Holiday Spectacular

One of the most enjoyable shows I've seen in a long time was The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring The Rockettes, at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. What a fabulous show! Although there were only 18 high-kicking Rockettes as compared to the 36 that you would see in New York, it couldn't have been a more polished or enjoyable performance.

Every number was outstanding, but "The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers," which was in the original 1933 show and remains today, was definitely a favorite, as was the Raggedy Ann number which ended in the ragdolls doing the splits. All 11 scenes were spectacular, ending with "The Living Nativity," which was in the original show as well.

Since Radio City took the "Christmas Spectacular" on the road in 1994, 62 million people have seen it. Usually, there are two scenes that are swapped out every two years; however, since the show is celebrating its 75th year, the producers really went all out, changing half the show.
I absolutely loved the Santa Claus ad infinitum number, "I'm There," that addressed the age-old conundrum: How can Santa Claus be every place at once? It was so much fun to watch...a real crowd pleaser!

The Rockettes were a marvel of synchronicity...rehearsed to perfection! The costumes were beautiful. Today's Rockettes must be between 5'6" and 5'10 1/2" tall...and two local Orange County women were among the group who made it through the tough auditioning process.
Karie Anne Seasock is a member of the Radio City ensemble who grew up in Garden Grove.
Amy Lenhardt, a graduate of Orange County High School of the Arts, joined the touring group three years ago, after competing with 500 dancers in Los Angeles.

Even though I loved taking those tap dancing and ballet classes when I was a child that resulted in recitals with pretty costumes, I know I would never have the discipline it takes to be a precision dancer like that. I so admire their talent and dedication. As Amy said when asked how reality matched up with her dream of being a Rockette, "I couldn't ask for more. The girls are wonderful. I've made lifelong friendships. I hope I can do it for 15 more years." I'd love to see it again next year!

As if seeing this matinee wasn't pleasure enough, we followed up with dinner at
Ruth's Chris Steak House...divine food. I got adventurous and tried the Venison with Blackberry Sauce. I know, you vegans are cringing right now...but I must say, it was most enjoyable.

A delightful way to celebrate our anniversary, which just happens to fall during the Christmas holiday.

And now I am contemplating whether or not to make any new year's resolutions on this eve.
Whatever you decide to do, have a happy and safe one.

Do you have a hero?

Four years ago, my cousins, Terry & Mary, adopted Joey (4) and Katie (2), the only parents these two children had ever known. This came after 14 years of fostering children who returned to their biological families or were adopted by others. They were never given the chance to adopt these children but felt the heart pangs of seeing them leave after being in their home sometimes for years.

By the way...Terry and Mary successfully reared two biological children of their own before entering into this selfless act of caring for others. I always thought them to be ideal parents, encouraging their children to venture out and pursue their passions without fear. Now, Joey and Katie are filling their lives with joy once again...and they even have a new grandchild to love as well.

Speaking of heroes, and I was, I heard recently that Sal Guerneri with whom I went to grade school and high school passed away recently. I don't know the details, but I recalled how Sal once rescued me as I was being bullied crossing the street to go to school when I was a child.
That qualifies for heroism in my book any day of the week. May his soul rest in peace.

The Greatest Gift

I always get a little melancholy around this time of year, missing my immediate family. I was looking at a picture of my brother, Charles, who died two weeks before his 16th birthday and feeling grateful that he was in my life for those first 13 years.

I attribute my relationships with Charles, my father, and grandfather to have set me off on a good course of appreciating men. Thank God I am married to a man who is secure enough in his masculinity to allow me to have male friends. Of course, they most often become "our" friends as well.

One of the best things that came out of my producing and co-hosting "The Talk Show" for three years is finding the National Kidney Foundation. A guest on one of our health segments told me about the Great Chefs of Orange County event. A few years later, I was honored to have co-chaired the benefit in memory of my brother who died of kidney disease. The benefit, which was held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Newport Beach, raised $40,000 for the charity. It was the first year we had a major sponsor in Evian. It was my privilege to have served on the NKF Board for three years.

Recently, some friends of ours invited us to a play, entitled "The God Committee" by Mark St. Germain at the Actors Co-op in Hollywood. This play was about a hospital which had one heart available, and the "committee" was to determine which lucky person would be the recipient.

