Get OUT Tonight!!

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

If you are viewing this posting in real time it's fairly likely you're not making the wisest choice at the moment. As much as G Lady loves you dropping by, and hopes you do so often, it's Saturday night my friend: GO OUT AND TAKE IT IN!

If you hit West End Studio Theatre it's likely you'll see the scullery maid seen here. Actually that would be Marguerite Mathews going about the glamorous work of the small theater director.

G Lady dropped in at WEST this afternoon and caught both she and her Pontine Theatre partner Greg Gathers giving the place a go-over before tonight's show "A Beautiful Game," a solo performance by guest artist Michael Parent.

Note that jubilant smile on Mathews' face. Yes she was glad to see G Lady. But she was also glad to win the coin toss. Gathers got the bathrooms.

I'd only just missed snapping him at work. Just as well. Greg wasn't quite as upbeat about his chore. BUT, he was about this weekend's show.

When I asked Greg, "why should anyone go to the theater on such a lovely night (a tropical 40-something)," - after checking if my hat was on too tight he said "Well Michael Palmer is a wonderful, world-class storyteller," (tells down-Maine beauties, French Canadian tall-tales and talks hockey), " he's funny and very engaging," says Greg. "And because he's here for only one weekend. You miss it - you miss it!"

Say no more, say no more!

Besides, after all the gussyin' the pair did for your visit, do you want to be the cause of a three-quarters full house. I'm sure not! The 4 p.m. is over, but there's an 8 p.m. tonight and a 2 p.m. tomorrow.

Oh almost forgot to explain the lovely little bobbleheads pictured here. Like them? (Can't you just feel the jealousy emanating from the Friendly Toast)?

Well you've missed this year's window of opportunity to garner one of these babies. They're the trophies for Pontine's annual Bowlathon.

And congrads Cary Wendell! - You go Cary! The painter and multi-talented theater artist was top adult scorer at 267. Anne Poubeau brought in the most cash and TJ Scott was top kid took top kid score.

Okay, must get this up. Another one to follow in mere minutes. So many glorious things to discuss. It's the weekend!

Yours in the arts

Gossip Lady

Baby Take a Look at Me Now

Greetings Gossip Lovers

So who is this little cutie patootie?

The eyes have it folks. They’re a dead giveaway. But for the missing hair and favorite lipstick - now always perfectly in place - she looks pretty much the same today. – Bigger of course, but much the same.

Here’s a few hints.

She’s a gossip of sorts, but no threat to yours truly because she generally dishes on herself. Okay, maybe her husband too. But, generally just herself.

In some circles she would be considered certifiably “mentally impaired.” But she’s an actress; so a few spare personalities have proven beneficial.

Figured it out?

Okay, one more – besides the image just below, to the left, that pictures her as one of her more prominent alter egos.

This sassy lady is promising folks a “Wicked Good Time at Town Hall.” She packed them in a few years back with the same offer, so she decided to give it another go.

Figured it out?

It is none other than Ms. Susan Poulin of Poolyle Productions, or as she’s known in many circles Ida LeClair, the lady of Runs with Moose fame. Of course I’m not making that up. It's Maine we're talking here.

You don’t know what I’m referring to??

Okay then: One: go to the Poolyle link and learn, and Two: get the Hades out of the house for art sake! Ida is the character in just the funniest series of shows around – geesh!

Anyway, (yes I had to pause to straighten my hat out; got a bit carried away there) anyway, if you haven’t met Ida in one of her many shows – well your missing one of Gossip Lady’s all-time favorite gals.

I have a real soft spot for Ida; she's funny, warm and as is evident from the picture above in wicked great shape, not to mention a snappy dresser. She's Maine’s version of the girl next-door – only older and smarter than most Hollywood variations.

Anyway. Here’s Ida as Susan. It’s in the eyes don’t you think?

Yours in admiration of great ladies with character – that are characters,

Gossip Lady

(Learn more about “Wicked Good Time at Town Hall's” three presentations, March through May, at the Poolyle Productions site).

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

A Lost Boy

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Yes, I'm speaking directly to you . (Take your eyes off my spectacular chapeau and pay attention).

Please note: if you don’t know this man that’s all the more reason to read on. He needs YOU.

This is Todd. Todd is in a tizzy.

Just take a gander at that forlorn face – or is that a pensive artists’ look? Either way, you can see he’s a little lost here.

For those of you unfamiliar with Todd, he is known on the local music scene as Todd Royce, a highly respected guitarist and composer, who performs jazz, rock and blues – solo, due, trio, etc. More recently he's been known as Todd Royce Morton.

For reasons G Lady will not say – so as not to bias you – he is considering yet another moniker change. What or if that change will occur is to be determined by votes, the aid of an excel spreadsheet and great consideration on the part of the angst filled fellow.

I promise to reveal his reasons down the line. But for the purist selection it’s best if you are ignorant that you remain so – at least on this matter.

When you go to the voting site scroll past Todd’s explanation. Instead take the time to read and feel the sound of each name on your tongue. Listen to its dance on the ear. Ponder what each conjures in your mind. Then make your utmost sincere selection for the best possible stage name.

