Into the Woods

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

You all know – though I’ve tried to hide and deny – that G Lady is closely related to THAT McCartin Woman, who writes for the Portsmouth Herald and also happens to be a costume designer.

Well after much whining and cajoling I am allowing her to use G Lady’s blog to show off her latest costume designs for "Into the Woods" at Seacoast Repertory Theatre, and tout the production. (Mention this blog and get $5 off the ticket price)!

I will say; I took in the show myself last week, and must admit there are many, I repeat MANY exceptional performances in the production. It is billed as a youth production. Sorry that they did that.

It will likely turn some folk off - give them the wrong impression. Cause ladies and gents “Into the Woods” at Seacoast Repertory Theater is an exceptional show, with outstanding performers, mature performers, who happened to all be 20 or under. For once THAT McCartin woman and I agree.

Well here are some of the photos from the show. Yes, yes, yes, she designed the costumes. – She thinks of it as a one-woman visual art show that moves around on the back of professional animators – actors that is.

By the by, the stunning photos are taken by Joshua Gagnon, at jagfotozphotography.com.

Yours in sharing the delights of art
Gossip Lady

Actors: (not in order of photos - match them up yourself by costume folks, I couldn't control the site - sorry.)
Red Riding Hood, Hannah Forsley (with fur)
Witch, Dominique Lessard (top and black gown)
Prince, Andrew Bridges
Baker's Wife, Mallory Rinker,
Evil Step sister, Kimberly Burke(horns)
Cinderella, Alana Thyng
Baker,Randy Blake
Jack, Michael Peele

Last Minute: LIttle Known Special FREE

Greeting Gossip Lovers,

Dropped by Seacoast Repertory Theatre last night to peek in on the "In To the Woods" rehearsals, (an all time favorite musical).

Much to my surprise something very different was being rehearsed. Something I hadn't even heard about . ME! G. Lady! Oh the horror!

Anyway, there in the dark was a handful of people, Merrill Pieffer, Craig Faulkner, Claudia Coznier, Chris Bradley, Demond Nason - and other alum and a few newcomers (Ryan Bates the adult Tiny Tim in its current "Christmas Carol" and longlost college pal Doria Bramante for example).

So tell me people, what does this collection of people have in common? Think now.
YES! Incredible voices!

And tonight they'll raise them up as "the Friends" in support of the Rep Youth Chorus Holiday Concert.

And get this. It's FREE. They'd love you to give a donation, but no need. At 7 p.m. you can just sashay in and enjoy some of the newest voices - under the direction of Miles Burns, Mr. Voice himself, and then a few tunes from the old pros.

I'll be there with hat and bells on!

Oh and if you hadn't heard, the Rep JUST added a performance of "Christmas Carol" for Sunday, at 7 p.m.- its last. Get a move on people.

Have a wonderful holiday all.
Here's hoping yours includes some wonderful art event - and lots of love.

Gossip Lady

WHO IS IT??

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

This little heartwarming fella has been warming the hearts of fellow seacoasters for years.

He's made us laugh, made us cry and simply entertained us.

Starting this weekend he'll warm our hearts once again. This little Ring Bearer is playing an iconic character at the Players' Ring through December 23.

Hints?

Tinman at Prescott Park? Candle stand at the Rep? How about the devil at the latter?

Got it yet?

He's been performing on the seacoast for decades folks.

Final clue. A more recent role was as a full fledged human; Herbie in "Gypsy" also at the Rep.

This little cutie is none other than our Ed Batchelder, who performers as Cratchit in the Ring's current production of "Christmas Carol."

As soon as G Lady puts the keyboard down, she's off to gussy up and head over to the show. I hear director Rob Scullin has put a spin on the piece, putting Scrooge's sexuality into question.

That McCartin woman quotes Scullin in her "Spotlight" Gossip Column as saying he's not pressing the point but making it. Intriguing don't you think? Can't wait to see how it all plays out.

See you there??

Yours in creative interpretation.

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

SCROOGE

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Since we're getting into the holiday spirit, (see post below), let's check in on a few - holiday spirits that is.

In the latest G. Lady video,I take on the bad boy of Christmas himself - Scrooge, (aka David Coffee). Much to my surprise a few of his "buddies" drop in during our tete-a-tete. (Gave me a bit of a start really).

Well Ebenezer was warm, inviting and forthcoming. (Yes, we are on first name bases now. Such a lovely gentleman). He talks openly about his past, future, and what he hopes for on Christmas. Did he ever hook up with some lovely lady? Did he ever confront the thieves? Find out the answers to these probing questions and more.


Hot Toddy on! Feet up. Enjoy!

Gossip Lady

Scrooge will be appearing in "Christmas Carol" at Seacoast Repertory Theatre. Check it out.

It's in FULL SWING

Well G Lovers,

The holiday happenings are in full swing folks.

Okay, so this is what you do. You go on line HERE, (or pick up a "Spotlight Magazine)," you take a deep breath then calmly make up a list of things to do Sunday, November 29, that's tomorrow.
There are four open studio/tour/craft events tomorrow, Exeter to Kittery, Maine; three in walking distance of one another. So get a move on!

The Nutcracker Tea is at Wentworth by the Sea and "Santa Come Home" is over at the Players Ring. And of course there's non-holiday fare - check out "Seascape" at NHTP. There's just far too much going on for you to be sitting around finishing off the left overs folks. Get up. Get out.

And PLEASE, don't you dare head to the mall before checking out these local arts and craft/open studio sales. Buy local - or Santa may just pass you buy!

Talk soon. Must get to my own list!

Yours in art
Gossip Lady

Last Chance!! Today!

Okay Gossip Lovers,

This is it, the last day of the Portsmouth Holiday Arts Tour AND the Rollinsford,/Salmon Falls Mill Open House.

Get a move on people. We're talking pottery, photography, fine arts, metalsmithing, blacksmithing, woodworking, jewelry making, sculpting and so much more.

And equally important we are talking: exceptional gifts for those you TRULY love; keeping money local; keeping artists off our street corners (don't they clutter things standing around clanking their cups!), and finally just an incredible day peeking behind doors, gawking and beauty and meeting folks.

So down with the remote - and the malls - and off to life!

Move it, move it people!
Gossip Lady