Alice Kane

Wow! Thanks so much for capturing this "Banner Year for Broadway Musical Recordings" and new releases! I am sorely tempted to see Bette Midler in Hello Dolly. Hmmmm....tho I may need to check with my 'financial manager." Shows are SO unbelievably pricey these days! The era of 'casual' show going is sadly in the past. (Tho there are still some ways to get a break and I need to check them out!) I do love Bette Midler! P.S. Kate Hepburn had a "creek" running thru her property?!?!?!? What a gal! Alice

Somebody HELP me! I read through this report and I can't get THAT SONG OUT OF MY HEAD! My brain is bursting with Boysenberry Cotton Candy (and other sundries!) GREAT report and photos. Am purple with frustration that I am 3,000 miles away! Alice

I agree that Patti Murin has a phenomenal voice and a uniquely engaging presence. Thanks for the URL! Interesting to learn that Sondheim's townhouse overlooks the 'old homestead' of Katherine Hepburn. I recall her living at 49th St bet. 2nd & 3rd, the Turtle Bay area? I had read that she often could be found on her roof, puttering around.....so naturally I never missed the opportunity to walk down her block if I was in the neighborhood. (But, nope....I never DID catch a peek.) Apparently, the house was purchased for 3.9 million by a fan in 2004 who then rented it out for $27,500 a month. Alice

Thanks for the heads up on the new "Frozen: The Musical." Just had a chance to listen to a couple of songs and was particularly taken by "Monster." Definitely a KEEPER! (Also, "Would You Like to Build a Snowman" was charming and poignant.) I need to listen to the rest of the score! Which songs are your faves? Alice P.S. I saw tidbits on TV of Escape to Margaritaville. Very lively and colorful. Although I'm not sure it would be a favorite of mine, it's no doubt a fun experience and will likely draw in an audience (and sell CDs!).

OMG, indeed! What can I say?!! Capturing the ear of one of theater's most gifted, prolific and unique talents!?! AND being a guest in his home. NIRVANA. Thanks SO much for sharing that story. I had heard that Sondheim enjoyed engaging theater people (and theater-goers), and how wonderful that you've kept in touch over the years. I can certainly see it being one of your "Broadway Highlights in Life!" What an "A-+" experience. (Did he live at the Apthorp on the Upper West Side at the time of your visit....or was he, by then, in his midtown townhouse? If you were in the Apthorp, then you were across the street from me. ) By the way, you've probably read this past article from NY Magazine...but in case you haven't.....check out: http://nymag.com/news/frank-rich/stephen-sondheim-2013-12/index4.html It's titled "The Sondheim Puzzle," and Frank Rich talks in detail about his longtime friendship with Sondheim. Lots of good tidbits. Thanks again for sharing your spectacular 'behind-the-scenes' story. Alice P.S. Kudos on your special souvenir from your get-together. I'd go nuts choosing from his collection!!

PLEASE get back to me if you get any interesting info from Sondheim re COMPANY! (Am intrigued how you got to know him -- if you wish to share.) Like you, I'm really curious to see how he handles the changed sex issue, musically - 'Bobbi.' Oh, the possibilities! I bet he'll keep mum on his choices...altho if the show is in rehearsals now, London spies must surely be afoot ! Is Patti LuPone still playing Joanne? "Here's to the Ladies Who Lunch..." Alice

I think you need to get that idea out there. To Sondheim! (Actually, a 4-character musical..."Who's Afraid"...IS quite an intriguing concept. Be sure to get your credit, tho! ) When you mentioned I Do! I Do!, I was struck by how a two-person musical was totally feasible. (Actually, as a "youngster,"I was lucky enough to see the original of that show with Mary Martin and Robert Preston. Even as a kid, I felt the poignancy of the plot and music.) I was fortunate to have parents who attended all the Broadway musicals of that era (from Me and Juliet, on!). And even at a young age, they would get my sister and me tickets to shows they'd seen and thought we'd enjoy...put us on a train...and send us off. (Times were different, then...lol.) Anyway, love your idea of a small character musical with minimalism and EPIC visual. Alice ("There's strange new world that you enter when you say I do. I do!")

Awesome video! And for those of us in the "no-spin zone" (but who LOVE coasters), it seems like a heaven-sent ride. (I also appreciate that the rider can actually SEE and FEEL the experience without coming off dazed -- a perfect combo of sensation and perception!) Alice

Hmmmmm....I wonder if Harvey Weinstein and Georgina Chapman can sing?!!! Actually, that would make a brilliant musical! Imagine the sheer fun of casting that! Alice

Stella is beautiful! Her elegant Bengal background is very evident. I hope that whatever put her into The Cone is now on the mend! Alice ~ "wooof" sez Violet

Can't decide if it sounds familiar because I HEARD of this show....or because of the Superman TV series. (Of course, I was a 'mere child' at the time....so maybe when my short-term memory fades...giving way to only long-term living-in-the-past memory...then perhaps I will know for sure. Either way, great cast! (P.S. Love your 'cats riding the litter box' pic!) Alice

Agreed... And I wonder how much research has gone into how coaster fans are, in fact, actually responding to VR. I can definitely see the appeal on "indoor simulator coasters," but I find it tough to believe that VR will prove as exciting as the rush you get when 'real' scenery flies by, and your 'co-riders' scream and laugh with you in a wild communal experience. Alice

