BOTOC: Broadway! Awards

February 2, 2012 in BOTOCS (Battles of the Ongoing Classes), Lesly, Lesly's Thoughts, Ongoing - one comment

BOTOC: Broadway!
December 12-16, 2011
Awards

Judges
Aline Bui
Julia Black
Lesly Kahn

Best Participation/Attendance

• 3rd Place Thursday Day: RUMORS
• 2nd Place Tie: Tuesday Eve: TWELVE FABULOUS PEOPLE / Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS
• 1st Place Monday Eve: BEYOND THERAPY

Best Following of all the Rules Listed on the Assignment

• 3rd Place Monday Eve: BEYOND THERAPY – Marty Soole
• 2nd Place Thursday Day: RUMORS – Mallory McGill
• 1st Place Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE – Ginifer King, Helen Highfield, Victoria Kelleher

Best Presentation of Script

• 2nd Place Friday Day: THE LION KING – Saku Ee
• 1st Place Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE

Best Party Planning

• 3rd Place Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE – Alex Quijano
• 2nd Place Tie: Friday Day: THE LION KING / Thursday Day: RUMORS – Kalie Samovar
• 1st Place Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS – Nikki Hayden

Most Unexpected Outcome

• 3rd Place Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS
• 2nd Place Friday Day: THE LION KING
• 1st Place Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE

Best Last Minute Understudy

• 3rd Place Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS – Carrie Witta for the lights
• 2nd Place Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE – Alex Quijano as Olive’s Other Dad
• 1st Place Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE – Jeff Meacham as Leaf Coneybear (we love you and your grandmother, Joel!)

Best Handling of Double-Casting

• 3rd Place Monday Eve: BEYOND THERAPY
• 2nd Place Friday Day: THE LION KING
• 1st Place Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE for the two Olives

Best Bios

• 3rd Place Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS
• 2nd Place Friday Day: THE LION KING
• 1st Place Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS

Best Program

• 3rd Place Monday Eve: BEYOND THERAPY – Nate Jackson, Arriane Alexander
• 2nd Place Tie: Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS / Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS -Nikki Hayden made me look gawgeous!
• 1st Place Friday Day: THE LION KING – Saku Ee

Best Use of Music

• 4th Place Monday Eve: BEYOND THERAPY
• 3rd Place Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS
• 2nd Place Tuesday Eve: TWELVE FABULOUS PEOPLE –  Marcienne Dwyer‘s song
• 1st Place Friday Day: THE LION KING – Mike Gilbertson on drums and guitar

Best Musical Direction

• 3rd Place Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS
• 2nd Place Tie: Friday Day: THE LION KING – JD Barton / Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS – Nikki Hayden
• 1st Place Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE – Ginifer King, Helen Highfield & Victoria Kelleher

Best Producer

• 4th Place Tie: Monday Eve: BEYOND THERAPY – Marty Soole / Thursday Day: RUMORS – Mallory McGill / Tuesday Eve: TWELVE FABULOUS PEOPLE – Will Hawkes / Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS – Lili Mirojnick and Josh Crotty

• 3rd Place Friday Day: THE LION KING – Dean Li with Gina Novish, JD Barton and Saku Ee (Hilary Bauman)
• 2nd Place Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE – Ginifer King, Helen Highfield, Vikki Kelleher
• 1st Place Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS – Nikki Hayden

Best Casting

• 4th Place Tuesday Eve: 12 FABULOUS PEOPLE
• 3rd Place Tie: Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS / Thursday Day: RUMORS – Mallory McGill
• 2nd Place Friday Day: THE LION KING – Dean Li
• 1st Place Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE – Ensemble

Raciest

• 4th Place Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE - Adam Korson‘s erection and Lesly as the object of his lust
• 3rd Place Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS – Ensemble STREETCAR kissing scenes
• 2nd Place Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS – Rachel Germaine for “Tits & Ass” Striptease
• 1st Place Thursday Day: RUMORS – Jay Ellis in KC’s pink feathered cock sock and not much else

Best Props

• 3rd Place Monday Eve: BEYOND THERAPY
• 2nd Place Friday Day: THE LION KING – Saku Ee for the Zebra Leg
• 1st Place Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS – India deBeaufort, Anna Campbell

Best Hair & Make-up

• 3rd Place Tie: Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE – Ellen Wroe as Logainne Schwartzandgrubeniere / Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS – India deBeaufort
• 2nd Place Tuesday Eve: 12 FABULOUS PEOPLE – Cheryl Lynn Bowers for The Queen of Hearts
• 1st Place Friday Day: THE LION KING – Cher Tenbush

Best Costumes

• 4th Place Tie: Thursday Day: RUMORS / Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS – Lilah Richcreek and Tyler Ritter for Princess Jasmine & Aladdin / Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS – Alison Turner, Bianca Lopez, Bettina Olivieri, Allison Pocchia and Nikki Hayden for my addictions
• 3rd Place Monday Eve: BEYOND THERAPY – Theresa Jun-Tao
• 2nd Place Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS – Ensemble
• 1st Place Friday Day: THE LION KING – Gina Novish

Best Sets

• 3rd Place Tie: Thursday Day: RUMORS – KC Morgan and Mallory McGill / Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS – Nikki Hayden for curtains and suspended stars, among other things
• 2nd Place Friday Day: THE LION KING – Saku Ee (Hilary Bauman, Kantu Lentz, Linda Kang, Heather Habecker)
• 1st Place Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS – Josh Crotty and family and Lili Mirojnick for the five fabulous backdrops!!!!

Best Lighting

• 3rd Place Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS – Carrie Wiita
• 2nd Place Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS
• 1st Place Friday Day: THE LION KING

Best Choreography

• 4th Place Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE – Adam Korson
• 3rd Place Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS – Josh Crotty and India deBeaufort
• 2nd Place Tie: Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS – Allison Poccia / Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE – Angelique Cabral for “I Speak Six Languages”
• 1st Place Friday Day: THE LION KING – JD Barton (for six numbers in a week!)

