Author: johspo

A Reflection on French Cupcakes

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by Eric Denver

Let’s dream a little together…how might we feel seeing our own name in a marquee’s lights on Broadway or walking down a red carpet to accept our award…be it a Tony, Emmy, Grammy, or Oscar? As the author of this musical, Neal Learner, elaborates in the program, sometimes our dreams may evolve into reality or a happy ending, but most of the time they will not. This musical is about how one might move on after such goals and/or aspirations are denied recognition.

As director of tonight’s show Michael Fowle states in the program notes, the musical focuses on whether our lives can be more than what they are today. If our dreams are achieved, will this result in our lives being more than what they are at present? Sometimes, we concentrate too much on achieving our goals in life rather than allowing our goals to be modified as we evaluate multiple choices. Letting go of our initial dreams through modification can still result in a positive trajectory. The pursuit of our dreams can still result in what makes us all productive human beings.

Act I opens at the French Cupcakes café in a midwestern USA college town. During the first act, the musical evolves into an eleven-song shared story of what transpires within the café. Three baristas sing interludes throughout both acts, connecting the musical pieces to each other and contemplating what’s next. The café owner, Pierre Bardot, artfully played by Aref Dajani, first welcomes us to the café and then admits before and after his opening solo “Bad Bread” that the venue is facing problems. We are also introduced to the café manager, Pierre’s daughter, Tina Bardot. Both the character of Tina and Camilla Wilbraham’s portrayal of her were critical to how successfully the plot evolves. Nick Butler, a singer/songwriter with dreams of his own, played by Apollo Yong, sings his initial solo song “Drop of Honey” and captures the audience’s attention. How these three main characters navigate the pathways of their hopes and dreams is the focus of this first act.

After a short intermission, we continue with Act II, including another eight songs and discover what resulted from a modified and “improved” newly renovated French Cupcakes II. Profits are up and there is a lot of hope for the future of the eatery. But the dreams of our cast have changed and we follow them through new choices with surprising results! I have no doubt you will find this play fascinating and your attendance will be a worthwhile experience. Don’t miss your opportunity to dream with us!

French Cupcakes Cast Cafe Orders

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What’s your favorite go-to cafe order?

First up Neal, the talented composer and writer of French Cupcakes likes a simple baguette. “It always reminds me of the summer I spent after college busking on the streets of Paris. I’d make enough money playing and singing to buy a baguette and bottle of wine, which I would consume with friends by the Eiffel Tower.”

Michael, our director, says his favorite café beverage is a pumpkin spice latte, and his favorite pastry is a warm apple turnover. “I love them because they both have those cozy fall flavors—cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple—that instantly make me feel like the season has arrived.” While John says his favorite pastry is a chocolate croissant and his favorite beverage is a vanilla latte.

Say hello to Paul, our musical director, who doesn’t really go to cafes. He doesn’t like coffee all that much. He explains, “When I did get coffee from a cafe, I’d get triple or quadruple espressos. Then I got old. If I did that now, I’d feel like I was dying. The best cafe pastry I ever had was a croissant in New York City. I loved it almost as much as musical theater.” Kevin, ensemble/customer, declares his favorite café beverage is a black medium roast coffee. When not on Weightwatchers, his favorite pastry is a ham & cheese croissant.

Leah, our amazing stage manager’s favorite/go to cafe beverage is an iced caramel macchiato. “I love to give it a vigorous shake/stir and watch the colors change while mixing in all the flavors.” She likes to pair it with a pain au chocolate (chocolate croissant). “When done right, you get a sweet chocolate surprise with every bite.” Maria, Barista 3, even has a favorite place to get her favorites. “My favorite treat is a sweet and flaky apple Chausson with café au lait from Boulangerie Christophe (Georgetown).”

Cathy, who plays Dana, the Big Bean Rep, loves a Pink Drink. She knows it isn’t a normal café drink, but not being a coffee or tea drinker, it is her go-to! Pastries are another story; she loves a warm, buttery croissant. Maureen, Barista One, says, “My fave “go-to” at a coffee shop is black coffee and a cake pop – cuz sometimes I’m 68 and sometimes I’m 8. And sometimes two things can be true, haha!”

Steven, ensemble/customer, will take a double decaf espresso, shaken, not stirred, along with a Chocolate babka with a side of ruggelach and a cheese Danish. Make that two; they’re small. Elizabeth, ensemble/customer, loves to sit in a quiet coffee shop and read a book, with a café latte and a scone, ideally cinnamon! Jack, ensemble/customer’s favorite cafe beverage is decaf coffee with cream and sugar, and plenty of it with a croissant au chocolat (Heaven!). “Occasionally, I’ll have a cappuccino after a meal. As to coffee, it’s not about the caffeinated charge, it’s about the flavor and aroma, so soothing, comforting.”

Catherine, Barista Two, changes her favorites based on the season. “During the summer, I love a vanilla & lavender iced latte. At first I thought lavender syrup sounded bizarre, but when it’s done right and not overpowering, it’s refreshing. When it starts to get cold, I am obsessed with peppermint mochas with oat milk. I think my family had an intervention last year with how many times I was making them. It’s also one of the only things I enjoy cocoa in. Weirdly, I’m not a huge chocolate fan. As far as a pastry goes, I’ll never turn down a cheese Danish. It’s not overly sweet and I’ll eat anything with the word ‘cheese’ in the description.” Stephanie, ensemble/customer’s favorite café beverage is anything decaf with a hazelnut swirl. It seems hazelnut is her favorite flavor!

