“Days Gone By”
Past programs in our eStudio are listed here for reference. When copyright allows, the events are recorded and stored on our YouTube channel. Browse the listings below and you’ll find many that are available for on-demand replay.
Past Productions in the eStudio
(organized by seven different content types)
READERS’ THEATRE
Lips Together, Teeth Apart
On Sunday, October 15, 2023, SBMT offered a free one-night-only staged reading of Lips Together, Teeth Apart, starring Joey McDaniel, Alicia Teeter, Mary Melnick, and Michael Rhone. Set in the same time as the setting of our production of Rent, the early 1990s, when the rate of infection was still not under control and the death toll was continuing to rise, Lips Together, Teeth Apart humorously explores the folly of people who think their wealth and position protects them from the realities of the world in which we live. Donations from the production supported The Health Trust, a local HIV/AIDS Services program that provides an array of safety net services for our neighbors living with HIV in the South Bay Area.
Readers’ Theatre: The Revolutionists, by Lauren Gunderson
On Friday, May 14, SBMT concluded its 2020-2021 season with The Revolutionists, a new play about four very real women who lived boldly in France during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror. Playwright Olympe De Gouges, assassin Charlotte Corday, former queen (and fan of ribbons) Marie Antoinette, and Haitian rebel Marianne Angelle hang out, murder Marat, lose their heads and try to beat back the extremist insanity in the Paris of 1793. Due to copyright, no replay is available. For more info, download the program here.
Readers’ Theatre: Anon(ymous), by Naomi Iizuka
On Friday, March 26, 2021, SBMT presented Anon(ymous) by Naomi Iizuka. It is a story based on Homer’s Odyssey, about a young refugee called Anon who journeys through the United States, encountering a wide variety of people — some kind, some dangerous and cruel — as he searches for his family. The show was directed by Vinh G. Nguyen. No replay is available due to copyright, but you can watch highlights and the post-show “talkback” below. For more info, download the program here.
Readers’ Theatre: Pride and Prejudice
On February 13 and 14, 2021, Silicon Valley Shakespeare joined forces with South Bay Musical Theatre to present a live-streamed production of PRIDE & PREJUDICE, Jane Austen’s classic novel involving manners, courtship and relationships. Watch the edited replay of that event below. For more info, download the program here.
Readers’ Theatre: Rachel, by Angelina Grimké
On Friday & Saturday, January 29 and 30, 2021, SBMT presented Rachel. Written in 1916, one of the very first plays authored and produced by a bi-racial Black woman playwright, this is the story of a Black family’s insistence of dignity, intellect, and survival. Terrorized by the racism of their former Southern community, matriarch Mrs. Loving moves her two children to the North in hopes of leaving the past behind. But when her daughter, an effervescent Rachel, brings home a young boy named Jimmy, Mrs. Loving is forced to reveal the truth that will shatter Rachel’s rose-colored dreams of motherhood and starting her own family. Considered a pioneering Black American woman playwright, Grimké expertly documented a loving Black family life in the early 1900’s that showcases the positive relationship of a mother and her children, and their striving to prosper as a Black community in the face of bigotry and hate. For more info, download the program here.
Readers’ Theatre: I Am A Camera, by John Van Druten
On December 19, our Readers’ Theatre actors presented I Am a Camera by John Van Druten.
Description: Chris is a struggling young writer whose novel, I AM A CAMERA, concerns the events occurring around him in the Berlin of 1930. Sally Bowles, a singer/actress, who works in a Berlin nightclub, befriends Chris and, despite her transient, bohemian existence, her platonic relationship with him remains steady. This play served as the basis for the Kander and Ebb musical Cabaret. Due to copyright, no replay is available. Download the program.
Readers’ Theatre: Dracula, by Stephen C. Wathen; directed by Dave Leon
On October 30 and 31, 2020 SBMT presented an original adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel that was developed by local theatre artist Stephen C. Wathen. Steve is well known for the many backdrops he has painted for SBMT and WVLO productions, and most recently provided scenic painting for A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder. Dave Leon served as director. Download the program.
Watch the replay of the Friday performance here, or the Saturday performance below:
Readers’ Theatre: The Glass Menagerie, by Tennessee Williams, directed by Walter M. Mayes
On Saturday, September 19, 2020, we streamed The Glass Menagerie, in cooperation with Dramatists Play Service, Inc. Considered one of the most significant plays in the American theater canon, The Glass Menagerie premiered on Broadway in 1945 and became an instant commercial and artistic success that established Tennessee Williams’ reputation as a playwright. Due to copyright, no replay is available, but you can watch our trailer below. Download the program.
