Summer Days

Smoothies and [tos]. A winning combo. Come enjoy both in Shirlington soon!!

Video Blog #4

We're going to great lengths to get the word out about [title of show] because it's so much fun and we want as many people to see it as possible. Check out how Eric Schaeffer, the artistic director of Signature Theatre, is doing his part.

A Way Back To Then - Jenna

and then there was Jenna...

"There's a cake baking contest. I am going to be the big star"

Sycamore Trees Starts Next Door

Exciting things are happening across the hall from us at Signature. Tomorrow Signature begins performances in the Max Theatre of Ricky Ian Gordon's world premiere of "Sycamore Trees." If what we hear on the monitors backstage is any indication the Signature audiences are in for a really remarkable evening in the theatre. And the cast is pretty remarkable, including Signature favorites Mark Kudisch (Witches of Eastwick & Highest Yellow) and Judy Kuhn (Highest Yellow and the Kennedy Center's Passion.) Check out Signature's website for more information if you don't have tickets.

Here's a little clip of Judy Kuhn singing "Nobody's Side" from Chess which opens Signature's next season. Phew... so many exciting shows to check out!

A Way Back To Then

"You're that little girl with her wings unfurled flying again. Back in the backyard dancing, I found a way back to then."

Video Blog #3

We're back with more exciting posts and videos. Sorry we've been MIA for so long. Check out this video message from all of us. If you've come to see the show already we have an exciting offer for you. And make sure you watch all the way to the end of the video for our special guest.

[title of article]

Check out the cover boys of this week's MetroWeekly!

" If you're a straight actor playing gay, who better to instruct you than your own gay twin brother? Perhaps no one, though don't expect him to go easy on you.

In the case of [title of show], now playing at Signature Theatre, that is exactly the scenario. James Gardiner, who is straight, plays Hunter, a gay man with Broadway ambitions. His gay twin, Matthew Gardiner, is in charge as the show's director. But don't cry nepotism -- both say their working relationship is no cakewalk.

Rather, these two 26-year-olds take their theater work seriously. One wonders if the womb they shared may have been lined with pages ofPlaybill. Their gay-straight divide cannot dilute their shared passion for the stage. While Matthew rules the roost at Signature, James's musical, Glory Days, made it to Broadway. And, more or less, it all started years ago in a suburban D.C. basement, with the 6-year-old twin tots discovering their innate theater legs through Broadway soundtracks, at the same time other kids their age were probably playing in mud or destroying Barbie dolls.

Living distinct though parallel lives, director and actor may also see art imitating life -- and something of themselves -- in [title of show]. "

[tos] montage

We're open!! Reveiws are coming in and they are great, but what's been really awesome are the kind words from all of you guys about the show. If you haven't come too see the show yet, what are you waiting for? We run until June 27th. We promise to let you in on our crazy offstage shenanigans and much more on this blog. So keep checking back. And here's an awesome montage of our little show that Signature just posted on youtube.

Sneak Peak

Check out the production shots from [title of show]. We are in previews so we're busy but we promise more frequent updates to the blog soon. Keep checking in!

Video Blog #2

The box office phones are ringing off the hook but we wanted to clear up some confusion regarding [title of show].

[tos]sary #3

Sorry you haven't seen as many postings from us in recent days. We're in the midst of our final days of rehearsal before moving into the theatre for technical rehearsals. We're having a blast and hope you will too when you come see the show. We thought we'd fill you in on a few more terms you might want to familiarize yourself with before checking out our show.

Kwamina- 1961 musical that ran for only 32 performances written by Richard Adler and featuring choreography by Agnes DeMille. CD available at Amazon.com

Lynda Carter- The most WONDERous WOMAN in the world. Used like "Lynda Carter is the only broad I know who can change their minds and change the world."

Mary Stout- a wonderful actress that DC audience's might recognize from her turn as Mother Burnside in the Kennedy Center production of Mame. Her infamous runin with a hot dog cart is spoken of throughout [tos]. Hear Mary Stout tell the story of the hot dog cart

Roma Torre- NY One anchor and theatre critic. One might say "Roma Torre would definitely say [title of show] is the best musical ever!"

Smell-O-Vision- an invention from the 1960s that allows viewers to smell what they are watching. "Smell-O-Vision would make Top Chef a MUCH better show"

Video Blog #1

Meet the cast and crew of Signature's [title of show]...

[tos]sary #2

Round two of obscure terms from [title of show] that you may want to familiarize yourself with...

Dinah Manoff- you know that woman who was on Empty Nest. She's awesome. She was in Grease and Leader of the Pack.

