Larry McK's Blog

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD/MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM REVIEW

2012-01-21T16:55:00.001-08:00

Deertrees' 'Burt & Me' fun, well spun, nicely done

By APRIL BOYLE

Deertrees' 75th anniversary year is now in full swing, and it's once again time for the Theatre Festival. The 12th annual event, which kicked off Aug. 3, features four musicals, performed over four weeks.

THEATER REVIEW

“Burt & Me”

WHERE: Deertrees Theatre and Cultural Center, 156 Deertrees Road, Harrison

DATE REVIEWED: Friday; continues through the 14th

TICKETS: $25/$15

CONTACT: 583-6747; www.deertreestheatre.org

Love was in the air Friday as patrons gathered under the nearly full moon at the picturesque Deertrees Theatre for "Burt & Me," the festival's second offering.

The one-act production -- written, produced, and directed by Larry McKenna -- spins the boy-meets-girl story of Joe and Lacey, using the music of Burt Bacharach and Hal David. It was love at first sight for the audience Friday, as well.

McKenna has crafted an engaging musical that can't help but bring a smile to your face. The production flows, with playful dialogue and a jukebox-like playlist of familiar songs such as "Always Something There to Remind Me," "Do You Know The Way to San Jose," "Wishin' and Hopin'" and "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head" to keep the story energized.

For this production, McKenna has cast Zack Jackson and Anabelle Garcia as Joe and Lacey, backed by Michael Hogan (Jerry), Jordi Wallen (Sally) and Dave Scheffler (George/Father DeJoseph).

The five brought a mesmerizing vitality to the stage Friday that was unshakable, even when technical sound issues reared up in the latter part of the performance.

As the main character, Jackson served as the play's narrator, remaining on stage for almost the entire evening. The multitalented performer played piano, sang, danced and charmed the audience with a boyish enthusiasm that was infectious.

Garcia complemented Jackson perfectly as Lacey. Her rich vocals beautifully highlighted the music of Bacharach and David.

Hogan was also a treat to hear soulfully singing the prominent musical numbers. He and Wallen brought a fun-loving sassiness to the production as Joe and Lacey's quirky best friends, providing just right amount of comic relief.

Both took on minor character roles, as well, and were a marvel to watch as they morphed their onstage personalities from cocky to geeky.

Scheffler nicely rounded out the cast as Joe's dad, George, and Father DeJoseph, Joe and Lacey's chorus instructor. His performance as George nicely added depth and warmth to the story line.

"Burt & Me" captures not only the exhilarating feelings of infatuation and young love, but also the love between father and son, and the bond between friends. McKenna cleverly uses a shared passion for the music of Bacharach and David to seamlessly tie it all together. The result is a fun and thoroughly entertaining production.

AUGUST 10-14, 2011

2012-01-21T16:41:00.000-08:00

Burt & Me plays at Deertrees Theatre in Harrison, Maine from August 10-14. Cast includes Zack Jackson, Anabelle Garcia, Michael Hogan, Jordi Wallen, & Dave Scheffler.

SUMMER OF 2011

2012-01-21T16:33:00.000-08:00

Looking forward to another wonderful summer at Busch's in Sea Isle, NJ. It is the greatest restaurant/bar down the Jersey shore. I will be performing every Wednesday & Saturday night from 9:00 p.m. to midnight.

APRIL 5, 2011

2012-01-21T16:25:00.000-08:00

Sinatra: Our Way show starring Chuck Shea, Larry McKenna, and Steve Bauer at Act II Playhouse in Ambler, PA.

BURT & ME

2010-10-11T13:22:00.001-07:00

As published in the minutes from the Act II Playhouse Board of Director's meeting, Burt & Me:

“Larry McKenna’s summer add-on musical, BURT & ME, was the by far the biggest money maker.” Rosemarie DeLuca, Marketing & PR Director, Act II Playhouse

“BURT & ME well surpassed its goal and had an incredible 99% capacity.” Beth Stives, Audience Services Manager, Act II Playhouse

JULY 6, 2010

2010-10-11T13:02:00.000-07:00

Burt & Me opened at the Act II Playhouse on July 6 for a four-week run.

