tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27654978116616059152024-02-18T20:23:04.576-08:00Producing Theater and FilmWhen I first set out to produce an independent film I had written, my friends and I had to do a lot of learning on the fly. Most of that learning helped me go on to produce theater in New York. I wanted to make that information available to other producers looking to get a film or stage project up.Dreampeddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03829251232986648237noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765497811661605915.post-59214790898540523902011-06-03T12:52:00.000-07:002011-06-03T13:33:36.090-07:00God of Carnage - Super Funny - Super Expensive<a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/.a/6a00d8341c630a53ef014e87c74094970d-500wi"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 334px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/.a/6a00d8341c630a53ef014e87c74094970d-500wi" /></a><br /><br /><div>The recent Center Theater Group mounting of the critically acclaimed <strong><em>God of Carnage </em></strong>was, in my opinion, a fantastically funny, incredibly enjoyable evening in the theater. But I can only wonder - who can pay $200 bucks for the orchestra seats? Only the type of white collar wannabe sophisticates the brilliant Yasmina Reza serves up on stage. I admit, I sat up in the Lodge for $75 bucks a pop.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have always considered the Center Theater Group to be reasonably priced - but <strong><em>God of Carnage </em></strong>has established a new price structure for them - with many orchestra seats now demanding $200 bucks from your wallet before you can have the right to sit on it there. I know I am not the first to cry wolf here, but if we continue to escalate prices to see live theater, we will continue to diminish the audiences that come to see this vital form of entertainment. I'll say it plainly here, the night I saw the show, the audience was 95% white and over 50 years old - probably most over 60. Did anyone read the census numbers from 2010? 51% of all babies born in California are now Hispanic - and I would be hard pressed to say there was anywhere near 5% of anyone of Hispanic decent sitting in the audience.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>It is no wonder that every subscription based theater out there (from Center Theater Group, to The Old Globe, to La Jolla) has put into place ways for their supporters to contribute to their favorite theaters in their wills. That's right, be sure to designate some of your estate to the shrinking endowments of these theaters. I hope everyone does, but the theaters better get big chunks 'cause that audience ain't gonna be around a whole lot longer... And once they're gone - so is the chance to get $200 bucks a seat.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I guess I wouldn't mind so much if every time I went to the theater I was guaranteed to laugh as much as I did at <strong><em>God of Carnage</em></strong> - or think as much as I did when I saw <strong><em>Parade</em></strong> at the Taper last year - but for every wonderful production, there are far more not so successful versions of <strong><em>The Color Purple, 9 to 5, Minsky's </em></strong>and the like. But that is the way of theater. For if it were easy to create, write, and produce a hit - how would we know how special the rare occurrences are when actors, writers, directors, designers, musicians, and all the others that contribute to live performances - are all working in tandem and striving to hit the same creative goal and message - and NAIL IT.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Maybe there is nothing to be concerned about at all. Perhaps theater will struggle as it always has - only to be saved by investing angels and the creative spirit to hold a mirror up to our world and demand everyone take a look. Perhaps theater is an acquired taste... Perhaps we just haven't yet figured out how to do live theater written in computer code... Or incorporate live tweeting with live theater in an enlivening, and engaging way. Perhaps we will. Until then, I guess my seats will just get further and further back from the orchestra.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Dreampeddler</div>Dreampeddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03829251232986648237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765497811661605915.post-15379913485513046452011-05-12T11:07:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:40:00.571-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2ciwdkFcnvSG1agvyW1phyphenhyphenT5HaeuBalwSzNLaeYzRXbvMsGeAkJJQUYFL-nhO3fFcRD-f9MIxSoa-FHQ30OA8CxOQ12p3DxW9TXIpLH9F2GjEr_NiYO7pp9yAqXxyECCV8S17cpyhP8/s1600-h/Linkedin.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 75px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 25px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425539444746100226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2ciwdkFcnvSG1agvyW1phyphenhyphenT5HaeuBalwSzNLaeYzRXbvMsGeAkJJQUYFL-nhO3fFcRD-f9MIxSoa-FHQ30OA8CxOQ12p3DxW9TXIpLH9F2GjEr_NiYO7pp9yAqXxyECCV8S17cpyhP8/s320/Linkedin.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>For all of those in NYC May 17th, join Bruce Lazarus' networking event for his LinkedIn Group:<br /></div><br /><br /><div>Group: <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=1592767&trk=anet_ug_hm">Broadway Producers and Investors </a><br /></div><br /><br /><div>Particulars are below:</div><br /><div><br />Can you tell a compelling story that will touch, move and inspire your audience to take action? To give you the stage rights? To work in your organization? to invest in your show? To give you referrals? To tell your story forward? To buy tickets? </div><br /><div><br />Here is your chance to polish up your case for action and let it shine.<br /><br />Please come prepared to tell us a story that calls us into action for your cause (please limit to 2 minutes).