[RobertArmin] Good evening. Welcome to Fynsworth Alley's chat room. Our guest this evening is the lovely and talented Ms. Rebecca Luker.

[RobertArmin] Good evening, Rebecca.

[RebeccaLuker] Hi! How's it going?

[RobertArmin] Glad you could join us. We have received a lot of advance questions which I'd like to pass on to you.

[RobertArmin] Kristen asks: Where do you go shopping for all of your concert dresses?

[RebeccaLuker] Well....Actually I have a pal who's a designer named Donald Deal.

[RebeccaLuker] He's very talented and is very kind to give me dresses; or loan me dresses!

[RobertArmin] Lori asks: Do you know when your recordings with conductor John McGlinn are going to be released and are you planning to record more music with John McGlinn?

[RebeccaLuker] The Kern project?

[RebeccaLuker] That project is a long way from being completed.

[RebeccaLuker] We're still doing recordings. So I have no idea.

[RebeccaLuker] It is great fun though.

[RobertArmin] Kevin has two questions: Are there any musical theatre roles that you would like to perform and when will you be back on Broadway?

[RebeccaLuker] I wish I was psychic.

[RebeccaLuker] I've no idea!

[RebeccaLuker] I'd love to do something like Chicage or Sweet Charity!!!!

[RebeccaLuker] Chicago, that is.

[RobertArmin] Just saw the movie of Chicago this evening. As good as they say.

[RebeccaLuker] I'd love to see that too!

[RobertArmin] Alyssa want to know if you are planning to perform any more concerts in California in the near future?

[RebeccaLuker] I heard from you tonight on E-mail!

[RebeccaLuker] Haven't had a chance till now to answer:)

[RebeccaLuker] No, not in the near future.

[RebeccaLuker] I love the Hollywood Bowl though; great symphony.

[RobertArmin] Sylvie asks: Ms. Luker, now that you are a married professional woman, is it harder to combine married life and a hectic career? Do you plan on having a family?

[RebeccaLuker] I have a family actually.

[RebeccaLuker] I have two stepsons; Alex and Zach who are 9 and 6.

[RebeccaLuker] I keep very busy with them.

[RebeccaLuker] Yes, it gets hectic...but is well worth all the effort.

[RobertArmin] Somer asks: what was your favorite role and what is your favorite broadway show?

[RebeccaLuker] Marian, in Music Man...hands down.

[RebeccaLuker] Sweeney Todd is my favorite.....hands down!

[RobertArmin] Bill would like to see you team up with Barbara Cook for a concert. Have you ever had a chance to work with Barbara and, if not, would you like to?

[RebeccaLuker] I've done a benefit with her.

[RebeccaLuker] I'd absolutely LOVE to do that!

[RebeccaLuker] She's a dear lady and so wonderful!!

[RebeccaLuker] I hope that happens.

[RobertArmin] Sylvie asks: I have always wondered what kind of soprano you were? Are you a coloratura or light soprano?

[RebeccaLuker] I'm a lyric.

[RebeccaLuker] I have a lower range but can do SOME of the high florid stuff

[RobertArmin] haffeyanne asks: will there be an Aria 3?

[RebeccaLuker] Yes! I just laid down the first track.

[RebeccaLuker] I really enjoy doing those with Paul Schwartz.

[RobertArmin] You were quoted once as saying you "didn't have the chops to sing opera" but that you'd like to try it. Bill wonders what you think is missing from your voice that prevents you from singing opera to your satisfaction?

[RebeccaLuker] I've spent my life doing musical theater and light opera.

[RebeccaLuker] I think one has to really commit to opera in a way.

[RebeccaLuker] But as I mature I do find that I can do more opera...so who knows?

[RobertArmin] The Boys From Syracuse revealed a major comic talent in you.. What other parts of your personality to you think might surprise us?

[RebeccaLuker] I can have a temper...just kidding.

[RebeccaLuker] I'm a country girl from Alabama.

[RobertArmin] Have you ever played a really nasty character? The antagonist?

[RebeccaLuker] No!!! Boy would that be a blast.

