PREVIEW OF MUSICAL THEATRE GUILD’S 30 YEAR CELEBRATION THIS SUNDAY

If you’re a SoCal lover of Broadway musicals, do not miss this upcoming one-night-only fundraising gala and concert, Here’s to Us—Musical Theatre Guild Celebrates 30 Years, at the Broad in Santa Monica this Sunday night, October 11th.

Since this is a celebration of the musical theatre organization, it’s fitting that, as the info on their website tells us, the show is inspired by legendary composer Stephen Sondheim’s celebrated lyric in Old Friends, “Here’s to us! Who’s like us? Damn few!” The site also states that “the evening celebrates the performers, directors, musicians, volunteers, patrons, and supporters who have shaped Musical Theatre Guild over the past three decades, while raising funds to support the Guild’s youth education initiatives.” With the arts being basically an afterthought in schools these days, my former teacher self is happy to read that last part!

This anniversary presentation is actually not solely a concert—some performers also share their reflections on the past thirty years with this company. I have high hopes for the show because I am familiar with a couple of the performers, chief among them being Will Collyer, of whom I recently became a fan when I saw him in the show Waiting In The Wings at Theatricum Botanicum. If you missed that review, I wrote that he was “my favorite performer of the group” because “his singing is lovely” even though it was just one Christmas song in the middle of that play, which is not a musical. I told the friend who was with me that night that I wanted the play to stop and let us just hear Will sing alone for a while. And now I’ll get my wish at this special concert on Sunday night!

One of my friends who’s seeing the show on Sunday told me that she’s excited to see the newbie in the group, Patrick Beller. He shared his impressions of his first year in this organization, saying, ”Everyone involved at MTG is a musical theatre professional, so they’ve all played leads or been in an ensemble. You so rarely get to see this many legendary performers on one stage, and to work on material like the concert versions of musicals that we present is such a treat for audiences and for me as a performer.”

I’m looking the most forward to hearing the work of MTG’s Music Director, Brad Ellis, who was also one of the music directors on Glee. (He’s the guy you always saw playing the piano for the stars on that series. What a great gig!) I got to speak with him by phone recently, (for a looong time because we could not be torn apart!,) and I cannot believe how much this man has accomplished in his career!!! (He did not at any time do “…and then I wrote”—I drew it all out of him.) And I loved finding-out just how many people and show biz experiences we have in common! I’m happy to bestow upon him the title of My New Best Friend! (But he needs to enjoy it now—we all know how fleeting that honor is.)

I asked him to fill me in a bit more on Musical Theatre Guild, and he told me that to work with a group like this, “You start with talent.” And that they all do this work “for the love of it,” (as I sort-of do with this e-zine—I detest writing, but live to help people! So it’s somewhat the same.)

I asked Brad if all their shows have the same musicians, (because what is a musical without fabulous artists playing the music for the singers???,) and he explained that they have different orchestra sizes for each show. Some have really big orchestras, while this one features what he calls the “Brad Ellis Rhythm Section.” That means only his hands on the piano and nothing more, which I love! That makes the voices so much easier to discern.

While I had Brad on the phone, I took the opportunity to grill him about his time on Glee a bit. He was the most friendly with Matthew Morrison, whom he accompanied on piano when Matt toured with his cabaret show. Brad has also played for Jane Lynch from time-to-time, in orchestra concerts. He told me she’s “kind and gracious” and a “living doll.” I always liked her just as a fan, but his words have sealed the deal for me. (And I hope for all of you!)

And he could not stop singing the praises of the late Cory Monteith, with whom he was also very close. He said the cast, especially Lea Michele, were devastated by his tragic death.

Speaking of Lea, he really applauded her talent, and made a point about her I had never heard before. He told me that a few Broadway shows extended their runs just because Lea was in them, (because audiences wanted to see her,) and those extensions created much work for the actors, musicians, and crew, which he really appreciates. I love that astute observation!

And, of course, as Mr. X and I are, Brad is rooting for Glee’s “really nice guy” Harry Shum, Jr. on Dancing With the Stars this season.

Brad is not just a music director and pianist, by the way. Those two achievements would be enough for anyone, but he’s also a composer, orchestrator, and voice coach. Hey buddy—leave some jobs for the rest of us! (Well, not for me—I have zero musical talent beyond playing the piano piece The Flashy Speedboat!)

I was glad to later learn from a mutual pal that Co-Founder of MTG, Gordon Goodman, also adores Brad Ellis, saying he is “just absolutely brilliant—anything in his hands is in brilliant hands!” (Okay, so Gordon is not exactly a wordsmith, but I can’t sing, so we’re even.)

I have to admit that until recently, I had never heard of Musical Theatre Guild, even when my old pal and favorite singer in the world, Adam Lambert, was in it! I wish I had known about them all those years ago, so I could have enjoyed his talents much sooner than I did! But that shows that you never know who you may discover at this special performance on Sunday.

That brings me to the line-up for the evening. It will begin with an early VIP dessert and coffee reception, complete with a champagne toast, in The Edye, which is the intimate performance space adjacent to The Broad Stage. The show will take place right afterwards in the Broad itself. MTG is known for performing some of “Broadway’s forgotten gems and undiscovered treasures,” so to that end, I took an early gander at the program. And shockingly for this theatre reviewer, (and lifelong theatre-goer!,) I know only four of the thirty-one songs that will be performed! I actually love that—I’m always happy to learn something new. (But I did see the titles of several shows my brother has played in on Broadway, so I’ll be glad to finally be brought up to speed on them myself.)

This is a fundraiser, so the reception will benefit MTG’s Youth Education Program, while the musical portion of the night will benefit Musical Theatre Guild itself. VIP tickets will include admission to the reception, premier seating for the performance, and commemorative anniversary gifts. You can purchase tickets for either segment of the event or both, (which is what I suggest you do.) I hope to see you all there.

For tickets to Musical Theatre Guild’s Sunday Gala, and more information, (such as full cast and program of featured songs,) please go here: www.musicaltheatreguild.com/show/heres-to-us.