 |
|
|
used
with permission by Michael Rapp
www.rasputinthemusical.com
10/12/09: SPECIAL RASPUTIN HOLIDAY STIMULUS PACKAGE!!!
|
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|
THE
GRAND OPERA HOUSE WILMINGTON,
DELAWARE DECEMBER
18, 1999 |
| **** LATEST ON RASPUTIN!!! See details in the update section below! |
11/30/08: SPECIAL AFTER-THANKSGIVING SALE!!!
|
||||||
| *** AT LAST - IT'S FINALLY HERE!!! See details in the update section below! |
| BELOW IS AN UPDATED/REVISED COPY OF THE E-MAIL I INITIALLY POSTED TO TED’S E-MAIL LIST. |
| Well, it all started when Denise posted this message to the Ted Neeley List on 11/30/99: |
|
Hi
Guys... This
'might' be very exciting news for some of you..depending on where you live... I
will be posting on my site.. most likely tomorrow, but wanted to give you guys
'first dibs'.. so to speak.. Here goes: Ted
called me yesterday to tell me that there are some seats left for the
'invitation only' showing of a 1 1/2 hour showcase of 'Rasputin Songs'. Knowing
how loyal his fans are, he asked me to give you the opportunity to attend..
before it is open to the 'general public'. It is a VERY SMALL theater though,
and it's a 'first come/first served' basis.. I don't know how many will be able
to go... It is at:
If you are interested and want a seat, send email directly to: Mention you were invited by 'Denise via Ted'... so they will know you are
'special' *smile* .. And, I'd be curious as to who is going, Would you be so
kind as to email me??? Well, that's all for now.. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! My Best,
|
 |
||
|
Raz
Group: Left to right: Pam, Me, Leslie, Georgie, Denise, Susan |
|
Which
led, eventually, to an INCREDIBLE evening that 8 of us from this list were able
to spend at Ted's show in Delaware. Below is a slightly updated copy of the
e-mail I originally posted, with the gaps beautifully filled-in by Susan (horlicksue@juno.com)
and some by Mary from Delaware (on TN list) (gotta give credit where credit is
due, right?). Again, if I've left anything - or anyone - out, sorry, sorry,
sorry, but I'm sure Denise will fill the blanks in. So, here goes:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - |
 |
The Grand Opera House in Wilmington, Delaware is a charming old jewel of a building, built in 1871, and a perfect setting for the show. It holds some 1100 people, and was sold out for the performance. In case anyone is wondering "why Delaware", it was stated that Michael Rapp, who wrote the show, is a Wilmington native. This is not actually the case, Michael is from the Philadelphia area, but he certainly has spent a good deal of time in Wilmington in any event. Ted has said they did this show in Wilmington because the people of Wilmington made it possible for them to be there. Anyway, so much for history. For those of you who LOVE to collect mementos, there was an AMAZING souvenir table at the show. It included: programs ($10), pins ($15 - these were specially made fabric pieces that are just lovely - I have mine on as I write this, and I put it on at the show (you can see it in the pictures on this page and my home page), CD's $15 (these included: Ulysses (NOTE: Ulysses, The Greek Suite and Quasimodo, Prince of Fools CD's are no longer available through Lazeria Music and not sold in any stores. To hear musical excerpts or to place an order for Ulysses and Quasimodo and other musical recordings by composer/lyricist Michael Rapp, please log on to: www.rappcity.com), and a special 20-minute selection from Rasputin which includes: 1. Grand Waltz/Heaven Help Us, 2. Three Themes: God Save The Czar/ We'd Rather Die Than Live Like This/Father Gregory, 3. With Every Drop, 4. Blood On Your Hands, and, finally, 5. Nasdrovia. - I'm listening to it as I write this, it's very well-done), shot glasses (with the words "Never Say Die" & "Rasputin" in red painted on them), coasters, t-shirts ($10 - L & XL only - can I lobby for smaller sizes?), (DENISE, I JUST GOT MINE FIXED SO I CAN WEAR IT NOW!) and a book about Alexei Romanov |
|
which the author, Greer Firestone (who was at the show), would personally autograph for you if you desired. (Note: If you are interested in the book, here is some info. The back of the book has this listing for availability: Thief of Love Publishing, Wilmington, DE - 1-800-962-2713, and the book costs $15). (NOTE: Prices listed here were for this evening only.) I went a little crazy (my one moment of madness for the year) & bought the program, pin, t-shirt, & Rasputin CD. I couldn't tell you if these will be made available outside of the show, but you might write to Leeyan and ask (I hope I'm not opening a Pandora's Box with that suggestion, but the proceeds for these things go to help support Rasputin, so it's possible that arrangements could be in the works to do this anyway). If they are made available, I recommend checking these things out, they're beautiful.
