• Chita Rivera’s new CD, And Now I Swing, shows off what the dancer can do when we can’t see her. 

Musically, she’s a terrific storyteller who encompasses many moods.  Her version of Not Exactly Paris wrings every bit of poignancy out of the song while I Won’t Dance / Let Me Sing has an exquisite playfulness. 

To me, the most fascianting (and thinking about it unsurprising) strength of Rivera’s musical performance is her amazing sense of the beat.  This especially shows on the tricky timing of Carousel that she makes a easy but stunning showstopper.

• I Won’t Dance / Let me Sing
• Nowadays
• Where Am I Going ?
• Sweet Happy Life / Mas Que Nada
• Love and Love Alone
• Carousel
• Not Exactly Paris
• I Don’t Remember You
• More Than You Know
• Circle of Friends
• A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square 

The Playbill Online Diva Talk column has a great interview with Chita Rivera discussing her terrific new CD:

Question: How did you go about choosing the songs?

Rivera: I’ve just got this unbelievable repertoire of theatre songs. So Michael decided, why don’t we do our show and just change all the arrangements. Give them another face. And that’s what we’ve done. I think that, should I do another album, which I think I would like to do, I think probably I would then do [a jazz CD]… I used to talk to Rosemary Clooney, who was a friend, and I would say, “That’s what I want to do at some time in my life! I want to sing some Johnny Mercer. I want to sing some fabulous jazz composers’ songs.” I think this is a step towards that.

Plus it has reviews of the new Liz Callaway, Rebecca Luker, and Kate Baldwin CDs.

THE DEVIL SELLS TICKETS: Advance tickets for Hot Doc’s Oct 21 Canadian premiere screenings of The September Issue, the doc which reportedlly delivers

WINTOUR: in the Soup

an extraordinary behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the annual September issue of Vogue magazine — and an unprecedented gaze into the life of fashion icon Anna Wintour, the inspiration for Meryl Streep’s character in The Devil Wears Prada – are already sold out, making it the hottest ticket in Doc Soup history …Chita Rivera celebrates the release of her new CD And Now I Swing tonight at famed Manhattan music room Birdland … Daniel Lanois, set to return to The Troubadour in L.A. this Thursday, has a new stream-lined website … and Rick Mercer, who never saw a loaded gun he didn’t want to play with, tries his luck with 19th century weapons tonight when he participates in a re-enactment of the War of 1812 on the Rick Mercer Report at 8 pm on CBC-TV.

MERCER: circa 1812

LITERATI: Writer Ian Brown reads from his riveting, rave-winning Boy In The Moon tonight at McNall-Robinson at the new (and vastly improved) Don Mills Centre …Rex Murphy (Canada And Other Matters Of Opinion) headlines next Sunday’s Ben McNally/Globe & Mail brunch series at the King Eddie … Linden MacIntyre serves up pages from his Giller-nominated Bishop’s Man on Oct 21 at the Bonnie Stern Book Club ($135 includes dinner and recipes) … former PM Paul Martin wades through Hell Or High Water on Oct 27 at the Edward Johnson Building (behind the Planetarium) … glamourous survivor and voice-in-the-wilderness Suzanne Somers launches Knockout, her book of interviews with doctors who are curing cancer – “And How to Prevent Getting It in the First Place” – on Oct 29 at the John Bassett Theatre … most intriguing novel on the immediate horizon: Doug Coupland’s Generation A … and my favourite book title so far this fall?

GRIFFIN: It's official

Official Book Club Selection, a predictably irreverent autobiography by funny girl Kathy Griffin.

CALENDAR JOTTINGS: Industry nights for the upcoming 2009 Gemini Awards are next Monday Oct.19 & Tuesday Oct. 20 … that thumb-happy RIM team (yes, the Canadians who gave us the Crackberry) will be feted at a Design Exchange gala in their honour on Oct. 24 … the seventh annual fund-raising dinner for Pierre Berton’s Writers Retreat is set for Nov. 17 at the Berkeley Church on Queen Street East … Tutored Tastings, the new Gourmet Food & Wine Expo, is set for Nov. 19-22 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre … and outrageous Brit comic Graham Norton is confirmed as host of the 2009 International Emmy Awards honouring Sir David Frost on Nov 23 at the New York Hilton.

TOMORROW:

Ann Landers comes to Broadway.

-/-

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

Oct. 12. (Mon.)  BERN.  Drummer Bernie Dresel’s 12 piece band of instrumentalists and singers, playing what he describes as  “supercharged horny funk” — swing their way through music ranging from Tower of Power and Stevie Wonder to Miles Davis and Steely Dan.  Cafe Cordiale in Sherman Oaks.   (818) 789-1985.

- Oct. 12. (Mon.) Diane Hubka.  Singer/guitarist Hubka will no doubt feature some selections from her recent album, “I Like It Here.”  She’s backed by pianist Joe Bagg, bassist Jeff D’Angelo and drummer Ryan Doyle. Charlie O’s.  (818) 994-3058

Carol Welsman

- Oct. 13. (Tues.) Carol Welsman. Pianist/singer Welsman celebrates the release of  “I Like Men: Reflections of Miss Peggy Lee” — a tribute to one of Welsman’s inspirations that generates  some of her most engaging and musically intuitive interpretations.  Her tender version of “The Folks Who Live on the Hill” from the new album was just selected Pick of the Week by USA Today’s music critic, Elysa Gardner  (over Barbra Streisand, Joan Baez and Madonna).  Welsman will be backed by her usual all-star trio — guitarist Pat Kelley, bassist Rene Camacho and drummer Jimmy Branly.  Vibrato.Grill Jazz…etc (310) 474-9400.

- Oct. 13. (Tues.)  “Tango Night” A new twist on John Pisano’s weekly “Guitar Night” sessions.  This time he matches tango riffs with guitarist Marcello Caceres, bassist Pablo Motta and bandoneon player Coco Trivisono.  Spazio (818) 728-8400.

HIGHLIGHT……………………………………

Franco Battiato

- Oct. 13 – 18. (Tues. – Sun.)  “Hit Week L.A.: The Italian Way of Life” A celebration of Italian music, art, poetry, literature and cinema. Performers include Calibro 35, Daniel Luppe, Negrita, The Niro and Linnea 77.  The week concludes on Oct. 18 with an appearance at The Broad Stage by Italian art rock icon, Franco Battiato.

Events take place at the Music Box at the Henry Fonda Theatre, The Broad Stage in Santa Monica and the Italian Cultural Institute.  Hit Week L.A.

………………………………………………….

