Laura update

greasefan · Senior Member

RE: Laura update

greasefan · Senior Member

Kristen wrote:

greasefan wrote:

Kristen,
My parents once missed their bus in NYC because they were on the wrong side of the street. I still am confused, so I'll leave it at that. Now you got me thinking about that!
My hubby says he won't take the Megabus, because he is not familiar with it. So I am on my own with the next trip!

I could go with you---the worst case scenario is that we end up going to another state!

Interesting way to sight see!

Eris · Guru

Supportive parents...who knew?

That Girl · Senior Member

Eris wrote:
That Girl wrote:
Do your parents still tell you that you the most important person in the world?

There are parents who do that?

Well mine never did-I guess thats why I dont think my point of view should be the only one expressed and everyone else should keep quiet. I can only guess that someone who thinks that their opinions, and those of people who think exactly like them, are the only opinions worthy of being expressed had one weird childhood and parents who led them to believe that their thoughts and feelings were more important that others. Of course its just as likely that I have been in discussion with a 12 year old for the past several hours with someone who will outgrow their sense of importance one day and realize that all people are entitled to their opinion, not just those who agree with them. The internet, you got to love it!

Bill747 · Veteran Member

Shadi Ladi wrote:

Bill747 wrote:
Otherwise, using your logic, are we going to delete the Taylor Hicks section on Sept 8, and ban Soul Patrol?
Greaser Bill

Greaser Bill
I think the Soul Patrol will follow Taylor wherever he goes...and not stay on here.

I better clarify this before Sept 8. My sarcastic question was meant to deride the idea, ie. I was NOT proposing or supporting the idea. Soul Patrol is welcome to stay as long as they want, in my opinion.

Although I don't watch American Idol, I respect the fact it is the highest rated show on television. Although I am not enthralled by Taylor's music, I respect the fact he received the most votes on the most popular TV show.

My original point was this board is not just for the current cast, we should be able to post updates on Grease alumni. And by rights, Taylor clearly qualifies.

Greaser Bill

-- Edited by Bill747 at 18:36, 2008-08-25

greasefan · Senior Member

I agree, Greaser Bill! Anyone ever affiliated with Grease on Broadway or GYTOTIW, should have their updates on here! I love hearing what everyone is up to!

Edwardian · Veteran Member

That Girl wrote:
Fairy Godmother wrote:
Wow, that's great that he got a job, but I didn't see Laura's name mentioned in the cast of Bye Bye birdie. So this is just a singing gig for Laura.

I cut and pasted this from Laura's myspace page:

I just booked this little gig at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, playing Kim McAfee in Bye Bye Birdie. The event is called Broadway: Three Generations. And they are doing mini concert versions of three shows (Bye Bye Birdie, Side Show, and Girl Crazy) and putting them all into one evening of entertainment. It's only a three week gig (two weeks of rehearsal, one week of performances Sept 30-Oct 5), so Nate and I won't be apart long at all. He'll probably come out to DC for one or two weeks of it anyway! So, I am very excited about it! For tickets and more informations visit: http://www.kennedy-center.org/calendar/index.cfm?fuseaction=showEvent&event=TJTSJ

Well, Broadway: Three Generations opens at The Kennedy Center tonight. This is also opening night for The Eisenhower Theater at the KenCen (where this show is being staged) following $18 million worth of renovations. There is a brand new computer driven, digital, state of the art sound system that they installed specifically to do justice to Laura's incredible voice (just kidding!)

I will be going to tomorrow night's show and cannot wait. I promise to write a review here and will try to post pictures too. Is anyone else going to the show tomorrow (Friday)?

Ed
.

-- Edited by Edwardian at 22:45, 2008-10-02

Laura Mom · Senior Member

Hey, Ed, look for Laura in a big tap dance number in one of the shows besides Bye, Bye, Birdie that she's in. Another woman sustained an ankle injury in rehearsal so they threw Laura in there about 4 days ago to learn the part. The woman who got injured can do her whole part except the big tap dancing scene, fortunately, so Laura is filling in on just that. She loves to tap and said it was a whirlwind to learn but lots of fun.

