Happy New Year

2009

Much has happened in the past year, so much hope, so many lessons learned that can carry us forward into the new year ahead.  

I look at each day as an opportunity to better myself and hopefully, in some small way, the world around me.  

What's that lyric..."Destinations are where we begin again."

So here we are at the start of another year, different yet the same. The journey begins where we are and so let's start.

Happy New Year to all.

Seasons Of Love

How could I have forgotten to mention the amazing thing that happened the other day.

There were a group of theatre students who have been huge supporters of A Tale Of Two Cities since day one.  They came religiously to see the show on student rush tickets and helped spread the word when they could about Tale to other theatre goers.

In short...they became part of the extended Tale family.  Well I was chatting with one of the guys one day and had a thought.  My concerts are about music and fun and family and friends so I proposed that he get a small group of people together to come and sing one night with me at the concerts.

And what a great group it was.  They came in and sang Seasons Of Love from Rent with about 3 seconds of rehearsal time with Jeremy.  (God am I ever blessed to have him as my Musical Director).  I actually began to tear up while they were singing.  So powerful and such ease.

Thanks you guys for coming and adding some great spirit to my show.

Memories

The New Year is upon us, and as I ponder what to post once again, I am reminded of Christine’s debut on stage as she prophetically sings “Think of Me.” If you carefully read and listen to the lyrics, they appear to be pleas to fondly remember the good times, not dwell on what could have been, and realize that life is often filled with seasons rather than constants. As we look to the New Year, it’s good advice to apply to our own lives.

Change is an inevitable part of life we all experience in one form or another. In relationships, people enter and leave us throughout our lifetime. Each time that occurs, we stand at the crossroads of saying goodbye to someone or something, and we face choices on how to handle the memories left behind. We can choose to think fondly of our past, rather than dwelling on the negatives. Our memories can turn to the good times shared together, rather than grieving over what could have been and never will. We can be thankful for the season together, while understanding that life evolves and changes.

Everyone in the story of the Phantom of the Opera faces the same experience and choices on how to handle the evolution of the story. As we think of Erik and Christine, there were no doubt memories of one another long after their parting. Christine stated Erik would always be there singing songs in her head, and Erik’s parting words to Christine, “I love you” filled his mind and heart with longings of what could have been between the two of them. Christine’s prophetic words in the song "Think of Me," hopefully echoed in his mind. There would never be a day she wouldn’t think of him, and she hopes there is never a day he won’t think of her with fondness. Their comfort in parting is to dwell on what they shared together and not mourn over what might have been.

Midnight, January 1, 2009, a door will open and you will walk into a New Year. Will you turn around and look behind you as you pass through the door? Will there be pain or regrets or bitterness you’ll carry with you like baggage across the threshold? Will you resolve to forget what is behind and reach for what is ahead with anticipation and thankfulness? The best advice I can give my readers is to keep focused on what is ahead with hope in your heart. If memories of 2008 come to mind, think fondly of your past, don’t hold onto any bitterness, and remember life is filled with seasons.

God bless all of you! May 2009 be a Phantastically wonderful year while you think fondly of the past and of those that have graced your life.

With sincere wishes,
The Phantom’s Student

Order Lessons From the Phantom of the Opera Here

Military Wonders

So as I mentioned a couple of days ago, December 24th was a big day at Sardis.

Not only was it Christmas eve day but we also invited military and their families to come to the show for free.  My father-in-law was there to greet those who came and we had a nice turn out. 

One gentleman traveled all the way from Washington DC to spend the day in NY with his wife who had never visited to city.  They found out about the concerts and stopped by.  Here are a couple of the guys with the General.

It was so wonderful to be able to share like that. They gave to us and we gave back.  I like that reciprocity thing.

Santa actually showed up at the end of the show and passed out candy canes to folks in the audience.

Today is a planning day.  We're working on some new ideas for the future and pushing through some marketing for the last four shows at Sardis.

By the way, for those of you who have not signed up on my website for the newsletter, we sent one out yesterday.  We made a nice offer to "friends and family" for the last four shows.  Since our premium seats are basically SOLD OUT we've decided to make a little offer on the remaining regular priced seats.

Now through January 4th we've set up a special discount code for those on the blog and those who have signed up for my newsletter.  By using this code you'll get $10 off the regular $45 ticket.

The discount code is: SNOW and you just have to type it in before you choose the date you want to see the show.

We're also going to be adding another special guest, Gregory Generet.  Gregory is a terrific Jazz singer who I met when I did the FOX News Strategy Room last week.  He actually stopped by yesterday and sang a tune too.  Great guy, great voice.  We haven't picked his day yet...but we'll know soon.

I also think the song line up is going to change up a bit r the last four shows.  We're going to take out a couple of the "Holiday" tunes and replace them with some more Broadway songs. Most likely some additional standards from shows that I have done in the past.

So log on and use the discount code: SNOW  Click Me

Deborah Gibson and Things

There is a great book store (at least there was) in Roanoke, VA called "Books, Strings and Things."  I loved that place.  But then again I love most book stores.

I'm a book junky and have so many of them that I've actually put a ton in storage.  But this store in VA had a special feel to it.  It wasn't a chain, it wasn't a big commercial entity.  It had charm and warmth, almost as if inviting you to pick out a book and stay there and read it.

That's been a little dream of mine, to open up a little bookshop somewhere out of the lime light and of the beaten track.  Sharing words, sharing stories, sharing...period is what I feel makes the world a stronger place.  

If we all were to look upon each other as human beings rather than people defined by their jobs, religious beliefs or nationality or skin color I truly feel that we'd all be better off.  We all live, we all die and we all must survive in the world as we know it.  Each of us has our individual paths, our individuals lessons to learn along the way, but wouldn't it be easier if we helped one another rather than not?  

I try to look back at the end of each day and ask myself I made a difference today.  In my small way, have I attempted to make the world a better place? It's as easy as picking up a piece of trash from the ground or holding the door for someone or saying..."Can I help you" to someone who might need it.

Will it take an extra second or minute?  Maybe.  But is it worth it?  If you ask me...absolutely.

Deborah Gibson sang tonight and helped me out.  Simple act of showing up to my concerts and the bar was raised.  She's such a pro and a darn fine person to boot.  

So in 1989 at "Book, Strings and Things" I picked up a book of poetry by an author named Javan.  I turned to the last page (which I never really do) and the last page said something like this, "This is for those of you who read the last page first.  Start at the beginning and you'll have a great journey."  

So often we want to start at the end of something, to get to the finish line before we've begun. But unless we take the journey, one step at a time, or in Javan's case, one page at a time, we miss the story, we miss the journey.  And without the journey there would be nowhere to get to. We'd begin and end all in the same instant.  To me that's kinda boring even if the ride is a rocky one at first.

So thanks to "Books, Strings and Things" and thanks to my dear friend Deb Gibson for great support and lessons learned.

We have a special treat in store for tomorrows show.  My time to give back, as it were.   I'm excited about it so come on down and join in the fun and who knows...you might even get the grass skirt this time.

  

Boxing Day

I don't know about you guys but there was NO boxing on TV today at all.  I even watched ESPN.

:)

I took a much needed day off yesterday.  We spent it with my in-laws and the baby and she had a wonderful first Christmas.  We took a nice long walk in the park with the entire family (dogs included of course).

Family is so very important.  No matter where I was in my life, on tour, in Los Angeles or even England, I always made it home for Christmas every year but one.  After my father passed away in 1999 and my mother passed in 2005, the homes I knew as a child were gone.  Subsequently I could no longer "go home" for Christmas.

Since then I've made my own family and although my mother and father never got see my amazing baby girl in person, I know that they are seeing her from afar.  

I mentioned tonight that what I miss the most is the ability to pick up the phone and just talk to them.  I don't think it's so much the physical connection that I miss but more the simple fact that I can't communicate voice to voice.

I feel that we are all parts of a greater whole, a larger existence and that, as individuals, we are intertwined in many ways.  And I am grateful to share, in some small way, a little bit of my life with those around me.  And thank you all for sharing yours.

Here's to an incredible Boxing Day!

And oh...we still have some great shows coming up.  Deborah Gibson tomorrow night (almost completely SOLD OUT for that one).  Marla of course on Dec. 30....

Click Me to:Share The Magic

Happy Holidays

Boy am I having fun.

