MAGNETIC EARTH KITT ENNIO THROWS IMAGES OF LEONARDO DI CAPRIO/KATE WINSLET OVERBOARD WAS ABRAHAM LINCOLN GAY? SOME SAY YES ZANNA DON'T A MUSICAL FANTASY A HI-TECH CHRISTMAS CAROL AT A.C.T. PHANTOM OF THE OPERA - SEARINGLY INTENSE
****INTERVIEW – EARTHA KITT By Lee Hartgrave
Pictured: Eartha Kitt. Courtesy Photo
WAYBACK THEN: In the 80’s I did my first interview with Eartha Kitt. She was in town for a two week run at the glamorous and sumptuous Mocombo Club in San Francisco.
We met at the Holiday Inn Bar and Restaurant on Sutter and Powell Street. Kitt came in with her little dog in her arms. The dog was so cute; it looked very much like “Toto”, Judy Garland’s little dog in The Wizard of Oz. When we sat down in a booth to order. Kitt purred -- "I always drink Martini’s. So, I said, great, we’ll both have one. Well, one led to another. I could have sworn that she was making those vibrating noises like cats do. In the meantime, I wondered what happened to the little doggie. Then I felt something humping my leg underneath the table. I was sure it wasn’t Kitt. I looked under and there was the little oversexed pup wrapped around my left leg, vibrating. How did he know that I was left-handed?
Kitt looked much the same as she did when she sang ‘Monotonous’ in ‘New Faces’ on Broadway. So, it was easy to see why so many people were watching her in the Bar – how could they miss her. Kitt’s clutching, Cat like ways are a real give-a-way. Kitt told me: “Before I accepted the engagement at the club, I had to have it checked out in advance to make sure that it was the kind of place that I would want to perform in.” After –all, she did play the Whitehouse at one point. It doesn’t get any classier than that, does it? Until she spoke out against the ‘War’. Her career almost disappeared. The Mocombo brought her back from obscurity, and her career
blossomed.
Kitt orders another Martini and says: “I admire what they are tying to do at the Mocombo Room. You know, to bring intimate Night clubs back. To what does she attribute her good health and timeless beauty? – “I am not a worrier. I am not worried about how old I am. Anyway, I really don’t know, because I have never had a birth certificate. When I read in some newspaper or magazine my age, I have to laugh, because if I don’t know my age. How can they? Of course, I have to have a passport you know, so a friend of mine wrote a letter saying that she knew me for so many years. This helped prove my age. I got a work permit in New York when I was probably twelve years old – claiming, of course, that I was eighteen.”
ON THE OPENING. Kitt came out looking more glamorous than ever. And those eyes – they could actually burn holes in the wall. What a smouldering performance. But, she did send me a zinger. Several in the audience read my interview and bought Martini’s since she claimed they were her favorite. One even offered to buy her one. “She looked down from the stage with a disdainful look and said: “Oh no, I’m only a scotch and soda person.” I was wounded. Why did she try to sabotage me? My theory is that she really did like Martini’s, but used the “Scotch and Soda” routine in the act, because it sounded more robust and upper class. But, now that she has left us – we will never know. Over the years I interviewed Kitt three times. The last time was for a musical in San Francisco. I for one will miss her forever.
(The above is an excerpt from an Interview by Lee Hartgrave that was first published in the 80’s, in a Los Angeles magazine.)
Lee can also be seen on www.nowpublic.com.
www.beyondchron.com.
(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook section and produced a long-running Arts Segment on PBS KQED)))
ENNIO – SKILLFUL, MESMERIZING FUN!
Pictured: Ennio as Marilyn Monroe
Photo by: Manuel Bergamin
SUPER HEADLINES
ENNIO IS THE QUICKEST QUICK CHANGE ARTIST THAT YOU WILL EVER SEE ON A STAGE.
ACTOR GABRIEL MARIN IS A ‘WINNER’ FOR BEST ACTING IN A PLAY.
Ennio Marchetto is the world-renowned performer who has put together a world wind evening that mixes mime, dance, music, and fabulous and colorful costumes to create this outrageous and uproariously evening of caricatures of pop idols like Marilyn Monroe, Marilyn Manson, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and Judy Garland. He lampoons everyone and everything. He is the Charles Pierce of Origami.
