42ND STREET MOON

Oh, Kay! The Confessional - Billie and Rosie

2011-11-15T18:27:00.000-08:00

How would you feel if you kept getting pushed out of the way. If the love of your life traipsed around with another woman (or two)! That's what the ladies of today's confessional have to deal with. Billie (portrayed Erica Kimble) and Rosie (portrayed by Kathryn Han) are two girls just looking for love. Who's foiling their efforts? Find out in this installment of "The Confessional."

Oh, Kay! The Confessional - Constance Appelton

2011-11-12T15:46:00.000-08:00

Today's confessional comes from none other than the new mistress of the Winter estate, Constance Appleton, portrayed by the lovely Lisa-Marie Newton. How would you feel if you watched your former, but soon to be again, husband flirt with... the MAID! Plus, you had to deal with the antics of a wily butler with no manners who hardly knows how to serve a proper Hamptons' lunch. And all of this

Oh, Kay! The Confessional - Shorty McGee

2011-11-11T17:55:00.000-08:00

Whenever I watch Reality Television... wait... did I just admit to watching Reality Television? Oh well, the cat's out of the bag. Anyway... I find myself waiting for those short "interview - confessionals". You know the snippets where you get to hear all the snarky comments the contestants, housemates, coworkers, etc. make about each other? I wondered what would those confessionals sound

Oh, Kay! and the Langauge of a Musical

2011-10-31T18:35:00.000-07:00

Hey all you Moon birds. I was watching a rehearsal of Oh, Kay! and realized I don’t know from nothin’ about some of the swell language used by P. G. Wodehouse, Guy Bolton and Ira Gershwin in the show. I had to go a searchin’ and came across this swell website which listed all these terms; it was the bees knees and that’s no Banana Oil! So here you go… here are some of the slang terms used

Where in the World is the Nymph Errant The Final Day

2011-10-21T17:56:00.000-07:00

As we prepare to say goodbye to Nymph Errant, I thought we could have one more Where in the World is the Nymph Errant. Enjoy, and remember, the location quiz is only half the fun... Find the Nymph Errant hidden in one of the pictures, have you found all the others hidden Nymphs? We’ve hit up most of Evangeline’s whereabouts, but not all of them. Can you figure out this one? It’s a little more

Where in the World is the Nymph Errant Day 5

2011-10-15T15:00:00.000-07:00

Ruins, Ruins, Ruins… too many ruins in the past few days, let’s see where Evangeline has gone… somewhere that’s green (get the musical reference?) For yesterday’s location check out our Facebook page. Clue 1. The town is built in a wine region, on three hills. That’s obscure… If you get it on that, I’m impressed! Clue 2. It is now home to the Musée de l’Art Brut, a collection of works

Where in the World is The Nymph Errant Day 4

2011-10-14T17:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday’s location was a bit more difficult (click here for the answer), this one is about as easy as it will get! Evangeline… are you over here or over there? Clue 1. Home to more theatrical stages than any other city in the world. That’s my kinda place! Clue 2. It has been continuously inhabited for over 7000 years. To paraphrase Eddie Izzard "where the history comes

Where in the World is the Nymph Errant Day 3

2011-10-13T14:35:00.001-07:00

Week 2 of Nymph Errant started last night! Where has the Nymph gone to today? Clue 1. It’s named after one of the gifts the Three Wise Men brought to Jesus. Ok, so I’m Jewish… I would never have gotten it from that clue. Clue 2. Alexander the Great reestablished the area from its original ancient beginnings. Oh, I wish I had paid more attention in world history! Clue 3. A

New Pricing Initiatives

2011-10-12T17:12:00.000-07:00

For the 2011-12 season, 42nd Street Moon introduces a new pricing initiative: 1) A 10% early bird discount The good news first! We are offering an Early Bird discount for every show this season (find the code online, on the postcard, and emails we send out). The discount will generally end two weeks before the first preview. This discount will be valid for EVERY performance, including

Where in the World is the Nymph Errant Day 2

2011-10-11T18:18:00.000-07:00

I do apologize for taking so long to get this next edition of “Where in the World is the Nymph Errant?” finished. I wanted to write a special tribute to Bob Grimes (see blog). Also, we had our opening weekend. It was a busy time! So, for those of you who aren’t sure where Evangeline was in the last edition… I’m not going to tell you – here! Check on our Facebook page for the answer.

Bob Grimes - The Sheet Music Mogul of Post Street

2011-10-11T14:32:00.000-07:00

42nd Street Moon lost one of our dearest friends this past weekend. Bob Grimes passed away on Saturday afternoon. It is a great loss, not only for us, his family, and friends, but to the entire music world. The inside joke about Bob was that he was “Almost a Celebrity” but the truth is, he was a celebrity, the rarest of celebrities... he was a celebrity’s celebrity. Bob Grimes February 18,

Where in the World is the Nymph Errant Day 1

2011-10-06T14:00:00.000-07:00

Just like with businesses, home values, and so many other things… Nymph Errant is all about Location, Location, Location. Well, ok, maybe not all about… there’s a lot about love, romance, sex, and singing too… but location is up there. Over the next week or so I want to play a little game, my loyal Moonies. Where in the World is the Nymph Errant. Each day I’ll have a picture, and somewhere in

Choosing a Play: the Decision to Produce Silk Stockings.

