Carolyn Cumming or Hillary Ekwall singing separately is great. When they sing together, that's when you get the wow effect! Fresh off their performances in "Chicago" and "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown" respectively, these two best friends appeared together at Falcetti Music in Blue Back Square last Friday evening with Emmett Drake on the piano, for the debut of Falcetti Music's Cabaret Series.
Tables, chairs and a stage were set up in the middle of Falcetti Music, surrounded by an impressive array of pianos. Carolyn and Hillary sat on stage belting out song after song, some solos, most were duets. "We always try to have as many duets as possible, because we find duets are interesting to watch and we love singing them." Says Ms. Cumming of their song choices.
Their choice of songs worked quite well as the songs and the melodious voices behind them caught the attention of passersby, many of whom strolled in to hear more, and enjoy some snacks.
Amazingly Carolyn and Hillary pulled off a fantastic show with little time to rehearse. No problem for these two talented playhouse favorites who have been performing together for about eight years. "We like similar styles of music and have such a high mutual respect for one another as people and artists." Ms. Cumming says when asked why they have such great chemistry together. She also credits their pianist "Emmett sight-read about eighty-five percent of that music and still sounded fabulous."
The Falcetti Music Cabaret series continues this Friday, August 19th and next Friday, August 26th from 5:00 - 7:00pm at Falcetti Music in Blue Back Square. Stop by to see who will take the stage next, or to buy a piano and release your inner Piano Man.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
Dinner And A Show
At A.C. Petersen Farms Restaurant you can have a delicious dinner. At Playhouse on Park you can see a great show. Put the two together and you have the best combination since peanut butter and chocolate, that is until Playhouse on Park performers began singing at A.C. Petersen Farms last Monday night.
Unsuspecting customers were pleasantly surprised when the first of four performers took the microphone and began singing their favorite show tunes. Carolyn Cumming, Keisha Gilles, Will Macke and Jamie Morano circulated the restaurant and began cozying up to the customers, some of whom sang along, others danced and everyone was smiling. "It was so much fun getting to interact with the patrons." Said Keisha Gilles who played Matron "Mama" Morton in Playhouse on Park's production of Chicago last month.
The fun will continue this Monday night from 6:00 to 8:00pm and every Monday night in the month of August. Performers and song genres may change, but the fun to be had by all involved will only increase as the venue and the talent work out minor logistical issues.
Certain to perfect the issues, all involved hope this entertaining idea continues in to September. "I would love for it to continue, so I can come back." adds Ms. Gilles who is unable to attend the remaining August performances.
A.C. Petersen Farms offers a variety of menu choices not available anywhere else, for example, two kinds of lobster rolls. A Connecticut lobster served warm dipped in butter and a Maine lobster served cold with mayonnaise, both come with Cole slaw and the choice of another side order.
Playhouse on Park is gearing up for its third season with a production of "Around The World in 80 Days" September 14 to October 2, followed by "An Enemy of the People" October 12 to October 30.
Come celebrate your passion for food and music with A.C. Petersen Farms and Playhouse on Park Monday nights, August 15, 22 & 29 from 6:00 - 8:00pm, you'll be glad you did.
Unsuspecting customers were pleasantly surprised when the first of four performers took the microphone and began singing their favorite show tunes. Carolyn Cumming, Keisha Gilles, Will Macke and Jamie Morano circulated the restaurant and began cozying up to the customers, some of whom sang along, others danced and everyone was smiling. "It was so much fun getting to interact with the patrons." Said Keisha Gilles who played Matron "Mama" Morton in Playhouse on Park's production of Chicago last month.
The fun will continue this Monday night from 6:00 to 8:00pm and every Monday night in the month of August. Performers and song genres may change, but the fun to be had by all involved will only increase as the venue and the talent work out minor logistical issues.
Certain to perfect the issues, all involved hope this entertaining idea continues in to September. "I would love for it to continue, so I can come back." adds Ms. Gilles who is unable to attend the remaining August performances.
A.C. Petersen Farms offers a variety of menu choices not available anywhere else, for example, two kinds of lobster rolls. A Connecticut lobster served warm dipped in butter and a Maine lobster served cold with mayonnaise, both come with Cole slaw and the choice of another side order.
Playhouse on Park is gearing up for its third season with a production of "Around The World in 80 Days" September 14 to October 2, followed by "An Enemy of the People" October 12 to October 30.
