tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50848052011-07-29T01:14:40.957-04:00Rants, screeds and random jottings (plus the occasional snapshot) from just off Broad Street and way off-BroadwayMr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.comBlogger2581100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1156295964679332692006-08-22T21:15:00.000-04:002006-08-22T21:19:24.690-04:00

Dear Readers,I know you are few but faithful, and my goal is ever to intrigue and delight you with these postings. I hope it won't cause any of you too much distress to learn that you'll have to go to this new location for your occasional dose of random Chazziness. I've moved my blog onto the same server that hosts my personal site, and the new URL is "blog.chasgilbert.com". Click the link,

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1155859487850321192006-08-17T20:04:00.000-04:002006-08-17T20:04:47.946-04:00

Here's a link to the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia site, where the 2006 Barrymore nominees are listed. I was tapped again this year for Outstanding Music Direction. Lots of nods for Forum (including Tony, Jeff and Richie Ruiz as well as Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical). As always, a healthy showing by UArts types, including Ben Dibble, Erin Weaver and Mandy Schoonover, and

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1155608307211759412006-08-14T22:18:00.000-04:002006-08-14T22:18:27.303-04:00

If you haven't read him yet (or lately), check out the website of investigative journalist Greg Palast, whose most recent column asks the musical question: "...if [airport] security’s no joking matter, why does this guy dressed in a high-school marching band outfit tell me to dump my Frappuccino and take off my shoes?" Palast's articles on the Mexican election, the politics of petroleum, and the

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1155474175397090822006-08-13T09:02:00.000-04:002006-08-13T09:03:51.436-04:00

I'm busting out the camera and heading over to the Doo-Wop Avenue Claasic Car Show and Street Party, taking place around the corner from our house. Look for pix here.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1155439610947559722006-08-12T23:24:00.000-04:002006-08-12T23:28:41.233-04:00

That was so easy (see post below) that I'm posting a second video from "Einstein's Dreams," this one a trio of short original songs I wrote for the character of Mileva Maric, Einstein's wife at the time Lightman's novel takes place (Einstein's "annus mirabilis," 1905). The singers are Abby Grenda, Carleigh Smith and Danielle Westhead; all of them learned these songs overnight and performed them

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1155439365800201922006-08-12T23:20:00.000-04:002006-08-12T23:22:45.800-04:00

If the magic of YouTube is cooperating, below you will find a video clip from the final performance at the Pre-College Program in Musical Theater at The University of the Arts. The piece being showcased is called Tempus Fugit, and it was created as part of a workshop of ideas for a musical based on Alan Lightman's book "Einstein's Dreams." Whit MacLaughlin was the director, Albert Innaurato was

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1155428811386044962006-08-12T20:21:00.000-04:002006-08-12T23:12:52.996-04:00

Leaving for camp Originally uploaded by Chazzyg.The time: Saturday morning, August 5, 10:45 am. I've loaded up the scooter with a sleeping bag and backpack, and slung my portable Roland keyboard over my shoulder. My destination? The Parlor, at 1170 S. Broad. For the next 33 hours (or so), I'll be locked in with 20 other theater artists in a Marathon event hosted by Whit MacLaughlin and New

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1152066111335540072006-07-04T22:17:00.000-04:002006-07-04T22:21:51.403-04:00

Coming About Originally uploaded by Chazzyg.The Kalmar Nyckel on the Christina Riverfront, as seen on the Fourth of July. In the background, riverfront condo-mania.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1151159752923705652006-06-24T10:35:00.000-04:002006-06-24T10:35:52.993-04:00

The online ediion of the Wall Street Journal offers these thoughts by Terry Teachout on "Regional Theater's Glamour Gap." As a theater artist working in "the stix," I say "right on!"

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1148565655549635962006-05-25T10:00:00.000-04:002006-05-25T10:00:55.620-04:00

In this morning's Philadelphia Inquirer, Toby Zinman writes that "Arden's 'Forum' is a funny thing." It runs through June 25.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1148153408205689372006-05-20T15:30:00.000-04:002006-05-20T15:30:08.273-04:00

What makes a virtuoso? Is it talent or training? There's food for thought in an article entitled A Star Is Made from The New York Times Magazine. This article points to the statistical connection between "deliberate practice" and "expert performance." SAVI singing actors, take note!