Another fun audience tonight.  I switched it up a little bit and put "This Is The Moment" in as the opener.   I wanted to try something a little bigger for the opening number.

It's just a blast to change things around on a nightly basis.  Change is a good thing and I like throwing in a new song here and there.

December the 24th.  Christmas eve.  We're having a special Christmas eve day show.  As I mentioned earlier we've invited military personnel and their families to the show for free.  Not sure how may will come, the lead time on my show was rather short and that didn't give us a great deal of time to promote.

Either way, it's going to be a special day.  We're going to have amazing guests and even more audience interaction.

So thanks to all of you who have stopped by the show and joined in the craziness.  I'm looking forward to more of the same.

Happy Hanukah and Merry Christmas.

Sardis and Dinner

So the second day was a great show as well.  Natalie Toro was my surprise guest today.  

But don't worry...she's coming back...a couple of times.

I can't tell you all how much I'm enjoying this process.  Sharing the stage with these wonderful Broadway performers (and some who will become Broadway performers) is just terrific.  

The afternoon crowd today was quite fun and the small changes we made in the song line-up worked very well.

A few people have been asking about the best way to work out eating and seeing the show.  This is my suggestion...we made the show time at one half hour before the show actually starts so that people can be seated.

They don't want to serve during the show so we gave about 30 minutes for people to order drinks or food before the show actually began.

Here's the kicker...if you want a full meal and time to digest, I suggest that you make your dinner or meal time early about a hour before the show starts.  The concerts are on the second floor dining area of Sardis but most likely if you make a reservation you'll be eating on the lower level.

You can call Sardis to make a reservation.  Make sure you tell them that you're seeing the show after.  Click me to go to Sardis

For those of you who just plan to have a drink and or a small bit of food, coming at the appointed show time is totally fine.  You'll have time to get your drink and snack just in time for the show.

Since this is the first time for something like this (at Sardis I mean), we're learning things as we go along in terms of seating and dinner and such. 

I can't tell you all how wonderful the staff at Sardis has been. Truly professional people who love the theatre and know what they're doing when it comes to treating their patrons like gold.

I'm blessed to be hanging out with them everyday.

I have a day off tomorrow...in-laws are coming into town for Christmas.  It's going to be great to see them and for them to see the baby.

Look forward to seeing you at Sardis!

Oh and another great mention on Playbill.com by Andrew Gans.  We were on the Front Page all weekend.  Click Here

And a big thank you to Tim Hartman for spicing up his Carton caricature with a little Holiday Spirit.  Such a  talented man.

First Show

Wow...what a great crowd.

Sardi's was so busy with their dinner patrons today that we literally had 30 minutes to set up the show and get it ready after they had cleared out the second floor.  And that was no small task.  

Not only had we never rehearsed in the space before, we had to set up sound for the first time, configure the tables for seating, and make sure that everything was in place before we let in the first ticket holders.

But for never having worked in the venue before tonight, not having a sound check and and not even being sure of who was sitting where...all in all it was a wonderful night.  I just kinda milled about before the show saying hi to everyone.  

It was so good to see many of you there.  Tony Walton came with his family as did many of the Tale supporters, Rae and Evan were there singing along as well.  

We actually got a sitter (one of our dearest friends baby sat for us) so that Dana could come and see the show.

Brandi sounded amazing (she's going into Mama Mia by the way).  And Michael Hayward Jones stepped in too.  He'll be singing with me tomorrow (Sunday).

We did learn a lot tonight.  Pacing of the show, song list etc.  We might change the song order  a bit to make things flow more smoothly. 

But so glad to be finally be doing the show.  I love the interaction I'm able to have because everyone is so close.  It's like singing in my living room (but with big speakers).

Military

We've extended an invitation to all Military personnel and their families to come to our December 24th show for free.  

Each year my in-laws take "dis-placed" military into their home for Christmas dinner.  And since my father in law, Lt. Gen USMC (ret), is going to be in NYC for the holidays we've decided to do the same with my concerts.  

We're working with the USO to make this happen.  

Here's the deal, the Soldier's get in to the concert for free and Sardi's is giving them a $25 credit toward their food and drink.

It's the least we can do for those that have given so much and have no place to go.

The Stars Align

We're on the move.  Three stories by three major sites.

Broadway.com

BroadwayWorld

Playbill.com

I'm looking forward to getting started.  I'm hoping that everyone enjoys themselves.  I really want this to be a laid back atmosphere, kind of how I live my life these days.

I've extended invitations for any of my other industry type friends to stop by and sing a sing a song or tell a story, or just hang out.  I mean why not, it's sort of what Sardi's is all about.

Not sure if the general populace knows this or not, but on Wednesday's between shows, Sardi's has what's called the Actor's Menu.  So on any given Wednesday if you trek to the second floor you might just catch a glimpse of a star or two eating dinner.  

Such history.  I'm happy that they've allowed me to be a part of the great tradition.

The above photo is from broadwayworld.com

Miss America, Marla Schaffel and Noel Coward

What a fun play.

Today was the presentation of The Happy Hypocrite.  We had a delightful time and the piece really is rather funny.

The cast was pretty stellar I must say, including our own Michael Hayward Jones (who incidentally will be joining me quite frequently throughout my concerts) as Oscar Wilde. Given the limited amount of rehearsal time we have on something like this it turned out quite well.  

Tony Walton, ever the artist, created a fantastic working environment and had such a fine sensibility about Coward.  So this became not only a work day but a school day as well.  I learned so much about Coward in just the brief time we had in rehearsal.  

OK so more guests are announced.  

Marla Schaffel, my co-star in Jane Eyre will be singing with me on December 30th.  We haven't sung together since June 10, 2001 (the last performance of Jane Eyre).  I'm looking forward to it.

Natalie Toro is joining me on December 23rd and Kate Shindle (miss America and Legally Blonde star) on the 24th, Jodi parker (former Miss Delaware) on December 26th.  I'll also have Tony Award nominee Marc Kudisch with me on January 2nd and the great Jack Noseworthy on January 4th.  

January 3rd will be special...let's just say that Kevin Earley will be there and so will Natalie and maybe some more familiar names.

There will also be surprise guests throughout the run who will add something new to the mix.  

So...grab you seats, join in the fun and music.  

Click Me for Tickets

Red Death

This should be an easy post for all of us required to read classic literature. Edgar Allan Poe’s story entitled, “The Masque of the Red Death” was no doubt on your reading list. For those of you who have not read the classic tale and wonder why Gerard Butler looks so darn handsome and hot in that red outfit during the masquerade, this post will enlighten you on the symbolism behind the costume.

Okay, get out your notepad and pick up a pen. We are going on a journey. Remember, this is how I view that dastardly (but strikingly handsome man) dressed in red showing up at the party. You might have an entirely different view, so I encourage you, as always, to leave your comments.

If someone were to ask me to come up with two words to describe Red Death, I would use the term “party crasher.” In Poe’s story, Leroux’s book, and the stage and movie version, that is just what the Phantom is doing. He is being a party crasher in order to make deadly and gruesome point.

The Masque of Red Death was the name of a horrible plague. It was a disease killing its victims with pain, dizziness, and bleeding from the pores. It was a ghastly death, swift, and feared by many.

Poe’s story tells the tale of a Prince, who is described as “happy and dauntless and sagacious.” After losing half his population to the plague of Red Death, he locks himself behind doors of a fortress, which he thinks is impenetrable from the disease. He fills his locked castle with merry friends, just like himself, who do not have the time to grieve or think of the horrors outside. The Prince provides his guests will all the pleasure they need such as musicians, merriment, beauty, food, and wine. The Prince and his friends lack compassion for those perishing outside their walls, and block out their thought with pleasures by celebrating! They are smug, proud, and believe they cannot be touched.

After six months of lock down in seclusion, while humankind continues to die from the plague, the Prince decides to have a Masque Ball. He oddly decorates seven suites in which to party, all decorated in various colors, beautiful and bizarre in their own way. The seventh and last room he decorates in the color of blood red, with a clock that chimes ominously on the hour throughout the night.

The party begins. Everybody dresses for the Masque Ball. All the guests drink, party, and have a good time, until an uninvited stranger crashes the party dressed as follows:

“The figure was tall and gaunt, and shrouded from head to foot in the habiliments of the grave. The mask which concealed the visage was made so nearly to resemble the countenance of a stiffened corpse that the closest scrutiny must have had difficulty in detecting the cheat. And yet all this might have been endured, if not approved, by the mad revelers around. But the mummer had gone so far as to assume the type of the Red Death. His vesture was dabbled in blood -- and his broad brow, with all the features of the face, was besprinkled with the scarlet horror.”