Doc Hollywood- a Michael J Fox 1991 gem. "He's a big city plastic surgeon...in a small town that doen't take plastic." You might overhear someone say "that scene in the woods in Doc Hollywood is SO romantic"

John Cameron Mitchell- the creator and original performer of Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Susan's idol.

Mexcellent- Hunter and Jeff define Mexcellent as a word to be used when something is both Mexican and excellent.

Might be used like "The margaritas at Guapos in Shirlington are mexcellent"

[Get It] Moment #2

This may be a tad pretentious, but I don't really care. My [Get It] moment is from the Glory Days CD Release Concert at Joe's Pub earlier this year. It's actually a song that was cut before Signature Theatre's production of Glory Days and was replaced with My Next Story. It's performed by that lovable lil' red head, Stephen Booth. 2:18 until the end is pure magic and is the definition of [Get It]. So enjoy. And if I've sparked your interest, you can hear more by ordering the Glory Days cast album on Amazon.com or iTunes.

[Get It] Moments

Also much discussed today was the use of the term "get it." "Get it" as defined by the urban dictionary is a "phrase having many different meanings but usually "congratulating" someone else for something they've achieved." An often used term in the world of music theatre "get it" is often used to express your appreciation of someone's "fierceness." Often times "get it" can be accompanied by the urge to throw one's shoe at the stage. So over the next few days we thought we'd share with you some of our favorite "get it" moments. To kick things off, our director/choreographer Matt would like to share his favorite "get it" moment.

"While I never witnessed the following theatrical moment live the following is a ridiculously thrilling 10 seconds in theatre (for me.) I realized a very similar video of this was posted last evening on the blog featuring Mrs. Florence Lacey, but I have to point out a specific moment that makes me want to shout out 'get it.' While I enjoy the whole number there is a moment that sends chills down my spine. Now you all may say this is ridiculous, but the moment is musical theatre magic for me. In the following clip there is a moment (1:51-2:00 to be exact) where Patti Lupone walks down a line of men and picks up pieces of jewelry along the way. At the end of the line she is greeted by a chorus boy holding a fur in his hands to drape over Patti's shoulders. What ensues is 10 seconds of musical heaven. Patti extends her arms and the chorus boy without missing a beat flings the fur over each of her arms. His efforts are accentuated by the percussion to thrilling affect and she is "dressed up somewhere to go." From the simple choreography of the fur, to the hits on the drum, to the full out commitment of that chorus boy and Patti LuPone... well let's just say if I were in the audience Patti would have to duck from my flying shoe (that's a good thing.)" - Matt

The Great Debate!

A fierce debate erupted during [tos] rehearsals today and I thought this might be an interesting forum to expand the conversation. I'll try to approach this from a neutral position since I wouldn't want my opinion to taint our reader's perspective of the issue.

The question arose, whether Golden Girls or Sex in the City was a more groundbreaking television show. To me the answer was obvious, but to others in the room it sparked a heated and often contentious debate that lasted for several minutes, before we decided it would be wise to continue working on the show.

The Golden Gals: Estelle, Rue, Betty, and Bea

The Sexy Hussies: Kim, Cynthia, Seabiscuit, and Kristin

Let's keep this a clean fight. Let's not insult any actresses facial features or get too far off topic. Let's limit this debate to the facts. I'll present the facts as we all know them and you can take these facts along with your own pre-conceived notions to help us determine which television show was in fact more groundbreaking.

I think it would be wise to begin this discussion with a definition of the word "groundbreaking." For this I've turned to the most reliable source for factually accurate information on the internet; Wikipedia. According to the guys and gals over at Wiki, the definition of groundbreaking when used as an adjective, means "being or making something that has never been done or seen or made before; 'stylistically innovative works'." Please keep this definition in mind when analyzing the data that I'm about to present.

Let us begin with The Golden Girls. I think we can all agree that The Golden Girls was without question was one of the great television sitcoms of the last thirty years. It aired from 1985 - 1992 for nearly 180 episodes and was followed by the short lived but equally entertaining Golden Palace. It starred Estelle Getty, Rue McClanahan, Bea Arthur, and Betty White. The show revolved around the lives of four women close to or past retirement age. But unlike most television shows, Golden Girls, didn't view these aging blossoms as mere conduits of matriarchal wisdom. Golden Girls explored edgy and contemporary issues, like sex and diversity and even gay rights. For the 1980s those were all extremely taboo subjects. We were given the opportunity to see the Grandma of the late 20th century and what she was talking about behind closed doors.