2011-05-11T14:00:00.000-07:00

I am always fascinated by the process Artistic Directors use to choose the plays for their seasons. In the next few weeks I hope to sit down with our A.D., Greg MacKellan, and ask him about next season's terrific line up. But for right now, I did get a chance to talk to him about Silk Stockings specifically. Find out why 42nd Street Moon produced Silk Stockings in the interview below. Come

The Mystery of George Spelvin

2011-03-27T20:18:00.000-07:00

I received a call from a longtime patron of ours the other day, a representative of George Spelvin. She wanted to renew his subscription for the upcoming 2011-12 season. Now, this probably doesn’t seem odd, but I was in the middle of reading a scene, from Strike Up the Band, between George Spelvin and Horace J. Fletcher. “What an odd coincidence,” I thought. George Spelvin Do you know who

And the Award Goes to: 42nd Street Moon Receives 20 nominations!

2011-03-10T14:22:00.000-08:00

In January, The San Francisco Bay Times released its "The Top 10 of 2010" list of Theatrical performances. 42nd Street Moon is on the list - twice! Then in just the past few weeks Moon has been nominated for 9 BroadwayWorld.com awards and 11 Bay Area Theater Critic Circle (BATCC) Awards. While the BATCC Awards are chosen by a closed ballot, the BroadwayWorld.com Awards are chosen through

Klea Blackhurst : Secrets of Successful Singing Revealed! A review of MoonSchool’s first Master Class.

2011-02-22T11:37:00.000-08:00

Klea Blackhurst (right) with U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg Ann Wagner On February 5th, New York’s powerhouse singer, Klea Blackhurst, swooped into MoonSchool and taught an amazing Master Class in singing and song interpretation. Ms. Blackhurst was the perfect choice to launch the Master Class series at 42nd Street Moon. Klea is an experienced performer of both theatre and cabaret. Her

2011-01-27T15:00:00.000-08:00

Our past two blogs have discussed the two guest stars of tonight’s salon tribute to the legendary composer John Kander. Karen Ziemba and Noah Racey comprise two of the seven performers you’ll see at the Alcazar, and they both originated roles in John Kander shows. Rob Hatzenbeller Karen originated roles in four Kander shows, including Curtains which Noah also originated a role in. However,

Noah Racey, A Contemporary Song and Dance Man

2011-01-25T17:23:00.000-08:00

Today's guest Blogger is Joe Mader. Joe has written on theater and film for a variety of publications, including Salon.com, the San Francisco Weekly, the San Francisco Examiner, and the Hollywood Reporter. He served as managing director and producer for a Worcester, Massachusetts theater company for two years. For 42nd Street Moon, he previously stage managed Peddling Rainbows, Girl Crazy, and

It Couldn't Please Me More, Karen Ziemba starring in And All That Jazz: A John Kander Salon

2010-12-21T18:53:00.000-08:00

The first time I saw Karen Ziemba perform, I was 18 and in the process of devouring everything Sondheim. A friend had lent me a VHS of Sondheim: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall – for those of you too young to remember VHS, they were an archaic form of DVDs. Performance after performance, they were all delicious! And though the list of luminaries was long – Madeline Kahn, Glenn Close, Liza

A Glee - ful experience with Babes in Arms.

2010-12-16T17:42:00.000-08:00

Glee. Let’s face it, it’s become a phenomenon. Whether you like it, love it, or hate it, it looks like it’s going to be around for a while. Personally, I love it. I love the storylines. I love the song choices. I love the characters. I love that it’s making household names out of Broadway stars. I love what it’s doing for Musical Theatre. Glee is introducing legions of children and young

Extra... Extra... Read All About It: Murder at the Eureka Theatre. Witnesses Leave Laughing.

2010-11-12T13:54:00.000-08:00

Last season we began asking our audiences to give us their unabashed reviews of our shows. Although we didn't specifically ask our audience this season, I found an unsolicited review on Goldstar. Here is the review, with kind permission. My guest blogger Gregory Alonzo. Kinosian and Blair have publicly professed their allegiance to the conventions of the venerable musicals of a bygone era.

Where Where Were You On the Night Of : An Interview with the Creators of Murder for Two

2010-10-29T16:47:00.000-07:00

Our journey into the minds of Murder for Two, A Killer Musical co-creators Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair continues. Today, we discover how the show has changed over the past year and a half. Hear some more... Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Don't miss your chance to see the West Coast premiere

Life Upon the Wicked Stage: The Actors of Once in a Million Moons

2010-10-27T17:55:00.000-07:00

As we prepare for Once in a Million Moons: A Jerome Kern Salon, I thought it would be interesting to find out who has the most previous experience with Kern. Below, you'll find our cast and which Kern shows they have been in, and which is their favorite Kern Song. Rebecca Luker* (Special Guest Star) Rebecca is considered one of the great interpreters of Kern's music. And no wonder: in

