Not Quite Opera Productions has partnered with the Academy for New Musical Theater of Los Angeles to present a workshop by ANMT’s Scott Guy.

Melissa O'Keefe, Katherine Goldman, Peter Alexander and Cliff McCormick (Photo by Jay Yamada)

From our guestbook for last week’s performance -

"STRONG..." (Photo by Jay Yamada)	“...a powerful evening–I laughed in the middle, but got choked up at the end...” (Photo by Jay Yamada)
"SOLID..." (Photo by Jay Yamada)	"...a real treat ..." (Photo by Jay Yamada)

And this lovely mini-review:

Melissa McCormick and Peter Alexander ((Photo by Jay Yamada)

“…I was there basically to provide support for a friend, expecting this show to be fun and great..BUT I want you to know that it was over the top!!..The four singers were excellent! The producer arranged the program marvelously and her little stories between each song pulled everything together so well. The piano player was amazing, and has published about 25 musicals himself. It was an excellent show, for 2 hours…”

Round One is a cabaret of new songs by local composer’s musical theater. It is Not Quite Opera’s mission to develop new works–and what great works they are! The show features a variety of music: Dennis Campagna’s charming folk numbers, Peter Alexander’s clever character-driven tunes, Scott DeTurk’s jazz inspired Broadway sound, and Peter Tucker’s classical crossover ballads. It’s a smorgasbord of fun for any musical theater lover!

Melissa O'Keefe, Katherine Goldman, Peter Alexander and Cliff McCormick (Photo by Jay Yamada)

We are offering two levels of tickets: $30 seats support the theater, are reserved and come with free concessions. You can get these at Brown Paper Tickets. $15 seats are general admission with concessions à la carte. They can be purchased at Goldstar. Or you may place your order by calling The Alcove Theater: 415.992.8168.

Karen Hirst is back for July and August on Thursdays and Saturdays!
(with Mary continuing Sundays!) Karen was the originator of the role,
“Sunshine,” in 2006 as well as the actress who launched the one-woman
show in September 2010. Karen electrified her “re-opening” night
performance last Thursday with a wonderful performance. Two
“Sunshine”s” — twice the fun! Get tickets now!

We’ve posted a great little clip of Mary Gibboney performing the song, “Groovy,” from a recent show. Enjoy. Click here for “Groovy on YouTube.”

The excitement continues on Thursday, 6/2/2011, as the marvelous and energetic Mary Gibboney takes over as ‘Sunshine’ and her friends in Not Quite Opera’s open run of the one-woman musical comedy hit, “Absolutely San Francisco.” Enjoy a new twist on the characters, as well as some fresh and subtle updates to our San Francisco story! Mary’s performances begin with previews on Thursday and Friday, 6/2-3/11 at 8pm, and we head into our regular Summer schedule of Thursdays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm beginning 6/4/11. Come on down for the fun! TICKETS

Welcome to “Assisted Living: The Musical” for rehearsals this June. Here’s what has been said about the show: “Assisted Living: The Musical® broke new ground a year ago in Naples, FL. and audiences haven’t stopped laughing (or coming back) since…” …NAPLES, Fla. — So, a man and a woman walk into a strip-mall restaurant packed full of retirees, and start mouthing off about sagging breasts, lost dentures, and how everyone there is standing at death’s door.

What’s the punch line? Rick Compton and Betsy Bennett implore you to find out with Assisted Living: The Musical. The singer-songwriter duo dare to poke fun at the aged in ways often off-limits on stage and screen – and audiences are laughing so hard they cry…”

After rehearsing here, the show plays at THE IMPERIAL PALACE (Chinese Restaurant) 818 Washington Street, San Francisco, CA 94108 Meal and show are located at THE IMPERIAL PALACE. For tickets go to: “Assisted Living: The Musical”

Well, break a leg, and we don’t mean from osteoporosis… -jd

Welcome Goldstar members one and all. Check your e-mail blast and the goldstar.com web site for deals on our shows.

We’re thrilled to announce that Darlene is going to continue her performance of Sunshine and her friends for another 6 weeks – through May 29, 2011.

“Buzzin’” Lee Hartgrave says “Absolutely San Francisco is VERY SF!” We couldn’t agree more.