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[RobertArmin] Good evening and welcome to the Fynsworth Alley chat room. [RobertArmin] Tonight, I am pleased to welcome one of the busiest actors in the biz. [RobertArmin] Ron Raines is known to many as Alan Spaulding on Guiding Light... [RobertArmin] But to me (and many others) he is one of the best singers in the musical theatre. [RobertArmin] Good evening Ron and thanks for joining me. [RonRaines] I'm delighted to be here with you, Robert [RonRaines] and anyone else who has logged on [RonRaines] Ask away [RobertArmin] For fans of Fynsworth, you are very familiar. [RobertArmin] You have appeared on probably half a dozen of our albums. [RonRaines] Three or four Lost in Boston [RonRaines] and Shakespeare and NIGHT OF THE HUNTER [RobertArmin] And of course many more with Jay Records in London. [RonRaines] Yes [RobertArmin] You're from Texas... [RonRaines] Nacogdoches [RobertArmin] How did you get started in singing? [RonRaines] Well, I got started singing in church [RonRaines] My father was a minister and I got started singing in his church [RonRaines] And, I sang before I could talk [RobertArmin] What church [RonRaines] It was the Evangelical Nazarene Church [RobertArmin] MKW writes: how lucky for those religious people! [RobertArmin] When did you discover musical theatre? [RonRaines] I really got the bug in my Senior Year in High School [RonRaines] When I played Curly in Oklahoma [RobertArmin] What other shows did you do then? [RonRaines] Not any in High School but in college I did KISS ME, KATE [RonRaines] and Opera and one of my summers I got my Equity Card at the Brunswick Summer Musicals in Maine [RonRaines] While I was attending Oklahoma City University. [RonRaines] I would do summer apprenticeships, two in Santa Fe Opera and two with Wolf Trap. [RonRaines] Oklahoma City University started a very good musical theatre department then [RonRaines] And a lot of good people have come through the program [RonRaines] Including Kristin Chenoweth and Lara Teeter [RobertArmin] dante writes: loved you at wolf trap last year any dc appearances in your future???? [RonRaines] I sang with National Symphony and Boston Pops. Last year I got to sing there twice [RonRaines] first DC's National Symphony and later on with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops tribute to Richard Rogers [RobertArmin] Rohartlawn writes: We loved you in Boston! Please come back more often. [RonRaines] So, I started at Wolf Trap thirty years ago, my first apprenticeship (I was two) [RonRaines] 22, I think I was. [RobertArmin] People who live in New York don't get to see you on the stage often enough. [RobertArmin] You have performed in seemingly every musical ever written! [RobertArmin] What are some of your favorite roles? [RonRaines] I have many [RonRaines] In operetta, Don Danilo in Merry Widow, Red Shadow in Desert Song… also Ben Stone in Follies and Fred Graham in Kiss Me, Kate [RonRaines] Hadj in Kismet [RonRaines] And of course Don Quixote de La Mancha [RonRaines] I loved doing the King in the King and I [RonRaines] and of course Ravenal in Show Boat [RonRaines] And so many more [RobertArmin] Your recording of Man of La Mancha includes ALL of the dialogue [RobertArmin] It's the first time since the London cast when we have gotten all the music. [RonRaines] I thoroughly enjoyed doing Billy Flynn last year in CHICAGO [RobertArmin] You performed the role in London first? [RobertArmin] Where did you do Man of La Mancha? [RonRaines] we performed at the Peacock Theatre [RonRaines] with the Covent Garden Theatre and we went into the studio and recorded every word. [RonRaines] Proud of that recording, some things I would like to go back in and redo [RonRaines] But I am proud of that recording [RonRaines] Lot of good stuff in it [RobertArmin] You have also recorded a number of other shows in two record sets -- 110 in the Shade with Karen Ziemba, Wonderful Town, The Pajama Game... [RobertArmin] These are terrific sets... [RonRaines] I like Guys and Dolls, too [RonRaines] with Emily Loesser [RobertArmin] It was interesting that she recorded the show for Jay once [RobertArmin] and then did it again with you! [RonRaines] Yes [RonRaines] I just did a highlight version of it [RobertArmin] It's worth buying both! [RobertArmin] dante asks: have you done any