<br /><br />(Recommended reading “TELL TO WIN” by Peter Guber, CEO of Mandalay Entertainment).<br />Remember to bring your business cards. </div><br /><br /><div>Broadway Producers and Investors-Networking Event May 17th, 5pm - 7:30pm in NYC (Sardi's 2nd Floor, 234 W. 44th Street)</div><br /><div><br />Dreampeddler </div><br /><div><br /><a class="a2a_dd" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save"><img border="0" alt="Share/Bookmark" src="http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_171_16.png" width="171" height="16" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript">a2a_linkname=document.title;a2a_linkurl=location.href;</script><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.addtoany.com/menu/page.js"></script><br /><br /><br /></div>Dreampeddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03829251232986648237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765497811661605915.post-70706533366293572412011-05-11T15:01:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:40:02.015-07:00Prisoner of 2nd Avenue at El Portal<a href="http://www.elportaltheatre.com/images/PRISONER_Postcard_FRONT.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 100px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 152px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.elportaltheatre.com/images/PRISONER_Postcard_FRONT.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>The Prisoner of Second Avenue at El Portal is quite enjoyable and worth checking out. It is the second show I have seen in the last few years that takes us back to the early 70's. It is amazing how many parallels come up with our current times:</div><br /><ol><br /><li>Long standing unpopular wars</li><br /><li>High gas prices</li><br /><li>Energy concerns</li><br /><li>Unemployment</li></ol><br /><p>It is fascinating to watch how relevant this play is to today. Jason Alexander is terrific and very funny. And I always love going to the theater and being surprised when you see a colleague up on the stage that you had no idea was in the cast. Ray Wills did Wonderful Town on BWay with my wife and he was a great surprise to see in the show - and very funny in his own right. He's made the move out to LA now and I wish him much luck! Glenn Casale, as aways, kept the pacing just right in his direction of this Neil Simon comedy. The show closes this weekend, so hurry on over!</p><br /><p>Dreampeddler</p>Dreampeddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03829251232986648237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765497811661605915.post-77997985350788030012011-02-14T14:52:00.000-08:002011-02-14T15:03:57.410-08:00The Next Fairy TaleI'm hearing great things about this show... It will be at the Celebration Theater which won this year's LA Ovation award for their production of The Women of Brewster Place.<br /><br />THE NEXT FAIRY TALE is the first world premiere production that was work-shopped, developed and produced fully in-house at the <a href="http://broadwayworld.com/people/Celebration_Theatre/" vglnk_1297724179127="9">Celebration Theatre</a>. THE NEXT FAIRY TALE will begin previews on Wednesday, March 2 and will open on Friday, March 11 and run through Sunday, April 24 at <a href="http://broadwayworld.com/people/Celebration_Theatre/" vglnk_1297724179127="1">Celebration Theatre</a>, 7051B Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood. <a href="http://losangeles.broadwayworld.com/article/Celebration_Theatre_Presents_THE_NEXT_FAIRY_TALE_Previews_32_20110112#ixzz1DydH9hZZ">Read more</a>:<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://images.broadwayworld.com.nyud.net/columnpic3/2200819mar19.jpg" border="0" />You can check out a few <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">videos</span> of the show here:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/Puggie87">http://www.youtube.com/user/Puggie87</a>Dreampeddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03829251232986648237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765497811661605915.post-13031631594494914362010-03-30T09:57:00.000-07:002010-03-30T10:01:11.041-07:00Brian Christopher Williams Wins the LA Drama Critics Circle Award for Anita Bryant Died for Your Sins<a href="http://www.ladramacriticscircle.com/images/template_r1_c1.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 211px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 168px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.ladramacriticscircle.com/images/template_r1_c1.gif" /></a><br /><div>And the winner is... Brian Christopher Williams, Anita Bryant Died for Your Sins, West Coast Ensemble at the El Centro Theatre!</div><div> </div><div>Congrats to Brian! His play is wonderful, touching and very funny! Next stop is a production in the Bay Area late this summer.</div><br />For the full list of winners go here: <a href="http://www.ladramacriticscircle.com/awards.htm">http://www.ladramacriticscircle.com/awards.htm</a><br /><br /><div>dreampeddler</div><div></div><div></div><br /><a class="a2a_dd" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save"><img border="0" alt="Share/Bookmark" src="http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_171_16.png" width="171" height="16" /></a><script type="text/javascript">a2a_linkname=document.title;a2a_linkurl=location.href;</script><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.addtoany.com/menu/page.js"></script>Dreampeddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03829251232986648237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765497811661605915.post-5686333331343932852010-02-03T13:32:00.000-08:002010-02-03T13:42:02.255-08:00LA Drama Critic's Nominations - ANTIA BRYANT DIED FOR YOUR SINS - Brian Christopher Williams (writing) and Heather Lee for Featured Performance<a href="http://www.ladramacriticscircle.com/images/template_r1_c1.