|
|
Transcript of Robert
Armin's |
|
(Not only doesn't Judy Blazer type, but she doesn't even OWN a computer! Robert's wife, Kristine, typed for Judy. For the sake of clarity, most of the typos -- both Kristine's and Robert's -- have been corrected.) [RobertArmin] Good evening and welcome once again to the Fynsworth Alley chat room. [RobertArmin] My guest is a very talent and charming leading lady of the musical theatre, Ms Judith Blazer -- known to her many fans as Judy. [RobertArmin] As Cary Grant once said "Judy, Judy, Judy!" Welcome. [JudyBlazer] I've been billed as both [JudyBlazer] Thank you Robert' [JudyBlazer] that was with an accent [RobertArmin] So you've just returned from a trip. [RobertArmin] Did you perform? [JudyBlazer] No actually this last week was pleasure, [RobertArmin] Dante has a question: Judy, did you enjoy portraying Marissa Spencer on "The Guiding Light"? Any future soap opera plans?? [JudyBlazer] who is dante, is he Italian [JudyBlazer] No, No, and No [JudyBlazer] Um, shall I elaborate on that [RobertArmin] Of course [JudyBlazer] I was on AS THE WORLD TURNS for two and a half years as a principal character [JudyBlazer] And, I remember how difficult it was [JudyBlazer] to come on to daytime as a guest [JudyBlazer] My experience on GUIDING LIGHT sustained that theory [RobertArmin] In other words, it was tough? [JudyBlazer] Yes, it was fast, furious, very little real chemical interaction with your colleagues [JudyBlazer] and difficult to really believe in the material because [JudyBlazer] they write their dialogue so quickly and unartfully [RobertArmin] Did they ever let you sing on GUIDING LIGHT? [JudyBlazer] and the story lines are pure sensationalism [JudyBlazer] No, they wanted me to sing on As the World Turns [JudyBlazer] and they wanted me to sing badly as that was apropos to my character and I said NO [JudyBlazer] Guiding Light Right [RobertArmin] It's funny, Ron Raines has been on the Guiding Light and only recently have they finally agreed to have his character sing something on the show. [JudyBlazer] Right [RobertArmin] TV often refuses to take advantage of the musical talents of its performers. [RobertArmin] Of course, now that musicals are "in" this year, that may change! [RobertArmin] Peachhead asks: Miss Blazer, were you born into a theatrical family? [JudyBlazer] Very much so [JudyBlazer] A musical one [JudyBlazer] My father is a first generation Polish Jew [JudyBlazer] who went to Julliard, briefly [JudyBlazer] before going to fight in WWII [JudyBlazer] My mother was during that time a highly respected concert artist [JudyBlazer] Both parents were singers [JudyBlazer] They met during the war in Italy, began singing together [JudyBlazer] concertizing [JudyBlazer] in the branch of serious music, not musical theatre or popular Italian music [RobertArmin] Is your mother Italian? [JudyBlazer] My mother studied at the conservatory at Naples [JudyBlazer] Taught at Bolzano in the extreme North [JudyBlazer] Yes, she was Italian [RobertArmin] How's that for ethnicity. Jews are often played by Italians and Italians are often played by Jews. You can do it all. [JudyBlazer] I do [JudyBlazer] Now, I do it a little more [JudyBlazer] In the Neil Simon I got to do it a little more [JudyBlazer] playing a kind of NY Jewish woman that exists prosperously in my family [JudyBlazer] My parents were wed in the Synagogue in Rome which is very Orthodox, in 1950 [JudyBlazer] My brother and I both spoke Italian before English [JudyBlazer] My Dad was a voice teacher at Manhattan School of Music where I went to school [JudyBlazer] And was also a Cantor [JudyBlazer] I should add that in a production of Twelfth Night at Long Wharf Theatre [JudyBlazer] last year, which director David Warren set in 1960 southern Italy [JudyBlazer] I had the pleasure of playing Maria as an Italian woman [JudyBlazer] while also being Italian Dramaturg to the production and [JudyBlazer] inserted several Italian phrases throughout the piece [RobertArmin] You have certainly avoided any typecasting, playing roles as diverse as Eliza Dolittle and British aristocracy. [RobertArmin] Let me get to a few of the questions building up [RobertArmin] Dante asks: Judy, what is your all time favorite musical?? [JudyBlazer] Probably A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC [RobertArmin] Where did you do ALNM? [JudyBlazer] I did Ann in a production at the Equity Library Theatre in 1985 [JudyBlazer] I long to play Desiree, the only role I long to play in an already written musical piece [RobertArmin] By the way, we will be giving away some Judy Blazer CDs in a little while, so stick around. [RobertArmin] Judy, aside from Desiree, what are some of your "dream roles?" [JudyBlazer] People have asked me that lately [JudyBlazer] And that is the only one in a musical that I can conjure up [JudyBlazer] Other dreams involve musicals not yet written or independent film or aspirations toward a sitcom in Manhattan [JudyBlazer] as well as a piece I can do on my own [RobertArmin] In reference to an earlier comment, Peachhead (who is apparently a friend of yours) writes: Judy's parents and brother are all EXTREMELY talented and very special people. I'm not here to talk, just listen. But, "hello, Dahling!" [JudyBlazer] LOL [RobertArmin] Judy is preparing her response to that. [JudyBlazer] Love to one of my favorite family members and best friend [RobertArmin] I wonder if Peachhead and Beanhead are family members? [RobertArmin] Beanhead asks: What is the least favorite musical that Judy's ever done? And why? [JudyBlazer] Thinking [JudyBlazer] Probably Music Revues [RobertArmin] Beanhead adds: Not family - supper club members - ask her about her membership in this exclusive group. [JudyBlazer] I'm afraid if I mention one it will offend someone. In general it is a music idiom that I find mundane and unsatisfying [JudyBlazer] Oh, Beanhead must be Eileen [JudyBlazer] She used to work for the Shuberts [JudyBlazer] We've been friends since high school [JudyBlazer] we have a group of friends from grade school and HS and we still get together for supper and they [RobertArmin] Beanhead says: "I've been outed!" [JudyBlazer] never miss a show [JudyBlazer] Beanhead was good in school. I wasn't. [JudyBlazer] I can't believe all these people are on line [JudyBlazer] All of my past keeps beaming up on your machinery [JudyBlazer] Don't any of you think this is going to get me one step closer to getting a computer [RobertArmin] Your friends probably have all of your CDs, but let's give away one! [RobertArmin] You appeared on the studio cast recording of Lucky Stiff. We're you involved in the show before that? [JudyBlazer] All the first readings as the piece was being developed [RobertArmin] But not in the actual production. [JudyBlazer] No. Lynn and Steve just had me as a guest at the Lincoln Center Penthouse celebrating 20 years of their first writing project [JudyBlazer] which I was fortunate enough to lift off the page [RobertArmin] Well, let's ask a question about Lynn and Steve. What was the name of their most recent musical, performed at Lincoln Center? [RobertArmin] Anyone have the answer? [RobertArmin] It starred Roger Rees and Faith Prince. [RobertArmin] Beanhead has the answer! Man of No Importance [RobertArmin] That's right. Send me your name and address to fynsworth@showmusic.com and we'll send you a copy of Lucky Stiff. [RobertArmin] Back to Judy! [RobertArmin] We're having busy conversations about MY ethnic background. [RobertArmin] But I know about me! I want to talk about you. [RobertArmin] When did you first start performing? [JudyBlazer] When I was Teeny [JudyBlazer] I performed a lot as a violinist [JudyBlazer] Since my parents were musicians [JudyBlazer] that was the only thing that really mattered in our family [JudyBlazer] I want to be a cellist like