Group Rehearsal #7

The cast got a chance to block Act I on the stage of the Hillwood Recital Hall on Friday, December 18th. All cast members were in attendance. During the rehearsal time, they blocked the entirety of Act I. Christopher designated prop duties to the cast members, and he discussed set designs and the upcoming movie trailer filming with them. The cast members advised Christopher in stage direction and movement.

There will not be any rehearsals over the holidays. Christopher has set the date for the entire musical to be off-book on Tuesday, January 19th.

The pit orchestra will rehearse with Christopher in mid-January. Pit members have been contacted about this important rehearsal. Parts will be given out and discussed, in addition to dialogue cues and scene change music sections.

Group Rehearsal #6

At the most recent group rehearsal, the cast began blocking Act I. Two cast members were not in attendance. Christopher discussed preparations for February's performance with the cast. The cast received revisions to the script. Set design diagrams were available to the cast to alleviate blocking. Christopher found a location for the filming of the official trailer and made arrangements with the cast. The cast got a useful holiday gift from Christopher to enhance their skills for the musical.

At the next group rehearsal, the cast will continue blocking the available scenes as well as receive informational materials for the All's Fair in Love booster program.

Christopher has almost completed the full score for the pit orchestra of "All's Fair in Love." Pit members will receive their parts by the end of the upcoming week.

Group Rehearsal #5

Yesterday, the cast read through the entire script together. Two of the cast members were upstate for a Music Conference. The cast was pleased with the script. A props list was made based on the current script. The cast contributed their ideas for the February 7th full production evening. Christopher commended them on their stellar Preview Night performance. The cast was notified of the upcoming rehearsals for December and the two dress rehearsals in the Hillwood Recital Hall in January. The cast offered their edits and suggestions to Christopher, and they highlighted their lines in the current script.

During next Friday's rehearsal, the cast will receive the updates to the script and will begin blocking Act I.

Script Reading

There will be a cast rehearsal this Friday, December 4th from 11 to 1 in the Fine Arts Building. Now that Preview Night has come and went, the cast will continue with the theatrical aspects of the musical. During this rehearsal, the cast will read through the entire two act script, offer their additions and revisions, and discuss the possibilities for the full production performance.

What a Success!

Preview Night for "All's Fair in Love" was a great success! Those special guests in attendance were very impressed with the song stylings of the performers and the rich melodies of the music. Special thanks goes to the following people: Lisa Meyer, Prof. Stephanie Watt, Prof. Barbara Fusco, Prof. John Meschi, and Prof. Carl Strommen. Their support and the support of the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University made such a unique and enriching presentation possible.

The next performance of "All's Fair in Love" will be a full production, featuring the premiere of the script, the orchestral score, and staged dialogue. That will take place on Sunday, February 7, 2010 at 6 pm in the Hillwood Recital Hall of the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University. The production features the original university cast. More information to come.

About Mr. Christopher Hopkins

Christopher Hopkins (Director and Composer) is a graduate student completing a Master's of Music in Theory and Composition at C.W. Post. He has played organ for various churches on Long Island including St. John’s Episcopal Church in Huntington, St. Patrick’s in Bay Shore, and St. Paul’s Reformed Church in North Babylon. He studied dance for several years, including tap, ballet, jazz, and ballroom, and often incorporates his own choreography into his acts. In addition, he has been the ballet accompanist for the USDAN Center for the Creative and Performing Arts for the past three years. He was a solo performer in C.W. Post Music Department's "Broadway Night" last February.

Christopher performed Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F Major last May with the Long Island Youth Orchestra under the direction of Martin Dreiwitz, conductor. He has performed as a solo pianist and singer and is featured in C.W. Post Keyboard Club concerts. Christopher thoroughly enjoys entertaining as a solo pianist and singer at various parties and events on Long Island, New York City, and Boston. Christopher Hopkins studies piano in the studio of Prof. Stephanie Watt and voice in the studio of Prof. Barbara Fusco.

About Ms. Melissa Nyman

Melissa Nyman (Katherine Baker) is a freshman at C. W. Post and is thrilled to be a part of an original play. She's currently a vocal performance major and has been studying voice for years. This is her first play at Post, but she was thoroughly engaged in the theatre program at her high school and outside of her school during the summer. Some of her past roles were Alice Sycamore in "You Can't Take It with You," Jackie in "The Hot l Baltimore," Cinderella in "Into the Woods," and Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz." She's so excited to be in this play and she would like Chris Hopkins and her castmates to know that she loves every minute of rehearsal with them.

Preview Night is Tomorrow

You are invited to a special event:

All's Fair in Love
An Original, New Musical
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Christopher Hopkins

The preview performance of selections from the musical will take place on
Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 at 8:15 p.m.
in the Great Hall of the
C.W. Post Campus of
Long Island University
Brookville, NY

The songs will be performed by Christopher and the undergraduate and graduate music majors of the university.

The characters, plotlines, and songs all draw their inspiration from the Broadway compositional styles of such teams as Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Loewe, and Bernstein and Sondheim.

About Ms. Christina Montalto

Christina Montalto (Sylvia) is ecstatic to be a part of Chris Hopkins’ "All's Fair in Love." Christina is a Music Education/Performance major in her sophomore year and has been in numerous stage productions such as "Guys and Dolls," "All My Sons," and most recently tapped her way through "Anything Goes" this summer. In her free time, Christina works as "Miss Christina" at the Longwood Youth Theatre Experience teaching and directing shows, music and choreography but most of all, fun! She would like to extend a warm welcome to those in the audience for showing support and for a job well done to Chris. "Amazing job Chris! Can't wait for this to hit Broadway!"