- Oct. 14. (Wed.)  Ann Hampton Callaway and Ramsey Lewis.  It’s an attractive pairing – the lush sound of Callaway’s richly musical jazz vocalizing, and the always-swinging piano playing of the veteran Lewis. Walt Disney Concert Hall (323) 972-7211

Nikki Yanofsky

- Oct. 14. (Wed.) Nikki Yanofsky.   Yet another young Canadian singing star on the ascendancy.  Fifteen year old Nikki is the youngest performer to ever headline her own show at the Montreal Jazz Festival.  Her repertoire reaches comfortably from Joni Mitchell and folk rock to Ella Fitzgerald and the blues, all of it done with stunning maturity..   Catalina Bar & Grill (323) 466-2210.  .

- Oct. 16 & 17. (Fri. & Sat.)  “Music From the City of the Angels” John Williams conducts the Los Angeles Philharmonic in a program of film music that embraces selections by  Bernard Herrmann, Erich Korngold, Andre Previn, Felix Waxman and, of course, the magic of Williams’ many classic film scores. Walt Disney Concert Hall (323 )850-2040

Iva Bittova

- Oct. 17. (Sat.)  Jesse Cook.  Nuevo Flamenco guitarist Cook blends simmering Latin rhythms with smooth jazz timbres and a dynamic performing style.  The Broad Stage, Santa Monica.

- Oct. 17. (Sat.) Iva Bittová.  The Czech violinist, singer and musical iconoclast is a stirring performer, moving easily from gypsy tunes to unpredictable happenings.  The Luckman Arts Center.   (323) 363-1356.

- Oct. 17. (Sat.)  Stacy Rowles.  Blending lyrical flugelhorn playing with a lyrical singing style, Rowles performs with Jeff Collela, piano, Pat Senatore, bass and Ryan Doyle, drums.  Vibrato.Grill Jazz …etc (310) 474-9400.

San Diego

- Oct. 15. (Thurs.)  Ellen Johnson.  Performing with Rick Helzer, piano and Rob Thorsen, bass, Johnson sings the music of Charles Mingus and adds a tribute to Sheila Jordan.  Tango Del Rey.  Rancho San Diego.   (858) 581-1114.

San Francisco

Miguel Zenon

- Oct. 15. (Thurs.)  Miguel Zenon’s “Esta Plena” The McArthur Award-winning alto saxophonist/composer and his quintet – pianist Luis Perdomo, bassist Hans Glawischnig, drummer Henry Cole and percussionist Hector “Tito” Matos — presents selections from his latest CD.. Yoshi’s San Francisco (415)  655-5600.

- Oct. 16 – 18. (Fri. – Sun.)  Cedar Walton and Friends. Walton’s mastery of bop and post bop have made him one of the first call jazz pianists for decades.  His “Friens” include tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, vibist Steve Nelson and more.  Yoshi’s Oakland.   (510)  238-9200

New York

- Oct. 13 – 15. (Tues. – Thurs.)  Dominick Farinacci  Quintet. The simpressive new young trumpet star, his career rapidly escalating performs with his quartet.  Birdland.  (212)  581-3080

Chita Rivera

- Oct. 15 – 18. (Thurs. – Sun.)  Jon Faddis Jazz Orchestra.  Trumpeter Faddis takes a break from his work with the Chicago Jazz Ensemble to lead his own stirring big band.  The Blue Note. (212) 475-8592

- Oct 16 & 17. (Fri. & Sat.)  Chita Rivera.  The ageless dancing and singing star of Broadway musicals appears in a rare, up close and personal night club setting.  Birdland.   (212)  581-3080

- Oct. 16 – 18. (Fri. – Sun.)  The Ben Allison Band.  Bassist Allison leads his own group in selections from his envelope-stretching new album, “Think Free.”  The Jazz Standard.   (212) 576-2232

bye, bye birdie is another one of those great old broadway musicals that you probably know at least some of the words and music to, even if you don’t know that you know it. “put on a happy face” is a song from this show that has been used to sell everything from anti-depressant medications to toilet paper (excuse me, bathroom tissue). the new production, starring john stamos, bill irwin and gina gershon is now playing at the henry miller theater on 43rd street.  this theater has a structure that is unlike most broadway theaters.  the theater is literally dug into the ground. when you walk into the theater  from the sidewalk, you are at the top of the mezzanine level. to get to the orchestra you have to walk down 2 flights of stairs. our party of 10 was sitting in the orchestra, thanks to a rare case of splurging on good seats. when there are “known” featured players in the cast, we like to sit close enough to be able to actually identify them on stage.

this play reminded me of the new production of west side story, because it tries to elude the considerable shadow cast by its predecessor, the original production starring dick van dyke and chita rivera. like west side story, the revival struggles in its attempt to bring a new look to what is one of broadway’s classics.  the result is basically the same “lite” version that would not look out of place in a long island dinner theater.  interestingly, the current revival of south pacific had no such problem, even though, like west side story and bye bye birdie, it is a period piece. gina gershon, as easy on the eyes as she is, seemed to be mentally counting the steps as she danced. she can almost be forgiven for this, because, to paraphrase the late lloyd bensen, she’s no chita rivera. the fact that jon stamos kept flubbing his lines, however, is inexcusable, given the price of broadway tickets these days.  bill irwin, however, was excellent as the exasperated/star struck father.  nolan gerard funk seems charismatically challenged as the erstwhile conrad birdie, a role that seems tailor made for someone like cheyenne jackson (who has actually played an elvis-like character before in “all shook up”).

after the show ended (to mixed reviews among us), it was time to eat.  the majority had decided upon burgers for dinner, as we had already gone upscale on the previously mentioned orchestra seating.  because our group numbered 10, we needed a place big enough to accommodate our party (forget about 5 napkin burger, with their cramped, little booths), and a venue that would stay open late enough (the show ended at about 10:30) so that we wouldn’t be thrown out before we were good and ready to be thrown out, which we have been on many an occasion .  as we debated back and forth out on 43rd street, our destination became clear:  smith and wollensky’s side restaurant, the wollensky grill.  this place is a vegan’s worst nightmare come to life. the grill’s specialties include  giant slabs of red meat, huge lobsters along with cholesterol infused side dishes and desserts.   most important of all, they were open till at least 2 a.m. on saturday night, so we could talk, argue and discuss the play as long as we wanted to.  most of us ordered some variation of burgers, just as we had planned.  wollensky’s burgers look like they weigh almost a full pound, and hang over the edges of the oversized buns by about a half inch all around.  the portions are almost comical in their size, but the taste of the food is not up to shake shack (my standard of excellence).  this actually helped fuel the discussion about the show, as the food did not distract from the subject at hand. there is nothing more annoying than trying to talk to each other amid contented sighs of ecstasy after each bite. some of our party (the health conscious ones) ordered the tuna sandwich.  no, not tuna salad, but a massive three quarters of an inch thick piece of tuna steak, perfectly cooked medium rare and yes, still managing to hang over the sides of the bun, although not concentrically.  as dessert arrived, we felt as though we had become citizens of the land of liliput, and gulliver was our chef.  we had ordered 3 portions of carrot cake , but when we saw the gargantuan size of the slices, we politely asked our waiter to take 1 slice back (which he did with no problem, probably having seen this same scenario play out many a time before).  in all honesty a single slice would have been more than sufficient for our table.  with full bellies, we departed the grill almost at closing time. the most difficult part of the evening proved to be staying awake during the ride home, but fortunately i was not the designated driver on that night.

