Bruce Vilanch in Du Barry Was a Lady, I Married An Angel, and Little Me starring Jason Graae!

DU BARRY WAS A LADY by Cole Porter, starring Bruce Vilanch, 

Directed and Choreographed by Zack Thomas Wilde

I have directed and choreographed Du Barry Was a Lady at the 42nd St Moon (currently running through May 18th at the Eureka Theater) starring the inimitable Bruce Vilanch* and amazingly talented locals Ashley Rae Little*, Jack Mosbacher, Nicole Renee Chapman, Nathaniel Rothrock, Rudy Guerrero*, Ryan Drummond*, Abby Haug Sammons, Jordan Sidfield, Kathryn Han, Kate Leyva, Adrienne Hero, Anthony Rollins-Mullens, and Roy Eikleberry! It is a huge production for our intimate theater, and the first full production of the show since the Broadway production closed in 1941.

Richard Connema of TalkinBroadway and ForAllEvents writes, "...42^nd Street Moon has pulled out all stops to present this zany musical and they have secured the wonderful comedian, writer and actor Bruce Vilanch to play the King Louis XV. He brings his own special comic brilliance to the role of a nightclub washroom attendant who has won the Irish Sweepstakes and then inadvertently imbibes in knock-out drops meant for his rival only to “awaken” to find himself entrenched on the French throne as King Louis XV in 18^th Century France. Du Berry was a Lady which was  one the last, snickering wheeze of burlesque-style high-living on Broadway adheres to the formula of those 30’s musicals that had vaudeville shticks, cheesecake chorines, songs tailored to the stars and innuendoes to burn. So if you go remember this is what the 30’s and yes some early 40’s audience really went for during those times from World War 2. Backed by Ben Prince on piano and Nick DiScala on woodwinds this production features the enchanting bonus of Zack Thomas Wilde chorography which goes from gavottes to hot tap dance numbers reminiscent of the Rockettes. Zack also beautifully directed the musical..."

And Lee Hartgrave writes, "...Cole Porter's show 'Du Barry Was A Lady' was dynamite. And -- it seems to be another "Laugh your head off"...5 out of 5 glasses of champagne rating!!!"

I MARRIED AN ANGEL (1938)

Rogers and Hart

I choreographed this sweet show for 42nd St Moon. It was charming and well-received - the tap dancing, waltzes, and production numbers included! It played at the Eureka Theater (as all our shows currently do) in Autumn, 2013.

LITTLE ME
Neil Simon, Cy Coleman, Carolyn Leigh

Starring the hysterical Jason Graae*, Sharon Reitkirk*, myself and other local luminaries! It was a very funny show, and we all were exhausted by playing multiple characters. This played in Spring 2013.

*denotes members of the Actor's Equity Association

Pal Joey

This fall I directed and choreographed a very received production of "Pal Joey" (the original, 1940 Broadway version). I had a truly stellar cast, and we garnered several rave reviews. Here are some highlights mentioning my work:

Splendid Revival of 'Pal Joey' by 42nd Street Moon--this weekend only

By Ken Bullock

'well-choreographed', 'a great humorous production number', 'Expertly directed and choreographed by Zack Thomas Wilde', 'a great, adult musical entertainment treat for the holidays--but it ends in a few days! Don't miss it, if you can help it.”

From Renata Polt:
'42nd Street Moon's "Pal Joey" Both Tuneful and Hilarious

Zack Thomas Wilde directs and choreographs with verve and wit. It's a pleasure to see this neglected masterpiece.'

'A Kick-Ass Production of Rodgers and Hart's Pal Joey Currently at 42nd Street Moon is a splendid revival of the classic 1940 Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart musical that provided such standards as "I Could Write a Book," "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" and "Zip." Pal Joey occupies a unique space in American musical theatre, sitting squarely between Show Boat and Oklahoma! in the evolution of the form from high-class vaudeville to an integration of story, character, song and range. Actually, this sassy musical was ahead of its time when it first opened in 1940 to mild business. There is no sign of age in the brisk performances that director Zack Thomas Wilde has expertly staged.' - Richard Connema of talkinbroadway.com

From Myculturallandscape.blogspot.com:

The 42nd Street Moon production used the original script for Pal Joey, which proved to be surprisingly streamlined. Musical lead-ins were almost effortless' and 'Zack Thomas Wilde's direction and choreography kept things moving at a rapid pace.' 'The show was exceptionally well cast.'

"Oh Kay", "Three Sisters", and "Sugar"

In the autumn of 2011 I performed the role of Harry Potter in "Oh Kay", and choreographed "Three Sisters" with the 42nd Street Moon Theater Company. In the spring of 2012 I played Spats Palazzo in "Sugar" there.

