One of the first things I did when I returned to the States was zip up to Maine to see the Ogunquit Playhouse production of A Little Night Music.  The Sondheim classic plays until August 17^th, and is well worth the trip.  Truly, this lovely production is quite magical, with fluid and unfussy direction by Hunter Foster.  The cast is uniformly talented.  And proving there are no small roles, I’m going to start by singling out Mike Schwitter.  He made a particularly strong impression as Frid.  As to the leads, Julia Murney is truly Broadway’s MVP.  In addition to being a dynamic singer, she is a fine actress who never makes a false move.  Her eyes are extraordinary – always a gateway to her soul.  As her love interest, Mike McGowan oozes sexual energy.  He’s dashing, with a splash of danger in his gait.  They make a smashing couple.  Kathleen Turner presents a mixed bag.  This being her first foray into musical theatre, I admire the hard work she has put in and level of commitment (I should mention that I did hear her sing a little ditty as Camille at the Long Wharf Theatre back in 1986).  Obviously she’s a fine actress.  But I was never unaware that she was playing a part – which, I suppose, Madame Armfeldt always is.  Her singing is better than expected (or reported during previews).  She acquits herself quite well in the tongue-twister of “Liaisons”.  Make no mistake – she has presence and that indefinable star quality.  And she lands most of her laughs.  That said, I feel it’s more a work in progress rather than a fully realized portrayal.  All in all, I highly recommend seeing the show if you have a chance.  While you can catch some choice footage from the show on our website, you could and should snag one of the few remaining tickets at OgunquitPlayhouse.org.

In a quick Ask Billy question, Henry from Dallas asks, “What happened to Zac Efron at that pool in Ibiza?”

While at a private villa in Ibiza, Efron had a “minor swimming incident”.  Reportedly, he dove into a pool and hit the bottom with his chest, forcing him to ingest some water.  Security noted he was in distress, pulled him out of the water, and got him to a local hospital.  X-rays confirmed he was OK, and he was released within hours.  He later posted a photo working out shirtless on the deck (as one does), which we’ll share on BillyMasters.com.

When we’re worried about Zac Efron, it’s definitely time to end yet another column.  You know who you should be worried about?  Poor Tom Cruise – risking life and limb at the Olympics, thisclose to collecting Social Security.  While I look into this, you can look into www.BillyMasters.com – the site that refuses to condone elder abuse.  If you have a question for me, send it along to Billy@BillyMasters.com and I’ll get back to you before Kathleen is cast in a revival of Gypsy – wouldn’t she make a great Mazeppa?  So, until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.