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Transcript of Robert
Armin's online chat with Sally Mayes |
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(For the following chat, Sally Mayes did her own typing from the offices of Fynsworth Alley Records. For the sake of clarity, most of the typos and misspellings have been corrected.) [RobertArmin] Good evening and welcome to the Fynsworth Alley chat room. (I really need to think up a more interesting opening -- something more Walter Cronkite-ish) [RobertArmin] Tonight, my guest is the unique and multi-talented musical comedy dynamo - Sally Mayes. [RobertArmin] I was fortunate enough to have seen Sally in her Broadway debut - Welcome To The Club. The show didn't last very long, but the memory of Sally sure did. [SallyMayes] Hi [RobertArmin] Since then, she has starred on Broadway (and off) in She Loves Me, Closer Than Ever, Das Barbecue, Pete 'n' Keely and the recent Urban Cowboy. [RobertArmin] Welcome, Sally! [SallyMayes] Thanks, Robert [RobertArmin] We had a bit of a computer problem a few weeks ago, so I'm glad you were finally able to join me. [SallyMayes] Still trying to figure the setup out! [RobertArmin] As I mentioned above, I saw you in Welcome To The Club and Closer Than Ever, so I've been a fan for a long time. [SallyMayes] There we are. [SallyMayes] Thank you! [RobertArmin] Sally doesn't have a Java-savvy computer at home, so she is typing on the office computer of Fynsworth Alley's Bill Meade. [RobertArmin] Thank you, Bill. [SallyMayes] And I am a dinosaur when it comes to technology anyway! [RobertArmin] Sally, you're not the first and you won't be the last who says that! [SallyMayes] I think I finally have the hang of it! [RobertArmin] I remember you - vividly - in Welcome To The Club. Was that your first NY show? [SallyMayes] Bring on the questions [SallyMayes] Yes, I had been here for 3 months, sleeping on Erv Raible's couch [RobertArmin] So did you go to an open audition or what? [RobertArmin] open [SallyMayes] It was a great break for me, even though the show was not received well [SallyMayes] Someone came into 88's and said they were looking for a dumb blonde and Erv recommended me! [RobertArmin] And Cy Coleman certainly gave you a great introduction to New York audiences [SallyMayes] So they came to see my club act and then brought me in to audition for Cy Coleman and co. [RobertArmin] Someone who could PLAY a dumb blonde. [SallyMayes] Yeah, but the character I ended up playing was not dumb at all [RobertArmin] She was a hoot! [SallyMayes] she WAS a Dolly Parton lookalike, and I was very zaftig from stopping smoking, so I filled the bill [RobertArmin] Did you get to record any of your songs from that show? [SallyMayes] No, but I later recorded two of them that weren't mine [SallyMayes] for Varesee Sarabande and Bruce Kimmel, [SallyMayes] forgive my spelling folks, I can't see what I am writing [RobertArmin] Yes, Bruce has been a terrific supporter of yours [SallyMayes] Well, what can I say, I adore the man [RobertArmin] Me too. [RobertArmin] In a different sort of way, perhaps. :-) [RobertArmin] Your work on the Lost in Boston series is terrific. [SallyMayes] He always gave me the best songs [SallyMayes] I think next to Lizzie, I was his favorite artist [RobertArmin] I loved the things, especially, that you did from 110 in the Shade - the unused songs. [SallyMayes] and he trusted me, which was worth everything to me [SallyMayes] Harvey is a very great man [RobertArmin] Your solo album of Comden and Green songs inspired me to use "If" in my revival of Say, Darling - which, of course, also included "Chief of Love." [RobertArmin] I think you're the only person other than Vivian Blaine to record that song! [SallyMayes] That album is such a great album, and NO ONE knows about it or can get it [RobertArmin] Fynsworth will have to reissue it!!!! [RobertArmin] Do you hear me, Bill? [SallyMayes] I think maybe it is because Varese released like 20 albums on the same day and had like one press guy [RobertArmin] It's a great, great album. [SallyMayes] but I just did the stuff again for the Kennedy Center, and those arrangements are so brilliant - my Patrick Brady at his best [RobertArmin] Let me try to get to a few of the questions being posted by our audience. [SallyMayes] cool [RobertArmin] deneicy asks: I'm curious about vocal technique, too...how she's studied, if she attributes any particular pedagogy, exercises, practices to her vocal health... [SallyMayes] Well, I am a natural singer, with a little help from Joan Lader if I get into trouble [SallyMayes] But I find it is a muscle that must be used every day, or you start to lose it. [SallyMayes] I was so out of shape when I started URBAN COWBOY, because I had been doing DIRTY BLONDE [SallyMayes] on the road and had not been singing except to do Mae, and that was no stretch or workout for my voice [RobertArmin] You had some strong numbers in Urban Cowboy, that's fur sher [SallyMayes] Well, I have actually never done a show where I sang so little, but that is another story! [RobertArmin] That's true, but when you sang, the audience sure noticed it. [RobertArmin] You provided both the comedy AND the pathos! [RobertArmin] Comic and serious [SallyMayes] My dad taught me to sing, he was a jazz musician, and I was very influenced by the singers of his day, Ella, [RobertArmin] Yes, what other singers inspired you? [SallyMayes] Edie, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra [SallyMayes] I listened to all that stuff growing up and it really rubbed off in the best way [RobertArmin] azalea asks: What about Doris Day? [SallyMayes] thanks for the UC compliment, I loved my work with Leo Burmeister, he is one of the great actors of our time [RobertArmin] The original "Master of the House." [SallyMayes] Doris was also an influence, but not until later, when I started watching her movies [SallyMayes] And Ann-Margret was my personal role model, not as a singer, but just as a STAR [RobertArmin] Doris is probably my favorite - especially her early big band recordings. [SallyMayes] THAT GIRL CAN SING [RobertArmin] Funny, I have the complete recordings of Doris Day and Ann-Margret, so they're both favs [SallyMayes] Well KITTEN WITH A WHIP, what can I say? [SallyMayes] Doris with the big bands, such styling and phrasing, even when she was very young [RobertArmin] In fact, I'm the guy who talked BMG into reissuing the Ann-Margret recordings. My name is even in the booklet with the Let Me Entertain You album. I'm very proud of that! [SallyMayes] she was just marvelous [RobertArmin] You and a whip, hmmm? [SallyMayes] But probably Eydie Gorme was the single greatest influence on my singing [SallyMayes] I totally based all my vocalizing in PETE N KEELY on her albums [RobertArmin] Interestingly enough, all of these singers are noted for their way with the lyrics. [SallyMayes] what a voice!!! [RobertArmin] Which you also excel at. [SallyMayes] well, that is equally important [RobertArmin] Kris and I just saw the "final tour" of Steve and Eydie a few weeks ago. [RobertArmin] She is still a powerhouse performer. [SallyMayes] you can sound great, but if there isn't anything going on, WHO CARES? [RobertArmin] I agree! [SallyMayes] That and diction are my two pet peeves [RobertArmin] The Dorothy Fields album also gave you some great lyrics to sink into. [SallyMayes] my new favorite performer is Elaine Stritch [SallyMayes] That one woman show was not to be believed [SallyMayes] although the shirt made me very nervous [SallyMayes] that’s how it is done folks [RobertArmin] The shirt made you nervous? [SallyMayes] well, you just never knew WHAT you were gonna see [SallyMayes] And as much as I love her, I don't wanna go there! [SallyMayes] The Dorothy Fields album is my first and I’m doing a concert of it on July 15th in Wilmington, VT [SallyMayes] and so I have been relearning the stuff and I AM REALLY PROUD of it [SallyMayes] Not bad for a first shot [SallyMayes] if I do say so myself [RobertArmin] Great material. [RobertArmin] azalea writes: Sally, your performance as Ado Annie in OK nearly a decade ago at Muni Opera was delightful and memorable, (as was Jeff McCarthy's Jud). Do you remember who directed that Muni Opera Production? [SallyMayes] Paul Burke who is head of the MUNI [SallyMayes] Bless you [SallyMayes] Excuse me, I mean Blake [SallyMayes] Paul Blake [RobertArmin] The Muni has had some inspired casting [RobertArmin] The Bye Bye Birdie tour originated there. [RobertArmin] Not officially, of course, but they had Tommy Tune first. [SallyMayes] And Gemze de Lappe recreated the original choreography [RobertArmin] For Oklahoma, of course. [SallyMayes] And Jeff McCarthy was the sexiest Jud Fry I have ever seen [RobertArmin] My wife AGREES! [SallyMayes] OMIGOD [SallyMayes] I LOVE THAT MAN [RobertArmin] She always talks about him. [RobertArmin] I'm so jealous. [SallyMayes] He is still a great friend and supporter, just from that one little gig [SallyMayes] Lara Teeter was my Will Parker, and the three of us were inseparable [RobertArmin] dante asks: Sally, have you done any films? [SallyMayes] I did the tv version of BYE BYE BIRDIE [SallyMayes] and City Hall [RobertArmin] You were terrific in Birdie, too. [RobertArmin] Unusual casting. [RobertArmin] Didn't see City Hall, but I'll go rent it. [SallyMayes] Gene Saks kept giving me all this STUFF to do because he liked me [SallyMayes] and because he needed more time on the film [SallyMayes] I was terrified [SallyMayes] Blink and you will miss me [RobertArmin] Not true. [RobertArmin] true [RobertArmin] Ed Sullivan!!!!! [RobertArmin] Ed Sullivan!!! [RobertArmin] We're gonna be on Ed Sullivan!!! [SallyMayes] I had this funny scene with Cusack, and we did like 4 different quirky versions and they chose the most boring [RobertArmin] Oh, you mean in City Hall [RobertArmin] I promise not to blink [SallyMayes] yeah, I was so excited because they had all these funny quirky scenes, and then it gets to mine and I was [SallyMayes] a total bore [SallyMayes] Ah well, it was a nice paycheck [RobertArmin] Well, let's get back to Broadway. You were only in NY for a few months when you got your first Broadway gig. How did you get involved in Closer Than Ever? [SallyMayes] I always tell the story of going from a production in OKLAHOMA of MOLLY BROWN, and it was no money and burning up and just awful [SallyMayes] and the critics slaughtered me and they cheered Brian Sutherland and I sprained my ankle and wrenched my back [RobertArmin] You were performing Molly in the State of Oklahoma? [RobertArmin] These titles are confusing. [SallyMayes] and I came home in steerage, got on a first class flight to Vancouver, where I was picked up by a limo and taken to a luxury hotel and hung out and shared a car with George Wendt and it was soooooo fabulous [SallyMayes] and I kept thinking, WHY DO I DO THEATRE? [RobertArmin] For the movie of Birdie... I'm following you [SallyMayes] Unsinkable Molly Brown [RobertArmin] Don't be like so many others -- get a TV series and never return. [RobertArmin] Do a series AND THEN return. ‘-) [SallyMayes] About CLOSER THAN EVER, I auditioned the day after WELCOME TO THE CLUB closed, and I was SOOO hung-over, and I had to go to Richard Maltby's house and sing for him and his wife, who was one of the producers [RobertArmin] I wanted to compliment you on Closer Than Ever. Your performance of "Miss Byrd" was one-of-a-kind. A Classic. [SallyMayes] And they cast me right then and there, so who knew? [SallyMayes] Miss Byrd is my follow me around song [RobertArmin] They sure chose well. Brent Barrett was also in the cast! [SallyMayes] wherever I go, whatever I do, SOMEBODY wants to hear that song, or meet her! [RobertArmin] I remember seeing Rita Rudner do it on a British TV variety show. As much as I like Rita, it's definitely your song. [SallyMayes] Brent Barrett, the most talented man in show business!! [RobertArmin] Ain't it the truth. [SallyMayes] Well she didn't GET the concept, I don't think [RobertArmin] Ah, you saw Rita, too, I guess. [SallyMayes] It HAS to be a woman who has a HUGE secret and is loving every minute of this wild affair she is having with Paolo [SallyMayes] (my name for him) [SallyMayes] I also met my husband doing that show, so it is a FOND memory for me [RobertArmin] It's interesting that you have avoided typecasting so well. A Texas gal is not the person you would expect to see as Ilona in She Loves Me. But you were fabulous! [SallyMayes] And of course Patrick Brady, my MD lo these many years [SallyMayes] Well, that is an interesting story, because Hal Prince actually went to bat for me [RobertArmin] Ah? [SallyMayes] He called Scott Ellis up and told him I simply MUST play Ilona [RobertArmin] Well, thank you, Hal. [SallyMayes] And Scott was thinking I am sure, well, thanks but I will cast who I want [RobertArmin] You received a Tony nomination for that. [SallyMayes] But he brought me in like twenty times and finally I got a call saying they wanted Andrea Martin [RobertArmin] !!! [SallyMayes] but she might be doing a series and if SHE couldn't do it they wanted me [RobertArmin] It's like she's the only comic woman in show biz... [SallyMayes] so I said, so long I am going to LA [SallyMayes] And they called the next morning [SallyMayes] story of my life, I keep trying to go to LA [SallyMayes] warm beaches [SallyMayes] money [SallyMayes] international stardom [RobertArmin] Considering some of the odd choices the Roundabout has made over the years, they can be grateful for Hal Prince's "interference." [SallyMayes] but I remain the unknown actress everyone knows [RobertArmin] Well put. [SallyMayes] So funny, when I was doing URBAN COWBOY in Miami, I was pretty much invisible to the creative team, they had so much on their plate and so much to look at [RobertArmin] As usual, they didn't recognize the show's most valuable asset. [SallyMayes] but when we got to NY, Aaron Latham, the writer, actually said to someone, WHAT A NICE SURPRISE Sally is turning out to be! [RobertArmin] Musical theatre is all about the performances, not how tight the jeans are. [SallyMayes] And I was thinking WHAT DID YOU THINK I WAS GOING TO DO - SUCK? [RobertArmin] SALLY DOES NOT SUCK [RobertArmin] I can see it in Variety! [SallyMayes] they were all sooo amazed, except for my darling Jeff Blumencrantz, who wrote that GREAT song for me [SallyMayes] and knew what I did [RobertArmin] I was so annoyed that they sent us a demo CD of songs from the show -- but you weren't on it! [RobertArmin] "They" meaning the producers. [SallyMayes] Well like I said, I was invisible til we hit NY [SallyMayes] And even then, ..... [RobertArmin] Had it not been for Nine, you would certainly have gotten another Tony nomination. [RobertArmin] No doubt in my mind. [RobertArmin] Have they mentioned doing a cast album of Urban Cowboy? [RobertArmin] To promote the tour? [SallyMayes] Well, I think that ultimately, Lonny just ended up cutting too much of my spine away for that to happen, with or without NINE, but I thank you for saying that [RobertArmin] azalea asks: Were you considered for the revival of BELLS ARE RINGING? Have you done this show in stock? [RobertArmin] And I ask, have you done Born Yesterday, another Judy Holliday show? [SallyMayes] I had to actually call the director and ASK to audition [SallyMayes] She saw me without anyone in the room and later I was told I was too old [RobertArmin] ! [RobertArmin] Well, the less said about that particular director, the better, I guess. [SallyMayes] but I had great validation that same year when Adolph Green came to see PETE N KEELY and he said "Why weren't you seen for BELLS?" And I said "I WAS ADOLPH" [SallyMayes] No, I think she is terrific, they just really WANTED Faith [RobertArmin] Well, the people who understand "talent," know these things. [RobertArmin] Actually, Faith was planned from the very beginning. [SallyMayes] Well I probably am a little long in the tooth to really do it [RobertArmin] I think they just needed to prove to the producers that she was the best around. [RobertArmin] Judy was "long-in-the-tooth" by the time she did it, too. [SallyMayes] I know, I was being facetious [RobertArmin] :-) [RobertArmin] azalea asks: Are you more selective about projects since you became a Mother? [SallyMayes] OH SOOOOO PICKY [SallyMayes] It is the hardest thing in the world, doing this AND trying to raise a child and PARTICIPATE in his life [RobertArmin] So what roles would drag you out of town again? [RobertArmin] Any? [SallyMayes] So I try to only choose things that will really make me happy - sometimes I miss the boat [RobertArmin] Well, I'm glad you did Dirty Blonde, because of the Paul Amodeo connection! [RobertArmin] Paul introduced you to me for our York Theatre reading of "Madly In Love." [SallyMayes] Well, you have to understand when I signed on for UC, it was for Phil Osterman, who thought I hung the moon, so that was totally an odd situation [SallyMayes] I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Paulie [RobertArmin] HE speaks very highly of you, too! [SallyMayes] I would go anywhere to do GYPSY [RobertArmin] Of course. [SallyMayes] DYING to do Gypsy [RobertArmin] You'd be GREAT! [SallyMayes] Really really want to do plays [RobertArmin] Petite women are doing Gypsy this year. [SallyMayes] Singing is just something I can do [SallyMayes] I studied acting [RobertArmin] Where? [SallyMayes] I love to break down a script, find all the ins and outs [RobertArmin] You should find a theatre to do "Say, Darling." It's a funny play AND it has songs by Comden-Green-Styne. [SallyMayes] In Texas with a Great great teacher named Cecil Pickett [RobertArmin] Where in Texas are you from? [SallyMayes] I grew up in Livingston TX, about 75 miles north of Houston [RobertArmin] And you could sing "Chief of Love" and "If." [SallyMayes] Went to college at University of Houston [SallyMayes] Great theatre department [RobertArmin] Did you perform there? [RobertArmin] What shows? [SallyMayes] oh god yes [SallyMayes] Mack and Mabel, Robber Bridegroom [SallyMayes] I sang for a living at night with a vocal trio [RobertArmin] Kris (over my shoulder) asks if you studied dance with Tommy Tune's sister? [SallyMayes] ????? [RobertArmin] She teaches dance in Houston. [SallyMayes] I was a while after Tommy [SallyMayes] I remember Patrick Swayze's mom Patsy being the hot teacher in Houston [SallyMayes] she did the dancing for URBAN COWBOY [SallyMayes] And I auditioned for the Houston production of BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE when I was in college and they were [SallyMayes] putting in a company at the Tower Theatre down there [SallyMayes] That damned Mashed Potato step always fucked me up [RobertArmin] See, we never censor here. ;-) [SallyMayes] But that is how I met Bruce Lumpkin, who was Tommy’s right hand man for years [SallyMayes] and who is still a great friend [RobertArmin] We know Bruce! [RobertArmin] Tell him we say "hi." [RobertArmin] He used to live in our building. [SallyMayes] and thru him, I met Phil Osterman [SallyMayes] gosh this all sounds so incestuous [RobertArmin] It's a VERY small community. [RobertArmin] Lots of in-breeding. [SallyMayes] well, especially with Texans [RobertArmin] Did Bruce ever direct you in anything? [SallyMayes] I still have people show up from high school to see me [SallyMayes] Bruce directed a workshop of a show about Patsy Cline that I did, called HONKY TONK ANGEL [SallyMayes] He is such a good director [RobertArmin] Who are some of your other favorite directors (other than me, of course)? [SallyMayes] Robby Marshall [SallyMayes] Rob Marshall [RobertArmin] Whatever happened to him? [SallyMayes] I should say now that he is famous [SallyMayes] he has a genius for fitting the song to what you have to bring to it. [RobertArmin] Well, if he does do the new movie version of Damn Yankees, there's a GREAT role for you. [SallyMayes] that is really the best way to describe it [RobertArmin] The reporter. [SallyMayes] naah, they will get Britney Spears or somebody like that [SallyMayes] youth and beauty baby [RobertArmin] Kris was just saying "They'd get someone like Britney." Hah! [SallyMayes] well the sad thing is it is really true [RobertArmin] When will "THEY" learn that it's the "character actors" who make things truly memorable? [RobertArmin] There are so few working. [SallyMayes] never [SallyMayes] don't you see how this business is changing? [SallyMayes] Truly [RobertArmin] The casting directors control everything now [SallyMayes] You have to be a tv or movie star to carry a show [RobertArmin] And producers don't understand what talent can do to lift their shows up. [RobertArmin] The shows make the stars, not the other way around. [SallyMayes] I really want to direct and write my own stuff, just so I can have a little control before I die!!! [RobertArmin] Are we going to get to see a new club act soon? [SallyMayes] well things are sooo expensive now that the producers HAVE to have a name [SallyMayes] and they are willing to do it with canned music! [RobertArmin] Well, I hope NEVER GONNA DANCE is a huge hit. That'll show 'em. [SallyMayes] not unless a room opens that I can play [RobertArmin] Two talented "unknowns." [SallyMayes] Feinstein’s is too expensive for my audience [SallyMayes] Don't like the Algonquin sound and space [RobertArmin] It is for me, that's for sure. [SallyMayes] Can't get a real run at Joe's Pub [RobertArmin] True. [RobertArmin] Well, we'll be hoping it happens soon. [SallyMayes] Don't want to sing at DON'T TELL MAMA! [RobertArmin] I understand that. [SallyMayes] I work a lot out of town [RobertArmin] Do you have any other things coming up? [SallyMayes] in theatres and clubs [SallyMayes] Yes, I am doing this concert in Wilmington, then going up to Yale to teach, then to San Diego to do Dirty Blonde again [SallyMayes] then to London for my debut [SallyMayes] as a cabaret artist [RobertArmin] Neato, we want to get to London again one of these days. [RobertArmin] Is Paul Amodeo doing DB again? [SallyMayes] I don't think so [SallyMayes] I think it is Bob and Kevin [RobertArmin] Would you consider doing Urinetown when Carolee leaves? [SallyMayes] Well I never say never, but I haven't been asked!! [RobertArmin] Well, my fingers are crossed for all of these things. [SallyMayes] thank you, Robert! [RobertArmin] I always look forward to a Sally Mayes show. I know, at least, you will entertain me. [SallyMayes] Good to know and hear [RobertArmin] Sally, thank you SOOOOOOO much for joining me tonight. [SallyMayes] not a problem! [RobertArmin] You are one of my favorites -- on stage and record. [RobertArmin] And a durn nice lady, too. [SallyMayes] thanks, you aren't bad yourself! [RobertArmin] By the way, how old is Ben Robert now? [SallyMayes] he is almost 7 [RobertArmin] It must be past his bedtime. [SallyMayes] he is sleeping I am sure [SallyMayes] camp tomorrow [RobertArmin] Well, get home safely, and thanks for sharing the evening with us. [SallyMayes] thank you [RobertArmin] Good night, everybody. I don't know yet who next week's guest is -- we shall see. [RobertArmin] Good night, Sally. [SallyMayes] nite nite |
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