MAY 13, 2010

2010-10-11T12:59:00.000-07:00

The Next Reunion opens a five-week run at the Society Hill Playhouse in Philadelphia, PA.

MARCH 3, 2010

2010-02-10T07:12:00.000-08:00

Our next SINATRA: OUR WAY show at the Paddock at Devon (www.DevonPaddock.com) is Wednesday, March 3. We have sold out every show for two years running. It has been a wonderful experience. Thanks to the Carneys and the Finleys.

FEBRUARY 8, 2010

2010-02-10T07:06:00.000-08:00

Today I received the musical licensing rights to 20 Burt Bacharach / Hal David songs. So my new show entitled BURT & ME is ready to go. It will be performed at Act II Playhouse in Ambler, PA from July 6 to August 1. It will be directed by a wonderful up and coming director by the name of Matt Silva. Needless to say, I am very excited to have two shows opening in Philly this year.

JANUARY 13, 2010

2010-01-24T12:52:00.000-08:00

I traveled with Kathy to London for the opening of "Legally Blonde" on the West End. Bud Martin was the producer. It was a great trip. Met Twiggy and Kristen Scott Thomas (from "The English Patient" and "The Horse Whisperer." The show was AMAZING and got GREAT reviews. It should run for a long time. Sheridan Smith played Elle Woods and was FANTASTIC. Great trip!

AUGUST 2, 2009

2009-08-03T20:58:00.000-07:00

Last night my wife Kathy and I attended the opening night of the new Broadway show entitled Burn the Floor. We attended as guests of producers Bud Martin, Greg Schaffert, and Richard Levi.

The show was AMAZING and we loved it. Afterwards we attended the opening night party. We met the cast and some other people as well. See photos. Susan Lucci should win an Emmy just for smiling while standing next to me...lol.

JULY 17, 2009

2009-07-27T12:31:00.001-07:00

The Mt. Gretna Heritage Festival was fantastic. The line-up featured Chas Fortescue, Dave Miller, Colleen Donahue, Bud Martin, Kevin McKenna, and his accompanist Tom. It was a smashing success in a beautiful setting. It is always fun to perform there each year.

SUNDAY, JULY 26

2009-07-27T12:28:00.000-07:00

It was a blast performing with Chas Fortescue and Dave Miller at the Elmwood Park Summer Series at The Bandshell. It has become a wonderful annual experience for me. The crowds are always great there. The rain stayed away long enough for us all to have some fun.

SATURDAY, JULY 25 (Night)

2009-07-27T12:24:00.000-07:00

Reunion concert at Busch's in Sea Isle, NJ. In high school we all performed in a group called "Blue Haze." In college we were all part of band called "Persuasion." In later years, we all performed in a group called "MAC" (Middle Age Crisis). We should probably call ourselves the "Blue Persuasion Crisis Band."

Busch's was PACKED and everyone had a ball listening to the oldies...and by that I mean the performers as well as the type of music....lol. It was a blast performing with Chuck Shea, Bud Martin, Rick Donze, and Jim Delizzio. We hope to make it an annual event.

SATURDAY, JULY 25 (Afternoon)

2009-07-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

I performed at the Cardinal O'Hara All-Class Reunion at Lacostas in Sea Isle, NJ. The place was jammed pack and it was a blast.

JUNE 23, 2009

2009-06-29T19:28:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the reading of my new play entitled The Next Reunion at Act Two Playhouse in Ambler. Approximately 80 people were in attendance and the reading went VERY well. One final rewrite should do it.

JUNE 11, 2009

2009-06-13T15:05:00.001-07:00

Went to see the production of Mary Stuart with producers Greg Schaffert and Bud Martin.

