THE PRODICAL SON
I enjoyed playing the part of Lukas, the Prodigal son, on Saturday morning ,September 19th for bible study group. Its was a short play, but I had the honor of working with two very fine dramatic talents, Fred Salerno and Dean Corbett. Thank you for this opportunity with hopes that we will work together again.
NEW PROGRAMS AT MORGAN'S MUSIC JUNCTION BEING SCHEDULED
Morgan's Music Junction presents a world of entertainment. It is a pleasure to be part of this band because of the variety of music churned out that stage! Country, blues, rock...we've done it all and will continue to do so! Thanks to all the wonderful folks who have been and continue to support Morgan's Music Junction. www.morgansmusicjunction.com
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT MAKING A COME BACK!
It's a wonderful relief to see people going out again. The Village's squares are filled with smiling people. Musicians are finding stages to work on. There is actually a decline in streaming. On line shows were a way for performers to stay connected with their fans and in some instances, create a new format. My good friend Buddy J. displays his thematic piano/vocal shows direct from northern Norway on a regular basis, complete with beautiful graphics and interesting images.
The Morgan's Music band (of which I am a member) has been streaming our shows for a while. But...there is NOTHING that can compare to a live audience. Period!
BUBBIE SHOW
For those of you who read this site back in the Chicago area, please turn your attention the a great little venue called the Skokie Theatre. Cabaret legend Carla Gordon and others have appeared in a new musical comedy you might want to check out whenever it returns. check out www.skokietheatre.org
PROGRAM REVIEW
Welcome back, Skokie Theatre! In March of 2020, “Cooking with Bubbie” was slated to open here, but due to the pandemic lockdown, the show was put on hiatus. I am now happy to report this hilarious, heartwarming and high-energy musical just opened with Chicago comedienne Jan Slavin and Gold Coast Cabaret Award winner Carla Gordon alternating the role of “Bubbie.”
REVIEW
The setting of Cooking with Bubbie is a “taping” of a fictional TV cooking show much like today’s celebrity cooking shows. But this one features famous recipes from “Bubbies Cookbook” like brisket, kugel and mandel brot, the “original Jewish comfort foods” Plus, the show takes it one step further with dancing, comedy sketches, and 14 original songs including “Schmaltz”, “A Little Nosh”, and “Noshin’ on Hamantaschen.” The jokes were hysterical and the audience laughed throughout the performance. You’ll think you’re in the Borscht Belt.
On opening night, Carla Gordon starred and captured the essence of “Bubbie” with warmth, charm and a little feistiness on the side. Part advice-giver and always a loving Jewish grandmother, she talks to you from the stage like she’s talking to you in person. You’ll love her and want to hug her.
The show also stars Jessica Lauren Fisher, Jeri Hart, Jessica Surprenant and Connor Norton as the Bubbettes. Wilson Hicken entertains before the show on the piano and plays Bubbie’s schlemiel of a nephew, Sidney Lipshitz. Andrew Pond steals the show as J.T. in every scene with his many characters, physical antics and spot-on performance. He is a hoot.
Laced with images and videos of beloved Jewish comedians on two 55” inch TV monitors, the show will keep you laughing as well as move you in its tribute to the eternal survival of the Jewish people. (Be sure to enter the raffle for the TVs after the run has ended.)
Directed by Wayne Mell with musical direction by Aaron Kaplan and choreography by Marrianne Brown, the show features exquisite costume design by Broadway World Award-winner Patty Halajian. The costumes deserve a star of their own in this production, particularly for the Bubbettes, who sparkle in every scene.
Cooking with Bubbie is produced by MadKap Productions in conjunction with Orchard Street Productions and is written by founder and President, Jay Kholos. Kholos’ other work includes the Off-Broadway hit musical A Stoop on Orchard Street, Golda’s Balcony, Old Jews Telling Jokes and Wiesenthal.
Audiences are limited to 50 people with social distance seating also in place. In addition, a new state-of-the art air-filtration system has been installed and MadKap productions has implemented new protocols for guest check-in to eliminate crowded lines in the lobby. The performance plays without intermission.
This original musical runs now through August 22 and will travel the country before setting in New York. Skokie Theatre is located at 7924 Lincoln Ave in Skokie. Thursdays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $45 general admission, $38 for seniors and students and can be purchased online at SkokieTheatre.org or by calling 847-677-7761.
Live theatre is back in Skokie…don’t miss it!
