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Transcript of Robert
Armin's online chat with Leslie Kritzer |
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(When Joseph Stein had to postpone his chat due to a professional conflict (casting the revival of Fiddler On The Roof), Leslie Kritzer jumped in to pinch hit. She was playing Rizzo in the Paper Mill Playhouse production of Grease at the time and, fortunately, had the night off. She participated from her home computer in New Jersey. For the sake of clarity, most of the typos and misspellings have been corrected.) [RobertArmin] Good evening and welcome once again to the Fynsworth Alley chat room. [RobertArmin] Joseph Stein, who had planned to be with us tonight, is involved in the casting of the new revival of Fiddler on the Roof... [RobertArmin] And he wasn't able to join us. [RobertArmin] But I am delighted to welcome a terrific pinch hitter -- [RobertArmin] Leslie Kritzer is one of the brightest new faces in the musical theatre... [RobertArmin] She earned rave reviews for her performance as Fanny Brice at Paper Mill not too long ago and she is currently performing again at Paper Mill in their production of Grease. [RobertArmin] Hi, Leslie! [LeslieKritzer] hey! [RobertArmin] Fanny and Rizzo -- I doubt that any other actress has played both of those roles... [LeslieKritzer] I bet they are out there! [LeslieKritzer] Two great roles [RobertArmin] I don't expect to see that other "Fanny" -- Streisand something playing Rizzo. [LeslieKritzer] No, I think you池e right about that!!!! [RobertArmin] So, how is the show going? [RobertArmin] Is this your last week? [LeslieKritzer] It's going great! Our cast is really terrific and the show is a blast. [LeslieKritzer] The show closes July 27th actually [RobertArmin] Good -- two more weeks. [LeslieKritzer] This summer has really been flying by. It seems like yesterday we just opened. [RobertArmin] One of our readers -- Dante -- asks: What is your all time favorite musical? [LeslieKritzer] That is really really hard [LeslieKritzer] hmmm [LeslieKritzer] Well, I would say Funny Girl but my absolute favorite is West Side Story [LeslieKritzer] If you have to make me choose!!!! [RobertArmin] We know you did Funny Girl, but did you also appear in West Side Story -- and, if so, where? [LeslieKritzer] No I haven't had the chance to do West Side. [LeslieKritzer] I would love to [RobertArmin] Well, I'm sure it will happen. [LeslieKritzer] thank you! [RobertArmin] I have a feeling you're going to run through most of the great shows in the next few decades. [RobertArmin] And someday -- Gypsy! [LeslieKritzer] I樽 HOPING!!! I知 supposed to sing for Jerry Herman in a few weeks [LeslieKritzer] which should be fun [RobertArmin] Funny you mention that. I just spoke with Jason Graae this morning and he's appearing tonight at the Pasadena Playhouse with Jerry Herman. Small world, isn't it? (Oops, that's Sondheim) [LeslieKritzer] Yes, it is a small world [LeslieKritzer] Jason Graae also went to my college CCM [LeslieKritzer] :) [RobertArmin] Yes, tell us about CCM. A lot of great performers seem to have come from there. [LeslieKritzer] Yes, it has turned out some amazing people...Faith Prince, Michelle Pawk, etc etc [RobertArmin] When did you first start singing? [LeslieKritzer] Very difficult program, graduated with 12 people in my class [LeslieKritzer] I started probably around 7th grade [LeslieKritzer] was a classically trained pianist [RobertArmin] Wow! [LeslieKritzer] so gradually started singing out of that [RobertArmin] Did you start acting first -- or singing? [LeslieKritzer] well, I started doing the school plays and was in chorus [LeslieKritzer] so I got a solo or something in chorus etc [LeslieKritzer] and that is how it started [LeslieKritzer] then I started studying classical voice at 16 years old [LeslieKritzer] with a teacher by the name of Jane Bunell who is a singer at the MET [RobertArmin] You seem like such a dynamo on stage, I picture you as very active in school theatre. [LeslieKritzer] and then out of that it was full steam ahead [LeslieKritzer] yes I was [LeslieKritzer] I didn't get all the leads though [RobertArmin] Doria_Hudson writes: Leslie, I must say that I *love* your rock version of "Learn Your Lessons Well." Ever since I heard it, I have been a huge fan. [LeslieKritzer] Wow thank you!! [RobertArmin] I first saw you, as you