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The Chicago love fest continues for Snapshots

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 09:35:38 -0700

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2011
Well-Developed 'Snapshots' Mines Compelling New Memories From Stephen Schwartz' Celebrated Musical Past

.... “So it should come as high praise that I found Northlight's world premiere of Snapshots: A Musical Scrapbook--which utilizes songs from throughout Schwartz' career in the service of an original storyline--entirely enjoyable and entertaining even without recognizing most of the source material. Press about this show has revealed that Schwartz has re-written some of his lyrics to fit the new narrative, but other than noting such changes in a couple tunes from Wicked, I have no idea what was altered or to what extent.

I imagine Schwartz aficionados will enjoy Snapshots as a clever twist on the revue or jukebox musical, but I was impressed that it also works as something entirely new.

it's not hard to imagine a producer taking this show to Broadway for a successful staging in a smaller venue, and Snapshots will undoubtedly become a property snapped up by regional theaters looking to give its audiences something new and brand-named at the same time...”

CHICAGO TRIBUNE.... GREAT QUOTES!!!!

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 14:37:59 -0700

Chris Jones
Theater critic
September 26, 2011
CHICAGO TRIBUNE

“At one of the key moments in "Snapshots" — the unusual new show at the Northlight Theatre celebrating and re-conceiving the remarkable music of Stephen Schwartz — we watch an older man, whose marriage is in crisis, watching his younger, happier self pace a delivery room. The expectant father is singing "All Good Gifts," originally from "Godspell," and a melody of great beauty.

At that moment, you're struck that the idea behind "Shapshots" (not quite a revue and not quite a full-fledged musical) is a very good one. At the top of "Snapshots," which has a book by David Stern, a middle-aged woman (played by Susie McMonagle) climbs to her attic to get the suitcase that will help her leave her husband (Gene Weygandt). He shows up from work, oblivious as ever, and the two end up looking back through their lives as lovers, parents and take-each-other-for-granted spouses, with the wife's impending exit providing the requisite tension. Their younger selves, variously played by Megan Long, Jess Godwin, Nick Cosgrove and Tony Clarno, act out vistas from their lives, singing Schwartz as they go, often with lyrics newly penned by the composer himself.

The idea works because of the originality of the set-up, but also because Schwartz's songs, filled with aspiration and quizzical wonder, fit the basic premise so well. "All Good Gifts" and "Fathers and Sons" (from "Children of Eden") make perfect paternal sense, just as "Magic to Do" or "Corner of the Sky" work with the young and graduating. I was very touched by how the show uses "Meadowlark" as a picture book that sad-eyed McMonagle finds in the attic, her life flown away. And, thanks in no small measure to some truly superb arrangements from Steve Orich, who also musically directs this strong cast, there are some very clever song pairings that work on one level for Schwartz aficionados and another for everyone else: For example, the upbeat "Lion Tamer" from "The Magic Show" leads beautifully into "I'm Not That Girl" from "Wicked," fused with even more self-doubt.

I could go on about many more such inspired musical choices here, most of which are beautifully sung, especially by Long and Clarno. Schwartz's new lyrics, like all of his old lyrics, are wise, direct and generally superb........”

CHICAGO LOVES SNAPSHOTS Another Rave Review

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 11:40:40 -0700

Snapshots: A Musical Scrapbook
Posted by admin • September 25th, 2011 • Printer-friendly

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz

Snapshots
Book by David Stern
Directed by Ken Sawyer
This album well worth viewing
Take a direct, simple story, unfold it with exquisite care, and the result is a gem of a play opening Northlight’s 37th season.
The plot of this Chicago première of Snapshots is easy to sum up: Sue and Dan (Susan McMonagle and Gene Weygandt), middle-aged empty nesters, find a hoard of old pictures in their attic. Sue plans to leave Dan, and is just about to tell him so when they begin to examine the photos and reminisce about their early years together (Act I) before honing in on an examination the ways they have drifted apart (Act II).

