HMS PINAFORE REVIEW

HMS Pinafore Review

I attended HMS Pinafore at the Ritz Theatre in Oaklyn, New Jersey this past Friday January 24^th. It was an interesting show, as I had no previous knowledge of the show. It’s twist and turns in the story line were good, but confusing at points! It also takes a little while for the show to get going, and for you to really get into it.  However, they did a very good job of putting the show together and making it very humorous. There were quite a few characters who led the show, and whose vocals were ABSOULTLY flawless! For the men: Captain Corcoran (main lead) played by David Mooney was amazing! His voice was so captivating, and pure it really resonated well in the theatre. Sir Joseph Porter played by Michael Krisman also led the show with a great portrayal as “the monarch of the sea”, and led a VERY humorous version of “now give three cheers”. Finally, Ralph Rackstraw played by Wesley Macbeth who is quite the dapper Dan, did a fantastic job in the role, and was the leading man of the show! (Normally this role is played by Heath R. Harris, Mr. Harris will resume the role for the rest of the run!)

For the ladies: Josephine (leading lady) who was played by Jenna Milkewicz did such an amazing job! She had to hit many high notes and she hit everyone, on cue, without trouble! Mrs Cripps played by Sharon Rose Derstine also had killer vocals, and was very funny in her role as the “little buttercup”. Finally, Cousin Hebe played by Nicky O’Neal was truly a comedic act! She played the role very primped and proper, but added such much comedy in it, especially with her line “And we are his Sisters, and his Cousins, and his Aunts” where she danced around the stage and pointed her umbrella!

 This is a very family friendly show, and I would recommend this if you are interested in opera’s (because this is one), and like a show about the “high seas”.   This was not one of my favorites; however, we all have different likes so some may like it better then I.  Also, one thing that  I love about this theater is they do not sacrifice view for leg room! There is TONS of leg room no  matter where you sit, and the view is the same from the whole theater! HMS Pinafore runs until February 9^th at the Ritz Theatre in Oaklyn, New Jersey. For tickets and show times visit www.theritztheatreco.org ! Directed by: Bruce Curless

Below is a little synopsis of the show!

Gilbert and Sullivan's classic comic opera remains a perfect example of "Topsy-turvydom"! Unusual characters rub elbows with English nobility in situations that spoof social conventions with exceptional rhymes and puns. The musical opens with the ship anchored in a British harbor and the sailors hard at work, tap dancing and singing! Twists and turns, fabulous music, and good old fashion musical comedy fun rules the day! Director Bruce Curless, who delighted audiences with last season's Drowsy Chaperone, promises a fast paced and stylish production.  

Thanks for reading guys, keep watching for more! 

If you would like me to review one of your shows please contact me at thepositivenewsmaker@gmail.com

xxRye My 

Encourage. Inspire. Empower

Interview with Jula Udine: Currently starring as Christine Daee on 25th Ann. Phantom of the Opera Tour!

Hey All, 

 Check out part 1 of my coverage of Phantom of the Opera on Tour! I hope to have more things (including my review) when Phantom arrives in Philadelphia come March. I was so fortunate to be able to get Julia for an interview, because she is such a busy lady! Enjoy! xx Rye 

Hey Julia! Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy touring schedule to talk with me, and answer some questions about the show and you! J

Hi Rye!  Thanks so much for asking me! I'm flattered!

What is it like being a part of the new 25^th Anniversary tour of Phantom of the Opera? And what has been best part of doing 

the show?  

 It is totally an honor to have been cast as Christine in this new restaged production of Phantom!!  Having the opportunity to perform with this amazing cast every night has been incredible!   The creative team has been has also been unbelievable to work with.  I have really learned a lot throughout this whole process from doing 8 shows a week, and also about publicity, traveling, taking care of myself and staying healthy!

hmmm the best part…I’d have to say growing into this character. I’ve never been in a show for longer then a month or two before, so it’s really exciting to discover new things about her and the story every night.

When did you start performing?

I started ballet classes when I was 3 years old, and my first musical was Fiddler on the Roof when I was 8 yrs old.  I played Shprintze!

This question is a special question from one of my followers How many rehearsals does the cast go through before taking to the stage?

I would say about 6 weeks before tech.  We started rehearsing the first week of October, 6 days a week, all day.  Then November 14th we moved to Providence for tech, which lasted 2 weeks and was also 6 days a week, day and night.  

