I was fortunate enough to be able to sit in on a rehearsal of Silkworm by Stephanie Demas and Artem Barry for the Playwrights Cabaret going on at the Grand Theatre.  This particular show was being directed by Andrea Boyd and had Eva Blahut and Adyn (sorry I missed the last name) in it.  I had read the script before when Stephanie had previously allowed me a copy.  It was interesting to see the struggles and predicaments one runs into when encoutering a brand new script, especially one as abstract and challenging as this one was.  I was able to give some insight into the myth and setting of the show, certain things Stephanie had before revealed to me.  In an hour we read through the script and had come to terms with some of the key elements presented.  The witch hunt, the silkworms, the absence of parental figures, the paranoia, the insurance of the bridges, the war.  The ten minute piece was far from blocked but we had certainly taken ground.  They are given one more hour session to be thoroughly versed in the piece before performance.

It should be a nice evening.  I should like to see what they further fascinating objects they incorporate into the piece on the evening of the show.

The show under the helm of Stephanie Demas and Blackhand Theatre will be going to Prague this summer. 

A Festival of New Musicals is being organized for Los Angeles in May/June of 2008.  A major force behind the festival is Stephen Schwartz (“Wicked”; ”Pippin”) and Jason Robert Brown (“13”; “Last Five Years”).  Looking at the events there will also be a showcase of MICHAEL JOHN LACHIUSA's new musical.  If you haven't investigated this highly evolved writer of "Hello Again", you really should.  Also a show which was premiered at the 2007 New York Musical Theatre Festival, "BRAIN FROM PLANET X" by Bruce Kimmel is also to be performed at the CHANCE THEATER.  When I saw this show, I admit I felt it a little dodgy and ponderous at times, but when that brain tap number began (An extremely bloated tap number that happens for little other reason then to increase the fun and pizazz), the show really took off and had me laughing enough to be enjoyable.  If you are in Los Angeles between May and June make sure and check out all the great things the Festival of New Musicals is offering including, masterclasses, readings and intimate performances.

For more info go to The Festival of New Musicals Los Angeles 2008  

The Grand Theatres' production of Anne of Green Gables was a great joy to behold.  Of particular note was Douglas Chamberlain who played Matthew Cuthbert and Jennifer Toulmin who played the title role.  I wasn't particularily expecting anything too exciting considering it is a rather old, tired show (I'm a firm believer that musicals have come a long way since then), but Susan Ferley managed to create an engaging personal experience for everyone in the audience. 

See London Free Press review . 

The London Arts Council has begun an Arts Luncheon for artists and arts managers to get together and network.  The luncheon is held at an apporpriate venue, todays was the Forest City Gallery .  It takes place every two months.  As it happened I didn't know that the Forest City Gallery had changed location and I arrived at the old location and found locked doors.  It took me a short time to figure out my terrific blunder and so I wandered over to their new location on the corner of Horton and Richmond.  The next luncheon takes place January 17th 2008 at the London Music Club .

Click here to learn more 

I went to Ottawa to visit my good friend Stephie Demas who directed the initial Fringe production of P&J this last weekend.  (Nov.2)  She was the assisant director on a very interesting bit of theatre at the University there.  The show was entitled Ariadne and followed the classic myth of the minataur put in the labrynth.  The story was twisted in such a way that sought an alternate resolution to the old myth.  It was directed by Daniel Mroz one of the professors at the department of theatre in U of O.  It used divised theatre as it's foundation, in which all disciplines are explored to create something of balance.  Actors and directors alike have input as to the content of the show and the script merely acts as one piece of the performance instead of being the "be all and end all."  Stephie and I proceeded to call them multi-disciplinarians, a fitting term I suspect.  The show was written by Micheal Geither who I was able to chat with at length concerning the piece and his method in writing and teaching the art of the script.  The fascinating thing about talking with Daniel and Micheal was their faith in the outcome of writing or producing a piece of material without regard to audience reaction.  This was a refreshing bit of news for me who had been so recently beset with attempting to write a audience approved piece.  I have come to terms with the fact that musical theatre is a form of entertainment first, and an artform second.  But there must be some sort of balance in which the author is able to trust enough in himself to make the tough judgment calls and write something that is exciting to him...whether or not the audience feels the same way.  The process revealed at the University reminded me what it means to be an artist and trust ones own judgment.  Oh and I was also able to see the exhibit on Glen Gould at the Museum of Civilization.  I've always been such a fan of that old eccentric.

Joshua 

Scriptlab's Lehman Engel Musical theatre workshops begin this Monday April 16th from 4-6pm.  If you are a writer of musicals, this is where you should be.  I am SO looking forward to continuing what was started with P&J under the guidance of Leslie Arden.  Jim Betts will be chairing the events that will happen every  other Monday at a location yet to be determined though certainly somewhere in Toronto.

 Also this Friday is the last episode of the Tower.  Be at the Arts Project at 12:15 to see how it all concludes.

A Clumsy and cheesy cliche but it certainly feels that way.  The snow melts, and the air devises to be fresh in a soothing fashion , at least for the lunges.  Well, I've applied for New York Musical Theatre Week , the festival of new works that happen every year in New York.  I find out in May whether I and who ever wishes to join me make the trek for New York.  I will go regardless.  Who needs an excuse to go to New York?  The Festival itself runs September 17 - October 7th.  I've also applied to a good number of government grants.  If all goes well, I'll be involved in further workshops of P&J this coming summer.  Wish me luck, I have a feeling this year is going to be a busy, yet fulfilling year.  

I've been sitting in on some rehearsals of Spitfire Grill at the Grand Theatre directed by Robert McQueen.  It's a very nice piece and the music is very compelling.  It opens March 13th and runs till the 31st.  Joe Matheson, a fellow Canadian musical writer is in the show.  I'm looking forward to getting together for lunch and discussing the processes he and his wife Louise Petre use in writing.  They are actually having one of their shows as part of the Grand theatre's season next year.  It's called "Could You Wait?" and it runs October 23 till November 11.

Talk soon,

Joshua