It's time to move on...to SierraRein.com!

I am moving this blog into an integrated Wordpress blog structure at SierraRein.com - head on over there and check it out!  If you are on my feedburner list and would like to continue receiving emailed updates whenever I add an entry at SierraRein.com, head on over and resubscribe: http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=sierrareincom&loc=en_US.  Or email me at sirein@sierrarein.com and ask me to go ahead and add you.

Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James

Stephen Hanks of Cabaret Scenes puts Marquee Five & The Salon on his Top 10 of 2011 List!

From The Times Square Chronicles (t2conline.com) comes this trio of Top 10 of 2011 lists by reviewers Joe Regan, Jr., Sandi Durell, and Stephen Hanks of Cabaret Scenes.  Hanks puts Marquee Five and The Salon on his list, and I can't thank him enough for the support and praise!  Read the full list here, and read quotes below:

3. Marquee Five: 8-Track Throwback—This exciting new singing group absolutely rocked the Laurie Beechman Theater in March and November with their wonderful arrangements on classic pop and rock songs of the 1960s and ‘70s, and followed up with a terrific CD release. This fantastic five-some is the Manhattan Transfer for the new millennium.

...

10.The Salon Open Mic Cabaret: At Etcetera Etcetera Restaurant (West 44^th St), Host and Musical Director Mark Janas and Producer Tanya Moberly have created the classy go-to place to hear singers of every age and style on Sunday nights. Janas’ presentation of “Classic Corner” during the mid-show break alone is worth the cover charge and the minimum.

Last Hurrah for 2011: Singing on The Jeff Blumenkrantz Songbook Podcast! (He's Tony Nominated!)

Happy Almost New Year! We have one day more of 2011 to pontificate about the last year and also think about the year ahead.  Regardless of how *those* thoughts turn out, I'm thrilled to have an exciting last blog entry! Many people know Jeff Bumenkrantz, Tony-nominated composer whose unique, funny, and emotional music has been sung by Broadway alum.  His "The Jeff Blumenkrantz Songbook Podcast" can be found on iTunes and downloaded for free - there you can find his work sung by amazing performers, including Sutton Foster, Nancy Anderson, Rebecca Lukor, Liz Callaway, Mary Testa, Megan Mullally, Michael McElroy, Judy Kuhn and Peter Sachon. So, I was thrilled to be invited (along with Mick Bleyer of Marquee Five/ Goodspeed's City of Angels and Gaelen Gilliland of Wicked and Legally Blonde) to sing some great harmony in the Christmas spirit...and get to swear in a not-so-festive way as well (this episode is Rated PG-13, folks, so hide the kids!).  This is the 7th episode in his "Month Upon a Time" song cycle series, although (how he puts it): "...it will ultimately serve as the 12th song in the final song cycle. So I was thinking I should give it some kind of big finale."  Thus, I am excited to be a part of his big finale!

Read his background on the project and the genesis for this song here, and listen to the podcast MP3 here.  Be sure to subscribe to, download, and listen to The Jeff Blumenkrantz Songbook Podcast via iTunes, and if you enjoy any of his work and wish to purchase his songbook or sheet music for individual songs (and discover where to find his work as recorded by major stars) you can do so here.

Happy New Year!!!

-Sierra

Clockwise: Gaelen, Sierra, Mick, Jeff

FIRST CD REVIEW OF "8-TRACK THROWBACK" by Stephen Hanks of CabaretScenes.org

I'm very excited to share Marquee Five's first CD Review of "8-Track Throwback", by Stephen Hanks of CabaretScenes.org.  Check out that link for the full text of the review!  Here are a few quotes:

"...the coolest collection of vocal group harmonies since Manhattan Transfer..."

"While Manhattan Transfer’s four-part harmonies and intricate vocalese transformed specific songs, Hemming and Marquee Five excel on the kind of medleys and mash-ups that would make the kids from Glee jealous."

"Listening to this debut CD, it’s clear that “Marquee” is the right name for five smooth, synchronized and powerful singers who seamlessly blend their voices together for a distinctive group sound. If I ever decide to decorate a wall using CD covers, 8-Track Throwback will earn a prominent space."

If this sounds good to you, head over to www.MarqueeFive.com and order your copy today!

Winter solitude --

A winter's haiku for you...

Photo: Cardinal in Ft. Tryon, Oct 2011
(Taken on my iPhone!)
 

Have a happy holiday season, 
and a great start to Winter!