Sex and the City, on the other hand, ran from 1998 - 2004 for a modest 94 episodes. It starred Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, Kim Cattrall and Pegasus. The show revolved around four New York socialites and tackled issues such as hooking up with guys, hooking up with young guys, and hooking up with old guys. It sought to capture the modern independent woman at the dawn of the 21st Century. Did it accomplish this? I guess. Who really knows.

In many ways Sex and the City and Golden Girls have a lot in common. Charlotte is a total ditz just like Rose. Samantha is an loose woman like Blanche. Miranda is hard as nails like Sophia. And Carrie is independent and has a lame ex lover just like Dorothy. Wait a minute, that's not entirely true. Carrie ended up marrying her lame ex lover (Big) while Dorothy decided to stay away from her mess of an ex (Stan Sbornak.) Hmmm. Not an opinion... just a fact.

So, the cast of [tos] wants to know your thoughts. Which show was more groundbreaking? Let us know in the comments below. And I'll leave you with a little video starring the incomparable Bea Arthur.

James

fierceness at [signature]

So the word "fierce" may have been gifted to Alice Ripley by Hunter & Jeff, but we here at Signature believe there's one DIVA who wrote the book on "fierce." That guys and dolls is Florence Lacey. And word on the street is that she'll be starring in Signature's production of Sunset Boulevard next season... Click here to see Flo singing Rainbow High is the Broadway production of Evita. It's UNREAL. And then tell us why you don't have your tickets yet? FIERCE.

[tos]sary #1

While you don't have to understand all these terms in order to enjoy [tos], it can't hurt to get familiar with some of the more obscure terms in the show... here are just a few.

Alice Ripley- the Tony Award winning actress for Next to Normal, Alice is no stranger to Washington or Signature. You may remember her from the Sondheim Celebration where she brought down the house with her rendition of "Not Getting Married" in Company, or from Signature's concert of Songs for a New World at Strathmore. And she's Emily Skinner's other half. Simply put, "Alice Ripley is Fierce."

Bagels & Yox- A Jewish comedy/variety revue that opened the same year as "Oklahoma!" and ran longer. Used like "Oy vey! I can't believe I shleped uptown for that schmaltzy Bagels and Yox"

Betty Comden & Adolph Green- The musical comedy duo who wrote book and lyrics for a wide variety of musicals including Wonderful Town & On the Town. Betty might say something like "Adolph, let's go to my place"... although Phylis Newman might punch her in the face. Get a taste of Betty & Adolph working their magic below.. jump to 3:30

Dixon Ticonderoga- a soft number 2 pencil. Someone on the staff at Signature might say "I just wanted a pen but all we have left in the cabinets are 400 freakin' boxes of Dixon Ticonderogas...ugh." (Also see Signature's Wish List)

Henry, Sweet Henry- a musical flop from 1967 that pathed the way for such gems as Annie, Annie 2: Miss Hannigan's Revenge & Annie Warbucks. Erin Driscoll might say "I listened to Don Ameche's entire description of Henry, Sweet Henry on the YouTubes and I still have no flippin' idea what the musical is about."

Check back for more updates in the weeks to come.

meet [sam]

and lastly in our crazy list of characters, playing the role of [jeff]...

[sam ludwig]

1) If you could go back in time and see any Broadway flop?

Merrily We Roll Along wins in a walk. To get to hear those original amazing Johnathan Tunick orchestrations, not to mention seeing a young Jason Alexander and Lonny Price. And of course, let's not forget that the score was written by God.

2) What would you use as an audition song for Starlight Express (it can’t be Andrew Lloyd Weber)?

Good question! Hmm, what's the song least likely to get me that job...I would sing some weird cut of "Daddy's Playboy Magazines" from Most Men Are, with a bad cockney british accent that I would only have while singing. Or I might just be the guy who ignores the "can't be Weber" thing, in which case I would do "And the Money Kept Rolling In (and out)" from Evita.

3) What is your favorite Molly Ringwald movie?

Ok so let's be honest, this question is which do I like more, The Breakfast Club or Sixteen Candles, right? I mean basically those are the two options. No one's gonna choose Pretty in Pink if asked this question,if only for fear of being percieved as lame. Don't even pretend that anyone anywhere likes ANY of those movies from her "dark side" or whatever, when she's like poor, or pregnant, or like pregnant and poor. The winner is Sixteen Candles for it's being the first to show frontal nudity in a PG-13 movie.

4) If you had the option of being a centaur or having webbed feet like a duck, which would you choose and why?

Well, I'm not sure what this question means but the obvious answer is centaur.

5) Your favorite made-up word?