Readers’ Theatre: Almost, Maine; by John Cariani; directed by Nicole Tung
On September 4, 2020, we streamed a live production of Almost, Maine, with actors from all over the country (e.g. Utah, Oklahoma, Washington D.C., and various Bay Area cities). Thanks to our cast, staff, and audience! Due to copyright restrictions, we are unable to post a video replay. Download the program.
Readers’ Theatre: The Book of Will, by Lauren Gunderson
Three years after Shakespeare’s death, his plays are constantly pirated and performed in inaccurate versions that tarnish the bard’s legacy. His friends are determined to make sure true versions of the plays survive by recapturing the words that shaped their lives. Guided by a sense of genuine loyalty, admiration, and what really matters in life, this determined lot will beg, borrow, and steal to make sure Shakespeare’s Folio survives. Broadcast on July 17, 2020. The short clip below from the end of the show is NOT the entire production, but gives you a sampling of the talent we assembled.
Readers’ Theatre: The Importance of Being Earnest
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde is a farcical comedy in which the protagonists maintain fictitious personæ in order to escape burdensome social obligations. Recorded Friday, June 12, 2020.
Corona Radio Theatre: on KALW radio. Two scenes from Almost, Maine
On June 11, 2020, public radio station KALW (91.7 FM) aired a live performance of SBMT actors performing selected scenes from Almost, Maine, a critically acclaimed play by John Cariani. Cast: Joseph Cloward, Morgan Dayley, Kerie Darner, and Jenni Chapman. Hear the replay on demand.
Readers’ Theatre: Pygmalion
Our very first Readers’ Theatre production was Pygmalion, recorded May 15, 2020. Cast members from the SBMT production of My Fair Lady reunited to read the musical’s source material, Pygmalion, by George Bernard Shaw. WATCH THE REPLAY BELOW.
SOUTH BAY CABARET
South Bay Cabaret: Songs Your Grandma Would Love (and a Few She Wouldn’t) with Ryan Sammonds
On November 16, 2021, Ryan Sammonds, who recently graduated from the University of Miami with a BFA in Musical Theatre, presented an evening of songs spanning several genres and decades including If I Loved You – Carousel; Movin’ Too Fast – The Last Five Years; She is Not Thinking of Me – Gigi; You Tore My Heart Out – The Toxic Avenger; Why God Why – Miss Saigon; Anthem – Chess; They All Laughed – George Gershwin; If I Can’t Love Her – Beauty and the Beast; Proud Lady – The Baker’s Wife; Stay While – Island Song; Marianne – The Grand Tour; and Til I Hear You Sing – Love Never Dies. Watch the replay below:
South Bay Cabaret: C’mon Get Happy, with Smita Patibanda and Daniel Lloyd Pias
On Wednesday, June 23, 2021, SBMT streamed a colorful tribute to the Great American Songbook, which traditionally is lacking in Asian American Pacific Islander representation. Smita Patibanda and Daniel Lloyd Pias explored the classics with contemporary twists and a whole lot of banter. Watch the replay:
South Bay Cabaret: Birthday Bash for a Living Legend
On March 30, 2021 a number of popular SBMT performers gathered to salute a certain Broadway composer who celebrated his 91st birthday a few days earlier. The plan was to sing one song from each of his many iconic musicals. Our singers included Andrew Cope, Brennah Kemmerly, Dave Leon, Jennifer Maggio, Alea Selburn, and Michael Stahl. Watch the replay:
South Bay Cabaret: Classic vs. Contemporary Show Tunes
On February 24, 2021, South Bay Cabaret presented a concert contrasting classic and contemporary show tunes. Performers included Kimberley Anjal, Melody Chen, Grace Colon, Aleisha Lew, Melissa Momboisse, Natalie To, Romelo Urbi, and Cindy Van—all of whom completed Vinh G. Nguyen’s Beyond the Book Audition workshop series last fall. Song pairings included “When I Marry Mr. Snow” from Carousel vs. “How Could I Ever Know” from The Secret Garden, and “Cockeyed Optimist” from South Pacific vs. “Stupid With Love” from Mean Girls.
