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Transcript of Robert
Armin's online chat with Brent Barrett |
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[RobertArmin] Good evening and welcome to the Fynsworth Alley chat room. [RobertArmin] Tonight, I'm delighted to introduce Broadway's premier leading man, Brent Barrett [RobertArmin] Good evening, Brent [BrentBarrett] Hi Robert, glad to be here [RobertArmin] First things first. You've just come back from Berlin where you participated in a New Year's Eve concert of Wonderful Town. Tell us about it. [BrentBarrett] It was with the Berlin Philharmonic under the direction of Simon Rattle [BrentBarrett] The concert was televised for German TV and shown live in Japan and other countries around the world [RobertArmin] This was the same cast as on the EMI recording, right? [BrentBarrett] Yes, Audra, Kim, Thomas and myself [RobertArmin] First names are enough with that cast. [RobertArmin] It's a terrific recording. [BrentBarrett] Thanks, It was a great evening [BrentBarrett] I expected the orchestra to be very staid and uptight, being one of the premier orchestras in the world [BrentBarrett] But during the encore which was a reprise of The Conga, the players got up from their seats and danced while playing their instruments [RobertArmin] It's hard to be very staid when you're performing Bernstein's Wonderful Town [BrentBarrett] Even in Germany! [RobertArmin] And, of course, not too long ago you returned from London [RobertArmin] Where you starred in Kiss, Me Kate [BrentBarrett] I love London. I was so lucky to be a part of that production. [RobertArmin] I am definitely thrilled that PBS will be broadcasting the show in February [BrentBarrett] It was an incredible experience with all that was going on in the world at the time [RobertArmin] Do you know the date for the broadcast of Kiss Me, Kate? [BrentBarrett] Yes, it is going to be televised on February 26th. Check your local listings [RobertArmin] Probably during Pledge Week! [RobertArmin] Oh, well. [BrentBarrett] Don't you know it! :-) [RobertArmin] So, let's talk now about your incredible new album. And I'm not exaggerating. [RobertArmin] The Alan Jay Lerner album for Fynsworth. [RobertArmin] It was quite a wait but worth it. [BrentBarrett] We recorded it before I left for London. The hope was that it would be released while I was performing there. [BrentBarrett] Alas, that did not happen. [BrentBarrett] I' m just happy it was finally released. [RobertArmin] You had recorded an earlier album of Kander and Ebb songs. Was the Lerner album your idea or Bruce Kimmel's? [BrentBarrett] Bruce, gave me a call after the Encores! concert of On A Clear Day [BrentBarrett] We started gathering material [BrentBarrett] And went into the studio the week before I left for London [BrentBarrett] It all happened very fast [RobertArmin] What's particularly significant about the song selection is that it doesn't just rehash all of the best known songs [RobertArmin] There are many surprises! [RobertArmin] Especially two songs from Lolita, My Love. [BrentBarrett] I had already recorded Brigadoon. Camelot has been covered. [BrentBarrett] So that gave us space for some more less known tunes [RobertArmin] You appeared in the very short-lived Broadway premiere of Dance A Little Closer. [RobertArmin] But you got to record the leading man's song this time. [BrentBarrett] Of course I had to include the two songs from Dance A Little Closer as it was Alan’s last show, and where I met him [RobertArmin] What was he like at that stage of his career? [BrentBarrett] After reading his autobiog. I think he was as he always had been [BrentBarrett] Nervous, unsure, but with a real belief and faith in what he was doing [RobertArmin] WilliamFOrr asks where you discovered the songs from Lolita, My Love? [BrentBarrett] I found the titles when I was doing research for the recording. My friend Barry Kleinbort, who helped on the recording, brought them in for me [RobertArmin] tunefan writes: Hi Brent. I sent a question in earlier. My name is Nancy and we've met many times at the stage door. Beverly and I traveled around to see you and Tommy Tune in Busker Alley. [BrentBarrett] Hi Nancy [BrentBarrett] Happy New Year [RobertArmin] she asks: Did you enjoy the Busker Alley experience? [BrentBarrett] It was interesting [RobertArmin] HMMMMM. [RobertArmin] That's a very polite answer. [BrentBarrett] I'm nothing if not polite [RobertArmin] I was at Tommy Tune's last performance last night. [RobertArmin] He was, of course, terrific. [RobertArmin] It ended all too soon, unfortunately. [RobertArmin] tunefan tells me something that I didn't know. That you and Tommy Tune