Encore Performance

An Act of Madness: The Bath School Bombing has been invited by the township of Bath to perform our piece for the community. Tuesday, September 15 at 7 pm is the tentative date. As soon as the place is finalized I will post details. If you were not able to catch the show or were turned away at the door, you are invited to this performance. An Act of Madness tells the heartbreaking story of one of America's worst mass murders in a school at the hands of one individual. More information to follow

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A Bird's "Eye" View

The sound of chirping birds can be heard at the Long Island Railroad waiting area in Penn Station. The birds, however, are recorded, and the sound is used to guide visually impaired travelers to an automated information booth with a talking map and telephone keypad.


From LKFAWKP : New York mentioned earlier

Deconstructing Columbine

I'm in the midst of reading Dave Cullen's book Columbine; I plan to go to a book reading where both he and Arnie Bernstein the author of The Bath Massacre will appear. With 20/20 hindsight and access to previously sealed documents, this book gives a complete accounting of the events that day. Along the way he debunks almost every myth you might believe about the killers, the last words of a dying student, the police, and the investigation. Incredible book. A MUST read!

The Great White Way

A few weeks ago Matt Lauer of NBC's Today show did a stint as a celebrity tour guide on one of NYC's Circle Line Tours. He was asked why New York was called The Big Apple and why Broadway was called The Great White Way. He didn't know the answer but you will.

"The Great White Way" was originally the title of a 1901 book about the South Pole. The term was applied to Broadway by Shep Friedman of the New York Morning Telegraph, after a snowstorm on Broadway in 1902 had turned the street into a "white way." Later, "white way" referred to the lights of Broadway.

In a New York Minute

"Thanks to an uncanny knack for getting his guests to reveal more than they ever intended (without even asking questions), James Lipton, founding Dean of the Actor's Studio and host of TV's Inside the Actor's Studio has been asked by the N.Y.P.D. to coach homicide detectives in the art of interrrogation."


Today's random fact from Little Known Facts about Well Known Places by David Hoffman. Hereafter, the acronym LKFAWKP.

Bon Appetit

Julie & Julia opened this weekend. I've been dying to see this movie, so much so that I went to a 10:50 a.m. screening! Two of my favorite actresses Amy Adams and Meryl Streep; what could be better?

Meryl Streep is brilliant in this role. She channels Julia almost better than Julia. She's hilarious, tender and her relationship with her husband is a thing of beauty. Amy Adams is fabulous as well but it is really Meryl Streep's show unlike the book Julie & Julia by Julie Powell.

If you've read the book (and you should) you'll find the focus of the movie is a little different. We see and hear a good deal more about Julia than Julie. The movie is more about Julia's life than her impossible and improbable recipes. No hacking out bone marrow for gelatinous aspics of floating eggs, no puree of cauliflower and watercress with cream and sadly very little about her riotous friends. You'll have to read the book for all of that . And DO read the book.

I dug out my mom's old copy of Mastering the Art of French cooking just to see if she really described in such detail some of the processes and it did not disappoint. You could read this book for entertainment without lifting a copper pot. I think I've come to the conclusion, that although I am French through and through, French cooking would strain my delicate palate not to mention my patience. Give me Italian every time. Sorry Julia.

Soups On!

I love soup but I don't really make it with one exception. This is an incredible soup! I've had a few requests for this lately so I thought I'd post it here.
Thanks to my friend Nora for passing this one along.

TORTELLINI SOUP

Chop 4 tomatoes
Brown 1 lb. Italian sausage
1 can (15 oz.) Italian tomato sauce
4 c. beef broth
1 c. chopped onion
1 clove garlic
1 c. sliced carrots
1 tsp. basil and oregano
Combine and simmer for 30 minutes

Add: 2 c. sliced zucchini or squash
1 c. mushrooms
1 chopped green pepper
1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley or 1 tsp. dried parsley
1 c. chopped dill pickle****
2 c. refrigerated type cheese tortellini
Simmer 1 hour

****this is the ingredient that makes all the difference! (of course unless you are allergic)
This recipe makes a LOT of soup. It can be frozen or give 1/2 to a friend

On the Road

A bit of random trivia for Rothschild fans and cast.