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 211px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 168px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.ladramacriticscircle.com/images/template_r1_c1.gif" /></a><br /><div>Two shout outs to Brian and Heather for their nominations from LA Drama Critics Circle. Two very derserving artists!</div><br /><br />For the full list go here: <a href="http://www.ladramacriticscircle.com/awards.htm">http://www.ladramacriticscircle.com/awards.htm</a><br /><div></div><br /><div>Congrats,</div><br /><div>dreampeddler</div><div></div><div></div><br /><a class="a2a_dd" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save"><img border="0" alt="Share/Bookmark" src="http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_171_16.png" width="171" height="16" /></a><script type="text/javascript">a2a_linkname=document.title;a2a_linkurl=location.href;</script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.addtoany.com/menu/page.js"></script>Dreampeddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03829251232986648237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765497811661605915.post-43698018895682350242010-02-01T15:03:00.000-08:002010-02-01T15:06:27.694-08:00New Year - New Networking Opportunities - LA Version<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2ciwdkFcnvSG1agvyW1phyphenhyphenT5HaeuBalwSzNLaeYzRXbvMsGeAkJJQUYFL-nhO3fFcRD-f9MIxSoa-FHQ30OA8CxOQ12p3DxW9TXIpLH9F2GjEr_NiYO7pp9yAqXxyECCV8S17cpyhP8/s1600-h/Linkedin.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 75px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 25px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425539444746100226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2ciwdkFcnvSG1agvyW1phyphenhyphenT5HaeuBalwSzNLaeYzRXbvMsGeAkJJQUYFL-nhO3fFcRD-f9MIxSoa-FHQ30OA8CxOQ12p3DxW9TXIpLH9F2GjEr_NiYO7pp9yAqXxyECCV8S17cpyhP8/s320/Linkedin.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><div>In Los Angeles this time! Join Bruce Lazarus' networking event for his LinkedIn Group:</div><br /><div></div><div>Group: <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=1592767&trk=anet_ug_hm">Broadway Producers and Investors </a><br /></div><br /><div>Particulars are below:</div><div></div><div></div><div>Broadway Producers and Investors-Networking Event this Wednesday 6pm in North Hollywood. </div><div><br />Please join Bruce and other members of Broadway Producers and Investors LINKEDIN Group for the quarterly networking event on:</div><div></div><br /><div>Wednesday February 3rd </div><div>from 6pm to 8pm </div><div>at El Portal Theatre (<a href="http://www.elportaltheatre.com/contact.html">http://www.elportaltheatre.com/contact.html</a>)</div><br /><div></div><div>Interested guests welcome. Don’t forget to bring your business cards. </div><div></div><br /><div>Happy New Year to all.</div><div>Dreampeddler</div><div></div><div></div><br /><a class="a2a_dd" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save"><img border="0" alt="Share/Bookmark" src="http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_171_16.png" width="171" height="16" /></a><script type="text/javascript">a2a_linkname=document.title;a2a_linkurl=location.href;</script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.addtoany.com/menu/page.js"></script>Dreampeddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03829251232986648237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765497811661605915.post-20039822727630520422010-01-11T09:34:00.000-08:002010-01-11T09:46:03.371-08:00New Year - New Networking Opportunities<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2ciwdkFcnvSG1agvyW1phyphenhyphenT5HaeuBalwSzNLaeYzRXbvMsGeAkJJQUYFL-nhO3fFcRD-f9MIxSoa-FHQ30OA8CxOQ12p3DxW9TXIpLH9F2GjEr_NiYO7pp9yAqXxyECCV8S17cpyhP8/s1600-h/Linkedin.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 75px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 25px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425539444746100226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2ciwdkFcnvSG1agvyW1phyphenhyphenT5HaeuBalwSzNLaeYzRXbvMsGeAkJJQUYFL-nhO3fFcRD-f9MIxSoa-FHQ30OA8CxOQ12p3DxW9TXIpLH9F2GjEr_NiYO7pp9yAqXxyECCV8S17cpyhP8/s320/Linkedin.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><div>For all of those in NYC Jan. 13, join Bruce Lazarus' networking event for his LinkedIn Group:</div><br /><div></div><div>Group: <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=1592767&trk=anet_ug_hm">Broadway Producers and Investors </a><br /></div><br /><div>Particulars are below:</div><div></div><div></div><div>Broadway Producers and Investors-Networking Event this Wednesday 5pm in NYC. </div><div><br />Please join Bruce and other members of Broadway Producers and Investors LINKEDIN Group for the quarterly networking event on:</div><div></div><br /><div>Wednesday January 13th </div><div>from 5pm to 7:30pm </div><div>at THE TIME HOTEL (49th between Broadway and 8th Ave.) INC LOUNGE, VIPROOM. </div><br /><div></div><div>Chris Raphael of the Really Spectacular Company will be offering us a complimentary glass of red or white wine on arrival along with a few complimentary appetizers from Serafina Restaurant at THE TIME. Interested guests welcome. Don’t forget to bring your business cards. </div><div></div><br /><div>For those of you in LA there may be a west coast version of this meeting at a different time and location in LA.</div><br /><div></div><div>Happy New Year to all.</div><div>Dreampeddler</div><div> </div><div> </div><br /><a class="a2a_dd" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save"><img border="0" alt="Share/Bookmark" src="http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_171_16.png" width="171" height="16" /></a><script type="text/javascript">a2a_linkname=document.title;a2a_linkurl=location.href;</script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.addtoany.com/menu/page.js"></script>Dreampeddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03829251232986648237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765497811661605915.post-22143536049030683972009-12-30T11:53:00.000-08:002009-12-30T12:00:31.036-08:00Comedy Duo Hopes Social Media Power Will Secure Slot on Showtime<a href="http://mashable.