know, in the York Theatre Mufti production of "A Family Affair" where you played the Rita Gardner role. [RobertArmin] I must say I thought you were a revelation. [LeslieKritzer] Well thank you [RobertArmin] I could well understand all of the praise for your Fanny Brice. [RobertArmin] Have there been any "feelers" about your doing a Broadway production of the show yet? [LeslieKritzer] Thanks! Doing the mufti series is not easy. You have to learn everything so fast! [LeslieKritzer] Yes a lot [RobertArmin] Well, we're all crossing our fingers that that finally happens. [LeslieKritzer] It痴 all a matter of timing [LeslieKritzer] I hope I will be involved, they will eventually revive it since everything is being revived [RobertArmin] I saw a production of Funny Girl over the July 4th weekend. The actress who played Fanny could certainly be your "cover," but I still think you're the most obvious choice. [LeslieKritzer] so let's just hope by the time it comes around, I知 not too old [LeslieKritzer] LOLOL [LeslieKritzer] Was it by chance in the Berkshire Theater Festival [LeslieKritzer] ? [RobertArmin] It was the Barrington Stage -- which is what I think you meant. [LeslieKritzer] Yes I heard they were doing it [LeslieKritzer] Was it a good production? [LeslieKritzer] She must be exhausted as I was every night!!!!! [RobertArmin] The Berkshire Theatre Festival was doing Enter Laughing -- which has another good role for you. [LeslieKritzer] Yes, I auditioned for it, didn't get it [LeslieKritzer] :) [RobertArmin] I didn't get to speak with Jeanne after the show -- she ran off with friends -- but she did work VERY hard. [LeslieKritzer] You win some you lose some [RobertArmin] You didn't get it!!!! [LeslieKritzer] Nope! [LeslieKritzer] Well I do have some exciting news [RobertArmin] Are you talking about Funny Girl or Enter Laughing. [LeslieKritzer] I知 doing a new show in the Fringe Festival [LeslieKritzer] Enter Laughing [LeslieKritzer] the play [RobertArmin] Well, you should have. [RobertArmin] What are you doing at the Fringe? [LeslieKritzer] thanks!!!!! This new show is called the "Family Trapped Singers" [LeslieKritzer] I have really no clue how to describe it. It's wacky, funny, sad and moving [RobertArmin] ! [LeslieKritzer] We will be doing it in August. I知 very psyched about it [RobertArmin] Well, we're hoping to get to some of the Fringe shows this year, so we'll look out for it. Which company is doing it? [LeslieKritzer] I知 not sure exactly the company [LeslieKritzer] I've been working on this show for over a year [RobertArmin] From the title, I assume it is a musical [LeslieKritzer] Yes it is [LeslieKritzer] There are about the same amount of people in it as in Urinetown [LeslieKritzer] So I知 really looking forward to that! [RobertArmin] Well, break a leg. Which theatre will it be in, if you know? [LeslieKritzer] I don't know all the specifics yet. I will send you all the info as soon as I do. [LeslieKritzer] They are just letting us know all the specifics now [RobertArmin] Which brings me to my next question: Doria_Hudson writes: when do you expect your website www.LeslieKritzer.com to open? I check almost every day. [LeslieKritzer] It will be launched in late August. I've been so busy lately that I haven't had time to work on it as much as I would like to!!!!! [LeslieKritzer] Thanks for checking though! That is so exciting!!!!!! [RobertArmin] You do have fans! [LeslieKritzer] I guess I do!!!! How fun!! [LeslieKritzer] I知 getting new head shots in a few months [LeslieKritzer] So I will have to send you the new picture when I get it [RobertArmin] dante asks: leslie, have you done any tv or film roles to date????? [LeslieKritzer] I did a national commercial a while ago [LeslieKritzer] but no real tv or film [LeslieKritzer] I知 actually seriously considering going to LA for pilot season in the winter [RobertArmin] Mabel asks: Who is directing the musical at the Fringe? [LeslieKritzer] I haven't met him yet. He's a new director to the piece so I will meet him next week. [LeslieKritzer] David Strickland is our musical director [RobertArmin] Well before you run to L.A., you should have your agent submit you to Law & Order. [RobertArmin] They are always looking for new people. [LeslieKritzer] Well they do [LeslieKritzer] I don't really have auditions for them too often [LeslieKritzer] actually [RobertArmin] Did you audition for the new Fiddler