Rainy Day Things

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Well another day for the plants. And God Bless 'um, they deserve their time in the - well under the clouds.

And so do you!

So suggestions for the day: I must recommend the Players' Rings double header . They are doing two Shakespeare based plays in rep, and on Sundays offer both! So today you can catch "Hamlet" at 2 then have a bit of vitals and be back for “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” at 7. Get thee to the Ring!

That McCartin woman gave it a rave review - and I must agree with her. What a delightful thing to do on a rainy day eh? (The above photo is of a few of the shows' dashing boys - do NOT be fooled by those innocent faces).

If you'd rather have a bit of a walk about - and catch "Bard and company" next weekend, its final - be careful, well there's all those delightful galleries in town. Remember the plein aire artist out and about a few weeks ago in downtown Portsmouth? That's Erin Murray, and she's exhibiting at the Kennedy Studio. G Lady had a lovely visit with this talented lady. Check out the Gossip Lady Video interview.

And look below for a link to the Portsmouth Fine Arts Musuem's latest do's. Better yet look at it live!

So folks, rise and shine. Let art be your sun. I assure you it will light you up!

Off to see creative wonders
Gossip Lady

Weekend Madness

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Been a bit of time again, but with good reason; so many things to go, see, do. And this weekend, alas, will be no different.

I've already changed gloves and sneakers a number of times. Do I go to the galleries? The new show at the Portsmouth Museum of Fine Art? (How can one resist an image such as the one to the left)? How about the Prescott Park Arts Festival's Chowder Fest? The Seacoast Rep's Swing Fling or Shakespeare at the Player's Ring - and it just goes on!

Well, I think I'll tack the Portsmouth Herald's Spotlight Magazine calender section to the wall and throw a dart. Where ever it lands - so will I.

And you? How will you chose from all the wonderful weekend happenings?
Get out there folks, it's beautiful and there's even more beauty to be found.

Stop in this weekend to see what Gossip Lady's selections are or maybe just say hi when you see me running up and down the city streets trying to fit it all in.

Charge!!!!

Gossip Lady

image: from the latest PMFA exhibtion, Tseng Kwong Chi, Bill T. Jones Body Paint with Keith Haring 3

WHO IS IT??

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

This little heartwarming fella has been warming the hearts of fellow seacoasters for years.

He's made us laugh, made us cry and simply entertained us.

Starting this weekend he'll warm our hearts once again. This little Ring Bearer is playing an iconic character at the Players' Ring through December 23.

Hints?

Tinman at Prescott Park? Candle stand at the Rep? How about the devil at the latter?

Got it yet?

He's been performing on the seacoast for decades folks.

Final clue. A more recent role was as a full fledged human; Herbie in "Gypsy" also at the Rep.

This little cutie is none other than our Ed Batchelder, who performers as Cratchit in the Ring's current production of "Christmas Carol."

As soon as G Lady puts the keyboard down, she's off to gussy up and head over to the show. I hear director Rob Scullin has put a spin on the piece, putting Scrooge's sexuality into question.

That McCartin woman quotes Scullin in her "Spotlight" Gossip Column as saying he's not pressing the point but making it. Intriguing don't you think? Can't wait to see how it all plays out.

See you there??

Yours in creative interpretation.

Gossip Lady

Times running out!!

G Lady's list:

Button Factory Open Studios - check (open through Sunday night)
Secured tickets for "Christmas Carol" at Seacoast Repertory Theatre - check
For "Christmas Carol" with a twist at Players Ring - you betchya

Waiting by the door in hat and gloves till it's time to head out for tonight's performance of "Striking Twelve" at the Music Hall - Without a doubt!!!

Gossip Lovers:

Do not. I repeat - do not - miss this. If you love a great story, intelligent, witty lyrics, music the gods pass the time with, well - I said it last year and I say it again - GrooveLily, the band that makes this happen, is NOT TO BE MISSED!

This is some of the finest, tightest performance/band/musical (jazz, rock, pop and showtune) in one cohesive, delightful tale. The Music Hall has it listed as the "anti-holiday show with Seinfeldesque humor."

