Fresh faced for my debut on an area stage. Under the blue-green shirt was the heinous, yet typical, '70s-style carnival clown costume used for the bulk of the show... |
As we settled in and listened to Schwartz speak and answer questions, there was a sense of anticipation in the room, knowing that out of 150 people, about 100 of them wanted to sing, but only 10 probably would. The first singer was chosen, a guy in his late 20's or so, and he sang a song from "Parade". He did it once, pretty well, and then did it two more times, with noticeable improvement thanks to the suggestions Schwartz made. Then they drew the second name: Robert!! Lucky DOG! He trotted down the steps, tossing me his camera, and went over to the accompanist to go over the music. Three or four minutes later, he was finally ready to begin "This is the Moment". He chose to sing the very end and so it started with a lot of verve and passion right off the bat (he was being considerate in not singing the entire piece - something a lot of others did do, sadly, but it also limited how much he could vary the emotions of it.) He gets miffed when I say this, but he was also a little dry in the throat and scratchy at first. But who wouldn't be?!? Schwartz gave him some ideas to kick around and asked him to do it again, adding different layers to it and approaching it with more variety and it was indeed improved the second time. (Schwartz did say that things are always better the second time regardless, but you could also see that his changes and remarks enhanced almost everyone's songs on the next attempt.)
Then there was a parade of other singers, some good, some so-so and some DREADFUL. A girl I'll call Brittney Flick was a real stand-out. This chick HAD IT. She went up to sing a song from "Children of Eden" and the pianist couldn't master the tempo of it. He tried three times and finally Schwartz threw his stuff down and said, "You know what... I'll play it!" I thought the girl was going to drop from shock as all of us would have. To sing a song for a successful composer and have him PLAYING it for you, too? She was exceptional. She really did well. Unfortunately, I think the name is going to be a problem. The YMCA has "Fun & Flick" water classes and they had to change a sign once when I was there because the lettering they used made it look like something else! "FUN & FLICK". Can you imagine the horror? "BRITTNEY FLICK IN SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS" (The font may not allow this to make much sense, but just think about it!)
As the master class continued, the person drawing names kept picking females. Finally, Schwartz said he wanted another male to sing and not to choose another female until a male sang. Four names in a row were pulled, all girls, and still nothing. I waited with bated breath to hear my name called. Nope... The last singer was a totally untalented (and unaware of such) guy who wasted everyone's time. I never did get to sing for him, which was disappointing. (And all the way home I accused Robert of failing to put my name in the box and putting his own in twice! Ha ha!) But I got to meet Stephen and later ask him a question when the show was over.It was still quite a thrill because not only had my first real show been "Godspell" but I was a devoted fan of Pocahontas (1995) as well. A year later, both Robert and I appeared in a sterling and celebrated production of "Children of Eden" which won scads of awards and was completely sold out for every performance. He was able to claim that he'd sung for the show's composer, but I had to settle for having only met the man...
You can spot Robert as "Father" at the top. Four spaces to the right is my bovine self, appropriately relegated to playing Noah's eldest son. LOL |
In my prior post, I relayed how Miss America 2000 Heather French Henry had played a part in further adventures of mine. I'm not counting this next experience as one of my encounters because all I got was within airspace of the celebs. No meeting... But it was still quite a night! George Clooney had directed and starred in the 2008 film Leatherheads, all about the early days of football, and chose to have its premiere in li'l ol' Maysville, Kentucky, where his famous family hailed from. In fact, the Maysville Opera House had long ago played host for the premiere of Aunt Rosie's 1953 film The Stars are Singing, a now-obscure musical. Naturally, Ms. French-Henry was there and had to endure me once again.
Heather be thy name... No restraining order has been issued by her. Yet... |
I also was on-hand to observe the utter pandemonium when Mr. Clooney and his costar Renee Zellweger pulled up and walked the red carpet. The man was completely swamped. Like scary swamped. He was semi-protected behind a flimsy white picket partition, but in 2008 he was close to the height of his fame, so people were going gaga.
Lost in, literally, a sea of teeming fans. |
Mr. C. was always with a self-deprecating joke and kept his friends, family and the audience in good spirits throughout. |
The 10th celebrity encounter in my list of 11 was a doozy as far as I'm concerned. I wrote all about it at the time it happened in December of 2011. It was the two-day occasion in which West Side Story's (1961) George Chakiris came back to Norwood, Ohio, the place of his birth, to be honored by the mayor and citizens. This was followed by a traipse down to the inevitable Rosemary Clooney Museum the next day at which he was to be on hand for the presentation of the gloves she wore in White Christmas (1954.) This was one of a few a movies in which he was a featured dancer. He was joined in this effort by friend and stage cohort (and former Miss America) Lee Meriwether.
