The original company of ACL has been bewildered since1983 because they lost track of Chuck Cissell, original Butch and Paul understudy. He just disappeared after the1983 reunion.We all felt something missing at our gatherings and it was Chuck. Flash forward to 2002. Billie Thrash assisted me when I directed REST IN PEACE in Oklahoma City. Her husband Bill, is with PBS down there, and they went up to Tulsa to the opening of the JAZZ HALL OF FAME. Upon reading the resume of the Executive Producer they saw A Chorus Line and the rest is history. FOUND: CHUCK CISSELL! Click here to read Chuck's letter to the gang in E-Notes.

Went down to the Here Theater on Spring Street and 6th Avenue to catch our BART ST. CLAIR'S direction of A GLANCE AT NEW YORK done in the 1800's. It was part of LINCOLN CENTER'S DIRECTOR'S LAB Series. He was lucky enough to get to direct his own piece, and it is amazing how clever one can be with two window panes and a 10-foot rope. You can do some of your best work with no budget. Bart captured the period and accents beautifully. His direction was fluid and funny. He researched the music and got all original tunes from that period. We are all hoping his work will be recognized and work will come from this.While waiting to be seated I ran into BEBE NEUWIRTH whose boyfriend was playing one of the leads. She always looks great. Tried to talk to her about the website but unfortunately she's hasn't a computer to even check us out. WILL MEAD (Mike -National) was on hand also from California. He was selected to be in the DIRECTOR'S LAB also. He promises to write us and let us know what he is up to.

HOT OFF THE PRESS: MICHAEL SERRECCHIA (Frank-original) stopped into New York from Dallas with his life partner, Michael. They were on their way to Vermont to GET MARRIED. Will see them when they get back to get all the news.

DONNA DRAKE (Tricia-original) will be directing a 60's Rock n Roll Musical Called PASSIN' THRU. It will be presented at the PRODUCER'S CLUB in September.

PATTI D'BECK (B'way ACL) breezes into town to participate in JEFF CALHOUN'S workshop of B'KLYN.

Was so happy to be invited to the preview of I'M NOT RAPPAPORT by producer ROY MILLER (ASSOICATE PRODUCER -PAPER MILL). Ran into REAGAN PIERCE (Kristine-2001 Tour) ,who looks smashing with her new Pilates Body. RANDY DONALDSON (Richie-Visa tour) was also on hand looking healthy, and handsome. Randy has spent the last couple of years with ANNIE GET YOUR GUN on B'way. My side kick for the evening was CLIVE WILSON (Original -Larry) who just got back from LA. The bi-coastal lad just loves it here and can't stay away.

HOT OFF THE PRESS: JANE SUMMERHAYS (Shelia-International) is standing by for Jane Curtain in the B'way production of NOISES OFF. We know you'll keep the Curtain up Jane, if you ever go on.

Well, my director friend Amon Myamoto from Japan and Producer Mariko Takase invited me to their opening performance of PACIFIC OVERTURES at Lincoln Center. I was absolutely blown away. In 1975 A CHORUS LINE took all the Tony awards except for Costumes which went to Pacific Overtures' Florence Klotz. Myamoto brings his 2002 production from the Japanese point of view, and what a Work of Art. Done in the style of Noh Theater it was all spoken and sung in Japanese. The subtitles were flashed on a bar across the stage which connected it to two towers containing the orchestra, filled with the sounds of Japanese instruments. CONGRATULATIONS ON A JOB WELL DONE! Seen at the opening was TOMMY TUNE, MAURY YESTON, BERNIE GERSTEN and his wife CORA. Spent a few moments with my old friend TOMMY TUNE. He tells me he is off to Mexico to learn Spanish and Pottery. I'm hoping he'll be back soon to give us a B'way show. Maybe Spanish subtitles with Mexican decorations. Who knows? All I know is that B'way needs him. By the way he looked great, all in white.

Had lunch with LUIS VILLABON (Paul- 2001 PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE) to get the scoop on his upcoming year. We dined at his favorite restaurant El Malecon, the Dominican Restaurant that has the rotisserie chickens in the window on 98th and Amsterdam. He has a million things on his agenda. After working as the assistant choreographer on the film MASTER OF DISGUISE, starring Dana Carvey (August 2nd Opening) he returned to NYC from LA to appear in Emerging Artists Theatre's production of COOPER SAVAGE. During his closing week there he jumped right back into NAKED BOYS SINGING! for a three weeks, and is about to begin rehearsals for the National Tour of SEUSSICAL, starring Cathy Rigby. He will not be returning to Wall Street (a prior day job).

