Oscar E Moore

cast of DEAR EDWINA

Producer Daryl Roth has made this one a slam dunk!  DEAR EDWINA’s limited run at the DR2 Theatre has been extended thru April 19^th.  So get your tickets now to this feel good, uplifting and fun celebration of family and friends to shake off the blues that the current news of the world offers.  You’ll love it.  Oh, and don’t forget to take the kids.

I first met the creators – Zina Goldrich and Marcy Heisler at the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop where they performed “The Alto’s Lament”.  I never laughed so hard and have been a fan of theirs ever since.  They are extremely gifted and lots of fun.

Children attending DEAR EDWINA can leave a letter to her – asking for advice.  One lucky child’s question is chosen per week and posted on the DEAR EDWINA website along with our heroine’s savvy reply.

Tickets at www.DearEdwina.com or Telecharge 212 239 6200 or at Box Office.  Group rates available.

My original review which was posted on www.TalkEntertainment.com 11/18/08 follows:

Dear Edwina – a musical comedy for kids

Oscar E Moore from the rear mezzanine for Talk Entertainment.com

What better way to introduce musical comedy to children than to “put on a show” for them.  So in the MGM /Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland tradition of “Let’s put on a show” that’s just what Zina Goldrich (music) and Marcy Heisler (book and lyrics) have done with their fast paced, funny, tuneful, 60 minute long sophisticated Sesame Street type musical titled “Dear Edwina” which has just opened at DR2 Theatre at 103 East 15^th Street, NYC.

Edwina Spoonapple (Janice Mays) has oodles of advice to bestow.  So she decides to put on a show in her overflowing with props garage to dispense her helpful hints and lessons of life so that she can get herself an honored place on the family fridge alongside her seemingly more successful siblings – especially her mathematician expert sister.

In her “cast” are Bobby (Tyler Adcock) the new kid in town, Scott (Ernie Pruneda) with a special pink letter for Edwina, Billy Vanderploonk (Doug Thompson) , Annie (Shannon Tyo) and Kelli Poshkonozovich (Katie Whetsell) a prima ballerina – all friends and cohorts in the show within a show.  All are delightful.

Much like a musical Dr. Phil with tuneful toe tapping numbers and advice on such matters as how to be polite when served food that doesn’t suit your picky taste buds SAY NO THANK YOU, how to behave at a party and not turn into FRANKENGUEST, how to set a proper table FORK, KNIFE, SPOON, how to budget PUT IT IN THE PIGGY and most importantly how to make friends HOLA LOLA.  I defy you not to get that tune out of your head long after you’ve left Dear Edwina and friends.

Timothy A. McDonald directs with zest.  The dances by Steven G. Kennedy are lots of fun.  While the score is a mixture of styles it is always catchy and the lyrics are top drawer. If sometimes a bit over the heads of the younger ones in the audience they are always a pleasure for their parents to hear.

Edwina’s final bit of advice is good for young and old alike – “no matter how anyone tries to knock you down, it’s important to do what you love no matter what” – SING YOUR OWN SONG.  Obviously the team of Goldrich and Heisler follow their own creed – and do it beautifully.  And they are truly lucky to have cast members that also feel the same way.  Dear Edwina will help instill the love of musical comedy for all newcomers and delight those already hooked.

www.DearEdwina.com Running through January 25^th.  All seats $39.00

Note:  The Kids Play Bill is also lots of fun!

Tags:   Daryl Roth · Marcy Heisler · Zina Goldrich2 Comments

In my original review of A Tale of Two Cities for Talk Entertainment.com I had this to say about James Barbour –

“As Sydney Carton, a very much hung over, cynical charmer of a guy – Mr. Barbour instills his character with a strength, vulnerability and honesty which makes Mr. Barbour  a prime candidate for one of the best leading men on the Broadway musical stage today.  His magnificent voice.  His throw away wit.  His mangy, messy, manly looks.  All add up to this thrilling and compelling performance – worthy of the cheers that greet him at plays end.”

Tale has closed but James Barbour is about to open upstairs at Sardi’s, 234 West 44^th Street, December 20^th with his Holiday Concert – his first major Broadway concert – a mix of seasonal music and Broadway show tunes which will include O Holy Night, I Can’t Recall and Blue Christmas.  Jeremy Roberts is the Musical Director.  Running through Jan. 4^th, 2009. 

Tickets are $25.00 – 60.00 available at www.SmartTix.com 212 868 4444

Mr. Barbour promises some surprise guest stars.  Go.  He’s fantastic!

Tags:   James Barbour · Sardi's1 Comment

Johnny Rodgers is a very busy fellow these days.  Not only is he appearing with Liza Minnelli at the Palace but he is receiving the ASCAP Jamie deRoy Foundation Award for his songwriting this Wednesday, December 10^th.  Johnny will be performing at the 6:00 pm award ceremony at Rose Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center.  Johnny will be the first performer, presenting the single THE BEST OF YOU IN ME from his BOUND TOGETHER CD, then he rushes off to the Palace for Liza’s At The Palace that evening!

To attend ASCAP awards, RSVP by December 8^th to ASCAP at 212 621 6395.  Business Attire.

Also…Johnny’s DOUBLE EP Release Party Monday, Dec.29^th 7:00 pm at Birdland.

There just may be some very special guests performing with Johnny.  www.birdlandjazz.com

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When I arrived at The Palace Theatre for the opening of Liza’s show the red carpet was waiting for its VIP guests.  Cameramen and interviewers from the various networks and internet sites were poised inside the lobby.  However, outside there were three people with a huge banner that said “Minnesota Loves Liza” getting lots of attention. 