The snapshots, originally photos clutched in their hands, become large projections on the paneled walls before actually springing to life in the form of two incarnations of their earlier selves: Susie and Danny (Megan Long and Nick Cosgrove) and Susan and Daniel (Jess Godwin and Tony Clarno). The three couples interact to sing and dramatize specific, emotion-filled episodes that trace the two from their early days in elementary school – hitting on many rites of passage — before moving on to courtship and highlights of their 30 years together.
And what songs they are: 28 drawn from 12 successful musicals – all written by Stephen Schwartz. The melodies are recognizable from many of these shows which include Wicked, Pippin, Godspell, The Magic Show, Rags, Personals, The Baker’s Wife, Enchanted, Captain Louie, Working, Reluctant Pilgrim and Children of Eden – but the lyrics have been rewritten to fit the new dramatic situation.

Schwartz has said that to his knowledge this has never been done before. That’s why he titles it a scrapbook rather than a review or book musical. For the first time, an original songwriter has revised his lyrics to enhance storytelling. And it works!
The cast has remarkable voices, clear and compelling and their dramatic ability marches the timbre – moving from humor to nostalgia with ease as past and present intermingle and advice is exchanged back and forth, neatly breaking barriers as they address their earlier selves. It is an imaginative tour de force – brilliantly executed. What might be clunky in other hands, flows smoothly under the expert direction of Ken Sawyer.
Kudos to Jack Magaw for the multi-level set, Karl Christian for musical staging, Steve Orich for Musical direction and arrangements, and to the orchestra: Chris Sargent, Scott Reed, Paul Dallas, Jeffrey Handley and Marc Hogan.
While Act I is stronger than the slower second act, by play’s end the viewers responded to much that reached their hearts. On opening night, not a few wiped away tears as they joined the rest of the audience for a standing ovation.
Recommended
Beverly Friend, Ph D.

Chicago Critics love SNAPSHOTS!!!

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 08:53:14 -0700

By Katy Walsh, Saturday at 10:26 am

With the Facebook age, picture taking has become even more popular. Not only can I capture the moment, I can post it immediately for all my FB friends to see. We spend so much time documenting the fun time, we forget to actually have a fun time. Those posed pictures hold less and less importance. Offline, I stumble on an old photograph. I see the younger version of myself with someone I don’t remember and in a place I don’t recall. There are no comments, tags or *likes* to help me know its significance. I only know that when I look at it, I feel that young girl’s moxie and innocence.
Northlight Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of SNAPSHOTS. Sue and Dan have been together since 12 years old. They started as buddies. They went on to date. They ended up married. Their son has left home. Sue decides it’s time for her to go too. Dan surprises her letter-explaining-her-departure-exit. And a box of photos sends them back in time. They must first look back to move forward. SNAPSHOTS is a compilation of award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz‘ favorite songs. This time, the music is set to story and everybody shares in the musical memory.
Walking into the theatre, the stage grabs my attention. The framework of the attic has an iridescent shell-like quality. The shimmer adds a surreality to the cluttered reality. Designers Jack Magaw (scenic), Jesse Klug (lighting) and Mike Tutaj (projections) work together to provide the nostalgic backdrop. The show starts with an overture of Schwartz‘ musicals. The cast hums along with the band to selections from “Pippin”, “Godspell”, “Wicked” and more. The musical logo flashes onto the attic walls. It’s a powerful kick-off to the singing revue.
The show is all about Sue and Dan. And Suzie and Danny. And Susan and Daniel. Susie McGonagle, Megan Long and Jess Goodwin play the female. Gene Weygandt, Nick Cosgrove and Tony Clarno play the male. McGonagle and Weygandt are the old married couple. Musical veterans, McGonagle and Weygandt anchor the show with solid singing and bittersweet contemplation. Always onstage, they delightfully interact with their younger versions. There are hilarious moments as they try to get their young selves to act differently. (Aw, if it was that easy to change the past.) The entire ensemble is incredibly talented. The singing is a melodious powerhouse multiplied by six. A standout, Megan Long belts out a bright, pleasing rendition of “Popular.” But it’s her multiple character portrayal in bed that’s unforgettable. Long showcases an impressive range.
My only disappointment in this wonderfully sung retrospective is the missing “Defying Gravity.” I would have loved for McGonagle to close off the first act with that “Wicked” song. If I ever leave my husband, I’m totally singing it. Despite the denying "Defying", SNAPSHOTS is picture perfect!