South Bay Cabaret: The SBMT Mamas
On December 15, 2020, seven new and soon-to-be Moms of SBMT performed, with a special surprise appearance by Santa himself. Video editing by Nancy Fitzgerald Metzer. Watch the replay below.
South Bay Cabaret: Songs of Moxie and Heart
On November 29, 2020, Jamie Gussman, Juan Castro, Amanda Le Nguyen, and Don Nguyen presented songs of optimism against adversity in our South Bay Cabaret: Songs of Moxie and Heart. Moxie is courage, vivacity, and perseverance. Heart is passion, caring, and desire. Video editing by Nancy Fitzgerald Metzer.
South Bay Cabaret: “Center Stage with the Orchestra” coordinated by Joseph Kelly
On October 16, 2020, our South Bay Cabaret featured some of the “unsung” members of our talented orchestras, who rarely get a turn in the spotlight because they are usually sequestered off-stage at the Saratoga Theater. This special event was coordinated by frequent conductor Joseph Kelly and features many fabulous performances by members of our orchestras. Pieces include: Send in the Clowns (Sondheim), Pie Jesu (Lloyd Webber), Bali Hai and Some Enchanted Evening (Rodgers & Hammerstein), Fugue in G Minor (Bach), Etude #40 – Tempo di Valse (King), and Andante Sostenuto (Tchaikovsky). Thanks to all our talented musicians, including Joseph Kelly, Bob Sunshine, Bill Strauss, Dori Shimer, Ken Rydeen, Erik Dabel, Ron Bowman, D. Asa Stern, Jordan Selburn, Kathy Switch, Joe Amaral, Susan Schadeck, Hazel Keelan, Karen Law, Kathleen Harley, Madeleine Graham, and Steve Adkins. Video editing by Nancy Fitzgerald Metzer.
South Bay Cabaret: Gentlepersons’ Gender-Flipped Show Tunes
On September 22, 2020, nine members from the cast of last year’s smash hit, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, sang their favorite show tunes written for the opposite gender! Featuring: Jillian Bader, Andrew Cope, Michael Paul Hirsch, Brennah Kemmerly, Kate Matheson, Jennifer Noel Medeiros, David Mister , Michael Stahl, and Braden Taylor, covering songs from shows like On The Town, Funny Girl, Sweeney Todd, Evita, Next to Normal, Phantom of the Opera, Into the Woods, The Baker’s Wife, and Thoroughly Modern Millie.
Credits: Musical Direction by Michael Stahl. Accompaniment by Michael Johnson. Video editing by Nancy Fitzgerald Metzer.
South Bay Cabaret: Summer Serenades by Smita
Vocalist Smita Patibanda will delight you with her renditions of Broadway hits originally streamed on Aug. 6, 2020, including: What’s Inside, from Waitress; Let It Go, from Frozen; Just Around the Riverbed, from Pocahontas; World Burn, from Mean Girls; Green Finch and Linnet Bird, from Sweeney Todd; Satisfied, from Hamilton; and My Man, from Funny Girl. Click the YouTube link below to watch the replay.
South Bay Cabaret: “#HiFelicia!” with Felicia Chang
Recorded July 24, 2020. Audiences will remember Felicia as the darling Dorothy in Thoroughly Modern Millie. Felicia is a powerhouse vocalist, and we are excited to bring her performance to you! Watch the replay below.
South Bay Cabaret: “An Evening of Sunshine,” with pianist Bob Sunshine
This installment of our “South Bay Cabaret” series brings you a variety of songs on the grand piano, including: 1) “SBMT Medley,” arranged by Bob Sunshine. 2) “Weeping Willow,” composed by Scott Joplin. 3) “Little Star,” composed by Jim Brickman. 4) “Impromptu,” composed by Franz Schubert. 5) “Shenandoah,” arranged by Keith Jarrett. Recorded Tuesday, July 7, 2020.
South Bay Cabaret: “DeLightful, DeLicious, DeLovely, DeMarco!” with Derek and Cami DeMarco
Join Cami & Derek DeMarco for an hour of song and cheer. Derek and Cami were last seen in Big River and are well known both for their acting and culinary talents. (Note: the archive recording, linked below, includes a 10-minute countdown for the live feed; just fast-forward to the ten-minute mark to jump to the start of the concert.) Recorded Wednesday, June 24, 2020.