I WILL LIGHT YOU UP / I WILL LIGHT YOU UP: More and more people are leaving Toronto International Film Festival screenings humming the

PILOT SPEED: filmfest rockers

theme music from the on-screen Bell Lightbox promo that precedes every TIFF showing. Can we name that tune? Yes we can. The song, Light You Up, is performed by Toronto rockers Pilot Speed and is from their album Wooden Bones. Do they have pages on Facebook and My Space? Of course. Where and when can you see them in person? Tomorrow night at 9 pm in a free TIFF concert at Yonge-Dundas Square.

And yes, they’ll probably perform Light You Up.

And no, I can’t stop humming it either.

FARRELL: TIFF's top star?

FARRELL & MOORE TOP TIFF LIST: Still trying to figure out who has the most movies at TIFF this year? Me too. By my count By my count TIFF veteran Colin Farrell (Triage, Ondine, The Imaginarium Of Dr Parnassus) is tied with filmfest alumnus Julianne Moore (Chloe, A Single Man. The Private Lives Of Pippa Lee) and both of them have a one-flick lead over fellow filmfest faves George Clooney (The Men Who Stare At Goats, Up In The Air) and Colin Firth (Dorian Gray, A Single Man,) who are tied with hot TIFF newcomer Amanda Seyfried (Chloe, Jennifer’s Body.)

MOORE: TIFF hat trick

Ms. Moore, of course, makes a lot of intriguing film choices – she was here last year for Blindness — but still can’t have it all. Which is why she had to bow out of playing Hillary Clinton in the ‘90s-era HBO drama The Special Relationship. Which turned out to be a lucky break for Hope Davis, on summer hiatus from her hit Broadway show God Of Carnage, because she got to play Hillary. But don’t feel too badly for Julianne. She now gets to play with Annette Bening in The Kids Are All Right.

NO PEOPLE LIKE SHOW PEOPLE: Beloved Broadway baby Chita Rivera will perform at Birdland next month to launch her new solo studio album And Now I Swing, which features

RIVERA: still Swingin' (photo: Joan Marcus)

such crowd-pleasers as Nowadays from Chicago and Where Am I Going from Sweet Charity. Also on the CD are songs from the John Kander-Fred Ebb musical version of The Visit, in which Rivera co-starred with George Hearn. The show never made it to Broadway but now, happily, some of the songs will … Kathleen Turner joins David Duchovny in the new season of his hit Showtime series Californication, premiering Sept. 28 on TMN … and Janet Jackson is set to chair amFAR’s Fashion Week AIDS fund-raiser in Milan the same night.

The TWO RICKS: At CBC’s Fall Launch yesterday Rick Mercer confirmed that he had indeed flown to B.C. last week to tape a segment for Season 7 of the

MERCER: taking the plunge

Rick Mercer Report with legendary Man In Motion Rick Hansen at Whistler.

Sooo … summer skiing? Wheelchair racing?

Exactly what were the two Ricks actually doing at Whistler?

“Bungee jumping,” Mercer confessed. “It was terrifying, but we had a lot of fun.”

This we gotta see. And we will, when Mercer kicks off his new season on Tuesday Sept. 29.

TOMORROW:

the hot titles emerging from this year’s TIFF,

and some of the stars who slipped in to see them.

-/-

Christian Slater

 

 

 

Christian Michael Leonard Slater (born August 18, 1969) is an American actor who has starred in films such as Heathers, Kuffs, True Romance, He Was a Quiet Man and The Legend of Billie Jean.

Trivia

Birth of his son, Jaden Christopher Haddon-Slater, with girlfriend Ryan Haddon. [6 April 1999]

Half brother of actor Ryan Slater.

Chosen by Empire magazine as one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in film history (#79). [1995]

Won the roles of the Interviewer in Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994) and Eric Draven in The Crow (1994) after the death of friend and fellow actor River Phoenix (who had been cast in the first role and turned down the second). Slater also turned down the lead in The Crow (1994), leading producers to actor Brandon Lee – who would become permanently linked with the film and its story when he was accidentally killed on the set.

Daughter, Eliana Sophia, born. [15 August 2001]

Is a green belt in kempo karate. [August 2003]

Past girlfriends include Kim Walker, whom he broke up with during the filming of Heathers (1988) for Winona Ryder, later Samantha Mathis, Christina Applegate and Patricia Arquette. Has also been engaged to actress/model Nina Huang.

His mother, Mary Jo Slater was the casting director in 4 of his feature film appearances: Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991); Murder in the First (1995); The Contender (2000) and Who Is Cletis Tout?(2001).

British stage debut as Randle P. McMurphy in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” in August of 2004, delayed by a bout of chicken pox. Received a standing ovation on his first night playing McMurphy in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” on the London stage.

Born on the same day as Oscar-nominated actor Edward Norton. He also shares a birthday with the following celebrities: Denis Leary, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Patrick Swayze and Robert Redford.

Attended Dalton School and the Professional Children’s School.

Born and reared in New York.

Made his theater debut in “The Music Man” at the age of 9.

The trousers worn by him in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991) are the same ones worn by William Shatner in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan (1982). He noticed the name label still inside them.

Donated all of his paycheck from Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994) to River Phoenix’s favorite charities after the young actor’s untimely death at 23.

As a teenager, he appeared in the musical “Merlin,” one of the most expensive and most notorious flops in Broadway history. The show had been conceived as a vehicle for Doug Henning’s magic, with Henning playing the eponymous wizard. Slater played “Young Merlin” and “Arthur”; other stars included Chita Rivera and Nathan Lane (in what was only his second Broadway role).

The long-standing rumor about Christian’s eyebrows (that he shaved them off to look like Spock and they never grew back properly) is actually false. Christian was joking with a reporter in one of his first interviews, and it was somehow printed as fact. He actually stated that he regretted mentioning it, as he still gets asked about the “Halloween costume gone bad” nearly two decades later.