|
|
| Apparently, Ted and company had been in
Wilmington for the past month rehearsing the show. |
|
|
|
Ted and
company in rehearsal for "Rasputin" |
 Ted with Debbie and Larry Friedman backstage at "Rasputin". Photo courtesy of Mike Soper and mikesopermusic.com - e-mailed to me by Rita Liekens (dominique1@pandora.be) |
| The Cast: Rasputin - Ted Neeley Czar Nicholas - Jim O'Neil Empress Alexandra - Eileen Ward Alexei - Ross Ramone Olga - Sara Gliko Tatiana - Sara Salvatore Marie - Rachel Murray Anastasia - Caitlin Custer Dr. Botkin - Christopher Carey Prince Yusapov - Louis Palena Soldier - Ed Corsi Derevenko - David Holmes Mystery Lady - Karen Murdock Peasant Woman - Regina Rossi Peasant Man - Mike Soper
|
The songs performed:
THE OTHER SIDE - Vocal ensemble (45 AMAZINGLY talented people) (Ted is
introduced as Rasputin in this number - (he actually sings "Heaven Help
Us" in the "Grand Waltz/Heaven Help Us" section below) he looked
SMASHING in his costume, and sounds wonderful - as he always does.)
GRAND WALTZ/HEAVEN HELP US - Vocal and Dance Ensemble
NEVER SAY DIE - Soldier at the Front (a nice surprise, Anthony DiBenedeto of JCS
played this role)
WE'D RATHER DIE THAN LIVE LIKE THIS - Vocal Ensemble
DON'T DRESS ME IN GRAY - Tsar Nicholas
(Jim O'Neil,
former Pilate in JCS, now Artistic Director/Co-Founder of The Rubicon Theatre
Company -
where Ted performed in "Murder In The First"
last June (2000),
played
this role)
FATHER GREGORY -
Gregory Rasputin & Alexei. Susan adds: "The part of Alexei
was played by a 12-year-old boy named Ross Ramone...and what an incredible
talent he has!! He is awesome. If this production can keep him, and they can get
it going before his voice changes, I think he just might steal the show.
"Father Gregory" is the number with young Alexei and Rasputin, it
brought tears to my eyes. I can't let this chance get away to put in a word for
hands-on healing either. As some of you may know I do Reiki, a form of hands-on
energy healing. I had to comment to Ted on his "healing hands"
afterwards. (I think he has that gift also anyway) He just chuckled and said
"Well, I'm working on it." When Leslie asked Ted if he was voice
coaching this boy, Ted had a "guilty" grin."
ETERNITY - Peasant Couple
NASDROVIA! - Rasputin and Vocal Ensemble (A REALLY rousing piece of music -
comparable to something you might see/hear in "Les Miz").
NEVER GIVE UP ON YOU - Royal
Bodyguards/Alexei & Royal Attendants (Another
nice surprise, Larry Friedman (JCS A.D. Tour Annas) played one of the attendants, Debbie
Friedman was there as well.
WITH EVERY DROP - Nicholas & Alexandra (A lovely duet that represents
letters the Tsar and Empress wrote to each other over the years of their
lives. It was staged with each of them on opposite sides of the stage, sitting at desks. I think this song has the best chance to be cut as a single
off the CD once it is released. It is certainly the most "commercial"
song in the score.)
