Gregory G. Allen's Blog, page 29

Has The Internet Ruined Everything?

Everyone is a critic.

Yes. People always had opinions, but now these opinions become 'law' to many once they are in print. Blogs (like this), social media, forums - all give people platforms to pontificate as much as they would like.

There are websites where people with like minds can come together and see who is more clever than the next in how they rip something apart. A new movie that numerous creative minds have spent years bringing to the public. A book where readers can announce every spoiler that an author painstakingly thought out to make their story different. Or live theater which so many believe is a dying art.

I'm actually shocked at times when I read theater forums that one would believe is a place for those that love theater to come together and share stories. Instead - they become a place where snarky people can't wait to tear down the latest Broadway show. Original shows (especially musicals) are hard to get produced. Jukebox musicals get put up much more quickly as a way to string together the hits of a particular artist or era. But for writers and producers to take the time to mount a new show takes years. I'm always dumbfounded how those that profess to love the art form can't wait to rip apart something new. 

New York has been busy lately with new shows emerging to lackluster reviews and some closing quickly while others have producers behind it attempting to keep them going. Yes, reviews from actual reviewers will always carry a certain amount of weight, but for those that merely troll theater forums in order to show everyone how witty they are in their thoughts on a show...I say they need to put that wit to paper and write their own show.

And oh yes - be prepared for the next 'theater queen' to knock it down as soon as it is mounted.

(BTW - no: I have no new show being mounted now. Just returned from a trip visiting family and went out online to catch up on NY shows from the past week and saw some pretty nasty forum threads.)

The Overture is About to Start

Remember when you would attend a musical and the lights would go down as the overture started to play? There was a certain excitement about hearing the music, humming along, and knowing the show was beginning.

Recently I read several posts on a popular theater forum blasting the latest revival of the musical Annie (opening tonight) for not having the overture played during the previews. (And some even took credit for the fact the producers put it back in.) 

As much as I love an overture on an old-time musical, I have mixed feelings about them in the more modern musicals. If they are done correctly and set the tone for the performance we are about to witness - I'm all for it. But I think the musical Once does a great job without one because they have a 'bar party' happening prior to the show starting. And I recall Next to Normal setting the tone with the rock music playing prior to the show (without giving us snippets of several songs to come.)
Lilla Crawford in ANNIE revival.I think that some people tend to forget Broadway musicals used to have songs playing on the radio from hit shows. So when an overture started, you would recognize the song. That is no longer the case and somewhere along the way, overtures have all but disappeared. If they did play a medley of songs, we wouldn't even know that it was songs from the show.
I suppose - like everything - even the musical art form has changed. But when it's a revival of a classic, there is nothing like hearing that overture played as the lights go down. The child in me gets pretty darn excited again. Break legs, to the cast of Annie on their opening night!

Patchwork Through Fall

So we fell 'back' this week and I wanted to share an award-winning book for fall. I've talked about PATCHWORK OF ME before on my blog. I spent the summer on tour with it, but a few people have mentioned what a great autumn/winter read it is (because of the setting) and I the light went off in my head. They are right!

Sara and her friends take a cross country trip from Arizona to Maine seeing the country in that time when leaves change and snow falls. We've recently learned that weather is not always our friend, but sometimes we can still enjoy the beauty it can bring. 

I've been so proud of this book since it came out this past spring. I'm pleased with the comments it has received. The awards it has won. And that people say they get so lost in Sara's voice - they forget a man has written the book. (A huge compliment!) 

So grab your favorite warm drink and settle in with this book. And once you complete it...let me know what you think!

Wishing all warm thoughts as people patch their lives back together.

Mom's Cancer Journey

It has been a while since I last blogged about my mother and the chemo treatments she has been going through. She just finished another this past Friday and has been dealing with different things after each one. I'm very grateful that she shares with me about what she is going through and that she allows me to share it on my blog. And I'm most excited that I get to see her next weekend for the first time since June! 

