Ear-resistable

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Let the turntables roll! The RPM Challenge entries are in.

The elves are nearly finished their tasks and the big spin is around the corner.

This year there’s EIGHT-HUNDRED CDs my friend. 800! That’s a whole lot of music. Each CD is registered, covers scanned and as we speak – so to speak - the tunes are being computerized into play lists. “It’s like The Factory in here, I tell ya,” says Karen Marzloff; RPM founding organizer and chief elf bottle washer, scanner and logger.

Soon we’ll hear the melodic, the disharmony and the tone deaf - and importantly the passion - at the FREE, RPM Global Listening Party (March 28).

If you can't make it to Berkeley/Oakland, CA, there's four shindigs in Portsmouth. It starts at the Music Hall. Then you stay or head out to harken the sound at the Press Room, Loaf and Ladle, or the all-age Riverrun Bookstore.

Karen says you can truly feel the passion in the work. “It’s moving,” she confided – a bit ferklempt really. ”When you put all this together it’s a powerful statement.”

Right on sister! Power to the people – 800 individuals and groups strong!

RPM is putting together an online Jukebox with all 20,000 songs from the past four Challenges as well. You KNOW the Muses are psyched. Expect the creative vibes to surge.

So listen up Gossip Lovers, (pun intended) be there or be square.

Yours in eavesdropping

Gossip Lady


PS: like so many art projects this is possible through volunteer power – which means STAR power around here. So, a gold star to the RPM volunteers – they sure deserve it.

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.

Blair's Got the Blues

Hey Gossip Lovers,

When my spies sent me this photo my first thought was “Would Blair Hundertmark leave us for little blue men?” The horror!

The seacoast theater leading man/director was snapped recently on a Boston stage with members of Blue Man Group. Well don’t you know I tracked him down immediately to get the scoop. Could he desert us for a crew of cobalt cuties?

He assured me he would not, “I’m not blue enough!” says Blair.

He explained he met the blue boys during his current tour as Master of Ceremonies for “FIRST Robotics Competition 2009,” (his 11th tour). This one takes him to DC, Boston, Dallas, Annapolis, Seattle, Minneapolis and Atlanta. But he’ll be back in time to teach a Shakespeare Residency at York Middle School and then direct the New Hampshire Theatre Projects Teen Camp. (You lucky, lucky campers)!

This summer he jets off to Tamworth NH – okay jet is a tad strong - to direct two plays at the Barnstormers Theatre.

I’m sure you’re all fine with that. As long as we know he’s not traveling too far, for too long.

Yours in giddy relief,

Gossip Lady

PS: looks like Blair's hair is taking its time coming in. Remember he shaved it for a show. Check out the January 21 posting to see the transformation from hunk to horror. - Well at least he got to dump the fat suit.

Geeks RULE!

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Yes, fairness and generosity are expected of one in my line of work. I’m a proselytizer after all.

And so it will be. I shall pull up the gloves and spill the beans - hard as it may be.

I must admit, sharing can be tough at times. Am I right? You know, like giving up the address to your favorite thrift shop. Another case in point: the NH Media Makers gathering – which is ironically all about sharing.

Why stingy on this account? Given this Sunday’s standing-room-only status at Crackskull’s in Newmarket - and G Lady’s intent to return to this marvelous group o’ geeks – it simply worries me there will be no place to park the chapeau and all things attached.

But - in the spirit of good gossipwomanship – I shall share. Let it be known the NHMM rocks. Its meetings are exhilarating, inspiring and exciting. - How could it be otherwise with its own Chiki Tiki God (pictured above) in charge of happiness. There were a whole lot of happy sardines, about 50 strong, lost in the elation of exchange.

There were folks involved in film making, illustration, education, writing, blogging, business, photography, cartooning- lots more and all things tech. They shared what they do, hope to do and have done; neophyte to expert.

It was a bloody ball gossip lovers; all that creative energy just swirling around, Too many great folk to mention, but check out the NHMM blog for more info – or not. Don’t feel pressured. I mean it may not be your thing. ... You might just want to sleep in on Sunday. … Okay, so maybe I’ll see you there next time.

Before I close this one out – here’s a shout out and a star for Mr. ShareMaster himself, the ever-generous John Herman (founder) who brings order, spirit and class to the event. You go Johnny!

Yours in sharing even when it hurts,

Gossip Lady

Somehow this photo makes it look less crammed than it actually was.

Photos: There were more cameras and computer there than at any Best Buy. But these snappy shots were taken by Brian Turnbull, (a wicked nice guy). Check him out at brianturnbull.com
Top photo Uncle Phil, (radio personality & a man all about family music), as a Chiki Tiki God. Have you ever seen the Gossip Lady video featuring Uncle Phil? See it now.
Middle: John Herman. Bottom - the hordes.

While You're Out There

Greetings Gossip Lovers.

Just another weekend quick tip.

Before you head to one of the incredible music or theater performances this weekend - this month for that matter - mosey down to the 2009 College Invitational at the New Hampshire Art Association, main gallery. WOW!

G Lady isn't going to snow you; not every piece is pro. - Did I just say that out loud? - Well you betchya. No snow on this blog. Too much out there as it is hum? (Referring to winter of course).

BUT, let me say , this exhibit does indeed feature work by tomorrow's big players.

The show has a lot of innovative, risky, even disturbing work, along with ones of sheer beauty. We're talking exciting folks. Exciting!

Here's a few to view. For more - hit the door and get down to State St.

The NHAA's Levy East Gallery, (second room), features work by artists Ann Tolson and Marty Cannata.

Yours in the love of inspiration to fruition,

Gossip Lady

Photos: work by Top: Cassandra Long; Peter Kutcher, (painting), &Joshua Torbick, (bench with drawer), below: Daniel B. Foster.

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).