Come celebrate your passion for food and music with A.C. Petersen Farms and Playhouse on Park Monday nights, August 15, 22 & 29 from 6:00 - 8:00pm, you'll be glad you did.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Moving Guam
Last Saturday was the culmination of a project six months in the making, that project was to move Guam. For Playhouse on Park purposes, Guam was a storage area in the ice cream plant behind the playhouse. It was used to house clothes, props and furniture. The real Guam is an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States located in the western Pacific Ocean.
No one seems to know how our storage area got the name Guam, but for the past two seasons it has been a convenient place to keep necessary items for our various productions.
Our new location is not too far away, a smaller space off New Park Avenue, near Home Depot. The close proximity made the grueling task of packing and unpacking a little easier, that and a large box truck supplied by Falcetti Music, complete with a driver and an additional helper.
A rallying call was sent out to all playhouse volunteers, asking them to donate as much time as they could between 10:00am to 5:00pm. An impressive array of Playhouse on Park faithful showed up, including Executive Director Tracy Flater. "Incredibly we got the box truck loaded four times and finished in the time alotted." Ms. Flater says of the move. "Now we just have to get organized." She added.
Artistic Directors Sean Harris and Darlene Zoller were also on hand, along with other staff, interns, volunteers, actors, and a board member with her two young sons.
All of us at Playhouse on Park wear different hats. The artistic directors not only determine what shows will be produced, but sometimes direct and appear in those shows. Actors from recent productions also volunteer to usher, house manage and staff the box office. Look closely at the person who sells you a ticket, or helps you to your seat, chances are you've seen them on stage at Playhouse on Park.
Now that Guam has been moved, it's time to focus on other important issues, such as auditions, introducing our new house manager, strengthening the volunteer experience, selling season subscriptions and marketing our amazing line up of shows. More information on all of that will be featured right here in the blog. Check back frequently.
No one seems to know how our storage area got the name Guam, but for the past two seasons it has been a convenient place to keep necessary items for our various productions.
Our new location is not too far away, a smaller space off New Park Avenue, near Home Depot. The close proximity made the grueling task of packing and unpacking a little easier, that and a large box truck supplied by Falcetti Music, complete with a driver and an additional helper.
A rallying call was sent out to all playhouse volunteers, asking them to donate as much time as they could between 10:00am to 5:00pm. An impressive array of Playhouse on Park faithful showed up, including Executive Director Tracy Flater. "Incredibly we got the box truck loaded four times and finished in the time alotted." Ms. Flater says of the move. "Now we just have to get organized." She added.
Artistic Directors Sean Harris and Darlene Zoller were also on hand, along with other staff, interns, volunteers, actors, and a board member with her two young sons.
All of us at Playhouse on Park wear different hats. The artistic directors not only determine what shows will be produced, but sometimes direct and appear in those shows. Actors from recent productions also volunteer to usher, house manage and staff the box office. Look closely at the person who sells you a ticket, or helps you to your seat, chances are you've seen them on stage at Playhouse on Park.
Now that Guam has been moved, it's time to focus on other important issues, such as auditions, introducing our new house manager, strengthening the volunteer experience, selling season subscriptions and marketing our amazing line up of shows. More information on all of that will be featured right here in the blog. Check back frequently.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
The Stink Eye Top Ten
Whenever a group of actors are assembled in a room waiting to audition for a role, it's only natural that some actors might give others the "Stink eye". Stink eye is defined as; A facial expression of distrust, disdain or disapproval. It is usually followed by an immediate sizing up of the competition. During this process, some not so nice thoughts might come to mind. In my opinion no one is harsher on each other than women. Below are the top ten things female actors may be thinking about their competition.
#10 Her reality show title: Project No Way.
#9 The Bride of Frankenstein had better hair.
#8 I've seen better make up on a corpse.
#7 Maybe way, way, way, way off Broadway.
#6 Honey you're pants called, they give up.
#5 That outfit is so last minute.
#4 I'll bet she's like life, a bitch.
#3 If the camera adds ten pounds, she should try radio.
#2 So that's what inbreeding looks like.
#1 Two words: Casting couch.
#10 Her reality show title: Project No Way.
#9 The Bride of Frankenstein had better hair.
#8 I've seen better make up on a corpse.
#7 Maybe way, way, way, way off Broadway.
#6 Honey you're pants called, they give up.
#5 That outfit is so last minute.
#4 I'll bet she's like life, a bitch.
#3 If the camera adds ten pounds, she should try radio.
#2 So that's what inbreeding looks like.
#1 Two words: Casting couch.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Intern Season
By this time every year, it's in full swing, businesses across the country are infested with the inevitable influx of the wide-eyed, idealistic young people released from their liberal confines of higher learning for the summer, determined to upset the status quo with their unrelenting can-do attitude, and disgustingly pleasing demeanor. Of course I speak of...interns.
