This is the announcement that went out about Betty Garrett's new show which is Opening at Theatre West on Friday, October 26th, 2007....Betty has been writing lyrics for years and years and years....another talent among her many many incredible talents. This is one show that I would really really love to be able to see....Aside from the fact that I know just about everyone connected with it, there is another reason.
Years ago Betty and I were in a fabulous class, the BMI Musical Comedy Workshop, for professional composers and lyricists who wanted to write for The Theatre. The Workshop was run and conducted by one of the great conductor/Composers of the Golden Age Of Broadway, Lehman Engel...A genius of a man and a person who listened to a song with the wonder of a child and someone who had never heard a song before....
Any amazing gift to all those who were lucky enough to partake of this class.... Around the third year of the workshop, Betty and I decided to work on a project together....We wanted to take the play "Cheri", which was based on two Colette novella's and originally adapted for the stage by Anita Loos---Both Betty and I had each seen it on Broadway, starring Kim Stanley, and it was memorable to both of us---And we wanted to adapt the play for the musical theatre. We wrote 6 or 7 songs, Betty writing the Lyrics, and me, the Music....We did some of the scenes at Theatre West with Betty playing the main character----an older woman who had been a Parisian courtesan and her young lover---Very Very french....and I played a maid and I also doubled on the piano, hidden just off-stage so I could accompany the two characters when they sang....One of the songs that we wrote is called "Let Her Go".....(It could also be sung by a woman just changing the gender)---in fact, as we conceived the whole, the character of the older woman would reprise the song later in the play when her young lover is leaving her....I have no idea what the 'context' is in this evening of Betty's but I do know the gentleman who is singing it in the show.....His name is Dan Keough and he has a really lovely voice....
It does give me a lovely feeling to know that a song of mine will be sung in a show that is current, you know?
It has been quite a while since anything of mine has been included in a performance of a professional nature...! The last thing was a song called "Mirror Image", which was included in a special CD recorded by the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, D.C. That was a song in which I wrote both the music and the lyrics.So, I am hoping I can somehow go to a dress rehearsal of this show....it is very difficult to control what I encounter out in the world, sickness-wise, and that could be a big problem with trying to see the show....But I know they all want me to, and I want to, too, so, I'm hoping we can make that a "go"....I sure would love to hear Dan sing this song.
Here are the lyrics:
Verse:
I took my mirror off the wall
And put it on the shelf,
Cause I knew if I looked in the mirror,
I'll start talking to myself
I've tried it once or twice
And I hate my own advice
But it's such good advice.
Chorus:
If you know she wants to wander,
And you can't keep her in tow,
Then your better off without her,
Let her go----.
If you find her eye is fickle,
Then she's not for you, you know,
Soon or late she'll break your heart so
Let her go
Pack her off in the night
If your sure that she'll go,
Anyway at dawn.
For love is like a smoke ring,
If you close your hand around it,
It's gone----.
If you know she doesn't love you,
Even though you love her so,
Let her go,
Let her go,Let her go-----.
And you might win her back,
But you won't,
If you don't,Let her go-----
That's the cast of this very special show....Maybe, someday, I will learn how to put music on this blog and or video, too...sorry you cannot here the music....It is a lovely and at times it is a slightly complex melody, but it fits the lyrics really really well.....More To Come.....
- had this to say:
I HAVE NEVER HAD AS MUCH TROUBLE WITH ANY POST, EVER....BLOGGER HAS LOST IT'S MIND, AND REFUSES TO GIVE ME THE SIZE GONT I WAMT....IF YOU SEE A WOMAN RUNNING NAKED THROUGH THE STREETS< SCREAMING--IY'S ME!
ENJOY IT ANYWAY.....UGH!- Sunday, October 14, 2007 at 9:42:00 PM PDT
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FONT, FONT, FONT...LOL!!!!!
- Sunday, October 14, 2007 at 9:42:00 PM PDT
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sounds like an amazing time..enjoy!
- Sunday, October 14, 2007 at 10:34:00 PM PDT
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Naomi,
It is a beautiful song (and also wise advice), and I hope that you can go to the show !
Congratulations on your song being sung in a current show - that would warm anyone's heart !
Hugs,
Loving Annie- Sunday, October 14, 2007 at 10:36:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
It is sooo lovely when you always talk about theatre and also your life with it. It is very interesting since I also love the theatre that's why I usually worked on theatres here in cebu as a stage manager, crew or sound tech. But there was once that I was both a sound tech. and playing a small role at the same time.
- Sunday, October 14, 2007 at 10:37:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
How exciting! I only wish we could hear it.
- Sunday, October 14, 2007 at 10:49:00 PM PDT
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Fantastic Post!!!
I hope you can go!!!
How exciting!!!
Your song is going in a current show!
Wooooooooooooohooooooooooooooo!!!
WTG!
Huggles and Love,
Raggedy
I have had font trouble lately too!- Sunday, October 14, 2007 at 11:46:00 PM PDT
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Don't worry, we always get you.