Strike Up the Band

Just got up a fun production of Gershwin and Kaufman's "Stike Up the Band" (1927). I directed it and did much of the choreography (as did Alex Hsu). It's getting great reviews!

http://www.theaterdogs.net/2011/04/10/moon-strikes-up-a-triumphant-band/

“I’ve seen a lot of 42nd Street Moon shows over the years, but I’ve rarely seen one as exuberant, funny, beautifully sung and as hugely enjoyable as Strike Up the Band. Everything about Zack Thomas Wilde’s production is top notch, from the extraordinarily sharp book by George S. Kaufman and the immediately appealing score by George and Ira Gershwin to the terrific cast...”

“...Even the choreography...has exactly the right sense of humor. The squatting and bouncing of “The Unofficial Spokesman” provides hilarious accompaniment to a government man’s... ]nonsensical no-position position...”

http://www.sfexaminer.com/print/entertainment/theater/2011/04/all-s-fair-war-and-cheese-strike-band

“...directed with finesse by Zack Thomas Wilde and concisely choreographed on the compact Eureka Theatre stage.”

http://kedaradourforallevents.blogspot.com/2011/04/strike-up-band-at-42nd-street-smash-hit.html

“STRIKE UP THE BAND AT 42^ND STREET A SMASH HIT

Strike up the band for 42^nd Street Moon’s latest production at the Eureka Theatre that surely will play to full houses for the remainder of its run. They have come a long way baby in the 18 (?) years since they began mounting with script-in-hands musicals from yester year. This is the best 42^nd Street production I have seen and a great 15 member professional cast (including 6 Equity members) of this 1927 mad-cap musical, Strike Up the Band, has enough exuberance for the entire season...”

“...The fun starts immediately with the full cast singing and dancing the opening number to “Fletcher’s American Cheese Choral Society...”

“...This Strike Up the Band is an ensemble gem and will surely be a sell out. Advice: Order your tickets now.”

http://www.talkinbroadway.com/regional/sanfran/

“A Slam Bang Production of the Gershwins' Strike up the Band “

“42nd Street Moon recently presented a captivating production with a wonderful multi-talented cast of young singers and dancers. Direction by Zack Thomas Wilde was suave and fast paced...”

“Wilde knows the best farce is played earnestly and these talented actors never condescended to their roles. Even in a performance that is a deliberate evocation of a late 1920s style, it felt like it had just been written.”

http://www.starkinsider.com/2011/04/strike-up-the-band-another-winner-from-the-san-francisco-company-that-knows-how.html

by Gregory M. Alonzo:

“'Strike up the Band' another winner from the San Francisco Company that knows how!

“...Perhaps the original version would have been a hit if a company as skilled as 42nd Street Moon had produced it. Their trademark brisk pacing, wonderful staging, and palpable elation never fail to bring a silly grin to one’s face. And they have an uncanny ability to enliven vintage material with a relevance and immediacy that belies its age...”

“...The dramatic baritone possesses a resonant vocal timbre, and he recites the snappy dialogue and one-liners with alacrity-as does the entire cast...”

“...This wonderful production once again demonstrates the depth of talent and creativity that one has come to expect when visiting the Eureka Theatre in San Francisco...”

George Heymont's My Cultural Landscape, by George Heymont:

“...The show has been crisply directed by Zack Thomas Wilde with some of the company's most adventursome choreography to date...”

Babes In Arms

Last fall I choreographed an exuberant production of "Babes In Arms" at the 42nd St. Moon theater company, which was quite well-received.

"Zack Wilde's choreography was full of life" - Richard Connema, www.talkinbroadway.com








http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuNS9eK-4jE&lr=1

Return to Painting

Oil portraits of humans are not big in San Francisco.
Painting pets seems a more commercial notion!
Here are some furry friends in my life.


"Gidget" oil on canvas, 11" x 9"


"Gidget, Doll, and Precious" oil sketch on cardboard, 13" x 13"


"Precious" oil on cardboard, 13" x 13"

Next Up: Very Warm For May

I'm currently working on the choreography for "Very Warm For May" (also for the 42nd Street Moon). Here's a rehearsal shot of me with my divine dance captain and (and one of the stars of the show), Sarah Kathleen Farrell.

Lady Be Good!

I worked long and hard on creating authentic and exciting choreography for Lady Be Good! at 42nd Street Moon. Fortunately, it is hit!

Here are some excerpts from the reviews:

From the SF Examiner, Friday, April 8, 2010:

“This ‘Lady’ is better than good”

“…Zack Thomas Wilde (choreography), the production’s better-than-Broadway quality…”, and, “The piece’s big tune, ‘Fascinating Rhythm’, gets a Hollywood-spectacular dance number.”

From the Bay Times, Friday, April 8, 2010:

“Lady Be Good! More Than a Good Start”

“In the first of their Ira Gershwin Celebration Shows this season, 42^nd Street Moon has done the master proud. Lady, Be Good! With its medley of memorable show tunes has put the fascination in ‘Fascinatin’ Rhythm’ and the good in the title song!”, and, “This is one of those instances where there are too many fine highlights to mention them all, but that Little Jazz Bird Quartet number at the Hot Springs Club is so hot!”, and, “Kudos to the entire ensemble for bringing the entire show to life! Zack Thomas Wilde fills the Eureka Theatre stage with his well-executed choreography…this 42^nd Street Moon production is not to be missed.”

