| Logo Design by
Terry Baughan |  | |
| GOINGS ON! | |
Arthur Anderson: Published his memoirs, An Actors Life: From Orson Wells to Lucky the Leprechan |
Diane Findlay: Just returned from LA where she played Lucille Ball to sell-out audiences!
Liz Hodes: Featured in excerpts from Titus Andronicus, "Lady Macbeth," & "Queen Gertrude" in Hamlet.
Lee Kelley: Featured in a Phi Beta Kappa promo to be aired nationwide
Annie O'Donnell: Made cameo appearances on Grey's Anatomy, The Big Bang Theory; feature film The Sound of My Voice and Transformers 3.
Denise Pence: Is the new "voice" for the Jewish Guild for the Blind; & as a pre-theater warm-up to Ridgefield Orchestra --Broadway on Demand -- she appeared w/her husband, Steve Boockvor & Ira Joe Fisher, 11/2010.
CASTING CORNER: Director, Bobby Sobel in NY is working on 3 new plays & seeking non-union actresses over 50 -- Pass the word: actingirene@yahoo.com.
Don't forget to send us YOUR latest news!
|
|
RC Alum, Liz Hodes, is hosting a performance to Benefit
East Lynne Theatre Company
Career
by James Lee
featuring Mike Smith Rivera & Liz Hodes
Sunday January 30, 2011 at 3:00 p.m.
(home of Liz and Stu Hodes)
175 Lexington Ave. @31 St. NYC
Reservations required:
212-532-8977
or Email liz@HodesShows.com
Suggested (minimum tax-deductible) Donation: $10.00 |
 Miss Television joins the Queens Campaign!
Our own Phyllis Creore Westerman, age 94, is now one of the many illustrious stars whose work is commemmorated at the Paley Museum. In an article by Nicholas Hirshon in Watt/News published in August of this year, we also learned that she has joined the fight in Queens to have an historical marker placed by the site of the RCA Exhibit Building. Described as a "vivacious young miss," she helped launch RCA's television marketing campaign at the upcoming World's Fair.
Although she earned just a "pittance," Phyllis loved her work which was transmitted over 100 yards of coaxial cable to 20 indoor sets for a packed viewing audience, according to a 1939 article in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.
Phyllis, you're an inspiration and proof that we're never too old have an impact on the world around us! |
| Cast Your Vote! |  | |
Each year the Cinderella's of West 53rd Street would like to give the
"Key to Our Hearts"
to -- someone. Let us know who YOU feel deserves this honor.
Contact: Rise Clemmer
|
Guardian Cuff
Fellow alum, Marion Ragsdale's daughter, Amy, provides these exclusive bracelets, engraved to order! Click on the image to visit her website and design your own.
|
| Shopping Corner
|
Contact
Judith Curcio at judith.curcio@espn.com for available cookbooks ($10), t-shirts & pins both ($15)
|
|
Dancing For Angels
Another year; another scholarship!
Thank you to RC alum, Joyce Chapman and her husband, Howard Nadler for making it happen!
Friday, Nov 19, 2010 |
|
No No Nanette Reunion - Swing 46, NYC |  | |
Broadway, National and Bus & Truck companies came together for a reunion, organized by our own Kathy Conry on September 19, 2010 |
Letter to the Editor:
In 1964, when I was a very young 18, I was allowed to venture the great distance from Boston to New York only because I would be living at the Club ["Fianl Curtain for the Rehearsal Club," June]. Girls who lived there shared a camaraderie through triumph and travail, and today quite a fe remain close friends. Perhaps most of us haven't achieved our youthful dreams of stardom. But the important point is that we tried. The club gave us a chance. New York City may be gaining a valuable piece of real estate, but is is losing a welcoming sanctuary.
Lilith Cincotta, Huntington, N.Y.
How can people sit by and allow the closing of the Rehearsal Club? I saw Stage Door on TV once and I'll never forget it. Call me sentimental, but when $30 million is spent to remake Superman, why can't $40,000 be raised to save an original?