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1147955850115591512006-05-18T08:34:00.000-04:002006-05-18T08:37:30.116-04:00

MoreDancingonBroad.JPG Originally uploaded by Chazzyg.This is how UArts celebrates after the ceremony - a Brazilian samba band and carnival dancers lead the procession back to Hamilton Hall.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1147955762691038482006-05-18T08:33:00.000-04:002006-05-18T08:36:02.696-04:00

AnAcademicFamily.JPG Originally uploaded by Chazzyg.The three of us in our caps and gowns, out on Broad Street in front of the Merriam Theater after the ceremony.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1147955715549873202006-05-18T08:32:00.000-04:002006-05-18T08:35:15.556-04:00

JustGotIt.JPG Originally uploaded by Chazzyg.Snapped on the stage just after Alex received his diploma - D'Arcy and I got out of our faculty seats and came round to greet him.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1147955655229314452006-05-18T08:31:00.000-04:002006-05-18T08:34:15.236-04:00

LookingUp1.JPG Originally uploaded by Chazzyg.This is the place where the students line up prior to the march to graduation. That's Alex standing under the UArts banner, and several of his multimedia classmates to his right.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1147955547706095532006-05-18T08:29:00.000-04:002006-05-18T08:32:27.756-04:00

CapandGown.JPG Originally uploaded by Chazzyg.From Alex's graduation - April 17 2006

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1146354356469635822006-04-29T19:45:00.000-04:002006-04-29T19:45:56.523-04:00

A fig on a twig Originally uploaded by Chazzyg.Look closely at this stalk that we put in the ground a week or so ago, soon to be a fig tree. Not only has it sprouted its first foliage (upper right area of photo) but its first baby fig (green thumb shaped protuberance near bottom of frame). These are the delights of the urban gardener.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1145240377701969822006-04-16T22:19:00.000-04:002006-04-16T22:19:37.986-04:00

FloweringTree Originally uploaded by Chazzyg.We planted this crabapple in front of our house two years ago, and this is the second spring it has bloomed. The clusters of deep pink blossoms seem especially vibrant when contrasted with the lime green jacket and peach pashmina of the stylish Miss D. As balmy weather returns to the City of Brotherly Love, we've been loving our scooter rides, too!

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1144013879758089372006-04-02T17:37:00.000-04:002006-04-02T17:37:59.826-04:00

Grand Hotel - 24 Originally uploaded by Chazzyg.Senior musical theater student Jarrod Lentz snapped some terrific photos of Grand Hotel during the dress rehearsals. Click on the image about to go to my flickr page and look at the rest!

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1143668546574042532006-03-29T16:42:00.000-05:002006-03-29T16:42:26.640-05:00

Take a quick minute to look at this video of comedian-juggler Chris Bliss. Amazing!

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1143660418475183252006-03-29T14:26:00.000-05:002006-03-29T14:26:58.543-05:00

Grand Hotel Originally uploaded by Chazzyg.This Palm Photo is a little blurry but has a lot of atmosphere. It doesn't do justice to the beautiful costumes created by Mark Mariani, either. Let's be honest, it sucks, but it's the best I've got til Jarrod sends me some of the shots he took. But the production is mighty handsome, and all those within driving distance should hie themselves to the

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1142970467478719832006-03-21T14:47:00.000-05:002006-03-21T14:47:47.543-05:00

The New York Times publishedthis review of Sondheim's Company at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, and I must confess I got all goose-pimply reading about it. But that's how big a geek I am, I guess. As someone who knows the piece well and loves it, I regard this directorial concept as being particularly exciting. The picture above comes from a gallery on the www.cincyplay.com website.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1142785998891898822006-03-19T11:33:00.000-05:002006-03-19T11:33:18.950-05:00

GrandHotel1 Originally uploaded by Chazzyg.Here's Artie Sievers and Molly Walsh as the Baron and Grushinskaya in the UArts production of Grand Hotel. If this picture had sound, you'd hear a high A-flat screaming out of your computer - but then that might be too intense for some Chazzybloggers.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1142435826982855872006-03-15T10:17:00.000-05:002006-03-15T10:18:45.310-05:00

A google search on the title "Yoduk Story" will yield many hits like this article in the VOA News, which tells of North Korean writer/director Sung Jeong San's efforts to produce a new musical about the cruelty found in a North Korean prison camp. "Yoduk Story" is named after a prison camp where North Koreans are sent for even minor political crimes - a name that resonates like "Auschwitz" for

