annieorphans.com forum

20th Anniversary understudy?

by Claire (no login)

I was watching the follow up to the Turning Point special on the 20th Anniversary production of Annie. The narrator said that when Joanna got bronchitis, they tried out some of the other orphans to find a new understudy, which was how they fell in love with Brittny. But I'm confused. Didn't Joanna already have an understudy named Alexandra? What happened to her? Did she leave the production for some reason? Did she go on for Joanna at all while Joanna was sick? Could somebody fill me in?

Posted on Dec 12, 2008, 6:00 PM
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Alexandra/Britney

by Julie Stevens (no login)

Despite what they may have reported on "Turning Point," Britney was taken aside in secret and rehearsed in the role, despite the fact that she was not the understudy. Perhaps they didn't think Alexandra, the understudy, was ready or the best choice to replace Joanna. I'm not sure, but if Joanna was out sick, I'm guessing Alexandra was going on in the role for her.

Julie

Posted on Dec 12, 2008, 6:28 PM
from IP address 71.83.170.38

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Re: Alexandra/Britney

by Claire (no login)

Thanks Julie. I also heard a rumor that the producers originally thought that Brittny was better for the role, but she was too young, so they chose Joanna as a temporary "Annie" until Brittny grew a little bit, and then used Joanna's sickness as the perfect opportunity to fire her. Have the producers ever officially released their reasoning behind the firing of Joanna?

Posted on Dec 12, 2008, 6:57 PM
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Another "rumor"

by -Grief- (Login -Grief-)

Since rumors are all we have to go on:

I also heard that after hiring Alexandra, the musical director discovered that she didn't have a very good ear for singing on pitch -- you can hear this very slightly when she sings on Turning Point -- so they didn't want her to go on as Annie.

Posted on Dec 12, 2008, 8:13 PM
from IP address 208.120.10.35

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Re: Another "rumor"

by Guy Smiley (no login)

Bill Berloni states in his book that those associated with the company suspected the producers intentionally hired Joanna, but always planned on using Brittny. The theory being that the producers hoped the change of Annie's would create (positive) publicity just before the Bway run. Just like 1976. However, in 1976 NO ONE knew that Andrea wasn't the original Annie. And, in 1976, they weren't even at their out-of-town tryout. They were still at Goodspeed. In other words, the switch was so early in the run that there wasn't any publicity.

The whole Annie20th debacle was ridiculous and those involved have to live with their decisions.

But does anyone know what Lyndsay did after Annie? She played Tessie and became good friends with Joanna during the tour.

Posted on Dec 13, 2008, 5:26 AM
from IP address 71.255.173.9

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Lyndsey (sp?)

by old fan (no login)

...I remember someone posted here that she returned to school after outgrowing her part in Annie, and wanted to concentrated on her studies and sports. There was also a recent photo posted. You could go to the Search function here, and type in her name. (Claire, you could also do this for Joanna etc because there have been many posts about this) I think it was Chrissy who had recent news on several of the orphans from the 20th company plus tour.

Posted on Dec 13, 2008, 6:33 AM
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1976

by AnnieFan65 (no login)

Also there was no internet back then so news certainly didn't travel like it does today. Annie was an unknown show and the girls in the show were for the most part unknowns though several including Andrea had exposure.

There really is no comparison to the OBC situation and what happened to Joanna. I'm hoping that AI leads her to further success!

Posted on Dec 13, 2008, 5:13 PM
from IP address 69.72.29.204

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Re: Alexandra/Britney

by NYCMom (no login)

I still can't believe they thought Britney was a better choice for Annie than Joanna, but who knows what goes on in their heads?

Posted on Dec 13, 2008, 6:59 AM
from IP address 64.12.116.72

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I agree...

by old fan (no login)

...I thought Alexandra was fine, too ! She went on to perform in Gypsy, among other things, and I believe she stayed with the company after Brittny took over (?) What has become of Brittny's singing career ? Wouldn't it be weird if she had tried out for American Idol too >>> Deja vu !

Posted on Dec 13, 2008, 7:04 AM
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Re: I agree...

by Natalie (no login)

I believe Alexandra did stay with the company. I saw a video of Hard Knock life with her in it and Brittny as Annie.

Posted on Dec 13, 2008, 8:23 AM
from IP address 69.22.207.42

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Agreed!! nmi

by AnnieFan65 (no login)

nmi

Posted on Dec 13, 2008, 5:10 PM
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Another one who agrees with this. (nmi)

by K.S. (no login)



Posted on Dec 13, 2008, 8:56 PM
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Turning Point

by Another Stage Mom (no login)

I've been reading about the "Turning Point" specials on this board, with much curiosity, but I've never actually seen them. Where can I find them? Are they posted somewhere? I'd really like to see both of them.