About Mr. Nicholas Errico

Nicholas Errico (Anthony DiSalvo) is a greenhorn of the theater and this will be his first taste of the grand stage. Nicholas is a Music Education Major in his Freshman year at C.W. Post. He has about 10 years worth of experience performing at various venues with different vocal groups and solo appearances. He has been singing in the school choir since the fourth grade, and he performed the National Anthem at Shea Stadium and Citi Field with the Lindenhurst High School Concert Choir in front of crowds of fifty thousand. He was also asked to be the rehearsal pianist for his High School’s production of “The Wiz,” he was a returning member of the SCMEA All-County Choir, and he was the recipient of several music-related awards before graduating. He has studied under experienced musical theater vocal coach Debi Toni and has attended a theater workshop with world renowned Broadway actor Michael Shawn-Lewis. Despite being a novice, he is looking forward to this experience and he wishes that everybody breaks a leg.

About Ms. Rachel Cruz

Rachel Cruz (Jenny Johnson) is a freshman at C.W. Post this year and is thrilled to be playing the role of Jenny Johnson. Miss Cruz has starred in an original musical called “Our Favorite Gershwin” performing “Summertime” and “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” She also played the roles of Hope Harcourt in “Anything Goes,” Mayzie La Bird in “Seussical” and Fiona MacLaren in “Brigadoon.” Miss Cruz has performed at Carnegie Hall and toured England last year. She is currently performing in the Long Island University Chorus and the Long Island Sound Vocal Jazz Ensemble here at C.W. Post. Love and gratitude to my Mom, Dad, Rebekah, Fabio, and Jesus Christ! Jeremiah 29:11.

About Mr. Daniel Campbell

Daniel Campbell (Mr. George Johnson) is an experienced vocalist in both jazz and classical settings. At C.W. Post, he sings with Long Island Sound Vocal Jazz, the Long Island University Chamber Singers, and the Long Island University Chorus. With these ensembles, Daniel has toured France, Switzerland, and Canada. In May, the LIU Chorus and Chamber Singers will be part of a larger choir for a second collaboration with Teatro Grattacielo in their production of Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari's opera, I Gioielli Della Madonna (Jewels of the Madonna). Also, this summer he will return to Europe with the Long Island Sound Vocal Jazz Ensemble to perform at Europe's oldest Jazz festival, Jazz a Juan.

Daniel is a classically trained pianist under the tutelage of Stephanie Watt. In addition to preparing for his Master’s Thesis recital, which will likely focus on keyboard chamber music, he is developing his jazz chops with Richie Iacona. He has performed with the C.W. Post Keyboard Club at Steinway Hall in NYC. Also, Daniel teaches private piano and voice lessons across Long Island.

About Ms. Sarah Boylan

Sarah Boylan (Mrs. Gladys Johnson) is currently a Music Education major at C.W. Post. In recent years she has participated in many musicals. She starred as Lady Thiang in “The King and I,” Mrs. Paroo in “The Music Man,” and the Cat in the Hat in “Seussical.” She has done some collaboration shows at Airport Playhouse. In her early years she performed with Center Stage Creative Arts and Dance Studio, where she took ballet, jazz, modern, lyrical, and hip-hop. Also with this studio, she participated in vocal workshops and solo numbers.

About Mr. Joseph Bebry

Joseph Bebry (Martin Johnson) is very happy to finally be in another musical, and is enjoying working with Christopher Hopkins and the cast of All's Fair In Love." The last musical he was a part of was "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" in his senior year of HS as the role Reverend Crisparkle. This semester, he joined the vocal jazz group on campus, and had a concert November 20th. Last semester, he was fortunate enough to partake in the chorus of the Opera "Il Piccolo Marat" on Lincoln Center with the LIU chorus. Some other previous theatre experience includes: "You Can't Take it With You", role of Paul Sycamore, "All Shook Up", role of Dennis, "Noises Off", role of Tim Allgood. He was also a part of the Choreo dance performances at Jericho for 4 years, and one Tap performance at Post.

Musical Featured in Life On Long Island

Check out the event announcement posted on Life on Long Island! http://www.lifeonlongisland.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=events.eventd
etail&EventID=5915

Behind the Scenes #6

The first song to be composed was "I Love You" and the last song was "Katherine's Call." During the summer of 2009, Christopher planned to compose a new melody every day. Having a plentiful collection of melodies from which to choose from, he added lyrics, with full awareness of the plot and the characters. He dated almost all of his sketches and scores and maintains a file with numerous revisions for each song.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Rehearsal #4 Report

Last Friday's rehearsal consisted of blocking the major ensemble numbers and cleaning up the blocking and the timing on the solo and duet numbers. Last week, the cast met individually with Christopher and experimented with their character movement in relation to the music and the lyrics. All the songs of the musical are blocked for the December 1st Preview Night.

The cast submitted their bios for inclusion in the program, which is going to the copiers.

Select photos from the "All's Fair in Love" Photo Day will be displayed in the Great Hall lobby on December 1st.

Since C.W. Post is closed for the Thanksgiving Break, there will not be a group rehearsal this Friday. The next rehearsal for the production is the DRESS REHEARSAL on Monday, November 30th from 7 to 11 pm in the Great Hall.

The script for the February 7th full production of "All's Fair in Love" is almost complete!

