Gary Waldman's MEET ME AT THE PITKIN (1997) | Miami New Times Review

Theater producer Gary Waldman presented MEET ME AT THE PITKIN, a musical by Gary Waldman at the Hollywood Playhouse, Hollywood, FL (1997) ... the following is a review published in The Miami New Times...

Backstage Passes

MEET ME AT THE PITKIN

By Savannah Whaley Thursday, Jul 31 1997

Although the Hollywood Playhouse's lobby boasts an exhibit of yearbooks, photos, and other Brooklyn memorabilia from the time of Meet Me at the Pitkin's Fifties setting, the creators of this musical believe that nostalgia ain't what it used to be. They deliver an infectiously silly send-up of backstage stories and popular music, presented through a revue of parodic lyrics matched to old Yiddish folksongs and Your Hit Parade standards. Loosely structured on the rise to stardom of the fictitious singing group the Pitkin Four, the musical begins at a condo in present-day Boca. There, Elly (Margot Moreland) and her husband Marty (Louis Silvers), along with their old partners in the act, Molly (Heather Jane Rolff) and her mate Phil (Oscar Cheda), learn that Brooklyn's Pitkin movie theater is slated for demolition. The news carries their memories back to the place where they launched their careers, sending Meet Me at the Pitkin in a flashback to post-World War II Brooklyn.

Working at the theater as ushers and projectionists, the four star-struck kids watch the Pitkin's live stage shows between reels, then spend late nights putting together their own act. Of course, there are obstacles: Elly wishes Marty would go back to work in her father's store, and the Yiddish of Irish Catholic Molly needs work. But the act takes off when the gang comes up with the idea of singing witty send-ups of the Yiddish songs they heard growing up, as well as of the hits offered up by the Pitkin's headliners. Making fun of Jewish conventions and New York icons, the group wins fame with brief, bouncy numbers such as "Yeshiva" (to the tune of "Fever"), "Blame It on the Cosa Nostra" ("Blame it on the Bossa Nova"), and "The Joint Is Kosher!" ("The Joint Is Jumpin'"). Finally, the musical tastes of the Sixties send the quartet into semi-retirement in Boca, until they gather for one last private reprise in the shuttered Pitkin.

"Meet Me at the Pitkin" at the Hollywood Playhouse.
Pictured (l-r) Heather Jane Rolff, Oscar Cheda,
Louis Silvers & Margot Moreland

The Yiddish Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland story line soars in the hands of a fresh-faced cast powered by pure chutzpah. Straight from her standout performance as the Spanish-speaking new mother in Summer Shorts '97, Moreland once again proves that talent is the universal language by reaching out across the footlights and belting the Yiddish lyrics with confidence. As her husband, Silvers gives a relaxed and affable performance that fits him as comfortably as Perry Como's sweater. Rolff and Cheda also charm as they move easily between the episodic revue-style musical numbers and the structured backstage plot. And the cast receives plenty of up-tempo support from the four-piece ensemble led by pianist Phil Hinton that, in a rare treat, adds woodwinds (Julianne Purefoy) to the upright bass (Dave Tomasello) and drums (Ken Hebden).

Director Andy Rogow instills a welcome light touch to this feathery revue, keeping the production moving along to the next musical joke without building in unnecessary pauses for the underdeveloped dramatic moments. Similarly, Jamie Cooper's lively choreography is entertaining, and its simplicity mimics the limited moves the Pitkin Four would probably have created.

Gary Waldman, who wrote the book and original lyrics, composed the original music (with Todd Rice and Jon Delfin), designed the production (with Rogow), and co-produced the musical, has come up with a pleasant entertainment but perhaps has limited his creation's potential by spreading himself too thin. After a whirlwind first act, his story drags during an overlong Catskill tribute and a Pitkin Four world tour. With minimal sets and simple costumes, he treats the work's physical demands like the songs he parodies, expecting the audience to make do with only a sketchy frame of reference. On the other hand, two of his original songs, the hummable "Meet Me at the Pitkin" and the touching "I Remember Everything," suggest that this is where his real talent lies.

Like all spoofs, Meet Me at the Pitkin works best if you know the Yiddish songs or the New York landmarks that are being lampooned. The opening-night audience sang along to the folksongs, clapped in time to remembered hits, and even loudly opined "That's true" to bits of dialogue. Most of the material was new to me, however, which only seemed to make the comedy that much fresher and more novel.

Meet Me at the Pitkin. Original lyrics and book by Gary Waldman; original music by Todd Rice, Jon Deflin, and Gary Waldman; directed by Andy Rogow; with Oscar Cheda, Heather Jane Rolff, Margot Moreland, and Louis Silvers. Through August 15. For more information call 954-922-0404 or see "Calendar Listings."

Gary Waldman's BUNGALOW BUNNIES (2000) | Entertainment News & Views Review

Gary Waldman & Jamison Troutman presented BUNGALOW BUNNIES, a musical by Gary Waldman at the Wilton Playhouse, Fort Lauderdale, FL (2000) ... the following is a review published in South Florida Entertainment News & Views ...

October 27, 2000

Bungalow Bunnies a New Musical at the Wilton Playhouse

By Buddy Clarke

Critic at Large

Gary Waldman is a man of many talents. He has directed, produced and created many theatrical productions. Waldman has added to his accomplishments by writing and producing a brand new musical, Bungalow Bunnies. Now playing at the Wilton Playhouse, for which Waldman is the artistic director. The musical brings Gary back to his childhood in the famed Catskill mountains.

It is the summer of 1977 and Gary reminisces about his summer in a bungalow colony, which dotted the Catskills along with the plush hotels such as the Concord and Grossingers. Many of the hotels had bungalow colonies right on their grounds. People would rent them for the season, the wives and kids spending all their time their [sic], and the fathers would work in the city all week and drive up on Friday for the weekend, as well as spending their one or two-week vacation take in their bungalows. It was a way of life that most Jewish kids lived with, and it was a wonderful fun-filled escape from the hot city.

Waldman has recaptured that memory with his musical. He uses three couples, Milton Goebel and his wife Rose (Oscar Cheda and Gail Byer). Moe and Ida Sipowitz (George Contini and Debbie Campbell) and Heshy and Freida Kishenefsky (Elias Eliadis and Stacy Schwartz) to tell his stories in words and music. There is lots of comedy in the production. The music is, for the most part, derivative, but that doesn’t take away from the nostalgic feeling engendered as the show unfolds.

The set by Ian Almeida is perfect, as is the musical backing by Phil Hinton and the orchestra, cleverly hidden behind a bungalow wall. John Wade’s sound design is excellent, as are the costumes by Marianne Pittard. Good too is the lighting by the ever reliable Ginny Adams. All the performers are great, with Oscar Cheda a standout, as usual. While Bungalow Bunnies has an ethnic flavor, it’s a fun show for everyone.

Bungalow Bunnies will run through Nov 26 at the Wilton Playhouse, 1444 NE 26 St, Wilton Manors. For more information, call 954-567-3666.

Gary Waldman's BUNGALOW BUNNIES (2000) | Hollywood [] "It's Showtime" Review

Gary Waldman & Jamison Troutman presented BUNGALOW BUNNIES, a musical by Gary Waldman at the Wilton Playhouse, Fort Lauderdale, FL (2000) ... the following is a review published in Hollywood []"It's Showtime"...

October 23, 2000 | It’s Showtime

Bungalow Bunnies is a hit at the Wilton Playhouse

By: Dona Kay

Perky, adorable, animated, hip-hop-itty fun that will spin your head to laughter and maybe a memory or two is this world premiere showcase. “Bungalow Bunnies” sets a frantic pace at the Wilton Manors Playhouse for the Fall/Winter season and what a show it is!

The stage is ablaze with many childhood antics (compliments of the adults once in us all), and the “swat” power is electric as a remembrance of the summer heat of the Catskills takes over.

Written and directed by Gary Waldman. Who gave us “Meet Me at the Pitkin” several seasons back, “Bungalow Bunnies” reflects Waldman’s youth and those glorious days of summer spent in the mountains.

Waldman’s tunes are catchy in this musical spoof. Take “Ruby the Knish Man” that takes on a resemblance of Fiddler’s “If I Were a Rich Man,: or “Milton’s Lament” of ambition richly taking over yet another “Fiddler” classic … this one, “Tradition.” Oh, my word! Oh the laughter! Oh the expressions of it all!

What a collective sextet of performers giving their all. Oscar Cheda is Milton, slop-happy to his white-lipped bathing suit beauty (don’t believe it) of a wife, Rose (Gail Byers). Elias Eliadis (Heshy Kishenefsky, try to say that twice fast) goes orange-haired with mugging attributes to wife, hair-in-rollers, Frieda (Stacy Schwartz, a scene stealer). Debbie Campbell is cutesy as Ida Sipowitz to hubby George Contini who, in the role of Moe, may resemble a moderate Jessie “the former body” Ventura. (Just ask me for the photo!).

As previously mentioned, the “Noo Yawkers” visiting the mountains in the 70’s are a clever, lyrical bunch who enlighten Waldman’s reflections. Take some of the other song titles, “There’s Something Fishy,” “The Man Selling Shoes,” “The Pickle King Song,” to “Rainy Day Blues.”

In the golden days of memories, you had to dip in your pocket and go to the bingo games, perhaps to win a dime or two or three. And, of course, you had to try to sneak into the once popular and populated floor show. In the “star” quality show, there’s many a take-off like the Married Sisters with vocals favoring the famed Barry Sisters. Campbell & Schwartz are a songful combination, complete with not only the vocals, but the complimenting movements. I can tell you this, you’ve never heard a version of “Send in the Clowns” quite like this – cheers for the parodies and we mustn’t fail to mention the added Freddie Roman humor, which Cheda elates.

You’ll get an earful in “Bungalow Bunnies,” a chipper funzie if ever there was. Have fun visiting the former summer retreat of Catskill overload.

SOPHIE, TOTIE & BELLE (1999) | Sun-Sentinel Review

Gary Waldman & Jamison Troutman, theater producers, presented SOPHIE, TOTIE & BELLE, a musical by Joanne Koch & Sarah Blacher Cohen in several regional productions and off-Broadway… the following is a review of the 1999 S. Florida production as published in The Sun-Sentinel …

It's An R-rated Act Made In Heaven

October 04, 1999|By JACK ZINK Theater Writer

What's the best R-rated act at the Friar's Club, heaven branch? The Drama Center thinks it has the answer with Sophie, Totie & Belle, a play that's been kicking around in limbo the past few years.

Deerfield Beach's petite theater has opened a revised version of the play-with-music, which posits that "groundbreaking" entertainers Sophie Tucker, Totie Fields and Belle Barth are in heaven's waiting room. There, God auditions each one of them for a special engagement at his club.

Sophie, Totie & Belle had some promising tryouts earlier this decade in the area. The current edition is billed as a total rewrite, with better pacing and focus, but all the old hardware is back.

That includes whole sections of each star's act, songs that have become cult classics and jokes that have been copied so often they're like wallpaper. When resung and retold as originally done, all of this material still has a lot of punch. And when the actresses are good enough to evoke some of the aura of the real-life characters, the punch lands right on target.

Authors Joanne Koch and Sarah Blacher Cohen do a good job of weaving personal reminiscence around the stars' onstage material to flesh out each character, without getting overly sentimental. And the writers build a relationship among the backstage personalities that, while predictable, serves the plot well.

Gwendolyn Jones is Sophie Tucker, who left her son with his grandma and went onstage, eventually becoming the diva's diva of vaudeville and variety entertainment. Jones is in good voice, with a regal bearing that projects both the confidence and the ego of a star who's beaten all her detractors.

Kathy Robinson portrays Totie Fields, the comedian and singer who spent a career making fun of her own body in joke and lyric. Robinson's handling of Fields' self-parody is at times nearly mirror-like; like Fields herself, nearly grotesque. Yet there's poignancy in the dramatization of Fields' relationship with her devoted husband, and the manner in which she dealt with her personal health problems.

Stacy Schwartz tackles the role of Belle Barth, variously billed "the Hildegarde of the underworld" and "Miami's answer to Lenny Bruce." Schwartz, her lips curled in a scowl that looks set in stone, fires some material that still can redden ears and cheeks in semi-polite society. Schwartz has just the right posture needed to deliver that material, plus the instincts and timing of a veteran comic.

But perhaps the best job onstage is being done by Stephen G. Anthony as "all the men in their lives." He embodies husbands, lovers, chiselers, agents and the voice of God. Anthony, who has excelled in similar assignments before, makes every cameo unique.

Think of Sophie, Totie & Belle as a celebrity one-woman show, in triplicate, with a supporting cast. And a music director (Phil Hinton).

Jack Zink can be reached at 954-356-4706 or jzink@sun-sentinel.com

MOLLY PICON'S RETURN ENGAGEMENT (1998)|Sun-Sentinel Review

Gary Waldman & Jamison Troutman, theater producers, presented the premiere professional production of the musical-comedy Molly Picon’s Return Engagement at Queens Theatre in the Park, New York, NY (1997), the Drama Center, Deerfield Beach, FL (1998) & the Kaplan JCC (1998), The Hollywood Playhouse (1998) … the following is a review published by the Sun-Sentinel:

Molly Picon's A Star Again _ In Spirit

May 11, 1998|By BILL VON MAURER Special to the Sun-Sentinel

She's tall, has long hair with red highlights and is beautiful in a Helen Hunt sort of way. A Molly Picon look-alike she's not.

What Joanne Borts does have is the warmth, the comic flair and the emotional range that endeared Picon to generations of Yiddish theater fans.

Picon, who died in 1992 at the age of 93, was an icon of New York's famed Second Avenue theater district, later a Broadway and international star and a success in television and films. Any attempt to clone her would have been impossible and the result, no doubt, a travesty.

The producers of Molly Picon's Return Engagement wisely decided to focus on Picon's talent rather than her appearance. They cast Borts to send the message, and she does so with great style and verisimilitude.

Molly Picon's Return Engagement, a two-character musical play by Sarah Blacher Cohen at the Drama Center in Deerfield Beach, is a celebration of its subject rather than a tribute, a revue of Picon's songs and comedy etched against the background of her troubled marriage and the turning points in her career. Her husband of more than 50 years, the controlling playwright Jacob Kalish, is played by Oscar Cheda in a remarkably conflicted performance of love and domination.

Return highlights Picon's struggle for stardom, from her youth as the daughter of immigrant Ukrainians. Amazingly, as a youngster, she couldn't speak Yiddish.

We learn of the remarkable diversity of her career as she worked with such disparate talents as Godfrey Cambridge and Sophie Tucker. She became known as the Yiddish Helen Hayes and tells of a touching backstage encounter with that luminary.

Although her rise as a beloved entertainer under Jacob's iron guidance is the show's focus, Picon's songs light up …Return Engagement. Sung by Borts with great spirit and often with poignancy, they will stir anyone who ever loved Yiddish theater.

Here are only a few of them (some of which Cheda, who has a good voice, sings along with her): Yom Pom Pom; Du Shaynst Vi Di Zun; Hei-Digga-Lai; Vos Zol Ikh Ton Az Ikh Hob Im Lib? and Yidl Mitn Fidl. Many are in English: Steam, Steam, Steam, Busy, Busy, Busy and Chin Up, Ladies!, the latter from Jerry Herman's musical Milk and Honey.

Gary Waldman, who directs with zest, wrote new English lyrics for some of the songs; Michael Larsen accompanies on piano.

Bill von Maurer covered theater for more than a decade for The Miami News and is a frequent contributor to the Sun-Sentinel.

Gary Waldman's new production is a family affair! - Sun-Sentinel Feature Story

Gary Waldman & Jamison Troutman, theater producers, presented the premiere professional production of the musical-comedy Pickles at the Atlantis Playhouse, W. Palm Beach, FL (2003) … the following is a feature story published in the Sun-Sentinel:

:

LISA GODDARD ON STAGE

Production is a family affair

October 17, 2003|LISA GODDARD (link to original article)

The on-again, off-again love affair between Ginger Reiter and comedian Jackie Mason is the subject of Pickles, a new play written by Reiter that will premiere at the Atlantis Playhouse on Wednesday.

Starring in the lead female role is Sheba Mason, the real-life daughter of Reiter and Mason. "I'll be playing my mom starting when she was in her mid-20s and covering about a 10-year span of time," she said.

'Pickles' stage set mimics a Miami Beach delicatessen

Mason, 18, who lives with her mother in Boca Raton, is excited about the opportunity to portray her mother and expand her acting repertoire.

"It's a very interesting experience, playing my mother," said Mason, who attends classes at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. "It's easy in some ways because I'm just like her. She has shtick, and I have an inclination toward that as well. It's fun."

Mason, who has appeared in Little Shop of Horrors at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts and Godspell at the Creative Stage of the Lake Worth Playhouse, says her father is supportive of the effort.

My father knows about the play, but he's not going to be able to be here because he'll be opening on Broadway about the same time," Mason said.

Reiter, who also wrote Solomon's 700 Wives, says she has mixed feelings watching her daughter rehearse.

"It's a real trip watching her play me. On the one hand, I want to hug and kiss her and tell her she's wonderful, and sometimes I want to tell her to sit up straight," says Reiter, who likes to say she's older than Brooke Shields, but younger than Goldie Hawn. "She's a natural actress."

The play, whose title is based on the legendary Wolfie's Restaurant in Miami Beach, is a piece Reiter has worked on for years.

"It's been a work in progress for a very long time, but this is the brand new, finished version. Jackie has always been encouraging of it," said Reiter, who is now married to the cantor for Temple Beth El in Hollywood. "There's comedy and music and a lot of drama, and we have original music with live musicians. Gary [Waldman], the director, and the whole crew have been incredible. It couldn't be better if it was on Broadway."

Reiter "fictionalized everything; she didn't want a Jackie Mason impersonator," Waldman said, "but you do see hints of him and the essence of his personality."

Local actor "Mark Harmon plays the role as a character actor, and that's good."

Singing and entertaining on the South Florida condo circuit with her mom and comedian Frankie Man since the age of 6, Mason hopes to make the theater her career.

Reiter, who performs Women of the Bible, a show featuring belly dancing and comedy, is optimistic about the show.

"It could play elsewhere, you can never tell what will happen," she said.

Previews run through Sunday. Opening night is Wednesday, and the show runs through Nov. 30. Preview tickets are $21.50, $24 for Saturday evening and Sunday matinee. Regular performances are $26.50, $29 Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees. Performance times are 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; 7 p.m. Sunday; and 2 p.m. Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Atlantis Playhouse is at 5893 S. Congress Ave. in the Shoppes of Atlantis. 

E-mail Lisa Goddard at ladygatr8@aol.com or fax 561-272-3189.

I WRITE THE SONGS (2007) Biloxi Sun-Herald Feature Story

Gary Waldman & Jamison Troutman, theater producers, presented I Write the Songs - A Celebration of the Music of Barry Manilow at the IP Casino Resort & Spa in Biloxi, MS (2007) … the following is a feature story published in the Biloxi Sun-Herald:

IP CASINO RESORT & SPA PRESENTS

INGENIUS MUSICAL TRIBUTE

TO BARRY MANILOW

Biloxi, MS—If you are looking for a romantic summer songfest and happen to be a fan of one of the most romantic composers in show business, then come to Club IP beginning June 8 – July 22. I Write the Songs, a unique musical celebration, will make you laugh, cry, sing and dance and it’s just the show for you and your family when you visit your one stop resort destination, IP CASINO RESORT & SPA in Biloxi, Mississippi. The 5-person stage production creatively showcases one of the most prolific and award-winning composers of this generation, Barry Manilow. 

I Write the Songs is a much deserved honor rarely bestowed on a contemporary singer-songwriter,” according to its originator, nationally acclaimed musical theater artist, Gary Waldman.

Manilow has written hundreds of songs and performed around the world, thrilling millions of fans, picking up a Grammy, an Emmy, Tony Awards, and an Oscar nomination along the way.

To make the Manilow musical that much more exciting, Waldman has cast disco legend Jeanie Tracy as the star of I Write the Songs. Coined by megastar Whitney Houston as “one of the 10 best singers in the world,” Tracy is certain to add additional glitter and glam to the already spectacular 90-minute audio-visual extravaganza.

Tracy has partnered with Barbra Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle and Celine Dion on various musical projects, including, My Heart Will Go On, the title track from Academy Award winning film Titanic.

Reviewers of the original production were stunned at how Waldman and longtime musical collaborator, Phil Hinton, re-arranged and re-structured the best of Manilow’s work into an entirely new form of entertainment.

Vigorous research led the pair to an amazing repertoire consisting of classic pop, jazz, swing and virtually every other style of 20th Century music that will appeal to the entire family. IP is hosting the smash-hit summer musical on stage in Club IP as an incentive to promote much-needed, family-oriented live entertainment on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The theater boasts a 500 seat capacity, with reserved private booths available for parties of four or more. Tickets are on sale NOW and may be purchased at IP’s Tour & Travel Desk in the IP lobby or by calling toll free, 1-888-WIN AT IP.

Additional information available at www.ipbiloxi.com.

CREDITS

Producers: Gary Waldman & Jamison Troutman in association with IP CASINO RESORT & SPA

Created & Directed by Gary Waldman

Music Director: Phil Hinton

Set Design: Matthew Decker

Sound & Lighting Design: John Wade

Production Stage Manager: Patricia Causey

Performers:

Jeanie Tracy – Los Angeles, CA

Kelly Briscoe – New York, NY

Ryan Flanigan – New York, NY,

Lady Patrice Green – Pascagoula, MS,

Garrit Guadan – New York, NY

Rachel Klein – Hollywood, FL

Like everything else about IP, www.ipbiloxi.com is definitely MORE THAN YOU EXPECT!

1 888 WIN AT IP (1.888.946.2847)