RJFCREATIVE
Featuring the creative works of Robert John Ford
Playwright. Composer. Lyricist. Producer. Author.
Now in living color! Yes, like Season 3 of "Bewitched," Edition 3 of "The 'Speed Reader" has moved beyond the antiquated black & white format in a desperate attempt to keep the magic alive. But unlike "Bewitched," Tyler Garstka will not be inexplicably replaced by Dick Sargent in Edition 6. (For those of you Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Zers, "Bewitched" was a 1960s-era sitcom in which a modern witch marries the only human male in existence with no desire to abuse the unlimited power that has been offered to him. Oh wait - Major Anthony Nelson in "I Dream Of Jeannie" also didn't want his magical wife to use her special skills to benefit him in any way. So, "The 'Speed Reader" stands corrected - there have been two - yes, two - human males in history who aspired to honestly earn their keep, although they were both fictional characters. On the flip side, there's George Santos, who will be starring in the title role in Goodsped's 2024 production of "Sweeny Todd." Attend the tale, bitches... or should I say witches. Full circle journalism here at "The 'Speed Reader."
UPCOMING
CYCLEPATHS
Premiering June 2023 - Des Moines. IA
A new musical comedy that celebrates the annual Midwest bacchanalia known as RAGBRAI and tells the saga of an out-of-state couple who falsely believes a tandem bike ride across Iowa will be a relaxing, challenge-free vacation. Presented as part of the 2023 Summer House Party Tour.
TRICE
Premiering October 2023 - Ames, IA
A new musical drama about the inspiring life and tragic death of college football legend Jack Trice - one of the first Black Americans to play the sport - and the decades-long efforts by a group of Iowa State University students, faculty, and alums determined to have him properly honored.
CAUCUS! 2024
Premiering January 2024 - Des Moines, IA
For more than 50 years, the first-in-the-nation Iowa Caucuses have significantly shaped each presidential election process. While the Democrats are now looking to start elsewhere, the Republicans will be back in 2024, and so will the sixth iteration of this hit musical comedy.
Now in living color! Yes, like Season 3 of "Bewitched," Edition 3 of "The 'Speed Reader" has moved beyond the antiquated black & white format in a desperate attempt to keep the magic alive. But unlike "Bewitched," Tyler Garstka will not be inexplicably replaced by Dick Sargent in Edition 6. (For those of you Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Zers, "Bewitched" was a 1960s-era sitcom in which a modern witch marries the only human male in existence with no desire to abuse the unlimited power that has been offered to him. Oh wait - Major Anthony Nelson in "I Dream Of Jeannie" also didn't want his magical wife to use her special skills to benefit him in any way. So, "The 'Speed Reader" stands corrected - there have been two - yes, two - human males in history who aspired to honestly earn their keep, although they were both fictional characters. On the flip side, there's George Santos, who will be starring in the title role in Goodsped's 2024 production of "Sweeny Todd." Attend the tale, bitches... or should I say witches. Full circle journalism here at "The 'Speed Reader."
Dear Robert
House Party Tour returns in 2023 with "Cyclepaths"
Following the tremendous success of the 2021 Summer House Party Tour production of "Utopia - The Iowa Musical Revue!," the Summer House Party Tour will return in 2023 with a production of "Cyclepaths." The 2022 production was canceled due to COVID-related concerns; hosts will be able to sign up for a performance slot beginning March 15, with priority given to those who were originally scheduled to host in 2022. "Cyclepaths" will also be performed at various locations throughout Iowa in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of RAGBRAI. More information will be posted in March 2023.
ROLF(E)
Workshop Production 2023 - New York, NY
You think you know him from "The Sound Of Music," but what's his real story... and how do you correctly spell his name? "Rolf(e)" tells the hilarious back-story of an unheralded and misunderstood hero-wannabe who would do anything for love and the resistance.