Hello799 · Senior Member

Thanks for the info Jane..........Now if I can just get next weeks schedule rearranged......I'M THERE!!!!!!!

greasefan · Senior Member

I really thought I was going to be able to go!! This is a busy weekend for me! I should just buy a ticket to the show and forget about my other plans! I'm just scared to go in an area that I have never been. DC is so confusing to me!

Shadi Ladi · Guru

I really like your Avatar Greasefan. Nice work on that!

henrysmom · Senior Member

greasefan is it at the Kennedy Center? If so that's pretty easy to get to!

greasefan · Senior Member

Shadi Ladi wrote:

I really like your Avatar Greasefan. Nice work on that!

Thanks Shadi, but please do not give me any credit for it! It is the work of Mama Grande! I told her I like Grease and Disney. She did the rest.

henrysmom, yes it is at the Kennedy Center. I have no idea how to get around DC. We take the metro and still get lost!

Mama Grande · Senior Member

henrysmom, yes it is at the Kennedy Center. I have no idea how to get around DC. We take the metro and still get lost!

I've been to the Kennedy Center a few times and still get lost! I don't think I'll ever get DC down.

Edwardian · Veteran Member

Laura Mom wrote:
Hey, Ed, look for Laura in a big tap dance number in one of the shows besides Bye, Bye, Birdie that she's in. Another woman sustained an ankle injury in rehearsal so they threw Laura in there about 4 days ago to learn the part. The woman who got injured can do her whole part except the big tap dancing scene, fortunately, so Laura is filling in on just that. She loves to tap and said it was a whirlwind to learn but lots of fun.

Hey Jane, thanks for the good news! (I'm sorry the other woman got hurt but will be glad to see more of Laura ... well, you understand!) Do you happen to know whether the tap dance is in Crazy Girl or Side Show? Is Laura the lead dancer? I really hope that all of your October Major Events are going well.
I've never done the stage door thing before and so I frankly have no idea what I'm doing tonight. I want to bring a camera for the stage door although I doubt that they'll let me bring it into the theater. Perhaps I can leave it at the coat check and get it after the show. I'll also have to ask an usher where the stage door is. How embarassing if I'm the only one there! In DC, that could happen. I'd love to have an opportunity to meet Laura and to tell her how much I have enjoyed her successes over these last 20 months or so and wish her continues success and happiness.

For those concerned about finding the Kennedy Center, it's on the Potomac River, closest to the Roosevelt Bridge. Please feel free to message me if you would like help with directions. I'm sure that the show will be worth the trek. (I'm coming from Charles County in Southern Maryland and won't mind the distance.) I'll fill everyone in on the show either tonight or tomorrow.

Ed

-- Edited by Edwardian at 22:13, 2008-10-03

G Man · Member

So great to see Laura has a job even if it's only for a couple of weeks, great for her resume.
Any news about Max getting any work?

Shadi Ladi · Guru

G Man wrote:
So great to see Laura has a job even if it's only for a couple of weeks, great for her resume.
Any news about Max getting any work?

Haven't heard anything on Max. I did see that his myspace is set to private. I think it used to be public.

Edwardian · Veteran Member

The show tonight was outstanding and Laura made us all proud. It was also a major treat when got to talk with her for a bit after the show. I'll post a full report in te morning.

Hello799 · Senior Member

Thanks Edwardian...........I look forward to reading your report.

Mama Grande · Senior Member

Here's an article from today's Washington Post about the show:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/03/AR2008100303536.html
Hope everyone has a great day!

BBS420 · Guru

Mama Grande wrote:
Here's an article from today's Washington Post about the show:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/03/AR2008100303536.html
Hope everyone has a great day!

thanks mama.