Posted on Dec 13, 2008, 12:14 PM
from IP address 69.124.58.63

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youtube

by Jessie (no login)

there are a bunch of videos on youtube about it. Here's the link to one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc693cU4Sfg this user has almost the whole thing, including the firing of Joanna follow up special, but it's in a bunch of different parts, so you just have to go through and find them.

Posted on Dec 13, 2008, 1:41 PM
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Thank you!

by Another Stage Mom (no login)

nmi

Posted on Dec 14, 2008, 5:41 PM
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Airtimes for All About "Annie" on Sirius

by Rachel (no login)

According to the Sirius radio website, Seth Rudetsky's sit-down with Charles Strouse, Andrea McArdle and Freddy Gershon is premiering this Sunday at 11pm EST. Repeated listenings are on Tuesday @ 6am and Wednesday @ noon.

If anyone is a Sirius subscriber, please post because I'm sure people would like to hear this interview. I get Sirius through my TV so if I can, I can play it and then hold a voice recorder up to the TV but I'm not sure if that's exactly going to be top notch quality.

For more info, go to:

http://www.sirius.com/onbroadway

Rachel

Posted on Dec 12, 2008, 5:39 PM
from IP address 68.161.145.246

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Idea

by Laura (no login)

You don't have to hold a recorder over it just pop in a vido tape if you can

Posted on Dec 12, 2008, 7:30 PM
from IP address 68.192.55.48

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Video

by Rachel (no login)

I get Sirius on my TV as part of my dish package but it's just like listening to the radio on TV...there is no picture. It's just sound. And even if I got it on video, I wouldn't then be able to post it here.

Posted on Dec 13, 2008, 7:39 AM
from IP address 68.161.145.246

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Idea

by Laura (no login)

Juast thought that the audio you caught would be cleaner. No interference from the sound of th ehand held recdorder or people walking by cars beeping outside that kind of thing. You could then play the video tape even though there's no video and just have an audio out wire that goes into your computer then make a file and post it.

Posted on Dec 13, 2008, 11:05 AM
from IP address 68.192.55.48

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free 3-day trial

by Julie Stevens (no login)

If anyone has a way to record from their computer, Sirius offers a free 3-day trial on your computer. There will be a rebroadcast on Wed., Dec. 17th @ 12 pm ET. If I'm home, I'll try and record it.

Julie


Posted on Dec 15, 2008, 10:40 AM
from IP address 69.230.68.141

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need vocal warmups

by Julie Stevens (no login)

David Chernault, whom many of you saw in the NETworks "Annie" tour as Drake and sometimes Warbucks, has created a wonderful product. I have tried the warmups myself and find them very helpful. Read below.

"For years, parents have been asking for recorded vocal exercises their child can use between lessons, before auditions or before a performance. It needed to be fun so their children would use it often. It needed to have quick but necessary instruction so the student would know exactly how to do the exercise correctly, and it needed to have a good vocal demonstration that would model correct pitch and sound without being so far in front of the accompaniment that the student couldn't hear their own voice. We've combined some standard and essential exercises with fun tongue twisters. Many of them were warmups used by the Annie touring cast before each show. They've been arranged with fun, cool instruments, sounds and rhythms to sing with."

You can find more information and hear a demo of the tracks at www.easyvocalwarmups.com. Order now and use the limited time promotional code, annieorphans, to receive a special $2 discount for visitors of annieorphans.com.

Julie

Posted on Dec 12, 2008, 4:10 PM
from IP address 71.83.170.38

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Agent question

by a Mom (no login)

My daughter is in the dreaded "dead zone". Therefore, her agent and manager (she has both) have not called or sent her out much. I submit her from time to time on my own when I see things on Actors Equity, Backstage, etc. I was wondering-Am I supposed to list her agent or managers name on the resume? If a resume appears in front of a casting director with a big name child agent on it, is it taken more seriously? Does the representation help get her thru the door? We have not signed anything and are on a free lance basis. My daughter had been seen for a feature film and it was on a self submittal. Unfortunately, she did not book it. Should I have told her agent that she was auditioning since she doesn't do anything for her and we sent in the headshot, etc.

Posted on Dec 12, 2008, 11:26 AM
from IP address 76.124.173.197

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advice

by Julie Stevens (no login)

I don't think you should list the agent or manager on your resume if you are self-submitting. Just know that if you book a job, an agent is the only one who can negotiate the contract, so you would need to pay the agent commission anyway. It really depends on the job. If it is for a student, independent or short film, then you would not need an agent or manager to do anything. If it was a feature film or anything on network television, then you would need to use an agent. I would also put your cell phone number on your daughter's resume, so you can be contacted directly and then decide if you want to go through an agent.

Julie

Posted on Dec 12, 2008, 3:25 PM
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Re: Agent question

by NYCMom (no login)

I also don't think you should put an agent on self-submissions. The agent's first job is to get the auditions. If you are submitting and getting seen on your own, I can't see why you'd need to list your agent (or manager). I agree with Julie about contract negotiations, though so you have to decide whether you can handle that on your own if it comes up. Wouldn't really be fair to bring in the agent after the fact.

