My "Trolley Song" - Dance Remix :-)

I was petrified lighting Parliament after Parliament; I know the back story of the recessed filter and knew if I needed something clever to talk about; if the story was not interesting, I was showing brand loyalty.  I was at Club Paradise in downtown Lexington.  I was a first year junior attending the University of Kentucky; proud member of the Wildcat Marching & Pep Bands, loyal brother to a service and social Fraternity and Middle School Education student with an emphasis in Mathematics and Social Studies.  I had a niche for wooing and courting a Freshman girl for a few weeks, becoming quite the confidant and best friend.

"Gap" buds Stephanie and Van asked me if I wanted to go dancing; I jumped at the chance.  I had a closet full of tight T's, coincidentally, they still fit!  I turned up Bebe singing "A Little Brains, A Little Talent" from a recent revival of "Damn Yankee's" checking the look of my Levi's in the mirror, all the while singing with total abandonment.  Quaffed the hair with Aussie hair gel, splashed on a powerful amount of CK Be, because everyone else was wearing CK One; completing the look with a smart pair of shoes timed with the last verse of "Cinderella, Darling" from "How to Succeed..."  Baby blue house phone rang, ride was here.

I asked a few questions and was reassured what a good time it was going to be.  We were going for a few hours to let out some academic steam and to show joy for the life we had.  Stephanie and Van grabbed my hands, Van got the cover and we ascended the footfalls that led to the bumping bass and light show that got my heart pumping and adrenaline driving; I was greeted with Crystal Water's "100% Pure in Love". 

With perspiration of shyness dripping a bit on the brow, I lit my cigarette.  I couldn't stop at one until, the analog tubed boxes revealed Judy Garland riding the Trolley in St. Louis backed up with the 90s bass beat repeating, getting louder, forcing my hips to sway and shoulders to shrug in tribal type motion.  A brunette fellow approached with gleaming whites and asked if I would like to dance; the universe reeled and I found a bit of home.  It was my first gentleman dance.

Thank you, Dan for opening the chest on a past that had been forgotten.  May the cobwebs be wiped away and the joys, of moments defining who I am, be revealed.

Fairy Dusting #3 Karen Morrow, "Here she is Boy!"

The song "Funny Girl" by Styne/Merrill is in my ear and I can't help but wonder what story is being played out in the performers head as she emotes such tender fragility.  You see, Karen Morrow gifted me some tools that I had either forgotten or never knew.  Musical Theatre is theatre with music and it must not be forgotten.

This gorgeous woman, draped in a color (gold) which matched her heart and an ambiance that rivaled the sun in the sky, came strolling down Wilshire Boulevard.  As she approached I kept my joy inside for only seconds, because when she came through those doors and down the stairs; we greeted each other with musical theatre smiles that were only tamed as we took a sec to hug and kiss on the cheek.  I was meeting an inspiration and hopefully, a mentor.

What I had educated myself with YouTube clips, google searches and history books was coming true; the woman I saw, read and dreamed about was the real woman.  A genuine persona, conveyed in every performance, as actors we train continually towards.  A truism without falsehood or weakness, but confidence and eagerness.

In true Midwestern fashion, Karen had to be convinced that yes, a 30-something kid also from the Midwest, wanted to meet, learn and be taught by her.  Just as I was asked to accept what she told me during our lesson, I asked her to accept why I came to Santa Monica.  We both bowed heads with gentile smiles and giggled and accepted.

I don't want to talk about details because, well, I enjoy doing that over cups of decaf...  I will say this...  I began a friendship that is pretty dear to me.  I will cherish the experience and how it all came true; the simple way a letter can change a life and perspective of how one can look at the world and how a lesson in Musical Theatre acting can remind onself to be true and real in everything we do.

In 2004, I bought a one way train ticket and vowed never to go home, but promised myself to live the 1950's technicolor musical that I held so dear.  I'm doing it; and I will continue to follow my heart, dream the impossible and work hard making it happen. Sure, being a cockeyed optimist can be disappointing, but the reward and lesson learned when it's not, is amazing!

