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Archive for the ‘Interviews’

“When I Fall In Love”

February 17, 2011 By: Pia Haas Category: I Do! I Do!, Interviews, News, Press, Special Events No Comments →

Joy and Joe Dechiario of Bronxville have been married for 50 years! Bravi! Read on to find out the bliss formula!

My husband Joe and I just celebrated our 50th Anniversary on Jan 21, 2011. We have been happily married all these years and have four sons, four wonderful daughters-in -law, and nine beautiful grandchildren.

We met at a Valentine’s day dance in1960. We fell in love on our first date when we went for Pizza and realized how comfortable we felt with each other.

We were married the following January1961, the day after the Kennedy inauguration.
We love to dance and our wedding song was "When I Fall in Love". We went dancing on our Anniversary and, without prior notice, the band was playing "our song". We thank God for all we have.
Our Marriage secret: "It is very important to hug or kiss or both at least once a day. Always think of the other person’s feelings and put selfishness aside. Take some private time even in a busy day. Show your love every day."

Ask me, Ask me!

February 16, 2011 By: Pia Haas Category: I Do! I Do!, Interviews, News, Press, Special Events No Comments →

Continuing to honor some long- married couples, Harriet & Julius Besselman of Pomona, NY, are together as man & wife for 55 years! Harriet tells us the great story:

One day in early September of 1953, I decided to change my job. I worked for a CPA who had a very large office and I wanted to find a smaller practice. I was a secretary and stat typist. So, I found a small accounting firm that had four accountants and was offered the job. For the first two weeks all accountants except one came to the office. This one checked in by phone from a client every day. He sounded very nice and had a beautiful sounding voice. He walked into the office after two weeks and I thought he was so cute with big blue eyes. We just talked business during the next few weeks and then one evening in late Sept. we were alone in the office and while I was typing a many column report, he came over to me and started rocking my chair and asked me when I was going to ask him out. I said, "Sorry, but you have to ask me out" and the subject was dropped. (Those days girls did not approach boys) This went on until the end of December whenever we were alone in the office. Then the end of December, he asked me when I’m going to ask him out for New Year’s Eve. As before, I said you have to do the asking. He did not ask. I went out on a date for New Year’s eve and the next Tuesday we are alone again and he asked me if I had a good time with my date. I said very nice and then he said "you would have had a better time with me" I turned around and said "Julie would you take me out Saturday night?" He had a surprised look on his face and said "She really means it" We went out and had a great time and continued seeing one another. In October we became engaged and were married the following May.

That was 55 years ago and the reason it is still going strong is the best way to have a Happy Marriage is to LET HIM THINK HE’S THE BOSS!

A Song In My Heart!

February 16, 2011 By: Pia Haas Category: I Do! I Do!, Interviews, News, Press, Special Events No Comments →

Dominic & Marie Letterii, who live in Poughkeepsie, Ny, just celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary on January 10, 2011. Their daughter, Laurie, shared a fun story with us!

They met many many years ago when they both worked at a ladies undergarment factory in Poughkeepsie. My mother worked in the stock department and my father worked in the cutting department.

My mother used to find my father staring at her and one day my sarcastic mother asked "Would you like a picture?" to which he replied "Absolutely!".

Shortly after, they were officially introduced and would take lunchtime walks together with my father whistling or humming the songs of his favorite entertainer, Louis Prima. He even tried to impress my mom with his rendition of "Oh, Marie."

Each evening my father would walk my mother to the bus depot after work for her return to her home in Highland. They eventually both left Stardust to work at IBM. They finally married in 1954. Their marriage produced 7 children (all currently married) and eventually 15 grandchildren.

My mother is still a bit sarcastic today and my father is still humming those Louis Prima songs.

So, I proposed the question to them on what they thought was the secret to achieving a long & happy marriage. Oh boy, that was interesting….

My father, the comedian he thinks he is first said: "There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for your mother and there’s nothing she wouldn’t do for me and that’s just what we do for each other……Nothing."

Then he thought better of this answer and said "Oh no, you better not write that". So, he then gave me his ABCs of a happy marriage:

A – Admit you are wrong even when you are right.

B- Be honest – at least 90% of the time

Be quiet & listen

Be on time

Behave

C- Checkbook – make sure there’s enough money in the checkbook for when she wants to go shopping.

My mother, a quiet woman of few words,said, "Don’t expect perfection from each other but always respect one another."

We are so blessed that they said "I Do, I Do" 57 years ago.

