Dreamgirls

I went to the premiere of Dreamgirls last night. Let me tell you...this is a terrific film. A star was born last night! Jennifer Hudson should take home an oscar and I told her as such. Such a talent, so amazing and also so lovely and humble. I didn't think anyone would ever be able to touch Jennifer Holliday. But this girl really turned it out. RUN to see this movie. It's important for anyone who has ever loved the legacy of Broadway theatre.

Lookie Loos from the Only Make Believe Benefit

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/103585.html
http://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=13543

Dear Diary,
Today I met Audra McDonald. I. LOVE. HER.
M

Vacation and New Gig

Hello all! My vacation is finally here!!! It's been quite a year. I'm very proud of this year, but mama is tired... I'll be gone from Tarzan Oct. 30th-Nov. 6th. You can find me during that time on an island far away.

November 6th, I will be back to appear in a benefit:
http://www.onlymakebelieve.org/fund/gala.html

And lastly, I'm starting to wrap my mind around the next solo performance. I've gotten a lot of feedback that many people were disappointed by scheduling. So, here's your chance to voice. If you were there, what did you think? If you weren't and wanted to be, what time of year is better for you?

Talk soon!
Love,
Merle
www.myspace.com/merledandridge

More Gig Pictures and Dates to Know

Here are a couple more pictures from the gig.

Things to know:
I'll be taking my first 2 days off this weekend Sept. 23rd and 24th.

I'll be appearing in the Hidden Sky reading at Ars Nova on Oct 1. @ 10pm with Manoel Felciano and Marya Grandy.

Upcoming reading of The Boys are Comin' Home. More later.

Love,
M

Time of My Life!

Hey all! Thank you for the terrific turn out Monday night. I had so much fun playing with everyone. It felt great to just stretch my legs creatively with people I love. I hope you had as good a time.

Tune in to the Today show this Saturday morning! I'll be singing live...

Love,

Merle
www.myspace.com/merledandridge

It's Here!

The gig is tommorrow. I couldn't be more excited. The band, the singers...wow, all amazing. I'll see you there!

Love, Love, Love,

Merle

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.

I've been thinking a lot lately about my start on Broadway. I think it's because of how much I loved the group, how proud I am of all of them and how in love I am with them still. This is the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar in 2000 at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts (now the Hilton Center). We were the second show to occupy that theatre. Ragtime was the first (and what an honor to follow that show).
But if you look closely, you'll see a kind of "Who's Who of People I Love".
You probably can't find me. I'm in the back sandwiched between two of my favorite people. I'm 3rd from the right in the back row (gees, I feel like i'm looking at an elementary school photo) between Manoel Felciano (Tony nominee this year for Sweeney Todd) and Jason Pebworth (the greatest Judas I've ever seen and a dear friend) Jason struggled for years with his band Halogen. Just recently they changed their name to Orson and are a huge hit overseas! Yay!
To Mano's left, Tony Vincent, then Max VonEssen (Dance of the Vampires), Bonnie Panson, Patrick Vacariello, Ira Mont (Equity Vice-President). Let's see...down front and center, Deidre Goodwin (Chorus Line, Chicago The Movie...the sweetest woman alive). Down the row to her left you'll see Christian Borle (Spamalot) and Lisa Brescia (closed Aida as Amneris). Others: Shayna Steele, Michael Seelbach. I could talk about them all forever. I loved this time and I love that it brought me to where I am now.

Seasons

I'm smelling fall in the air. I love fall! It's crisp and it feels refreshing after a muggy summer. I smell it coming. School's starting (that means nothing to me, but I know it does to a lot of you), shows are closing and opening, college football is gearing up and my first solo gig comes closer. Thank you for the kind words to all of you who are not going to be able to make it now. It means so much that you're willing to drive all those hours back from school, but you will be there in spirit. Spread the word. It should be a fun time!
Sept. 11th...for so many reasons. Let's get together and celebrate life!