Sing a song and tap a toe; wherever you are and wherever you go!  Don't give up and don't stop dreaming; tomorrow may bring a purpose and meaning!

I Was in the Company of Stars!

May 6, 2011

A Pork Rillette sandwich, made and served beautifully by Chef Ben Bettinger, is sitting pretty in my gullet while being washed down with a glass of cold water.  I'm using the WiFi at Beaker & Flask; I got the last sandwich of the day and can I just pronounce a resounding YUM!  This bun filled with the other white meat has done nothing but make eating comparable to hitting a Kristin Chenowith unexpected C note!  It's 71 degrees in the Southeast industrial district of Portland, Oregon and the sun is still shining at 8 in the evening.  It's only Wednesday, but the week has been incredible!  When I arrived home, the sweet smell of Murphy's oil soap was permeating the halls with a sense of clean that I only know at my mother's house when it's the holiday season.

The production team of the new Amanda Seyfried feature film "Gone" was using my apartment as a holding room for the Producers, Directors and Actors.  I was hinted of such possibility by a musical performer friend of mine on my Facebook wall.  When he told me the building was going to be featured in a couple of scenes, I reminded him that I was once a great Barista in my day and if lattes needed to be made, I was the man to call.  I got the call and this wide eyed fella moved Piwacket, my silver tabby, to a friends and cleaned the house from top to bottom just in case my porceline throne was going to be used.

I called Katie at 5 and asked if it would be okay to come home; she said sure!  It's your home, why not?  With a spring in my step and a hint of a skip, I arrived with an introduction to Amanda Seyfriend's bodyguard.  I was told she would be in a bit of a hurry, but Amanda would be willing to snap a picture.  Katie told me to walk around and snoop a bit.  Without being told twice, I started to check it out.  With an efficiency like a Henry Ford assembly line, the crew set up, tore down and moved equipment that was foreign to the SE walk up; I thought I had walked back into my dormitory days amongst the rolling hills of the bluegrass.  Shots were gathered and prints stored until either the cutting room floor or audience would see the manipulated perspective the director visioned.

Heads with headsets shot down like a choreographed number and I was told Amanda is about to exit the building and I should place myself for her arrival.  She was GORGEOUS!  A natural beauty emerging from the factory after a long day of work.  She graciously said hello and shook my hand and said it was very nice to meet you.  We chatted about hiking possibilities on her time off and tap dancing; she noticed my tap shoes!!  We shot the picture and well... it was AWESOME!  Hunter Parish, Sabastian Stan, Jojo Proud and Bruce Lawson were just a few of the amazing folks that make the magic of the movies happen.

Movie making is magic, no matter what the genre; how we manipulate real life situations for works of fiction, transforming and emphasizing realism is amazing.  As humans we indulge ourselves with escapism art in order to check out from our work, our families, our lives...

FAIRY DUSTING! UPDATE: Karen Morrow

I am multi-tasking a bit; As my dad would say, "Sport, you have that big ol' Donny Osmond grin across your face!"  I'm making the playlist for next week's "Beats per minute."  My flight is booked, itinerary is being finalized, countdown has begun.  I've had a few folks ask, how did it happen?  Well, here's how... 

3/30/11

Dear Karen,

My name is Joey Klei.  I live in Portland, Oregon and would like to plan a trip to L.A. and take one of your classes.

Here's a bit about me:  Grew up in the farmlands of Michigan listening to 33's borrowed from the county library with wide eyes and tons of curiosity.  I headed to college and put myself in credit card debt taking dance classes and voice lessons with a dream of being like the folks I heard on the records.

It's been ten years since the graduation day and low and behold, I'm a pretty successful character actor working the musical theatre boards in Portland.  Love the scene here; Musical Theatre companies are celebrating 20 years or more with new companies popping up every year!  Though it's not profitable, I am defined as a "working actor"; and that makes me happy.