Speaking for the status quo, it works just fine for the nine months of intern-free bliss, thank you very much!
The status quo is a process in which we, the home-owning, tax paying adults over the age of twenty six have cleverly devised a system to spread the workload equally over twelve months, to avoid periods of too little or too much work. We have skillfully factored in company holidays and vacation time in to our delicate system. Then along comes the interns, making waves in the system, like a fat kid doing a cannonball in to a tranquil pool.
With a modicum of training and an abundance of enthusiaism, the interns dive headlong in to the workload powering through it in record time, like Michael Phelps at the Olympics.
The dust from the completed work has barely settled as these eager over-achievers scour the workplace looking for other tasks to undertake, no matter how menial.
The powers that be look upon this unbridaled work ethic with great joy, the status quo looks at it with contempt, because now the menial and often unnecessary tasks will likely linger in the system, floating on the surface like a Baby Ruth. Guess who's going to have to clean the pool when intern season is over?
Speaking for the status quo, it works just fine for the nine months of intern-free bliss, thank you very much!
The status quo is a process in which we, the home-owning, tax paying adults over the age of twenty six have cleverly devised a system to spread the workload equally over twelve months, to avoid periods of too little or too much work. We have skillfully factored in company holidays and vacation time in to our delicate system. Then along comes the interns, making waves in the system, like a fat kid doing a cannonball in to a tranquil pool.
With a modicum of training and an abundance of enthusiaism, the interns dive headlong in to the workload powering through it in record time, like Michael Phelps at the Olympics.
The dust from the completed work has barely settled as these eager over-achievers scour the workplace looking for other tasks to undertake, no matter how menial.
The powers that be look upon this unbridaled work ethic with great joy, the status quo looks at it with contempt, because now the menial and often unnecessary tasks will likely linger in the system, floating on the surface like a Baby Ruth. Guess who's going to have to clean the pool when intern season is over?
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Window Treatment
Imagine my surprise when one day I arrived at Playhouse on Park and saw the provocative window display in the playhouse window. Standing across the street, the stunning imagery intrigued me. It warranted a closer look. If I were a fish and the window treatment was the bait, then I was caught, hook, line and sinker. What kind of fish will you be?
Monday, May 16, 2011
What's Wrong With Me?
Answers to that question will vary wildly depending on who you ask. My family and friends will certainly pull out their inner stand-up comedian and delightfully exaggerate a perceived idiosyncrasy that they think I'm afflicted with.
I'm really posing that question to myself, because for some reason I can't seem to wrap my head around everything that's happening at Playhouse on Park now through July. I have been attempting to put together the calendar of events in an effort to schedule box office and house manager staff for all the events. Scheduling errors on my part have lead to numerous e-mails to the staff, all of which I've claimed was going to be the last e-mail.
While they are sure to blame me, I blame the playhouse for offering such a diverse array of entertainment. It's no wonder I can't keep it all straight. Dr. Phil would probably say I was engaging in a "Classic avoidance maneuver." Avoiding the blame and shifting it to a third party i.e. the playhouse.
You be the judge. On Monday, May 23rd at 7:00pm is a cabaret musical performance to benefit Playhouse on Park. Playhouse veterans Carolyn Cumming and Hillary Ekwall star in "Sing On: The Carolyn/Hillary Effect" Featuring Kevin Barlowski on the piano. All proceeds will go directly to the playhouse, so just sign a check, we'll fill in the amount, or bring handfuls of cash!
Saturday, May 28th at 8:00pm is comedy night. Three comedians will be looking to tickle your funny bone. Don't worry, my family and friends won't be performing, that would be more like a Shakesperian tragedy.
Beginning June 1st is "I Think I Can" the latest in Playhouse on Park's Young Audience series. Children from pre-school through third grade will be part of this interactive show to help Becky Watkins overcome her acute case of "I-don't-think-I-can-do-it-itis". Perhaps they can also help me overcome my case of "Now-what-the-hell-did-I-do-wrong-itis".
Smack dab in the middle of "I Think I Can" are two nights of improv comedy, June 3rd and 4th at 8:00pm. I probably could've properly scheduled one night, but noooooo they have to have two. "Improvaganza" features the best known inprov groups in the area as well as some up and coming performers.
Popular children's author Ron Roy will be featured in a Q&A on Saturday, June 11th at 3:00pm. Master of Ceremonies is local TV personality Brad Drazen. Mr. Roy is the author of the A to Z Mysteries, Capital Mysteries and Calendar Mysteries. The only mystery left is why you'd miss this event. You won't, mystery solved.