SNAPSHOTS- A Musical Scrapbook” is LOVED by Chicago Audiences!!!

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 21:27:47 -0700

Chicago audiences LOVE Snapshots!!!

The musical I am co-producing opened at the Northlight Theatre in Chicago opened Friday night. The reviews are just starting to come in!!!

ALL 5 out of 5 STARS...

”ABSOLUTELY THE BEST MUSICAL I HAVE SEEN IN OVER A DECADE. I HAD GIVEN UP ON SEEING NEW MUSICALS BUT MY HUSBAND AND I WILL DEFINITELY GO AND SEE IT AGAIN. WE LEFT THE THEARE HOLDING HANDS AND IN TEARS. THANK YOU NORTHLIGHT THEATRE. FANTASTIC!”

”Terrific cast. Was totally enjoyable. Wouldn't mind seeing it again.”

“One of the best musicals that I have seen in quite a while. The voices were outstanding and the story was told flawlessly. An enjoyable evening at the theater.”

MORE TO FOLLOW.....

My client Brent Webb’s career is skyrocketing!!!

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:57:33 -0700

I don't know what is happening but Brent is booking up fast!! He booked three more gigs today. A college in Pa September 2nd, Corporate event September 18th in LA, Country Club in Indian Wells October 18th.

He is on hold for a corporate event in Vegas July 27th....not to mention the 4 dates at the world famous The Comedy Store in LA every Friday in October!

Carnival Cruises called and Brent is now on hold for sailing on the Carnival Splendor!

Plus we are in talks with a Vegas casino for Brent to take over a showroom!

Check out the generic radio spot made for Brent...a voice over will announce Brent's name and location of show!

Drama with Josh Flagg of Million Dollar Listing!

Tue, 31 May 2011 09:50:48 -0700

Lot's of drama. I was one of three judges for a big drag contest at Toucans Tiki Bar in Palm Springs hosted by the amazing Tommi Rose. The other two judges were Ann Walker (Sordid Lives) and Josh Flagg (Million Dollar Listing). Josh brought his dog and his partner, Colton Thorn, to the contest. Josh and Colton were continually talking and playing with their dog and not watching the contestants who had worked so hard and had so much at stake.

Ann finally asked Colton to be quiet...not once but three times. Suddenly Colton began to scream at Ann and truly got right in her face calling Ann all sorts of names. I tried to come between them but Ann said she could handle it! The audience was watching all of this on a live camera. The contestants had been complaining to Tommi that Josh would not stop talking and kept his back to them while they were performing. Colton said to Ann, "Who the f...k are you, you old woman?! You are nothing!!" Plus a lot more insults were hurled. Colton even started to cry... Made me wonder what the heck he was "drinking"?

Ann, finally signaled to security and they started to remove Colton and the dog from the club. Josh said if Colton went he was out of there. All three were escorted out!

Tommi Rose was very diplomatic and professional and just briefly acknowledged the incident to the crowd, But, a few minutes later, the amazingly talented and funny Ann was presented with a humanitarian award for all of her fundraising efforts in Palm Springs. In accepting the award, Ann finally addressed the incident the audience had all witnessed. Ann said she told the interlopers to get the f..k out of Palm Springs! The crowed let out a loud cheer!! After the contest was over lots of people came up to me thanking us for getting rid of them. Ann Walker is my new hero!!!