Behind the Scenes #5

Using the Finale music notation software for the Mac, he translated his sketches to the computer. The computer allows him to add and edit lyrics, adjust page layout, insert chord symbols, and adjust keys for the songs. With bi-weekly updates to Prof. Strommen, Christopher stayed on task, knowing that the earlier the songs are completed, the sooner the production phase could begin.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Behind the Scenes #4

Christopher decided to create the musical from the bottom up instead of continuing from the original musical outline. Beginning in June 2009, he sketched many of the musical's melodies while working as a ballet accompanist at the USDAN Center for the Creative and Performing Arts. After positive reactions from the campers and the dance instructors, Christopher was confident that the musical would be a worthy endeavor.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Rehearsal Schedule for the Week of 11/16

Rehearsal Schedule for the Week of 11/16

Wednesday 11/18
1 - Mr. Errico
1:30 - Mr. Errico and Ms. Cruz
2 - Ms. Cruz and Mr. Bebry
2:30 - Ms. Cruz
3 - Ms. Montalto

Thursday 11/19
6 - Mr. Campbell and Ms. Boylan
7 - Mr. Bebry and Ms. Nyman
7:30 - Ms. Nyman

Friday 11/20
11 - FULL CAST

Photo Day Report

Photo Day was a great success, despite the rainy weather! Thanks to the fine photography by Mr. Nick Errico and the superb makeup design by Ms. Rachel Cruz which greatly enhanced the quality of the headshots, body shots, and group shots. The photos will be used as publicity shots of the progress of "All's Fair in Love."

The cast got the first look at the script for Act I of the musical, and they also got to hear the Overture and Entr'acte of the musical. Because the photo shoot took the entirety of the rehearsal, blocking of the songs will take place during the week and at the next group rehearsal on Friday, November 20th. The cast received a listing of the upcoming rehearsals for the next two months.

Christopher will be meeting individually with the cast to work on their presentation for the December 1st Preview Night. The program for that evening is in development.

The flyers for the musical are in distribution and can be found at the university and in the local areas. Spread the word about this special event!

Storytime with Jenny Johnson

Let's hear a story from Jenny Johnson:

I had just turned 17 and for my 17th birthday I had a sleepover with only my closest friends: Nicole, Chloe, Anna, Lindsay, Kaitlyn, and Tina. We just finished putting our face masks on when my annoying brother intrudes into my room for no reason. All the girls screamed and Tina got so embarrassed. She's had a crush on my brother ever since we were little but he is so not into the whole girlfriend thing. Anyway I got the best presents. My best friend Tina got me my first pair of Uggs. I also got an adorable coach bag from Lindsay. Everyone else gave me money or gift cards which is perfectly fine with me.

We had so much fun that night. We all did our nails, toenails, make-up ... the works. We ordered pizza and watched our favorite movie — Sleepover. We've never had a sleepover without watching that movie. Then we put on some music and danced for like an hour and a half. It was amazing. Then we all got ready for bed and everyone fell asleep except for me and Tina. We had a nice reminiscing talk. We figured out we've been best friends for fourteen years and this was our fourteenth birthday sleepover. Then we realized that we'd be going our separate ways for college at the end of the school year. But we put that aside and just thought of all the fun and memorable times we've had together and that we will have in the year to come.

Thanks to Jenny and cast member Rachel Cruz for sharing this story.

Storytime with Martin Johnson

Let's hear a story from Martin Johnson:

My dad and I went to go pick out a car one day, and since my dad knows someone in an old used car lot, we went there to look. Now of course, the cars weren't the greatest looking things in the world, but it would get me where I needed to go, for the meantime of course.

After a few hours of looking, I was convinced I would not find the one for me. Many of the cars had too much mileage, and others appeared to barely be holding themselves up. I was very disappointed. Until, there it was. Right in the corner, near the back, a more than half decent car with low mileage (at least, significantly lower than the others), a white 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix. It had to be jump started because it was sitting for so long, but it drove perfectly! It was so happy! My dad let me drive it home, and I then showed my mom. My sister was very jealous, and it was then when my parents informed me that she may be using my car to learn. Wonderful ...

Thanks to Martin and cast member Joseph Bebry for sharing this story.

Storytime with Mrs. Johnson

Let's hear a story from Mrs. Johnson:

It was my senior year in high school and I had already begun searching for the right school to further my learning experience. My senior year schedule was as follows: Advanced History, Choir, English, Biology, and then I had early dismissal. I was all ready to go for the first week of classes, for I loved going to school. I loved thinking. You know how in high school, you walk in to your first class to scope out where you will sit and who you know? Well this one teacher had decided that the class would sit in alphabetical order, and I was placed next to George. Eek! This man was so opinionated and he always had to be right! So annoying. Because this was an advanced course we were told to do a research project and so no one was left out we were given partners. I am sure you know who I was partnered with... Mr. George Johnson! Later in the day I found out he was in my English class too, just like every year since ninth grade when I first met this sly, word-savvy, irritating man.

Flash forward later that year….
After working with George all that time in History, even though we argued about everything related to it, I found he had a certain charm. Outside of history, I discovered that we had the same family oriented goals. Then one day in English to my surprise, he asked me on a date. Also surprisingly, there was no hesitation on my part. From then on we were a couple. We even got voted cutest couple in the year book, and he was most likely to succeed, not to my surprise. From that day in English when my heart took over my mind, I knew I would spend the rest of my life with him!

And you see Jenny, you just know when that one person comes. He is it. You just know.

Thanks to Mrs. Johnson and cast member Sarah Boylan for sharing this story.