The crowd wonders about this masquerader. The Prince sees him dressed like Red Death, and is enraged and mad at his mocking appearance. He tries to stab the figure with a dagger, and falls dead at its feet in the seventh room decorated in blood red. The remaining crowd grabs at the figure and finds there is no tangible form underneath, and at the stroke of Midnight, they all succumb to the deadly plague of Red Death and drop dead. Poe ends with, “And Darkness and Decay and the Red Death held illimitable dominion over all.” Equality has arrived.

So why did the Phantom show up to the masquerade dressed as Red Death? Why in the world did he choose to identify himself with the story written by Edgar Allen Poe? I see a variety of similarities and one striking undertone in the message.

First of all, just like Red Death, he is an uninvited guest. No one wants him there in the first place. The crowd revels at their party singing there’s no more ghost, no more notes, all is at quiet. They have not a care in the world, until Opera Ghost appears and steps down the stairway infiltrating their party uninvited.

Second, everyone at the masquerade is dressed in beautiful finery, hiding behind their masks, with faces of beauty, wearing costumes of beauty, reveling in their fun. Enters the Phantom dressed as Red Death. Leroux describes his outfit as: “...a person whose disguise, eccentric air and gruesome appearance were causing a sensation. It was a man dressed all in scarlet, with a huge hat and feathers on the top of a wonderful death's head. From his shoulders hung an immense red-velvet cloak, which trailed along the floor like a king's train; and on this cloak was embroidered, in gold letters, which every one read and repeated aloud, "Don't touch me! I am Red Death stalking abroad!"

What is the Opera Ghost doing here by his uninvited appearance dressed like Red Death? He’s making a point that no one is immune from death, and this fact, in itself, is the one common ground he shares with all the revelers around him. Death holds dominion over all. No matter how hard they try to escape, it is useless. No one escapes death. Their class systems will be gone, their riches will be left behind, their titles, possessions, intelligence will not buy them reprieve. Their beauty and perfection will fade and rot in the grave among the worms. It is here the Opera Ghost is like every one else and where he shares a common ground, as gruesome as the thought might be to the unsuspecting crowd.

An interesting statement Leroux pens from Erik’s lips, “I want to live like everybody else. I want to have a wife like everybody else and to take her out on Sundays. I have invented a mask that makes me look like anybody.” Again, we hear the cry of his heart. You have left him outside, locked the doors, and given him no compassion or thought. If he cannot have commonality with you in life, then he wants you to know, he will have it in death.

What do you see in the story of Red Death? Yes, the Phantom is quite handsome in his red outfit and white mask in the movie version. He has not slipped into that costume, however, to make you swoon over his good looks. On the contrary, he just wants you to know that darkness, decay, and death holds dominion over us all.

If you’re interested in reading The Masque of Red Death, follow the link: The Masque Red Death

Your obedient servant,
The Phantom's Student

Tony Walton and The Radio

Well I've begun a short project with Tony Walton.  

Just a couple of days working on an adaptation of Noel Coward's "The Happy Hypocrite."

It's a great cast and a very fun piece.

Now for those of you able to tune in, I'm on the Joey Reynolds show again tonight at midnight eastern time.  You'll hear something no one has ever heard before. Tune in: WOR 710 AM

Off to rehearse.

Sunny Saturday

A sunny Saturday today here in New York City.

I spent a good deal of the day with the family and then got to work on Posters and some more marketing and then took the dogs on a long walk.  (That's my exercise these days, that and carrying the baby around.  My biceps are getting a workout just from that alone).

Everything is coming together nicely.  

We have a nice mention about The Holiday Concert by Oscar E. Moore.  You can see it here: www.oscaremoore.com 

With the baby in our lives now, there isn't much time for outside entertainment.  But that's fine it's a great trade off.  Plus she's incredibly entertaining in her own right.

However, I am missing a great deal of new theatre and film.  Film is a passion of mine and I prefer seeing them on the big screen rather than the little screen, it makes quite a difference.  

But given the limitations these days, I'll take the little screen when I have time, it's better than nothing.  The issue is finding the time to watch a film in it's entirety from beginning to end. (That...doesn't really happen).

We rented Dark Night yesterday as I was unable to see it in a theatre due to rehearsals and press for Tale.  We got about 4 minutes into the film and now 2 1/2 hours later, it's paused on the very same scene...4 minutes into the movie. 

While I was on a short break from work today, however, I caught a bit of It's A Wonderful Life. What an amazing film.  Every year it's on and every year I think...I shouldn't take my life for granted.  We have so much to live for.  

It's sort the "pay it forward" lesson.  But what struck me really hard today was a short scene between Peter Bailey (Jimmy Stewart's father in the film, played by one time Lawyer and Harvard grad, Samuel Hinds) and the mean greedy Mr. Potter (played by Lionel Barrymore).  

They were discussing the Bailey Savings and Loan and the scene revolved around the highly successful but greedy businessman Mr. Potter chastising Peter Bailey for not foreclosing on mortgages he was carrying and in turn intimated that Bailey was a week businessman.

In response Peter Bailey basically said that he he wasn't getting any money on the mortgages because most of the people couldn't afford to pay due to the economy and that he was not about to throw them out onto the street in lean times.   

It was an interesting parallel to today huh?  That film was made in 1946 but that scene was set in 1928.

Anticipation

I'm one week away from the first concert and we've still got a ton of work to do.

Jeremy and I have been diligently going over songs, changing the line up, adding additional music "just in case" all the while doing everything else that's needs to get done or the show.

I just got confirmation on some additional guests which I'll announce as soon as they give me the go ahead.  

Here's another link from Broadwayworld.com

On a side note...we had a birthday in our house last week.  My youngest Golden Retriever turned three.  We all celebrated.

Sorry for the short post today...I've got a ton of work to do and a long day ahead of me so I better get started.  

I am excited to announce my next guest for the December 27th concert.

Recording Artist and Broadway Star...

Deborah Gibson

Deborah is not only a great talent but a great friend.  I'm extremely happy that she's agreed to come and sing a song or two with me on December 27th.  This is one night you'll just have to come and see.

I got lucky that Deborah is going to be in NYC over the Holidays working on some other cool projects she's got going on.  And thankfully she had a night free to stop by.

We first crossed paths through Disney's Beauty and The Beast.  She had just wrapped up her run as 'Belle' on Broadway and I was coming into Broadway from the LA production to play the 'Beast.'  We just hit it off and have been friends ever since.

When I was doing my show, Back From Broadway, in Boston with Hershey Felder,  Deb stopped by there one night and sang with us in the encores.  It's always great to share the stage with talented friends.

So here's the link again for tickets:   Click Me

As I said...you'll never know who will stop by or be sitting next to you.

And by the way..I have a new feature up on my website:

You can click a link and sign up to get e-mail newsletters and updates about what's going on, new projects I'm working on, special offers on various things I'm doing.  Basically you'll be in the "inside" loop.

Come on and join the "loop."

www.jamesbarbour.com

Here's another great story y Andrew Gans at Playbill.com

Lair

In case you don’t realize it, I love the Phantom of the Opera. Sometimes I think I’ve squeezed every living morsel out of the story, and then some life experience or inspiration hits me between the eyes and another part screams symbolism. When it came to writing about the lair, I put it on the shelf for a long time. Frankly, I didn’t know what to write about the Phantom’s home and was stuck in a bad case of writer’s block on the subject. It’s taken me 42 posts to find an application to its existence, but I believe it's one that will touch your heart.

What is the Phantom’s lair? What does it symbolize? Well, it's obviously his home, hideout, den, hangout, retreat, and hideaway (love the Thesaurus). You will notice his lair is surrounded by the boundary of a lake to keep you from the inner sanctum of his world. For me his lair symbolizes the inner heart of who he is, and the lake the boundary he has set to protect himself from the cruelties of the world outside. Let me explain the analogy.

Boundaries serve the purpose of protection from intruders. Whether it is a fence, brick wall, or a moat, it is a symbol to others - do not cross this line. It’s apparent the Phantom doesn’t want you to enter his lair. For extra assurance, he has those tricky trap doors everywhere, and just in case someone traverses the lake and makes it across, the entrance is sealed with a gate. The lair is his safe place. It’s that one solitary location where he can be himself.

