My cousin Chester tells me over our weekly dinner in Chinatown, "So you're the social butterfly. We didn't know you go out at all hours getting gossip for your column." My reply was "YEAH, I LOVE IT !!!!!!!" The best part is EATING, SEEING FRIENDS, TALKING and most of all REMEMBERING. (In that order) WHAT A LIFE, and it keeps getting better.

LOST: DON PERCASSI, Original Al in ACL B'way. If anyone has heard from him, please let us know what he's up to. Write me at: baayork@achorusline.org

DEREK HARRIS (Animal Crackers) also known as "Sweetie #1" called to tell us he got THE PRODUCERS on tour. Derek will probably bring his little boy over from Germany for the summer. He'll give him a taste of what tour life is all about. CONGRATULATIONS DEREK. I first met Derek when I wanted to take him to Italy to do Richie in ACL. He turned me down, but I got him shortly after that for ANIMAL CRACKERS. He hasn't stopped working since - he's done KISS ME KATE on B'way, and FOSSE on tour.

We also heard from JARAD CAFARO, he's hoping to make a CD of his live show that has been so successful.

Was walking down 49th street and saw a movie set up. Inside the barricade was EVAN HARRUM (Zach-B'way Forever) Says he has a part in the new sequel ANALYZE THAT. Evan, can't wait to see you, and we just love Billy Crystal.

JEFF K. WONG (Paul -Waltham) writes us about his experience with the show and a few good stories about LAURIE GAMACH losing her voice before opening night. Read Side Dishes, our latest feature to find out more.

THOMMIE WALSH (Bobby-original) wants to be known as the NEW YORK CORRESPONDENT for the website. So here is his First of many Scoops:DONNA McKECHNIE performed for the American Theater Wing Salute to BROADWAY VETERAN COMPOSERS. It was held at the Waldorf Astoria Ballroom (home of the old MILLIKEN SHOW) It was a stunning evening with performers Barbara Cook representing Sheldon Harnick. Stunning Chita Rivera sang and danced for Kander and Ebb. Tommy Tune did a short tune (no pun intended) of Cy Coleman's. The song and dance man Lee Roy Reams for Jerry Herman and of course our Donna McKechnie was there for MARVIN HAMLISCH. Also at Marvin's table was his lovely wife Terry and LUCIE ARNEZ (They're Playing Our Song) and husband Larry Luckenbill. Jerry Orbach was a terrific MC and Isabelle Stevens is still one of the loveliest women in Show Business. Donna, of course, sang Music And the Mirror and wore a Sensational Red Chiffon gown by BOB MACKIE. Thommie forgot to tell us he was the official director and escort for Donna.

NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY presented the 25th Anniversary Achievement in the Arts Award 2002 honoring MARVIN HAMLISCH recently. THOMMIE WALSH was the director of the event. Marilyn Michaels was the emcee and THE AWARD was given to MARVIN by CY COLEMAN, Achievement in the Arts Honoree 2000. There was a B'way revue which featured Julie Wilson and Craig Carnella.

Our LA Reporter RON DENNIS (Original-Richie) writes:SAMMY WILLIAMS, SAM TAMPOYA, LISA DONALDSON, BARBARA LUNA, LINDA DANGCIL and RON participated in the BACKSTAGE WEST "Garland Awards" for local theater. Performers in LA who performed at the soon to be torn down SHUBERT THEATER (ACL opened there in 1976) over the years were also acknowledged. The ACL group did a verse of What I Did For Love. SAMMY WILLIAMS and SUSAN EGAN did a duet of Waiting Around For the Girls Upstairs from FOLLIES. Unfortunately, the SHUBERT will be made into offices. Ron saw SCOTT PEARSON (Zack-B'way) who now works as an executive for FALCON and says he's as handsome as ever. The benefit for HAMILTON HIGH (the Performing Arts School of LA) has gotten LINDA DANGCIL, SAM TAMPOYA, LAUREN TOM, CHRISTINE SAFFRON, DEBBIE GEFFNER, KATE WRIGHT, SANDAHL BERGMAN, JUSTINE ROSS and KEVIN CHIN to participate in the finale of ACL. He adds this is the second year for the benefit and names like SCOTT BAKULA and RENE AUBERJONOIS, are just a few New York celebs that are going to host. Ron reports it was the first time he'd done Gimmie the Ball in two years and he had major flashbacks during rehearsals. He said "it was an odd, vivid experience for me to be in that space to observe my thoughts and memories about past ACL days and ENJOY THEM!! THANKS RON

ZOIE LAM (Connie-National) has just finished being consultant on THE KING AND I over at PAPER MILL. They've got her back again on MISS SAIGON. Keep it up Zoie, we are real proud of you.