MadKap is celebrating its 7th anniversary year at Skokie Theatre and is the recipient of the 2019 Artistic Excellence award from the Village of Skokie Fine Arts Commission. Wendy Kaplan and Wayne Mell formed MadKap Productions in 2012 and have premiered ground-breaking new plays like Clutter: The True Story of the Collier Brothers Who Never Threw Anything Out and Mr. Shaw Goes To Hollywood, written by Emmy-winning playwright Mark Saltzman.
VIEWERSHIP IS ON THE RISE
Less than a week ago, before I advertised an invitation to visit this site on Facebook, only a small number of visitors actually checked out the pages. Now I'm happy to report that the number has quadrupled in just a few days! I'm happy people have found this site. Please visit often and tell your friends!
WHY I RETIRED AND MOVED FROM CHICAGO
There is no doubt that the entertainment scene worldwide has become more competitive in recent years. Additionally, the covid crisis has intensified that struggle, forcing much respected fellow contemporaries to pursue internet presentations and drive way shows. I'm very happy to see markets re-opening.
When I turned 67 a few years ago, I reflected upon a promise I had made to myself as a much younger man. At age 67, I would retire. So..I kept that promise.
Save for the amazing experiences afforded to me by musical theatre, writing and performing with cabaret legend Carla Gordon and an occasional project or concert with Sami Scot, I was growing weary of operating as a human jukebox.
Conditions were right to retire and because of high Cook county taxes and other assorted fees, a voice told us to "GO SOUTH YOUNG MAN!" It must be understood that I am no stranger to Florida. I've been here on many family vacations and camping trips. My father lived in Boca Raton. I was stationed in the Navy Reserves at Jacksonville for a bit. My wife and I have nieces and nephews all over the western part of the state.
I used to watch late night informercials for THE VILLAGES...a retirement area that can only be appreciated by an actual visit. The ARTS and MUSIC communities have embraced me as an actor, writer and musician.
Please visit this site often because I will update and add things as often as possible.
THEATRE COMING BACK IN THE VILLAGES
The entertainment industry in general has taken a huge hit. Central Florida, in particular, has felt the impact as the biggest money generator in the state, Disney World, has laid off many cast members.
Locally in the Villages, since covid shots have become more available , people are beginning to return to restaurant and entertainment venues. Morgans Music Junction, where I perform on stage Thursdays and Saturdays, has been in action for months and we've seen some decent sized audiences of late.
As long as the covid numbers continue to go down and more tickets are sold, the better off we all will be.
I enjoyed playing the part of Lukas, the Prodigal son, on Saturday morning ,September 19th for bible study group. Its was a short play, but I had the honor of working with two very fine dramatic talents, Fred Salerno and Dean Corbett. Thank you for this opportunity with hopes that we will work together again.
NEW PROGRAMS AT MORGAN'S MUSIC JUNCTION BEING SCHEDULED
Morgan's Music Junction presents a world of entertainment. It is a pleasure to be part of this band because of the variety of music churned out that stage! Country, blues, rock...we've done it all and will continue to do so! Thanks to all the wonderful folks who have been and continue to support Morgan's Music Junction. www.morgansmusicjunction.com
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT MAKING A COME BACK!
It's a wonderful relief to see people going out again. The Village's squares are filled with smiling people. Musicians are finding stages to work on. There is actually a decline in streaming. On line shows were a way for performers to stay connected with their fans and in some instances, create a new format. My good friend Buddy J. displays his thematic piano/vocal shows direct from northern Norway on a regular basis, complete with beautiful graphics and interesting images.
The Morgan's Music band (of which I am a member) has been streaming our shows for a while. But...there is NOTHING that can compare to a live audience. Period!
BUBBIE SHOW
For those of you who read this site back in the Chicago area, please turn your attention the a great little venue called the Skokie Theatre. Cabaret legend Carla Gordon and others have appeared in a new musical comedy you might want to check out whenever it returns. check out www.skokietheatre.org
PROGRAM REVIEW
Welcome back, Skokie Theatre! In March of 2020, “Cooking with Bubbie” was slated to open here, but due to the pandemic lockdown, the show was put on hiatus. I am now happy to report this hilarious, heartwarming and high-energy musical just opened with Chicago comedienne Jan Slavin and Gold Coast Cabaret Award winner Carla Gordon alternating the role of “Bubbie.”
REVIEW
The setting of Cooking with Bubbie is a “taping” of a fictional TV cooking show much like today’s celebrity cooking shows. But this one features famous recipes from “Bubbies Cookbook” like brisket, kugel and mandel brot, the “original Jewish comfort foods” Plus, the show takes it one step further with dancing, comedy sketches, and 14 original songs including “Schmaltz”, “A Little Nosh”, and “Noshin’ on Hamantaschen.” The jokes were hysterical and the audience laughed throughout the performance. You’ll think you’re in the Borscht Belt.