share a birthday. [BrentBarrett] Yes, and Bernadette Peters [RobertArmin] I share a birthday with Celine Dion, but we have nothing else in common [RobertArmin] So, you're from Kansas. [RobertArmin] How in the world did you decide to go into musical theatre? [RobertArmin] And what was it like getting started? [BrentBarrett] I have a cousin that started me singing when I was around 5. I didn't discover Musical Theatre till I was in high school [BrentBarrett] After I did my first musical, I was hooked [RobertArmin] What was that show? [BrentBarrett] 110 In The Shade [RobertArmin] Where? [BrentBarrett] It was a summer production at a college close to my home town, where I eventually studied voice for a year before transferring to Carnegie Mellon [RobertArmin] What part did you play? [BrentBarrett] I was in the chorus [RobertArmin] So when did you play your first leading role? [BrentBarrett] My first big role was at my high school - Calamity Jane, and I was Wild Bill [RobertArmin] That's a great role. It certainly prepared you for Annie Get Your Gun, which you've done twice, right? [BrentBarrett] I've been wearing cowboy boots for a long time [RobertArmin] What was the primary difference between the Cathy Rigby and Reba McEntire versions? [BrentBarrett] I had long hair on the tour :-) [BrentBarrett] Tommy and Winnie were cut in the Rigby version [RobertArmin] When Rebecca Luker was here we bemoaned about the fact that they aren't really writing shows for traditional leading men and women any more. [RobertArmin] Most of your shows have been revivals. Are you working on any new projects you can talk about? [BrentBarrett] Mostly a reworking of old shows [RobertArmin] But you've participated in a number of demos for new shows? [BrentBarrett] Yes, I'm always getting asked to do demos. However for the last year and a half, I haven't been available [RobertArmin] I guess the most common question is, if you could pick a project, what classic role or show would you want to do? [BrentBarrett] You know, I'm always getting asked that question, and I don't have a very good answer. I always thought a funny camp Vampire musical would be great [BrentBarrett] Now I'm not so sure [RobertArmin] Some of your credits are actually quite surprising. Like for example, you performed in The Secret Garden in New Zealand. [RobertArmin] Anything else we might not know about? [BrentBarrett] I will go a long way to avoid doing summer stock [RobertArmin] Hah. [RobertArmin] Well, I don't think you have to worry about that for a while. [RobertArmin] Are you working on a new show? [BrentBarrett] I'm doing a one man concert in Florida in February [BrentBarrett] The Broadway Tenors are performing in [BrentBarrett] Denver in March [RobertArmin] Nancy asks: I read somewhere that you would be doing a concert with the Dallas Symphony in April of this year [BrentBarrett] Not that I know of, where did you read that? [RobertArmin] Atsushi Nishimura from Japan is disappointed that he is working now, but he asks about a Paper Mill production of Camelot. [RobertArmin] He wrote that question in an email. [BrentBarrett] It is a possibility [BrentBarrett] Nothing is set yet [BrentBarrett] I love the show and it is a great role [RobertArmin] I guess he must be reading Playbill Online. [RobertArmin] I assume you are talking about playing Arthur? [BrentBarrett] That would be correct [RobertArmin] Okay, so let's talk about Alan Jay Lerner some more. What are your favorites on the album? Or interesting discoveries? [BrentBarrett] They Call The Wind Maria has a special place in my heart [RobertArmin] That's really well done! [BrentBarrett] I used to sing it on the wagon train......it's a long story [RobertArmin] I'm waiting... [BrentBarrett] I really love There's Always One You Can't Forget [BrentBarrett] A local woman started a vacation get away called Wagons Ho! [BrentBarrett] We would travel by wagon during the day, circle the wagons at sundown [BrentBarrett] Then they would make a campfire and we would sing songs at night around the campfire under the stars [BrentBarrett] It was like traveling back to another time [RobertArmin] If anyone has questions for Brent, please feel free to post them and I'll pass them on to him. [BrentBarrett] With all kinds of music. Traditional and modern [RobertArmin] Ron posts the following: By way of joining in, I want everyone to know that among my Christmas presents to myself were the Lerner and Kander/Ebb albums...and they are both terrific. I wonder if, when choosing the Lerner songs, "Little Prince" had been considered because I'm sure you'd do a great version of it. [RobertArmin] Brent is checking out the soundtrack album right now. [BrentBarrett] We