on the Roof? [LeslieKritzer] Yes before they got a new director [LeslieKritzer] but I haven't been seen since then [LeslieKritzer] I don't know if they started seeing women yet [RobertArmin] That's too bad. I know that they are auditioning right now. [RobertArmin] You should definitely be seen for Chava or Hodel. [LeslieKritzer] Well they might not be auditioning for girls right now [RobertArmin] Well, I'll keep my fingers crossed. [LeslieKritzer] Actually I知 calling my manager right now to ask him!!!! [RobertArmin] Good idea!!!! [LeslieKritzer] While I知 talking to you!!! Maybe we can get an answer!!! [LeslieKritzer] machine [LeslieKritzer] I left a message [LeslieKritzer] :) [RobertArmin] This is so exciting -- a star is being born before our very eyes. [LeslieKritzer] Anyway, what I really want to focus on right now is [LeslieKritzer] taking class again and getting ready for the upcoming season [RobertArmin] Where are you studying? [LeslieKritzer] well everything [LeslieKritzer] voice, acting and ance [LeslieKritzer] dance [LeslieKritzer] sorry [LeslieKritzer] I just think it's important to always strive to be the best you can be [LeslieKritzer] if you have the time [LeslieKritzer] and you池e not in a show [LeslieKritzer] so after the Fringe and Grease [LeslieKritzer] that will be my focus [RobertArmin] Always good to stay in shape. [LeslieKritzer] It's very easy to forget that you have to keep growing and learning [LeslieKritzer] exactly [RobertArmin] You should also look into Kerry Butler's role in Hairspray, now that she is leaving. [LeslieKritzer] ESPECIALLY in acting [LeslieKritzer] the replacement already went in [LeslieKritzer] plus they wouldn't see me for her role [LeslieKritzer] I知 not really the type [RobertArmin] Not "waspy" enough? LOL [RobertArmin] You would have made a great Audrey, as well. [LeslieKritzer] yeah, well.... [LeslieKritzer] I wish [LeslieKritzer] but Kerry deserves that really....she has been around much longer than me [LeslieKritzer] and is quite talented [LeslieKritzer] Everything happens for a reason, you have to believe that [RobertArmin] I think Kerry will be great. But I also wish Alice Ripley were still doing it. Fortunately, I got to see her do it in Florida! [LeslieKritzer] What did you think of the show? I absolutely adore her and loved working with her [LeslieKritzer] She is so much fun to be around [RobertArmin] I loved the show in Florida. The production values were mediocre, but the cast was excellent. [RobertArmin] Mabel asks: who are your favorite up and coming choreographers? [LeslieKritzer] Hmm.... [LeslieKritzer] I think Mark Dendy' s work is great [LeslieKritzer] I just worked with Jeff Ahmson who is pretty amazing [LeslieKritzer] so talented [LeslieKritzer] you're going to be hearing about him, he's been around for a while but not in NY, mostly in LA [LeslieKritzer] he also teaches at Broadway Dance [RobertArmin] Mabel also asks: who are your favorite dance teachers? [LeslieKritzer] I just started going back to class [LeslieKritzer] so I don't have many right now [LeslieKritzer] but I know in general there are really good teachers at Bdway Dance Center [LeslieKritzer] like Jeff [LeslieKritzer] I always ask my friends that go more regularly and then I take whoever they recommend [RobertArmin] One question I always like to ask is: what are your dream roles? What shows would you most like to do? [RobertArmin] You named West Side Story, what else? [LeslieKritzer] God, Sweet Charity, Gypsy, Guys and Dolls, EVITA OF COURSE!!! [RobertArmin] You want to play God? [LeslieKritzer] Godspell [RobertArmin] (just a joke) [LeslieKritzer] no, [LeslieKritzer] LOLOL [LeslieKritzer] Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar [LeslieKritzer] and then the slew of Sondheim [LeslieKritzer] I mean the list is forever long [RobertArmin] pj asks: I had the pleasure of being in NYC last year at the same time you were doing Rags. I love the music from the show. Have you heard of any more plans to do the show again? [LeslieKritzer] Well that show had problems on Broadway for some reason and I haven't heard of any plans of it coming back but who knows!!! Everything is coming back. [RobertArmin] Other than the Fringe show, are you involved in any other developing shows? [LeslieKritzer] Yes but nothing that I can really talk about right now. I always jinx them if I talk about them before they really