non-musical roles on stage? [RonRaines] No, I haven’t. No I haven't and I have always wanted to [RobertArmin] What are some of your dream roles? [RonRaines] Always a little scared of it, but I would like to do them [RonRaines] I am sure I as scared of them as straight actors are afraid of doing musicals [RonRaines] None, off the top of my head [RobertArmin] Are there any musical roles left to explore? [RonRaines] Oh, yeah [RonRaines] I would love to do Sweeney [RonRaines] I would like to work on it vocally but I would really like to do Sweeney [RonRaines] I would like to do Julian Marsh [RonRaines] I love all the Jerry Orbach roles [RonRaines] I had dinner with Jerry just after I finished my run of Chicago and it was really great to talk to him [RobertArmin] Have you talked to the producers of the current production of 42nd Street? [RonRaines] Yes, we have talked. But my schedule for the eight performances a week is brutal. I would be doing two full time jobs with the Soap [RobertArmin] dante asks: how did you get the role of mr. spaulding on the guiding light? [RonRaines] I was doing one of my favorite roles, one I forgot to mention, Emile DeBecque in SOUTH PACIFIC at Paper Mill Playhouse [RonRaines] And, I auditioned for it [RonRaines] I also auditioned for a tour of SOUND OF MUSIC with Marie Osmond, but [RonRaines] I chose to do GUIDING LIGHT to stay in town with my family [RobertArmin] What sort of arrangement with Guiding Light do you have to get out for shows? [RonRaines] Well, I have had to work my way up. [RonRaines] I am in my ninth year [RonRaines] When they hire you, they don't want to hire a singer [RonRaines] They want to own you [RonRaines] I had to prove to them this is what I do [RonRaines] And, now I have a very good contract that allows me to do concerts [RonRaines] I have professional "outs" [RonRaines] But I let them know I wanted to learn daytime and after 19 years on the road… [RobertArmin] One of the interesting things about the soap is that you can be off for weeks, but only a day or two goes by in the story. [RonRaines] ...It was a nice change and television is good for one's career [RonRaines] It's millions instead of 1500 people. I just made it work for me with the musical concerts work [RobertArmin] And it certainly helps build audiences for your concerts. [RonRaines] Not to mention the PBS work I have done. [RobertArmin] Rohartlawn writes: Congratulations on your Daytime Emmy nomination! [RonRaines] Thanks [RonRaines] I am excited about it [RobertArmin] Is this your first nomination? [RonRaines] Yes, it is my first Emmy nomination [RonRaines] May 16, ABC. 8PM [RobertArmin] Well, we'll certainly be crossing our fingers for you. [RobertArmin] rysingwrite writes: What was it like being in a production of Oh Lady! Lady? What do you think of the show, and what are some challenges with doing a show of that early era? [RonRaines] I think that was around '85 [RonRaines] We did it at the Princess Theatre [RonRaines] At the Carnegie Auditorium [RonRaines] We recorded it in London in 2001, it is in the can, but it hasn't come out yet [RonRaines] Judy Kaye is in it, David Garrison, Rebecca Luker [RobertArmin] There are several other albums still to be released, too, aren't there? [RobertArmin] Are you on the One Touch of Venus? [RonRaines] That one is still in the works [RonRaines] I put down West Wind, but I am going to redo it [RonRaines] Melissa Ericco has done her tracks -- I saw her at ENCORES and she was fabulous [RonRaines] I also saw her in SUNDAY IN THE PARK this summer in DC. Just Fabulous [RobertArmin] Did you get to see her in Amour? [RonRaines] No, I missed that [RobertArmin] Rohartlawn: Is there any timeline for the release of your second solo album? [RonRaines] Ah, I've laid down about 6 or 7 and have about 6 or 7 to go [RonRaines] I want to get it out this year [RonRaines] I know John Yap does want to get it released [RobertArmin] Your first album is just superb. There are few really great theatre baritones and you are one of the very best. [RobertArmin] dante writes: by the way, you are superb as alan spaulding. ps. i miss mary stuart a lot on the show [RonRaines] Mary was a very special woman [RonRaines] I miss her, too [RobertArmin] So what other concerts are planned? [RonRaines] I am singing with the NJ symphony the last of May [RonRaines] Bravo