[RebeccaLuker] Oh wait. Yes, I played the nasty woman in "No Exit" in college. There! She was nasty.

[RobertArmin] You grew up in Alabama, when did you first start performing?

[RebeccaLuker] In church when I was very young.

[RebeccaLuker] And in every choir or singing group I could get into throughout elem and high school.

[RobertArmin] Another questions from Sylvie: What is the hardest song you ever had to sing -- and why?

[RebeccaLuker] That would be some opera arias I've worked on.

[RebeccaLuker] "Ach, Ich Fuhls" from Magic Flute.

[RebeccaLuker] Any of Baby Doe’s arias.

[RebeccaLuker] Oddly enough "If I loved You" from Carousel is tough too.

[RobertArmin] With La Boheme now a hit on Broadway, what opera would you like to tackle?

[RebeccaLuker] Marriage of Figaro has been a favorite for a while.

[RebeccaLuker] Also Menotti’s "The Medium."

[RobertArmin] You made a tv movie called Cupid and Cate a few years ago. Do you have any other film or tv roles I may have missed?

[RebeccaLuker] Not yet; working on that!

[RobertArmin] Sylvie asks: What made you choose musical theatre instead of other forms of singing?

[RebeccaLuker] It seemed a natural thing for me.

[RebeccaLuker] I did all the musicals in college and got hooked.

[RebeccaLuker] And as I've said before....I didn't have the chops for opera at that time.

[RebeccaLuker] I grew up singing jazz and pop and rock but it wasn't practical I guess to try to make a living at it.

[RobertArmin] pj9 asks: When you go home to visit family do you revert to talking like you are from Alabama? Can your husband understand you when you talk? I had a friend from London which I could understand fine till she went home for a week or had visitors from home. Then she sounded like she was talking a different language.

[RebeccaLuker] Yes.

[RebeccaLuker] I do talk Southern with my family.

[RebeccaLuker] No....my husband can't always understand me!!

[RebeccaLuker] We have a lot of fun with that.

[RobertArmin] I can tell you that Rebecca has just the slightest touch of Alabama in her voice and its charming!

[RebeccaLuker] Robert is charming too I can tell you!

[RobertArmin] mousey asks: Will you ever make a recording of the concert with George Dvorsky called The Broadway Concert: A Romantic Journey?

[RebeccaLuker] We have a recording of our own but probably will not make an official one.

[RebeccaLuker] Oops.

[RebeccaLuker] I love George so much.

[RebeccaLuker] Beautiful voice.

[RobertArmin] northerngram says: I would love to hear a duet with you and Danny. Any chance?

[RebeccaLuker] We sang together in Harmony (Manilow).

[RebeccaLuker] We try to do that here and there.

[RobertArmin] patd97 asks: There is a calendar of the Men from of Passion For sale on e-bay. Did you have anything to do with it?? - such as taking the pictures or suggesting poses etc.? ;o)

[RebeccaLuker] No....it was a big surprise!

[RebeccaLuker] I loved it though! I guess the women of Passion wouldn't have been quite as exciting.

[RobertArmin] How about kids music or a holiday cd?

[RobertArmin] Planning any of those?

[RebeccaLuker] I'm not working on anything like that now.

[RebeccaLuker] But that's a great idea.

[RobertArmin] Was Phantom your first New York show?

[RebeccaLuker] My first B'way show.

[RobertArmin] What did you do before that?

[RebeccaLuker] I did a couple of concerts in the city.

[RebeccaLuker] And some summer stock.

[RobertArmin] sylvie says: Ms. Luker, I have waited more than 10 years to tell you how much I admire your talent, your voice, your elegance, your acting. I really want to thank you for giving me so much joy just by listening to your voice.

[RebeccaLuker] Thanks Sylvie!

[RebeccaLuker] Are you an actress/singer also?

[RobertArmin] sylvie responds: I used to but due to an accident, I teach singing now and cannot perform anymore.

[RebeccaLuker] Sylvie..I wish you the best of luck.

[RebeccaLuker] It's a great thing to teach someone.

[RobertArmin] Somer asks: Who has been your favorite co-star and is there anyone that you want to work with?