PETER BARRY (Mark -London) is on his way to Tokyo to teach his fourth seminar at Showa University. Peter e-mailed us to let us know that he is treating himself to the Century Hyatt Hotel for 3 days in Shinjuku with swimming pool and gym. It's in the heart of downtown Tokyo. Then he'll be off to the University and two weeks of Singing and Dancing. He'll then stay at a typical Japanese hotel, small enough for only one of my suitcases. But who cares?! You're in Japan working. He has just missed the rainy season but, oh, is it humid.

MARK YORK (MD-Regional/Oklahoma City) e-mailed to say he was MD for JERRY HERMAN ON BROADWAY in Galvaston, TX. They even brought in a grand piano for him to play!

STEPHEN NACKAMIE (Paul-Regional) writes that he has just set a production of WEST SIDE STORY in Italy. It played Ravenna, Pistoia and Palermo, Sicily. He is now off to direct CHARLIE BROWN for the CHERRY COUNTY PLAYHOUSE.

NADINE ISSNEGGER (VAL-2001 Tour) is tapping her heels up in 42nd St. on B'way and her photo is on every newsstand that carries SHOW BUSINESS. They used her image to illustrate an article on Auditioning. There she is singing her heart out in DANCE: TEN LOOKS: THREE.

GREG DANIELS (AL-Regional) e-mailed to say he and his partner MICHAEL SUSKO have finished up with DAMN YANKEES at the WALNUT STREET THEATER and MY FAIR LADY at THEATER OF THE STARS in Atlanta. They are both looking forward to working again at RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL for the CHRISTMAS SHOW. Greg says "the new house is Great, and the backyard is Glorious. Michael has done a great job with it". They are so happy with their newest addition: a puppy Pug named SAMSON, who is now 7 months old.

We are happy to let you know that JOHN SALVATORE (Greg-2001) who just finished playing BOBBY at the MUNY OPERA for MITZI HAMILTON in ACL is now the assistant stage manager on BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. John, who is also a wonderful Bikram Yoga teacher, will cut down on his classes.

SAMMY WILLIAMS (Original-Paul) e-mailed me after I recieved his photo from the show JUDY: "I understand you've met my alter ego. Ain't I a hoot. Always thought I'd make an ugly woman.........but you know I don't look half bad. I almost look better in a dress than I do in pants. Amazing what cement and eye lash glue can do. I certainly can work the shoes and dress better than anybody in Judy. Sort of came natural. But of course.....'from all those years pretending to be Cyd Charisse I had this faaaabulous extension'...........it's art imitating art. Scary! But I have great fun doing the show. If all goes well we'll be playing NY in the future. I'm READY !"

MURPHY CROSS (Judy- International) got in touch with us after years of us wondering what she was up to. She wrote in to let us know, There Is A Life After ACL. She has produced and directed a short film BLINDERS, which has been showing in Festivals and has won some awards. She and her business partner Paul Kreppel are producing small shows for various PAC's in Southern California. Click here to read MURPHY'S letter to us in E-Notes.

THOMMY WALSH (Original -Bobby) our NEW YORK CORRESPONDENT called from ST. LOUIS MUNY OPERA to say he was directing PETER PAN with Liza Genero choreoraphing this summer.

PARKER ESSE (Swing - PAPER MILL ) was assistant choreographer for RANDY SKINNER on BABES IN ARMS up at GOODSPEED. He will also be assistant choreographer on FIORELLO at NYU in October.

GINA PAGLIA (Diana-International) writes about her auditioning again after all those years of teaching . Click here to read her article 'The Goodbye Girl."

MARK EVANS (Mike- Visa Tour) Let us know he is now studying at the Parsons School of Design. As mother said you always need something to fall back on. Go to it Mark!

JOHN CAULDER (PSM 2001 tour) is on Tour with WEST SIDE STORY. He tells us that some ACL members are also with him. DJ CHASE (Mike/Al -2001 tour ) is playing A-RAB, SHANE RHOADES (Mike/Tom 2001 tour) is playing GEE-TAR, KURT KELLY (Larry-2001 tour) is playing SNOWBOY and ALLISON RABINAU (Stage manager-Visa tour) is Stage Manager. John writes they had a rough start at the beginning of the tour, which played Wolftrap all the way to Las Vegas. They close in November. Hey, that's a good gig.