BEHIND THE CURTAIN
Behind the Curtain: A Musical Exploration of the Song “New York, New York”
On April 22, 2022, On The Town cast member Peter Bullen shared a video lecture on the music theory behind Leonard Bernstein’s iconic song from the show, “New York, New York.” Watch the replay on YouTube.
Artist Spotlight: Rachel Michelberg
On Monday, July 12, 2021, Dina Jacobson interviewed her friend Rachel Michelberg—a performer, vocal director, and vocal coach—who has recently written the award-winning book, “Crash: How I Became a Reluctant Caregiver.” She discusses her journey as an author and how her artistic life influenced the publication of her first book.
Behind the Curtain: Creating Creative Characters
On Wednesday, June 30, 2021, Michael Paul Hirsch led a dynamic panel discussion with Doy Charnsupharindr, Laura Domingo and Doll Picotto, around developing creative choices for callbacks, when actors have a minimal chance to make a lasting impression. Watch the unedited replay below.
Annual Membership Meeting
On May 18, 2021, Sara Dean, Michael Hirsch, and the SBMT Board of Directors presided over this annual meeting, where we provided insights into our plans for the coming year. We revealed our slate of shows for the 2021-2022 season, announced the winners of our service awards, and celebrated the one-year anniversary of the eStudio.
Behind the Curtain: Stereotypes Onstage — a panel discussion led by Vinh G. Nguyen
On April 26, 2021, SBMT EDI Consultant and Casting Director Vinh G. Nguyen hosted a panel discussion with Jourdán D. Olivier-Verde and Jessica Whittemore. (Alex Hsu, previously announced, had technical difficulties and could not join.) The panel examined the harmful stereotypes seen in many “classic” musicals and plays, and advocated ways that theatre companies can work against pigeonholed characterizations. Jourdan talked about typecasting starting in acting classes (and how the film roles he later received were consistently limited to vile characters, based on his body type and race), and Jessica mentioned her experience in SBMT’s She Loves Me, taking the role of Ilona and making it into more than a “dumb blonde” character.
Behind the Curtain: Stage Management, with Bob Bones and Alexandra Maisonneuve Teixeira
On Wednesday, April 21, 2021, Sara K. Dean interviewed Bob Bones (Production Manager for Team San Jose) and Alexandra Maisonneuve Teixeira (SM for South Bay Musical Theatre and Silicon Valley Shakespeare) on their past experiences in the role of Stage Manager for SBMT, AMTSJ, Silicon Valley Shakespeare, and elsewhere. They discussed what it’s like backstage, coordinating a myriad moving parts to make the magic that is live theatre, and gave live demos of what it looks like to “call” a show.
Behind the Curtain: Artist Profile – Joseph Kelly
On Thursday March 11, SBMT Board Member Dave Leon sat for a candid conversation with longtime friend and Musical Director Joe Kelly. Joe and Dave talk about everything from arts funding and education to Joe’s many musical endeavors, and share stories spanning their 30-plus year friendship, from high school marching band through their collaborations on SBMT’s Hunchback of Notre Dame and last year’s canceled Songs of Love & War cabaret.
Artistry, Race, and Motherhood
On Friday, January 29 (following the presentation of Rachel), Phaedra Johnson moderated a panel discussion Talkback featuring Tracy Camp, Tossie Long, and Kathryn Smith. Watch the replay:
Behind the Curtain: Panel Discussion – State of the Arts for 2021
Behind the Curtain: Broadway Musicals Reimagined
On December 2, 2020, Sara Dean moderated this discussion on the use of Conscious Casting in musicals. Directors Tanika Baptiste, Lee Ann Payne, Gary Stanford, Jr. and Nicole Tung each took a musical and reframed the casting from traditional to unconventional.
Behind The Curtain: The Unseen Thread – Panel discussion on costuming
On November 12, 2020, Michael Hirsch interviewed three of the area’s top costume designers—Sharon Peng, Lisa Rozman, and Mae Matos—on the complex world of costume design and the secrets of their trade. Costuming gives productions a reality, provides the final touches to a performers character and believability to an imaginary world.