The favorite cafe order of Camilla, who plays Tina, is a latte paired with an almond croissant, “as it reminds me of my time growing up in Paris.” Charlie, ensemble/customer, has, by her own admission, a huge, sweet tooth, so she always goes for a cafe mocha, and a pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant!)

Introducing Brett, who plays Bridget. She says her favorite cafe drink might seem boring, but it’s a classic—she loves an iced latte! “For a real treat, I’ll add a warm, slightly gooey chocolate croissant, or a pain au chocolat, as les francais would say.” Our choreographer, Catherine, prefers a cafe latte + biscotti. “It reminds me of a trip to Tuscany and embracing the Italian coffee culture of sitting and enjoying the coffee instead of taking it to-go.”

Aref, who plays Pierre, our French chef, prefers a short, sugar-free almond, whole milk, no water chai tea latte with a feta and spinach croissant. “I like chai tea latte more than chai masala because I like sweet but not too sweet. The croissant with feta and spinach makes me feel quasi-healthy. And I have the answer when they say they do not have whole milk. “No problem: half two-percent and half half-and-half.”

Arthur, ensemble/customer, preferred to write a poem about it.

When I go to the FAA cafe,

I hope they have something to make my day.

Coffee or tea, a warm embrace,

A moment of peace in this bustling place.

Perhaps a pastry, sweet and light,

To pair with my drink, a morning delight.

A smile from the barista, a friendly face,

In the FAA cafe, my worries erase.

With every sip, my spirits lift,

A simple joy, a calming gift.

In this little corner, I find my way,

At the FAA cafe, I savor the day.

French Cupcakes Press Release

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September 2025

The Bethesda Little Theatre to Present World Premiere of French Cupcakes: A New Musical by Neal Learner

Bethesda, Md. –  The Bethesda Little Theatre (BLT) is pleased to present the world premiere of French Cupcakes, a New Musical by Neal Learner, an Alexandria, Va.-based writer and composer. 

Performance will take place October 10-12 and 17-19 at the Bethesda Writer’s Center, 4508 Walsh Street, Bethesda, Md. For tickets: www.blt-online.org

This is BLT’s second world premiere of a musical by Learner. The company produced his sung-through musical Trees in 2023.

“We’re delighted to offer a venue for Neal’s work,” says BLT President Leslie Blaha. “His unique stories and diverse musical styles appeal broadly to our audiences. French Cupcakes is a magical story about how people sometimes must adjust their dreams to fit their realities.”

The two-act musical follows the lives of characters working at French Cupcakes, a legendary café-bakery in a quaint midwestern college town. 

More than a bakery, the establishment is a place of dreams. Café manager/grad student Tina dreams of becoming a diplomat. House musician Nick dreams of becoming a country music star. Second year MBA student Bridget dreams of becoming a Wall Street titan. Baristas dream of becoming Cancan dancers in Paris. And café owner Pierre dreams of selling his shop and retiring along the French Riviera. 

When Pierre puts his dream into action, the others scramble to adjust their own dreams. Dreams ruined, dreams deferred, dreams realized: French Cupcakes explores the twists and turns of our desires that fuel this thing called life. 

The musical is directed by Michael Fowle, with music direction by Paul Rossen, and choreography by Cathy Oh.

Learner knows well how one’s dreams don’t always turn out as expected. He entered the University of Michigan School of Music and Theater as a violin performance major but quickly realized his dream of playing in professional orchestras was out of reach. Nevertheless, Learner continued to play his violin in community orchestras, while pursuing his other musical interests of singing, songwriting and composing. 

“Achieving professional success in the performing arts and other competitive professions has always been difficult, and is no less so today,” says Learner. 

“Social media amplifies the glamours life of professional actors, musicians, authors, designers, athletes, and others,” he adds. “While one should always pursue their dreams, it’s important to have a back up plan if they don’t come true. You can still enjoy your creative pursuits at the highest levels, even if it’s not your living. The Washington, D.C., region offers a multitude of opportunities for talented amateur actors and musicians to pursue their crafts.”

For more information on Bethesda Little Theatre and French Cupcakes, visit https://blt-online.org/

Review of “Hues in Harmony”

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by Eric Denver

Bethesda Little Theatre (BLT) certainly pulled out all the colors of the rainbow for their latest show on the first two weekends of June 2025.  If you missed seeing HUES IN HARMONY: A MUSICAL SPECTRUM, you’re out of luck, but if you were one of many who were in their seats at one of the six presentations, you experienced an award-winning extravaganza.  

This special “gem” of a theater has been around as a part of Bethesda’s not-for-profit theater community since 1980. BLT’s mission is to promote the Arts of drama, dance, singing music and speech.  Their mission statement also includes verbiage which touches my heart.  Its purpose is to develop public appreciation for these arts through performance and other activities.  In my opinion, they certainly achieved their objectives with this production. 

