Broadway or Bust: Episode Three

 

The third and final episode of Broadway or Bust aired on Sunday night. Unfortunately my cable was out, so I ended up waiting until today when the episode was posted on the PBS website to actually see the show. Being at work all day I managed to miss most of the spoilers, but I did end up finding out one of the winners before I saw the show. Le sigh. The cost of social media.

The show started out the morning of the Jimmy Awards. All of the kids were all being shown around the theatre and ended up on the stage at the Minskoff (where the awards were held). It was pretty amazing to see all of those kids walking onto a Broadway stage for the first time. There were tears. There was a TON of giggling and smiles. Overall, it was pretty awesome to get to see their faces.

On to the quickest tech EVER. With only a few hours, they teched the entire show. I think I might have lost my mind if I were trying to work on that show. There was a funny quote from the stage manager. She said that keeping those kids where they needed to be, and keeping them focused was like “herding squirrels.” I find that hilarious because my best friend, who stage manages shows locally, has often told me that stage managing is really just herding cats. I can’t imagine that herding cats OR squirrels would be easy.

And then it was time for the show. As the curtain came up and those kids started singing their opening number I couldn’t help but tear up a little bit. Just a few lines into the number and you could see some of the kids onstage tearing up as well. At that point, a tear might have escaped my eye. Then they did a camera pan to the audience and there was a woman that I’m thinking was probably a grandparent, who was openly crying. That was it for me. I sobbed.

It’s just so refreshing to see young people loving theatre so much AND getting an amazing chance that not many young people get. For some of them, this is as close as they’ll ever get to Broadway. For whatever reason, they may pursue a different career. Or maybe they’ll try to get to Broadway and won’t make it. Not everyone does. For some of them, this may be the biggest thing they ever do. For others, it may actually be just a stepping stone to greatness.

After their group performances the judges picked their top six; three girls and three guys. There were some great moments shown by many of the kids, and it could have been argued that there should have been some different picks for the top six, but I think overall they did a good job.

In the top were

Eric Durham

Evan Greenberg



Elizabeth Romero

Drew Shafranek

Joshua Grosso

Nicolette Burton
 

There were three of those six that I had thought would probably be in the top. Joshua, Elizabeth and Evan. Joshua and Evan both got quite a bit of screen time in the other episodes, and Elizabeth caught my eye because she looks remarkably like a young Sutton Foster AND is extremely talented.

Each of the top six were asked to perform their solo performances. Honestly, you always remember when Evan performs. He’s just that funny. Joshua sang his song in Italian, so that was totally memorable, and seeing Elizabeth perform her song, Disneyland, was like watching a full production. She’s just that impressive with her acting skills. Nicolette, Erica, and Drew all did great as well, but my favorite three caught my attention for a reason.

When it came down to it, Joshua Grosso was awarded Best Actor and Elizabeth Romero was awarded Best Actress. I find it kind of funny that Joshua came into it as the only runner-up, there fully by default. Honestly, I’d like to have seen who beat him out, because I thought he was fantastic from the start. Both Elizabeth and Joshua were awarded $10,000 to go toward their future schooling, and I can’t help but hope to see them in the future on a Broadway stage, or on tour with a show. It would just seem fitting.

Overall I think this was a great documentary. It was inspiring, fun, happy, and left me feeling like the future of the arts could be in good hands. Some people were calling it reality TV, but I really feel like it was more of a documentary. Reality TV is often negative and so disheartening. This was NOT that. I can’t help but hope that PBS does this again next year.

As a total unrelated side note, there was a scene at the end of the episode showing a cake that was for the cast and that cake was SO AMAZING! I make cakes and cupcakes as a hobby and I love seeing a cake that is well done. I kind of wonder who made it. Any insiders know the answer?

Five Guys Named Moe

Yesterday I headed out to see a couple of shows at Cumberland County Playhouse. I’ve already seen Golden Boy of the Blue Ridge, but it was my first time seeing Five Guys Named Moe. Five Guys Named Moe, a musical based on some of Louis Jordan’s greatest hits, is interesting, to say the least.

Taken from CCP facebook page

Nomax, played by Quinn Carson, starts the show out alone and broke. His girlfriend has left him and he’s basically on a drinking binge. Honestly, I’m not sure he wasn’t drinking absinthe. Cause as Nomax is listening to the radio, the group Five Guys Named Moe come out of the radio and sing to him. Really.