Matt Ottinger, in his many travels, came across both the 1776 and Rothschilds programs from their pre/Broadway tours, in of all places an antique shop in Howell. He gave those to me the other day and I have read them cover to cover. Thank you Matt! What fun.

The Rothschilds is the most fascinating since it was on the way to its Broadway opening. As often happens a show will change along the way; scenes dropped or added, cast members changed, characters written in or out, songs rewritten or dropped. So here are some songs that we didn't get to sing:

Jew Do Your Duty
I Will Bow
Mayer's Fine Coins
William's Fine Troops
My Cousin Christian
You're a Fraud, Sir - probably Hannah's song before they wrote in the love story
Gold Smuggler's Gavotte- just think ensemble, you may have gotten to learn another dance

Crossing Over

In Scouting there is a ceremony where a Cub Scout "Crosses Over" and becomes a Boy Scout. The scout master announces, "You have been called before the pack because you have satisfied the requirements for Cub Scouts' highest rank." A scout is then presented with The Arrow of Light Badge with bands of color each with its own meaning. The boys walk across a wooden bridge, usually built by some of the scouts Dad's, into the new world of Boy Scouts. Still scouts but a rank higher.

And so it is with my daughter. Still a student, not yet a full fledged doctor but doing "Dr." stuff. It's a huge transition; this crossing over from student to professional. It means 14 hour days, working days, nights, and weekends, no time for laundry, shopping, or cooking , reading charts, interpreting tests, having patients she calls "my" patient, assisting, doing, watching, and learning.

And so my brilliant, witty, caring, beautiful daughter I award to you your own Arrow of Light Badge. The meaning of the yellow of the Arrow of Light seems to transcend scouting. The scoutmaster intones: "Within the teepees of many braves, the Arrow of Light has an honored place. Its shaft is straight and narrow : just as is the path that you (Scouts) should follow throughout your life. Its tip points the way : the way to success in all that you do. It is pointing to the right : a symbol that nothing should be left undone; if it is within your power to do it, see that it is done. And lastly, this is the symbol of the seven rays of the sun, one for each day of the week; this is to remind you that every day is a new day : a day to Do Your Best in everything:

Casting Call

Gearing up for Renegade, August 20-22 in Old Town, with research and rewrites to An Act of Madness.

An Act of Madness: The Bath School Massacre is a 20 minute performance piece that tells the story of that tragic day. It grabbed the headlines nationwide knocking the Lindbergh flight off the front page. It still remains the largest mass murder in a school in U.S. history including the killing rampages at Columbine, Virginia Tech and the University of Texas at Austin. It is a story however that has also been lost in history and needs to be told.

I am looking for at least two young actresses (16-20ish) to fill roles. If you're interested please email Janefal@comcast.net.

The Light in the Piazza

The Light in the Piazza blog is up and running. Well, "running" might be a bit of an exaggeration but there is some early information about audition dates and a basic character breakdown. There might not be a lot of updates until closer to audition time but I will attempt to post pertinent information that you might need before auditions.

Click on the MUSICALS TITLE above to go directly to the BLOG

To get UPDATES as they are POSTED become a FOLLOWER. Click on the "Follow this blog" button.

Thanks to Bill Kennedy for the lovely review of the Rothschilds in Riverwalk's Ripples

The Rothschilds: Review

In her director’s note, Jane Falion touches on the enduring appeal of The Rothschilds, as “a testament to family, dignity, honor, and unflinching tenacity against all odds… [and] a story that transcends time….” Having seen her expert adaptation of this mighty musical, one might employ those same descriptors for her cast, crew, and production!