UTOPIA
Premiering December 2023 - Ames, IA
A musical revue that features a wide variety of original sketches and parody songs that celebrate - and poke a little fun at - the unique people, places, and traditions of the great state of Iowa. Originally premiering in 2009, the 7th version of this audience favorite will premiere in late 2023.
SIX-ON-SIX
Production Rights Now Available
A musical comedy that celebrates the rich tradition of six-on-six girls' high school basketball in Iowa - its glorious history, unique rules, phenomenal popularity, colorful personalities, and the Title IX legal controversy that ultimately resulted in the game's demise.
ABOUT RJFCREATIVE
RJFCreative is an umbrella limited liability company that represents all of Robert John Ford's creative works, businesses, and contract work nationally. It also provides theatre production, arts management, grant writing, and copywriting consulting services to not-for-profit arts organizations.
Robert John Ford (RJF) is an award-winning playwright, composer, lyricist, theatre producer, and Iowa Arts Council Fellow. Since 2005, his plays and musicals have been seen by more than 75,000 people throughout the world. His songs have been performed at Carnegie Hall and at cabaret clubs from Chicago to Toronto by notable Broadway performers including Jeremy Jordan and Laura Benanti.
As a theatre administrator, RJF has held management positions at numerous theatre companies including the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego (15 years), the Theatre In Old Town in San Diego, the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, the Hangar Theatre, and the Berkshire Theatre Festival. In addition, he was the original Entertainment Supervisor for LegoLand California when it opened in 1998.
A native of Iowa, RJF splits his time between Des Moines, where he is a theatre producer and activist, and New York, where he is a member of the BMI Lehman Engel Advanced Musical Theatre Workshop, The Dramatists Guild of America, and ASCAP. Other notable conversation starters about RJF: he was a former successful contestant on "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire," had daily conversations with a serial killer for nearly a year, and had a nationally-televised moment with Vice President Kamala Harris.
NEWS
House Party Tour returns in 2023 with "Cyclepaths"
Following the tremendous success of the 2021 Summer House Party Tour production of "Utopia - The Iowa Musical Revue!," the Summer House Party Tour will return in 2023 with a production of "Cyclepaths." The 2022 production was canceled due to COVID-related concerns; hosts will be able to sign up for a performance slot beginning March 1, with priority given to those who were originally scheduled to host in 2022. "Cyclepaths" will also be performed at various locations throughout Iowa in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of RAGBRAI. More information will be posted on this website in March 2023.
RJF projects receive more than $50,000 from IAC
Since 2007, the Iowa Arts Council has awarded more than $50,000 in grants for RJF projects including productions of "Caucus! The Musical," "Six-On-Six," "Utopia - The Iowa Musical Revue," "Adore Us! Line," and "Rolf(e)." In addition, RJF was included in the first class of five Iowa Arts Council fellows in 2014. RJF is grateful to the Iowa Arts Council for its generous support.
"Adore Us! Line" earns four BroadwayWorld Awards
Iowa Stage Theatre Company's production of RJF's "Adore Us! Line" has won four regional BroadwayWorld "Best Of The Decade" Awards including Best Original Script, Best Production Of A Musical, Best Ensemble, and Best Direction Of A Musical (Maxwell Schaeffer). To watch a full performance of "Adore Us! Line," click on the show logo below.
TRICE
RJFCREATIVE
The 'Speed Reader
The Weekly Newsletter From Goodspeed Musical's Company Management Team
Season 2023, Edition 3
Sunday, May 14, 2023
The 'Speed Reader
The Weekly Newsletter From Goodspeed Musical's Company Management Team
Season 2023 - Edition 3
Sunday, May 14, 2023
Now In Living Color!
Yes, like Season 3 of "Bewitched," Edition 3 of "The 'Speed Reader" is now presented in living color in a desperate attempt to at least retain and possibly expand its audience base (you gotta get a gimmick, right?). But unlike "Bewitched," Tyler Garstka will not be inexplicably replaced by Dick Sargent in Edition 6.