Interview with Ethan Tudor on Blog Talk Radio

Tue, 24 May 2011 08:21:06 -0700

Kathy Colman (Holly) called and said I had to do Ethan’s show. And she was right! Ethan is bringing his wife and kid to see Beyond Impossible May 25th! I look forward to meeting him in person!! Check out the interview below:

New interview on with Carey Lee Fisher

Tue, 24 May 2011 08:12:41 -0700

Check out the new and old interview with Carey Lee Fisher. Click link below. He is a great guy and a wonderful interviewer:

Opening May 25th Alpine Village Showroom in Torrance, Ca......Tickets (310) 327-4384

Sun, 15 May 2011 01:35:56 -0700

Don’t miss the most amazing show I have ever seen!!!!!!
I am producing Brent’s new mentalist show!
Join us May 25th at the Alpine Village Inn Showroom!
Tickets only $10!!!
You won’t believe your eyes!!!!!

For immediate release to all media:

World-renowned mentalist BRENT WEBB brings his spectacular show “Beyond Impossible” to the showroom at the legendary Alpine Inn every Wednesday evening beginning May 25th.

Webb’s baffling brand of “mind magic” has astounded audiences around the globe…from The Las Vegas strip to The Bahamas to Madrid, and one thing is certain…..

It’s a show you have to see to believe!!!

Brent’s astounding, interactive performance combines spellbinding entertainment with a fantastic comic flair. Webb is one entertainer who lives up to his publicity…

“He sees with your eyes.”
“He hears with your ears.”
“He thinks with YOUR MIND!”

Known as a “psychological illusionist” and “master of the mind”, Brent is a performer who combines suggestion, misdirection, psychology, magic, and showmanship in order to seemingly predict and control human behavior, as well as performing mind blowing feats of mentalism.
Brent performs a high speed, interactive, full stage extravaganza that will have you questioning what is real and unreal, and what is possible with the 93% of our brains that lie dormant. Webb’s show is a breathtaking, dramatic, and energetic voyage to the farthest reaches of your mind.

“Beyond Impossible” is definitely not a magic show. There are no camera tricks, no wires, and no hidden microphones. In fact, Webb offers $50,000 to anybody who can prove otherwise.
Webb’s one man program showcases his incredible brand of mind power, and it’s a show
that generates a great deal of amazement – and enthusiasm. The audience doesn’t just watch..they participate in the EXPERIENCE.

Brent performs to sold out crowds and cheering spectators--- from casinos to cruise lines to ultra private events …. and loves what he does. That shows in his performances, and Brent is rewarded with standing ovations from amazed audiences the world over.

One thing is certain; Brent Webb is a showman who combines unbelievable mental experiments with a natural born talent for entertainment, and a charming stage presence, to create an experience that is unequalled on the stage.

Creative director of the show is Doug Bennett, advisor to iconic magicians Doug Henning, Harry Blackstone, and Siegfried & Roy, and writer for the Emmy award winning TV specials of illusionist David Copperfield.

“Brent Webb is THE next big Vegas act!” --- Doug Bennett

Tickets for the show are $10.00 and are available at the door or in advance at The Alpine Inn or by phone at (310) 327-4384.

Brent Webb appears courtesy of Wesley Eure’s Star Tracker Productions. Eure is best known as the star of the TV shows Land Of The Lost and Days Of Our Lives and co-creator of PBS’ Dragon Tales. For more information on Brent Webb visit www.BrentWebb.com.

On opening night May 25th, the exciting and beautiful singer Dana Adkins will open for Brent. Dana is a multi-talented performer who has been singing, dancing, acting and hosting shows internationally for over 20 years. Her stage credits include starring roles in Hello Dolly (Dolly Levi), Annie Got Your Gun (Annie Oakley), The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Miss Mona), Chicago (Matron Mama Morton), Tommy (The Acid Queen) and The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Princess Puffer).

As a headliner, Dana has performed throughout the world, including a long stint as the star of the much-acclaimed San Francisco based production of Steve Silver's Beach Blanket Babylon. Her television acting credits include roles on the popular daytime soap Days of Our Lives, the hit teenage series Beverly Hills 90210 and the lauded mini-series Tales of the City.