Here she is in her own words:


Well I've just gone through my 5th chemo treatment. Only one more to go. Thought it was time to talk about the head to toe symptoms I've experienced.
Lost hair on head and most of my eyebrows and eyelashes. Butterfly effect on face. Flushing hot. Dries out face. Stomach and bowel issues: constipation and diarrhea.Lots of fatigue, especially 2 days after treatment. Losing some fingernails. Blood pressure goes up and way down. Blood sugers go crazy on those 3 days I have to take steroids. Have to take insulin on those days. Back pain, leg pain, shoulder and hip pain from Neulasta shot I get after chemo treatment - can last from 3 to 7 days. Emotions go up and down. Lets just say you don't feel very pretty at times. Dries out your body inside and out. Lots of lotion needed. Feet and leg problems from neuropathy, which is caused by meds. Bottom of feet sometimes burn and swell making it hard to walk.
Now for the positive side --Hair, eyebrows and eyelashes will grow back. And I've got some really good wigs. Some people even think the wigs make me look younger. I have not had any mouth sores or any infections (which many people do). Eyes and face will clear up someday. Nails will grow back. I've not had to take any nausea meds. I'll get  these emotions under control. Skin will soften back. My legs and feet will get better after treatments. And I have some really wonderful caring doctors taking care of me.
Most of all, I have a great family and lots of good friends who are supporting me every step of my journey. Also getting to do what I love, working with kindergarteners is helping me get through this phase of my life. Trying to stay as positive as I can and dealing with each issue as it comes up. 
ONLY ONE MORE TREATMENT. And then it's time for my NO MORE CHEMO PARTY. Yeah baby. I got this.
Past blogs on my mom.
August 28
August 8
May 13

Social Media: Friend or Foe

I've learned some interesting things through the course of  this disaster called Sandy. Many have taken to social media to stay engaged with others and to learn how people are doing. But like a huge conference room where multiple conversations may be taking place, not everyone is discussing the same thing.

I've known people to share so many stories via Facebook and Twitter. Death of parents. Loss of home due to the economy. A breakup or divorce. People are quick to jump in with an encouraging word, kind thoughts, prayers. And I truly believe the empathy that folks have on social media.

However, it seems that people want everyone to feel and react the same way to every situation. But that doesn't happen. I've had no power or heat since Monday, so I've chosen to get by with humor on social media. Of course I stop and look at the photos coming through of the devastation Sandy has brought and I greatly feel for those so affected. But no one can understand completely what someone is going through. The fact someone posts a photo of their child trick-or-treating after commenting on your lack of power, or their family vacation once you've mentioned the death of your parent doesn't mean their sincerity for you isn't real. It simply means people continue living their own lives and social media is one's way of being social.

So yes - I've learned lessons and I hope others do too. We shouldn't be upset with people online because their lives/their pains/their joys are different from ours. What they are feeling is just as important. People do mean it when they invite you to come to their place to take a shower. Or the restaurant I went to last night (to eat in the light) and they offered to charge our phones while we ate. 

Lastly, if Sandy brings out the humor side in me - I think my social media friends appreciate that more than hearing how depressed it is looking at a dark wall each evening. Instead, I'll talk about the shadow puppets I'm making on the wall.     

A Return to Friends

A year ago I made my first appearance on national radio with Larry Flick and Keith Price of the Morning Jolt on Sirius Radio. Actually a year ago to this same Thursday (on Oct 27 last year). I recall the fear and excitement. Since then, I spend every morning listening to the two, tweet with them, have called in on occasion - a regular listener.

This morning I returned to the show to talk about my latest books and what has happened with me as a writer over the year and it was like visiting old friends. They are both such amazingly warm men who put guests at ease. We discussed my books Patchwork of Me and Chicken Boy. We talked about indie artists and the difference from traditionally published authors. And I was honest about reading reviews and how the entire process can make me feel.

Larry FlickOne thing I didn't discuss was the lows that sometimes come when you are busy promoting a book. You want so badly to get back to writing something new, but social media beckons and you are attempting to sell what you already have out there. All so important to connect with those wonderful people taking the time to read your work.