(For those of you Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Zers, "Bewitched" was a 1960s-era sitcom in which a modern witch marries the only human male in existence with no desire to abuse the unlimited power that has been offered to him. Oh wait - Major Anthony Nelson in "I Dream Of Jeannie" also didn't want his magical wife to use her special skills to benefit him in any way. So, "The 'Speed Reader" stands corrected: there have been two - yes, two - human males in history who aspired to honestly earn their keep; not surprisingly they were both fictional characters. On the flip side, there's George Santos, who will be starring in the title role in Goodspeed's 2024 production of "Sweeny Todd." Attend the tale, bitches... or should I say witches, as that would be some fine full-circle journalism from the editors of "The 'Speed Reader" newsletter?)
This Week In Company Management
Monday, May 15
-
No special activities scheduled
Tuesday, May 16
-
All Day - A/C Installation at Courtney House
-
Afternoon - Green Room Refrigerator Cleaning
Wednesday, May 17
-
All Day - A/C Installation at Boardman House
-
All Day - Buy Robert Lavish Gifts Day
Thursday, May 18
-
9:00am - PT for "Gypsy" Cast
-
All Day - A/C Installation at Narducci & Rosenthal Houses
Friday, May 19
-
All Day - A/C Installation at Stonecroft & Lawton Houses
Saturday, May 20
-
11:00am - Weekly Grocery Run
-
5:00pm - Crew Dinner
Sunday, May 21
-
4:30pm - Cast, Crew, & Musician Dinner
Monday through Saturday - housekeeping at all shared houses
General
Information
& Passive/
Aggressive
Reminders
Fun Fact #1 - Quarters for washer/dryers can also be procured during daylight hours! Fun Fact #2 - Medical studies have determined that Team Company Management needs sleep too! So we appreciate your refraining from calling or texting the CM cell phone between the hours of 11:00pm and 8:00am for non-urgent questions and requests. The phone is always on and in a team member's possession; Robert gets cranky when he gets 2:00am text "dings" about the appearance of one spider in a sink.
Speaking of bathroom plumbing, please do NOT flush any type of wipes down your toilets, even if the little spokesanimals on the container say they are fully bio-degradable. They are not. The cartoon bears lie to you. And they're nowhere to be found when our maintenance guys have to snake your poop chute (wow, I should've chosen better words for that, but Fun Fact #3 - once you type something, you can't delete it).
Did you know that Team Company Management will refresh your supply of toilet paper, garbage bags, and light bulbs? Neato, huh! But we can't do that unless you let us know your supply is running low. So please do not hesitate to reach out with a request (actually, hesitate to reach out with that request between 11:00pm and 8:00am).
Hello!
So Long!
Tyler Garstka
Je'Breanne Morgan
Tyler Warren
Laiah Westlyn
Lionel Ritchie & Adele
Eduardo Sicangco
David Mitsch
Patti Wilcox
Jessica Blair
Katie Birenboim
Number of days since less than 5 people locked themselves out of their housing in a single day:
0
The Weekly Puzzle
Each answer in this week’s puzzle is a song from "Gypsy" with one letter in the title changed. For example, for the clue “Cuter things,” the answer would be “Moreadorables,” with the T in Toreadorables being changed to an M. Answers appear at the end of this edition.
1. Exclamation after searching “The Ten Commandments” on Google
2. Residents of a certain Alaska city
3. A young girl named after the sixth month and her artificial intelligence journalists
4. “For my dolphin costume, I have a fin, I have a flipper, now…”
5. What a concerned friend says during an intervention with someone who has a gambling problem
6. A delicate girl named after the sixth month and her gaseous male friends
7. “I’ll take on the assignment of keeping Mr. Costello amused”
8. Small tree branch
9. Amusement park for olfactory enthusiasts
10. The Goodspeed Opera House while Judy McLane is in residence
Three Truths & A Lie
Three of the following statements are true. One is a lie.
How well do you know your Goodspeed colleagues?
From Wayne Rollins (Box Office):
-
I've visited Kenya, Turkey, Norway, and Costa Rica.