Broadway [RonRaines] I think Susan Egan told you about it [RonRaines] also with Doug LaBreque [RobertArmin] Yes, Susan was my guest a few weeks ago [RobertArmin] We are hoping to get out to New Jersey to see you. [RobertArmin] Carol writes: I am glad you are getting some storylines on GL lately. Your character is beginning to fascinate me [RonRaines] Over the top, insane [RonRaines] Good, I'm crazy [RobertArmin] Always more fun to play the nasties! [RonRaines] So, you're fascinated by crazy guys, eh, Carol [RonRaines] I am having a ball. My sister is drugging me to drive me crazy [RobertArmin] Carol writes: you play a delightful and very compelling lunatic!!! LOL [RobertArmin] Rohartlawn writes: It's so nice to see Marj Dusay back. You two make a great team! [RonRaines] Yes, She plays my sister and I love her like a brother. We have that kind of relationship [RobertArmin] One of your best albums on Fynsworth is Claibe Richardson's The Night of the Hunter. Are you involved in the upcoming workshop? [RonRaines] I play the preacher [RonRaines] Preacher Harry [RobertArmin] Who else is involved? [RonRaines] Of course, being a preacher's son, I have a lot of training in that [RonRaines] I'm not for sure who the cast is to be honest [RonRaines] We did it at the GOODMAN a few years back [RonRaines] And had great success [RonRaines] Unfortunately, Robert Falls got busy with Aida. [RonRaines] At the Goodman Theatre it was more of a staged reading... [RonRaines] Here it is going to be much more of a reading reading. [RobertArmin] More informal, in other words [RonRaines] Yes [RobertArmin] Well, I certainly hope it leads to a full production. [RobertArmin] It's a shame that Richardson didn't live to see it happen. [RonRaines] He was my friend [RonRaines] And I miss him terribly. We were from the same neck of the woods [RonRaines] He was raised in a town 18 miles from Nochadoches called Lufkin [RobertArmin] Kenward Elmslie was my guest a few weeks ago. Their score to Grass Harp is one of my all time favorites. [RonRaines] Did you get to hear the Grass Harp Suite? [RobertArmin] No, unfortunately, I am hoping Skitch Henderson gets to record it soon. [RonRaines] It was literally what kept Claibe alive. To hear his work done at Carnegie Hall with a 90 piece orchestra. [RonRaines] Orchestrated by the great Jonathan Tunick. [RonRaines] After that he said "My bags are packed." And he died a short time after that. [RobertArmin] I've heard such amazing things about the piece. [RobertArmin] rysingwrite: Ron, you told me about the dates and recording of OH LADY LADY, but not what you think of the show and its challenges. Could you talk, since you were in the 1983 reconstruction of SHOW BOAT, and several obscure/flop shows (TEDDY AND ALICE) and operettas (THE MERRY WIDOW), about what these lesser-known/lesser-done shows are like [RonRaines] Well, I really only did a concert version of OH LADY LADY [RonRaines] I thought it was very charming [RonRaines] I am really too old to play the part but I had a blast doing it [RonRaines] It was great to become familiar with the work [RonRaines] They are hardly ever done and I am not sure why not [RonRaines] I think they are very charming shows [RobertArmin] The advent of the many concert series makes it possible to hear the great scores again. [RonRaines] Oh Lady Lady was a Greenwich Village Show, a NY show [RonRaines] Teddy and Alice was a show that if it opened now, it would have a little life [RonRaines] I remember opening in Baltimore and you couldn't get a ticket [RonRaines] Then it opened in NY and you couldn't give away a ticket [RobertArmin] Kristine played in a production of Teddy and Alice at Art Park as Ida Tarbell. So she's ALMOST worked with you. LOL [RonRaines] I think it ran 77 - 78 performances. Something like that. [RobertArmin] She wore Karen Ziemba's shoes [RonRaines] Did Gordon Stanley do that one? [RobertArmin] Yes. [RobertArmin] You recorded some of the songs… [RonRaines] Richard Kapp put together a lot of music with the Philharmonia Virtuosi of Sousa music and the three that we put on there were the last orchestrated by the great Phillip Lang before he died. [RobertArmin] Have you ever had a chance to sing on Guiding Light? [RonRaines] I sang for the first time, a lullaby, to my three-year-old grandchild [RonRaines] It hasn't aired yet. It's the