Posted on Dec 13, 2008, 7:09 AM
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self-submission

by Julie Stevens (no login)

It's not about being fair - an agent is the only one that can negotiate a Union contract. I self-submit all the time and will put my agent's contact info., as well as my own. Agents represent a lot of clients and don't often submit me for projects that I think I'm right for. It can never hurt to cover your bases. Unless you are a lawyer or have an entertainment attorney on retainer, it's never a good idea to negotiate your own contract.

Julie

Posted on Dec 13, 2008, 10:14 AM
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Reid Shelton

by guynyc (no login)

found this obit at the NYTimes, many of you may have seen it before but I thought I'd post it for those who haven't. He was a very talented guy, I know a lot of talented men have played Oliver Warbucks over the years but I always think of Reid when I think of the character. I thought it was interesting how he was able to purchase the entire Hell's Kitchen building he lived in after 3 years of playing Warbucks (didn't think theater paid that much, lol)

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9907E6D7133CF933A25755C0A961958260

(I still can't find that darned OBC recording that isn't the (supposedly, according to several amazon reviews) poorly remastered 98 version, grrrrr...)

: )

Posted on Dec 12, 2008, 10:24 AM
from IP address 66.108.214.62

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"Annie" is a good role model for girls

by Claire (no login)

Well, in my opinion, "Annie" is a good role model for girls. She teaches them that they don't have to be beautiful to find happiness. For example, one of the reasons Charnin got rid of Kristen Vigard was that she was too pretty, and chose McArdle instead, who he thought could "survive on the streets". I thought that McArdle was very cute as Annie, and she was kinda pretty, but was by no means "drop-dead gorgeous". Granted, there were some Annies who followed her who were prettier, but in my opinion the majority of Annies have not been beautiful until the end. It seemed as though SO many girls in the 70s looked up to McArdle, wanting to be like her. So Annie was not only good in the sense that it brought a new message of hope, but it provided a good role model for girls. Sorry if I sound like I'm rambling happy.gif

Posted on Dec 12, 2008, 9:27 AM
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Annie's looks

by Julie Stevens (no login)

Claire:

Just to clear up your statement, Kristin Vigard was not fired because she was too pretty. As with most original musicals, certain aspects of the show were not working and the producers felt that Kristin lacked a certain toughness in the character. It had more to do with personality, acting choices and her unwillingness to take direction (by her own admission) than it did with anything physical.

Julie

Posted on Dec 12, 2008, 10:04 AM
from IP address 69.230.68.141

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this is interesting...

by guynyc (no login)

if you look at this pic of Kristin that was taken during the original show's run, Kristin REALLY looks like an "Annie", you know? at least to me she does. She was a very pretty girl and she's aged very nicely IMHO.

(this is from Shelly Bruce's myspace)
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=181168563&imageID=1870525#a=0&i=1870437



Posted on Dec 12, 2008, 10:32 AM
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Annie's appearance

by old fan (no login)

I honestly can't think of many Annies, either whom I have seen on stage, or in a video or photo, who could be considered "beautiful" in appearance,( but certainly in spirit.) That is not to say many Annies haven't grown up to be very attractive women. The red bowl style bob etc. accentuated a plain appearance, or toned down a girl's attractive features. I would use other adjectives to describe "an Annie" such as feisty, mischievous, spunky etc, but not beautiful. I think Kristen was a pretty girl, and very talented, but just didn't have the other qualities needed for the role, as Julie said. I think people in describing why she was let go, used the "too pretty" excuse to be tactful (such as Andrea herself) I do have a lot of respect for Kristen to continue as a stand-by.

Posted on Dec 12, 2008, 4:13 PM
from IP address 24.128.53.252

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Amanda and AnnaLisa go to see Annie

by RLS (no login)

There are some really nice pics up on Amanda's photo page and a really cute letter about what she thought of the show. If you scroll down to the bottom of her homepage and click the star next to the picture of the two of them you'll see the letter and a link from there to the pics.

Posted on Dec 11, 2008, 6:54 PM
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Link? *nmi*

by Guy Smiley (no login)

happy.gif

Posted on Dec 12, 2008, 8:53 AM
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balon.com/annie-in-Daytona.html

by (no login)

balon.com/annie-in-Daytona.html

theres the link for you!

Posted on Dec 12, 2008, 9:06 AM
from IP address 70.187.132.176

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oops! its actually: http://amandabalon.com/annie-in-Daytona.html

by Meghan (no login)

sry , my computer copy and pasted it wrong. heres the actual link:

http://amandabalon.com/annie-in-Daytona.html


Posted on Dec 12, 2008, 9:07 AM
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This part is so cute:

by -Grief- (Login -Grief-)

I love how she talks about the dogs:


My ma thinks Oliver is a perfect Sandy coz he has one ear permanently up
and one permanently down. Mikey is like ...well he is more like... his own man. He is very reserved. He he likes his space and he is very cordial to everyone but picky who he warms too.
Oliver, however is like this huge extravert who wants to always be in the limelight and he has like tons of personality and loves attention from anyone. But for me Mikey will be the only Sandy ever.