Afterwards, there was an audience participation discussion about organ donation. A woman was there with her husband, whom she had given one of her kidneys. They answered questions from the audience and a heartfelt discussion of this important topic ensued.

I remember reading about the stunt lady who donated one of her kidneys to actor Ken Howard. She had been a friend of Linda and Ken's for years, Linda also being a former stunt woman.

In this season of gift giving...is there any more precious gift one can give. More good information can be found at http://www.organdonor.gov/ and http://www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org.

A Visit to the Desert

This past week, the weather was fantastic for this time of year. Late November can be iffy...by that I mean chilly. But, it was perfect tennis weather until the end of the week when the badly needed rain fell for one day and night.

Fortunately, we had done most of the things on our agenda before the rain storm hit toward the end of the week. After being so close for so many years, we finally visited The Living Desert. It was so interesting seeing giraffe, zebra, ostrich, and other animals roaming around. There was a very impressive train display...the longest model train trestle in the world. We took a walk through the botanical gardens. The whole experience would be great for kids.

One of the things I always look forward to doing when visiting Palm Desert is the College of the Desert Street Fair on the weekends. The day after the storm was the only day I had to go shopping there, and the wind (which almost always follows the rain) was enough to send the vendors packing up as I arrived mid morning. The last time we visited in the spring, I found a beautiful piece of art in red stained glass that I had hoped to use in the set design of my latest play, House of Yes. It didn't work out for the set, but I was delighted to display it over the bar in our family room.

With all the shops on El Paseo (the equivalent of Beverly Hill's Rodeo Drive), I really didn't feel too deprived in skipping the fair this time around. However, we still couldn't resist stopping on the way home at the outlet stores in Cabazon. I was surprised to see more upscale stores since we last were there. St. John, Donna Karan, Ellen Tracy, Geoffrey Beane, Calvin Klein and others are there now as well as the usual anchors, Eddie Bauer, Dockers and Mikasa.
One could easily spend the entire day if you have the stamina going from store to store.

Gourmet cooking

Seeing all the Thanksgiving turkey dinner recipes this past week makes me realize how spoiled we've been over the years. Never had to cook a holiday dinner. Always go to my cousin's home. Bernie and Susan are perfect hosts.

Bernie was Art Director for Bon Appetit magazine for years. He got to sample a lot of the dishes shown in the magazine. Being creative to begin with, his meals are not only scrumptous, but the presentation is as attractive as anything you'd see in the magazine. We love his Italian sausage dressing! I usually bring my salmon ball appetizer w/crackers.

One of the best foodie things we've ever done is belong to a Gourmet Club. When we were newly married, I joined the American Association of University Women. We had groups of four couples. We'd rotate duty as hosts. The host couple came up with the menu and assigned the various dishes. The hosts usually prepared the entree and provided the drinks. Everyone kept track of their expenses, which we would divide at the end of the evening. Everyone had a copy of the entire menu. I can't imagine any one couple preparing the whole meal. The experience opened us up to a whole new array of ingredients and recipes.

The first year or two were devoted to different countries. It gave us a chance to share my Italian recipes. We made homemade lasagna noodles. One big lesson learned was when I doled out the recipe for "Braciola" or beef rolls. We had to completely rewrap it when the couple got there. My instructions left a lot to be desired. I'm in awe of how quickly Rachael Ray and Emeril turn out their cookbooks.

Two meals that stand out as real winners were China and England. The couple who shared their Chinese ancestor recipes included, Thousand Year Old Egg, Westlake Duck (which they deboned from the inside out), and Winter Melon Soup (which they served in a carved out melon). A Toast to Merry Ole England included Tenderloin of Beef Wellington, Yorkshire pudding (which is now in our repertoire) and Bibb Lettuce Five Crowns style.

A life well lived

Why are the most heartfelt things so tough to write about? A member of my extended family passed away this week. I loved Marjorie Schwartz.

When Susan Bernard joined our family by marrying my cousin, Bernie, it was a very happy time. The more I got to know Susan's mom, the more I wanted to be around her. She had such panache. She wrote a weekly article for the West Los Angeles area newspaper. When she and her family came to visit, we would later read about how much she liked our bbq ribs. When we were celebrating a special birthday or anniversary, we'd see our names in print then too.