Here are the choices:
1. Todd Morton
2. Todd Royce
3. Todd R. Morton
4. Todd Royce Morton

To vote click here. But remember scroll below Todd’s explanation and vote before reading.

Once you vote – your work here is done. Then, it’s up to Todd. - Oh, and give yourself a gold star for helping.

I’ll get back to you in a few weeks with the results. Rather exciting isn’t it?

TaTa for now; yours in support of all things creative - and fun,

Gossip Lady

Fashion Week?

Okay Gossip Lovers,

Know this man?

Noooo, he’s not a model for the current Fashion Week extravaganza; though the outfit does look a bit like something Dsquared 2 is showing this very day, and he has the stance down. But no.

Hint: This furry ragamuffin blew seacoast theatergoers away playing someone three times his age, while only 14.

And it looks like he’s at it again; not that we on the seacoast will be able to experience this latest transformation outside these stills. At the ripe age of 18 – last year – he headed out to the Windy City to hone his acting skills.

Another hint: I do believe he’s the youngest actor to win a Portsmouth Herald, Spotlight Best Actor Award. (If memory serves, he was a tad better dressed for that occasion).

Figured it out yet?

Before I give you the answer let me share this tidbit : This latest transformation has the poor boy speaking in tongues – delivering his lines in GREEK. Truth!

He doesn’t understand a bloody thing he’s saying. My spies report he delivers his lines beautifully though.

To prep for the role he hit a Greek restaurant and taped an employee reading his lines. Then he gave the tape to a professor who translated it to Ancient Greek. He then learned his role phonetically. Rock on young man!

It is, of course, Camden Brown. The 2008 Oyster River grad is studying theater at DePaul in Chicago.

Camden will be home for summer break. He can't make it for auditions, but still hopes to find some theater work for the time he's here. Want to keep an artist off the streets? You won't regret it. Camden is unquestionably one of the most talented, young performers this region has produced. Remember Robby in “Warmth of the Cold,” (Players' Ring), and Thenadier in “Les Miserables," (Seacoast Rep).

Here's hoping we get a chance to see the boy do what he does best.

Yours in snooping
Gossip Lady
Hey G Lovers, tune back in soon. There’s a local artist facing a name-changing dilemma and he’s looking for YOUR help. I'll get it up as fast as I can. - Chow.

The Merman Cometh

Well Gossip Lovers,

The rumors– fanned by that McCartin woman in her Portsmouth Herald Spotlight “Gossip Column,” – are true. But I got the real scoop first. (Must be the hat hum : )?

It’s the ultimate combination - the fast fingers and frozen fins of a single man, married to Harbor Light Stage. Translated that means a new, one-man performance piece, the “unbelievably true story of ‘The Accordion Playing Merman’” says HLS’s Kent Stephens.

Kent and the Music Hall’s ED Patricia Lynch have spent months dragging every teeny tiny detail out of Gary Sredzienski regarding his insanely, off-beat life; given it order, (the tales not the life), and convinced him to revel all.

May 7 to 17 the Merman will take center stage at the York Harbor Reading Room.

No Gossip Lovers. I’m not mistaken. The event WILL be at the private club - open for this event to all of us, (they'll even allow their renowned chef to cook for us! It's dinner theater!). It seems they are as impressed by the master musician as the rest of us are. Well kudos for them.

So, tell me G Lovers; did you know Gary spent his earliest years as a performer, (starting at age 10), working with the aging troupe of vaudevillians known as the Hog Hollow Hooters? Well, I’m sure you’re aware he’s a world renown, master accordionist, WUNH DJ, environmentalist and that he swims in area creeks right through the frigid weather.(See earlier postings and video).

Please! You know I’m not making this stuff up. Oh and you can add amateur historian and pro humorist to that list.

What’s wonderful is that someone finally recognized all that talent that could help direct it. Gold star Kent! Gold star Patricia! And lucky, lucky us.

Finally we'll all get a chance to see Gary’s passions bundled and brought to fruition in a single performance. Oh the sweet, sweet bounty!

Yours in the love of seeing potential realized,

Gossip Lady

Note to all: tomorrow night, March 3, Harbor Light’s Bold Face Reading will present “My Name is Rachel Corrie” at the Portsmouth Pearl. They’re always delightful!
And check out G Lady’s video interview with Gary at his Maine home.
First photo: Gary, "the early years."
Photo of "Big Gary," by Grace Peirce.

Quick, deadline is 7 p.m. tonight!

Greetings Gossip Lover,

You only have a few hours. So stop cruising the web and get to the Music Hall, before 7 tonight, Sunday, March 1. Hurry! Trust me! Go!

There’s still one more performance of “Sweeney Todd,” the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, live by NETworks Presentation LLC.

This production of Stephen Sondheim’s shiver and laugh inducing “killer” musical is masterfully staged. The incredible vision by John Doyle, original director and designer, epitomizes what art lovers refer to when they say art can transport and transform.

The set, sound, lighting and costuming is perfect down to every sparingly-used touch of red. And the performers! They are actor, vocalist AND the orchestra – they even swap off instruments. You just have to see how this is put together. This is storytelling at its very best.

I’m going to stop writing, so I can post and you can get off your fanny and mosey downtown. You WILL thank me.

Yours in snap decisions that pay off!
Gossip Lady