ALADDIN AND THE LAMP opened this morning, kicking off a tour to East Bay schools that goes through April 3rd. Hundreds of kids, laughing and screaming their heads off during the black-light magic sequences. I loved the little girl who asked afterward: "Can a wish really come true?" Yes! This has been a real pleasure. Thanks to all!

First day of rehearsal for "Aladdin and the Lamp," my new musical for the entire family. Super excited about this one. I have a great cast, great producers in EBCT, and I must say that I think the script and score are quite strong. This should be a major crowd-pleaser!

Nice holiday surprise in my e-mail today: "The Man Who Saved Christmas" Cast Album has won a Family Choice Award in the "Music and Audio Books" category. Kind of cool to be in the same company as Bob from Sesame Street!

"The Broadway Chorus," which is affiliated with Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre in Pleasanton, CA is debuting a new SATB arrangement of "A Very Merry Christmas After All" next weekend. Tickets at TriValleyRep.org.

Lytle and Joel, together again for the first time! Melissa O'Keefe--friend, chantuese, and Alice Finch on THE MAN WHO SAVED CHRISTMAS CD-- asked me to interpret/reinvent a Billy Joel song for her to sing at her tribute to the Piano Man at Feinstein's. She gave me "Big Shot," and I gave her a sexy, Peggy Lee meets Julie London arrangement. I'm looking forward to hearing it on the 22nd of October. You should buy tickets and hear it to!

I'm thrilled to report that the "MADCAP MAY!" preview presented by Musical Cafe was an unqualified hit. The response of the audience on both nights was extremely enthusiastic. I'm more excited than ever to get this show on the boards...Only question now is: Where?

More on MADCAP MAY! I've been invited to present a sampling of scenes and songs from the show at the Fall Showcase of New Musicals presented by Musical Cafe in Oakland, CA. My show along with samples from three others will be presented. Since it's just a sneak peak, we're doing 4 (and a half!) songs, plus some abbreviated scenes. There are just six great singing actors and a piano (no cast of hundreds and full orchestra), but it's great fun rehearsing with this talented crew. The Showcase is two days only: Sept 27 and 28, and traditionally these sell out--so book now if you're local! You can find more info including a link to buy tickets at www.MadcapMay.com. See you there!

My full-length musical is called MADCAP MAY! and it's based on the life of a truly fascinating woman. May Yohe (rhymes with "showy") was the highest paid stage star of her era. Her personal and professional life was an astonishing series of ups and downs--from marrying an English Lord (and owning the Hope Diamond) to marrying (and shooting) a down-on-his-luck chicken farmer! From being an international headliner to touring in the lowest of vaudeville, before winding up a charwoman. I'll be presenting excerpts from the show as part of a New Works Showcase in September. Details to follow. For now: Read all about her (and the show!) at: www.MadcapMay.com