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/ronabev.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 260px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 190px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://mashable.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/ronabev.jpg" /></a><br />This is a great article for artists looking to capitalize on social media to get their shows picked up. It is always a challenge but sometimes you just have to stop waiting and start doing!<br /><br /><a href="http://mashable.com/2009/12/30/ronna-and-beverly/">http://mashable.com/2009/12/30/ronna-and-beverly/</a><br /><br /><a class="a2a_dd" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save"><img border="0" alt="Share/Bookmark" src="http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_171_16.png" width="171" height="16" /></a><script type="text/javascript">a2a_linkname=document.title;a2a_linkurl=location.href;</script><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.addtoany.com/menu/page.js"></script>Dreampeddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03829251232986648237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765497811661605915.post-46096405436816027902009-11-02T19:44:00.001-08:002009-12-29T16:35:05.340-08:00PARADE at the Mark Taper<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwVuToF19nnoQcoFXpoTfKtdT5jCpC0Ww4vRevYvDmd5dgWzF3X6V1xKK-S0g4WU6LwhriCVyggzTyesnjMvHmkR6Rfjy9wYmDXN5niyMGYVpBUvFjAhxYxrTCoXsrgu_r9tNNqylJoQ/s1600-h/Parade.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 282px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 184px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400306335466715826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwVuToF19nnoQcoFXpoTfKtdT5jCpC0Ww4vRevYvDmd5dgWzF3X6V1xKK-S0g4WU6LwhriCVyggzTyesnjMvHmkR6Rfjy9wYmDXN5niyMGYVpBUvFjAhxYxrTCoXsrgu_r9tNNqylJoQ/s320/Parade.gif" /></a><br /><div align="center"></div><div>A very well done production of PARADE at the Mark Taper. J.R. Knight is terrific as Leo Frank and the supporting cast delivers as well. </div><div></div><br /><div>This production makes you think and is a "serious" musical. It reminded me of a production of RICHARD CORY that I produced at NYMF back in 2005 - and the struggle to get something "serious" to be produced on a large scale. Even though we won the NYMF Best Musical Award and sold out our limited engagement we have been unable to give it a life it deserves on Broadway. Launching "serious" musicals can be very difficult for many reasons: 1) Not many folks in this economic climate want to spend $80-$150 bucks to be depressed; 2) No commercial producer wants to risk millions of dollars on a "serious" show that will not appeal to the younger market (the ones who ask their parents to buy them tickets over and over again, i.e. Wicked) 3) No not-for-profit theater has any money at all to risk right now - they are just trying to make payroll if they haven't already closed their doors. Just those reasons alone make me depressed and in need of an entertaining "forget your troubles" musical!</div><br /><div></div><div>But thoughtful pieces must continue to be done, and we have to continue to find a way to make it happen. If this economic climate is indeed about to change, and I hope it is, perhaps we will all want to start "thinking" again - and not just get through the day whistling happy tunes to distract us through our 60 hour work week! </div><div></div><div>dreampeddler</div><br /><a class="a2a_dd" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save"><img border="0" width="171" alt="Share/Bookmark" src="http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_171_16.png" height="16"/></a><script type="text/javascript">a2a_linkname=document.title;a2a_linkurl=location.href;</script><script src="http://static.addtoany.com/menu/page.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Dreampeddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03829251232986648237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765497811661605915.post-24784697102803865922009-08-22T10:47:00.000-07:002009-08-22T11:53:52.420-07:00ANITA BRYANT DIED FOR YOUR SINS - West Coast Ensemble<a href="http://www.westcoastensemble.org/AnitaHiRes.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 596px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 915px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.westcoastensemble.org/AnitaHiRes.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Was at the opening night of <strong><em>Anita Bryant Died for Your Sins </em></strong>at the West Coast Ensemble Theater. It was my favorite play I've seen this year, and probably the best play I've seen since <em><strong>August, Osage County</strong>. </em>I simply can't recommend this show enough. It is pure joy - funny, touching, smart and did I say funny? </div><br /><div>Written by Brian Christopher Williams, he takes you through the coming of age of Horace Poore from 1969 - 1977 in lightening speed while sprinkling in the backdrop of the nation's political upheaval of the time. His writing is funny, economical and smart. But by the time you reach the end of the play you are fully invested in the characters he has carefully developed and you can't help but root for them all. </div><div> </div><div>The center of the action and the heart of this play is the character of Horace. It requires an actor of extraordinary talents to drive this show and Wyatt Fenner is more than up to the task. A fellow graduate of the University of Southern California BFA program he draws you in with his charm and disarms you with his ability to deliver a sophisticated barb disguised in naivete.</div><div> </div><div>The rest of the cast is equally sharp and delivers a true ensemble performance. There really is not a misstep in any performance. A nod also goes out the the director, Richard Israel. The show moves so quickly through time that it requires a very sure hand at the helm. Mr. Israel keeps the pace moving and never lets the action get stuck or linger in caricature.