I can't imagine how thrilled you must be to have a song playing in the theater. I am very impressed. I would love to hear all of your music. Hopefully someone can tell you how to do that. I am NOT tech savvy.- Monday, October 15, 2007 at 12:42:00 AM PDT
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oh Naomi! You HAVE TO GO!! I really hope there is a way that you can at least get to a rehersal! Of course than you can report how wonderful it all is... see? You need to go! For your blog! hahaha..
- Monday, October 15, 2007 at 3:39:00 AM PDT
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Wow!! How fabulous for you Naomi! (and don't worry, blogger rarely loves me!!!)
It is a pity your illness is stopping you from attending but maybe someone could film it for you and then you could share it with us! *heehee*
What beautiful lyrics - you are a very special and talented person, that is for sure....- Monday, October 15, 2007 at 4:31:00 AM PDT
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I have goosebumps. I would love to see this show myself!
I hope you get to see it, if only for the dress rehearsal, to hear your song and feel the magic again.- Monday, October 15, 2007 at 5:22:00 AM PDT
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Seeing you running naked through the streets screaming does paint a picture Naomi!! I know what you mean though. Blogger just refuses to cooperate at times!!
I love this!! How wonderful that this show is coming. I do so hope you get to go. Well...you just MUST you know!! It's too exciting not to. I wish I could go. How very exciting!!! I love the lyrics to the song. Wonderful!! You are so talented dear Naomi.
Oh yes!! You MUST Go!!!- Monday, October 15, 2007 at 7:06:00 AM PDT
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How wonderful and thrilling!! I hope you can go see it, I truly do!!!
- Monday, October 15, 2007 at 7:35:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
I can't wait to see this show!! And if you need any help getting to the theatre for a dress rehearsal, etc., we iz here!
When I think about how many times I've seen Betty on a stage in the last few years and how great she was every time, added to the fact that she is now 88 years old, I am just in awe of her talent and stamina!- Monday, October 15, 2007 at 8:28:00 AM PDT
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Naomi, I wish I lived close to you so I could take you to a dress rehearsal, with EMS squads and face masks and oxygen galore!! I know it will be wonderful!
- Monday, October 15, 2007 at 9:39:00 AM PDT
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I do hope you are able to see your friend and yours work on stage!!! What an awesome time that would be! So exciting!
Have a wonderful week my friend!- Monday, October 15, 2007 at 12:10:00 PM PDT
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It really does look wonderful. And I get these cards for so many things. When I got this, I noted how well done it was, artistically speaking. Very nice mailer.
~S- Monday, October 15, 2007 at 1:38:00 PM PDT
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I have my fingers, toes, legs and other appendages all crossed that you will be able to make it to the dress.
BTW if you lived here you could watch TV tonight and try and spot me ;)- Monday, October 15, 2007 at 3:12:00 PM PDT
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Oh this is just too fabulous! I'm so happy for u. As others have said, I would love to hear the music. I sure hope u can go to the show! If so, photos photos photos lol!
- Monday, October 15, 2007 at 5:45:00 PM PDT
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Hiya Naomi...this is absolutely wonderful and you are so talented, wish I get to hear the music ya!
When I was a little girl I have always broadway musical but then I couldn't afford it. Much later now, there is a lot of musical being brought in to Singapore and I get to attend most of them.
Thank you for such an amazing post I can see that everyone enjoys it :D- Monday, October 15, 2007 at 5:56:00 PM PDT
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Oh how wonderful!!! Congratulations Naomi and congratulations to the amazing Betty Garrett!!!! You are both such inspirational ladies - I do hope you find a way to go, I will be sending you good vibes and have my fingers crossed for you.
PS: Blogger has been fine for me but Bloglines has been playing up and hasn't listed your recent posts, I thought you had stopped posting for a while and when I popped in you have 3 posts I haven't seen yet!! Grrr Blogger & Bloglines!!!- Monday, October 15, 2007 at 6:40:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Blogger can be quite a bugger sometimes!!
Is that YOU I saw streaking around the block???
You told Jason and me about this show when we visited you. At that time, you said you wished she'd use one of your songs in her upcoming show.
I am SO glad she did!!!!
I want you to be able to go see it. A dress rehearsal would be good because you won't be exposed to as many people.
I DO hope you can work it out, but I know you are taking a chance by venturing out and being exposed to a lot of bacteria and viruses.
I'm happy for all who are involved with Betty's new show. It is wonderful that she is able to do this.
The words of the song are wonderful, and I know the music is too, even if I can't hear it. If you wrote it... then it's GOT to be wonderful!!
It is nearly 2 a.m. here. I don't usually stay up quite this late. I better hit the sack!
If you decide to go streaking again and yelling your angry head off at Blogger, you might want to put on a robe at least. I saw some of your neighbors setting up their tripods and video cameras. You just might end up stark naked on You Tube.
Oh, Lord! You see how silly I get when I'm tired??!!- Monday, October 15, 2007 at 11:45:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
Oh Honey, I do hope you can see the show or a dress rehearsal. It would lift your spirits so and create new memories.
