Fall has arrived!

Fall is definitely in the air. I love fall. And I love knitting. And I love knitting in the fall.

This past weekend I went to "Knitting Camp" and had a great time.

Anybody want to learn to knit? I'll teach you. :)

Ready for fall.

So, it's always a little lonely around the MadCAP offices and studios when we're not in session. I'm missing you guys! Can't wait for fall to start.

Oh, and neither can Steve. He's tired of me making trouble.

Wonderland

Thanks Ivy! This is amazing. xo to all!

18 years ago...

...I used to do more theatre on the stage. And then I discovered rehearsal accompaniment and it was a whole new game.

I did love to be on stage, I still love musical theatre, and I will always enjoy working with other talented folks to create an ephemeral end art product. Looking through old photos I found in the house recently, I came across this gem. What fun it was to be in a cast of other people who loved to sing, and in a group of friends where I could be myself. Too bad it only lasted for about 7 weeks in my school life!

I also remembered how much I enjoy singing & performing Rogers & Hammerstein, Gershwin, Porter, Loesser, and the great composers of the midcentury. I can't wait to get in the depths of performing some of that with all of you this year! Look forward to some staging & ensemble work with older scores as well as the current stuff we are in love with right now!

Hope you are enjoying August!

Love to be on tour.

Boy, do I love to be on tour. Touring is a blast, and I've been lucky enough to do it with many different performing ensembles throughout my time as a student (high school & college) and a teacher (MadCAP). It's the absolute best way to get to know the people you are travelling with and to form a lasting bond with them. Nothing creates closeness by being forced into a small space for extended periods of time. :)

In any case, I do love to travel with performing groups. I can't wait to start planning our concert stuff for our upcoming trip to Disney! Arrangements for music & travel our top on my priority list for the month of August. Is there anyone available to come in to the office and help out with any of these things?

Hope the summer is treating you all well, and I'm looking forward to seeing you all in the studios soon!

*Incidentally, that picture is from my 1997 tour to Europe with the Wartburg College Concert Band. Notice the tough looking jacket and very large hair I'm sporting!

Gearing up for Disney and enjoying the Summer.

Greetings all!
Summer is now in full swing here at the MadCAP studios, and the month of August is looking good for a summer "After Dark" (so start picking that music!) and some advanced planning for the Disney tour next year. Additionally, the Board of Directors has asked for any volunteers willing to perform at a Fundraising Kickoff Event and then Gala Grand Opening. If you've got any ideas or suggestions, please let me know what you're thinking.
We've got lots happening this summer, and I'm still looking for some interns in July and August. if you are interested, please send me your availability and I'll e-mail you an assignment.
Also, just a quick reminder to all of you--enrollment is limited in Senior Ensemble for next year, so please get your paperwork in ASAP when we open enrollment. I'd hate to have the group fill before you sign up!
Check out this little video tour of DMMD to see what it's all about if you've never been: http://disneyyouthgroups.disney.go.com/wdyp/programs/programOverview?page=MMDProgramOverviewPage

'In the Heights' - 2008 Tony Awards - Best Original Score

What an acceptance speech-happy to see the nod to Sondheim!

In The Heights circa 1988

That's right. It' s my new favorite composer on Broadway today....Lin Manuel Miranda. OF course, I have several favorites and will continue to have several. BTW, when you see his acceptance speech, note the nod to Sondheim.

In the Heights the Musical

This is my pick for the Tony Awards next week. It has been nominated for 13 awards, and I'm always anxious to see just what will win. Who's having a Tony party? Steve and I always play it a little low key and have a bottle of champagne and some great hors d'oeuvres followed by some delicious chocolate. I'm hoping to see "In the Heights" win best musical, I'd love to see it win for choreography, and Lin-Manuel Miranda has to win for best score and/or outstanding actor...I guess it's all a waiting game!

Team Soft Goods asked me if there was a prize for best TEAM PRIDE during strike. Absolutely there is. I don't actually know what kind of prize it is, but I'm open to suggestion. I make a great batch of cookies, and can craft up all sorts of things. Team Soft Goods, e-mail me your suggestions, and I'll see what I can do. Thanks for a fabulous run of performances in "Mulan". You guys are amazing, and never cease to amaze me. You were funny, lovely, sang well, and were entirely entertaining. What will I do now that we don't have Thursday night rehearsals?