JUNE 10, 2009

2009-06-13T14:59:00.002-07:00

Went backstage of 9 to 5 with producer Bud Martin and met Megan Hilty. She is a FABULOUS singer and extremely nice person to boot.

JUNE 10, 2009

2009-06-13T14:59:00.001-07:00

Went to the show Jersey Boys and LOVED it.

JUNE 10, 2009

2009-06-13T14:54:00.000-07:00

Spend Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday at a workshop for the new musical Pieces by Scott Alan and Kate Wetherhead. It is a wonderful production.

JUNE 5, 2009

2009-06-06T09:27:00.001-07:00

The Springfield Inn signed on as a performance home for our Sinatra: Our Way show. The first performance will be Wednesday, September 30 at 7:30 p.m. Thereafter, the show will be performed the last Wednesday of November, January, March, and May (every other month).

JUNE 4, 2009

2009-06-06T09:20:00.001-07:00

Today featured a reading of my new show entitled The Next Reunion in front of a small invited audience. Parts were played by New York actors and actresses: Jennifer Lorae, Greg Pearl, Nick Gaswirth, & Crista Johnson. Local actor JP Dunphy also read one of the parts. It was highly successful. The next step will be a reading of the show at Act Two Playhouse later in June.

JUNE 3, 2009

2009-06-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

"New Voices Cabaret" at The Paddock at Devon. It was a terrific night with great performances by Nick Gaswirth (NYC), Crista Johnson (NYC), and JP Dunphy (Philly). Barbara Browne, the accompanist, was as wonderful as always. Greg Pearl (NYC) from an earlier "New Voices Cabaret" returned and perform a beautiful rendition of "On the Street Where You Live."

JUNE 2, 2009

2009-06-02T08:45:00.000-07:00

Today was the release party for the soundtrack to The Story of My Life. What a wonderful collection of great music and memories. Neil Bartram and Brian Hill are a terrific team. It was great hanging with them last night.

JUNE 1, 2009

2009-06-02T08:40:00.000-07:00

Today I traveled to New York City to attend a reading of a new musical entitled Radio Girl. It was extremely enjoyable with many similarities to the musical Annie. Look for it to make a run on Broadway within two years.

Tonight I attended a launch party for Malcolm Gets' new CD at Birdland. It was a fantastic night and he sounded great.

MAY 24, 2009

2009-06-02T08:37:00.000-07:00

Tonight was another show of Sinatra: Our Way with Chuck Shea and Steve Bauer at Busch's in Sea Isle. It was PACKED and everyone had a ball. We will be bringing the show back to Busch's two or three more times this summer.

MAY 23, 2009

2009-06-02T08:35:00.000-07:00

Opening night at Busch's in Sea Isle, NJ. It was MOBBED and lots of fun. What a thrill it was to be back at Busch.s www.buschsseafood.com

MAY 6, 2009

2009-06-02T08:32:00.000-07:00

Tonight we performed our second Sinatra: Our Way show at the Paddock. It was actually SOLD OUT a month in advance with a waiting list of over 2o people. It was a huge success and a wonderful evening.

MAY 3, 2009

2009-06-02T08:30:00.001-07:00

Tonight I took my students from the Honickman Center to the show Respect at Act Playhouse in Ambler. The music and songs are wonderful. The four actresses are terrific.

APRIL 30, 2009

2009-06-02T08:25:00.001-07:00

Tonight I attended the opening night of the Broadway show Nine to Five. It was a fantastic time. It was fun to see the likes of Dolly Partin, Jane Fonda, Lilly Tomlin, Julie Hagerty (stewardess from the move Airplane), Connie Chung and Maury Povich.

2009-06-02T08:24:00.001-07:00

APRIL 10, 2009

2009-06-02T08:22:00.000-07:00

Tonight Kathy and I attended the Broadway show entitled Next to Normal at the Booth Theater as guests of Producer Greg Schaffert. The show was FANTASTIC. We both LOVED it. It will be well-known come the Tony Awards.

