Michael Colby!
The only way to have a career in theatre is
never face the facts."
-Ruth Gordon
Happy Monday!
The Giants won the Super Bowl, it's Bob Marley's birthday, and everyone is talking about a Super Bowl commercial starring Clint Eastwood!
How's that for covering several bases? Well, the person I am writing about today is also someone who is covering more than one base. Michael Colby has several musicals that he has had produced over the years as well as one that I will be covering in a few days. Tomorrow, I have been invited to a rehearsal of a reading of a concert version of Boynton Beach Club featuring Barbara Minkus which is going to be performed in Florida later this month. This, of course, is based on the movie of the same name. Here is the plot summary from the IMDB website, " A romantic comedy about our amazing capacity to rebound and fall in love at any age. Lois, Harry, Marilyn, Sandy and Jack live in an "Active Adult" community in Boynton Beach, Florida. Their lives intersect when they meet at a local Bereavement Club where they go to find emotional support after the loss of a loved one. For anyone who thinks that new love and romance ends long before retirement, they're in for a reality check.
No one sees themselves as becoming old, and the residents of Boynton Beach aren't about to start."
Michael sat down to discuss where he's been and where he is, before arriving at Boynton Beach.
-Ruth Gordon
Happy Monday!
The Giants won the Super Bowl, it's Bob Marley's birthday, and everyone is talking about a Super Bowl commercial starring Clint Eastwood!
How's that for covering several bases? Well, the person I am writing about today is also someone who is covering more than one base. Michael Colby has several musicals that he has had produced over the years as well as one that I will be covering in a few days. Tomorrow, I have been invited to a rehearsal of a reading of a concert version of Boynton Beach Club featuring Barbara Minkus which is going to be performed in Florida later this month. This, of course, is based on the movie of the same name. Here is the plot summary from the IMDB website, " A romantic comedy about our amazing capacity to rebound and fall in love at any age. Lois, Harry, Marilyn, Sandy and Jack live in an "Active Adult" community in Boynton Beach, Florida. Their lives intersect when they meet at a local Bereavement Club where they go to find emotional support after the loss of a loved one. For anyone who thinks that new love and romance ends long before retirement, they're in for a reality check.
No one sees themselves as becoming old, and the residents of Boynton Beach aren't about to start."
Michael sat down to discuss where he's been and where he is, before arriving at Boynton Beach.
Julie Newmar in Lil' Abner |
Where do we begin?
As a kid, Michael was a captive audience at birthday parties, watching magicians, puppet shows, and horrifying clowns. There were elementary school pageants (in which he also made his stage debut, playing himself in an embarrassing costume).
His Brooklyn Jewish family (paternal) took him to Purimspiels.
His Southern Jewish family (maternal) took him to Radio City Musical Hall. However, the turning point was when he saw his first Broadway show, L'IL Abner. He was absolutely captivated by every nanosecond.
His first report card (in kindergarten) reported "Michael is a very endearing child with a good knowledge of stories. He enjoys dramatic play and loves to dress up."
As a kid, Michael was a captive audience at birthday parties, watching magicians, puppet shows, and horrifying clowns. There were elementary school pageants (in which he also made his stage debut, playing himself in an embarrassing costume).
His Brooklyn Jewish family (paternal) took him to Purimspiels.
His Southern Jewish family (maternal) took him to Radio City Musical Hall. However, the turning point was when he saw his first Broadway show, L'IL Abner. He was absolutely captivated by every nanosecond.
His first report card (in kindergarten) reported "Michael is a very endearing child with a good knowledge of stories. He enjoys dramatic play and loves to dress up."
Growing up, Michael was truly blessed in regards to the arts.
His late grandparents, Ben and Mary Bodne, owned the Algonquin Hotel from
1946-1987, so he virtually grew up there. Even before his grandparents
moved to New York from Charleston SC, they were touched by theatrical lives.
George Gershwin befriended them, when he was in
Charleston researching PORGY and BESS. He'd hang out at my great
grandfather Elihu Mazo's Jewish deli and perform his new compositions for the
family. Michael's family was also close to DuBose Hayward (playwright of PORGY,
etc.). Once the Bodne's took over the Algonquin, Michael would take weekly trips
from Hewlett L.I. (wherehe lived) to see shows with his family in NYC. He
saw most of the Golden Age musicals from 1956 onward. And visiting the
Algonquin was like something out of Eloise (His middle name is even Elihu).