Love is In The Air!!

February 15, 2011 By: Pia Haas Category: I Do! I Do!, Interviews, News, Press, Special Events No Comments →

Continuing to honor couples during our run of I Do! I Do!…..Meet Sylvia and Sandy Dulitz , of Washington Heights, NY, who have been married 65 years!! Here is what Sandy had to say about this amazing union:

Sylvia and I first met in May, 1941. My brother-in-law knew Sylvia and introduced us. It just so happened that we lived around the corner from each other (kind of like “the girl next door”). We actually attended the same high school, where we were in the same graduating class, but we had never met. After we were introduced, we started seeing each other. Then the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, and, as they say, the rest is history. I enlisted in the Army in 1942 (my parents had to give their permission as I was under age) and went off to serve my country. Sylvia volunteered her time helping the USO back home. After I completed my basic training, I found out I was being shipped overseas. So, I went back home to see Sylvia, and at that time, gave her an engagement ring and asked her to wait for me. My next three years were spent in The European Theater of Operation. Sylvia and I exchanged letters (we still have them all), where we told each other about our hopes and dreams for “our” future. Sylvia kept busy at home working at her job and attending many USO functions as a volunteer member. She also sold War Bonds. When the war ended in 1945, I was sent home to my family and to Sylvia. We were married in 1946, and we now have two children and five grandchildren ranging in age from thirty-six to eight. Looking back on all our wonderful years together, we know we could never have made it without each other and the love we share, which keeps growing stronger with every passing day.

My Funny Valentine!

February 14, 2011 By: Pia Haas Category: I Do! I Do!, Interviews, News, Press, Special Events No Comments →

I Do! I Do! Celebrates 50 years of a marriage! I know of several couples that are celebrating 50+ years together! We’d like to honor them here over the next few weeks!

The first of our featured couples, Ann and Dick Smith of Somers,Ny are celebrating 50 years of "Wedded Bliss". Here’s their story via Dick:

After fixing up a couple I knew in college (Syracuse), they in turn, while on a vacation from school, fixed me up with her girlfriend (Ann) so we could "double date". For me it was instant, and I still remember what she wore the first time I saw her. For her it was.. "If he calls again I’ll see!". We dated off and on while we were in school (She in Hunter), and after I graduated, in June of ’59, we became pinned (that’s what you did in those days) and a year later engaged and a year later married. We found out (after), that both our parents had been engaged on our fathers’ birthdays, and we, not knowing had done the same! A year later, not wanting to get cheated out of a birthday present, we were married a week after my birthday (April 1st.) So April 9th was the day and this April we are celebrating (we were told), at a party given by our three Sons, three Daughter-in laws and 5 Grandchildren. Then in June we are going to celebrate with 5 other couples that are also celebrating the big 5-0. We are flying to Barcelona, with one other couple, for two days, then on to Lisbon where we will all meet the others, spend two days there and then get on a ship and cruise to various ports, ending up in France and the WW I sites, then on to Paris for two or three days and then fly home to the real world. The secret to a happy marriage? "Compromise…Knowing when to pick your fights!"

My Three Jekylls???

January 10, 2011 By: Pia Haas Category: Interviews, JEKYLL & HYDE, News, Press No Comments →

LIANNE MARIE DOBBS who is wowing audiences as the new LUCY in Jekyll & Hyde has a bit of a Tri-drama going on! READ ON!

Rob Richardson, Xander Chauncey and Ben McHugh.

It was brought to my attention that on Saturday night – my seventh performance as Lucy – I was on stage lamenting over the beautiful eyes of my THIRD Jekyll.

I have to admit that it has been a real gift to contribute to the performances of Xander Chauncey, Rob Richardson, and Benjamin McHugh as Jekyll & Hyde. People keep asking me: "What’s that like?"

I have the same intentions with all of them in our interaction on stage, but they each have their own way of observing Lucy at the Red Rat, comforting her, and toying with her as Hyde. My story as Lucy is the same with each of my handsome leading men – but the actual moments that build up to loving Jekyll or being strangely drawn to Hyde are completely different. It is a wonderful acting exercise to come into a scene, see my leading man walk around me when I thought he was going to grab me and realize – ‘Oh RIGHT! This is how THIS Hyde intimidates me! Silly girl! You can’t plan how this is going to go! Just go with it!’

And so the sparks are that much brighter, because I’m truly not able to anticipate. Xander, Rob and Ben all honor the story of Dr. Jekyll and Bob Cuccioli’s vision – so we are all in good hands every night. One leading man’s hand, however, may squeeze a little tighter than another – but that’s my secret. ;-)

Ready for Rob Richardson??