-
I've appeared naked on stage for a paying audience.
-
I once met Whoopi Goldberg in Auckland, New Zealand.
-
My great-aunt was a Ziegfeld Follies chorus girl.
From Tyler Garstka (Company Management):
-
I have a BFA in acting.
-
I have driven through 48 states.
-
I owned a '64 VW Beetle for five years.
-
I can play the entire guitar solo from "Freebird."
Ideally, you will seek out these individuals to find out if you've guessed correctly and to start a conversation. But we'll also print the previous week's answers here:
From Robert Ford (Company Management):
-
I knew a famous serial killer. (True - Andrew Cunanan, long story)
-
I spent a Sunday in the park with Stephen Sondheim. (False)
-
I won more than $40,000 as a contestant on "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire." (True - $42,600 to be exact)
-
I appeared on a CNN Town Hall with the current Vice-POTUS. (True - one of the benefits(?) of previously living in the first-in-the-nation caucus state)
From Robert: Alas, I didn't go for walks in the park with Mr. Sondheim. However, my dog Gus did. The rest of the statements are true!
Email your own Three Truths & A Lie (or your haikus, life updates, favorite recipes, musical theatre trivia questions, puzzle ideas, photos... pretty much any appropriate items you wish to share with the whole company) to Robert Ford at rford@goodspeed.org.
Answers
Edition 1 Puzzle Answers: 1. Rosebud; 2. Rose Kennedy; 3. Axl Rose; 4. Roseland; 5. Rose Nylund; 6. Rosencrantz; 7. Rosemary’s Baby; 8. Moira Rose; 9. The White Rose; 10. Rosetta Stone
Edition 3 Puzzle Answers: 1. Everything’s Coming Up Moses; 2. Nome People; 3. Baby June And Her Newsbots; 4. All I Need Is The Gill; 5. You’ll Never Bet Away From Me; 6. Dainty June And Her Fartboys; 7. Let Me Entertain Lou; 8. Little Limb; 9. Smell World; 10. Rose’s Turf
Dear Robert
The advice and information column from someone who is in no
way qualified to provide sound consultation or factual responses
Dear Robert: It's Mother's Day, and I have a mother of a problem. My Mama (or Momma, depending on which website you believe is accurate) is the quintessential stage matriarch who is always singing about floral arrangements and Panda Express food. I mean, yes, I have immense talent, but the conflict between us is how to best showcase that talent. I think I could be a huge TikTok star, but she thinks I would be more successful on the Vaudeville Circuit, which is, I'm assuming, the new video platform Elon Musk is threatening to launch. What should I do??? - Signed, IAmSingingOut,Mother!
Dear IAmSingingOut,Mother!: What should you do??? First, stop with the triple question marks - one is sufficient to convey your need for answers. I'm aware of a support group for child stars just like you, and it meets every Wednesday through Sunday through June 25 at the Goodspeed Opera House. Go to the stage door and ask for Louise.
Dear Robert: I accidentally locked my keys in my room. Can you let me in? - Signed, Absent-Minded In The Village.
Dear Absent-Minder: Sure, I'll be right over!
Dear Robert: Can you recommend any good restaurants in the area, or some challenging hiking paths, or the best place to get a haircut? - Signed, East Haddam Newbie.
Dear Newbie: No, I can't, because like you, I am a newbie still waiting for the Goodspeed old-timers to share such wisdom and pro tips. They should do so by emailing me at rford@goodspeed.org.
Dear Robert: While I was walking out to your car to thank you for unlocking my door, I accidentally locked myself out again. Can you let me in? - Signed, Absent-Minded In The Village.
Dear A-M: (Sigh) Yes, I'll get there as soon as I can. FYI, the speedier way to resolve such problems is to text the company management cell phone during normal business hours, not snail mail your request to the Dear Robert headquarters.
Dear Robert: What's the bridge closure schedule for this week? - Signed, Bridget Over Troubled Waters
Dear Bridget: Rather than asking company management, you can get text and email updates sent directly to your phone! Sign up at https://easthaddamswingbridgeproject.com.