Posted on Dec 12, 2008, 9:16 AM
from IP address 208.120.10.35

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Re: This part is so cute:

by Natalie (no login)

I really enjoyed her view of the whole thing. The way she writes is very eloquent and at the same time, you can tell she's a kid. She expressed her feelings really well. It must have been strange for her to tour for three seasons and suddenly stop.

Posted on Dec 12, 2008, 12:59 PM
from IP address 69.22.207.42

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America's Got Talent

by Julie Stevens (no login)

For season four America's Got Talent is currently planning a MASSIVE
nationwide audition tour starting in January '09. The auditions will
be traveling across America to over eight major cities including New
York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C. to name a few.

For the last 3 seasons this series has truly changed the lives of its
previous contestants in ways they never dreamed of. Last year insurance
salesman/opera singer Neal E. Boyd from Missouri won the $1,000,000
grand prize and also achieved his lifelong dream to headline on the
Las Vegas Strip with a show planned for the MGM.

What makes this show unique is that any talent goes. We want to see
anything and everything. No matter how zany, bizarre or unusual others
may think your talent is, on our show, it could make you a star.

Please sign up at http://www.nbc.com/Americas_Got_Talent/casting/index.shtml
to get more info and schedule your audition.


Posted on Dec 11, 2008, 10:20 AM
from IP address 69.230.68.141

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Lauire Beechman

by (no login)

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to let you know that I recently launched a new website devoted to Laurie and her amazing work on stage and in the studio. It is filled with rare recordings and video clips, stories from people that worked with Laurie and there is even a message board where you can write in and share your Laurie Stories and talk about anything Beechman related.

This is my first attempt at making a website and it is an ongoing, ever evloving site that will continue to grow and change and new content is being added all the time, so stop by, spend some time with an old friend and let me know what you think.

Thanks for reading.

Gary

www.lauriebeechman.com

Posted on Dec 11, 2008, 12:59 AM
from IP address 72.70.152.237

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to Gary

by Julie Stevens (no login)

Gary:

Thanks for sharing. What a lovely tribute to Laurie and her talents.

I think you have a bit of a spelling error in the little red box at the bottom of the Annie page. It says to "will until she finishes her story" but I think you meant to write "wait until she finishes her story."

Julie

Posted on Dec 11, 2008, 10:16 AM
from IP address 69.230.68.141

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Re: to Gary

by Gary (no login)

That is so funny! I just saw that this morning before I left for work and I had not time to go in and fix it. I will change it now. thank you for pointing it out. I am embarrassed.

Gary

Posted on Dec 11, 2008, 11:44 AM
from IP address 72.70.152.237

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Help with a christmas gift idea?

by guyny (no login)

Hi folks, I'm thinking of giving my niece the OBC soundtrack as a gift (but running out of time!). Problem is when I checked out the reviews on Amazon I learned that there is a version released sometime within the last few years (I think) that apparently has some mastering problems and an entire track is either missing or playing faintly in the background. I want my niece to have the experience I had when listening to these songs as a kid, so obviously I want a good version.

Does anyone know anything about this version I should avoid and how to get my hands on a real copy of the OBC cast? I could try ebay but I'm worried it might wind up being the same poorly remastered version.

Any advice would be appreciated. Has anyone else here bought a copy of the OBC album? I want to avoid the multi-cast anniversary release because I want my niece to have thae experience of listening as the show unfolds, with the same voices for each character throughout.

thanks....

: )

Posted on Dec 10, 2008, 6:43 PM
from IP address 69.201.138.17

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Maybe....

by -Grief- (Login -Grief-)

I bought the OBC on iTunes a few months ago, and it was oddly missing the last track (New Deal For Christmas). Julie was nice enough to email me that last track as an mp3, since I had legitimately purchased the album, so it wasn't breaking copyright or anything. happy.gif And then I had the full album. I haven't heard anything about problems with the hard copy CD, though.

Posted on Dec 10, 2008, 6:53 PM
from IP address 208.120.10.35

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Re: Help with a christmas gift idea?

by (no login)

Hey, I can't really answer your question, as I don't really know about the problem you are talking about in regards to the OBC recording. I just wanted to let you know that the new 30th Anniversary Recording of Annie DOES still offer "the experience of listening as the show unfolds, with the same voices for each character throughout. " The entirety of the first disc, wich is everything from the entire show, including portions not on the OBC, has the same performers throughout, it is only the 2nd disc Annie 2 Ms. Hannigans Revenge, that features a variety of singers. I just thought you might want to know that.