I was listening to Hot 99.5 the other day and this girl said she wanted to hear "Enastacate the Dance Floor". The DJ (possibly Seacrest) corrected her. She claimed it was her favorite song. This exchange has been rolling around in my head for a few days so currently that's my favorite made up word.

6) If you could be in any reality TV show, what would it be and why?

I don't really like reality TV. I would host on a shock-reveal show of my own devising modeled after Joe Millionaire and based on the movie The Crying Game.

7) What’s the meaning of life?

FIIINALY a question I know something about. Quite simply I think the meaning of life is that you are not currently dead. Not to downplay it (seriously), but I think that at heart life is about self preservation-I really think that that is sort of a common element in every living organism's existence. That's just me though, I can't speak for the trees. No one can...(For real insight into the meaning of life see every show composed by Stephen Sondheim).

8) Tim Gunn walks into your bedroom? Quick.. what do you do?

Well you know I mean I keep a loaded .38 taped behind my bed...No but seriously, who is Tim Gunn? I don't watch reality T.V. Oh wait! He's Dawg the Bounty Hunter right?

9) Toilet Paper- over or under?

Honestly? I like, never actually put a roll of paper towels physically on the roll, I just plop 'em on top of the..thing..the toilet paper handle and I know when they're done when they fall through the space between the wall and the handle. Then I plop another one on top and repeat the whole process til I get a decent pile of rolls in this little corner of my bathroom. That usually makes me want to actually do right by the TP in which case I guess..over?

10) What washed-up 1980’s TV Star do you want to see on Broadway?

Bronson Pinchot. In some William Finn thing.

meet [erin]

and now that bundle of dynamite as [heidi]...

[erin driscoll]

1) If you could go back in time and see any Broadway hit?

EASY! The original West Side Story. To see Chita Rivera do the original choreography....amazing! Hold on! Would I know I was back in time? I mean, would I already have the knowledge that West Side Story is going to huge hit? That would be pretty awesome if I knew and no one else did and I was sitting in the audience all smug and stuff!

2) Favorite song from a 1980’s musical?

Unusual Way from Nine. I do believe it is one of the most perfect musical theater songs of all time.

3) Favorite web site to waste time on?

www.failblog.org. Laughing at other people's misfortunes is literally hours of enjoyment! I don't know if I could have survived all the temp jobs I had if it were not for this GEM of a website. Check it out! You will not be disappointed!

4) Do you have any irrational fears?

Yes. One. Next question?

5) Muppets character you relate most to?

Pepe the shrimp because he is AWESOME! He is a shrimp... like me. And, he ends every sentence with ok! How could you not relate to that, ok?

6) Completely inappropriate role you’ve been dying to play?

Um....this is a hard question! I guess I would have to say Hedwig. You get to wail like a rockstar and still wear gorgeous outfits and makeup.

7) Liza, Bette, Barbara or Cher?

Barbara forever

8) At a movie theatre which arm rest is yours?

EVERY ARM REST IS MINE!!! MWUAH HAHAHA! No, I don't know ...the right one? I sure do like putting my feet up on the chair in front of me! I know, it is rude but I need to be comfortable during my movie viewing experience.

9) Audrey Hepburn or Julie Andrews as Eliza Dolittle?

Now, this is a little hard for me because I think Audrey Hepburn is the most beautiful woman ever. HOWEVER, I do believe that Julie Andrews should get mad props for putting up with Rex Harrison (I hear he was super mean to her) and for singing the crap out of the role. I do think that Audrey was visually iconic as Eliza in the movie but she did not do her own singing. Though that wasn't her fault. She actually thought she was going to do the singing and then apparently they dubbed her later on and she was pissed! Wait...what was the question again?

10) Best stage kiss?

James Gardiner. Witches of Eastwick. If you want to know how good....I am marrying him. 'Nuff said.

meet [james]

And now introducing our [hunter]...

[james gardiner]

1) What is your guilty pleasure Broadway Cast Recording?

I honestly can't think of a single cast recording that I would consider to be a guilty pleasure, but I most certainly have a guilty pleasure song and even though it's not from a "Broadway" musical... it IS from one of the first musicals that I ever fell in love with. Whenever I'm having a bad day, I listen to this song and without fail it brings a smile to my face. I'm still waiting for the Broadway production to happen and I fully expect Jim Dale and that cooky Mickey Rooney to reprise their roles from the film.

2) What would you use as an audition song for a musical about yourself?

Well, my first choice would obviously be "The Simple Joys of Maidenhood," but I think "I Know Him So Well" from Chess would also be a fitting choice since I in fact do know HIM so well. But I'd only sing it if I could find the Whitney Houston arrangement, which I've attached for your listening pleasure.