my brother but the instrument was simply too big [RobertArmin] Peachhead writes: I do have a question for Miss Blazer. Given that we are talking with Fynsworth Alley, what would be your 'ultimate recording fantasy?' You have total artistic control and the voice to win a Grammy. What would "the mix" be? [JudyBlazer] The peculiar idea that I had of Lullabies from all over the world [JudyBlazer] in various languages, l through composed and diverse and peculiar, like me [JudyBlazer] I have a question for Peachhead [JudyBlazer] in his opinion, what is Peachhead's favorite thing that he has ever seen me do [JudyBlazer] Except the really good stuff out of town [JudyBlazer] he has seen it all [RobertArmin] While we wait for his response let me add that Beanhead wrote: I think Judy played glockenspiel in the high school marching band, too, and violin in the school orchestra. I forgot about that! Lullabies? It's a great idea but reviews will say you put us to sleep. [JudyBlazer] LOL [JudyBlazer] It's ok, I never read them [RobertArmin] Wise lady. [RobertArmin] Tell me a little about what happened during previews of Titanic. [RobertArmin] Your part was considerably reduced. [JudyBlazer] It didn't fit [JudyBlazer] The part just didn't fit in the grander scheme of the Titanic story and within itself [JudyBlazer] One minute my character was a cigarette smoking nymphomaniac with an operatic duet [JudyBlazer] and the next, a veterinarian with a vaudeville style duet, down stage against the footlights [JudyBlazer] singing a vaudeville style duet [RobertArmin] In response to your earlier comment, Peachhead writes: "Distant Lullaby," from Peter Pan. And your idea of a "lullaby album" is perfect. [JudyBlazer] I adore you Peachhead [RobertArmin] That was in response to your question about his favorite Judy Blazer performance. [RobertArmin] So, back to Titanic. What was the song that was cut? And have you ever had a chance to sing it elsewhere? [JudyBlazer] No, the song was I can't seem to remember the title [JudyBlazer] I think it was "I Give You My Hand" [JudyBlazer] And, I gave it once to one of my favorite students, a beautiful singer, named Andrea Scott [JudyBlazer] when I was teaching at NYU [JudyBlazer] I taught at NYU for four years [RobertArmin] Beanhead asks: What is the next project that Judy will be doing? [JudyBlazer] ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY in San Jose [JudyBlazer] In October/November [RobertArmin] Wow, we'll have to fly out for that. [RobertArmin] We have been known to travel great distances for our friends. [RobertArmin] We have several new visitors. Please feel free to post a question for Judy Blazer. We will be giving away another CD in a few minutes. [JudyBlazer] Mark Jacoby is playing Oscar [JudyBlazer] And Joanne Worley is playing the Imogene Coca role [JudyBlazer] This is the first time doing this show [RobertArmin] Judy is complimenting Kristine's nose right now. [RobertArmin] I should explain that Kristine is typing Judy's comments [JudyBlazer] because Judy is retarded lol [RobertArmin] Because Judy is a Luddite -- she doesn't even own a computer! [RobertArmin] No email at all!!!!!! [JudyBlazer] but her calligraphy is very good [JudyBlazer] No email whatsoever [RobertArmin] You have to get her on the telephone if you want to speak to her. Imagine that? [JudyBlazer] or by letter or carrier pigeon [RobertArmin] Rosiegirl has a comment: Judy, what show have you done that stretched you the most musically, and why? [RobertArmin] Peachhead comments: I was WONDERING how she did it! My Jude is NOT "computer literate!" [JudyBlazer] The Cunning Little Vixen, by Janacek, an opera, an exquisite but hardly tonal piece [JudyBlazer] I was seventeen [RobertArmin] Is Eliza a difficult role for you? [JudyBlazer] No, it allows me to give immensely of myself [JudyBlazer] and anything that does that is compensated in it's difficulty by great reward [RobertArmin] numalvolio writes: Judy, although it's not in your credits for the Fynsworth bio, I know that you had done the recording of Naughty Marietta, the first complete Herbert recording with original orchestrations. How did the opportunity to participate in that project come about, and what was most memorable about performing a complete Herbert score? [RobertArmin] Interestingly enough, I just gave Judy a CDR of that recording before we started the chat. [RobertArmin] It's a terrific recording - available only on LP! [JudyBlazer] I had performed a Jerome Kern Revue the year prior at the Smithsonian [JudyBlazer] They asked me to return the following year in the role of Marietta [JudyBlazer] I suppose the greatest memory is trying to pull off a lyric like "Zing, Zing Zyzzy zyzzy, boom boom aye [JudyBlazer] I have to be honest, that is part of this [RobertArmin] And the most difficult thing Kristine has done is typing that lyric!!!!! [RobertArmin] So don't blame Judy. [RobertArmin] The problem with transcribing is that Judy keeps going off on tangents -- now she's talking about Kris' ethnicity! [RobertArmin] And you're all missing it! [JudyBlazer] Genealogy really is all there is [RobertArmin] Rosiegirl asks: Have you ever done a cabaret type performance - or considered it? [JudyBlazer] No [JudyBlazer] I think about it from time to time [JudyBlazer] but being one who is tormented by the need to fulfill [JudyBlazer] only the of grandest of visions [JudyBlazer] I have not yet come up with anything unique enough [RobertArmin] Well, unique describes you to a "T." [RobertArmin] Let's give away another Judy Blazer CD. [JudyBlazer] Thank you [RobertArmin] You appeared on Colette Collage by a team of writers famous for writing the longest running musical in theatre history. Who were those writers? [RobertArmin] That's for you readers to answer! [JudyBlazer] But is that one of your refrigerator questions? [JudyBlazer] Hope they answer that one [RobertArmin] What is a refrigerator question? [JudyBlazer] when you give away a refrigerator [RobertArmin] Beanhead won again! Schmidt & Jones is correct. They wrote The Fantasticks. [JudyBlazer] That Beanhead [RobertArmin] But, no, we are not giving away a refrigerator! [RobertArmin] She gets a copy of Colette Collage by Schmidt and Jones. [RobertArmin] beanhead writes: I'll share it with Rosiegirl and Peachhead, if they want. [RobertArmin] One big happy family! [RobertArmin] beanhead adds: YAY! I really don't have any of these recordings. I'm not very good at supporting Judy's albums, am I? [RobertArmin] Hey, Beanhead, Kris and Judy send regards to you and your brother-in-law. I directed a reading of one of his shows years ago! [RobertArmin] And she was in two of his shows. [RobertArmin] She being Kris. [RobertArmin] Ain't it a small world? [RobertArmin] beanhead adds: I know! It really IS one big happy family. [RobertArmin] Dante asked earlier: Judy, did you do an episode of "Law and Order?" I think I remember you doing it. Great series [RobertArmin] Yes, I remember you in that. [JudyBlazer] I've played a District Attorney on Law and Order [JudyBlazer] And two or so years later, this April [JudyBlazer] Played the woman who ran over her husband with her Cadillac, it was the season finale [RobertArmin] The closest you should come to a Cadillac, it seems, is the Cadillac Winter Garden Theatre [JudyBlazer] I wouldn't mind one if it had a driver in the front [RobertArmin] rosiegirl asks: Judy, would you mind giving your advice to a young (teenage) musician who loves your work? (On Standards and Gems plus she saw you in Titanic) She's wondering if she should major in music, her true love. [JudyBlazer] Both, one is the other [JudyBlazer] But remember never lose your balance [RobertArmin] Standards and Gems was a terrific Gershwin compilation album. [RobertArmin] rosiegirl adds: omigod, I once did a search on "Judy Blazer" (looking for