ENNIO CAN BE QUICK! ENNIO CAN AMAZE AND ENNIO CAN BE THE FOLLOWING AND MORE. Here are some of the Celebs that Ennio brings to the stage during the 70-minute show at the Berkeley Rep. There is Barbra Streisand (Ennio has Barbra cross her eyes as she sings. And uncrosses them as Barbra claps her hands during the song.) One of the greatest impressions is of Celine Dion singing on the bow of the Titanic – holding two little figures of Leonardo De Caprio and Kate Winslet. As the ship begins to roll over, Celine tosses them out to sea.
All of Ennio's Costumes are made from paper cutouts that look good enough to wear to the Black and White Ball in front of City Hall. Actually, they are even better than what you see at the Ball. Ennio is a super impersonator. He whips up the mood for each of the celebs by lip-syncing so perfect that you really think that each star is on that stage. He is truly a hoot. This one-man show turns out to be a ‘cast of thousands.’ The word ‘Brilliant’ is really not strong enough to describe him.
The show is so fast that you hardly get a chance to catch your breath before he tops the last impression with an even more stunning one. The only danger in this show is that if you get too close – you might get stabbed with Madonna’s cone breasts.
Ennio’s Diana Ross (“I Will Always Love You”) is quirky and compelling. The hair almost fills up the stage. And who could resist a winking Mona Lisa? Want to get through the holidays? Then see this holiday show and revel in Ennio’s take on Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive!”
AT THE BERKELY REP THEATRE THRU DEC. 31.
RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! (highest rating) –trademarked-
(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed to the San Francsisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook and produced a long-running Arts Segment on PBS KQED)))
JUST ANNOUNCED ON ‘TALKIN’ BROADWAY’S WEST COAST CHAT:’ For inspiring and hugely impressive acting in the Stage Play ‘Bug”, WINNER! GABRIEL MARIN, has just been awarded the FAME AWARD FOR BEST ACTOR in 2008, at the San Francisco Playhouse in San Francisco. Marin received his award following the World Premiere of Abraham Lincoln’s Big Gay Dance Party. (The Lee Hartgrave FAME AWARD is awarded sparingly for exceptional acting to Actors, Designers and Directors. >>>To see previous WINNERS! – Google, Lee Hartgrave Fame Awards>>>
TAGS: Gabe Marin, Berkeley Rep, San Francisco Playhouse, Susi Damilano, Bill English, Fame Award, Abraham Lincoln, Big Gay Dance Party, Richard Connema, Talkin' Broadway, All that Chat.
Look for Lee: beyondchron.org, www.nowpublic.com, www.forallevents.com.
SHOW PHOTOS BY: ZABRINA TIPTONLeft: Michael Phillis, Mark Anderson Phillips
Right: Loraine Olsen, Sarah Mitchell, Velina Brown, Michael Phillis, Mark Anderson Phillips, Joe Kady, Brian Degan Scott
CONNECTIONS: Theater, Plays, SF playhouse, Aaron Loeb, Bill English, Chris Smith, Michael Phillis, Velina Brown, Lorraine Olsen, Sarah Mitchell, Joe Kady, Mark Anderson Phillips, Brian Degan Scott, Theater reviews.
WAS ABRAHAM LINCOLN GAY? Some historians say yes!
Abraham Lincoln’s Big Gay Dance Party is – “well hung.”
This World Premiere at the San Francisco Playhouse is what Theater should be. Political Junkies (like me) will bounce right off the walls with laughter. Everything happens during this outrageous comedy/drama. It’s Theatre of the absurd wrapped around sexual innuendo about homosexuality, gossip, and corrupt politicians. Sounds just like today, don’t it?
The energy in this play is just enormous. The action never stops. There is dancing, Song snippets that include music from “Chorus Line” and other Broadway Blockbusters. There is a trial in a County courtroom against a teacher. A Reagan type Senator who has fallen from Grace, is trying to get back into the political ring. And guess what? He wants the governor’s chair. And that is why he is trying to prosecute the Third-grade teacher who let the kids include in their Xmas pageant, the story that Big Abe had a man friend (Joshua Speed) who he loved, and slept with.
There are three parts to this play. At the Beginning the audience is asked which part of the show that want to see first. In other words, you pick the beginning and the ending. It might be interesting to see it again, to see if the sequence makes any difference.