</div><div> </div><div>The show is scheduled to go through Oct. 4th, but go see it as soon as you can. It certainly bears repeated watching.</div><div> </div><div>Dreampeddler </div>Dreampeddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03829251232986648237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765497811661605915.post-62428733988999934582009-07-24T09:20:00.000-07:002009-07-28T07:18:28.980-07:00Light in the Piazza - El Portal<a href="http://stagescenela.com/assets/images/Light_4__261__copy.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 265px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://stagescenela.com/assets/images/Light_4__261__copy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>Saw an absolutely wonderful production of <strong>Light in the Piazza </strong>last night. Run and go see it if you can as they only have 4 more shows this weekend before it closes. Stephanie Wall as Clara is just terrific as the slightly off daughter. Her demeanor is just perfect for the challenge of portraying an emotionally underdeveloped girl in a woman's body. Mary Donnelly Haskel who plays the mother is also a terrific actress. You can see her heartfelt struggle to stop protecting her fragile daughter and let her go into the world of the unknown. Blake McIver Ewing is also very charming as Fabrizio and the rest of the cast delivers as well.</div><br /><div></div><div>As I sat there watching, I kept thinking, just look at what talented performers can do with rich material. After seeing so many shows where the talent is on stage but the material is just not very good - it was refreshing to see such a wonderfully crafted show embodied by a talented cast. You simply could not help but get drawn into the storytelling. That is what great theatre is all about.</div><div></div><br /><div>Link to buy tickets to the show is <a href="https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/659885">here</a>. Use the code FACEBOOK for discounts.</div><div></div><br /><div>Dreampeddler</div>Dreampeddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03829251232986648237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765497811661605915.post-6113703723029637182009-07-16T09:40:00.001-07:002009-07-16T09:57:24.974-07:00Email Marketing - Do It<a href="http://img.constantcontact.com/lp/images/standard/bv1/cc_logo_trans_150x70.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 70px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://img.constantcontact.com/lp/images/standard/bv1/cc_logo_trans_150x70.gif" /></a><br /><div></div><div>I have been doing quite a lot of email marketing for various theaters out here in LA - and it works. It is cheap (check out <a href="http://www.blogger.com/http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp">Constant Contact</a> as one source) and it is direct to the folks who are interested in your theater. Let's face it, it is getting harder and harder to find sources for funding and the first thing in the budget that gets cut is advertising. Big mistake. You have to get the word out, you just have to be more creative in doing so.</div><div></div><br /><div>There are more options out there in the social marketing arena (Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc.) but at the very least, get out those emails to your list. And if you don't have a list, start creating one now. Ask people to sign up after one of your shows or load up your personal contacts to get started. If you use <a href="http://www.blogger.com/http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp">Constant Contact,</a> you can add a feature to your current website just to sign up for your email list - and they provide templates to start with that are easily adaptable to include your logo, colors and integrate great production shots of your shows.</div><br /><div></div><div>If you don't have the time, hire someone to help. That's what we're here for.</div>Dreampeddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03829251232986648237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765497811661605915.post-50397082037136769402009-06-14T15:39:00.000-07:002009-06-18T21:56:25.830-07:00The Apple Tree - Stephanie Fredricks<a href="http://stagescenela.com/assets/images/apple_tree_3.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://stagescenela.com/assets/images/apple_tree_3.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Hey everybody,</div><br /><div></div><div>So Steph is getting incredible reviews out here in <strong><em>The Apple Tree</em></strong>. She is doing it at the <strong><em><a href="http://www.crowncitytheatre.com/">Crown City Theatre</a></em></strong> in the Valley. They broke up the 3 act piece so that each act has its own director and leads. Steph stars in act 3 as Ella/Passionella. If you are out here in LA, definitely go see the show. Truly a lot of fun.</div><div></div><div>Check out her reveiews at:</div><div><a href="http://www.backstage.com/bso/reviews-la-theatre/the-apple-tree-1003982115.story">Backstage</a></div><div><a href="http://tolucantimes.info/2009/06/17/only-one-highly-commendable-production-to-critique-this-week/">TolucanTimes</a></div><div><a href="http://www.nohoartsdistrict.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=227:musical-apple-tree-bears-fun-fruit&catid=103:theatre-reviews&Itemid=77">NoHoArtsDistrict</a></div><div><a href="http://stagescenela.com/html/the_apple_tree.html">StageSceneLA</a></div><div><a href="http://www.grigwaretalkstheatre.com/2009/06/review-apple-tree.html">DonGrigware</a></div><div></div>Dreampeddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03829251232986648237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765497811661605915.post-45877128867737380482009-05-18T08:32:00.000-07:002009-05-18T09:48:18.800-07:00To tweet or not to tweet - that is the question.