RASPUTIN THEMES - Piano Solo & Rasputin/Lady Lover
HEARTBEAT OF LIFE (PEASANT DANCE) - Dance and Vocal Ensemble
LET'S ALL MOVE TO SIBERIA - Olga, Tatiana, Marie, Anastasia
(OTMA). Susan
reminded me that after the show, Ted said that when the actresses portraying the
Romanov daughters froze in the ending scene of this song, they were positioned
exactly as Olga, Tatiana, Marie and Anastasia were photographed in the snow in
Siberia.
TELL ME IF YOU THINK I'M RUSSIAN - Prince Yusupov and Soldiers (A fun number
which takes place in a bar. Chad Hudson played Prince Yusupov - and did a
fabulous job - with only 3 days' rehearsal. The prince is a transvestite, and
Chad looks better in women's clothes than a lot of women I know - myself
probably included!)
GOD WHERE ARE YOU NOW? - Alexandra (a heartbreaking plea from the Empress to God
while she watches her son Alexei sleep. Eileen Ward, who played the Empress, did
a masterful job with this incredibly difficult and rangy song. Deb found out
later that she has no formal vocal training (we should ALL be such naturals!).
BECAUSE OF YOU - Rasputin/Doctor Botkin
& Royal Attendants (A very powerful
musical argument between Rasputin and Botkin about who is really responsible for
Alexei's being alive). Susan adds: "...the part of Dr. Bodkin was sung by
Chris Carey (Caiaphas in the JCS A.D. Tour). What a thrill to hear Chris' incredible bass up against
Teddy!!! I had goose bumps!! This piece was reminiscent of Carl and Ted in
"The Last Supper"."
BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS - Rasputin (Ted's big solo of the evening. Susan told me
later that this song reminded her of Gethsemane - I heartily agree!)
NASDROVIA - Curtain Call! (This time, some of the cast members handed out little
plastic cups with the word Nasdrovia painted on them - to the audience members.
Unfortunately, for us, this happened only on the main floor. We were all sitting in the
balcony.)
The show is a very powerful piece of work. It has many wonderful moments, and a very positive future with the right backing (the house was filled with backers last night). Both Ted and Mary Davis, the PR person from the Grand Opera House, said there was a backers meeting today (Sunday 12/19), but that things looked very good for the show to be further developed (judging from the standing ovation Ted and the show received, one would think it's a reasonable assumption that things could happen very quickly for "Rasputin"). The performance lasted close to 2 hours.
 |
 |
At the curtain call, Ted thanked numerous people, (including Wilmington's ex-mayor - Tom Maloney, who, along with Greer Firestone, had been instrumental in helping "Rasputin" happen), all of the cast members, the band (Michael Rapp with a WONDERFUL group of musicians), and the personnel at the Grand Opera House that helped make this event happen. He said that Wilmington felt like home to him, and then told everyone to stay in the lobby for the reception, and that he would be up to hear what people's thoughts were. All of us from the list who were there connected after the show, and hung out together waiting for Ted. The backers went to a private party, held at a restaurant across the street from the Grand Opera House. The reception was very nice. Wine, cheese, crackers, and OLD RASPUTIN BEER (honest to God - Ted said later that someone found it and got it special for the show).