the title of what turned out to be Standards and Gems) and I kept getting a true news story about a woman named Judy who ran over her husband with a Chevy Blazer. [RobertArmin] Judy's mouth is open but nothing is coming out. [RobertArmin] Hi, Doria, welcome. [JudyBlazer] Chevy Blazer would have been clever but a Cadillac is easier to drive [RobertArmin] Judy says "That's me, singing one minute, killing people the next." [JudyBlazer] And, I'll never tell which one I enjoying doing best [RobertArmin] I don't like that look in your eye... hmmmmm [RobertArmin] Something we don't get enough of in NYC is the opportunity to hear you sing opera. Which you do very well. What are some of the operas you've performed in? [JudyBlazer] Many obscure operas [RobertArmin] This will take a moment to type! [JudyBlazer] Ravel's L'Enfant et Les Sortileges [RobertArmin] See what I mean? [JudyBlazer] Many of the Mozarat operas, soubrette roles [RobertArmin] Mozart [RobertArmin] It's a typo, folks. [JudyBlazer] Some very early operas, Baroque and Renaissance [JudyBlazer] Some more contemporary operas, written by Janacek, as I mentioned earlier [JudyBlazer] Summer and Smoke, by Lee Hoiby [JudyBlazer] Falstaff [JudyBlazer] Manon, the Massenet [RobertArmin] I wish the Smithsonian would reissue the Naughty Marietta recording, because it gives at least one aspect of your great soprano. [JudyBlazer] Won a prize in a competition in Treviso, Italy near Venice for Norina in Dom Pasquale [RobertArmin] Have you recorded any other opera or operetta roles? [JudyBlazer] No [RobertArmin] And the world is a sadder place. :( [JudyBlazer] I shall do all I can to make it laugh [RobertArmin] And you do it so well. [RobertArmin] You did record some Bernstein. [JudyBlazer] I never did any Bernstein opera, but did Bernstein's NEW YORK [RobertArmin] I loved your version of "Come Up To My Place" with Mandy Patinkin. [JudyBlazer] and there was an hour long special that went with that that still airs frequently [RobertArmin] Yes, they taped you and Mandy in a real cab? [JudyBlazer] A Checker [RobertArmin] I think the special was on again recently. [JudyBlazer] Indeed it was [RobertArmin] I was going to ask what it was like working with Mandy, but... [RobertArmin] So, tell me more about your future plans. [JudyBlazer] Well, I am divided between musical theatre and true love [JudyBlazer] What does rosiegirl think I should do? [RobertArmin] apropos of that: rosiegirl asks: What role would you kill (with a vehicle preferably) to sing? [JudyBlazer] Desiree [JudyBlazer] I'm stuck on that one [RobertArmin] Well, we have to find a theatre somewhere to let you do that! [RobertArmin] SOON1 [JudyBlazer] Robert you made a typo [RobertArmin] rosiegirl writes: You'd be fabulous! [RobertArmin] In reference to Desiree, not my typos. [JudyBlazer] Thanks RG [RobertArmin] Peachhead's parting comment: I'm going to have to leave, but I want everybody to know one thing about Judy. Not only is she the ONLY performer I've ever known who can successfully perform opera, pop, musical theater and leider songs, but she is one of the most gifted 'natural' actresses (who has avoided 'formal training' like the plague) AND the nicest person anybody would EVER want to know. You're all 'online' for a very good reason...Judy Blazer. [RobertArmin] Have to second that! [JudyBlazer] Ahh, Wow [JudyBlazer] WOW [RobertArmin] beanhead writes: Why doesn't she do a pop single, a la Christine Aguilerra? [JudyBlazer] whose that? [RobertArmin] One of the many blondes in the pop biz [JudyBlazer] You know me better than that [JudyBlazer] They don't call you Beanhead for nothing [RobertArmin] Lots of laughter here. [JudyBlazer] LOL [JudyBlazer] And a postlude to that comment, I wish to say perhaps true love is better than musicals [JudyBlazer] To be loved is greater than anything else [RobertArmin] I got an email earlier today that I'd like to post. It's a bit long