Merle Dandridge

NAACP Awards

2010-08-03T05:10:00.000-07:00

http://topics.pe.com/article/07jadh01Vp9W5?q=Los+Angeles

Nomination for Spamalot...

I spoke too soon...

2009-12-03T14:51:00.001-08:00

Last I wrote, I had visited my RENT family on the road and was so moved by it. Last week, while shooting in Dallas, I found myself remembering "the good 'ol days" with another former RENTer. Imagine my surprise to (very unexpectedly) find myself back in the show now. Yes, I am currently reprising Joanne in the Rapp/Pascall tour of RENT. Orlando this week. Miami next week.

In the new year, look for me on the small screen in "24" and "The Deep End".

More to come!

Love,

VENICE MAGAZINE ARTICLE, SPAM and RENT

2009-10-21T08:48:00.000-07:00

http://www.andrew-fish.com/Merle-Dandridge-Venice.pdf

Here's a link to a lovely piece in this month's Venice Magazine

If you haven't heard, my time with SPAMALOT has come to a close in lovely Costa Mesa this past Sunday. Two days later, I had the great privilege of watching my RENT family (most from the New York company) grace the same stage as Spamalot confetti continued to fall during the show. :) This touring company of RENT is amazing. There are small changes in the show, but the heart of the piece is stronger than ever. You MUST see this tour if you haven't already. I cried from the beginning to the end. Sure, part of that was sentimental given that I hadn't seen these people I love so much in so long. But I think it was more that the show was hitting me with fresh eyes. What a gift.

I'm staying in L.A., so stay tuned for upcoming television appearances. I'm already having a great time out here.

Love,

Merle

Live in San Fran and L.A.

2009-07-03T01:11:00.000-07:00

Hey Gang!

Thanks for those who came out to our Spamalot/Wicked BC/EFA benefit in San Fran. The song I sang, drew the composer to come out to San Francisco and put on a show of his original works. Come out and support!

Friday July 3rd at the Rrazz Room in Hotel Nikko, San Francisco. The songs of Scott Allen. You will not be disappointed!

And on the following Tuesday, July 6th, we begin our 9 week run at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles . I cannot wait! See you soon!

Love,

Merle

Tour Schedule

2009-02-17T22:06:00.000-08:00

SPAMALOT coming to you!

Chicago,IL Jan 20-Feb 1
Detroit,MI Feb 03-Feb 15
Huntsville, AL Feb 17-Feb 22
Melbourne, FL Feb 24-Mar 1
Tampa, FL Mar 3-Mar 8
Austin, TX Mar 10-Mar 15
Atlanta, GA Mar 17-Mar 22
Wilmington, DE Mar 24-Mar 29
Cleveland, OH Mar 31-Apr 5
Anchorage, AK Apr 14-Apr 24
Eugene, OR Apr 28-May 3
Spokane, WA May 4-May 9
Denver, CO May 11-May 17
San Francisco, CA May 18-Jul 5
Los Angeles, CA Jul 6-Sept 6
San Diego, CA Sept 7-Sept 13

See you then!
Love, M

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-23T07:46:00.000-08:00

...Hannukah and Kwanza...
It's so strange to me that my road with RENT is over. The show measures time by holidays and I loved having the people and messages of RENT as part of my life and celebration of the holidays. So tomorrow is Christmas Eve...and we begin...again. It's a tough time to be in the midst of holiday of giving. But the heart, the love, the friendship--those are most meaningful gifts. I'm grateful for you in my life.
Come see SPAMALOT before closing on January 11th!

