Fun in the Sun

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Well it's a spectacular day in the neighborhood; sun without that oppressive humidity and so many wonderful outdoor happenings.

So hat on folks and head to the great outdoors.

For the second and final day you can dunk The Seacoast Rep's Artistic Director Craig Faulkner at the Bow Street Fair. Stopped by yesterday - fine art, original jewelry, hand-painted rugs, and threads for an American Girl doll that will leave the queen green.

And yes there was a bit of mean pleasure in watching Craig teeter atop that tiny platform then - plop. Just so much aplomb one can have at a time like that, but he's holdin' his own.

After scoring a few lovely items, you can head to Prescott Park for music and "Peter Pan," or to the Seacoast Science Center for the Petite Art in the Park exhibition and sale. Time it right and you can do it all!

Whatever your pleasure get out and partake!
Yours in the wonder of the moment
Gossip Lady

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Well my friends, GL made it to "Rent" last night - which got a well deserved standing "O," by the by.

If in doubt about heading to the The Rep, check out the latest GL Video HERE. The last 5 minutes of it are entirely music performed by the Portsmouth cast show; no mics, in a hall with bad acoustics, just a single keyboard accompaniment - and it's still incredible!

"Get the to the theater art lovers! You will NOT want to miss this one; No, no, no, no, no.

See that facial expression upon my visage? That is an earnest reaction to the lovely Ashley D. Kelley voice and co member Scottie McLaughlin. Don't take my word for it, check out the video. It speaks for itself.

Yours in the love of great voices
Gossip Lady

Told You So!

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Well I've come back with evidence of what I say!

Here you go, some of what I witnessed at the Spring Fling benny for Seacoast Rep. Check out this VIDEO.

Said it looks great. Meant it. And here's the proof. A sampling from the upcoming Rent production at Seacoast Rep.

I can. not. wait!

Yours in Art,
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

Last Minute: LIttle Known Special FREE

Greeting Gossip Lovers,

Dropped by Seacoast Repertory Theatre last night to peek in on the "In To the Woods" rehearsals, (an all time favorite musical).

Much to my surprise something very different was being rehearsed. Something I hadn't even heard about . ME! G. Lady! Oh the horror!

Anyway, there in the dark was a handful of people, Merrill Pieffer, Craig Faulkner, Claudia Coznier, Chris Bradley, Demond Nason - and other alum and a few newcomers (Ryan Bates the adult Tiny Tim in its current "Christmas Carol" and longlost college pal Doria Bramante for example).

So tell me people, what does this collection of people have in common? Think now.
YES! Incredible voices!

And tonight they'll raise them up as "the Friends" in support of the Rep Youth Chorus Holiday Concert.

And get this. It's FREE. They'd love you to give a donation, but no need. At 7 p.m. you can just sashay in and enjoy some of the newest voices - under the direction of Miles Burns, Mr. Voice himself, and then a few tunes from the old pros.

I'll be there with hat and bells on!

Oh and if you hadn't heard, the Rep JUST added a performance of "Christmas Carol" for Sunday, at 7 p.m.- its last. Get a move on people.

Have a wonderful holiday all.
Here's hoping yours includes some wonderful art event - and lots of love.

Gossip Lady

SCROOGE

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Since we're getting into the holiday spirit, (see post below), let's check in on a few - holiday spirits that is.

In the latest G. Lady video,I take on the bad boy of Christmas himself - Scrooge, (aka David Coffee). Much to my surprise a few of his "buddies" drop in during our tete-a-tete. (Gave me a bit of a start really).

Well Ebenezer was warm, inviting and forthcoming. (Yes, we are on first name bases now. Such a lovely gentleman). He talks openly about his past, future, and what he hopes for on Christmas. Did he ever hook up with some lovely lady? Did he ever confront the thieves? Find out the answers to these probing questions and more.


Hot Toddy on! Feet up. Enjoy!

Gossip Lady

Scrooge will be appearing in "Christmas Carol" at Seacoast Repertory Theatre. Check it out.

Rockin' Rocky

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Oh my, so long. So sorry!

