Tonight's the night! I'm going to do my first ever reading of the "Fat Piece" in front of a live audience - ever. I am reading as part of "Story Jam", a story-telling live music show produced by singer, performer, writer Stephanie Rogers and held at The Wilmette Theater. I'm a bit frightened in an excited way. I've been working on this particular piece off and on for decades, steadily for months. I have had invaluable guidance from solo show writer and scholar Arlene Malinowski who has been …
The Adventures of Permanent Lifestyle Change Girl: Documenting My Weight Journey for My One Woman Show.
I've been up for ages this morning writing the hardest piece ever for my show. It has always been the one story that I knew I had to tell yet the most difficult to complete. The topic of weight is so multifaceted for me. There are so many approaches I can take. Every time I think I've nailed it I find yet another level to explore. My fitness program has led to yet another approach to the telling of this story. Do I keep the story as is with the fitness thing as a mere mention, or do I insert …
The One Woman Show
It's official! After nearly three decades, I have started putting together my one woman show! That is all. Stay tuned... …
On Elaine Stritch
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 …
A Bit of a Breather & Some Dap Inspiration
Whew! I have been busy these past few weeks and I ain't complaining but Lordy! it sure feels good to have a minute to stop. Of course these minutes free from gigging must be spent planning, strategizing and creating the future. Funny thing happened in Ottawa, Ontario. The Ottawa Jazz festival was playing across the canal from our hotel and most of the Shivers went to check it out. And Lo and Behold! Ms. Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings were playing. I missed the show - I was blogging - and by …