Love,
Merle

Upcoming Appearances

2008-10-19T20:16:00.000-07:00

First, if you haven't heard, SPAMALOT is closing January 18th, 2009. I can't tell you how much fun I'm having in this show, so please be sure to catch it.
This Tuesday October 21st, I will be making an appearance at my friend Ben Cameron's show, Broadway Sessions: at Therapy 348 W. 52nd St. 11pm
This Sunday October 26th, I will be performing at Broadway After Dark (Masquerade Ball) @ Touch 240 W. 52nd St. between bway and 8th. For more info visit: www.bwayafterdark.com
Keep your eyes peeled for a Chess concert benefit in December. And I haven't forgotten my promise for a solo gig. I'll get to it!
Hope to see you at any and all of these.
Love, M
11:10 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add

Officially in the Water

2008-08-15T15:31:00.000-07:00

With a bit of patience and juggling, it is now official. I will be the next Lady of the Lake in SPAMALOT. My first performance is September 2nd. So, I will get a good two weeks with friend and former RENT castmate, Drew Lachey! Then will be joined by Clay Aiken. Come out and support. It's going to be so much fun!
Thank you for all the love in my final RENT closing and for making Tracie feel so welcome. She is a terrific and talented girl!

xo

Birdland Press and more

2008-03-01T18:21:00.000-08:00

If you didn't make it out for Birdland...you missed out. I was SO INSPIRED. Here are the Variety review and pictures from Broadway World:

http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117936313.html?categoryid=34&cs=1&nid=2562

Photo Flash: Victoria Shaw at Birdland & Cast Party (BroadwayWorld.com)

I'll be seeing you back on the Broad Way very soon!

Love,

Merle

What IS Atlanta? Here ya go!

2007-11-25T22:58:00.000-08:00

Here's some promotional press on the show...

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/arts/la-ca-pasdar25nov25,1,295778.story?coll=la-entnews-arts&ctrack=1&cset=true

www.playbill.com/news/article/112904.html

Love,

Merle

Half Life Answers

2007-10-26T21:02:00.000-07:00

I am so grateful to you for all of the response to Episode 2. I really enjoyed the work, so it's nice to hear it so appreciated. In the midst of it all, I have recieved hundreds of questions. Here is my attempt to answer. In the future, you might get better and faster answers by posting to the forum Rachel has so graciously created. Also, the web designer is looking at adding a guestbook for you to leave your comments. The e-mails are just becoming overwhelming. So, please help a little girl out. Also, you can look out for some updates and new clips on the Half life section fo the website as Chris continues to perfect the site as a whole. Let's see...

Have I played Half Life yet? No. I've tried. BELIEVE me, I've tried. It is just not my gift. Half Life 2 was just too overwhelming, so I thought I'd give Episode 1 a try. There's less play and a lot more Alyx, so I figured I'd catch some of it. No. Didn't happen. I catch some of the play I see on you tube, but that's about it. I did have the amazing opportunity to see snippets when it was played for me at Valve Headquarters in Seattle. That was truly wonderful. However, I just don't have the gaming skill! How's that for irony?
Is the work time consuming? Not really. Everyone has a very clear idea of what our goals are when we go into the studio. We move quickly and very efficiently. I don't have a lot of time to overthink anything. So, you usually get my first instinct. Though I give many options for them to pick from. A few 4 hr sessions usually get it done.
How was the process of finding this character different? Well, I didn't have to work too hard. The Valve Team had already done most of the work. It was lucky that Alyx fit on me so well. I really just brought instinct to it. I wasn't confined by physicality, so that made it fun. I could be and do anything. I could go anywhere. A creative wonderland!
I hope that's a satisfying start. Again, thank you for being so responsive. It means more than I can say.

Love,

Merle

ATLANTA in Los Angeles

2007-10-26T20:55:00.000-07:00

MOST WANTED at La Jolla was truly an amazing experience. Michael Grief was nothing short of amazing to work with again. If you get a chance to see it next time around, run to see it!