Edwardian · Veteran Member

Here is my report from the show last night:

Tonight I a saw Laura perform in Broadway: Three Generations at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. The show consisted of condensed versions of three shows that represented three generations of Broadway composers. Shirley Jones (star of many Broadway and film musicals, though perhaps best known for her role as Shirley Partridge in The Partridge Family on TV) narrated for all three condensed shows, filling in blanks in the plots for the audience. It was an outstanding theatrical evening and our gal was a dynamo on stage. One of the best parts of the evening for me was that I got to meet Laura after the performance.

The show took place in The Eisenhower Theater at the KenCen. The show is a celebration for the grand reopening of the theater following eighteen million dollars worth of renovations. The 1163 seat theater is gorgeous, is equipped with new state of the art sound and light systems. The place was packed tonight; I didnt see an empty seat in the house. I sat in the third row of the balcony and the view and the acoustics were perfect.

The curtain opened to display a twenty-eight piece orchestra seated on the rear of the stage. The first production was Girl Crazy, with music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin. It was a very funny story about an East Coast man who went to an old western town that contained only men and opened up a casino/dude ranch, finding romance with the gal who delivered the mail. It was beautifully staged, well performed and extremely funny.

Jane (Lauras mom) had let me know that Laura had had to step in to substitute in a tap dance number for another actress who was injured. When the actors broke into I Got Rhythm I knew that this had to be it. I spotted Laura singing and tapping away in the ensemble and was thrilled to see her dance all out, displaying an aspect of her talent I had not seen before. I thought that she might appear tentative or nervous since she only had three days to learn what was a very complex routine. I know that I would be nervous! But if Laura felt that way it didnt show a bit. She conveyed joy and exuberance and demonstrated incredible skill as she tapped across the stage. She seemed quite happy. It was so much fun to watch her go.

The second show, Bye Bye Birdie, is the one in which Laura played one of the leads, Kim MacAfee. Conrad Birdie was a 1950s rock star character that spoofed Elvis Presley. He was to put on one final performance on national TV before going into the Army. He was to give one fan one list kiss before being inducted and Lauras character was chosen to receive that kiss on the Ed Sullivan Show. Kim was thrilled. Kims boyfriend was not much amused.

Lauras entrance rocked the house. She stood in darkness up in the orchestra when it was announced that Kim had been selected to be the girl kissed by Conrad on the Ed Sullivan Show. As the lights hit her Laura let loose a series of full-throated screams of teenaged ecstasy. What a set of pipes! Several sets of dentures come flying lose amongst that quasi-geriatric crowd. Well, perhaps not, but you get the point. It was most impressive and also hilariously funny.

The Kim MacAfee role provided Laura with a great opportunity to show some of her acting range. We saw Sweet Kim and Perky Kim and Sexy Kim. Laura demonstrated some great comedic acting in the role. I also experienced what others here have said about seeing Laura perform live, that her voice is so much more amazingly gorgeous than television can convey. Laura sang four songs during this segment. Her singing and dancing in Got a Lot of Living To Do was stellar and both were spot on. It was funny that Lauras costume for most of this production was a 1950s era pink, checkered, flouncy, skirted dress, quite similar to one I saw her wear in some of the Grease photos.

The last show performed was Side Show, one that I was not familiar with. I wont go into much detail about this one since Laura did not perform in it. It was a compelling contemporary show in the style of Les Miserables, with very little dialogue and the story conveyed through the song lyrics. Shirley Jones introduced the show by telling the audience that it was about two characters in a freak show, the Hilton sisters. This got a big unintentional laugh when the audience mistook her to mean Paris and Nicky. It turns out Shirley was referring to Daisy and Violet, a pair of Siamese twins who literally traveled the country in a carnival freak show.

The cast was enthusiastically received by the audience during the curtain calls that ended in a standing ovation. (KenCen audiences can be somewhat staid in their demeanor and standing Os are not by any means automatic here.) Everyone I spoke to said that they really enjoyed the performances and that it was special to be there for the Eisenhowers grand reopening.