-Sierra

BroadwayWorld.com: "Goodspeed's CITY OF ANGELS Cast Raises Over $6500 for BC/EFA Read more: http://ct.broadwayworld.com/article/Goodspeeds-CITY-OF-ANGELS-Cast-Raises-Over-6500-for-BCEFA-20111205#ixzz1fiISigm5

Check out this article on BroadwayWorld.com and a teeny tiny picture of the "City of Angels" cast as we posed for an onstage picture.  We raised over $6500, some of which I myself collected in a basket from the audience after a few shows.  Way to go, "City" friends and Goodspeed folks!

Join The Definitely Dickens Holiday Carolers at The Salon December 11th!

On December 11, 2011, the optional theme of The Salon will be "HOLIDAY PARTY"! And it's the last Salon of 2011! In that case, what better group to co-host this unique open mic event than the Definitely Dickens Holiday Carolers – Mick Bleyer, Vanessa Parvin, Sierra Rein & Adam West Hemming! These four glad-tiding-bringers are also known as four of the five members of MAC Award-Winning Marquee Five (the fifth being the amazing Julie Reyburn) and have been recently seen as the Angel City Four in Goodspeed Musicals' production of "City of Angels".

The special Salon Spotlight will highlight Daryl Glenn, Alison Nusbaum & Ricky Ritzel!

So, bring your holiday, non-holiday, or anti-holiday music and come share some great cheer and celebrate a joyous 2011 year at The Salon!

More Info:

SALON – that unique, MULTIPLE AWARD WINNING, Weekly Open Mic Event, created and hosted by Mark Janas returns to Etcetera, Etcetera - 352 West 44th Street, NYC 10036 – on Sunday, November 20th from 7-10:30PM! (Sign-Up Begins at 6:15.) There is a $10 cash cover collected at the door and a $15 food/drink minimum (cash or credit) per person. (For more information about Etcetera, Etcetera's delicious menu: www.etcrestaurant.com.) There are no reservations; seating is on a first come/first served basis, Doors open and sign up begins at 6:15pm. The evening runs 7-10:30, with one intermission.

Remember, any material, on or off theme, is always welcome at Salon.

Salon continues every Sunday (except December 18th, December 25th & January 1st).

Salon is an ongoing open entertainment event in which singers, writers and musicians share their talent with each other and audience members.

If you would like to sign up to perform, see one the evening's 'Etceterettes' to fill out a card with your name, the name of your song, whether or not Mark will be playing for you and any upcoming events you'd like to promote. We do not present performers in order of sign-up, however, indicating requests as clearly and as early as possible as far as time restraints are concerned always makes everything much more possible. ALWAYS BRING SEVERAL SONG SELECTIONS to avoid duplication. All types of material, on or off theme are always welcome at Salon. We enthusiastically welcome instrumentalists, poets, playwrights, essayists, comics, illusionists and performance artists. Please limit your selections to three or four minutes in length (including introductions). Please also bring clear, complete charts for Mark to read. Sitting on the piano is not allowed, nor is flash photography. Please turn off all noise making devices and give performers your undivided attention.

Visit The Salon website at www.markjanasthesalon.com and look for them on Facebook.

Thank you to our sponsors Dr. Garrett Bennett & Father Jeffrey Hamblin, MD!Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James

"Music of the Spheres" Episode of Star Talk Radio, with Moby!

All music fans, students, and aficionados should listen to this episode of Star Talk Radio, hosted by Neil DeGrasse Tyson, entitled "The Music of the Spheres". It features an interview with Moby and discusses how music is invariably connected to the vibrations of the universe, our emotions, and our brainwaves. Highly recommended!!!

From StarTalkRadio.net

Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James

T2C Talks with Cabaret Artist of the Year Julie Reyburn

...and mentions Marquee Five and our new debut CD "8-Track Throwback" towards the end. Check her out November 27th and 28th!



Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James

Tony Award-Winning lyricist of "City of Angels," David Zippel, stops by!

Check out David Zippel (center, black shirt), who came to the matinee and stopped by to greet the cast of "City of Angels" afterwards at Goodspeed Musicals today!  See if you can find me - I'm the one in orange (hardee har har).

Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James

Review: "Marquee Five: Manhattan Transfer for the New Millennium?" by Stephen Hanks, Times Square Chronicles

...on November 7, I heard the two-year old Marquee Five perform a show called “8-Track Throwback,” a five-part harmony homage to the music of the 1960s and ‘70s. In Marquee Five, I knew I’d found my Manhattan Transfer for the new millennium...“Marquee” is the appropriate moniker for this group of smooth, synchronized and powerful singers who seamlessly blend together for a magical musical brew. There’s little doubt their names will be showcased above a theater entrance somewhere very soon.

- Stephen Hanks, Times Square Chronicles, November 12, 2011

Read the rest of this wonderful review/"history of" Marquee Five in the Times Square Chronicle by Stephen Hanks.  Makes me so proud to be in this group! If you haven't already, order our "8-Track Throwback" CD (and maybe a Tshirt!) by downloading and mailing in this order form.  Amazon.com and iTunes links to come as well.

Also, the wonderful live-performance photographer Adam Jason (www.adamjasonphotography.com) captured us having fun on stage - check out our full gallery of photos on Marquee Five's Facebook album.

Photo by www.adamjasonphotography.com

Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James

Mega Update: "City of Angels," Marquee Five, Definitely Dickens, and the best place *ever* for breakfast.

Here's an update on what's been going on here in Connecticut and in New York City! I'm still having a terrific time in East Haddam, performing in "City of Angels." I had two exciting understudy performances as Donna/Oolie while Nancy Anderson accepted her Noel Coward award, appeared on television singing in The Angel City 4 quartet with "Jimmy Powers," came back to New York to debut Marquee Five's CD, "8-Track Throwback" with a CD Release Party/Concert, am about to embark on the thing called the Holiday Season, and ate my weight in breakfast fare at The Whistle Stop Cafe in Deep River.  More on the latter place....later...

Here we are at the opening night party!  More pictures can be found at the Goodspeed Facebook album page of many other cast members. 

The "Angel City 4" at the Opening Night Party
Goodspeed Musicals
East Haddam, CT 06423
860-873-8664 ©2011Diane Sobolewski

— with Sierra Rein, Vanessa Parvin, Adam West Hemming, and Mick Bleyer.

We've had a huge number of stellar reviews, including a terrific ones from the New York Times, TheaterMania.com, Examiner.com (who gives the Angel City 4 some "exquisite harmony" praise), and ReminderNews.com.  Playbill.com also posted a gallery of backstage photos taken by castmember Robert J. Townsend, which shows some of the fun schenanigans happening off stage.  Plus, after understudying as Donna/Oolie for Nancy Anderson on October 22nd, I received a nice mention in this review from WMNR.

This past Monday, November 7th, the Angel City 4 returned to NYC to join forces with Julie Reyburn and meld back into the form of vocal group Marquee Five.  Along with our Throwback Band (Mark Janas, Tony Romano, Matt Scharfglass, and Wally Usiatynski), we rocked out at the Laurie Beechman for our "8-Track Throwback" CD Release Party and Concert.  We sang many tracks from the CD, a song from our first Kander & Ebb show, and a song from our future "swing" show.  We also offered some audience participation, giving them the opportunity to decide a "Grab Bag" song chosen from a short list from "8-Track" (they decided on "Jolene" by volume of applause).  We sold CDs and Tshirts, thanked our Kickstarter.com backers profusely, and had a wonderful time.  You can purchase CDs and tshirts yourself via MarqueeFive.com (we will soon have the CD up on Amazon.com and iTunes as well, but in the meantime we are manually taking orders).

My husband took this action shot of Marquee Five from his table.

Now that Marquee Five's CD child has been birthed unto the world, and in between acts of "City of Angels," I'm dusting off my music book and mentally putting on my Christmas Caroling hat (it's a bonnet actually) in anticipation of once again singing with the Definitely Dickens Holiday Carolers.  We specialized in memorized, a cappella, 4-part harmony carols in modern and classic styles, and are available to be hired for holiday parties and business events. 

Finally! It's time to mention The Whistle Stop Cafe (here in a brief mention at Courant.com).  It's a tiny shack of a restaurant on the Main Street of Deep River, CT.  Cash only, and a staff of about three cooking and serving a one room breakfast house (with some front and rear outside dining options).  The cook has been there for 19 years, and it has become a staple of many locals' morning eating rituals.  The food and decor is down-to-earth homestyle, the taste is always exquisite, the food is expertly made, with some unique specials mixed in each day.  They have about 10 omelette standards and equal number of choices in eggs benedict, pancakes, breakfast meats, drinks, etc.  This morning, I had the "Trifecta" omelette, which included shallots, garlic herb cheese, truffle oil, and shitake mushrooms. They don't play around!  In any event, to anyone visiting Goodspeed Musicals who wants to eat breakfast heartily, grab some cash and visit this place - and make sure to split their amazing french toast dish at the table!

