Da’Vine Moments in NYC!

Our day out with Trudy at Serendipity Restaurant. l to r (Mia, Me, Trudy and Erika)

Ok, today began the best birthday week ever! My day started with a nice trek through the East Village aka my old stomping grounds and mini shopping excursion on 5th Avenue with my girls. Once we finished our retail therapy we walked over to Serendipity for a lunch meeting with Trudy Williams. You may ask yourself who is Trudy Williams! Well she is the coolest white girl from Brooklyn that loves Wiz Khalifa and here’s the rub; she is the sister of John-Michael Tebelak. Tebelak was the creator of the groundbreaking musical Godspell. I talked with her about her brothers initial vision and she told us crazy stories with lawyers and producers on their road to Broadway. Trudy was a joy and delight to meet. Her tenacious whit and loving enthusiasm was just as bright as her wonderful smile. I am so thankful to Erika, Kara and Mia for inviting me out to this meeting. I talked to Trudy about our production of Godspell Jr. and the creative process used when trying to mount the production at BATAVA. As many know her brother did not see the success of what was initially was his thesis when he attended Carnegie Melon. The more we talked about him and his work the more emotional we all became. So after the tears were shed and a Frozen Hott Chocolate we began to smile knowing that as long as there are theatres there will always is a home for Godspell.

Libby, Richard Fleeshman (Sam Wheat) and Me after the show.

Now the night couldn’t get any better. I saw Ghost the musical, and it was awesome. Now there were some negative reviews and people I hope that you do not base your theatrical experience merely on reviews because this show was great. Caissie Levy’s performance was beautiful and captivating from the first note that came out of her mouth. Usually the first act of many shows drag due to establishing character and story, and it can get a bit boring. There was not a dull moment. The bits and pieces of The Righteous Brothers classic “Unchained Melody” made me tear up every time. I know that many of you are familiar with the movie and I remember going see this movie as a child and it is one of my all time favorite movies. Richard Fleeshman’s performance was delicate, humorous and touching. His leading man good-looks were befitting to the character that Patrick Swayze originated. The villainous character Carl Bruner played by Bryce Pinkham was right on point. Now these great actors held their own no doubt but there was Da’Vine intervention. Broadway will never be the same because this diva is a class-act. The sincerity in her commitment to the Character Oda Mae Brown; Tony Award Nominee DaVine Joy Randolph had me laughing so hard tears began to fall. Her comedic timing was right on point. Every time she stepped on stage the energy and presence was magnetic, she commanded the stage. “She filled the stage with her presence. She owned it, you cound’t wait for her character to come back on stage,” said Kim Hart. Da’Vine gave a Tony worthy performance! The acting choices made by these actors were brilliant. It was a breath taking rendition on a classic story. The movie delivered great performances by Demi Moore, Patrick Swayze and Whoopi Goldberg, and I have to say the Broadway production matched it.

Me talking to Caissie Levy (Molly Jensen)

There were many numbers that sold me, “Unchained Melody” “More” “Are You a Believer” the Act I closer “Suspend My Disbelief/ I Had a Life” and “I’m Outta Here.” I loved that Caisse kept her blonde locks and the producers did not make her look like Demi Moore. There were no imitations of the movie and I appreciate that! I didn’t know what to expect as I walked into the theatre because the screen to stage transition is a hit or miss, but I can tell you this was a HIT. Oh and I can’t forget Mr. Lance Roberts who played the Hospital Ghost who had a show stopping song titled “You Gotta Let Go” and I was in from the first note and his Fosse-esque movement made the choreographer in me smile! So my sweet Theatre-babies I would highly encourage you to see this show! If you have not seen this show get your tickets now. I read a few blogs on this show and I have to end with this quote, “Overall, this show is a must-see for all Broadway lovers! The music and songs are so beautiful. The performers are all amazing. The stage and special effects are far beyond what any show has done before! I recommend this show.” And on all I can say is DITTO!

Libby, Bryce Pinkham (Carl Bruner) and me after the show.

Libby, Lance Roberts (Hospital Ghost) and me after the show

Me, Libby, Caissie Levy and Relana