October 25, 2010 By: Pia Haas Category: Interviews, JEKYLL & HYDE, News, Press No Comments →

Rob is joining us as the title roles in Jekyll and Hyde! At this time, he is scheduled to perform the role every Wednesday matinee, Sunday matinee and Sunday evening. This will mark Rob’s 5th time performing in this show–

I’m originally from Danville, Virginia, and spent essentially my entire life through college in and around that area. Upon finishing at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, I did everything from children’s theatre to theme park work to summer stock for the next few years, until finally moving to New York City. I didn’t have much of a backup plan mostly because I was afraid I’d end up using it. So, I waited my share of tables, temped, and even got my Personal Training Certification through the American Council on Exercise (ACE). I’ve been lucky; the work was there when I needed it (usually), I met and married a fantastic woman and now we have two beautiful daughters and live in New Jersey.. My very first agent gave me the best advice anyone has ever offered, and it was (paraphrased), “Don’t wait to have a life. You can chase this dream for years, and it may never come. So if you want a family, have a family. They make all your successes greater, and all your failures less painful.” So far, so good.

On Broadway: A Tale of Two Cities (Ensemble, Sydney Carton u/s). National Tours: Showboat (Ravenal) and 1776 (Rutledge). Favorite Regional: The Full Monty (Reg/Jerry u/s, Paper Mill Playhouse), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (The Beast, Walnut Street Theatre) A Funny Thing Happened… (Miles Gloriosus, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival), Oklahoma! (Curly, Cherry County Playhouse), Kiss Me, Kate (Fred/Petruchio, Flat Rock Playhouse) and 110 in the Shade (Starbuck, the Mac-Haydn Theatre).

Benjamin is a dream (& a nightmare!)

October 20, 2010 By: Pia Haas Category: Interviews, JEKYLL & HYDE, News, Press No Comments →

Benjamin McHugh has been evoking cheers and jeers during performances of Jekyll & Hyde. As the alternate for Jekyll & Hyde…the Aussie star has had to jump in on a moment’s notice… read on!

I‘m originally from Adelaide, South Australia. When I was 14, my family moved from Australia to Auckland, New Zealand where I finished my high school years. While I was there, the school had a very strong music department and every year they would have a mid-year musical. During my final year they held auditions for Grease. I had no intention of performing, but was really interested in lighting – so I went along and asked if I could be the lighting operator. The director said "sure – but why don’t you audition anyway and see how you go?". So I did and I ended up landing the part of Danny Zuko that John Travolta made famous! With absolutely no acting, singing or dancing experience I went on. It was hilariously bad but I had the best time and the seed was definitely planted for my love for this industry.

Acting? I think to begin with it was just lots of fun. I did community theatre for 5 years in Adelaide after I returned from NZ, and It was the "community" aspect I loved – making lots of friends and going to pub after rehearsal. I think actors that have influenced me the most are Hugo Weaving, Anthony Warlow, Tom Hanks & Al Pacino .
My friend Noelle Berry wrote to me telling me about the auditions coming up. She was part of the Westchester cast of J&H from 2001 and couldn’t stop talking about how much she loved the show, loved working with Bob Cuccioli and thought I would be perfect in it. I’d never done the show before, but I got really excited about the opportunity to work with Bob and sing the score. When I found out I was the Jekyll & Hyde understudy, I was thrilled!
Going on for the first time last week was like nothing I had ever experienced. The role is huge and very intimidating and I had only 2 hours rehearsal! It was an incredible time. We managed to get through it – JUST. Luckily, we have an amazingly talented and supportive cast and crew that helped me through every step of that first show. The best part of my first show was when at the end of "The Way Back" during the transformation, I tried to pull the hair-tie out and instead my entire wig was off my head and on the floor in front of me! Ahhhh… Live Theatre! Nailed it! It has been amazing since. I cant say enough about the incredible cast and crew I work with.

Jekyll & Hyde has always been one of those dream roles. But I would also love to play Chris in Miss Saigon, Tony in West Side Story, and Enjolras in Les Miserables. Next To Normal is a new favorite along with A Little Night Music & Merrily We Roll Along by Sondheim.

I love working on my new home that my wife and I have just bought in Brooklyn. It’s a beautiful 100 year old Brownstone and in really good condition, but there is still a lot of love and care needed and on my days off from J&H, it seems to dominate. As I am typing this, I have three electricians working on lighting problems right now! Apart from that, I love going to the movies, seeing friends and of course hanging with my beautiful wife.