My dad had immense immune issues with a rare illness in regard to crowds, so I understand. It was hard for him to decide when to forego the best physical advice and go for the mental. I don't want you to become more ill.
Is there a way they can audio/videocast the show to your home, like I see on the Jay Leno Show w/ those huge video screens. I know it's not the same but it's just an idea.
P.S. LOL about streaking. I almost wrote on JD's post that I sure need "life models" for my artwork so a "buck naked church" would this artist with a glorious UPlifting opportunity no matter what others think of "Gravity" lol.- Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 6:20:00 AM PDT
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I hope you can go to see this show, Naomi! Really it sounds great! Congratulations on your song! Many hugs!
- Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 11:44:00 AM PDT
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is this the Danny Keough who was married to Lisa Marie Presley?
I have had problems with blogger last night and today also. Today with comments, last night with posting photos. Computers can be so irritating- Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 12:23:00 PM PDT
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I wonder if your song can be purchased from the I-pod store. I will have to ask my husband to look when he gets home from work tonight......I would love to hear it sung.
Naomi, Do you still write music?- Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 4:30:00 PM PDT
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Love the song, so nice to come here and visit you!
- Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 4:30:00 PM PDT
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BTW: you just have to make it to the show even if you have to wear a surgeons mask to keep out the germs.....
Good advice in your lyrics there, Naomi.- Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 4:33:00 PM PDT
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Wow! How cool is that?! You've got to post a video of it :)
- Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 4:38:00 PM PDT
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Wow! How cool is that?! You've got to post a video of it :)
- Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 4:38:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
Music by Naomi Caryl - Lyrics by Betty Garrett is certainly a winning combination. The memories attached to the song are magical and WHEN, NOT IF you go to the dress rehearsal, it will be a magical revival. We'd all like to be there with you on this journey into once upon a time.
- Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 5:29:00 PM PDT
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OK, I got it, You are George not Ira.....Each cannot do without the other.
- Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 6:46:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
That's great that your song is included and that Betty is still creating wonderful songs. Would wearing a mask help? Like some people do who have bad allergies? If not, maybe you could get someone to videotape it if it's not too dark.
- Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 8:13:00 PM PDT
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Running through the streets naked, Naomi? *polite cough* Maybe that'd be a better show than Betty Garrett's production. Where should I go to get the best seat?
- Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 11:56:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
Sounds like another great evening of theatre is coming from Theatrewest! I plan to go, and everybody in the LA area should, too! This is going to be one really big "shew".
Now-- how to minimize risk when you go. First, try to go to the rehersal just before the dress. Most dress rehersals have a sizeable audience of friends, family etc. and while schmoozing is fun, you have to weigh the risk. Second, sit toward the back of the theatre, even if it is empty. Any dancing or stomping on the stage raises dust, which is an irritant to your "improperly attired" lungs, and may contain bacteria or viral particles. Don't go backstage. Stay away from curtains, drapes etc. Surgical masks are uncomfortable, and sometimes can do more harm than good because they reduce airflow etc. If you want filtration, it really takes an industrial strength unit with a face mask. If you have to wear one of those, since Halloween is near, do a fun "space suit" costume to go with it. Have one of your pals spray Lysol disinfectant(not air freshener) in the restroom 5 minutes before you use it. Hold the can very high, and let the mist settle before you get there. Keep your hands away from your face, hair etc. and if you can tolerate it, bring and use Purell (hand sanitizer). If possible, ask that the air conditioning and heating system be turned off while you're there. The weather is likely to be chilly, but the stage lights will keep the performers warm enough. You! Bundle up! Avoid hanging around the lobby, and don't embrace ANYBODY! If you shake hands, wash yours as soon as possible. When you get home, into a nice hot shower(including shampoo) or bubble bath immediately. Don't forget to spend the a few days before resting, eating well, and adding extra "whatever works for you" immune boosters to prepare for the big event. Remember, "don't be nervous, don't be flustered, don't be scared; be prepared"!
I'm not just an old spoilsport. My late husband was in fragile health for a couple of years before he relocated to Pearly Gates Estates, and similar precautions made it possible for him to enjoy many wonderful things he might otherwise have missed. Also, I was an A science student not only at Normandy,(lol) but at more traditional schools as well.
I'm sure tw will be videoing the show for the archives, and will let you see the finished product, as well as the (lol) outakes.
So, go! and enjoy!
Sorry to "write a book", but I'm a preservationist not only of old old buildings, but old old ladies (and gentlemen) as well, and this may be of use to other blogsters.- Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 8:39:00 AM PDT
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I wouldn't miss this for the world. Wear a surgical mask and gloves. If you need more protection, borrow a burka from someone, just find a way to go. It will be so memorable for you and for your friends that you were able to join them. Good luck, I'm pulling for you!
- Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 6:03:00 PM PDT
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So? Are you going are you going? Is it decided yet? I'm sitting on the edge of my seat over here! But seroiusly, I really do hope you get to go, sounds like you'd have a wonderful evening of it.
- Monday, October 22, 2007 at 4:31:00 PM PDT
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