Little Moe, Big Moe, Four-Eyed Moe, No Moe, and Eat Moe spend the next two hours singing a variety of songs to Nomax. Honestly, I felt like I should have had some absinthe before the show, cause I never really understood what was going on. The book…well, it wasn’t that great. There were a few times in the show when one of the Moes would ask Nomax “Do you understand what we’re saying?” Every single time, all I could think was, “Nope. No clue.”

Taken from CCP facebook page

That aside, the show was FUN. The front row of seats had been sat up in cabaret-style tables. There was plenty of audience involvement, including some people being brought on stage (I won’t ruin the surprise for you) and some singing along with the actors. The show has some amazing talent.

Quinn Carson as Nomax is hilarious. He has to be. He plays a guy who’s so drunk he’s hallucinating! :D But he’s also got that slightly innocent quality that makes you like him and know that he’s trying so hard to fit in with the Moes.

Little Moe was played by Donald Frison. Anytime I see him in a show at CCP, I am blown away by his dancing talent. This show was no different. Michael Ruff’s Eat Moe was perhaps my favorite Moe. Hilarious and always talented, Ruff kept me laughing through most of the show.

Taken from CCP facebook page

No Moe was played by Porter Anderson and Four-Eyed Moe was played by Earley Dean. Both were fantastically talented vocally and in their dancing. Horace Smith played Big Moe. I really loved his portrayal of Big Moe as kind of the father-figure of the group.

The thing about Five Guys Named Moe is that it is filled with a wonderfully talented cast. They sing. They dance. They do them both very, very well. But, if you are expecting a story, skip this show. Go into it expecting a comedy concert of sorts, and don’t try to actually figure out what’s going on. You’ll love it if you do that. And if you like some audience participation.

You can catch Five Guys Named Moe at the Cumberland County Playhouse through October 27th

Les Misérables Preview

I am not typically a movie crier. I just rarely cry when it comes to movies or television. I never have. Even at really sad movies, like The Notebook. Never shed a tear. I'm not heartless, I promise. I feel sad. But there just usually aren't any tears. I do tend to cry at plays, musicals, live performances. Especially musicals. I've always been moved by music and any live performance just enhances so many emotions for me.

 

Today there was an article on BroadwayWorld that shared a youtube video with an extended preview of the new Les Misérables film that opens Christmas Day. I've never seen a staged version of Les Miz, but I have seen the 25th Anniversary Concert. I own it on DVD. And while I was curious about the new movie, I wasn't overly excited.

 

Would I have gone to see the movie? Yes. But after seeing the extended preview, I will more than likely be in the theatre Christmas Day. If not that day, very soon thereafter.



 

 

I was incredibly touched by the fact that the music in the film was recorded live, instead of pre-recorded and dubbed over...and auto-tuned to death, like so many films and television shows are these days. *cough*glee*cough* Truth: I cried while I watched this extended preview. Does that make me a big dork? Probably.



 

I am not sure what the final outcome will be for the movie. It might flop. It might be amazing. The casting might be off. Or maybe not. I'm not even sure if I'll like it. But if the preview and the trailer are any indication, I think I'll be a fan.

Do you have any opinions on this movie? Will you be sitting in a theatre on Christmas Day to watch it as well?

Broadway or Bust: Episode 2

This episode started off with the one on one coaching from mentors and the kids and progressed on to the choreography work, and then to more vocal coaching, and finally ended with performances in front of the judges (the judges’ showcase) where the judges were left to pick the top contenders.

At the beginning of the show they had Brittany had picked “And I Am Telling You” from Dreamgirls as her performance piece. I was worried about this for a couple of reasons. She’s extremely talented, but the song wasn’t really working for her. She was struggling and I couldn’t help but wonder why she picked the song. I understand that it’s a beautiful song that has been performed wonderfully by some very talented African American women….but should you pick the song to sing if you struggle with it?

Luckily, after some fantastic coaching by Telly Leung that concentrated on Brittany finding ways to sing the song HER way, without trying to be Jennifer Hudson or Jennifer Holliday, Brittany was able to dig deep and do a fantastic job on the song.

Evan, from Georgia, is a very intriguing person. He’s not the most talented vocally, but he has a charisma about him that more than makes up for it. He has a way of making everything a character. From the interview videos and the behind the scenes stuff, you can tell he is always thinking about the future and his career. It makes me wonder if he’ll make it. And if he doesn’t, will he continue to act, even if it’s not on Broadway?