<a href="http://assets0.twitter.com/images/twitter.png"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 210px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 49px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://assets0.twitter.com/images/twitter.png" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Okay, so I'm jumping on the Twitter bandwagon for 2 reasons. 1 - it seems kinda cool and you've got to stay with the communication times and 2 - if Twitter dies out, something like it will replace it. Let's face it, communication has been changed forever with this Internet thing. Heck, right now I'm posting this to my blogsite right from my blackberry while riding into the office where I'll check in on the redesign of my new project www.2MinutesWith.com which we are putting up using wordpress, an open source blogging software available for anyone to use for FREE. It's crazy out there just trying to keep up with it all. So my new goal is this - use my east coast mentality of jumping on mass transit to utilize the west coast problem of hours stuck in traffic to spend more time on the little screen to investigate all things digital. This is nuts. Gotta go get the iPhone so at least I can rock out while I break my thumbs!<br /><br />Dreampedlr</div>Dreampeddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03829251232986648237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765497811661605915.post-79689390593886824452009-05-10T14:42:00.001-07:002009-05-10T14:49:36.421-07:00No Way to Treat a Lady<a href="http://www.colonytheatre.org/tempimages/2008_9/nowaytreatladyindex.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 276px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 380px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.colonytheatre.org/tempimages/2008_9/nowaytreatladyindex.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>Things have been quiet on the producing front for many producers out there. The economic climate is still pretty tight. However, every producer I'm talking to these days is open to partnerships and figuring out way to get things done. It hasn't always been this way. It used to be very difficult to get partnerships formed because everyone was trying to make the best deal or preserve their negotiating position. The dialogue now is much more open with most everyone sharing budget information and a real effort to make deals that help everyone involved. It is encouraging to see.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Off to see No Way to Treat a Lady at the <a href="http://www.colonytheatre.org/main.html">Colony Theater</a> in Burbank. I'll let you know how it is...</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>dreampeddler</div>Dreampeddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03829251232986648237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765497811661605915.post-39587363623603911172009-04-06T13:51:00.000-07:002009-04-06T13:55:08.481-07:00Theater Blogger SocialSo Ken Davenport is sponsoring the first Theater Bloggers Social in New York. Don't fret if you are not in NYC (which I am not as of this writing) as they are looking into ways of hooking up the social via a web portal. Date and time are:<br /><br />1ST THEATER BLOGGERS SOCIAL<br />Thursday, April 23rd. <br />6 PM - 8 PM<br />Planet Hollywood<br />Broadway at 45th St.<br /><br />For information on how to attend <a href="http://www.theproducersperspective.com/my_weblog/2009/04/theater-bloggers-of-the-world-unite-1st-theater-bloggers-social-announced.html">click here</a>.Dreampeddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03829251232986648237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765497811661605915.post-35124149230044845492009-04-01T10:44:00.000-07:002009-04-01T11:00:00.147-07:00Frost/Nixon at the Ahmanson<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF76511u43SLxIhDOEdaSzWI3MgX-ky3T4cQHqSGmkN7LYyQo7yBcnEzSRCj22foaNHAFMxRH7fZAQ5JunkYeG4NFPmHxnqi7ZRy-D9BJz7a7dkEikRk7Mi9Xwndt_d3fPJCESbiDW0fM/s1600-h/wallpaper-003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319784208895021138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF76511u43SLxIhDOEdaSzWI3MgX-ky3T4cQHqSGmkN7LYyQo7yBcnEzSRCj22foaNHAFMxRH7fZAQ5JunkYeG4NFPmHxnqi7ZRy-D9BJz7a7dkEikRk7Mi9Xwndt_d3fPJCESbiDW0fM/s320/wallpaper-003.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div></div><br /><div></div><div>Has been a little while since I've posted to the blog as I think everyone has been leery as to the economy and how that relates to theater. Many readers out there are aware of my production company <a href="http://www.dreampeddlerproductions.com/">Dreampeddler Productions</a> and our mission to not just fund theater projects but to be profitable in doing so. One of the intended shows in our initial portfolio was <strong>WEST SIDE STORY.</strong> Well, if you check out the <a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com/grosses.cfm">grosses for the show</a>, it has been in the top 5 shows since it opened. Looks like it will be quite a money maker.</div><div></div><br /><div>Bottom line is, right now the trend is big title, less perceived risk by the ticket buyer. Heck, even <strong>GUYS AND DOLLS </strong>is selling tickets and they did not do well with the critics. But - Big Title = Ticket Sales.