**What I'm rockin' to now: Orson- "No Tommorrow"

Love,

Merle

New Flyer

Many many thanks to everyone during the transition of changed gig dates. There are a few updates on where to get your tickets. Since the new date will be a part of the New York Music Theatre Festival, the new ticket info is as follows:
212.352.3101 or
www.theatremania.com

Things continue to go incredibly well at Tarzan. The response is overwhelmingly wonderful and I'm having such a great time. So, I thank you for the love!

Hang in there with this heat...

Love,

Merle

Change in Appearance

With great regret, due to circumstances out of my control, I've had to reschedule the August 7th Gig. It will now take place on Monday September 11th as a kick off to the New York Music Theatre Festival. If you've already purchased tickets, you will be contacted to either change it to the September 11th date or to have your money refunded. I am so sorry about the inconvenience. I promise to make it up to you! It's gonna be fun...

Tommorrow July 25th, I will be appearing with the casts of Tarzan, Lion King and Beauty and the Beast at J&R Music World (City Hall Park).
4pm-cd and playbill signing
5pm-live performance

And again on Thursday July 27th, at Broadway in Bryant Park.

Hope to see you all there!

Upcoming Appearances

Look for me with Josh, Jenn, and Chester at the Soho Apple store on Tues. June 27th @ noon. And again at Broadway in Bryant Park on Thursday July 27th. See you there!

Don't forget: myspace.com/merledandridge
or
interested in the photographer I use? She's amazing! She has as new myspace. Check her out and make her a friend: myspace.com/cindyjphoto

M

Aug. 7th Gig

For Tickets:
212.868.4444 or
www.smarttix.com

See you there!

Love,
Merle

Tickets to My Ars Nova Gig on Sale

Here's the link to get tickets to my upcoming gig at Ars Nova. The show poster is on it's way with more detailed info. The band is going to be all my favorite people. I'm so excited about working with them again. And the confirmed other artists I'll be dueting with are: Manoel Felciano (Tony nominee for Sweeney Todd), Chester Gregory and Destan Owens. Also with me: Anastacia McClesky, Horace V. Rogers, and Natalie Silverlieb. It's going to be great! More info to come, but get your tickets now before we sell out!

https://www.smarttix.com/show.aspx?showcode=BRO24

Upcoming appearances include: VH1 Radio interview with myself and Chester Gregory (this will be airing all over the country, so I don't know specifics). Also, an interview on Weekend Today with an old friend of mine, Lester Holt.

Cheers! See you at Ars Nova...

Love,

Merle

Big Thanks and Half Life Love

Hey everyone! Just wanted to send a general thank you for all the sweet birthday wishes. It always makes a girl feel good. I kept it low key this year. I'm still trying to recover from the long rehearsal process and big opening. Also, it's been great getting to know you all on MySpace! Thanks for checking it out. It's rather addictive, eh? Reminders:

Half Life 2: Aftermath has shipped!!! I'm hearing amazing things about playing it. So run out and get it. You will spend a LOT of time listening to my annoying voice. :)

Appearing with Manoel Felciano (Sweeney Todd Tony nominee)@ Joe's Pub tommorrow night.

My first solo gig at Ars Nova Monday August 7th (special guests to be announced).
**there is already another one in the works! terrifying...

My new myspace: www.myspace.com\merledandridge

Keep in touch with me, ask any questions or just state your opinion on the forum:
http://www.merledandridge.proboards84.com/

And sign the guestbook so I can see who you are and keep you updated! :)
http://www.zebgraphics.com/merlesguestbook/index.php

Apologies: I forgot to post the interview on Good Day New York this week. I promise I will be better about that.

Thanks everyone! Enjoy the rain...it washes away all the mess and makes way for things to grow. Breathe it in.

Love,

M

More Gigs and My Space

Where have I been? I JUST NOW discovered My Space. Visit at: www.myspace.com\merledandridge
Reach out!

And SAVE THE DATE: Monday August 7th is my first solo gig! The Broadway Spotlight series at Ars Nova. Should be a lot of fun. Expect some exciting guest stars and me as goofy as ever.

