Tale CD

So I wanted to do a little update on the Tale experience over in the UK.  It was truly amazing.

We rehearsed the "staged" version of the show or about a week.  The filmed version of the show was created for Public television and will be aired as part of their pledge drive much like the Three Tenors or the Les Mis thing years ago.

So we had to re-stage the show with the television set and the new cast members.  I have to take my hat off to those guys, they had a little a very short time to learn a great deal of material.

Here's a pic of the outside of the Theatre Royal Brighton where we filmed the show for DVD.  A beautiful jewel box of a theatre with rich history.

And also during the rehearsal time for the staging we also began to record the CD.  I would more call it the International Cast of A Tale Of Two Cities.  Here's a photo of the recording studio SPHERE.  I can't tell you how many superstars have graced the halls of this studio.  There are Platinum records hanging all over the walls.

That's the great Mike Reed in the studio conducting.

So...the CD was recorded and will be released (from what I understand) when the DVD of the show is released in December.  Great Christmas presents huh?!

Blog of the Day Award

Today my blog is being recognized with the Blog of the Day Award.

Thank you everyone for the acknowledgment. I've poured my heart and soul into this blog for 18 months, and it's very encouraging to receive such kindness. Hopefully, my posts have blessed you and will continue to do so!

Cheerfully yours,
Vicki

Blog of the Day Award

Brighton by the sea, TALE and Hofstra

OK so some updates.

I've been so busy over here that I've not really had the time to write a blog...so here it goes.

We've finished recording the CD of Tale and I think it's going to be great. It was three days of massive sessions to get this thing done. 

We all traveled to Brighton today to begin serious work on the DVD.  This is going to be the interesting thing.  We've had to change a bit to make it fit into the format that works best for TV but I think this version will be pretty stellar.

Michael York has come on board to narrate certain sections and there is a little surprise at the end as well.  No...Sydney does not get the girl...but it's a cool surprise none-the-less.

The UK cast is pretty great.  Simon Thomas is playing Darnay. He was last seen on the West End in "Marguerite."  And the great Nigel Richards is playing Stryver.

Brighton, for me, is a breath of fresh air.  I spent my summers by the sea and to me, there is nothing like it.  It's a great town with a rich history and a wealth of flavors.  I'll be inside most of the time we're here but it's still nice to breathe in that fresh air.

One nice thing is that Dana and the baby made the trip with me as well.  They spend time seeing friends and family while I spend time whacking away at the script and score.  

I can't tell you how wonderful it is to sing this music once more.  

And please, don't forget that I have that concert next Saturday night.  It's going to be a whirlwind of travel for me I can tell you that.  

The concert is a benefit and there is a little reception afterwards so please...come on by and send your friends!

Intimidation - The Sneaky Way to Control

Writing strictly about Leroux is interesting. While examining Webber’s version, sprinkled with Leroux as a backdrop, the story is more romanticized. However, with Leroux alone, without the Webber content, I find the story dramatically taking on a different form in a myriad of ways – especially when it comes to some of the darker sides of Erik.

He is a master of many things, and one of his tools to get his way in life is through intimidation, which he uses as a means of control. He can be polite as the next person, as long as you do his bidding, but wrathful as hell if you dare to do otherwise. Consider the following: (1) he’s territorial, (2) he demands obedience, (3) he declares war should you dare ignore his commands, (4) he uses intimidation and threats to get his way, and (5) he ultimately punishes you for daring to defy him.

His first threat arrives as he insists on maintaining his territorial rights! The managers must learn his ways, and he threatens through that conditional little “if” word.

"If you wish to live in peace, you must not begin by taking away my private box."

Secondly, he manipulates obedience through ultimatums. I call it emotional blackmail. You must do this or I’ll do that.

"If you still care for peace, here is my ultimatum.
It consists of the four following conditions..."

His conditions, of course, overflow with musts and wills: “You must…” “I will…” “Shall be…” “I absolutely insist…” “You will…”

Thirdly, he intimidates you by giving dire warnings in order to instill fear as a means of control:

"Take my advice and be warned in time. O. G."

Finally, the threat of impending doom arrives should you dare to disobey:

"If you refuse, you will give FAUST to-night in a house with a curse upon it."

I do find it quite amusing that he signs his name, “Your Most Humble and Obedient Servant, OPERA GHOST.” Yes, humbly yours, as long as you stay on his good side.

Well, it’s obvious, our Ghost has some personality issues. What are they? Intimidation is not a new tactic by any means. Basically, it’s instilling fear in another in order to control their will either by coercion or threats. You can call it skillful manipulation. We usually intimidate people to dominate and control, as O.G. did. The new managers threatened his domination, and his only means of keeping it was by intimidation. It’s a means to an end, whether we do it consciously or subconsciously. However, those on the receiving end might not necessarily like it. The managers were a bit peeved.

"'Look here, I'm getting sick of him, sick of him!' shouted Richard,
bringing his fists down on his office-table."

