'The War of Game' Film Premiere

[Melissa Strom as "Radiance"]

The premiere for The War of Game was held a couple weeks ago in Hollywood. I was unable to attend due to traveling to Colorado and Texas. (I wish I could have been there!) The film's website was launched so feel free to browse through the photography stills, the film's trailer (I'm in the coming attraction) and the character profiles. Click on the title of this blog to automatically link to The War of Game Website.

[Directors Jacob Cooney and Brandon Lawrence]

I play "Radiance" a player in the game who teams up with Jimmy to triumph over the bad guys! "Radiance" is a smart and strong woman who shares valuable information that keeps Jimmy alive. We shot the film in Malibu Canyon State Park this past spring. It was gorgeous, remote and fun to shoot on location. I was climbing trees and rocks, jumping through the creek and hiking to get into position. It was hot and dry in the canyon so being by the creek kept us cool. There were actually local kids jumping into the lake from boulders twenty feet high! The crew also was accompanied by a State Park Forrest Ranger during the shoot. Ranger Lincoln was so friendly and informative and was very interested in the art of film making. We couldn't have asked for a better ranger!


["Radiance" climbing a tree - getting into place! Yeah baby!]

The part of the film that I appear in takes place during the "war." I had to learn how to hold, aim and carry a M52 gun. It was quite the learning experience. I had never played a character that holds a gun. I was the only girl acting on set that day...how come I'm always in projects where the men severely out number the women?!!! Speaking of fellow actors in The War of Game, I had acted with two of the leading men before in some plays at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The world is getting smaller the older I get! The shoot finished right on time as we chased the sun getting the last shots filmed before sunset. The crew was great to work with- professional, happy and easy going! That night, I fell into bed and was asleep the minute my head hit the pillow-whew!



Congratulations to Brandon Lawrence and Jacob Cooney for creating and making The War of Game. I am so happy to be a part of this fun and interesting project. Please visit The War of Game website!

Classy and Fabulous

[Garry Marshall and CINDY cast on closing day.]

We closed 'Cindy and the Disco Ball' and in the spirit of keeping "Fabulous" alive for everyone I found an appropriate quote from the quintessential woman, Coco Chanel: 'A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous." I will miss singing to audiences about the benefits of wanting to be "gorgeous." One of the show's reviewers said it best, "Eleanor sings a cute little song called Fab-u-lous that reminded me an awful lot of Stephen Swartz' 'Wicked' anthem "Popular" (Mooche Music.)

"Eleanor" and 'Cindy' got some other great press during the show's ten week run that I haven't shared with you yet! "Melissa Strom plays Eleanor, the evil step sister. Ms. Strom is the delight you love to hate as she flounces about the stage in her denim banana pants, her peasant blouse and her perpetually black mood ring" (Mooche Music.) Speaking of mood rings, I will miss wearing mine greatly. I was always secretly worried the audience could see that the mood ring was really changing to all of these great bright colors while I was on stage. Yes, mood rings really do change colors!

[Christine Lakin as Cindy and Melissa Strom as Eleanor]

My mean character portrayal got a "bad word" out of this critic. "Bitchy, nasty Eleanor (Melissa Strom) is a teenaged diva who feels it is her god-given right to boss poor Cindy around, making her do all the housework" (Sun Community Newpapers.) Well said- it was fun not to be cast as a "sweet" thing for a change. Although I did have fun playing the "mean" one as I greeted the younger audience members I would remind them that Eleanor changes for the better in this sassy saga. If Eleanor can get "I'm sorry" out of her mouth then there's hope for us all. I liked this project because "Eleanor" had a well developed arc, the music complimented the character's journey through the story and the acting in 1975 with the feathered hair, the costumes and props kept it fun and interesting.

[#1 Connie Jackson and Melissa: 70's Makeup for Everyone!]
[#2 Self Portrait in Disco with Bystander Alex Miller]

I also will miss going out into the lobby after the shows and talking and taking pictures with the audience. I mean a ten year old will get right up in your space and tell you what they REALLY thought of the show. That is my kind of critic! Ten times out of ten we got groovy thumbs up and ALOT of questions about my mic, wig, makeup, bell bottoms, the Hustle, my shoes and about Eleanor's 'meanness.' It was also fun being greeted in the lobby by family and friends that had come to support the show. Inevitably, someone would surprise me so it was always a delight to come out after the show. This reprise was the first time my little niece got a chance to see me perform making 'Cindy' especially sentimental.


So for now the shag carpet, latch hook, platform shoes, mood ring, magic eight ball, gum chains and macaroni art are packed away. I guess I'll have to start being nice to people...kidding!