This poster, and an identical copy, came into play at the reception, in what Susan refers to as:
The Poster Fiasco
|
|
|
The
infamous "Rasputin" poster |
| This was one of two identical posters that were displayed in the Grand Opera House lobby for "Rasputin". Rather than relate the entire story here, suffice it to say that Leslie and I were told we could have them, but we returned them when we found out that they were the only two posters that were made (so they are pretty valuable). Michael Rapp, very kindly autographed the one above, as did Ted, at a later date, and Leslie is the proud owner of this poster. Ted, of course, owns the other poster. The girls did get pictures of the poster before it was autographed, one of which is posted above on this page. |
| Anyway,
back to the "Rasputin" reception. We waited for a LONG time (not a
surprise, right?), and finally Deb & I got Mary, one of the cast members
we'd met at dinner to take us backstage to see Ted. Getting backstage was harder
than usual. There was a guard at the door, with a key to unlock it - which only
happened if you had connections. We all lined up outside Ted's dressing room
(actually, it was the "Male Dressing Room" - Ted was sharing it with 4
other actors from the show - (let no one say that this man has aspirations of
insisting on "his own dressing room" - LOL!)) -, and waited while
Denise and Dave saw Ted first. We had discovered that Leslie, Susan, I & at
least 2 others in our group had gone to the Disney Store to buy Ted Xmas
presents (3 guesses as to what we bought, right?). When Denise & Dave came
out of the dressing room, Denise told us that she had asked Ted if he was ever
going to get out to the lobby to see the rest of us, and was relieved when she
saw us outside the dressing room door when she & Dave came out (they'd
gotten escorted in a little earlier by one of the house staff). Then Dave took
the picture of most of us - sans himself, Deb, and Ted unfortunately, which is
posted on this webpage. When it got to be our turn,
Susan, Leslie, George-Ann, Pam, Deb & I went in together, and there was Ted,
dressed all in black, looking just WONDERFUL! He saw us, hugged all of us, then
looked at us all and said: "It's too late to start crying.", and we
all laughed. We all got lots of hugs (I think I got 3 or 4 myself) - and, of
course, we all know that these alone are worth all the trips we could make,
right? Ted signed autographs, and took pictures with all of us, then Leslie gave
Ted 2 signs and a picture to hold up to say hi to Diana and Ray from Philly and
Marilyn (Leslie's red-headed friend), all of whom couldn't make the trip at the
last moment, then snapped his picture with the signs (which was HILARIOUS!). Ted
told us that he definitely planned to see all of us in our respective cities
if/when Rasputin toured, and/or with anything else he toured. I showed him a
relic I'd found (a 45rpm record some of you may have
-"Paradise"/"Don't Let It Mess Your Mind" - recorded in
1975). Ted was knocked-out. He showed it to EVERYONE, including Michael Rapp. It
has pictures of him in "Hair", "Sgt. Pepper",
"Tommy" & "Jesus Christ Superstar" on the back of the
jacket, & a lovely 1/4 shot of him on the front. Everyone was teasing him
about how young/sweet he looked in the pictures. (Don't you just love to see his
face when these relics show up that he's done years ago? It's so cute - he's
like a kid in a candy store, you know?) Susan then adds: "When I pulled out
my Ventura photo for Ted to sign, Ted took it to show Michael Rapp and a few
others, and someone, I can't remember who, commented on Ted's "blond"
hair! His hair is now back to "normal" light brown, (minus gray of
course :)) and about shoulder length. The only beard he has
grown is just under his lower lip. The rest is makeup HA! Oh, and Michael Rapp
is about as slippery as Carl Anderson. It took 6 tries to get him still long
enough to get his autograph, but then again, I am sometimes maybe too polite for
my own good. That same autographed program now has a special messed up corner,
via a spilled Sprite in the dressing room. I think it was the fiancée of
the costume lady that did it." Ted opened all of our presents and loved all
the Jiminy Crickets we bought him. He was just having a wonderful time -
like he always does. I also gave him a card which had his picture on it, and
said inside "Just a little gift to enjoy, and to give something back to a
very special man who brings so much joy and gives so much of himself to all of
us." I think he was touched, he looked like he was going to tear-up when he
read it. Then Denise returned, wearing her Ted Neeley and Company jacket. She
took a picture with Ted while holding the jacket up so the emblem would
photograph. I think this picture may appear in the Grand Opera House bulletin -
or maybe the Wilmington newspaper (I'm not sure, but the PR woman took her name
and the photographer she had with her (I think he was her date) took the picture
of them - (Susan told me that Sharon Kaufman and her husband Richard may
actually have taken this picture, I'm not totally sure)). Denise will, hopefully
post it, and the other pictures on her camera, which Leslie's developing
afterward. Also, the PR person (Mary Davis) asked us if we would like shot
glasses from the show. There were only 2 in the dressing room, and we gave them
to the 2 folks who had the longest bus ride: Susan (Fla.) and George-Ann
(Toronto), I think. The rest of us gave Mary Davis - the PR woman - our names
and she's sending us one each, a very nice gesture. (By the way, Denise, my shot
glass never showed up. Did yours, or anyone else's? - Maybe they ran out?)