Those who use intimidation as a means of control eventually find out if their tactics are successful or not. If the person at the receiving end is weak, dependent, easily preyed upon, prone to fear, and has low self-esteem, it’s success indeed. However, if they find someone who doesn’t respond to their intimidation and threats, it usually ends up in a war of wits. Believe me, no one wins.

I've always used this powerful analogy in a number of ways. Negative things in our lives can be likened to a weed - unwanted, distressful, or a nuisance. The trouble with weeds, as you know, is if you continue to water them, they grow and deepen their roots. When you try to pull the dang thing out, it's a struggle to get it out of the ground, if not impossible. Usually when you do pull it out, the weed grows back again because the root system is still intact.

It’s the same with those who use the Opera Ghost’s masterful techniques. Seeing their wiles feeding that growing weed, gives great satisfaction. Their recipient folds, obeys their demands, is filled with distress, and surrenders and obeys out of fear. On the other hand, psychologists suggest not to respond or address their demands. It feeds the weed, makes it stronger, and gives back the craving attention to the controller. Just like anything else, when you fail to feed something, it will shrivel up at the roots and die.

Below is a link to a wonderful article entitled, "Eliminating Intimidation." When you read it, you’ll probably see plenty of our dear Erik. It may help you as well if you’re in a situation with others that wish to dominate and control. A lot of times people don’t realize what motivates them as individuals. Self-realization is a huge part of growing as a person. When you understand what makes you tick, you really become a better person in many ways, because then you can then try to modify the negative behavior.

Well, enough said.

As OG would say…. Your Most Humble and Obedient Servant,
The Phantom’s Student

LIVESTRONG.COM - Health, Fitness, Lifestyle - Article: Eliminating Intimidation

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"All Things Phantom" - New Show on Blog Talk Radio

Blog Talk Radio - "All Things Phantom"

Here it comes, a huge announcement for all my readers and Phantom fans in cyberspace. I have decided to host my own Internet radio talk show entitled, "All Things Phantom." My first airing will be on July 11, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. PST.

Why Internet talk radio? Well, actually I stumbled across this medium earlier this week and started listening to a few shows myself. Shows are built around themes and subjects, and it dawned on me what a great venue for Phantom fans! Every week I'm trying to click on Phantom related forums, boards, websites, blogs, and groups to interact with my readers. To be honest, I'm spreading myself too thin trying to keep in touch with the Phantom community. I have made some endearing friends along the way, and I wish to interact more closely. After all, we have a common bond and love - The Phantom of the Opera.

What will the shows entail? Well, I'm sure over time they will evolve and become more professional as I learn the hosting ropes, but in the meantime this is my vision:

• Discussions regarding the story. Everything from Leroux to Webber. We can discuss the characters, symbols, emotions, events or other topics. I'm sure Webber's sequel "Love Never Dies" will be a hot topic after it opens, and my phone lines will be flooded with calls.
  
  
• We will interview Phantom authors. You are more than welcome to plug your book, if I get the chance to interview you! I truly want to give equal time and support to others in this venue.
  
  
• We will spread Phantom-related news. If you know of Phantom events you want announced over the show, shoot me an email and I will make sure to include them.
  
  
• Special guests. This one I’m tucking under my hat, and we’ll see how it pans out. I have ideas.

If you have ideas, send them my way. I want this internet radio talk show to belong to the Phantom fans as a place to share. Perhaps you’ll finally be able to hear the voice of one of your friends you’ve corresponded with for years on some forum board! My only requirement inside the talk show is that we "all play nice," and I'm sure you get my drift. I am not in this alone, as there will be co-hosts and close friends working along side me to make this a success.

How does it work? It's pretty easy. Click the link above to my show page. You can send yourself a reminder or choose the RSS feed just to listen. I will announce upcoming episodes. If the talk show time is too inconvenient, the show is archived so you can listen to it at a later time. When the show is live, you can phone in like any other talk show and join the fun! The telephone number to dial in will be posted on the episode information.

I am extremely excited about this new medium to bring Phantom fans closer together. You'll see the information posted everywhere on my other sites, as soon as I painstakingly visit them all. Hopefully, the word will get out quickly; and if not, I'm a patient soul knowing it may take time to grow. Feel free to share with your friends too. I love you guys and am always thankful for your continued support!

As always, I am your obedient servant...
The Phantom's Student

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Theo Bikel and Carnegie Hall

Hey everyone....the amazing Theo Bikel is doing a benefit concert on Monday.  

I'm helping to spread the word.  

It's for a good cause and with a truly remarkable man and other guests.

Take a peek at the info below.

Theodore Bikel: The First 85 Years!

A Benefit Concert for Juvenile Law Center

 

Join us as friends and colleagues celebrate Theo’s 85^th birthday at Carnegie Hall!

 

Monday, June 15

7:30pm

Carnegie Hall

 

**** All tickets now 20% off with discount code: FOTB8155 ****

Click here for tickets:  HERE

The French Open

There is nothing like tennis.  I've been playing this game since I was incredibly young and have found it not only a great sport but a tremendous meditative activity.  

I know...people might say "meditative are you kidding?"  But I'm not.  It's a sport where you are alone on the court with another player and during the game you often battle yourself as well as your opponent.  So, meditative in the sense that one often has to reach a sense of calm in order to play at your best. 

