Stagedoor Manor

I just finished the book, Theater Geek, by Mickey Rapkin on my flight from JFK to LAX on Saturday night.  The book follows a summer at the infamous theatre camp, Stagedoor Manor.  The camp has become legendary due to its famous alumni, feature film, and documentary.  I was lucky enough to attend the camp in the late 1980's.  Here is my story.....

In the summer of 1987, I headed off to the Catskill Mountains in New York.  I had a lousy year in school because I didn't feel like I fit in.  Kids my age liked to play soccer and basketball.  All I wanted to do was sing and dance.  I spent hours upon hours in a dance studio while my peers were hanging out at the mall slurping Orange Julius.

Playing a "Sexy Nun" in the King of Hearts, 1988.  Yep, only at Stagedoor could I be a sexy nun as a teen.

My mom was looking into summer camps for my brother, who pretty much wanted to stay at home and hang out with my mom, while I was looking for a change.  I wanted something different where no one else knew me, a place where I could fit in.  I searched through the back of the Boston Globe Magazine under the summer camp listings.  I sent away for two brochures:  Space Camp and Stagedoor Manor.  Since I hated roller coasters that go upside down, space camp was ruled out pretty quickly.  I decided that six weeks at Stagedoor Manor was the exact remedy a theatre geek like me needed.

Indeed, it was.  I don't want to bore you with all of the details of my magical summers there because I know that some of the stories will be too personal or filled with insider jokes only reserved for Stagedoor alumni.  I mean, can you imagine sending your kid to a camp where the music director yells, "Sopranos, you sound like you have SYPHILLIS!"?  Yep, it was a different kind of camp and that quote was a little too insider, but I LOVED every minute of it.  To understand what I am talking about, read Rapkin's book. It will give you detailed chapters about the camp from inception to its current incarnation.  Everything came flooding back to me like it was yesterday:  memories, nostalgia, friendship, owners Carl and Elsie Samuelson, the beloved theatre director, Jack Romano, and my favorite musical director of all time, Michael Larsen.

With my best buddy at Stagedoor, Jenny Nevard, in King of Hearts, 1988.

I have kept in touch with many of my fellow campers from the girl who sang next to me in Pirates of Penzance to the little boy in denim overalls who performed with me in Working to all of my friends whom I have reconnected with on Facebook and who clearly remember the days when my hair was in its natural state of red.  This summer camp was the answer to my awkwardness and it gave me a sense of belonging.  I lived there, I breathed there and I carry that with me into 2010.  I sometimes forget what an impact this place had in my life, but when I run into a former Stagedoor camper, there's a sense of comfort.  They more than understand the magic that is Stagedoor Manor.  (And a big thanks to Mickey Rapkin for bringing all of that back to me--READ his book!)

If you want to see a great video about the camp, check out a post I did this summer on the CBS News piece. (I even make a cameo!)  I'll see you tomorrow with highlights from my lightning fast trip to NYC to host Women's Health Magazine's Are You Game? at Pier 46 over the weekend.

     

Weekly Wrap-Up

While you are reading this, I am on a plane to NYC to prep for Are You Game? with Women's Health Magazine.  If you would like to attend this fantastic event tomorrow, check out yesterday's post with all of the pertinent information.  I even did a little Versa Tan for the event so no one would be scared by my pasty white legs.  Hey, a girl has to preserve her skin, so a little spray tan cheating every once in awhile is in order.

TOMS:  Ash Canvas Women's Wedges:  $69

Also, I have two new partners aboard Red Carpet Closet.  First up, is the amazing TOMS shoes.  I know many of you are familiar with their One for One campaign. For each pair of TOMS shoes purchased, the company matches a pair of shoes to a child in need.  It's an incredible program with a plethora of stylish shoes, especially those killer wedges, all at affordable prices.  For those of you who are looking to purchase a pair, I have a coupon code for Red Carpet Closet readers.  Click on the link on the upper right hand corner of this page and type in THEFIRE upon checkout.  You will receive $5 off your purchase.

e.l.f. Cosmetics:  Mineral Foundation:  $5

Another new partner to this site is e.l.f. Cosmetics.  They have long been supporters of my show, The Web Files, as they sponsor all of the makeup I wear on-camera.  I have become obsessed with their mineral makeup line that is not only affordable, but the same high-quality of the other mineral brands.  My favorite product in the line is Foundation in my shade of Fair.  It actually replaced my beloved Stila Cosmetics Illuminating Liquid Foundation which is a lot more expensive and offers a lot less natural coverage.  For $5, this e.l.f. product has it all!  For those of you looking to replenish your makeup bag for fall, click on the link on this page and then use the code SAVINGSELF at checkout for 50% off up to $15. Now, that's a deal!