The three productions were distinctly different from one another, giving a good sense about the way that musical theater has evolved over the decades. It was fun to return from each of the two intermissions to experience something fresh. I was treated to three hours of delightful theater and left awed by the vital richness that is Broadway.

After the show I dashed around to the stage door, discreetly located on a side of the building where people rarely go. As I had suspected might be the case, there was only one elderly couple there collecting autographs from actors as they emerged. The rest of the two dozen or so people waiting there were friends and family members of performers, there to meet them after the show. No rope line. No security. No need for these. It reminded me of the rather sleepy southern town that Washington was when I arrived here from New York back in 1971, the year that the Kennedy Center opened.

I walked over to Laura when she came through the door. She seemed happy and relaxed. I was struck by her amazingly fresh and open presence as I approached, seemingly secure in whom she is, eager and open to the world. As we chatted about the show and about her time in Washington, I wished that my seventeen year old daughter Julia had been there to meet her too. When I told Laura that I knew her mother from the Grease message boards she smiled and told me that her mother had told her that I would be there. (Thanks, Jane.) It was a pleasure to meet Laura and to confirm what I sensed from the TV show and interviews, which is that she is not only a very special talent, but a very special young lady as well. Laura signed my program and I told her that it will be a pleasure for me to follow her career through the years.

All told, it was a fabulous evening. Thanks for letting me share it with you!

BBS420 · Guru

I'm glad you got to meet Laura and mom "introduced" you to her.

CRaceFan · Veteran Member

Fantastic report, Edwardian!

Shadi Ladi · Guru

Really nice update Ed....Thanks!

That Girl · Senior Member

Thanks for the report Edwardian! I'm glad you liked the show. I read a lot of positive Laura reviews on other boards. I came across an old interview with Laura that I never saw before that I thought I would share http://www.broadway.com/buzz/ask_a_star_landing.aspx just in case anyone else missed it. It's really worth watching!

-- Edited by That Girl at 21:52, 2008-10-09

Laura Mom · Senior Member

I really appreciated reading Edwardian's review of the show. It was so thorough I felt like I got to "see" a little of it through his eyes. Thanks so much for sharing all that detail. Laura's back in New York now rehearsing as Lizzy Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. I think you all know that show has a goal of making it to Broadway by November 2009. The workshop will perform a one night show in Rochester, NY on Oct. 21. I'm trying to work out my schedule to fly to New York and see Nate and then he and I hope to drive to Rochester to see Laura's show. My new grandson arrived (Laura's brother and his wife had a baby) on Oct. 6 and we have also sold our house and are still looking for a new place to live. But even with everything going on here at home, it is still hard to be in Minnesota and miss all of Laura's events. I can't get used to not being there--it's no fun at all! But it's also impossible to have to pay $1000.00 or more to get to go see her everywhere so Mom must adapt. Anyway, I appreciate reading other's comments who get to see Laura--so keep them coming! Everyone have a beautiful fall--it's fabulous in Minnesota right now!

Jane

Shadi Ladi · Guru

Hi Lauramom.

It was nice to hear from you. Hope all of Laura's dreams come true! I hope that the show makes in to Broadway too! I would love to have another reason to fly to New York.

I know that Ashley and Laura talk frequently!

Congrats on the new grandbaby! I have a nine month old baby granddaugter. What a Blessing!

Have a great day!

Kristen · Guru

Yes, congratulations on your grandson! I'm sure that he is a blessing to your family! smile

singingdoc · Veteran Member

Wow- A grandchild, I jealous! But my 25 yo son is not married yet, so I guess I'll have to wait. Congratulations Jane!

DogsandBirds · Guru

Congrats on all fronts!

Grandbabies are the best!

nad · Veteran Member

Congradulations...