Most important, a spectator reading the Director Laura Holmes’ notes within the playbill, should read her one-pager before seeing the show – – – I haven’t changed a word from the playbill.  Laura writes “that you are about to explore the emotional language of color – how a single hue can shape a song’s meaning and music can, in turn, color our memories.  The show’s 27 numbers are like brushstrokes on a vibrant canvas: the blues of longing, the greens of nostalgia and discovery, the yellows of reflection and breaking free, and the reds of romance and desires.  All together they paint a picture of the human experience- layered heartfelt and full of surprises.”  Laura goes on to detail the wealth of opportunities, in putting together this masterpiece.  Her biggest challenge, I presume, as to how to limit it to two acts.  She states in the Director’s notes that “she could have created four acts with the wealth of opportunities she had to choose from.”

Most of the individual members in the show contained a color starting out with a Rainbow Medley to open the production.  We then progress through the colors of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet and that was just Act I.  Then, Act II continues with “Live in Living Color” (referring of course to the NBC Peacock) and continues with brown, black, gold, white and commences with “Over the Rainbow” from of course the Wizard of Oz!  Each of the 27 songs were performed by one, two or even more members of the cast and included choreography, which was added to some of the individual selections.  The director incorporated verticality in the production by having the cast perform on different height levels of the stage’s planks.  There was a 3-piece band including a multi-purpose keyboard, bass guitar, and drums.  To retain the audience’s attention throughout the play, even the cast at times were musically participating through their utilization of their personal playing of the saxophone, guitar, and violin accompanied with appropriate dancing styles including country, pop, jazz, Broadway, and movie music.  There was definitely no doze-off time for the audience…there was so much entertainment to appreciate throughout the production.  

It should be noted, there were 18 actors in the show.  To put any emphasis on any of them individually, as most reviews might do, could not be accomplished.  Together the cast was supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.  With the director’s help, they provided a memorable experience.  The order of the show’s songs were selected by both the Director and Music Director (Francine Krasowska).  The music was selected across the bandwidth from the 1920’s Bye-Bye Blackbird, moving through the years to a song by Barbara Streisand from “My Coloring Book.”  Traveling through the Hues in Harmony, the audience may have imagined that they were walking down the yellow brick road during the entire two-act performance.  To encapsulate this entire review, I quote a sentence from the Director’s notes…”COLOR is a power which directly influences the soul.  I believe this show taps into that power…not only with sound and shade, but with laughter, storytelling, movement and heart!”

If you unfortunately missed the opportunity to experience this performance piece of art, maybe you can convince the Kennedy Center to produce it for at least a month! No doubt, it will be impossible to get tickets.

Got It Good Cast Info

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Interview with the Director

Sharen Camille has directed dozens of musicals ranging from The Secret Garden, The Music Man, Seussical, Guys and Dolls and many others. Recently, she traveled the national film festival circuit with her award-winning documentary Alice in Covidland about a local ballet company. Sharen is perhaps best known as an actor for her portrayal of Maria in West Side Story in the National and European Tours, and her Off-Broadway turn in NY in The Fantasticks as The Girl. Her versatility led to successful performances in Opera, Musical Theatre, Film and TV She is a proud graduate of the Musical Theatre program from the University of Michigan and a member of the actor’s unions SAG/AFTRA and AEA. She enjoys being creative any way she can as a director, voice teacher, actor, filmmaker and editor, or hosting the podcast Six Degrees of Broadway. She is the Artistic Director of Footlight Players and the founder of the Camille Coloratura Awards. www.SharenCamille.com

Meet the Cast!

This is Maureen Freshour’s second show with Bethesda Little Theatre! After closing a thrilling Bacharach Makes the Music Cabaret with Bethesda Little Theatre, she dove right into Got It Good! Maureen recently appeared locally as the Balladeer in Sondheim’s Assassins and the Narrator in Abdication. Her Motto: “Create Some Thing Every Day!”

Jenny Gleason is proud to make her Bethesda Little Theatre debut! You may recognize her from the many roles she has played with Rockville Musical Theatre and Silver Spring Stage.

Arthur Glover has been performing with Bethesda Little Theatre since 2016. He’s even directed his own show and co-directed a holiday show or two. He currently serves on the BLT Board of Directors as the Treasurer and assists on the marketing team. This is Arthur’s first cabaret and he’s looking forward to showcasing his songs and being the best back-up singer to this fine group of professionals. Arthur is supported by his wonderful wife of 45 years, Carole Glover.

Having been away from theater for a few years, Beatrice Ieronimo is very excited to be back and joining the cast of Got it Good! She loves to sing and when not singing likes to spend time writing and sketching.

Stephanie Levin is not only making her Bethesda Little Theatre debut but also her debut into DMV community theatre. In fact, this will be her first community theatre production since seventh grade. 

John Christopher Lynch is making his Bethesda Little Theatre debut! He has performed with the Theatre Lab, Silver Spring Stage, Greenbelt Arts Center, and Montgomery Playhouse. He is excited to play the kind of role he hasn’t played in a while and bring Charlie to life.

Audrey Mollo is ecstatic to be sharing this show with you everyone! This is her first show after high school, and she is so happy to be doing it with these other incredible actors. Even if it is her first since high school, she is no stranger to the local community theatre scene. You may have caught her with The Vienna Youth Players or Stagecoach Theatre.

Joshua Pinchback is a senior in high school, and he’s super excited to be doing his first original production. He has been acting for about 8 years and is having a great time!