APRIL 8, 2009

2009-06-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

Today I attended the production of Frog & Toad at the Arden Theater as the guest of Nick Gaswirth. Nick was terrific and the theater is something special.

APRIL 4, 2009

2009-06-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

Tonight I returned to the Media Theater production of All Shook Up with my wife and some friends. Kathy and I were guests of Amanda Lavergne, who had the lead in the show. I wanted Kathy to see this wonderful production and everyone loved it.

APRIL 2, 2009

2009-06-02T08:05:00.000-07:00

Tonight I attended the show All Shook Up at the Media Theater as a guest of Carly Mayo, one of the performers. The show was sensational.

APRIL1, 2009

2009-06-02T07:49:00.001-07:00

Tonight was our first "New Voices Cabaret" at The Paddock at Devon. It featured Carly Mayo (NYC & Philly), Greg Pearl (NYC), and Jennifer Lorae (NYC). Barbara Browne was the accompanist. It was SOLD OUT. The performances were EXCELLENT.

CABARET OFF TO A FLYING START...MARCH 4

2009-03-12T14:13:00.000-07:00

Tonight the Cabaret at The Paddock at Devon series started with a SOLD OUT performance of Sinatra: Our Way. The show featured Steve Bauer, Chuck Shea and myself, with a special guest appearance by Jennifer Lorae. The show actually sold out 10 days in advance. It was a FANTASTIC night.

The Story of My Life Closes...Sunday, Feb. 22

2009-03-12T14:10:00.000-07:00

Due to bad reviews, The Story of My Life closed on Sunday, February 22. Despite standing ovations EVERY night, the critics were not kind to the show. Fortunately, you will see this show all over the country next year. It will be coming to the Philadelphia area at the Act Two Playhouse in Ambler, PA. Don't miss it. It is something special.

OPENING NIGHT - Feb. 19

2009-03-08T13:26:00.000-07:00

Tonight Kathy and I attended the official opening night for The Story of My Life. The show was amazing and received a rousing standing ovation. The party afterwards at Sardi's was AMAZING. It was fun rubbing elbows with the likes of Bernadette Peters, Joan Rivers, and Rue McLanahan. See photos of this event.

PROJECT HOME HITS BROADWAY (Feb. 15)

2009-03-08T10:58:00.000-07:00

Today I took my kids from Project Home to Broadway to see The Story of My Life. It was an amazing experience. The students were great...even though this is really not a kid's show. Afterwards, Bud Martin had arranged for a "talk-back" session with the writers and the actors. What a great day!

Board of Directors

2009-02-04T08:20:00.000-08:00

I have been asked to join the Board of Directors at Act Two Playhouse in Ambler, PA. I very honored to receive this invitation from this wonderful Equity house theater and the great people that work there.

February 2, 2009

2009-02-04T06:44:00.000-08:00

Tonight was a special dress-rehearsal of The Story of My Life for invited guests. It was a full house and the show was amazing. The rousing standing ovation bodes well for the future. The show starts Feb. 3 and has it grand opening on Thursday, Feb. 19. www.thestoryofmylife.com

New York, New York

2009-01-21T12:54:00.001-08:00

The Story of My Life moves to the Booth Theatre. I will travel there on Monday and Tuesday of next week. Check out the webpage for this wonderful show at: www.thestoryofmylife.com

Shoulder Surgery - Friday, Jan. 16

2009-01-21T12:52:00.000-08:00

On Friday, January 16 I had shoulder surgery. Dr. Joe Vernace was in charge and did a great job. He is a long time friend. Physical therapy starts on Wednesday.

Concert for Mr. & Mrs. Borth

2009-01-21T12:45:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, January 7, a group of old friends got together and performed a concert for old friends of ours....Mr. and Mrs. Borth. They are now residing at Rose Tree Plaza and it has a wonderful grand piano in their lobby. These friends included (left to right) Rick Donze, Larry McKenna, Buddy Martin, Jim Delizzio, and Chuck Shea. Patty Borth (daughter and cherished friend) is standing next at the end.