My cousin achieved great success in this game and there are times when I wish I had pursued it as my career.  How different things would have been.

So congratulations to Roger Federer on a great day, a great win.  Long overdue but well deserved.  He has tied Pete Sampras for 14 Grad Slam titles and if you ask me...will surpass him.  (And he's a nice guy to boot).

Here's his site:  Roger

Skeletons, Skulls, and Roses

"They were marvelous red roses that had blossomed in the morning, in the snow, giving a glimpse of life among the dead, for death was all around him."

I’m starting this post with a warning – this is going to be a morbid subject. Don’t blame me! It’s Leroux’s fault. He’s the one who wove this theme into the story, and it’s the subject most of us avoid - death. He penned the word often enough to make you face it at the turn of nearly every page. He uses the word death 79 times and dead 49. Is he trying to make a point here or just use scare tactics for a horror story? The subject is not only forced upon its readers, it's forced upon its characters. Let’s look and see how they perceive death’s door.

In my first set of posts, now in book form, I talk about Christine’s walk through the graveyard. It’s obvious Christine’s experience with death encompasses one overwhelming element - grief. Her life profoundly changes by the death of her father. In fact so much, Leroux writes that she lost with him, her voice, her soul, and her genius. She struggles throughout the story mourning her father's passing.

Raoul, on the other hand, has his own graveyard experience. His encounter with death revolves around another element – fear. His close encounter with the Ghost in the graveyard scares the daylights out of him - literally. Skulls roll at his feet, he follows a cloaked figure, touches his hem, sees what he describes as the face of Satan, and passes out. Later in the story he is faced with death again, and finds himself in the torture chamber of mirrors about to go insane from fear.

Leroux also weaves into the story another element - experience. We have two characters who unfortunately taste death for themselves – Joseph Buquet and Philippe de Chagny. Of course, there are numerous references to others who die at the hand of Erik either through strangulation or his trap doors and torture chamber.

The Persian, on the other hand, avoids it at all cost. He knows Erik is capable of inflicting death. He worries about others and warns them that death could be waiting should they encounter Erik and his trap doors and torture chamber. He's careful, and he uses caution so he doesn't meet death before his time.

Finally, we have Erik. I can think of one description when it comes to death. He embraces it. Death is everywhere in his persona as the Opera Ghost. He calls himself Red Death Stalking Abroad, and is constantly referred to as possessing death’s head. To top it off, his bedroom looks like a funeral parlor, and he sleeps inside a coffin! As I stated in my earlier post on Red Death, I believe Erik thought that death was the one place of equality he found with the rest of humanity.

Curiously though, Leroux doesn’t leave us in the midst of death without weaving another theme throughout. It’s how we deal with death; hence the inspiration for my title, “Skeletons, Skulls, and Roses.” The following paragraph tells it all.

"Raoul walked away, dejectedly, to the graveyard in which the church stood and was indeed alone among the tombs, reading the inscriptions; but, when he turned behind the apse, he was suddenly struck by the dazzling note of the flowers that straggled over the white ground. They were marvelous red roses that had blossomed in the morning, in the snow, giving a glimpse of life among the dead, for death was all around him…. Skeletons and skulls by the hundred were heaped against the wall of the church, held in position by a wire that left the whole gruesome stack visible. Dead men's bones, arranged in rows, like bricks, to form the first course upon which the walls of the sacristy had been built."

Leroux attempts to bring reprieve about all this talk of death through the use of flowers. There are roses in the graveyard for Raoul to glimpse life among the dead. Madame Giry tells the managers the Opera Ghost leaves roses behind in his box for her to discover. Christine states Erik’s drawing room is decorated and furnished with nothing but flowers!

When you think of it, we do leave life among the dead. Funeral homes are filled with flowers during services, and traditionally we leave flowers when visiting a grave. Even Erik in the movie version, leaves a glimpse of life on Christine's grave, a red rose. Perhaps flowers are not for the dead, but for us who are left behind. They bring a sense of comfort and life among death.

Yes, I know, it’s a morbid post, but it’s Leroux! He's the one poking at you this time to face the inevitable, not me. Death is an underlying theme throughout the story Leroux does not wish you to escape.

Your obedient servant,
The Phantom’s Student

As a post note, you might be interested in knowing a little about French burial practices in the 19th Century. Leroux writes, “…skeletons and skulls by the hundred were heaped against the wall of the church…” In my research regarding death for my fiction novel, I discovered the following. The extremely poor, who could not afford a burial plot, were buried in unmarked common graves, which could contain more than one body. Those who could afford to purchase a burial plot had two choices – a temporary plot or one in perpetuity. A temporary plot allowed you a place to rest for five years, and then afterward your body was exhumed and your bones were piled high with others like this churchyard scene. If you lived in Paris, your bones were placed in the catacombs beneath the city. If you were rich, you could buy a plot in perpetuity, which meant you wouldn’t be dug up and discarded. You would rest in peace in a crypt or plot marked with a tombstone.