Simply Barbra

Last night my friend Joe P and I went to see "Simply Barbra" at the Blue Moon.

Steve Brinberg is the man behind the one woman show which incorporates remarkably recognizable vocal inflections as well as signature body language.  Its not easy for a man to sing in a woman's register for 90 minutes, but to do so AND sound so much like Babs was really commendable.  Included in the favorites performed were "Papa Can You Hear Me?", "The Way We Were", "Evergreen", "Send In The Clowns", "Happy Days Are Here Again", "Tomorrow", "You Don't Bring Me Flowers", and of course "Rain On My Parade".

'Barbra' introduced each song with a little background story, most of which were likely clever fabrications but humorous none-the-less, and also lovingly poked fun at some of her own personality traits.  

It is easy to over-do it when impersonating celebrities but "Simply Barbra" was simply divine!

Check out the "Simply Barbra" tour schedule and YouTube videos!

Grease

Last night Joe P and I went to the theatre.  Community theatre, that is. We went to see one of my favorite musicals: Grease!

I remember seeing it at the movie theatre when Grease came out in 1978.  I loved all the songs and bought the movie soundtrack album.  Yes, that's right - a 33 1/3 RMP vinyl record album.  I still have it.

Joe P and I met for dinner first and then walked next door to the theatre which is located in what used to be the sanctuary of an old church.  Rather than a traditional flat stage, this venue has a wide 'ramp' which extends the performance space out into the room, giving it a 'theatre in the round' affect.

The singers/actors were fine.  No one really stood out as exceptional, but all were certainly on par with what one would expect from local community theatre.  I did find the choreography and blocking to be better than I expected.  Joe P and I both enjoy supporting the local arts scene.

But the real 'star' of the show is the music.  With favorites like "Summer Nights", "Beauty School Drop-out", "There Are Worse Things I Could Do", "Hopelessly Devoted", "Sandy", and "You're The One That I Want" its hard to NOT have a good time.

Legends 2015

Last Thurs I received the schedule for the 2015 Legends series which begins this coming Sat 5/23.  (Not a moment too soon, right?)  For those of you who are new here since last summer, Legends is the name of a celebrity tribute show in which I perform.  We wear professional costumes and wigs, and even have back-up dancers as we alter our voices and body language to impersonate musical legends of the 20th century.

Last fall we were told that Tim & Randy were going to overhaul the show we've been doing for the last 4 summers, so I was really hopeful that I'd get some new Legends to impersonate.  I'd hinted that I would love to Billy Joel and George Michael.

But I believe several unexpected things happened that diverted their attention from Legends, and when the schedule finally came out last week, I am doing 2 of the 3 Legends I've done in years past.  This year I will be Elton John and Neil Sedaka (again).  

As Elton John, with dancers

As Neil Sedaka

I really like doing both of them.  The musical medleys are great and the costumes are sequined and fun (but hot), but figured many of our returning guests might be wanting something new.  Also, I'd like the opportunity to branch out to new Legends and different music.

But as I explained to Spouse, Steven & Thad on Fri, this gig takes up about 90 minutes of time every other Sat night, I enjoy doing it, and they pay me really well, so I really have no reason to complain.

One thing that is different this season is that, while the performers and Legends they impersonate rotate, I am scheduled to perform on all 3 holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day) this year.  That gives my Legends maximum exposure!

So here's to another successful season of Legends!  If you're going to be in Rehoboth Beach this summer, let me know!

Showcase

The Blue Moon began hosting a weekly show this summer called Showcase, which gives an opportunity for local talent (singers, dancers, magicians, etc) to be showcased and talk about their musical inspirations, appearance venues, etc.

Knowing that I won the 2011 Rehoboth Idol contest and that I've been a performer in the LEGENDS shows for the last 4 summers, the emcee invited me to be a part of the Showcase.  I asked if there was a theme I should keep in mind when selecting songs, but I was told no.  This was my opportunity to sing what I wanted.  While this may not sound like a big deal, keep in mind that the LEGENDS show is a celebrity tribute show, so I am not performing as myself; I'm impersonating iconic musical legends.  

In costumes.  And sometimes in wigs, hats, and wacky rhinestone glasses.

So I was really excited for this opportunity to pick 3 songs that I love, that mean something to me, and that a part of my musical development over the years.  And sing in my own clothes.  So this is what I sang:

• When Will I Be Loved - originally performed by Linda Ronstadt
• One Less Bell to Answer - originally performed by the Fifth Dimension
• I Love the Nightlife - originally performed by Alicia Bridges

Why do these songs mean something to me?

I've always loved Linda Ronstadt's music, and I have a childhood memory of writing her a letter when I was like 10 or 11, informing her that I had learned all the harmony parts to all the songs on her recent album, and that if 1 of her background singers were to get sick or leave, I would be fully prepared to step in.  Yeah, I was a confident kid.  Linda's technical talent, song choices, and abundant harmonies have always been favorites of mine.

Again, the harmonies sung by the Fifth Dimension attracted me.  I have a childhood memory of playing with Matchbox cars while my mom ironed clothes in the laundry room with the Fifth Dimension playing in the background.  I'm a sucker for torch songs and One Less Bell is about as torchy as they get.  When Spouse & I were removing the wallpaper from the dining room in our 1st house together in 1996 I remember the Fifth Dimension CD playing over and over again while we worked.

I was 14 when I Love the Nightlife hit the disco charts and I especially liked the stylized way Alicia emphasized the word 'action' which sounded like 'ack-Shawn'.  It was a part of the film and soundtrack for "Priscilla: Queen of the Dessert" in 1994.  I picked it because its fun and upbeat, and everyone knows it so they will often sing along. 

It was a great night!