 Previews started November 27^th. That was our first show in front of an audience.  Rehearsals continued during the day even once the show started and even after we moved on to Minneapolis for the first week.      

What has been your favorite city so far?

We have only been to 3 cities so far, but I’m loving Chicago! 

It is so amazing with being how young you are to be playing such an iconic role, what was your audition process like, and how did you finally end up scoring the role?

I was originally supposed to audition in March, but I got sick and had to cancel.  At the end of May they had another round of auditions, and I was called back 6 times after that initial audition.   Each callback I sang different songs from the show and then they had a dance call where I had to do ballet.  The last few callbacks I worked a lot with the director, Laurence Connor, and I sang with different men that were auditioning for Phantom and Raoul.  That went on for about 3-4 weeks.  My auditions were taped for the producers to see.    

I was very fortunate to have auditioned at Tara Rubin casting. Everyone there is so nice and go out of their way to make you feel comfortable.  Also the creative team couldn't have been nicer throughout the whole process. As nervous as I was, they really made the process fun… well as fun as it could be!

I found out about 2 weeks later from my agent that I was cast as Christine!!  

What has been the best theater you guys have played at?

They truly have all been great so far, but The Providence Performing Arts center is absolutely beautiful!  I’m looking forward to returning to the Academy of Music in Philadelphia!  It's gorgeous!

Does the show have to be modified at all (like dances changed, or staging changed)  if a theater venue is smaller then others?

Our show travels with it's own stage, so it's the same at each venue.  It's an amazing set and we travel about 18 trucks!!!

What is your favorite song from the show, and is there a particularly line that you sing that you feel relates to your life?

Wishing you were somehow here again is one of my favorites!  The line "Sometimes it seems if I just dreamed, somehow you could be here" is a line I relate to, rather not say why though :) 

 What are some pre-show rituals you do to prepare for the show?

I do a short ballet barre before each show, and roll out on a foam roller, then a vocal warm up.  I also drink hot water with honey loquat!

 What do you find particularly special about the character Christine?

Christine has such an amazing emotional journey throughout the show.  I love that she has a backbone even though she is incredibly vulnerable.  

What advice can you give to people who want to break into this business?

Keep training!!! Never stop learning, and be curious!!! Also, stay humble.

What is the best advice you were even given growing up?

Be yourself!  Especially in this business, be the best YOU that you can be!

What else is coming up for you in the future for you?

haha one never knows!  Right now I’m just going to focus on growing as Christine!.

                  (Masquerade; The Phantom of the Opera-UK Tour)

For tickets visit www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway and to find out more about The Phantom of the Opera on Tour and when it will be in a city near you, visit www.thephantomoftheopera.com/ustour 

Keep Watching, Sharing, and Reading! 

 xx Rye My 

 Encourage. Inspire. Empower

visit www.thepositivityproject.org to learn more, and keep up to date on what I'am doing! 

Renee Chambers-Liciaga Interview/ Information

I recently sat down with Broadway Veteran and professional choreographer  Renee Liciaga Chambers. She gave me a lot of personal advice that I liked, and will really help me out. She also told me to share a few words with you guys. Part of being in the industry is being responsible and accountable for what you do. This is so important because you are responsible for you!  “Be on Time, Be Prepared, Be Responsible” this is something that she and her husband both STRESS!!!  She wanted me to make sure everyone knows this, because in today’s world you cannot mess around, it’s very cut-throat!

Renee and her husband have many years in the business of “show biz” and they have seen how things work in entertainment world. They realized that there were people out there who didn’t know how the whole process worked, so they launched there site called PARS (Performing Arts Resource Site). You can find out everything and ANYTING you need to know about breaking into this world, and they even give personal help as well! This site is really useful and helpful if you are SERIOUS about wanting a career in “the biz”. Visit www.PARSmembership.info for more information! They have everything from the audition, to getting booked, to getting the part, and more! I can’t tell you guys how HELPFUL it is, and I am grateful they made it!  She teaches any discipline of dance, and also teaches in voice, and acting as well! She has students working with her who are currently getting booked on National Commercials and Professional Shows as well! She is very proud of this, and has worked extremely hard with them to make sure they are ready! When working with Renee you will not only get her help and expertise, but you are getting coached by someone who has experienced all of this is first hand, and has MANY MANY connections! I think that is absolutely amazing to have in someone who is helping you out!