Behind the Scenes #3

As Christopher completed his Master's degree in Music Theory and Composition at C.W. Post, he reconsidered resurrecting the full length musical project after taking graduate courses in Composition and Orchestration from Prof. Carl Strommen. A graduate thesis in composition provided him with a venue as well as an academic purpose to compose and direct an original musical.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Cast Message for 11/12

Hello Cast,

Tomorrow is Photo Day! The weather looks to be rainy tomorrow and if so, our photo shoot will take place inside. Here is what you should know:

If you can arrive before 11, please do so. I and Rachel will be at Fine Arts at 10:30 and for those of you who can get here early, she can prepare the theater makeup treatment for you. If your character wears a hairstyle different to your own, please wear it that way. Bring any hairspray or hair accessories with you and if you need assistance setting your hair, we will assist you.

I've spoken to each of you about what you are wearing. If you are not wearing your outfit to school, then bring it with you and before 11 change into it. I encourage you to bring some accessories for your outfit (e.g. Mr. Johnson carries a coffee mug or cup, Anthony wears a nametag, Martin fights Jenny for his car keys, etc.)

For the photo shoot, we NEED lighting. If you have a fairly strong or bright lamp at home and can bring it tomorrow, that would be greatly appreciated. Three lamps altogether should be adequate for good headshots.

As always, bring your music and dialogue, although it all should be MEMORIZED by now. The first performance will be in 19 days! Blocking begins now. I would like to make Photo Day very efficient and get you those photos for your own portfolios promptly. We will be rehearsing after the shoot, so please try to stay and learn the blocking.

I am handing out flyers tomorrow!

All's Fair in Photo Day!
Christopher

Behind the Scenes #2

During Christopher's undergraduate years in Boston College, he began construction of a full length musical. With the assistance of a trusty faculty advisor, he learned to develop the plot and characters and how to vary musical ideas. Unfortunately, the project was dropped and put aside.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Storytime with Anthony DiSalvo

Let's hear a story from Anthony DiSalvo:

I was leading a group of hikers on a moderately difficult trek. We set out on Monday and we had planned on summiting Baldy Mountain in the Northwest corner of the 137,493 acre property. It was Thursday mid afternoon when we reached the 12,441 foot peak, and the sight was breathtaking! When I had checked in with base camp, they had received reports that a severe thunderstorm was coming up on our location, and quickly at that. Our original plan was to make our way back down the mountain and set up camp for the night. With clouds moving in rapidly, it didn't look like we were going to make it even halfway down before conditions would become unsafe.

Mt. Baldy is known for its steep slopes and heavy rain. It is that mountain's worst nightmare. The hikers and I had worked our way down to about 4,000 feet and I decided to hold up there for the night. Right below that point, the side of the mountain dropped off and getting stuck there would be catastrophic. About an hour after the sun went down, we lost radio contact with base camp. The conditions were worsening by the minute. Eventually, I had to make the decision to abandon our tents because we were at risk to be caught in a landslide. We descended about 75 feet when we found a rock outcropping and some solid ground. There we waited out the rest of the storm.

While we slept, one of the scouts awoke and, being quite scared, left the safety of the outcropping. When I woke up early the next morning, I immediately noticed his absence. I managed to regain communication with base camp and radioed for help. For the next few hours, I searched, along with my fellow staff members, for the boy. The rest of my trek crew were transported back to the ranch headquarters with no delay. After many hours of searching, we found the lost scout. He was pretty beaten up, having fallen a good distance down the mountain. We got him air lifted to a local hospital where he made a full recovery. At the end of that day, I put in my two week notice.

I felt that I had failed my place of work, failed the crew I was leading, and failed myself. It was my responsibility to keep my hikers safe, and I nearly lost the boy. So after I quit, I moved back to my home town of Greenvale in hopes that I'd put my past behind me. I started work for a local knick knack shop, a much safer position.

Thanks to Anthony DiSalvo and cast member Nick Errico for sharing this story.

Behind the Scenes #1

The idea behind "All's Fair in Love" stems back to Spring 2006 when Christopher listened to an original ten minute musical composed by his brother Stephen and performed by students of Yale University. The musical was called "Life Depends on Love" and was based on Aesop's fable of Venus and the Cat. Featuring four singers and a small pit band, the musical achieved the objectives of the Shen Musical Theater Composition Project at the university.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Storytime with Katherine Baker

Let's hear a story from Katherine Baker:

It was one of those days where I really didn't know what I was expecting, but I knew I was ready for whatever it was. I knew the material. I was confident. I'd pass the test with flying colors.

Marine Biology was one of my favorite classes in school. I loved everything about it, learning every aspect of it, and it just came naturally to me. I didn't need to study.

So I was more than taken aback when I got back my grade. I had gotten a C. A C? I didn't get C's. I knew this stuff. I could practically teach this class! There had to be some mistake.

Of course, I stayed after to speak with my teacher. I explained to him that I knew everything on that paper. I even covered my answers and answered the questions orally to him. He said he'd look over the paper again.

The next day, he told me there'd been some mistake and that the grades had gotten mixed up. I'd actually gotten an A+. I was definitely glad that I was confident in my knowledge and that I confronted my teacher when I knew I did well.

Thanks to Katherine Baker and cast member Melissa Nyman for sharing this story.

Storytime with Sylvia

Let us hear a story from Sylvia:

As a baby my folks took pictures of me and sent them into catalogs. I was always around the cameras, and beautiful people. It wasn't until I reached middle school that the kids would make fun of me. I think they were just jealous, but while I was trying to be nice, they would walk away because I was "a model". I never got money for it, my parents took it and saved it for me to go to college. They told me that just because I'm beautiful doesn't mean I can't be intelligent. So I went to school, I wanted to become a teacher, to teach kids that we're all beautiful individuals, we just need to embrace ourselves.