Agreed... And I wonder how much research has gone into how coaster fans are, in fact, actually responding to VR. I can definitely see the appeal on "indoor simulator coasters," but I find it tough to believe that VR will prove as exciting as the rush you get when 'real' scenery flies by, and your 'co-riders' scream and laugh with you in a wild communal experience. Alice

ME? GOOGLE? Uh Uh! No Way! I luuurvv surprises. It'll, fer shure, be the BEST thing about a Monday! Alice

I DO, I DO! Alice

Sounds wonderful! Thanks so much for the info. I need a Disney 'break!' Alice

I'm in the dark, too, on a few of those songs.....where they came from! I'll have to do a little "research." Thanks for alerting us to the CD - definitely a "must!" The title Prince of Broadway sounds very familiar but I know I never saw it. Alice

Disneyfan1313, you've really sold me on this Cirque Du Soleil show! The first Cirque show I saw many years ago was in a 'tent' - Lincoln Center - and it was the most extraordinary experience. The seating was in deck chairs and it was like lying in the grass and seeing a sky gone mad. Thanks so much for posting this and including those great photos! I'll have to keep an eye out for the show. Alice

Such a GREAT shot of you - and your troupe! (I can definitely 'see myself' in that gang!) I would send pix but I am technically challenged....but you can see a little pic of me on Facebook - Alice Kane...sitting with my twin's dog. (There are a few other FB people with my name.....but I'm the "Alice" from NY who graduated Adelphi U. I rarely go on FB, so mine is a pretty 'basic' page (except for LOTS of Shih Tzu - I'm involved with the Nat'l Club & have many "doggy" friends.) Favourite shows?! Well......I did very few musicals (except for Bye Bye Birdie and Carousel - loved em both!) but my major tours were the old classic comedies: Barefoot in the Park; Butterflies Are Free; Lovers & Other Strangers, et al. Butterflies Are Free was probably my favorite as I performed it with someone I was very close to. (Tho Barefoot in the Park was great fun!) I did some Off-Broadway stuff which I enjoyed - even if some of the shows were hilariously weird. I am still a member of SAG (did some film stuff and lotsa extra work!); I am on Honorable Withdrawal from AEA - I did that last year so I could put off paying dues until/UNLESS I get an Equity show. (And the AFTRA union is no longer.....) My biggest dilemma is that I "looked young for my age" (great in REAL life but not in theater) and I began to become an "aging ingenue" - rather than develop into the "mature leading lady's" roles." So.....if I ever get my act together and get new pix, I hope to get more work in SAG....but it t'ain't happening yet! (By the way, don't ever count yourself out....you're a great 'type!') It's a delight to meet a fellow thespian - on a roller coaster website!! Alice (who was born an amusement park 'fan girl.')

What a treasure of shows you performed in! "Applause, Applause!" (As' Betty' Bacall would say.) I really enjoyed reading your fun memories of doing all those shows from that exceptional time in theater! (LOVED your special BOW as Riff in West Side Story!!!) I saw all these shows though can't remember which ones I saw as "originals." Though I bet you've seen more 'originals' than I have! You put me to shame! You've had some truly wonderful theater experiences! (By the way, great shot of you standing in front of the Carousel poster. That show is a true classic (and, no, I did not see the original). Though I DID get to play Louise in a school production. Quite the experience for a non -dancer like moi!!! Alice

It's nice to see "42nd Street" making the rounds again! Such a lively, colorful show. Worth another look-see, for sure. (I hadn't thought about this in years, but one of my old college friends was in the chorus of one of the early Broadway productions of the show. The first one of our friends to "make it" - exciting days! Your TUTS Alumni NIght sounds like fun. What shows (1969-1977) did you enjoy doing the most? Alice

Thanks, Bert, for a fun and colorful journey through Fiesta Texas. Very interesting what you said about Batman being a "totally different ride" once you pulled the restraints all the way. Some of these coasters ought to come with instructions!! "How-To's" on the best way to ride! (Hey! Someone should come out with a book: "Ways to Ride the World's Most Challenging Coasters!") Kind of like some of the ski area guides that tell you about getting the most out of each of their trails.....an insider's guide. I love that kind of stuff.) Alice

Clever, colorful, and I bet it's cool to ride. HANG TEN! Alice (leaving the ride !!)

Oui oui oui! C'est magnifique! Paris has always been culturally (and gastronomically) a traveler's destination. It totally deserves this awesome makeover of Disneyland Paris. Will be interested to follow its progress...(and a great reason to take a future look-see in person)! Alice

I, too, remember Ice Capades. It was quite innovative then. Bert, thanks for the interesting review & pix of Cirque Du Soleil's "Crystal." I would normally be drawn to anything involving "snow," so I'm sorry that it proved to be less imaginative than the company's usual stellar productions. (Nice pic of you and Nick!) Alice thanks Alice. as I noted tho, even a So-So Cirque show is better than a lot of what's out there. the biggest disappointment was the Music, and although I wish there was more interaction with the acts and the Ice, if you enjoy skating/ice dancing, the show will satisfy that itch With the Winter Olympics just over, I have, for now, TOTALLY "satisfied that itch" for skating/ice dancing AND every bit of skiing and snowboarding. By Week 2, my eyes were crossing! (Hmmmm...wish the Summer Olympics could find a way to incorporate Cirque style events. Talk about 'Big Air!') Alice