Sally Matson was kind enough to take notes at the Fall meeting, while I was busy getting blocking for "The Imported Bridegroom".
Who was there:
What an inspiring meeting. Everyone had lots to say.
Norm Conrad- One-Man Minstrel Show. He performs Mr. Bones, Jimmy Durante,etc. Catch his act- October 2- 1:15PM- Walpole Arts and Music Festival. He suggests: send a thank you note to the site and ask a few short questions about your performance. Ask if you can use them as a reference and enclose a stamped addressed envelope.
Judy Bernstein- Dinner at the White House, First Ladies. She met Calvin Coolidge's granddaughter while performing in Plymouth, VT. Had photo taken with faux George Bush in D.C. On October 20th, there will be an exhibit of her political cartoons at the Wellesley Library.
Bern Budd- Mark Twain Talks, A Morals Lecture. He's been performing Twain at a young age for about 2 1/2 years. From May-July he appeared in The Miser at the ART. He looked into storytelling resources. Has a high school show: Advice to Youth or Advice to Humanity. Taking a marketing course by phone. He and Jim Cooke will work together on Daniel Webster Day- Oct 24th-Marshfield.
Mike Lowe- John F.Kennedy- Plans to use his appearance and voice to appear as JFK. He gave us a sample with a few speeches...very impressive. Ted gave him advice on going back/forth between his own voice and JFK...plus learn everything possible on his subject.
Joanne V. LaRiccia-JoJo-TV Show- Her Children's TV show, JoJo's Dream Cart, is now on 120 Channels. She's going to a TV Executive's Convention in January. Lots of enthusiasm there!
Paul Manning-does eight characters, including Sir Tom, Lincoln, Twain, Galileo- uses Mapquest to find schools w/in twenty miles. May try to give up job in a few years,'cause loves performing for kids. Space Day raised $16,000. Last Wed. he donated $10,000 to Tewksbury H.S. astronomy program. Hired as Storyteller at a wedding.
Alex Daunis-Gilbert Stuart,John Paul Jones- presented a book that he found to Paul -re King Arthur. Past 1 1/2 years has been in short films. Space Theatre, his latest film, will be shown at the New England Film Festival Oct 8-11...22 minutes long. Busy doing commercials.
Sally Matson-Susan B. Anthony- Performed at MA Teachers Convention in August. She's having a tape made-it was suggested that it be 5-6 minutes tops. People suggested getting in touch with Eliz Cady Stanton actresses. Suggestions on how to negotiate: do you have my fee schedule? I know you can't afford a field trip....how about my show instead...JOJO said, "Know what you are worth!".
Mel Simons-Nostalgia Shows- Radio show, Big Band shows (Golden days of Rock and Roll), video shows(Great Entertainers); goes down memory lane, shares anecdotes about Milton Berle, Jimmy Durante, songs of George M. Cohan. Wrote a book, The Old Time RadioTrivia Book. 25th year with WBZ 1030 12-3AM 38 states and Canada. Entertained us, on request, by singing IDA.... perfect, brings tears!
Deborah Goss- The Proper Ladies, Charlotte Cushman - Used to be Mother Goose at FAO Schwartz. Wants to do Mother Goose for grown-ups. Says, "Don't give up on your requests"...she had an answer five years later. Upon request, she also sang for us: There's No Place Like Home. A voice so sweet and pure...beautiful.
David Noard- Vincent Van Gogh- Has been performing at CT Middle Schools and at retirement communities. Spends a good deal of time on the telephone. Says, "Don't take rejection personally." Wrote a book, My Name is Vincent and I'm a Dutchman . David gave out his brochure-it's touching...like his show. Thanks for always sharing ideas, David.
Ted Zalewski- Teddy Roosevelt, Postman Roulen, Ernest Hemingway- Our leader; teaches at Arlington HS; went half time. Going to Susquehannah College to perform for people who have voted for fifty years. Going to Texas Christian. Encouraged all of us as we went along. Next meeting is in January.
Sally MatsonNo date for the next meeting yet, but we'll keep all informed as we know. If you have anything you'd like to add to these notes, for the calander or to pass along to the group, send it along.
Mike Francis