Get Well Jade!

To our Boychick Affair's Aunt Trudie (Jade). I miss you and get well! SOON! My thoughts are with you.

Love,
ANK

Princess and the Pea at Carousel!

Over a year and a half ago, I did a production of Princess and the Pea at Glendale Centre Theatre. Not only was the show a blast to do, but I made some of my closest and dearest friends there. On Saturday we all got together to have lunch at Carousel in Glendale. As usual, I ordered the veggie soup which I always ordered when we went there between performances. I will never forget asking the waiter..."What else is in the soup besides vegetables?" His response "Bean, just beans." So from now on, I have to order this soup. Big hugs and love to Melody for organizing our feast. It was so much fun. I love you guys!

Chris M. Allport

One of my closest,dearest and talented friends, Chris M. Allport has just released the single "The Prayer". You must go and check it out ASAP. It is a hit! The CD and the sample are available here:
http://www.allportproductions.com/store.html

For more information on Chris M. Allport check out:
http://www.chris-m-allport.com/


Enjoy these pics of Chris and I while we were working on The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Crown City Theatre in Noho. Chris played Francois/Executioner and I was The Recluse.

LA Stage Scene Review of Baby

Three women learn that they are pregnant. One is surprised, the second overjoyed, the third shocked, almost horrified by the news.

Thus begins Baby, Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire’s 1983 Broadway sort-of-a-hit (241 performances and 7 Tony Award ... nominations).

Liz is the surprised one. She’s still a college student, and though crazy in love with would-be musician Danny, not at all interested in the bonds of marriage.

30something Pam is the one jumping for joy. She and Nick have been trying for a child for some years now, and had almost given up hope.

Arlene, 42, already has three grown children and the last thing she and 48-year-old husband Alan want is to start all over again with an infant in the house.

Sybille Pearson’s book (based on a story by Susan Yankwitz) follows the three couples through the ups and downs of the next nine months of their lives. Decisions must be made, beginning with the most basic one, whether to have the baby or not to, and in the case of one of the couples, whether to keep on trying when their pregnancy test result turns out to be a false positive.

Though Baby lasted less than a year on Broadway, it has become a regional and community theater favorite. Maltby and Shire’s songs are some of their best, highlighted by the deeply moving “The Story Goes On,” and the plotlines are something most (though not all) theatergoers can identify with. I’m part of the “not all” demographic, and thus Baby has never been a particular favorite of mine. Still, the show has its many charms and the retirees who made up most of Saturday’s audience at the West Valley Playhouse responded warmly (and nostalgically) to the ups and downs of the three expecting couples.

WVP’s production is bare bones (virtually no set, a single piano, and a simple lighting design) but thanks to an enthusiastic cast, which features a number of very good performances, there are many bright moments to be had.

Nicole Ligerman is cute and appealing as Lizzie, who has no desire for a wedding, which she dubs an “anti-social act (which) no one survives,” and who declares, perhaps a bit optimistically, that “the important thing is to work the baby into your life.” Patrick Robert Kelly (Ligerman’s real life beau) brings a goofy charm to Danny, especially when donning a punk rock wig. Both are good singers, with Ligerman ending the first act with an emotional bang with “The Story Goes On.”

As Pam, Alissa-Nicole Koblentz is a dazzler, a striking auburn-haired beauty with the best pipes in the show, and fine comedic chops. Her Nick is the handsome indeed Richard Knolla doing fine (and likeable) work here ( Their ironically-titled “Romance” is an amusing accompaniment to their “by the numbers” last ditch efforts get pregnant.

As 40something Alan and Arlene, Timothy Bergen and Marjorie Vander Hoff create amusing and sympathetic characters dealing with, as Arlene puts it, the knowledge that “I’ll be 60 when she’s 20.” Vander Hoff does some fine acting in the emotional and moving “Patterns,”. Bergen and Vander Hoff are very funny in a getting-in-shape sequence which features him on a trampoline and her on a stationary bike.

Some of Baby’s best work is done by the excellent five person ensemble, Kim Gubner, Oscar Luzanilla, Tracy McBurnett (my personal favorite), Cornelia Rinderknecht Eller, and Nancy Solomons, who begin the show in choir robes as they sing the show’s “Prologue” about the miracle of birth, and later morph into various personae including a hilarious real estate agent, a contact lens-challenged physician, softball team members, and an elderly female Greek chorus for “The Ladies Singing Their Song.”

Director/choreographer Noel Britton has done some good work here, the men’s jazzy “Fatherhood Blues” being a dance highlight. On piano, musical director Patricia Hannifan provides flawless accompaniment, though another instrument or two would have been created a richer sound. Don Nelson’s costumes are well chosen. Charles W. Hall’s set mostly consists of furniture rolled on and off stage. Kudos to cast member who manage to move a double bed to and from the wings more times than I could count. Danny Truxaw’s lighting design is fairly simple, but effective.

Baby is sure to take most audience members down memory lane, and thanks to some wonderful songs, amusing comedy sequences, and a number of fine performances, WVP’s production has much to recommend in it.