Was listed as a potential nominee on the 2006 Razzie Award nominating ballot. He was a suggestion in the Worst Actor category for his performances in Alone in the Dark (2005) and Mindhunters (2004). He failed to receive a nomination, however (had he gotten the nomination, it would have been his first in 14 years. He was previously nominated for Worst Supporting Actor at the 1992 Razzie Awards for his roles in Mobsters (1991) and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)).

He has co-starred with each of the two leads of Face/Off (1997), John Travolta and Nicolas Cage, in Broken Arrow (1996) and Windtalkers (2002), respectively. All three films were directed by ‘John Woo’ (I).

His favorite movies are The Witches of Eastwick (1987) and The Shining (1980), both starring his idol Jack Nicholson.

Is of English/Irish descent.

No relation to actress Helen Slater, who, ironically, played his sister in the movie The Legend of Billie Jean.

His favorite TV shows are “Boston Legal” and “Entourage”.

Favorite song is “A Little Less Converstion” by Elvis Presley.

During his interview and director’s commentary on the DVD for Der Name der Rose (1986), director Jean-Jacques Annaud reported that after 15-year-old Christian Slater had been cast as Adso of Melk, he was asked to read with three actresses auditioning for the role of “The Girl.” He read first with Valentina Vargas and was scheduled to read with the other two actresses the next day, but that evening, he sent his mother (casting agent Mary Jo Slater) to tell Annaud that young Christian was so smitten with the 22-year-old Vargas that he didn’t want the other two women to be considered. Annaud, amused, complied with Slater’s wish.

Watch Betty Nguyen and T.J. Holmes every Saturday and Sunday morning in the CNN Newsroom starting at 6am ET/3am PT.

President Barack Obama awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor to 16 “agents of change” on Wednesday, highlighting their accomplishments as examples of the heights a person can reach and the difference they can make in the lives of others. “What unites them is a belief … that our lives are what we make of them, that no barriers of race, gender or physical infirmity can restrain the human spirit, and that the truest test of a person’s life is what we do for one another,” Obama said at a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, overflowing with guests as well as White House aides who came to glimpse the celebrities in their midst.

“The recipients of the Medal of Freedom did not set out to win this or any other award. They did not set out in pursuit of glory or fame or riches,” the president continued. “Rather they set out, guided by passion, committed to hard work, aided by persistence, often with few advantages but the gifts, grace and good name God gave them.”

Among the recipients, which included tennis legend Billie Jean King, Cambridge physicist Stephen Hawkins, Nancy Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, were three Caribbean-Americans: film star Sidney Poitier, Dr. Pedro José Greer Jr., and actress and dancer Chita Rivera.

Sidney Poitier grew up with his family on remote Cat Island, in the Bahamas. An actor, film director, author, and diplomat, he became the first black man to win and Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Lililes of the Field in 1963. 

Dr. Pedro Jose Greer Jr., born in Miami of Cuban parents, is assistant dean of academic affairs at Florida International University School of Medicine and founder of the Camillus Health Concern, which treats thousands of homeless patients annually.

Chita Rivera, the Puerto Rican-American actor, singer, dancer and winner of two Tony awards, became the first Hispanic to receive a Kennedy Center Honors Award in 2002.

President Harry S. Truman established the Medal of Freedom in 1945 to recognize civilians for their efforts during World War II. President John F. Kennedy reinstated the medal in 1963 to honor distinguished service.

Right, Wing-Nut!: Here&s To You, Mary Robinson….

Mary Robinson, U.N. Commissioner and former president of Ireland, is being awarded the Medal of Freedom by Obama. Well, isn&t that just dandy. Who is Mary Robinson? You may remember her role in presiding over the infamous Durban I …

Mary Robinson, an architect of the 2001 U.N. World Conference Against Racism in Durban, South Africa, which was boycotted by Secretary of State Powell because the Bush administration deemed it too hostile to Israel, has been hired as a …

Barack Obama is awarding Mary Robinson, U.N. Commissioner and former president of Ireland with a Presidential Medal of Freedom – it is…. …the highest civilian award in the United States. It is designed to recognize individuals who …

Mary Robinson, U.N. Commissioner and former president of Ireland, is being awarded the Medal of Freedom by Obama. Well, isn&t that just dandy. Who is Mary Robinson? You may remember her role in presiding over the infamous Durban I …

Barack Obama is awarding Mary Robinson, U.N. Commissioner and former president of Ireland with a Presidential Medal of Freedom – it is…. …the highest civilian award in the United States. It is designed to recognize individuals who …

President Obama has announced the list of those who will receive the President’s Medal of Freedom.  It’s an impressive list, covering a wide range of achievements.  And it stands in stark contrast to several recipients named by the former president.  I’m thinking specifically of the  year in which George Tenet, Tommy Franks, and L. Paul Bremmer received the award.  At the time, I felt that the medal had been cheapened by that announcement and wondered how its reputation might be restored.  This is how.  The 2009 list represents a cross-section of high achievers in a variety of fields — all of them worthy of honor.  A common thread unites them — they have all worked to make the world a better place.

From the White House announcement:

The following individuals will receive the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom:

Nancy Goodman Brinker

Nancy Goodman Brinker is the founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world’s leading breast cancer grass roots organization. Brinker established the organization in memory of her sister, who passed away from breast cancer in 1980. Through innovative events like Race for the Cure, the organization has given and invested over $1.3 billion for research, health services and education services since its founding in 1982 and developed a worldwide grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists who are working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find cures. Brinker has received several awards for her work, and has also served in government as U.S. Ambassador to Hungary (2001 – 2003), Chief of Protocol of the U.S. (2007 – 2009), and Chair of the President’s Cancer Panel (1990). In May, Nancy Goodman Brinker was named the first-ever World Health Organization’s Goodwill Ambassador for Cancer Control.

Pedro José Greer, Jr.

Dr. Pedro Jose Greer is a physician and the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs at the Florida International University School of Medicine, where he also serves as Chair of the Department of Humanities, Health and Society. Dr. Greer is the founder of Camillus Health Concern, an agency that provides medical care to over 10,000 homeless patients a year in the city of Miami. He is also the founder and medical director of the St. John Bosco Clinic which provides basic primary medical care to disadvantaged children and adults in the Little Havana community. He has been recognized by Presidents Clinton, Bush, Sr., and Carter for his work with Miami’s poor . He is also the recipient of three Papal Medals as well as the prestigious MacArthur “genius grant”. He currently has a joint private practice with his father, Pedro Greer, Sr.