No one from the outside world can stand before him and call him ugly because of his deformity. There’s no one at the shore pointing their finger and laughing at his mask. There are no voices of condemnation ridiculing him while he composes Don Juan Triumphant. There are no crude remarks thrown his way like daggers passing by candlesticks burning him with hot wax. He has pulled the gate down at the entrance and locked everyone out. He makes a conscious decision not to expose himself to the lack of compassion and mean cruelty of the world. So what is this behavior? Is he a loner that lacks social skills that won't let you in? Remember, the Phantom actually wants redemption and wants to be accepted and loved by others. Believe it or not, he has the right to protect himself from what he allows in his lair and is wise to do so.

Setting limits around our inner heart is what psychologists term as erecting boundaries. Boundaries define where you end and someone else begins. This is you. This is me. Our personal lair is the inner soul and heart of who we are as individuals. It’s a place beyond the lake you don’t wish others to cross. It doesn't mean no one can ever enter. If I choose to, I can send you the gondola and a paddle to cross the lake, but if you dare to come uninvited don’t be surprised if I stand on the shore and yell at you to get out! Can you hear the anger of the Phantom when someone crosses his boundaries into his lair uninvited, “How dare you enter!” Why? Because he feels threatened. People who don’t understand the concept of personal boundaries tend to test the lines between what separates each of us; that is, where you end and they begin.

Each of us control our own boundaries. We choose what to let in and what not to. The Phantom did so with Christine. He trusted her and allowed her to cross that boundary into his inner world because he loved her. There is a risk, however, in letting others into our lair. Some people are safe, some are not. How did Christine use her knowledge of the inner lair of Erik?

In reality, each of us need a safe space. Having healthy boundaries in relationships is a means of protecting our hearts and souls from those who would enter in and hurt us. A wise king once wrote, “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” If we don’t watch over our hearts, they can be damaged. People who have never learned to set healthy boundaries in relationships suffer throughout their lifetime unnecessarily.

Do you feel like you have no lake dug around your liar? I encourage you to read more about the meaning of setting boundaries in your life by visiting OG’s library. I highly recommend the book by Townsend & Cloud entitled "Boundaries." It was a lifesaver to me after living many years without boundaries. I’ll be quite frank. It took a long time for me to dig that trench around my lair and surround myself with a lake. It also made people close to me angry that I was under construction and attempting to change the playing field.

I am happy to report construction is complete, and I stand and look across the shore and ponder who is asking for admittance to my lair. I may look at one and say, okay, that person is safe. I'll send the gondola over to you. Then I'll see another and say, there's no way in hell I'm giving that person a paddle! I leave them on the shore, turn away, close the gate, and stay safe knowing I'm keeping a boundary protecting my heart.

Far fetched symbolism? Perhaps or perhaps it really hits home in your lair. Do you have your trench dug? I have shovels if you need them, and I'll help fill the lake with water. My lake was filled with tears.

Written from my lair,
The Phantom's Student

Order Lessons From the Phantom of the Opera Here

Posters and Street Musicians

The posters came in today.

They look pretty great and I'm glad to get them.

I spent the morning with Tony Walton discussing a new/old project.  He's revamped a Noel Coward piece.  Looks like a ton of fun.

Then in the afternoon...it was back to the studio (after spending some quality time with the family).  Jeremy and I are prepping like mad for the show. We've got the opening set and now we're looking at the order of things.  

On a completely different note, like most New Yorkers, I'm often in the subway traveling around town.  And I'm often amazed at the quality of the street performers plying their trade underground.

I was going to a meeting this evening and listened to this woman sing and play an acoustic guitar.  She was remarkable.  Just standing there.  Then on the way home there was this guy drumming in the Times Square station.  Again...incredible musician.

I said to myself...I want to get all of these amazing people together, put them on a stage and do a show.  I think it would be fascinating. 

I've had so many opportunities in my life, granted, I've worked hard to get them and many didn't come easy.  But I've always wanted to be in a position to help or give back.  I hope that someday I might be able to do just that.

At any rate, be blessed for what we have, be generous to those who have less and extend a hand to those who might need it.  Life is for living.

Come and listen to the Concert

Special Guest - 2

So the next special guest that we are announcing is...

Derek Keeling!

Derek is currently starring in Broadway's "Grease" and is gonna bring a little bit of Rock and Roll to our show.

Derek will be with me on December 24th at the 3:30 pm Christmas eve day show.

Here's a story by Andrew Gans of Playbill.com:  Click Me

Let's see, what else?  I'm meeting with Tony Walton in the morning to discuss a new project that he wants me to work on.  I'm looking forward to that.  

Tony is such an inspiration, not only as a designer, director and writer but also as a person.  He has such a rich history in the theatre (and film for that matter) and has worked with all of the greats...and I mean greats.

He is continually positive when it comes to his artistic vision and that translates into life as well.  It's truly an honor and a pleasure.

Twisted

Twisted in every way is an interesting statement that Christine makes in the midst of a difficult time in her life where she must make a life changing decision. I believe it’s a human condition we all go through at one time or another; that is, being faced with a very difficult decision we must make, knowing it will carry with it consequences.

Let’s look at Christine's time with Raoul in the chapel, as she cries upon his shoulder bearing her heart and pleading with him not to make her go through with the Phantom’s Opera. What is Christine struggling with? She is struggling with a choice to find freedom by paying a price in the order to find it. Christine is at a crossroad. To live with Raoul, she must betray the man who birthed her voice. She feels a great sense of gratitude for what he has done for her in the past and the moments they enjoyed together, but she wants her freedom in order to move on in life without the shackles of being made to stay where she does not belong. To gain that freedom, she realizes there will be a price to pay. She is twisted in every way! Twisted because of her connection to the Phantom, and twisted because she wants a life with Raoul. What’s the poor girl suppose do to? Well, she makes a decision, and it’s a difficult one that as we all know carried consequences.

Christine chooses Raoul, but in doing so, she knows she must hurt the Phantom in the process. It’s a difficult choice, and she fears that choice because she believes “horrors” wait for her as a result. She follows her heart to buy her freedom, and her fears come to pass. The one she chooses to leave, instead of willingly letting her go, forces her to stay with him. The irony of the story is closely related to the story of Little Lotte who kept the bird caged, because she would not let it fly and pursue what it was meant to be - a free bird. Instead, she locked it up and it died unfulfilled.

The Phantom, though, realized that keeping Christine under coercion would do the same to her. It's at that point, he comes to the realization of what true love is all about. It's no longer obsession, it's love, and he allows her to go and live the life she really wants – a life with Raoul.

Similar situations happen to us in real life. We are faced with difficult decisions, a need to leave, but feeling we owe that person something. Choosing to stay would no doubt make us unhappy. Being forced to stay would make us bitter. Leaving anyway and experiencing the consequences from the unhappy receiver of our decision sometimes hurts. The greatest gift we can give anyone, however, is the freedom to let those that wish to leave us the gift of flight - even if it costs us in the process.

Did it cost Erik to let go of Christine? Of course, it did. Did Christine appreciate Erik allowing her to leave? What do you think? The whole point of all the words above can be summarized very easily.

First, have the courage to make the decisions that are right for you, even if you must pay a price. It's possible others may be disappointed or hurt by your decisions, but don't let that hinder you from following the path you know is right for your life.

Second, if there is someone in your life that wants to fly, open the door to the cage and let them go. Everyone should be entitled to follow their dreams, especially when it's in our hands to give them the gift of freedom and a little push along the away to see them come true. Letting go is more freeing than hanging on to something that is not yours to keep. I've learned that from personal experience.

Sincerely,
The Phantom’s Student

Order Lessons From the Phantom of the Opera Here

First Guest

So it's official...my first guest is on December 2oth will be:

Brandi Burkhadt 

OK did everyone guess that already?  She's going to sing Santa Baby and we might even do Baby It's Cold Outside.

I'm happy she's going to my opening night guest.  Amazing person, great voice. And Santa Baby...she'll kill it!

We've got some other rockin' guests all set but..one at a time...one at a time.  OK maybe not, but we'll announce them later this week.

Lots of thanks to Judy Jacksina and Jamie Morris at the Jacksina Company for helping out with all of the PR.  