Hmmm, whats on my iPod? So so much. I love all sorts of music, but the style I always seem to fall back on is chill-out or house music. My brother is a London DJ and he sends me mix CD’s all the time with his latest creations. I have to credit him with a lot of my musical influences. But my favorite band of all - Zero 7. Awesome awesome awesome! Check them out! I’m sure if you’ve never heard of them, you more than likely would have heard some of their stuff. Most fav song is called "Destiny"!

ENTHRALLING EMMA!

October 12, 2010 By: Pia Haas Category: Interviews, JEKYLL & HYDE, News, Press No Comments →

Jennifer Babiak is breathtaking as Emma Carew, Dr. Jekyll’s fiancee. Read on to see what she’s up to when she’s not wowing the crowds!

I grew up in Medford, NY, a small town in Eastern Long Island, Suffolk County. I am the youngest of 5 (two brothers, two sisters), so it was a lot of fun growing up with such a big family. We also always had a ton of pets, so it was a full house

I started singing first, My Grandma was a piano teacher and her father was a composer, so we have always had a very musical family. Once I started singing lessons at 16, I auditioned for the school musical and that was it for me! My mentor probably would be my first acting teacher Jack Allison, an incredible man, teacher, director and friend.

I was in college at NYU when the show was running on Broadway, I bought the cd and fell in love with the music, and thought the original cast was amazing! This is my first time doing the show, and I couldn’t be happier.

West Side Story has always been my favorite show, with Gypsy and Sunday in the Park with George being a close second and third

My dream role I think would be Christine in Phantom, especially because it’s my Dad’s favorite show and he would be ecstatic!

During the time off I love to spend quality time with my dog, going out with friends, the movies, yoga, the gym, reading, heading out to Long Island to see my family, oh and sleep-I love sleep haha

My Ipod has an eclectic mix, I have Joshua Radin on there, Cat Stevens, Carrie Underwood, Ben Gibbard, Jeff Buckley, Elbow, Coldplay, Snow Patrol, Rachel Yamagata, Eva Cassidy, Harry Connick Jr., Nina Simone, etc.

Lovely Lucy

September 29, 2010 By: Pia Haas Category: Interviews, JEKYLL & HYDE, News, Press No Comments →

The gorgeous & talented Michelle Dawson plays the tortured Lucy in Jekyll & Hyde…..read on!

I grew up in a little town, Charlotte,Vermont. It’s just outside of Burlington. A red brick farm house.I was a lucky girl. I have a sister. I was born in Rutland.

I was a "horse gal". I showed horses my whole childhood until college. My mother and I would travel all over the East coast. It was a huge part of my life until the music theatre bug hit me.

I studied voice at the age of 15 and Piano for 9 years. I got most of my experience before college at the community theatre, the "Lyric Theatre" in Burlington.

I met a man there who taught me so much about the theatre. He had gone to Carnegie –Mellon (Carnegie-Tech at the time)and after that, there was no other college choice for me but that school! I was determined to go there! Hard to pin point why acting/singing was my destiny…It just was, no choice!

I did Jekyll &Hyde with Bob Cuccioli 9 years ago here at the WBT, and also with Bob at Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. Here I am again. I love the show! I love Bob! I love WBT!

It’s always hard for me to pick a favorite show or dream role….I do have to say I just love characters that have a dark life, with that heart of gold and the struggles along the way. Or, roles that just have a complicated life…. when it comes to a favorite show, I do love J&H. I love the music and the romance!!! Lucy holds a special place in my heart. Favorite shows tend to be the last show I did…maybe because so much research and time in the journey happens….which was Mamma Mia! I was lucky enough to play two amazing roles, Tanya and Donna. Both are fantastic roles! Tanya and her fiery, fierce, sexy, fun, comedic self and Donna, the single, hardworking mom and her incredible journey throughout the show.

When not on stage I love to spend time with my 6 year-old son and my hubby. Family time, Eating, Jogging!

No ipod, sorry! I love all kinds of music, Truly!

Archive for the ‘Interviews’

“When I Fall In Love”

Ask me, Ask me!

A Song In My Heart!

Love is In The Air!!

My Funny Valentine!

My Three Jekylls???

Ready for Rob Richardson??

Benjamin is a dream (& a nightmare!)

ENTHRALLING EMMA!

Lovely Lucy

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