Marquee Five is getting some PRESS!

Marquee Five is mentioned in:

Playbill.com

You can download the press release yourself here.

Cheers,

Sierra Rein

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

SAVE THE DATES!!!! Marquee Five in "8-Track Throwback" at Don't Tell Mama, Sept-Oct

Download a PDF of the Marquee Five Press Release for "8-Track Throwback"

Cheers,

Sierra Rein

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

Audition Psych 101 Seminar (FREE for AEA!) in New York!

I HIGHLY recommend this free (for Equity actors) seminar - I've been to it once before but am planning on going to go again for a refresher!

Audition Psych. 101

A refreshing new approach to the dreaded process with Michael Kostroff

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

Losing it at auditions? Working stage and TV actor Michael Kostroff is here to help. This popular workshop is designed to de-terrorize the audition process and help performers at every level deal with insecurities and nerves and learn to love auditioning.

When: Thursday, September 23rd, 2010 - 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM *
(*I know this conflicts with Marquee Five's show at Don't Tell Mama at 8:30pm, so please come to this free seminar and make sure to schedule a different day to see Marquee Five)
Where: AEA Audition Center 165 West 46th Street, 2nd Floor
Cost: Free – Open to AEA members and EMC’s
RSVP: outreach@actorsequity.org

Student Comments:

“I found myself dreading to leave the room, for fear of missing a single word…I haven't been able to stop thinking about it—it was THAT inspiring… I've been raving about it to every actor I meet.”

“The seminar with Michael Kostroff may have been the absolutely most important one of my career.”

“I can't wait for my next audition. (Holy mackerel, did I just write that?)”

About the Instructor - Michael Kostroff has toured with both The Producers and Les Misérables and performed regionally in The Producers, How to Succeed…, …Forum, Ragtime, Guys and Dolls, Laughter on The 23rd Floor, and many others. On TV, he’s best known for his five seasons on HBO’s The Wire, his current role on The Disney Channel’s Sonny with a Chance, and guest roles on shows like The Middle, Cold Case, Without a Trace, The Closer, Brothers and Sisters and so on. He’s an advice columnist for Back Stage and the author of Letters from Backstage.

Sponsored by the Eastern Region Membership Education Committee

Download the PDF Flier here.

Find Audition Psych 101 on Facebook

Cheers,

Sierra Rein

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

Julie Reyburn's "Summer Nights" Feinstein's Show and the MAC Summer Preview Showcase

I was able to attend two shows on Friday! The first was the MAC SUMMER PREVIEW SHOWCASE at Don't Tell Mama, an evening featuring 10 MAC member acts. The purpose of the showcase was to allow audience members to catch a glimpse of these performers' full upcoming shows. (I would have loved to have Marquee Five in the lineup, only our bass Mick Bleyer is doing summer stock in Lake George!) On the docket for the evening were:

• David Alpher & Jennie Litt - a husband/wife duo composing team
• Seth Bisen-Hersh - a musical theater composer/ lyricist who is also musical director, vocal coach, and host to numerous showcases around the year.
• Elli Fordyce - cabaret singer/actress
• Terese Genecco with Sean Harkness on guitar - force of nature (a mix of Judy Garland and Dean Martin), and her Elvis Priestly show will be awesome! And Sean is a virtuoso on the guitar!
• Adelmo Guidarelli - operatic clown, as his website says!
• Joan Jaffe - funny cabaret singer, even takes classic standards and makes them funny!
• Jillian Laurain - classic cabaret singer and soprano
• Rosemary Loar - dangerous cabaret singer with a unique take on Sting songs!
• Tanya Moberly - unique theater and cabaret singer (also produces The Salon!), catch her "Theater Songs" show.
• Barbara Porteus - classy jazz cabaret vocalist, will be at Feinstein's at the end of the month.

Musical direction and a bit of piano playing was by Tracy Stark, with additional accompaniment by pianist Barry Levitt and bassist Tom Hubbard. It was hosted by Hector Coris. I was particularly affected by the artists that took risks with their work, or who had such a unique onstage personality that - like them or not - they stood out from the lineup. It was a good lesson to me to ask "What is unique about myself as a performer? What are my passions that, when I perform, can shine out bright?" It's a good thing to think about when putting together a show, singing at a showcase, or even choosing material for an open mic. In one hour I saw so many different and specifically unique singers - it was just a matter for audience members to say "I'm intrigued by this singer, I'll go see his or her full show next week."