To schedule media interviews please contact Wesley Eure at wesley@startrackerproductions.com

When & Where:
Brent Webb presents “Beyond Impossible”
Every Wed. evening at 8:00PM (beginning May 25th)
Alpine Village * 833 W. Torrance Blvd. * Torrance, CA 90502

Check Brent out at www.brentwebb.com

The beautiful songstress Dana Adkins
will be opening for Brent !!!

Bruce Vilanch and Ann Walker host fundraiser for my step-daughter!!

Sun, 1 May 2011 08:09:24 -0700

As many of you know my step-daughter has been bravely fighting Ewing’s Sarcoma for almost a year. She just finished her 9th month of chemo and is finally back at school. Lauren is an amazing 16 year=old!!!!

So last night our great friends Pat, Jann, Chic, Diane, Joe, Tommi Rose, Fran, Diana, Gabriel, and Craig, with the help of so many more, put on an extraordinary fundraiser for Lauren at the private airport in Palm Springs. It was truly an amazing night! It was held poolside and it was a beautiful Palm Springs night. The wind, which had been blowing so hard all afternoon, stopped just in time for the party!!! Over a hundred guests attended!

The evening was a gift from our friends and we were not allowed to help or even know any of the details. We were given two tickets and told to arrive at 6 pm. That was it!!! If you knew what a control freak I am when it comes to producing events you know how hard that was for me...

The legendary writer and comic Bruce Vilanch and beautiful Ann Walker (Sordid Lives) hosted the evening and were hysterical. I have known Bruce since the early 1970’s and was totally surprised he was there. He is not only the funniest man I know but the kindest..........

I met Ann Walker when I produced the huge fundraiser LalaPOOLooa and was delighted and bowled over to see her there. She is one classy lady!!

My friend Tommi Rose put the entire evening’s entertainment together which included singers Dana Adkins, Austin Ray, and Diva Denise Carter. My new client Brent Webb, the Mentalist, also gave an amazing performance.

Jann, Diana and Craig all prepared the delicious food. There were over 50 items for a silent auction and 5 great live-auction items including spectacular artworks donated by Lucian Wolff of Desert Wolff Gallery in Palm Desert! Unbelievable! Everything was donated. What a town...what friends....

To have such a group of kind and loving people put their lives on hold and create a night, that took months to prepare, is a gift beyond words! So many friends and strangers showed up to help us celebrate Lauren. It was overwhelming.

A special big thanks to our best friend Pat Goody who spearheaded this enormous undertaking and insisted we allow her to put on this fundraiser!!

Lauren said recently that she had a great life. Despite the unbelievable challenges, chemo, radiation and surgeries she has undergone, she was blessed to have such love in her life. At the Children’s hospital where she has been receiving treatments, she has seen so many kids with only one or two people supporting them. Lauren said she has so many people supporting her including a huge group of friends in California...many she has never met! As I said.....she is remarkable!

Brent Webb’s new weekly show at Alpine Village Inn!!!!

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:19:33 -0700

I am producing the new show for the extraordinary Mentalist, Brent Webb....

Starting either May 18th or May 25th Brent will be performing every Wednesday night at the historic Alpine Village Inn in Torrance California...home of Oktoberfest!

Stop by for a great meal, a selection of over 40 beers on tap and an extraordinary show!! Tickets only $10!

Call 310-327-4384 for reservations or purchase tickets at the door.

Also please check out my new web page: Brent Webb - The Mentalist

See you there!!

Alpine Village 833 W. Torrance Blvd. Torrance, CA 90502 Telephone: (310) 327-4384

Check out a new online interview at OnScreenAndBeyond.com.........

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:07:10 -0700

www.OnScreenAndBeyond.com and on iTunes

THE BEST ACT EVER!!!!

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 21:22:58 -0700

Check out www.BrentWebb.com

Truly amazing!!!! You won’t believe it!!! Especially in person....

I am still trying to figure out how he does these impossible feats!