I've been in one of the lulls lately questioning every decision I make and I have to say: today rejuvenated me again. Sometimes it just helps to talk to someone that you haven't spoken to in a while. In this case, Larry interviews so many people daily. From the famous to those like me (that no one knows). But to hear his words of encouragement and that someone 'gets' what I attempt to do by sharing stories of adversity and diversity really helps. It makes me believe my work has a purpose...for each of those readers that find it and are moved by my stories. And that can mean more than the multi-million dollar deal from some big publisher. (Not that I'd turn that down or if any film studio out there wants to turn my book into a film.)


With Keith PriceYup - I'm feeling good again. And it comes at a great time as November has me busy speaking on my writing. I'm talking to college classes, elementary school classes - audiences that will be very different and it's always best to be in a great mental place when you decide to go out and share your work.

If you want to hear the interview, it's posted on the homepage of my website.

Thanks to a couple of radio friends for the 'therapy' session today! ;-)

Some Dreams Are Possible

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is celebrating their 50th anniversary and Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte (having spent 22 years in that position) knew she wanted to produce Man of La Mancha as a dedication and thank you to the dreamers and theater people who have supported the company. As one of those 'crazy theater types', I applaud her for taking on this show that walks the line between reality and insanity - and what a wonderfully polished and unique production she has given us.

Man of La Mancha rides on the shoulders of the actor portraying Cervantes/Quixote and Monte has an excellent strong-shouldered leading man in William Michals. He is much more than the booming voice that can deliver "The Impossible Dream" or the beauty of "Dulcinea". He is an actor that transforms himself in front of the audience to that of a frail man teetering on the edge of sanity with an incredible ability to convey both comedy and pathos to lead his audience on a journey. The Broadway performer never goes too far in his portrayal and fills his performance with truth. I've seen numerous productions of this musical and have witnessed actors that range from performing it for themselves to always giving to their fellow ensemble. Michals falls in the latter category. 


At this production, I took someone who had never experienced the show and I found it interesting to see it through fresh eyes. The concept musical is something that audiences were not as used to in 1965 when Man of La Mancha was first presented. A play within a play where the poet Cervantes awaits an inquisition with other prisoners and tells a story about Don Quixote in order to stop people from burning his manuscript. A ground breaking musical for its time that many absolutely love while others find much too sentimental or sometimes confusing. Playwright Drake Wasserman has said he was drawn to Miguel de Cervantes' story more than that of Cervantes' book "Don Quixote". Hence Man of La Mancha became a story within a story. Yet all the songs by Mitch Leigh and Joe Darion were written for the Don Quixote portion of the play. This accounts for many audiences believing the musical is the 'Quixote Musical'. I've always wished Cervantes would have music to propel his story so that we could feel for that character as much as we are pulled into Quixote. But who am I to question the 5 time Tony Award winning Best Musical that ran almost 6 years the first time it appeared on Broadway? And director Monte and actor Michals have worked hard with this script to portray that Cervantes has a goal from the moment we see him. He must win over his other prisoners and in turn; the audience watching it.

It is wonderful to see this production in a small, intimate space. The piece lends itself to be shown in such a manner: with the story unfolding in the audiences' lap to make that human connection. The smaller pit (with prisoners playing many of the instruments) with musical direction by Doug Oberhamer enhances without ever overpowering. Monte has created an exciting environment for that audience with a scenic design by Michael Schweikardt that makes the audience feel as if they are part of the prison. Lightning design by Michael Giannitti that is unafraid to use shadows as well as light. Costume design by Michelle Eden Humphrey portrays the period beautifully and utilizes additional pieces thoughtfully to tell the play within the play. And sound design by Steven L. Beckel sets the tone the moment we hear footsteps approaching the iron door of the prison and the loud opening of that door.
Monte has made wonderful use of this 'prison playground' in the telling of her story along with fight director Rick Sordelet. Her placement choices of scenes such as Aldonza's abduction give wonderful impact without being too jarring in this intimate space. Her art of storytelling is evident in this the first musical the group has produced since 2004 and the way she has chosen to use the entire ensemble. 

