MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS - Ocean State Theatre Company - Rhode Island

The delightful family stage musical MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, based on the 1944 movie, comes to the Ocean State Theatre Company in Warwick, Rhode Island, this December.  Have a look at their press release below for details and advanced ticket sales:

OCEAN STATE THEATRE COMPANY ANNOUNCES

TICKETS ON SALE FOR HOLIDAY PRODUCTION OF

MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS

 

WARWICK, RI – Ocean State Theatre Company (OSTC) is proud to announce that tickets for their 2014 holiday production of Meet Me in St. Louis, which will be presented at their state-of-the-art theatre in Warwick, from December 3-28, will go on sale to the public on Tuesday, September 2.

 

“The response to last year’s holiday production of Miracle on 34^th Street was so tremendous, we thought our audiences would enjoy another classic musical for the holidays,” said Producing Artistic Director, Amiee Turner. “We had been considering including Meet Me in St. Louis in our main stage season but, with it’s warm family themes and the joyous Christmas scene that includes the classic carol “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” it just felt better suited for the holidays.”

 

Based on the heartwarming 1944 MGM film which starred Judy Garland, Meet Me in St. Louis is a wonderful classic from the golden age of musical comedy. Join the Smith family at the 1904 World’s Fair and see how their love and respect for each other is tempered with the genuine humor that can only be generated by such a close family. Memorable musical numbers include “The Boy Next Door, “The Trolley Song,” “Under the Bamboo Tree,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Meet Me in St. Louis is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with the entire family!

 

Meet Me in St. Louis will be presented from December 3 – 28. Previews are scheduled for Wednesday, December 3 at 7:30 pm and Thursday, December 4 at 2:00 and 7:30 pm. All other performances will be held Wednesday (except 12/10 & 12/24) through Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm, with matinees on Thursdays (except 12/18), Saturdays (except 12/6) and Sundays at 2:00 pm. (There are no performances scheduled for December 25.)

 

Subscriptions and single tickets for the 2014-15 Season, which includes Lerner & Loewe’s abso-bloomin’-lutely perfect musical, My Fair Lady, the classic murder mystery thriller, Dial M for Murder, Jeff Stetson’s compelling play, The Meeting, Jason Robert Brown’s musical masterpiece, The Last Five Years, the door-slamming farce, Lend Me a Tenor and Stephen Sondheim’s charming musical, Into the Woods, are also available.

 

The theatre is located at 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, RI. Tickets for Meet Me in St. Louis are $39 for preview performances and $39-$54 for all other performances. Discount rates for groups of 20 or more are available by calling (401) 921-1777 x112. $30 “Rush” tickets will be available on a limited basis one hour prior to curtain on the day of the performance. Tickets will be available at the box office Tuesday through Friday from 12 noon – 6:00 pm, Saturdays from 12 noon – 4:00 pm, and up until curtain on performance days. Tickets are also available online 24 hours a day at www.OceanStateTheatre.org and via telephone during normal box office hours by calling (401) 921-6800.

 

Ann Blyth Kickstarter Campaign - 1 day left...

“I’m glad you know.  He never loved you.  It’s always been me.  I’ve got what I wanted and there’s nothing you can do about it.”  Her triumph, searing through narrowed eyes and the gloss of a long-aspired to sophistication hangs in the air just for a moment, until the catastrophe happens, by her own guilty hand.  Hysterical and sobbing, begs her mother, “Help me!”

This is no ploy, she is genuinely at the end of the rope.  Her, by now, truly tragic emotional collapse and her mother’s leaden inability to take any more--is topped only by more flip-flopping by both until the movie’s last few moments.

It’s quite a ride.  Ann Blyth is consistently believable in Veda's mercurial psyche...

We discussed Mildred Pierce (1945) here.

THERE is 1 DAY LEFT to my Kickstarter campaign - looking for backers to raise funds for upcoming  book on Ann Blyth's career - principally to offset costs of fees to obtain never or rarely seen photos in libraries, museums, and newspaper files.  The drive ends tomorrow evening at 8:00 p.m. ET.  Thanks to all who can help.

Click here to back the project.

My thanks to anyone who may share this post on your blog, Facebook, Twitter, or social media of your choice, or just pass a note in gym class.

Also tomorrow, I will be a guest on John Losh's radio show: Losh-Man's Hollywood Classics from Noon-1pm CT on http://www.1027thehog.com and 102.7 FM-Excelsior Springs, Missouri.
 
