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