I went to the theatre with Marjorie when she prepared to review a show. She would have loved the play I'm doing now... "Sideways, A Musical."

She supported me by coming to The Gardenia when I did my one-woman cabaret. We went together to her grandson Alex' third grade class when Susan asked me to sing "something Italian" when they were studying the arts of various countries. I sang, "That's Amore." So many memories. And when we'd get together to celebrate either of our birthdays, you could count on both of us wearing our favorite shades of purple/lavender.

I miss her fun jewelry, her shoes, her great stories about her parents' friends, George & Gracie Allen, Mary & Jack Benny.

I feel blessed to have spent time around this wonderful woman. In fact, the last time we were together was at a Mexican restaurant in Santa Monica where we saw Dick Van Dyke dining. He even helped Marjorie with the car door on the way out as he was leaving as the valet pulled up. Susan is preparing a special memorial to celebrate her mother's life. It will be interesting to hear what the Rabbi will say from all the input of her many friends and family.

A life well lived, leaving behind many who will miss Marjorie's joie de vivre.

Legendary Singer and Artist

Last week when I was waiting in the doctor's office for my annual exam, I picked up a copy of a magazine with Tony Bennett and Christina Aguilera on the cover. I always bring my own reading material with me just in case I have to wait anywhere I have an appointment...but then I invariably see one of the magazines displayed that I never get to read and curiosity gets the better of me and I read theirs; although, I don't think it's a good idea...because of germs, especially in a doctor's office.

In any event, in this instance, I had recently seen the duo perform on one of the award shows, and I was impressed with how the much-younger Christina held her own with the master. I haven't really followed her career, although I own almost every album/cd Tony has put out.
I like Christina's voice and admire her confidence in the way that she promotes herself.

The interesting thing about this article that talked almost exclusively about Tony, not only his singing, but his art work as well, are quotes from two talented persons. One is from Phil Ramone, who produced Tony's "Duets" cd. Phil mentioned that among musicians, Tony is admired and known for never performing a song exactly the same way twice. (If you're a singer, you can appreciate this with all the thousands of songs he has sung.) Phil states, "I think he's one of the ultimate artists in seeing life from a musical point of view. Whereas many performers need a crowd's response to spark a fresh idea, Tony completely comes from within himself."

Paul McCartney, on meeting Tony, "I was reminded that most of the great people are nice to be with, because they don't have anything to prove."

He's certainly one of my favorites. And congratulations to his son, Danny, for his vision in managing his father's career.

Second-guessing Yourself

Ever wonder how your life might have turned out if you had made a different decision? Every time I see Johnny Grant presenting a celebrity with his/her star on the Walk of Fame, I think back to the time I met him. More years than I care to think about, he was there at a business convention I was attending in Anaheim. He asked me if I would be willing to pose for "Stars and Stripes." I recall that I didn't even bother to ask him what that was. I just blurted out, "Oh, no, my husband wouldn't like that."

Now, truthfully, it wasn't that I was such a hot babe, but I was the youngest by about 20 years among the other women, so I suppose I stood out for that reason. However, even though I can't remember what I ate for dinner last night, I can remember the dress I had on. It was one of my favorites...beige with a black wide cloth belt that tied on the side..black sleeves, above the knee. I must say, it was one of my more flattering outfits.

Unfortunately, my focus at that time was not on show business, being seen, achieving fame nor fortune. I wanted a family. I was afraid if I got sidetracked in a career I loved, I might postpone having a family.

Interesting, how things work out. I never had a family...God knows we tried. I had a succession of jobs that were really not my cup of tea but ones I could safely leave without missing them. I waited until I completed a 20-year career in marketing to puruse my passions of acting and singing. I love it how actresses today can seem to balance their exciting careers, marriage, and motherhood.

I don't think Johnny Grant would be making any such offers today. And, oh, by the way, when I got home and told my hubby about it, he said, "Why didn't you do it?!"

And just when I thought I had men figured out.