This is Amanda Jasmine Rollins’ second show with Bethesda Little Theatre! One of Amanda’s proudest moments was playing Ms. Pennywise in a college production of Urinetown. She has performed in productions from Japan to Los Angeles and back to Bethesda!

Caroline Smith DeWaal, while new to Bethesda Little Theatre, is not new to theatre. Having performed a variety of roles, she is excited to see this original production come to life!

Charlie Tell is appearing in her first show with Bethesda Little Theatre. While she has done her share of theatre productions she also loves voice acting and can be heard as ‘Stardust’ in the animated series Shattered Stars on YouTube!

Got It Good

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New Musical GOT IT GOOD Sets Debut at Maryland’s The Writers Center

The new musical is written by Sharen Camille with music by Iridesense.

By: Josh Sharpe Feb. 13, 2025

Bethesda Little Theatre has announced that “Got it Good”, a new musical written by Sharen Camille with music by Iridesense, will make its debut on Friday February 21st at The Writer’s Center, located at 4508 Walsh Street Bethesda, Maryland; with additional performances Sat Feb 22nd, Sun Feb 23rd, Fri Feb 28th, Sat Mar 1st and Sun Mar 2nd. Tickets are available to purchase here.

Can a hot young designer take on the green-washing of a conglomerate? Can a high schooler take on the narrow-mindedness of a school board trying to ban books? 2 daughters struggle to find their way in a world filled with both idealism and cynicism. How will their mom create her own new story as she faces the joys and challenges of an empty nest? This coming-of-age tale features a family of 3 women at different ages and stages of their lives as they discover the forces of nature they are destined to be.

Sharen Camille is thrilled to be bringing her first original musical to life with Bethesda Little Theatre! She has directed dozens of musicals from The Lion King, Matilda, The Secret Garden, The Music Man, Seussical, Guys and Dolls and many others. Recently, she traveled the national film festival circuit with her award-winning documentary short film, Alice in Covidland, about a Baltimore-based ballet company and how it navigated the challenges of the Covid-19 Epidemic. Before directing, Sharen had a long and successful career as a performer and is perhaps best known for performing as Maria in West Side Story, in over 400 performances in the National and European Tours, and her Off-Broadway turn in NY in The Fantasticks as The Girl. Her triple-threat versatility led to numerous performances in Opera, Musical Theatre, Film and TV, and can be heard on Angels We Have Heard On High, her solo collection of Christmas Classics. She is a proud graduate of the Musical Theatre program from the University of Michigan and a member of the actor’s unions SAG/AFTRA and AEA. She is the Artistic Director of Footlight Players in Indiana, PA and the founder of the Opera Vocal Competition: The Camille Coloratura Awards and host of the podcast Six Degrees of Broadway. www.SharenCamille.com

Iridesense has been writing music together for over 3 decades. All the songs used in the musical are from different releases that span from their first CD release Cool Dream Tomorrow released in 1998, up to their EP Thought Parade, released in 2015. Actually the name of the musical is named after their song Got it Good, from their EP release, Secret Constellation. Their music can be found on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music etc. Their music can be heard in many independent films including “Finding Sandler” and has been licensed to television networks like Nickelodeon who used their songs in several episodes of the popular shows “Zoey 101” and “Drake and Josh”, and MTV for their shows “Pimp My Ride”, “Room Raiders”, and NEXT. The band even appeared in person on an episode of the MTV show “Boiling Points.” They’ve played sold out engagements with Spin Doctors, Sugar Ray and Gin Blossoms, as between period entertainment at a New York Islanders NHL game, and received airplay on Z100 radio in NY in addition to a nationally broadcast radio interview with Elvis Duran from the Z Morning Zoo. https://www.iridesense.com

Bacharach Makes the Music Play

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January 10-11, 2025

Director’s Note

Burt Bacharach’s music tends to speak to the heart. In this cabaret we hope to ignite some old memories while creating new ones. In developing this cabaret I have discovered songs of his I have never heard and fallen in love with many of them. Contrasting to our first cabaret in this series last October, Burt Bacharach is not fictional like James Bond and does not conjure up images of intrigue and adventure. This time we hope he conjures up images that connect you to his music.

Tonight you will experience the music of Bacharach through this diverse selection of his music and the atmosphere we have tried to create for you. As Bacharach is quoted as saying, “Never be ashamed to write a melody that people remember.” Tonight we hope you will remember many melodies and maybe join us in singing one of them.

We are so grateful to have you at our second club-style cabaret, and hope to see you in the future at other cabarets and at our 2025 productions.  Enjoy the show!

Cathy McCoskey

Biographies

Jen Biddison placed first in her category during the 2024 National Association of Teachers of Singing Mid-Atlantic Region Student Auditions. She enjoys performing sacred, musical theatre, and patriotic songs for churches and community events. You can find her on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram at @JenBiddison. She would like to thank God, her family, Cathy, Jeff & BLT for this opportunity.

Maureen Freshour is so excited to be making her debut with Bethesda Little Theatre!  Maureen recently appeared locally as the Balladeer in Sondheim’s Assassins and the Narrator in Abdication. Memorable other shows include: Pump Boys & Dinettes, Nunsense, Grease, Secret Garden, and Damn Yankees. Being a pastor, singer/songwriter, jingle writer, fitness instructor/choreographer, and being a former drama teacher/director have driven her lifelong search for creative outlets. Longwood University (1979 Theater/English) prepared her, life honed her. Motto: “Create Some Thing Every Day!” 