looked at some of the songs, but decided the ones we liked were similar to the ones that we had already chosen [RobertArmin] Who came up with Headin' For New Orleans? [RobertArmin] That's a truly "lost song" from Huckleberry Finn [BrentBarrett] Barry Kleinbort. After we sang through it the first time, it was a definite! [RobertArmin] And did you know Lauren Bacall before the recording session? [RobertArmin] You sing an interesting duet with her. [BrentBarrett] We met at a Bernstein gala in Paris. [RobertArmin] "You haven't changed" combined with "I remember it well." [RobertArmin] The Day Before Spring was Lerner and Loewe's first show. And all too few songs have ever been recorded. [RobertArmin] It works very well in the medley. [RobertArmin] In Paris? You were saying... [BrentBarrett] We ended up having dinner at the same restaurant in NY. She stopped at my table to say hello then went to her table [BrentBarrett] I then got up and went over to her table and asked her if she would do a duet with me on my new CD (I had given her a copy of the Kander and Ebb in Paris) [BrentBarrett] She said, "Darling, you know I don't sing" [BrentBarrett] We laughed, and I assured her that we would find something that she would be comfortable with, and she agreed to do it [RobertArmin] And thank goodness, she did. [RobertArmin] Ron asks: when singing an emotionally charged song such as "Sometimes a Day Goes By"...how tough is it to get through them without getting choked up? [BrentBarrett] There is a line that you walk [BrentBarrett] Making sure the emotional side of the song doesn't totally get in your way. [BrentBarrett] You want the audience to me moved by the song [BrentBarrett] I find that if the singer is out of control, it distances the audience [RobertArmin] Doug comments: Appreciations for your contributions to my musical collection! I'm interested in what you would say you are LEARNING now about music performance? [RobertArmin] He's thinking about that one... [BrentBarrett] What do you mean exactly? [RobertArmin] Doug asks: How are you growing as a performer -- changing? [BrentBarrett] Hopeful, I'm bring my life experiences to the material that I do. [BrentBarrett] Being more open and spontaneous, which makes it more full and alive [RobertArmin] WilliamFOrr asks: with two terrific albums out, when can we expect the third? [RobertArmin] And I ask, have you given it any thought? [BrentBarrett] What I want to do next is a Christmas Album [BrentBarrett] Any takers out there? [RobertArmin] That's a great idea. Who would you choose for the duets? [BrentBarrett] Haven't gotten that far [RobertArmin] What Christmas songs would you choose... out of the ordinary, that it? [BrentBarrett] Maybe instrumentalists instead of singers [RobertArmin] tunefan asks who's been your favorite leading lady? [BrentBarrett] I have been so luck to work with some great women [RobertArmin] She also asks: What was it like to work with Reba? [BrentBarrett] I love Reba, and am ready for a rematch [RobertArmin] Nothing came of the TV version of Annie Get Your Gun? [BrentBarrett] It has been postponed [RobertArmin] Doug asks: who are the contemporary performers you especially enjoy hearing? [BrentBarrett] Pink [RobertArmin] He's starting to undress! [BrentBarrett] Tori Amos [RobertArmin] It's a bit warm in here. [BrentBarrett] Robbie Williams [RobertArmin] He's trying to think of more names. [BrentBarrett] Tuck and Patti [RobertArmin] If you could sing an album of now show tunes, what would it sound like? [RobertArmin] that should read non-show tunes, [BrentBarrett] Probably a cross of Big Band and Jazz [RobertArmin] Sounds good to me. [RobertArmin] Ron posts: I joined late...where is the chat being hosted? Where are you two and why is it hot in there? [BrentBarrett] Were on a cruise ship in the Caribbean...........not [RobertArmin] Well, actually, we're in my New York apartment and the windows were closed. They're open now. [RobertArmin] Nothing too exciting. Sorry. [RobertArmin] Two computers side by side by side [RobertArmin] Ron adds: Better than being in a pizza parlor with a table near the ovens...! [BrentBarrett] It depends if you're hungry [RobertArmin] A few weeks ago, Marc Kudisch did his chat live from his dressing room at Thoroughly Modern Millie. [RobertArmin] That was a real challenge! [RobertArmin] Ron asks if you have given any thought to doing a Sondheim album? [BrentBarrett] There are so many, I love the idea, but does anyone want to hear me doing Sondheim? [RobertArmin] No, Ron, I don't have noshes out for Brent. Food and keyboards don't go together! [RobertArmin] Ron says heck yes to the Sondheim. [BrentBarrett] I'll think about