I am interviewed by John Hayes at his blog Robert Frost's Banjo on the Ann Blyth series and upcoming book here.

Kickstarter campaign and Radio Guest Appearance

"...She puts her hands on the ship’s wheel and says, 'She's lovely.'

He puts his hands atop hers, 'And she always obeys me.'

'Perhaps because she likes the touch of your hand,' she replies, looking down with satisfaction at his hand covering hers. 

'She ought to; I’m in love with her.'

Modern films with love scenes showing two people writhing in bed are not more erotic than this scene under the night stars, so astonishing in its simplicity and effectiveness..."

From our post on The World in His Arms (1952), discussed here.

THERE ARE 2 DAYS LEFT to my Kickstarter campaign - looking for backers to raise funds for upcoming  book on Ann Blyth's career - principally to offset costs of fees to obtain never or rarely seen photos in libraries, museums, and newspaper files.  Thanks to all who can help.

Click here to back the project.

My thanks to anyone who may share this post on your blog, Facebook, Twitter, or social media of your choice, or just pass a note in gym class.

RADIO:  I'll be a guest on John Losh's radio program this Sunday, August 24th, noon to 1:00 CT, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. ET.  Tune into Losh-Man's Hollywood Classics on http://www.1027thehog.com/ and 102.7 FM-Excelsior Springs, Missouri.  If you've ever wondered if I am as long-winded speaking as I am writing, now's your chance to find out.


I am interviewed by John Hayes at his blog Robert Frost's Banjo on the Ann Blyth series and upcoming book here.

Ann Blyth Kickstarter campaign - 4 days left

"...She senses his growing anxiety.  Like any thoughtful and concerned groom, she gently asks him if he is nervous about the wedding night.

He responds, “Well, a little maybe.  No more than the average man, I guess.”

She delicately tries to reassure him, as if he were a virgin in a 19th century English novel about to faint in the clutches of a highwayman, “There’s nothing to be afraid of, dear.  I’ll be awfully gentle and tender.”

He shoots her an incredulous look, this devil-may-care bachelor having lost all control of the situation..."

From Once More, My Darling (1949), discussed here.

THERE ARE 4 DAYS LEFT to my Kickstarter campaign - looking for backers to raise funds for upcoming  book on Ann Blyth's career - principally to offset costs of fees to obtain never or rarely seen photos in libraries, museums, and newspaper files.  Thanks to all who can help.

Click here to back the project.

My thanks to anyone who may share this post on your blog, Facebook, Twitter, or social media of your choice, or just pass a note in gym class.


RADIO:  I'll be a guest on John Losh's radio program this Sunday, August 24th, noon to 1:00 CT, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. ET.  Tune into Losh-Man's Hollywood Classics on http://www.1027thehog.com/ and 102.7 FM-Excelsior Springs, Missouri.  If you've ever wondered if I am as long-winded speaking as I am writing, now's your chance to find out.


I am interviewed by John Hayes at his blog Robert Frost's Banjo on the Ann Blyth series and upcoming book here.

Ann Blyth Book Kickstarter campaign - 5 days left

"She rests on his back, rubs her chin on his bare shoulder blade, while he strokes her arm and kisses it, and they talk about the future.  She writes words on his back in sand.  When they come out of the surf after swimming, there is that lovely moment where their wet bodies embrace, they kiss each other, the ocean rolling a magic carpet up to their toes.  A moment to rival the passionate beach scene in From Here to Eternity, the waves come in and roll around them on all sides."

From our post on Our Very Own (1950), see here.

THERE ARE 5 DAYS LEFT to my Kickstarter campaign - looking for backers to raise funds for upcoming  book on Ann Blyth's career - principally to offset costs of fees to obtain never or rarely seen photos in libraries, museums, and newspaper files.  Thanks to all who can help.

Click here to back the project.

My thanks to anyone who may share this post on your blog, Facebook, Twitter, or social media of your choice, or just pass a note in gym class.

I am interviewed by John Hayes at his blog Robert Frost's Banjo on the Ann Blyth series and upcoming book here.