Here is a little more information about Renee:

Renee is the daughter of the late Roland Chambers (MFSB) guitarist/composer with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff of Philadelphia International Records. Her mother also sang in a ‘60s doo wop group called “The Orlons”. She spent her childhood growing up around legends such as Gladys Knight, Lou Rawls, Phyllis Human, and The O’Jays. With all this musical inspiration around her it’s easy to see that Music and Performing Arts ruins deep in her blood.

Renee has trained at the Pennsylvania Ballet and Adelphi University with some of the best in the Performing Arts World. Over the past 25 years she has worked in over 12 countries with big named legends such as Andrew Lloyd Webber, Mercedes Ellington, Donny Osmond and the late Michael Jackson She has also performed on Broadway and National Tours of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Starlight Express, West Side Story, Smokey Joes Café and Dream Girls (This is only a few! She has done MANY more, Jesus Christ Super Star she has also performed in as well! That’s one of my favorite shows, along with Joseph!)

Recently, Renee was seen on USA Networks TV show The Moment, where she worked with Jaime Kings new boy band IM5 under the mentoring of Liz Imperio (Jennifer Lopez’s Choreographer).

Renee’s amazing Choreography/Stage Direction has been seen on College Campuses to Corporate shows throughout the Tri-State Area. Some of her shows include: Smokey Joes Café, Ragtime, Godspell, Jesus Christ Super Star (Perry Award Nominated), and Hairspray. Clients include: TD Bank, Audi, and Guardian Life Insurance.

For more information on Renee and too keep up her visit www.reneeliciaga.com . And to find out more about PARS and join the site visit www.PARSmembership.info



Thanks for reading guys! Renee is such an amazing women and I'am so glad to know her!


xxRye

www.thepositivityproject.org

Renee Liciaga-Chambers Interview/ Information

I recently sat down with Broadway Veteran and professional choreographer  Renee Liciaga Chambers. She gave me a lot of personal advice that I liked, and will really help me out. She also told me to share a few words with you guys. Part of being in the industry is being responsible and accountable for what you do. This is so important because you are responsible for you!  “Be on Time, Be Prepared, Be Responsible” this is something that she and her husband both STRESS!!!  She wanted me to make sure everyone knows this, because in today’s world you cannot mess around, it’s very cut-throat!

Renee and her husband have many years in the business of “show biz” and they have seen how things work in entertainment world. They realized that there were people out there who didn’t know how the whole process worked, so they launched there site called PARS (Performing Arts Resource Site). You can find out everything and ANYTING you need to know about breaking into this world, and they even give personal help as well! This site is really useful and helpful if you are SERIOUS about wanting a career in “the biz”. Visit www.PARSmembership.info for more information! They have everything from the audition, to getting booked, to getting the part, and more! I can’t tell you guys how HELPFUL it is, and I am grateful they made it!  She teaches any discipline of dance, and also teaches in voice, and acting as well! She has students working with her who are currently getting booked on National Commercials and Professional Shows as well! She is very proud of this, and has worked extremely hard with them to make sure they are ready! When working with Renee you will not only get her help and expertise, but you are getting coached by someone who has experienced all of this is first hand, and has MANY MANY connections! I think that is absolutely amazing to have in someone who is helping you out!

Here is a little more information about Renee:

Renee is the daughter of the late Roland Chambers (MFSB) guitarist/composer with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff of Philadelphia International Records. Her mother also sang in a ‘60s doo wop group called “The Orlons”. She spent her childhood growing up around legends such as Gladys Knight, Lou Rawls, Phyllis Human, and The O’Jays. With all this musical inspiration around her it’s easy to see that Music and Performing Arts ruins deep in her blood.

Renee has trained at the Pennsylvania Ballet and Adelphi University with some of the best in the Performing Arts World. Over the past 25 years she has worked in over 12 countries with big named legends such as Andrew Lloyd Webber, Mercedes Ellington, Donny Osmond and the late Michael Jackson She has also performed on Broadway and National Tours of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Starlight Express, West Side Story, Smokey Joes Café and Dream Girls (This is only a few! She has done MANY more, Jesus Christ Super Star she has also performed in as well! That’s one of my favorite shows, along with Joseph!)