Dear Robert: You're gonna hate me, but I accidentally locked myself out again when I decided to take my trash out to the dumpster at 3:00am, as one does. Can you let me in? - Signed, Absent-Minded
Dear A-M: No. You are now Jody Foster as Nell in that movie "Nell." You will live in the forest behind the rehearsal hall and build your own keyless stick hut. Every Sunday, after the family meal, I will bring you any remaining food scraps that have been rejected by production crews, musicians, and Cha Cha (not necessarily in that order). These are the consequences of repeatedly locking yourself out of your house.
The 'Speed Reader
The Weekly Newsletter From Goodspeed Musical's Company Management Team
Season 2023 - Edition 4
Sunday, May 121 2023
COMMON GROUND
In this increasingly polarized world we live in, I'm happy(?) to say I accidentally stumbled upon something that apparently everyone in the world agrees on, no matter their political affiliation, religious beliefs, heritage, etc. - no one, and I mean no one, chooses to celebrate "Buy Robert Lavish Gifts Day" (annually on Wednesday, May 17) that was clearly noted in last week's edition of The 'Speed Reader.
Now knowing that I have this superpower to unite people around a common cause or belief, I will be out of the office for the next few days as I travel to Europe to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia.
In case you want to plan ahead for "Buy Robert Lavish Gifts Day 2024," I'm registered at Kohl's.
Number of times the word "Mama" is spoken during a performance of GYPSY:
147
Thanks to Ashlin, Jordan, Aaron,
and the entire stage crew
for keeping a tally!
Speaking of Aaron,
this ----------->
happens before every performance.
This Week In Company Management
Monday, May 22
-
No special activities scheduled
Tuesday, May 23
-
All Day - A/C Installation at Village Knoll apartments
-
Morning - COVID testing for those in GYPSY production bubble
Wednesday, May 24
-
No special activities scheduled
Thursday, May 25
-
9:00am - PT for "Gypsy" Cast
Friday, May 26
-
No special activities scheduled
Saturday, May 27
-
11:00am - Weekly Grocery Run
-
5:00pm - Crew Dinner
Sunday, May 28
-
4:30pm - Cast, Crew, & Musician Dinner (FINAL SUNDAY!)
Monday through Saturday - housekeeping at all shared houses
Reminder: anyone in the GYPSY production bubble should be COVID testing and reporting your results to the COVID hotline.
The Weekly Puzzle
“Tra la! It’s May!” Alan Jay Lerner penned those catchy lyrics for the musical CAMELOT, which is one of more than a dozen Broadway musicals that have a one-word title starting with the letter C. Can you unscramble the following titles, knowing that they all start with the letter C?
1. CISNURTA
2. CESRAULO
3. CRATEBA
4. CLENDILEAR
5. CACOGIH
6. CRILAVAN
7. CSESH
8. CERIAR
9. CATNOCT
10. CTSA
11. CYPAMON
12. CDAINED
13. CLIPHAN
14. CYNORA
(Answers below.)
Three Truths & A Lie
Three of the following statements are true. One is a lie.
How well do you know your Goodspeed colleagues?
From Ben Sears (Cast of GYPSY):
-
In high school, I was a national finalist for a poetry recitation competition two years running.
-
My first role in a musical was Sandy the Dog in Annie Jr.
-
I’ve been a barber/cutting hair for over 10 years.
-
I’ve appeared on two episodes of the baking show Food Network Challenge.
Ideally, you will seek out Ben to find out if you've guessed correctly and to start a conversation. But we'll also print the previous week's answers here:
From Tyler Garstka (Company Management):
-
I have a BFA in acting.
-
I have driven through 48 states.
-
I owned a '64 VW Beetle for five years.
-
I can play the entire guitar solo from "Freebird."
While Tyler has been teaching himself the guitar, he's not up to that particular skill level just yet!
