Hateful Little Cakes

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

So you're probably wondering who the hood in the hood is?

Well it is none other than nice guy, and Music Hall box-office-big-wig,
Chris Greiner.

To the right is the mild-mannered manager version. The hooded edition on your left is Greiner as a Hateful Little Cake.

May I pause here to say it again; Hateful Little Cakes. That has to be one of the best band names ever. LOVE it. Feel the rhythm on the tongue: Hateful Little Cakes.

Anyway, G Lady crashed HLC's rehearsal at its tiny, crammed, cold, room; rugs on the wall, wires snaking everywhere - by musician standards a palatial rehearsal space. The evening's beer of choice , scattered amongst the snaking cables : Geary's, Smuttynose and Pilsner Urqwell.

Alas intrepid videographer DC was unable to come along and tape, so you'll just have to take my word on this, the sound is great. Also enjoyable was listening to vocalist Peter Duschesne and guitarist Rob Braswell (Bobby to those near and dear), pull Chris's chain. Seems the two love telling people the band came in first in the RPM music challenge. Every time Pete says something like "we won hands down," "or we came in first" Chris visibly squirms, clearly afraid Pete will be quoted - and so he is. : )

Yes, yes, the point is RPM is NOT a competition, which is why Rob says (as Chris cringes) "That's why it's so awesome we DID win."

Chiming in on their top prize honors is Michael Palace, synthesizer and and the latest addition to the band Terry Palmer, on bass.

When not engaged in Chris ribbing there's lots of talk about timing - Pete's additional, unannounced moves - and generally who's doing what.

You can catch the boys at Riverrun Bookstore, tentatively April 11. Check the "Portsmouth Herald Spotlight" closer to the date.

Speaking of checking: have you seen Gossip Lady latest videos? This one is not for the sensitive flower, but definitely for the well humored. Gossip Lady and DC dropped in on John Breneman and Chris Elliott while they rehearsed for their "Humor Gazette" video series. See it at www.seacoastonline.com/gossiplady.

All right then, off I go. Drop back in soon. I plan on popping in on Larry Simon this week to find out how things are going with Jazzmouth preparations.

Yours in good natured-gossip
G Lady

(Top two pics, Chris, pic to the left Pete, on right (L to R) Rob, Terry, Michael)

Peeking in at a rehearsal

Note to self: buy smelling salts before Seacoast Rep’s “Forever Plaid” opening.


Hello Gossip Lovers,

Well, I sat in on a Rep rehearsal last night – pre sound system set up - and let me tell you, it's a show not to be missed. It’s a veritable convergence- collision - commingling of colossal voices.

Truth be known, G Lady is not a fan of “Forever Plaid.” Sorry Stuart Ross; just not that in to it. BUT three voices in this version have long been among my favorites, making me at least a temporary fan.

Remember the guy, Craig Faulkner, that performed JC in “Jesus Christ Superstar” at Prescott Park a few years back and had people begging his blessings and an encore? And those two kids (about 4 years ago) who stole the park’s teen, pre show? There was the one with the “creatively arranged” red hair, Miles Burns, and the angelic-faced one, Joe Cooper; both with full, clear, God-gifted voices. Well they’re all in this!

Finally we get to actually HEAR them for more than 3 minutes.

And – be still my heart – they found the perfect complement bass, Seth Mrowka, a seacoast newcomer. Prepare to swoon!

Okay, so as is expected I snooped about a bit while checking out the rehearsal. So lean in and learn: Jim Girgenti is back as choreographer after a long hiatus. Where’s he been? Having triple bypass heart surgery, that’s where! Would I kid about such a thing? Never!

I heard him tell one of the actors “I decided to do this instead of cardiac rehab.” Ah the love of art.

Oh and get this: he has photos of himself having a heart attach – no lie! He insisted the friend who drove him to the Lawrence General snap them. See for yourself. I’ve included one here. (Like I wouldn’t go looking for those)!

Paul Erwin, another long-lost face, (the Rep and Park), is back after years away from the piano seat. This is the first time he’s played in a solid year. You’re going to think I’m making this up, but truth IS stranger than fiction. Paul has been sick as well: three months in the hospital, diabetic coma, lots of recovery. He’s back at the keys as if nothing ever happened.

Quite the crew eh? Oh, and then there was an accident during rehearsal! Faulkner was doing some wild arm moves that left Burns singing a bit higher than usual for a while.

The only other thing to report is I “accidentally” overheard a straight male (Hint: tool belt, staging, father), admit he was willing to “switch teams” if a certain redhead would as well.

Okay then. Said enough. Say no more. Almost too sordid for G lady - IF there were such a thing.

Well, drop back in soon. I’ll be hitting the town this weekend, see what else I can dig up.

Meanwhile check out a bit of “Plaid’s” rehearsal at Yours in the best of good-natured gossip
G Lady