The Whistle Stop Cafe at 108 Main St., Deep River,
open Thursday through Monday, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 860-526-4122.

And now...more pictures of us backstage at "City of Angels." Thanks for reading!

With female swing Becca Pesce, who is wearing her Angel City 4 outfit!

With leading man DB Bonds, who plays Stine

As Oolie

Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James

“8-Track Throwback” CD Release Party and Concert November 7th!

“8-Track Throwback” CD Release Party and Concert!


Join Adam West Hemming, Vanessa Parvin, Mick Bleyer, Sierra Rein and Julie Reyburn as Marquee Five debuts its first CD for **one night only**! Featuring songs from their new CD, "8-Track Throwback" (including hits by Carole King, Leonard Cohen, Stevie Wonder, Simon & Garfunkel) as well as favorites from past and future shows! This will also be a thank-you celebration to all of our Kickstarter.com backers and Producers.

November 7th, 2011 - 7:00pm
Approximate running time: 60 minutes

Laurie Beechman Theater at the West Bank Cafe
407 W. 42nd Street, New York, NY
212.695.6909

Returning as the Throwback Band will be Mark Janas at the piano, Walter Usiatynski on drums, Matt Scharfglass on bass, and Tony Romano on guitar.

Original stage direction by Joseph Ward.

To reserve your seats today, call 212.695.6909 ahead of time and leave your name and the number of people in your party. Please note that the cover charge is $15 ($10 for members of MAC and AEA/SAG/Union) and the Laurie Beechman requires a food/beverage minimum of $15/person. **The cover charge will be waived** for anyone who purchases a CD ($20) at the time of entrance. Additional CDs and t-shirts will also be available for purchase at the party!

www.MarqueeFive.com

Cheers,

Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James

FOX CT review of "City of Angels" by Hartford Courant columnist Frank Rizzo.

FOX CT - on screen review by Hartford Courant columnist Frank Rizzo

Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James

Video highlights from "City of Angels"!

Video highlights from "City of Angels", taken during the beginning of the run. I am featured towards the end as Angel City 4 (dressed as a hooker along with Vanessa Parvin), wooing Stone out of his wallet.

Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James

Production stills from "City of Angels" at Goodspeed Musicals!

All photos credit: Goodspeed Musicals East Haddam, CT 06423 860-873-8664 ©2011Diane Sobolewski.  More pictures can be found via the Goodspeed Musicals Facebook Page!

"Everybody's Gotta Be Somewhere" - The Cast of City of Angels

"Stay With Me" Jimmy Powers (Jeffrey David Sears) with the Angel City 4 (Vanessa Parvin, Adam West Hemming, Mick Bleyer and Sierra Rein in City of Angels

"Brunch" - The cast of City of Angels.

Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James

Video Footage of "Better Connecticut" appearance on Channel 3, Singing as the Angel City 4

Watch myself, Adam West Hemming, Vanessa Parvin, Mick Bleyer (as the "Angel City 4") and Jeff Sears (as "Jimmy Powers") sing two excerpts from "City of Angels", currently playing at Goodspeed Musicals - goodspeed.org. Dan Pardo on piano. Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James

"Angel City 4" and "Jimmy Powers" on WFSB "Better Connecticut" Show this Friday

"Angel City 4" and "Jimmy Powers" on WFSB "Better Connecticut" Show this Friday




From Goodspeed Musicals' current production of "City of Angels," the "Angel City 4" (Mick Bleyer, Adam West Hemming, Vanessa Parvin and Sierra Rein) and "Jimmy Powers" (Jeffrey Sears) will perform for CBS Afiliate WFSB, out of Metro Hartford, which serves CT, MA, and parts of NY. We will be interviewed and will perform two songs from the show!

According to the website, the "Better Connecticut" show broadcasts from 3:00-4:00 pm EST each weekday, and I'm assuming our morning shoot will be broadcast that afternoon, 3pm on Friday the 14th. If this is not the case, I'll post an update on this blog

For anyone unable to get access to WFSB, I will try to link to video if any of it is posted online in the future - otherwise, please keep an eye out for us!

Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James

First Month at Goodspeed for "City of Angels"...Bop bop ba ba doo wop!