I'm goin' with the latter and questioning the former. Sure it has a disgruntled guy tired of the holidays, but this show shows more of the season's original intent than most. It's touching, funny, interesting and thoughtprovoking.

All that AND some of the finest musicianship you're likely to catch anywhere, anytime, holiday or not.

Okay I'm gushing. But I'm doing it for your own good. It's true. Do yourself a favor. Catch this one-night show tonight - then let's consider launching a fan club ?

Yours in art and love of GrooveLily
Gossip Lady

Quick Halloween Solution

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

So, you've read the lower post and panicked. Halloween has caught up with you and you haven't a thing to wear. But now you want to get your Halloween on.

Gossip Lady and actress Whitney Smith to the rescue!

Just check out the latest Gossip Lady Video and find out how you can stick a hat on your head and call it macaroni - or any other off beat character you want to be.

In this latest VIDEO - expertly filmed and edited by the ever lovely DC - the ever effervescent and funny Miss Smith and G Lady herself will teach you a few tricks on how to put together a great character, so no one will suspect you're a last minute slacker.

Yours in the love of All Hallows Eve
Gossip Lady

(Check Whitney out in the Players' Ring's upcoming production of "Hedda Gabler"

Halloween Hustle

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Like to Howl on Halloween? Then check out this lovely lady on our right.

It's not her look that's hair raising. It's her schedule!

Mz. Chrissie Penny is doing All Hallows Eve up in a big way - and with the help of a few friends plans on taking you through "to the morning after."

I ask you folks, with a look like that who would DARE not do what this woman told them.

Anyway, in her personal version of a Halloween Marathon she will first scare the heck out of you in "Serving His Master" at the Players Ring, (9:30 show time). Immediately after that performance she'll haul it up to Rollinsford for a 12:30 a.m. show at Studio B789, where she'll scare the dickens out of you AND herself. (Mz. Penny is performing her first public singing engagement. That sort of thing tends to frieghten a girl).

The performer will be belting out "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" with the gentlemen to our left. Nope; that's not Tommy Gnosis OR the Wizared of Oz. That would be the Seacoast's own Aaron Hutto.

By the by, the B789 event starts at 8 p.m. with other live band performances and ends at 4 a.m.

Aaron and Chrissie will be backed by three bands: Midnight Radio, Catastrophic OK, and Good Freak Frank, (Nate Keyes).

While this gig is a concert, you can catch a full performance of "Hedwig," starring Hutto and who knows who else, at the Players Ring in 2010.

Just so my skittish readers don't get "a-scared," I'm posting pics of our two characters all cleaned up and looking pretty. - Calms you right down eh? - Though hopefully not too much, 'cause there's big doin's on the seacoast this October 31.

What ever your plans, start your night with the Portsmouth Halloween Parade.

Well off we go folks. So much to do; so little Halloween.

Enjoy!

Gossip Lady.

Time Sensitive

Greeting Gossip Lovers,

Well, it's time to get a move on folks. Today is the last day of a number of happenin's. "Telluride by the Sea" at the Music Hall is winding down; at 4 the fairies fly on, (see story below, AND click HERE for a video of GLady cavorting with the wee ones), and its the last night for the Players' Ring's first show of the season "Crush Depth."

Oh there's plenty more afoot , check out the "Spotlight Magazine" for listings - Bottom line, get up OFF that bottom and enjoy this spectacular fall day on the seacoast!

Over the next few weeks we'll talk about The Rep, (already showing "Altar Boyz)," Pontine Movement Theatre, NH Theatre Project and other venues launching their seasons. But I figured today, the last of the Ring's, 2009/10, first-show run, was a perfect day to share some photos of "Things Yet To Come." (Ouuuu, saying that makes me want to run out and buy a big red robe and a holly wreath. - But I digress).

So cast your eyes on these beauties. They were taken at the Ring's season preview , which offered snippets of coming attractions.

