Well, one of the most exciting moments for me this month was seeing RON KUROWSKI (Bobby-B'way) at Ripley -Greer. He still has his boyish smile and that devil make care in his eyes. Back in the Olden Days when he was DAVID in SEESAW, who knew at that time he would play the role of BOBBY for almost 14 years. Hope we hear from you Ron.

HOT OFF THE PRESS: JOHN SALVATORE just got the part of the Scarecrow in TUTS production of OZ. So he will be taking a leave of absence from BEAUTY & BEAST ...he is so excited about that.

The NYU students in the production of FIORELLO were pleasantly surprised by the visit of Lyricist SHELDON HARNICK.. He spoke for more than 2 hours telling them of his journey with the show, from his being hired by Hal Prince till present. The Lyricist also for FIDDLER ON THE ROOF gave them insight on the development of the songs, casting of the actors and many George Abbott stories. We all were so honored to share in his telling us of his part in making theater history.

PRISCILLA LOPEZ, (Original-Diana) portrays six diverse characters in CLASS MOTHER OF 68, to open December 9 at Theater Row's Clurman Theater. Jeremy Dobrish is the director and our THOMMIE WALSH is the choreographer. Priscilla
recently starred in THE PASSION OF FRIDA KAHLO, and "new yorkers" at the Manhattan Theater Club.

DONNA McKECHNIE (Original Cassie) will start rehearsals for a Jerry Herman review at the Helen Hayes Theater In Nyack, NY. Joey Mc Neely is her director/choreographer.

Went down to the New Raw Space on 41st St. and 9th Ave. to look at rental studio space. What great facilities and the 5 New theaters at Theater Row, created for off B'way, are just what New York needs. Playwrights Horizon is being renovated now and will be a part of the complex sharing the same purchasing ticket lobby (Ticket Central). It will be a reunion of ACL members when ROBERT LUPONE (Zach-Original ) brings a production produced by his Manhattan Theater Class and PRISCILLA LOPEZ starring in her one woman show CLASS MOTHER OF 68.

Auditioning for SOUTH PACIFIC at Equity and Ripley-Greer was so much fun seeing old and new friends. The hallways were busy with ACL Alumni too. TERRANCE MANN (Larry-film) directing a workshop of ROMEO AND JULIET, MARK BOVE, in from Pennsylvania bored with tiling floors, JULIE GRAVES (Val-B'way Tour of America), MERETE MUENTER (Bebe-Atlantic City), LESLIE ANN HENDRICKS (Diane-B'way Tour of American) auditioning for CATS, and PATTI DE BECK(B'way) choreographing PETER PAN out west. A quick hello to my mentor GRACIELLA DANIELLE, who told me her project CARNIVAL was canceled by RADIO CITY. Saw so many resumes with ACL on it. Hope we can get them all to be a part of the site. Wouldn't that be great. Saw SUPERSTAR'S MAX PERLEMAN, JOHN LUCAS, ENRIQUE ESCAVARDO, ALAYNA GALLO, and DAVID CHO. All giving wonderful auditions. PARKER ESSE demonstrated all the combinations and his son Jaden came to visit with his grandmother. His Mom Maria was in auditioning too.

Heard from PETER HOWARD from Tokyo, he's having the best time performing his One Man Show and will be back beginning of October. He returns to do a benefit for 9/11 at Alice Tully Hall with a line up of stars from Tokyo directed by my friend Writer/Producer Tetsueo Takahira.

Was going to have a meeting with the designer OSCAR DE La RENTA, was so nervous I had to go shopping for an outfit to wear. He's designing the gowns for the concert version of CARMEN JONES starring VANESSA WILLIAMS at the KENNEDY CENTER. It will be exciting to work with PLACIDO DOMINGO again. He will hold the baton over the NATIONAL SYMPHONY.