Joan P. Russo
Fairlawn, N.J. | |
|
|
BC/EFA Flea Market!
$454 Raised |  | | Thank you to Judy Jenson, Nancy Wight, Judith Curcio, Melinda Tanner, Cameron Taylor (who helped me set up), Lora Mitchell (who also donated signed books) and Sue Samuels, Jazz Teacher (who teaches me in more ways than one) for donating their time to this event. Thanks also to Phyllis Creore, Arthur Anderson, Rise Clemmer, Lee Kelley & ESPN for donating theatrical memorabilia for sale. We met quite a few new members, future fans and generally had a blast spreading the word about our organization. Priceless! |
|
|
The Rehearsal Club Founded 1913
Alumnae Newsletter
"To tell the story of The Rehearsal Club, to preserve its legacy
and inspire the future generations of aspiring artists."
|
|
Letter From Lee
| 
Dear All:
It's that time again. The end of another year.
Time to wish you, your family, friends and colleagues a warm, wonderful Holiday Season and a New Year rich in health and hope.
Time also to assess the passing year and to set goals for the new one. It's hard to believe that it has been 3 years - yes, it was 2007 - since The Rehearsal Club was re-born in the form of our alumnae group. This year, 2010, we got noticed thru (1) our alliance with NY Coalition of Women in Arts & Media in their VintAGE performance at the Thalia Theater in NY; (2) chapters in Carol Burnett's best-seller; (3) on local/national radio and television, again thru Carol's PR; and (4) we had a presence at the BC/EFA Flea Market. When this year turns, however, we will be only two years away from our founding Centennial and so 2011 will be critical for us. Where we go and how far we go largely depends upon YOU - upon your willingness to do two, simple things.
The first, if you haven't already, is to pay your dues. Join us again or as a new member. Send the $10, more if you are able. We NEED the dues. Especially now, since we not only have annual expenses that are increasing but we also want to launch a PR campaign that will really heighten our visibility.
The second is to support the documentary and our book projects. The Rehearsal Club was there for us when we needed it. Now, this is our chance, probably our only chance, to preserve the story of The Rehearsal Club on digital film. At the most recent Steering Committee and General Membership Meetings, everyone present agreed to bring in one donation: their own or one from a family member, friend or theatre lover or professional. Kathy Conry and Denise Pence brought in a $100 donation from a dance teacher, Alice and Arthur Anderson donated a very generous $200. I just told a theater-going acquaintance about the Club and asked her for a donation. She sent $500! (She will take the the tax deduction). One donation (of any amount). From everyone. Think. Ask. Make it happen.
I recently heard the following quote, source unknown, "Enthusiasm is hope with sleigh bells." In this "season to be jolly", deck yourself with sleigh bells and let them ring through all of 2011! |
|
RC Hits the Media! |
 After many months of collecting signatures, pictures and releases, the PR Kit is ready to go. Watch and listen for local and national radio, television and print features about the Rehearsal Club.
As usual, the PR Kit has been a collaborative project. Lee Kelley selected and donated the sage green folders. Terry Baughan designed the charming rendition of the Club entrance, flanked by the Centennial dates, which will be affixed to the front, lower right of the folder. Melinda Tanner has supplied her own photos of the Club exterior and the front hall staircase. In addition, she will be duplicating all pictures in the Kit.
Besides the Press Release, which describes the Club history, officially launches the worldwide search for former residents and reveals current Centennial projects including the documentary, stage musical and books, the PR Kit contains a copy of the original 1913 NY Times article about the Club's opening. The Kit also contains a section on the "Women of the Club" with representatives from every decade from the 1930s to 1970s. Phyllis Creore Westermann is featured as NBC's World War II "Canteen Girl" Betty Lynn graciously released a picture she had given to the Club which readily identifies her as Thelma Lou on the ANDY GRIFFITH show. Carol Burnett gave us a great shot with a quote about "her theatrical sisters." Blythe Danner sent a photo and lovely letter in which she describes the Club as a "great gift." She goes on to write that it is "tragic" that such a place does not exist today. Melanie Mayron, star of THIRTY SOMETHING and now a Hollywood Director, sent a picture and a description of a "a magical time..." she would "...never, ever forget." We are still awaiting responses from Liz Sheridan, Donna Douglas, Elly May on the BEVERLY HILLBILLIES) and Diane Keaton. Hopefully, we will eventually include all of them and more.