OK now about the Bike.  Ducati, ST3 ABS.  Amazing Bike.  I've actually had it for a couple of years.  They've discontinued making that model (don't know why it's stellar).  It's classifies as a Sport/Touring Bike.  I've ridden it long distances without too much pain (in the wrists).

I'm a Ducati fan, have been for a while.  And when the weather was warm I had the Bike shipped from our home in California.  But now with the uncertain weather on NYC...I'm putting it in winter storage until the sun come out for long durations.

Actors

Sometimes I forget just how powerful individual performances can be.

I was watching a film tonight with Tommy Lee Jones and it struck me just how interesting an actor he is.  He's had a long, long career and a very diverse one.

I then started to look at what he does, how he acts, the choices he makes etc.  And what's fascinating to me is the naturalistic sense he has.  It's like if you were sitting in your living room with him, he'd probably be exactly the same way as he is on the screen.

That, to me, is an incredible thing.  There is an ease about his work that I so admire.  

Uta Hagen spoke about "the cat in the chair" in her book "Respect For Acting."  She spoke of how the stillness of a cat took more focus than the action going on around it, simply because of it's stillness it became the more interesting object to the eye.

There is a stillness, an ease about Tommy Lee Jones with which I am fascinated.  Anthony Hopkins has the same as does Alan Rickman.  

Just some thoughts, gives me inspiration.  We always need to "fill-up" every once in a while.  

And oh..we'll be announcing some of my special guests on Monday.  Well...one at least.  :)

Click Below so that you...

Don't Miss The Concert 

Snowy Saturday

It actually snowed today.  

Delilah, our youngest Golden, has never seen snow.  Nothing quite "stuck" while we were on our walk but I could tell she was looking at the falling snow with a sense of curiosity.  

Can't wait to see how she reacts to the white stuff on the ground.

Did a great deal of graphics work today.  An e-mail blast is going out on Tuesday and we're also sending out a blast from those folks who have singed up to get updates from my webpage.

We disabled that function a couple of months ago but it's going to reinstated in the next week or so.  So those of you who want to get newsletter updates can just go to my site and sign-up.

I'll let ya know when it's up and running.

Dana and I watched "Fred Claus" tonight.  Hadn't seen that movie and we're kind of home bound these days since the bundle of joy arrived so we just popped it on and relaxed for an hour and a half.

I'm a fan of Vince Vaughn.  I think he's extremely funny, not to mention Paul Giamatti.  Pretty great cast actually, Kathy Bates, Kevin Spacey...it was a fun flick with a good message.

 

de Chagny Family

Who are these people? Well, it depends on what storyline you choose – Webber or Leroux.

In Webber's version, Raoul is the patron of the Opera Populaire, a financial and artistic supporter of the operatic arts, along with his parents who hold titles of nobility. By virtue of Raoul’s title, Vicomte, his father holds the title of Comte over him, and there is no mention of siblings.

In the original work, Raoul’s parents are not alive, as mentioned in the play and movie. Leroux’s version indicates that Raoul’s mother died giving him birth. At the age of 12, his father passed away, and his two sisters and elder brother, Philippe, raised him. Raoul also spends time with his aunt, and it is there while visiting her near the sea that he meets Christine Daae.

The de Chagny family, as written by Leroux, is a well-established family dating back to the fourteenth century, holding a vast amount of property and wealth. They have their own family box at the Opera House to view performances, and it's not Box 5. The characters of Raoul and Philippe, as aptly penned by Leroux, give further insight into these individuals. For those of you who have never read the original work, here are few tidbits of character background.

Raoul was noted as being extremely polite and a perfect man in his behavior, but somewhat shy. He had a tendency to openly show his emotions. He loved the sea, and one of his ancestors was a famous naval admiral. Raoul graduated the French Naval Academy with honors; and at the time of the Phantom matter, was on a long furlough. He was termed as “charming,” 21 years old, but looked much younger, fair perfect complexion, blue eyes, and small mustache.

Philippe de Chagny was his elder brother (20 years older), and is described as spoiling Raoul and being proud of him. Leroux’s description of his character is as follows: “Philippe Georges Marie Comte de Chagny was just forty-one years of age. He was a great aristocrat and a good-looking man, above middle height and with attractive features, in spite of his hard forehead and his rather cold eyes. He was exquisitely polite to the women and a little haughty to the men, who did not always forgive him for his successes in society. He had an excellent heart and an irreproachable conscience.” However, Philippe de Chagny is supposedly murdered by the Opera Ghost in the original work.

How did the de Chagny’s view Christine Daae? Philippe often fought with Raoul over his affections for the Diva. Raoul’s brother termed her as, “little baggage” insinuating that because she was alone, had no protector or benefactor, she wanted more from Raoul than just love – the money grubbing social climbing Diva mentality once again.

Raoul, of course, loved Christine from the day he met her at the seaside when he rescued her red scarf from a watery grave. After spending the summer with her, they became childhood sweethearts, and he did not see her again until three years later. It’s interesting to note Leroux pens that at the end of their meeting Raoul tells Christine he would never forget her, and then "...went away regretting his words, for he knew that Christine could not be the wife of the Vicomte de Chagny.” Why did he say such a statement? It was due to their difference in classes; for in the real world, their match would have been unacceptable to family and society.

The more time I take to study Raoul’s character, the more I appreciate the man. Of course, in the Phantom fan world, most dream about Erik and Christine forever, yet there are a small majority of fans out there that dream about Raoul and Christine. Once you get to know the man behind the character, you have to give him some credit. He loved Christine deeply and risked everything in life to be with her – including his own life to save her. In the book, he dares to defy his brother’s wishes over his longing to marry her; and in both versions, he risks his life to save her from the Phantom. These acts alone tell me he was a man of character.

So is the story real or Hollywood? Was it possible that Raoul and Christine, after having floated away on the gondola while singing Webber's music, lived happily ever after in the 19th century world? You might want to think that matter over, because no doubt there would have been great obstacles to their match in real life from family and society.

As always, I encourage you to pick up the original version and read. It will give you a deeper understanding behind the characters and their motivations.

I am, as always, your obedient servant.
The Phantom’s Student

Order Lessons From the Phantom of the Opera Here

Baby It's Cold Outside

And it was today.

I spent most of the day in the studio and working on marketing for the concerts.

We've got posters up at Sardi's and there are now advertisements on the tables there as well.

I added a couple more tunes to the mix today..."Mele Kalikimaka" is definitely in.  I used to listen to Bing Crosby sing that song on an old LP we had.  

For those of you out there to young to know what an LP is, picture a CD but bigger and black like the size of a frisbee that plays on a record player...a record player for those of you who are too young...ahhh never mind.  It a vicious circle and I'm starting to feel old.  (Just kindin' to you youngin's out there).

Plus last year Dana and I spent Christmas in Hawaii so there's some history there.

We're very close to announcing guests.  We have four definitely confirmed...with other set to do it but waiting to find a the right night.

Baby Einstein

These DVD's are pretty spectacular.  

Who would have known that video taping stuffed animals, glowing lights and colorful toys moving to Beethoven would be such a baby pleaser.  Heck I even watch it.

Boy if I had only thought about that...geez.  But, the baby loves it.  She sits infatuated with the colors and movement.  It's very calming to her.

She's a pretty laid back girl anyway but it's nice to see her so engaged.  

One of my cast mates from Tale suggested something that also works wonders.  There is a thing called the visualizer on the Apple in iTunes.  We turn that on to some nice music and the baby is glued to it.  (And that leaves the TV free for football...just kidding).

But seriously, iTunes works pretty well too.

In terms of guests to the concerts...we will know who will be coming to which show in advance. It's a scheduling thing.  We have to see who is available for which night based on their shows or prior commitments.  

But it seems everyone wants to come and sing (I'm not going to have enough nights for everyone this year...might just have to make this a regular thing).

I'll announce as each person confirms.  It's going to be fun.

And don't forget...

Buy Tickets To James' Concert Here

Sand Oh Holy night tonight at a friends place...I really do love that song.

Excitement

Wow...some of my "special guests" are starting to get lined up.

I think it's going to be quite a nice few nights of music.  

It's very exciting.  

There are going to be some cool surprises, maybe even some visits from friends in California. 

OK now to some more important news, we got the baby the cutest Christmas outfit the other day. Oh my gosh...she's going to be adorable in it.  We're gonna dress her up tomorrow and take our family Holiday picture.  