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1141935695055730852006-03-09T15:16:00.000-05:002006-03-09T15:21:35.070-05:00

Any readers who found the prospect of my suffering at the hands of the Dental Inquisition distressing will be relieved to know that I'm recuperating comfortably and benefitting from the angelic ministrations of the Blessed D'Arcy. A papal committee has been convened to put her on the fast track to sainthood, especially after she spent hours stirring a delicious risotto-like Spanish rice pudding

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1141788755398313102006-03-07T22:32:00.000-05:002006-03-07T22:32:35.403-05:00

IMG_0574 Originally uploaded by winnieatcolby.Here's the man himself, at Disneyworld. Note the resemblance to the pictures below?

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1141788617840774232006-03-07T22:30:00.000-05:002006-03-07T22:30:17.850-05:00

Slightly distracted this evening as I contemplate my impending sinus lift procedure. If I'm not mistaken, this will be my first time under anasthesia for a medical procedure. After the ordeals I've been thru while conscious, I suppose the prospect of a couple hours conked out in the dentist chair while they perform their miracles shouldn't faze me a bit. But if anyone cares to say a little prayer

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1141787754695952362006-03-07T22:15:00.000-05:002006-03-07T22:15:54.763-05:00

SAVI workshop at LIPA Originally uploaded by Chazzyg.It's been nearly a year since I accompanied the cast of A Lyrical Opera Made by Two to the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, but there are pictures to prove we were there. That's me on the far right, watching a mixed group of UArts and LIPA students doing the Mirror Canon. Click on the photo to visit my Flickr site, where there are a

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1141601848699578442006-03-05T18:32:00.000-05:002006-03-05T18:37:28.723-05:00

I've been playing racquetball at the Sporting Club for the last few months with one of my colleagues. (The image above is one I found via Google, and does not depict the two of us.) Despite my diligent efforts, I have yet to win a game against this fiendish opponent! At Christmastime, I invested significantly in new gear - racquet, shoes, glove - thinking that would give me some kind of an edge,

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1141002278690067982006-02-26T20:04:00.000-05:002006-02-26T20:04:38.696-05:00

Kerry in Beauty and the Beast Originally uploaded by Chazzyg.From the finale - Cogsworth is restored to human form but gets the opera diva as his partner (for punishment?)

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1141002123932580962006-02-26T20:02:00.000-05:002006-02-26T20:02:03.936-05:00

Kerry in Beauty and the Best Originally uploaded by Chazzyg.This photo shows Kerry as Cogsworth with the other enchanted characters: Chip (the little teacup), Mrs. Potts (the teapot) and Lumiere (the candlestick).

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1141002049637394522006-02-26T20:00:00.000-05:002006-02-26T20:00:49.683-05:00

Cogsworth shows Belle the castle Originally uploaded by Chazzyg.Kerry appears in the Merion Mercy Music Theater production of Beauty and the Beast thru next weekend. Aunties and other Chazzyblog habitues will surely enjoy these snapshots of his onstage antics.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1140364801165831532006-02-19T11:00:00.000-05:002006-02-19T11:00:01.170-05:00

Mother & son laptops Originally uploaded by Chazzyg.Mother and son ply their matching powerbooks in a moment of digital compatibility.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1140364667018907442006-02-19T10:50:00.000-05:002006-02-19T10:57:47.030-05:00

In a remarkable burst of synchronicity, the New York Times published this article about singer-songwriter Ray Davies, creator of the songs of the Kinks and the tunestack for the upcoming UArts musical theater production of "Picture Book: A Rock and Roll Fantasy." He calls his songs "small plays."

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1138419148765380932006-01-27T22:32:00.000-05:002006-01-27T22:32:28.820-05:00

As a long-time proponent of alternate schooling, I was stirred to read Gatto's essay Confederacy of Dunces. It's a little on the long side, but worth the read.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1137979759370944172006-01-22T20:29:00.000-05:002006-01-22T20:29:19.373-05:00

Loch Lomand Originally uploaded by carpal.A breathtaking image. I'm wishing I was there.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1137979508449196202006-01-22T20:25:00.000-05:002006-01-22T20:25:08.516-05:00

Doune Castle Originally uploaded by carpal.Our UK correspondent tells us that Doune Castle (pictured here) was used in the filming of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Click on the photo to go to his Flickr page, and view some stunning images of fog-shrouded Scotland.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1137715227635234522006-01-19T19:00:00.000-05:002006-01-19T19:00:27.693-05:00