On opening night, Carla Gordon starred and captured the essence of “Bubbie” with warmth, charm and a little feistiness on the side. Part advice-giver and always a loving Jewish grandmother, she talks to you from the stage like she’s talking to you in person. You’ll love her and want to hug her.
The show also stars Jessica Lauren Fisher, Jeri Hart, Jessica Surprenant and Connor Norton as the Bubbettes. Wilson Hicken entertains before the show on the piano and plays Bubbie’s schlemiel of a nephew, Sidney Lipshitz. Andrew Pond steals the show as J.T. in every scene with his many characters, physical antics and spot-on performance. He is a hoot.
Laced with images and videos of beloved Jewish comedians on two 55” inch TV monitors, the show will keep you laughing as well as move you in its tribute to the eternal survival of the Jewish people. (Be sure to enter the raffle for the TVs after the run has ended.)
Directed by Wayne Mell with musical direction by Aaron Kaplan and choreography by Marrianne Brown, the show features exquisite costume design by Broadway World Award-winner Patty Halajian. The costumes deserve a star of their own in this production, particularly for the Bubbettes, who sparkle in every scene.
Cooking with Bubbie is produced by MadKap Productions in conjunction with Orchard Street Productions and is written by founder and President, Jay Kholos. Kholos’ other work includes the Off-Broadway hit musical A Stoop on Orchard Street, Golda’s Balcony, Old Jews Telling Jokes and Wiesenthal.
Audiences are limited to 50 people with social distance seating also in place. In addition, a new state-of-the art air-filtration system has been installed and MadKap productions has implemented new protocols for guest check-in to eliminate crowded lines in the lobby. The performance plays without intermission.
This original musical runs now through August 22 and will travel the country before setting in New York. Skokie Theatre is located at 7924 Lincoln Ave in Skokie. Thursdays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $45 general admission, $38 for seniors and students and can be purchased online at SkokieTheatre.org or by calling 847-677-7761.
Live theatre is back in Skokie…don’t miss it!
MadKap is celebrating its 7th anniversary year at Skokie Theatre and is the recipient of the 2019 Artistic Excellence award from the Village of Skokie Fine Arts Commission. Wendy Kaplan and Wayne Mell formed MadKap Productions in 2012 and have premiered ground-breaking new plays like Clutter: The True Story of the Collier Brothers Who Never Threw Anything Out and Mr. Shaw Goes To Hollywood, written by Emmy-winning playwright Mark Saltzman.
VIEWERSHIP IS ON THE RISE
Less than a week ago, before I advertised an invitation to visit this site on Facebook, only a small number of visitors actually checked out the pages. Now I'm happy to report that the number has quadrupled in just a few days! I'm happy people have found this site. Please visit often and tell your friends!
WHY I RETIRED AND MOVED FROM CHICAGO
There is no doubt that the entertainment scene worldwide has become more competitive in recent years. Additionally, the covid crisis has intensified that struggle, forcing much respected fellow contemporaries to pursue internet presentations and drive way shows. I'm very happy to see markets re-opening.
When I turned 67 a few years ago, I reflected upon a promise I had made to myself as a much younger man. At age 67, I would retire. So..I kept that promise.
Save for the amazing experiences afforded to me by musical theatre, writing and performing with cabaret legend Carla Gordon and an occasional project or concert with Sami Scot, I was growing weary of operating as a human jukebox.
Conditions were right to retire and because of high Cook county taxes and other assorted fees, a voice told us to "GO SOUTH YOUNG MAN!" It must be understood that I am no stranger to Florida. I've been here on many family vacations and camping trips. My father lived in Boca Raton. I was stationed in the Navy Reserves at Jacksonville for a bit. My wife and I have nieces and nephews all over the western part of the state.
I used to watch late night informercials for THE VILLAGES...a retirement area that can only be appreciated by an actual visit. The ARTS and MUSIC communities have embraced me as an actor, writer and musician.
Please visit this site often because I will update and add things as often as possible.
THEATRE COMING BACK IN THE VILLAGES
The entertainment industry in general has taken a huge hit. Central Florida, in particular, has felt the impact as the biggest money generator in the state, Disney World, has laid off many cast members.
Locally in the Villages, since covid shots have become more available , people are beginning to return to restaurant and entertainment venues. Morgans Music Junction, where I perform on stage Thursdays and Saturdays, has been in action for months and we've seen some decent sized audiences of late.
As long as the covid numbers continue to go down and more tickets are sold, the better off we all will be.
more to come......