Our dear friend Marcia is coming into town...("Hi" Marcia if you're reading this) and we can't wait to see her.  She doesn't know it yet but she's going to be our photographer.

OK go grab those tickets for the show and who knows, you might even be called up to sing yourself.

Click below

Come and Sing

Songs

Wow...so many songs to choose from.

Jeremy and I sat in the studio tonight for about four hours going through various songs.  It's tough for me because I just love so many of them.  

We're adding The Christmas Song to the list.  I have Nat King Cole (who is one of my favorite all time singers by the way) in my head.  That sound, that voice...so comforting.  We're definitely doing it.  

Also chose a key for for Oh Holy Night.  Love that song.  

And thanks everyone for your input, it really makes this what I wanted it to be, a "family" night at Sardi's.  

I also want to ask forgiveness in advance if we don't end up using some of the suggestions.  They are all tremendous, but at the end of the day we only have so much time in the program.

My thought...save the ones I don't do this year...for next year.

Rehearsals

So I began laying out the concert today.  We've got some great tunes planned.

It's a hard process because there are so many great songs to sing from the Holidays and choosing the line-up is no easy task.

I have indeed been thinking about Ave Maria.  Beautiful song.  

Recording this concert in any way, is unfortunately not allowed in the venue.  I am planning to record a Christmas CD and this concert will be a template for that recording.  

Funny, every year I think, geez I need to get on that Christmas CD but every year I'm so busy with other shows that the timing is impossible.  So, we're planning to make a go of one in the New Year, for next year. :) 

The concert is going to be very simple, just me and a piano.  Jeremy Roberts is musical directing for me and I'm incredibly lucky that he's available.

Glad you guys like the Poster.  We should have some available at Sardi's.  

And by the way, I totally understand the economic crunch.  That's why we decided to price our tickets the way we did.  You can do a $25 bar seating ticket with the $25 minimum and you basically get dinner and a show for $50.  Of course you can always do the $45 seat or premium seat for $60 each with a $25 minimum.  Concert Info click here

Whatever works for you guys works for me.  My goal is to make this show a relaxed and fun environment.  That's what the holidays are to me.  

Starting

I'm starting some rehearsal on the concert tomorrow morning.  

I've put together a tentative list of songs, which I'll add to and subtract from as I go along.

I'm also going to work on some duets...just in case someone just "shows up" :)

Oh Holy Night is definitely on the list as is Believe.  I'm a fan of Silent Night and of course Mele Kalikimaka.  Thinking about Blue Christmas and Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree.

So much fun!  I also have a good friend who wrote a great Hanukah song that he wants me to sing.

OK the new art work is definitely here.  Here's the poster. 

We're getting the new artwork up on the website as well.  

And oh,  just so you guys know, since we're going past Christmas, I am going to change up the post Christmas shows a bit.  Adding more Broadway tunes (but keeping some of my favorite Holiday songs as well).  

And yes, Andrew...there will be a Tale song or two in the mix.

Tickets for the show:  Click Here

Turkey Overload

What a meal...I'm still recovering.

I ate so much it was scary.  Turkey, stuffing, two different kinds of cranberry sauce (of course), veggies, spinach salad with pears, goat cheese and walnuts, muffins and breads, mashed potatoes (didn't have any of those), a chocolate torte and 6 different kinds of pie.  (Apple being my favorite).

I sat frozen in a carbohydrate, L-tryptophan stupor. Wonderful meal, wonderful family.  The baby was in heaven and the dogs got to run like crazy. It was overall a tremendous day.

We're back home and I'm already fast at work on the concert.  The guests are lining up and I'll be announcing them one at a time as we get closer to the event.

Hope you all had a great Holiday.  And now, since Thanksgiving has passed it's officially Christmas music playing time!

We've got some new artwork for the concert coming today.  The poster is going to be really nice, can't wait until it's finished.  It should be up on the smarttix site later this afternoon.

Check here

And while you're there...don't forget to get you tickets. We've already come close to selling out the premium seats on the 12/28 show.  So very excited.

Lotte

I'd like to talk about Little Lotte, where the name came from, why Raoul called her as such, and what areas of Christine’s childhood molded her into the person we see with the Phantom that perhaps influenced the choices she made in her life.

The name “Little Lotte” is actually from a poem entitled, “A Child’s First Sorrow” by Andreas Munch, a Norwegian Poet in the early 19th century. Leroux in his original works writes the first verse as follows, “Little Lotte thought of everything and nothing.” He changes the remaining of the verse as follows: “Her hair was golden as the sun's rays and her soul as clear and blue as her eyes. She wheedled her mother, was kind to her doll, took great care of her frock and her little red shoes and her fiddle, but most of all loved, when she went to sleep, to hear the Angel of Music." Leroux writes that her father told this story in front of Raoul, who picked up the name Lotte. Interesting as well, Leroux states her father always wove the tale of the Angel of Music in any story he told. Perhaps that is why the verse is changed.

However, the original poem by Munch translates:

“Little Lotte thought of everything and nothing. Like a butterfly she flew about in the gold of the sun. In her golden curls she the wore the crown of spring, and her gaze was the like the heavens, so bright blue and clear.”

The poem itself is about a little girl who rescues a bird in the wintertime and nurses it back to health. When spring arrives, the bird wants to leave and fly away, but Lotte keeps the bird caged instead, not realizing it wishes its freedom in order to live. One morning as she comes to feed it, she finds the bird dead at the bottom of the cage, and this becomes her first introduction to sorrow and grief in life.

"The sweet childhood blush faded from her cheeks, and slowly from her heart a dark pain rose. She could not know, what this pain was; but sorrow had written its first rune in her heart. And marked its image deep on her soft features. No longer did it disappear with her last tear.”

In the original story, Christine Daee’s mother passed away when she was six years old. The following years with her father were filled with poverty and wandering. As I read the story itself, to me it seems her father truly never recovers from the death of his wife, and as a result Christine’s life is unstable for quite some time. She sleeps in barns, travels from fair to fair, sings for street audiences, while her father plays the violin and makes a meager living at it. It is only when a Professor and his wife befriend them that Christine begins to have any type of stability. She now has a roof over her head, and they provide for her education.

Her father, however, is still depressed and eventually passes away. From what I can gather backtracking the story, her father’s passing comes much later in her early teens, rather than as a young child portrayed in the movie. Christine, as we all know, grieves over the death of her father for quite some time, and I find the last few verses of the poem revealing – especially the words that death, “marked its image deep on her soft features.” Truly, the death of her father had a profound effect upon her need for someone to fulfill a father figure in her life.

As I think about her reasons for the choices she makes in this story, I believe they were motivated by her childhood in many ways. Christine was seeking security and found that in Raoul. She wanted someone to care and watch over her. Her childhood, riddled in its early years with isolation, had a profound effect on her development. No doubt life with her father wandering from village to village, produced a life of instability and great dependence upon her father, which made it so difficult for her to let go of him in many ways.

The choice the Phantom gave her, a life of isolation in his world, may have played a role in why she ultimately choose a life with Raoul. A life with the Phantom would have been one reminiscent of her childhood. Instead, in essence, Christine yearned for a life of security and provision in the arms of Raoul, who she could trust to care for her. (Of course, this comment may produce screams from certain friends of mine she was a money-grubbing Diva after all! See! See! Private joke there.) Perhaps, as well, she wanted a sense of family the de Chagny's could provide after being orphaned at a young age, which she would otherwise not have with Erik. In the end, how we grow up as children does influence the decisions we make in life and the and motivations behind them.

So what else can you glean from the poem above about the poor bird that was locked up in a cage and died because it wasn’t granted its freedom? I suppose that if you dig hard enough, you might find symbolism in that morsel as well.

Your obedient servant,
The Phantom's Student

Order Lessons From the Phantom of the Opera Here

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.  

This is a wonderful time, "thanks" "giving." Thanks for all of the giving, but most importantly it's a time for giving thanks.  

I look back on the months that have past and see so much to be thankful for, a wonderful life, an amazing wife, the most beautiful and healthy child (who makes me laugh and cry with joy), the blessing to have performed one of the most incredible roles I've ever had the honor to play, a tremendous family and great friends.  So much to be thankful for, so very much.

I've been thinking of my parents these past few days.  The holiday season is a time for family and I miss them both greatly.  But each time I look into the eyes of my daughter I see them and I hope they are looking down to see her.