JOSE RIVERA (costumer ACL Papermill ) came into town because he needed his fix of Beans and Rice at Old San Juan on Ninth Ave. Jose is designing the clothes for MY ONE AND ONLY at the CAPE PLAYHOUSE in DENNIS, MA. KEN LEIGH ROGERS (Butch -International) is directing. We had some belly laughs going over old times. We had forgotten how much we had done together. Jose was glad to be able to come in and see his DAD who is 83 and his best friend Linda whom he affectionately calls THE SLUT. He returns to LA to design the clothes for the film ONSFERATU LA 02 written by Chris Brooker, who wrote Stuart Little.

Received a card from our TIM FEDERLE (Mark-2001 Tour) he was having a great time dancing up at GOOD SPEED in BABES IN ARMS.

LARRY BLANK ( MD - National) just finished SWEENY TODD as the MD for the Sondheim Project at the KENNEDY CENTER. Here is what he had to say about it: "Wanted to mention...that the DC experience was a once in a lifetime gig. All these talented people all together to work on these wonderful shows. It was called CAMP SONDHEIM and there was a lot of bonding between the casts of all the shows. Steve Sondheim was very hands on thru the whole process... truly an unbelievable and happy experience. Couldn't wait to get into the theatre for the next performance." Larry is back in LA right now, about to co-orchestrate with Doug Besterman (another ACL alumni as conductor/pianist) on the orchestrations for a new show written by Melissa Manchester. He also has been doing orchestrations for Marilyn Horne and several films as well.

COLLEEN HAWKS (Judy-2001 Tour) says she's on her way to SACRAMENTO MUSIC CIRCUS to do SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE. I know she'll be fabulous in that fringe dress.

MORIA CHAPMAN (Dance Captain- European Tour) e-mailed to say she was in her first week of rehearsals for PHANTOM OF THE OPERA in Madrid. She says the voices are beautiful and the dancers are lovely.

ROSS COLEMAN (Paul - Sydney ) is a busy man. He has directed and choreographed a stylish production of MUSIC MAN, directed the opera NORMA in NEW ZEALAND, and will be directing and choreographing SHOUT which was a huge hit in Australia. His production of the Burt Bacarach Musical opened last week. He said that Hal David, Burt's lyricist, came all the way down under to support the team.

LAURE BALON (Cassie -Vienna) just finished ANITA in WEST SIDE STORY outside of Paris. She says she didn't think she could dance like that again. Now she is getting ready for a 2-month cruise to SPAIN, FRANCE, ITALY, SICILY, AND MALTA. There she can sing and dance her heart out with full orchestra doing her own show. Laure says she is really interested in writing. We hope she'll post some of her work with us First.

Lunch with RICHARD WINKLER (Lightner Designer- ACL Paper Mill) at TEA and SYMPATHY in the Village. He's off to Houston to light BABY JANE. Then he'll join LARRY FULLER in NYC for his production of BEACH RADIO. He's off again this time to the CLEVELAND PLAYHOUSE to light TURN CHRISTMAS. Richard what a great summer you are having.

MICHELLE BRUCKNER (Shelia- Visa Tour) played VELMA in CHICAGO at MAIN STATE MUSIC THEATER. She got rave reviews and tells us she is planning to produce and direct in Chester, NY, near her town of Sugar Loaf. Good for you, Michelle. We're all behind you.

Have you all seen JENNIFER LEWIS (Lois -2001 Tour) starring in the BROADWAY.COM commercial? She's Great.

CLIVE WILSON (Original -Larry) was last seen in his jeep with his two dogs, on his way to Arlington, Vermont. This is the home of Valerie Clark, our TITS AND ASS queen. Clive went to see PAM BLAIR (original -Val) in THE APPLE TREE in her home town. Pam now lives in Arizona.

Went to see NAKED BOYS SINGING! and had a great time. Afterwards had coffee and dessert with ERIC POTTER and TOM GUALTIERI. They both are so talented and funny in the show. TOM leaves to do PRIVATES ON PARADE at the STUDIO in Washington, DC.