Brahams Lullaby [RobertArmin] Now that you're going crazy, maybe Alan will think he is a musical comedy star! [RobertArmin] You can do a fantasy sequence... [RonRaines] Fine with me [RobertArmin] It's been done on a lot of other shows. [RonRaines] That's probably the only way I would sing since Alan S. would not [RobertArmin] The Night of the Hunter is just a workshop... [RonRaines] Yes [RobertArmin] Is there any schedule for doing the show? [RonRaines] Not yet [RonRaines] A lot of producers have been interested in what has happened to it [RonRaines] A good time for the NY producers to get together on it. It’s a very powerful cult movie [RobertArmin] It's a wonderful recording -- and (a little plug here) it's on sale right now at this site. [RobertArmin] Bob Mitchum was great in the film. [RonRaines] Yep [RobertArmin] Do you get to have love and hate on your knuckles? [RonRaines] Charles Laughton directed it and it wasn't a critical success and he never directed after that, he was so depressed [RonRaines] You look at it now and it is such an artistic work [RonRaines] So many things he did were artistically handled by him and the critics at the time just didn't get it [RonRaines] He died thinking he was a failure [RobertArmin] The film is now regarded so highly, I think the musical has an excellent chance of success. [RonRaines] It was a failure, I mean, not him, for he had his wonderful acting career [RobertArmin] Well, I want to thank you so much for joining me this evening. [RobertArmin] I know that you have a VERY early call tomorrow morning on Guiding Light. [RobertArmin] rysingwrite asks: Ron, you did the Lerner and Loewe tribute at Carnegie Hall. Are there any roles in Lerner and Loewe musicals, or even the other musicals Lerner wrote without Loewe that you would like to play? [RonRaines] One of my favorite roles when I was starting out was Tommy in Brigadoon [RonRaines] I would also like to do King Arthur in CAMELOT and [RonRaines] for a real stretch, Henry Higgins [RobertArmin] Unfortunately, Jay has already recorded My Fair Lady. [RobertArmin] Have they suggested any other shows for your to record for them? [RonRaines] I do "Gigi" and "There But For You Go I" on my solo album. Those have been laid down, in the can [RonRaines] I think we want to get ONE TOUCH done and then we will see [RonRaines] They do such quality work, John does [RobertArmin] Well, I know a lot of people are anxious to hear the One Touch of Venus... [RobertArmin] Azealia asks: Do you still have to audition or do people just call you up? [RonRaines] Both, both [RonRaines] I auditioned for Billy Flynn a year and a half before they called me [RonRaines] They told me I would never have to audition again and it was a year and a half later [RonRaines] But they finally got around to it [RobertArmin] Well, I think you have played more of the great leading men than almost anybody. [RobertArmin] Although your fans would certainly have to travel a lot to keep up with you. [RonRaines] Very lucky, fortunate to have experienced my dream [RonRaines] These roles meant so much to me and there are more to be explored. [RobertArmin] If you could have just one major revival on Broadway -- one dream role to be seen in New York -- which one would it be? [RonRaines] I think SOUTH PACIFIC [RonRaines] A real first rate production [RobertArmin] They did a beautiful production in D.C. with Richard White. [RonRaines] Yeah, I heard about that, kind of a mini [RobertArmin] I hope when they finally bring the show to New York again, you get the chance to do it! [RobertArmin] Ron, thanks so much for taking the time this evening. [RonRaines] Thank you Robert [RobertArmin] I have had to wait for your schedule to catch up with mine -- [RobertArmin] But it was worth the wait. [RonRaines] I hope so [RobertArmin] Looking forward to the concert in May. [RobertArmin] And to watching you go crazy on my TV! [RonRaines] Wait till next week, [RonRaines] Next week will be the real crazy Alan week [RobertArmin] Get some sleep! You’ve got an early call... [RonRaines] All right, buddy [RonRaines] Thanks for doing this [RonRaines] I enjoyed doing it [RobertArmin] Good night to all who logged in. Next week, my guest will be the fabulous set and costume designer, Tony Walton! [RobertArmin] Good night, Ron.
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