Posted on Dec 10, 2008, 6:55 PM
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Original Cast Recording

by (no login)

I got my most recent copy of the original cast cd at none other than Walmart. I didn't have any problems with any of the tracks at all. I think you can pretty much still get it anywhere. I know Amazon had some a while back that were not expensive.

I hope this helps.

Suzanne

Posted on Dec 10, 2008, 8:41 PM
from IP address 96.39.161.8

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Re: Help with a christmas gift idea?

by Claire (no login)

Several years ago I purchased the OBC album on itunes, and there were no tracks missing. It also had a bunch of "first draft" tracks, including the very first performance of Tomorrow by Martin Charnin. Very cool. I'm rather embarrassed to say that I listen to Andrea sing Tomorrow every single day...

Posted on Dec 11, 2008, 4:11 PM
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Annie in Texas

by Julie Stevens (no login)

For those of you near Ft. Worth, Texas, you can catch the talented Kelsey Smith in a production of "Annie." Kelsey has also played Annie in Sacramento and Atlanta.

http://www.casamanana.org/bw09_annie.html

Julie

Posted on Dec 10, 2008, 4:43 PM
from IP address 69.230.68.141

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Footage of Christiana Anbri (20th Anniversary Production)

by (Login Cecile-France)

When she was in The Sound of Music (start at 7:15):



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcMe5y5oXok&feature=related

Posted on Dec 9, 2008, 2:27 PM
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video

by Julie Stevens (no login)

What a great video. It was fun to see both Christiana and Andrea Bowen ("Desperate Housewives") so young. The man in the very beginning is Dennis Parlato, who played Rooster in the 3rd National Tour with me. Not sure what role he played in "Sound of Music."

Julie

Posted on Dec 9, 2008, 3:23 PM
from IP address 69.230.68.141

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Fantastic video! (Edited to add photos, just for fun)

by -Grief- (Login -Grief-)

Thanks for posting!

I'm pretty sure Dennis Parlato was playing Captain von Trapp at that point, to be replaced by Richard Chamberlain (when Laura Benanti took over for Rebecca Luker). This was well into the Broadway run, because several of the original kids had already been replaced. (Ashley Rose Orr was the original Gretl, before Christiana came in.)

Part 3 has an interview with 19-yr-old Laura Benanti, as the Maria understudy, talking in more detail about taking over the role of Maria. I can't believe she was so young! What an amazing opportunity that was for her!

Also, I recognized a lot of the costumes, which we used on our tour. happy.gif Good memories!

And, to avoid confusion, here are some costume photos from our tour ... mabye you will recognize some of these from the youtube video!

[linked image]

[linked image]

[linked image]

[linked image]

[linked image]

[linked image]





    
This message has been edited by -Grief- from IP address 208.120.10.35 on Dec 9, 2008 4:44 PM
This message has been edited by -Grief- from IP address 208.120.10.35 on Dec 9, 2008 4:19 PM

Posted on Dec 9, 2008, 3:50 PM
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Which one?

by sks (no login)

Which one is Christiana?

Posted on Dec 9, 2008, 4:29 PM
from IP address 68.32.142.111

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Those photos are of the recent Asia tour, not the Broadway prod.

by -Grief- (Login -Grief-)

Sorry for the confusion! I just added my photos because if you look at the costumes on the youtube video, you will recognize some of them from the tour pics. happy.gif

Posted on Dec 9, 2008, 4:43 PM
from IP address 208.120.10.35

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Which one are you?

by (no login)

nmi ...

Posted on Dec 9, 2008, 9:39 PM
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Louisa

by (no login)

"Greif" is Louisa, the 2nd tallest girl. (I'd describe her hair color and look, but they all look pretty darn similar considering none of them are related)


I <3 SOMA tour 08. <br> lol.

Posted on Dec 9, 2008, 9:41 PM
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Aw thanks, Meghan

by -Grief- (Login -Grief-)

Yes, I was the second-tallest girl, although three of us are nearly the same size so it's hard to tell! I am the older of the two with long curls, but not Liesl.

Posted on Dec 10, 2008, 7:29 AM
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Question for Grief

by Julie Stevens (no login)

Was Abigail Droeger on your tour?

Julie

Posted on Dec 9, 2008, 7:25 PM
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No ...

by -Grief- (Login -Grief-)

But I know of her, and she did do an international SOM tour. happy.gif

Posted on Dec 9, 2008, 7:37 PM
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Re: Question for Grief

by (no login)

Abigail Droeger was on the SOMA tour just before the most recent one that greif was on. and she was also just cast as Jane in the upcoming Mary Poppins tour.

Posted on Dec 9, 2008, 9:29 PM
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Oh yes!

by -Grief- (Login -Grief-)

She came in as Marta for the last leg of the 04-05 tour (in fall 2005), after the previous Marta had moved up to Brigitta.