If you have been following my show, The Web Files, over the past year, you may have watched an interview with the crew of Camera Obscura.  The show never found a distributor, until now.  I am proud to say that Dailymotion has picked up the series just in time for Halloween.  If you are a Jack Klugman fan, you are in for a real treat.  Check out the interview with a insider's look at special FX movie monster makeup with Jeff Farley.  If you want a more in-depth look at the episode, here is a post I wrote about the show last year.  Congratulations to Show Creator, Drew Daywalt!


Next week brings a month long trip to Dallas for the State Fair of Texas.  For my Dallas readers, here is where you will find me, every day on the hour.  I hope to meet a lot of you there and try this year's fried delicacy, Deep-Fried Beer.

Have a great weekend!  I will see you Monday at Red Carpet Closet.

PS For those of you who have entered to win tickets to the Web TV Prom, the contest has been extended to Thursday, September 30th at 11:59 PM PST.  The winner will be announced on Friday, October 1st at 9 AM PST.  The prom has rescheduled for Wednesday, October 20th.  Please mark your calendars for this fantastic charitable event!

Hey, NYC, Are You Game?

It's that time again, Ladies; time to get into shape.  I will be in NYC this Saturday, September 18th for my annual Are You Game, New York edition.  It is my second year emceeing all of the events and the fashion shows sponsored by Women's Health Magazine.  It is one of my favorite gigs all year:  food, fashion, fitness, freebies, and fun all rolled into one.  We had a great time at the Chicago event in July, so let's wrap it up with even more fun NY-style.  If you are planning on attending, please make time for Sarina Jain's Masala Bhangra Workout on the main stage at 2:45 PM.  This is one of the most inspiring and uplifting classes I have ever taken.  Make sure you stop by and say "hi" to me over by the DJ booth or after the fashion show.  I hope to see you Saturday, and remember, 50% of the entrance fee proceeds benefit The FEED Foundation.  Here is a list of Saturday's events:

LISTEN

Live DJ 
10:00AM–4:00PM

REPLENISH

Special K Breakfast & Snack Bar
Muscle Milk Light Sampling Station
10:00AM–4:00PM

PAMPER

Workout-to-Knockout Makeover Cabana featuring Burt’s Bees Lip Touch-ups
Oasis Day Spa Chair Massages
10:00AM–4:00PM

TRY

ASICS 100-Meter Dash Running Challenge
Oakley Golf Pro One-On-One
Oakley Picture-Perfect Photo Booth
Subaru Road Trip Karaoke
Subaru Virtual Kayak
10:00AM–4:00PM

SHOP

Women’s Health Boutique
FEED Products
10:00AM–4:00PM

CONSULT

Nutrition Counseling
10:00AM–4:00PM

CHECK OUT

ASICS Footwear Cabana
ATHLETA Fashion Cabana
Oakley Fashion Cabana
10:00AM–4:00PM

PLAY

Basketball Shootout
10:00AM–4:00PM

Let me know in the comments if you are planning to attend.  I hope to see you there!

RIDE

Mechanical Bull
10:00AM–4:00PM

WATCH

Kulae Yoga Demo
10:00AM-4:00PM
Eat Smart Cooking Demos 
11:00AM
12:15PM
2:15PM
3:15PM
Runway Shows 
ASICS
12:40PM
Oakley
1:05PM
ATHLETA
1:40PM

LEARN

Dances Around the Globe 
Global Groove
10:30AM
Broadway Dance
11:30AM
Masala Bhangra
2:45PM

SWEAT

Workout Classes* 
10:30AM–4:00PM
*Check Out the Sweat Schedule for a complete class list.

