First What, then Who

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

So, here's a fun one for you. Who are they; the baby and the center figure below on the tabletop?

First determine the sex. Then take a guess.

What I can tell you is both are graduating high school this year then heading off to college to study acting.

Each has worked seacoast theaters for 10 or more years. G Lady caught both in some of their earliest performances and has watched them and their talent grow. A wonderful experience.

Figured it out?

Hum, one played the White Rabbit, the other JoJo.

Still nothing?

A few more hints. Both will appear in the coming week in an area production and both are males. That's all I'm giving you.

Insert the "Jeopardy Theme" here. - Times up.

The little driver is Dylan Schwartz-Wallach. His last local project (for the foreseeable future) is "Mystery Plays" with Harbor Light Stage's Bold Face Play Reading, this coming Tuesday. Then it's work and prepping for Carnegie Mellon School of Drama at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA.

And the person that does justice to those killer tights is Alex Dorr, who is heading off to Marymount Manhattan. For now you can catch him on stage at the Players Ring, in "Tricolored Roof."

Could be a while before you see either of these fine young men again.

A High Hat Off To You Boys

Gossip Lady

PS: check out a profile on Alex in the Portsmouth Herald Saturday April 11, by that McCartin Woman.

Discover - well US!

Greetings Gossip Lovers

There's nothing spookier than a big empty building. Alas whatever ethereal claimed this space as home is likely packing as we speak, as the Portsmouth Historical Society, (PHS) is fluffing chairs, filling walls and setting up shop for another season of its Discover Portsmouth Center, (DPC), which opens this very weekend.

The DPC - should you not know - is the one-stop, put-your-feet-up, information and more for area arts and cultural concerns, located in the old Portsmouth City Library.

For those who haven't seen the old library stripped of its former face, here's a peek pre production so to speak. (Alas, no ghosties apparent).

But first, to the right is a picture of Marguerite Mathews, Pontine Theatre's co artistic director and President of PHS, taking shots from tiny little paper people who have aimed their Lilliputian rifles at her. Don't worry. She's an actress. Dodging little people's bullets is second nature.

Marguerite is in the former library main room, now were guests are greeted, information dispensed and cool history books and goodies are sold.

Next up Marguerite,seated in the room where DPC presents a short introductory video to visitors. It's the room BEHIND the main lobby and former check-out desk.

The next photo is of the middle room, second floor. Remember? This one had the tall books on the back wall. The front racks held hobby and craft literature; row two, movies and theater. Ahh memories.

The room with the ladder is the new home of the Seacoast African American Cultural Center. It's the former children's room. SAACC starts moving in this month.

Finally, below, a shot from the second floor. Just love it.

The upper level is open to area artists for exhibition. The lower level (remember, references, magazines, newspapers, research), houses Discover's annual exhibits. This year it will offer one on gondolas and others on 1950s and '70s Seacoast-related art.

Present, future, past - past-participle. Wonderful, wonderful Portsmouth.


Yours in appreciation of where we're at.

Gossip Lady

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Lions and Students and Mimes - oh my! If you were downtown Portsmouth yesterday you likely spotted the man-beast and friends - including numerous men in fluorescent. (That orange brings just about any eye color out don't you think)?

It was a film in the making folks.

This dreary Sunday killed plans for a second day of shooting, but weather providing they'll be back in Market Square next week. Sort of a fun thing to take in on the way to a play, gallery or concert. The whole family can enjoy it for free : ) (Love that word. I mean we are from the "Live Free or Die" state after all).

Lion and company are just the latest movie crew to use the Port City. This group of filmmakers is led by writer/director/producer Ryan VanDalinda, (bottom pic on the right), a former Winnacunnet High School student, currently a senior at Keene State College.

The flick, "Fursona," is the Senior Thesis Capstone Project for 12 KSC students, all part of the florescent wearing team.

Justin Wakefield (that's him to the left, front and fluorescent) the film's assistant director says he's not sure what day they'll return next week. But he promises to call when the time is firm. And I promise to post a quick note on the blog so you can take the kids to watch the process.

