1/9/2002

Here's the latest:

Europe was amazing. We spent the first five days in Spain (Barcelona+Madrid) doing your typical touristy stuff, i.e. museums, sightseeing, tapas, flamenco, and embarrassing myself using my terrible high school Spanish on locals, who always responded in English anyway. :-)

The second part of the trip we spent in London. I saw 8 shows in 6 days...my boyfriend managed to squeeze in 10! (How? Three in one day! Yikes!) Of the shows I saw, I have to say that The Royal Family and Privates on Parade were my favorites. 

I should mention that we went to see Kiss Me Kate, which was also fantastic. I was hoping to catch my friend from A Class Act, Nancy Anderson, in her starring role as Lois, but she was out sick. :-(  Marin and Michael were amazing as always, and Brent Barrett gives a terrific performance as Fred.

The show at Joe's Pub on January 7th was a real high for me. First of all, I was so honored by the incredible turn-out. I felt like I was at my bar-mitzvah again. If you were there, thanks again for coming. 

Now I have to say, I am the luckiest composer in the world: I was surrounded by so much talent on that stage performing my music. The singers were unbelievable! Alix Korey performed two of my songs: "Why Should I Be Different?" from Woman with Pocketbook and "It'll Work For You" from my yet-to-be-titled original musical. Alix not only has the most super-human voice on earth, but she is also a spectacular comic actress. She knocked me out! 

Then there's Emily Skinner.... Emily sang this song "I Just Wanna Have Fun."I have to say, this woman is pure inspiration. She took my little jazz song and turned it into a funny, dark tour de force. Again, an incredible voice and impeccable acting and musical instincts.

The third of my trio of divas was Victoria Clark. Anyone who knows me even a little knows that Vicki is my Muse. When I write, it is her voice I hear. Singing with Vicki is one of my great joys in life, which is why I asked her to sing a duet with me that night. We sang "Recuerdo," from my Edna St. Vincent Millay song cycle, which I've been writing for her. She is so full of joy and love and sings straight from her heart. It's impossible to hear/watch her without falling in love with her. She also sang "I Won't Mind," which she does so beautifully.

I'd also like to say that I had killer musicians playing that night: Ted Sperling (yes, THAT Ted Sperling) on viola and piano, Peter Donovan on bass, and Perry Cavari on drums. It was such a treat hearing my music handled by such pros!

What's next...?

More writing. I'll keep you apprised.

Oops, I almost forgot. I have a teeny weeny part on an upcoming Law+Order . The episode is called "Undercovered," and it airs on Wed., January 16th, at 10PM on NBC. Teeny weeny, trust me.

Happy New Year.

Best,

Jeff