But I'll play catch up like a fiend folks.

Till my next (and very soon) posting you just HAVE to see the latest Gossip Lady Video. Oh so fun!

DC, (intrepid videographer), and yours truly, took a trip to the Planet of Transexual in the Galaxy of Transylvania. The characters there? Not to be believed.

It's the "Rocky Horror Video."

Meet Frank-N-Furter ( cutie patutie, John Pirroni) and his Handler (Merrill Peiffer), who tells all.

Enjoy, Enjoy!

Yours in a love of the unusual
Gossip Lady
(Don't you just love the new hat!)

(for a more indepth catch up with John, check out story HERE).

The Perfect Form: Urinetown

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Anyone that's seen my smiling visage since last night knows well what this entry is about because I simply can't stop talking about IT. What has that silly grin simply plastered on my face is the Seacoast Repertory Theatre's production of "Urinetown, the Musical."

I've avoided crossing this line till now, but for this instance I will. To do this show justice I've summon the spirit of that that McCartin Woman - my FRIENDLY gossip rival - to address the matter. Don't ask me how it's done, it involves a crystal ball, candles, a bribe and chant- but it's worth it to get her insight.

And the word is: according to that former decade-long theater reviewer for the Portsmouth Herald - this production hits the TOP 10 productions, if not top five (the reception was fuzzy) of the past decade.

I have to say I agree wholeheartedly with her this time.

The script - like all is a matter of taste, but it's unquestionably entertaining. I found the longer you sit with it the more sense and more profound its superciliousness becomes. Yes, I liked it.

But the production!? (Imagine me looking to the sky and slapping a white gloved hand to my chest). Just exquisite! Every single, solitary element of it. The set, costuming, lighting, props, music, every detail is unequivocally spot on. Nothing smacks of community theater here folks.

Now the acting.

Where do I start. Well, let me say it's such a strong ensemble piece I don't want to single any one person out, (Tommy Labanaris, Megan Quinn, Christine Dulong), because I think that would be doing the show an injustice,(Chris and Jamie Bradley and Merrill Peiffer), and that's the last thing I would want to do.

I suppose you've noticed those few names in the previous paragraph set off by parenthesise. Well, once you channel a person it's not easy to discontinue the connection, and that McCartin woman won't be contained. Sorry.

But let me say this - there are 19 performers in this production and I wouldn't remove a one. They all deserve to be mentioned. It is the strongest vocal, acting and dance collective I've witnessed in years - so says that OTHER woman as well.

And direction! (Imagine another slap to the chest and eyes cast skyward), simply heavenly. Kudos Mr.Bill Humphreys. Return soon!

Choreography? Also heavenly! So, Adrienne Maitland, hurry back.

Music? - Ah Kathy Fink and crew, you've done it again. Magnifico. And don't we just love a live band. (Great work Mr. Paul Erwin Musical Director).

Rob Sullin & Jillian Mitchell LOVE your set design, LOVE IT. Matt Guminski - your lighting? Special. Lauri Gagnon's props. Tops, (and disgusting).

Okay, so that's what you get when you channel a former theater reviewer. It's hard to put a lid on it. But then, I really don't care to. That's the thing about outstanding art, you just want to go on and on about it.

To Pee or not to Pee is the question the play poses. The answer I'm giving is to BE there and SEE for yourself. Killer theater folks.

Yours in the elation of great art
Gossip Lady

PHOTO GALLERY
Top photo: Show shot taken by deck crew, from "inside the sewer" (or backstage).
Woman alone: Merrill Peiffer - could you die for that hair doo?! (thanks Chris Bradley for the behind the scene shot)!

Next series: performers emerging in the midday sun, Saturday, between shows.
First: Jennifer Sue Mallard, Miles Burns, Merrill Peiffer, sans pomp
Second: the "Brothers Bradley"
Third: a duo demonstrating their exhaustion Megan Quinn and Christine Dulong
Fourth: a trio of guys demonstrating being guys Tobin Moss, Andrew Bridges, Dan Beaulieu

Too Pee or not?

