Stage Banter: The Arena Stage Blog

An Afternoon with Mary Ellin Barrett

by Janine Sobeck

Just a few days ago, Daniel, the Stage Manager for I Love a Piano, had the great chance to meet Mary Ellin Barrett, one of Irving Berlin's daughters.  She had come to see the show at the Lincoln and shared some great thoughts about the show.  Below is Daniel's story:

I just thought I’d drop you a quick note to let you know a couple of things that Mary Ellin Barrett said about the show when she was here in D.C.

When I introduced myself at intermission, she glanced up at the full mezzanine and balcony and asked if we had been getting crowds like that most nights, and I told her that give or take a few, we had. 

Post-show, while talking with the company (peppering the conversation with such surreal observations like, “I remember when Daddy first introduced me to the Andrews Sisters”), she thanked them for reminding her of a couple of songs she had forgotten about.  While she didn’t mention exact song titles, she said she was thinking particularly of the beginning of Act II.

And she said that she was glad she had seen a matinee, as it would be tough to get to sleep immediately if she had to go straight home and to bed, because she would be running the show over and over through her head.

In all a lovely afternoon spent with her, and a beautiful reflection of the show you’ve put together here.

"I Love a Piano" Salon features long-time company member

by Janine Sobeck

The I Love a Piano Salon is coming up this Monday night (7pm) at the Lincoln Theatre.  I will be joined on stage by actor and assistant director Jason Weitkamp.  Jason has been with the tour for over two years (working in every capacity possible) and has lots of stories to tell!  Come and get an insider's look at the production - and have a chance to test your Irving Berlin trivia.

Do You Love a Piano?

by Janine Sobeck

Then get ready to learn some more!  The I Love A Piano Sub/Text has gone live...and it is chock full of information, pictures and vidoes.  Check it out before you come and see the show!

Holiday Story Contest

Arena Stage is hosting a contest for the best holiday family stories!  Funny, crazy or poignant (or anything in between), we want to hear about what goes on in your families during the holidays.  We will be posting all the stories online and the winner will receive 4 tickets to the opening night performance of I Love A Piano, a gift bag, and a poster signed by the cast.  Send in your best holiday family story (up to 200 words) and e-mail it to holidaystories@arenastage.org by January 2, 2009.  For more information, and a few examples, click HERE

Berlin in DC

by Janine Sobeck

After hearing about an Irving Berlin sheet music collection in the Archives of the National Museum of American History, we took a trip yesterday to investigate.  While we found a lot of interesting music, awards and other artifacts that will be featured on the I Love A Piano Sub/Text page, there was one section that particularly drew my interest.  So here's the sneak peak!

One of Berlin's big shows was called This is the Army.  Berlin had written the show in 1942 (based on one of his earlier works) to function as a morale boost for the World War II troops and their families.  Including massive musical numbers, and one of the first racially integrated shows, the story is about a group of drafted actors who...wrote a show to boost morale.  In the story, their show is so popular that they go on tour, ending with a performance in front of President Roosevelt in DC.  In real life, the real show became so popular that the national tour actually began in Washington DC.  

In the archive we found some great photos of the opening.  Please enjoy them...and keep an eye out for the I Love a Piano Sub/Text page, coming in January.

Next week...to the Library of Congress Irving Berlin Collection and their Edward Albee Collection!

   

Tickling the Ivories

by Janine Sobeck

Like many other people who come to DC, when I originally moved here I was very excited to see the Smithsonian Museums.  The one I was looking forward to the most?  The National Museum of American History.  So, when I learned that the NMAH was closed for extensive renovations, I must admit, I was a little disappointed (though I did go see the exhibit they held at the Air and Space Museum).  Well, the NMAH is reopening its doors in just two days (on the 21st) and those of you who are looking forward to Arena's upcoming production of Irving Berlin's I Love a Piano have another reason to go.  Among the musical collections, the NMAH holds the Transposing Upright Piano that was made for Irving Berlin in 1940.  So before you come and enjoy his 60+ songs up at the Lincoln Theatre, go and see the piano where they were created!