Sabaa is from my home state of Tennessee. I didn’t know that until I looked her up on the PBS website. She has a beautiful voice and I loved hearing about her family. She comes from a family of people involved in law and medicine, so the arts is a departure for her. On the flip side, this girl is taking AP classes like they’re going out of style, so it has to be difficult for her to keep up with everything. She chose to sing “Light in the Piazza.” While her voice was beautiful, her coach really focused on her connecting with the audience and pulling herself out.

It was beautiful to see the final, and I think most productive, method that her coach, Schele, used. She took her right to the window and made her look outside while she was singing, all while asking her “Do you want this? Is this where you want to be?” Sabaa was so moved by this she started to cry. It struck something in her. With passion like that, aren’t you almost destined to be a star? I’d hope so. While everyone has areas they can improve, I think that motivation is a major part of getting where you want to be. Do you need talent? Yes. But you need the motivation even more. I must say, she’s one of my favorites. And that was even before I realized she was from Tennessee.

Josh from Florida. This guy didn’t win his regional competition. He was 2nd and ended up there as the winner couldn’t go. I feel badly for him because he’s feeling so much like the underdog. But in all truth, he doesn’t have to feel at all like the underdog. He has an amazing voice. He chose “II Mondo Era Vuoto” from the Light in the Piazza. Liz Callaway, his coach, was blown away and was curious to see if understood what he was singing, as the entire song is in Italian. Turns out that he speaks Italian. Wow. He caught my eye last week and I couldn’t remember his name, but he’s definitely on top of my list. He’s super talented.

Choreography time was hilarious and sad all at the same time. Many don’t have technical dance experience. Choreographer Kiesha Lalama was having a time with some of the kids. Without technical dance training AND trying to keep a bunch of teenagers focused was difficult. Definitely not a job I’d have wanted to take on. At one point I thought Kiesha’s head might explode.

Another thing was that many of the kids weren’t used to furious pacing and were overwhelmed. There were even tears from one of the girls, Hanna. But Kiesha did let her take a moment, which I thought was very kind of her. Josh from Florida said “My very first impression of Kiesha was ‘This is gonna be a long rehearsal. I’d heard rumors.’” A funny, but true observation. Kiesha is only a glimpse into what these kids will face on a regular basis if they chose to pursue theatre as a career, so it was something that I think was eye opening for a lot of the kids.

Seeing the kids go to dinner at Sardi’s was pretty amazing. I remember going there, even as an adult, and being so excited to be there. Seeing them get the chance to dress up and have a little fun and take pictures was great.

The final day was their last preparations before the judges’ showcase, which is when the judges pick their top 16. There were several standouts that I feel like we might be seeing more from. Alli from Connecticut sang “The Life of the Party” from Wild Party and while she didn’t get much camera time, I didn’t think she needed it. She was so amazing that I remembered her name, her face, and her song without any trouble. She shines. Elizabeth from California really caught my eye in this episode as well. She reminds me a little bit of Sutton Foster. Anyone else agree with me? She just seems to shine when she’s onstage and it somewhat unassuming when she’s not on stage. I love that quality. Evan made a point to sing a character piece, which helps him shine and his coach, Michael McElroy really helped him focus and slip into his character so he would stand out and make an impression.

Honestly, from the amount of camera time that Evan got, I have my suspicions on who wins this whole thing. I could go look at the website, but I don’t want to spoil it for myself. Call me crazy, but I’ll wait to watch it on TV. I look forward to watching the last episode next week.

You can watch Broadway or Bust on PBS, Sunday night at 8/7 CST and you can watch the previously aired episodes on their website.

Legally Blonde: The Musical

I have seen Legally Blonde: The Musical approximately 4,372 times as it was filmed for MTV when it was on Broadway. Okay, this may be a slight exaggeration, but we know how all things filmed for TV end up on the internet in some form or fashion, meaning I can watch it pretty much whenever I’d like. I also saw Legally Blonde: The Musical when it was on tour in Nashville. And as the original Broadway Elle, Laura Bell Bundy, was living in Nashville at the time, she stepped back into her role as Elle for the week while it was in town.

As much of a fluff piece as Legally Blonde: The Musical can be, I love the whole thing. The music is catchy and hilarious. The story is one that even a brunette can relate to. And sometimes theatre is just made to entertain. I can often be found sharing lyrics and quotes from the show with a few friends on twitter and facebook.