Brent is NOW AVAILABLE for bookings!!!!

For more more information please contact me at LalaPOOLooza@mac.com

This guy is unbelievable!

Wesley

The new Kaye Ballard Theatre

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 11:16:09 -0700

Yesterday I went with the incomparable and funny Kaye Ballard and a group of friends to see the newly, almost refurbished, Joshua Tree Theatre that is now being renamed The Kaye Ballard Theatre. It is just outside Joshua Tree National Park and it’s going to be an amazing state of the art theatre and recording stage! I love seeing theatre blossom!!

Joining us was the amazing mentalist Brent Webb. At lunch he treated us to some absolutely mind altering feats. As you can see, Kaye loved it....along with everyone else.

Join me March 24th & 26th at Cinemas Palm d’Or

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 09:17:48 -0700

Join me for a live Q&A with Brad Furman, the director of THE LINCOLN LAWYER, on Thursday, March 24 at 6:30pm at the Cinemas Palme d’Or

And then on Saturday evening March 26 for a Q&A with MONOGAMY Director Dana Adam Shapiro.

How to pronounce “EURE”

Mon, 7 Mar 2011 16:21:04 -0800

I had breakfast with my very kind and thoughtful second cousins, Bob and Fay Eure, today. All that was missing today was my Mom who passed away a month ago. Bob and Fay shared with me a delightful memo that my distant relative, Thad Eure (Secretary of State North Carolina 1936 -1989), had written to the press back in 1961. It instructs the press how to pronounce the “Eure” name. I loved reading that another Eure faced the same pronunciation challenges I have dealt with over my career!!!

Thaddeus Armie (Thad) Eure (November 15, 1899 – July 21, 1993)[1] was a North Carolina political figure who holds the record for longest tenure as North Carolina Secretary of State (1936-1989).
Famous for oversize, red bow ties and for the straw boaters he wore every summer, Mr. Eure took office in 1936 after imploring voters to `Give a young man a chance.' In his later years, he hoped to survive until 2000 so he could have lived in three centuries. He figured he signed his name 625,000 times on state documents and correspondence, using an estimated five gallons of his trademark green ink.

And he said he was glad he retired when he did. `Thank God I wasn't voted out, kicked out, or carried out.' Mr. Eure told well-wishers at his 93rd birthday party in November.

Born in 1899, Mr. Eure said he was `the oldest rat in the Democratic barn,' a title bestowed on him by U.S. District Judge John D. Larkins Jr. sometime after the middle of the century. At a retirement party for him in 1988, Republican Gov. Jim Martin called Mr. Eure `one of North Carolina's great treasures.' Even then-President Reagan acknowledged Mr. Eure's record of service.

Also known as `Mr. Democrat,' Mr. Eure was fond of saying that he was `nursed from a Democratic breast and rocked in a Democratic cradle.' Republicans were anathema to him, although he served alongside two Republican governors in his time, and many Republicans as well as Democrats sought his advice.

`Voting for the man instead of the party is nothing but hogwash,' said Mr. Eure, adding that `the political facts of life of American government are that it is run through the medium of parties instead of individuals.'

He had a craggy, deeply grooved face and a rich, booming voice and likely was one of the last true orators in the state.

Mr. Eure wouldn't have been upset if a public address system failed just before he was to speak. He could talk to a group of a few thousand people without the aid of a microphone and be heard in the last row.

Wherever he went, Mr. Eure shook hands, patted backs, kissed babies, hugged women, and reminded people that he would be up for re-election next time around.

My Mom passed away last night....

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 09:38:52 -0800

At almost 84 my mother lost her battle with kidney disease last night. As I was rubbing her feet, I suddenly stood up and made a complete circle and said to mom, “Your mother is here. It is time to go.” I truly felt my grandmother’s energy who passed over 35 years ago. Then I started laughing out loud, thinking to myself I was crazy and just looking to revive my acting career with a supernatural NBC Movie Of The Week deal! Still laughing at myself, I sat back down and stated to once again rub her feet. I stared at her face and saw she had gently passed over.