G Lady consider making you take the pictures along to the
Ring so you could match them to the plays throughout the season. But instead I'll post their ID's below; make it easy on you - SINCE -you'll be busy running from art event to art event - right?

Creative Be!
Gossip Lady

#1 Jeff Bernhardt & Danica Carlson in "Serving His Master"
#2 Gary Locke in "Santa Come Home"
#3 Helen Brock, in "Dix Tableaux"

First What, then Who

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

So, here's a fun one for you. Who are they; the baby and the center figure below on the tabletop?

First determine the sex. Then take a guess.

What I can tell you is both are graduating high school this year then heading off to college to study acting.

Each has worked seacoast theaters for 10 or more years. G Lady caught both in some of their earliest performances and has watched them and their talent grow. A wonderful experience.

Figured it out?

Hum, one played the White Rabbit, the other JoJo.

Still nothing?

A few more hints. Both will appear in the coming week in an area production and both are males. That's all I'm giving you.

Insert the "Jeopardy Theme" here. - Times up.

The little driver is Dylan Schwartz-Wallach. His last local project (for the foreseeable future) is "Mystery Plays" with Harbor Light Stage's Bold Face Play Reading, this coming Tuesday. Then it's work and prepping for Carnegie Mellon School of Drama at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA.

And the person that does justice to those killer tights is Alex Dorr, who is heading off to Marymount Manhattan. For now you can catch him on stage at the Players Ring, in "Tricolored Roof."

Could be a while before you see either of these fine young men again.

A High Hat Off To You Boys

Gossip Lady

PS: check out a profile on Alex in the Portsmouth Herald Saturday April 11, by that McCartin Woman.

Tom and Andy Related?

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Well I have to say, "Hardest Working" seacoast artist might just have to go to Tom Bergeron. How's he related to the seacoast? Certainly you know he's a local and still has a home in these parts.

Anyway, caught the boy conducting an interview on "Good Morning American" this a.m.; the day after a late night (and some what upsetting one) on "Dancing with The Stars."

What DOESN'T this guy do? Two hit TV shows, a film in post production, lots of side gigs, my goodness.

Just thought I'd mention it.

Oh and is it just me, or have you noticed how much Tom and Andy Fling look alike. I tell you, the resemblance is even stronger in person. Uncanny.

Check it out yourself. See Andy in person during the final performance of "All the Rage," this weekend at the Players' Ring, tell me what you think. (Loved the play by the way - 3 hat's off).

Let's see now; if Tom is - oh say that age - and Andy about 20 years younger; hum...

Your's in life's little surprises

Gossip Lady

(PLEASE please, it's a joke! Hopefully with many more to follow).

Players' Ring Part II

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

So here we are; Players' Ring Producers Meeting, Part II. (See Part I below)

Before I tell you about more pitches, let me enlighten you regarding the surprise announcements the Ring made.

Its board members announced two, new initiatives.

One; anyone in the season's line up must have a representative at the Ring's open auditions. Fair enough.

Two; (This is so exciting). They must also participate in the new "Season's Sneak Peek." This event will put presenters before the Ring's members, each offering a two-minute form of scintillating advertisement for their play; an outline, excerpt or some tantalizing tidbit.

If you've ever experienced one of the producers' nights you know just how entertaining this format is. It's really a wonderful idea don't you think?

Now, back to the pitch event.

A most intriguing idea was tailored to the Ring's annual Shakespeare slot. Dan Beaulieu - nice young man - proposed running two shows in repertory, “Hamlet,” and “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.” And there is more!

To add even more spice Dan proposes "R & G" actors learn both parts. Then each evening's audience determines who plays which role with an on-the-spot, coin toss . Well Gossip Lovers let me tell you there's no doubt Dan impressed those present. The question is whether he sufficiently impressed the Selection Committee . We'll all know together on April 15, the day the Ring announces its choices.

There was a second, ambitious in-rep proposal , this one by G. Matthew Gaskell, author of the popular "Sharp Dressed Men." In a matter of a week Greg, (as he's better known in the theater community), will premier "All the Rage," "SDM's" sequel, at the Ring. Gaskell would like to present the last of this trilogy in next year's season - playing all three each weekend of the run.