Best Use of Space

• 3rd Place Thursday Day: RUMORS – Mallory McGill & KC Morgan
• 2nd Place Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS – Josh Crotty & Lili Mirojnick for so many sets in ONE room
• 1st Place Friday Day: THE LION KING – Saku Ee for use of entire building

Best Adaptation

• 3rd Place Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS – Lili Mirojnick
• 2nd Place Friday Day: THE LION KING – JD Barton
• 1st Place Tie: Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE – Chris Schneider, Ensemble / Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS – Nikki Hayden

Best Puppetry

• 2nd Place Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS
• 1st Place Friday Day: THE LION KING – Hilary Bauman

Most Fun Had

• 3rd Place Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE – Jeff Meacham as Leaf Coneybear
• 2nd Place Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE – Adam Korson as Chip Tolentino
• 1st Place Tie: Thursday Day: RUMORS – Courtney Parks as Chris / Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE – Victoria Kelleher, in general / Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE – Angelique Cabral, in general / Friday Day: LION KING – Saku Ee, in general

Best Daring to Suck

• 3rd Place Friday Day: THE LION KING – Kristina Campo (Zasu)
• 2nd Place Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE – Adam Korson (Chip)’s Unfortunate Erection
• 1st Place Thursday Day: RUMORS – Jay Ellis and the Pink Feathered Cock Sock

Best Monologue

• 3rd Place Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS – Van Hansis (aka Mini Van) as weird dude in Triage
• 2nd Place Tuesday Eve: 12 FABULOUS PEOPLE – Mike Manning
• 1st Place Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS – Nick Clifford as Lesly Kahn talking about Chinese Food

Best Moment in a Song

• 3rd Place Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE – “I Speak Six Languages” with Angelique Cabral
• 2nd Place Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE – “My Friend The Dictionary” with Jackie Geary
• 1st Place Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE – The “I Love You” Song with Ginifer King, Helen Highfield and Eyal Podell

Best Supporting Actress

• 3rd Place Tie: Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS – Kate Johnson as Mrs. Banks / Thursday Day: RUMORS – Ursula Taherian / Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS – India deBeaufort as Jane
• 2nd Place Tie: Friday Day: THE LION KING – Lydia Medeiros as Timon / Friday Day: THE LION KING – Hilary Bauman as Pumbaa
• 1st Place Tie: Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE – Ellen Wroe as Logainne Schwartzandgrubeniere / Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE – Angelique Cabral as Marcy Park / Tuesday Eve: TWELVE FABULOUS PEOPLE – Nawal Bengholam as Coco Chanel

Best Supporting Actor

• 3rd Place Tie: Thursday Day: RUMORS – KC Morgan as Ken in Act I / Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS – Doug Simpson as Uncle Albert
• 2nd Place Tie: Thursday Day: RUMORS – Jay Ellis as Lenny / Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS – Vinoj Zacharia as Michael
• 1st Place Tie: Tuesday Eve: TWELVE FABULOUS PEOPLE – Jeremy Brandt as Ted Nugent / Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS – Eric Nenninger as Mr. Banks

Best Song

• 3rd Place Tie: Friday Day: THE LION KING – “Be Prepared” with Collin Palomares, Saku Ee, Kantu Lentz, and Ryan Nolan / Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS – “Sister Suffragette” and “The Life I lead” with Kate Johnson, Eric Nenninger, Kristi Sexton and Lili Mirojnick
• 2nd Place Friday Day: THE LION KING – “Hakuna Matata” with Lydia Medeiros, Hilary Bauman, Dean Li and JD Barton
• 1st Place Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE – “I Love You” with Ginifer King, Helen Highfield and Eyal Podell

Best Ensemble

• 3rd Place Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS
• 2nd Place Tuesday Eve: TWELVE FABULOUS PEOPLE
• 1st Place Tie: Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE / Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS

Best Direction

• 4th Place Tuesday Eve: TWELVE FABULOUS PEOPLE – Will Hawkes
• 3rd Place Thursday Day: RUMORS – Mallory McGill
• 2nd Place Friday Day: THE LION KING – JD Barton
• 1st Place Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE – Ensemble

Best Actor

• 3rd Place Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE – Chris Schneider as Douglas Panch
• 2nd Place Friday Day: THE LION KING – Collin Palomares as Scar
• 1st Place Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE – Ryan Bailey as William Barfee

Best Actress

• 3rd Place Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS – Rachel Germaine as Lesly Kahn
• 2nd Place Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS – Anna Campbell as Mary Poppins
• 1st Place Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE – Victoria Kelleher as Rona Lisa Peretti

Best Show

• 3rd Place Tie: Friday Day: THE LION KING / Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS
• 2nd Place Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS
• 1st Place Tuesday Night: SPELLING BEE

Best Bios

3rd Place (an 8-way tie):

• Friday Day: THE LION KING – Dean Li (Young Simba) . . . is making his Broadway debut in THE LION KING. He’d rather be in a boyband circa 2001, but this will do. He prepared for his role as Young Simba by watching THE LION KING as a five year old in 1994. Shout outs to his mom, his management team, and Joe Jonas for being a musical and theatrical inspiration.
• Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS – Lilah Richcreek is personally responsible for half of Whole Foods’ yearly gross income.
• Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS – Allison Poccia spends her days coming up with new erotic emoticons (.) (.)
• Friday Day: THE LION KING – Sammy Obeid wrote, in response to Monday Night’s MARY POPPINS, “Yeah, but did those motherfuckers have Circle of Life??? Get ‘em guys.”
• Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS – Nikki Hayden is raising a three year old and currently stars in every commercial on television.  She is shocked to be awake right now.”
• Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS – Jordan Davis wishes he was a little bit taller, wishes he was a baller, and wishes he had a girl who looked good.  He would call her.
• Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS – Joshua Sawtelle grew a beard and is now stopped by the TSA on a regular basis.
• Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS – Bianca Lopez speaks fluent Spanish, manages a food truck, and fulfills any other stereotypes you can think of.

2nd Place (a 10-way tie):

• Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS – Kate Johnson (Mrs. Banks) . . . would like you to know that she does not have a great English accent, so if it changes to Irish or another European ethnicity throughout her performance, you are not to judge her. Had it been a southern accent, everything would have been fine. She would like to thank Lesly Kahn for never teaching dialects.
• Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS – Rachel Germaine will be portraying tits on a stick, which isn’t a huge stretch.
• Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS – Vinoj Zacharia (Michael): “He would like to thank his wife for all her love and support through his affair with Lesly Kahn.”
• Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS – Trevor Torseth (Constable, Mr. Dawes, Sr., Company): “Trevor Torseth is a big, stupid dummy head. He often loses and can’t find things. He’s been known to lock himself out of other things. And he rarely understands or even remembers the simplest things. You may have seen Trevor in many different things. And he very much enjoys pushing himself deeply into the most wonderful things. He would greatly appreciate the opportunity to thank one particular thing. Thanks, thing, and he hopes more than anything things enjoy this thing.
• Friday Day: THE LION KING – Linda Kang (Giraffe) is only 5’3”.
• Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS – Ryan Caltagirone was born on 7.8.81. You’re welcome, world.
• Friday Day: THE LION KING – Hilary Bauman (Pumbaa) – Her acting career began while serving five to life in Joliet Women’s Detention Center, where she formed the one-woman improv team: Solitary Con-Fun-Ment. Hilary had caught the acting bug! And Hepatitis C. She now enjoys performing across the greater San Pedro area . . . as long as it’s not within fifty feet of a minor. Or 100 feet of a service animal.
• Friday Day: THE LION KING – Collin Palomares (Scar) . . .  is thrilled to be playing the evil villain as opposed to the nice guy next door who never gets the girl and will spend the rest of his life sulking in the shadow of his more awesome friend/brother/opponent. [He] . . . received his BFA in Acting from somewhere you’ve never heard of.
• Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS – Alison Turner is an acting teacher/dogwalker/valet/nanny/lover of all things Oprah and constantly looking for more forward slashes to add to her title.
• Thursday Night: 50 YEARS OF FABULOUS – Justice Leak has a burgeoning career as a rap artist under the moniker Just-[ICE] and is hoping his daily application of L’Oreal Sublime Bronzer will make him more street.

1st Place (a 5-way tie):

• Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS – Josh Crotty (Bert): FUCKIN BURGERVILLE PUNCHIN STUFF TOM WAITES SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 2 GIRL ONE GUY PRON BACK TO THE FUTURE TRILOGY WHERE THE FUCK IS MY HOVER BOARD MAZTO PEARL SNAP SHIRTS THE TEN COMMANDMENTS IS THE BEST MOVIE EVER BOARD GAMES NORTH CAROLINA ORIGINAL NINTENDO EYEBALLS JACK DANIELS JOHNNY CASH IF YOU CELEBRATE PASSOVER ON AN OVERPASS YOU WILL GO BACK IN TIME FUCK DRUMS ANIMAL COWBOY BOOTS STEVE LARGENT I WANT TO REMAKE URBAN COWBOY THE MAGNIFICENT 7 AND COOL HAND LUKE SO GOD DAMN BAD BEIN REALLY FUCKIN HIGH BLOW JOBS TATTOOS DAVE CHAPPELLE I MISS PLAYIN BALL I WILL BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF TIM TEBOW MY DAD HUGS 501′S THE COUVE!!!!!!!! BOB HIRSCH.
• Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS – Jennifer Landon (Andrew the Dog) – Woof.
• Friday Day: THE LION KING – JD Barton (Simba) – . . . Look past the incredible musculature and unparalleled male masculinity and see a lion who is just looking to belong.”
• Monday Night: MOTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS – Lili Mirojnick (Director, Ellen, Company)  – “Blah blah blah blah blah. Blah blah blah acting blah blah blah blah. Blah blah blah blah blah blah, blah blah blah, blah blah blah debut. Blah blah blah blah blah blah mom, dad, blah Lesly Kahn blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah.
• Friday Day: THE LION KING – Mike Gilbertson . . . moved to LA to play acoustic guitar for a closing number for an at times insane Jewish woman’s acting school’s end of the year musical theatre competition between all the classes which only perpetuates this thin invisible layer of competitive nature between them all thus causing not only spite and malice between ‘em but this deep need and desire to please the very teacher that put them there in the first place.  This is BOTOC!

Special thanks to Julia Black and Aline Bui, without whom I would not have survived this process!

BOTOC: Broadway! THE LION KING

January 14, 2012 in BOTOCS (Battles of the Ongoing Classes), Lesly, Lesly's Thoughts, Ongoing - leave a reply

Lesly and Jolie and Jesse’s Friday Day Ongoing: THE LION KING

As I was going about my work on Friday morning I noticed that the Kahnstitute had somehow transformed into the jungles of Africa. There was the steady beat of drums,

there were wild animals lurking in the hallways (lions, hyenas and zebras among others), and then? I heard the faint strains of Hakuna Matata. OMG, it was THE LION KING. Again, I was at once thrilled and terrified.

Upon entering the Yellow Room, I was thrilled to see guests like Gloria C, Theresa JT, Aline B, Julia B, Alison T and Lilah R, as well as co-teachers Jolie, Jesse and Eyal (who also ran camera; thank you EL!). There was a beautiful painting of a sun (which, I later learned was painted by Kiki L), a wonderful Playbill and a full script waiting for me on my couch. Gina N then entered as Rafiki in full costume and make-up. She was just stunning. She sang along with the song on tape.

Halley K then sang CIRCLE OF LIFE.

She was joined by several animals including Cher T as a bird, Linda K as a Giraffe, Melanie L as a zebra, Heather H as a cheetah and honestly it felt like there were ten more. I know Kristina C was Zazu the bird, Jessica K was something, Hilary B was something else and Lydia M was something else.

All held small puppets on sticks and danced with them. The number culminated with Dean L as Young Simba the Lion being held aloft by the other animals.

The amazing choreography was by JD Barton.

We then met Collin P as the evil Scar. Collin was truly inspired in this role. As Eyal or Jesse said, he found his ideal casting: a villainous beast.

Chaffee G played his father,

Kristina C, the bird.

Throughout it all, Mike drummed spectacularly well. The costumes by Gina N were phenomenal – as later described, they were sort of THE LION KING meets ROAD WARRIOR: lots of repurposed fur and feathers, earth tones and animal prints. Cher T’s make-up and hairstyles were spectacular.

We were all shocked when we were moved en masse into the Purple Room to the sound of Mike’s drumming. It was dark and scary in there with bones on the ground and tusks mounted on the backdrop in the distance. They’d made use of the film room lights and created a completely different environment from that of the Yellow room. Kantu L, Ryan N and Saku E were fantastic Hyenas and Chaffee was a most proper and concerned Mufasa (Simba’s father).

I just adored the song Collin sang with the hyenas (“Be Prepared!” I think I’m gonna make it the official Kahnstitute song). The choreography was just fabulous. Cher’s hyena’s make-up was freaky and fantastic.  There was a sock puppet battle behind a sheet in which Mufasa died; it was adorable.

Next we were ushered into the hallway where Collin as Scar announced his ascendance to the throne and we were all his subjects. Such a fantastic use of the space! Wow.

Soon we found ourselves in the Green room where Lydia M as Timon and Hilary B as Pumbaa rescued Simba who’d run away after finding his father dead. They were just fantastic – two incredibly specific characters that we loved.