West Valley Playhouse, 7242 Owensmouth Ave. Canoga Park. Through September 7. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00, Sundays at 2:30. Tickets: (818) 884-1907.

--Steven Stanley
August 16, 2008

http://stagescenela.com/html/baby__wvp_.html

Baby, Second Weekend Pics

Just found this online!

http://valleynews.com/TheValley/Events/Theater/Event~505332.aspx


Tony-nominated musical 'Baby' at WV Playhouse

What: The musical "Baby," nominated for seven Tony Awards, is playing at the 167-seat West Valley Playhouse in Canoga Park.

The musical was nominated for Best Musical and Best Musical Score, Best Book by Sybille Pearson, Lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr., and Music by David Shire.

It's based upon a story developed with Susan Yankowitz.

"Baby" tells the story of three couples on a university campus as they deal with the painful, rewarding and agonizingly funny consequences of this universal experience.

There are the college students, barely at the beginning of their adult lives; the thirty-somethings, having trouble conceiving but determined to try; and the middle-aged parents, looking forward to seeing their last child graduate from college when a night of unexpected passion lands them back where they started.

Warm, intimate and immensely likable, It's a perfect show for anyone who's ever had a baby ... or anyone who's ever been one!

Tickets are $28 for adults, $25 for seniors and students, with group discounts available.

For more information and reservations, call the box office at 818-884-1907.
Where: West Valley Playhouse, 7242 Owensmouth Ave., Canoga Park
When: 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays
Event Dates: This event takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8/8/2008 through 9/7/2008.


Richard Knolla and Alissa-Nicole Koblentz in a scene from the musical 'Baby.'


Patrick Robert Kelly and Nicole Ligerman in a scene from the musical 'Baby.'


Marjorie Vander Hoff and Timothy Bergen in a scene from the musical 'Baby.'





We had some great shows this weekend. Amazing audience on Sunday. I'd like to give a shout out to my boys Chris and Johnny for coming and supporting me. After the show on Sunday, Chris and I enjoyed our frozen yogurt in Burbank. We walked the streets singing bad jingles and laughing like five year olds. It was great. That is what great friends are for. Check out some more great photos from Baby, provided by Kim (Who plays the hysterical fertility doctor, among other roles)!


Pam and Nick backstage. (Alissa-Nicole and Rick)


Kim and Tracy reveal what's really under the choir robes!


Kim,Cornelia,and Tracy.


Alan and Arlene are with child. (Tim and Marjorie)


The Ladies hamming it up!


The Ladies with our wonderful musical director Patty.


Oscar and Nancy keep it real backstage.


Danny and Lizzie are ready for this baby already! (Patrick and Nicole)


I hope this child is ready for us! (Tim and Marjorie)


The now infamous bed!

For more info on Baby go to WVPlayhouse.com

LA Times Review and Calendar Live "BABY"

LA Times Review of Baby 8/14

'Baby's' a bundle of musical charm

A bouncy melodic pulse underpins "Baby" at Clyde Porter's West Valley Playhouse. The charm of Richard Maltby Jr.'s and David Shire's score carries this sweet-spirited take on the 1983 musical about expectant parents to term.

Set in an East Coast university town, "Baby" follows three couples through the trials of procreation. Unmarried students Lizzie (Nicole Ligerman) and Danny (Patrick Robert Kelly) weigh whether impending parenthood means automatic conformity. Thirty-something athletic coaches Nick (Richard Knolla) and Pam (Alissa-Nicole Koblentz) grow frustrated in their efforts to conceive. Middle-age Arlene (Marjorie Vander Hoff) and Alan (Timothy Bergen) face empty-nest syndrome until an anniversary tryst returns them to square one.

Even though topically updated, Sybille Pearson's quip-heavy book remains affably functional at best. What sets "Baby" aglow are its numbers, which rival anything in the Maltby/Shire canon, from post-feminist "I Want It All" to funky "Fatherhood Blues."

The appealing Ligerman lands her standout anthem "The Story Goes On" with soaring clarity, well attuned to Kelly, whose exuberance goes touchingly soft-grained in "I Know I Chose Right." Knolla and Koblentz bring comic heft to "Romance" and emotional fiber to "With You." As the autumnal pair, Vander Hoff and Bergen are unforced and credible.



Calendar.com Audience member reviews:

http://www.calendarlive.com/stage/720121,0,2472509,review.event

Ronnie Valley Village, CA

I have come see the musicals at the West Valley every summer for the past few years. This by far was my favorite because it wasn't a review. The leads were great. I really liked the story of the athletic couple trying to concieve and the younger college couple. They had great voices. The theatre is comfortable and I always feel welcome.

Miranda The Valley, CA

Saw the show Sunday and enjoyed it very much. The show was a little too long, but other than that it was great. My girlfriends had a good time too. Enjoyed the woman who played Pam. She was funny and had a great voice! Thought the doctor was hysterical. My friend claims we have seen this actress in other things. Love the big number with all the ladies in it too!

