Godspell: Production Updates

As I've mentioned in this space before, I invested in the upcoming Broadway revival of Godspell.  This is the first time audiences will see a full scale production of Godspell since it made its debut on Broadway in 1976. (For my musical theatre historians, it debuted off-Broadway in 1971.)  It's time for a new generation of theatregoers to enjoy Stephen Schwartz's first blockbuster show.  If you are headed to New York in the fall, be sure to check out the production directed by my Stagedoor pal, Daniel Goldstein, and produced by NYU pal, Ken Davenport.  Tickets go on sale today with previews beginning October 13th and opening is scheduled for November 7th. (I will be there!)  The production will be at the Circle in the Square Theatre cleverly positioned right next to Schwartz's other behemoth production, Wicked which plays at the Gershwin.  The cast has yet to be announced, but a huge open call happened last week with over 1,000 hopefuls attending the casting call.

If you are interested in finding out more about the production, follow Ken's blog:  DAY BY DAY:  The Producer's Perspective.  Ken is documenting the daily activities of mounting the revival from 100 days until the first performance.

To purchase tickets, click here.

"Prepare Ye".

Thank You, Dallas! Good Night!

The day has finally come, I get to fly home after 25 show days, 5 yellow shirts, and 1 Fletcher's Corny Dog.  This year was a lot more fun after have 24 days of sunshine versus only 7 days last year, especially when you are working outside.  Here are a couple of things I learned while visiting the great state of Texas:

1.  Tex-Mex food is by far tastier than Cal-Mex.  I should know, I ate a lot of guacamole and salsa verde enchiladas.

2.  Texas is another state that does not believe in recycling or toilet seat covers in the restrooms. (Michigan and Illinois are also guilty of the this.)

3.  I really think the dress and cowboy boot trend is cute.  If I can accomplish the look without looking like Britney Spears or Miley Cyrus, I think I may dust off my cowboy boots for fall.

4.  Football is a religion.  Friday Night Lights.  We do it bigger and better in Texas (regarding football). Well, it's all true.  Football is a business in this state and if you can't beat them,  you join them.  Yes, I attended my first high school football game in Texas.  I went to a New England prep school where lacrosse and hockey ruled and then I headed to NYU where the team name is the Violets.  Need I say more?

5.  Even with AT&T World Headquarters across the street from my hotel, the phone and data service was atrocious.  Verizon is getting the iPad this month and hopefully, the iPhone in March 2011.  Sign me up.

6.  As much as I love to annoy my co-host, Matt Troyer, he really is the best co-host in the business and a great friend to boot.  Enjoy your photo, Matt!

7.  Dorothy was right, "There's no place like home."

It was a great month, Texas.  Your hospitality and sunshine was appreciated.  Thank you, Dallas!  Good Night!

Musings......

It's been awhile since I have done a Musings post, but I am stuck in a bit of a writer's block today.  Actually, I think it is more of a Groundhog's Day type of scenario, every day is the same for me through October 17th.  Since I significantly covered the State Fair of Texas last year, I am trying to branch out.  The only problem?  My mind is blank.  So here are a few things that I have been thinking about lately, not enough for a full post, but here are some highlights:

1.  I Feel Frumpy:  Um.....not feeling so fashionable these last few weeks.  Yes, this is my wardrobe for the run of the show.  I cannot wait to be back in a dress and heels where I belong.  I either look like a bumble bee or Charlie Brown in my yellow and black.  Discuss.......

2. Gymnastics:  I am an uber-geek when it comes to gymnastics.  I never participated in the sport, but I love watching it.  I have even been to the last two Olympic trials just to catch all of the action live.  So, I am excited that the World Championship is coming up in Rotterdam from October 16-24.  The US Worlds Team was selected yesterday including the 2008 Silver Medal winning gymnasts, Alicia Sacramone and Bridget Sloan.  Go, USA!

3.  Football:  Since we are on the topic of sports, this was my view from the stage while I emceed the OU/UT, Red River Rivalry festivities outside of the Cotton Bowl last Saturday.  I didn't grow up in football country nor did I go to a high school/university with a team.  Heck, my school was the NYU Violets and our big sport was fencing with athletes like Jerry O'Connell.  Yes, that Jerry O'Connell, the one married to Rebecca Romijn.  Regardless, the fans are passionate about the game and their team.  It was overwhelming to have all of those people staring at you.  Congratulations to OU for pulling out the win this year, but UT wins the fashion award for the cutest school fashions.  The dresses with cowboy boots were awesome.