Tay4me · Veteran Member

Congratulations Lauramom on a grandson. I have two little grandchildren - a boy and a girl, and they are so precious. I know you'll thoroughly enjoy him.

grannygreaser · Senior Member

Thanks for the update on Laura, Jane. Hope that P&P does make its target for next year with Laura in the cast, but hope there will be more for Laura before then.

And I'll add my congrats on becoming a grandmother. Wonderful!

Laura Mom · Senior Member

Amazing things sometimes really happen! I get to go to Rochester to see Laura next Tuesday in Pride and Prejudice! I'm going to fly into New York on Sunday and see Nate's show, "Like you Like It," on Sunday afternoon, then we'll drive with a couple other people to Rochester on Tuesday to see Laura's show. Wednesday we drive back to New York and I fly home that night. I'm thrilled! I've been watching the movie, "Bride and Prejudice" which is based on that story and is also a musical to re-familiarize myself with the story. A few years ago there was also a TV mini series on it and my step-daughter has that video too and lent it to me. Did any of you see that when it was on TV? A good friend of mine from Minneapolis whose husband is a pilot is also going to fly directly to Rochester to see the show. She gets free stand-by flight benefits, of course, so that helps! We'll be giggling like a couple of young school girls at our great fortune to get to go and see the show. I'll give you a review when I get back.

Eris · Guru

Jane, I believe you're talking about the miniseries with Colin Firth.

I'm so happy that you get to go. I wish I could be there to share in the fun as well..

Eris · Guru

Like You Like It

Eris · Guru

Gallery Players' LIKE YOU LIKE IT Extended to 11/9

The cast of 18 includes Jeff Barba, Lena Moy-Borgen, Jennifer Blood, Trey Compton, Richard Connelly, Brynn Curry, Rebecca Dealy, Roy Flores, Nathan Johnson, André Jordan, Caitlin Kent, Michael Lowney, Alison Luff (Tommy Tune Awards Winner for Best Leading Actress for Lucky Stiff, Les Miserables and Seussical at Theater Under The Stars), Clint Morris, Elisabeth Ness, Lance Olds (Footloose/1st National Tour), Hollis Scarborough (Hairspray/Las Vegas) and Carly Vernon. Known for producing revivals, The Gallery Players is mounting this second full-scale original musical production. An interview with the show's creators and director as well as a performance from the show can be heard at broadwaybullet.com Vol. 220.

DogsandBirds · Guru

What a thrill it will be for you Jane! Have a great time!

Eris · Guru

DogsandBirds wrote:
What a thrill it will be for you Jane! Have a great time!

Yes, I bet Laura will be so happy to have you there! And she'll have to "share" you with Juliana too biggrin

henrysmom · Senior Member

Ah shoot Pride and Prejudice is going to be in Rochester next week?

That's only an hour from here, but I think my stupid husband is going out of town next week....that would be awesome though.

singingdoc · Veteran Member

Anybody on this Board get to see Pride and Prejudice in Rochester Tuesday? Laura's Mom?
I've read the review in the Rochester paper and several reviews on the Broadwayworld forum and they all thought the show has good-very good potential and they all thought Laura was a real stand-out in her role as Lizzy. Just curious what people here thought.

Bumble Bee · Veteran Member

Good for Laura! Hope we hear from Lauramom...

DogsandBirds · Guru

From what I read so far, everyone loved Laura!