Our BART ST CLAIR (Assistant Director-Gypsy) is so happy to have been chosen for the DIRECTORS LAB at LINCOLN CENTER. We all knew you'd make it. By the way Bart definitely crossed the finish line at the AIDS WALK April 21 in record time.

PETER BARRY (Mark -West End-London), after growing up to be LARRY / Assistant Choreographer/Dance Captain for my UK tours, had the urge to put those Ballet Tights back on for a while. He writes, he's enjoying himself and his next assignment is the Opera Elexis In Love at the Royal Opera. Peter says he's the oldest one in the dressing room, BUT WHO CARES. "I've got lots of advice to dish out to those young ones." Peter was only 21 when he played MARK in the West End.

SCOTT WISE (Mike-B'way) is associate choreographer on Twyla Tharp's newest project, the Billy Joel Musical, heading for Chicago for tryouts in June. GREGORY VICTOR (stage manager-2001 Tour) is also involved as the videographer and will also go to Chicago. Saw Gregory at the GOLDEN BOY run through at ENCORES. He was Walter Bobbie's Assistant on that one. Good luck guys. We need more original musical on B'way. By the way, I wanted to publicly thank GREG for sending me the video of me dancing with SAMMY DAVIS in GOLDEN BOY on the ED SULLIVAN SHOW.

Our man RANDY CLEMENTS (Zach -forever) as you know has settled down and is running a theater in Texas. We heard from him and here's what he had to say: Last month I did PUTTING IT TOGETHER and dovetailed right into THE REAL INSPECTOR HOUND. With all that going on I was rehearsing for DAMES AT SEA. This month I'll start production on THE MUSIC MAN and my wife ELISABETH (Choreographer) has had one of her pieces selected for the opening season for the ORLANDO BALLET. Well, I guess the CLEMENTS are a busy family. Randy promises to write an article for the website even with his busy schedule.

THOMMIE WALSH (Original-Bobby) has directed KOOKY TUNES with JAY ROGERS. It will be at DON'T TELL MAMA May 5, 6, 8 and 12. If you want to have a real good time try to see it.

BETH POLITO (Bebe-Bus and Truck) has been cast in the show SOME LIKE IT HOT with TONY CURTIS. We hear it's headed for B'way. We'll keep our fingers crossed for our BETH.

TONY BARTUCCIO (Greg-Australia) writes about his cast from1977 and what they're up to now: Look on the UPDATES for his contribution. Thanks Tony for all the information on our OZZIE pals. For the first company done in Australia in 1977 we took 3 Americans: CHERYL CLARK played Cassie, SCOTT PEARSON played Zack and PI DOUGLAS played Richie. CLAUDE TESSIER, who played Bobby, was Canadian. It was the first company that Michael let FRAN LIEBERGAL, JEFF HAMLIN and me do alone. What an incredible experience.

We heard from STEPHEN NACHAMIE (Paul-Regional) He saw KEN LEIGH ROGERS (Butch-International) and AMY LANGER (Diana-Euopean Tour 1996.) when they were in town. He says he's directing CHICAGO and JULIE GRAVES (Val) is a wonderful Roxie. Then he's off to choreograph a short tour of WEST SIDE STORY in ITALY. He'll come right back and go off to CHERRY COUNTY PLAYHOUSE to choreograph YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN. He'll do double duty there, he's also Associate Director/choroegrapher on SUPERSTAR. Did we tell you Stephen is also a writer? Bless you Stephen, keep up the good work.

ANTHONY INNEO'S (ZACH -B'WAY) play was produced at the Mint Space on 43rd. St. I was so delighted to see all the changes that had been made from the reading I had attend a month before. The casting had changed and a lot was trimmed. However as the evening rolled along in the second act the main character left the stage during a very serious monologue. We were so involved in the actor's speech that it was unusual for a director to have anyone move. With the sound still on we all experienced Niagara Falls amplified. We weren't sure if it was part of the play. The audience all started looking around and then we realized it was for real. Everyone lost it. Actors, Director and Audience. I'll have to go back to see the second act. Got to FOLLOWING THE LINE for information on ANTHONY INNEO'S play EVALUATING WOODY.

It was a wonderful outing with GINA PAGLIA (Diana-London) and her husband KEN at the EL FLAMINGO CLUB. We were there to support JAMIE ROCCO'S show STREAKING, a revue type show with lots of appeal. We all had a fun time going back to the 70's. MERETE MUENTER (Bebe-Atlantic City) was also there; she was having the best time during the sing alongs. Gina was selected to go on stage to play a contestant in "Name That Tune" section. I was holding my breath when they were calling out the names. She looked radiant on the stage, a place she grew up on. You never lose your SHOW BIZ appeal. When you've got it you've GOT IT!!!! We saw lots of backers there - lets keep our fingers cross for Jamie.

Word has it last week DONNA DRAKE was seen at the El Flamingo Club escorted by the New York Correspondent for achorusline.org THOMMIE WALSH. They had a good time too.

MIKI YAMASHITA (Connie-2001 Tour) sent us a flier announcing her Brand New comedy Talk Show LUTZ CHAT - Friday nights at 11 PM, Channel 57 (Time Warner) Channel 109 (RCN) She writes "We're Funny, We're Asian, We're on Cable Access." Good luck Miki.

Meeting with JONATHAN CERULLO (CATS), was very moving. His descriptions of seeing ACL and years later working with Donna McKechnie in SWEET CHARITY is the kind of thing that dreams and movies are made of. Read his article in TOUCHED BY THE LINE.

CHRIS LOKAMY (Greg - Nikko tour) is now residing in Las Vegas. Chris spent last summer on tour with SUPERSTAR in Europe.

JACK BRENTON (Don-Art Park) spent his 40th birthday in LA. Friends gave him the best time in PALM SPRINGS and of course dinner at SPAGO'S.

JOSE RIVERIA (costume -ACL) writes he's doing OK in LA. and has more jobs than he can shake a stick at. He also has bought a condo on the ocean. He says you walk out of the condo and the ocean view is heaven. Jose won't be able to attend the Atlantic City reunion. WE'LL MISS YOU JOSE. Go to UPDATES to read about what Jose is up to.

Our official New York Reporter ROBERT TUNSTALL (Bobby-2001 Tour) has a lot to say about KIM SHRIVER'S (Sheila-2001 Tour) Birthday Bash that her husband John gave her. Robert writes: John Samorian really outdid himself. First he took her to dinner where her two sisters surprised her. They had flown in from Chicago and Indianapolis. She was ecstatic to see them. Then they went to see the evening performance of Noises Off -which they enjoyed. After the show, he took her to Zanzibar to meet a married couple they knew. Of course, when she arrived she was greeted by a large room of friends singing "Happy Birthday." It was really a beautiful moment. JAMES HADLEY was there looking fab as always. He acted as creative photographer for the guests as they posed in the most provocative and pleasurable poses. He's enjoying his role of Dance Captain for Chicago on Broadway. DJ CHASE and SHANE RHODES will be going out on the West Side Story tour this summer. DJ got the part of "Action" and Shane will play "Geetar." BRENDA HAMILTON looks stunning with her new "doo". RAEGEN PIERCE told a story of how she use to shake her naked boobs in the dressing room during the drum solo of the Cassie dance. BRAD BRISCO was completely entertained. JILL SLYTER was effervescent with her presence. She gave me her website address: www.adventuresoflizandjill.com. which is worth checking out. HALDEN MICHAELS is looking forward to an upcoming trip to Disney World. He'll be like a kid in a candy store with 25,000 gay men to keep him entertained. Kim is off to Pennsylvania this summer to do Dames at Sea. The cake rolled out decorated with a Stripper on a pole. Kim confessed that she had had aspirations of being a stripper. So on the cake it said: "May all (which was crossed out and replaced by: SOME) of your dreams come true. -very funny.

I just went to Hollywood.com and saw that today (April 30) is Edward Kleban's birthday. I didn't know we were born on the same day...How cool is that!?!?! I always did like the "Uncommonly rare, very unique, peripatetic, poetic and chic" line. It seemed to flow so effortlessly from my lips of Bobbyness. So I'm off to do a dance industrial this weekend in Milwaukee with Raegan Pierce and Katie Cameron (Judy Euro '96 tour). Should be fun. I got an offer to Choreograph Gypsy at Hoffstra University this summer. The first auditions were this past weekend. I had a blast dancing all day and watching my choreography come to life. I saw DJ Chase who informed me that Kurt Kelly will also be on the West Side Story tour this summer in the role of Snowboy. Also, Roxane Carrasco (Dance captain Euro. '96 tour) is enjoying her Broadway run in Chicago. She plays "Annie" and goes on for Velma Kelly quite a bit. Tim Foster (Don Kerr Euro tour '96) is assisting Dan Siretta for the upcoming tour of Some Like It Hot.
Love to all... Robert Tunstall

FRAN LIEBERGAL holding general auditions for Paper Mill Playhouse. "That's a Good Thing." We love you Franny. She will be MD for MITZI HAMILTON'S ACL at The MUNY Opera this summer. We hope our JOHN SALVATORE (Greg - 2001 Tour) will be a part of it.

JOHN GOLTERMAN, my yoga teacher, had a visitor the other day. It was BIKRAM himself who always keeps in close touch with John. He had just flown in for the day, had lunch with John, did some business and was leaving that night. I MET BIKRAM, I can't tell you how much that meant to me.

SAMMY WILLIAMS (Paul-original) tells us he is about to choreograph THE MAN OF LA MANCHA for Downey Civic Light Opera. He also adds that he would make a better ALDONZA ! ! ! We know you would. Good luck on your new adventure.