PICT0021.JPG Originally uploaded by carpal.Alex has posted some snapshots from his UK travels on flickr.com. If you click on the photo, it should take you to his photo page. These photos take me back to my own first visit to the UK, which was another January some 30+ years ago - rainy, cold, damp, COLD, but still very exciting. I've spoken with Alex, who reports he's having a great time. Check

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1137467887185056802006-01-16T22:18:00.000-05:002006-01-16T22:18:07.190-05:00

Statue in front of Philadelphia City Hall Originally uploaded by raypp2.With a little time on my hand, I was exploring Flickr's random selections of "interesting" photos and came upon this gorgeous shot taken in front of City Hall. As you see, this was taken just a couple days ago. The photographer says: "As heavy fog decends upon Philadelphia, the beautiful gothic city hall almost looks haunted

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1137467338773894972006-01-16T22:08:00.000-05:002006-01-16T22:08:58.780-05:00

Three Youngsters in Landenberg Originally uploaded by Chazzyg.While I was abroad, my mom sent me copies of several photos she'd just scanned, including this shot of me (with mouse ears!), my sister Cindi and my cousin Chuck. Happy times!

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1137466990548779042006-01-16T22:03:00.000-05:002006-01-16T22:03:10.603-05:00

Self Portrait in HK 3 Originally uploaded by Chazzyg.Back from Hong Kong for a few days now, and I've got a new PowerBook to edit the video I shot there. This image is a frame from some video I shot on the waterfront of Victoria Harbour on my last night, just before watching the Symphony of Lights (see previous blog entry). In the background, the International Financial Center and other buildings

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1136987557739586182006-01-11T08:52:00.000-05:002006-01-11T08:57:06.110-05:00

Symphony of Lights Originally uploaded by mgleaves.Well, first I must fess up and acknowledge that this is not my photo. I do have about 10 minutes of video of the Symphony of Lights, however, which was a splendid finale to my stay in HK. The crowd gathered at the harbour's edge in front of the Convention Center a little before 8, and then the whole skyline went crazy with a synchronized music

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1136972299316970772006-01-11T04:38:00.000-05:002006-01-11T04:38:19.323-05:00

Lions Observation Tower Originally uploaded by Chazzyg.This one's for Mom and Chuck - the Hong Kong Lions are the sponsors of this location on Victoria Peak. When you pass through the round portal, you walk out onto a balcony with a killer view of the city.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1136971902507332192006-01-11T04:31:00.000-05:002006-01-11T04:31:42.513-05:00

The Peak tram Originally uploaded by angus mcdiarmid.One more photo I didn't take, though I was in this tram car and saw this view. Angus' photo is better than mine, though - you can sense the tilty tram car and the dazzling view below.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1136971579206483542006-01-11T04:26:00.000-05:002006-01-11T04:26:19.213-05:00

Tak Hing Street Originally uploaded by angus mcdiarmid.The side streets in Kowloon are all festooned with signs like these. I was there in the daytime, but I prefer this dramatic nighttime shot.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1136971416525681802006-01-11T04:23:00.000-05:002006-01-11T04:23:36.640-05:00

Flower Market Originally uploaded by angus mcdiarmid.Wish I'd taken this, but someone else did. I was on Nathan Road in Kowloon today and saw plenty of shops like this. I felt shy about snapping people's pictures on a busy street, though. Thanks, Angus!

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1136932592575977302006-01-10T17:36:00.000-05:002006-01-10T17:38:03.046-05:00

HKAPA2 Originally uploaded by Chazzyg.I took this photo in the garden outside the administrative offices at HKAPA (which are behind the windows at the bottom of the photo). The dramatic gridwork above is the exterior of the main building, which has seven floors of theaters, studios and support facilities, arranged around an inner atrium. It's an impressive, memorable facility which you can take a

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1136904459525660882006-01-10T09:47:00.000-05:002006-01-10T17:31:02.333-05:00

HK tappers Originally uploaded by Chazzyg.It was a busy day for the Musical Theatre Programme Review team at HKAPA. Our day began with a roundtable discussion with current students and alumni. We observed three classes, including this tap class taught by an alum of the program. After a lunch of Singapore noodles at a nearby Malaysian restaurant, we returned for meetings with the musical theater

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1136800944454058022006-01-09T05:02:00.000-05:002006-01-09T05:02:34.046-05:00

Warmup Originally uploaded by Chazzyg.These young dance students were coached by their voice teacher to be physically expressive as they warmed up - shades of SAVI!