I mentioned Monte's unique production earlier in that she has made different casting choices in some of the roles. One of those is casting Jane Pfitsch as the service woman/prostitute Aldonza. With her cropped, dirty-blonde locks, Pfitsch does not match the stereotypical look of other actresses that have portrayed the role and at first, I'll admit I was thrown. Then I was pulled into this tough, earthy take on the character that looked different from the other women in the ensemble. It caused her to stand out both to the audience and to Quixote. Pfitsch's acting moments are so grounded that I found I was transfixed by her when she would enter. Powerful

Sancho is usually a rotund man to play the servant of Cervantes, but Blake Pfeil brings his own unique look to this role. More Seth Green than Ernie Sabella and a delightful performance all around. Jeremy Lee Parrish has a voice as The Padre that I could listen to for days; John Seidman is appropriately comic as The Barber; Patrick Boll offers a commanding presence as Dr. Carraso, and the harmonies of the men singing "Little Bird, Little Bird" are so lovely to hear without amplification. The entire company shines brightly considering they are surrounded by a dank and dark prison and each carry the weight of this piece as prisoners that dream of the impossible.

Man Of La Mancha is a show everyone should see at least once. And if you're like me and love to see new and exciting productions of it, get to Madison, NJ to catch this production. Runs through November 18 at  The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. Visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org for complete details.

Originally Published on BroadwayWorld.com

My Secret Obsession

Christopher Reeve autographIs there something you are so obsessed with, but don't want people to know just how much you are obsessed with it? Well - I'm about to share how much of a true freak I am.

Back in 1989, after watching the video of one of my favorite films (Somewhere in Time - the romantic time-travel movie), I said to myself "That would make an incredible musical." I stayed up all night writing an outline and then set out to find the book the movie is based on - Bid Time Return by Richard Matheson. I bought a used copy of the book from someone in Arizona and then wanted to find out if Universal owned the rights. (In the photo - you can see how much I marked up the copy of my book writing myself notes for the musical.) All along,  I was still writing the musical as my obsession was too great to stop. Adding additional characters to have a secondary storyline for a musical. Writing a counter melody for the protagonist to sing against the music used in the movie (Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.) And then discovering that Mr. Matheson retained the rights even after the movie was made in 1980.


My letter to Richard MathesonI did demo recordings with friends, had readings of it in my New York living room as I waited to hear a response from the letter I had written to the author. And then the letter came that I dreaded. About 20 years ago in 1992, Mr. Matheson himself wrote me saying he was already working on his own musical version of it and 'hated to throw cold water on my project, but it was spoken for.' I was in my early 20s at the time, completely crushed - but learned a valuable lesson to always get the rights to something before proceeding. From that, I went on to write more musicals, was accepted into the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop and my life went on.

When I met my other half in 2000, one of the things we had in common was our love of this film. (I won't even go into the amount of crazy gifts we have given to each other all these years that are built around this particular story.) Then in 2004, the world lost Christopher Reeve and while everyone was talking about superman, I continued to think of Richard Collier. My spouse and I traveled to Mackinac Island in October of '05 (where the movie was filmed) and the true freak came out of me as I enjoyed every second of that trip reliving the film. (Yes, we walked around to all the locations - but notice I'm not including photos in this blog where we reenacted the scenes. I even get emails from the Somewhere in Time fan club, but I've never joined them when they gather on the Island as one large group each year).


The Grand Hotel 2005In March of 2006, right after Christopher Reeve's wife passed, a friend of mine wrote me that he heard they were making a musical of Somewhere in Time. The story is all about fate and with the untimely passing of Dana joining her with her husband once again (much like the story) I thought destiny was talking to me. So I wrote to Ken Davenport - the producer behind the musical project. Thrilled when he respond that he would listen to my work and I sent off a package to him. Now, I'll admit: I should have reworked it before sending. I returned to twenty year old music (tho I had become a better writer), and sent him a demo from that. But then I got the word he had chosen his team and again, I let it go.