Arthur Glover has been performing with Bethesda Little Theatre since 2016. He’s even directed his own show and co-directed a holiday show or two. He currently serves on the BLT Board of Directors as the Treasurer and assists on the marketing team. This is Arthur’s first cabaret and he’s looking forward to showcasing his songs and being the best back-up singer to this fine group of professionals. Arthur is supported by his wonderful wife of 45 years, Carole Glover. Thank you, Cathy and Jeff, for choosing great songs for me.

Jay Gutzwiller is thrilled to participate in his first show with BLT. He began performing in school and community theater productions during high school and college in Cincinnati, Ohio. More recently he has enjoyed singing with the folk band at his church in Silver Spring, and jamming out to classic and Latin rock with his good friends. During the day, Jay works for an international nonprofit managing development and humanitarian assistance programs overseas. He’s had a blast getting to know this talented cast, and he is grateful for his family’s support over the past few months.

Jeffrey Hayes is a solo pianist and accompanist in the Washington DC area since 1980. 
Highlights are: Census Chorale (1981 – 2013); Naval Research Lab’s Showboaters (Once Upon a Matttress); Corkran Players (six Gilbert and Sullivan operas); Ruby Glitz Trio (best selling cassette “Live”, international conventions in Cleveland and Chicago); Duo Classico (concerts at Decatur House and with New York Philharmonic violinist Gabriel Banat at Christ Church Alexandria); international song stylist Louise de Simone (CD…feeling fancy free); Bethesda Little Theatre (musical revues 2012 – 2022 and Bond to Bacharach cabaret series); Sapphires (seven themed cabarets); Mini-Musicals on the Move (West Side Story, Oklahoma, Guys and Dolls, Mary Poppins,The Music Man, six cabarets); hotel lounges (ANA, Monarch, Fairmont, Park Hyatt, three Ritz-Carltons); private parties, anniversaries, and weddings (too many to count).  He was honored as the Black Tie Arts Management’s Artist of the Year (1997). He developed, wrote, and is currently presenting an autobiographical cabaret “Once Upon a Time on Washington’s Finest Pianos.”

Laura Holmes, a seasoned member of BLT since 1994, has directed nine shows and performed in 15 BLT revues. In addition to her theatrical endeavors, she lends her voice to the harmonies of The Sapphires singing group, performing across the DMV area. During the day, Laura works at a non-profit organization, blending her passion for the arts with community service.

David Kimmelman, since relocating to the DMV area almost 8 years ago, has portrayed Colonel Jessup in “A Few Good Men” at LTA, Mr. Dussell in “Diary of Anne Frank” at RLT, and Isaac in “Disgraced” in Greenbelt. A 1981 graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC, he has appeared on Days of our Lives, and has performed in over 60 plays and musicals nationally since he was 8 years old. Some favorite roles include: Russ/Dan in “Clybourne Park”, Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof”, McMurphy in “One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest”, Mathias in “My Old Lady”, and multiple roles in “The Laramie Project”. David thanks his wife Nina, his daughters, and his entire family for their love and support. 

Cathy McCoskey is thrilled to be directing her fourth show for BLT. She has performed in thirteen productions with them. When not performing with BLT she is busy as their marketing director, performing and directing with Mini-Musicals on the Move, and performing with the Sapphires. She also enjoys performing with other local community theatres when the opportunity arises. She can often be spotted at a local preschool with energetic preschool children! In her spare time she enjoys rare evenings at home with her husband, walks with friends, and traveling with her husband and two grown children.

Carolyn Oxenford sang mostly in the shower until her kids left home, and she decided to try singing in public. Since then, she has performed with Levine Music Theatre, Bethesda Little Theatre, Mini-Musicals on the Move, the St. Andrew’s Players, and Senza Nome Women’s Chorus. Currently, she can often be heard singing classic musical theatre tunes at senior facilities around the DMV, and jazz with Capital City Voices. She is excited to be back in a BLT show after several years away.

The Music of Bond…James Bond

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October 18-19, 2025

Director’s Note

James Bond, while a fictional character, is larger than life in pop culture. Many images come to mind when we think of Bond, the sexy spy, the killer, the lover. The music that goes with the films based on the books by Ian Fleming is iconic. While I am a Bond fan, I am not a Bond fanatic, but in directing this cabaret, I just might have become more of a fan as I find myself motivated to watch these films from my past again and watch some that I have not seen, for the first time.

I hope that tonight you will experience the ambiance of Bond through this diverse selection of Bond music and the atmosphere we have tried to create for you. As Bond says in No Time to Die, “Life is all about leaving something behind.” We hope we leave a memory behind with you. We are so grateful to have you at our first, “club style” cabaret, and hope to see you in January when we present “Bacharach Makes the Music Play!” Enjoy the show!

Cathy McCoskey

Biographies

Justin Cunningham has sung with the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park, 1982-1985. Winston-Salem Symphony Chorus 1985-2003.  Piedmont Opera Chorus (Rigoletto), 2002.  The Washington Chorus 2003-2006. The City Choir of Washington 2006-2018 – with a highlight was performing The Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezín at The Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center For The Performing Arts. The City Singers (2010-1016).  Bethesda Little Theatre 2012 to present.  Mini Musicals-on-the Move®️ 2013 to present.  The Sapphires (2016-present). Rejoined the City Choir of Washington in 2024.