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1136800868900649542006-01-09T05:01:00.000-05:002006-01-09T05:01:57.883-05:00

Morning T'ai Chi Originally uploaded by Chazzyg.From my window at the Harbour View International House, I watched these Hong Kong residents in their morning ritual.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1136736028707768052006-01-08T11:00:00.000-05:002006-01-08T11:15:28.633-05:00

The Harbour view.JPG Originally uploaded by Chazzyg. I walked out of my house in South Philly at 5:15 am on Saturday morning, and 26 hours later, I was looking at this view from the window of a Hong Kong hotel room. The journey was, for the most part, tedious beyond endurance, especially the flight from Chicago to HK, 14 hours on a flight where every seat was filled and the legroom in

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1136655301776153512006-01-07T12:27:00.000-05:002006-01-07T12:35:01.916-05:00

Surfing the web, I found some comments by Anthony Tommasini in The New York Times to be of particular interest to students of singing. Praising the cabaret act that Elaine Stritch is currently presenting at the Cafe Carlyle, he tells an amusing anecdote about conductor James Levine's admiration for La Stritch and then goes on to explain that what makes her performance so remarkable"has little to

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1136650146514891892006-01-07T11:09:00.000-05:002006-01-07T11:09:06.520-05:00

Day by Night Originally uploaded by Shek Graham. ...is the devil's playground, or so sez Professor Harold Hill. Meanwhile, idleness seems to be the ideal condition for blogging, so if it provides me with a little diversion, I figure a little squandered bandwidth is a small price to pay. All of which has little to do with the adjoining picture, which makes my current destination look cool

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1136649558624295932006-01-07T10:59:00.000-05:002006-01-07T10:59:18.673-05:00

Market Lights Originally uploaded by Shek Graham. Sitting in Chicago O'Hare airport, I'm browsing other flickr photos of my destination. The excitement and the anticipation is almost sufficient to offset the boredom of a 3-hour layover followed by 14 hours of imprisonment in a steel tube. Hope to have some photos of my own to post here soon!

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1135826242273691632005-12-28T22:17:00.000-05:002005-12-28T22:17:22.280-05:00

Alex plays guitar Originally uploaded by Chazzyg. Alex couldn't keep his hands off Kerry's christmas present!

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1135826162162289182005-12-28T22:16:00.000-05:002005-12-28T22:16:02.166-05:00

Holiday Lights Originally uploaded by Chazzyg. The facade of our South Philly joint lit up for the holiday - the lights are actually red but the camera couldn't get the colors right at dusk...

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1135826138736182902005-12-28T22:15:00.000-05:002005-12-28T22:15:38.743-05:00

Holiday decor Originally uploaded by Chazzyg. A view of the decorated dining room during our Christmas Eve bash, showing Kerry at the buffet. Check out the garlands on the ceiling!

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1135826047655196372005-12-28T22:14:00.000-05:002005-12-28T22:14:07.660-05:00

A Skinny Tree Originally uploaded by Chazzyg. Our holiday tree this year is 100% artificial (guaranteed no sneezing) but 101% beautiful.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1135825916020839822005-12-28T22:11:00.000-05:002005-12-28T22:11:56.083-05:00

Kerry's new guitar Originally uploaded by Chazzyg. Looking down on Kerry on the sofa as he strums his new guitar - a scene from Christmas morning

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1135660001264486712005-12-26T23:59:00.000-05:002005-12-27T00:07:57.316-05:00

Alex has posted four original compositions which some chazzyblog habitues may find of interest. These are tunes which he created in collaboration with his friend and roommate, Mark Malangyan (both pictured above), unveiled at a release party at Silk City earlier in December. CallMarch In MaySalvation ArmyAwake

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1134795951228354392005-12-17T00:05:00.000-05:002005-12-17T00:05:51.276-05:00

I've just accepted an invitation to visit the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, to help conduct an assessment of their musical theater program. Above, an image from their production of Fiddler On The Roof (in Cantonese). Here is a link to a little bit of video from their program. Stay tuned to the Chazzyblog for further tales of Musical Theater in the Far East!