Posted on Dec 10, 2008, 7:41 AM
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More cast members

by Rachel (no login)

Leisl in that cast was played by Sara Zelle who, IIRC, has some sort of "Annie" connection...I believe she was Annie a production in the '90s. Besides Andrea Bowen, another one of those kids has had a pretty good career in Hollywood thus far - Lou Taylor Pucci was in the HBO miniseries "Empire Falls" opposite Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ed Harris and Helen Hunt and also starred as the lead in "Thumbsucker."

Posted on Dec 9, 2008, 5:18 PM
from IP address 68.161.145.246

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Sara Zelle was Annie in the 1991-92 National Tour - nmi

by (no login)

nmi

Posted on Dec 9, 2008, 8:19 PM
from IP address 64.12.116.72

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Sara Zelle Annie Pics

by Annie Kid (no login)

Here's a link to the pics I posted about the Annie Tour with Sara Zelle as Annie

share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0QYuWjVo5bMXIw



Posted on Dec 10, 2008, 8:31 AM
from IP address 24.220.21.228

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Child Wrangling

by Sylvia (no login)

How does one go about becoming a child wrangler?

Posted on Dec 10, 2008, 10:27 PM
from IP address 67.117.238.28

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Really interesting video !

by old fan (no login)

I enjoyed that. I didn't know the child wrangler was responsible for helping with costumes and make-up, as well as her other duties. Yes, Christiana and Andrea were so little, especially Christiana ! Looks like they were good pals, holding hands etc., being the same age. Thanks for posting it, Cecile !

Posted on Dec 11, 2008, 7:56 AM
from IP address 24.128.53.252

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OT Chitty Tour?

by Chitty Fan (no login)

Are there any pictures or blogs on the current tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang?

Posted on Dec 9, 2008, 9:59 AM
from IP address 74.68.152.201

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zachary

by jen (no login)

well, he doesn't have tons of stuff on his blog post-SOMA, but post a msg on his blog and maybe his father will put stuff up! he's put stuff up on their facebook pages. he was our Kurt in Sound of Music Asia.

Posted on Dec 12, 2008, 9:47 AM
from IP address 69.124.73.153

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Question about Backdrops

by Zaneeta (no login)

If you read the most recent post in Tianna's tour Blog (the Traveling red Dress), she talks about how she did a show where no backdrops were used, just black curtains. Now I know that last year there were many discussions about how the tour sometimes left out pieces of furniture, but isn't it quite odd that at the Warbucks mansion there was no painting to refer to because it wasn't there? (as it is painted on a backdrop). I guess my question is: Why did they not use backdrops for this certain show? Aren't backdrops one of the easiest things to transport and set up?

Thanks!

Posted on Dec 8, 2008, 4:45 PM
from IP address 67.8.6.96

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It's a question of space (sometimes backstage, or fly space)

by -Grief- (Login -Grief-)

When I saw the show in NJ, my friend in the cast warned me that some of the backdrops were missing, because while the theatre had a huge house (audience), the backstage space was very crowded. They couldn't even fit the grand staircase in, although the orphans DID have beds. happy.gif I imagine they try to use all of the set pieces all the time, but if the space won't allow it, they'd rather do the show with some sets left out, than not perform there at all.

In one city on the Sound of Music tour, we were in an absolutely gorgeous theatre with NO backstage wing space! We had to cut the staircase in the von Trapp villa as well as the "mountain" staircase that we climbed at the end. While they would have fit onstage, there was no place to put them offstage, so we couldn't use them at all.

Posted on Dec 8, 2008, 6:35 PM
from IP address 208.120.10.35

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Marissa O'Donnell News!

by Katherine (no login)

Marissa O'Donnell (Annie in the first two years of the 30th Anniversary Tour) will be performing on the Today Show tomorrow, December 9th. She will be performing the song "I Know It's Today," with Leah Greenhaus and Sutton Foster, and she has a big solo in the song! Congratulations, Marissa!

Posted on Dec 8, 2008, 2:15 PM
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Leah?

by sks (no login)

Are there two Young Fiona's. I thought Rachel was Young Fiona.

Posted on Dec 8, 2008, 2:32 PM
from IP address 68.32.142.111

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Re: Leah?

by Natalie (no login)

Yes, there are two Young Fionas. That role is double casted.

Posted on Dec 8, 2008, 3:21 PM
from IP address 69.22.207.42

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Marissa

by Morgan (no login)

Did anyone see the clip? Marissa was great! There are 2 videos on the Today Show website. I'm not sure how to post the videos, but here's the link... http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3041478/

Posted on Dec 9, 2008, 3:17 PM
from IP address 67.246.63.61

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re: Marissa

by RLS (no login)

So, I just watched that. It's not the first time I've seen it, well on the Today show it is, but I heard the song on YouTube and then saw a clip from the Seattle preview (I think it was from there anyhow...)

Anyway, it made me cry! Marissa has grown up in to such a great performer! My daughter and I are really hoping to get tickets to see this show in late January or early February.