Had my annual ELTON JOHN fix. This time he was performing with BILLY JOEL. The concert was canceled March 18, so this was a make up. Not a seat to be had in the entire house of twelve thousand. I'd never seen Billy in person and was wrapped up in his energy and songs as Elton left the stage. They work so well together. Each one spelling the other. The theme for the usual cocktail party before the performance this year was Masquerade. Two years ago it was Aida with naked men in G-strings serving drinks. Of course being the gypsy that I am I had to have a mask, so into the large purse one went. Yes, the large blue feathered one is now on my wall. And a good time was had by all twelve thousand.

GIANNI SALVUCCI (Roy-Italy) e-mailed to say he's been in STARLIGHT EXPRESS in Bokum Germany for 1 1/2 years. Read his e-note to me.

TROY GARZA (Dance Captain-B'way) has been wonderful about keeping in touch with us. He is always the first to write in about the ACL Most Wanted. Thanks for being on the ball and most of all being involved. Did I ever tell you I went to see one of the first shows Troy ever choreographed down in the Village? All I can say is we need to see more of his work on any stage. What a talent. Of course you always see his work on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE when they need movement.

LARRY BLANK (MD-LA) is also so good at keeping in touch. He's going to the CARDIFF MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL in Cardiff, Wales. He'll be sharing the stage with DON PIPPIN (Original MD-B'way) who wrote the overture for the Opening Gala, while Larry did the orchestration. He's then in NY to be one of the Music Directors for the Kennedy Center Sondheim Reunion at Avery Fisher Hall on Oct 21. Also conducting. . .orig. ACL orchestrator JONATHAN TUNICK and ACL associate conductor (Chicago). . NICK ARCHER. Finally, he's also orchestrating for composer/arranger Marvin Laird a ballet for ABT created by Lar Lubovitch. That too, is in October. Larry you are one busy Man. Good Luck.

LESLIE ANN HENDRICKS (Diane-B'way Tour of America) - after seeing her in the halls at the Ripley-Greer Studios, she sent an e-mail saying: Recent info---Just got back from Utah Festival Opera in Logan, UT where I did Maria in SOUND OF MUSIC. Last summer I did Nellie in SOUTH PACIFIC there. Great place to work. This winter I did Jacques Brel at Florida Studio Theatre with my boyfriend, who became my fiancé while we were there! We're getting married Nov. 9! Congratulations.

J. ELAINE MARCOS (Connie-B'way Tour of America) our gal in FLOWER DRUM SONG e-mailed to say: "Things are going well with the show, a lot of 10 out of 12's. And the costumes are like show gal costumes, ...it's tough to be a show girl."

Saw ERIC DYSART (Richie-2002 Tour) in HAIRSPRAY and had the best time. JERRY MITCHELL has done a wonderful job recreating the 50's. Always proud of the ACL Babies.

Have to mention RON DENNIS (Richie-Original) my ACL brother. He continues to support everything I do. Have I told you lately, Ronnie I LOVE YOU!

BRUCE HARRIS (REGIONAL) is producing the ELAN awards honoring ANN REINKING this year.

MICHELE LUI COUGHLIN (Connie -regional) was seen at the SOUTH PACIFIC auditions. How proud to see so many wonderful talented performers who were CONNIE WONG.

JOHN CALDER 3 (PSM-2002 Tour) who is with WEST SIDE STORY e-mailed to let us know: "I am still on tour...We are in PROVIDENCE, RI at this time. This coming week we are in HARTFORD, CT then off to ROCHESTER, NY for a week, BALTIMORE for a week and then ST. LOUIS for two weeks We end the tour on NOV 3....Then I will come home.."

PETER BARRY (Mark-London) who told us he went back into his dance belt several years ago, e-mailed to say he's got seven weeks dancing at the ROYAL OPERA coming up, and then he's choreographing a Christmas show with Dick Whittington (pantomime) six dancers and six children. He say's he's really looking forward to it. Good Luck, Peter.