Recently, Renee was seen on USA Networks TV show The Moment, where she worked with Jaime Kings new boy band IM5 under the mentoring of Liz Imperio (Jennifer Lopez’s Choreographer).

Renee’s amazing Choreography/Stage Direction has been seen on College Campuses to Corporate shows throughout the Tri-State Area. Some of her shows include: Smokey Joes Café, Ragtime, Godspell, Jesus Christ Super Star (Perry Award Nominated), and Hairspray. Clients include: TD Bank, Audi, and Guardian Life Insurance.

For more information on Renee and too keep up her visit www.reneeliciaga.com . And to find out more about PARS and join the site visit www.PARSmembership.info



Thanks for reading guys! Renee is such an amazing women and I'am so glad to know her!


xxRye

www.thepositivityproject.org

WE WILL ROCK YOU REVIEW

We Will Rock You opened at the Academy of Music  on Tuesday, January 14th and runs until Sunday, January 19th. It is directed by Ben Elton who modernized the show to fit North American Standards. We Will Rock You has been playing at The West End in London for over nine years, and is considered a long running show there (since shows do not last long there at all.) It is a HUGE hit in the United Kingdom, and last year the idea came up to make a North American Tour. With help of Brian May one of Queens members, and backing by Robert De Niro (YES! De Niro!) We Will Rock You was up, and off its feet for audiences everywhere October 2013. 

The Academy of music is located on Broad and Locust Street in Philadelphia. This beautiful theater holds approximately 2,900 people for an event. It is very handy-cap accessible. The theater is absolutely exquisite! The music hall is up to par and is beautifully done! There is Red carpeting, and red seats all throughout. The thing that sticks out the most are 3 things: First, is the beautiful golden columns that support the front of the stage. They really make it a true master piece. Second, is the beautiful chandelier that hangs high above the audience and weighs 5,000 lbs, and has over 10,000 lights on it. Finally,last but not least is the stage, which has beautiful bright red curtains (often times the shows will have a back drop covering it, or embedded into it.) Still to this day it is absolutely breathtaking to walk through those doors into the theater and see that stage right in front of your eyes!

There are 5 seating levels of seating, Parquet (which we would consider "orchestra seating", Parquet Circle (Which is  slightly elevated and goes around BEHIND the Parquet making almost a full circle, Balcony (Which is one level up from the Parquet/Parquet circle) Family Circle, and finally Amphitheater (which is the highest and cheapest of seating!) Now, lets get one thing clear about seating, do NOT expect to have all the leg room in the world. I sat in the parquet and I had my kneed squished against the seat in front of me the whole time! The seating there is horrible!(Sorry tall people!)

There isn't parking specifically AT the theater, however, you can park at nearby places that let you park there for the event. They are as listed:

There isn't parking specifically AT the theater, however, you can park at nearby places that let you park there for the event. They are as listed:

Bellevue Parking Lot: northwest side of Broad & Locust Streets

Doubletree Hotel: southwest corner of Broad & Locust Streets

Park & Lock: on Spruce between 15th and 16th Streets on north side

Central Parking System:

1327 Locust Street (at Juniper)

15th and Sansom Streets

219 S. Broad Street

1616 Chancellor Street

1816 Sansom Street

Kinney System: northeast side of Broad and Locust Streets

Five Star: 1500 Spruce Street, Academy House garage

Parkway Corporation: 1309 Locust Street

For those of you , like me, who enjoy meeting the cast afterwards there is a stage door onside of the building labeled "stage entrance". 

This is where all of the actors exit out of after the show and sign autographs, and take pictures. The best part is that there is  never really  A LOT of people waiting around for them. I have not seen more then twenty people waiting around in the last three years that I have gone. (Which is nice if your like me and HATE the craziness and crowd at the stage door in New York!) 

There are some good restaurants around  to eat at (and although I have not personally eaten at any of these places,I have heard good reviews!) (Let me  know if you want a full list of them.) One that looks particularly good is Esteia which is located directly across the street from the theater.

This show has some amazingly talented cast members, which I just cannot get over how great they were! I am still telling everyone what powerhouses they were and how great their voices were. 