More BABY pics

Cornelia (who plays the nurse, amongst other roles in Baby) was gracious enough to send over a ton of cast photos last night. Enjoy! Again, thank you, thank you Cornelia!



Rick checking for sound waves in a 1970's recorder. Is this thing even safe?



Rick's kids get into the action as ANK rehearses keeping her legs in the air for long stretches of time while attempting to sing and act.



Tracy, Patrick, Oscar and Rick in "Fatherhood Blues"



Marjorie as Arlene and Ank as Pam rehearsing "I Want it All"



Happy Birthday Rick! Yes, the cake is made with Splenda!



Pam (ANK) and Lizzie (Nicole). Goofing around that Pam can't get pregnant and Lizzie didn't even have to try!



Principals dressing room. Not quite LBB's dressing room, but still fabulous. Now, when can I have the leopard wallpaper put up?




Nicole (Lizzie), ANK (Pam) and Marjorie (Arlene) in the doctor's office.



Rick (Nick),ANK (Pam) rehearsing vocals for "With You" with musical director Patty.



Marjorie (Arlene) and Tim (Alan) at rehearsal.



Patrick (Danny) and Nicole (Lizzie) having a baby!

Opening Weekend!

Opening weeking has come and gone for BABY. I didn't think I was ready, but of course everything came together nicely. Below are a few pics from backstage and opening night. Special thanks to Nicole for some of the shots. More shots to come courtesy of Cornelia.


Nick(Rick),Pam(ANK),Lizzie(Nicole)and Danny(Patrick) opening costumes.


Nicole(Lizzie) and ANK(Pam) in honor of Paul Caanan.. "Baby, is a hit!"



Backstage, hangin' out. Which one of us is Patti LuPone?



Opening Night with my co-star Rick.


Nicole knows Paul Caanan would think Lizzie was A HIT! Now, where's Andy Karl?

Sexy, Sexy Sunday!

Sexy, Sexy Sunday went off without a hitch. Who knew? I cannot believe the amount of things that got accomplished. Started off the day by doing the usual Four N' 20 breakfast of the soyrizo scramble and fruit.






I think the natives at the Four'N 20 are so use to me rollin' in with my rollers and do rag that they don't even blink when I ride in all pre-show prep. I swear, if I don't have my soyrizo before The Boychick Affair I feel a little off kilter. After the quick breakfast of Boychick champions, it was off to Trader Joe's for a quick fruit, soy milk and veggie pick-up for the week.
After those stops, it was home to catch up on an old episode of Sex and the City and then leave to go to the theatre.Nicole and Patrick (the other leads in Baby) meet me at the apartment and we drove down to the theatre. I am going to get them into the show, no matter what. This was my last Boychick Affair for five weeks. I think the show went off really well. I know I am going to miss everyone while I am gone. I hate leaving, but when I do come back, I feel refreshed and bring a new energy to Lizzy Lizzard. After we all piled back into my Chevy Aveo, we had one last stop before the apartment. That's right....
YOGURTLAND!
Patrick shares my joy for the Yogurtland, however, Nicole needed more convincing, but she got a small one anyways.
After landing back in the goodness of Burbank Blvd it was off to do two loads of laundry. After the laundry, I visited my mom and Newman (the best labradoodle ever) and we had dinner at Maria's. I remember going to the Maria's in Northridge when I was in high school. I still order the same thing everytime- Italian Green Salad (no cheese, extra garbanzo beans). Mmmmm! After chatting it up with my mom, I went back home and finally colored my hair. HELLO ROOTS! After the hair coloring experience, it was off to make brownies for the office. Finally after that, I put away all the laundry, played with Henry Rollins, made my lunch for work, and then collapsed into bed!
I think that about covers it! Have a fantastic Monday. I already need a nap and it's not even 9 a.m. yet.

WKUK

Today, I bring you some of my favorite sketches from Whitest Kids 'U Know. Love you TREVOR!

PIMP PUN DISASTER -WHOREable what happened to her!


GALLON OF PCP


SATURDAY

Last Boychick until 9/15

Sunday will be my last performance of The Boychick Affair until 9/15. I will be leaving the show for five weeks for the musical Baby. In my absence, Deena Russo will step into the role of Lizzy Lizzard. I am sure the show will go off without a hitch. However, I hate leaving the show. You always get that fear that the person who will be replacing you will be better and then when you return, your job won't be there. This is not the first time that I have left The Boychick Affair. I left while I was playing Pam in The Full Monty. I remember the first day going back to playing Lizzy Lizzard. I was so nervous and shaky. Will I remember all my work? My beats? But once I got the costume on, ran through some of the music and ate my Balance bar, I was good to go. The Boychick Affair never fails to entertain me, since we always have something new to throw into the show. Last week, we finally moved the party portion of the show to the LA Fonda on Wilshire. When I first arrived at the new place, I thought I was going to have a breakdown. Where's my sound? How to I move around this space? But once the audience was there, it was working for me and I just went with it.
I look forward to my last week with my Boychick family. They do say absence makes the heart grow stronger. Right?

HAVE A LOVELY WEEKEND YA'LL!!!!