You would think one event per day would be enough. You'd be wrong, as was I, because after the Ron Roy event on June 11th at 3:00pm is another comedy show: "Connecticut Comics: Uncut" at 8:00pm. Ten comics take the stage in another benefit for Playhouse on Park. Doors open at 6:30 with beer, wine and munchies. Tickets are only $25.00.
June 15th thru June 26th come see "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown". and that loveable Peanuts clan we all grew up with. Speaking of peanuts, that's about what it'll cost to see this family-friendly show.
Now hopefully you can see how all that jazz made it hard for me to put together a shift schedule for all the shows, nevermind finding people to work. (Insert your sympathy here).
If you were paying attention, I just gave you a big clue as to the renowned musical that will close our second season with a bang this July. How apropos seeing as how that month is synonomous with fireworks. There will be plenty of fireworks on stage as Playhouse on Park brings "Chicago" to life. Chicago opens July 13th and runs through July 24th.
Hallelejuah, I'm done, but you're not, you still have to figure out how many shows to see at Playhouse on Park. Think it over carefully, there's still time. Go to our website http://www.playhouseonpark.org/ or call the box office at 860-523-5900 x10 if you'd like more information, we'll be happy to answer any questions.
I'm really posing that question to myself, because for some reason I can't seem to wrap my head around everything that's happening at Playhouse on Park now through July. I have been attempting to put together the calendar of events in an effort to schedule box office and house manager staff for all the events. Scheduling errors on my part have lead to numerous e-mails to the staff, all of which I've claimed was going to be the last e-mail.
While they are sure to blame me, I blame the playhouse for offering such a diverse array of entertainment. It's no wonder I can't keep it all straight. Dr. Phil would probably say I was engaging in a "Classic avoidance maneuver." Avoiding the blame and shifting it to a third party i.e. the playhouse.
You be the judge. On Monday, May 23rd at 7:00pm is a cabaret musical performance to benefit Playhouse on Park. Playhouse veterans Carolyn Cumming and Hillary Ekwall star in "Sing On: The Carolyn/Hillary Effect" Featuring Kevin Barlowski on the piano. All proceeds will go directly to the playhouse, so just sign a check, we'll fill in the amount, or bring handfuls of cash!
Saturday, May 28th at 8:00pm is comedy night. Three comedians will be looking to tickle your funny bone. Don't worry, my family and friends won't be performing, that would be more like a Shakesperian tragedy.
Beginning June 1st is "I Think I Can" the latest in Playhouse on Park's Young Audience series. Children from pre-school through third grade will be part of this interactive show to help Becky Watkins overcome her acute case of "I-don't-think-I-can-do-it-itis". Perhaps they can also help me overcome my case of "Now-what-the-hell-did-I-do-wrong-itis".
Smack dab in the middle of "I Think I Can" are two nights of improv comedy, June 3rd and 4th at 8:00pm. I probably could've properly scheduled one night, but noooooo they have to have two. "Improvaganza" features the best known inprov groups in the area as well as some up and coming performers.
Popular children's author Ron Roy will be featured in a Q&A on Saturday, June 11th at 3:00pm. Master of Ceremonies is local TV personality Brad Drazen. Mr. Roy is the author of the A to Z Mysteries, Capital Mysteries and Calendar Mysteries. The only mystery left is why you'd miss this event. You won't, mystery solved.
You would think one event per day would be enough. You'd be wrong, as was I, because after the Ron Roy event on June 11th at 3:00pm is another comedy show: "Connecticut Comics: Uncut" at 8:00pm. Ten comics take the stage in another benefit for Playhouse on Park. Doors open at 6:30 with beer, wine and munchies. Tickets are only $25.00.
June 15th thru June 26th come see "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown". and that loveable Peanuts clan we all grew up with. Speaking of peanuts, that's about what it'll cost to see this family-friendly show.
Now hopefully you can see how all that jazz made it hard for me to put together a shift schedule for all the shows, nevermind finding people to work. (Insert your sympathy here).
If you were paying attention, I just gave you a big clue as to the renowned musical that will close our second season with a bang this July. How apropos seeing as how that month is synonomous with fireworks. There will be plenty of fireworks on stage as Playhouse on Park brings "Chicago" to life. Chicago opens July 13th and runs through July 24th.
Hallelejuah, I'm done, but you're not, you still have to figure out how many shows to see at Playhouse on Park. Think it over carefully, there's still time. Go to our website http://www.playhouseonpark.org/ or call the box office at 860-523-5900 x10 if you'd like more information, we'll be happy to answer any questions.
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