"LONG WAY BACK" SONG IS FINISHED

2009-01-19T05:23:00.000-08:00

I finally finished writing, producing and recording the song "Long Way Back" for the Save the Leatherback Operations (SOLO). The beautiful voice on this recording is Julie Opet. You can hear this song by accessing their blog at www.saveourleatherbacks.blogspot.com

The song will start playing if you are just patient. Please note that the "Larry McKenna" mentioned in the blog is NOT me, nor is it a relative. The other Larry is a new friend that I met when our emails got crossed up. He later hired me to write this theme song for his upcoming documentary.

January 16, 2009

2009-01-16T17:27:00.000-08:00

I have been asked to serve as Editor of the North Philly Metropolis, the newspaper put out by Project Home. I have accepted the position and look forward to the challenge.

April 30, 2009

2009-01-16T17:20:00.000-08:00

Opening night for Nine to Five at the Marriot Marquis Theatre on April 30. Preview shows begin on April 7. Check out the webpage at www.9to5themusical.com

February 19, 2009

2009-01-16T17:12:00.000-08:00

Official opening night for The Story of My Life at the Booth Theater in New York City. I am thrilled to be part of this great night. The show begins with preview performance on February 3. This is a WONDERFUL show. Check out the show's webpage at www.thestoryofmylife.com

Facebook web page: www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=41860344659&ref=ts

February 17, 2009

2009-01-16T16:58:00.000-08:00

Opening night for The Philly Fan at the Act Two Playhouse in Ambler, PA. This wonderful play was written by the very talented Bruce Graham and performed by the equally talented actor, Tom McCarthy. There will be a new ending....due to the Philadelphia Phillies championship. An Eagles' victory in the Super Bowl might require a second new ending....lol.

January 16, 2009

2009-01-16T16:53:00.000-08:00

Today I had shoulder surgery and will be out of commission for a little bit. The surgery was done by my good friend Joe Vernace. Everything went well. I will soon be able throw a football 80 yards on a rope.....and if you believe that I have some swamp land to sell you.

January 15, 2009

2009-01-16T16:48:00.000-08:00

Last night I performed at Brittinghams in Lafayette Hill, PA. It was a terrific night and I thank all of you who stopped by. Your support is never taken for granted. I will be returning to Brittinghams on the second Thursday of February & March. If all goes well, it may continue to be a monthly gig.

January 10, 2009

2008-12-24T10:28:00.000-08:00

I am scheduled to travel to New York City for the first meeting concerning THE STORY OF MY LIFE. I can't wait!

UPCOMING EVENTS

2008-12-24T10:15:00.000-08:00

SATURDAY, JANUARY 3 - THE VILLAGE TAVERN in North Wales, PA 8:30 p.m. It's a great restaurant with wonderful owners. Plenty of room for dancing. www.villagetavernpa.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 - BRITTINGHAMS in Lafayette Hill, PA 7:30 p.m. Another great restaurant with wonderful food. This is one of the greatest Irish pubs in the Philadelphia area. It is a must-see. This is a great venue to listen to music and answer trivia questions. www.brittinghams.com

December 20, 2008

2008-12-20T08:48:00.000-08:00

Last night I performed at Generations Restaurant in Media. It was a great crowd with lots of dancing and singing. I have been asked to return on Saturday, January 10.

December 18, 2008

2008-12-11T19:50:00.000-08:00

On this day I will be performing a holiday show with elementary students with Project Home in North Philadephia. It will feature each class performing its own holiday song. We have been working on it a few weeks and it should be a lot of fun. The kids are terrific.

December 4, 2008

2008-12-04T08:31:00.000-08:00

Last night I finalize plans to appear at GENERATIONS restaurant in Media, PA on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19 at 8:00 p.m. If both parties deem it a fit, it will become a regular gig one Friday each month. I was also asked to perform there on New Year's Eve this year. I am trying to clear that date so that I can do it. It is a great place with tremendous potential.