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1134330732522062012005-12-11T14:52:00.000-05:002005-12-11T14:52:12.560-05:00

The Internet theater site Talkin' Broadway has a very nice write-up of The Dinosaur Musical, which their reviewer liked even better than Frog and Toad - imagine that! This reviewer appreciated the show in every imaginable way, a very nourishing form of praise.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1134311309395245242005-12-11T09:28:00.000-05:002005-12-11T09:28:29.400-05:00

This article on BroadwayWorld.com provides detailed information on the casting and tour schedule of the re-constituted Doctor Dolittle tour, now starring Tommy Tune and Dee Hoty. Scroll down to read the name of Lesley M. Klose (formerly Lesley Fagen, now wife of Chip Klose) in the cast list. Congrats to Lesley!

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1134310506609365702005-12-11T09:15:00.000-05:002005-12-11T09:15:06.646-05:00

The New York Times published this wonderful piece about Barbara Cook and a master class that she conducted with Juilliard singing actors. I've been coaching my third year students on a round of standards and have been repeating many of the same mantras, but I don't get paid the big master class fees to do it. It's affirming to see a great artist affirm this approach to singing-acting.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1134191913278162582005-12-10T00:18:00.000-05:002005-12-10T00:18:33.413-05:00

The text of Harold Pinter's Nobel acceptance speech makes some pretty profound reading. It takes awhile but it's worth it.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1134106826323455092005-12-09T00:40:00.000-05:002005-12-09T11:54:05.910-05:00

Toby Zinman reviews The Dinosaur Musical at variety.com. Kudos are due to friend and colleague Toby, who has been appointed the new theater reviewer for the Phila Inquirer.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1134106565130098142005-12-09T00:36:00.000-05:002005-12-09T11:55:21.206-05:00

Jurassic Jingles is the name of David Anthony Fox's review of The Dinosaur Musical in the City Paper. "Director MacLaughlin does superb work here—there's energy and charm galore, but also sophistication. He, like Nolen and the rest of the Arden team, have exceptional gifts to offer this holiday season. And I guarantee that all of you—kids and adults—will have a great time."

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1133726202892415222005-12-04T14:54:00.000-05:002005-12-04T14:58:08.440-05:00

These are the students in my junior Voice for Musical Theater class on the day of their Vaudeville Showcase. We had lots of good times that day...

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1133707221641554432005-12-04T08:47:00.000-05:002005-12-04T09:41:04.580-05:00

Today is the opening performance of The Dinosaur Musical at the Arden Theater. Here is an article on playbill.com about the show, which I'm music directing.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1131294281800463152005-11-06T11:24:00.000-05:002005-11-06T11:24:41.800-05:00

So sez Patti Lupone in this Newsweek interview.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1131294055227302232005-11-06T11:17:00.000-05:002005-11-06T11:21:25.836-05:00

I love this image from the new Sweeney Todd; it appeared in this online Newsweek article. One commentator waggishly dubs it "Sweeney/Sade," acknowledging the production's resemblance to Peter Brook's famous production of Marat/Sade.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1130007639330065982005-10-22T14:57:00.000-04:002005-10-22T15:00:39.336-04:00

Here's an interview with Sara Thustra, known to his friends as Z and to me as the son of my friend Edward "Stretch" Wesolowski.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1128308537982346722005-10-02T23:02:00.000-04:002005-10-10T08:37:11.973-04:00

I routinely enjoy reading Terry Teachout's blog About Last Night, in which he writes with wit and erudtion about music, theater, art and books; today there's a link to an article he wrote for Commentary called Why They Don't Write 'em Like They Used To which is a rewarding read if you're willing to invest the time. The main subject of his article is a new book called "Classic American Popular

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1128269984304550472005-10-02T12:19:00.000-04:002005-10-02T12:19:44.346-04:00

Here's a link to an article in National Geographic Traveler which makes a pretty wonderful case for the charms of our hometown.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1128051976959592862005-09-29T23:46:00.000-04:002005-09-29T23:46:17.026-04:00

Thanks to the Internet Anagram Server, I now know that the letters in "Musical Theater" can be rearranged to spell "I'm a teacher slut." Go figure.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1127609399918998082005-09-24T20:37:00.000-04:002005-09-24T20:49:59.926-04:00

It's been far too long a wait for readers of the ChazzyBlog who've been itching to see me and the missus on our new scooter. Truth is, we've been too damn busy having fun riding and enjoying our midlife crisis to get organized and take a picture! But today was a perfect early fall day, and we had the foresight to grab the camera before buzzing off to meet Alex for lunch. Our son can't believe his

