Just Play It Cool Boy

A few days ago, while I fought through snot and emotions leading up to my departure to the arctic, I got a phone call from my friend Michelle Dorrance with a very special offer.  Last month Michelle became a full time member of "Stomp," and Tuesday afternoon she was merging with my favorite show Rock 'n' Roll "Xanadu" for the 19th Annual Gypsy of the Year Competition.  After months of fundraising for Broadway Cares Equity Fights Aids, all the shows gather together each year to put on an afternoon of skits, musical numbers, and over dramatic lyrical dances, all in the name of this incredible cause. 

I've always watched these events from afar, through photos and accounts of other theater goers on websites, but despite my cold I was ecstatic at the opportunity to sit in the audience.  The proceedings were hosted by none other than "Xanadu"'s reining goddesses Mary Testa and Jackie Hoffman, who were hindered by the addition of Bob Sagat.  The ladies elicited a barrage of laughter from the audience (mostly industry insiders) while Sagat proceeded to bring things down with his low-brow, and quite frankly, unfunny comedy schtick. 

Regardless of Danny Tanner's hindrance of the hosting duties, they were not the reason anyone was there.  Several shows (notably "Mamma Mia," "The Ritz," "Legally Blonde," and "The Color Purple") pulled out hilarious (and in the case of "Purple," dramatic) musical numbers spoofing various events in the theater world.  Despite their efforts, nothing could even come close to touching the main attraction of the afternoon: a reunion of the surviving members of the original Broadway company of "West Side Story." 

Only a day earlier, I had discussed the brilliance of this show with friends of mine, and suddenly there I was watching theater history.  To say that it was chill inducing, emotional, mesmerizing, touching, or mind-blowing are all vast understatements.  Being the sneaky blogger that I am (and seeing as everyone else around me with cameras noticed that this was an event not to go undocumented) I filmed the "West Side" sequence in its entirety.

Chita Rivera continues to amaze me.  The amount of energy and passion she brings to her sections rivals that of the dancers surrounding her who must be almost 50 years younger.  (A fun tidbit: the dancer standing directly to Rivera's left during the Mambo section is her daughter.) 

Before the show I had the chance to go backstage with Michelle.  We waded through a sea of jazz-pants wearing, vocalizing, splitting, and twirling dancers before arriving at none other than Annie Golden.  For those of you not aware of Golden, she's a fantastic singer who was discovered at CBGB's in the 70's before going on to star in "Hair," "The Full Monty," and most currently as an understudy in "Xanadu."  In addition to those wonderful credits, she did a TV show with my dad years ago while we lived in L.A.

(LOVE IT.)

Michelle introduced me to her, and I had a vague recollection of my dad's association with her, so I figured I would give it a try.  The moment I mentioned my father's name, her eyes lit up and she launched into a recollection of his "big beautiful curly hair," and the fact that he was "moving his family to somewhere like Montana."  My jaw dropped to the floor as she continued to get a kick out of the bizarre connection.   She's such a vivid character and a warm presence that I wanted to spend more time around.  In addition to her glorious singing voice (she starts off the "Stompadu" video below) she speaks in a kewpie doll meets 10-packs of cigarettes rasp that is endearing.  While  I can't quite explain the reasoning behind the Stomp/Xanadu merger, I'm not complaining.  Check it out for yourself below. 

Comments

[jennifer]

Aren't these fundraisers fun? especially if you've seen the shows that the cast members are from...just wondering, did Pygmalion make an appearance?

I saw Easter Bonnet last year and it was a riot to see twists of shows I love on Broadway.

(I will watch the videos later when I'm not at work..although no one is productive today, we are all itching to leave for the holidays! I really regret not videotaping some of the skits I saw last year; I was with a "theater insider" who thought it would be embarrassing to film or take photos during the show.)

[Natalie D.]

Seeing Michelle in Stompadu is getting me excited to see her in STOMP. I can't wait. We are so proud! And that West Side piece was awesome. Thanks for posting this.

[Barbara]

Matt the West Side Story was FABULOUS! I had goose bumps and tears in my eyes. Chita Rivera is a goddess. And Carol Lawrence held her own too. Thank you so much for posting this.
PS - Hope you're feeling better. What's up in Montana? There must be snow everywhere, yes?

[Barbara]

PS - We're off to Vermont for the holidays so let me wish you and your family (and all the Ranting Details family) a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[jolene]

HOW FUN! It must have been a blast. Sort of sad how Sagat was thrown in with Mary Testa and Jackie Hoffman.

[Mondm]

A standing ovation for you! Thank you for posting these two beautiful pieces of art! Specially for the ones that love theatre and are far away from NYC after three years of living there.

Thanks a million times!

[BG]

Annie Golden is GOD! I've loved her forever, and I recognized her in one of those defunct Broadway Diners a few years ago, and she swept me into a hug. Then we chatted, and she was both grand and down-to-earth at the same time, and so gracious. A great lady!

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