Behind The Curtain: Actor Spotlight on James Monroe Iglehart
On November 10, 2020, South Bay Musical Theatre executive director Sara Dean conducted this exclusive and candid one-on-one interview with Broadway actor James Monroe Iglehart. James is best-known for his Tony-Award winning performance as the Genie in Aladdin. He was performing the role of LaFayette/ Jefferson with the NY cast of Hamilton, when Covid-19 closed Broadway. In New York, he has performed as The Lion in The Wiz and originated the roles of Bobby in Memphis and Phil in Hercules. Raised in the East Bay, Iglehart performed locally with American Musical Theater, Theatreworks, Foothill Music Theatre and more, before moving to NYC with The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. He recently directed, produced and played Oogie Boogie Man in The Nightmare Before Christmas virtual concert, as a benefit for The Lymphoma Society and The Actors Fund.
Behind the Curtain: An Interview with Susan Bernfield of the New Georges Theatre
On October 27, 2020, SBMT Board member and performer Jay Steele interviewed Susan Bernfield, founding Artistic Director and Producer of New Georges Theater in New York to discuss the evolution of theatre growth. Ms. Bernfield discusses her company’s mission of amplifying unheard voices through performance and the changes and challenges facing theaters — both over the past 25 years and looking toward the future of a post-Covid world.
Behind the Curtain: Mental Wellness—It’s Better Together, hosted by Michael Paul Hirsch
On October 13, 2020, Michael Paul Hirsch led a panel featuring three mental health professionals—Erin Wiley, LPCC, Dr. Juan Pablo Ferrer, PsyD, and Yvonne Hirsch, LCSW—discussing ways to cope with modern day stressors.
Behind the Curtain: Actress Spotlight with NaTasha Yvette Williams
On October 9, 2020, South Bay Musical Theatre chairperson Michael Paul Hirsch interviewed professional actress NaTasha Yvette Williams for this special one-hour live forum for the SBMT eStudio. He asked her about her song selection process for the album, some of the famous artists she’s worked with (e.g., Forest Whitaker, Katharine McPhee, Brandy, and Jordin Sparks), and how COVID-19 has affected her career. She also revealed that she has just been cast in a movie called Alice. NaTasha is a working Broadway actress, whose credits include: Waitress ( Becky), Chicago (Mama Morton). Broadway: A Night With Janis Joplin (Aretha, Joplinaire), The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess (Mariah), and The Color Purple (Sofia). You may have seen her on PBS in Lincoln Center’s Showboat (Queenie) with The NY Philharmonic. TV credits: Topaz “Orange is the New Black,” “Madam Secretary,” “ NOS4A2,” and Pearl in “The God Father of Harlem” starring Forrest Whitaker. She is an entertainment force and a founding member of Black Theatre United.
The State of SBMT: Panel Discussion with members of the Board of Directors
On Sunday Sept. 20, 2020, Sara Dean (Executive Director), Michael Paul Hirsch (Board Chair), and members of the Board led a review of previous goals and a forecast of the seasons ahead.
Behind The Curtain: Playwriting 101 Panel Discussion
Behind the Curtain: Ins & Outs of Props Design with Patricia Bilello and Barbara Heninger
On Tuesday, August 18, 2020, Barbara Heninger and Patricia Bilello discussed Props Design from script to closing, showing how a designer can take a director’s vision, add their take as designers, and create props that enhance a production.
Behind the Curtain: “Headshot Photography,” with Joanna DeGeneres
On Tuesday, July 28, 2020, Joanna DeGeneres, an LA-based headshot photographer, joined Michael Paul Hirsch for insight on getting that best shot. What makes a quality headshot? Are there differences between headshots for a television show, commercial, movie, or a theatrical production? What is the best way to prepare for a headshot session? (What do I wear? Should I shave? Should I wear glasses? Should I curl my hair?)
Behind the Curtain: Discussion with Khalia Davis and Youth Theater Initiatives
On June 29, 2020, Khalia Davis, a bi-costal Creator/ Producer/ Performer/ Teacher joined SBMT in a discussion on Youth Theater in America. From theater for the very young, to creation of new works, she discussed how engaging young audiences fosters development, growth, and future artists. To learn more about Ms. Davis, check her out at www.khaliadavis.com!
Behind the Curtain: Solidarity Space
Theaters are safe spaces. They are places to gather to cultivate empathy, inspire change and examine our beliefs. In this time of upheaval, we are all hurting in different ways. On June 3, 2020, SBMT Executive Director Sara Dean led a “Solidarity Space” online forum, providing a space to grieve, process, and discuss how we can fight the systematic racism in society as individuals and as a community. Black Lives Matter. (No recording available.)