REFRESH

MGD 64 Happy Hour 
2:00PM–4:00PM

PaleyFest: Fall TV Preview Parties: ABC

Last night, I made it out the Paley Center for Media for the preview showings of ABC's new fall slate.  New shows like No Ordinary Family, Better with You, and My Generation plus the season premiere of The Middle were shown along with several cast members of each show participating in a Q & A session throughout the evening.  While the evening was filled with free drinks, popchips, and TV Guide, it really was a mixed bag on the boob tube.

The red carpet from up above.  I had the night off!

First up, was the highlight and the surprise of the evening, the sitcom, Better with You.  The show stars Debra Jo Rupp from That 70's Show, Kurt Fuller of every show of the last 25 years, and Joanna Garcia of Reba.  I am not a huge fan of the sitcom.  In general, I find it a tired format that suffers from the formulaic plot and a laugh track.  However, this show took off right out of the gate and the always amazing, Debra, knocked it out of the park.  This show is definitely worth a look on your DVR.

I was dying to see No Ordinary Family as I went to NYU with Julie Benz and I performed way back in the day with Michael Chiklis in a local production of The Nutcracker. (Yes, I just said The Nutcracker and Michael Chiklis in the same sentence.) The piece de resistance for me was the addition of Stephen Collins, the hot reverend from 7th Heaven.  Sigh.  It wasn't the show I wanted it to be.  Honestly, it is hard to imagine a guy like Mike married to a hottie like Julie.  It just doesn't exist in our world, even in LA.  It's basically The Incredibles brought to life, but without the Pixar heart.

My customized photo.  DJR=Debra Jo Rupp, KF=Kurt Fuller, AS=Atticus Shaffer of The Middle, HOT!=Stephen Collins, ?=Some guy from one of the new shows, but he wasn't very memorable.  Anyone know who he is?

The other two shows are barely worth a mention:  The Middle, a second season show with few laughs and My Generation, a new show this year that is a better idea as true life documentary versus a fictional documentary.  The show follows a whole generation of kids to adulthood from 2000-2010. Surely a busy decade with 9/11, Katrina, Enron, a rigged election, a war, and a recession, but the John Hughes stereotypes prevail:  the jock, the princess, the misfit, the nerd, and the criminal. Watch at your own risk, but you've been warned.

Parting shot of my BCBG suede ankle boots in eggplant and grey.  Yes, I bought both colors.  Yes, my friend, Maria, did too.  Yes, we both wore then on the same night.  Yes, we called to make sure we didn't wear the same color.  The End.

P.S. I might have a mini-crush on Stephen Collins, but it goes a long way back. Check out my interview with him for Focus Hollywood and a little behind the scenes scoop from our time on the red carpet. 

   

 

Fashion's Night Out: The Videos

Above:  Interviewing Cooper Harris for Mingle Media TV.  Below: Tattoos at Fashion's Night Out with Stephanie Thorpe.  Photo courtesy of Mingle Media TV.

I gave a quick wrap-up and a collection of photos from the Beverly Hills event for Fashion's Night Out yesterday and here are a few videos giving you highlights of all of the fun we had on Mingle Media TV:

Highlight Video:
Watch me run through the store where I find an Impressionist picture frame, a very expensive goose, and those beautiful red soles all on the same floor. If you haven't been to Beverly Hills before, this Saks store is to die for, Ladies. Take a tour and enjoy the ride:


Cooper Harris:
This gal is a good friend of mine who is gaining quite a bit of noteriety for her appearances in Syfy's trifecta of animal disaster movies.  Come on, raise your hand, who saw Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus with Debbie Gibson and Lorenzo Lamas?  I thought you did!  This movie is deliciously campy, add it to your rental list if you missed it.


Marsha Collier:
If anyone knows about shopping, it is ebay expert, Marsha Collier.  Get a tip or two from Marsha and find out how her online shopping strategy really is savvy:


For those that were asking about my dress from this event, it was designed by Deborah Viereck, a local LA designer, with boots by Nine West.

Finally, tomorrow is the last day to enter the Web TV Prom ticket giveaway. Yes, this is geared towards my Southern California readers, but it will be a great night of charity.  I can't wait to wear my prom dress!