3) Dorothy, Blanche, Rose or Sophia?

As a life long fan of The Golden Girls (no seriously, it is still one of my favorite TV shows of all time) this question really has multiple answers. If the question is what Golden Girl do you most identify with, the answer would be Sophia. I find here bluntness and Sicilian street smarts to parallel some of my own qualities. If the question is what Golden Girl would you like to be your own grandmother my answer would be Rose. She's just a delight and I find her tales of St. Olaf to be rather endearing. Now, if the question is which Golden Girl is most likely to throw down in a game of b-ball I would have to say Dorothy, but if you're asking who is the foxiest I'd have to go with Blanche. So in the end, they all have their own beneficial qualities.

4) Are you left or right eyed?

Well, seeing as the prescription in my right eye is stronger then the prescription in my left, I'd have to say I favor my right eye. But I see myself as an ambidextrous viewer.

5) What three Broadway legends (dead or alive) would you invite to a dinner party?

Stephen Sondheim would be the obvious choice, because he's Stephen Sondheim. I'd also invite Elaine Stritch because she'd be a great source of conversation and booze. And finally I'd invite Michael Jeter, although he probably wouldn't be considered a Broadway legend by most people's standards, his performance in Grand Hotel was legendary and he just seems like a genuinely sweet guy.

6) How much cash do you have on you?

None. I actually don't usually carry around cash.

7) If you could be born as any gay icon who would it be?

I'd take Elton John's career any day. Either that or Levi Johnston.

8) Will Brittany Spears ever get married and find true happiness?

I think I can say with complete certainty that the answer to this is no. I imagine that Lindsay Lohan, Brittany Spears, and Miley Cyrus will all suffer the same fate. Why Miley Cyrus, James? Just wait. Juuuusst wait.

9) …how about Kate Gosselin?

Who's Kate Gosselin? But seriously, she's on the next Dancing with the Stars, so maybe she'll fall in love with her dance partner. Wow, I gave this question more thought then I've given Kate Gosselin EVER.

10) What would your name your “monkey on the speedboat”

Leroy.

meet [jenna]

Since we're into our second day of rehearsals we thought that it would be apropos (that's French for apropos) to introduce the cast of our little musical. And what better way then with a little Q & A. So to kick things off introducing our [susan]

[jenna sokolowski]

1) If you were a drag queen what would your name be?

Oh, something simple yet something that feels good rolling off the tongue, you know? Like Amanda Playwith or Sharon Husbands. Wait, no. Simpler. Less constrained. It would have to be: Bera Breast.

2) What would you use as an audition song for an all female production of 1776?

Wow! What an awesome idea! Okay, which part am I auditioning for? Let’s see… if it’s for John Adams, I think I’d choose “How Lovely to be a Woman,” from Bye-Bye Birdie. But my “character choice” would be that my woman couldn’t reach things in high places. So, she’d spend the whole song reaching higher and higher – both literally and metaphorically. For instance, the character would try to brush her hair, but alas! The brush is just out of reach!!! And the final note of the song would be the second-to-highest note on the planet because women have been reaching forever and ever for the opportunity to be powerhouses in the government and maybe start their own country. A country of women who rule!!! But for any other part, I’d definitely sing “Can’t get enough of your love baby” by Barry White. (Character Choice: Barry F-ing White.)

3) If you could hang out with any TV celebrity from the 1980s who would it be and why?

“Well, hello, Tom Sellek! I was just wondering if you might help me sel-LICK these stamps…?

4) If you could go to any "fictional" place, where would you go?

Take me to the world of Anne of Green Gables!

5) Worst costume ever?

“She might try to eat my baby!”

6) What’s the color of your toothbrush?

It’s Red. And White. Oooh like the Polish Flag!

7) What would you want to be written on your tombstone?

Nobody writes on my tombstone pizza. NOBODY.

8) What does the last text message on your phone say?

Haha, I actually asked a friend what she thought was the worst costume ever. Her response: “Bloody T**pon!” She must have mis-typed the last letter. She MEANT a “T,” I’m sure of it. And you know, I just don’t think that a bloody teapot is all that bad. Sorry, Julie.

9) Name the most obscure Broadway musical theatre actor you can think of (dead or alive)

Okay I don’t know how to answer this question without the help of google…. Which is cheating, right? But just the same, this doesn’t answer the question but did you know that Veggie Tales has a segment called “Obscure Broadway Show Tunes with Larry,” where they sing classics like, “Where have all the staplers gone?”

10) What do you have your “doots” about?

I hope that as ye slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point in the wrong direction!