Lyle West's Birthday Bash

Posted by Backstage Baby February 27, 2012 at 23:00

There's nothing I hate more than missing a party; actually there's nothing I hate more than not being invited to a party. Lyle West, former child star, now real star, had a birthday party at Derek Wills' loft this past week. Everyone was there except me, but as usual, I had my spies. BTW that loft should be put on any self-respecting tour of New York City landmarks; the place is a palace with views of the Empire State Building and old hardwood floors from Indonesia or somewhere equally exotic and illegal. And not only was the party great, but the guests got a surprise... an impromptu performance from "Marilyn the Musical." Apparently, Ivy Lynn did a rendition of "I Never Met a Wolf Who Didn't Love to Howl," a song from the show, with Tom Levitt on the piano. For the uninitiated, this is one of those things that JUST DOESN'T HAPPEN... except at parties like this! And the number was... spectacular.

They really are making quick progress over there at rehearsals it seems, but I do hear things are not as smooth as that one number. Ms. Houston's book appears to be in some state of flux, and according to one ensemble member, Ms. Cartwright, for all her naivete and youth, appears to be impressing. Some people just aren't meant to be in the pack. I'm beginning to think that might be true for Ms. Cartwright, but Ms. Lynn's not going down without a fight, and somehow I think that fight is going to involve Derek Wills; after all, he is the alpha male of Marilyn and an alpha male needs his alpha female.

Joe DiMaggio Added!

Posted by Backstage Baby February 20, 2012 at 23:00

So it looks like Marilyn is going to get her Joe DiMaggio. Rumors have Michael Swift coming on board to play her pinstriped beau. Swift has worked with all parties involved and had one of the lead roles in Houston and Levitt's "Ready Money" (a personal favorite!). He is a solid performer but it does beg the question... is Ms. Rand going to do this without a star in any role? You can't get to Broadway without going through Hollywood in this gossip's opinion, but maybe Ms. Rand has something up those elegant sleeves of hers. She better because I hear Mr. Rand has not given up on wooing Derek Wills back to "My Fair Lady." If Marilyn hits any bumps - and it will - you can bet that Mr. Rand will be looking to take back the dashing director who I hear is doing some wooing of his own. Yes! Derek and his Marilyn seem to be getting pretty close according to my source. Not a surprise BUT I'd advise Ms. Lynn to be cautious with this talented cad.

Trust me, this will only get more interesting once they start workshopping Marilyn next week. You get all that creativity in one room and sparks will fly, professionally and personally. I'm betting Mr. Wills and Ms. Lynn will not be alone in their dalliance...

Congrats to Ivy Lynn!

Posted by Backstage Baby February 13, 2012 at 23:00

The big news right up front blogopeers! Ivy Lynn is playing Marilyn Monroe in "Marilyn the Musical"! (Is that going to be the title? I wonder...) Congratulations to one of Broadway's long suffering chorus girls. (Daddys - don't let your daughters grow up to be chorus girls.) Ivy's rise is a great (and rare) story... just like Marilyn. Apparently, there was some internal discussion after the auditions BUT does anyone really discuss anything with Derek Wills? From what I know, he's one for dictates, not discussions. They brought Ivy and top competitor Karen Cartwright (she's the real deal so no more Cartwheel) back for some more work and Ivy came out on top. But there's a twist to this news as Ms. Cartwright has been inserted into the ensemble, which would put her right behind Ms. Lynn... looking over her shoulder. Now that's the Derek Wills that keeps my blog interesting.

I wasn't at Bond 45 the other night but Jerry Rand ended up a little wet in front of his flavor of the month. My spy couldn't overhear their conversation but apparently Ms. Rand took exception to Mr. Rand's words and tossed her Manhattan in his face. The word on 42nd Street is that Ms. Rand's pushing an aggressive timeline for Marilyn and going after some investors closely tied to Mr. Rand. Could they be forced to make a choice between Marilyn and "My Fair Lady"? Time and egos will tell.

With Marilyn cast, a big question has been answered, BUT Marilyn is only one part of what is sure to be a talented and buzzed about ensemble. What other characters from Marilyn's life will grace the stage with her? Johnny Hyde? Joe DiMaggio? Arthur Miller? What Marilyn story do you hope Houston and Levitt tell, dear readers? Chime in below...