Our first efforts in getting the release out will be to a New York, Fox 5 reporter, a contact of Terry Baughan. David Lotz, Director of Communications at AEA, wants a Kit and has promised to featured us on the AEA website. Judith Curcio will be getting Kits to all her network contacts including Diane Sawyer and Cynthia McFadden. Most exciting of all, we will be getting Kits out to those shows which interviewed Carol Burnett during her recent book tour. Carol talked about The Rehearsal Club on the Joan Hamburg radio show, REGIS and KELLY and on NPR.
It is the beginning of an exciting time. |
|
RC Documentary to be funded thru not-for-profit, New York Women In Film and Television |
Our documentary "pitch" letter has been finalized and mailed with signatures from Blythe Danner, Carol Burnett, Melanie Meyron and Phyllis Creore.
Checks must be made out to our fiscal sponsor: NYWIFT. The Rehearsal Club Project should be written on the memo line. This is very important. Checks should be mailed to:
Fiscal Sponsorship Program
New York Women in Film and Television
6 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016.
Alternatively, donations may be made online at our website: www.rehearsalclubnyc.com on our Bulletin Board page; or just click below to go directly to the NYWIFT donation site. DONATE HERE |
|
Centennial Book Projects - Target 2013
|  It may seem like it's a long way off, but just think how long it took us to coordinate enough talent among our ranks to create something as spectacular as VintAGE! YOU have the opportunity to lend your talent, writing ability and basic sweat equity to one day say: "I helped create that." Leave your legacy.
Projects currently in the wings are several books which, depending on your commitment, YOU can be represented.
1. Cookbook: Our first edition was a grassroots effort which we hope to expand on as a "professional" publication by 2013. To be part of it, just send YOUR favorite recipe w/pic & short bio to:
Judith Curcio -- judith.curcio@espn.com2. History Book: Kathy Vestuto is hard at work finalizing our history. She has tirelessly worked to interview many among you to supplement the history which she has compiled after countless hours in many a dark and airless library. Thank you, Kathy!
3. Cinderellas of West 53rd Street: OK Ladies -- the groundwork for this is laid and now it's UP TO YOU to submit your story. We have the agent waiting and now we have a professional editor, Julie Tibbott of Harcourt Publishing, who will be collecting your stories for final submission. We will be sending a detailed blast specifically for this project, however, for now -- these are Julie's Guidelines for us:
Maximum of 10 pages, double-spaced, 12 pt, Times New Roman -- "make sure to include the highlights and lowlights of their time at the club, indicate the time period they lived there, and try to give their piece a distinctive title." DEADLINE: June, 2011
If you have any questions, contact: Denise Pence -- deboocks@aol.com
|
|
Betty Biggers Galvano | |
To The Rehearsal Club Alum:
In my personal life, I married Phil Galvano,who had his own TV Show on golf. Phil had a GolfAcademy on 56th Street across from Tiffany's and Cartier's. He was know as "Pro to the Stars." During the Golden Age of Television,(when everything was done live: no tapes) the television stars as well as the Broadway Stars hung out at the Academy. His "Secrets of Putting and Chipping" made the N.Y. Times Bestseller List. Phil was, also, head of the golfing activities at Grossinger's, New York's largest resort. We eventually moved to Florida, built a golf course and had six wonderful children. My son, Bill, has just finished 8 years (term limit) in the Florida House of Representatives. He will run for Senate next year. (He is not a negative campainger!) Mary wrote a song for September the 11th, sung it at the Memorial in Shanksville,Pa. The song is now in the National Archives.