He has countless stories of friendships with creative forces and talents
who stayed at the hotel.
Michael's first professional job came in September 1975. He was assistant to Stephanie Copeland,
Artistic Director of the Stuart Ostrow/St. Clements Musical Theatre Lab: the
first non-profit organization created for the development of new musicals.
Michael says he learned a lot there.
Michael's thoughts on Arts in
Education
Absolutely
essential. The perfect place for students to learn about culture,
including American's extraordinary contributions to it. Also a wonderful
gathering place for the young to work together in a stimulating and creative
environment.
Have you ever felt like you
were born in the wrong era? What other period of time do you relate to and why?
I'm happy about the era in
which I was born. Saw many brilliant shows and lived through many
important world events.
Your thoughts on Carol
Channing (All my blogs focus on Carol Channing’s Foundation For The Arts)
I’m campaigning for Carol
Channing to receive the 2012 Kennedy Center Honor in 2012. If you agree that
she should receive this honor, can you say why you think this should happen
As many know,
I have always been a huge Carol Channing fan. I saw her in the
original HELLO, DOLLY! and took my son to see her in the revival. We were
equally captivated meeting her backstage. Having seen her in such shows
as FOUR IN THE GARDEN, I know she's not only a magical personality but a very
fine and versatile actress.
Most recent appearance
I sometimes perform my
songs as The Salon in NYC.
Next appearance
Probably at The Salon in
NYC. I prefer seeing my musical performed by professional actors and
actresses. There are so many greats with which I've worked (See my
website for details: www.MichaelColby.com)
What is your biggest success in Show Business?
CHARLOTTE SWEET (the
musical I co-wrote with the late Gerald Jay Markoe) received rave reviews and
Drama Desk Award nominations for us both. But I have many favorite shows
and collaborators: Ned Paul Ginsburg, Paul Katz, the late James Fradrich,
Jack Urbont, the late Jerry Markoe, my wife Andrea, among them. Though
I've never really made a living in theatre (I keep my day job as a substitute
teacher), I've been gratified by how much my musicals have meant to so many
people. The casts of many of these show remain good friends and consider
working on the shows among their favorite experiences. There are cult
followings for such show as TALES OF TINSELTOWN, LUDLOW LADD, NORTH ATLANTIC,
SLAY IT WITH MUSIC, and THEY CHOSE ME!
What was your lowest low
and how did you surpass that?
I've
lost track of all the low points--manly resulting for musicals that turned out
beautifully (or were wrecked by circumstances), then did not have the afterlife
I'd hope for. Still, if I had to cite one example, it would be my
experience on the musical MRS. McTHING. I began working on this show with
Mary Chase (HARVEY) who passed away during its development. I took it on
myself, collaborating with composer Jack Urbont. It was chosen as one of
the 4 musicals in the inaugural season at Goodspeed's Norma Terris Theatre.
Without going into detail, there were a series of conflicts and clashes
with people who'd been like family to me. This led to deep chaos.
Michael Price (Goodspeed's artistic director) fired our leading lady
after the first preview and morale grew even worse. Jeanne Lehman was
rushed in to take over and she learned the role in an astonishing 24 hours.
Ray Gill (DRIVING MISS DAISY) was a phenomenal leading man. And our
first two reviews were raves, despite the chaos we'd endured.
Unfortunately, the one review that really mattered—Variety—was a horrible
pan, dooming the show's future. This review came out on the eve of my
33rd birthday. The end result of this (and other personal factors) was I
had something of a nervous breakdown. Fortunately, my hospital stay was
short. And several months later, I used the experience to write another
musical--supposedly about Hollywood Babylon but really about my experience at
Goodspeed. That show, TALES OF TINSELTOWN, is one of my all-time
favorites.
What one change would you
like to see in today’s industry?
Finding a way to bring down production -- and especially ticket
-- costs. It's an enormous shame young audiences can't afford to attend
theatre on the same regular basis as past generations.
Who are your TOP FIVE
models and influences as an artist?
1. Lorenz Hart
2.
Ernie Kovacs
3.
E.Y. "Yip" Harburg
4.
Robert Browning
5.
The creators of the musical CABARET (original version)
If you could not be in show business, what would you do?
Teach.
Are you happy at the point
you are right now in your career?
Gratified
in many ways, frustrated in many others.
Do you feel you have
achieved what you set out to do?
