Profile for broadwaydanwi

Thank you so much!

According to this article, Keith has been performing at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater in Minnesota. Judging by the photo of him wearing a t-shirt, he is in great shape, too!

https://www.minnesotagoodage.com/living/features/2017/01/stage-presence/

Now that summer is drawing to a close, I thought I would share one more page on my "Memories of Melody Top" website. Exactly 40 years ago tonight, on Tuesday, August 26, 1980, the Top mounted a brand-new production of THE STUDENT PRINCE, the beloved operetta by Sigmund Romberg and Dorothy V. Donnelly. Jack Gilford received star billing for his comedic role of Lutz, a "gentleman's gentleman" to Prince Karl Franz at university in Heidelberg. Gilford last appeared in

Tommy Tune wasn't in that production of HELLO, DOLLY! His last appearance at Melody Top was the summer before HELLO, DOLLY! He played the Master of Ceremonies in CABARET opposite Elaine Cancilla (Sally) and Imogene Coca (Fraulein Schneider).

What a great story! Not many people know this, but Jack Bailey was quite accomplished as a stage actor. He previously appeared at Melody Top in a 1969 production of OF THEE I SING. His credits in both stock plays and musicals are quite extensive.

And according to Dennis Grimaldi, who was in the cast of HELLO, DOLLY! at the Top, "Lamour did her traditional, Hawaiian 'thank you' hand choreography – which she had done on tour – thanking everyone for coming&qu

I can't comment on Jack Bailey's performance at Melody Top because the show opened on my first birthday, but an online friend reported this story: He also did it opposite Patrice Munsel at Melodyland in Anaheim, Calfornia. I remember hearing that in that production, he really catered to the older ladies in the audience by saying at one point, "Dolly, you're my Queen for a Day!"

Well, it's finally done! Here's the new page on "Memories of Melody Top" — 110 photos from a 1971 production of HELLO, DOLLY! that starred Dorothy Lamour and Jack Bailey. Other notables in the cast: Virginia Seidel, who would earn a 1976 Tony Award nomination for her portrayal of Mrs. Elsie Darling in VERY GOOD EDDIE; Dennis Grimaldi, who transitioned to a successful producing career with 14 Broadway credits; and Candace Tovar, who will forever be linked to the work of

You are very welcome! Here is one of the best anecdotes from a friend who worked at Melody Top during the run of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC: Director-designer Stuart Bishop let Lois Hunt design her own dress for the "Send in the Clowns" scene. It was black -- an elaborate design -- with mesh sleeves. He said it looked like "something that June Allyson would wear to Van Johnson's funeral."

"Send in the Clowns," the final audio clip from A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at Milwaukee's Melody Top, is now available for your listening pleasure.

Thank you for visiting my site. Please come back to it tomorrow for the grand finale: Lois Hunt's very lovely take on "Send in the Clowns."

Today's audio clip is "The Miller's Son" sung by Susan Rush. Right before A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, Susan became a Melody Top legend when she took over the female lead in BELLS ARE RINGING. Rita Moreno, who had been playing Ella Peterson in BELLS ARE RINGING, was released from her contract early so she could fly back to California to tape a television pilot. On Sunday evening, August 1, 1976, with only one formal rehearsal earlier in the run, Susan Rush played Ella opposite Tab

"It Would Have Been Wonderful" is now online.

"A Weekend in the Country" is now released. Remember to refresh your browser if you visited my site in the past!

The second audio clip, "You Must Meet My Wife" sung by Earl and Lois, is now available for listening...

In celebration of Stephen Sondheim's 90th birthday today, Sunday, March 22, 2020, I just published a new page on my "Memories of Melody Top" website about a 1976 production of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC that starred Earl Wrightson (Fredrik) and Lois Hunt (Desiree). Supporting roles were filled with a rich gallery of actor-singers: David Holliday (Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm), Holland Taylor (Countess Charlotte Malcolm), Zoya Leporska (Madame Armfeldt), Alice Cannon (Anne), David Ga

Here in Wisconsin, the Overture Center in Madison canceled the remaining dates of WICKED. And in Milwaukee, the Marcus Center said that THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG has been postponed. Not sure what's going to happen with ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE at the Fox Cities PAC in Appleton...

The fourth and final audio clip -- "Little Girls" -- is now online. Happy New Year!

I got a postcard from the Lyric this week with a discount offer (LIGHT for 20% off select seats) and I scored a front-row spot for this Saturday night. I am excited to see this production, even if it is flawed. The Lyric was advertising it a lot when I was in Chicago during September, including a ticket giveaway at a Walgreens on State and Randolph. Here is a picture of that Walgreens window...

The third audio clip -- "Tomorrow" -- is now online! Please visit my site to hear it.

I really loved the short national tour of THE BOY FRIEND that was directed by Julie Andrews and went out for about a dozen dates from the end of 2005 to early 2006. It was sweet and simple -- a pleasure from start to finish. I wish it would have been recorded and/or filmed. I doubt if we will ever see that musical go out on a national tour again.

The second audio clip -- "Easy Street" -- is now available for listening on my website!