Just the Facts Ma'am: An Interview with the Creators of Murder for Two

2010-10-14T17:45:00.000-07:00

Join Kellen Blair (Book / Lyrics) and Joe Kinosian (Book / Music) -- in part three of this multi-part interview -- as they discuss their musical theatre influences and why Murder for Two, a Killer Musical will be a hit with 42nd Street Moon's audience. Need to catch up? Part 1 Part 2 If you'd like to see Murder for Two, a Killer Musical

Confessions of a Teenaged Theatre Geek

2010-09-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

When I was 14, I hated musicals. I didn't know who Stephen Sondheim was. Heck, I didn't even know who Andrew Lloyd Webber was, and I didn't understand what was causing this phenomenon around something called Les Miz. The only musicals I really liked as a kid were The Wizard of Oz and Mary Poppins. I have no excuse; I was a late bloomer. Then fate intervened. My English class was

A Funny Plot Happened on the Way to the Forum

2010-09-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

Alas, it is that time, the season is upon us. Forum rehearsals started last night and MoonSpace (42nd Street Moon's administrative and rehearsal space) is jumping. In this era of digital gossip, minute by minute updates, and texts replacing phone calls, I thought "How would I tweet about Forum?" "How will I express what Forum is all about in just 140 characters. I mean, after all, you can

Questioning the Suspects: An Interview with the Creators of Murder for Two

2010-07-31T11:40:00.000-07:00

In part two of our multi-part interview with Joe Kinosian (composer/co-book writer) and Kellen Blair (lyricist/co-book writer), Joe tells us about his 12 characters in Murder for Two, as well as his multiple roles in the creation of the show. If you missed part one, click here for my last blog. If you'd like to see Murder for Two, get your tickets early. Call (415) 255-8207 or see our website

Let the Interrogation Begin: Interviewing the Creators of Murder For Two

2010-07-19T14:44:00.001-07:00

There are so many things to be excited about next season at 42nd Street Moon, but for me personally, the most exciting is the production of Murder For Two: A Killer Musical. This is the first time Moon has produced a brand new work. San Francisco will be the first major city to produce this hilarious and innovative work. Murder For Two is two parts Agatha Christie, mixed with one part

Cast of Thousands (well dozens, anyway.) - Update

2010-07-12T18:25:00.000-07:00

For a small theatre company, 42nd Street Moon definitely boast some pretty large casts. This fall 31 actors will grace the Eureka's stage. Considering that our second show, Murder For Two, has only has two actors in it. That leaves 30 actors for A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum (16 actors) and Babes In Arms (14 actors). For those of you who are trying to figure out how 16 + 14 +

Offical and Un-official National Anthems

2010-07-04T02:45:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July all. Check out Alexandra Kaprielian singing our National Anthem (minus a few seconds due to technical difficulties). And a note from the Rodgers and Hammerstein facebook page. "Don't forget to sing Irving Berlin's 'God Bless America' this weekend! Did you know that the original lyrics to "God Bless America" as written for YIP YIP YAPHANK were: 'God Bless America, land

And She Was Beautiful... (and still is)

2010-06-14T16:26:00.000-07:00

Thank you to 42nd Street Moon's new intern, William Gaines, for this fun posting. Who watched the Tony Awards Sunday night? If you’re reading this blog then chances are that is a superfluous question. My favorite moment of the telecast, and a moment which only the most cold-hearted, ruthlessly ageist could take issue with, was the appearance of, and the ensuing standing ovation received by,

The Telephone Hour: Raising Money for MoonSchool

2010-05-28T19:33:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a night! This is the third night of our 2nd Annual Phone-a-thon. Over the past three nights, cast members from all five shows, volunteers, Board Members, and staff have been calling our patrons to drum up support for MoonSchool, our new education program. So far things are going pretty well, we've raised about $5,000 but we still have $10,000 to go. If you'd like to make a donation

Jerome Kern: That Moment Divine

2010-05-21T12:48:00.000-07:00

I was floating around in cyberspace and came across this blog Something Old, Nothing New:Thoughts on Popular Culture and Unpopular Culture by Jaime Weinman. This particular post talked about Very Warm for May. With permission from the writer, I’ve reposted an edited version here (all links are mine). Enjoy! In my previous post, some commenters mentioned another track from that John McGlinn "

Ogden Quiller’s Progressive Playshop Production of ETERNITY

2010-05-15T15:10:00.000-07:00

By now I'm sure you know that Very Warm for May has a show within a show plot. Well the "players" decided they wanted their moment to shine. If you were one of the lucky few who saw the Ogden Quiller Progressive Playshop Production of Eternity at the Spofford Barn Theatre in Connecticut, you might have forgotten to get a show program. Here it is. Ogden Quiller’s Progressive Playshop Production

Very Warm for May: A Musical Analysis

2010-05-10T21:30:00.000-07:00

Robbie Cowan is a performer, musician, coach, director, and liturgist. He has worked with Moon many times in the past and is a recent graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where hereceived his Masters in Music with honors in voice and musical theatre in May of 2009. Robbie asked to write a guest blog in which analyzes the music of Very Warm for May, the second half of the post

Do You Hear that Singing?