*UPDATE* If you are a fan of Longhorn Fashions, head over to Adored Austin's site to enter to win a UT-inspired clutch.

4. Home:  I miss home.  Being away for 26 days is hard, especially when the BF sends you cute pictures of the puppy.

What has been on your Muse List lately?  Give me the details in the comments below.

Let's Hear it for New York

"In New York,
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of,
There's nothing you can’t do,
Now you’re in New York,
These streets will make you feel brand new,
The lights will inspire you,

Lets hear it for New York, New York, New York."

-Jay-Z, Alicia Keys

My trip to NYC this weekend became a trip down memory lane because for the first time since I lived in NY, I actually stayed at a downtown hotel.  I work in NYC a few times a year, but I am usually put up at a midtown hotel.  Given that I am an NYU grad, it was such a pleasure to be back in my old stomping ground.  I am a bit of a downtown snob as I don't like to go above 14th Street. So, here a few photos of my downtown existence from my time at NYU along with a few anecdotes:

This was my very first apartment in Manhattan at 5 St. Mark's Place between 2nd and 3rd Avenue.  I list the entire address because those who know NY will understand that this is probably the most chaotic block of St. Mark's Place.  The apartment was cramped with two girls living in a one bedroom with a lofted bed.  Ah, the joys of a NY apartment:  no space, high rent, and lots of people living in one room. The building used to have a huge pop art mural on the West side of the building, but it is now painted an unsightly white.  Check out the steamy Susan Sarandon/James Spader movie, White Palace, to see what it looked like.

I lived in NY so long ago that I was here when the show, STOMP, first opened.  No one had ever seen anything like it before and it was the talk of NY, now the idea seems pretty commonplace.  If you saw Step Up 3D, there are a lot of similar choreographic ideas.  What is old is new again!

                                                

The 2nd Avenue building of Tisch School of the Arts at NYU.  This houses the Grad Acting and Dance Departments and it has a legendary history as the rehearsal hall for Broadway shows like West Side Story.  I owe a lot to the grocery store below for selling me a bagel and a banana everyday for fifty cents.  I was so broke, but they kept me fed while I was a student.

There's now a security desk at the front (What?!), so I couldn't get in.  We used to only have an elevator operator for protection.  Yes, the elevators are that old in this building that they have an operator and an creaky, retracting door. In fact, 111 2nd Avenue is getting a major facelift in the next few years and I imagine it is much needed at this point.

I used to curse at this bakery for baking while I was in ballet. The delicious smells would waft up to the dance studios.  Yes, a dancer thinks about food a lot and this certainly didn't help, but their Hamantaschen was to die for.

For any Tisch student, 721 Broadway is the heart of your existence while you are at NYU.  It was nice to see that door again.

I can't believe that Webster Hall still exists.  I was there when this club opened.  It stole the thunder away from a dying Palladium club, former home of Club MTV back when MTV played music videos, not reality shows.  The Palladium was torn down for NYU dorms.  "They paved paradise and put up a parking lot."-Counting Crows.

My love affair with NY really began my senior year at NYU when I moved to the West Village.  I used to look downtown from the corner of Christopher Street and 7th Avenue and see the Twin Towers.  Alas, it's just an empty skyline now.

This corner makes me weep with joy and nostalgia.  I loved this neighborhood and it brings back incredible memories each time I walk through the streets.  I fell in love for the first time in this neighborhood and nothing can ever top falling in love in NY. Watch the "I Heart NY" episode of Sex and the City, you will get it with that first falling leaf.

Ah, my old apartment building.  I paid $705 for a rent-stabilized studio that was the size of my master bathroom in my current home.  You don't understand the meaning of space until you have lived in a Manhattan apartment.

My tour of the Village ended with as all good NY things do with a street fair!  What do you want to buy? Clothing, food, jewelry all in three city blocks.  Some of the best bargains and trendy clothes are found in these NY fairs.  So, be sure to find your treasure the next time you stumble upon a NY street fair.

I hope you enjoyed my tour of nostalgia, memories, and my poor college years. Even though I grew up in Massachusetts, I will always consider Manhattan my heart and my home.

Finally, I want to thank The Cooper Square Hotel for hosting my stay.  I am not sure what made me happier about the hotel:  the location, the glass of wine upon my arrival, or that huge bed to jump into.  I can guarantee, I will be back.  