Now? Well, I'm still West Coast. Right now I'm in Los Angeles and will be for a few months. The project? ATLANTA! It's a new show at the Geffen Playhouse. We begin performances on November 20th right after I get back from shooting NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH written and directed by the incomparable Rod Lurie.
ATLANTA is based in the south during the Civil War. It uses a lot of great throw backs to Shakespeare's greatest speeches. And introduces the beautiful music of Marcus Hummon (winner of several grammy's and writer for the Dixie Chicks), co-written by Adrian Pasdar (NBC's Heroes). It is co-directed by artistic director Randall Arnie (previously artistic director of Steppenwolf) and Adrian Pasdar. You will fall in love. I already have.
Geffen Playhouse
10886 Le Conte Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90024

New Lookie Loos and Extensions

2007-08-05T10:47:00.000-07:00

A wonderful video by Craig Brockman of Broadway World from the opening night for Adam and Anthony.... Your favorite Gorilla Mama is featured:
http://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=20449
In other news...drumroll please....I've just been extended again until Labor Day (Sept. 2nd). I guess my vaca will have to wait until the summer is over... That's alright though. I am having a ball!
Tarzan won the double header on Thursday against Atlantic Theatre Company and Inherit the Wind/Coram Boy. So, we're still in the running! Look for our schedule this week on www.broadwayshowleague.com starting tues or wed. Come and support and be ready to JUNGLE YELL!!!
Love,
Merle

Catch This!

2007-07-31T21:53:00.001-07:00

Catch this!
Were you at the Nederlander last night? I was. And I was blown away. That standing ovation before the show even started was incredible. If you haven't gotten out to see Anthony and Adam yet, what are you waiting for? I'm having the best time. And "Tango" is just a complete joy!
Questions answered:
SOFTBALL: This Thursday, first game is at 11:30am against Atlantic Theatre Company on field 6. Second game, hinging on WHEN we win the first game, will be at 1:45pm on field 4. Wear your green and support Team Tarzan!!! These are the Central Park Fields found when you come in on Central Park West @64th St. www.broadwayshowleague.com for more info.
GIG: Dates being rolled around. I'm not going to drop the ball on this one. Promise!
LAST RENT PERFORMANCE: As of right now, my last night on the Nederlander stage will be Saturday August 11th. Mama Gorilla is tired. She's ready for a vacation. But I will try to hang in there until then...

Got Pictures?

2007-07-13T08:06:00.001-07:00

Hey Gang,
I've had a ton of great pictures sent to me recently and I'd like to show them off. If you have pictures of you with me or just other fun shots you think I'd like, send them over to me! And the lovely Cindy J will be posting you on myspace page!
MerleyQ@aol.com
Look forward to seeing what you've got!

Love,

Merle

Tango Anyone?

2007-06-29T15:11:00.001-07:00

Well, well, well... I thought I had put up my tango shoes. But I was wrong. It is OFFICIAL. I will be tangoing with Anthony Rapp in the RENT! And, if you missed me opposite Adam Pascal in Aida, you can see us on stage together again at the Nederlander as Joanne and Roger who do not interact at all... he he
Tarzan closes July 8th and I will be on stage at RENT July 9th. This will only go until the middle of August, so get on it, get there, give me a jungle yell!
Movie coming up, gig coming up, and so much more...

Love,

Merle

Closure

2007-06-27T06:40:00.000-07:00

Hey guys...Yes, the news is true. It was a surprise, but all good thing must....well, you know. Tarzan closing is July 8th @6:30pm. But please keep checking back in the next couple of weeks. I have several things in the works and it stands to be a very busy second half of the year for your beloved monkey mama. I promise this isn't the end. And yes, I WILL still work on the gig very soon.... Much, much love. And many posts to come. But right now, I'm looking to relax for a second. All my love, Merle