Huey Lewis and The News

The other day on KOST 103.5, I heard, "If This is It, by Huey Lewis and the News. Oh, nostalgia time. Transported me right back to KWIZ-FM, where as an Air Personality, I played all those great songs from the 80's: Lionel Ritchie, Kenny Rogers, Simply Red, The Bee Gees, Journey, The Eagles, Chicago.

One of the first things you're told in deejay school is that you're not there to entertain yourselves...but the listeners. Well, it doesn't hurt if you actually like the music you're playing.

I enjoy listening to K-EARTH 101 as well, especially Christina Kelley in the evenings. We were in school together a long time ago...of course, she was much younger than I (around 18 at the time). I always knew she would go far. Of course, having Jim Bain as our instructor didn't hurt! Oh yes, and if you hear those traffic reports on the radio and TV by Bill Thomas, well, he's also "Bain trained." We recently got together to reminisce. Oh, the good ol' days!

Today's Lesson in Acting

So, for weeks, I've been walking around wondering how I could tell my scene partner, that while I really liked what he had written for us, I just couldn't perform it the way it was written. You see, there was a certain word that I just could not say that seemed to be important to the scene. No, not the "f" word, although it's one that is not in my swearing vernacular. Just get in the car with me sometime when someone cuts me off, and you'll hear which ones I do use when I lose all femininity.

Which reminds me...you might as well know now...this is how my mind works. I jump around a lot. (Yes, it drives my special someone crazy.)

Anyway, my first scene in class years ago, my acting coach gives me, "The Graduate." Yes, that scene. My scene partner is a young man...I mean really young...doesn't drive yet. Good little actor, however. Anyway, he asked me to drive him home after class once...and I just naturally swore when someone wouldn't let me change lanes. He thought it was sexy. I laughed. Oh yes, and my acting coach said she gave me that scene as my first to make me comfortable!! Really? What's next? Actually, it never got worse than that!

Getting back to my scene today. It was a good scene and eventually, we worked it out so that he said the "n" word several times, (and being a black man...he said it wasn't a problem). But, what was so interesting to me is...I had rather moped around here for a little while, because I didn't have a clue how I was going to play the scene. We rehearsed the lines, but I still was uneasy. It didn't help that the first two scenes in class were wonderful.

When it came time to do the scene, I thought, "Just go with it." This was the second half of the scene, actually. The first we had done a few weeks ago, where I had a lot of dialog. I feel it's a lot harder to just comment briefly and sit there and react, as my part was written this time around. Well, somewhere in there, I just dropped in. I just got it. The emotion came, the feeling was there. Of course, it didn't hurt that I had a great partner.

Everyone commented on it. Someone told me the focus was on me because of how still I was and my reactions. The lesson here is trifold (1) how little you have to do or say to tell the truth in a scene, and (2) not knowing how to do it is a good thing sometimes and (3) listening is paramount. The scenes I really like and can't wait to do are the ones that usually fall flat.

How lucky I am to be working with all these amazing, supportive, talented beautiful souls.

Self-help Books

I must confess...I'm a self-help book junkie. Sometimes, though, I don't make it all the way through them. One thing I need help with is following through.

However, the best of these books, the one which helped me the most, is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. The one Agreement that really hits home is Don't Take Anything Personally. Believe me, this one is crucial if you're an actor. How many times have we heard, "Once you leave the audition, forget it." You never know why they opted for someone else. (Notice how positively I stated that? Not..."why you didn't get it.") Did I remind him of his ex-wife? Did they decide they wanted blue eyes instead of brown?

It's always about the other person. We have no control over that. You can only do your best. Which happens to be another of The Four Agreements. I'd recommend reading it...even if you're not an actor.

However, "Be careful about reading health books; you may die of a misprint."
Mark Twain

In memorium

Yesterday, I went to my friend Denise's mom's wake. It's always sad to me, even though we know, if you believe, that our departed loved ones are in a better place. It was a touching service for this wonderful woman.

I remember the first time I met Denise's mom whom I had heard so much about. Millie came to hear her daughter sing when we were doing a Cathy Segal-Garcia showcase at Ca' Del Sole in North Hollywood. Here we vocalists are with Cathy and the wonderful Tom Garvin on piano.

The strangest thing happened when I got up to sing...a great melancholy feeling came over me. I can't remember whether or not I was singing a particularly sad song...I doubt it, since I tend to lean toward more upbeat or hopeful romantic tunes.