With more characters than an entire season of Riverwalk black box, more musicians than a downtown “Blues on the Square” concert, and more costumes than the annual Tony Awards, this cast and crew of “more than a few” pull off a tour de force at once powerful and poignant, epic and intimate.

The Rothschilds, by Sherman Yellen and Sheldon Harnick, music by Jerry Bock, tells the true tale of the remarkable rise of this international banking family, from its plebeian plantings in the Jewish ghetto of 18th century Frankfort to its patrician blossoming in the courts and capitals of 19th century Europe.

Lead protagonist Mayer Rothschild is affectionately and energetically portrayed by Riverwalk regular Doak Bloss, who wins over audience hearts from the start as a humble and hardworking Jewish shopkeeper in love. By show’s end he is no less admirable as the principled patriarch and endearing entrepreneur behind Rothschild and Sons!

Mayer’s loving wife, Gutele, is tenderly played by Colleen Bethea. The cornerstone on which he builds his familial and financial foundations, she gives him five sons (four in one song!), tempers his temper (though not his resolve) regarding anti-Semitism, and moderates his monetary concerns, reminding him, “We have enough. We have each other.”

Joel Reynolds (Amshel), Dominic Redman (Solomon), Nic Roberts (Nathan), and Lexie Roberts (Jacob) sparkle as the young Rothschild boys, while Scott Larson, Simon Tower, Joseph Baumann, and Logan Emlet, with Danny Bethea (Kalman), shine as their elder counterparts after a transition made mid-song.

While his brothers emigrate throughout Europe in search of financial advantage, Nathan heads for London to invest the family’s ever-multiplying money. He eventually woos and weds the spirited Hannah Cohen, staged by Sarah Sonnenberg. While all five brothers fight for Jewish justice abroad, their parents stay home to battle the ghetto from within.

The text is “on the money” with a “wealth” of ageless aphorisms, advising: “There is no virtue in riches. There is none in poverty either. Only in the acts of man;” revealing: “War makes money, peace makes money, but money makes money most of all;” and warning: “You think your new power can change the world. It won’t. It will only change you.”

Two thumbs up for Tom Klunzinger in his two distinct renderings of two distinguished princes (William and Metternich) — in two successive acts. He was simply “two much!” And two hands two-gether for Matt Lago, Rich Helder, and Patrick Monroe (vendors), Cameron Bethea and Scotty Arbour (urchins), and Matt Szymanski and Paul Gordon (bankers).

Additional acting credit to Jeff Massey (Joseph Fouche and Herries), Tony Zappa (Buderus), Alan Bloomfield (Blum), Lindsay Palinsky (pauper), and Mark Bethea (swing), as well as Theresa Spisak (Mrs. Kaufman), Mara Schaberg (Mrs. Segal), Laura Johnson (Mrs. Feldman), Donna Green (Mrs. Rosen), and Charlotte Rupert (Mrs. Greenberg).

On the technical end, kudos to those responsible for the set, scenery, and properties, for the sound, music, and lighting, and of course for the costuming! From the grand attire and courtly cadence of the European ballroom to the red-shifting and transcendent tension at the nightly closing of the Jewish ghetto, the atmosphere was tangible.

So thanks to Larry Savoie (master builder and technician), Bob Nees and Tim Stapleton (design technicians), Tim Fox (lighting design), Ray Kurtis and Melody Teodoro-Kurtis (properties and set dressing), Dan Moore (hair design), Javier Rivera (hair assistant), Ruth Jean (clarinet), Andrew Herrbach (trumpet), Jackie Bernott (flute), and Jesse Slocum (bass).

And congratulations to Jane Falion (director), Rich Helder (assistant director), Tom Ferris (producer), Roberta Otten (choreographer), James Geer (music director and keyboards), Val Lea (stage manager), Jane Falion (again!) and her four assistants (scenic design), Mary K. Hodges-Nees and her ten technicians (costuming!), and the full stage and running crews.

—Bill Kennedy

Hear! Hear!