</div><div></div><br /><div>Now for <strong>Frost/Nixon</strong>. The show was very enjoyable at the Ahmanson - but Stacy Keach was amazing as Nixon. What was most intriguing was he had to act for stage AND film. The play works its way to the final scenes which take place on a TV set with a live feed of the video playing on a large projection screen while the actors perform the scene below it. This is quite a challenge because acting for the screen is different than acting for the stage. But somehow, Keach was able to reach the back row with his performance while maintaining a very "still" performance for the camera. It was fascinating to watch, and he was dead on. </div>Dreampeddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03829251232986648237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765497811661605915.post-87555773843756076622009-01-20T12:58:00.000-08:002009-01-20T13:53:22.356-08:00President Obama Surrounded by Security and ARTISTS<a href="http://tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:6l2KNIe7cTWX5M:http://www.treehugger.com"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 120px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 107px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:6l2KNIe7cTWX5M:http://www.treehugger.com" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>We all watched it and I can only believe we have all been moved. The last line from my favorite movie, <em>The Shawshank Redemption</em>, echos in my mind, <strong>"I hope."</strong></p><p>What struck me most though in his inauguration ceremony was not the wall to wall crowds of hopeful and inspired citizens, not the wall to wall security phalanxes and guards, not the back to back to back entrances or arguably the most powerful politicians in the world. </p><p>What struck me most was that for this most important and historic event, President Obama was surrounded by ARTISTS. Aretha Franklin (legendary singer), Itzhak Perlman (Violin), Yo-Yo Ma (Cello), Gabriela Montero (Piano), and Anthony McGill (Clarinet). All artists at the height of their careers and at the height of their abilities to express their talents. And again, <strong>"I hope."</strong></p><p><strong>"I hope" </strong>that we will understand the need for the support and expansion of the arts for our children and for our whole society. As we have seen on Wall Street, capitalism without oversight is ripe with corruption and creates a society that only focuses on profits and short term gains. We cannot continue to go down that road. We need education and discipline. And the arts represent that in so many ways. Just try to be an accomplished musician without discipline. Just try to write a play or musical without a keen respect for education.</p><p>In our capitalistic market and society, <strong>"I hope" </strong>to continue to find brave and forward thinking investors that are willing to take a chance on art. It is so important to have it in our society, the President was compelled to surrounded himself with experts at creating it.</p><p>dreampeddler</p>Dreampeddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03829251232986648237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765497811661605915.post-82427979988469751352009-01-19T16:44:00.001-08:002009-01-19T16:56:38.809-08:00West Side Story Review in Variety<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3oH8K_2apfwCjwp6wb2phlSrugFW4E8Wnup1oihLdhwWBGXQeS-FkxuChxY0lIW2r_Hvn3PY0ypYFHc6gdL5MSWD3jXs6SF6XfKlMC7SIsD0GDEqu-x5hmyLJOpfcf6WQGwPxg5zrBIc/s1600-h/WSSWall2Thumb.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293171131704688146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 113px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3oH8K_2apfwCjwp6wb2phlSrugFW4E8Wnup1oihLdhwWBGXQeS-FkxuChxY0lIW2r_Hvn3PY0ypYFHc6gdL5MSWD3jXs6SF6XfKlMC7SIsD0GDEqu-x5hmyLJOpfcf6WQGwPxg5zrBIc/s320/WSSWall2Thumb.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p>Well you don't get much better reviews than the one they published in <a href="http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117939302.html?categoryid=33&cs=1">VARIETY</a>. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing this show that holds a special place in my heart. I did a tour of this show a while back and it was an incredible experience. It was directed by one of the original cast members, Alan Johnson, and it was the first time a director demonstrated to a cast that every word, every dance step, every high note was written by the authors with a specific acting intention. This is not a show to use your own musical riffs (no pun intended), show off your own dancing style (stop popping the hip, Cassie), or improv your acting. It is all on the page so just don't screw it up. Who'd have thought that journey would actually be freeing as an actor? No worries about if you're "feeling" it or not, just do it! And when it is done right there is no other show like it.</p><p>The show opens in NYC in February and we'll see if the NYC critics love it as much as VARIETY did! I hope so.</p><p>dreampeddler</p>Dreampeddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03829251232986648237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765497811661605915.post-56643346527079017482009-01-07T17:03:00.000-08:002009-01-07T17:20:50.097-08:00Gloom and Doom on BroadwayWell it has been a while since I have posted and it is mainly because the news has been so heartbreaking about all the closings of shows. Many friends and associates are out of work and the prospect of new shows is certainly smaller in number. (Click here for the list of closings in January from <a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Broadways_Barometer_What_Can_We_Expect_for_the_1st_Quarter_of_2009_20081229">BroadwayWorld.com</a>)<br /><br />But do not lose hope! There are new shows on the way (<strong><em>West Side Story</em></strong> and <strong><em>Minsky's </em></strong>should be good) and those shows that do stay open will have less competition for their ticket prices. And maybe, just maybe, ticket prices just might start coming down - or at least producers are certainly going to have to get creative in their marketing to pry out patron's money from tightened purse strings and wallets.<br /><br />But theater will rebound. It always does and the reason is this: we need it. Theater, more than any other entertainment form, has been with us from the very first storytellers were spinning their tales over the open flames near the cave dwellings. As a whole, we humans need to have both artistic expression and the communal experience of sharing our collective conscious. This challenging time will provide for an explosion in the quality of upcoming productions as we hopefully rid ourselves of the selfish consumer spend, spend, spend, morally and spiritually bankrupt society we have become. Reflection and a return to necessity will be a good dose of medicine for us all to take, and what better place to swallow your dose than in the theater!