The Bill English set, as usual is more than intriguing – it is fantastic. There are three huge moveable flats with Warhol type pictures of Abraham Lincoln. By slick and clever stage movements the set becomes many locations from a Pie Shop, a courtroom and other locations. When asked what kind of Pie is good today – the clerk says: “Well, we have Ronnie Reagan Rhubarb and of course the favorite today is Abraham Lincolnberry.” Have a little Lincoln? Apparently someone was!
The language is perky. Here are a couple of samples: “I’m known as big thing” – “Her mouth is like a mousetrap” and about Lincoln’s love affair with Joshua – “He used to do it to him with his mouth.” Here is one of my favorites – “He had the occasional LOG in his Cabin.” Now, these can be interpreted many ways – but I’m sure that you will come to the same conclusion that I did.
This whirlwind evening even offers dancing that takes on Ballroom to Salsa. It’s just fantastic. “One of the Best plays I’ve ever seen!” You must sleep with Lincoln – err, I mean see it! It’s a Laugh-Out-Loud Epic TAIL, and I do mean tail! It’s Hip and Fun and pertinent to today. And like all politics it’s a delicious story about betrayal and revenge.
HERE ARE THE GREAT PERFORMERS IN THIS MASTERPIECE: STARRING…
Velina Brown skips from character to character – “She’s a Firestorm!” Lorraine Olsen – “Amazing Actor!” Michael Phillis – “He’s done it again – topped his last performance. What a natural actor. One of the Best!” Mark Anderson Phillips – “Another Great performance!” Brian Degan Scott – “Reinvents Acting. Terrific!” Joe Kady – “Just perfect!” Sarah Mitchell – “Hugely impressive!”
THEN THERE IS CHRIS SMITH THE DIRECTOR that guides this extraordinary spaceship to a simply divine landing. What a great job.
The Choreography by Kimberly Richards and Tom Segal is Swell-A-Gant! But, of course none of this would have taken place without the exploding talent of the author Aaron Loeb.
AT THE SF PLAYHOUSE
RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! (highest rating) – trademarked-
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Pictured on the Right: Price Adam Troche Jr. iscute as a button in Zana Don't. Photo by Lois Tema
ZANNA DON’T – GAY MATCHMATER CARRIES WAND
And you thought that High School Musical was fun. Well, wait until you see this High School Musical at The New Conservatory Theatre. Here we are at ‘Heartsville High School’ where the Gay Kids are popular and they rule the school. And one of the most popular teens is Zanna, a teen matchmaker, who carries around a magical wand to bring romance to couples all over the campus. He matches boys with boys and girls with girls. But, Oh my god! – Something terrible happens, the captain of the football team and a girl fall in love. What are they crazy? “First thing you know – they’ll be trying to force opposite marriage down our throat”! – sez one of the actors.
The book, music and lyrics, are written by Tim Acito. The score that is mostly talk singing, works pretty well. There are a couple of standout songs that are really great, especially “Do You Know What It’s Like?” The costumes are eye popping pink. Zanna wears pink sneakers. This musical is so full of fun impishness, that it is hard not to like it. Hey, where else would you find a High School where a Chess player is more revered than the Football player? The musical is not preachy, it’s just fun to see what might happen if Gay’s ran the High School, as opposed to the way it is most everywhere, where heterosexuals call all the shots.
The choreography by Stephanie Temple is charming and marvelously entertaining. It’s cool stuff, with show stoppers like “Ride ‘Em”; and “Be a man.” The director -- F. Allen Sawyer, has given us a terrific flawless show. The singing is a little weak now and then. For a soft-rock musical like “Zanna Don’t” is – I suggest that some Mike support might help ramp up the power, giving it that extra edge.
THIS CAST HITS THE BULLSEYE IN ‘ZANNA DON’T’. Price Adam Troche Jr. as Zanna rules the stage. He’s “Sparkle Plenty” and terrific!” Brian J. Patterson (Tank) shows great range in acting. He will be seen soon in “Realty T.V. Movie.” Timitcio Artusio (Mike) “Is a real treat.” Keep your eye on him – he’s on his way up. Rodney Earl Jackson (Buck) is a real Jack of all Trades. He morphs into many characters with gusto. “Jackson is fascinating from beginning to end!” Also first rate are Stephen Foreman, Cindy IM (Great Singing talent), Katrina Mc Graw and Miquela Sierra. “Powerhouse performances from all!”