Bravo!!
Congratulations to The Rothschilds' Barney Winners:

Colleen Bethea....Best Lead Actress in a Musical,
Joe Baumann...Best Supporting Actor in a Musical,
Scott Larson, Simon Tower, Joe Baumann, Logan Emlet, Danny Bethea...Best Ensemble
Mary K Hodges Nees...Best Costumes
Ray and Melody Kurtis...Properties

Transition! Transition!

To all my friends, family, and dear readers of this blog;

You may notice that for a week or so there will be a post or two or even more about The Rothschilds, the musical I just finished directing, and perhaps a new ones ortwo on the Rothschilds'blog. It is addicting! I ask for your patience. I'm trying to transition from an intense, all consuming 12 weeks of rehearsals, comraderie, hard work, and just plain fun into returning to a "normal" existence. I'm resuming the Jane in the Jungle blog and phasing out The Rothschilds blog.

As I mentioned on Facebook one night, "I am bereft. Closing a show is like losing your best friend." It is a real loss and there is a time of mourning. We call it the post show blues, kind of like post- partum blues. You can't go through an intense experience like either without feeling a bit of loss, aimlessness and sadness.

Thank you to my dear, dear friend Wendy who reminded me that SHE was still here and that I hadn't lost my best friend afterall.

"Over a 1,000 props"

(Click chandelier photo to go to story)

As stories go, the one about the number of props in The Rothschild's and the value of the chandelier took on epic proportions. But it doesn't take epic proportions to fit the props from a closing Hollywood prop store into just one of The Rothschild's palaces.

A sad commentary on our precarious times.

(Thanks to Mary K for the link)

A Royal Vacation

I've just spent the most amazing three months with the fascinating Rothschild family; Mayer and his 5 sons and the various Crowned Heads of Europe including Prince William of Prussia, Prince Metternich of Austria, Joseph Fouche, Napoleon's Minister of Police, and John Herries, the King of England's Exchequer.


With great regret and sadness, I have returned to the real world from the fantasy world of the theatre and a whirlwind round of royal parties.


After an intense 3 months of rehearsals we opened The Rothschilds at Riverwalk Theatre on June 4 and had an amazing run. The show garnered fabulous reviews, accolades, great press and some very nice awards.


The Lansing State Journal awarded our show 6 of them


Doak Bloss.......Best Lead Actor, Joe Baumann.....Best Supporting Actor, Mary K. Nees Hodges.....Best Costumes, Dan Moore....Best Hair Design, Joel Reynolds, Dominic Redman, Nic Roberts, and Lexie Roberts.....Best Child Actors, and myself for Best Direction of a Musical.

Hear! Hear!

On Vacation

I'm pooped already!

In case you haven't noticed this blog has not been updated for a while. I'm back to working full time for about four months and trying to direct a show at the same time, so Jane in the Jungle needs a little vacation.

However, The Rothschild's blog with all kind of interesting stuff will be updated frequently.

The show has been cast and I'm excited to start blogging about the fascinating Rothschild family with a smattering of history as well. The blog will be more than just a show blog. it will be crammed with all kinds of interesting tidbits and trivia.

So from now until June 4 when the show opens please visit me at.......

www.rothschildsatriverwalk.blogspot.com

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Celebrate! Celebrate! Dance to the Music

It's March!

As Robin Williams said, " Spring is Nature's way of saying, 'Let's Party.'"

So what's so great about March? Well....

19 days until Spring

21 days until Auditions for The Rothschilds.

26 days until Katie's 25th birthday. Happy Birthday Kate!

We celebrate Women's History month, St. David's Day, National Reading Day, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day, and St. Joseph's Day. And of course, "Beware the Ides of March".

Some March milestones....

• Alexander Graham Bell was born
• a 30 mph speed limit was in effect in "built up" areas is 1935
• in 1886 Coca Cola was introduced
• in 1889 the Eiffel Tower opened
• the "birthstones" of aquamarine and bloodstone means Courage

So take courage, Winter is almost over and Spring is on its way.

Let's party!