Dogpark: The Musical Backstage Video Blog #03 - Transformation

This is episode #3 of the backstage Video Blog series, and features a time-lapse viewing of the make-up application for Chip Duford's character, Bogie.

Dogpark: The Musical Backstage Video Blog #02 - Unsung Heroes

This is episode #2 of the blog series and special because it provides a rare interview with three of the hardest working members of the production of Dogpark: The Musical. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity. And you get a real feel for what makes these guys so important.

Dogpark: The Musical Backstage Video Blog #01 - Meet The Writers

This is installment #01 (of what will be many, hopefully) of a video blog which will give you a glimpse into the creation of a new musical. Specifically, the creation of Dogpark: The Musical at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre. This episode features Malcolm Hillgartner and Jahnna Beecham, the Composer and writer (1 of 2) for the show, and is a sneak peak at the creative process for the show.

Dogpark: The Musical @ Milwaukee Repertory Theatre Promotional Video

This is the promo video that The Milwaukee Repertory Theatre put out for Dogpark: The Musical, the show that I am currently going into the second week of performances of at their Stackner Cabaret.

I have augmented the video with actual music from the show, and a few titles for informational value.

Dogpark opening soon ... oh! and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We are in the final week of rehearsals before tech begins on Dogpark: The Musical. I had a big EUREKA moment yesterday which should make the transition to the final week much more pleasant and productive. We finally gained our long-lost cast member, Katherine, FULL time, so we are a complete functioning unit! HOORAY!

The show is shaping up quite well, and it should be ready and rarin' to go on January 9th, 2009.

Just occured to me ... It's New Years Eve Day (and I will be rehearsing both today AND tomorrow.)

Ah well ... might stay up if there are people that I know that are doing something ... otherwise ... it might just be a quiet christening in of the New Year at Chez DuFord.

So ... Happy New Year to everyone and come see us in Dogpark in 2009. (My calender will be updated soon with performance dates.)

Meantime ... here's the cover art for the script.

Holding Pattern

I've been here before, and been pretty impatient about it, but right now, frankly I just need the frickin' REST! We did basically a long weekend of shows for 1940's Radio Hour, and, though it was long, it was also fun and rewarding. Got to hook up with some old friends I hadn't seen in ages, as well as recreate one of my favorite college experiences again.

The 1940's Radio Hour at Hope College in 2008, was, by all accounts, a success!

Here are some pics from the camera of Paul Anderson.


Next up in December ... DOG PARK! More on that later!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Hiatus is OVER! ... for the moment.

Okay! So it's been six months or so since the last post! I have been lax. Nevertheless, making the effort here to 'get back on the ol horse.' To coin a phrase!

Currently I am mere hours away from opening an exciting project at Hope College in Holland, MI. For those of you who know me well, I KNOW! I KNOW! Hope College AGAIN!?!? But the project was just too good to turn down. Quite frankly, ANY work is too good to turn down.

20 years ago, when I was a student here at Hope, and still 'figuring things out' regarding what major I would focus on, I got cast in a musical in the theatre department called The 1940's Radio Hour. I played the role of Neal Tilden, cab driver by day, radio comedian by night. I loved the production, if for no other reason that the Hope College Jazz Band was going to be live onstage as the Zoot Doubleman orchestra. Singing with a 15 piece Big Band behind you! Pied Pipers-style vocal harmonies! Who can turn that down!

Well ... Hope is once again doing 1940's Radio Hour, and the concept is not only an homage to radio shows of the 1940's, but also to the original production I was in in the 1980's.

I'm taking on a different role this time. Age dictates that I play one of the more mature (read OLD!) characters, so THIS time around, I don the double-breasted suit of Clifton Feddington, radio producer. Less singing, but basically 'The Voice' of the radio show. And Brian Coyle has brought his jazz group from the Hope College music department up to snuff and they sound fantastic.

Some fun happenings connected to this production, loosely I'll admit, are that a few of the original cast members, including Joel Tanis, who was the Sinatra-esque Featured Vocalist Johnny Cantone in the 80's production, and who I have been working with for the past 3 summers on the children's TV show, COME ON OVER, will be attending, as well as 2-3 other members of the original cast, who have moved on to other areas of interest, but still live in the area.

We open tonight, as I mentioned, and play through the weekend. I'll try to get the calender updated, but it is pretty 11-nth hour so anyone interested should go to

http://www.hope.edu/pr/pressreleases/content/view/full/20725

For pertinent information.

More info on my Milwaukee project in the days and weeks ahead!