Looking back, everything happens for a reason. Had I got that job I would have spent the last six years working on that musical instead of becoming a published author of four books that have gone on to win awards. 

But I am happy to see this week that Mr. Daveport's musical is finally coming out in 2013. He's worked a long time to get the project accomplished. (Read his journey here.)  It will premiere in Portland in the spring and when it gets anywhere in the New York area - you can bet this obsessed fan will be there cheering on those time-crossed lovers. Congrats, Ken on getting your baby to the stage. And thank you for completing this dream that has been my own obsession since 1989.

Caught in A Lie

I'm constantly amazed by people who believe they can say and do whatever they want and will not get caught. It really must take a 'huge set' for people to think they are above it all and can do it. But why wouldn't they? The media loves controversy and scandal so they play into it. But either watching presidential debates or what Lance Armstrong is going through, there is always plenty of examples where someone thinks they can say anything they want and the truth will not come out.
The fact is: the truth usually comes out. Some people capitalize on that 'truth' and write a tell all book or create a purse line (am I showing my age with that reference), but they grab that 15 minutes of fame while they can. Is there a difference in degrees in lies? You want to get out of doing something so you make up something else you have to do. You really want to get a job so you change your resume to suit the needs of  that job. You take enhancements to to have the stamina to get through the Olympics. You go under cover pretending to be something your not all with the hopes of writing a Pulitzer Prize winning expose. Or you want to lead a country and will say anything to get those votes.
It seems we live in a world where consequence doesn't seem to matter. Where people do whatever they can to get ahead. Perhaps I'm just feeling a little discouraged today by too many things I'm reading about in the media and will have a better outlook tomorrow - but for today, the deceit in the news is troubling me.

When It's Over

When I was a child, I used to be so sad and depressed when a production I had been in would end. My mother would witness her child go into a funk and knew it was going to happen each time. You become family with people when you mount a show. And then they are gone. As I got older and did shows professionally, I learned to bounce back much more quickly from that edge of depression of it being over. And now since I tend to write my feelings, I couldn't hold back from analyzing what I went through the past two months.
Several years ago, I walked away from theater to concentrate on being a writer. I had spent so much of my time going from show to show, but really had forgotten what it was like. The past two months was a huge reminder. The hours of rehearsal. The memory work involved. The fear that comes the older you get when we somehow lose that "I can do anything" attitude we had when we were younger. But I accepted the challenge. I took the journey. And I'm so glad that I did.
I learned about myself during the process. I even thought about the type of story teller I am as a writer. And I wanted to get to the depth of my character. Yes, Next to Normal is a musical - but it is an emotional play of family dynamics, loss, love, grief - and these are themes I love to write about as well. 
I learned about friendship. Those that support you during the process. That believe you can accomplish what you set out to do. That come to the performances and support your endeavors.
And I learned that as an adult, the sadness felt when the show is over is slightly different from that when I was younger. Yes, I'll miss all those involved in the production. I'll miss the excitement of doing the show and getting that instant acknowledgement (that you don't receive as a writer). But what I really found was - I'll miss the character that I played. I was a husband. A father. A man attempting to hold together a 19 year marriage as his life was cracking around him and I felt for this man. I loved portraying him for an audience and I carried his 'world' home with me each night. I can't say thanks enough to my director for trusting me with this man and for 4th Wall for producing such a great show.
And as an author? Well, I've always thought my next book out would be Fences That Divide Us, but there has been another on the back burner that may just push it's way forward now for 2013. A few years back I wrote a novel about a married man who was the stay at home dad while his wife went to work and once his child starts school, he has no idea what to do with his life. After this experience, I believe it is time to revisit that novel and get it out sooner rather than later.
So the experiences we have in life - even when a show ends - may just be the beginning of something else.
The cast of Next to Normal

Photos by: Tom Schopper