Musical Holiday Inn coming to Goodspeed Opera House

The stage musical crafted from the beloved classic film, Holiday Inn, is coming to the Goodspeed Opera House.  Their press release on the event below:

 

East Haddam, Conn., AUGUST 8, 2014: It’s time to celebrate! Goodspeed Musicals announces a top-notch cast for its brand new, world premiere musical, Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn. The much-anticipated production will run from September 19 through November 30. [Official Press Opening will be October 15, 2014]

            Happy holidays! Check into the tuneful world-premiere musical about a Connecticut farmhouse transformed into a jubilant nightspot — but only on holidays. From Valentine's Day to the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving to Christmas, expect a cornucopia of hit songs by Irving Berlin in a dance-dizzy romance based on the classic film that first starred Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby. Raise a glass of cheer to "Happy Holiday," "Easter Parade," "Be Careful, It's My Heart" and more of the world's greatest show tunes.

            Holiday Inn features music by Irving Berlin and a new book by Gordon Greenberg and Chad Hodge.  Greenberg has directed numerous Goodspeed productions both at the Goodspeed Opera House and The Norma Terris Theatre including the new musical Band Geeks! for which he also co-wrote the book. Chad Hodge created several television series including NBC’s The Playboy Club and the upcoming FOX series Wayward Pines. 

Holiday Inn, based on the Academy Award-winning film, is produced in association with Universal Stage Productions and by arrangement with The Irving Berlin Music Company. Universal Stage Productions is the live theatre division of the world-famous motion picture studio which has produced such Broadway hits as Wicked, Billy Elliot, Bring It On, the recent award-winning revival of The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess and many more.

Leading the cast will be Noah Racey as Ted Hanover. Mr. Racey returns to Goodspeed where he previously starred in Where’s Charley? and went on to choreograph the 2010 production of Annie Get Your Gun. His Broadway credits include Curtains, Never Gonna Dance, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Follies. Jim Hardy will be played by Corey Mach who has appeared in Broadway’s Hands on a Hardbody and Godspell. Lila Dixon will be played by Hayley Podschun who appeared in Broadway’s Chaplin, Anything Goes, Pal Joey, Sunday in the Park with George, Hairspray, and The Sound of Music. Linda Mason will be played by Patti Murin whose Broadway credits include Xanadu and the title role in Lysistrata Jones. At Goodspeed’s Norma Terris Theatre, Ms. Murin appeared in Band Geeks! and Princesses.

Susan Mosher, of Broadway’s Hairspray, will play Louise. Danny Reed will be played by Danny Rutigliano who was seen in last season’s The Fabulous Lipitones at Goodspeed’s Norma Terris Theatre. Mr. Rutigliano’s Broadway credits include Born Yesterday, Billy Elliot, The Lion King, and The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public. Charlie Winslow will be played by Noah Marlowe who appeared in Broadway’s Act I and Mary Poppins and Goodspeed’s LMNOP at The Norma Terris Theatre.            

The ensemble includes Alissa Alter (Goodspeed’s 42^nd Street), Abby Church (Broadway’s How to Succeed… and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas), Darien Crago, Caley Crawford, Jeremiah Ginn, Juliane Godfrey (Goodspeed’s Good News! and The Great American Mousical), Laura Harrison, Bryan Thomas Hunt, Charles MacEachern (Goodspeed’s Hello, Dolly!), Karl Skyler Urban, and John T. Wolfe (Goodspeed’s Mame). The swings are Sarah Fagan and Darrell T. Joe. Connecticut native Spencer Stanley will understudy the role of Charlie Winslow.

Holiday Inn will be directed by Gordon Greenberg, whose Goodspeed credits include Happy Days and The Pirates of Penzance at the Goodspeed Opera House; The Fabulous Lipitones, Band Geeks! and The Baker’s Wife  at The Norma Terris Theatre. In New York, Mr. Greenberg directed the Drama Desk Award winning production of Studs Terkel’s Working. Holiday Inn will be choreographed by Denis Jones who is slated to choreograph the upcoming Broadway musical Honeymoon in Vegas. For Goodspeed, Jones choreographed The Norma Terris Theatre production of Band Geeks! He served as Associate Choreographer for Broadway’s Legally Blonde and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