happen. :) [RobertArmin] I understand. [LeslieKritzer] I知 superstitious that way....did I spell that right? LOL! [RobertArmin] If not, you will in the transcript! [RobertArmin] :) [RobertArmin] So let's go way, way back. [RobertArmin] To the beginning of your career. [RobertArmin] A loooong time ago. [RobertArmin] What did you first do after leaving CCM? [RobertArmin] Mabel asks: I arrived late, what is CCM? [At this point, Leslie痴 Internet Service Provider automatically logged her off and she had to log back in.] [RobertArmin] Leslie is having technical difficulties. She'll be right back. [LeslieKritzer] Okay I知 back...sorrryryyyyy [RobertArmin] Great. [LeslieKritzer] jeez anyway where were we? [RobertArmin] So the question was -- What is CCM? [RobertArmin] From someone who logged on late. [RobertArmin] And I asked what did you do after CCM? [LeslieKritzer] University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music [RobertArmin] Peter Filichia goes out there every year. Is that where you first met him? [LeslieKritzer] I graduated, moved back home to the east coast, got an agent and started temping!!!! [LeslieKritzer] Then the first thing I got was the workshop of Godspell [LeslieKritzer] with Shoshana Bean, a fellow classmate at CCM [RobertArmin] Shoshana is terrific in Hairspray. [LeslieKritzer] Yes she is [RobertArmin] I told her she looked exactly like Connie Francis in the show [LeslieKritzer] I believe she is staying in the show for a while [LeslieKritzer] LOL [RobertArmin] She had to check into exactly who Connie Francis is, I think. [LeslieKritzer] :) [LeslieKritzer] So have you heard any casting news on Fiddler? Is Alfred Molina definitely still doing it? [RobertArmin] As far as I know. [LeslieKritzer] cool [RobertArmin] I have to call Joe Stein again tomorrow, so I'll see what I can learn. [RobertArmin] Mabel writes: yes, heard Randy Graff is playing Golde [RobertArmin] I've heard that she was being considered, but I haven't heard definitely yet. [LeslieKritzer] realllyyyy [LeslieKritzer] wow [RobertArmin] So, the Godspell "workshop" became the Off-Broadway revival? [LeslieKritzer] I think they are going much younger with the whole cast [LeslieKritzer] usually Golde and Tevye are older right? [RobertArmin] Well, Tevye and Golde shouldn't be much older than early 40s. [LeslieKritzer] oh okay [RobertArmin] They got married young. [LeslieKritzer] gotcha [LeslieKritzer] Oh, yes Godspell became the off broadway revival [RobertArmin] And Tzeitel is only 20ish. [LeslieKritzer] we did a workshop, then it was off off broadway then it was off broadway [LeslieKritzer] then we closed..LOL!!! [RobertArmin] And your first Cast Album [LeslieKritzer] YES!!! [RobertArmin] on Fynsworth Alley! [LeslieKritzer] yup [RobertArmin] So, what thoughts have you given to your first solo album? [RobertArmin] And who would you like to sing with you? [LeslieKritzer] I haven't really thought a WHOLE lot about it [LeslieKritzer] But it definitely would not be a traditional musical theater solo album [RobertArmin] Incidentally, we're going to be giving away a copy of the Godspell album in a few minutes. So stick around everyone. [LeslieKritzer] I would want to do something a little different [LeslieKritzer] But I would LOVE to do one [LeslieKritzer] and god knows there are PLENTY of amazing singers to choose from [RobertArmin] Well, let's take a moment for our quiz. [RobertArmin] Here's the question -- [RobertArmin] What Academy Award winning actor was in the original London cast of Godspell? [LeslieKritzer] oh god..... [LeslieKritzer] ummmm [RobertArmin] Leslie, don't you answer [LeslieKritzer] give me a hint... has he won an Oscar in the past 10 years? [RobertArmin] You have the album! [LeslieKritzer] oh okay [RobertArmin] We have a winner! [LeslieKritzer] who was it? [RobertArmin] Rocco says: Jeremy Irons! [LeslieKritzer] cool [RobertArmin] Rocco logged out before I could find out who he is! [RobertArmin] Oh, well. [RobertArmin] I guess I'll have to have another contest a little later! :) [RobertArmin] Back to you, Leslie! [LeslieKritzer] :) [RobertArmin] What did you do after Godspell? [LeslieKritzer] well, we thought we were moving off broadway to the York Theater, and it didn't happen for a while, so I went off and did Evita at a summer theater, came home [LeslieKritzer] and then did Godspell at the York again!!! [LeslieKritzer] After we finally