A Great Big Diva!

Best Picture Showcase 24-hour Marathon at AMC. Yep, I’m doing it.

By

Oh Lord. I have committed to it. I am going to attempt to watch all NINE Feature films nominated for the Best Feature Film at this year's Academy Awards Show. Yes, I love movies. And NO I don't know if I will be able to hang. I have been searching on line for stories to help me prepare. There are a few that offer suggestions like: 1. don't drink soda - the sugar will make you spike then crash. (bummer) 2. don't eat junk food. (bummer) So I reckon alcohol is a no-no. Bummer, they make the …

On Elaine Stritch

By

Elaine Stritch is a hoot. 89 years old and still making waves. A broadway diva, TV & Movie star, cabaret and now this Documentary feature. I met her while we both performed for an event in Chicago. She was writing her one woman show. I told her I wanted to do the same. she said: "It's the hardest thing I've ever done. Whatta pain in the ass!" I cried when I saw her perform her famous rendition of Sondheim's "Lady's Who Lunch" Of the audience (socialites from Chicago - ladies who lunch) she …

Haters are So Boring and So Obvious

By

Being older and wiser mostly means you have developed a thick skin. Being in show business requires this with all of the rejection and criticism you must face every day. But a recent experience just begs for reporting here on my blog. I did a very successful concert and afterwards whilst basking in the glow of a job well done, I was the recipient of a barrage of thinly veiled insults from a somewhat mousey and obviously envious young woman. It was a small matter from a person with a limited …

Why I love Movies.

By

Someone asked me why I am so passionate about film. I don't mean to sound dramatic but this is my truth and my relationship with the movies: A great movie will transform you just by experiencing its glory and taking the ride. A movie's glory is the way in which all of its elements make you feel. A great movie tells a story whether it's linear or not. The story, characters, acting, shots, editing, music, special effects, costuming, direction and mood transform you. It can render you …

Performing for the Older Crowd

By

I had an interesting gig yesterday. I was hired to sing at a "retirement community" in the suburbs. Cast aside all of your normal visuals of a nursing home. This was a 38-acre compound that offers five levels of care (independent homes to full care nursing) a "town square, shops, library and a performance space that seats 220+ with a state of the art sound system. Initially I was going in with just a piano and then I figured why not take in an ensemble so that I could give them a "show" and I am …