Creatively
yes. Financially, let's just say I've "given" a lot to the
Arts.
What do you do to remain
positive when life's hiccups get you down?
Andrea, Lilah, Steven, Michael, Maximus |
Cling to friends and
family, start therapy, and refill my anti-depressants.
How on earth do you reach
theatregoers now that newspapers are obsolete and there are so many channels on
TV you can’t pick the right ones to advertise on and with the web being so hit
and miss.
The Internet and other media
connections. Also a megaphone can help.
A genie pops out of the
lamp, he grants you three wishes. What are those wishes?
1. One of my musicals
(past, present, or future) becomes a big enough success to financially sustain
my life in the Arts.
2.
To share such success with family and friends.
3.
That my musicals become a source of inspiration to young audiences.
If you could travel
anywhere in the world and spend some time there, where would you choose, and
what would you do?
I'd
visit the 30s to hang out with Larry Hart and Yip Harburg, my heroes.
What would you ask God if you could
right now?
Lead
me to hone in on my talents so I can better help myself and others. And
thank you for all the money you saved me on a nose job.
What is the last stage show
you saw. Local or professional.
Michael’s only nude shot. |
Roundabout's LOOK BACK IN
ANGER. Hope that doesn't sound too metaphorical.
If you could change places
with anyone in the world for 24 hours, who would that be and why?
There isn't anyone except,
maybe George Clooney to be rich, famous and smart (But then I'd changed my mind
knowing I could do that and still be father to my beloved son Steven and
husband to my adored Andrea).
When do you know it’s time
for a Michael Colby show?
Any
time spirits are in need of lifting or lessons to be learned.
What do you see for
the future of Cabaret?
I
can only hope it's a venue that sustains the great American songbook and
doesn't veer off into today's hardrock and scatological songs. I mean I'd
like to be able to take my young students one of these days.
What can we do to get your
type of entertainment to new audiences?
Remind readers to visit my
website--www.MichaelColby.com--to find suitable songs and shows that are always
fun to present. Also, PLEASE tell your friends in Southern Florida:
"Go see BOYNTON BEACH CLUB: A NEW MUSICAL IN CONCERT" for the time of
your life!"
BOYNTON BEACH CLUB: A NEW MUSICAL IN
CONCERT. Based on Susan Seidelman's hit film, the musical plays February
10-12 at The Park Vista Theatre in Lake Worth FL. The show has a libretto
by Susan Seidelman, music by Broadway arranger Ned Paul Ginsburg, and lyrics by Michael Colby. Directed by Pamela Hunt (MUSICAL OF MUSICALS), it features an
all-star cast including Alan Campbell, Stephen Berger, Nora Mae Lyng, Heather
MacRae, Barbara Minkus, Barbara Walsh, and Mark Zimmerman. You can read
more at their website: www.BoyntonBeachClubMusical.com
Thank you, Michael, for the gifts you give to the world!
NO COPY WRITE INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY!
Please do what YOU can to be more aware that words and actions DO HURT...but they can also heal and help! Follow me on Twitter If you've seen one of my appearances/shows, add your thoughts to my guestbook at www.RichardSkipper.com
Tomorrow's blog will be...CELEBRATING PAMELA LUSS!
Here's to an INCREDIBLE tomorrow for ALL...with NO challenges!
Now, GO OUT AND DO SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE ELSE TODAY!
Become A Facebook friend of mine!
Please contribute to the DR. CAROL CHANNING and HARRY KULLIJIAN FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS
TILL TOMORROW...HERE'S TO AN ARTS DAY
Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com
Thank you, Michael, for the gifts you give to the world!
NO COPY WRITE INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY!
Please do what YOU can to be more aware that words and actions DO HURT...but they can also heal and help! Follow me on Twitter If you've seen one of my appearances/shows, add your thoughts to my guestbook at www.RichardSkipper.com
Tomorrow's blog will be...CELEBRATING PAMELA LUSS!
Thank you, to all the mentioned in this blog!
Now, GO OUT AND DO SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE ELSE TODAY!
Become A Facebook friend of mine!
Please contribute to the DR. CAROL CHANNING and HARRY KULLIJIAN FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS
TILL TOMORROW...HERE'S TO AN ARTS DAY
Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com
This
blog is dedicated to ALL of the the great entertainers that have played in shows associated with Michael Colby...and here's to the success of Michael!
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