but here it is. [RobertArmin] Howdy, Ms. Blazer! Your performance of "My Funny Valentine" (on the New World recording of "Babes in Arms") is the greatest I've ever heard (and I've heard dozens). You meld so beautifully with the original Hans Spialek orchestration, which is just enchanting. How do you approach singing to "period orchestrations" either stylistically or technically? And: will you please do a solo album, soon! [JudyBlazer] Will you back it? [JudyBlazer] Please send money to Robert and Kristine - they will forward it to me [JudyBlazer] There are two ways to sing archival music [JudyBlazer] One is with exactness [JudyBlazer] Two is with reinvention [JudyBlazer] I enjoy both [JudyBlazer] The reinvention employs my improvisational skills [JudyBlazer] The exactness calls upon my musical training and reverence for what is on the page [JudyBlazer] To be an artist is to embody both of these techniques [JudyBlazer] and it's damn more interesting [RobertArmin] I think beanhead's curiosity has been aroused? She asks: How much does it really cost to do a Fynsworth album? [RobertArmin] Well, we'll send an invoice to you. [RobertArmin] rosiegirl asks: what if we pre-ordered it? [RobertArmin] Well, the best thing is to send your cards and letters to Fynsworth Alley with your requests. [RobertArmin] Well, time draws on apace. [JudyBlazer] I'm having a lovely time [RobertArmin] I want to thank you so much for joining us tonight. [JudyBlazer] and I may never get up from this chair [RobertArmin] Well, we have time for a few more comments and questions from the readers. [RobertArmin] And, of course, I could give away another CD! [RobertArmin] How's that for an idea? [RobertArmin] Judy, can you think up a real easy question? [JudyBlazer] Which one of the two CD's incorporates in the title the name of Judy Blazer's first dog? [RobertArmin] Let's make beanhead ineligible for this one question, since she has won both already. Everyone else can guess between the two available CDs - Colette Collage and Lucky Stiff. [JudyBlazer] This dog was before beanhead's time [RobertArmin] Doria got it! The answer is Lucky Stiff! [JudyBlazer] Judy's first dog's name was Lucky [RobertArmin] Was the dog a stiff? [JudyBlazer] When it died [RobertArmin] Beanhead adds: Judy had a dog named collage. [JudyBlazer] Beanhead it's back to Bosnia for you. [RobertArmin] Judy has very nice things to say about you, "beanhead" -- too many to post. [JudyBlazer] That's good, she knows I love her [RobertArmin] Beanhead writes: Awww geeeeee [JudyBlazer] Her sister Fran was one of my closest friends in HS [RobertArmin] Beanhead wants the last word: My next dog will be named Collage Stiff. [JudyBlazer] LOL [RobertArmin] LOL [JudyBlazer] That's Beanhead for you. Her sister had the days of the week on her underpants [JudyBlazer] At least her information was useful [RobertArmin] On that witty note, let's get out of here. [JudyBlazer] This sure was fun [RobertArmin] Final words, Judy? [JudyBlazer] Good Night [JudyBlazer] Looking forward to an ethnic female president [JudyBlazer] Female President [JudyBlazer] I bid you all sweet piece [RobertArmin] LOL [RobertArmin] I think you meant "peace", Kristine! [RobertArmin] Judy is the one drinking the wine -- not you! [JudyBlazer] Yes, I bid you all SWEET PEACE [RobertArmin] Judy, thanks for the laughs. You are a great lady! [JudyBlazer] Thank you, Robert [RobertArmin] Keep us informed of your future projects. Have airplane tickets -- will travel. That's us! [JudyBlazer] I'll make the dinner reservations [RobertArmin] Good night, everyone and thanks for joining us tonight. Next week, we have as our guest, the original Seymour from Little Shop of Horrors - Lee Wilkof. [RobertArmin] Lee was in the recent Florida production of Little Shop -- which Alice Ripley recently renamed "Little Shop of Humiliations." Should be an interesting chat. Join us. [RobertArmin] Good night. |
|