Dean L’s Simba magically morphed into JD B (by slipping under the table and transferring the fur). Well done!

The production designers had apparently found all the plants in the house and moved ‘em into the Green room for Hakuna Matata, which did not disappoint! Again, the choreography was great, the costumes terrific, the make-up – epic, the performances ebullient. Halley K as Adula Nala did a lovely scene with JD who executed a thrilling lift with Halley. 

Gina was back as Rafiki, again in full costume and make-up.

And then we were ushered into the Yellow room. You’d think all this schlepping woulda been a pain in the ass, but it was so much fun! The cast shepherded us and was so committed! We were all only too happy to accommodate their site-specificity. This new scene opened with Kiki as Simba’s mom subjected to the cruelty and lunacy of Collin as Scar. There was another clever puppet show culminating in the death of Scar; it was all so well done.

When Sarabi (Kiki) and Simba (JD) were reunited, Jolie started sobbing (as did Sarabi/Kiki). Everyone was moved.

Mike then accompanied himself on the guitar for the acoustic reprise of Circle of Life and then the whole cast joined him and sang it together. Just great.

An enormous amount of work went into this show. Dean L was the Executive Producer and Casting Director. I thought he did an amazing job in all of his roles, but as Jolie said, he clearly has a gift when it comes to casting, especially with regard to the choice of Collin for Scar (Collin claims Dean called him and pitched the role so well that he accepted it before he even read the script!). Some of the newest members of class were not given much to do and while I understand that was because their skills were unknown, it made me sad – I wished there had been more double casting so everyone could have really sunk their teeth into something. Again, JD B’s choreography was unparalleled, and I’m told he had the patience of a saint in teaching six numbers in as many days to a cast of twenty, most of whom were NOT dancers. Gina’s costumes were truly outstanding, Kristina C actually made her own costume and Saku’s props were original and clever (I’m keeping that Zebra Leg forever!).

I was also impressed by the lighting – each room had a completely different feeling and mood – and all of this was done on a budget of nada. While I’m not sure how long the show ran, I can say that the cut was perfect – not too long, not too short. Eyal, who is extremely familiar with the show as he has two small children, was most impressed with how well it was edited.  Eyal also wondered how the class was going to accommodate the stilt-walking with which the show is associated. JD said, “All of our animals were on stilts. They were just tiny stilts.”

Kantu L helped Cher with the make-up; so much attention was paid to detail – down to the puddle in the forest! Eyal suggested that we all remember this and do it in our acting in the future. It was Saku E’s idea to move the audience from room to room. She was also responsible for the wonderful program, which included this note: “To Lesly Kahn: All set design elements are temporary and have been KC-approved for your viewing pleasure. There is no need for you to worry about your walls.”  Soooo thoughtful! Kantu L and Heather H created the bones in the boneyard and Kantu glued all of the feathers onto Gina’s costume, one at a time.

The drum Mike used was made from a real tree in Africa. Wow.

When I mentioned the new prize suggested by Tuesday night class (that the winning class get to mount their play in a theatre for a night), Hilary said, “I have a whole set of hyena puppets I didn’t get to use!” ‘Nuf said.

The program also included wonderful advertisements and clever notes. Plus everyone signed my program (THANK YOU! I love it!). The bios were great, highlights including

• Dean’s: “. . . is making his Broadway debut in THE LION KING. He’d rather be in a boyband circa 2001, but this will do. He prepared for his role as Young Simba by watching THE LION KING as a five year old in 1994. Shout outs to his mom, his management team, and Joe Jonas for being a musical and theatrical inspiration.”
• Collin’s: “. . . received his BFA in Acting from somewhere you’ve never heard of.”
• Gina’s: “This is her first time playing an Old World monkey shaman.”
• Halley’s: “She would like to thank . . . her future husband, Elton John.”
• Heather ‘s: “ . . . played Snow White in her first grade play. . . . she was given the role because she had short, dark brown hair. She missed recess for three months to rehearse.”
• Hilary’s: “Her acting career began while serving five to life in Joliet Women’s Detention Center, where she formed the one-woman improv team: Solitary Con-Fun-Ment. Hilary had caught the acting bug! And Hepatitis C. .. . She now enjoys performing across the greater San Pedro area . . . as long as it’s not within fifty feet of a minor. Or 100 feet of a service animal.”
• JD’s: “ . . . Look past the incredible musculature and unparalleled male masculinity and see a lion who is just looking to belong.”
• Linda K: “Linda K (Giraffe) is only 5’3”.”
• Mike G: “. . . moved to LA to play acoustic guitar for a closing number for an at times insane Jewish woman’s acting school’s end of the year musical theatre competition between all the classes which only perpetuates this thin invisible layer of competitive nature between them all thus causing not only spite and malice between ‘em but this deep need and desire to please the very teacher that put them there in the first place.  This is BOTOC!”
• Sammy O: “. . . in response to Monday Night’s MARY POPPINS, “Yeah, but did those motherfuckers have Circle of Life??? Get ‘em guys.”

11.12.16 LK FRIDAY DAY BOTOC: BROADWAY - THE LION KING

Stay tuned for the BOTOC: Broadway! Awards!

BOTOC: Broadway! A Broadway Tribute to Lesly Kahn

January 14, 2012 in BOTOCS (Battles of the Ongoing Classes), Lesly, Lesly's Thoughts, Ongoing - leave a reply

Lesly’s Thursday Night Ongoing: A Broadway Tribute to Lesly Kahn

There was a lot of secrecy surrounding Thursday Night’s BOTOC. In the hours leading up to show time, whenever I dared step out of my office someone blocked my path and shooed me back to my desk. Finally the hour was upon us and Nikki escorted me to the Yellow Room, which had been transformed into a theatre with music playing, gold and silver stars suspended from the ceiling,

a big box on the couch, several containers of healthy snacks and water awaiting my consumption, a white curtain on my left and truly lush and gorgeous purple and gold silk curtains in front of me.

There was a sign lit from above that said, “A Broadway Tribute to Lesly Kahn.” I was at once thrilled and terrified.

The show began with everyone in black doing what I believe was the opening number from A CHORUS LINE (“I Hope I Get It”). It soon became clear that they had changed all the words and were singing about . . . me!

Rachel G reprised her role as . . . me! Throughout the show. She basically narrated the story of my life, as . . .  me! In a wig and glasses, wearing very Lesly-esque wardrobe and sounding VERY Lesly-esque (loud, shrill, emotional with lots of reversals) throughout.