Behind the Curtain: The State of SBMT
BROADWAY BY THE DECADE
Broadway By The Decade: “Musical Theatre History” (parts 1-5)
Heather Kenyon, instructor at West Valley College, provided insights on Broadway’s evolution in this fascinating online presentation, the first in an ongoing series. The first installment in June covered the beginnings of Broadway, up through the 1930s. The second lecture in the series, on July 13, covered the 1940s. The third, on August 10, covered the 1950s. The fourth, on September 14, covered the 1960s and the fifth, on November 16, covered the 1970s. On January 26, Heather covered the 1980s (part one: The British Invasion), and on April 12, she covered American musicals of the 1980s. On June 14, she covered the 1990s, with guest Sara K. Dean talking about her experience working on The Lion King. Due to copyright, no recordings are available. For more info about Heather, visit heatherkenyon.net
Broadway Lecture Series: Underappreciated Gems from Broadway’s Early Years, with Ron Susek
On October 12, Ron Susek examined four under-appreciated musical theater gems that are filled with memorable songs, but overshadowed by its creative team’s other works. These shows from 1927-1950 are from George and Ira Gershwin, Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, Irving Berlin, and Cole Porter.
About the Instructor: Ron Susek is a management consultant and advocate for education and the arts. After a 25 year career in and consulting to the life sciences industry, Ron today devotes much of his time to mentoring, STEM education, and workforce development, where he teaches 6th grade to community college STEM classes, and to arts education. He also volunteers with West Bay Opera (Front of House volunteer manager, former Board Secretary and asst. House Manager), Palo Alto Players, Hillbarn Theater (former House Manager) and the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival. Ron earned his BA from Northwestern University, PhD from The University of Chicago, and MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Broadway by the Decade: Underappreciated Gems from the 1960s, with Ron Susek
On December 7, Ron Susek hosted another Musical Theater History Class, focused on lesser-known shows from the 60s from celebrated musical theater masters! Each of these shows is filled with memorable songs, but overshadowed by its creative team’s other works. These shows are from the immortal tunesmiths Steven Sondheim, Jerry Herman, Richard Rodgers Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick, Jule Styne, Betty Comden, and Adolph Green.
Broadway by the Decade: Underappreciated Musical Gems from the 70s, with Ron Susek
On February 9, Ron Susek led his third Musical Theater History Class, focused on lesser-known musicals from the 1970s! In celebration of Black History Month, he started with two musical gems that highlight the contributions of Black Americans to the musical theater stage.
REPLAY AVAILABLE ON FACEBOOK
SKILLS WORKSHOPS
#actorlife Panel Discussion
On Wednesday, April 6, 2022 SBMT convened a panel discussion about our upcoming #actorlife program, introducing workshop instructors Nicole Apostol Bruno, Chris Reber, Patrick Russell, and Laura Millar, along with our Executive Artistic Director, Sara Dean. They discussed what it means to be an actor right now, what you can expect from the workshops themselves, and how each instructor approaches the study of acting and theatre. Watch the replay on Facebook.
Demystifying the Musical Audition Process, with Catherine Snider
On November 29, 2021, “On the Town” music/vocal director Catherine Snider, along with SBMT artistic director Sara Dean led this casual, virtual audition workshop to shine a light on the basics of musical theatre auditions: what to expect at and after the audition, how to prepare, maximizing your potential, commonly asked questions, and more. It was especially geared toward dancers and new singers with little musical theatre experience, with specific preparation guidance for On The Town auditions.
Dance Workshop: Welcome to the 60s, with Kayvon Kordestani
On July 20, 2021, SBMT choreographer extraordinaire Kayvon Kordestani demonstrated classic dance moves from the 60s in an easy, no-pressure workshop that was a free sample of a more in-depth “dance throughout the decades” workshop series that she plans to roll out in the fall of 2021. Learn a bit of musical theatre history through the art of dance.
Skills Workshop: “Jazz Dance,” with Mike Saenz
Mike Saenz, dance captain for Thoroughly Modern Millie, brings his popular jazz dance workshop to Zoom. Workshops have been conducted June 20 (2020), July 18, August 15, September 19, October 17, November 1, November 21, December 19, January 23 (2021), February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, and June 14.