Email your own Three Truths & A Lie (or your haikus, life updates, favorite recipes, musical theatre trivia questions, puzzle ideas, photos... pretty much any appropriate items you wish to share with the whole company) to Robert Ford at rford@goodspeed.org.
Dear Robert
The advice and information column from someone who is in no
way qualified to provide sound consultation or factual responses
Dear Robert: What do you call a person from Connecticut? - signed, Identity Crisis
Dear Identity Crisis: This is an intriguing (and loaded) question, as I just moved to the 860 from one of the 20 states whose residents simply add an N to the end of the name (e.g. “Iowa” + “n” = “Iowan”). But that doesn’t work for Connecticut. Google seems to think the correct term is “Connecticuter,” but I feel that word shames the Connectiugliers among us. So I did a little digging and discovered that there are different names for different subsets of CT residents. For instance, those who are impatient with rambling stories are known as “Connecticuttothechasers,” while stand-up comedians are known as “Connecticutups.” Those who choose to remove themselves from the troubles of the world are called “Disconnecticuters,” and ruthless people in the state are called “Connecticutthroats.” Nail salon workers answer to “Connecticuticles,” and roughly 50% of the locals on Grindr identify as “Connectiuncuts” (don’t ask me what I had to do to get that information). Finally, those who worked in non-profit arts organizations during the pandemic answer to “Connecticutbacks.”
Speaking of my home state of Iowa, one of my favorite trivia questions to ask musical theatre fans is: Name the four Broadway musicals that are entirely set in Iowa. (Disclaimer – I haven’t seen SHUCKED yet, but I’m pretty sure this musical about corn is not entirely set in Iowa, so it is not included.)
PRO TIPS
The Village Bistro in downtown Chester offers a 10% discount for employees and cast through the 2023 season. Closed on Tuesdays.
https://www.villagebistroct.com/
Thanks to Mary Miko (Development) for sharing this pro tip! Everyone is encouraged to contribute!
Puzzle Answers
Word Scramble;
1. CURTAINS; 2. CAROUSEL; 3. CABARET; 4. CINDERELLA; 5. CHICAGO; 6 CARNIVAL; 7. CHESS; 8. CARRIE; 9. CONTACT; 10. CATS; 11. COMPANY; 12. CANDIDE; 13. CHAPLIN; 14. CYRANO
And the 4 Broadway Musicals set entirely in Iowa are:
-
STATE FAIR
-
THE MUSIC MAN
-
THE PAJAMA GAME*
-
THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY
*There is one brief mention of the locale in the script. Otherwise, there's nothing that indicates where this show is set.
The 'Speed Reader
The Weekly Newsletter From Goodspeed Musical's Company Management Team
Season 2023 - Edition 5
Sunday, May 28, 2023
THE DREAM TEAM
With Lauren Wentz joining us as the Company Management Associate on Tuesday, Team Company Management will officially be a ménage a trois, which, as everyone knows, is French for “three managers.” (It’s a joke, people!) So this seems like the perfect opportunity to review all of the important things you need to know about TCM (not to be confused with Turner Classic Movies).
TCM Roster:
Robert Ford, Company Manager
(rford@goodspeed.org, ext. 384
Tyler Garstka, Assistant Company Manager (tgarstka@goodspeed.org), ext. 380
Lauren Wentz, Company Management Associate (lwentz@goodspeed.org), ext. 380
How To Reach Us: The company management cell phone is the best way to reach the team, as it is always in the possession of one of us with the ringer on 24/7/365. If you haven’t already done so, please add this number to your contacts: 860-638-7157. If it’s an emergency, call; if it’s a non-emergency inquiry that you can convey in a sentence or two (“Can I get quarters?” “Can you unlock my door?” “Is Robert single?”), please text during normal company management hours. If it’s a lengthier inquiry or something you don’t want to share with the entire TCM, send an individual email or call our phone extensions. And, of course, you can stop by and visit us in the company management office (shared with stage management), located on the river level – go down the spiral stairs in the green room, go through the door, and turn left.