I won a scholarship for a project of mine. It was called, "Eye of the Beholder". We had everyone in my class take pictures of themselves and we posted them on the front cover of the college newsletter. Every month there was a new face. But we had them take pictures without make-up, and without any special effects. The result was amazing, it really taught us how to love ourselves and how to battle the hazing and the low self-esteem within our society. I was recognized for an award called 'The Battle Against Media". Basically, through a non-violent approach, we all took a stand against the media and it's view on beauty. it was truly amazing. this has been my drive throughout life. To show everyone that they are beautiful!

Thanks to Sylvia and cast member Christina Montalto for sharing this story.

November 6th Report

There was no group rehearsal this Friday because a majority of the cast members were involved in a musical performance at C.W. Post during the usual scheduled rehearsal time. The cast will have their next group rehearsal on Friday, November 13 which is also the Official Photo Day for the December 1st preview night.

Some cast members rehearsed with Christopher during the week to solidify harmonies and to finalize the songs. All major revisions of the songs have been completed.

The cast is continuing their character development work by thinking about appropriate blocking for their songs as well as how their characters present themselves in appearance. This work will assist Christopher in blocking the song numbers and the dialogue. It will also influence how the cast prepares for Photo Day.

The promotional flyer for "All's Fair in Love" preview night has been approved by the university and will be distributed to cast members during Photo Day.

Key Facts

Title: All's Fair in Love

Composer: Christopher Hopkins

Type of Work: Musical

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Language: English

Time and Place Written: 2009, Long Island, NY

Setting (time): April 2010

Setting (place): Greenvale, NY

Themes: love, trust, communication, intuition

Style: American Musical Theater, Jazz, Showtunes, Classical

Lead Roles: 7

Chorus Roles: 2-4

Arrangements: vocal with piano accompaniment, orchestra

Distinct Songs for Voice: 13

All About Sylvia

What do you know about Sylvia? Our production team got the inside scope in our latest interview:

Is it true you entered beauty pageants in your teenage years? How did you place?

Yes it is true! Can't you tell? For the first few years, I made 3rd and 2nd place. But I received a lot of advice and worked really hard until I made Numba one! Now I help everyone feel beautiful!

How active are you in your community?

I have a strong following of supporters that inspire me. I became very popular soon after high school, but for the right reasons. However, some people thought I was mean, but when I gave a campaign for the town titled "Beautiful After 10 Years," everyone felt good about themselves and I represented the town in their push for health and beauty awareness in the State Conference held that year.

Were you mistaken for a famous celebrity? Which one?

Which one? Somebody thought I was a celebrity. But I humbly corrected him. I guess I'm meant for fame! Another time a group of construction workers thought I was a model. Can you believe that? I guess being 40 isn't so bad!

Any other details to share with the theatergoing public?

My husband works long hours, but I believe I'm a very devoted wife. However, I love to shop! I wish he were home more so he could go shopping with me.

Thanks to Sylvia and cast member Christina Montalto for their contributions.

All About Martin Johnson

What do you know about Martin Johnson? Our production team got the inside scope in our latest interview:

What activities and organizations are you involved in?

I am the Captain of the high school's Track and Field team. I also am a member of the Debate Club.

What annoys you the most about your sister Jenny?

I can't stand her naive attitude (although it resolves throughout the storyline of the musical). She jumps at the chance to criticize me in front of my parents or my friends. I really hate that she persuaded our parents to let her use my car to learn to drive. That's so embarassing!

What kind of car do you own? Is it your dream car?

I wish! I really should have a top of the line sports car. I'd even settle for a fairly new model. Instead I got a hand me down from my dad's friend at work. It would be nice if it were solely mine, but Jenny has been trying to use it more and more.

How would you describe yourself?

I like to keep my things in place. I like when I have things under control. I admit that sometimes I have trouble trusting certain people with my stuff; they will remain nameless for obvious reasons. I'm not too materialistic, but I have a few exceptions. I may not show it often, but I really do care for my parents. I just wish they wouldn't embarrass me so much. I tend to be persuasive at times; I attribute that to my years on the Debate team and my persistent mother.

Thanks to Martin and cast member Joseph Bebry for their contributions.

All About Jenny Johnson

What do you know about Jenny Johnson? Our production team got the inside scope in our latest interview:

What do you and your BFFs do?

We go to the mall often to go shopping and scope out cute boys. We also love to have sleepovers and take tons of pictures. We love to go to the movies and enjoy going to concerts.

Where do you like to shop?

I shop at Joyce Leslie, American Eagle, and Delia's. I love accessories like jewelry, headbands, scarves, and purses.

How do you earn allowance from your parents?

I wash the dishes every night and I set and clear the table for dinner.

What else do you love to do?

I love to dance and sing. There's nothing better than having a sleepover with my BFFs and rocking out to the Beatles. I also enjoy watching romantic comedies with my BFFs.

Thanks to Jenny Johnson and cast member Rachel Cruz for their contributions.