Stephen Hawking

Stephen Hawking is an internationally-recognized theoretical physicist, having overcome a severe physical disability due to motor neuron disease. He is the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University, a post previously held by Isaac Newton in 1669. In addition to his pioneering academic research in mathematics and physics, Hawking has penned three popular science books, including the bestselling A Brief History of Time. Hawking, a British citizen, believes that non-academics should be able to access his work just as physicists are, and has also published a children’s science book with his daughter. His persistence and dedication has unlocked new pathways of discovery and inspired everyday citizens.

Jack Kemp

Jack Kemp, who passed away in May 2009, served as a U.S. Congressman (1971 – 1989), Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (1989 – 1993), and Republican Nominee for Vice President (1996). Prior to entering public service, Kemp was a professional football player (1957 – 1969) and led the Buffalo Bills to American Football League championships in 1964 and 1965. In Congress and as a Cabinet Secretary, Kemp was a self-described “bleeding heart conservative” who worked to encourage development in underserved urban communities. In the years leading up to his death, Kemp continued seeking new solutions, raising public attention about the challenge of poverty, and working across party lines to improve the lives of Americans and others around the world.

Sen. Edward Kennedy

Senator Edward M. Kennedy has served in the United States Senate for forty-six years, and has been one of the greatest lawmakers – and leaders – of our time. From reforming our public schools to strengthening civil rights laws and supporting working Americans, Senator Kennedy has dedicated his career to fighting for equal opportunity, fairness and justice for all Americans. He has worked tirelessly to ensure that every American has access to quality and affordable health care, and has succeeded in doing so for countless children, seniors, and Americans with disabilities. He has called health care reform the “cause of his life,” and has championed nearly every health care bill enacted by Congress over the course of the last five decades. Known as the “Lion of the Senate,” Senator Kennedy is widely respected on both sides of the aisle for his commitment to progress and his ability to legislate.

Billie Jean King

Billie Jean King was an acclaimed professional tennis player in the 1960s and 1970s, and has helped champion gender equality issues not only in sports, but in all areas of public life. King beat Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match, then the most viewed tennis match in history. King became one of the first openly lesbian major sports figures in America when she came out in 1981. Following her professional tennis career, King became the first woman commissioner in professional sports when she co-founded and led the World Team Tennis (WTT) League. The U.S. Tennis Association named the National Tennis Center, where the US Open is played, the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in 2006.

Rev. Joseph Lowery

Reverend Lowery has been a leader in the U.S. civil rights movement since the early 1950s. Rev. Lowery helped organize the Montgomery bus boycott after Rosa Parks was denied a seat, and later co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, a leading civil rights organization, with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Rev. Lowery led the march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965. Rev. Lowery is a minister in the United Methodist Church, and has continued to highlight important civil rights issues in the U.S. and worldwide, including apartheid in South Africa, since the 1960s.

Joe Medicine Crow – High Bird

Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow, the last living Plains Indian war chief, is the author of seminal works in Native American history and culture. He is the last person alive to have received direct oral testimony from a participant in the Battle of the Little Bighorn: his grandfather was a scout for General George Armstrong Custer. A veteran of World War II, Medicine Crow accomplished during the war all of the four tasks required to become a “war chief,” including stealing fifty Nazi SS horses from a German camp. Medicine Crow was the first member of his tribe to attend college, receiving his master’s degree in anthropology in 1939, and continues to lecture at universities and notable institutions like the United Nations. His contributions to the preservation of the culture and history of the First Americans are matched only by his importance as a role model to young Native Americans across the country.

Harvey Milk

Harvey Milk became the first openly gay elected official from a major city in the United States when he was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. Milk encouraged lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) citizens to live their lives openly and believed coming out was the only way they could change society and achieve social equality. Milk, alongside San Francisco Mayor George Moscone, was shot and killed in 1978 by Dan White, a former city supervisor. Milk is revered nationally and globally as a pioneer of the LGBT civil rights movement for his exceptional leadership and dedication to equal rights.

Sandra Day O’Connor

Justice O’Connor was the first woman ever to sit on the United States Supreme Court. Nominated by President Reagan in 1981, she served until her retirement in 2006. Prior to joining the Supreme Court, O’Connor served as a state trial and appellate judge in Arizona. She was also as a member of the Arizona state senate, where she became the first woman in the United States ever to lead a state senate as Senate Majority Leader. At a time when women rarely entered the legal profession, O’Connor graduated Stanford Law School third in her class, where she served on the Stanford Law Review and was elected to the Order of the Coif. Since retiring from the Supreme Court in 2006, O’Connor has served as Chancellor of the College of William and Mary, on the Board of Trustees of the National Constitution Center, and participated in the Iraq Study Group in 2006, as well as giving numerous lectures on public service. She has received numerous awards for her outstanding achievements and public service.

Sidney Poitier

Sidney Poitier is a groundbreaking actor, becoming the top black movie star in the 1950s and 1960s. Poitier is the first African American to be nominated and win a Best Actor Academy Award, receive an award at a top international film festival (Venice Film Festival), and be the top grossing movie star in the United States. Poitier insisted that the film crew on The Lost Man be at least 50 percent African American, and starred in the first mainstream movies portraying “acceptable” interracial marriages and interracial kissing. Poitier began his acting career without any training or experience by auditioning at the American Negro Theatre.

Chita Rivera

Chita Rivera is an accomplished and versatile actress, singer, and dancer, who has won Two Tony Awards and received seven more nominations while breaking barriers and inspiring a generation of women to follow in her footsteps. In 2002, she became the first Hispanic recipient of the coveted Kennedy Center Honor. Propelled to stardom by her electric performance as Anita in the original Broadway premiere of West Side Story, Rivera went on to star in additional landmark musicals such as Chicago, Bye Bye Birdie, and Jerry’s Girls. She recently starred in The Dancer’s Life, an autobiographical musical about her celebrated life in the theatre.

Mary Robinson

Mary Robinson was the first female President of Ireland (1990 – 1997) and a former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (1997 – 2002), a post that required her to end her presidency four months early. Robinson served as a prominent member of the Irish Senate prior to her election as President. She continues to bring attention to international issues as Honorary President of Oxfam International, and Chairs the Board of Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI Alliance). Since 2002 she has been President of Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative, based in New York, which is an organization she founded to make human rights the compass which charts a course for globalization that is fair, just and benefits all.

Janet Davison Rowley

Janet Davison Rowley, M.D., is the Blum Riese Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine, Molecular Genetics & Cell Biology and Human Genetics at The University of Chicago. She is an American human geneticist and the first scientist to identify a chromosomal translocation as the cause of leukemia and other cancers. Rowley is internationally renowned for her studies of chromosome abnormalities in human leukemia and lymphoma, which have led to dramatically improved survival rates for previously incurable cancers and the development of targeted therapies. In 1999 President Clinton awarded her the National Medal of Science–the nation’s highest scientific honor.