Undercover Showtunes with NYMF

2007-06-15T13:28:00.000-07:00

Hey Gang! Just a note to tell you that I will be performing in “Undercover Showtunes,” the second night of NYMF’s highly-anticipated Spring benefit concert series to raise funds for the 2007 NYMF Festival. The evening will feature an extraordinary and eclectic group of Broadway, TV and film performers bringing out the theatrical side of the music world’s most beloved rock and pop songs, an approach that met with great acclaim in their kickoff concert of songs by singer/songwriter Ben Folds.
Also peforming will be: Gloria Reuben, Alison Fraser, Christian Campbell, Mano Felciano, Michael Winther, Stephinie D'Abruzzo, Peter Friedman, MMIriam Shor, Ann Morrison, Mary Faber and Natascia Diaz.
Undercover Showtunes will take place on Monday, June 18 at 7 PM at the Zipper Theater in New York. They are located at 336 W. 37th St. between 8th and 9th Aves.
Featured songwriters include Paul McCartney & John Lennon, Joni Mitchell, Rufus Wainwright, Marc Cohn, David Bowie, Stephin Merritt, Fiona Apple, Stevie Wonder, Neil Young, Elton John, Harry Nilsson, The Decemberists, Bjork and many more. Hope to see you there!

Love,
Merle

P.S. There are lots of fun new things coming up for you to check out, so keep checking back and I'll keep you posted!

Hidden Sky @ Joe's Pub

2007-05-01T09:07:00.000-07:00

Yay! Hidden Sky returns. A concert presentation at Joe's Pub Monday May 14th. Manoel Felciano, Marya Grandy, Me and the Gang all back together. See you there!
And for all of you who might be involved in grading pilots for the national tests or whatever they do...Continue to push for "I'm Paige Wilson", the new Rod Lurie project I was so blessed to have a terrific role in. This will, hopefully, be a great piece of television with an incomparable group of people!

2007-03-25T19:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the late notice for those of you who were at the show yesterday. My apologies again for not letting you now I'd be out. I will be gone from Tarzan all week while shooting a pilot out of town. I'll return on Wednesday April 4th. Enjoy the beautiful weather!
Love,
Merle

Away for the weekend...

2007-02-26T20:41:00.000-08:00

Helloooo aaaalllll... Just a little heads up that I will not be at the Rodgers this weekend March 2nd-March 4th. A little time away for a wedding. Enjoy Natalie and Andrea as Kala. They are great girls! -M

WORKING Concert

2007-02-23T06:46:00.000-08:00

For those of you who missed the concert, here is a great clip of it:
http://www.broadway.com/gen/Buzz_Video.aspx?ci=544158
Yummy....

2007-02-23T06:44:00.000-08:00

If your daily life seems poor, do not blame it, blame yourself that you are not poet enough to call forth its riches; for the Creator, there is no poverty. -Rainer Maria Rilke

2007-02-15T20:53:00.000-08:00

http://www.broadway.com/Gen/Buzz_Photo_Op.aspx?ci=543857
Come out and see the Actors' Fund Benefit of WORKING this Monday Feb. 19th @ The Zipper Theatre. We're having so much fun and I think you will too...

Dreamgirls

2006-12-05T08:56:00.000-08:00

I went to the premiere of Dreamgirls last night. Let me tell you...this is a terrific film. A star was born last night! Jennifer Hudson should take home an oscar and I told her as such. Such a talent, so amazing and also so lovely and humble. I didn't think anyone would ever be able to touch Jennifer Holliday. But this girl really turned it out. RUN to see this movie. It's important for anyone who has ever loved the legacy of Broadway theatre.

Lookie Loos from the Only Make Believe Benefit

2006-11-16T21:43:00.000-08:00

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/103585.html
http://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=13543

2006-10-28T21:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary,
Today I met Audra McDonald. I. LOVE. HER.
M

Vacation and New Gig

2006-10-17T10:55:00.000-07:00

Hello all! My vacation is finally here!!! It's been quite a year. I'm very proud of this year, but mama is tired... I'll be gone from Tarzan Oct. 30th-Nov. 6th. You can find me during that time on an island far away.

November 6th, I will be back to appear in a benefit:
http://www.onlymakebelieve.org/fund/gala.html

And lastly, I'm starting to wrap my mind around the next solo performance. I've gotten a lot of feedback that many people were disappointed by scheduling. So, here's your chance to voice. If you were there, what did you think? If you weren't and wanted to be, what time of year is better for you?