LAUREN WAGNER (Bebe- 2001 tour) wrote us to say she was performing at NORTH SHORE in the WIZARD OF OZ and she was learning how to fly (not airplanes) in her spare time. She's learning back and forward flips like Peter Pan. LAUREN, who is engaged to ROY MILLER, is planning a June wedding. She wanted us to know he proposed to her on APRIL1. CONGRATULATIONS to the both of you.

MITZI HAMILTON (CHOREOGRAPHER) just finished up ACL at the MUNY OPERA in ST LOUIS. Her Paul and Cassie were JON PETERSON and JANE LANIER. CLICK HERE for their photo. MITZI will be doing another production very soon in NORTH CAROLINA.

FRAN LEIBERGAL (Assistant to Mavin Hamlisch) was married to Vinny Forchette who played in the pit on B'way for 15 years. Vinny unfortunately lost his battle with cancer the beginning of July. We send our condolences to Fran and the Forchette family.

PETER FITZGERALD (Frank -National) sent SCOTT PEARSON (Zach-Everywhere) this e-mail: "Hey everyone, As you probably know, I have been deeply immersed in producing and directing a documentary on Joan Crawford for the last two years for Turner Classic Movies. Well, at long last, it will air on TCM on Thursday, August 1st at 8pm, and then every Thursday in August along with 41 of Crawford's films throughout the month. JOAN CRAWFORD - THE ULTIMATE MOVIE STAR, a 90 minute documentary on the life and career of Joan Crawford. A Fitzfilm Production -- Narrated by Anjelica Huston." Thank God there is a LIFE AFTER ACL. CONGATULATIONS PETER FITZGERALD.

Had my weekly Sushi Chow Down with MATT WEST (Bobby-B'way and film), who wants to be known as the ROVING REPORTER. He tells us that DENNIS EDENFELD (Don-LA) is directing BYE BYE BIRDIE starring PRISCILLA LOPEZ (Original - Diana). Where and When he didn't get that part of the scoop. He also phoned later to say that SUSAN DANIEL (Shelia-B'way) is graduating from NYU in 2003 with her MASTER'S DEGREE in SOCIAL WORK. MATT, choreographer of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST on Broadway, is now involved in a Brand New Project. It's called BUZ, the story is based on the life of Busby Burkley. Rob Roth will be directing, David Zipple will be the Lyricist and Alan Menken will be the composer. He's in pretty good company again. Matt, we are looking for another HIT from you. Good luck!

HOT OFF THE PRESS:

From: Matt West

Date: Wed, 31 Jul 2002
Hi Baayork!! Just wanted to tell you that I did see HAIRSPRAY this week and I had a great time. It's so much fun. Marissa Jaret Winokur, Kerry Butler and, of course, Harvey Fierstein kept me laughing all night. The songs are fun, the costumes are wacky and the set is clever. The type of musical I like. The audience had a good time. Get a ticket soon. M.

News from our New York Reporter ROBERT TUNSTALL, who is performing in CRAZY FOR YOU in Colorado:

"Hey Baayork, I was waiting till after I saw GORMAN in ANNIE to write you. But I probably won't see it till next week, so I'll write what I have as of now. Things are just great out here. We're sold out for the rest of the run. RON GIBBS (Mike, St. Louis and of Paper Mill staff fame) is wonderful as our leading man. BRIAN KELLY (Mike, Broadway) is doing great! We have SO MUCH FUN on stage together! Gorman came to see our show this past Tuesday; he really seemed to enjoy it. I saw KELLY DECAS (Kristine, Euro. tour) when she was in town with BLUE'S CLUE'S. She did a wonderful job in the show. She leaves the blue puppy in a few weeks to marry TODD SMITH (Mark, Eq. Nat'l) in September.

TODD MICHAEL SMITH (Mark, Hawaii) called the other day and is thrilled to be on Broadway in HAIRSPRAY. He says the audiences are going nuts after every performance.

JENNIFER LEWIS (Lois, Paper Mill) called and is enjoying her production of CHICAGO in Massachusetts. That's all the dish I have to deal... Love to you, Robert"

Thanks Robert for taking the time to write us. See you in September.

As always the months seems to go by so quickly, especially when all the news about your where-abouts, jobs and marriages keeps us entertained.

Hope you all will contiune to write me at: baayorkATachorusline.org

Have a great summer. Thanks again for writing in. See you next month.

in loving spirit,

Baayork

July 2002

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September 2001