closed there for good, I hung around for awhile, and then not too long after did Funny Girl [LeslieKritzer] Temped a lot!! [RobertArmin] So you did get to play Evita? [LeslieKritzer] yes I did [RobertArmin] Wow, that's a tough role [LeslieKritzer] yes very [RobertArmin] Mabel asks: what research did you do on Fanny Brice before doing FUNNY GIRL? Any interesting tidbits? [LeslieKritzer] hmmmm a lot of research [LeslieKritzer] a ton actually [LeslieKritzer] she was an avid interior decorator [LeslieKritzer] would go to people's houses, look at their living room and decided to redo the entire thing [LeslieKritzer] she loved that stuff [LeslieKritzer] she also wound up getting a nose job later in her career [LeslieKritzer] which I found interesting [RobertArmin] The Barrington production had an interesting bit at the end. [LeslieKritzer] really? [RobertArmin] When Fanny went back onstage just before the curtain, she was dressed as Baby Snooks. [LeslieKritzer] wow [RobertArmin] And she looked just like the picture of the real Fanny that had been on the dressing room wall the whole time. [LeslieKritzer] that is cool [RobertArmin] Of course, Fanny didn't play Baby Snooks till later in her career, but it was a nice bit. [LeslieKritzer] Jeannie is very talented [LeslieKritzer] I知 glad she is doing it [RobertArmin] Julianne Boyd was the director. [LeslieKritzer] I don't know her [LeslieKritzer] Julianne [RobertArmin] A former president of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. [LeslieKritzer] cool [LeslieKritzer] well I heard the orchestra is very small [LeslieKritzer] which is difficult [LeslieKritzer] I think to do Funny Girl with [LeslieKritzer] Also, if you ever want to see it, the Funny Girl that I did at Paper Mill is on video at Lincoln Center [RobertArmin] Technically, it was a small production, but the cast was quite good -- at Barrington. [LeslieKritzer] Well Barrington is getting quite the reputation of putting on good shows. [LeslieKritzer] So I知 sure it's great [RobertArmin] For the moment, I'll wait for your Broadway production of Funny Girl. :-) [LeslieKritzer] Well let's hope!!! [RobertArmin] Hey, it's getting close to closing time. I told you this would go fast. [LeslieKritzer] I know, you were right!!! [RobertArmin] I'm glad I was able to catch you in this evening. You weren't feeling well earlier today, I hope you're improving! [LeslieKritzer] I feel much better now thank you!!! I知 so glad I got to do this!!! How much fun!!!! [RobertArmin] Well, we're looking forward to seeing your show at the Fringe. Tell me the name again -- [LeslieKritzer] Oh [LeslieKritzer] okay "The Trapped Family Singers" [LeslieKritzer] unless they change the name [RobertArmin] Sounds like a serious think piece... [LeslieKritzer] LOL [LeslieKritzer] it's not at ALLLL [LeslieKritzer] it's a little fun show [RobertArmin] Just kidding. David Strickland and Ellen Schwartz are the writers. [RobertArmin] Have you ever heard the parody of The Sound of Music that Julie Andrews and Carol Burnett did at Carnegie Hall? [LeslieKritzer] yes I have!!!!! [RobertArmin] That's what your title reminds me of. [LeslieKritzer] LOL [LeslieKritzer] well thank you so much for having me, I must go to bed now. I知 running tomorrow morning with my running partner and I have a feeling I知 going to be a bit sluggish!!! [LeslieKritzer] :) [RobertArmin] Well, get your manager on the phone, get a new audition for Fiddler and come to Broadway! [LeslieKritzer] I知 on it!!!!!! [LeslieKritzer] Have a great night!! [RobertArmin] Good night, Leslie! [LeslieKritzer] Goodnight!! [RobertArmin] Next week, Judy Blazer will be my guest. [RobertArmin] My cup runneth over with great leading ladies. [RobertArmin] Well, let's try one more question for a copy of the Godspell cast album. [RobertArmin] What is the name of the new musical written by Stephen Schwartz currently trying out in San Francisco? [RobertArmin] Starring Kristin Chenowith. [RobertArmin] Doria_Hudson says: no clue [RobertArmin] Mabel has it: "Wicked?" [RobertArmin] That's right. Thanks for playing. [RobertArmin] Well, goodnight Leslie and everyone reading along. [RobertArmin] We have some great guests coming up in the next few weeks. Judy Blazer, Lee Wilkof, Judy Kaye, Julie Budd, Danny Burstein and KT Sullivan. Plus more in September! [RobertArmin] See ya soon. |
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