Tony-nominated Anna Louizos will be the Scenic Designer. Her numerous Broadway credits include Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, In The Heights, and Curtains. Ms. Louizos’ designs for Goodspeed include LMNOP, Radio Girl, Band Geeks!, Jim Hensen’s Emmet Otter, and Me & My Girl. Costumes will be designed by Alejo Vietti whose designs can now be seen on Broadway in the Tony-nominated Beautiful: The Carol King Musical. Other Broadway credits include Associate Costume Design for Jersey Boys, Good Vibrations, and Enchanted April among others. For Goodspeed, Mr. Vietti has designed Fiddler on the Roof, Carousel, Annie Get Your Gun, Camelot, Big River, 1776 and Meet John Doe at The Norma Terris Theatre. Lighting Design will be by Tony Award-winner Jeff Croiter. Among Croiter’s many Broadway credits are Mothers and Sons, Soul Doctor, Jekyll & Hyde, Peter and the Starcatcher, and Newsies. His Goodspeed credits include The Fabulous Lipitones, Radio Girl, Band Geeks!, Happy Days, Pirates of Penzance, Pippin, and more.  Sound Design will be by Jay Hilton who is in his 29^th season at Goodspeed.

The Music Director for Holiday Inn will be Michael O’Flaherty, who is in his 23rd season as Goodspeed’s Resident Music Director. William J. Thomas will be Assistant Music Director. Orchestrations will be provided by Dan DeLange, who has created the orchestrations for numerous Goodspeed productions. Casting for Holiday Inn is by Paul Hardt of SH Entertainment.

            Holiday Inn is produced for Goodspeed Musicals by Michael P. Price.

Holiday Inn will run September 19 through November 30, 2014 [Official Press Opening is October 15, 2014]. Curtain times are Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 7:30 p.m. (with select performances at 2:00 p.m.), Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. (with select performances at 6:30 p.m.). The Thanksgiving week schedule will be 11/24 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., 11/28 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., 11/29 at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and 11/30 at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.                                             

Tickets are available through the Box Office (860.873.8668), open seven days a week, or on-line at goodspeed.org. For show highlights, exclusive photos, special events and more visit us at goodspeed.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter @goodspeedmusicl, and YouTube.

Ann Blyth Biography - Kickstarter Campaign

A brief, but important, interruption before our next visit in this Year of Ann Blyth series on my Another Old Movie Blog.  As some of you know by now, I've started a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for use in publishing this series (with additional material) as a book.  Next year, this will be available in eBook in a variety of formats and also in paperback.

My reason for trying to raise funds is that I've discovered a number of photos that are in the collections of libraries, museums, newspaper and magazine archives that are not in public domain, and for which I would have to pay a royalty fee to be allowed to use.  Some of these fees can run $30 a photo, to several hundred dollars per photo.  Additionally, some research material is just not available to me unless I can afford it.

I am loathe to ask for money.  It bothers me very much.  But like most plays and films that never get off the ground without backers willing to invest, I'm aware that in this tough and ever-changing world, publishing has become part of the hustling for money game to get the project off the ground.

There are several companies which use this "crowd founding" model to raise funds for creative projects, and Kickstarter is one of them.  Everything from indie films,to inventions, to a variety of business proposals are eligible for a fundraising project on Kickstarter.  Some quite famous people have used this venue to raise funds for projects, including Whoopi Goldberg; Ed Begley, Jr.;  author Seth Godin; and I understand that those good ol' boys from the 1970s TV show The Dukes of Hazard - Tom Wopat and John Schneider - have requested funds recently to make a Christmas album.  Their campaign has earned over $70,000.

I'm not asking for quite that much.  I think $2,500 will cover the bare minimum for photos, editing and artwork expenses I'll incur. Here's how Kickstarter works:  If my campaign brings in $2,500 worth of pledges, then the money is collected from the backers.  If less than $2,500 is raised, then no money is collected, and the campaign is considered having failed.  It's an all-or-nothing game. So, I ask your help in reaching that $2,500.  You can see in the sidebar next to this post the current standings on how much has been raised and how far we have to go.  Click on that notice, and it'll bring you to my Kickstarter page for more details on the project and my background, and the rewards for donations.

If the campaign earns more than $2,500, that's okay, too.  In fact, I will fall to my knees weeping with relief.  But it must earn at least $2,500.   The campaign ends Sunday, August 24th at 8:00 p.m. ET.

If the Kickstarter campaign fails, I will still publish the book.  It just won't have the photos I'd like to use.  I'll stick with public domain lobby cards and studio publicity stills, as many as I can afford to print.  Printing photos is expensive; color photos are very expensive.

End of commercial. Thanks very much to those folks, including some old and new friends, who've already made pledges.  I'm very grateful, and will remember your gesture even if this thing fails miserably.

I'll see you Thursday for more on Ann Blyth in I'll Never Forget You.