Julie Reyburn

However (and not to totally disregard the wonderful preview performance at Don't Tell Mama), the real highlight of the evening was to go to the famous Feinstein's cabaret and dinner club on East 61st Street to see Marquee Five member Julie Reyburn perform her show "Summer Nights," and sit with Marquee 3 (re: Marquee 4, Mick, see above). With Julie on stage was Mark Janas (who played for our show last December) and bassist Ritt Henn. Lennie Watts directed it, Walter Usiatynski was on drums, and Jeff Hamblin produced. I'm not going to praise Julie because she's a member of M5 - I'm going to praise her because she is goddamned awesome.

After the show, I was trying to compare her to something we can all relate to. I came across the imagery of The Best Dessert in the world. Julie is like the best dessert you have ever tasted in your life; rich and creamy, yet with a light aftertaste that allows you to want to have more. You are willing to pay extra for it, for that special evening, and yet are grateful when even just a nibble is available. You will email the menu item to your friends, saying "this is the thing to eat in the city."

Okay, enough with the metaphor - Julie is the real deal. She has a beautiful voice - part human, part trumpet, but all with a great amount of power and control. She has a gorgeous mix (the part between the belt and the soprano) and is able to hold on to notes with ease and breath. She can soar to high notes with grace, and belt with energy. And that's just her vocal prowess. When it comes to interpretation of a lyric and nailing the acting part of a song, Julie is a maestro. She never lets a lyric go without taking care of each phrase with thought, passion, humor, and the *story* in mind. Even when she sang "Abadaba Honeymoon" (a very silly song), she painted the romantic relationship between the Monkey and the Chimp beautifully. Each song comes from a personal place in Julie's heart, and when she sings even the most "standard" of songs, you come away with a unique interpretation - one that is uniquely hers. She's always trying to emphasize something - even in the lyric to "Moon River" "there's such a lot of world to see," Julie reminded us of potential adventure. She makes every single song new and unique. Unique, unique...I guess I can't help but using that word to describe what she does with a song.

And she had another ace up her sleeve in addition to her lyric interpretation and vocal prowess: the musical direction and arrangements of Mark Janas. Those arrangements were flawless, brilliantly orchestrated, some with mind-boggling musical wit and surprise mixed in. Julie sang at the MAC Award-Winning The Salon open mic on Sunday as well, and performed three pieces from her "Summer Nights" show - I blog for The Salon, so you can read about some of Mark's amazing arrangements at the official blog here. When I put together my show, I want to save enough money to hire Mark for my arrangements - once you invest in one of his masterpieces (which combine musical traits from musical theater, cabaret, classical and rock), you know you have a unique piece that can never be replicated by another. Collect enough Mark Janas original arrangements, and you will have a repertoire of music that will last you your lifetime.

I'm so glad I know these amazing, creative people!!!

Cheers,

Sierra Rein

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

New Audio: 2 Songs from The Salon July 18, 2010 (Theme: Cy Coleman)

On Sunday the 18th, the theme of The Salon Open Mic was Cy Coleman. Guest Co-Host was Jana Robbins (Broadway Star and Broadway Producer), and the Special Guest was Mary Foster Conklin. I sang "With Every Breath I Take" from "City of Angels," and then did an impromptu (and off the noggin') "Cheek to Cheek" (Irving Berlin) with Mark Janas brilliantly playing from memory himself.

With Every Breath I Take, "City of Angels" by sierrarein

Cheek to Cheek (Irving Berlin) by sierrarein

Cheers,

Sierra Rein

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

Marquee Five's Julie Reyburn Featured in "Play Me, I'm Yours" Video/Article

Check out my friends Julie Reyburn (member of my group Marquee Five), Bill Zeffiro, Mark Janas and Thor Fields (Julie's hubby) featured in this article and accompanying video by TheDailyBeast.com. It was to celebrate the "Play Me, I'm Yours" art exhibit, in which 60 pianos were put out for public use across New York's 5 boroughs. Check it out!