When I found out that The Larry Keeton Theatre was producing Legally Blonde: The Musical, I knew I’d be making a trip to Nashville to see the show. I met up with a friend I hadn’t seen in a few years (I love keeping in touch via social media) and on Friday night, I was in the audience to see the pink wonderfulness that is Elle Woods.

Based on the 2001 movie starring Reese Witherspoon, Legally Blonde follows main character Elle Woods in her quest to win her true love. A Southern California sorority girl that measures life in fashion and fun, Elle is unprepared when her big man on campus boyfriend Warner dumps her when he heads off to Harvard Law School. Along the way Elle discovers that she’s more than a sorority girl and makes some fantastic friends along the way.

The mood is set immediately at the Keeton Theatre by the pink carpet in front of the building that leads up to the pink carpet covered stairs. Taylor Tracey’s Elle Woods is full of sass and spark, giving life to what could be a very flat character. In fact, there were some times that Tracey was channeling Laura Bell Bundy’s performance so hard that I forgot that I wasn’t watching the Broadway version. Other times, she made the character so distinctly her own that it was almost like seeing a completely different show. Together it worked well.

Darin Richardson played Warner with enough attitude and arrogance that the audience could truly dislike the character while having pity for a human that could be so shallow. Britt Byrd played Vivienne, fellow Harvard student and completion to Elle’s quest to win back Warner. Byrd gave a strong performance and was able to play to the softer side of Vivienne’s character very well.

I must give props (or in the case of the Delta Nu sisters, “snaps”), to Sims Lamason, playing Brooke Wyndham, and the ensemble cast for their fantastic jump rope scene during the “Whipped Into Shape” number. And the fact that Lamason can sing AND jump rope at the same time is amazing. I can barely jump rope without singing. Lamason’s performance of Brooke Wyndham was pretty hilarious, and also reminded me very much of the OBC performance of the same character played by Nikki Snelson. It works and was quite hilarious.

Stephen Michael Jones played Elle’s biggest support, Emmett. While he might have been a bit young to take on the role, he was by far one of the best on the stage. I suppose that in my head Emmett is slightly older. That aside, he was perfect for the role. Jones was great vocally, and was able to pull off the balance of awkwardness and strength that Emmett portrays. His diversity showed through most during his "Chip On My Shoulder" number in the first act, pulling in comedy, sarcasm, and determination.

For me, there were a couple of standouts aside from Taylor Tracey. Jaime London, who played beauty parlor owner Paulette was one. The character has always been one of my favorite in the show (if I could act/sing/dance, I’d want to take on that role SO badly), so I paid special attention to her throughout the show. London was hilarious. Period. Her take on the quirky, Ireland loving hairdresser was unique and wonderful. The other was Jennifer Tatum, who played Elle’s man-hating lesbian classmate, Enid. Tatum could blend in seamlessly onstage, but when it time for Enid to speak, I knew she was on stage.

Some of the best ensemble numbers, showcasing the talent of the entire cast, were "Positive" and "Gay or European," both of which are comically hilarious and the kinds of  songs that get stuck in your head for days. In fact, I woke up with "Positive" running through my head.

The show is directed by Kate Adams, with musical direction by Ginger Newman. This production of Legally Blonde: The Musical is great for a girls’ night out, or just for a light and fun evening with the family. You can see the show at The Larry Keeton Theatre through September 29th. You can purchase tickets HERE. My advice: don’t miss this one. It’s too much fun to let it slip by.

Different Doesn't Mean Bad...Does It?

Tomorrow night I head out to see a production of a show I’ve seen live on stage one time (on tour), and numerous times on youtube (the original Broadway production). This won’t be the first time I’ve seen a show on Broadway and then in a regional or community theatre, or a show in more than one production. It’s very strange at times. Strange because you “know” the Broadway cast. You have the cast recording. You know those voices.

When I saw Wicked the first time, it was on tour in a town close to me. I loved it! But I couldn’t help but think how weird it sounded, hearing someone other than Idina Menzel or Kristin Chenoweth singing for Elphaba and Glinda. It didn’t take anything away from my experience, but it was in the back of my head, nonetheless.

When I saw a regional production of Next to Normal, after seeing the amazing OBC in New York, I went into it knowing it would be different. I didn’t expect it to be the same as the original. And I LOVED it.

The same thing should apply to all productions, right? If you can go into it understanding that there is no WAY it can be the same as the original, and accept that it won’t be, you should be able to enjoy it for what it is. Even love it.