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

To pee or not to pee, that is the question starting this weekend at Seacoast Repertory Theater.

This young lad had a lot of thoughts on the matter, right down to how the question was posed, answers were inflected and songs was sung. Hard to imagine anyone would have that much input on urinating, but as director of the Rep's "Urinetown, the Musical" he does. Did. No probably still does. He's not off duty for a few days.

So who is this squeaky clean kid?

Think movie and documentary maker, actor, director, producer, and Maggie the cow's best friend.

Yup, that's the Oakhurst farmer himself Bill Humphreys, who happens to be an Emmy Award Winner as well. This is one of the times you'll see his end product rather than him, but if he's done the job right we'll be fine with that.

Want a preview. Check out this fancy schmantzy clip The Rep put together. Makes me want to go out and start a rebellion, or at least belt out a show tune. Either will do. I'll decide after coffee.

Well my friends, G Lady will be attending the show. This is one lady that hates unanswered questions. To pee or not to pee? The answer is ...

Yours in anticipation
Gossip Lady

Exactly What's Happening Here?

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

I bet this photo conjures visions of a laundry room under water. But no. That's not the Maytag Repair Man, though it is who G Lady would call for household repairs. - Have to keep those artists working.

And that picture to the right? No; it's not a shot from "This Old House."

And finally the one just below to the left is not one of Santa's elves working the "naughty & nice list," though she's likely on the same pay scale.

Instead these and the following pictures are the anatomy of a dress rehearsal - in this case for "Rumors" which opens this weekend at Seacoast Repertory Theatre.

The COP at the top is C. Emerson Kelly. The next shows "Rumors" set designer Erik Diaz and director Jonathan Carr discussing a door issue. (Pretty impressive set hum)?

And the lady draped in blue light is stage manager Heidi Garcia keeping "Rumors" rehearsal on track.

Speaking of rumors this photo to the left won't help squelch those circulating about Tobin Moss. Word is Tobin abandoned his role as the obnoxious cousin in "All the Rage," for the last weekend run at the Players' Ring for the company of a little sweetie.

Look for yourself. Do picture lie? No. That IS a little sweetie.

But it's Megan Quinn who plays Moss's wife in the SRT production.

Oh and by the way, if you step over to the Ring, you'll find Dan Beaulieu covering Moss's part - or role. You know what I meant.

Here's the rest of "Rumor" cast hanging out in the green room waiting for call.

To our left, back on stage together for the third of forth time, Ed Batchelder and Carolyn Hause. Maybe you remember them from "Christmas Story?"

On our right is the ever lovely Lauren Sowa, with the always wild and crazy Christopher Bradley, (Oh, get over it Steve Martin. He is that good).

As you can see this is a talent-packed production. That means expectations are high. The pressure is on. Don't mean to make anyone nervous or anything - but we're expecting great things.

This last duo is Gardner Campbell and Crystal Korabek respectfully, newbies to the Rep stage. I plan on hitting the show Friday night to see how they hold up to against this strong collection.

And finally, the gentleman below, all alone in the dark, lit only by a computer screen, is Mike Condon, lighting designer.

Not pictured, costume designer Maura Suter, who also sat alone in the dark (but not forlorn) taking notes, tweaking details.

And there you have it folks - the anatomy of a show days before opening, all the techs working their butts off while the actors lounge in the green room.

Put the pitchforks and eyeliner down! It was just a joke.

Well off to wash the gloves before the weekend arrives.
Yours in Art
Gossip Lady

Heading to Urinetown.

Greetings Gossip Lovers

If you’re thinking these three were at Seacoast Rep last night hoping to land a role in “Urinetown” – wrong. They’re the ones the hopefuls needed to impress. Scare you just a little?

Well it shouldn't really. Left to right it’s Adrienne Maitland, choreographer, Craig Faulkner, SRT’s assistant artistic director and Bill Humphreys, "Urinetown" director. – Eat your heart out Cowell and company.

While the trio were the "judges," they where also some of the evening’s best entertainment – along with Paul Erwin on keyboards, the show’s musical director.