Rehearsal #3 Report

On Friday, October 30, there was a Group rehearsal for "All's Fair in Love."  The cast members are slowly recovering from the illnesses they felt from last week.  They reviewed the ensemble numbers and learned a revised addition to the ending of "All's Fair in Love."  Those who did not read their character backstories to the group at the last rehearsal did so at this rehearsal.  The cast performed their solo and duet numbers for the entire cast to watch and react to.  The feedback from Christopher and the cast was both positive and motivational.  Each cast member received revised copies of their music and the lead-in and lead-out dialogue for each song in the musical.  They used the dialogue as a blueprint for their improvisational character work during the vamp sections of each song.  Ideas for blocking were discussed.

During the week, there was a private rehearsal between the characters Martin and Katherine in which minor alterations were made to "You Must Trust Me."  This week, more private rehearsals will take place since there will NOT be a group rehearsal on Friday due to numerous cast members having a performance with the university.

One Month to Go

There is one month until preview night for "All's Fair in Love."  All songs should be memorized by now.

All About Katherine Baker

What do you know about Katherine Baker?  Our production team got the inside scope in our latest interview:

What is your dream boyfriend like?

He would be kind of stubborn, good looking for sure, and someone who I'm not completely sure I can have.  That makes it all the more fun.  I have a way with boys, which you'll see in this musical.

Who do you call the most on the phone?  What do you talk about?

I have a great bunch of friends.  We talk about school and work; occasionally we get going on boys.  I've been talking about this one guy I'm interested in lately.  My girls can't get enough of my stories.

Have you ever had to follow your instincts and hold true to them?

There have been times when my friends say things about my other friends.  Like one time, my friend accused another of my friends of cheating on their boyfriend and I went through all the facts until they believed me because I knew it wasn't true.  I was 100% confident in my argument.

I hear you have some other qualities you'd like to share?

Yes, I'm very fashionable.  I like to go out and have fun.  I'm loyal to my friends and I like to take a few risks now and then ... but nothing too responsible.  I  know when to turn down a stupid suggestion.

Thanks to Katherine and cast member Melissa Nyman for their contributions.

Musical Siblings

Christopher is not the only member of the Hopkins family to be involved in the musical world. He has an older brother, Stephen Hopkins, who is a prominent musician and composer. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance from Yale University and a Master's degree in Piano Accompanying and Coaching from Westminster Choir College, Stephen continues to lend his talents to the musical theater and operatic companies. He was selected as the recipient of the Shen Prize for Excellence in Composition at Yale, where he received instruction in composition by such prominent composers as Ricky Ian Gordon and Richard Pearson Thomas and attended talks by Stephen Sondheim and Adam Guettel. For the past two years, Stephen has served as a vocal coach and rehearsal accompanist for the Houston Grand Opera in Houston, Texas.

More information about Stephen Hopkins can be found at his official website: Stephen M. Hopkins

Photo Day

Photo Day will take place on Friday, November 13th at 11 am. On this day, Christopher and the cast of "All's Fair in Love" will take headshots and various group pictures to be used for publicity purposes. More details to follow.

All About Anthony DiSalvo

What do you know about Anthony DiSalvo?  Our production team got the inside scope in our latest interview:

Where did you work before this job?

I was a desert guide in Cimmiron, NM.  A private ranch would hire me to guide hikers throughout the New Mexican Desert.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy photography, singing to my customers, doing hard work, and fishing on my days off.  Did I mention singing?  I also enjoy scouting.

What is the name of the store in which you work?

The store is called "Hidden Treasures."  We sell a lot of gift items, especially antiques, custom made items, and household furnishings.  During the holidays, we do pretty well for ourselves.  I have gotten promoted twice already, so I am quite pleased with the job and the pay.

What else should theatergoers know about you?

I am very smart and respectable.  You can tell when you see the musical.

Thanks to Anthony and cast member Nick Errico for their contributions.

Group Rehearsal #3

There will be a group rehearsal this Friday, October 30 in Fine Arts 101 from 11 to 1.  Note the room change.  Bring all your music and your character work on your designated songs.

In-Song Dialogue

The cast received preliminary lead-in, interlude, and lead-out dialogue for their respective songs.  They will expand on the ideas and character traits laid out in their character development to improve their dialogue.

All About Mrs. Johnson

What do you know about Mrs. Gladys Johnson? Our production team got the inside scope in our latest interview:

Where did you first meet your husband?

We are high school sweethearts!  We met in an English class.  I couldn't stop looking at him as we were reading Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet."

Where did you get married?

We got married on the beach.  It was a simple wedding in my opinion.  The weather was warm with a slight breeze, I remember it well.  On my wedding day, I felt that destiny had run its course and created the perfect pair!

What was happening in your life at the time Martin was born?

We had just bought a house and settled and thought it was time to start our family.  George had just gotten a promotion on his job and after many weeks of debating between him and me, we came to the consensus that we would have a baby.

How faithful are you to your husband?

I stand by him always, as he does with me.  As a wife, I've seen and heard all the "Desperate Housewives" stories of couples cheating on one another and I always felt sad for those who had to look for love that way.  I've known George for many years, and even though we have a good quarrel here and there, I know he loves me and loves our family.  

Thanks to Mrs. Johnson and cast member Sarah Boylan for their contributions.

Cast Message for 10/25

Hello Cast,

For your next character development assignment, I would like you to read over the lyrics
of each song you sing in, whether it be a solo, duet, or ensemble number. For each song,
find a lyric that speaks to you and describe to me in a sentence or two a motion or
gesture which you can do when singing that line. The action can be toward another
character. This will help speed up the process of blocking the songs. Moving around as
your character will bring these songs to the next level.

Please write a sentence or two for EACH SONG YOU SING. Please quote the lyric you are reacting to.