Lauren Emanuel has performed with BLT since “A Swellegant, Elegant Party” in 2018. From 2021-2023, she served on BLT’s Board as the Development Director and as a member of the Marketing Committee. A dancer her whole life, Lauren has also choreographed several numbers for the group over the years. When not with BLT, taking a dance class, or watching James Bond movies with her husband, Lauren works for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as the Intranet Editor-in-Chief.

Jeffrey Hayes is a solo pianist and accompanist in Washington DC area since 1980. 
Highlights are: Census Chorale (1981 – 2013); Naval Research Lab’s Showboaters (Once Upon a Matttress); Corkran Players (six Gilbert and Sullivan operas); Ruby Glitz Trio (best selling casette “Live”, international conventions in Cleveland and Chicago); Duo Classico (concerts at Decatur House and with New York Philharminic violinist Gabriel Banat at Christ Church Alexandria); international song stylist Louise de Simone (CD…feeling fancy free); Bethesda Little Theatre (musical revues 2012 – 2022 and Bond to Bacharach cabaret series); Sapphires (seven themed cabarets); Mini-Musicals on the Move (West Side Story, Oklahoma, Guys and Dolls, Mary Poppins,The Music Man, six cabarets); hotel lounges (ANA, Monarch, Fairmont, Park Hyatt, three Ritz-Carltons); private parties, anniversaries, and weddings (too many to count).  He was honored with the Black Tie Arts Management’s Artist of the Year (1997) He developed, wrote, and is currently presenting an autobiographical cabaret “Once Upon a Time on Washington’s Finest Pianos.”

Kimberly Wilson Linson makes her return to performing after an almost 30 year hiatus.  During her time away from the public eye, she could be seen nightly by her three children in roles such as Sleeping Beauty, Frozen’s Anna, and her infamous rendition of “How much is that doggie in the window.” She has seen every James Bond movie and is thrilled to share the allure of the theme songs with everyone attending this unique cabaret.

Cathy McCoskey is thrilled to be directing her third show for BLT and performing in her 13th production with them. When not performing with BLT she is busy as their marketing director, performing and directing with Mini-Musicals on the Move, and performing with the Sapphires. She also enjoys performing with other local community theatres when the opportunity arises. She can often be spotted at a local pre-school with energetic pre-school children! In her spare time she enjoys rare evenings at home with her husband, walks with friends, and traveling with her husband and two grown children. Performing Bond music is a thrill that takes her back to her days of seeing the Bond movies in the theatres on the big screen.

Marissa Papatola Hailing from the frosty realm of Minnesota, Marissa is always on a mission to summon more snow. By day, she works to keep the digital world safe from villains. By night, she is a covert operative performing in the theater world — favorite roles include Fantine (Les Mis) and Sister Amnesia (Nunsense!). Marissa is a classically trained vocalist who loves spreading joy through performance and she’s delighted to return for her fourth mission with BLT. Marissa and her husband (thanks for holding down the fort so I could take on this mission) have built a delightful life of chaos with three kids, three pets, and two additional world travelers.

Leigh Wirth is thrilled to be performing in her first cabaret, especially to the music of Bond! Recent roles are Frau Blucher in Young Frankenstein (RMT), Cinderella’s Mother in Into the Woods (RMT). Madame in Cinderella (Har Shalom Players). Previously: Grace in Annie, Kim in Bye Bye Birdie, The Music Man; leadning roles at Source Theatre, Scena Theater, National Museum for Women in the Arts. She is a dancer of World Dance with Four Seasons Dancers.

“The Soul of Broadway” Program Guide

Posted on by johspo

The Soul of Broadway celebrates the music of Broadway that speaks to your heart and pulls at your emotions with a healthy dose of the rhythm and style of soul music. Our journey takes us from Broadway classics like Porgy and Bess to modern adaptations of the lives of legendary popstars like Tina Turner.  Here we sample a smorgasbord of musical genres—show tunes, pop and rap, jazz and folk. Of course, our selections are only the tip of the iceberg. If you would like to know more about our selections and their sources, we present a short guide for your information. The guide follows the order of the selections in our program.

On Broadway, written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weill, in collaboration with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.

The song was originally recorded by the Cookies—an R&B girl group—but was later revised for the Drifters. Their better-known version, with a rock-oriented groove and a more bluesy feel than the original, was a hit, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1963. George Benson’s version, from his 1978 album Weekend in L.A., rose to No. 7 on The Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the soul chart. The song was featured in the musical revue, Smokey Joe’s Café (1995), and highlighted in the Carole King musical, Beautiful (2013).

It Ain’t Necessarily So, composed by George Gershwin, lyrics by Ira Gershwin.

The opera, Porgy and Bess, from which this song is taken, was first performed in Boston on September 30, 1935, and then moved on to Broadway. It featured a cast of classically trained African American singers—a daring artistic choice at the time. George Gershwin chose John W. Sublett (Bubbles), an American tap dancer, vaudevillian, movie actor, and television performer. to create the role of Sportin’ Life. Since Sublett was unable to read music, Gershwin taught it to him as a tap rhythm. Sublett performed the role occasionally for the next two decades.