The first story she told was about my mother, Pat. And lo and behold, out came Merrill D singing a song I believe was from ANNIE — as — presumably — my mother.

Next we had a song from GREASE, “Look at me I’m Les-A-Lee” (as opposed to San-dra-Dee). (There was music by Riccardo L throughout and wonderful lighting by Carrie W.)  Bettina O was me and Lilah R and Nikki H were the other two girls.

Shortly thereafter, my legendary ex-boyfriend Jorge made an entrance played by Riccardo WITH requisite mustache.

Another song from CHORUS LINE was next, “Tits and Ass” sung by Rachel. We were all pretty thrilled when she unwrapped her wrap dress (throwing it on delighted guest Trevor T in the audience) to reveal a white slip, but things got REALLY exciting when the slip came off revealing some very scanty undergarments and a LOT of Rachel.

[many, many risque pix I wasn't allowed to post. (Sad emoticon)]

The sound cues were perfection.

Next we came to the Yale School of TDrauma where much was made of my performance as Lady M, and my misery at what was being taught – like finding one’s center. Josh then sang something about being fucked blah blah blah (what a beautiful voice he has!). Other actors joined him bearing signs like “What do you feel?” And “What’s your objective?” Everyone danced.

The next section focused on my drinking and ultimately getting sober. Nick lay there in a robe with cucumbers on his eyelids playing me. He did a fabulous speech about Chinese food and casting and sang a great song.

Everyone rewrote the lyrics to their songs themselves.  I’m told they met and decided they wanted to do lots of different Broadway songs – not just one show. Together they came up with “the songs of my life,” and then decided what they would do and rewrote the lyrics.

Nikki H then sang a song – she sings like a bird!

Tyler R and Lilah R ushered in the Bob & Les era by singing a song from ALADDIN as Bob and me.  Tyler wore a fab towel turban and Lilah wore Nikki’s Princess Jasmine costume beautifully.  I believe this was The Kahnstitute song, but it was hard to keep track and watch the show concurrently.

It was then time for . . . Triage! Ryan C did a fab bit as Al Pacino with “You talkin’ to me?” Merrill D was a Brit doing PRINCESS BRIDE, Van was 17 and played everyone in 90210. Bettina was a bitchy starlet who knew it all.

We were then treated to the “I Dreamed a Dream” ballet starring Allison P, a purply-blue crushed velvet leotard and enormous, Dolly Parton sized breasts. In this segment Allison, as me, fought her addictions to wine, Marlboro Red cigarettes and vodka (my actual addictions did include a massive amount of wine, but the Merits were Yellow and I strongly preferred any kind of tequila, but that’s just splitting hairs).  There was a strobe machine, a smoke machine and Alison T, Nikki H and Bianca L playing my various addictions in boxes (impossible to describe).  Amazing.

Next they were in acting class doing scenes from STREETCAR, with Rachel as teacher and Justin playing a TA. Rachel, as me, felt the scenes weren’t interesting and told the actors to make-out. It got steamy.

The final number was from JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (aka Lesly Kahn Superstar), with everyone bearing a star.

Guests included Marc V, Kaitlyn (Kailie S), Miranda L, Trevor T, Julia B, Aline B, Theresa JT, Liz Y and Michael Krepack.  Jordana B sent a fabulous video as well!

The concept was by Nikki H, and it appears that she directed, produced, designed, acted, sang and did literally everything else in between. Riccardo L managed the music – both for the show and for the truly astounding party afterward.

All agreed that Nikki was a phenomenal leader.

Carrie stepped in at the last minute and did the lighting, and Justice photoshopped the crap out of the program.

It was beyond fun. 

2011.12.15 LK THURSDAY NIGHT CLASS BOTOC: BROADWAY - A BROADWAY TRIBUTE TO LESLY KAHN

BOTOC: Broadway! Lesly and Vikki’s Thursday Day Ongoing: RUMORS

January 12, 2012 in BOTOCS (Battles of the Ongoing Classes), Lesly, Lesly's Thoughts, Ongoing - leave a reply

Lesly and Vikki’s Thursday Day Ongoing: RUMORS

The Thursday Day BOTOC began in the Pink Room, which was done up as a theatre lobby and bar – including a red table-clothed serving area, wine, beverages, M&M’s, club soda, lime and Gorgeous, Scantily Clad Guest Bartender.

I entered to find my co-teacher Vikki sipping something delish-looking with guests Julia B, Stephanie J and Debra A. Soon thereafter, the lights flickered indicating the show was about to begin and we all moved into the Green Room/Theatre for a production of RUMORS.

There was a white curtain in front of the dining room table and a real, live doorway!

Plus, there were trays of homemade cookies and brownies torturing me on the coffee table.  The show began with Meredith P belting out an amazing “Anything Goes.”

Courtney P entered looking fabulous in an equally fabulous dress with KC right behind her in half a tux. KC did some of the best work he’s ever done in this show– some simply exquisite timing. Both he and Coco had great stakes and pace.

Christine G made her entrance in a lovely frock along with Jay E, who made his stage debut this afternoon (along with Kaitlyn S and Courtney P. Congratulations to all the virgins. You rocked.)

Frankie and Johnny were a very cute couple and the whole show was VERY nicely blocked. It was clear that a very strong director had made a tremendous mark on the production as almost everyone was in the same play.

Ursula and Rich entered looking great. The costumes were terrific.

I wasn’t quite sure why Coco and Christina emerged from the bathroom and started dancing, but it was very fun to watch, Jay handled a line loss with aplomb. I loved that there was a score under the scene change.

I wasn’t clear about who Meredith was at the beginning of Act II, but Vikki explained it to me. Meredith was fabu with her ciggie

and Heidi did a great job of picking up where Ursula left off.

The blue siren was cool and Nathalie and Kaitlyn were VERY sexy/borderline slutty/borderline porno (Vikki’s words, not mine) cops. This scene was kind of hard to see as the lights were low.

Everyone had a lot of fun, especially in Act I. So much enthusiasm and energy! So many great moments. Although I must mention that there was also some evidence of people having spent time at the Character Store, a significant lack of imaging and choice-making and lots of indicating.

Some of my favorite moments included:

• Casey:  “Hi, Claire!”
• Jay: “Yes, I’d say there’s something wrong.”
• Christine’s earlobe turn.
• Ursula:  “Albany?!”
• Ursula: “To rinse my crystal.”
• Casey: “It’s good!”

