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BROADWAY’S NEWEST REVIEWED BY KENNY HOWARD!

Barry and I, the newlyweds that we are, just got back from New York on Sunday,  and I immediately had to tell Michael about one of the most amazing nights of being in an audience of a theater of my entire life.  I know what you’re thinking, and no ... it was not seeing Cheyenne Jackson strip down to his boxer’s in the first matinée preview of Damn Yankees, but while we’re on that subject, all I can say is “Damn!” (Wish I could say the same for the rest of that show, which Cheyenne and Randy Graff easily walk off with). But as for the magic ... that happened at the Lyceum Theatre later that night, at the first preview performance of [title of show]. [EDITOR'S NOTE: THAT'S ACTUALLY THE NAME OF THE SHOW: "[title of show]"!]
 
For those who are not familiar, it was a small show that was written in three weeks, four years ago, for the NYMT (New York Musical Theatre Festival). The writers called it [title of show], because that is where they got stuck on the form for the entry into the festival. Cute, huh?  (I don’t know anyone that would fill out a Fringe form without knowing what to call a show.) [EDITOR'S NOTE: SARCASM!] The show is about two guys writing a show for a festival, in which they have cast themselves and their respective best girlfriends.  After NYMT, it was picked up and performed off-Broadway, and then disappeared for a while.  But it eventually did find a producer and voila, they previewed their first performance with the original cast from the Festival four years ago on July 5th.
 
The reason for it being so magical goes far beyond the exceptional book by Hunter Bell, of which the first line is “Some tranny stole my shrimp,” or the words and music by Jeff Bowen, or the women, known as “Heidi” and “Susan,” played by Heidi Blickenstaff and Susan Blackwell.  The magic was watching something break through a barrier; listening to four voices and a keyboard, with a set that consists of only four chairs, and checking to see only six producers listed above the title, none of which were corporations. 

The energy was so palatable, the entire audience was electrified. The applause grew in length after each number, and the advertised ninety minute - no intermission musical, ended at 10:05 and it was ALL applause.  After the second to the last song the applause lasted at least 3 solid minutes, at which point the two actresses began to cry.  The writers, who had written so many, “When we get to Broadway” moments into the show, made it until curtain call, but at the end they too were brought to tears.
 
I don’t want to give away anymore than I have already.  I am simply begging anyone and everyone who has the opportunity, to please see this show, see it once, twice, as many times possible. If you’re not going to make it up there anytime soon (or in the case of many of Michael’s relatives, aren’t going to be taking the commuter train into the city any time soon) but are the type who likes to listen to musicals before you see them ... buy the cast recording. The off-Broadway recording is available, and besides one of the montages at the end, is relatively unchanged.  We need to prove that Broadway has room for the little guys too. With a season of shows like Pal Joey, Billy Elliot, and Shrek, it was so amazing to see a simple show stand tall and proud with the big boys, quietly demanding attention and the audience drowning them out with applause.

You can email Kenny Howard here!

Singer/Actress/And-Did-You-Know-Decorator & Décor Fabricator/Seamstress-Extraordinaire Becky Fisher, who recently returned from a 6-week engagement in Omaha, Nebraska, is available for decorating services for a limited time this summer, but book her now to avoid disappointment. 

“Becky” specializes in custom window treatments and other custom home sewing projects, but is also available to lend her good taste, knowledge of the retail market, and eye for color, to any project you may be undertaking. Ms. Fisher is super creative and can work within any given budget. She knows where to find the high-end treasures, but is equally adept at locating stylish bargains and spending your dime like it’s a dollar.  Becky has an impressive list of clients including REALTOR David Dorman, Closing Agent Barry Miller, Playwright Michael Wanzie, and Technologies Management Consultant Monique Byrnes-of-Winter-Park-for-Chrissake, all of whom remain satisfied with her talent and hard work.

WANZIE sez:  “That Becky girl designed and created my custom-made duvet cover to perfectly match my existing color scheme. The quality of her work is second to none, plus she’s Becky Fisher! I mean come on, try though you might, you just can’t get your average high-priced Park Avenue designer to pause during curtain installation and step to the piano to sing a verse or two of Stars and the Moon, now can you?”

To contact Rebecca Fisher just shoot her an email at: fishswandiva@yahoo.com

And be sure to tell her you saw her recommendation in the WANZeGRAM!

OPENING NIGHT FOR KIMBRO’S LATEST CREATION!