2010-05-03T15:00:00.000-07:00

Before a rehearsal the other day, I was talking to Bill Fahrner and found out some interesting things about our upcoming production of Very Warm for May. Often times at 42nd Street Moon we work with very limited "source" material. A script and piano/vocal score are our creative team's usual tools. Rarely do the shows we produce include dance notations (unlike shows that were chorographed by

Beyond the Cotton Blossom: Kern and Hammerstein

2010-04-28T19:15:00.000-07:00

This is a guest blog from former Oakland Tribune Theater Critic Robert Taylor: Show Boat may have been a turning point in the American musical theater, and in the careers of composer Jerome Kern and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II, but it was not the only show they created. Kern worked with many, lyricists during his 40-year stage and screen career, among them Dorothy Fields, Ira Gershwin and

Three Sisters: A Restoration

2010-04-22T16:48:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to announce (and scoup all the news agencies!) that 42nd Street Moon, Artistic Director Greg MacKellan, and Musical Director Dave Dobrusky have received a 2010 NEA Grant for $25,000. The grant is being awarded to restore the script and score of Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein's lost work Three Sisters. In 1995, Moon put together a concert reading of Three Sisters. Although it was

The Reviews Are In

2010-04-04T19:59:00.000-07:00

We asked our opening night audience, if anyone wanted to write a review. We did not offer free tickets; we did not solicit specific “Moonies”, it was completely open to anyone who wanted to try their hand at some reviews. We had some eager takers! I promised I wouldn't edit them at all... so here they are. Direct from the audience members. I did add the titles, however. BLOWN AWAY I

MOONShine: 42nd Street Moon's Young Professionals Group

2010-04-02T16:00:00.000-07:00

Have you heard? There’s a new group in town. 42nd Street Moon is starting a new group for young professionals. Headed by one of our favorite Moon Actors, Benjamin Pither (Jubilee, Nice Work If You Can Get It), MOONShine will prove to be a great evening for all the Gen-xers out there looking to explore theater or just to have a great time. First, we’ll meet at The Old Ship for a no-host happy

Everything The Traffic Will Allow - A New York Experience!

2010-03-31T16:00:00.000-07:00

Wow! What an experience. Managing Director Lauren Hewitt and I have spent the past week in New York at a Marketing and Development conference for nerdy art administrators (it was more fun than it sounds) and it has been quite a time. There wasn’t been a lot of time for shows, but Lauren and I did get a chance to see our favorite “Madam,” Klea Blackhurst, at the Snapple Theater doing Everything

Lady, Be Good! In Context

2010-03-30T16:00:00.000-07:00

With the exception of a few very notable shows, most of the names of the Gershwins’ musicals have become forgotten to the vast majority of Americans, but the songs that came from these shows are as ingrained in our collective knowledge as the advertising slogans “Just Do It” or “Reach Out and Touch Someone.” Take our current offering, Lady, Be Good! I have to admit, I wasn’t familiar with the

WILDCAT was nominated for 6 Bay Area Critics’ Circle Awards!

2010-03-28T20:47:00.000-07:00

Congratulations! Wildcat was nominated for 6 Bay Area Critics’ Circle Awards! Artistic Director, Greg MacKellan stated, “As always, we're happy to be honored with nominations from the Bay Area Critics' Circle. Wildcat was a terrific show, and we're thrilled that the cast and director Kalon Thibodeaux and choreographer Tom Segal have been selected for this recognition.” I asked those nominated

It's the Last Midnight...

2010-03-24T18:43:00.000-07:00

Ok, I don’t usually write JUST about buy tickets or subscriptions, so I’m gonna make this one REALLY short. If you aren’t already a subscriber, than you probably don’t know that you can subscribe for next season already. Well, my lucky Bloggees, as a special treat for you, for following me… you can subscribe online RIGHT NOW and get our special Early Bird prices that are usually reserved for

A New Dawn, a New Day, A New Moon - 42nd Street Moon's 2010-2011 Season

2010-03-10T19:51:00.000-08:00

While the first of our spring 2010 shows, Lady, Be Good!, is already rehearsing at MoonSpace, the 2010-11 Moon season, “Lovers, Liars and Clowns!” is also officially “off and running.” The Early Bird subscription campaign for our eighteenth season has moved into high gear, and the press announcement has found its way into the San Francisco Chronicle and several New York theatre websites.

My Funny Valentine

2010-02-13T20:18:00.000-08:00

Valentine’s Day. Some of us dread the day, others relish it. I’m sure we’ve all had a date we will always remember; hopefully for the right reasons. One of my favorite moments at this job was at the 2009 Gala when I asked different people to tell me their favorite “Moon” memory. I was expecting stories about shows, perhaps an onstage goof or two? Even though the Gala was back in June, when Board

Ira Gershwin Facts: Our Love Is Here To Stay

2010-01-28T14:21:00.000-08:00

Ira Gershwin was simply one of the best lyricists that has ever written for the stage. His words… urbane, his rhymes… clever, and he literally created new ways to use language in song. His legacy lives on in the expressions he chose to set to music. In his lifetime, those words brought him many honors, including the highest of American literary awards: The Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Ira was

