Royz Blog

The Grand 5K Walk/Run

2011-02-17T07:59:00.000-08:00

On May 14, 2010 we lost a building that was more than just bricks and mortar, it represented our soul. The Grand has been an integral part of downtown Williamstown since 1924. The Road Company has been a part of its history since the late 1980s. We're coming together on the anniversary of the collapse for The Grand 5K Walk/Run to raise money for rebuilding this historic theatre. You can help, for more details go to http://www.roadcompany.dojiggy.com/

Me as Mary Catherine Gallagher

2011-02-17T07:54:00.002-08:00

I emceed the Grand Cabaret, a benefit to raise funds for rebuilding the Grand Theatre in Williamstown, NJ, and after the first act concluded with an ensemble singing "Superstar" from Jesus Christ Superstar, I opened the second half as Mary Catherine Gallagher dancing her number from the movie Superstar. I loved one of the comments from someone in the audience: "How did you know that Catholic schoolgirls have hairy legs?"

Puppy Mamie with Santa

2011-02-17T07:54:00.001-08:00

MORE ON MAMIE

2010-07-22T11:16:00.000-07:00

This morning Larry said, "it's nice having a dog." Is it ever. Mamie has brought us such joy and has livened our lives with her puppy exuberance.

MAMIE

2010-06-22T13:47:00.001-07:00

This is Mamie. Okay, I know it's kinda queer naming her after Auntie Mame but that's Larry's favorite movie. Perfect name for this cutie; an American Hairless Terrier, who'll be flying from Kansas (my home state) to Philadelphia to live with us. It's a lot of responsibility, I know, but I'm ready for it. Larry's allergies and asthma have prevented us from having a pooch, which is fine because Larry will always be No. 1, the name of our favorite Chinese Restaurant. Why are there so many Chinese Restaurants called No. 1? Anyway, now we've found a breed that's hair and dander free. Mamie will need to wiped down and lotioned regularly. She'll need suncreen in the summer and a coat in the winter when outdoors. AHTs are rat terriers. They are great dogs with wonderful personalities and we're looking forward to welcoming her into our family.

ADOPTING AN AMERICAN HAIRLESS TERRIER

2010-06-10T12:11:00.000-07:00

Don't know if we will or not but I hope so. How cute is little Danica?

KEEP IT GAY - AUDITIONING FOR ROGER DEBRIS

2010-06-10T10:53:00.000-07:00

This character is SO outrageous and such a stereotype do I dare pursue it? Of course I do. Swarthmore Players Club is presenting the show in the fall and auditions are on Monday. Report on Tuesday about the results.

DIRTY DANCING WITH ELLEN

2010-04-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

I got down and dirty with Ellen while learning the choreography for the famous dirty dancing number from the movie with the same name. Patrick Swayze I ain't but Ellen and I tried to got in the groove - we've got a ways to go. Next week, the tough steps. Ready or not...

BALLROOM DANCE LESSON

2010-04-23T09:15:00.000-07:00

Kate is great! She's my ballroom dance instructor. I had a complimentary lesson with her on Wednesday and, I'm happy to say, that my fluidity and balance stayed with me - in other words, I didn't fall down. She kept saying, "I'm going to really enjoy teaching you because you're so quick." Was it true or a sales pitch? Either way, the Society Hill Dance Academy hooked me, got my money and now I've entered into the world of ballroom dancing. I will be learning foxtrot, rumba, hustle and swing with Kate. I should say, I already know swing from when mom taught me as a kid, but it will be nice to fine-tune the steps.

The Grand Theatre to close 2009 season with “The Odd Couple”

2009-11-30T06:44:00.000-08:00

By: Samantha Costa

MONROE TWP. The historical Grand Theatre is hosting its final play of the season with “The Odd Couple,” a classic comedy that will be directed by John Blackwell. The play is set to take place Dec. 4, 5, 11 and 12th at 8 p.m. and Dec. 6 at 2 p.m.

Blackwell, who has been directing for 15 years, says he has not faced any problems yet. “The actors know what is expected of them and they deliver beyond my expectations. I let the actors find their characters within my outline of how I think they should be portrayed. They usually surprise me with their interpretations,” said Blackwell.

The two lead actors are being played by Roy Wilbur (Felix), and Damian Muziani (Oscar).