So far, I have had the opportunity to meet and work with Donna McKechnie and Harvey Evans.  SHOOT, I got to watch "West Side Story" next to Harvey, ride a few roller coasters and witness the 17 year cicadas in Cincinnati on a mini road trip!  I have a dream of meeting folks that inspire me everyday.

I'm a fan of yours and would like an opportunity to get some instruction.  I would like to ask permission to audit and audition for one of your Saturday classes, possibly sing a duet, shoot the bull over a cup of java and with your permission write about it on my blog:

www.cockeyedoptismistpdx.blogspot.com

I thank you for your time and with fingers crossed tightly, can't wait for your response.

"Embrace the unexpected and let the fates devise a stunning, cunning, wonderful surprise" - Mel Brooks

RESPONSE:

4/4/11

Hi Joey,

The fastest thing to do is to go to my web-site www.karenmorrow.com and see the schedule and other info.  I hope it is clear enough and helps you make plans.

Thanks,

Karen

RESPONSE:

4/20/11

Karen,

Thanks for your reply.  I have gone ahead and booked a flight to LA with plans to attend the Saturday, May 21st Workshop.  Would you like payment in advance?  Would you be interested in a video or sound audition before my arrival?  I have to admit, I am quite excited and working on a couple of pieces with my vocal coach; who is also quite excited about this experience.  Would you have the time to have a cup of coffee with me and share a story or two about your time in NYC or any other madcap experience that may be too good to be true?  Could I talk you into singing a duet or two with me?  I have two in mind, "How Could You Believe Me..." from ROYAL WEDDING and "Just in Love" from CALL ME, MADAM.

I want to thank you in advance for helping this corn fed widwestern boy make a possibility a reality.

I look forward to recieving your instruction and hopefully sharing a laugh or two!

Joey

RESPONSE:

4/22/11

Hi Joey,

Thanks for your interest.  Let me tell you a little about my class... it's usually small!  We have just done our showcase and folks usually don't rev up til after summer.  Each person does one song and I give them help and guidance with that and whatever comes up as an expample of something.  I don't sing with the students in the interest of time and decorum!!!!!  As for coffee, maybe we could go to Starbucks near the class around noon.  I don't know what your expectations are, regarding the class, but I hope they are not more that what I just told you.  No need to pay or audition in advance.  Keep me posted.

And thanks,

Karen

RESPONSE

4/22/11

Karen.

 

That's exactly what I was hoping for; I'm just a midwestern boy at heart searching for opportunities to meet some legends!  Help and guidance from a pro like you will benefit me for a lifetime.  Starbucks at noon sounds perfect, I only ask you let me treat and maybe I could snap a picture?  

 

Take care and GOSH, do I look forward to meeting you!

 

See you in a month and HAPPY EASTER!

 

Joey

It would have never entered my mind that such a thing could happen, but it has.  I challenge you to find something and follow your heart and just ask...  You never know what the world will hand you!

Find a song, tap your toe, pass a smile and say hello!  This world is short, but beautiful!  You can do it, with a song in your heart!  

Until next time; life CAN be a musical!

A Dancer Dances

A Rolling Rock arrived at its destination only to be refused; it was the first time I had ever bought a drink for someone.  The beautiful dancing muse walked in my direction with beer in tote and smiled as he grew nearer.  He said, "Thanks, but I don't drink beer; I'm Phil."  Phil and I have been soul sisters for 14 years now; from that first late night conversation on art as a form of expression, he has been a mentor.  He dances, wait. . . he expresses his soul when he moves.

Sometimes artist lose direction and need a helping hand; reasons unknown.  Fragile creatures who are driven by idea, situation or expression who are squashed like a gnat with one swoop of the hand.  Lately, we have both needed a helping hand; us Midwest folk are full of ideals and a kind of stubbornness that gets in the way.  With each others help, out came the albums of our past and together we reminded each other of how we began; remembrances of the way we smiled, dressed and presented ourselves to the world.  Though our creativity may be buried, it doesn't mean it's dead.  With each picture we pointed out and demanded each other to not forget; good or bad, it is a memory to be cherished.