it, thanks [RobertArmin] Let's backtrack a bit and talk about the Kander and Ebb album. There are some definite treasures on that one. [RobertArmin] Of course, it's especially great that you got to preserve your song from Chicago -- All I Care About Is Love. I saw you perform that on Broadway. [RobertArmin] Are there any other songs on that album that you've done on the stage. [BrentBarrett] I sang A Quiet Thing in a musical review in Pittsburgh [RobertArmin] Doug asks: Who are some of the contemporary composers and lyricists who are favorites of yours? [BrentBarrett] Adam Guettel [BrentBarrett] Ricky Ian Gordon [BrentBarrett] Andrew Lippa [BrentBarrett] Michael John LaChiusa [BrentBarrett] John Bocchino [RobertArmin] So, I think you should give some real thought to an album of contemporary theatre composers. [BrentBarrett] Alright [RobertArmin] Good. Fynsworth, are you listening? [BrentBarrett] Ed Dixion who is a friend, is also a wonderful writer [BrentBarrett] Ed Dixon! [RobertArmin] One reader has suggested that you sing Sondheim's Agony as a duet -- with yourself. [RobertArmin] Ron Hussman once did an album of duets with himself that was terrific. [RobertArmin] You're Just In Love, for example. [BrentBarrett] very difficult to preform live. [RobertArmin] It's okay, spelling doesn't count [BrentBarrett] Thank god! [RobertArmin] tunefan thinks that's funny. [RobertArmin] About performing live. [BrentBarrett] In second grade spelling, my clown was always frowning [RobertArmin] Your clown? [BrentBarrett] If you got 100 the smiling face was up. I never saw the happy face :-( [RobertArmin] Doug comments: Special thanks for "No, My Heart" and the "Wet" duet with Jane Krakowski on Kander and Ebb [BrentBarrett] I wanted to do No, My Heart with a real accordion, but we had to settle for the synth [RobertArmin] I also loved the Ruthie Henshall duet. She's a favorite of mine. What was she like working with in Chicago? Her first night was actually the night I first met both of you. [BrentBarrett] Ruthie, is a doll and expecting her first baby [RobertArmin] I just sent her an email about these chats. I'm hoping she can join us from London one of these days. [RobertArmin] The baby should keep her up late enough to participate. [RobertArmin] Speaking of your spelling teacher, Ron writes: I bet that teacher would have a smiley face for him now! [BrentBarrett] Well, I'm not sure what you mean by that, Ron [RobertArmin] tunefan writes: Ed Dixon is great - I think he has a new show opening in Dallas this spring. [BrentBarrett] I think you're right. He is also performing in Houston at the same time [RobertArmin] Ron adds: If she could hear you sing.... [RobertArmin] Alright, so other than the Kiss Me, Kate broadcast in February and the two concerts, what else can we look forward to? [BrentBarrett] Only time will tell [RobertArmin] Ron asks if there's any chance of a tour? [BrentBarrett] I'm hoping to use the concert in Florida as a blueprint for other concerts around the country [RobertArmin] We have time for a couple more questions. Anyone have something they want to ask? [RobertArmin] Ron adds: Please don't say no if an offer comes up for San Francisco!!! [BrentBarrett] Why would I say no? I love San Fran [RobertArmin] Doug asks: You do such fine work on duets -- who would you have come along with you on that tour? [RobertArmin] You've recorded duets with so many great ladies of the theatre. Who is on your wish list for the future? [RobertArmin] People you haven't recorded with yet. [BrentBarrett] Well, I would love to "rope" Reba into a duet [RobertArmin] Well, add that to the list for album three! [BrentBarrett] Maybe a down home Christmas song [RobertArmin] tunefan comments: I love the opening track from Steel Pier. I play it over and over. And then the last track, A Quiet Thing is perfect. [BrentBarrett] Thank you. I like Second Chance too [RobertArmin] She also asks about your website. Do you want to give it a plug? [BrentBarrett] brentbarrett.com [RobertArmin] That's a good name. [BrentBarrett] You can keep up with my escapades [RobertArmin] Well, we have to wrap this up shortly. [RobertArmin] I want to thank you for dropping in as they say. [RobertArmin] I can honestly say that anyone picking up a copy of your Alan Jay Lerner album will not be disappointed. [RobertArmin] And the Kander and Ebb album rates right up there with it. [RobertArmin] Thanks, everyone for dropping by. Next week my guest will be Christopher Durang! [RobertArmin] Thanks again, Brent, and good night. [BrentBarrett] I want to wish you all a peaceful and Happy New Year. And may all of your dreams come true.
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