The 64th Annual Tony Awards

It's that time of year again.  Yes, a time of singing, dancing, and channeling your inner theatre geek with the 64th Annual Tony Awards.  If I could move Broadway to Los Angeles, I would.  That's how much I miss the rich theatre scene in New York.  However, LA is starting to step it up their relevance in the theatre world and I am going to throw a few of my hard earned dollars at Reprise's How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying this week starring John O'Hurley, Ed Asner, Vicki Lewis, and Simon Helberg. Run by Jason Alexander (Yes, George Constanza runs a theatre program.), the organization does a great job of breathing new life into "rarely revived" musicals and enhancing the LA theatre world.  If you're like me though, you want the glitz and glam of award show season and The Tonys rarely disappoint.  I don't know how they will top last year's fun with host Neil Patrick Harris, but here are a few opportunities to participate in some of the fun:

Macy's wants to send you to the Tony Awards!  Instead of just an "enter and win" scenario, Macy's is going to make you work for it.  Show off your talent and you could be on your way to the Big Apple and hobnobbing with Broadway's elite talent.  Here's how it works, head on over to the Tony Awards page at CBS, sing your heart out, record it, vote, vote again, and hopefully win!  Simple right?  Here are the details:


Macy's Invites You to Sing Your Way to the Tony Awards

Upload a video of yourself singing one of the following songs and you can be in the running to win a trip to the 64th Annual Tony Awards on Broadway.

96,000, In the Heights 
Gimme, Gimme, Thoroughly Modern Millie 
Good Morning, Baltimore, Hairspray 
I’m Gonna Wash that Man Right Outa my Hair, South Pacific 
Lonely Goatherd, The Sound of Music 
Maybe, Annie
One, A Chorus Line
Stars, Les Misérables 
Ya Got Trouble, The Music Man

MUSIC CLEARANCES FACILITATED BY MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL, THE RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN ORGANIZATION, AND TAMS-WITMARK MUSIC LIBRARY. SONGS PROVIDED COURTESY OF COPYRIGHT HOLDERS.

Get Started:
1. Upload your video by May 27th noon PT
2. Vote on yor favorites from May 27th to June 1st to help determine the top 5 videos.
2. Return on June 3rd noon PT to view and vote for your favorite of the top 5.

There are some great songs listed.  I am a bit partial to "Good Morning, Baltimore" from Hairspray, but we all know what a winner Annie is, you can never go wrong with that little redheaded mop top.  Good luck!

If you are already going to be in NYC on June 13th, then this is a great affordable excuse to go to a Tony Party.  Broadway producer, Ken Davenport, in conjunction with BroadwaySpace.com is throwing a fun viewing party at Blondies on the Upper West Side.  The night promises unlimited food, contests, raffles, Broadway karaoke, and two Broadway stars from Hair hosting the event all for $25 if you grab your tickets now.  Since Ken is a pal from my NYU days, I know you won't be disappointed.     So, at least there is a Plan B if you don't win Macy's Ticket to the Tonys.  It might not be a seat in Radio City Music Hall, but you still get to hobknob with a few Broadway stars!  

KB is in the Big Apple!

I am finally back in NYC after an 8-month absence.  As an NYU alum, I consider Manhattan my home.  And this is how my home greets me......with lots of rain.  Ugly, ugly rain.  The kind that blows your umbrella inside out and makes sure your jeans are soaked from top to bottom.  Thanks for the welcome, NY!  I think it was a great reminder as to why I traded my winter coat for palm trees.

Of course, I did remember to bring my bright, shiny, yellow rain boots that everyone teased me about in Atlanta. Now that we have traveled to the next city, the only person laughing is me.  I can walk in puddles while my co-workers have wet socks.  However, I made a major fashion faux pas by doing the LA thing of rolling my jeans.  After experiencing soaking wet cuffs, I know why those fashionable Manhattanites tuck their skinny jeans into the boot.  Rookie move on my part.  I forgot how this rain thing works.

I ran through Times Square once called the "Crossroads of the World", but I think they need to rename it the "Crosswalk of the World" now that they have closed down parts of Time Square to accommodate the pedestrians and the constant roadblocks....yes, the tourists, who love to come to a dead stop in the middle of the sidewalk.  I know the city is sensory overload and it can be overwhelming, but "MOVE, dammit!"  Phew, I think I got my NY edge back, no LA fluff for me. I am back on my home turf.   Oh yeah, I got sidetracked.  I went and picked up my ticket to see Promises, Promises starring Sean Hayes and Kristin Chenoweth.  4th Row, Center Seat.  NICE.

Holy cow!  This show is STILL running??!!  Hasn't everyone seen it by now?  Mamma Mia plays at The Winter Garden Theatre much like Cats, it is "Now and Forever".