    

Fashion's Night Out: Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills

I am actually surprised I haven't seen more posts today from some of my favorite fashion bloggers about last Friday's big event, Fashion's Night Out.  The event was started by Vogue editor-in-chief and fashion guru, Anna Wintour, last year.  It was fashion's own economic stimulus plan that began in NY and has now become a global shopping event in its second year.  I was asked by Mingle Media TV to cover an event thrown by Girls in Tech LA at Saks Fifth Avenue on the big night.  While I was excited to participate, I couldn't begin to imagine how much fun I was about to have.

The 5th floor of Saks was rocking with a DJ spinning tunes, cosmos waiting for the VIP guests, and a tableful of cupcakes waiting to be devoured.  Girls in Tech LA is a terrific group of women who educate, support, and promote women in the tech industry and they sure know how to throw a party.  With a 15% off coupon at Saks tucked into each of the swag bags, we all jumped at the chance to help out a great cause:  Dress for Success.  Saks was donating 5% of the evening's proceeds to the charity that donates professional attire and career support to women who are re-entering the workplace after unemployment.  Other fun distractions included a photo booth and the Alice + Olivia Fall 2010 collection that was sitting just outside of the VIP room.  Here are a few photos from the evening, video interviews to follow later this week:

Delicious cupcakes from Frosted Cupcakery.

With Cooper Harris on the red carpet. Photo courtesy of Kevin Hahn.

With Stephanie Thorpe and our $200,000 jewels.  Thanks , Saks for letting us indulge for a moment. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Thorpe.

It's tough being a guy at a shopping event.  Mingle Media TV producer, JD Piche, stuck with purses, cameras, and iPhones.

Fun in the photo booth with Cooper and JD, all thanks to Photo Booth Mania.

Yep, I bought a dress. Armed with my 15% off coupon, I found this on sale DVF dress for under $200.  Score!

Did any of you attend Fashion's Night Out?  I want to hear about your experience in the comments section below. 

Weekly Wrap-Up

I can't believe we are finally here.  It was a cranky week for me and I would love to tell you all of the reasons for wearing my grumpy pants all week.  Hhhhmmm, buy me a cupcake and I will tell you a story fit for the movies.  It's that juicy, but it makes me crabby.  Let's get to some of the good stuff instead!

We have the last of the Emmys Weekend interviews.  You can see the entire portfolio here, but here a few fun treats to take a look at and remember, you can find the behind the scenes stories of the shoot here and here.

Phil Keoghan, host of The Amazing Race:


Whitney Port, The City:


Vienna Girardi, The Bachelor:


Michael Yo, host on E!:


Roxy Olin, The City: (Man, she looks SO much like her mother, Patricia Wettig, of Brothers and Sisters.  Beautiful!)


For my LA readers, tonight is Fashion's Night Out at Saks 5th Avenue sponsored by Girls in Tech LA.  I will be covering the event and hopefully, score a deal or two because I really want a pair of clogs for fall.  If you would like to purchase a ticket, remember that a portion of the proceeds go to Dress for Success.

Also, don't forget about the Web TV Prom on September 22nd benefitting LA's Our House.  I have my dress fitting today and I can't wait to share prom night all of you.  You can purchase your tickets here or enter to win two FREE tickets to the prom.  Winner will be announced on Thursday, September 16th.

More goodies from Fashion Forms to try.

I also want to thank Fashion Forms for reading my post and sending me a huge box of goodies.  My undergarments better not show ever again on the red carpet.  I will try out the new products and let you know what I think.

A different view of the red carpet for me.  I wasn't working tonight, so I caught the action from above!

Inside the Paley Center, Beverly Hills.

For those of you looking forward to the new TV season, I had the opportunity to attend the NBC Fall Premiere Party where I watched the pilots of several new shows.  Here's a quick recommendation:  skip Outsourced as it is nothing short of offensive and full of Indian stereotypes.  Check out The Event, if only for the dashing good looks of Jason Ritter.  He steals the show in this 24-type action/mystery series.

Finally, I am hosting a new 5-minute infomercial that should land on your TV sets soon.  I wasn't able to grab a photo on set, but I think many of you may recognize the product.  Oh yeah, that product.  It was a great day and I will let you know when it is up and running.

Have a lovely weekend.  I have a Pre-VMA party and the closing weekend of the Hollywood Bowl on the schedule, but make sure to take a moment to remember all those we lost on 9/11 nine years ago.  Never forget.

See you on Monday here at Red Carpet Closet!