All That Jazz.....................

 One of my favorite musicals has always been "Chicago."  It has great dancing, singing and is truly a great comedy.  I have been waiting for this to come to Little Rock for a while.  As soon as I heard it was coming, I jumped onto the Arkansas Rep's site and purchased tickets. 

This was my Valentine's present to myself.  I had no idea that this production would bring the best joy I have experienced in a while.  A much-needed break from the stress that has been overwhelming me.

As we took our seats, I managed to snap a photo of the stage.  Like all of us bloggers, I tagged the Arkansas Rep in the photo, as well as Chicago Musical's Instagram account.  We sat back and began to be awed by the performers.  Velma (the leading) burst out in my favorite song, "All That Jazz."  Velma, played by Daisy Hobbs, is absolutely brilliant in the role.  Her huge grin and crowd contact makes you comfortable and engaged. Daisy's vocal range is outstanding,  I haven't stopped singing the song since I have seen the show.   I go up and down the halls at the office, through the house, and sing at the top of my lungs in the car.   

The announcer states that "Roxi" would be played by Madeleine Corliss.   Madeleine brings Roxi alive!  Her vocals were exquisite during the whole performance.   She played the part of the ventriloquist doll with absolute brilliance.   I can't imagine anyone else in that role.  She was absolutely delightful and entertaining.

The ensemble of this show is truly gifted people.  My goodness, these young people can dance and sing!  An outstanding cast and crew that makes this production simply brilliant.  All of them stand out and make this show the best.

Greg and I arrived home and I began to catch up on my social media accounts for my blog.  I noticed that Rachel Perlman, who played in the ensemble as Mona, started following my Instagram account.   I was so excited I couldn't stand it.   I sent her a direct message on how much I enjoyed the show.  After a couple of messages, I asked her if she had some free time I would love to come and meet her and the cast.  I noticed on her Instagram that she had  • "cookie aficionado" listed.  Of course, I offered to bring my cookies to her and the others.

Rachel is a sweetheart.  She gave me the email to Karen Rudolph, APR, Director of Marketing & Audience Engagement and said to contact her for a possible meet.   Next thing you know, I am baking lots of cookies, along with a big batch of my homemade granola and off I go to meet and visit with these lovely ladies.    

I brought along my friend, Vanessa Rhodes, from Starbucks.  Vanessa and I share the love for Theater.  I knew that she would be thrilled to go with me.

We arrive and Karen greeted us to go upstairs.  I knew that Rachel would be there, but I had no idea that we would be greeted by Daisy, Madeline, and young Sydney as well.  Vanessa and I were thrilled.

I began to chat with them.  I explained to them about the blog on how it got started and that I never dreamed it would lead me to be able to meet and talk with so many people.   The one thing that all these ladies shared in common is the love for the Theater.  The Theater makes them happy and alive.  All of them are highly trained in their field.  All of them told me they had been in numerous performances and appreciated the work they get.  These ladies were very grateful and humbled.  They truly love their fans and the support that they receive.

Rachel has been in many productions to include:  Chicago, Mary Poppins, Prince of Egypt, Singing in the Rain, and many more.   She is such a gifted dancer.  I managed to visit her website and watched her Reels.   The website is breathtaking and entertaining.  Be sure and check out: Rachelperlman.com Rachel, with this huge grin on her face, tells me that she is engaged to Erik who also plays in the Ensemble.  This guy has moves!  Find Rachel on Instagram @rachelmperlman

Daisy has been in many productions to include:  Chicago, Memphis, Disney's Aladdin and many more.  Daisy said her husband flew in to watch her play the leading role of Velma Kelly.   Daisy can sing, dance, and she is witty!   Be sure and read all about this charming lady at DaisyHobbs.com.  You can find her on Instagram at @daisyHobbsComedy.

Madeleine is a delight.   Madeline played a featured role in Spamalot at the Rep as "Hay Girl."  This petite blonde has such a gift.  A graduate of Musical Theatre from Syracuse University, she is very versatile in both singing, dancing and acting.  She has played in shows to include Bonnie & Clyde, White Christmas, and many others.  Madeleine's mother flew in from New York to watch her perform "Roxie."  You could see from the sparkle in her eyes, how proud that made her.  Madeleine also has a stunning website at Madeleinecorliss.com and on Instagram as @Madeleine-Corliss.

Native Arkansan, Sydney Ippolito is a living doll.  Sydney is a Little Rock native, currently living in New York City.  She has been in such productions as The Little Mermaid, Spamalot, Oliver and many more.  This charming little pistol is a delight.  She sings, dances and plays the guitar, among other talents.  Visit her website at Sydneyippolito.com and you can find her on Instagram @saippolito.

I want to thank each of these ladies for making my bucket list come true.   It is important for all to support the Arts.  These ladies are thankful for the productions they get to be a part of.  They all are making their dreams come true.   The train very hard, and rehearse numerous hours to be able to make their audiences be captivated.   These casts miss out on other auditions while performing their current roles.  When these performances end, it is on to try and gain the next.

These productions take a numerous amount of people to bring these characters alive.  The cast, crew, lighting, sound, orchestra, marketing are just a small part of what it takes.   The Arkansas Rep, along with many others around the Country, are in need of donors, sponsors, volunteers to be able to succeed.

Trust me, buy a ticket!  You won't be disappointed!   For tickets - click here 

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Scroll Down to catch a Youtube Preview of this great show.   They surely "RAZZLE DAZZLED" me!
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