Last night was opening night for this World Premiere Event!  Among the many notable celebrities in attendance: WANZIE, XXX, and the official WANZeGRAM photography team of Jack and Margo Dixon, who have graciously supplied these photos:

More details about My Illustrious Wasteland!

EVEN YOU CAN SCARE PEOPLE AT THE WHALE CIRCUS!

ONE SCREENING ONLY – SATURDAY, JULY 12th  – “P”

Click Here - Reserve Now

MASTER HYPNOTIST JON SIMON RETURNS TO THE FOOTLIGHT THEATER!

MASTER HYPNOTIST JON SIMON RETURNS TO THE PH IN AUGUST!  Get ready to be hip-no-tized, ala Parliament House-style, as Master Hypnotist Jon Simon returns to the Footlight Theater with his hilarious “Simon Sez” Comedy Hypnosis Show.  This is a fun and casual show where audience members can volunteer to be hypnotized and release their inhibitions without getting embarrassed.  Since the volunteers are the true stars of the show, Simon treats them with care and respect.  Simon also engages the audience to be an active part of show.  Simon has been performing comedy hypnosis for nine years.  Campus shows, fairs and theme parks are his main entertainment venues. Over the past 3 years, his show has become a popular feature at Pride-Fest in Fort Lauderdale.  Although his show is all about having fun, Simon warns: “If you volunteer, what you don’t remember ... you’re friends will never forget!”

Two shows only!  Get your tickets now as this popular artist returns to the Footlight Theater for performances on Saturday, August 2nd and Saturday, August 9th.  Tickets are now available exclusively through the WANZIE.com Online Box Office.  This event is a part of the new Select-A-Seat feature, where you pick your seats in the beautiful Footlight Theater.  Good seats go quick, so reserve your place now, up close, for what is always an outrageous and unpredictable night of entertainment.  This special event is brought to you by your friends at the Parliament House and WANZIE Presents, Central Florida's leader in providing unique entertainment.

“Simon Sez” Comedy Hypnosis Show

Saturday, August 2nd and Saturday, August 9th
 
8 PM @ the Footlight Theater

ONLY $10

JANINE KLEIN STARS IN COMEDY NEW ROCHELLE!

TV-LAND ON STAGE AT THE PH – 2 SHOWS ONLY!  It’s Donna Reed meets Medea as Janine Klein (Monorail Inferno, My Pal Bette) stars in John Ryan’s (My Pal Bette) hilariously campy look at the sinister side of TV-LAND’s happiest sitcom family. Also featuring Tim Debaun (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) as the father who should know best but is a little too preoccupied with a certain sassy waitress, Brittany Berkowitz* (The Little Dog Laughed) as the delightful daughter who’s a little too popular with the boys, and John Ryan as the all-American son with a strange fascination with Rock Hudson. Will matriarch Vicki (Klein) be able to keep everyone smiling? Will daddy accept his children’s indiscretions, or will they all just end up dead? Find out at the Footlight Theater in July. Don’t forget to wash your hands first!

1st prize Winner 2008 Rollins College Friends of the Annie Fringe Grant

Fringe Sell-Out Award Winner!

"It sets the bar for fabulosity" – Margaret Nolan, Kangagirl Productions L.L.C.

"Give this family a theme song and 8pm time slot of their own." - Al Pergande, Ink19.com

“Yes, that’s it! I’ve decided; I’m going to save my family! And if that doesn’t work, I’ll just kill them all. Either way, I suspect this will be another lovely week in New Rochelle.” - Vickie

2 SHOWS ONLY

Saturday, July 19th* @ 8 PM
Saturday, July 26th @ 8 PM

* The July 19th performance will feature a one-time only special appearance by our director, Yvette Kojic (whom P-House regulars will remember from MY PAL BETTE), as the sexually adventurous daughter, Becky.

NOW ON SALE IN THE BOX OFFICE:

PAUL WEGMAN: A TRIBUTE
BENEFIT SCREENING
Saturday, July 12th @ 8:00 PM

Footlight Theatre @ the Parliament House
$8.00


VarieTEASE: CARNIVALE
ONLY ONE SHOW REMAINS!
Wednesday, July 16th @ 9:00 PM

Footlight Theatre @ the Parliament House
$15.00

Fringe Comedy: NEW ROCHELLE
JUST TWO SHOWS!
Saturday, July 19th @ 8:00 PM
Saturday, July 26th @ 8:00 PM

Footlight Theatre @ the Parliament House
$10.00


Comedy Hypnosis Show: SIMON SEZ
FEATURING MASTER HYPNOTIST JON SIMON!
Saturday, August 2nd @ 8:00 PM
Saturday, August 9th @ 8:00 PM

Footlight Theatre @ the Parliament House
$10.00

Check out the WANZIE.com Online Box office!
Now with new Select-A-Seat feature!