As for me, I fell off a seawall and broke my hip in 1993. Eleven months later I was not walking very well, got hit by lightning and miraculously healed. N.Y.Times, Goodhousekeepimg, PaxTV , Unexplained Mysteries, Discovery, and Fugi are some of the ones who have published stories.
I wrote for Catholic Parent Magazine for fifteen years until it closed. I also kept my husband's syndicated golf column going eight years after he died. I've been a widow 15 years and still madly in love with Phil.
Thank you, Betty! For caring enough to share your beautiful romance with everyone. We're looking forward to hearing more of your magical "Cinderella" life as part of our collective memoirs, Cinderellas of West 53 St. Betty was also recently profiled by Dayna Harpster, News-Press.com on Nov. 11, 2010 under the headline: Former Model Remembers Her Time as Rockettes Roomie. Betty revealed she fell prey to the evils in NY (i.e. followed home and threatened), when a protective angel in the form of Ed Sullivan himself showed her the way to the safe haven known as The Rehearsal Club -- and the beginning of her magical life. |
|
I LOVED LUCY by Diane Findlay |
 I WANT HER!!! The sweetest words an actress can hear and I heard them. The project? I LOVED LUCY -- a show I didn't even audition for. Turns out that Lee Tannen, the gentlemen that wrote I LOVED LUCY was having dinner with Charles Busch bemoaning the fact that he had auditioned 50 girls for the role of LUCY for two days and had come up empty. Apparently Charles looked up from his drink, and inquired if a woman by the name of Diane Findlay had come in to audition for the part. Lee thought for a moment and of course answered NO. As only Charles could say, WELL THAT'S A PROBLEM BECAUSE SHE'S YOUR LUCY. The part was mine within 24 hours. Isn't that a lovely story!!!We opened at the Laguna Beach Play House after three very hard weeks of rehearsals. After all, it was a new project and changes were being made every two seconds -- probably the hardest I've ever worked in my life. It's a two character show and I didn't stop talking for 90 minutes. It is and was an exquisite experience. The playwright, Lee Tannen, is also Lucille Ball's nephew! He adapted this play from his best seller, I LOVED LUCY. He was with us every step of the way and it was a thrill to work so close to a man that had lived it. The play is about the last 15 years of Lucy's life and the sweet friendship they developed over those years. It's a memory play of an Icon, LUCILLE BALL whom he cherished and admired.  Jeffry Denman played the role of Lee Tannan and he is a brilliant actor and a great person to be partnered with, we never left each others side for 7 glorious weeks. And director Todd Weeks was also a joy to work with. and very talented. I'm praying I haven't seen the last of LUCILLE BALL and that one day we get to bring this beauty to New York. A great show and a great role -- a role I was obviously meant to play. NOW THAT'S SHOW BUSINESS!!! KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED PLEASE. Photo above enscribed to the gals of the RC: "Good Luck on Your Wardrobe Sale!" LOVE AND LAUGHTER ALWAYS |
|
|
Dear All,
As you can see, we're only just beginning. I can't tell you how many people out there LOVE what we're doing! Just spend one full day in Shubert Alley hawking our T-shirts and you'll see. All those up and coming little thespians LOVE US -- and descendants who heard the tales from their departed parents -- a cherished little network that's growing daily.
Your Steering Committee is learning more each day -- none of us are very "social media" savvy, but we encourage each of you to JOIN and utilize our LinkedIn RC Group. Keep our circle strong! And know that we are making waves. More and more people know about us -- "resurrecting" the club is not such a fantasy thought -- it totally could happen again (especially if you answered "no" to moving to Newark on that Actors Fund Survey)! Bottom line is -- the RC wasn't just a place to live on the cheap. We know that. Others are learning.
We hope you're on board for the journey (Dues! Yeah, baby) -- and if anyone out there is computer savvy on a MAC, we hope to revamp our website to something more sophisticated. If you have the know-how, we could use you. So far, it's been a grand ride. Thank you to everyone who connected with me to get their news "out there." See you on stage! 
Sincerely, Denise Pence Vice Chair &
Newsletter Editor |
|
|