Desmond Tutu

Desmond Tutu is an Anglican Archbishop emeritus who was a leading anti-apartheid activist in South Africa. Widely regarded as “South Africa’s moral conscience,” he served as the General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) from 1978 – 1985, where he led a formidable crusade in support of justice and racial reconciliation in South Africa. He received a Nobel Peace Prize for his work through SACC in 1984. Tutu was elected Archbishop of Cape Town in 1986, and the Chair of the South Africa Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 1995. He retired as Archbishop in 1996 and is currently Chair of the Elders.

Muhammad Yunus

Dr. Muhammad Yunus is a global leader in anti-poverty efforts, and has pioneered the use of “micro-loans” to provide credit to poor individuals without collateral. Dr. Yunus, an economist by training, founded the Grameen Bank in 1983 in his native Bangladesh to provide small, low-interest loans to the poor to help better their livelihood and communities. Despite its low interest rates and lending to poor individuals, Grameen Bank is sustainable and 98% percent of its loans are repaid – higher than other banking systems. It has spread its successful model throughout the world. Dr. Yunus received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his work.

The Rink: A Tour De Force by Minnelli and Rivera
A short history of the Broadway musical The Rink, starring Liza Minnelli and Chita Rivera.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1913086/the_rink_a_tour_de_force_by_minnelli.html

I watched the broadcast last night of the 2009 Tony Awards, and there were several scenes performed from the current Broadway revival of Leonard Bernstein’s masterpiece West Side Story, in a new concept production staged by Arthur Laurents in which the Puerto Rican characters speak (and sing) in Spanish, and the Anglos speak in English.  It’s gotten a great deal of press, not least for the performances of the young Argentine actress Josefina Scaglione as Maria (she was nominated for a Tony as Best Leading Actress in a Musical), and,  especially, Karen Olivo as Anita, who won the Tony for Best Featured Actress in  a Musical.

This evening just for kicks I went back to the original Broadway cast album of 1957, with Larry Kert, Carol Lawrence and Chita Rivera.  It is now released with a recording by Bernstein himself with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra of the Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, so between the cast album and the orchestral work you have most of the significant music from the show.

What strikes me, after so many years, the freshness and brilliance of the score. Yes, Bernstein and his collaborators were liberal do-gooders with an eye toward social justice.  But Kert, Lawrence and Rivera are still the tops, after how countless revivals and God alone knows how many community theater productions.  The show is just indestructible.  If Bernstein had done nothing else in his career, West Side Story would have sealed his fame.

I was also pleased last night to see the special lifetime achievement Tony award given to Jerry Herman, composer and lyricist for such timeless hits as Hello Dolly, Mame, Mack and Mabel, and others. They showed clips of some of the original production of Hello, Dolly, which I remember vividly from seeing the show in the mid-60’s in Des Moines, Iowa, with my family, in a traveling company starring Carol Channing. Gower Champion’s flowing choreography for “Put On Your Sunday Clothes” was perfection.

And, while we’re doing the Tony wrap-up, Neil Patrick Harris was cute as always as the host, and it was good to have Angela Lansbury win yet another Tony for her current performance in Blithe Spirit.  The original musical Mame is the essence of a Real Star.

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

- June 2. (Tues.) Drummer Willie Jones III’s band, with special guest pianist Eric Reed. A summit encounter between a pair of the Southland’s finest home-grown jazz artists. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.

Sheryl Bailey

- June 2. (Tues.) John Pisano’s Guitar Night. Pisano trades licks with the fast-fingered, but ever-lyrical guitarist Sheryl Bailey. Bassist John Belzaguy and drummer Kendall Kay provide empathetic backing. Spazio.

- June 3. (Wed.) Gaea Schell. And here’s another blonde jazz singer/pianist from Canada, with a brisk sense of swing and an appealing way with a phrase. Must be something in the water up there. Vibrato Grill Jazz… etc. (310) 474-9400

- June. 5. (Fri.) Joe Cocker. He’s been one of the most recognizable voices in pop music since the ‘60s. And he’s still going strong, touring in support of his latest CD, “Hymn To My Soul.” The.Nokia Theatre L.A. Live. (213) 763-6030

Julia Fordham

- June 5 & 6. (Fri. & Sat.) Julia Fordham. The English singer/songwriter has always displayed jazz qualities in her vocals and her songs. Her new CD (her 10th), “China Blue,” brings her moonlit sound and imaginative phrasing even closer to the heart of jazz. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.

- June 6. (Sat.) Music & Conversations. These events, held at a custom performance space in Mt. Washington, provide a civilized way to experience first rate classical and jazz performances. The program, the final of M & C’s 4th season, includes music by Schubert, Ravel and the series’ producer, Jane Brockman, performed by violinist Alyssa Park, cellist Tim Loo, flutist Susan Greenberg and pianist Delores Stevens. Pianist Bryan Pezzone and percussionist M.B. Gordy add jazz improvisation segments. Admission of $35 ($20 for students) includes hors d’oeuvres and fine wines from Casa Torelli (try the Toscano Rosso). R.S.V.P. by email for directions. Music & Conversations. .

Chita Rivera

- June 6. (Sat.) Chita Rivera: “The Secret of Life.” A cabaret style evening celebrating the Tony Award-winning actress-dancer’s performances in “West Side Story,” “Sweet Charity,” “Chicago” and more. Disney Concert Hall. (323) 850-2000.

- June 6. (Sat.) Donovan Leitch: “The Dark Root of the Dream.” A new rock musical, co-written by Leitch (the son of ’60s pop icon Donovan) and guitarist/songwriter Lenny Cordola, has its world premiere. The story follows the “wanderings of an enigmatic rock star, Mr.E, the fictional son of poet Virgina Woolf, as he believes himself to be Oscar Wilde, Edgar Allen Poe and Friedrich Nietzsche, among others.” Largo at the Coronet. (310) 855-0350.

- June 6 & 7. (Sat. & Sun.) The L.A. Acoustic Music Festival. A week-end of ear-caressing sounds in the delightful environment of the Santa Monica Pier. With Nanci Griffith, Bruce Cockburn, Richard Thompson, David Lindley, the Kingston Trio, Natalie MacMaster, David Bromberg, the Refugees, Eliza Gilkyson and others. The L.A. Acoustic Music Festival. Santa Monica Pier. (818) 621-8309.

Terry Gibbs

- June 7. (Sun.) Vibe Summit XVI, honoring Joe Locatelli. A non-stop parade of men with mallets. Featuring Terry Gibbs, Nick Mancini, Emil Richards, Jay Garrett, Frank Marsico, Ander Earles and others. James Janisse hosts. First Lutheran Church, Glendale. 2 – p.m. (818) 994-JAZZ.