Skills Workshop: “Beginner/Intermediate Tap Dance,” with Francesca Cipponeri
Francesca Cipponeri conducts an ongoing Beginner/ Intermediate level tap class in the eStudio. Sessions were held July 11 (2020), August 8, September 12, November 7, December 12, January 15 (2021), February 13, March 13, April 10, May 8, and June 19.
Acting Workshop: “Script Analysis and Character,” with Chris Reber
Recorded July 1, 2020. A script is incomplete without our scribbling keywords or reminders that point us to the truth that we’re all seeking in the words we’ve been given. Join Chris Reber as we dig into what is on the page that might inform us of what is really going on. Analyzing a script or a scene is how we set about discovering what clues the playwright has given us. What are the beats? What does that even mean? What do I want? Why? Who are these other people in this room with me? Why do I care? Do I care? Why do I say THAT? Script analysis is essential. It will focus your time and it will broaden your choices. WATCH THE REPLAY BELOW.
CINEMA SPOTLIGHT
South Bay Cinema Spotlight: The Inspector General
On January 23, 2021, Michael Paul Hirsch hosted a screening of The Inspector General, a 1949 comedy starring Danny Kaye as “Georgi,” an illiterate stooge in a traveling medicine show who has to flee when he unwittingly reveals that their outfit is a fraud. He wanders into the small town of Brodny, where he is arrested for vagrancy. The town’s corrupt officials mistake him for the inspector general, whom they believe is travelling in disguise. Fearing he will discover that they have been pilfering the public purse, they make several bungled attempts on his life. WATCH THE REPLAY:
South Bay Cinema Spotlight: Swing Parade of 1946
On December 5, 2020, Michael Paul Hirsch hosted a screening of Swing Parade of 1946. The Three Stooges, as dishwashers, help an aspiring singer, Carol Lawrence (played by Gale Storm), and a nightclub owner, Danny Warren (played by Phil Regan), find love. Streamed on Facebook and YouTube.
South Bay Cinema Spotlight: The Phantom of the Opera
On October 24, 2020 SBMT debuted a new category of entertainment in the eStudio with the “South Bay Cinema Spotlight.” Each month we will screen a classic film and discuss its influence on musical theatre. In keeping with Halloween, we kicked off the Cinema Spotlight series with the original 1925 silent film The Phantom of the Opera starring Lon Chaney, featuring the kind of improvised piano accompaniment that moviegoers would have heard when the movie was first released. Hosted by Michael Paul Hirsch.
Online Encore: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder
Offered September 26 through October 4, 2020, video-on-demand rental. This is the professionally archived, multi-camera recording of our delightful production from 2019. No replay available.
AMUSEMENT, FUN & GAMES
A Muse Event: “Name that Show Tune,” with Michael Saenz and Michael Rhone
On Feb. 13 2022, we held round five of SBMT’s game show, Name That Show Tune. Sorry; no replay available.
AMuse Event: “Name that Show Tune,” with Nicole Tung and Michael Johnson
On May 5, 2021, we held round four of SBMT’s newest game show, Name That Show Tune, hosted by Nicole Tung and accompanied by Michael Johnson.
A Muse Event: “Name that Show Tune,” with Kayvon Kordestani and Michael Johnson
February 2, 2021: Round three of SBMT’s newest game show, hosted this time by Kayvon Kordestani and accompanied by Michael Johnson.
A Muse Event: “Name that Show Tune,” with Anthony Howard-Erevia and Michael Johnson
October 5, 2020: Round two of SBMT’s newest game show.
A Muse Event: “Name that Show Tune,” with Steve Allhoff
August 4, 2020: SBMT debuted its first episode of the online game show Name That Show Tune. Test your show tune knowledge against other musical theatre aficionados in a fun and lighthearted evening of music and laughter. How many notes will it take to name that show tune? If you missed them the first time, these episodes can be rewatched in any order.
A Muse Event: “Musical Theatre Trivia Night,” with Walter M. Mayes
Theatre diva Walter Mayes led this recurring event on July 22, August 26, September 30 (no recording available), November 23 (on Facebook), December 22, 2020. and March 2, May 24, Aug. 30, and Dec. 22, 2021. (Click the date to link to available replays.) Participants beat the buzzer for four rounds of trivia questions.
Episode #8: Aug. 30, 2021
Episode #7 (unedited): May 24, 2021
Episode #6: March 2, 2021:
Episode #5: December 22, 2020:
Episode #2: August 26:
Episode #1: July 22, 2020: