Paul Loesel: "Wicked" Keyboarist and "Up and Coming" Composer

I was recently able to talk for a bit with Paul Loesel, keyboardist of "Wicked," and half of the composing team Burkell and Loesel who are planning the opening of a show Off-Off-Broadway and the release of their first CD this November. Here is the result, for you, my lovely followers… Loesel started his college career majoring as an organ player. He grew up playing it in church, knew he loved music, and decided the life of an organist was for him. This changed when one night, taking a break from his practice room at Western Michigan's school of music, his attention was caught by some choral music down the hall. "I stuck my ear to the door and looked in, and it was the theatre department rehearsing the school's production of Sweeny Todd… There was a woman down there playing piano, and I'm like, 'I wanna do that!'" He immediately switched his major to piano performance, set on becoming a pit musician. And a pit musician he became, starting with Off Broadway and smaller shows, working up to substituting for keyboardists on Broadway shows such as "The Lion King", and finally landing the position of keyboardist for the smash hit "Wicked." "Wicked is my first full time, when I have my own chair," he says of the show he's played for from its opening, "It's the best gig in the world!" Loesel has also found time, when not delighting audiences of one show or another with his keyboard skillz, to write several shows and even more hilarious cabaret songs with his writing partner Scott Burkell. They met doing summer stock at the Barn Theatre in Michigan. "…towards the end of the season, [Scott] just randomly said, 'Have you ever written a song? A theatre song?' And I said, 'No.' He said, 'Do you want to?' And I said, 'sure.'" And thus the partnership was born. The two have collaborated on two musicals, "The Extraordinary Ordinary" (originally "Six of One") and "Ella Minnow Pea." "The Extraordinary Ordinary" is set for an Off-Off-Broadway opening in November at the Clurman Theatre in Theatre Row, and a transfer to Off-Broadway after its limited three week run is in the works. According to Burkell and Loesel's website (www.ScottandPaul.com), "This contemporary musical follows a year in the life of six close friends. The characters, most in their early thirties, question everything: careers, friends, marriages, and even sexuality. This optimistic musical comedy examines the fact that one's life is mostly lived in small day-to-day ways, sitting with a friend and talking about the weather, but in that very smallness is where one often finds the most extraordinary things." The show has had several readings and workshops at Cap 21 and ASCAP and was produced in full at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. It was then set on a shelf for awhile until a representative from Dreamlight Theatre Company approached Burkell and Loesel about the show. "(He) wondered what was going on with the piece and wondered if we were interested in looking at it again. And we thought, 'Well sure, why not?' … In the past year we've really improved the show. We've ripped it to shreds," says Loesel. Five songs were replaced with other songs, new scenes were written, and two new readings have put them to the test. Opening night is set for November 30th at the Clurman. "We're very pleased with where the show is now; very excited to get into our production!" Along with their upcoming show, Burkell and Loesel are planning the release of the first CD of their work. "It's just a collection. We'll say it's the songbook of Burkell and Loesel," Loesel said when asked what material would be included, "We're going to have 13 tracks. Three of those 13 are from 'The Extraordinary Ordinary.'... The other ten songs are cabaret songs we've written over the years: both old, from 12, 13 years ago, and new that we just wrote in the last year or two." The two have a myriad of Broadway friends lined up to take part in the CD: Marin Mazzie, Jason Danieley, Stephanie J. Block, Kate Baldwin, Christopher Fitzgerald, Liz Callaway, Brian D'Arcy James, Jennifer Laura Thompson, Lisa Howard, etc. How were these stars amassed? "[Marin and Jason] actually did our very first reading of 'Six of One.' They were friends of both Scott and I from the Barn Theatre (and)…. I met Stephanie doing Wicked… It's just a matter of Scott and I getting our name out there as new, 'up and coming' composers. That phrase 'up and coming composers' is strange because we've been writing together for 18 years, but still, we're 'up and coming.' " The CD will be released sometime in November, and will most likely be accompanied by a Birdland concert to recreate it live. Loesel's advice for aspiring composers? "Take classes, study with someone, but once you leave college and you're off on your own, feel free to explore and break the rules that you learned. You have to follow your own ear and what you're drawn to musically, whether someone says that's right or wrong, because that will lead to a new sound." And we can't wait to hear the new sounds Burkell and Loesel will be treating us to this November! For more information about the duo and to hear music from their musicals and cabaret shows, visit www.scottandpaul.com. Till latah, Jess

Broadway Dreams

Epic. In a word, Sunday I witnessed the most epic spectacle of my life thus far: The Broadway Dreams Foundation's "Don't Stop Believing Concert" at the Cobb Center for the Performing Arts in Atlanta.

Broadway Dreams is an organization that brings together the brightest Broadway stars plus casting directors, agents, and all sorts of lovely, helpful people such as these from The Big Apple to put on a week long summer intenstive for kids considering pursuing musical theatre. Several intensives, as well as day clinics and other events are put on throughout the year by the foundation. Find the schedule and more information about the organization here: http://www.mybroadwaydreams.com/.

What I saw was the end of the week show put of by the students and faculty. Basically, "Mom, I swear I got something out of the $900 or so you spent on camp..." Let me also clarify something. By "faculty" I mean: Nikki Snelson, Nicole Parker, Megan Hilty, Paul Canaan, and Stephanie J. Block (among others.)

I can't even describe what the concert was like. Suffice it to say: Nicole Parker singing "Do Re Mi" as every person she has ever portrayed on Madtv (with seven children copying her exactly); Nikki Snelson leading the opening number tap in 42nd Street, the feet-only curtain-raise in the beginning and all; For Good, Megan and Stephanie (we moved up at intermission to front row, dead center seats... this happened ten feet from my face. Megan was crying, I started crying...); and all the over 100 kids piling on stage with all the faculty belting out "Don't Stop Believing" Glee style. The concert was almost 4 hours long, but didn't feel like it at all.

We went into the lobby afterwards (we being me, my father, one of our friends, and her four year old little boy who is completely in love with both Megan and especially Stephanie.) Nicole came out and headed for the door (the vast majority of people there were simply waiting for their children, who had been with the stars all week, so there was no buzz when they came out.) I stopped her and asked her to sign my Wicked key chain. She asked my name, and seeing the key chain was too small to write it, she signed that and then signed my playbill with my name on it. She is so sweet/talented/hysterical. I want to be her when I grow up. Great. Now, whoever filmed this video is a TERRIBLEAWFUL person and you should NEVERNEVER do it, but this performance has to be shared. It has to be. Go to *secret magic online movie site* and type in "Nicole Parker Broadway Dreams." Or you will be eaten by a squirrel.

Next, Stephanie came out. The little boy we were with gave her some M&Ms that he had been saving for her. She opened them, gave him his favorite color, and sat on the ground eating them with him. This is why I'd be cool with her ruling the world. Anyway. It was all very casual. Again, no one really mobbed her, so she stayed and talked to us for about twenty minutes. It was odd- her not fielding a barricade or line of fans that all wanted an autograph or picture. Just her, chillin in a ball cap, playing with the most adorable four year old ever and making faces at him when he wanted to take a picture. She talked about the "Covenant House" organization she had recently done a benefit for *take another trip to said magic movie site, type in "Stephanie J. Block Covenant House", watch the best Defying Gravity you've seen in your life.* She said she'd like to be involved with them in some way- sitting on the board or something. She also talked about Glee- how her agent had told her that they were looking to incorporate Lea's mother into the show, how she'd been excited about the prospect of doing it until she turned on the television and found Idina already cast and filmed. Oops. "I'm always one step behind Dee." But cha. It was fantastic. She left after a good twenty minute chat to watch the Tonys with a friend in Atlanta.

Megan never came out (that we saw) although Stephanie kindly left room for her on the Wicked key chain by signing "SJB." (The key chain was really only for Nicole to sign, but I didn't really object when Stephanie signed it... as well as my picture with her... and playbill... :))

Anywayz. The show was mind blowing- the talent of the children at the clinic was INCREDIBLE. And the faculty wasn't shabby. We had an awesome trip. I think we got enough Broadway in our systems to hold us for... another week or so.

Till then folks.
<3 Jess

St. Louis Muny Announces Summer Season

The St. Louis Muny's website reads as follows: "Although many stars have appeared on stage at The Muny, one essential truth has remained about the nation's oldest and largest outdoor theatre; its story is the story of St. Louis - and of St. Louisans. It is about the countless individuals who have contributed their time, money, and talent to make this magical place a truly unique American experience." "Muny" is short for the Municipal Opera Association of St. Louis, founded in 1914. It is the largest, outdoor ampitheatre in the country (seating 11,000 people). It produces seven shows each summer (prepared by a crew of 12 throughout the year.) Each show is given eleven days of rehearsal and a tech run before opening Monday and running through Sunday. This season shapes up as follows: Beauty and the Beast (June 21-27, additional performances through the 30) Titanic (July5-11) Damn Yankees (July 12-18) Cats (July 19-25) The Sound of Music (July 26-August 1) Footloose (August 2-8) Showboat (August 8-15) As an example of the star power on hand, Disney's Beauty and the Beast will be lead by James Clow (Assasins, Company, Wonderful Town) and Sarah Darling (Jersey Boys Nat. Tour), with Ken Page (Cats, Guys and Dolls, The Wiz) as Maurice, Leslie Denniston (Happy New Year, To Grandmother's House We Go) as Mrs. Potts, and Jeb Brown (Grease, Romantic Poetry) as Cogsworth. It's a dream season for a Pirate Queen fan as three members of that cast: Jeff McCarthy (as Rev. Moore in Footloose), William Youmans (as J. Bruce Ismay in Titanic), and Stephanie J. Block (as Grizabella in Cats) make Muny appearances. For a complete list of the announced casts, visit Playbill.com: http://www.playbill.com/news/article/138681-EXCLUSIVE-Muny-Season-to-Feature-Brown-Block-Hewitt-McCarthy-Hoty-Bell-Beach-Page And for tickets, the official website of the Muny: www.muny.com Jess

Billy Elliot in Chicago

Just got back from Chicago and had a fabulous time, even though it was raining and cold and being Chicago. I got to see Billy Elliot at the Oriental Theatre there, and heah are my adventures:

We got into the city, dropped mom at the pizza place, and dad and I set out to find a hard copy of something that Emily Skinner has recorded. Of course her duet albums with Alice Ripley were all out of print, but after an hour of running around, I miraculously found a hard copy of "Side Show." $10 at FYE. Then we had pizza and headed for the theatre.

We got mom situated at the theatre, and dad and I were going to walk over to Borders because the show wasn't starting for another 45 minutes. He goes, "Wait, Jess, we need to find the stage door." I love how trained he is. <3

The show had it's amazing points and... not so amazing points. Amazing points: Dancing. Obviously. The talent of the children in that show is incredible, as is the maturity and professionalism of them to take on and learn those roles, and to perform them everynight. Another thing I loved: the set. It's very economical. The set never changes- parts of it just twist around or exit. Very creative and it creates a world where metaphorical messages are possible through blocking. Not all space and time is literal and chronological throughout the show. Another obvious "amazing" aspect is Elton John's score. It is really beautiful music.

Not so amazing: first of all, sections were almost unintelligible because of the accents. I give the cast- especially the kids- props for being able to do it through the show, but, especially during chorus songs, it's very difficult to understand. Also- Michael, Billy's friend, is a cross dresser. At like... 12. No. And just a pointer- if you're going to make a big deal out of "expressing yourself" do it in a non-ridiculous way, say, leaving out the supersized, dancing wardrobe pieces: dresses, pants, etc.

There were touching moments, unintelligible moments, intense moments, ridiculous moments... quite a mixed bag. I was not thrilled with the ending, however. About half way through act 2 I thought, "Please don't be one of those 'we're not going to solve the problem, just sing a song about banding together and overcoming it in some vague way in the vague future' endings." Of course it was. But overall it was a thoughtful piece of theatre with enormous talent driving it. Dad summed it up: "It was ok. Didn't blow me away like anything we saw in New York." Dear Tonys, 9to5NexttoNormal whathappened? Love, Jessica.

Stage door: The set up was really casual. Most of the kids were just ducking under the "barricade" to get to their parents. Not too many fans. Two mini stories. 1) I was standing, talking with my father, waiting for Emily to come out, and Elijah Barker, who played the "little boy"- couldn't have been more than 6 or 7, came over to us. I didn't see him, so he said (politely), "Excuse me?" And held out his hands for my playbill and sharpie. SO CUTE. 2) Emily came out and totally skipped the "barricade", talking on her cell phone. Well, I had just run around Chicago to find a freaking hard copy of Side Show and was not leaving without it signed. Naturally, I followed her like a fan girl. (No one else recognized her/followed.) I asked her to sign my CD and playbill when she got off the phone. She did quickly and went, "Glad you liked the show, bye!" And ran off before I could ask for a picture. Haha- ah well. We had to get back to mother who had been kicked out of a coffee shop because apparently everything in Chicago closes at around 9 or 10?

Anyway, good trip, good show. Fun stuff.

Latah,

Jess

Erin Wilson on Touring With Wicked, Greenville, and Mishaps During the Show

Erin Wilson is currently performing on the 2nd national tour of Wicked in the ensemble and as an understudy for Madame Morrible. Regionally, she had done great shows like Grease (as Cha-Cha) and West Side Story (as Velma.) She answered a few questions for us on what life is like on tour and her theatrical journey so far. -When did you know you wanted to pursue acting? What training did you recieve? I was always a performer. Seriously, I'm pretty sure I came singing and dancing out of the womb! I started dancing at age 3 and never stopped training. I started singing in church and when I would play the piano and knew I had a knack for it which eventually led to finding good vocal teachers. I started acting in high school and received my BFA from BYU in Acting and Musical Theater. I have always searched for classes, teachers and training that helped me to grow and stretch myself beyond what I ever could have imagined as a kid who knew she wanted to be on Broadway. -What was the audition process like for Wicked? How many times did you have to audition/go to a callback? I went to an open equity dance call and Wayne Cilento [choreographer of Wicked] happened to be there. I made it past a few rounds and eventually was asked to sing. This is the ONLY audition I have ever not brought my audition book to {I was pretty sure I would get cut} and when they asked me to stay and sing I was freaking out. Luckily my friend was also kept and she SO kindly let me use her book. I flipped through the songs and realized the only song I knew well enough was "What I Did For Love" from A Chorus Line {coincidentally a show in which Wayne was an original cast member} and kind of nailed it. PURE LUCK and adrenaline because this isn't a song I sing, just one I know! This began my auditioning for Wicked--I was asked back later 2 more times to sing/dance/read for casting and creatives and finally booked it. -What is your favorite and least favorite thing about touring? My favorite thing is the first day in a new theater. So fresh, so exhilarating. My least favorite thing is packing and not getting to have a printer, a kitchen aid mixer, and a sewing machine at my disposal :) -Reaching back a little bit, what did you think of Greenville and what did find to do here? (I love this question. According to Carmen Cusack, we have good spas? ) Yes, you have a great spa right next to the Westin {can't recall the name right now}. You have a a great little downtown area with lots of fun shops and restaurants. I shared many meals at the Underground Coffee Shop and that fresh Mexican place. I thought the weather was beautiful, except when there was an ice storm! No one liked that!! -Can you recall any funny mishaps during your run? Machinery malfunctions, funny adlibs? Oh wow...well, the other day I was standing on stage to start the show and felt something at my feet. I looked down and my skirt had fallen off. I had a different costume underneath and had to run off and try to get it back on quickly. I missed a bit of the number but not too much. We had a roach fly onto the stage once. Let's just say I took care of it :) I don't really recall any funny adlibs, but I do remember the day that our old Fiyero mixed up his lyrics in Dancing Through Life. It worked out, it just made us giggle through the number. -What are some cool details about the sets, props, or costumes that people should look out for or know about? The costumes are INCREDIBLE. I mean, if you could see them up close you could see all of the gorgeous detail. One of my favorite costumes is the pirate-esque Emerald City costume worn by a male dancer swing. If you see it you'll know that a swing is on and get to see the brilliance of it! Elphaba's No Good Deed dress looks black from the audience but is actually woven with lots of gorgeous color. It is one of the most exquisite costumes in the show. All of our books we use in [What is This Feeling?] and [Dancing Through Life] are written in German. We have no idea what they say but during rehearsal and tech when we would have down time we had a competition to see who could find the longest word. I think I found a word with 36 letters in it. -What made you decide to start your blog? I actually started my blog as an outlet from auditioning. I was in kind of a limbo state with my career and needed something else to focus a few hours a day on that didn't have anything to do with musical theater or getting a job. It continues to be a wonderful creative outlet for me and a great place to journal my life and experiences I am now having on tour. -Finally, if you could dreamcast and star in a show of your choice, which show would you pick and who would you cast? Oh wow...that's hard! I would first want it to originate a role and build it from the ground up with a brilliant director like Joe Mantello or Des McAnuff. Such respect for them. Then I would want to cast it with my brilliant friends and colleagues who would kill it nightly. But I would like to play Fanny Brice {Funny Girl}, Mama Rose{Gypsy}, Lucille Frank {Parade}, Cathy {Last 5 Years}, Mrs. Lovett {Sweeny Todd} and a whole slew of other roles. Thanks for answering our questions, Erin! Check out Erin's blog here: http://www.erin-wilson.blogspot.com/ and go catch her in the 2nd national tour of Wicked, schedule here: www.wickedthemusical.com/page.php#WickedCitiesonTour

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