So my friends, as you can see, the evening was filled with marvelous ideas. To read the entire list check out The Portsmouth Herald's Sunday paper.

Oh, and before we leave this topic, let me say kudos to Mike Pomp for his apt handling of the timer and warning bell. He did a smashing job.

Yours in awe of the arts
Gossip Lady
Photos: top to bottom, Todd Hunter, board member; Dan Beaulieu giving the pitch; Susan Turner, pitcher and Mike Pomp, board member.

Pitchin' the Ring

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Oh where to start!

I can't wait to share some of the wonderful tidbits from last night’s Players Ring Production meeting, the annual pitch session for producers interested in a slot in the following year’s calendar.

Okay, some notables. There were no less than nine new hopefuls. One woman came with a slew of supporters to throw a hat in the hat – literally. Jennifer Cole pitched “The Hat” a musical of mixed genres including Reggae. Now that’s a new one. Most intriguing.

Ari Wilford suggested “Play On, Relationships” the first script penned by the 20-year old. Ari cracked us all up by reading his pitch-notes from his cell phone. LOVED the hat by the by Ari. Quite dapper.

One of G Lady’s truly favorite pitches came from Chrissie Penney (Christine to those that don’t know her from a brick in the wall). My apologies to the two others with wonderful ideas for the Christmas slot – BUT - “The Nightmare Before Christmas!!!” Oh yes!

I have an opinion on this and I'm not afraid to use it. It’s true the Ring traditionally presents deceased founder Gary Newton’s “Christmas Carol.” But maybe its time for a change. Bring us the Pumpkin King!

Virginia (Ginny) Towler – a newcomer - blew attendees away when she took to the stage and presented her proposal in Cambodian. After 30 seconds or so she switched to perfect, unaccented English. Definitely got everyone’s attention – clever little girl. Makes “Spooks and Gooks,” Ginny’s original play, all the more tantalizing.

And then there is Gary Locke. What can one say about one of the theater community’s most beloved loose cannons. G Lady was thrilled to see “the Locke” loaded for bear. He made it quite clear his “Hedda Gabler” would be no women’s activist darling. “She’s very *#%^ up,” he said. “Very dangerous.” We have no doubt that under his direction she’ll be that and then some.

John Herman proposed bringing Stranger Than Fiction back to the Tuesday night slot. It’s likely he’ll land that one, gossip lovers. He and his group of whack-a-dos, ( I mean that in the best possible way), are the only ones shooting for that day.

Okay, too much to do in a single post. Tune back in tomorrow to find out about some new Players’ Ring rules and the incredibly clever idea Dan Beaulieu submitted. – Most interesting I assure you.

Yours in behind-the-curtain fun,

Gossip Lady

You can get all the "pitchers" names in the Portsmouth Herald’s Sunday publication.

Pictures: top right: full house at the Ring; top left Ari Wilford & David Mauriello signing in; bottom left Ginny Towler.

Who is the Dude in the Pink Shirt?

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Have you ever seen a cuter cutie patutie? Doubtful.

This former New Jersyite has been working our stages since 1991. Here he is in his pre doctor and theater days.

So who is this 8-year-old, dapper dresser (who tends to don darker threads these days)?

Well you've seen him as a devoted son, a murdered husband, a drunken preacher, gay drunk and swishy art dealer. Currently he's Joe, a dying man in "The Shadow Box," a Generic Theater production at the Players Ring.

Figured it out yet?

Oh and by the way, you can catch Peggie McCarthy and Cary Wendell in this same production performing as husband and wife - which isn't much of a stretch. It happens to be their real life roles.

So, the cutie patutie? It's Dr. Richard DiMario - of course - still a mighty good-lookin' guy. So, get out and see him in the flesh.


Take a look at this week's "Portsmouth Herald Spotlight." There's a plethora of great things to do and see this weekend. So get up off of that couch!

Yours in delightful tidbits

Gossip Lady