COMING ATTRACTIONS:

Parliament House 33rd Anniversary Celebration:

• REUNION SHOW - Monday, July 21st
• EMPLOYEE TURNABOUT – Wednesday, July 23rd
• KRISTINE W Live in Concert! -  Saturday, July 26th
• TWISTED SISTERS COMEDY HOUR:
• Special Anniversary Edition, Thursday, July 31st
  

THEATER: My Illustrious Wasteland Tod Kimbro’s brand new sci-fi rock musical features 7 songs from Tod's album, Soundtrack to a Chemical Spill, along with 10 brand new numbers.  Equal parts futuristic adventure epic, twisted social commentary, and high-energy rock show, this is a musical and theatrical experience like no other, from Tod and Beth Marshall Presents. WANZIE makes a teensy cameo appearance (on screen), along with David Lee, Miss Sammy and half of Orlando. The onstage ensemble includes Willie Marchante, Ryan Leyhue, Jolie Hart, Lanie Hoxie, DOUG, Domonique Minor, Dorothy Massey, Lisa K. Rinaldi, Michelle Rogers, Corey Volence, and Elizabeth Murff among others. The show stars Brittany Berkowitz as Sunny Day, Christopher McIntyre as Mogs, Beth Marshall as Loretta, and Tod Kimbro as The President Reverend M.D.         Tod Kimbro’s MY ILLUSTRIOUS WASTELAND Directed by John Didonna Assisted by Mike Marinaccio July 10-20, 2008 Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7PM Sundays at 4:00 PM Lowndes Shakespeare Center/Margeson Theatre Special Industry Night Performance Monday, July 14 at 7:00 PM Tickets: $25 Tickets available online here! TV: House Hunters REALTOR® David Dorman will soon be featured in an upcoming episode of HGTV’s flagship show House Hunters. The show, which was filmed in the Orlando area in January 2008, focuses on the ups and downs of the home buying process.  Dorman is featured as the REALTOR® and real estate expert who assists the buyers, Cathy and Michael Roddy, as they seek out a new home.  House Hunters is purported to be the number-one, audience-favorite show on HGTV.  Dorman was chosen by the producers to be the on-air area expert for this edition of House Hunters after they spotted him during his highly effective appearance on HGTV’s My House is Worth What?, which aired earlier this year. The episode of House Hunters in which Dorman appears will air on The Home and Garden Station  - HGTV - at the following times: July 27, 2008 8:00 PM ET/PT July 28, 2008 12:00 AM ET/PT THEATER: Die Mommie Die Just one in a serious of classic, outrageous, and laugh-inducing melodramas by gay nut-case playwright Charles Busch. All of Mr. Busch’s plays require that certain female roles be played by men in drag. This one is no exception, and WANZIE Presents' Resident Costumer & “Costumer to the Stars” Marcy Singhaus has created all the fabulous frocks that will be worn by the six-foot-something-femme fatal-man in the starring role. The show, being presented at Theatre Downtown, is under the direction of WANZeGRAM subscriber Mr. Tim DeBaun. This is one that is not to be missed. For tickets dial 407.841.0083 Theatre Downtown 2113 N. Orange Avenue Orlando Do you know about an event, audition, opportunity, or anything else that you believe subscribers should know about? Email WANZIE here and tell him about it.  There are no guarantees, but all will be considered! We reserve the right to edit all entry requests!

A NOTE FROM WANZIE!

My mind is dancing a Viennese Waltz inside of itself and I can’t seem to focus on any one thing.  There’s so much swirling around up there and I can’t get it to pause at the loading platform, so I’m simply going to type whatever is in the forefront of the coaster at any given millisecond in time and call it "The Note From Wanzie".

For instance; right now I’m thinking about how pissed I am that it cost me more than $20 in gas to get from my home in Beautiful Rainbow Estates to the WANZIE.com World Headquarters in delightful Melbourne Florida.

The things you can learn while in Melbourne working with Rich Charron:

Shoeless Joe Jackson never actually played the game while shoeless.

Who knew?

I was trying to impress Rich with my vast bank of sports trivia by citing Joe and how he came to earn his nickname by kicking the football with one shoe off.

Only problem was, as Rich has informed, Jackson was a baseball player!