Incidentally, Mary didn't know about Ted's Jiminy Cricket collection, and was
really as bowled-over by the presents we gave him as Ted was. I think we spent
about an hour with Ted in his dressing room, a lovely time - but WAY too short.
He hugged us goodbye, and we left the Grand Opera House about 2:30-3:00AM (sound
familiar?). I don't know what the others did, they were staying at the Wyndham
Hotel (one block over and one block down from the Grand Opera House) - Susan
filled me in later: "Leslie booked the hotel, it was real close. Ted likes
close, so she just asked if he was there, he's a close friend, they said yes,
and she said put us on the same floor, they said OK. Viola. But we did not know
which room on that short floor he was in. I know my hackles would come up
going by a certain area ... must have been lots of Ted energy there! hahaha"
Deb & I went back to our hotel, the Motel 6 - about 2 minutes around the
corner - where we talked about the show for a little while, and crashed about
4AM. We drove back today (6 hours out, 7 hours back - we stopped for breakfast
-) and got home around 8PM. All in all - it was a WONDERFUL trip. Let's hope
that Ted does tour "Rasputin" - SOON, so you can all have the
experience we had yesterday, and, of course, so we can all see Ted's wonderful
smiling face in our hometowns soon! |
- A FEW MORE THINGS I CAN RELATE SINCE THE ABOVE
E-MAIL WAS WRITTEN: -
In case you've all wondered why
"Rasputin" was not apparently reviewed in Delaware's Wilmington News
Journal, Mary filled me in a few days later on an event that none of us were
aware of at the time: |
"Hi
Cindi:
I talked to Greer about publicity a while back and he told me it was not at all the main focus but that the commitments were what it was about, but I do know of at least one critic who was invited. There was nothing in the paper on Sunday or today - but I wrote an email to the paper and asked if there would be one. They haven't answered me yet. Here's part of what I'm thinking - I don't know if you are aware that there was a murder of a 36-year-old mother of four right around the corner at 10 pm that night - it has been a main focus of the news - tonight they have a suspect. I have to wonder if that was overshadowing any coverage? The events at the Grande are usually covered bigtime - but then again - this was not open to the public. That might have something to do with it. If I see any kind of review - I will let you know." To the best of my knowledge, I believe this person was caught, but you'll have to ask Mary if you want to know for sure. I can only say that I guess good fortune was with all of us that night. |
Since
this e-mail, 4 websites for Rasputin have popped-up that I know of:
1.
http://www.rasputinthemusical.com/
( the official site - which includes the Rasputin Newsletter
page:
http://www.rasputinthemusical.com/Newsletter.htm )
2.
www.HerdMusic.com
(this one is owned by Kathy Herder: HerdMusic@aol.com
or KLHerd@aol.com)
3. http://it.geocities.com/rasputinmusical/
Raffaella and Sylvia's new Rasputin site.
4. www.MikeSoperMusic.com
Mike
Soper's new site, designed by Kathy Herder, which includes pictures
from Rasputin, and from the Rasputin recording
sessions.