- June 7. (Sun.) “Open Hands” — jazz with a Latin tinge, played by a band that knows how to do it. Abraham Laboriel, Sr., bass, Justo Almario, saxophones, Gregg Mathieson, keyboards, Bill Maxwell, drums. The Baked Potato. (818) 980-1615.

San Francisco

- June 2 (Tues.) Julian Lage. He was a young jazz prodigy at eight. His new album, :”Sounding Point,” reveals a 21 year old artist with a mature and adventurous musical vision. Yoshi’s Oakland. (510) 238-9200.

- June 4 – 6. (Thurs. – Sat.) Nancy Wilson. The inimitable Wilson, one of the true iconic figures in vocal jazz history, makes a rare club appearance. Yoshi’s Oakland. (510) 238-9200.

Abdullah Ibrahim

- June 5 – 7. (Fri. – Sun.) Abdullah Ibrahim. The veteran South African pianist, once known as Dollar Brand, was introduced to American audiences by Duke Ellington in the ‘60s. At 74, his playing continues to thrive, in trios, quartets and big band settings. But he’s best heard, as he will be here, in a solo presentation that allows his musical imagination to rove freely. Yoshi’s San Francisco. (415) 655-5600.

- June. 6. (Sat.) Kim Nalley sings the songs of Nina Simone. Nalley’s strong vocal chops and assertive style would seem to make an unlikely connection with the dark, sardonic qualities of Simone. It’ll be interesting to see how well the combination fits together. SFJAZZ. (415) 398-5655.

Chicago

- June 5. (Fri.) The Chicago Jazz Ensemble closes the 10th American Heritage Jazz Series in a performance with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra of Duke Ellington’s “Black, Brown and Beige” and the “New Orleans Suite.” Jazz violinist Regina Carter guest stars. Symphony Hall. Chicago. (312) 294-3000.

Telluride, Colorado

- June 5 – 7. (Fri. – Sun.) The Telluride Jazz Festival. Fresh Colorado air, a gorgeous setting and a world class jazz program – who could ask for a better way to spend a June weekend. On the bill: The Bill Frisell Trio, Ozomatli, Lizz Wright, Donald Harrison, Christian Scott, Rebirth Brass Band, and more. (970) 728-7009.

Washington, D.C.

- June 5 – 15. (Fri. – Sun.) The Duke Ellington Jazz Festival Celebrating New Orleans. The fifth anniversary of this far-reaching jazz celebration includes over 100 performances in nearly 50 venues. A pair of free all-day concerts – June 13 & 14 at the Sylvan Amphitheatre – feature Terence Blanchard, the Rebirth Brass Band, Buckwheat Zydeco, Nicholas Payton, Irma Thomas and others. And a climactic June 15 concert honors pianist Ellis Marsalis with a rare joint performance by the Marsalis sons – Branford, Wynton, Delfeayo and Jason – with Harry Connick, Jr. and Dr. Billy Taylor. At the Kennedy Center and locations around Washington, D.C. (202) 232-1313.

New York City

- June 1 – 4. (Mon. – Thurs.) Fourplay. Bob James, Larry Carlton, Nathan East and Harvey Mason continue to prove that contemporary jazz fusion can move beyond the commercial environment into areas of impressive, creative jazz making. The Blue Note (212) 475-8592.

- June 1, 8 & 15. (Mondays) Daryl Sherman. Cabaret jazz singer Sherman brings her affecting interpretive skills to “Johnny Mercer: A Centennial Tribute” The Algonquin Oak Room. (212) 840-6800.

Kat Edmonson

- June 2. (Tues.) Kat Edmonson. She’s barely arrived on the scene, but Edmonson is already drawing rave reviews. At its best, her coy and sassy style is reminiscent of the little girl sound of Blossom Dearie, with an occasional trace of Peggy Lee brass. Singer-songwriter Kate Schutt is her special guest. Jazz Standard (212) 576-2252.

- June 5 – 7. (Fri. – Sun.) Gato Barbieri. Fifty albums over nearly five decades have thoroughly established Barbieri as one of the rare tenor saxophonists whose sound and style are both utterly unique and instantly recognizable. The Blue Note (212) 475-8592.

Barack Obama nominated Sonia Sotomayor for Supreme Court Justice. A Latina. You’d think, if you listened to the loudmouth Republicans — which you don’t, because you’re all intelligent free-thinkers — you’d think he just asked Congress to confirm the love-child of Adolph Hitler and The Grand Wizard of the KKK.

Now, THEY were a couple of flaming racists.

All Sotomayor did to inflame the bellowing white men was to say, “I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life.”

Duh. That should be what we all want. A better conclusion. That’s not racism. That’s just good sense.

Let’s hearken back to some of the conclusions we’ve heard from white males in the last several years, shall we? Yes, you’re right. It’s a long list, but I’ll wait. I need to get a fresh can of whoop-ass anyway.

There. I’m back. Did you think of some conclusions drawn by white males? My list is a tad lengthy and filled with expletives so I’ll just share a few of the obvious ones. Going to war by lying to the American public about non-existent weapons of mass destruction … whittling away at our civil liberties … not having a plan to extricate ourselves from the doomed War on Terror … unbridled greed on Wall Street.

You get the idea.

So, yeah. I think a Latina woman — heck, any woman! — would reach a better conclusion than a white male about pretty much any topic you choose.

Seriously. Look at the white males you see on the news lately throwing their various tantrums. Rush Limbaugh. Dick Cheney. Newt Gingrich. Have they had an original, helpful thought for America? Ever? Nope.

Now look at the Latina side ….

Dora the Explorer. Ugly Betty. Chita Rivera. Original. Helpful. Much easier on the eyes.

Plus, they could kick those fat, white, privileged Man Butts up and down the hallowed halls of the McDonalds where they clearly spend way too much of their Man Time. And the ladies would do it while wearing their backpacks, braces and tap shoes.

It’s a smack-down I relish.

So, way to go, Dora, Betty, Chita and Judge Sotomayor. I’ll be doing the cha-cha at your swearing in.

Do you think Judge Sotomayor’s comments were racist?

Dick Van Dyke

Dick Van Dyke will host the Actor’s Fund 2009 Tony Awards Party.

Lisa Mordente will present Chita Rivera with the Julie Harris Lifetime Achievement Award at the evening which will feature the Tony Awards broadcast as well as cocktails, dinner, a silent auction and more.

The Actor’s Fund 2009 Tony Awards Party is on 7 June.

