Mamma Mia, Ghost, Always Patsy Cline, and more!
Hi, friends!
I didn’t manage to get a post up after we opened Mamma Mia, because I was already totally occupied in both playing that show and rehearsing Ghost—but I’d like to say for the record that that it was a huge success! It broke ticket sales records for the Winnipesaukee Playhouse, and I’m very proud of the quality of the show and the work of everyone involved. It was a blast to play every night; audiences love hearing neverending ABBA tunes, and I have honestly never felt like more of a celebrity than during the Megamix every night! Once I have a little more time, I’ll be able to post some audio clips on the music page here; keep an eye out for that.
Meanwhile, we opened Ghost the Musical two nights ago. This process has been a very different experience than Mamma Mia, of course, but equally rewarding. This is the first time I’ve had a whole string section to work with (violin, viola, and cello, plus of course the rest of the band—guitar, bass, and drums), and it’s been incredible to play and conduct this lush yet quirky score. There are still two weeks of performances, so come on out!
On top of the full-length shows, the Winnipesaukee Playhouse company had the privilege of putting on a 70-minute concert for the Taylor Living Community in Laconia this morning. This is an annual event, but it's the first year I've been lucky enough to be involved. It was a lot of fun to accompany our singers on songs they chose for themselves, to hear band members Thea Mesirow and Allison Emata play a viola/cello duet, and to play and sing two songs I've written in the last couple years. The residents seemed to really enjoy the performance, and I got to chat with several of them afterward, including one woman who hails from Menlo Park, right next to my hometown of San Mateo!
Last and not at all least, I’m pleased to announce that I’ll be music directing Always Patsy Cline at Jean’s Playhouse in Lincoln, NH—only an hour away from where I’m working now in Meredith. It’s clearly the summer of the jukebox musical for me! This is my third in as many months. I’m honored to join the team at Jean’s and excited to get started on this touching and funny audience favorite. Rehearsals will overlap with the run of Ghost, and the show will open the weekend after we close at the Winni, so get your tickets and join me for two extra weeks in the Lakes Region!