Monthly Archives: December 2015

HOPE for a New Year

Posted on December 31, 2015 by dannyashkenasi

I believe in the good of mankind I believe in the end truth prevails It resides in our hearts and our minds Should we seek it we’d find love unveiled HOPE Happy New Year.  Let’s hope for a 2016 that … Continue reading →

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Speakeasy – MEET THE “SWELL” ENSEMBLE

Posted on December 28, 2015 by dannyashkenasi

The ensemble for the showcase production of “Speakeasy” has been assembled.  Doubled in size from the group that performed in the December 7 reading, it is a wonderfully talented and diverse ensemble.  A “swell gang”, in the parlance of the … Continue reading →

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SPEAKEASY HONOR ROLL OF PLEDGES

Posted on December 24, 2015 by dannyashkenasi

‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE GRATEFUL! Thank you to all who gave to help make Speakeasy’s February/March showcase run a reality! In alphabetical order:   Ilse & Hanns Ahrens Michael Ahrens Kelly Aliano Claudia Arlo Abraham & Catherine Ashkenasi David … Continue reading →

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS – How this Carol Curmudgeon Ended Up Unwittingly Writing Three Seasonably Suited Carols Himself

Posted on December 21, 2015 by dannyashkenasi

I plead guilty to being a bit of a Christmas Carol Grinch.  OK, I used to be a BIG Christmas Carol Grinch, really loathing most carols and sometimes resorting to lip syncing rather than singing out loud when drawn into … Continue reading →

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94% FUNDED! 3 DAYS TO GO!

Posted on December 19, 2015 by dannyashkenasi

We’re so-o-o-o close! Hundreds of friends and strangers have come together to help make next year’s showcase production of “Speakeasy – John and Jane’s Adventures in the Wonderland” a reality! Will you join them? Remember, with each pledge, no matter … Continue reading →

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Revealed: SPEAKEASY Poster and Postcard DESIGN!

Posted on December 17, 2015 by dannyashkenasi

Voilà, the poster/postcard design for the February/March 2016 showcase run of “Speakeasy – John and Jane’s Adventures in the Wonderland”! Designed by Derk Scholtz in an ever evolving process that I will get into more behind-the-scenes detail below.  But first, … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts-a-Poppin', Live! On Stage, Notes in the News, The Speakeasy Chronicles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

BEST SONG OSCAR SURPRISE? – The movie song I predict will be this year’s stealth surprise Oscar Best Original Song nominee

Posted on December 14, 2015 by dannyashkenasi

A few days ago the Academy, aka the people who hand out the Oscars, revealed the list of songs from this year’s movies that are eligible to be nominated as best original song in a motion picture.  There are 74 … Continue reading →

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“CAROL” & THERESE – “SPEAKEASY” & JANE – stories from the time when lesbian love dared not say its name

Posted on December 11, 2015 by dannyashkenasi

      I love the movie “Carol”.  It is one of the best movies of the year, masterful on all levels.  While I was watching it, I kept on thinking: “How exquisitely swoony”.  Refined and restrained on the one … Continue reading →

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THANK YOU

Posted on December 8, 2015 by dannyashkenasi

Thank you everybody who came to the reading Monday night. Thank you for your enthusiasm and all the wonderful comments. Thank you to the performers for all their incredible talent and hard work. Much was accomplished and much learned putting … Continue reading →

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Sneak Peek Photos of the cast of Monday’s Speakeasy Reading

Posted on December 6, 2015 by dannyashkenasi

Monday, December 7 at 7pm, we will present the first public performance of “Speakeasy – John and Jane Allison in the Wonderland” as a book-in-hand reading of the musical. It will be a way to introduce Speakeasy to the Theater … Continue reading →

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BroadwayWorld.com Spotlights Speakeasy Reading!

Posted on December 3, 2015 by dannyashkenasi

BroadwayWorld.com just posted this article about Speakeasy: New Musical SPEAKEASY to Receive Reading at TNC Next Week           The creative team of Speakeasy: John and Jane Allison in the Wonderland, a fantastical musical of Prohibition-era NYC … Continue reading →

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SPEAKEASY GOES OFF TO THE BALLROOM – The Great Drag Balls of the 1920’s/1930’s

Posted on December 2, 2015 by dannyashkenasi

The centerpiece in Act Two of the new musical “Speakeasy – John and Jane Allison in the Wonderland” is the great drag ball at the Jefferson Lodge Ball.  Chet Cheshire presides over the festivities, attended by a sparkling variety of … Continue reading →

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