So I sidled up to the guy from NY1 and listened in.  The woman, from Minnesota, was the mother of one of the guys (who lives in Chelsea) and his friend.  They are all great fans of Liza and couldn’t wait to see the show.   I thought to ask them a few questions myself – but hesitated as other people were interviewing them with microphones and video equipment.  They had become the center of attention before the likes of Elaine Stritch, Liz Smith, Sandra Bernhard, Michele Lee, Julie Halston and Linda Lavin arrived.

I took my seat in the mezzanine – my favorite spot in the theatre – that’s where “from the rear mezzanine” comes from and who sits down opposite me but the famous three from Minnesota.

During intermission I got to speak with them.  Her son had just been able to arrange for tickets the day before and called his sister to get Mama on a plane to see Liza.  Mama had to drive through a blizzard to get to the airport to get to the theatre but there she was – happy as a lark.  They were enjoying the show tremendously and the trip was certainly worth the huge effort it took to get to the Big Apple.  They really were such nice folks.  That’s what I call “faithful fans”.

In another flashback in the life of Oscar I remembered seeing Judy Garland at the Palace with my college mate Irwin Pearl.  The year was 1967.  The show – At Home At The Palace with Judy Garland and Lorna and Joey Luft.  Now Irwin and I didn’t have tickets.  But Irwin had done this before and told me not to worry about a thing.  We were about to crash the second act of the show.  Just mingle with the crowd he instructed and when the lights start to flash casually walk in with the crowd.  I did as he had instructed and we found ourselves sitting on the stairs of the mezzanine not far from the seat I had to see Liza on her opening night.  Irwin and I had a great time and nobody said a word to us.  I suppose the ushers felt sorry for two young guys who wanted to see the show.  I don’t know. We just sat there, mesmerized by Judy.

Tags:   Irwin Pearl · Linda Lavin · Liz Smith · NY1No Comments.

I still haven’t recovered from the incredible experience of seeing Liza’show.  Nor have I gotten over the impact of her phenomenal performance.  She is like the phoenix rising from the ashes of her own life.  How hard she must have worked to pull this off so triumphantly.

As she was singing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” which her mother, Judy Garland, made famous and which was written by Ralph Blane and Hugh Martin I was brought back to January 1970.  I was called in at the last minute to go on for an ailing Dick in the New York Production of Dames At Sea at The Theatre deLys – known now as the Lucille Lortel Theatre on Christopher Street.  That night Ralph and his wife Emajo were in the audience along with Liza Minnelli.  What a treat for me back then but nothing compared to the once in a lifetime experience of seeing her powerhouse performance opening night in Liza’s At the Palace.

One of her fabulous four back up boys – portraying the Williams Brothers – is Johnny Rodgers.  Last night, at Jamie deRoy & Friends Holiday bash at New York’s Metropolitan Room I met Amy Hafner, Johnny’s agent, and told her how much I was impressed with the Kay Thompson nightclub sequence in Liza’s show.  As it turns out Johnny Rodgers has recorded some songs with Liza – one of which is “Let’s Make a Date” which you can listen to on www.johnnyrodgers.com .

Johnny will also be celebrating the release of two new CD’s at Birdland – 315 West 44th Street 212 581 3080 December 29^th, 2008 7:00 PM.  Reservations are highly recommended.  So let’s make a date to be there!  He’s terrific. 

To read my entire review of Liza’s at The Palace click on TE FEATURES at www.talkentertainment.com

Tags:   Birdland · Jamie de Roy · Johnny Rodgers · Liza Minnelli · Metropolitan Room · Palace TheatreNo Comments.

Kristin and Maddie

Tim Dunleavy brought “Maddie’s Corner” – a new charitable project devoted to animals helping people, and people helping animals to my attention and in the true spirit of this holiday season I’d like to pass along the information to all my readers.

Besides being beautiful and gifted with a glorious voice and comic timing, Kristin Chenoweth has a new goal in life – helping homeless animals and promoting responsible pet ownership through “Maddie’s Corner”.  Maddie is her adorable pet Maltese.  Meeting Maddie has changed Kristin’s life – all for the better.

Focusing on the bond between people and their pets, the trademark of “Maddie’s Corner” will be to include animals in all our activities.  Sometimes they’ll be the message and sometimes the messengers.

 So take a look www.maddiescorner.org and celebrate the incredible bond between people and their pets.

Tags:   Kristin Chenoweth · Maddie's Corner1 Comment

I, Oscar E Moore, theatre and movie critic for Talk Entertainment.com would like to welcome you to my new blog.   

In addition to reading my reviews of Broadway, Off-B’way and Off-Off B’way shows at www.talkentertainment.com under TE FEATURES you will now get a more intimate knowledge of what makes me tick and what ticks me off.  

I welcome one and all to read what I have to say about theatre, movies, restaurants, stars, would-be stars, starlets and anything else that I feel like blogging about and welcome any and all comments.    This week you can look forward to reading about a new chamber musical The Black Monk starring Austin Pendleton, opening night of  Liza’s at the Palace, and some holiday musical magic from Jamie DeRoy and friends at the Metropolitan Room.

Welcome.  Enjoy.

Tags:   Liza Minnelli · Metropolitan Room · Palace Theatre · Samuel Beckett TheaterNo Comments.