On another note, can anyone see Sutton Foster as Elphaba someday? I mean, listen to how she holds that note at 2:25! It reminded me so much of her "Fiyero!" scream right before "No Good Deed" starts....

Posted on Dec 9, 2008, 7:28 PM
from IP address 74.67.13.68

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Thanks for the link

by (Login Cecile-France)

Marissa was great indeed as always!

Posted on Dec 10, 2008, 1:28 AM
from IP address 81.64.179.55

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Re: Marissa

by Natalie (no login)

That was really cute. I love that song. I was a little disappointed that they cut parts of the beginning, but I guess it was for timing. I thought it was adorable how Marissa skipped over to Sutton at the end.

Posted on Dec 10, 2008, 11:59 AM
from IP address 69.22.207.42

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Annie Understudy

by Katherine (no login)

Congratulations to Madison Kerth (orphan Kate in the current tour,) who went on for the first time as Annie this past week! Bet she was great!

Posted on Dec 8, 2008, 1:11 PM
from IP address 71.163.193.222

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re Annie understudy

by (no login)


Hi I want know if you have a photo of her in her Annie orphans dress and her in the red dress too ..so can see what she look like in the clothes thanks.. I hope some one can post some photo of her thanks.. Becky

Posted on Dec 8, 2008, 2:41 PM
from IP address 76.17.141.15

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Did anyone see her?

by -Grief- (Login -Grief-)

I'd love to hear how she did! From what little I heard of her as Kate, I thought she'd make a great Annie as well.

Posted on Dec 8, 2008, 6:31 PM
from IP address 208.120.10.35

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no pictures

by Julie Stevens (no login)

No, there are no pictures of Madison as Annie. She only got two hour's notice that she was going on and they usually don't allow pictures of the kids in costume. I'm sure she'll go on again during the tour.

Julie

Posted on Dec 8, 2008, 7:16 PM
from IP address 69.230.68.141

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Random Question about Madison as Annie

by (no login)

Did she wear a wig for the non-curly hair parts of the show? Cuz, it seems like her hair is already Annie style and colored. I was just wondering, ...I know thats a pretty weird question.

Posted on Dec 8, 2008, 8:47 PM
from IP address 70.187.132.176

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Julie's classes in LA

by Julie Stevens (no login)

In case any of you are interested or know anyone who might be interested, I will be teaching an ongoing musical theatre class in Los Angeles, beginning in January. Registration is open now.

www.boundforbroadway.com

Julie

Posted on Dec 7, 2008, 7:40 PM
from IP address 69.230.68.141

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OT: Mary Poppins

by Natalie (no login)

I'm seeing Mary Poppins on Broadway in February, and I was just wondering if anyone on the forum has seen it. I heard it's supposed to be really good. If you've seen it, what's your opinion and how were the kids in the show?

Posted on Dec 7, 2008, 6:03 PM
from IP address 69.22.207.42

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Re: OT: Mary Poppins

by NYCMom (no login)

I think many people either love or hate Mary Poppins with no in between. I personally love it. The kids are pretty interchangeable. I do love the new Mary and Bert. Enjoy the show.

Posted on Dec 7, 2008, 7:07 PM
from IP address 64.12.116.72

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need audition song

by nc girl (no login)

Anyone here know anything about Pajama Game? My 15 yr old daughter is wanting to audition--her high school is doing it--she's an alto and needs a song!

Posted on Dec 7, 2008, 5:39 PM
from IP address 66.57.22.3

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Pajama Game

by -Grief- (Login -Grief-)

I was in it when I was a teenager ... what can I remember?

The lead females are all belters. There is Babe, the principal lead, and Poopsie, the sort of "sexpot"-type secondary female lead. There is also the slightly older secretary, and several other roles, as well as a very fun chorus.

If you don't already know, the story is about workers in a pajama factory who are negotiating for a 7 1/2 cent raise. Many fun songs and dances in there!

Posted on Dec 7, 2008, 5:50 PM
from IP address 208.120.10.35

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Miami Sat. Matinee Review

by Debbie (no login)

I went to see the show with my husband on Saturday. I have seen both Marissa and Amanda in the past few years. Given that, here is what I thought of the show!

I loved Ivy as Pepper. She had a ton of spunk and her, Madison and Mackenzie were great in You're Never Fully Dressed. I would like to see Madison be given the chance to play Annie. I can see how she has the potential to be great in that role. The thing about these kids above, especially Ivy, is she seemed to be having such a GREAT time on stage and her spunk in Fully Dressed was noticeable. I HATE how they have July say that line in Fully Dressed. It is horrible. I just don't understand why and what the purpose of that direction is.

The rest: I had knocked Miss Hannigan last year, but this time around, I thought she was FABULOUS! Her voice was top notch. Also another standout was A Star to Be! My other likes: Bert Healy and FDR.