In short order an evening's, inside joke formed, thanks to Bill’s colorful, oft repeated instructions for the cold read characters. “Gritty, lowlife, sewer rat, dirty, nasty” and the like. His version of rabble-rouser went from rubble, ruble and rebel with a few more hysterical mispronunciations. Poor auditioners had no idea what prompted the out-of-context laughs.

But it sure didn't keep them away. The place was PACKED gossip lovers! Upwards of 60 performers showed, new and familiar faces; exceptionable to passable. Auditions were originally scheduled for 6 to 9:30; but ran 4:30 to past 11. Among the hopeful, seacoast favorite Merrill Pfeiffer, who came up from her new New York home to give it a shot.

One thing is for sure, this show has a shot at being one of the seacoast’s most memorable. (Can you say pressure : ). There was a plethora of exceptional voices. And that young man in the blue shirt – woooweee, show stealer in the best way. And of course Bill is back from North Carolina to direct. - Yes, we can expect great things.

Yours in anticipation

Gossip Lady

Photos: top, already mentioned above, but did you notice how hard it is to discern where one starts and the other ends? This is how legends start eh? "The Attack of the Theater Thing," "Night of the Six-Legged Actor," or "It Came from Beneath the Green Room," that sort of thing. Middle: Faulkner and Humphreys - clearly having missed one another other. (Bill's been gone many months folks). Bottom: Merrill Pfeiffer - love the new darker locks! To the left: a blur of auditioners learning dance moves.

The Feminine Side

Tell me Gossip Lovers,

What’s not to like about a man who looks part Mr. Clean, part WWE Wrestling Champ and gives way to his feminine side.

It’s a beautiful thing wouldn’t you say?

Bask in the beauty that is Seacoast Rep’s Production Manager, and absent-from-the-stage-to-long musical performer Rob Scullin. He’s currently putting together the set for “Rumors” Neil Simon’s play, up late March.
(To see what’s on stage right now scroll back a few pages to "Harvesting a New Crop)."

There's nothing more to say.

Yours Truly,

Gossip Lady

Harvesting the New Crop: "Aida"

Well Gossip Lovers,

I'm here to testify!

One of life’s true delights is watching young performers move from the kiddie to main stage show. What's not to love about a journey that starts with those squeaky to boisterous voices, frozen or overly animated visages - stares into the audience? Ahh how we audiences love that hum?

Last night I was lucky enough to catch a rehearsal of Seacoast Rep’s Mainstage Youth Production – “Aida.”

Initially I was a tad confused by the addition of a Coughing Chorus till I ascertained it wasn’t part of the act – 18 out of 22 performs were sick. Really sick!

Anyway.

Ill as they were there was nary a squeaky voice or frozen face among them. The majority of these young thespians are well beyond that stage; many now as capable as performers twice their age - the result of years performing "snowflake," "gypsy girl" and "toad boy."

This annual production – THE big, open-audition show for area youth - is definitely showcasing some of the community’s recognized best and recent breakthroughs.

And let me just say G Lovers, nowhere is it more evident then in a rehearsal of this kind that art is a craft to be studied and worked but also simply enjoyed. The talent was evident - AND they were clearly having a ball between sniffles.

The Seacoast has seen its fair share of youth performers go on to Broadway and national tours. This is just the sort of event that let’s you see who has the right stuff.

Who do you think is going the whole way from the latest harvest, hum? I’ve already marked my ballot : )

Off to wash my gloves.

Back soon
Gossip Lady



(P.S. catch a full profile of actor Andrew Bridges by that McCartin Woman, February 28 in the Portsmouth Herald Entertainment section).
Photos Top to Bottom, Left to right:
#1 L to R: Megan Little, Taylor Lintelman, Kimberly Burke
#2 Alana Thyng (standing) & Taylor Lintelman
#3 DJ Ingalls (standing) & Andrew Bridges
#4 Dominique Lessard, Devin Scott, Meghan Morash, Taylor Lintelman and Megan Little
#5 Megan Little & Alex Dorr