Jay totally saved Act II with his pink-feathered-cock-sock (on loan from the collection of Casey M), and director Mallory M worked her butt off putting in 15 hour days to make it all happen.

Her vision was spectacular and realized. The event was catered (Mexican and Greek food) by Kaitlyn S, we were given lovely Playbills with fantastically funny bios and I was provided with a script.

I loved the sign “No cell phones in the theatre” on the Green Room door.

German L showed up right after the show along with Stephen “Steel Potato” (don’t ask) Steelman.

I am amazed that Julia B and Aline B showed up to all the shows. How fantastic are they? How fab for me that I don’t have to judge this whole Kahntest  alone?!!!!

2011.12.15 LK VK THURSDAY DAY BOTOC: BROADWAY - RUMORS

BOTOC: Broadway! The 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

January 11, 2012 in BOTOCS (Battles of the Ongoing Classes), Lesly, Lesly's Thoughts, Ongoing - leave a reply

Lesly’s Tuesday Night Ongoing: PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

I was in a terrible mood before this performance. I’d just had it up to HERE. To say that I was NOT inclined to get in the car at 8:30 pm and schlep to the Tuesday Night Class BOTOC Broadway show which they’d decided MUST take place at one of the actors’ homes in BURBANK, does not BEGIN to describe my antipathy towards the outing.

“Let me drive you!” Pled Eyal heroically, knowing full well that spending twenty minutes locked in a moving vehicle with me in my current state meant one of us might not make it out alive.

“No,” I muttered, irritation oozing out of every pore. “I’ll drive myself.”  I left the building no less than three times, having forgotten things like cameras, clipboards and Ten Color Pens each time.

I arrived at Vikki’s only to find this sign outside:

Had I not been in a homicidal rage I might have found it cute.

Along with Will H, Jason F and Nawal B from Tuesday Evening class, I was ushered to my seat (thank God and Vikki there was a footstool) in what used to be Vikki’s dining room but was now the orchestra of a theatre with about 25 seats in it. Gin K plied me with club soda, my drug of choice, as I refused to chat with Jay L, seated next to me, and guests Angel P, Andrew L and Lindsay K who were directly behind me. Vikki’s mom was there as was Vikki’s eight year old son Aiden, the most gorgeous creature on the planet, and her husband Paul who had clearly been put to work doing technical things like lights and sound. Todd G and India D were huddled in the back next to one of the – three?! – cameras Paul had set up to record the evening’s activities. Aline B and Julia B (see above) were poring over their programs and Jackie G’s husband Jamison had secreted himself in back on the other side. I caught a glimpse of Kathryn G as the house lights started to fade.

Vikki’s living room had been set up for the 25^th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE.  There was a big sign that said “25^th Annual Putnam County Speelling Bee” (yup, misspelled!) on the wall in front of us, a couple microphones, a desk with a trophy on it and some risers to our left. And the show began.

I took very few notes. I just couldn’t. I was too busy watching and having waaaay too much fun. And besides, nothing was wrong! There was nothing to note! It was freakin’ great! It did its job. It completely changed my life. I walked into the house ready to stab anyone who came within two inches of me. Two minutes into the first song, I was a goner: sold, toast, a complete Kahnvert.

Were all the voices Broadway ready?  Nah. Only a few were truly great; many couldn’t even carry a tune. But because THEY didn’t care – WE didn’t care. At all.

Were the sets phenomenal? Not so much. But they were exactly what was required. Were the costumes amazeballs? Nope. Except maybe Angelique’s – because it actually WAS her school uniform in 8^th grade.

And Vikki looked great too.

So did Schneider.

And I loved Jesse’s tattoos.

And Ellen’s costume was kinda adorbs.

And Alex as a gay, Latin Jesus Christ looked great in my wig (stolen by Eyal, originally coiffed by Ursula T for another BOTOC altogether).

Adam looked cute:

and I couldn’t begin to understand what Jeff was wearing but I’m thinking that might have been the idea.

And Ryan? Well Ryan’s wig pretty much stole the show.

I was utterly transported to Putnam County, the spelling bee, and smack dab into the lives of Chip Tolentino (Adam K), and Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere (Ellen W), her two dads (Eyal P and Alex Q), Leaf Coneybear (Jeff M), William Barfee (Ryan B), Marcy Park (Angelique C), Olive Ostrovsky (Jackie G and Helen H),

her parents Gin K and Eyal P,

Rona Lisa Perretti (Vikki K), Vice Principal Douglas Panch (Chris S), Juan Gonzalez (Jesse S) and Gay Columbian Jesus Christ (Alex Q).

They got the karaoke cd for the show and played it under all the songs except for Jesse’s, which he lip-synched. How they lit the living room to look like a small theatre is beyond me, but with the exception of a couple foil instruments, all the lighting was practical. The sound was amazing. There were no dropped lines or cues. There was, however, a massive amount of commitment, enthusiasm, Jaylacopoesque celebration, joy, daring to suck and truly amazing acting. In fact, it was some of the best work I’ve ever seen these already-pretty-damn-freakin-good performers do.

Apparently the script provided ample opportunity for improvisation and this rendition did not disappoint. Chris S’ wrote amazing jokes and the cast’s execution was flawless. Adam sang his l’il heart out and I think we were all devastated when he misspelled his word because of his erection and lost the trophy.

Ellen’s lisp was truly astounding; she couldn’t have looked cuter with her braids and her wardrobe; I wanted to take her home and mother the crap out of her captivating character.

Angelique’s work throughout was great and her dance was exceptional – I thought only Madonna and Lady Gaga could sing and execute moves like that concurrently, but Ang gave ‘em a run for their tatas. Her character’s self-discovery was beyond poignant.

Ryan’s work was fantastic – so nuanced and specific; his physical comedy was genius; his relationship with Olive – precious.

Both Olives, by the way, were wonderful. Jackie’s shyness was captivating and mesmerizing; when she whispered into the mic at the end of her song we were all on the edge of our seats.

Helen’s Olive was filled with guts and gusto, warmth and wonder.

We loved her for loving Barfee. Jeff M’s Coneybear was a study in helmet-wearing lunacy, but when the inspiration struck him and enabled him to spell, it was an amazing thing to behold.

Vikki simply couldn’t have been a better spelling bee hostess. She looked perfect. She sounded perfect. She was perfect. Her voice was lovely, her demeanor charming, her effortless management of the entire affair – astounding. Chris’ Panch was nothing short of excellent. Every moment nailed. I couldn’t wait for his next bit.