I am very fortunate to now have three top-notch restaurants that I will be performing at on a once-a-month basis: GENERATIONS in Media, BRITTINGHAMS in Lafayette Hill, and VILLAGE TAVERN in North Wales. I will also be performing at FLAMANGOS in Whitehouse Station, NJ on special occasions.

December 3, 2008

2008-12-03T19:30:00.000-08:00

Tonight I performed at Harrah's Chester Casino. It is a very interesting place with nice people.

November 30, 2008

2008-11-30T20:52:00.000-08:00

Today I finished my new movie manuscript entitled Suddenly Irish.

November 22, 2008

2008-11-22T09:21:00.000-08:00

Tonight I perform at Flamangos in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. It is a first time for me at this restaurant and I am very much looking forward to it. In my dealings wither her so far, the owner, Cheryl, seem to be a very nice person. http://www.flamangos.com/

November 19, 2008

2008-11-17T16:35:00.000-08:00

Today will feature the reading of the first draft of my new show.

November 16, 2008

2008-11-17T16:32:00.000-08:00

I attended the closing performance of Magnetic North at Act Two Playhouse in Ambler. It was a wonderful production that enjoyed a great run. The cast party afterwards was a great opportunity to say goodbye to the fantastic cast members.

November 15, 2008

2008-11-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

Today I finished the first draft of my new show. I will have a reading on Wednesday. Next phase involves music and lyrics.

November 13, 2008

2008-11-06T13:28:00.001-08:00

On this Thursday night I will perform at George's in Wayne at Spread Eagle Village on Lancaster Avenue. Things get under way at 7:00 p.m. www.georgesonthemainline.com

As many of you know, I have been looking for four different places to perform on a one-Thursday-a-month basis. If all goes well tonight, George's will be one of those places.

The second place I have lined up for one Thursday a month is Brittinghams in Lafayette Hill. I will be performing there on Thursdays (January 15, February 12, and March 12). www.brittinghams.com

The third place that I will be playing monthly is the Village Tavern in North Wales, PA on the first Saturday of each month starting in January of 2009. www.villagetavernpa.com

I will also be playing at Flamangos in Whitehouse Station, NJ on Saturday, November 22. www.restaurantpassion.com/listing.aspx?a=635&sid=8&sn=NJ

November 2, 2008

2008-11-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

Today Kathy and I traveled to Newport, RI for a short two day get-a-way. The first day we walked over 10 miles as we did the entire perimeter of the town, including the full Cliff Walk. We also took in the Breakers Mansion tour.

When we finally go back to our hotel, we were very fortunate to find a wonderful sports bar right across the street that was showing my beloved Philadelphia Eagles as they beat the Seattle Seahawks. The perfect ending to a perfect day.

November 1, 2008

2008-11-06T10:47:00.000-08:00

Today I traveled to the Goodspeed Opera House's Norma Terris Theater in Chester, Connecticut for the closing weekend of The Story of My Life. I was thrilled that my wife Kathy was able to join me. She LOVED the show, as did I. It was even more impressive seeing it for the second time. We had a great time talking with the director Richard Maltby and the composer and lyricist Neil Bartram. Wow, is Neil gifted!

We stayed overnight at the Griswold Inn in Essex, CT. What a nice and fun little place!

October 31, 2008

2008-10-24T13:17:00.002-07:00

Today I traveled with my niece Heather and my son Tim to the Phillies parade. It was quite a challenge. After the train blew right through the Wayne station without stopping, Heather and I threw our bikes in the van. We then picked up Tim and his bike. We drove to Fairmont Park, park there, and headed out for the city on our bikes. We then parked the bikes at my other son's apartment near the Art Museum. We then walked 2 miles to an office building at Broad & Sansom. We viewed the parade from a wonderful "skybox" thanks to my nephew Patrick and his partner James. What a great day!

The highlight of the entire day was when my son Shaun told me that he had always wanted to share a championship like this with his father. I knew EXACTLY how he felt.