Talk soon!
Love,
Merle
www.myspace.com/merledandridge

More Gig Pictures and Dates to Know

2006-09-19T06:12:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple more pictures from the gig.

Things to know:
I'll be taking my first 2 days off this weekend Sept. 23rd and 24th.

I'll be appearing in the Hidden Sky reading at Ars Nova on Oct 1. @ 10pm with Manoel Felciano and Marya Grandy.

Upcoming reading of The Boys are Comin' Home. More later.

Love,
M

Time of My Life!

2006-09-14T22:16:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Thank you for the terrific turn out Monday night. I had so much fun playing with everyone. It felt great to just stretch my legs creatively with people I love. I hope you had as good a time.

Tune in to the Today show this Saturday morning! I'll be singing live...

Love,

Merle
www.myspace.com/merledandridge

It's Here!

2006-09-10T19:51:00.000-07:00

The gig is tommorrow. I couldn't be more excited. The band, the singers...wow, all amazing. I'll see you there!

Love, Love, Love,

Merle

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.

2006-08-28T03:40:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about my start on Broadway. I think it's because of how much I loved the group, how proud I am of all of them and how in love I am with them still. This is the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar in 2000 at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts (now the Hilton Center). We were the second show to occupy that theatre. Ragtime was the first (and what an honor to follow that show).
But if you look closely, you'll see a kind of "Who's Who of People I Love".
You probably can't find me. I'm in the back sandwiched between two of my favorite people. I'm 3rd from the right in the back row (gees, I feel like i'm looking at an elementary school photo) between Manoel Felciano (Tony nominee this year for Sweeney Todd) and Jason Pebworth (the greatest Judas I've ever seen and a dear friend) Jason struggled for years with his band Halogen. Just recently they changed their name to Orson and are a huge hit overseas! Yay!
To Mano's left, Tony Vincent, then Max VonEssen (Dance of the Vampires), Bonnie Panson, Patrick Vacariello, Ira Mont (Equity Vice-President). Let's see...down front and center, Deidre Goodwin (Chorus Line, Chicago The Movie...the sweetest woman alive). Down the row to her left you'll see Christian Borle (Spamalot) and Lisa Brescia (closed Aida as Amneris). Others: Shayna Steele, Michael Seelbach. I could talk about them all forever. I loved this time and I love that it brought me to where I am now.

Seasons

2006-08-25T06:28:00.000-07:00

I'm smelling fall in the air. I love fall! It's crisp and it feels refreshing after a muggy summer. I smell it coming. School's starting (that means nothing to me, but I know it does to a lot of you), shows are closing and opening, college football is gearing up and my first solo gig comes closer. Thank you for the kind words to all of you who are not going to be able to make it now. It means so much that you're willing to drive all those hours back from school, but you will be there in spirit. Spread the word. It should be a fun time!
Sept. 11th...for so many reasons. Let's get together and celebrate life!

**What I'm rockin' to now: Orson- "No Tommorrow"

Love,

Merle

New Flyer

2006-08-03T07:54:00.000-07:00

Many many thanks to everyone during the transition of changed gig dates. There are a few updates on where to get your tickets. Since the new date will be a part of the New York Music Theatre Festival, the new ticket info is as follows:
212.352.3101 or
www.theatremania.com

Things continue to go incredibly well at Tarzan. The response is overwhelmingly wonderful and I'm having such a great time. So, I thank you for the love!

Hang in there with this heat...

Love,

Merle

Change in Appearance

2006-07-24T16:31:00.000-07:00

With great regret, due to circumstances out of my control, I've had to reschedule the August 7th Gig. It will now take place on Monday September 11th as a kick off to the New York Music Theatre Festival. If you've already purchased tickets, you will be contacted to either change it to the September 11th date or to have your money refunded. I am so sorry about the inconvenience. I promise to make it up to you! It's gonna be fun...