For a long time I thought Jesse actually had tattoos, but then I realized it was a t-shirt. He was yummy. I loved the two dads (Eyal and Alex) and Gin was to die for in her song, especially in her harmonies with Eyal.

Amy L, Eyal and Alex were wonderful “audience volunteers.” I thought it was particularly nice of Amy to play drunk because she knows how much I love it.

I loved all the “kahnisms” injected into the script and Vikki’s Lesly-like squeals. I quite appreciated the nods to Golden Bridge Kundalini and thought they handled the double casting of Olive (“Oh my goodness! Due to an injury, the role of Olive will now be played by Helen H” mid show) brilliantly. I worshipped the way Jesus (Alex) “magically” opened and closed the door to Vikki’s kitchen/heaven too.

The casting was fabulous in spite of the sudden but totally understandable absence of our beloved Joel whose grandmother took ill. We all send his family our best thoughts. Eyal and Alex stepped in at the last minute.

I’m told no one really directed, but I did detect the strong hand of Vikki throughout the evening. I’m told everyone helped with harmonies, choreography (Adam did the dreamy dream ballet), coaching and just about anything that needed to be done. Amy L and Schneider did a fabulous job on the program, and Gin and Helen found the script and soundtrack and karaoke disc. Adam edited some of the music and who KNOWS what poor Paul did. Probably everything else. Ainsley was a great rehearsal audience and Aidan wrote a great song on Garage Band which he played after the show.

I was given a notebook with a script, the karaoke cd, all the spelling words and their information and a program signed by the whole cast.

It was truly theatre, y’all. What theatre is supposed to be – an escape into a world you really never want to leave.  Thank you, Tuesday night. It was amazing.

BOTOC: Broadway! Lesly & Eyal’s Tuesday Evening Ongoing: TWELVE FABULOUS PEOPLE

January 6, 2012 in BOTOCS (Battles of the Ongoing Classes), Lesly, Lesly's Thoughts, Ongoing - leave a reply

Director Will H

Anthony S was so much like Anderson Cooper in every way that we in the audience (Julia B, Eyal P, Aline B and I), were all completely convinced that he WAS Anderson Cooper. Claire T was an extremely apt Jess from NEW GIRL, and since I don’t really know anything about Ted Nugent and I can’t really tell you how Jeremy B‘s characterization was, but I CAN tell you that I loved watching him. While I don’t think Nawal B was anything like Coco Chanel, I certainly loved what she did – from her look to her accent to her incredibly subtle work.

Anthony B/- Anderson Cooper

And I don’t know what or who a Southie Hoodrat is either, but Elizabeth P was extremely engaging in the role. I loved her look and her commitment.

Elizabeth P

Jacquelyn J sounded exactly like Glinda the Good Witch – it was eerie,

Jacqueline as Glinda

James H was most convincing as a Jersey Shore boy,

Frank as Pooh

Frank M was everything one could ever want Winnie-The-Pooh to be, Marcienne D was the queen if THE KING’S SPEECH had actually been about a woman (and she sang MOST exquisitely at the end of the show),

Marcienne as the Queen

Michael M was an interesting Winklevoss Twin (replete with Polo shirt and sweater; sans height and Aryan appearance), Paul B was an apt Terminator,

Michael - A Winklevoss Twin

Paul as The Terminator

and while, again, I don’t know who Bob Ross is, I loved Jason F’s wig, get-up, drawing, drawings and general demeanor.

Jason Cheryl Lynn B opened the show as an amazing Queen of Hearts,Cheryl Lynn B - Queen of Hearts

Karen L was lovely as an enlightened guard.

Will H was quite terrifying in his role as a medieval jailor.

I must, unfortunately, admit to not having been familiar with TWELVE ANGRY MEN (the play or the movie) and thus, I was somewhat mystified by most of the goings on most of the time. I was so busy trying to figure out why

• The Terminator was being so mean to Glinda,
• Marcienne was stammering,
• Jason was drawing and wearing a wild wig,
• Frank was in a Pooh costume,
• Mike looked so clean cut,
• James looked like a tennis playing hood,

  

  James

• both Jackie and Marcienne were wearing crowns,
• Elizabeth looked sooooo pissed off,
• Nawal looked so chic and had such a fabu accent,
• Jeremy was a cowboy,
  

  Jeremy B

• Claire had a mermaid doll, and what the hell Anderson Cooper was doing there that I didn’t really start following the plot until it was too late.

But much fun was had by all. Afterward I learned that they didn’t feel they could do the play as written justice in the little time they had, and didn’t think it would be fun or exciting to do it as written, so they worked on the thoughts of the characters that were written and allowed iconic characters to evolve from that work.

They started out with Mike singing, “Oh Mama I’m in fear for my life,” and then Nawal joined in. Cheryl Lynn then emerged in her amazing costume and makeup and Will followed up in his scary mask. Overall, everyone’s acting was fine, although it was difficult to follow the trial. While I thought it was good thinking to do a shorter play in one location with lots of characters . . . I felt that if they were gonna do that, they needed to make sure the acting was stellar and easy to follow.  I wasn’t given a script either, so that made it even more difficult to follow, though the program was beautiful!

2011.12.13 LK EP TUESDAY EVENING BOTOC: BROADWAY - 12 FABULOUS PEOPLE - Marcienne D, Jason F, Frank M, Mike M, Paul B, Jeremy B, Anthony B, Claire T, Will H, Karen L, Cheryl Lynn B, James H, Jacqueline J, Elizabeth P, Nawal B (missing: Meredith A, Rory U)

BOTOC: Broadway! Lesly’s Monday Night Ongoing: MUTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS!

January 5, 2012 in BOTOCS (Battles of the Ongoing Classes), Lesly, Lesly's Thoughts, Ongoing - leave a reply

Lesly’s Monday Night Ongoing: MUTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS

Monday Night Class did a truly astounding job with MUTHA’ FUCKIN’ MARY POPPINS. I loved their playbill (Kahnbill) – replete with cast pictures, bios and location (the Yellow Room Theatre).

Lili M’s adaptation of the film (from 160 pages down to 80) was just great. I can’t say enough about the sets and production design by Josh C (as well as his entire family, including his artist-mother and eight-month pregnant sister!) and Lili M.

