Picture This

Greeting Gossip Lovers,

Well the Music Hall Lobby was PACKED last night for its latest Scene@Five, "20/20" featuring the photos of some of the regions top photogs including - yes - the Gossip Lady Video's own DC, intrepid videographer.

In a mere week we'll post a video of the event that just might give a glimpse of the elusive DC . Might.

Till that time here - to our right - is one of the incredible photos by DC on display at last evening's event.

The second one is by the daughter of THAT McCartin woman, - we can't hold that against the lovely Jennifer Belkus Goolkasian, (Aphrodite Wedding Photography) and so in a show of fair play one of her works is posted here.

G Lady tried to post works by other artists, kindly supplied by Chris Greiner, Associate Producer of Scene@Five, (thanks Chris). But alas she was unable to open the files. There was portraiture, architectural, scenic, boudoir images and other genres.

Perhaps I can roust up a few more picture over the next few days and post them for your viewing pleasure. It truly was SUCH a special affair. So sorry if you missed it!

Lots going on this week folks. Spring's here - so get a move on it and get out on the town.

Yours in art,
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

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"

Kudos for the Homeboy

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Well alas G Lady was unable to attend Dan Brown's private screening of "Angels and Demons" at the Music Hall this weekend. Had the red hat for the carpet ready, but just couldn't fit it in.

BUT - and this is why we refer to her as the intrepid DC; G Lady's stupendous videographer, was there, on the red carpet, snapping pics for the blog and the home-pod Portsmouth Herald, along with Gina Carbone, pop reporter + movie reviewer, who put together a super story.

There is a spectacular video by "the intrepid you-know-who" on the Herald site as well.

If you got a peek at the place, ( of course I went down for an early peek), than you know a mini, tasteful forest was create as a barrier around Chestnut St. to give the illusion of privacy. There were angels and gargoyles posted at the entrance as well.

Because I was unable to stay, I pointed the pen and pad at my pal DC and told her to spill the beans. Here's what my buddy had to report.

When asked what other notables were in the crowd, DC said "Gina Carbone." True enough folks, true enough.

How was the man of the hour? "He was great, very personable and charming."
And the crowd? "Huge. The red carpet will need to be cleaned." Did DC feel a tad star struck? "Yeah, but not as much as when I see Gossip Lady." (Yes folks G Lady is blushing; but she loves it).

Was DC impressed by anything in particular? "By the head point guy, Tim - I think that was his name. He followed through on what he said he would do and that was to bring to bring Brown over when he arrived. ... The landscaping was amazing. They brought in all these shrubs and statues. It looked great."
And a few more notes from DC: "Dan arrived early and I'm really glad that I did the same. That would have really sucked if I would have missed him. ... I wish you were standing next to me Gossip Lady, to press his flesh with your white gloves. He would have loved you!" Well DC, wish I was there too. But duty called.

But absent as I was I still have a few words on the affair - as I'm sure you expect. And that is: Dan Brown You Rock! Folks he could have had his event anywhere. But he kept it real and on the coast. Dan you ARE the man and bigger than the books you write - which of course is saying a lot. You deserve and get one of G. Lady's Gold Stars buddy.

Yours in knowing where you come from
& in the arts.
Gossip Lady

Bewitching vocals, Idina Menzel

Greetings Gossip Lovers

I’m waxin’ up the broom and getting ready to ride. There's a big meeting midweek at the Music Hall.

Come Wednesday Night G Lady is heading to the hall to make quorum with the ladies and all the others who love the sound of a spellbinding voice. I suspect it will be a full house considering Idina Menzel is flying in to entertain the troops.

Of course the pic at the top is the famous image of Idina as Ephaba in "Wicked." Does our people proud! (posted after the event. Saw it, loved it, where were you)?!

I suspect Patricia Lynch, the halls magic-maker, will be around that night. – Witches do love a good time, and this should prove to be a wicked good one. (Insert cackle here).

Just to get you in the mood I’ve reposted a pic of Patricia in full regalia, (I wonder if she uses the same broom) and a ghostly shot of the hall's grand dame; (we must wonder why this picture will only print in its negative from. hummmm).


Not to be outdone, (as IF anyone could top this hat!) here’s a shot of G Lady sporting her uniform. Hasn't been out since the day I took you on tour of Portsmouth’s haunted buildings, (which includes mention of the Hall’s specters).

It's shaping up to be a great week for art folks. Check out the Portsmouth Herald’s Spotlight listings.

Oh by the by, Wednesday is the night the "Ghost Hunters" airs the episode about Star Island, filmed in Portsmouth and on the Isles of Shoals last November. Tevo that baby, come see Idina, then go home and top the night off with a bit more of the ethereal.

Yours in the true magic of art,

Gossip Lady

Who is that witch & mobilize for art

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

So, who is the little cutie-patutie to the left (snapped pre mover and shaker era)?

Hint 1: The toddler's Halloween witch costume proved an "omen." Many in the art & culture community would credit her with serious feats of magic.

Hint 2: Word is she's cast a spell over employees, board and supporters. They believe she has a knack for seeing the future, and are willing to follow her there.

Hint 3: (And pretty much a give away), leads a major arts concern.

****

Okay before I tell you who it is here's a quick bit of news. Mark Fleisher, former Ballet New England dancer and admin, wrote to hand on a bit of important news. Mark is getting the word out about a petition that urges the Senate to include arts and culture concerns in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan. Perhaps more so than in most regions the Seacoast recognizes art and culture as business; one that helps generate revenue for others around them.

But alas, there seems to be others in the dark on the matter. Last night G Lady was shocked to hear national politicians call money for the arts a waste, and pork barrel. Okay, listen up Washington. Ask the employees of said art organizations, and the ones at nearby restaurants and businesses that benefit from the art concerns product if arts' pork. In these parts it's called bacon on the table! Enough with this. Read the research! There's plenty that verifies art stimulates economy.

So gossip lovers - get those fingers flying and send a message to Washington ASAP: art belongs in the package. Contact Senators Judd Gregg and Jeanne Shaheen and tell them we need their vote! You can make your voice heard at: http://capwiz.com/artsusa/utr/2/?a=12426636&i=82686100&c=

Also, our Senator Gregg is on a key committee debating President Obama's economic plan. Call him at 202-224-3324. Ask him KINDLY to support Obama's critical investments in education and the arts.

****

So back to the fun trivia question. Who is that tiny witch? Patricia Lynch, Executive Director of the Music Hall, founder of "Writers on a New England Stage," "Intimately Yours" and the lady that leads the venue's physical and art charge into the future.

Sorry, she can't wave her wand and pass that bill. Sign that petition!