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1127163129678264342005-09-19T16:52:00.000-04:002005-09-19T16:52:09.713-04:00

The documentary "From A Seed To This," created by the members of the Scribe Youth History Project (including Kerry Gilbert, seen peering into the lens above) will be on Thursday night, October 6 at 7 pm at International House in West Philly (details here). Cinephiles may wish to mark their calendars.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1126409174391578552005-09-10T23:26:00.000-04:002005-09-10T23:26:14.450-04:00

Playbill.com just published an interview with Linda Hart in which she's quoted as saying: 'She positively revels in raunch — and gave it full vent in the Second Stage revival of Gemini, playing Bunny Weinberger, a brazen, cleavage-baring, man-hungry divorcee. The role allowed Hart license to kill, and kill she did. It's her favorite so far, and, as luck would have it, she got to reprise it in a

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1125896212000322742005-09-05T00:56:00.000-04:002005-09-05T00:56:52.030-04:00

Strong words from Maureen Dowd of the New York Times. Strong words.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1124757583115028942005-08-22T20:39:00.000-04:002005-08-22T21:04:01.376-04:00

BroadwayWorld.com just posted a Multimedia Interview with Todd Buonopane on the occasion of his recent to Stagedoor Manor. Todd, of course, has done well in the last year, holding down a gig as understudy on Putnam County Spelling Bee, but there are those of us who think that Todd's career-defining performance was as Herschel in Gemini the Musical. Check out a short audio clip of Todd in Gemini

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1124755451885588062005-08-22T20:04:00.000-04:002005-08-22T20:28:08.153-04:00

This article in the Sunday Times describes a fascinating shift in the commercial theater: it appears that the wave of revivals may well have crested and there are almost no good shows left to revive. With the catalog of the pop song world exhaustively exploited in jukebox shows and the field of revivals fully tilled, maybe the focus on Broadway will shift back to new musicals. Meanwhile,

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1124219114314591062005-08-16T15:05:00.000-04:002005-08-16T15:05:14.376-04:00

Now here's a provocative piece on classical music as crime stopper. Appears that playing classical music in public spaces reduces crime and drives out loitering thugs. If this is the wave of the future, I for one have no objections - Vivaldi and Mozart would be welcome in the stations of the Broad Street line, and I prefer my public spaces thug-free. On the other hand, it raises some fascinating

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1124051772351102082005-08-14T16:36:00.000-04:002005-08-14T16:36:12.386-04:00

The University of the Arts has put together a Press Release on the school's website calling attention to the six alumni and faculty members who received Barrymore awards. That was quick!

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1123708347409080152005-08-10T17:09:00.000-04:002005-08-10T17:12:27.410-04:00

Family members and other habitues of the Chazzyblog will probably recognize this handsome lad...

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1123707935045656982005-08-10T17:05:00.000-04:002005-08-10T17:08:55.533-04:00

The Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia announced the nominees for the 2005 Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre at a press conference this morning, and I was delighted and honored to be nominated twice - for Outstanding Original Music for Gemini the Musical (woot) as well as Outstanding Musical Director for A Year with Frog and Toad (woot woot). Not only is it a thrill to be

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1121740833603794052005-07-18T22:04:00.000-04:002005-07-18T22:40:33.620-04:00

Spent the day in NYC Saturday with the three most precious people in my life, seen above. The weather was fine and the spirits of the Gotham tourists even finer; the day started off with a bang when we found a perfect parking space - free! - on the streets of the Upper East Side, and remained consistently felicitous.In the Metropolitan Museum, we looked at a wonderful exhibit of Matisse paintings

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1120482168918512372005-07-04T08:45:00.000-04:002005-07-04T09:14:46.436-04:00

Things have been busy here in the birthplace of Independence, and the Fourth of July celebration is only part of it. Since emerging from "The Middle of Nowhere" (the Randy Newman show at the Prince that closed on June 27th), I've divided my time between well-deserved pleasures, long-deferred duties and much-needed preparations, and I'm pleased to report that the first of the three has been

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1117052084241033232005-05-25T16:08:00.000-04:002005-07-04T09:12:53.493-04:00