I want to see Phil dance again; it has been a long time.  I call him out when he tries to give me an excuse; we can do that for one another.  The medicine is usually very hard to swallow, BUT it is always necessary.  Expression is very important and everyone must find their way; it's not easy.  But, I do promise that once you start, it brings nothing but joy.

Phil's gonna dance and I cannot wait to tell you how, when and where; I warn you though. . . he will be like a phoenix rising from the ash and will leave you with an overabundance of hope and love!

"Kiss the day goodbye, and point me towards tomorrow; we do what we have to do!"  Show the world a musical is real!!

FAIRY DUSTING! #1 - Karen Morrow & Megan Carver

I have a thing for belters.  As long as they can hit the back wall and have that sound slap an audience across the face twice with a silly reverberation, as Irving Berlin has put it, "I'm Happy!".  Karen Morrow and Megan Carver are two of my favorites!  I don't know Ms. Morrow except from what I can find in books and what I read on the internet, but I do know Megan, she's a Portlander! 

I have a fascination for the failures and the obscurities of Broadway. I came across Ms. Morrow's name in one of my coffee table books; the section discussed talent versus luck.  Among others, Ms. Morrow's name was listed and included a photo of this gorgeous brassy broad with a smile that begs for the compliment, "Nice Chompers!".  Well, I hopped on youtube and found this gem of history!  Ms. Morrow is one of many reasons I decided to train myself for working the boards.  I never wanted to be a Richard Kiley or a John Rait, though they melt my heart like any damsel in distress.  I wanted and still want to be a worker, one that has the talent and the ability to motivate an audience to the point of an "aw shucks" perma grin. 

When I see Megan Carver perform live, she slaps me across the face THREE times while falling back into my chair with a brassy belter's snuggie hug!  I got to know Megan a couple of years ago working on a production of "The Producers". We hit it off over a break, where we discovered we both had an affinity for Emergen-C.  Inside note: she likes orange, I prefer lime...  Just like Ms. Morrow, with ALL do respect, they both have unhingeable jaws that flip back when they hit that awesome note at the end of the phrase; AND they both do it with a smile!

My goal for April...  Make an appointment with Ms. Karen Morrow for a voice lesson and see if she's got time to talk to this west coast gypsy... keep your fingers crossed and send me some pixie dust of love my way!

Today, find your favorite brassy belter, turn the volume up to ten and see if you have an unhingeable jaw!  Just trying, I bet, puts a smile on your face!

Until next time, "Let them sing a funny song, with crazy words that roll along; and if that song can start you laughing...  I'm Happy!!"  Show the world a musical can be real!!

2011 Tony Awards

The Oscars are over. . . .IT'S TONY TIME!!  Sure, I dig movies, but theatre is my passion.  I've been in love since I picked up my first 33 1/3 LP of "Bye, Bye Birdie" from the Monroe County Library and saw that jungle gym that has gone down in history as one of Gower Champions phenomenal staging efforts!  I wait for that second Sunday in June with anticipation of what will be performed on that Tony stage.

This year I am going to make an effort to take my bite out of the apple and witness "Anything Goes" with Sutton Foster and Joel Grey; plus, "Catch Me If You Can".  I am fortunate this year to have a different angle on things; my friend Brisa, who is as equally geeky about the musical theatre art form, has thrown her chips in and is part of the producing team.  You can follow her efforts at makemusicals.com.

Catching lightning twice has sometimes been a strenuous experiment.  Two writing teams that come to mind both had failed attempts; Charles Strouse, Michael Stewart and Lee Adams with "Bye, Bye Birdie" and "It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Superman; and Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan with "The Producers" and "Young Frankenstein".  BUT, Rodgers and Hammerstein hit it out of the park with both "Oklahoma" and "Carousel".  What makes it work?

There's a lot of reasons.  I encourage you to keep coming back and follow as I throw a bit of history and some humor into a form that is truely us.

Watch a musical, let the emotion take you somewhere; it's what us dreamers live for.

Until next time, whistle a happy tune and tap your troubles away; show the world a musical can be real!