Work Days & Hours: Again, at least one of us is always on duty, but we’d appreciate it if you would send those non-emergency texts during the “normal” business hours (for theatre!) of 9:00am to 11:00pm. This newsletter will include each week’s on-duty schedule, which is also posted on the call boards in the dressing room hallway and in the green room.
Primary Responsibilities & Lead Team Member: TCM is here to make your stay at Goodspeed as enjoyable, comfortable, and hassle-free as possible. We are your go-tos for addressing matters beyond your work responsibilities and work spaces – housing, transportation, meals, medical needs, mail, ticket requests, maintenance requests, lock-outs, quarters, etc. (Two things for which we are NOT responsible but will be happy to point you in the right direction are payroll/personnel questions and COVID testing and procedures.) While all three of us eventually will be assigned these responsibilities, for the time being, please include Robert in your initial inquiries when possible. And until performances begin in the Terris, all three of us will be residing and operating on this side of the bridge.
This Week In Company Management
Monday, May 29
-
No special activities scheduled
-
HOLIDAY - offices and theater closed
-
TCM on duty - Robert (overnight: Robert)
Tuesday, May 30
-
Morning - COVID testing for those in GYPSY production bubble
-
5:00pm - goodbye reception for Erica (Stillman)
-
TCM on duty - Robert, Tyler, Lauren (overnight: Robert)
Wednesday, May 31
-
No special activities scheduled
-
TCM on duty - Robert, Tyler, Lauren (overnight: Robert)
Thursday, June 1
-
9:00am - PT for "Gypsy" Cast
-
Thursday matinees begin
-
TCM on duty - Robert, Tyler, Lauren (overnight: Tyler)
Friday, June 2
-
No special activities scheduled
-
TCM on duty - Robert, Tyler, Lauren (overnight: Tyler)
Saturday, June 3
-
11:00am - weekly grocery run
-
5:00pm - crew dinner
-
All Day: SUMMER STOCK friends begin arriving
-
TCM on duty - Robert, Tyler, Lauren (overnight: Tyler)
Sunday, June 4
-
No special activities scheduled
-
8:00pm - weekly 63-hour bridge closure begins!
-
TCM on duty - Robert, Tyler, Lauren (overnight: Robert)
Monday through Saturday - housekeeping at all shared houses
REMINDER: The weekly 63-hour bridge closures begin on Sunday, June 4 @ 8:00pm and end on Wednesday, June 7 @11:00am. Please plan accordingly. Schedule is always subject to change!
Hello!
Sandy Hall
Lauren Wentz
Christina Woolard
So Long!
Christina DeCarlo
Corina Estell
Erica Gilroy
The Weekly Puzzle
This week’s puzzle is a little different than those of previous weeks, as there is no one “correct” answer – only possible answers suggested by your editor. So, because this quiz is more opinion than fact-based, there are a lot of disclaimers: you likely will have your own answers that are different (and please share!); some suggested answers may be groan-inducing; and all answers reflect only the opinion of the editor and not the entire TCM or Goodspeed community.
How to play: for each name listed below, name the title of an existing Broadway musical that might be appropriate for their life story. For instance, “John Riccucci” might be PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (I mean, we all know this “bridge project” is actually meant to excavate his secret lair below the theater, right?). Have fun!
1. Prince
2. John Willams
3. Marjorie Taylor Greene
4. Julia Child
5. Sylvester Stallone
6. Matthew Perry
7. RuPaul
8. John Holmes
9. Elon Musk (The Tesla Years)
10. Elon Musk (The Twitter Years)
11. Lyle & Erik Menendez
12. Ann & Nancy Wilson
13. Jerry Lee Lewis
14. Coretta Scott
15. Ronan Farrow
16. Desi Arnaz
17. Lorne Michaels
18. Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar
19. Charles Manson
20. J.M. Smucker
21. Mike Lindell
22. Kevin Spacey
23. Magic Johnson
24. Julian Assange
25. Tucker Carlson
26. Donald Trump
Three Truths & A Lie
Three of the following statements are true. One is a lie.