[RebeccaLuker] Michael Siberry in Sound of Music and Craig Beirko in Music Man are both great.

[RebeccaLuker] Cris Groenendal from Phantom too!

[RobertArmin] I think the first time I saw you perform was on the Boston Pops special.

[RobertArmin] You were a revelation.

[RebeccaLuker] With Kitty Carlisle?

[RebeccaLuker] That was fun!!

[RebeccaLuker] Man I love....great tune.

[RobertArmin] It's been said before but it's so true. Forty years ago they would have been writing a new show for you every year.

[RebeccaLuker] Yep...things have changed a bit.

[RebeccaLuker] That's kind of you to say.

[RebeccaLuker] I think we're all born when we are for a reason though.

[RobertArmin] Broadwaystar925 asks: Rebecca, when you act, do you have any tricks on getting into character?

[RebeccaLuker] I NEED some tricks!

[RebeccaLuker] Got any?

[RebeccaLuker] No...seriously...I just read any background material that may help.

[RebeccaLuker] Mostly I concentrate on the script and try to be honest.

[RobertArmin] mousey wants to know the first Broadway you ever saw?

[RebeccaLuker] My One and Only the year I moved to NYC.

[RebeccaLuker] Great!

[RobertArmin] Your Cole Porter album really allows you to show your versatility. The "I Like Pretty Things/Where Oh Where?" medley may be one of the wittiest, most charming recordings ever made. Whose idea was it to combine the two songs?

[RebeccaLuker] Patrick Brady, genius musical director/ arranger.

[RebeccaLuker] He's with Producers now.

[RebeccaLuker] It was all his idea; I just went along for the enjoyable ride.

[RebeccaLuker] Bruce Kimmel had some ideas too.

[RobertArmin] I can't imagine the two songs ever being separated after hearing that combination.

[RebeccaLuker] Me too; I thought it was a good idea too.

[RobertArmin] pj9 asks: When you have time off how do you spend your time? Laze around, take classes such as singing or dancing, travel, shopping?

[RebeccaLuker] Time off????!

[RebeccaLuker] Who has that?

[RebeccaLuker] I love to knit, read, go to the gym, cook.

[RebeccaLuker] Spend time with my husband and stepsons a lot.

[RebeccaLuker] Laundry...you know.

[RobertArmin] If you could plan your career for the next few years, what projects would you choose?

[RebeccaLuker] I'd do a play.

[RebeccaLuker] A feature film; maybe a period piece.

[RebeccaLuker] I'd launch my solo concert career.

[RebeccaLuker] I'd record a pop album.

[RebeccaLuker] I do a recital at Carnegie Hall; art song....etc.

[RebeccaLuker] I'm exhausted.

[RobertArmin] What play and what role would be ideal for you if you could revive it on Broadway?

[RebeccaLuker] Something like "Importance of Being Ernest" though I'm probably too old.

[RebeccaLuker] I'd also love to do something contemporary....but can't think what...maybe Neil Simon?

[RobertArmin] northerngram asks: Have Alex and Zach begun to study singing yet?

[RebeccaLuker] No...they're little yet.

[RebeccaLuker] I don't know what they'll do yet.

[RebeccaLuker] The little one, Zach has potential in that area.

[RobertArmin] patd97 asks: what can you tell us about the upcoming concert of New Composers?

[RebeccaLuker] That's an exciting project I think.

[RebeccaLuker] Joel Fram has put it together.

[RebeccaLuker] I've heard some of the songs and they're all very unique and different.

[RebeccaLuker] This'll be a great series we all hope.

[RebeccaLuker] Joel hope to expand it greatly; cabaret nights, etc.

[RobertArmin] Several people want to know about your concert schedule. They should check your website at rebeccaluker.com. Very useful site.

[RebeccaLuker] I'm not too busy at present with that.

[RebeccaLuker] In Feb. I'll be in Columbus, OH and Nashville.

[RobertArmin] Sylvie comments: I think that the song For A Moment Of Your Love is one of the most beautiful song you have recorded. How did that come about?

[RebeccaLuker] At the time...Varese/Sarabande, now Fynsworth asked me to take part.