Ira Gershwin Facts: Back Home

2010-01-27T17:10:00.000-08:00

Ira was the oldest of Morris and Rose’s four children; he was two when George was born. Arthur was their third child, and Frances was 10 years Ira’s junior. In fact she was exactly 10 years younger -- they shared the same birthday. Ira has been called the “quiet Gershwin,” but this was never because he was pushed to the side. He preferred to eschew the limelight, choosing instead to observe

Ira Gershwin Facts: A Star Is Born

2010-01-26T23:03:00.000-08:00

The Gershwins knew talent. In 1916, George had met a young man looking for a song for his and his sister’s vaudeville act. Though they did not work together at the time, they vowed they would. In 1922, they got their first chance with For Goodness Sake. George and Ira aided the production with two songs, and Ira helped with lyrics to a third. The show starred the young man and his sister,

Ira Gershwin Facts: What's In a Name?

2010-01-25T20:02:00.000-08:00

On December 6, 1896, a young immigrant couple, Moishe Gershovitz and Rosa Bruskin, gave birth to their first baby. Moishe had already changed the family’s surname to Gershvin and taken the name Morris before little Israel (Ira) was born. Names, it would seem, became very important to Ira Gershwin. To begin, it wasn’t until he applied for a passport in 1928 (age 32) that he found out his

Taking Our Best Shot by Guest Blogger Greg MacKellan

2010-01-21T16:30:00.000-08:00

[ed. I want to thank guest blogger Artistic Director Greg MacKellan for this contribution. I’ll be back to blogging starting on Monday with a special series on Ira Gershwin.Look for a new blog every day next week leading up to our most fantastic Ira Gershwin Salon Evening.] TAKING OUR BEST SHOT Although rehearsals are still several weeks away, on January 8th, some of the performers from our

Thank Heaven: A Memoir by Leslie Caron

2009-12-21T18:42:00.000-08:00

Leslie Caron is one of the few leading ladies of the MGM musical heyday that has remained active into the 21st Century. In 2000, she starred in the memorable Chocolate with Johnny Depp and Juliet Binoche, and then in 2003 Le Divorce with Kate Hudson. However, I think she will be best remembered by us Moonies for her involvement in "I Remember It Well: The Songs of Alan Jay Lerner." This

And Now a Word from Our Sponsor: 42nd Street Moon Goes to the Commercials?

2009-12-04T20:33:00.000-08:00

Some of you get to the Eureka and you come out during intermission saying... "I know I've seen him before." "She reminds me of someone, but I don't quite know why." Well... Hidden in your subconscious might be memories. Memories of seeing some of these commercials... Who's that Gal in the Diner with Paul Reiser...? I think it's the same actress who's controlling this absurd air traffic...

Who's Who of 1935: An Insider's Guide to JUBILEE

2009-11-24T16:33:00.000-08:00

Jubilee was an ultra-hip hit on Broadway in 1935 and lampooned many famous people of the day. Some of the best known were portrayed as thinly disguised characters in the show. For example, the characters of Karen O’Kane and Eric Dare in Jubilee were meant to represent Ginger Rogers and Noel Coward, respectively. Eva Standing is the fictious representation of Elsa Maxwell, while Charles "Mowgli"

The Destiny of Destry Dancer: Rachelle Reyes

2009-11-20T14:08:00.000-08:00

"You make me fall in love with these shows again." Sometimes you, our faithful Moon audience, are the ones with the fascinating life stories to share, and last week at our final performance of Destry Rides Again, the above words were uttered by a very special audience member: Rachelle Reyes. (Rachelle Reyes at Moonspace) Rachelle was born and raised right here in San Francisco, and she

A Toast to Connie Champagne

2009-11-10T22:13:00.000-08:00

Connie Champagne is currently starring as Frenchy in 42nd Street Moon's production of Harold Rome's Destry Rides Again. Connie and I sat down for an interview after a performance of Destry. Find out how she got her start, how she's connected to Molly Ringwald (six-degrees of Kevin Bacon... I think not), and where her fabulous nom de plume comes from. Enjoy the interview! Destry Rides Again

The Tale of a Black Hat: Destry Rides Again From a Different Perspective

2009-11-09T17:44:00.000-08:00

We all have our own particular paradigm for how we view things... life, work, musical plots... Michael Cassidy plays the evil Saloon owner Kent in 42nd Street Moon's production of Destry Rides Again. Hear his take on the Destry story... from the perspective of Kent that is: Destry Rides Again runs through November 15th at the Eureka Theatre. For tickets click here or call (415) 255-8207.