Ya know, I used to dress up as an American Indian every Thanksgiving (believe it or not I have Native American blood in me on my father's side) in celebration of the traditional "first Thanksgiving" in 1621. 

My mother made me take off the Indian garb and don more modern dress for the actual diner but it was fun while it lasted.  

I hope this Thanksgiving is great for you all.  Thanks to each and everyone of you for your support. You are all in some way extended family.  We are all in this world together and I'm looking forward to greater things to come.

Oh one anecdote...I used to drink coca-cola (only drink water and tea now) but when I did I could never eat the cranberry sauce and then drink a Coke.  They don't go together.  Anyone ever experience that?

See you at Sardi's...and don't eat too much stuffing.  (OK I eat a ton of stuffing and of course, cranberry sauce).

Sardi's

Getting Ready For The Big Day

Turkey Day that is...

I've been pulling 12 hour days over the past couple of weeks preparing for The Holiday Concert. It's almost midnight and I'm just finishing up the days work.  

I picked some of the songs today: definitely 'Oh Holy Night' and 'Believe.'  I'm also going over the songs that you all suggested.  So cast your votes now cause I'm starting in on the program. 

Don't forget to get your tickets soon: Click Me

By the by, there was a little glitch in some of the artwork that went out.  It lists a show on January 1st and that's incorrect. There is no show on 1/1 but there is a show on January 2nd. Sorry about that.  

We might be getting some cool new art work soon with poster and all the works.

I love producing stuff but it's a ton of work...then again...I love work so I'm in heaven.  Good thing for me is that most of the work I did today was on the computer and the phone so I could stay home with the baby.

I can't believe how amazing she is.  The smiles, the cooing, the farts (oh my god).  Dana and I actually get startled sometimes because they sort of come out of nowhere, and they're loud.

We laugh and then the baby laughs at us laughing.  I love it. 

With all of the love and life we had some sad news on Broadway today, Gerald Schoenfeld of the Shubert Organization passed away today.  He was/is an icon in our business.  He represented what Broadway used to be and was instrumental in many of the biggest shows.  He was 84.  His legacy will live on, however and what a legacy it is.  Hats off, lights dimmed.  He will be missed.

Holidays and Family

So the concert is coming along wonderfully and tickets are going fast.

Wow...this is going to be so much fun. 

Here's another posting from Playbill.com

Don't forget to call in early. 

December 23, 26, 27, 30 and January 2,3 at 8:30 pm

December 21, 24, 28 and January 4 at 3:00 pm

Tickets $45, $60 (premium seating close to the stage) and $25.

There is also an additional $25 minimum per person.

212-868-4444 or www.smarttix.com

See you all there.

The Holiday Concert

It's Official.

I'm doing a Holiday Concert beginning December 20th.

I'm a huge Holiday guy, so is my entire family. Every year I do a Holiday concert in Los Angeles and I thought...why not this year...and why not in New York.

And so...The Holiday Concert at Sardi's was born. 

It's going to be a fun event with Holiday Classics and great Broadway tunes.

We run from December 20, 2008 - January 4, 2009.

The actual dates are:

December 20, 23, 26, 27, 30 & January 2, 3 at 8:30 pm
December 21, 24, 28 & January 4 at 3:30 pm

Tickets are $45, $60 (VIP seating) and $25.  There is also a $25 minimum at Sardi's per person.

I suggest that you come and have dinner or lunch then see the show.

I've also decided to take after my in-laws and do something special. My father-in-law is a  Lt. General in the Marine Corps (ret).  Amazing man. 

Each year they invite "displaced" military personnel to their home for the holidays.  Ya know, folks that aren't near their familes during this special time.

Dana and I are so fortunate to live happy, healthy lives and also to have the miracle of this new little life among us that we want to share the love of our family with others. 

So, we're offering up the same to those military folks who might here in New York away from their families. We're inviting them to come in, have a nice meal at Sardi's and enjoy the show on us. It's the least we can do.

And by the way...you never know who might be stopping by to sing a song or two.

You can get tickets by calling 212-868-4444 or visiting www.smarttix.com

Here's a great article the Broadway.com did on the event.

Click the link below to see it.

The Holiday Concert

Natalie's CD

Tonight is Natalie Toro's CD release party.

I'm going to stop by for a bit and see the gang, listen to Nat sing a few songs. It'll be nice to see everyone again.

I know that she's worked hard on this project for a while and it's finally complete.

There's a ton of info about the CD below. So sift through and pick up a copy.

ABOUT THE CD
Entitled NATALIE TORO the new CD is Broadway themed with a twist.

The arrangements are ground-breaking; her vocals are breath-taking; the results are sensational.

Produced by: Natalie Toro
Co-produced by: Dawn Makay
Executive Producers: William Broderick and Tony Fusco
Recorded at: Manhattan Center, NYC
Recording Engineer: Craig White
Assistant Engineers: Sheldon Yellowhair and Maki Suzuki
Mixed by: Edward B. Kessel
Mastered by: Edward B. Kessel
Duplicated at: Media Technologies Limited
Photography by: Leslie Hassler Studios
Cover Design by: H&M Graphics

ABOUT THE CD’s SONG LIST


SOMETHING’S COMING
Music by Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Arranged by David Loud
Piano: Will Reynolds
Bass: John Lang
Drums: Roger Cohen
Reeds and Sax: Charles Pillow

HERE I AM
Music/Lyrics by David Yazbek
Arranged by Matt Perri
Piano: Matt Perri
Bass: John Lang
Drums: Peter Grant
Guitar: Manny Moreira

I DREAMED A DREAM
Music by Claude-Michel Schonberg
Lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer/Alain Boublil
Arranged by Will Reynolds
Piano: Will Reynolds
Bass: John Lang
Drums: Roger Cohen
Violin: Maxim Moston
Cello: Sarah Seiver
Reed: Charles Pillow

UNUSUAL WAY
Music/Lyrics by Maury Yeston
Arranged by Craig Barna
Piano: Will Reynolds
Bass: John Lang
Percussion: Roger Cohen
Guitar: Ralph Agresta
Reeds and Flute: Charles Pillow
Violin: Maxim Moston
Cello: Sarah Seiver

SOMEONE LIKE YOU
Music by Frank Wildhorn
Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse/Frank Wildhorn
Arranged by Ethan Popp
Piano: Ethan Popp
Bass: john Lang
Drums: Roger Cohen
Guitar: Ralph Agresta
Cello: Sarah Seiver

ANOTHER HUNDRED PEOPLE
Music/Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Arranged and Produced by Chino Nunez
Drums: Roger Cohen
Sax: Ivan Renta
The New Yorkers: Craig White, Carter Calvert, Catherine Porter,
Maki Suzuki, and Sheldon Yellowhair

I REMEMBER
Music/Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Arranged by Matt Perri
Cello: Sarah Seiver
Violin: Maxim Moston
Piano: Matt Perri

WHERE IS IT WRITTEN
Music by Michel Legrand
Lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman
Arranged by Andy Einhorn
Piano: Will Reynolds
Bass: John Lang
Oboe: Charles Pillow
The Angel Boys: Matt Perri and Kevin Osborne

OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND
Music/Lyrics by Jill Santoriello
Arranged and Produced by Ed Kessel

EASY AS LIFE
Music by Elton John
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Arranged by Ethan Popp
Piano: Ethan Popp
Bass: John Lang
Drums: Roger Cohen
Guitar: Ralph Agresta
The Ladies: Carter Calvert, Catherine Porter


IF I COULD
Music/Lyrics by Marti Sharron, Ron Miller, Ken Hirsch
Arranged by Ralph Agresta
Guitar: Ralph Agresta

Bonus track:
GET HAPPY/HAPPY DAYS
(DUET WITH SUTTON FOSTER)
GET HAPPY: Music/Lyrics by Harold Arlen/Ted Koehler
HAPPY DAYS: Music by Milton Ager/Lyrics by Jack Yellen
Arranged by Matt Perri
Piano: Matt Perri
Bass: John Lang
Drums: Peter Grant
Guitar: Manny Moreira
The Cool Singers:
Margaret Dorn, Emily Bindiger, Matt Perri, and Kevin Osborne

Lessons from a Babe

I was having dinner with a friend of mine tonight who I've known for nearly 20 years and we were discussing "the future."

He asked me when it was that I knew my life was changed in regard to the baby being born. My answer was...instantaneously.

I pondered where my daughter would be in 20 years, what would the world be like. There are so many concerns and worries, the economy, politics, the war all sorts of things that take up our time and in some ways force us to look into the future.