Laura Mom · Senior Member

I will not write too extensive of a report as I am entirely too biased but just want to say I was totally captivated with Pride and Prejudice on Tuesday night and felt so extremely privileged to be there. It is indeed still a work in progress but I thoroughly enjoyed it and also am fascinated with the process of attempting to bring a show to Broadway. The writers of this show have been working on this production and dream for approximately eight years as I understand it. It is an amazing adventure. One truth about this show is that it certainly affords Laura with a stunning opportunity to display more of her skills and talents as an actress and vocalist. I am her mother and of course you would expect me to love her performance and I can tell you I most certainly did. Early in the show Laura sings a song entitled, "If I Fall in Love," and the approximate 3000 people in attendance erupted into a momentous applause at it's conclusion and Nate and I and my friend from Minneapolis that flew in to see the show with us, all grabbed hands and wanted to cry! As a parent it was similar to the moment on the Grease TV show when Andrew LLoyd Weber said he was "staggered" by Laura. Oh my goodness! How thrilling! How fun! If you're not a parent yet you might not understand but you must know that every parent's heart absolutely overflows with joy when you get a chance to see your child excelling at something and fulfilling their dreams. It's like a floodgate of joy opens all at once and all your memories of raising this child come together in an overwhelmingly powerful moment and you're simply elated for them and their success! But anyway, back to my biased commentary...this is a beautiful role for Laura and it was magnificent to watch her portray it and to see the whole show unfold. As you might read elsewhere (if you care to follow the commentaries on other sites about the show), Jane Austen, the author of the story Pride and Prejudice, is actually portrayed in this musical as a character. This is perhaps the most unique thing that separates this production from other attempts of the same story. She adds quite a dynamic to the story as we gather insight into her choices and the dynamics she considers when creating both the characters and the plot of the story line. At various times, especially as the show progresses, the characters actually "speak" to her and tell her what they long to have happen next. It is fun to imagine that this must be what a writer encounters. The characters must become so very real and so alive to them in their mind during the writing process that after a while they take on a life of their own and begin to demand certain outcomes in the storyline. In this play Jane Austen obviously likes Elizabeth Bennett (Laura's) character and that is a fascinating interaction to watch. It is at times playful and at other times insightful into Jane Austen's own personhood as we gather glimpses of how this author likely feels similarly to how she is portraying Elizabeth Bennett--full of opinions, strong emotions and desires, and with a deep longing and passion for true love. Besides my own thrill at enjoying Laura's characterization of Elizabeth Bennett, it would be very appropriate to mention here that Julianna Hansen plays Laura's older sister, Jane, in the show. She's equally wonderful in her part and what a thrilling crystal clear voice! She and Laura loved doing this show together and their fondness for each other in "real life" was greatly magnified by playing close sisters in the show. Many people think Julianna and Laura look a great deal alike so they certainly looked like perfectly natural sisters. So it's time to sum up here: I loved the show! How I hope it makes it to Broadway! And how I wish I could have a CD of the music to listen to again and again to remember all the details and to hear all the singing again. It will be fun to read more about this show and to watch for news as it unfolds in the future. Thanks for listening to my biased commentary!

DogsandBirds · Guru

I can imagine the thrill that it was Jane and how wonderfully Laura performed.

Congrats to Laura!

That Girl · Senior Member

Congratulations Jane! Every review I have read has said that Laura was wonderful. I'm so glad you got to see her performance. Do have any news on what is next for Laura-even information on auditions?

Eris · Guru

I've heard many good things about the show and saw BEAUTIFUL photos of the lovely ladies in their lovely costumes. I hope to see it and them on Broadway.

Shadi Ladi · Guru

Congrats to Laura!

reniefran · Senior Member

Hi Jane,
I just got on here this AM and I just wanted to say that I'm glad Laura has the integrity to turn down something she knows will compromise her faith. One of the problems I see with society as a whole is that many people are willing to do anything that will move them up the ladder, earn them more money etc. What I respect most about Laura's stand is that it speaks to the younger generation about priorities. I firmly believe that God will open doors for Laura that aren't opened for anyone else. All of life after all is not just about making a name for yourself!Laura was a shining light in the Grease cast. I guess that if I were ever to be in Laura's place, which I won't I would have done the same thing. I can't divorce myself from the content and say a job is just a job. Many years ago I took voice lessons and the teacher chose an aria for me to sing. After knowing what the words meant in English I wouldn't sing it. It took awhile but we finally came to an agreement and I was happy with the end result.
I would rather be respected for having personal integrity and being honest in my pursuits than receiving acclaim for my talents and gifts.
God bless,
Renie Fran