But that is where I stumble. I’m having trouble with the new touring cast of American Idiot. I have no doubts that they are talented. I have no doubts that they will do a good job. Goodness knows, I want as many people as possible to be able to see the show. I love the show too much to wish that it stopped after the first national tour ended. I also know that it will be very difficult for smaller regional theatres to produce this show. It’s very technical. The flying alone is more than most smaller theatres could deal with.

My love for the first national tour cast of American Idiot is more than my love for anything other theatre related thing….ever. Really. That alone has made a different cast hard to swallow. Not that I don’t have faith that they can do it. But that I was so attached, and change is hard.

Today I saw an article on Playbill that had the promotional pictures from the new cast. It was strange to me. As excited as I am that I’ll get to see the show again, and as excited as I am to see what changes have come with having a new cast, it’s weird. I look at the pictures and the “right” people aren’t in them. The costumes are different. The faces are different. I know the voices will be different.



New Idiot Tour Cast



Different doesn’t mean bad. But even the different pictures make me realize how badly I miss the first national tour cast. And wonder if I’ll be able to get past myself to be able to at least enjoy this new tour. I hope so. I really do. I was able to make the transition from Broadway cast to tour cast. But I’m almost afraid that the first national tour cast cemented themselves so deeply in my heart that I won’t be able to get past them.

But I’m trying to accept. I’ve started out following the new cast members on twitter. Then maybe I can feel a little more like I know them when I see the show on tour. Perhaps I’ll even grow to love them. But fear not, my first national tour cast. No one will ever take your place in my heart.

Broadway or Bust: Episode 1

I thought that it might be a nice little addition to my blog to give a recap and some commentary on the new PBS documentary, Broadway or Bust. Tonight was the first episode of this documentary following the 60 contestants that made it to the Jimmy Awards in 2012 in New York City. The 60 contestants were from all over the county and won their regional competitions of the National High School Musical Theater Awards.

It was interesting to watch this first episode. It was mostly introducing many of the kids. I had to laugh during a lot of it. They're so young and hilariously funny (and not in the intentional way, I believe). But like I told my mom when I was on the phone with her, if someone had followed me around with a video camera when I was in high school, I would have been mortified within a few years. I can't help but wonder if these kids will look back on this with embarrassment, whether they make it or not.

So many of the kids had never been to New York City before. I can relate. The first trip I ever made to New York was on my Senior trip when I was 17. One of the girls on the show said how much she loved New York. "New York is awesome. But it doesn't care what you think of it." I thought that statement was so profound. That is New York in a nutshell. A major part of the reason New York is so awesome, in my opinion, it because it doesn't care what you think of it. New York is New York. It doesn't try to be something it isn't. And if you don't like it, you can leave.

This show may be the most amazing thing these kids ever do. For others it might be a stepping stone to making it on Broadway (whatever that means). But either way, seeing them work harder than they have probably ever worked in their lives, with actual professionals, is pretty amazing. The choreographer, Kiesha Lalama, even made the point that some of the kids may feel like they can't handle the pressure and decide on a different career path. As harsh as that might sound, I agree. As a person with a degree that I'm NOT using, I wish someone had given me a crash course in my career path when I was still in high school. I might have picked a different one.

I look forward to getting to "know" some more of these kids. And perhaps someday, I'll get to see one of them on a Broadway stage. Broadway or Bust is on PBS on Sunday nights at 8 EST/7 CST for the next several weeks.

Steel Magnolias: Raising Money for JDRF

The following is a cross-post from my other blog for today. Because theater and diabetes meet, I wanted a cace to spread the word on both of my blogs.

Steel Magnolias. This movie and/or play is often a source of debate in the Diabetes Online Community. Some people love the show. Others hate it for its ending and somewhat inaccurate portrayal of life with Type 1 diabetes can be. I personally fall in to the “love it” camp, while my mother hangs to the other side. She’s always told me that the thought of anything happening to me, her Type 1 daughter, made the movie too difficult for her to watch.

My love of theatre has let me to a couple of different productions of the play, most notably the Broadway production from 2005 starring Delta Burke and Christine Ebersole. I was recently made aware of a staged reading of Steel Magnolias at which all proceeds would go to benefit JDRF. Like anything that involves theatre, I was intrigued. Add in the diabetes connection and I was very much interested.