Tommorrow July 25th, I will be appearing with the casts of Tarzan, Lion King and Beauty and the Beast at J&R Music World (City Hall Park).
4pm-cd and playbill signing
5pm-live performance

And again on Thursday July 27th, at Broadway in Bryant Park.

Hope to see you all there!

Upcoming Appearances

2006-06-22T20:48:00.000-07:00

Look for me with Josh, Jenn, and Chester at the Soho Apple store on Tues. June 27th @ noon. And again at Broadway in Bryant Park on Thursday July 27th. See you there!

Don't forget: myspace.com/merledandridge
or
interested in the photographer I use? She's amazing! She has as new myspace. Check her out and make her a friend: myspace.com/cindyjphoto

M

Aug. 7th Gig

2006-06-17T21:43:00.000-07:00

For Tickets:
212.868.4444 or
www.smarttix.com

See you there!

Love,
Merle

Tickets to My Ars Nova Gig on Sale

2006-06-12T08:28:00.000-07:00

Here's the link to get tickets to my upcoming gig at Ars Nova. The show poster is on it's way with more detailed info. The band is going to be all my favorite people. I'm so excited about working with them again. And the confirmed other artists I'll be dueting with are: Manoel Felciano (Tony nominee for Sweeney Todd), Chester Gregory and Destan Owens. Also with me: Anastacia McClesky, Horace V. Rogers, and Natalie Silverlieb. It's going to be great! More info to come, but get your tickets now before we sell out!

https://www.smarttix.com/show.aspx?showcode=BRO24

Upcoming appearances include: VH1 Radio interview with myself and Chester Gregory (this will be airing all over the country, so I don't know specifics). Also, an interview on Weekend Today with an old friend of mine, Lester Holt.

Cheers! See you at Ars Nova...

Love,

Merle

Big Thanks and Half Life Love

2006-06-03T07:25:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Just wanted to send a general thank you for all the sweet birthday wishes. It always makes a girl feel good. I kept it low key this year. I'm still trying to recover from the long rehearsal process and big opening. Also, it's been great getting to know you all on MySpace! Thanks for checking it out. It's rather addictive, eh? Reminders:

Half Life 2: Aftermath has shipped!!! I'm hearing amazing things about playing it. So run out and get it. You will spend a LOT of time listening to my annoying voice. :)

Appearing with Manoel Felciano (Sweeney Todd Tony nominee)@ Joe's Pub tommorrow night.

My first solo gig at Ars Nova Monday August 7th (special guests to be announced).
**there is already another one in the works! terrifying...

My new myspace: www.myspace.com\merledandridge

Keep in touch with me, ask any questions or just state your opinion on the forum:
http://www.merledandridge.proboards84.com/

And sign the guestbook so I can see who you are and keep you updated! :)
http://www.zebgraphics.com/merlesguestbook/index.php

Apologies: I forgot to post the interview on Good Day New York this week. I promise I will be better about that.

Thanks everyone! Enjoy the rain...it washes away all the mess and makes way for things to grow. Breathe it in.

Love,

M

More Gigs and My Space

2006-05-22T08:18:00.000-07:00

Where have I been? I JUST NOW discovered My Space. Visit at: www.myspace.com\merledandridge
Reach out!

And SAVE THE DATE: Monday August 7th is my first solo gig! The Broadway Spotlight series at Ars Nova. Should be a lot of fun. Expect some exciting guest stars and me as goofy as ever.

M

Upcoming Appearances

2006-05-18T06:11:00.000-07:00

Whew! Show's open, life's regaining some normalcy. Opening was such an amazing night. For pics, check out broadway.com or broadwayworld.com.
For those who pre-ordered the cast album, I got a sneak peak of it yesterday and it is fantastic. You will not be disappointed!

Sunday May 21st I will be appearing/singing at the Musical Theatre Network's Benefit and Festival announcements.