Everyone had amazing costumes, especially Jen L’s Andrew the Dog (loved the ears and the make-up and the leotard),

Jen L as Andrew the Dog

Eric N’s Mr. Banks (great ensemble),

Eric N and Anna C post-show

Trevor T’s Constable 

Trevor T as The Constable

and Mr. Dawes, Sr., India D’s Jane (she made her own astonishing dress!!!! And maybe wanted to be Red Riding Hood in INTO THE WOODS?), Vinoj Z’s Michael,

Vinoj J as Michael

Anna C’s Mary (loved both versions so much!),  

Doug S as Uncle Albert

Doug S’ Uncle Albert, and Kristi S’ Bird Woman (including birds!).

Kristi S as the Bird Woman

Anna C’s props were brilliant (especially the merry-go-round, fireplace and the letter),

A horse on the merry-go-round

The magic fireplace

as was India D’s bottomless suitcase. The choreography by India D and Josh C rivaled whatever Dick and Julie did in the film.

All the women’s hair was by India D. The lighting (run by last minute operator Jennifer L and Jack Jack M) faded up and out to perfection. The sound was terrific. Many thanks to Justice for videotaping.

Justice

Lili should clearly be a producer/director.

Lili wearing LOTS of hats

The class had agreed that whomever’s show was chosen could choose his or her role. As Josh C had suggested MARY POPPINS (primarily because he’d always wanted to be Julie Andrews), no one was surprised when he volunteered to play the title role, but that idea was vetoed and he played Burt (though he was permitted to play Mary’s reflection, which he did with great aplomb). Anna C was a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Mary –a constant source of humor and astonishment, seriousness and magic.  India D and Vinoj Z were perfect as the kids – consistently adorable and sweet.

Anna so beautiful as Mary

Eric N and Kate J as Mr. and Mrs. Banks

Trevor T after the show

Kate J was charming and delightful as Mrs. Banks – she had so much fun and brought such a wonderful life to the character. Eric N’s Mr. Banks was equal parts funny, surprising, arrogant, out-of-it, moving and brilliant. They had a wonderful relationship.  Lili M kept the show moving by not only playing Ellen exquisitely, but also by concurrently being stage manager and crew. Doug S and Luke D were wildly entertaining as Admiral Boom and Mr. Binnacle

Doug S

and no one could possibly have matched Kristi S’ Katie Nanna.  Trevor T was perfectly cast as the Constable and Jennifer L as the Dog was a last-minute casting stroke of genius.

Jen L and Lili M

Doug S thrilled everyone as Uncle Albert and Kristi S’ bird woman was spot on. Luke D and Trevor T were excellent bankers.

BOTOC: Broadway! Monday Evening – BEYOND THERAPY

January 3, 2012 in BOTOCS (Battles of the Ongoing Classes), Lesly, Lesly's Thoughts, Ongoing - leave a reply

Lesly & Trisha’s Monday Evening Ongoing: BEYOND THERAPY!

BOTOC: Broadway started out with a bang on Monday, December 12^th with Lesly & Trisha’s Monday Evening’s show BEYOND THERAPY. Marty S produced like a MADMAN

– everything was synched down to the second – from the great sound choices (i.e., AS TIME GOES BY) and cues by Danielle W,

to the lights by Katie J,

to the scene changes by stage manager Aline B. Theresa JT’s costumes were inspired (everyone playing the same role wore the same costume),

and the program (Playbill!) by Nate J and Arriane A was fabulous!

The bios were funny and fun and there were fabulous and creative advertisements!

Wes A did a magnificent job of directing,

and Robert H’s props were perfection.

They all did a great job transforming the pink room into a theatre by moving the curtains and rod and creating a wonderful backstage space leaving some couches on the other side for seating.

Eyal taped the whole thang and I took pix like my usual crazy self. Guests Eliz W, Julia B, Michael L and Christina H were a wildly enthusiastic audience.

2011.12.12 Monday Evening Class BOTOC: Broadway - BEYOND THERAPY

BOTOC: Broadway! Overview

January 1, 2012 in BOTOCS (Battles of the Ongoing Classes), Lesly, Lesly's Thoughts, Ongoing - leave a reply

BOTOC: Broadway! Was basically the most fun a bunch of actors could possibly have without benefit of a barn. It was a complete experiment in madness and a whirlwind of excitement, all the result of the astounding hard work, dedication, commitment, and incredible creativity demonstrated by soooooo many of you. You dared to suck in a big way. And it wasn’t an easy assignment!

Each class had to:

• perform an ENTIRE Broadway musical or play (abbreviated versions were accepted),
• be off book,
• use background music or have an accompanist if you were doing a musical (no one could sing a capella),
• include everyone in the class in the performance,
• rehearse,
• not exceed 1.5 hours’ performance time,
• be faaabulous,
• be fun and moving for the audience and the actors,
• be extremely clear and NOT MESSY,
• be thoroughly costumed, propped, lit, with sound, music, make-up, hair, a semblance of a set – the whole shebang,
• create and provide me with a copy of a program with all credits listed, and
• provide me with a copy of the script as performed.

The prize? A donation made on behalf of the members of the winning class to Marine Corporal Michael Fox, who was seriously injured in Afghanistan. PLUS! A new first prize suggested by Tuesday Night Class:  the winning class will get to put their play up at a theatre space in town!!!!

The problem? The assignment was no easy task as evidenced by the fact that every class managed to disqualify itself. Yup. Every class broke at least one rule. One class didn’t give me a script, another class decided it’d be a good idea to do their performance off-site. One class did a script from a movie as opposed to the Broadway play version, another class was missing members, another class didn’t even do a Broadway show.  So, since y’all’re disqualified? NONE of you are.  And that’s that. And if you weren’t disqualified (and I think Thursday Day might fit that description, you rock.)

Nevertheless, and as I wrote on the blog, I don’t think I can go back to life as it was before BOTOC: Broadway – when

• no one was singing in the hallways,
• beautifully costumed thespians weren’t roaming the hallways in character,
• the restrooms weren’t coated in pancake,
• the classrooms weren’t transformed into theatrical spaces,
• the kitchen wasn’t destroyed by party detritus,
• voices weren’t raised in perfect harmony behind closed classroom doors,
• crazed actors weren’t desperately running lines in every corner of every room,
• the office staff wasn’t overwhelmed by actors requiring space 24/7,

when, in short, there was no theatre at the Kahnstitute. I just don’t think I can do it. I cannot thank you all enough for that.

Stay tuned for the individual performance critiques…