Last night was the opening of the Arden's "Sweeney Todd," a thrill-packed production from all reports. No matter how terrific it is, though, it doesn't have this babe in it...Even if you went through "Jersey Girl" frame by frame, you'd miss the performance of D'Arcy as the Beggar Woman - she wound up on the cutting room floor, as they say. But what a looker! She puts her homely hubby (who is

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1116285358871185782005-05-16T19:15:00.000-04:002005-05-16T19:25:17.993-04:00

In response to the rising chorus of protests regarding the lack of recent activity on the Chazzyblog, I can only offer the following image by way of explanation:Yes, it's true - the love of my life caught in flagrante with a notorious TV chef. Oh, the ignominy! I had wandered off to another part of the store to find the anchovy fillets, and returned to discover this culinary tete a tete in

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1115610874572305952005-05-08T23:53:00.000-04:002005-05-08T23:54:34.576-04:00

This is how they do it South Philly style!

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1113626075897380742005-04-16T00:34:00.000-04:002005-04-16T00:34:35.896-04:00

Here is a bit of coverage about the American Idol finalists' attempts to sing from the Broadway songbook.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1112723289937662302005-04-05T13:40:00.000-04:002005-04-05T13:48:09.936-04:00

Our coach pulled into Cardiff at 3:30 pm on Sunday, the end of a long journey via air and road that began the previous evening at 8 pm. Don't be misled by the cheery smiles - these cast members are dead tired! We made our way to the theater at Chapter Arts Centrewhere we loaded in Made By Two, hung and focused lights, and worked feverishly to get ready for our Monday night opening. I can't say

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1112720422298215342005-04-05T13:00:00.000-04:002005-04-05T13:48:53.570-04:00

And if you're in Cardiff, you can even buy a ticket if you clickon this link.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1111880807769261122005-03-26T18:42:00.000-05:002005-03-26T18:46:47.770-05:00

I heard from Tom Hachtman after ordering a copy of his cartoon collection "Gertrude's Follies" from a bookstore in his neighborhood that, as luck would have it, notifies him whenever he sells a book. That collection is better than catnip for my 70's-addled brain. Turns out Hac (who is a PCA alum) has also published a handful of cartoons in the New Yorker - here's a funny example.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1111880277727570232005-03-26T18:37:00.000-05:002005-03-26T18:37:57.726-05:00

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1111858333638423652005-03-26T12:19:00.000-05:002005-03-26T18:34:40.073-05:00

Calliope music in the backyard as I sweep up the morning glory seeds that fell last fall - is the circus in town? For a moment, I thought it was a church organ, but the tunes are unmistakably those of the other big top. Folding a ton of laundry, mating the socks, mopping the wood floors with orange oil spray so they shine. Straightening up the desk, I notice that Phillies tickets have arrived in

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1111552077517282352005-03-22T23:27:00.000-05:002005-03-22T23:27:57.516-05:00

Less than an hour before the day is done, and I have yet to acknowledge the 75th birthday of a man who has brought me more hours of pleasure and inspiration than anyone else I can think of. If you have ten minutes to spend, take the time to listen to this audio tribute produced by NPR on the occasion of Steve's 75th. The weeks that I spent in January working on the Prince Music Theater's

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1111509971020740772005-03-22T11:46:00.000-05:002005-03-26T12:18:56.256-05:00

For those who might be interested, I've posted a page of photos fromA Lyrical Opera Made By Two, which played at UArts very successfully last weekend. The response from students and colleagues who saw the work has been very gratifying; it seems like many audience members were both stimulated and moved by what they saw, and don't seem to tire of discussing it or thinking about it. Family of the

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1110402130436318902005-03-09T16:02:00.000-05:002005-03-09T16:02:10.436-05:00

This interview from "Reason" was passed on to me by friend Darko Vader, who knows of my passion for Stephenson's novels. I polished off the third volume of the Baroque Cycle trilogy this fall, and found the whole thing enormously satisfying. Currently, younger son Kerry (14) is reading and rocking out on Snow Crash, while I've returned to Cryptonomicon to beguile a few spare hours during my

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5084805.post-1108397584751240132005-02-14T11:10:00.000-05:002005-02-14T11:14:41.663-05:00

The merry men known as "Mulch" performed their first public gig on Friday night at 4W5, a club in Wilmington DE. Images are available online here. Aficionados of the electric bass guitar may recognize this young artist, intent on his axe.

Mr. Tuneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08755781503868340118noreply@blogger.com1