<br /><br />So get writing, or get acting, or get producing, or get to the theater! It will be a powerful couple of years ahead.<br /><br />DreampeddlerDreampeddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03829251232986648237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765497811661605915.post-87530751445819684412008-12-17T17:06:00.000-08:002008-12-17T17:13:10.101-08:00Smokey Joe's Cafe<div align="center"><a href="http://www.elportaltheatre.com/images/SmokeyJoes.jpg"><strong><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 100px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.elportaltheatre.com/images/SmokeyJoes.jpg" border="0" /></strong></a><strong>Smokey Joe's at the El Portal Theatre</strong> </div><br /><br />Okay, it finally happened! A show that could actually make some money this year! Steph and I went to the opening night of <em>Smokey Joe's Cafe</em> on Saturday night and were reminded about how great those songs are. It is an infectious evening of theater. The numbers just keep coming and you know just about everyone of them by heart. You can't help but bop your head and tap your feet. Great cast and a great time...<br /><br />But don't just take my word for it, check out the RAVE in the <a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2008/12/review-smokey-j.html">LA Times</a>!<br /><br />Get your tickets fast as this show has a limited run. Check out <a href="http://www.elportaltheatre.com/events.html">http://www.elportaltheatre.com/events.html</a><br /><br />DreampeddlerDreampeddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03829251232986648237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765497811661605915.post-47089453149017127322008-11-25T14:18:00.000-08:002008-11-25T14:24:57.578-08:00Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks<a href="http://www.falcontheatre.com/images/six_dance_web2.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.falcontheatre.com/images/six_dance_web2.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.falcontheatre.com/six_dance.html">http://www.falcontheatre.com/six_dance.html</a><br /><div align="left"><br />I love going to the theater and getting a pleasant surprise. You're there because you know someone in the show who is very talented and want to support them but you're just not sure if the show will be any good. Well this show was... and Jason Graae was hilarious and charming... and Constance Towers also was a joy to watch. This is a very fun piece with heart and lots of laughs. The program notes say it has been optioned as a film so I wish the author great success in moving it to the screen. And I'll keep my fingers crossed for Jason to be cast in it. </div><br />DreampeddlerDreampeddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03829251232986648237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765497811661605915.post-63741366075900675432008-11-17T18:05:00.000-08:002008-11-17T18:32:55.943-08:00Spring Awakening - Ahmanson Theater<a href="http://www.bmi.com/images/musicworld/s/spring_awakening_1_500.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 283px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.bmi.com/images/musicworld/s/spring_awakening_1_500.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div></div><div>Okay... I'm on the bandwagon. Big fan of this show. I haven't been taken away and washed over by the music in a musical in some time, but this score is like a pop CD. You can listen to it again and again and again...</div><div></div><br /><div>Although this is is not a typical book musical, the exploration of teen angst is so vivid and well displayed through the outstanding direction of Michael Mayer. And the choreography by Bill T. Jones is also spot on.</div><div></div><br /><div>This show is certainly a bit adventurous and not for the timid or repressed, but if you go you will definitely see the you you were, whatever that was, when your time for puberty came. Would never want to go back and experience it all over again, but it was sure a blast to go back there for two hours and watch it on stage. Perhaps I'm just getting old and nostalgic, but I still have a sneaky smile on my face and some pep in my step from seeing this show. In the vernacular of today's teens, it was TOTALLY AWESOME.</div><div></div><br /><div>Dreampeddler</div></div>Dreampeddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03829251232986648237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765497811661605915.post-85840200736691125972008-11-13T11:51:00.001-08:002008-12-17T17:15:07.945-08:00Smokey Joe's Cafe - The El Portal Theatre in NoHo<a href="http://www.elportaltheatre.com/images/SmokeyJoes.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 100px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.elportaltheatre.com/images/SmokeyJoes.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>Hey all,</p><p>I've been doing some work for the historic <a href="http://www.elportaltheatre.com/elportal.html">El Portal Theatre</a> in North Hollywood (Pegge Forrest manages the theater with Jay Irwin and I worked for her in CHESS at the Long Beach CLO for my second professional gig!). They are doing a version of SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE that will be directed and choreographed by Jeffrey Polk (who I used to work with at <a href="http://www.micelisrestaurant.com/">Miceli's</a> as a singing waiter!). Oh the days.</p><p>It will be a great show. <a href="https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/61922">Click here</a> to buy tickets!</p><p>Dreampeddler</p>Dreampeddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03829251232986648237noreply@blogger.com0