Farewell, Columbus! It has truly been a pleasure bringing The Last Smoker in America to Ohio. CATCO and the greater Columbus community welcomed us with open arms for our World Premiere production, and we were grateful for this exciting and collaborative opportunity. Now, we look forward to bringing the show to New York for an Off-Broadway run! Read about the move to New York on Playbill.com. For further news and details about The Last Smoker in America, please keep checking back at www.LastSmoker.com.
“…Enough razzle-dazzle to fill a a production three times its size!”
“A comedic dream team"
“Calling this a “high profile snag by CATCO” would be the understatement of the year!” –Dwayne Steward, Metromix.com
“It’s hard to imagine a more exciting start to CATCO’s season than the world premiere of a new musical headed for New York…’Last Smoker’ already looks like an off-Broadway hit!”
–Michael Grossberg, The Columbus Dispatch
“Hilarious, thought provoking, and extremely clever”
–Audience Survey
“This is possibly the best show I’ve seen in years!”
–Audience Survey
“It is a poignant, edgy satire on a modern day America…..Need to see it again..great comedy!”
–Audience Survey
TO SEE WHAT MORE PEOPLE ARE SAYING CHECK OUT: http://catcoistheatre.org/blog/
Rising Diva, Impressionista, and YouTube Star Carly Sakolove has recorded her rendition of "The Last Smoker in America" as 11 of Broadway's legendary leading ladies. We could go on, but listen for yourself and be amazed!
SEPTEMBER 8, 2010 Rehearsals for SMOKER are under way! It is a pleasure being in a room with our amazing cast – Natalie Belcon as Phyllis, Katy Blake as Pam, John Bolton as Ernie, and Teddy Toye as Jimmy. I am excited to be working with such a fun, smart group of people. We spent the first few days learning music, and it is sounding fantastic. I was reminiscing today about how few of the songs remain from the first version of the show that I read four years ago. One of the first songs that Bill and Peter ever wrote together (for Smoker) is no longer in the show, as of our current draft…such is the path of a new musical! So many incredible artists have helped us to develop this show over the years, and it has been a long – though definitely rewarding – journey. The script and music continue to evolve with each day of rehearsal. Can’t wait to get the show on its feet and bring it to Columbus…just over two weeks until we arrive!
Smokingly,
Andy Sandberg, Director
The Last Smoker in America
SEPTEMBER 7, 2010 Did you know that Tony Award Winner Alice Ripley played Pam in an early reading of the The Last Smoker in America? Youtube-er FIERCEGIRL91 has created this great video using her rendition from the album Skinner/Ripley: Live at Town Hall. Check it out! and Thanks FIERCEGIRL91!
SEPTEMBER 6, 2010 Hey everyone! This is Teddy, a.k.a. Jimmy, from “The Last Smoker in America.” So we've started this insane ride and already I can tell you this show is going to be amazing! I mean,we've only been in rehearsals for three days and I've already tried on a pair of high heels…can't say that's ever happened before. So far we've finished learning all the music and my brain is basically about to explode….but it makes it a lot easier when I'm working with the best in the business. I already see John and Katy as my parents (which I'm sure my real parents will not appreciate), but it’s nice to have such a fast bond….specially since this cast is only four people! To be honest, I'm still kinda shocked when I’m in the rehearsal room and I see myself next to these people…..I remember when I was in high school and used to listen to the “Avenue Q” soundtrack and thought how amazing Natalie was as Gary Coleman, and now I’m sitting next to her learning songs where she becomes my DJ as I rap!! Speaking of…I cant wait to get to staging and choreographing that number…1. AC Ciulla is a genius, and 2. I’m sure I'll be Krumping….so if that's not a reason to come out and see this show, I don’t know what is…cuz how many white boys with a fro do you know that Krump? Didn't think so! The rehearsal space is kinda ridiculous….my view is all of 42nd Street….and we share the same building with West Side Story, Rock ofAges, Billy Elliot tours, and Spiderman…so it's cool to pass some of myfriends walking through the halls. On that note…I need to get to reviewing my music! Get your tickets now if you haven't!!!
SEPTEMBER 4, 2010 The rehearsal process is always one of my favorite parts of doing a new show. It’s such an interesting thing we do as artists – bringing something to life that is words, dots, and scribble on the page. I love finding the character’s voice as we take a journey through a script and score. I love working with other people who are insightful, thoughtful, talented and just plain inspiring. I have my own way of finding my character but I’m incredibly intrigued to watch as the other actors in the room go on their exploration as well. Reading a script in my room alone, I envision how a particular scene could work, and then I get to a rehearsal and – wahmmo! – someone else puts their take on it and the words on the page take on a whole other dimension for me! Their freedom and abandon allow me to revisit MY character choices and sometimes, something magical comes from it all!