After doing a little research on producer David Youse and his Four Things Productions, I found that Four Things has a pretty successful history of production to raise money for charity, including a staged reading of The Normal Heart that eventually made its way to Broadway. I decided to email the producer back and request an interview. Mr. David Youse was very much willing to help out, wanting to get word out about this production, in order to raise the most money as possible for JDRF.

First of all, I’d like to thank you for taking the time to chat with me about this production of Steel Magnolias and about the work that you are doing at Four Things Productions. Can you tell us a little bit about Four Things Productions and what you do?

Four Things Productions is committed to raising money for various non-profits by presenting theater events with wonderful actors. I try to pick one play and one charity, per year, and raise awareness and the most funds, that I can.

How do you pick the organizations that you choose to donate your proceeds to? Do you have connections to Type 1 diabetes? What brought you to JDRF?

The process can be different each time. Sometimes I think of which play to produce first, one that I think an audience would like to see. Then I find a charity that equals what the plays is about. The Normal Heart would be an AIDS related charity. Steel Magnolias-Diabetes. My mother was a Type 1 diabetic so I'm very familiar with the disease and have that personal connection to it. Playwright Robert Harling and I both decided that JDRF would be our pick, since the funds go to research. We looked at other charities, but felt that JDRF was one that we connected with, because of what they do.

Did you choose to produce Steel Magnolias first, and then pick JDRF as your organization? Or was it JDRF that came before Steel Magnolias?

After the success of The Normal Heart, I realized that the 25th Anniversary of Magnolias was coming up. Knowing the play, I knew that I wanted to present it for a diabetic cause.

You have managed to put together an amazing talented and well known cast and  two-time Tony winner Judith Ivey is directing your production. How was this group of women put together, and are you aware of any personal connections to Type 1 diabetes that might have drawn these women to the project?

Robert Harling [playwright] and I met about two years ago, first, on this project. I asked him who is dream cast would be, 25 years later. Names, names, names kept coming up. Then when you bring on board the brilliant Judith Ivey, she has her vision and the director will take the lead. The three of us come together to discuss who would be great for which role and you want to cast it with the women who you know will connect on stage. This is truly an ensemble piece so each character has to be carefully thought of. Of course I look to see if anyone is public about being a Type 1 diabetic, but what is on the internet is never the real answer. But everyone, it seems, has someone they know who suffers from diabetes.

For my readers who are not your typical “theatre people,” can you explain the difference between a staged- reading and a full production?

A staged reading is simply what is says, a reading of the play with very minimal movement. In a full production with sets, lighting, music, etc, the vision of the director will establish what they want to get across not only in the performances, but with the visual as well. In a staged reading, I believe it's a more powerful way to explore the writing and creating art for the individuals who are witnessing it. By simply reading the stage directions each audience member can create what the beauty shop looks like, what they are wearing and their mind can wonder on what they see. What is so remarkable about this process is that the person sitting next to you can have their own vision of what is happening. So, everyone can enjoy their own show, in their own minds and create for themselves what they are witnessing.

I must note that your staged reading of The Normal Heart, directed by Joel Grey, ended up making its way to New York where it was eventually produced on Broadway. Do you have any hopes of that happening with this production?

I never thought that The Normal Heart would end up making its way to Broadway. I never think that far in advance about a project. I believe that if you focus on why you're presenting the reading and who it's for, the world will take care of you. So, right now, I'm presenting The 25th Anniversary staged reading of Robert Harling's Steel Magnolias, directed by Judith Ivey, to benefit JDRF. After Los Angeles, we will be presenting it in New York on December 3rd, for JDRF, and after that, we can only see what happens.

Any last things you’d like to share with my readers?

Supporting theater, in any city, makes us more aware of others, their joys, their sorrows and it not only creates great conversation, it educates us on all of us. Support the arts when you can, and support a cause, which you are passionate about. I believe it will make us a better country. INFO AND TICKETS: www.steelmagnolias-25years.org Thank you, David Youse

Thank you again, for taking the time to answer some questions for me. I know that there are several people in our Diabetes Online Community that live in the Los Angeles area, and I hope that they get the chance to see the show. I know I would love to be there to see my support for diabetes research and my love of theatre meet on stage. Break a leg!

If you are in the Southern California area next weekend, please try to go see this production. It will be more than worth your money. The production will be at Broad Stage in Santa Monica, Califorinia, Saturday, September 9th, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.

Four Things productions can be found on facebook and the individual Twitter account for this production is located HERE. If you are in the area and get a chance to see the production, please let me know! I'd love to have you guest post about the play.