Summertime, composed by George Gershwin, lyrics by DuBose Heyward and Ira Gershwin.

Probably the best-known song from Porgy and Bess, “Summertime” is a popular and much recorded jazz standard. The song is sung several times throughout the opera, and its lyrics are the first words heard in Act I, where it is sung by Clara as a lullaby. The song was recorded for the first time by the original Clara, Abbey Mitchell Cook, on July 19, 1935, with George Gershwin playing the piano and conducting the orchestra.

Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay, written by Otis Redding and Steve Cropper.

Redding started writing the lyrics in August 1967, while sitting in a rented houseboat in Sausalito, California. Redding recorded it twice in 1967, including once just three days before his death in a plane crash. The song was released on the Volt label in 1968, becoming the first ever posthumous single to top the charts in the U.S.

Ol’ Man River, composed by Jerome Kern, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.

The most famous song from the 1927 musical Show Boat, “Ol’ Man River” is sung by Joe, a black stevedore on a showboat. The original Joe was played by Jules Bledsoe, but the most famous rendition of it was sung by Paul Robeson in the classic 1936 film version of the show.

A Million Dreams, written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

This song debuted in the 2017 American film, The Greatest Showman, based on the story of P.T. Barnum, a famous showman and entertainer and creator of the Barnum & Bailey Circus. The number is performed by Ziv Zaifman, Hugh Jackman, and Michelle Williams in the original soundtrack, and has been covered by several artists.

Found/Tonight, arrangement by Alex Lacamoire

Released as a single, this mash-up of two songs from Hamilton: An American Musical (written by Lin-Manuel Miranda) —“The Story of Tonight”–and Dear Evan Hansen (written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul) —“You Will Be Found”–was recorded by Miranda and Ben Platt, who originated the role of Evan Hansen, in an arrangement by Alex Lacamoire. It was released on March 19, 2018. Miranda and Blatt performed the song at the student-led demonstration, March for Our Lives, in support of gun control legislation, which took place in Washington, DC, on March 24, 2018. The proceeds from sales of this single were partially donated to the anti-gun violence movement.

Impossible Dream, composed by Mitch Leigh, lyrics by Joe Darion.

Probably the most popular song from the Tony-winning 1965 Broadway musical, Man of La Mancha, “Impossible Dream (or the Quest)” has attracted many vocal artists from both the pop and opera world, including Jack Jones, The Temptations, Shirley Bassey, Jose Carreras, Jacques Brel, Aretha Franklin, and Josh Groban. Composer Mitch Leigh received the Contemporary Classics Award from the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame for the song.

Dreamgirls, composed by Henry Krieger, lyrics by Tom Eyen.

This song is from the 1981 Broadway musical of the same name and is based on the show business aspirations of R&B acts, such as the Shirelles, James Brown, and Jackie Wilson, but closely mirrors the story of The Supremes.  “The “Dreams,” as the trio is called in the musical, make their club debut singing “Dreamgirls,” their first single. Dreamgirls won the Tony award and the Drama Desk Award for best book of a musical.

Man in the Mirror, written by Glen Ballard and Siedah, and produced by Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones.

This song was released on February 6, 1988, as the fourth single from Jackson’s seventh solo album, “Bad.” “Man in the Mirror” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and was nominated for Record of the Year at the 31st Grammy Awards. Keeping the gospel choir arrangement, the song was remixed for the soundtrack of Jackson’s tribute tour, “Immortal.”

Make Them Hear You, composed by Steven Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens.

This song is from the 1998 Broadway musical, Ragtime, based on the book of the same name by E.L. Doctorow. Set in the early 20th century, Ragtime follows three groups: African Americans, white upper-class suburbanites, and Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. “Make Them Hear You,” which is sung by Coalhouse Walker, Jr., a Harlem musician, is a plea for non-violence. The Broadway production won the Tony for best book of a musical and best original score.

Listen, written by Henry Krieger, Beyoncé Knowles, and others.

“Listen” was written for the 2006 film version of Dreamgirls, in which Beyoncé’s character sings the song in an expression of independence from her controlling husband. Columbia Records released “Listen” as the lead single from the soundtrack album of the movie on January 19, 2007.

Hardcore Poetry, written by Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter.

This song is from the second studio album of the same name by the American soul/R&B group, Tavares, released in 1974 on the Capitol label. It is a semi-sweet tribute to the rougher neighborhood of the city.

One Song Glory/Glory, arranged by Leslie Blaha

Jonathan Larson’s 1996 musical, Rent, is loosely based on Puccini’s opera La Bohéme. The story traces the ups and downs of struggling young artists living in New York in the 1980s. “One Song Glory” is sung by a singer-songwriter who has contracted AIDS and dreams of having a hit song as a legacy. Rent ran on Broadway for 12 years, winning many awards.

“Glory” is featured as the theme song in Selma, a 2014 historical film drama directed by Ava DuVernay, based on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches. The film was nominated for several awards, and the song “Glory,” written by Common (Lonnie Rashid Lynn) and John Legend, won the Academy Award and the Golden Globe Award for best original song.

We Are the World, written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie.