How well do you know your Goodspeed colleagues?
We had no new submissions this week but here are answers to two in previous weeks:
From Ben Sears (Cast of GYPSY):
-
In high school, I was a national finalist for a poetry recitation competition two years running.
-
My first role in a musical was Sandy the Dog in Annie Jr.
-
I’ve been a barber/cutting hair for over 10 years.
-
I’ve appeared on two episodes of the baking show Food Network Challenge.
Ben was a STATE finalist two years in a row. The barbering is all true, as are his two childhood appearances on Food Network Challenge.
From Wayne Rollins (Box Office):
-
I've visited Kenya, Turkey, Norway, and Costa Rica.
-
I've appeared naked on stage for a paying audience.
-
I once met Whoopi Goldberg in Auckland, New Zealand.
-
My great-aunt was a Ziegfeld Follies chorus girl.
Just a really good and believable lie about his great aunt!
Email your own Three Truths & A Lie (or your haikus, life updates, favorite recipes, musical theatre trivia questions, puzzle ideas, photos... pretty much any appropriate items you wish to share with the whole company) to Robert Ford at rford@goodspeed.org.
Dear Robert
The advice and information column from someone who is in no
way qualified to provide sound consultation or factual responses
Dear Robert: How do you do everything you do AND find time to write the weekly newsletter? - signed, Time Management Envious
Dear Envious: When one spends 27.5 hours of their week driving/walking to a company member's housing to unlock their doors, their mind has a lot of time to wander. It's in these moments when the newsletter content begins to germinate. The longer and snarkier the newsletter, the more lockouts there were in the past week.
Puzzle Answers
1) THE COLOR PURPLE or VIOLET; 2) THE MUSIC MAN; 3) oh so many, but I’m going with AMERICAN IDIOT; 4) AN AMERICAN IN PARIS; 5) THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW; 6) PAL JOEY; 7) HEAD OVER HEALS; 8) BIG or NINE; 9) BILLION DOLLAR BABY; 10) BYE, BYE, BIRDIE; 11) BLOOD BROTHERS; 12) SISTER ACT; 13) THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM; 14) THE KING AND I; 15) MAMMA MIA!; 16) I HAD A BALL; 17) MR. SATURDAY NIGHT; 18) THE (re)PRODUCERS or BABES IN ARMS; 19) AMERICAN PSYCHO; 20) JELLY’S LAST JAM; 21) I CAN GET IT FOR YOU WHOLESALE; 22) HANDS ON A HARDBODY (allegedly); 23) A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM; 24) CATCH ME IF YOU CAN; 25) TUCK EVERLASTING; 26) oh so many… HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, CRY-BABY, ANYTHING GOES, SOMETHING ROTTEN, GIRL CRAZY, 9 TO 5 (year range of prison sentence), and many of the titles attributed to others above.
RJFCREATIVE
Featuring the creative works of Robert John Ford
Playwright. Composer. Lyricist. Producer. Author.
RJFCREATIVE
Featuring the creative works of Robert John Ford
Playwright. Composer. Lyricist. Producer. Author.
RJFCREATIVE
The 'Speed Reader
The Weekly Newsletter From Goodspeed Musical's Company Management Team
Season 2023, Edition 3
Sunday, May 14, 2023
The Weekly Newsletter From Goodspeed Musical's Company Management Team
The 'Speed Reader
TRICE
CYCLEPATHS
TM
CRAZY
YOUNGISH
CYCLING-
LOVING
EXTROVERTS
PEDALING
ACROSS
THE
HAWKEYE
STATE
TM
RJFCREATIVE
Featuring the creative works of Robert John Ford
Playwright. Composer. Lyricist. Producer. Author.
RJFCREATIVE
Featuring the creative works of Robert John Ford
Playwright. Composer. Lyricist. Producer. Author.