M

Upcoming Appearances

Whew! Show's open, life's regaining some normalcy. Opening was such an amazing night. For pics, check out broadway.com or broadwayworld.com.
For those who pre-ordered the cast album, I got a sneak peak of it yesterday and it is fantastic. You will not be disappointed!

Sunday May 21st I will be appearing/singing at the Musical Theatre Network's Benefit and Festival announcements.

Sunday June 4th Joe's Pub with Tony nominee Manoel Felciano (he's amazing, not to be missed!).

Thanks, guys. As always, my love and gratitude...

Merle

Oh, yeah...

I'd also like to address the fact that the e-mail contact on the website is not functional. That correction is coming. In the meantime, feel free to use MerleyQ@aol.com. Also, the bio should and will change. But our beloved designer is still deployed in Iraq, so keep him in your prayers.

Don't forget: Merle with Manoel Felciano @ Joe's Pub this Sunday.

Tarzan Opening

It's less than a week away. What a preview process! For those of you who have come multiple times, thank you for the support. I think the final product will be something truly special.
Opening is May 10th. Look for a behind the scenes look to air on Good Morning America that morning.
Also, don't forget to pre-order your cast album. I'm really proud of what we did in the studio. And I know the finished product is going to blow you away.
Enjoy the weather, and be blessed!

Love,

Merle

Going the Distance (not Cake, the band or otherwise)

Hey guys!

Tremendous thanks to everyone who has shown me so much support at Tarzan. You have no idea what it does for my spirit. There are constant changes everyday, so you can expect something new almost everytime you come for the next few weeks! I am inspired by the people I work with. They are all so amazing at what they do and show such endurance, courage and strength everyday as we continue long days to make Tarzan into the best possible piece we can.
Upcoming...

Tarzan Opening May 10th (If you find the process interesting, come to previews as much as possible!)

Joe's Pub May 7th My dear friend Manoel Felciano (Sweeney Todd) has asked me to sing with him again. He's so ridiculously talented that I jump to share the stage with him. Buy your tickets, come out and support.

Again, thank you so much for all of your support. If I'm tired at the stage door, let it not overshadow my gratitude for your presence.

Love,

Merle

Race for the Finish Line

Is it really here? March 24th is just days...no, HOURS away! Tarzan's first public performance. Granted, yes, it is a preview. We won't be finished until we open May 10th. Still, a chill goes through me when I think that others will share in this experience come Friday. Is that chill nerves? Is it excitement? Is it terror? Is it child-like joy?

Yes.

I feel so very blessed by this experience. And as I see it come to life, I'm reminded why I love storytelling so very much. It opens the eyes of the heart! We learn about ourselves through parable. And this parable will touch you in so many ways.

Also, I cannot discount what an eager student I've become working with such brilliant minds. Smart, inspired, passionate. In discussing the story with many of the team, Tom Schumacher offered some wisdom to me that Howard Ashman imparted to him. That is to never discount a turn in the story. That resonated in me and ultimately was the catalyst for this letter. I am at a turning point and I hope you will join me on the journey.

From the Heart,

Merle

New Beginnings

Hello! Let me first thank you all for your tremendous patience as we figured out this blog situation. As you can imagine a lot of changes have been happening. First of all, I left RENT on November 20th. It was quite an amazing day. Thank you for all of your support, well wishes and fantastic energy during my last show. I also had 45 close friends and family in attendance. So, I couldn't have ended my run there in a better way. I am truly humbled by the love extended to me during that time. It is a fantastic cast and crew that grace the Nederlander and I was honored to have worked with them. Following a great closing show and WONDERFUL closing night party, I spent an extended time away with my family in Nebraska. And now I'm back! New apartment, new show, new website design! I hope you enjoy it. And as we iron out the kinks, please feel free to post your suggestions on them forum. Thank you for staying in touch and know that I will try to do the same. In the meantime, get your tickets to Tarzan. You are in for a very special piece of theatre. Everyday is an exciting challenge. Everyday I step out of my comfort zone. So, I as I close I leave you with this: "Go out on a limb--that's where the fruit is." -Will Rogers Love, Merle