It was wonderful to be at the MET to see PLACIDO DOMINGO sing SLY. It originally made its Western debut two years ago at the Washington Opera at the Kennedy Center, directed by Marta Domingo, choreographed by me. The lead was sung by Jose Carreras. Washington loved it, so did the MET and now it will go to Japan in June. Yes, my dances go with it too.

AMY UHL ( Director/Chorerographer ACL) is a teacher at STEPS. She write that the Steps Faculty in a Studio Performance featured everyone's work including hers. It was called STEPS BEYOND.

ANNE HAWTHORNE (asst. - Animal Crackers) is doubling while she's in rehearsals for PAJAMA GAME at ENCORES. She also is doing an Independent Film. Can't wait to see it. She's hooked on her Pilates classes given by one of the Milliken Breakfast Show dancers, LAURI HURT. Oh, did we tell you Wedding Bells are in the air for Anne and guess what 4'10'' "Peanut on point" is going to be in the wedding?!!!!!

MERETE MUENSTER (Bebe-Atlantic City) is getting ready on Sunday, May 5 to host the 10th Anniversary gathering of the ATLANTIC CITY CO. of ACL. She says it's going to be great seeing everyone again. LUIS VILLABON will be flying in from LA. We'll miss our WEBMASTER BRUCE who has been under the weather lately. We'll have to get another official photographer for the day. Get well BRUCE.

PORFIRIO FIGUEROA (PAUL- Visa Tour) has written a play, ICONIC NIGHTMARE. Went down to the Duo Theater in the east village to see the reading. The theater is right next to LA MAMA'S and of course Connie Wong felt right home (LOWER EASTSIDE). It is a Lantino Theater Collective and Porfie had a SRO crowd. The theater had over booked. How wonderful for a READING!! Porfi was a part of the theater 12 years ago as an actor and was proud to be returning as a playwright. This was the play's first reading and it had a lot of the elements to make us understand the flavor of the piece. There were a lot of ABC Executives and staff to support him. You all know he has a running part as the bartender on ALL MY CHILDREN don't you? Rumor at the party afterwards has it there will be a Premier in Texas or Arizona very soon. Good Luck Porfi, we'll keep an eye open for your new success.

Ran into ARTHUR BECKENSTEIN, life partner to JAMES KIRKWOOD (Author-ACL) on the #1 Train. For three stops we chatted about our trip to Vienna, for the opening of ACL and the wonderful day we spent in Budapest. A few days later I received an e-mail with this information: STEVE GUTTENBURG has just made a film of Jimmy's play/novel P.S. YOUR CAT IS DEAD! AJ. BENZA is in it and they are now looking for distributors. DIARY of a MAD PLAYWRIGHT: Perilous Adventures on the Road with Mary Martin & Carol Channing has just been re-released in paperback by Applause Books. It's a great read about his play LEGENDS and life in the theater. He saved the best part for last. Two Numbers from ACL will be on the ALLY McBEAL show on May 6 at 9 PM (Fox Channel 5 ). Hope you all watch. Thanks Arthur.

DONNA DRAKE (Original Trisha) tell us she has a show called ANDREW SISTERS HOLLYWOOD CANTEEN opening on May 20 at the DUPLEX. It plays every Monday and Wednesday night at 9:00 PM thru JULY.

JONNY PETERSON (Paul-UK tour) is singing his heart out at DANNY'S SKYLIGHT after 2 years on the road with CABARET playing the MC. He's glad to be back in the city promoting his new CD. Read FOLLOWING THE LINE for more about Jon.

MATT WEST (Bobby-B'way/film) just call to say he's off to Hawaii to sit on the beach and chill out spiritually. Matt had a rough time last year losing his Dad and his grandmother in two months. We understand Matt. Wish I were going with you, have a couple of MAI TIES for me.

I had a wonderful time with SETH RUDESKY for an hour's interview at DON'T TELL MAMA'S for the Metro Channel. He brought clips of The Ed Sullivan Show with Donna McKechnie and me doing "Turkey Lurkey", and Alice Playten doing "Poor Little Person" from HENRY, SWEET HENRY. I was part of the chorus with my long braids. Our WEBMASTER BRUCE was there and we were so happy to see LAURIE GAMACH who had lost her voice and was communicating by writing everything down. She was off to direct and play Cassie in Waltham, Ma. Hope she got her voice back in time.

The end of April has brought strange weather. I was taking a Bikram Hot Yoga class when it was 91 degrees out. The next day I was back in my winter coat because I was freezing. Now as I look out the window it hasn't stopped raining. Well, "that's a good thing" cause WE NEED RAIN. Thank you again for all your input in making April an interesting Month. Please continue to write me baayorkATachorusline.org

in loving spirit,

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