Naturally, I was all in the thick of things causing a ruckus. Poor Heather French was once again besieged by me, both at George Chakiris Day and then down at the museum dedication. But I kept her and the waiting crowd amused while Chakiris and Meriwether's car was delayed in arriving at the appointed time. Remember me saying how I always seemed to meet celebrities when I was at my own personal low point? I was really heavy and not particularly healthy physically when I connected with these two friendly, appealing people, but I wasn't going to miss my chance with them.posted in detail about the 11th celebrity encounter being listed for this anniversary series. It was close to two years ago when I got the chance to see Maureen McGovern, who make "The Morning After" (the theme song of The Poseidon Adventure, 1972) famous. She had also been the vocalist on several other TV and movie songs that I enjoy. I mean, it was a no-brainer that I was going to be sure to see (and meet!) her given the opportunity. D'ja ever notice how bemused these poor people look once they've been exposed to me? LOL
* * * Bonus Pics * * *
Now that we've reached the end of this series, I have a couple of other brushes with quasi-fame to mention. Anyone recall the show Clean House, in which utterly filthy, cluttered and junk-filled homes were cleared out by a team, who then sold many of the items at a large yard sale for money to help fix the place back up? Hosted for most of its run by Niecy Nash (who recently made headlines after divorcing her second husband and marrying a woman), it also counted among its crew Matt Iseman for 5 seasons. They also did a yearly search for the messiest house in America and, wouldn't you know, they found one in Cincinnati (we adore making national news for all the wrong reasons! LOL)I bought nothing at the yard sale, but I did pick something else out! |
I've always liked this photo because I was happy and healthy for once when doing my thing. Thanks to COVID-19, I'm tubby again, but I will be sure to get in shape for the promise of 2021! |
6 comments:
I'm loving this, thanks for letting us is in (too bad leatherheads wasn't a better movie).
Omg you met Stephan Schwartz, I adore him. I listen to "Wicked" all the time and that show is considered by some to be for teenagers but I find the lyrics and music amazing. He did Pocahontas too? no wonder I listen to that all the time. That class sounds great and glad your number came up for Leatherheads. I laughed at the grapefruit face comment. I love her more after Judy but always called her squirrel face for the same reasons.
You must be a riot around thes people, I have watched that Clean House show because I love Neicy, the hug photo is so cute!
Very jealous you met Jinx and Alaska. They are both amazing personalities. But your hijinks with HFH (my those initials look a bit foul) are so, so great. Reminds me of that movie What About Bob? They could never get rid of Bill Murray’s very annoying character, to the delight of everyone watching.
I would hold on to Matt Iseman as long as I could, too! (I really want to see that chest!) Ahem. Great stories! Lee Merriweather and "Barnaby Jones"! 70's TV Memories!
loulou, I'm glad you liked this (seemingly endless) series! It might have been the excitement of the occasion, but I really recall enjoying "Leatherheads" at the premiere. It was a very attractively-shot movie. And I was nuts about George at the time. (I cooled a bit after his marriage. Do you know that there was scarcely a person in his hometown who believed he would actually do it?? Especially after his winning two bets that he would not wed again. But they've since warmed to her and - of course - the babies.)
Gingerguy, Schwartz was a very skilled person musically and although clearly a considerable theatrical presence, remarkably down to earth and accessible. He had genuine interest in helping/polishing the participants. I am still galled that I was denied the chance to sing, too! I also admired what Renee did in "Judy."
Shawny, they were much as you would imagine. Jinkx a little tentative, but friendly, Alaska always ready with a remark. There was a long line and they were tired, but they were both very nice. On the other hand, a later winner (initials BDR) was so reprehensibly nasty and rude that I won't watch a single thing that involves "her." BTW, I knew I had overstayed my welcome at the George Chakiris functions when the cameraman for a documentary on him (which I don't believe ever materialized!) told me I had a supporting role in it! LOLOLOL
Forever1267, Matt was cuddly and sweet, patient and charming. Lee was exactly as you might hope... elegant, well-spoken, charming... a total delight and a lady.
One main issue I had with Renee’s Judy was that her vocals should have been lip synced Judy recordings, much like they did with Freddie Mercury. The magic of Judy’s voice was not present in the film. But overall I couldn’t access any of the genuine feelings I associate with Judy. To me it was like watching an imposter force herself on a role for which she was not suited. She was impressive in that she employed every trick in her arsenal, for sure. But my gut could not accept her.
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