A charity single released by the supergroup USA for Africa in 1985, “We Are the World” sold more than 20 million copies, becoming the eighth best-selling single of all time. The song is also included the album of the same name. The 20th anniversary of “We Are the World” was celebrated in 2005. Radio stations around the world paid homage to USA for Africa’s creation by simultaneously broadcasting the charity song. Harry Belafonte commented that the song had “stood the test of time,” and anyone old enough to remember it can still hum along.

Get Ready/Dancing in the Street, arranged by Roger Emerson

A Motown song written by Smokey Robinson, “Get Ready” was written for The Temptations in 1966 and was designed as an answer to the latest dance craze, “The Duck.” The song topped the U.S. R&B singles chart, as did a later version by Rare Earth released in 1970.  One of Motown’s signature songs, “Dancing in the Street” was written by Marvin Gaye, William “Mickey” Stevenson, and Ivy Jo Hunter. The song was recorded by Martha Reeves & The Vandellas in 1964 and reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Chart.  This medley was created for the smash Broadway hit Motown: The Musical. 

I Heard It Through the Grapevine, written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong.

Written for Motown Records in 1966 and first recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips, “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” shortly became the biggest selling Motown single up to that time. The Marvin Gaye version was released as a single in 1968 and overtook the earlier version as the biggest selling single. The Gaye recording has since become an acclaimed soul classic and in 1998 was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Twenty years later, the Gladys Knight & the Pips version was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

The Tracks of My Tears, written by Smokey Robinson, Pete Moore, and Marv Taplin.

A multiple award-winning R&B song, “The Tracks of My Tears” was originally recorded by The Miracles on Motown’s Tamia label in 1965 and is their most honored and most covered song. It has been ranked at, or near the top of many “best of” lists in the music industry over the last 50 years. On May 14, 2008, this version was preserved by the United States Library of Congress to the National Recording Registry as being of cultural, historical, aesthetic significance, and in 2021, Rolling Stone ranked the recording as “The Greatest Motown Song of All Time.”

One Night Only, written by Tom Eyen and Henry Krieger.

Written for the 1981 Broadway musical Dreamgirls, “One Night Only” was one of the first songs to be written for the play. In the show, it is performed twice in succession—a soul ballad by the character Effie White (Jennifer Holliday) and a dance version by Deena Jones & the Dreams (Sheryl Lee Ralph, Loretta Devine, and Deborah Burrell). Both versions appear as one track on the original 1982 Broadway cast album.

Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me), written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong.

Released on the Motown label in 1971, “Just My Imagination” became the third Temptations song to reach number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. Today, this single is considered one the Temptations’ signature songs and is notable for recalling the sound of the group’s 1960s recordings. It is also the final single to feature founding members Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams.

Proud Mary, written by John Fogerty.

Written for the Creedence Clearwater Revival and released as a single in 1969 and on the band’s second album “Born on the Bayou, “Proud Mary” became a major hit in the United States, peaking at No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in March 1969. A cover version by Ike and Tina Turner, released in 1971, did nearly as well, reaching No. 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and winning a Grammy Award.

Ease on Down the Road, written by Charlie Smalls.

Originally from the 1975 Broadway musical, The Wiz, “Ease on Down the Road” is performed three times in the show by Dorothy and her friends–the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion–as they dance down the Yellow Brick Road. Two versions of the song were released as singles: one associated with the Broadway show by Consumer Rapport in 1975; and a second recorded by Diana Ross and Michael Jackson for the feature film adaptation of The Wiz in 1978.

Home, written by Charlie Smalls

Also from The Wiz, “Home” was performed by Stephanie Mills in the stage production and by Diana Ross in the 1978 film adaptation, which was released on the soundtrack album.

What About Love, words and music by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Steven Bray.

The Color Purple, which opened in 2005, recounts the journey of Celie, an African American woman in the American South from the early to the mid-20th century. The musical, based on the 1982 novel by Alice Walker and the 1985 film adaptation, was revived in 2015, winning two Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical. “What About Love” is a duet between Celie and the jazz singer Shug Avery.

Lean on Me, written by Bill Withers.

Withers, an American singer and songwriter, had several hits over a career spanning eighteen years. “Lean on Me,” written in 1972, won the Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues song in 1987. Withers wrote the song, he said, after moving from his small West Virginia town to Los Angeles, when he was missing the supportive community he left behind.

All in Love Is Fair, written by Stevie Wonder.

Stevie Wonder included this song in his sixteenth studio album, Innervisions, in 1973.  Barbra Streisand released “All in Love Is Fair” as a single in 1974 for her fifteenth studio album, The Way We Were. Several other artists, including Nancy Wilson and Cleo Laine, have recorded the song.

Seasons of Love, written by Jonathan Larsen.

This song, from the 1996 Broadway musical, Rent, is performed by the entire cast in the musical and in the 2005 film adaptation. The lyrics ask: what is the proper way to quantify the value of a year in human life. Since several of the characters have either HIV or AIDS, the song is often associated with World AIDS Day and AIDS awareness month.

You Can’t Stop the Beat, written by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

The big closing number to the 2002 musical, Hairspray, was not in the original 1988 movie, written and directed by John Waters, which dealt with racial segregation and “sizeism.” It was added, along with other original songs to the 2002 production.  The song pays tribute to “River Deep, Mountain High,” the 1966 hit by Ike and Tina Turner.