by Roger Zotti
The Latest from Diana and Richard
The point is Norwich’s Diana Finegold and Richard Seiden enjoy writing, acting, and their audiences. In turn, their audiences enjoy them. Put simply, in the hands of these two skilled artists everyone has FUN. So, if you’re a theater-lover, the hugely talented play-writing duo is back with two Wild Thyme Players productions: “Nothing Personal” and a new work titled “Dead Right.”
“We [just performed] ‘Nothing Personal,’ which is our story, sometimes heavily fictionalized, sometimes not, at that wonderful new Complex Performing Arts Centre in Putnam,” Diana said. The centre is operated by Nichola Johnson and Carl Mercier, a husband and wife team who are, Diana said, laughing, “Like a younger version of us.” (Several months ago Diana and Richard traveled to Putnam to see “Nunsense A-Men.” They were impressed. After the show Diana asked Nichola, “Do other groups perform here?” The answer was “yes.”)
Performances of the interactive “Nothing Personal” took place in early September. On October 24, it will be performed at The Dennis Senior Center on Cape Cod; on October 25, two performances at The Cape Cod Cultural Center in South Yarmouth.
As for the story behind “Dead Right,” Diana said three years ago “a local dentist heard about our audience participation murder mysteries and asked if I ever wrote on commission. I told him I’ve done it before and I’d be thrilled to do it again.” Diana and Richard wrote a mystery for the man’s huge family reunion.
“Dead Right” is politically themed – which is fitting because, Diana said, “The family love each other but fight like mad about politics.” Richard added: “Afterward, several family members said the play was the highlight of the reunion. Anyway, in the play there’s a conservative spokesman, who is a takeoff on Rush Limbaugh. He’s murdered. There are many motivations to commit the crime. It’s a twisty mystery and just when people think they’ve got it, it turns out they don’t. Add, too, a Hilary supporter.” “She switches her allegiance to Obama,” Diana noted. “As I said to myself recently, ‘What happens when you get passion, politics, and power?’ Well, it’s a poisonous mix.” Entertaining, too, may I add?
An audience-participation murder mystery, “Dead Right”, will be performed at the Donald L. Oat Theater, in Norwich, October 10 and 17, 7:30 PM (Dessert Theater: tickets are $22.00) and October 11 and 18, 7:00 PM (Dinner Theater: tickets are $44 and reservations a must). For further information, call 860.887.2789 or The Wild Thyme Players at 860.204.9871.
Brian Culbertson
Brian Culbertson plays keyboards, trombone, and guitar – and puts on a hugely entertaining, high energy concert. The enormously talented young man from Decatur, IL, appeared September 13 at the Cabaret Theater (Mohegan Sun Casino).
Like funk? Well, that’s mainly what Brian, who thoroughly enjoys performing, and his ten-piece band gave the crowd. Many of his songs were from his latest CD, “Bringing Back the Funk.” (The concert was, in part, a tribute to Earth, Wind, and Fire. In fact, Sheldon Reynolds, formerly of EWF band, was Brian’s guitarist.) From the new CD, the crowd was treated to a stellar cover of Tower of Power’s “You Got to Funkifize,” (“Got to kick to the backbeat before you get too old/ You got to flash to the fire and let it grab your soul”), “Always Remember” (co-written by Brian and Sheldon) and “Funkin’ Like My Father” (among others).
Before his encore number, “Our Love,” which Brian wrote, he thanked the audience and the people at Mohegan Sun Casino. “Hopefully we’ll be back,” he said. Let’s hope so – and soon.
Congratulations, Leslie
Leslie Dupuy, once of Preston, now living in Conroe, TX, finished the Louisville, KY Ironman in 15 hours 32 minutes. Leslie is a member of the Conroe Running Club and Conroe Tri-athletes. Another member, Paris Menefee, crossed the finish line in 13 hr. 29 min. An Ironman competition consists first of a 2.4 mile swim, then a 112 mile bike ride, and lastly a 26.2 mile run. Ho hum! All in a day’s work.
Was Leslie pleased with her performance? “Yes,” she said. “I was thrilled to finish under the cut-off.” Leslie thanked her parents, training partners, husband, son, dog, co-workers (“for their encouragement”), and veteran Ironman tri-athlete Frank Wilcox of Taftville “for all his sage advice.”
Leslie, the athlete formerly known as Leslie Zotti, is eager for another triathlon: “I’d love to. I’m looking at November, perhaps in Arizona. [Next time] I hope to set up a professional coaching plan and line out each week’s goals and stick to them. Maybe I can find a training partner at my level who will hold me accountable.”
The venerable New London landmark bar, Frank’s Place on the corner of Tilley and Bank Streets was the host venue for the fundraiser Chefs For Life ‘08 on Friday, September 19th. Hosted by co-owners Wayne Cosentino and Matt Bailey, with former owner “Mr. New London” John Duvall greeting guests, the event raised funds for the American Foundation for AIDS Reasearch (amfAR). AmfAR’s founding chair Dame Elizabeth Taylor turned her duties over first to Sharon Stone, and now Kenneth Cole holds the leadership position.