10/14/04 - This BEAUTIFUL
piece of art was created by Shevonia (Von) Thompson (dabaone@yahoo.com),
after being
inspired by Kathy's new additions to the Rasputin website today. Von
graciously gave me permission to post this
on my website. Enjoy, everyone!
 |
|
Picture
from http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/138/ Photograph
of Ted Neeley by "Bucky" |
RASPUTIN UPDATES:
| The updates you will find below are mostly from Kathy Herder, and Michael Rapp via Kathy, but there are some from Ted as well, and those are below "red" paragraphs, such as this one, so that they are easier to find, for anyone who chooses to see what Ted has to say directly on this piece and it's progress. ENJOY! |
| UPDATE 1/19/06: The latest word from Kathy Herder:
While
we are working hard to bring "Rasputin" to the stage as soon
as possible, we thought we would extend our Christmas CD
special offer until the end of January. Normally the purchase
price to acquire the Rasputin 3 CD box set with libretto is $36.95 +
shipping. Right now fans and friends can pick up a second copy
for just $29.95 plus shipping. This is ideal as many of you will
see Ted Neeley on his JCS farewell tour this year. A second
Rasputin CD set would be ideal as an autographed keepsake for your
collection while you still enjoy a listening copy. With
Valentine's Day approaching - it would be the perfect gift too for the
new loved one in your life or for special friends or family near or
far away. The
Rasputin 3 CD Box set can be ordered securely at: www.rasputinthemusical.com Feel
free to pass this e-mail on to friends or family - anyone who may be
interested in hearing Rasputin. for
Rasputin the Musical Nasdrovia,
LLC |
---------------------------------------------------- 11/16-17/03 Kathy
sent us some great news with the Rasputin Thanksgiving
Newsletter, and a further update on MP3: 11/17/03
MP3.com is closing its service on
December 2nd and being taken over by C-Net. It's sad that we are
loosing this venue - but at least we can say that Rasputin is going out on
TOP!!
Kathy
------------------------- 11/16/03 Greetings, On
October 28th at MP3.com Easy Listening\Broadway the top 100 list was released.
We are very honored to announce that there were 8 songs appearing in the Top
10.
We
were also No. 1 in Opera and had 2 in the top 5 for the Symphonic MP3.com list
as well! We thank each of you for listening and making this
possible. Your continued dedication and support is always
appreciated. I’d
also like to take this opportunity to mention our special limited time offer.
If you met a new friend this year, have a loved one who has not heard
our musical, or you simply wore out your copy of the Rasputin 3 Box Set; this
is your opportunity to pick it up for Christmas at $35 each with FREE
shipping in the USA.
To order at this special price, please visit our website: http://www.rasputinthemusical.com/
Kind
regards & Nasdrovia, Kathy Kathy
Herder For Rasputin the Musical
---------------------------------------------------- 11/12/03 Received an e-mail from Kathy today with some great
Rasputin news today!
Cindi,
I can tell you one thing. Michael and Ted were in
heaven two weeks ago today.
8 songs from Rasputin were in the top 10 at MP3.com Easy
Listening\Broadway.
I never saw anything like that, so I snagged the page and
made a poster of it and framed it. It now hangs in the studio for all to
see. Very happy guys right now.
No other news but that!
Kathy
10/3/03 Ted sent this message to me today in response to Diane's post on the Ozzy Osbourne Rasputin Project she found listed in a Texas newspaper: October 3, 3003
Hello Cver,
----------------------------------------------------
3/2/03
(for 2/28 & 3/1/03) I've received 2 e-mails from Ted this weekend, in which he mentions the progress on "Rasputin". Those mentions appear below. Enjoy, everyone: 3/1/03: (part of an e-mail where Ted mentions Rasputin)March 1, 2003 Good Morning, Cver, Rasputin
is moving along beautifully. While developing a project of this magnitude,
you begin by working on it until you feel you can work with it. Then, you
grow into working through it for the best it can be.
Thank you again, for all you do. Warm regards, TN.
----------------------------------------------------
7/12/02
Rasputin............................................................
Ted Neeley
----------------------------------------------------
6/18/02 & 6/28/02
Received the following e-mail announcements from RazMaTaz! 6/28/02
Dear Fans of Jesus Christ Superstar,
We have taken the liberty of sending you
this email to make you aware of an extraordinary new work starring Ted
Neeley from Jesus Christ Superstar,
international film star John Hurt
(Elephant Man, Alien, Harry Potter) and Amanda
McBroom (The Rose), entitled
RASPUTIN. We are announcing the release of the Triple CD Box
Set with full Libretto.