Play Me, I'm Yours from The Daily Beast Video on Vimeo.

Cheers,

Sierra Rein

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

"The Power of Love" by Huey Lewis - at The Salon June 30, 2010

The Salon open mic event, hosted by Mark Janas, had a lovely theme last Sunday in honor of Pride Week - "Glitter and Be Gay." I sang "The Power of Love" by Huey Lewis and the News, since the song speaks of the universality of love on all levels. Mark Janas was at the piano, Jonathan Whitton hosted the evening.

Listen to/Download the mp3 here.

Cheers,

Sierra Rein

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

Catch me singing for David & Paul Rigano - "The Rigano Songbook"

Brothers Paul & David Rigano are song writers and have asked me to sing at their showcase "The Rigano Songbook" this coming Sunday, June 27th, at The Metropolitan Room, 9:30pm. Their style is fun, youthful and the song I'm singing is folksy and sweet.

Tickets are a steal at $12 ($7 for MAC members!) with a 2-drink minimum!

More info at the Metropolitan Room site and DavidRigano.com.

Cheers,

Sierra Rein

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

My reactions to the 2010 Tonys

These were my thoughts, literally typed out in the moment on my laptop last night while watching my DVR recording of the telecast, and while sipping some Merlot and folding my laundry. Far be it for me to call myself an expert on any of this, but I'm on the journey towards being up on stage someday myself (or as near as I can), so forgive me if I'm passionate about what I saw last night.

• This is the Tony's, not a rock concert. As much as I LOVE my BAY AREA BRETHREN, I'd rather see the CAST sing. But I know this is a giant commercial for Broadway, so PLUG, GREEN DAY PLUG!
• Kristin & Sean - great "F - You" to those who say acting isn't good enough to overcome stereotypes in sexuality, and to asking those in the Republican closet to come out.
• Scarlett Johansson - I love that you acknowledge the fact that you've been welcomed into the Theater community. Humble, classy.
• Memphis - you guys are hot. Not sure where the story is...but you sounded good!
• Eddie - leading with "the arts matter" is so important...thank you!
• One thing each acceptance speech does to me - reaffirms that this is what I want to DO
• Angela - thanks for the speech about learning the CRAFT and not wanting an "overnight" success. On my way there...
• Catherine - you were MUCH better in context, after the scene, IN the moment, singing "Send in the Clowns." I don't envy singing such a song right out of the gate, in front of millions, and then getting flack for your performance. You were so much better in the midst of your character's journey...more simple and straightforward...don't try so hard! And the sound mix didn't help your lower register.
• Oh man, seeing an excerpt from Fela! makes me want to see it even more - and reminds me of my West African dance classes at UCLA, which were the most freeing, expressive, and non-judgmental classes I've ever taken.
• Regional theaters are the actual bread and butter of most working theater actors out there - the percentage is staggering how many bills and health insurances are paid via regional theater.
• Paula Abdul...why!?!?
• Lea Michelle and Matthew Morrison - great job singing/dancing, BUT I wanted to see someone who is directly connected to this year's Tony's on stage in your place. I know, I know...Glee has audience and viewers, and you brought in people to watch the Tonys that wouldn't have otherwise...
• Bebe and Nathan - hilarious. Let's find a better vehicle for you.
• Oh good, they let the cast of American Idol sing!

Cheers,

Sierra Rein

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

Mega Update for May (and June is bustin' out all over, I hear!)

Whew! Okay, it's been a long time since I posted something - but now I can do some updates! The content of this will be slightly all over the place, not based on date but on "theme."

The beginning of May was pretty damned good. What with my group Marquee Five winning a MAC Award on the 4th and all...yay!...we're starting up rehearsals again for our NEXT show (title TBD) with all songs arranged by Adam West Hemming. Since then, I have upped my audition attendance in a very mindful way, completed the school year's job of teaching 6th graders some improv drama games at All Soul's Church, sang for a church gig a few times, and saw Iron Man 2 on the big screen (it wasn't that bad, and since it was our first in-theater movie in MONTHS we were hungry for anything good).