Please submit your responses either via e-mail or written out and given to me or put in
my mailbox by FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30. I will take your ideas and that weekend, create some
blocking for you based on what creativity you devise.

All's Fair in Blocking,
Christopher

Rehearsal #2 Update

Friday's group rehearsal brought with it many new changes, all for the better.  A few of the cast members were ill, but their absence left more time for the remaining cast members to develop their characters and receive instruction on their songs.  Christopher revealed the two flyers that will be used to promote the December 1st preview night.  Then each character read the story he or she wrote and received comments from the other characters.  Through the stories, Christopher and the cast solidified numerous character points and details, paving the way for the musical's dialogue.  

During the rehearsal's vocal section, the characters performed their individual and duet pieces for the group.  For each song, the cast had to improvise lead-in and lead-out dialogue that was appropriate for the scene in which the song takes place.  The results and the interaction of the characters were brilliant!  The cast is putting in great work in and out of rehearsals and it will show.

Reprise sections were created for all of the Jenny/Martin and Martin/Katherine duets.  

The songs are expected to be memorized by December 1st.

Group Rehearsal #2

There will be a group rehearsal on Friday, October 23rd from 11 to 1.  The cast will listen to the stories they wrote about their characters' backstories.  Each performer will also sing one or two of their individual pieces for the group and receive feedback.  They have one more week until their songs are expected to be memorized.

All About Mr. Johnson

What do you know about Mr. George Johnson?  Our production team got the inside scope in our latest interview:

How did you propose to your wife?

One late sunny afternoon on a Sunday, after coffee in town, Gladys and I walked over to the Town Center's park.  We sat on a park bench for hours.  We got into a heated debate about politics (my wife loves a good argument), which wasn't the most romantic time to propose as I would have expected.  A gush of wind blew off my hat, and as I chased it down, my wife burst into laughter.  Once I got my hat, I walked back, fell to my knee and gave her my ring.  She'll tell you that the motivation for our beach wedding was the sunset from the proposal, but I don't remember that!

What is your job like?

Well, I am an engineer.  I design progressive machinery parts for mass production bakeries. Most days I'm in a lab with the boys.  You don't want to be called for overtime when there is a mass recall on one of your company's parts!

What is your favorite meal that your wife cooks?

Everything she cooks!  Because I'm a vegetarian and she is not, everything she cooks for me is made with love.  Although she'll tell you she isn't a very good cook, she knows how to keep me full and content. 

What are your hobbies?

Well, I love to read in my favorite chair.  I love desserts, especially my morning coffee.  I encourage sing alongs at home, even if my kids don't get as excited as they used to.  I am also proud that through my love of my family, I can provide the life for my children that I never had.

Thanks to Mr. Johnson and cast member Danny Campbell for their contributions.

Progress Update 10/19

Last week, the cast gave individual practice to their selected songs.  They also created imaginative stories which reflect an aspect of their character.  These stories go beyond the scope of the musical.  They will provide backstory and will enrich the musical's dialogue.  By the end of this week, the cast will have their songs prepared very well and will begin adding their own personal style to the songs.

Flyer #1

We reveal to you ... the flyer for "All's Fair in Love" preview night!

1st Public Appearance

Did you know that December 1st will not be the first time a song from "All's Fair in Love" will be performed?  In August, those that attended "Christopher: the Music Man" in North Babylon, Long Island got the first public performance of one of the songs.  Read the review here: Life on Long Island

Group Rehearsal #1

During last Friday's group rehearsal, the cast learned "Finale" and "All's Fair in Love."  They performed some improvisational lead in dialogue as a group to segue into the songs.  After the singing, each cast member introduced his or her character, based on the responses from the Character Description forms the cast completed last week.  Then other cast members, acting as their characters, reacted and asked questions which often entered into a heated debate among characters!  

Cast Message for 10/11

Great work on Friday! Your character development is coming along nicely, as are the
ensemble numbers.

Now that everyone has their appropriate music (and in the adjusted keys), you should be
1. learning the notes and rhythms and 2. stylizing the songs in a way that is uniquely
you. Think about body gestures and body language; how can you convey the tone and the
lyrics through your movement? As you practice the songs, write in your music some
actions that would be appropriate. This is the week you have to solidify the notes and
rhythms and to play around with it before we start adding lead in and lead out dialogue.

For your characters, I want you to continue developing them in this next assignment. Now
that we've all been introduced to each other, we are going to explore a story as our own
character from before the events of the musical (almost like Wicked). Two paragraphs
should suffice. Here are story starters:

Mr. Johnson - a story that involves Mrs. Johnson in some way
Mrs. Johnson - a story that involves Mr. Johnson in some way
Martin - a story that involves your car
Jenny - a story that involves planning something
Anthony - a story that involves a previous job
Katherine - a story that involves being assertive
Sylvia - a story that involves confidence and self-beauty

Stories can take place at any time in your life ( from school days through to present).
They do not have to involve the characters in the musical unless specified above. All
stories are due on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 via my e-mail. Be creative and have fun. There is
no wrong answer.

I am having private rehearsals this week by appointment only. Any questions on the music
itself, call me.

All's Fair in Stories,

Christopher

About Preview Night

What is preview night?

Preview Night is the first public performance of all the distinct songs of the musical in succession.  It will take place on December 1st, 2009 in the Great Hall of the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University.  During the performance, the cast members will perform the songs, accompanied by Christopher on piano.  Christopher will discuss the premise of the musical and talk briefly about the pieces, which include solo, duet, chorus, and instrumental settings.  The event is free and open to the public.  Musical theater and Broadway producers are encouraged to contact the University in advance.