Wilbur has been involved with the performing arts off and on for 35 years, with his most recent production as Merlin in “Camelot” at the Plays and Players Theatre in Philadelphia, Pa.

He has worked with several theater groups across the country, from Michigan, to Florida, and New Jersey.

Wilbur became interested in acting for this play because he enjoys performing in comedic roles. “I’m having a really great time. It’s a role I really didn’t see myself in. I like to do comedy.”

Muziani, 40, has been involved with theater for roughly 6 years, but has mainly appeared on television. He can be seen on PHL17’s morning show, “Better Philly.”

His most recent performance before this role was also in “The Odd Couple,” at the Devon Theatre in Northeast Philadelphia, Pa. He found interest in taking part in this production because it is enjoyable for him. “I like theater a lot. It’s a lot of fun and great playing Oscar. I enjoy coming.”

Wilbur and Muziani are glad to be working together. “I couldn’t have asked for a better person to work with,” said Wilbur.

Muziani thinks that an older crowd will most likely be attending the show. “There are gonna be old people. We want to make them think they saw a show in Philly or New York.”

The Grand Theatre has been hosting plays since it opened its doors in 1927. The Road Company Theatre Group has made the establishment its home in the past few years.

According to Blackwell, people from the surrounding communities, including people as far away as Philadelphia and Delaware have attended productions at The Grand Theatre.

Wilbur said, “I hope people take a new perspective away with them,” noting the comedic approach toward the seriousness of divorce portrayed in “The Odd Couple.”

“If we could touch one person it’s worth it,” said Muziani.

Tickets are now on sale, at $18.00 for adults, and $15.00 for seniors, children under 12, and students with a valid ID and can be purchased online at www.mycommunitytickets.com.

ODD COUPLE REHEARSAL PIKS

2009-11-23T12:40:00.000-08:00

Oh, boy, was rehearsal tough last night. Lots of brain farts and skipping lines.

LAST NIGHT'S REHEARSAL

2009-11-18T08:31:00.000-08:00

While rehearsing Act 1 of "The Odd Couple" John, our director, asked me several times if I was okay when we stopped to adjust blocking on the set which was recently erected. Yes, I was okay but was having trouble getting out of Felix who, at the time was not okay. I think they call this method acting, right. Oh, to be Robert DeNiro - now there's a real method pro.

DAVE & JOHN CAME TO VISIT

2009-11-03T13:25:00.000-08:00

On October 24 and 25 our buddies Dave and John came for a visit in the Poconos. Good times! On Saturday evening while John ran lines with me for THE ODD COUPLE, Dave hung out with Larry in the ceramics studio talking shop and good books.

I Adore Sonja

2009-10-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

Could my granddaughter Sonja be any cuter? Here we are having a special moment on the deck at our place in the Poconos.

Felix in The Odd Couple

2009-10-02T07:43:00.000-07:00

I'm in rehearsals for The Odd Couple. That's right, I'm playing Felix to Damian Muziani's (pictured) Oscar with John Blackwell directing. The show's being produced by The Road Company at The Grand in Williamstown, New Jersey.

Talk about art imitating life, or is it the otherway around? Anyway, as I study the script I see some - I said, some - similarities between Felix and me. Yes, I do like things neat and clean, but thank God I don't exhibit his other annyoying traits.

The show's scheduled for the first two weekends in December.

Our precious Sonja undecorating Easter eggs

2009-04-16T17:26:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to Pop-Pop (Larry) 2007

2009-04-16T17:07:00.000-07:00

THIS IS NOT ME!!!

2008-10-23T17:53:00.000-07:00

LEND ME A TENOR

2008-10-23T17:48:00.000-07:00

I'm back onstage performing, appropriately enough, the Italian tenor Tito Merelli in The Road Company Theatre's production of LEND ME A TENOR, the 1989 Tony Award-winning play by Ken Ludwith
Nov 28, 29, Dec 5, and 6 at 8 pm
Nov 30 at 2 pm

The Grand Theatre
405 South Main Street
Williamstown NJ 08094
856-728-2120
http://www.roadcompany.com/

Sonja

2008-08-06T17:04:00.001-07:00

I want to brag about our beautiful grandaughter Sonja, who celebrated her 1 year and 3 month birthday yesterday, August 5. Here she is looking gorgeous by the quickly deflating pool in the backyard of our place in the Poconos.

John's UK Show

2008-08-04T13:17:00.000-07:00