Tonight is opening night!  Or, technically, preview night, which means the entire cast views this as opening night, and the entire production staff views it as a final dress rehearsal.  You say finahle, I say finaale, whatever – there’s an audience.  An audience FILLED with people I know, even though I thought I made it clear after the last show that people who know me are NOT allowed to attend opening night, because it usually kinda stinks a little bit.  But noooo, my parents are coming, and bringing their lifelong friends the Bensons, as in Mrs. Benson, who taught me high school English and who I always hope will be proud of me, because she’s the kind of person that when she’s proud of you, oooh it’s just the warmiest, fuzziest feeling.  (Next to my mom being proud of me, of course.)  AND my mom invited a whole gaggle of teacher friends, AND my in-laws are coming, AND Miss Kate of “Kiss Me Kate” and Aaaaaaaah!

And, AND – apparently a critic is coming.  Mary the director was not supposed to tell us that, but I think she felt that we weren’t trying hard enough (oh, but we are we are we are, Mary), and decided we needed a little extra pressure.

So, yes, I’m feeling the pressure.  PRESSHAHH! as Billy Joel would say, who I believe is in concert downtown tonight.  I wonder if he still gets nervous, after all these years?

I confessed to my mom this morning that it’s very likely that I will hit a few wrong notes.  I can sing those harmonies backwards and forwards in rehearsal, but when it comes time to walk out on stage, my brain malfunctions.  My mom pointed out that the audience won’t mind, because people are off-key on American Idol all the time, and Randy Jackson always just gently mentions that they were a bit “pitchy.”

It’s true, “pitchy” is such a nice friendly word, but somehow, envisioning Randy Jackson’s pity face does not calm me down.

So I sought counsel.

“Break a leg!  You’ll be great,” said Herbie.

“Just have fun!” said my Mom.

And when I lamented to Mary that Chita would not have the problems I’m experiencing, she proclaimed, “Oh no - Chita messed up ALL the time.”

Hey, that IS comforting!

…Curtain up!  Light the lights!

Already Friday,
and still haven’t watched new Lost.
Wherefore J. Bentham?

*****

Runny nose, hack, coff!
Who can save Moo from bad cold?
Humidifier.

*****

Chita Rivera,
Please tell me how I can cure
My rehearsal blues.

*****

Depressed by dead plants.
Today, Moo and I ATTACK!
More potting soil, please.

*****

Moo: “I have idea!”
“Tell me your idea, Moo.”
“No! It’s a surprise…”

*****

Please contribute your own haiku (5/7/5)  in the comments!  Long live Haiku Friday!

Eek.  Writing has been challenging this week:  sick Moo + rehearsal + cuddly husband = neglected blog.

But while my blog sits sad and lonely, I’ve been having a pretty great time at rehearsal.  We’re all getting more comfortable with Mary and each other, and as we stage the different songs, we’re having more and more fun playing off each other.  I love my cast members so much, I can’t help but wonder which is the norm – cast love like I’m experiencing now, or cast drama, which was so prevalent in Kiss Me Kate?

Last night, we spent a lot of time working on “Coffee in a Carboard Cup,” a song in which we get increasingly strung out on caffeine as we run around like Charlie Chaplin (“Charlie who?” asked Young Ricky), tossing coffee cups back and forth and gettin’ the shakes from all the caffeine.  It was during one such caffeine-crazed moment that I got a little too excited.

Sometimes, I just get a little too excited.

As we burst out of our circle, a-movin’ and a-shakin’, I guess I shook a little too aggressively, because all of a sudden I crashed right onto the keyboard, adding some unexpected chords to our song and scaring poor Fawna to death.   I think it looked a lot like Mary Katherine Gallagher tumbling head over heels on Saturday Night Live.  Good thing I wasn’t wearing a skirt, because just like good ol’ MKG, I was wearing some ugly granny panties last night.

Mary gave me The Stare after I recovered, and all I could say was, “Too much caffeine, I guess!”  That almost got a smile.  So far, my dream of Mary telling Chita Rivera about her great discovery (ME!) seems unlikely to come true.

This morning when I was getting into the shower, the first thing I noticed in the mirror (well, right after I muttered, “Must do sit-ups, must do sit-ups.”) was the large purple welt on my arm where I dove into the keyboard.  I made a mental note to wear long sleeves tonight and then I looked down – hey, where did that bruise come from on my shin?  And there’s one on my thigh – I remember that one, I’m always banging into our bed frame.  And there was another one on my arm, which could also be from the keyboard, but who knows? 

Good God…  am I a klutz?

Perhaps the conversation more likely to happen with Chita Rivera goes something like this:

Mary:  “Hooo-boy, Chita, you should see this total klutz I cast in my show.  I’m afraid she’s going to make a complete mess out of your song.  Last night she even tried to make out with the keyboard!” 

Chita:  “Ha. Ha. HA.”

At least Chita would still be aware of my existence – just not quite how I’d imagined.

One more night of rehearsal and then a blissful break.  I think we just might make it, although Moo decided to make the challenge a little harder by running a 102 fever yesterday.  She slumped on the couch watching the Oscars with us (Hugh Jackman opening: thumbs up; Hugh Jackman/Beyonce musical number: way to kill the comeback of the movie musical, guys), zonked out on Herbie’s chest for an hour, and finally fought through the fever and slept 12 hours.  Whew.

As for rehearsals, we’ve finished our music rehearsals, which I guess means we’re supposed to know the music down pat (um, no).  Things sound fairly decent though, except for the times when everything falls apart, but I must admit when we get it right, we sound pretty great.  Friday night I went out for a glass of wine with Duckie and Blaze and decided that I love them deeply and we will be friends forever.  Granted, that was right at the end of a hefty glass of merlot.  But I still adore them.

Tonight we start staging Act I, and even though I should be completely burned out and desperate for a break, I can’t wait.  I love this.  I love this.  And it doesn’t hurt that we’re led by the slightly intimidating, but imminently worshipable Mary, who decided she’s going to call me Kit-Kat, and nonchalantly mentioned yesterday that Chita Rivera is her best friend, at which point I shrieked and melted into a puddle on the ground.  No, I didn’t, but I did clutch my chest and sway a little.

CHITA.

Chiiiiiita!  Be still my heart.  Chita, who made “All That Jazz” famous.

I wonder if Mary choreographed that?!  Here’s what I can’t stop thinking:  what if Mary and Chita were talking on the phone (because apparently they frequently do), and Mary said to Chita Rivera, “Oh, I’m directing this show and I’ve got a girl doing ‘All That Jazz.’  She’s doing a pretty good job.”  THAT COULD HAPPEN. 

Daydreams like this get me through those 102-fever moments.