we’ve got friends in high places

Dominic Scaglione Jr., Michael Ingersoll, Michael Cunio and Shonn Wiley with The Honorable Mayor Richard M. Daley. Photo by Amy Boyle.

Did you all see Chris Jones’ blog yesterday?

Our own Frankie Vallie sent his thoughts on the evening:

It was a very proud moment to be playing Frankie in front of Mayor Daley and the group of mayors from the surrounding towns and cities. The energy in the theatre was incredible. It was a moment I will never forget. Thank you people of Chicago and Mayor Daley for making yet another memorable moment for me here in Chicago.

-Dominic Scaglione Jr. (Frankie Valli/JERSEY BOYS)

REMEMBER: There are only two months left to see Jersey Boys before it leaves Chicago! If you haven’t seen it, what are you waiting for? If you have, make sure to see it one last time! The show leaves January 10!

tales from the press world

I am approaching my one year anniversary of working at Margie Korshak, Inc. on the Broadway In Chicago account – and let me tell you that there has rarely been a dull moment! One of my favorite things about my job is that I am rarely at my desk and each day brings something new.

After a year, I thought it might be fun to look back and share some of my favorite moments:

• My first PR duty for Broadway In Chicago ― taking cast members from Wicked on an Architecture Boat Cruise on a beautiful day in September. I think I even managed to get some sun, too!
• The one year anniversary of Jersey Boys. What else can you say except a citywide pizza party and closing the show with Frank Sinatra’s “My Kind of Town” is pretty cool!
• Escorting Annaleigh Ashford and Jenny DiNoia from the cast of Wicked to a Bears game to sing the National Anthem. It was freezing cold, but it was worth it as they were amazing! Plus, I was able to walk on the field, watch very good looking football players warm up and stand next to the bench during the National Anthem.
• “Nobody puts Baby in a corner” Dirty Dancing is a link to my childhood – How could I not love it?!
• Wicked’s final performance. Although I only worked a short time with the show, it was sad to see Wicked leave Chicago… But the cast party at The Dana Hotel after the final performance was a great party!
• Meeting the magnificent and legendary Richard Chamberlain when he was in town starring as King Arthur in Monty Python’s Spamalot. It was a privilege to spend time with him.
• Having lunch with John O’Hurley, who played J. Peterman on Seinfeld, between television interviews at Italian Village while he was in town with Chicago The Musical. I am a HUGE Seinfeld fan, so need I say more?
• Watching the first preview performance of Mary Poppins at the Cadillac. I was moved to tears and it quickly became one of my favorite shows. Then getting to know the cast… how wonderfully talented, kind and energetic they were. They are all missed!
• Having Sir Elton John at a press conference on Tuesday announcing that Billy Elliot the Musical is coming to Chicago. We are very excited for March 2010.

Overall I think I have a pretty cool job…

There are many more fun stories, but so little space. I will be back with more tales from Broadway In Chicago’s press world in a month or two… See you then!

-Anne, Broadway In Chicago press agent

hail to the chief

Yesterday morning the entire staff of Broadway In Chicago jammed into our Conference Room to watch the inauguration. There were more than a few of us who were in tears. What an exciting day for Chicago…for our country!

I embarrassed to admit at this incredible moment I thought of our theatres. It is a badly kept secret that every theatre around the world holds four tickets even after a show is sold out for the Pope or the President. And every once in awhile the Mayor, or the Cardinal, request these special seats. But one would ask, “Has the Pope or the President ever sat in these seats?” At that point, I admit, “Well, no.” But at last, I can really say, ”IT IS TRUE!”  because the Obama Family has actually come to all three of the Broadway In Chicago theatres!

Two summers ago, Eileen, my boss and I were the private ushers (as deemed by the Secret Service) for Michelle and primary candidate Barack Obama coming to THE COLOR PURPLE. What a night – it was a surprise for the audience and when we whisked them to their seats the whole audience jumped to their feet for a standing ovation. When Mrs. Obama attended WICKED with her mother and daughters, I don’t know who was more excited – the Front of House Staff (which thankfully acted as if it was business as usual) or the cast.

The best Obama moment came post show at HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL when Michelle and her family came to our cast party. I asked a cast member if he would like to meet Mrs. Obama, Sasha and Malia – the actor seemed a little put out that I interrupted his mother but a few moments later he ran over and whispered, “Oh my gosh! Did you just introduce me to the future first lady?” Luckily he didn’t faint!

Now I can really say that we had a President and First Lady in our theatres…what an honor!

-Gemma