From Janet Beach posted on the 42^nd Street Moon blog, unedited:

“Nicholas Yenson's solo number, “Little Jazz Bird” was so sophisticated and beautiful, the crowd was at first speechless, then boisterous in their approval.”,and, “You can't find a more delightful night at the theater.”, and, 42nd Street Moon's 1924 musical production of Lady, Be Good! has it all: Ira and George Gershwin's sophistication, rhythm and sheer sassy joy, some of the best acting, dancing, singing, piano playing, choreography and costumes you'll ever have a happy chance to enjoy!”

From Sharlet M. Briggs, PHD, posted on the 42nd Street Moon blog, unedited:

“Their dances are extraordinary, from the tapping to the Charleston to the dancing on the couch.”

a longtime subscriber of the 42nd Street Moon: “Thank you to the choreographer who taught you how to dance ‘light’ – my seat didn’t shake the whole night.” (FYI - She sits down front and center and the ‘floor shaking’ has been an issue with her in the past.)

www.42ndstmoon.org

Carousel in performance...

Here I'm performing my arrangement of Jacques Brel's 'Carousel', in the "What a Wonderful World Cabaret".

What a Wonderful World

I will be performing my arrangement of Jacques Brel's "Carousel" this coming weekend (see link above) in the SFGMC's Cabaret, at the Regency Lounge. I've choreographed my lovely and talented back-ups, and this time they have memorized the music and will give a stellar performance. Yay.

On The Boards Again!

I'm back onstage with my new favorite musical theater company, 42nd Street Moon, in San Francisco. Here is Juliet Heller as The Princess and me as Eric Dare in "Jubilee", which will open in November.
I'll also be choreographing one or two shows for this company in the Springtime!

Photos from Zurich

"Carousel" Debut

I debuted my arrangement of "Carousel" in performance this last weekend at the SFGMC retreat। Thanks to my seven lovely and talented back-up performers and my trombonist, it was well-received. The legendary choral director Tim Seelig flattered me by suggesting I ought to have my arrangement published (which I have begun working towards today). Many thanks to Steve Valdez, Steve Gallagher, Jim Graham, Mike Joyce, Justin Donohue, Marc Sorensen, Alex Dohrmann, and especially Skip Leasure who'd helped me hear my own voice and all the parts through the process.

February SFGMC concert

For this SFGMC production, Seasons of Love, I have a lighter load than some of the concerts. I'm singing, gave some performance tips to some of the characters in "Prop 8, The Musical", and I posed for the poster with my delightful friend, Michael Tate.

Oil sketches of Santa Barbara landscapes

More photos from Santa Barbara

Photos from Santa Barbara

"The Mormon Church has stated that they aren't anti-gay and that they
don't understand how we could possibly react so vehemently aginst them
because of their backing of Prop 8 in California. After all they
didn't mean it personally. Well, I say this fight for equality IS
personal. They threw down the gauntlet and I, for one, am going to
fight back. The following is a list of mormon-run businesses in the
U.S.:

Black & Decker
Sky West
La Quinta
Franklin-Covey
American Express
Iomega
Hunstsman Chemical
Oakley
priceline.com
Albertsons
Nu Skin
Marriot
Novell
Bain Capital
Dell

Hit em where it hurts - in the bank account!! This sturggle has only
just begun. Please do what you can to spread the word and help lift us
out of second-class citizenry. Thanks!"

Gary Hammond
San Francisco

The disgrace of Prop 8

It was a robust and passionate protest march Friday evening in San Francisco against the disgraceful passage of Prop 8. I'm glad to hear other people finally talking about the need for separation of church and state. Here are a couple of important links. See the list of individuals who gave money to support PropH8 and protest them and boycott their businesses, and sign the petition and join the wave to remove the Morman's tax exempt status.
http://californiansagainsthate.com/
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=43097336387

Next Show: "In The Mood"

This weekend, Friday eve and Saturday eve and matinee, Vocal Minority, along with The Lollipop Guild and Captain Smartypants (from Seattle) will present a show concert at the Brava Theater. Great singing, dazzling choreography (okay, I did Vocal Minority's), and countless yucks (okay, I pasted together the dialogue) are included. This will be a good one! More info and tickets at www.sfgmc.com.

Nude Figures

"Yves" Pastel on Paper 32"x24"
"Glenn Schoenhals" Oil on Board 36"x24"
"Patrick a la Mark Beard" Oil on Wood 32"x16"

More Family Oils

"Mom and Boys" oil on canvas 18"x12"
"Mom and Her Men" oil on canvas 36"x 24"

Family in Oils

Rory, Augie and Mom oil on canvas 32"x 24"
Rory and Augie on Halloween oil on canvas 32"x 22"

Mom with Scarf oil on wood 18"x10"

Meredith in Pink oil on canvas 18"x12"Meredith in Green oil on canvas 32"x24"