[RebeccaLuker] Lost in Boston?

[RebeccaLuker] I forget which one.

[RebeccaLuker] Unsung Musicals 2.

[RebeccaLuker] Robert just told me; he's a genius.

[RobertArmin] You have done so many terrific songs on compilations. You can search for the titles on this site.

[RobertArmin] And your Cole Porter album is one of my favorites.

[RebeccaLuker] Thanks !!

[RebeccaLuker] I had fun with that from start to finish; I have to do more of that.

[RobertArmin] Sylvie wonders if you like singing well known repertoire or introducing new songs.

[RebeccaLuker] Both!

[RebeccaLuker] I haven't introduced anything new for awhile.

[RebeccaLuker] That's why this Thalia concert is exciting to me.

[RobertArmin] Somer says: I first "discovered" you on my first trip to Broadway to see "The Sound of Music" in 1998 when I was 13 years old. You are amazing and an inspiration to me! I have followed your career and returned to NYC to see you in "The Music Man" (thanks for taking the time for a picture and to sign my playbill). Like sylvie, I just wanted to take this opportunity to let you know how much you are enjoyed by your fans!

[RebeccaLuker] Somer.. thanks so much!

[RebeccaLuker] I love meeting people after a show.

[RobertArmin] mousey asks if any of your relatives were in show business?

[RebeccaLuker] No, not one!

[RebeccaLuker] I'm the black sheep.

[RobertArmin] KMK2002 asks: Are you close with a lot of the other big female performers usually on Broadway like Marin Mazzie, Alice Ripley, Heather Headley, etc.?

[RebeccaLuker] I'm friends with all of them.

[RebeccaLuker] Alison Fraser and I are close pals.

[RobertArmin] Mc0624nyc asks: Who are some of the singers you like to listen to for your own enjoyment?

[RebeccaLuker] Ella Fitzgerald.

[RebeccaLuker] Louis Armstrong, Von Stade, James Taylor, B. Cook.

[RebeccaLuker] I could keep going.

[RebeccaLuker] Renee Fleming, Bryn Terfel.

[RobertArmin] You were in Washington DC over the weekend to see the Kennedy Center Honors. How did that go?

[RebeccaLuker] Speaking of Von Stade and James Taylor!!!

[RebeccaLuker] They were there and it was so much fun.

[RebeccaLuker] Chita Rivera was radiant.

[RebeccaLuker] so deserving of the Honors.

[RobertArmin] Chita Rivera has a tiny part in the movie of Chicago -- and she is wonderful.

[RobertArmin] Just a cameo appearance.

[RebeccaLuker] They should have filmed her years ago!

[RebeccaLuker] In West Side as well.

[RebeccaLuker] She is something.

[RobertArmin] When they asked you to perform in Passion were you worried you would have to appear the same way Marin did on Broadway?

[RebeccaLuker] No....it was a deal breaker.

[RobertArmin] What a shame.

[RobertArmin] Just kidding.

[RebeccaLuker] Eric Schaeffer, the director, didn't want nudity anyway, so it was never an issue!

[RebeccaLuker] Thank god.

[RebeccaLuker] You're funny.

[RobertArmin] You looked lovely enough in the negligee.

[RebeccaLuker] Yes... it was fairly sheer.

[RebeccaLuker] Thanks, by the way.

[RobertArmin] haffeyanne asks: What is a favorite song that you have yet to record?

[RebeccaLuker] I'd love to do anything Jazzy or even Rock.....hard question.

[RebeccaLuker] Maybe I'll come back to that one...wow!

[RebeccaLuker] Maybe Beatles! I love them.

[RobertArmin] pj9 asks: Since we are on the Fynsworth Alley site are you planning any collaboration with them on a new cd?

[RebeccaLuker] Not that I know of!

[RebeccaLuker] I'll have to work on that.

[RobertArmin] KMK2002 asks: Where do you like to go shopping for clothes?

[RebeccaLuker] I need help with that!

[RebeccaLuker] The Gap, anywhere.

[RebeccaLuker] That's always been a hard thing for me....the clothes thing.

[RebeccaLuker] Not that it's important, right?

[RobertArmin] mousey adds: I, like Sylvie and Somer, would also like to say how I think you have an amazing singing voice, and your stage presence is incredible. You are part of the reason why I keep on wanting to head towards a performing career. You were a great inspiration to me. I was also wondering if you have ever considered voice acting?

[RebeccaLuker] You mean voice over work?

[RebeccaLuker] In a commercial or two over the years.

[RobertArmin] You should be starring in Disney's next animated film!

[RebeccaLuker] That'd be great!

[RobertArmin] Let's create a tv series for three Broadway actresses -- you, Karen Ziemba and name a third.

[RebeccaLuker] Marin, Kristin, Audra?

[RebeccaLuker] Audra's in one now though.

[RebeccaLuker] That's great for her.

[RobertArmin] KMK2002 asks: When the revivals of "The Music Man" and "Kiss Me, Kate" came around, Marin Mazzie said it was a big decision for her because she wanted to do the role of Marian as well as Kate. Did you have the desire to play the role of Kate also?

[RebeccaLuker] Yes, very much.

[RebeccaLuker] Kate is a fabulous part.

[RobertArmin] Sylvie asks: When you do a Broadway show, do you still get notes after the show?

[RebeccaLuker] On occasion the director and stage manager will give notes.

[RebeccaLuker] They keep pretty close tabs on us.

[RobertArmin] Fhgirl459 writes: I agree with everyone who says how much they have enjoyed your work. I have been lucky enough to perform with you in my school's benefit, Brearley on Broadway, and to meet you on my birthday when I came backstage at Music Man. I was wondering, is there any particular theatre that you have enjoyed performing in and would like to perform in again?

[RebeccaLuker] The Brearley evening was great!

[RebeccaLuker] I've loved all the theaters. The St. James is way up there.

[RebeccaLuker] I did Secret Garden there.

[RobertArmin] Sylvie also asks: Did you get dance training? You seem to dance very well and seem comfortable with the dancing.

[RebeccaLuker] I've gotten a little.

[RebeccaLuker] Ballet, jazz, tap.

[RebeccaLuker] Mostly Ballet though and a bit of ballroom.

[RebeccaLuker] I just learn as I go in whichever show I'm in.

[RobertArmin] I wish I had seen you in Phantom. That must have been quite a workout.

[RebeccaLuker] It was. I call it Camp Phantom.

[RebeccaLuker] I was there 3 years.

[RebeccaLuker] It was difficult and thrilling at the same time.

[RobertArmin] You did record one of the songs, fortunately, and with no one less than Placido Domingo!

[RobertArmin] How did that come about?

[RebeccaLuker] That was a hoot! We went to this recording studio after a show!

[RebeccaLuker] Midnight or something....and we had sushi.

[RebeccaLuker] He's just great!

[RobertArmin] patd97 asks: Did you ever break up during a show or forget what you were suppose to do next? What was the biggest "disaster" you had?

[RebeccaLuker] Of course!!!

[RebeccaLuker] In Phantom once I slipped on all that fog oil and slid all the way upstage

[RebeccaLuker] underneath the big gate and got my calf caught under an iron pointed thing.

[RebeccaLuker] The Phantom helped me tear my dress of the thing and we kept going.

[RebeccaLuker] There were many of those in Phantom.

[RobertArmin] Sylvie asks: Do you live in Manhattan or do you prefer to live outside of the city? Did Sept. 11 scare you ? Did you want to move back to Alabama?

[RebeccaLuker] I live in and love Manhattan and always will.

[RebeccaLuker] Sept. 11 will always be a somber memory.

[RebeccaLuker] It makes me very proud of us New Yorkers.

[RebeccaLuker] No, I'll not move back to Ala.

[RebeccaLuker] It's pretty there but no longer home.

[RobertArmin] Do you have any recommendations for young performers hoping to get started in musicals?

[RebeccaLuker] I'd say the same thing to one interested in acting, dance, etc.

[RebeccaLuker] Get into classes; movement, dance, acting. I wish I had taken more classes when I was younger.

[RebeccaLuker] Study voice with someone you're comfortable with.

[RebeccaLuker] If what they say to do hurts, or feels funny. Don't do it.

[RobertArmin] Very good advice.

[RebeccaLuker] Get into any production you can; community theatre, stuff at your school, etc.

[RobertArmin] Do you still have a singing coach?

[RebeccaLuker] Yes, a teach. Joan Lader.

[RebeccaLuker] Teacher, that is.

[RebeccaLuker] I've been with Joan for over a decade.

[RobertArmin] Your singing voice is very natural, especially for a soprano.

[RobertArmin] I think you may be the best since Barbara Cook.

[RebeccaLuker] Thanks. So nice of you. I guess that's a pet peeve of mine.

[RebeccaLuker] I always try to sing like one would speak.

[RobertArmin] The Cole Porter album is unusual in that you really get the meaning of the lyrics out.

[RebeccaLuker] Gosh!!!!!

[RobertArmin] It's not just pretty notes.

[RebeccaLuker] I'm flattered to death. She's really wonderful.

[RobertArmin] As you may have guessed, I like your singing, too.

[RebeccaLuker] Alix Korey, a pal, says she tells her students she doesn't want to hear "Pretty notes."

[RobertArmin] Sylvie wants to know if there is a place she can send you snail mail?

[RebeccaLuker] C/O William Morris Agency

[RebeccaLuker] 1325 Ave. of the Americas, NYC 10019

[RobertArmin] So, let's reiterate, what's next for you. Concerts, etc.

[RebeccaLuker] Yep, a lot of that.

[RebeccaLuker] I'm working on a pop CD as well as Aria 3.

[RebeccaLuker] I'm auditioning a lot and we'll see!

[RobertArmin] BroadwayStar925 comments: Rebecca, I want to thank you for being such an inspiration to me and for taking the time to take a picture with me at the Hollywood Bowl concert last August, and I also wondered: You've done both film and theater, which do you prefer more and why?

[RebeccaLuker] You're most welcome.

[RebeccaLuker] Film or theater.....hmm.

[RebeccaLuker] I've done only one film so I haven't much frame of reference.

[RebeccaLuker] I’ve really like to do more TV and Film; it's very different and much fun.

[RebeccaLuker] But there's nothing like theater. It's by far the hardest I'd say. Not for the faint of heart.

[RobertArmin] FredMann writes: I will be in NYC in June to see about 20 shows. Any chance I will see you on stage ?

[RebeccaLuker] I have no idea. Just look at the ABC's. I hope I'll be in there.

[RobertArmin] Sylvie comments: I am surprised to learn that you are still auditioning!!! Thank you for the address.

[RebeccaLuker] Oh please!!!:):)

[RebeccaLuker] Everyone auditions. Some things never change.

[RebeccaLuker] But that's O.K. It seems a performer always has to prove himself.

[RobertArmin] What's the most nerve-wracking audition you have had?

[RebeccaLuker] I’d say any play.

[RebeccaLuker] I'm still not altogether comfortable with that; film either.

[RebeccaLuker] Maybe that explains why I've not done that much!

[RobertArmin] mdiva asks: what do you think the future will be for lyric sopranos in musical theater?

[RebeccaLuker] I hope it's a bright one obviously.

[RebeccaLuker] There's always room for a soprano. The idea is to be versatil'

[RebeccaLuker] versatile

[RobertArmin] Sylvie asks: Do you still have to go to call backs? or are you auditioning only for the form or to confirm a director's choice.

[RebeccaLuker] Every job is different. Sometimes I'm asked to do something; that's fantastic!

[RebeccaLuker] But usually I audition and yes, have to go to multiple callbacks. Even for Music Man.

[RobertArmin] mousey wants to know what Broadway shows you have seen lately?

[RebeccaLuker] I saw Amour before it closed; lovely!!

[RobertArmin] That was a terrific show! Can't wait for the album to come out -- or be recorded, for that matter.

[RebeccaLuker] I hope they record it.

[RobertArmin] A Man of No Importance is being recorded, so we can hope.

[RebeccaLuker] I hear that's great too.