NICK DEMOS (Atlantic City) e-mailed to say, "I am still artistic director at Lyric. We have a full winter schedule of 3 concerts that I will be directing as well as 2 children's shows for our Academy kids. I will also be directing and choreographing a production of MY WAY-the music of Frank Sinatra at Stage One, in Kansas." By the way Lyric is in Oklahoma City.

DONNA DRAKE (Trisha - Original) e-mail to say: "Life is good--- my plate is full these days. I'm directing Jennifer Holliday Concert for Broadway Cares, it's a huge event and it should be amazing"

CINDY MARCHIONDA (Diana-2002 Tour) let us know: "As for me--tonight (yes, tonight September 23rd) I'm doing a cabaret at Danny's Skylight with such featured artists as Barbara Walsh (FALSETTOS), Kate Shindle (CABARET), Jeff Edgerton (PARADE) and Danny Gurwin (THE FULL MONTY) and ME!!!! We're going to be singing the original music of Curtis Moore and Tom Mizer. It should be a great evening of songs."

STEPHEN NACHAMIE (Paul - Regional) is another ACL member that always keeps in touch. This month he tell us: "I just Assistant directed the FUNNY GIRL Concert (for the actors fund) Laurie Gamache was in it... I also directed the presentation of LIKE YOU LIKE IT (THE 80's Musical) for the National Alliance for Musical Theatre.. Keeping busy!!!!

MICHELLE BRUCKNER (Sheila- B'way Tour of America) sent us an email just before going to press. It reads:
"Things are great...I go up to North Shore Oct 9 and begin rehearsals. The baby will be with me...I found a sitter. I am excited to be doing a show again.
Love, Michelle "

In case you didn't know, Michelle is assistant choreographer for the production of CHICAGO.

Our New York Reporter ROBERT TUNSTALL is always there for us. This month he
writes:

Hello lovers and others,
First, I have to say congratulations to MICHAEL GORMAN for his Brilliant performance in Annie. He's the perfect example of a master at work. The show stopped cold after "Easy Street" and for good reason. His choreography, stage presence, and slick style mesmerized the audience to thunderous applause, myself included. Great work Michael! I'm honored to be your friend.

RAEGAN PIERCE (Kristine, Paper Mill) and I chatted a month ago. She's currently in Wisconsin at the Fireside Playhouse doing the Christmas show.

SHANE RHODES (Mike, Paper Mill) called to say hello and he's doing great on the West Side Story tour.

DENA DiGIACINTO (Diana, Hawaii) is in rehearsals for the national tour of Saturday Night Fever. She's starring the lead role of Annette.

I ran into MICHELLE SCARPA (Diana, Nikko tour) at an audition for CATS at some dinner theatre (what was I thinking?). She looks great and is auditioning like a crazy. I'm sure something good will come her talented way.

Congratulations to TODD R. SMITH (Mark, Eq. Nat'l) and KELLY DACUS (Kristine, Euro. tour) who were married on Sept. 7th !!!

I saw PAUL BUSHMAN (Don, Paper Mill) at an audition for Children of Eden recently. He said they had a lot of fun in North Carolina doing ACL with Mitzi.

MIGUEL ANGEL (Butch, Paper Mill) and I have become audition buddies. We laugh and giggle at some of the ridiculous things asked of us to do. Like wearing stick-on numbers at a chorus call for CATS..."Are you kidding me? How can I purr after being humiliated like this? Do you think they'll get upset when I place it on my crotch?"

Love to all,
Robert

"Remember, in the end, nobody wins unless everybody wins." -Bruce Springsteen

Robert, thanks for coming through each month

Well, this has been a busy month and fall has just arrived. Will try to see the leaves changing before I'm off to the Seven Seas. . It's a beautiful ride up the Palisades. Would love to hear your comments about the website. Take care and have a wonderful adventurous month. Hope you all will continue to write to me baayorkATachorusline.org

in loving spirit,

Baayork