For those of you familiar with the reunion
tour the CD also features:
James O'Neil - (Pilot)
Christine Rae - (Mary)
Chris Carey - (Caiphas)
Anthony DiBenedetto - (Simon) and
Larry Friedman - (Annas)
Click below for more information and to
order your personal copy.
Thank you for your interest and enjoy
the music!
Kind regards,
The Rasputin Company
6/18/02
----------------------------------------------------
6/5/02 AT LAST - IT'S HERE!!! Many of you have already received Kathy's e-mail, and/or the special snail mail "Rasputin" postcard (it arrived on 6/6). In case you haven't, here is the e-mail I received from Kathy on 6/5/02:
----------------------------------------------------
2/2/02 In a related note to the 11/21/01 post below, Kathy has been receiving numerous questions concerning Michael Rapp's new CD release of "Uncle G" and it's connection with "Rasputin". Here is the official statement on this project from Kathy: "In
regard to Michael Rapp's release of Uncle G, it is imperative that it be
understood that this comedy was written in 1994 and the project was already
finished prior to Rasputin. It is not a "musical project" and
Michael spent NO TIME on it other than put this comedy on CD format. Although
Ted is a fan of it, it was nothing he would be involved in. Artists have
projects that they are involved in separately and jointly. Uncle G is such
a project that was written and performed solely by Michael Rapp.
----------------------------------------------------
Received this message from Kathy today: In a message
dated 11/20/2001 5:22:37 PM Pacific Standard Time, Michael Rapp writes:
At your earliest convenience, if you haven't done so recently, we're asking that you please respond back to RpCtyMusic@aol.com in providing us with your name and address to prepare for the release of Rasputin. This is needed to update our address book to prepare our system for mailing labels. Also in case you change your e-mail address we would still like to stay in touch with you. Ted and Michael will take a break to spend Thanksgiving with their families. We hope that you will do the same. Be well, travel safe, enjoy your holiday, pray for world peace, hope in all good things and Rasputin is coming..... Kind regards & Happy Thanksgiving!
---------------------------------------------------- 7/22/01 I have had some further messages on Rasputin from Ted. Basically, he states that the project is "growing beautifully", and that he will let me know when the Project/CD is nearing completion. Until then, however, there are no official plans/dates/anything that have been set. Kathy sent out a Rasputin newsletter on Friday (7/20) basically saying the same thing. As soon as one of us hears, so will all of you - PROMISE!
I received a short message from Kathy today, in response to my inquiry about Rasputin's recording progress. Kathy basically said: "No news yet. I know that Michael and Ted are still in the studio recording and mixing is to start soon. I know everyone is anxious for the CD to come out, but I know how Michael is and Ted as well that they won't put anything out until it's ready. News will be released soon." Also, some of you have asked me where Rasputin is being recorded. Kathy informed me that it is being recorded in Philadelphia, PA.