Destry Rides Again... and Again... and Again

2009-11-08T11:41:00.000-08:00

I found it very interesting in reading Artistic Director Greg MacKellan's program notes that Destry Rides Again is one of the most adapted western stories of our time! The brain child of author Max Brand*, Destry was first adapted in 1932 by Universal and starred Tom Mix (this is when and how Harry Destry became "Tom" Destry - Tom Mix is pictured left). While James Stewart and Marlene

A Look Behind Bottleneck: Destry Rehearsals

2009-10-30T14:35:00.000-07:00

When Connie Champagne takes the stage at 42nd Street Moon, she transports us to the Wild West, to the small town of Bottleneck where the bad guys is bad, and the good guys is good. And Connie should know from bad guys and good guys of the Wild West, she shares a birthday with Billy the Kid! (Connie Champagne and Steve Rhyne) One of the great perks of writing this blog is that I get to go into

Destry Rides Where the Buffalo Rome

2009-10-20T17:27:00.000-07:00

Gershwin, Kern, Porter, and Berlin, these are some of the best-known contributors to the Great American Songbook canon and of Broadway's history. However this season's fifth composer, Harold Rome (b. 1908), may not be as familiar. Although you'll soon be familiar with Destry Rides Again, you may not know that, coincidental to our just completed production, one of his early successes was

The Show Must Go On

2009-10-15T17:15:00.000-07:00

Wow! What excitement last night. There is nothing like live theatre, you never know when something is going to happen. And something certainly did happen! A truck jack-kniffed on the Bay Bridge and trapped three of our actors on the other side! What to do? What to do? Do we cancel the show? Has Moon ever cancelled a show before? Of course not! Sure we might have started a *wee* bit late

Six Reasons to See I FEEL A SONG COMING ON

2009-10-11T23:34:00.000-07:00

So I have a few people here who would like to tell you why you should join us for our first salon, I Feel a Song Coming On. Here they are... in their own words. So there ya have it, do you have your tickets yet? If not purchase them by clicking here. Or call us at the Box Office at (415) 255 - 8207. Any don't forget you can meet ALL these guys PLUS Tony Award-winner Cady Huffman

Hello Twelve, Hello Thirteen, Hello Donna - Donna McKechnie to Host Ira Gershwin Salon

2009-10-07T17:50:00.000-07:00

There are Stars among the Moon this season. Internationally renowned cabaret sensation and MAC-award winning Klea Blackhurst begins the second half of Moon's Call Me Madam this week, while our own home town star and chanteuse Connie Champagne begins rehearsal's of Destry Rides Again. (Klea Blackhurst and Connie Champagne) Megan Cavanagh, star of hit films A League of Their Own and Robin

I Like Ike - Call Me Madam and the Election of 1952

2009-10-06T22:37:00.000-07:00

Right after opening night I overheard two Moonies talking about the election of 1952. Not all that odd considering one of the great comedic songs of Call Me Madam is entitled, "They Like Ike." But I realized I too had no idea who had actually won that particular election. Had Harry S. Truman bested Eisenhower who would come back later to win the Presidency? I could have sworn it was Adlai

The Movie in My Mind - Call Me Madam Promotional Video

2009-10-02T11:50:00.000-07:00

What lies before you is my first attempt at creating a "best of" clip for all you Moonies. I hope you enjoy it and leave plenty of comments.

The Host with the Most - Consul General of Luxembourg Throws His Own Party

2009-09-25T16:00:00.000-07:00

Relationships... Like the Hokey-Pokey "that's what it's all about." (Photo: Charlie Levy) (Photo Giana DeGeiso) Call Me Madam is no exception. There is the relationship between the dashing young press attaché (Charlie Levy) and pretty princess (Giana DeGeiso); a handsome Prime Minister (Rob Hatzenbeller) and a brassy confident Ambassador (Klea Blackhurst). (Photo: Rob Hatzenbeller) (

The Klea Chronicles - An Interview with Klea Blackhurst in Three Parts (Part 3)

2009-09-18T16:00:00.000-07:00

(Photo: Billy Stritch and Klea Blackhurst) This is the final installment of our conversation with the star of 42nd Street Moon's Call Me Madam, Klea Blackhurst. We delve into the beginning, and I do mean the beginning, of her career as well as discuss her concert and singing career. _________________ On your website, you have a great story about Ethel Merman's first (and last) audition. Can

The Klea Chronicles - An Interview with Klea Blackhurst in Three Parts (Part 2)

2009-09-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

(Photo: Klea Blackhurst) Part two of our conversation with Klea Blackhurst, Star of 42nd Street Moon's production of Irving Berlin's Call Me Madam.______________ Not many Moonies will probably know this, but you play the Ukulele? I do play the ukulele, I do. I’m glad you know that. Yeah I do play the ukulele. I grew up in a house that we loved ukulele. We had this box with 30

The Klea Chronicles: An Interview with Klea Blackhurst in Three Parts (Part 1)

2009-09-11T16:00:00.000-07:00

(Photo: Klea Blackhurst)Klea Blackhurst, the Star of 42nd Street Moon’s production of Call Me Madam, sat down with me yesterday for a great conversation about Moon, Merman, and much merriment. The next three blogs will include excerpts from that chat and next week you’ll be able to view the entire interview on YouTube. PART I You and 42nd Street Moon have a similar take on your work, can you

Will the Real Sally Adams Please Stand Up: Perle Mesta and Call Me Madam

2009-09-04T16:00:00.000-07:00

(Photo: Perle Mesta on the Cover of Time) Before Klea, before Tyne, before Ethel… there was Perle. Who? Perle Mesta! The original “Hostess with the Mostes’” I knew that Call Me Madam was based on a real story, but I had no idea who inspired Sally Adams. I also had no idea that the lives of Sally Adams and Perle Mesta were so closely aligned. Perle Mesta (originally Pearl Skirvin) was born in

Cady Huffman to be 42nd Street Moon's "Hostess with the Mostes" for our first salon evening!