October 30, 2008

2008-10-24T13:17:00.001-07:00

Today I realized one of my dreams. I signed on as a volunteer for Project Home, a Philadelphia agency that deals with the homeless. One of my lone regrets is that I never joined the Peace Corp. This will be a nice substitute. In the beginning I will be volunteering one day a week. When my theater commitments subside, I hope to increase the amount of time I can spend with Project Home.

Friday, October 24, 2008

2008-10-22T14:16:00.000-07:00

Tonight marks the opening of the brand new play entitled Magnetic North at the Act II Playhouse in Ambler, PA. I have served as Assistant Director and have loved every minute of it. Although this is a total change from my normal type of show, it has been a wonderful journey. The play is beautifully written, wonderfully acted, and skillfully directed by Buddy Martin. I have thoroughly enjoyed my association with this project.

October 10, 2008

2008-10-12T17:18:00.000-07:00

Today I drove over 7 hours to get to the Goodspeed Opera House's Norma Terris Theater in Chester, Connecticut. I do not recommend Route 95 on a Friday afternoon. However the trip was well worth the time. The Story of My Life is a beautiful show that I absolutely loved.

In the picture here you will see me standing with Buddy Martin (right) and Richard Maltby (center), who is directing this wonderful show. He won the Tony Award for Best Direction with Ain't Misbehavin' and was nominated for these other shows: Baby (Best Direction of a Musical, Best Original Score), Blood Knot (Best Play), Song and Dance (Best Direction of a Musical, Best Musical, Best Original Score), Miss Saigon (Best Origin

al Score), Nick & Nora (Best Original Score), Big (Best Original Score), Fosse (Best Direction of a Musical).

The Story of My Life features music and lyrics by Neil Bartram and a book by Brian Hill. They are pictured here. They are extremely talented...and nice.

October 10, 2008

2008-10-09T12:42:00.000-07:00

Today I will travel to the Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut to take part of the opening night festivities for the show The Story of My Life. This famed theater has won two Tony Awards and has been the birth place as such shows at Annie, Shenandoah, and Man of La Mancha. The show will be staging its pre-Broadway run at Goodspeed's Norma Terris Theater in Chester, CT.

October 8, 2008

2008-10-08T13:46:00.000-07:00

Today was another read-through of the script to the brand new show Magnetic North, which opens October 21 at the Act Two Playhouse. The script by Bill Donnelly is excellent, as are the four performers in the show. I already knew that Buddy Martin was a great producer, I am now learning that he is also quite an amazing director as well.

October 7, 2008

2008-10-03T13:56:00.000-07:00

Today we start work on the production of Magnetic North. After a meeting with author William Donnelly, it is on to the theater for a "meet and greet."

October 4, 2008

2008-10-02T07:01:00.000-07:00

Today I traveled to a recording studio in Fairless Hills to record an original song entitled "Long Way Back." Several months ago I was contacted by a gentleman from Houston who spearheads a movement to save the leatherback sea turtle from extinction. Oddly enough, his name is also Larry McKenna...but no relation. He asked me to write a theme song for a documentary that they are making about the cause. To learn more about this wonderful group, check out their web page at http://saveourleatherbacks.org/

October 1, 2008

2008-10-01T12:45:00.000-07:00

Today I was offered a position as the assistant director on a brand new show entitled Magnetic North at the Act Two Playhouse in Ambler, PA. I have accepted the position and am very excited about the opportunity.

September 28, 2008

2008-09-28T22:28:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles, CA

- Nine to Five: The Musical at the Ahmanson Theater

September 27, 2008

2008-09-28T22:16:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas, NV

- Mama Mia at the Mandalay Bay Theater

September 26, 2008

2008-09-28T22:14:00.000-07:00

Temecula, CA

- South Coast Winery

September 25, 2008

2008-09-28T22:10:00.000-07:00

San Diego, CA

- Hotel Del Coronado (where the movie Some Like It Hot was filmed

- Petco Park (Home of the San Diego Padres)