AT THE NEW CONSERVATORY THEATRE CENTER
RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! (highest rating) –trademarked
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FA-LASH -- FA-LASH-- FA-LASH-- FA-LASH!!!!
WINNER!!!! ACTOR GABRIEL MARIN has just been awarded the Lee Hartgrave FAME AWARD for Best Actor in the play "Bug" at the San Francisco Playhouse. To see previous
Winners of this Award -- Google Lee Hartgrave Fame Awards.
Pictured: Ken Ruta as Ghost Jacob Marley in Xmas CarolPhoto: www.kevinberne.com
A.C.T. Xmas Carol goes Hi-tech;
by Lee Hartgrave
Dec. 10,2008
“How Dare you talk to me in my underwear!" – says Scrooge to the Ghost of Christmas past. This re-do of ‘A Christmas Carol’ Scrooge is a little more ‘salty’ than we are used to. And, that is all to the good. A.C.T. has revitalized the story of Rich and Poor, by letting the actors out of the box to have fun with the malicious moments.
What we have here is a first class production that pushes the envelope with its near-surreal mix of outrageous situations and deadpan humor. Like a Broadway show – they have almost turned the story into a Broadway type musical, by adding some songs and incidental music. The kids were wide-eyed, and the grown-ups really got into the spirit of this Christmas story. Especially fun for the kids are the dancing vegetables.
The Hi-tech moments are fascinating as houses whirl past the actors to make it look like they are walking down the street. And who could ask for better lighting. It was perfect. Yep, this time-honored tale with its dazzling new special effects that conjure up Ghosts from Scrooge’s past keep the kids awake. This is a near-surreal mix that you will tell your friends about.
What’s the next step for Xmas Carol? Would they dare to go further? Buzzin’ thinks that it would be terrific if they made it into a Broadway Style rock musical, sort of like “The Rocky Horror Show.” Add a couple of really memorable songs with a light rock beat (Jesus Christ Superstar) comes to mind – and it could be Broadway here we come! Ken Ruta in the current show already is in a Costume that would fit perfectly in my idea of the Rock Xmas Carol. He wore the glitter and the fright wig in his role of the Ghost of Jacob Marley. In Cats, the Diva cat ascends to Cat Heaven. Since Ruta ascends from a Bed on the stage as Ghost Marley, they could write him a song similar to “Memory”. That would not only be bittersweet –but scary!
Of course, on opening night they had a Bed malfunction. The Bed broke down and wouldn’t close the hole on the stage. But that is now in working order again and Ruta will still mysteriously ascend from the middle of the Bed. It's an amazing and fascinating part of the show.
THE MAGICAL CAST IS: James Carpenter plays the perfect little skinflint, Scrooge. “Wonderfully excellent!” Stephan Barker Turner couldn’t be better as Bob Cratchit. There is rare authenticity to his acting. “Compelling!” Ken Ruta as Ghost of Jacob Marley “gives a big performance that rivets your attention.” Sharon Lockwood plays various characters. “She’s a funny Jewell Box of talent!” Kai Nui is Tiny Tim. He is so compelling that you just want to hug him. “He gives a big movie star performance!”
ALSO GIVING RICHLY EXHUBERANT PERFORMANCES ARE: Natelie Hegg, Weston Wilson, Nicolas Pelczar, Erin Michelle Washington, J. Peter Scattini, Samuel Breakstone Tunick, Ilya Verzhbinsky, Noah Pawl Silverman St. John and Lauren Safier.
Plus, there are bunches of talented kids turning in “Happy-go-lucky” performances. All bring this important message to the stage: “Our world must be made to care about each other.” There is nothing better than “A Christmas Carol” to convey that message. Happy Christmas 2008.
It’s an unqualified Winter Smash! At the New Conservatory Theatre
RATING: THREE GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!! –trademarked-
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(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed to the San Francisco Sunday Datebook section and produced a long-running Arts Segment on PBS KQED)))
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December 3,2008
PICTURED: John Cudia and Trista Moldovan in
Phantom. Photo by: Cyllavon Tiedeman
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA – “A surefire thriller!’