Private Rehearsal #1

The private rehearsals with the cast members went very well.  Each of them received their appropriate sheet music and sung through them.  Key alterations were made to "Welcome to My Store" and "When I Look at You."  Additional harmonies were inserted into "All's Fair in Love" and "When I Look at You."  The cast submitted their character description forms and together their character development work will create a cohesive and satisfying backstory to the musical.

During tomorrow's rehearsal, the cast will go through "Finale" and "All's Fair in Love."  They will also perform their solo and duet songs in front of each other for positive criticism and feedback from Christopher.  

Instrumentalists Needed

Attention instrumentalists:

Musicians are needed for the musical "All's Fair in Love."  The performance
date which features the pit is on Sunday, February 7th, 2010.  The music has built in solo opportunities for experienced players.

The list below are instruments which are needed. The
instruments listed with a * indicate those that those positions already filled:

Strings-
Violin
Viola
*Cello
Double Bass

Woodwinds-
Clarinet
Flute
Oboe
Bassoon

Brass-
*Trumpet
*Horn
Trombone
Tuba

Other-
Drum Kit
Alto Saxophone
Electric Bass

Rehearsals for the pit orchestra will take place based on the schedules of those musicians 
involved. It will not be during the cast rehearsals and it will not conflict with the
bands and ensembles that are available at the University.

Parts will be arranged by Christopher with contributions to their
creation based on your expertise on your instrument.

Contact Christopher for more information.

Rehearsal Schedule for the Week of 10/4

Rehearsal Schedule for the Week of 10/4

Wednesday 10/7
12:20-1:00 Mr. Errico
12:45-1:30 Ms. Cruz

Thursday 10/8
5:10-5:45 Mr. Campbell
5:30-6:15 Ms. Boylan
6:30-7:10 Ms. Nyman
6:45-7:30 Mr. Bebry

Friday 10/9
10:30-11 Ms. Montalto
11-1 FULL CAST

Inspiration Behind the Music

The music of "All's Fair in Love" draws inspiration from the music of the American Broadway scene during the early to mid 20th century.  Composer teams such as Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Loewe, and Bernstein and Sondheim find a new voice in the themes and plots set forth by Christopher Hopkins.  Other composers whose musical works offer insight into "All's Fair in Love" are Jerry Herman and Meredith Willson.

Preliminary research and consultation were essential in constructing this musical.  Numerous books on musical theater production and orchestration enriched the entire background of the musical.  The books studied in the preparation of "All's Fair in Love" were the following: “The Sound of Music: The Making of America’s Favorite Movie” by Julia Antopol Hirsch, “Rodgers and Hammerstein” by Ethan Mordden, “The Sound of Music Companion” by Laurence Maslon, and “The Sound of Broadway Music” by Steven Suskin.  These books, along with the resources of Carl Strommen’s years of arranging and an individual love of musical theater, aided Christopher in developing a system of composition for musical theater that is effective and practical while respecting the source material.

Musical Advisor

The progress that this musical has made from its inception to now owes much to the guidance and assistance which Christopher has received from C.W. Post faculty advisor and Warner Bros. arranger Carl Strommen.

This Week 10/4

Cast members will be contacted to arrange a time with Christopher to develop their characters and to receive private instruction on their songs. All cast members should turn in their character description work to Christopher's mailbox in the Music Office or directly to him no later than October 6th.

Opening Meeting 10/2

The opening meeting of "All's Fair in Love" went very well. The cast and pit members received materials regarding the musical's plot, characters, lyrics, and songs. They received information regarding showdates, dress rehearsals, the official website, and contact information. The cast will flesh out their characters through character descriptions and shape their characters' personalities with Christopher individually. The remainder of the rehearsal was spent listening to all of the songs of the musical in succession. The pit members will receive further instruction once arrangements of the songs are made.

Invitation to the Musical Theater Public

You are invited to a special event:

All's Fair in Love
An Original, New Musical
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Christopher Hopkins

The preview performance of selections from the musical will take place on
Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 at 8:15 p.m.
in the Great Hall of the
C.W. Post Campus of
Long Island University
Brookville, NY

The songs will be performed by Christopher and the undergraduate and graduate music majors of the university.

The characters, plotlines, and songs all draw their inspiration from the Broadway compositional styles of such teams as Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Loewe, and Bernstein and Sondheim.

Time for Rehearsals!

Welcome to the Official Production Website of "All's Fair in Love," an original musical with book, music, and lyrics by Christopher Hopkins.  Visit the site often to hear about exciting developments in the project.

Congratulations to the Long Island University Cast:

Daniel Campbell as Mr. Johnson

Sarah Boylan as Mrs. Johnson

Joseph Bebry as Martin Johnson

Rachel Cruz as Jenny Johnson

Nick Errico as Anthony DiSalvo

Melissa Nyman as Katherine Baker

Christina Montalto as Sylvia

Nick Whitley as Chorus Member #1

Cloe SanAntonio as Chorus Member #2

Pit Orchestra:

Brittany Schlude

Josh Kowalski

Mark Holodak

Angelica Fadrowski

This Friday at 11 am in Fine Arts, there will be an opening meeting which all cast and 

pit members should attend.  At this meeting, you will be introduced to the world of 

"All's Fair in Love": you will hear all of the songs in succession, as well as learn 

about the characters, the rehearsal schedule, and the two performances.

If you are unable to attend this opening meeting, please e-mail me.  Communication is key 

and the more you put in, the more developed your characters will be and the better 

overall musical we will have!