We started rehearsals in February and now its already summer! I could not imagine a better way to spend the first half of 2008. It was fun and I miss it already.
[Chris Prinzo, Connie Jackson, Melissa Strom, Christine Lakin, Alex Miller: A final pose before the final show]

Understudy & Food Adventures

Well, CINDY AND THE DISCO BALL is going great. Can you believe we've been open for over a month already? Whew- time flies by when your in the 70's. Chris Prinzo is off for a few weeks so we welcome Desmond into our groove. We have an understudy put in rehearsal Saturday before the first show! I'm sure there will be some surprises and lots of fun up on that stage this weekend.

[Being Silly with Corrie English-The Amazing Understudy!]

Today a great friend and I went to this really "earthy" eatery near Beverly Hills. I was thinking chicken for lunch. Dude, this place had no meat- ANYWHERE. It wasn't on the menu, it wasn't in the back and it sure as heck didn't end up on my plate! I got some stir fry brown rice extravaganza that left this bazaar ginger rocket sensation in my mouth. So then I was thinking an ice cold coke! Dude- the closest thing I found was yerba matte tea- bottled- served over ice. Ummmm....no. I got this bitter dry mouth clucking thing from that organic kosher certified green for a healthy antioxidant tea drink. My friend, Brandon, asked for sugar for his coffee. It was so funny...the host said, "We don't have sugar. We have organic maple rock flakes or stevia." I half spewed my water out, held the rest in and quickly swallowed. I was choking on my laughter it was so funny! Who doesn't have sugar and I don't even want to know what the other things are! I mean I understand the no high fructose corn syrup but NO SUGAR!!!!!! So first came out the hummus and pita plate. That poor poor hummus.... I don't think there was anything in it EXCEPT for the garbanzo beans. Eh, so bland and of course they served it with "wheat" pita that was toasted so the little pita wedges were harder than rocks! So I asked for some salt. Do they have salt? Low and behold they did! So the waitress brings me this little salt shaker all by its lonesome. I thought everyone knows that it is proper etiquette to ALWAYS pass the salt with the pepper (or vice versa) when someone at the table asks for one or the other. They are a pair! (Maybe it's a southern thing...) When our stir fried cabbage, carrot, zucchini meal came to the table I asked for the pepper. They didn't have just regular pepper they had the kind where the waiter turns the dial and you end up saying "thank you that's enough" three times before they actually stop. The entire experience was a taste adventure. So to off set this organic lunch splurge I accidentally fell into, I stopped at Cookie by Design ("The Original Cookie Bouquet") and got some iced cookies (pink and green.) Now that is food! And then I was happy.

PS How long has Toblerone been making a dark chocolate variation and how come no one told me!? Swiss dark chocolate with honey and almond nougat...hmmmm that's what I'm talking about!

PSS I finished my taxes! Oh, the joy and relief.

Cindy and the Disco Ball: Reviews & Currently Playing

(Cindy Cast on Shag Carpet)

Baby it's Spring! A couple of glowing reviews came out in the LA papers and I feel blessed that the show got positive reviews. I have the pleasure of sharing the stage with four amazing talents so "work" it is not, but a whole lot of fun!

Excerpt from The Burbank Leader: Tale of Cinderella Staying Alive
"Melissa Strom as Eleanor, Buddy’s disco date and Cindy’s incredibly rude and self-centered stepsister whose mood ring is perpetually black, is gorgeous, professional and more than ready for big-time witchery — say, along the lines of Mrs. Danvers in “Rebecca”? And by the way, every member of the cast can sing and dance up a storm. Back in 2005, when “Cindy and the Disco Ball” was first produced at the Falcon Theatre, it was just as much fun. This year’s production has more singing, more dancing and more dialogue..." Mary Burkin

Visit www.burbankleader.com to read full review.

(Cast with Rachael Lawrence, Musical Director and Composer)

Excerpt From The Tolucan Times: Cindy and the Disco Ball Struts Its Stuff
"Celebrating the laid-back attitude and style of the 1970s, the Falcon Theatre’s fine production of “Cindy and the Disco Ball” smartly updates “Cinderella” into an entertaining, stimulating tale for kids of all ages. Cindy (Christine Lakin) suffers harsh treatment at the hands of her manipulative step-sister Eleanor (Melissa Strom)...Strom makes Eleanor a younger, sweeter J. Lo." Mary Mallory

Click the title of this blog entry to read the full review.



Last weekend we only had two shows it being Easter weekend and all. My mom "hustled" out from Texas to see what all the Cinderella fuss was about and loved the shows. She also saw the 2005 production where Chris Prinzo, Christine Lakin and I originated our roles. It was great having her in the audience.



So funny...my orange belt broke right at the top of one of the "Own Thing" news room scene. The safety pin holding it together fell through the metal clasp and whoopsie tootsie off came the belt and landed on the floor. This is why I LOVE theatre...you have to think right on the spot, fix the oops and keep on going. One minute later, I pull out a gum chain AND that broke too! The show must go on...beltless and gum chainless...and go on we did!