A Times Square staple, Colony Music, a fantastic old-school music store guaranteed to make any musical theatre geek's heart sing.  I spent many Friday nights sorting through the sheet music and Broadway posters during my first semester at NYU with my fellow Massachusetts pal, Ken Davenport.  Where is he now?  Check out his site and be sure to follow him for some of the most valuable and innovative marketing tips around: Davenport Theatrical Enterprises.

The lovely view from my hotel....that's what I get for asking for a corner suite.  I forget how New Yorkers live on top of each other.  So little space, so many people.

After a jaunt to Times Square and a quick stop at my hotel to change out of my wet jeans, I ran over to Macy's Herald Square to shop for Streamy Awards shoes.  I was happy to see the annual Macy's Flower Show was in full bloom on the first floor.  It was fragrant and springy inside.

                                      

While I didn't have any luck at Macy's, I knew I would find some serious shoes at 10022. The place is so spectacular, it warrants its own zip code, the Saks Fifth Avenue Shoe Department.  The 8th floor isn't for the faint of heart.  The shoes are works of art and they cost an arm and a leg.

                                             

This pair of Jimmy Choo shoes would be the perfect accessory for my Streamy Awards dress.  However, the price of the shoes is close to 4 times the price of my dress.  So, no Jimmy's for me.

                                                     

So I picked up this pair:  soft, buttery leather, delicate strappy sandals with.....a red leather sole.  Yep, I picked up a pair of Louboutins.  Oh, I wanted these shoes so badly.  They were even better accessories than the Choo's, but darn, they were 5 times price of my dress.  Boo!  They went back on the shelf.

                                                  

So, I traded my Louboutins for a cupcake at the best place in the world, Magnolia Bakery, a Sex and the City staple.

                                        

And this is my favorite cupcake:  chocolate cake with loads of pink frosting and jimmies on top!

                                            

Then it was off to the show and a view that will never get old to me:  Hello, NY, so glad I am back!

xo kb

                                            

Stick around for more NY updates now through April 10th!

Behind the Scenes of eGuiders

Phew, so behind on my blog because of my travels with other host gigs. I will update you on those later because it is time we feature this week's guest, Marc Ostrick, of eGuiders. I was thrilled to interview Marc, not only because of his savvy web series work with 24, John from Cincinnati, and eGuiders, but because he is a fellow NYU/TSOA grad. Since we graduated around the same time and only oh, say two or three years ago, we had a lot to share about our time in the Big Apple. So, if you hear a lot of "Go, Violets!" noise on Twitter this week, you can blame us, but please blame NYU for choosing the wimpiest mascot ever.

This was the end of a long, hot week of shooting before the Labor Day weekend. We decided on a simple Barbara Walters-type of sit-down interview and while I didn't make him cry, he did threaten a Cruise couch jump. Fortunately, I didn't go all Mike Wallace on him and he avoided any Cruise PR moves. Seriously though, it is important to understand that Marc has worked in the web industry way before many of us thought it was a viable place to watch series and content. His work on 24: Conspiracy was one of the leaders in paving the way for what eGuiders calls "TV Web Extensions". While the 24: Conspiracy content was created for Verizon's VCast for mobile phones, I doubt we would be seeing extensions of Entourage, The Office, or Ugly Betty today without the pioneers of the mobisodes from a few years back. These shows create an even larger universe for fans to explore and it allows the writers to breathe more life into the supporting characters. What I find most impressive though is that Marc and I went to college during a time when computers were used for word processing only. So, computers were not a part of our daily life, but he has created a fascinating and pioneering career with creative content on the web.

What really appeals to me about eGuiders is that it cuts through all of the clutter on the internet. It gives us a one-stop shopping place to find new web series, viral videos, and learn from industry experts. With Core eGuiders like Tim Street, Gennefer Snowfield, and Jeremy Redleaf and Guest eGuiders like one of my favorites, Hayden Black, you are sure to watch some hilarious and informative videos they have selected as their Pick of the Day. So, make sure to bookmark this site because Marc has been ahead of the game with internet content every step of the way. So, is eGuiders the next TV Guide? I am putting my money on it.

If you haven't watched the episode yet, check it out here: eGuiders Episode
We have had a lot of comments and feedback about this episode and Marc's comment about "humanizing the internet", so make sure to let us know what you think.

And Marc kindly wrote his feedback on the episode here: eGuiders Exclusive.

If you missed the eGuiders episode, you can find it here: eGuiders.