In any event, it took me by surprise, and later I figured out what it was all about. How I would have loved to have had my mom there seeing me perform. There's nothing like that unconditional love and support that you get from the person who brought you into this world. Somehow, I've learned to envision my mom, who took me to all those dancing and piano lessons when I was young, and who passed away when I was 21, smiling down from heaven at any little thing I do that I know would make her proud.

By the way, Ca' Del Sole is where I learned to drink my favorite aperitif, Limoncello. Of course, I didn't try it until the gig was over! I'm going to toast this one to Millie. I'll miss her too.

Lessons from Solitaire

Do you play solitaire to pass the time, relax, enjoy the challenge, etc.? For a long time, I thought it was just a waste of time. Yes, I felt guilty if I knew I could be doing something more productive. Using it as a means of procrastination for cleaning my office was the main source of guilt. But, I started to see that there were lessons to be learned from playing solitaire.

For one, when I wasn't trying so hard to win, and just relaxing and sort of zoning out while I was playing seemed to be the times I won easily. Why is that? Is the universe telling me not to try to manipulate the outcome as much? When I let go, the results will come. But, you do have to be in the game.

There's another lesson I learned recently, and when I think of it, I'll post it! Excuse me while I go play now to remember it.

P. S. It worked...I remembered the other lesson! When playing Spider Solitaire, if I lose a game, I restart that game again and, yes, again, until I win it. Never give up! You'll eventually succeed.

Never stand on a swivel chair

Sounds like a no-brainer, doesn't it? But, it bears repeating..."Never, ever, for any reason, stand on a swivel chair. I have three chairs in my small home office. I thought it wouldn't hurt to stand on one to reach something in my closet. Well, it spun me around like a top and dumped me on the floor...but not before bumping my head on a metal filing cabinet as well as the wooden closet door...and left me dumbfounded. Dumb is the operative word here.

How could I have thought this was a good decision? The total loss-of-control terror was enough to make me learn this lesson. I was extremely lucky to have not gotten hurt worse. If this makes any one person reading this stop and think before they even consider doing this, it will be worth the time it took to write this. I have gone forth and sinned no more. Well, at least where chairs are concerned.

Yoga

So, who would have thought that taking an acting workshop would change my lifestyle in such a dramatic way (pardon the pun). I'll start at the beginning.

Several years ago, I hurt my back playing tennis, which was my stress-reliever from the corporate world. I was playing four times a week. It seems that the fact that my right leg is 3/8" shorter than the other and/or the fact that I once carried a very heavy briefcase when I was selling insurance (for a very brief period of time) could have caused my back trouble. In any event, it did threaten to ruin several annual trips to the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, as well as interfere with my entering tournaments at the Sunny Hills Racquet Club.

First day out, warming up, my back would go out and I was out for the count...the whole week.
The pro at LJBTC, I remember, recommended yoga, (an ancient practice from India, which unites body, mind and spirit). Instead, I made weekly treks to my chiropractor, who did help ease the pain.

Fast forward to an acting workshop with casting director, Linda Phillips-Palo, on "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron . As a requisite to taking the class, everyone had to join a yoga class.
By this time, yoga classes were springing up everywhere, so it was easy for me to join one close to home.

It was the best advice I ever took. After five years of practice now, I haven't had a single back episode that kept me out of any activity. Of course, I do my stretching morning and night, bend from the knees while lifting, and take regular walks as added precaution.

I bless Linda for insisting on this life-enhancing change. It's not only the physical aspect of yoga that I love, but it makes me feel more centered, more balanced. It rejuvenates the body and mind. And it purports to keep one young. "Stay Young with Yoga from WebMD." That always gets my attention.

Nameste (I honor the light in you.)

Smile

Remember, "Smile, you're on Candid Camera." Well, I don't like those kind of surprises, but I believe my motto is: "Never underestimate the power of a smile."

I think my face just naturally wants to smile for whatever reason; but not too long ago, after yet another clerk in a store went out of his way for me, either throwing in an extra bagel (although I try to avoid them) or a stranger out of the blue doing me a favor, I tried to analyze why people seem to be especially nice to me.