Cindy and the Disco Ball Opening

[Melissa Strom, Chris Prinzo, Chrisine Lakin, Alex Miller, connie Jackson]

We opened CINDY AND THE DISCO BALL! After just two weeks of rehearsal the show opened this Saturday March 1, 2008! What a great day! Both shows were packed and the audience (young and old) really seemed to like our groovy retelling of Cinderella.
[Kirstin Eggers, Melissa Strom, Tori Avey]

After the show we had meet and greets with the audience in our costumes. Lot's of smiles, picture taking, hugs and well wishes for all who were involved. I had some friends in the audience during the second show so it was great knowing there were some familiar eyes staring back at me through the dark. I'm also thankful and proud to be a part of such a talented cast and creative team. To bring back a show, revamp it and produce it again means that people really believe in Cindy so I'm honored to be a part of this reprise.
[Melissa Strom, Julie Bwarie]

Most people don't realize that backstage during Cindy its just the actors. Our stage manager is calling the show from the light booth over head so quick changes, cues, and props are all done on the fly during the course of the show. We're zipping each other into costumes, handing each other props, rolling on and off the set pieces, listening for our cues and running in the dark to get onstage. I get to the theatre early so I can pin curl and wig cap my hair, preset everything and place my costumes for my quick changes. There are a lot of props in Cindy and the Disco Ball...magic eight balls, phones, Tiger Beat Magazine, sunglasses, gum chains, gum (Crap I forgot to put gum in my mouth at the top of the Disco Ball scene...shhhhh!) I'ts like another play going on backstage, really!
[Melissa Strom, Garry Marshall]

Holy flu attack! I am so sick...the works. I've been bed ridden for six hours today and just braved the living room/kitchen . People get the flu in March? At least I made it through opening weekend before it hit hard. Why is it that whenever I'm sick with a bug, I crave the flavor orange? Orange gatorade, orange flavored medicine, honey orange ricola, orange smoothies from Robecks? Resting up for the upcoming Cindy weekend...!

It's Girl Scout cookie time! I bought four boxes of those delicious little cookie wonders. When I went to go get cold/flu medicine at the store the troops were out in full selling force. I invited them to come see Cindy! It would be fun to have a whole troop in audience.
[Melissa Strom, Joe Leo Bwarie, Christine Lakin]

Click on the title of this blog to see more pictures of the Cindy and the Disco Ball Premiere by wire image.

CINDY & THE DISCO BALL Gets MAC'ed!

Okay! So the lovely ladies of CINDY AND THE DISCO BALL and the show's director, Joe Leo Bwarie, headed to the Beverly Hills to the MAC makeup store. Oh man, we had fun! As I sing in the show, "Frosted lips, shadowed eyes. I'm where it's at and its no surprise." To help the cast get that 70's makeup look, John, the show's makeup designer greeted and helped us through our makeup journey.

Each character has a makeup "color palette" and design. I was the first one in the chair. John taught me how to apply my makeup using style techniques that incorporated my character 'Eleanor's" traits. I'm the sassy stepsister so the makeup and "look" has to be just right. John would do one eye, then I would get to mimic his work on the other eye...and so on and so forth! (His side was WAY better, but by opening I'll get.) He showed me some great "theatrical" tips for the stage. The colors he chose for "Eleanor" are "Fabulous." We're talking colors that are called, "Vibrant Grape," "Flash Mode" and "Show Orchid." Each cast member got their consultation with John then we bought out the store, grabbed lunch and headed back to the theatre for a designer run through. Whew!

PS: For anyone who saw a gal with "stylin" makeup at The Newsroom Cafe grabbing lunch... that was me! Hilarious. People kept staring. I kept forgetting I had bright makeup on and our poor waiter must have been thinking, "Really?...who does this Disco Queen think she is! I had to keep my makeup on through lunch to see how the colors showed up under the stage lights back at the theatre. So there Mr. Waiter Man!


The Falcon Theatre and CINDY are teaming up with the Lollipop Theatre Network!...

"Garry Marshall’s Falcon Theatre will make a donation to the organization that brings movies to children in hospitals. The Falcon Theatre is proud to announce that it will be making a donation to the Lollipop Theater Network in honor of its current family musical, Cindy and the Disco Ball. Click on the title of this blog entry to learn more about the charity and read the press release.

So 'Fabulous': CINDY & THE DISCO BALL

The Return of the Hit Musical CINDY AND THE DISCO BALL @ Garry Marshall's Falcon Theatre

Falcon Theatre is thrilled to bring back the retro retelling of Cinderella, Cindy and the Disco Ball. This all new 2008 production is bursting with more songs, more dancing and more magic— it’s more ‘70s fun than you can shake a tail feather at! I will be reprising 'Eleanor," the sassy stepsister, ... 'Fab-u-lous!'

Please click on the title of this blog entry to visit the Falcon Theatre's CINDY & the DISCO BALL show page and press release.
And come to the show! We open March 1st-may 18th!