---------------------------------------------------- 3/4/01 I received this short message from Ted today, with a quick Rasputin mention:
Hi, C And this message from Kathy:
Good evening friends,
----------------------------------------------------
2/21/01 Received this message from Kathy Herder today, when I asked if there was any news on Rasputin to report:
Cindi,
---------------------------------------------------- 2/2/01 Received this message from Kathy Herder today: Hi,
----------------------------------------------------
I began corresponding with Debbie Friedman on 1/23/01. Here's some of what she reports is happening: (NOTE: All her flattery is very sweet, but don't worry, I haven't let it go to my head (LOL!) - after all, without Ted, where would ANY of us be?) 1/23/01
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Anyone on Ted's e-mail list saw Kat Campbell's message today. It seems that Amanda McBroom posted this little item on her website "Gossip and Goodies Page": http://www.amcbroom.com/gossip.html: "...My latest excitement has been to become involved in a new musical project written and performed by my friend Teddy Neeley. (NOTE: Debbie Friedman (Larry's (JCS' Annas) wife and the Production Assistant for "Rasputin") very kindly sent me an e-mail today (1/23/01) pointing out this error (see additional info posted below). Ted is starring in, and serving in Producer capacity for the moment for, Rasputin. He did not however, write the show. Michael Rapp wrote the book, all of the music and lyrics.) You know... THE Jesus in "Superstar" and an idol of mine forever. Every woman I know loves what happens to his neck when he sings that high stuff. Well, he has written a new musical with his friend
Michael Rapp about Rasputin (again, Michael wrote the
music and lyrics, Ted is, of course, in the title role), and they have recorded a CD and asked me to sing
Empress Alexandra! Which I did. Which was great. And they are planning a concert
version to perform around the country next year. Yahoo... on the road again with
some truly exciting music. Russian! Yummm!" (NOTE:
Per Kathy Herder also today (1/23/01) this statement by Amanda was not cleared
with Ted or Michael Rapp, and is not meant to be an official information release
on Rasputin plans. Kathy has said that Michael has heard that there are
rumo Says Kat: "Amanda is a
wonderful artist and a great friend of Ted's. We met this past summer
after her show in Hollywood and she was absolutely charming. I recommend
her music to all."
12/18/00 (12:36AM EST): This message came from Kathy Herder today, and reminded me that at this very moment last year, I was sitting in the lobby of The Grand Opera House in Wilmington waiting patiently to say hi to our Teddie Joe and get my Tedhug. What a wonderful night that was! Anyway, here's Kathy's message: Hi
Everybody,
---------------------------------------------------- 11/22/00 For those of you not on the Rasputin list (few that may still be left can get on by e-mailing Kathy and Michael at RpCtyMusic@aol.com), this message came from Kathy Herder today:
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10/21/00 This message from Michael Rapp and Kathy Herder today:
International: http://www.rasputinthemusical.com/Newsletter.htm
AND THIS MESSAGE FROM MICHAEL AND TED - VIA KATHY:
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8/20/00 Excerpts from "Ulysses The Greek Suite" are added to the MP3 site. http://click.mp3.com/c/o_990/u_artists.mp3s.com/artists/138/_ted_neeley_and_michael_ra.html
(NOTE TO ALL: THE NEW MP3'S ADDED TO THIS PAGE ARE AS FOLLOWS:) ULYSSES: QUASIMODO
1. Greetings From Mount
Olympus
1. The Gathering ENJOY EVERYONE, THEY'RE GREAT!
---------------------------------------------------- 8/8/00 "Blood On Your Hands" climbs to #4 on the MP3 listening chart. http://regions.mp3.com/regions/songs/north_america/usa/pennsylvania/philadelphia/brookhaven/ MP3.com > North America > USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia > Brookhaven
8/5/00
1 RASPUTIN - BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS 8 RASPUTIN - WITH EVERY DROP
7/27/00 The new MP3 Rasputin site is officially launched: www.MP3.com/neeleyrapp***
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3/2/00 On
3/2/00, Kathy posted the following to The List: "Dear
Friends, Still
no word on a release date for the Rasputin CD. Michael Rapp and Ted Neeley are
working diligently trying to complete this project. Both are aware how anxious
we all are to hear the new music...and they appreciate our patience. Everyone
who wrote to Ted and Michael, your letters and kind sentiments were appreciated
and have been forwarded as promised. Keep those notes coming and let's
cheer these guys on! Thanks again for all your e-mail and your warm words of
encouragement to Ted and Michael. Best wishes to all and let's all raise our
glasses to the sky and sing... Nasdrovia!"
Courtesy of Kathy (HerdMusic@aol.com) we have this great "fun-maker". As Kathy explains: I thought you would enjoy this site that I will provide a link to. I stumbled onto it and enjoyed taking the mouse and morphing Rasputin's face. Have a chuckle, take a moment and see what you can do. Use your artistic imagination and have fun with it. The directions are embedded on the page -- so you'll have no problem making it work.
http://homepage.eircom.net/~pbarry/ras2/fun.htmB
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