Cast Includes some of the following: (Leads)

Galileo: Brian Justin Crumm

Scaramouche: Ruby Lewis

Killer Queen: Jacqueline B. Arnold

Khashoggi: P.J. Griffith

Oz: Erica Peck

Britt: Jared Zirilli

Buddy: Ryan Knowles

  

 A little about the story:

Taking place in the  future (approx 300 years from now) , the story of We Will Rock You exists mainly as a basis to have  the cast to perform covers of Queen's greatest hits. Earth's name has been changed to Planet Mall (also known as IPlanet). Everyone wears the same clothes, and thinks the same thoughts and goes about in a brain-dead haze. Musical instruments are forbidden, and rock music is non existent. However, a small group of Bohemians struggle to restore all of that and (most of all) live music. With the help of some Bohemian friends,  Galileo and Scaramouche, find Rock's Holy Grail, hidden in the gates of Graceland, home of the "King of Rock" himself. It is there they discover the power of rock n' roll! 

The show itself i enjoyed, however, it had a seemingly hard and weird storyline to follow. For me, they could have just done without the storyline and just have sang the whole time. That was my biggest drawback of the show. That being said, the vocals where amazing, the band (who was on the stage on a high rise hidden from the audience) was stellar, and the sets, and acoustics really fit the show. If you are a fan of Queen, this is most defiantly the show for you! Also, do not expect to go and have it be a quite show!( I got lots of complaints from the older crowd) It is very loud, and rocking with music the resonates off the stage and gets your body vibrating (Which i LOVED!) 

 At the end of the day, We Will Rock You is a fantastic show with amazing songs, and amazing actors. Go and see it before it leaves you do not want to miss this show! 

For more information about the show, or to by tickets visit www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway or www.wewillrockyou.com 

Until Next Time, 

xx Rye 

Encourage. Inspire. Empower. 

www.thepositivityproject.org 

Interview with Christine Dwyer, Elphaba Standby for WICKED on Broadway

Hey Guys!  
  "Is everyone born Wicked?" Christine Dwyer certainly wasn't!  

This was a really cool Q&A interview to do with Christine Dwyer. She is sooooooo nice! She is currently the Standby Elphaba on Broadway for the musical WICKED! She talks about what being a standby is like, and more! Check it out!  

Wicked Interview

Hey Christine! Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk with me, and answer some questions about the show and you!

RM:What is it like being standby Elphaba on Broadway? What is the role of a standby do? And how often do you perform?

CD:being the standby for elphaba is great! i get to sit backstage and hang out with my friends in the cast and crew and then when Lindsay has to call out, I get to go on for a great role! what could be better??

RM:When did you start performing?

CD:i started performing in middle school just in school plays and whatnot. my first professional job was the summer after my sophomore year of college as an acting intern at Winnipesaukee Playhouse!

RM:What does Wicked have coming up in 2014, will you be stepping into the shoes as full time Elphaba??

CD:Whoever is stepping into the role full time will be announced on Playbill! you'll have to wait until then to find out! =)

RM:What is your favorite song from the show, and is there a particularly line that you feel relates to your life?

CD: I actually love Thank Goodness. Although I don't sing it, it is my absolute favorite song in the show. And I have always loved the line "There are bridges you've crossed you didn't know you've crossed until you've crossed"

RM:What are some pre-show rituals you do to prepare for the show?

CD:I always gargle with warm salt water and sing the end of Wizard and I before every performance. I used to do it because I was nervous about the end of that song and now I think I just do it out of habit!

RM:What do you find particularly special about the character Elphie?

CD:She is strong and misunderstood but always tries to do the right thing. She always stands up for the underdog and puts herself in harms way to help her friends. I think that is extremely admirable.

RM:What advice can you give to people who want to break into this business?

CD:hard work always pays off! there are so many things that are not in your control when you're an actor. You never know why someone else got the job and not you, so the best thing you can do is prepare to the best of your ability. keeping in shape, taking classes, working on new material, learning about shows that are coming up and the people who wrote them. make choices and know your character when you walk in the room. and be kind to everyone you meet in the business. reputation speaks volumes and it's always good to be kind and easy to work with, even when you're frustrated. and surround yourself with friends who support you and are happy for you no matter what!

RM:What is the best advice you were even given?

CD:take yoga. =)

It was so nice to chat with Christine! You can find out more about Christine by visiting her site at www.christine-dwyer.com or buy tickets to see the show at www.wickedthemusical.com 

Make sure you check out my newly launched website, www.thepositivityproject.org and keep up to date on what i am up to!

xx Rye My