But what I've learned from the little being that now shares my life and my house is that she's simply focused on today. My buddy said, "That's because she doesn't know that there's a tomorrow" and I said..."Excatly!"

She lives her life moment to moment, second by second. And even though there is a tomorrow she's not focused on it. It's a true lesson isn't it? I mean obviously we, as adults, have responsibilities and there certainly indeed is a tomorrow, a future.

But so often we forget to live for today and cherish the wonders of life moment by moment, second by second.

So for me each day is a lesson and I'll be reminded of this one every time I look into the eyes of my daughter.

Waiting and Waiting

So I've been waiting and waiting to announce this really cool thing that might happen...

...and I'm still waiting. The anticipation is killing me. It's like seeing all of those Christmas presents under the tree, knowing that the big red one has my name on it but I'm forbidden from opening it until Christmas morning.

Arrrrggghhhh! (as Charlie Brown would say).

I should know by tomorrow though and then I'll be unable to wrap it.

Here's a question...why do the Peanuts never do laundry? They always wear the same clothing...in fact most cartoons always wear the same clothing. Look at Fred Flintstone. He had a car, a stereo and later on even a Martian hanging around...yet he still wore the same old orange and black frock. Hmmmm.

Cold ears warm heart

I don't know why but it's the ears that get me all the time.

I have these wrap around things called "180's" that wrap around the back of your head and cover up your ears. Like ear muffs but from behind.

If I have my ears covered then I'm good...except for the hands...gotta keep the hands warm. And it was biting cold for me today with the pups. Nothing a good warm soy chai latte couldn't fix though.

Cold and Wind

So what happened to the warmth?

I took the dogs out yesterday and realized that winter winds are a blowin'. Geez...even the dogs looked like they were cold and Buddha is a "roll in the snow" kinda guy.

The sky looked gray and the trees had most most of their leaves. There was a peacefulness to to the park though. Kinda quiet. The noise of the city seems to have a muffle on it during the winter time.

There is something about snow in the city too. (Not the after snow, slush and brown dirt colored snow banks left after the plows go through) but the first fall of snow. It creates a blanket over the city and slows everything down a bit.

People actually cross country ski down the streets on Manhattan. It's a cool thing to watch.

Which reminds me...I need new snow boots (the trouble with living in Los Angeles...no winter boots). My first Christmas in LA I played golf on Christmas morning.

That was a weird thing for a New Jersey boy.

Interviews and sing-a-long

The Sunday Salon was amazing. Such a great idea and Valerie Smaldone does a fantastic job. You guys should check out her show.

TheatreMania will be posting a link to the interview (it's video!) and I'll make sure that it goes up here as well. We talked about all sorts of things from theatre, to life, to babies and even diapers.

I'm going to be at the Drama League tomorrow night. Laura Benanti is hosting and I'll be singing!

Sunday Salon

Hey everyone...

I will be Valerie Smaldone's next live guest at the Sunday Salon with Valerie Smaldone at Etcetera Etcetera tomorrow night.
Join me when Valerie Smaldone and I have a conversation in front of an intimate audience.
Doors open at 6 pm.

At Etcetera, Etcetera , 352 West 44th street, between 8th and 9th.

For tickets, go to:
http://www.theatermania.com/content/show.cfm/show/148791

It promises to be a great night!!

Closer and Closer

So we might be getting closer and closer to a really cool project...

Had some meetings on it today and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it all works out. I'll keep you posted.

My old friend Hershey Felder was in town this week. What an amazing talent he is. For those of you who don't know him, he wrote and starred in George Gershwin Alone on Broadway and has taken it and his two other shows around the world over the past few years.

He's about to settle in LA again at the Geffen Playhouse. Go check him out if you're there. Loads of fun and an amazing journey to take.

Oh... finally got to watch the "final" table of the World Series Of Poker. I love it...it's a great game.

Cristo Reading

Great day...

I am constantly amazed at how much talent exists in the world...especially in New York...and especially with the cast of Tale.

Many of them were in the Monte Cristo reading and I have to say...we all learned a ton of material in just 3 days. That's a lot given this score.

The story, well the story is just incredible (good news is that I get to live in this one). I always seem to die or get brutally maimed in all the Broadway shows I do. Jack Murphy has adapted the novel wonderfully and his lyrics are poignant and often funny at the same time.

Frank score..I think it's some of the best work I've heard of his to date. There are the powerhouse signature Wildhorn songs but there are also these amazing pieces that have a musical delicacy and an incredible musical intricacy that takes the score to another level.

Conceptually the director (who also directed Frank's Dracula in Europe) has some amazing ideas. I wish I could see this production. It opens in Switzerland in March.

The way these reading usually work is that a small cast will be gathered to learn the show sitting around in a rehearsal room and then we do one or two presentations standing behind music stands. Generally these readings are not open to the public because it's a "work in progress" and not ready to be seen by the masses.

It would be like building half of a house and then bringing in prospective buyers way before it's complete. Some readings are much more together than others, it varies. That's also the reason there is no recording of the show. There are union guidelines as well that prohibit the recording of the show for much the same reasons.

I did speak with Frank and the goal is to indeed bring Monte Cristo to Broadway. As always its a question of timing. I'll definitely keep you posted as I know more.

Thanks for the Holiday song suggestions!

Crusty Cristo

Craig has shaved...Gregg has not.

I think Gregg is keeping it for this reading as he's playing 'Faria' the prisoner of The Chateau D'If who teaches 'Dantes' everything that he uses in his new life.

Crusty because it was so dry in the rehearsal space today. I must have gone through two gallons of water.

The music is big and beautiful and did I mention big? Well it's big. By big I not only mean there is a ton of it but I mean big as in sweeping and sincerely moving. And of course Frank has me singing in the stratosphere as only he can get me to sing.

I've been tired to say the least...haven't really had any down time since Tale opened (and closed) and that can be taxing. But I'm always inspired with new work, especially work that has a deep meaning to it.

Holiday songs...I do a Holiday concert every year in Los Angeles at the NOHO Arts Centre www.nohoace.com It's been great fun. I sang a bunch of tunes "Believe" and "Oh Holy Night" which was my mother's favorite (and one of mine as well).

I'm a huge sucker for Holiday music and yes, I'll confess I was listening to it on my iPod on my way to rehearsal today. There's nothing like Bing or Nat on a crispy morning.

I know, I know, the "official" Holiday Music start date is after Thanksgiving...but I just can't help myself. It always makes me happy.

Anyone know "Aspen Glow"?

Mon Dieu

Monte Cristo Started today...

First thing I have to say is that neither Gregg Edleman nor Craig Bennet have shaved their beards, thought that would have been one of the first things they did when they got home last night.

And...there is a ton of music. Frank has almost written an operetta of sorts. Amazing body of work for this show. We worked very hard and very diligently on Frank's music. Jack Murphy was on hand to share his thoughts on the lyrics and his book. I think this is going to be quite powerful. And the creative team as a whole is incredibly supportive.

We're just going over music first, haven't yet read through the script with the cast. There's really not a ton of time to get all this work done but as always, this group of pros will step up to the task.

Funny thing, Gregg and I ran into a "Subway" sandwich shop by the rehearsal hall to grab some lunch on our break and we ran into Anthony (a Tale supporter)...so shout out to Anthony and Andrew (another Tale supporter)...who didn't pick up his cell phone by the way. (Anthony called him and I left a message on his voice mail). Always fun to run into the Tale extended family. Thanks guys.

More later...and by the way...any favorite holiday tunes?

A New Day

Well what a day...

Emotions were high to say the least. it was a truly beautiful show with a sold out crowd.

Still amazes me that I'll not be on the stage of the Hirschfeld Tuesday night...dressing room empty, no music to fill the hall, no audience in the seats.

That said, I'm always looking forward and not back. Faith Prince told me once..."just keep walking." I keep her words with me often. There is always another door to open and eventually you'll come out of the tunnel and into the light of another day.

I wanted to address some questions about the CD. I do think the producers are working on it but it's incredibly expensive to record...we're talking in the 100's of thousands of dollars. There are unions to deal with and although we all want the Broadway cast saved on digital media forever, it's simply a money factor. But rest assured that the Tale team is working on it.

I'll talk more about our last day later...been a long one today and I've got rehearsal in the morning for Monte Cristo.

I am grateful.