[RobertArmin] Is there anyone working in theater today that you haven't worked with, that you'd like to?

[RebeccaLuker] So many! Rosemary Harris, George Grizzard

[RobertArmin] Sylvie asks: Congratulations for Passion and for your choice of not undressing. Was it a hard decision?

[RebeccaLuker] I wouldn't have done it had it called for nudity.

[RebeccaLuker] Call me crazy....I have a thing about doing the opening number naked:)

[RobertArmin] You’re crazy.

[RobertArmin] Well you asked me to.

[RobertArmin] To call you crazy.

[RebeccaLuker] I did indeed.

[RobertArmin] mdiva asks: you did a number of jazzy/gutsy numbers on the cole porter cd which I love-- do you think that directors see you mainly as the "lovely" part- do you think that you will be able to do a comedic role someday? how real is type casting??

[RebeccaLuker] Boys from Syracuse was a comic part for me.

[RebeccaLuker] True, that's not been my bread and butter.

[RebeccaLuker] Yes, it's hard to break out of the mold sometimes.

[RebeccaLuker] I'm slowly doing that I think.

[RobertArmin] One of the strangest casting choices in recent theatre was not asking Rebecca back to do Boys From Syracuse on Broadway. Of course, there were a number of other mistakes with that show, as well.

[RobertArmin] You were terrific at Encores.

[RebeccaLuker] Well, thanks Robert. I didn't see it; wish I had.

[RobertArmin] And very sexy -- even without a negligee :-)

[RebeccaLuker] I like Scott Ellis; he's a great guy.

[RobertArmin] Actually, that didn't sound right.

[RobertArmin] You WERE wearing something!

[RebeccaLuker] That was such fun; what a great book and score.

[RebeccaLuker] Yes, we were clothed.

[RobertArmin] That George Abbott was a clever fella.

[RebeccaLuker] I believe Marian Seldes was in the buff.

[RebeccaLuker] :)

[RebeccaLuker] Just kidding Marian.

[RobertArmin] Sylvie asks: Would you love to play a part where you had to be in serious wigs and costumes like The Witch in Into The Woods?

[RebeccaLuker] I USUALLY wear serious wigs?!

[RebeccaLuker] Yes, that would be great; I adore any Sondheim.

[RobertArmin] I like your funny wigs, too.

[RobertArmin] FredMann asks: Most new shows now take several years to develop. Can you take that much time to be part of such a new show ?

[RebeccaLuker] Well, you may do a reading or showcase of something then take a break from it.

[RobertArmin] What show were you with for the longest pre-production period?

[RebeccaLuker] They've all been about the same; Time and Again I suppose was a long one

[RebeccaLuker] But it doesn't count because it never came in.

[RebeccaLuker] I did the premier at the Old Globe.

[RobertArmin] Did you ever get to record the Time and Again score?

[RebeccaLuker] No, Alas. So beautiful.

[RobertArmin] KMK2002 writes: I just did a production of "Kiss Me, Kate" in New Jersey and the musical director was actually the assistant conductor/pianist for the revival of "Showboat" on Broadway. His name is Warren Helms. Do you by any chance remember him?

[RebeccaLuker] Yes, I think I do. Say hi to Warren.

[RobertArmin] mdiva wonders if you have a favorite composer?

[RebeccaLuker] I love the oldies, Gershwin, Kern, Porter, etc.

[RebeccaLuker] That's tough though because there's no beating Sondheim. McCartney and Lennon aren't bad either.

[RobertArmin] Well, I promised you I would get you out in 90 minutes and it's coming up on that now. Any last thoughts for our readers?

[RebeccaLuker] This has been a lot of fun. I'm glad you all participated.

[RobertArmin] I want to thank you for taking time to visit with us.

[RebeccaLuker] My extreme pleasure, Robert.

[RobertArmin] You're a good typist!

[RebeccaLuker] Yeah, right.

[RebeccaLuker] Thanks for forgiving my typos.

[RobertArmin] Anyway, if you want to learn more about Rebecca, check out her website.

[RebeccaLuker] Talk to you later! Happy Holidays to everyone.

[RobertArmin] Thanks everyone for stopping by.