On another note: They seemed to change a lot of the kids dialogue and who did what. Madison opened Fully Dressed and did a great job as Kate.

Overall: I thought the show needed more of an upbeat tempo. It did seem tired. This surprised me since it is such a new show. I think this is because there wasn't a lot of spunk. A lot of times I noticed Annie seemed more interested in the gal who was doing sign language for the audience. My advice would be to make sure the kids are having fun. One thing I like about Amanda last year, is she was an amazing actress and always stayed in character. Pretty much the same with Marissa who I thought was very good in the role. Tianna's voice has great potential. Could be a lot like Allison Smith's as the show progresses. However, the way she pronounced certain words and phrases seemed a little different and her voice seemed strained when reaching high notes occassionaly. In I think I'm gonna like it here, where she was suppose to go high, she would go low. This surprised me because her voice is very clear and strong (especially strong at the end of tomorroww) just not consistent. I think given time, the vocals will be GREAT!

All the sets were used as the theatre in Miami is beautiful! I would have been very disappointed to pay full price if the sets weren't used. Luckily that wasn't the case here.

Also, Warbucks' voice was great and Grace was very good in the role as well:)

Posted on Dec 7, 2008, 3:57 PM
from IP address 76.108.121.195

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Great review! Thanks!

by -Grief- (Login -Grief-)

It's nice to read a review after having seen the show myself!

If anyone wants to know more about Tianna "going low" when she is supposed to sing high notes in "I think I'm Gonna Like it Here" (and "Together at Last"), it is because some of the notes were re-written for her voice, with the highest parts taken out so that she wouldn't have to strain to belt them.

I agree that her voice (which is beautiful) seemed occasionally strained at points, but I think it's because she must be exhausted! That's such a tough role to sing night after night. But she really did a fantastic job getting through the show, and I like her voice very much.

I also agree about the "Who cares what they're wearing" solo. I assumed that they were having July imitate Wacky the puppet ... but it's so much more satisfying when she just sings it out! It's too bad she was directed to do the funny voice.

Posted on Dec 7, 2008, 4:35 PM
from IP address 208.120.10.35

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Re: Miami Sat. Matinee Review

by Just wondering? (no login)

Did they leave the key lower as it was last year? Or is it in the key that Marissa sang Tomorrow?

Posted on Dec 7, 2008, 4:46 PM
from IP address 205.188.116.72

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Re: Miami Sat. Matinee Review

by Debbie (no login)

I don't think it was Marissa's key. Probably more in the lines of Amanda's. It wasn't a low key but just not as high as Marissa's. I was actually surprised on the 30th anniversary how high Marissa sang the songs in.

Posted on Dec 7, 2008, 4:51 PM
from IP address 76.108.121.195

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Re: Miami Sat. Matinee Review

by Annie (no login)

The original key is higher. If you look at you tube videos of Annie. The original key seems high.

Posted on Dec 7, 2008, 6:59 PM
from IP address 205.188.116.72

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Keys.

by Max=) (no login)

I wrote about keys in another thread down below, but here goes again. IŽm somehow interested in keys:-).

Marissa OŽDonnell, Rosanne Sorrentino, Brittny Kissinger and Sarah Jessica Parker (among others) sang Tomorrow in F. Andrea McArdle, Louanne, Allison Smith, and Alison Kirk (also among others) sang in F# (a halftone higher). I have not checked what key they used for Amanda Balon.

By the way, I love all theese girls renditions of Tomorrow, no matter what key they are in. They are all different and fabulous!

Sincerely Max=)



Posted on Dec 8, 2008, 11:21 AM
from IP address 213.66.83.68

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Miami Hearld Review

by AnnnieFan2 (no login)

We must have been at two different shows that afternoon. I thought the cast was great. Tianna made a fine Annie. My daughter hasn't stopped talking about the show. Check out the Miami Herald Review: http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/arts/theater//story/798418.html

Posted on Dec 7, 2008, 8:12 PM
from IP address 170.170.59.139

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Re: Miami Hearld Review

by Just Wondering! (no login)

The review above from "Debbie" was great! I was just asking about Keys and they do get changed. Judy Garland had the key changed for Somewhere over the Rainbow. It was originally higher.

What I read from the poster's review was she enjoyed the show.



Posted on Dec 8, 2008, 5:54 AM
from IP address 205.188.116.72

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Interesting review!

by -Grief- (Login -Grief-)

I think the review really got it right.

Notice how they talk about the "hamminess," "over-size acting," and "going way overboard" ? That's what I was talking about in my review -- the show has become a Disney-esque spectacle. It's not the actors' faults!

Posted on Dec 8, 2008, 6:32 AM
from IP address 208.120.10.35

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That was supposed to say Miami Herald....LOL.....nmi

by AnnieFan2 (no login)



Posted on Dec 7, 2008, 8:15 PM
from IP address 170.170.59.139

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