Want more on yesterday's shoot. It's in today's Portsmouth Herald, (here), written by the great pop blogger herself, Gina Carbone.

Chow for now,
Your favorite Culture Vulture
Gossip Lady

The Best Blue is Cupcake

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Well paint my cupcake blue, it's another little alien photo for your entertainment.

Oh stop tsh,tshing! Infants are all strange looking creatures - cute as the dickens, but very, very odd.

This little gremlin happened to grew into quite the strapping lad, something like 6'6". Know who he is?

Here's another hint, he's Pied Piper of the pen for the 10 through tween crowd - makes 'um laugh, makes 'um - well laugh. Not a lot of crying in this author's books, though his latest series does give a lot to chew on - including cupcakes, but I'll get to that in a minute.

Let's see, he's a chess instructor, works origami quite well, juggles - and he owns a cool 17-foot chessboard! Not yet? - My you do have to get out more.

Okay see if these titles jar anything; “Escapade Johnson and Mayhem at Mount Moosilauke” “The Coffee Shop of the Living Dead” and “The Witches of Belknap County?” Well if that didn't work I might as well give it up.

The mystery minikin of the day is Michael Sullivan, author of all three aforementioned books, part of the Escaped Johnson series. (Read them all. Laughed out loud).

Mike recently released "The Sapphire Knight," the first in his latest series "The Bard."

So where does the cupcake come in?

Well his publisher Publishing Works is throwing a number of parties, free to the public, in honor of this latest release. In addition it will raffling off 10 parties for 23 people each.

This event's luscious cupcake with blue frosting was designed specifically for "Sapphire Knight" parties by Cold Stone Creamery. All the delicious details are in this coming week's "Gossip Column" in "Portsmouth Herald's" "Spotlight Magazine" (by that McCartin Woman). Let me just say there are SIX components to each little treat. (Take that McCossip)!

My one question is, can a person be a tad over 10 and still be eligible for the party?

Before I go let me recommend a G Lady video featuring yours truly interviewing Mike at his home. You'll just love the afghan throw!

Yours in love of eatable art, as well as the other forms
Gossip Lady

Just had to include this final photo. I was so taken by it, that giant of a man with the sweet little girl. Love it! Thought you might enjoy it as well.

Tom and Andy Related?

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Well I have to say, "Hardest Working" seacoast artist might just have to go to Tom Bergeron. How's he related to the seacoast? Certainly you know he's a local and still has a home in these parts.

Anyway, caught the boy conducting an interview on "Good Morning American" this a.m.; the day after a late night (and some what upsetting one) on "Dancing with The Stars."

What DOESN'T this guy do? Two hit TV shows, a film in post production, lots of side gigs, my goodness.

Just thought I'd mention it.

Oh and is it just me, or have you noticed how much Tom and Andy Fling look alike. I tell you, the resemblance is even stronger in person. Uncanny.

Check it out yourself. See Andy in person during the final performance of "All the Rage," this weekend at the Players' Ring, tell me what you think. (Loved the play by the way - 3 hat's off).

Let's see now; if Tom is - oh say that age - and Andy about 20 years younger; hum...

Your's in life's little surprises

Gossip Lady

(PLEASE please, it's a joke! Hopefully with many more to follow).

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

Down for the Count - Your Turn!

Greetings Gossip Lover,

Well boohoo, Gossip Lady has the flu. And seeing as I’m in to “spreading the word,” not the misery, I won’t be heading out on the town.

So instead I thought I would invite you to send me a note about something YOU do or see this weekend.

And yes, I will post later this weekend. So many things sitting on the “get to” list. But today the couch and I will be reacquainted.

Meanwhile, talk amongst yourselves!! Send reviews of something you’ve seen. A Gallery? Dance? Theater? Or were you rehearsing a show you think is coming together? Worked on a project that's looking good? Let everyone know. You be the fill-in Gossip!

I’m dying to hear – but of course.

Gossip Lady
PS: don't you just LOVE that hat. It's my "Florida," with matching purse.