My sister was in Atlanta working on a movie when she suddenly Skyped us in a panic at 12:51 a.m. west coast time and said, “ What just happened?” She said Mom had awakened her from a sound sleep to say goodbye. My Mom passed at exactly 12:51 a.m. in Palm Springs...2000 miles away.

As per her wishes she donated her body to science. She was a one-pack-a-day smoker for 70 years and had no lung disease. Nothing!!! The scientists have got to figure out this mystery! My mom was a teacher for much of her life and she always felt it was her obligation to encourage study and learning. This was her last salute to higher learning. That was my Mom!

She will be missed greatly by a large group of loving friends...especially me.

Wesley

Join me at Cinemas Palme d’Or this Sunday for “Country Strong”

Wed, 5 Jan 2011 09:21:26 -0800

Attention all of you cinephiles! If you are near Palm Desert, Ca this Sunday at 4 pm, I will be moderating the screening of the awards nominated COUNTRY STRONG at Cinemas Palme d’Or. Writer and director Shana Feste will be doing a Q and A afterwards! This should be a really fun and informative afternoon!

Auld Lang Syne

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 09:37:56 -0800

I don’t know about you, but this has been a very difficult year with friends and family suffering. Definitely the most challenging event has been the cancer diagnosis of my remarkable 16 year old step daughter. I must tell you, I have never felt such love or such grief. But I am awe struck at her amazing spirit and delightful wit! This remarkable soul has taught me so much about love and determination. Her unique spirit has rallied our friends and loved ones, and so with our “wagons circled” we will see her cancer free this year!!!

I wish you all a happy New Year! I know you are all facing your own challenges, so I hope you will join me in a big “collective hug” at the stroke of midnight in your part of the world. Love is truly a very powerful healer.

I’m sure my advancing age has a lot to do with it, but somehow the lyrics to “Auld Lang Syne” have taken on a deeper meaning this year. Never before have I experienced the life changing power of family and friends...and in that department I am truly, abundantly blessed!!

But never far from my thoughts are my dear friends who left too soon...

Auld Lang Syne (Robert Burns wrote the lyrics in the 1700’s)
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?  Should auld acquaintance be forgot  and days of auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear,  For auld lang syne,  We'll take a cup o' kindness yet  For auld lang syne

Dinosaur Ornament from Cory!

Sun, 26 Dec 2010 22:04:25 -0800

I wanted to share with you one of my favorite gifts this Christmas ...a wonderful blue dinosaur with silver glitter spots and purple metal claws! Thanks Cory!!

Sleestak invades Quincy, Illinois!

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 01:25:33 -0800

Kathy Coons sent me this great photo of a Sleestak costume in the window of a store in Quincy. Thanks Kathy!!!!

I interviewed Hollywood mover, shaker and director Lynn Roth

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 01:17:37 -0800

I had a very interesting and fun time Saturday night at Cinemas Palm d”Or interviewing Lynn Roth who wrote, produced and directed a wonderful movie called The Little Traitor. If you get a chance go see it or Netflix it.

Hosting Q & A at Cinemas Palme d’Or for “Queen Of The Lot”

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 22:25:22 -0800

I will be at Cinema Palme d’Or hosting a Q & A with director Henry Jaglom and, I am told, some of the cast from Queen Of The Lot Saturday 11/20 at 6:30 p.m. in Palm Desert, CA. I am hoping Noah Wyle (ER) will attend!! It is a great award winning movie just opening nationwide. Stop by if you are in the neighborhood. It should be a fun and insightful evening.

Judged “Poetry Out Loud” last night!

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:05:31 -0800

I judged 15 great high school students at Xzavier High School last night reciting poetry. It was the first leg of the national competition for the National Endowment For The Arts and Poetry Foundation’s POETRY OUT LOUD competition! It was a great night and the kids were terrific!

Thanks Deanne Anders for asking me to judge!!!