Sunday June 4th Joe's Pub with Tony nominee Manoel Felciano (he's amazing, not to be missed!).

Thanks, guys. As always, my love and gratitude...

Merle

Oh, yeah...

2006-05-04T21:24:00.000-07:00

I'd also like to address the fact that the e-mail contact on the website is not functional. That correction is coming. In the meantime, feel free to use MerleyQ@aol.com. Also, the bio should and will change. But our beloved designer is still deployed in Iraq, so keep him in your prayers.

Don't forget: Merle with Manoel Felciano @ Joe's Pub this Sunday.

Tarzan Opening

2006-05-04T21:18:00.000-07:00

It's less than a week away. What a preview process! For those of you who have come multiple times, thank you for the support. I think the final product will be something truly special.
Opening is May 10th. Look for a behind the scenes look to air on Good Morning America that morning.
Also, don't forget to pre-order your cast album. I'm really proud of what we did in the studio. And I know the finished product is going to blow you away.
Enjoy the weather, and be blessed!

Love,

Merle

Going the Distance (not Cake, the band or otherwise)

2006-04-13T22:03:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!

Tremendous thanks to everyone who has shown me so much support at Tarzan. You have no idea what it does for my spirit. There are constant changes everyday, so you can expect something new almost everytime you come for the next few weeks! I am inspired by the people I work with. They are all so amazing at what they do and show such endurance, courage and strength everyday as we continue long days to make Tarzan into the best possible piece we can.
Upcoming...

Tarzan Opening May 10th (If you find the process interesting, come to previews as much as possible!)

Joe's Pub May 7th My dear friend Manoel Felciano (Sweeney Todd) has asked me to sing with him again. He's so ridiculously talented that I jump to share the stage with him. Buy your tickets, come out and support.

Again, thank you so much for all of your support. If I'm tired at the stage door, let it not overshadow my gratitude for your presence.

Love,

Merle

Race for the Finish Line

2006-03-09T15:44:00.000-08:00

Is it really here? March 24th is just days...no, HOURS away! Tarzan's first public performance. Granted, yes, it is a preview. We won't be finished until we open May 10th. Still, a chill goes through me when I think that others will share in this experience come Friday. Is that chill nerves? Is it excitement? Is it terror? Is it child-like joy?

Yes.

I feel so very blessed by this experience. And as I see it come to life, I'm reminded why I love storytelling so very much. It opens the eyes of the heart! We learn about ourselves through parable. And this parable will touch you in so many ways.

Also, I cannot discount what an eager student I've become working with such brilliant minds. Smart, inspired, passionate. In discussing the story with many of the team, Tom Schumacher offered some wisdom to me that Howard Ashman imparted to him. That is to never discount a turn in the story. That resonated in me and ultimately was the catalyst for this letter. I am at a turning point and I hope you will join me on the journey.

From the Heart,

Merle

New Beginnings

2006-02-22T04:27:00.000-08:00

Hello! Let me first thank you all for your tremendous patience as we figured out this blog situation. As you can imagine a lot of changes have been happening. First of all, I left RENT on November 20th. It was quite an amazing day. Thank you for all of your support, well wishes and fantastic energy during my last show. I also had 45 close friends and family in attendance. So, I couldn't have ended my run there in a better way. I am truly humbled by the love extended to me during that time. It is a fantastic cast and crew that grace the Nederlander and I was honored to have worked with them. Following a great closing show and WONDERFUL closing night party, I spent an extended time away with my family in Nebraska. And now I'm back! New apartment, new show, new website design! I hope you enjoy it. And as we iron out the kinks, please feel free to post your suggestions on them forum. Thank you for staying in touch and know that I will try to do the same. In the meantime, get your tickets to Tarzan. You are in for a very special piece of theatre. Everyday is an exciting challenge. Everyday I step out of my comfort zone. So, I as I close I leave you with this: "Go out on a limb--that's where the fruit is." -Will Rogers Love, Merle