One of the things I always look forward to each week is The Salon, an open mic event each Sunday. I was particularly excited to be singing at The Salon on the 23rd for the theme of "Sondheim." Not only was the night filled with some of my favorite music by one of the best writers alive, but the special guest was Len Cariou, the original Sweeney Todd. I sang "The Miller's Son" from A Little Night Music. Audio of that song can be heard here! In the beginning, you can hear the lovely "correcting" of the pronounciation of my last name by the audience (I get it all the time in auditions and doctors' offices as "Rain" when it really is pronounced "Rah-een" in the Austrian tradition). You can read my blog entry of this event at the official Salon blog here and images from the event here. At the Salon on the 30th, I sang "Mr. Snow" from Carousel and "Whatever Happened to My Part?" from Spamalot - audio can be heard of "Mr. Snow" here.

At the 6/13/10 evening yesterday, which was themed "A Girl and a Guitar" (Female Songwriters), I sang Carol King's "I Feel The Earth Move" (audio here) and "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman" (audio here), as well as Goldrich & Heisler's "Fifteen Pounds (Away From My Love)." I also sang one of my father's favorite songs for him, "If I Loved You" from Carousel, and recorded it here for him as it is his Birthday today! You can hear my recording for him here.

On other aspects of my month: My husband Pete and I shot a few Jay & Kay videos for 12seconds.tv and on Weds the 26th, I saw my friend Hector Coris sing selections from his new live CD "Life Is Wonderful" at Barnes & Noble, Lincoln Square. On Saturday the 29th, I did one of the most fun, childish, geeky things: Pete & I went to a live Lightsaber Battle in Chrystie Park, and pretend sabre-battled with him and a complete pack of strangers. You can see some pictures Pete took here and here. I was ambushed by two 13 year old kids; they cut my legs off at the knee then did a double-handed cross-bladed move to cut my head off :). Memorial Day, I had a one-on-one session with Erin Cronican of The Actors Enterprise, getting some feedback on my career choices and some structural tips on cover letter writing, then went to a Memorial Day party, fully equipped with sangria and these amazing chorizo-date-bacon wrapped appetizers.

On another creative side this month, I got to return to one of the roots of my life that has laid dormant for a while...Directing! My UCLA alum friend, Brian Alan Hobbs, invited me to direct the 20-minute BMI presentation of his 4-song version of "Calvin & Hobbes," which had lyrics by Jeff Bienstock and music by Hobbs. It starred Adam Spiegel (another composer...more on him later) as Calvin, Brittney Lee Hamilton as Susie, Doug Shapiro as Hobbes, and myself as Mom. The presentation, which occurred on the 25th, went wonderfully and it was great seeing the other mini-musical pitches as well. I went back a week later to see Adam Spiegel's own BMI presentation of his version of "Back to the Future," where the ever-versatile Doug Shapiro played Doc Brown. Adam's use of doo-wop and tight harmonies, combined with some gospel R&B (which appropriately reminded me of Huey Lewis and the News), was fantastic - seeing the scene in the soda shop ("you are my density") set to music as the song "Lorraine" made me want to see the show in full...once it's written in full!

On June 2, Pete & I got our geek on again, taking in the words of Neil deGrasse Tyson live at the Rose Center at the American Museum of Natural History, as the finale of the SciCafe series held there. He talked for an hour and a half (you can download an mp3 of the full speech here), answering questions from the audience. His humor, enthusiasm, gravitas and knowledge kept us laughing and entranced by his words. Seriously - if you like the Universe, the Earth, and Humanity's survival listen to this hour and a half of audio (it's a big file, be patient with the download!).

On Sunday the 6th, I took Pete out for an official Birthday Sushi Meal at Planet Sushi (very reasonable, big portions, laid back atmosphere, and then experienced what it feels like to eat an entire Shake Shack Shack Attack Shake...oohhhh the chocolate goodness!

That's about it for now! I have an informal reading of new material by a musical theater composer on Friday (but it's so early in the development to make any announcements), then I'm slated to sing for the Rigano Brothers in their June 27th composer showcase at the Metropolitan Room - more info on that later!

Best,

Sierra

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