And The World Goes 'Round (Benefit) - One Weekend Left!

Best of luck in this terrific revue, Erika!

I will definitely make plans to see it.

---

Thanks, guys! It's shaping up to be a really great evening. And it would be awesome to meet some of you BWW folks! =)

Well, break a leg! =)

It's such a TOUGH work!!!! I music directed it several years ago and the harmonies are SO difficult. On top of that, it requires terrific actors to sell the story of the song out of context of a show (which isn't easy). And the staging/choreography has to be so sharp. Break a leg!!!

---

Well, we're actually doing it as a fundraising concert for the company... We don't normally do revues at West Coast Ensemble, but as we have a new space, which as of now is just an empty warehouse-type space, the board thought this would be a great choice. We're doing it cabaret-style, with lots of tables and a small thrust stage, so people can really get a feeling for the space. And as you can tell from the cast list, we're using the evening as a showcase for the company as opposed to "star turns" for just a few members... This is an actual company - one of the few true theater ensembles left in LA - so it's great to be able to have so many people involved.

As for myself, I'll be singing "How Lucky Can You Get" (solo), "The Grass Is Always Greener" (duet), "Cabaret" (quintet), backup vocals in "All That Jazz," "Money, Money" (entire cast) and of course the "World Goes 'Round" finale (entire cast).

We're also doing some gender-switching on some songs...

We started choreographing "All That Jazz" and "Money" this weekend. I think both numbers are gong to fab.

It's gonna be fun!

I started that post before I read Hanna's...

Yes, Hanna, I agree. The harmonies are challenging, which I adore. I'm so pleased I get to do "Cabaret." =) And we have a amazing choreographer working with us, so I'm pretty confident that the staging/choreography will be impressive - particularly for a bunch of "movers."

As for the acting, you're right, and I think that's precisely why this show will work so well for us. The company is an acting ensemble. We only do one musical a season (18 months); the rest of the time we do straight plays of various types, from classics to new avant-garde works. So, those of us in this production are all dedicated actors who also happen to sing. =)

Thanks so much for the good wishes! And again, it's a benefit concert, so please think about coming if you're in the area, and spread the word! =)

Updated On: 1/30/06 at 12:54 PM

I'm sure you'll tear the roof off with "How Lucky Can You Get!"

...although that would defeat the purpose of the fundrasier, actually.



It's such a great number. It practically morphs into a Mama Rose-type "turn" at the end.

---

Erika---It's so true!

I actually teased Marin Mazzie (an old friend) about that. She did the number when the show first came out here (to L.A.) at the Henry Fonda a million years ago. I joked with her that it was her Rose's Turn after the show. Not long after that, she landed Passion... so look out world, here comes ERIKA!!!

---

That would be great, Popular! Be sure sure to let me know if you're coming so I know to stick around and say hi! =)

And that goes for anyone else who wants to come, too!

*bump!* Rehearsals are going great... I'm even playing recorder - yes, recorder, that instrument of grammar schools everywhere - in one song. hehehe

We used Ukelele's instead of Banjo's for "Me And My Baby." It was fun having to learn the chords myself AND teach the entire cast how to play, but it's a great moment in the show!!!

---

Erika -- what song are you playing recorder for?

---