I decided it's because I usually approach people with a smile. Maybe it's all those years of my dad, Eddie Teener, a career jazz guitarist, telling me to "smile for the camera," the shutter bug that he was. Whatever the reason, I hope it's not bad luck to write about it, because I appreciate the help!

So, if you aren't prone to smiling, the next time you go into a store, try entering with a smile, and see if you don't encounter special kindness for doing so. But, if you see me walking around the lake in the morning, and you've already smiled and said, "Good morning," please don't say it again the second time around. That's annoying. On the other hand, maybe I should be more compassionate (with a smile).

Menopause the Musical

The first time I heard of Menopause the Musical was when the bass player on my demo, Vince Tividad, told me he was playing for it in L.A. a few years ago. Shortly thereafter, my good friend, Linda, saw it and said, "Cami, you should be in this!" I finally got to see it this past weekend at the Laguna Playhouse, almost seven years after its first run.

This hilarious musical deals with life after age 40, specifically targeting the 38 million baby boomer females. The leads represent four contrasting women, the Soap Star, played by Juliet Hicks;Roberta Wall as Earth Mother (I think she played Ethel Mertz at Loving Lucy 2000 and just finished the new Alan Menken musical, "Sister Act" at the Pasadena Playhouse); Iowa Housewife, Marsha Waterbury (a long resume of broadway roles, TV, commercials, etc.); and Professional Woman, Fredena J. Williams (what a voice...many recordings and notable appearances, Boston POPS among them). Oh my, what a wealth of talent! All excellent singers, dancers, and comediennes.

Jeanie Linders, the writer/producer, has done such a clever job of providing appropriate lyrics to the hits of the 60's and 70's in particular. There are too many to note here, but one of several show stoppers was Fredena tackling Tina Turner's hit, "What's Love Got to Do with It." Hysterical! The audience went wild. Oh, and Marsha Waterbury's trying on of lingerie was worth the price of admission.

Considering the fact that as many as 17 productions have been playing simultaneously around the world, from South Korea to Malaysia, Israel to Italy, perhaps one day I'll get a chance to be the "diva princess." And what a kick that would be!

Headshots

So....why am I procrastinating from getting new headshots. I definitely need new headshots. When a casting director says to you, "You're prettier than this. We expect people to look worse than their headshot when they come in." Gee, in some weird way when I knew the latest headshot didn't capture the best me, I thought, "Maybe it will be a pleasant surprise that I look better than my headshot." Wait a minute, I won't even get called in if I don't look good in my headshot. Duh!

One of the reasons, I've been dragging my feet is I was waiting for my hairdresser to get back from Puerta Vallarta. Oh yes, and I'm not sure about the color of my hair...not auburn enough? Maybe I should lose a few pounds before I get them. Should I wear the lavender jean jacket again or something in cerulean (a color I had never heard of until I did a scene from The Devil Wears Prada...the Meryl Streep role). Yes, I've had recommendations for a photographer. It's important to feel comfortable with whomever I use. I've been told, "It's all in the eyes."

I went a step further and sent for a CD-ROM, entitled, "Headshot Secrets Revealed," an excellent guide with wonderful advice. I'd recommend it before your next session if you've been less than enchanted with past photos.

Well, today, a dear actress friend, who is a spiritual wonderful being, said to me, "Cami, let your inner light shine through. Don't worry so much about the outer self." Wow! Thank you, Wendy! I can't wait to get my new headshots.

The Marriage of Bette & Boo

What an amazing experience! A wonderful cast, a brilliant director and an awesome crew!

Wrap party...

Front row: l-r Pamela Morgan, Light & Sound Board;

Cami Black, (Soot Hudlocke); Rachel Kanouse, (Joan Brennan); Kasey Wilson, (Bette Brennan); Amie Donegan, (Emily Brennan); Channing Chase, (Margaret Brennan); Second row: l-r Lauren Leonelli, Stage Manager; Ping Pizzo, Scenery Design; Maz Siam, (Karl Hudlocke); Tim Halling, (stand-in for Kevin McCorkle as Fr. Donnally); Stephen Peace, (Boo Hudlocke); Ron Michaud, (Matt Hudlocke); Jamie Bozian, (Paul Brennan); Staci Lawrence, Director.