Again. Who knew?
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Technically actually played shoeless once.  According to the story, he got the nickname from having to take off his new cleats, which had caused blisters, when he took to bat.  Once on base, fans began to heckle him, calling him among other things, "a shoeless son of a gun!" Thanks Wikipedia!] .

Did you know that out San Francisco way they have collected over 10 thousand signatures, thus far, in support of putting on the November ballot a referendum calling for a name change for the Oceanside Sewage Treatment Facility.  The name they wish to change it to is - "The George W. Bush Sewage Plant".  [Los Angeles Times, July 10, 2008]

How freaking fitting and fabulous that would be if it were to actually pass!

Get ready for our biggest contest ever, and the easiest to enter and win. Start thinking of all the people you may know who may not be currently subscribed to the WANZeGRAM. Check back next week and we’ll have email text for you to send to your friends inviting them to sign up. The current subscribers who attract the most new subscribers will be handsomely rewarded from a prize menu that is growing as I type, but which already includes a $50 gift certificate from Nube Nove Salon, a $50 Best Buy gift certificate courtesy of REALTOR© David Dorman, a $65 pair of tickets to see JOEL McHALE of TV's THE SOUP at Hard Rock Live! and many, many other event, party, concert, and theater tickets. Over $500 in prizes will be awarded so start thinking about all the people you might like to invite and we’ll provide you with the online form next week.

Last week, I was sick to death of hearing Bob Dole carry on about what a good man was Jessie Helms.

Actually, I wanted to puke every time I heard anyone honor the late bigoted hate-filled asshole who represented everything that is wrong with America.

For instance; here’s a statement Jessie Helms issued, back in his heyday, in a sorry-ass attempt to justify his refusal to meet with the mother of hemophiliac Ryan White –

“There is not one single case of AIDS that can’t be traced back to sodomy.” – Senator Jessie Helms, North Carolina

Screw the accolades! Wouldn’t you love hear just one honest politician say what they really think; that the world is a far better place without the sickness that was Jessie Helms polluting it?

But then again that hope is pinned to the belief that there is such a thing as an honest politician.

Here’s a quote from the WHAT THE F*CK file:

“I found it fitting that Jessie Helms died on the Fourth of July because he loved his country and worked to make it better” – Senator Harry Reed, Democrat!

Really?

What’s up with that?

Here’s the one and only line I heard concerning the death of Mr. Helms that I actually enjoyed and with which I could identify –

“I was driving through North Carolina the other day and was impressed with the number of crosses that were burning at half mast” – as heard on the Stephanie Miller Show, nationally syndicated radio talk show.

Priceless, that.

Those of you who missed seeing Leslie Jordan at the PH this past Tuesday really missed an amazing event.

Mr. Jordan was as sweet as he was entertaining, and took time after the show to greet every audience member who cared to meet him.

Here's some images from the Tuesday's show ...

A few family photos to share ...

ATTENTION ALL THEME PARK EMPLOYEES:
The lovely working class all American family (pictured above), of the fabled Naugatuck Valley in Connecticut (The Constitution State), will be visiting Orlando in August. The visit was not part of a long-planned vacation, but rather is coming about as the result of a last minute decision owing to someone else’s accommodations falling into their laps.

Jodi just popped out that last kid about a year ago, so a theme park vacation wasn’t really in the plans for this year.

But coming they are, and since the children have been led to believe that Uncle Michael helped to build, owns, and operates Walt Disney World, they will be looking to me to get them in and show them around. To add to this circumstance, my nephew Blair (my sister Judy’s kid, who is an Iraqi War veteran, if that helps any) just moved to Orlando with his three kids, and I’ve yet to take them anywhere, and they actually live right down the street from me, so there will be hell to pay if I take relatives from Connecticut to the parks before I take the ones who live right here in Mickey’s backyard (even though that little sh*t Spencer will barely look at me), so please consider this Note from WANZIE fair warning that I will soon be sending pleading emails to everyone I know who is in a position to assist with admissions to any theme park anywhere in Orlando to come to my aid. [EDITOR'S NOTE: Breath!]

Under normal circumstances, an uncle of 51 years of age would be able to treat his nieces and nephews to such niceties on his own, but I’m a struggling playwright living in Orlando, who drinks a lot, so clearly it falls to my friends in high places, and places of actual employment, to intercede on behalf of the little ones.

And remember; should they ask ... the correct answer is always “Yes, of course it’s true that your Uncle Michael was the original voice of Ursula in The Little Mermaid.”

I’m WANZIE and That’s All I Wrote!