By Buzzin’ Lee Hartgrave
The Phantom of the Opera is one of the most intriguing stories of all time. Set in Paris in the 1900’s, a Phantom takes refuge in the underbelly of a Majestic Opera House. His story is sad. As a young man he was beaten, abused and is disfigured. He hides in the dark caverns where water runs under the Opera House to keep prying eyes away from him. But, he is not just a homeless man. He is a brilliant musician and composer and seems to make a decent living by scaring the Hell out of the owners of the Opera House with threats of violence if they don’t pay a tribute to him. He only comes out at night to make music and to tutor his protégée, Christine Diaa.
Problems arise when a long-time boyfriend (Raoul) of Christine’s shows up at one of the Opera’s that Christine is in. The Phantom goes berserk. His jealousy makes his threats on the Opera House and everyone in it come true. From then on, the musical is nail-bitingly tense.
Every aspect of the musical is unbelievably breathtaking. There are the magnificent colorful costumes and the surprising special effects. Blasts of fire hit the stage at one point. It was so vivid. You could actually feel the heat from the flames. Scary stuff. Then there is the Chandelier that is hoisted up to the top of the Theatre and hangs precariously over the audience. I noticed several uneasy theatergoers glance up every once in a while to make sure that it wasn’t moving. They really got scared -- when it does come crashing down within inches of their heads.
The singers were absolutely fabulous. They took this amazingly beautiful score and made it even more sensual and exciting. Their voices were very strong. This is a musical that WILL have you humming the tunes. Especially outstanding is when Christine, who is alone in a graveyard sings “Wishing You Were Here Again.” What a fabulous voice. It was so good, that the Phantom peeks around from a Tomb. There is a struggle between the Phantom and Raul who were both lurking around. See the thing is Christine – you know what they say – ‘be careful, you might get what you wish for.’
There are many humorous moments in the show, especially the repartee between the owners of the Opera House. Also very funny, is the overweight Opera Singer (Carlotta), who is the star – but doesn’t have the greatest voice in the world. She is a joy to watch and listen to – and at the end of the show, she got rousing applause. I would say it was even with the Applause the Phantom got.
The show is Gothic bliss. The fog machines are doing double duty as the smoky stuff wisps around candelabra. Every scene is an atmospheric vision as the Phantom pursues Christine in the underground cavern. Even creepier is when he rows a boat through the canal as she sits (all in white) like a virgin being rowed to the unflowering. He really is in love with his protégée, and she seems to be falling under his spell. But, she wants to know what is behind the mask, so she pulls it off as he plays the piano. Bad idea. He goes into a violent rage, and basically descends into madness. Can Raoul save Christine? Can Christine sing her way out of the darkness? Well, I don’t want to give away the ending. You’ll just have to see it for yourself. I guarantee you – it will bring you to your feet. This Phantom of the Opera is Elegant and chilling. And here is an astonishing sound achievement. The Theatre has speakers hidden everywhere that give the feeling that the Phantom is talking from the Caverns, next to you or in the back of the Theater. It is a stunning exploration of the shadowy.
Here’s the deal: “You can’t tear yourself away from these characters. It’s electrifying!”
PLEASE MEET THE TERRIFIC CAST: JOHN CUDIA IS THE PHANTOM. His ‘The Music of the Night; came dangerously close to causing mass fainting. TRISTA MOLDOVAN IS CHRISTINE. When she sings ‘Think of me’ – “you are definitely hooked and can think of nothing else!” KYLE BARISH IS RAOUL: “His duet (All I Ask of You) with Christine is fantastic!” KIM STENGEL IS CARLOTTA (The Diva). She gives the role “new freshness and is uproariously funny!” ANNE KANENGEISER IS MADAME GIRY, the stern Dance Madame and Christine’s friend. She is mysterious. One minute you trust her and the next? “The acting is unique and engaging! -- in this complex character.” Also in Star performances are D.C. Anderson, Bruce Winant, John Whitney, Jimmy Smagula, Jessi Ehrlich and Kelly Jeanne Grant. “Without their huge, powerful talents, this show could not make it.” Add the rest of the company – and you’ll see one of the best productions of the Phantom of the Opera in the world.
AT THE ORPHEUM THEATRE
RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! (highest rating) –trademarked-
(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook and produced a long-running Arts Segment of PBS KQED)))
MORE REVIEWS AND EVENTS: www.beyondchron.org
AND THAT’S A WRAP!