CATERED AFFAIR is an attempt to tell a story in an honest, emotionally truthful way without manipulating the audience or telling them what to think or feel. I would almost say that A CATERED AFFAIR is to Broadway musicals what a foreign film is to movies. Foreign films trust the audience and rely on their intelligence to interpret the story and characters. American films leave almost nothing to the imagination. They spell everything out, manipulate the audience's emotions and oversell their message. American films are black and white while foreign films (and real life) have many gradations of gray. I have always said that we are not for everyone and some of the critics certainly proved that. I'm happy to say that ALL OF THE CRITICS treated our show with respect and admiration whether they wanted to come along on our journey or not.

So, now, armed with a very healthy advance in the box office, a ton of terrific quotes from the critics, fabulous audience word of mouth, and (most importantly) an absolutely terrific show, A CATERED AFFAIR has begun it's run bringing our story to audiences EIGHT TIMES A WEEK.

Please check out our website for that documentary where you will easily see why I am so very proud of what we have created. A CATERED AFFAIR is not just another show and I hope that you will all find the time to see it for yourself.

Meanwhile, as we enter the AWARD SEASON, I'm sure there will be fun updates so...

...STAY TUNED!

7:31 AM - 26 Comments - 48 Kudos - Add Comment

HERE COMES THE JUDGE!!!!

PREVIEWS... for all intents and purposes... ARE OVER!!!!

Although we don't open officially until Thursday night, the show has been frozen, (which means there are no more changes to the script, the physical production or the score). This is done a week before opening because critics no longer come on opening nights as they do in London or as they used to do on Broadway. Critics now have a whole mess of performances that they can attend so that they don't have to rush the composing of their reviews. SO... as you may have already guessed... the critics have begun to view our show. AND WE HAVE BEGUN TO AWAIT THEIR REVIEWS. Ah, the Broadway Tango!

I have to admit that I'm thrilled to be done with previews. Not that I mind rehearsing and trying new things. But sometimes, whether out of boredom or over-confidence, things get a little too playful in rehearsal and the show can suffer. After a day of work where our fearless leader, aka director, asked us to do some acting exercises with the piece, we went out onstage and damn near bent the show completely out of shape. I swear, it was absolutely amazing how, without changing a word or song or lighting cue, the entire show that we've been so proud of just simply FELL FLAT ON IT'S FACE. And that was just from adjusting the pace, the volume and the intensity. And I, of course, felt so badly for the audience who sat in puzzlement through this performance. Once again I had to remind myself that they knew when they bought their tickets that they were seeing a PREVIEW and not a finished performance. I just wish they hadn't seen THAT preview! But by next day we'd scrapped all that experimentation and were back on our game. And now THE SHOW IS FROZEN so no more of that. PERIOD.

THE TODAY SHOW

So, my week started off with a bang. Because I had sung to KATIE COURIC on her last day at THE TODAY SHOW I was asked if I would come on and sing to KATHY LEE GIFFORD on her first day at THE TODAY SHOW. How could I say no? So I trudged over to 30 ROCK at some ungodly hour and sang CONEY ISLAND from A CATERED AFFAIR to her. While I did have fun, it seemed a bit disorganized over there. Hopefully a few days of work has shaken the bugs out of their panties and the show is running smoothly.



Here I am in the studio readying to sing. That's the fabulous DEB ABRAMSON at the piano ready to play for me.


And here I am with KATHY LEE herself. What a doll. She said that she is going to see a Broadway show every Wednesday and then report about it on Thursday. I hope she keeps her word. It would be great for us all.


And here I am engulfed by ANTI-GRAVITY who also appeared on the show that morning. Do I look like I'm suffering?


And what's a celeb without a posse? Here's mine: BRUCE GLIKAS of BROADWAY.COM and my press agent RICK MIRAMONTEZ.

RECORDING THE CD

After THE TODAY SHOW I was shuttled over to the recording studio where we all gathered behind mics with our orchestra and recorded the ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST ALBUM OF A CATERED AFFAIR! I believe they are doing a real rush job on it and will have it available for purchase on May 12th. I'm sure I'll keep you updated on that.


TOM WOPAT is seen here taking a breather with our PSM ADAM HUNTER.


And here's JONATHON TUNIK enjoying the sound of the music he makes being played back for him.


FAITH PRINCE and LESLIE KRITZER shared the mics and a quiet moment between takes.


And here's KRITZER again, but this time with MATT CAVENAUGH.

BACK AT THE THEATER...

...it's becoming obvious that my dressing room is A SOCIAL CENTER. Our theater has no green room or common space, so everyone seems to gravitate toward my room. I'm not sure if it's my personality or proximity to the bathroom that brings everyone by, and I ain't asking!


KATIE KLAUS has a bit of a fainting spell on my fainting couch.


PA extraordinaire, SPENSER, stops by to model a new hair-don't.


ZBORNIK drops in to share...? What does it look like she's sharing????


Stage crew CHRIS & TIM had to stop in to see how things were going.


Is this any way to get notes from a stage manager? By the way... BIG CONGRATS TO ADAM AND HIS WIFE ON THE BIRTH OF THEIR NEW DAUGHTER TODAY... IDA MAE... WELCOME TO THE COMPANY!!!!


Lighting genius BRIAN MAC DEVITT comes by to say HI and gets a special greeting from KRITZER.


And finally, here is my dresser KEITH SHAW showing how he keeps us all in a great mood during the long days and nights leading up to opening.

OPENING NIGHT

Well, the show is frozen.
The opening night gifts are wrapped.
The cards are getting written.
The critics are coming to see the show.
And I am scared, but ready,

So if you want to know how it all comes out....

STAY TUNED!!!! AND KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED FOR US!!!!

6:35 PM - 38 Comments - 52 Kudos - Add Comment