2009-09-02T09:53:00.000-07:00

Missus Cady Huffman (Sung to the tune of “Mrs. Sally Adams” from Call Me Madam by Irving Berlin) Missus Cady Huffman Requests the pleasure of your company At a party and song A Dorothy Fields Salon That she's giving at the Alcazar Missus Cady Huffman The queen of Broadway society Anybody at all Who's anybody Will be gathered at the Alcazar Missus Cady Huffman Our very special guest who’s

Shoot the Moon

2009-08-28T16:00:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder where all those amazing pictures from the brochures, postcards, and posters come from? Well that would be resident Moon photographer David Allen. David has been taking pictures since his days at Miramonte High School, in the East Bay. In fact, he started working as a photojournalist right out of High School. Now he does

Moon for the Misforgotten

2009-08-21T16:00:00.000-07:00

I have something to say... I'm a musical theatre fan.I feel no personal shame or guilt about this…In fact, I love it!I love everything about it. I love the shows. I love the cast recordings. I love the playbills. Most of all, I love the stories; I love the history.That’s why I’m growing to love this company more and more every day.I might be a little biased, but over the past few weeks I’ve

(God) I Hope I Get It [Part Deux]

2009-08-14T16:00:00.000-07:00

Last week on a very special episode of MoonBlog…We were talking about the audition processes for 42ND Street Moon and we heard from some Moon Actors.( Sarah Kathleen Farrell auditioning for Moon in June -- Sarah appeared in the June Gala and is joining us forboth Call Me Madam and Jubilee this season)Today, we’re lookin’ at things from across the table.The first time the Director interacts with

(God) I Hope I Get It

2009-08-07T16:00:00.000-07:00

Plays and musicals set backstage (Noises Off, Curtains) seem to captivate audiences in a special way. These shows usually take place during rehearsals and performances; they rarely show the beginning of the process. There was one straight-play I remember, a very funny comedy called The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, that takes place at a backers audition, and gives a little hint of the very

As "Fate" Would Have It

2009-07-31T16:00:00.000-07:00

Yes Moonies, that’s right. I’m sure I didn’t fool most of you with my coy deception as to the #1 pick on the Moon ballot in last week's blog. Fate...? Destiny…? It must be Kismet. And it is. Being such a grand show, it got me thinking about large productions and our little theatre. Would we ever be able to do justice to Kismet at the Eureka? I decided it was time to sit down with Artistic

Moon Spotlight

2009-07-29T16:00:00.000-07:00

( Moon Actress Giana DeGeiso)I know the summer is a difficult time for us Moonies. While there are still many things going on here at the office, our beloved fans have limited opportunities to interact with the Moon family. Never fear! I wanted to let all of you know about a few Moon-actor sightings.Putting It TogetherFor those of you who saw Ben Franklin in Paris and High Spirits last season,

Piddle Twiddle and Resolve

2009-07-24T16:00:00.000-07:00

As I brought up on our Facebook discussion board, most of last season’s audience had an opportunity to vote on six shows they would like to see Moon produce in the future (four new shows, and two encores). Artistic Director Greg MacKellan gave me the inside skinny on those results. There were some clear favorites—and clearly some were not, sorry Shenandoah. I don’t think Moon will be doing a

Does Anyone Still Wear a Hat?

2009-07-16T16:00:00.000-07:00

Jan Wahl Does!You have seen her interview stars on KRON. You have heard her movie reviews on KCBS Radio. You have read them in the Examiner. But chances are, you have never glimpsed her in the same hat twice. Since moving to San Francisco to partake in the city’s “freedom, music, poetry, and history of rebels and eccentrics,” Jan Wahl has become one of our unique institutions. I hope that you

A Moon Studded Evening

2009-07-10T16:00:00.001-07:00

(Photo: Special Guests Jan Wahl and Paula West)Open: A stage bereft of persons, a lone-lit piano, and 12 stark chairs.Enter: Dave Dobrusky, Maestro of all things Moon, followed by Bill Fahrner and Caroline Altman. Bill sat on the end of stage right and began the evening with a plaintive and tender “Hooray for Hollywood;” the music continued as Caroline Altman delivered a touching oratory tribute

A New Moon

2009-07-10T15:59:00.000-07:00

(photo: New 42nd Street Moon Blogger Ken Levin with Maureen McVerry at We're in the Money) Hello all you Moonies! I’d like to introduce myself, ever so quickly. My name is Ken and I became a full-fledged Moonie in February when Lauren called me (quite out of the blue) and asked if I’d be interested in House Managing the final three shows of the season. Already familiar with 42nd Street Moon’s

Wildcat Opens, Lead Casting Remembered

2009-05-14T23:14:00.000-07:00

The Moon’s ongoing production of Wildcat started with a bang last week when the show opened with lead Maureen McVerry wearing a vintage garter that Lucille Ball had worn when she had the role. The packed audience at the Eureka Theatre on Saturday included John Henry, a self-described Lucille buff who brought the garter and invited Maureen to wear it for her opening night performance.The cast and