My goodness! A month and a few odd days later, and I am finally getting back to blogging.  I've been in East Haddam, CT, rehearsing (and now already in preview performances) for "City of Angels" at Goodspeed Musicals...and what a blast it has been.  Besides rehearsals, computer problems, understudy line memorization, and Hurricane Irene, it has been a busy time!  The show itself is musically demanding and with roughly 20 scenes per act, the technical process last week was a challenge as well.  But the cast is awesome, the set is beautiful, the costumes are fantastic, the orchestra (an 8-piece band playing a reduced orchestral version) sounds spectacular, and I'm having a lot of fun with my track and learning the Donna/Oolie understudy track.  In fact, the lovely Nancy Anderson will be out for October 22nd (she won the Noel Coward Cabaret Competition and will accept her award and sing that evening).  So, I will be stepping into her shoes for both shows that day, performing with Broadway alums DB Bonds (Legally Blonde) and Burke Moses (Beauty and the Beast) - two fabulously amazing leading men, as well as the beautiful Laurie Wells (Mama Mia)! 

I'm also terrifically thrilled to be singing in this show with three other members of Marquee Five (Vanessa Parvin, Adam West Hemming and Mick Bleyer), and while we are busy with "City of Angels," we're also gearing up to introduce our debut album, "8-Track Throwback," and our fifth member Julie Reyburn is prepping for another solo show this Winter at Feinstein's!  Plus, this December I'll be returning to the Definitely Dickens Holiday Carolers, so my 2011 is already booked up with lots of song. 

East Haddam is such a quaint, idyllic town.  When I first got here, the entire place was green.  Now, the fall colors are slowly being revealed in the trees - apparently, "leaf peepers" come to this countryside in the fall just to see the brilliance of the foliage, so I can't wait to witness it firsthand.  My time has been spent rehearsing, going to the local YMCA to work out, working on the logistics of the "8-Track" CD, hanging with the cast, and trying to catch up on podcasts and episodes of "Dr. Who."  I've also been able to travel back and forth to New York City each time I have a day off, to visit my husband and my cats, and I hope to visit The Salon open mic again one Sunday (perhaps to rip through "You Can Always Count on Me"?).  I also look forward to going to the Goodspeed Musical Theater Library and spending time adding to my sheet music collection, too.

I'll post more information, behind the scenes photos, and updates as I have them!  

Follow Goodspeed Musicals on Twitter as @GoodspeedMusicl
Keep up to date with Goodspeed Musicals on Facebook (video, photos, info)
Check out the Goodspeed Musicals Website at www.Goodspeed.org and the info page about "City of Angels"




Also, watch a sneak peak of the Act I finale "You're Nothing Without Me," recorded during tech rehearsals on their Facebook page.

And now, some pictures:

At the first cast read-thru: the Angel City 4 played by Mick Bleyer, Vanessa Parvin,
Sierra Rein and Adam West Hemming

Goodspeed Musicals
East Haddam, CT 06423
860-873-8664 ©2011Diane Sobolewski

Getting measured and fitted for a wig...glamorous!

With Vanessa Parvin

Margie...'nuff said!

The gorgeous Goodspeed Musicals Opera House!

The Program

Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James

Sierra Rein, Marquee Five, mentioned in Playbill.com today!

From Playbill.com:

"D.B. Bonds and Burke Moses will be nothing without each other in Goodspeed Musicals' new production of City of Angels, the sexy noir musical comedy about a mystery writer named Stine and his famous gumshone/alter ego, Stone.

The jazz-inflected, 1989 Tony Award-winning show with music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by David Zippel and book by Larry Gelbart will play Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, CT, Sept. 23-Nov. 27. Opening night is Oct. 19.

City of Angels will be directed by Darko Tresnjak, the new artistic director of Hartford Stage. Tresnjak returns to Goodspeed where he directed Carnival!, Amour and A Little Night Music...

...The "Angel City 4" — a harmonic vocal group — will be played by Mick Bleyer, Vanessa Parvin, Sierra Rein and Adam West Hemming. All four actors are members of the 2010 Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs (MAC) award-winning vocal group, Marquee Five."

To read up about the entire cast, click here.

 And from the Hartford Courant:

"Mick Bleyer, Vanessa Parvin, Sierra Rein and Adam West Hemming -- members of the 2010 Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs (MAC) award-winning vocal group, Marquee Five -- will play the Angel City 4"

Cheers,
Sierra Rein
"I don't sing because I'm happy, I'm happy because I sing" - William James