Wildcat Director Kalon Thibodeaux on Oilbums and Old Souls

2009-05-08T15:47:00.000-07:00

When I met Kalon Thibodeaux at the first Wildcat rehearsal, I was impressed by his extensive work with the Moon and his enthusiasm about the upcoming production (not to mention his general friendliness and big welcome to a new fan of the theater). The San Franciscan acted in Flora the Red Menace, Minnie’s Boys (for which he received a Bay Area Critics Circle Award nomination), and other Moon

"Wildcat" Maureen McVerry on Acting, Directing and Observing

2009-05-01T15:38:00.000-07:00

This week I talked to Maureen McVerry, who's playing the title role in the Moon's upcoming show "Wildcat." Her previous Moon productions have included "The Student Gypsy," "Pardon My English" and the recently performed "High Spirits."Given that "High Spirits'" Ruth is such a different character from the strong and spunky Wildcat Jackson, I was looking forward to hearing how Maureen approaches the

Moving Forward, Looking Back: A Reflection on the Growth of 42nd Street Moon

2009-04-24T11:52:00.000-07:00

The revamping of the 42nd Street Moon blog this spring provides a good opportunity to reflect on the birth of the company, a labor of love and a triumphant addition to local arts by co-founders Greg MacKellan and Stephanie Rhoads.Greg had spent much of his career performing, producing and directing in New York and LA. He’d created a six CD series of rare show music featuring name Broadway stars

Greetings from New Moon Team Member

2009-04-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday,As the newest member of the 42nd Street Moon online team, I’d like to provide a brief mid-season introduction. I’ll be working in tandem with Artistic Directors Greg MacKellan and Stephanie Rhoads and Managing Director Lauren Hewitt to profile cast members and provide communications about the theater through the social Web. You can expect to see news and features here every Tuesday

Bring On The Girls!

2008-01-06T13:12:00.000-08:00

One of the most remarkable theatrical memoirs ever written is by the musical book and lyrics collaborators P.G. Wodehouse and Guy Bolton, looking back at their wild and fruitful careers together and apart in both London and New York in the first three decades of the 20th century. It was published in 1953, when most of the theatrical managers they dealt with, such as Flo Ziegfield, Abe Erlanger

Tom Orr's "Venus" Memories

2007-12-12T00:48:00.000-08:00

Tom Orr has become a 42nd Street Moon regular in the last two-and-a-half years. He debuted with us in Mack & Mabel, and has appeared in several shows since then. He has contributed his talents to the Gala and behind the scenes as well. Tom just sent me this lovely little remembrance of his experience in One Touch of Venus.My favorite memories from "One Touch of Venus," as usual when I do a Moon

Opening Night for a "Lady"

2007-12-04T16:41:00.000-08:00

Office Manager Annette Lai has provided some pictures from the Opening Night reception for Oh, Lady! Lady!! on Nov. 24th. This is most of the company outside the Eureka Theatre.And here is dynamic director Kalon Thibodeaux with dashingly dapper choreographer Tom SegalLeading Man Michael Cassidy with some "old-timers."Costumer Louise Jarmilowicz with KalonAnnette Lai with "Mr. B. Russel Sprout,

Remembering Betty Kern Miller

2007-11-29T00:26:00.001-08:00

Mike's post about the Kern lawsuit reminded me of Betty Kern Miller -- Jerome Kern's daughter whose relationship with her attorney Andrew Boose is disputed by her daughter. Mrs. Miller was a generous and enthusiastic supporter in the early days of 42nd Street Moon.I first "met" Betty -- over the phone -- in 1989. I was producing a CD of early Jerome Kern songs called -- what else? -- Early Kern

Kern Granddaughter Sues Guide Dogs for the Blind

2007-11-24T18:58:00.000-08:00

Matthew Guerrieri is a "composer, pianist, and conductor" who writes an extraordinarily entertaining blog about mostly classical music in Boston, besides writing professional reviews for the local "Boston Globe." A couple of days ago, he wrote about the insane legal wranglings being brought by a few of the legal heirs to Jerome Kern, composer of the currently running 42nd Street Moon show, "Oh,

Agnes de Mille and "One Touch of Venus"

2007-11-14T16:41:00.000-08:00

The choreographer Agnes de Mille is one of the most important American cultural figures of the 20th century, but she seems to be fading from historical memory except as the originator of the ambitious ballets for "Oklahoma," which were mostly preserved in the movie version.She was born in 1905, granddaughter to the famous economic philosopher Henry George on her mother's side, and niece to the

More VENUS Opening Night Shots

2007-11-13T14:43:00.000-08:00

More shots from the opening night reception of our 15th Anniversary Season opener, One Touch of Venus.

The Blog is Back

2007-11-09T00:49:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the return of the Blog -- the 42nd Street Moon Blog, that is. We had a good year from 2005 to summer 2006 and then disappeared for a very long hiatus. We've now begun our 15th anniversary season, however, and it seemed like the time was ripe to return. Fifteen seasons is something to celebrate, and blogging is one way to keep the celebration going all year long.My name is Greg