Program
Kleines Theater Bad Godesberg
Dec 14, 19:30​
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We sincerely hope you enjoy our show tonight. We kept the ticket price low, so that everybody gets a chance to see it – sadly, our production costs are far from being covered by it. You could help us tremendously by considering a donation: one-time via Tikkie or via monthly subscription on Patreon. We greatly appreciate your help!
About The Show
“Starting Here Starting Now”, first produced in 1976 in NYC, is a collection of scenes rather than a consistent story: "SHSN must never be allowed to be thought of as just an evening of songs. It must be an evening of twenty-five dramatic events," according to the composers, Richard Maltby Jr. and David Shire. "The songs (...) are about intelligent people who want to feel they are in rational control of their emotions –who in the course of the song confront emotions that lead them out-of-control." We want you to be aware that every song is presented by a new character, a new person – think of an anthology of short stories. The actors represent every one of us in their needs, their distress, their happiness, excitement, anxiety and vulnerability by changing age, personality, temperament from song to song. You will recognize yourself in one scene or another, that’s for sure!
And now – relax, sit back and enjoy the show. We wish you a fabulous evening.
Cast & Creatives
Merel Zeeman
"Woman 2"
Merel fell in love with musical theatre as soon as she saw a production of "Les Miserables" at 11 years old. She decided this had to be her future and so she made it happen.
After studying at the InHolland conservatory in Alkmaar she performed in a broad range of shows. Starting with an ensemble part in "Les Miserables" in Berlin, she made the circle full. Some of Merel's other credits include "Beauty and the Beast", "Sister Act", "Tanz der Vampire", "Mary Poppins" and "Kinky Boots", roaming throughout the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Austria.
Recently, Merel added Complete Vocal Technique to her skills, becoming an Authorized CVT teacher. She also records audiobooks for the visually impaired and works as a coach for speakers in the same foundation.
Krissy Dorn
"Woman 1"
Krissy loves performing different styles and genres of music. She started off with German folk music back in her childhood and went on to Americana, Pop, Rock, Jazz – you name it!
Moving to California for a few years, she lost her heart to the musical theater scene in the San Francisco area, performing in theater productions around the Bay, such as "The Sound of Music", "South Pacific" and numerous revue shows. Inspired by the famous California spirit she started producing her own shows: "To California with Love", "Martuni-Fest – a Celebration of Fall, Fun & Germany's Finest" and more.
As an Authorized Teacher in the innovative Complete Vocal Technique, she loves sharing her passion for music and singing with her voice students.
John Rinaldi
"Man"
John brings over 40 years of stage experience to his newest role at Jewel Box Musical Theater. He has sung in everything from Aida to Evita, with plenty of The Sound of Music and A Little Night Music in between. John has performed his shows ("He Said, She Said", "Another Hundred People", and "Not Just a Phase") in San Francisco, New York, and in the Netherlands. He recently appeared as Oliver in the short film "Crossroads Life", and online he played Mr. Mushnik in the "Little Shop of Horrors Online Cabaret" for Tenacious Theatrics in Atlanta, Georgia. ​
John has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Music (Vocal Performance) from Notre Dame de Namur University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.
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In addition to performing, John is a busy voice teacher with students in the US and Europe. He loves helping people discover their own, unique voice, and find the magic that happens when good acting meets good singing.
Frans Heemskerk
Music director/pianist
Frans studied jazz piano and light music at the conservatories in Hilversum and Amsterdam from 1992 to 1998. His mentors were Larry Goldings, Kenny Werner, Rob Madna, Frans Elsen and Henk Elkerbout. He has also studied with Gary Dial in New York.
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In 2009, Frans received a John Kraaijkamp Musical Award (“best score/ arrangement”) for The Wild Party. Frans has served as musical director of "Moeder Ik Wil Bij De Revue", "The Bodyguard", "Tina - the Tina Turner musical", "Was Getekend Annie MG Schmidt", "Lovestory" and many others.
Frans was a recording artist with the lounge group Water, releasing eleven tracks for the "Supperclub" albums during 2002-2008. He recorded a live album with his jazz/ funk quartet The French Connection, a trio album called 'Persona' and his new album 'Control Voltage' will be released in September.
His extensive experience with jazz, blues, pop and theatre music makes Frans a versatile and creative musician and composer.
Heike Werntgen
Stage Director
Heike Wertgen is a German actress (stage and screen), director and theater teacher. She studied musical theater at the Stage School, Hamburg and the Lee Strasberg Institute, NYC, and theater pedagogy and direction at the Theaterpädagogisches Zentrum in Cologne, Germany.
Her directing works include musicals like "The Icecold Heart" and "Mein Honk", plays like "Charley's Aunt" and professional children's theater like "Pippi Longstocking." Heike works in theater education for various institutions with people of all ages with and without disabilities. She specializes in original musicals and was nominated twice in the "Mixed Up Wettbewerb", an annual contest launched by the German Federal Association for Arts Education and Cultural Learning. Ballet is her passion, and she's always happy to help with dance steps and choreography. Heike loves bringing music and theater to life on stage by helping the performers reveal their authentic selves. In "Starting Here Starting Now", Heike not only contributes her experience as a director, but also the profound love and deep insight in the genuine American musical theater.
https://www.theapolis.de/de/profil/heike-werntgen
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Ferdinand Doumic
Acting Coach
Ferdinand is a French actor and acting teacher based in Amsterdam. He was trained by Steven Ditmyer, using the Meisner Technique, and bases most of his own teaching on this most genuine and human approach to the craft of acting. He has been active on stage and on screen in the Netherlands, and is also teaching theatre weekly to young children, sharing with them his enthusiasm and passion for the stage.
Maarten Helsloot
Pianist
"The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves."
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Victor Hugo
After graduating from the Hilversum Conservatory in 1996, Maarten Helsloot started working as a freelance keyboardist. He started playing with Chris Hinze, and popact Sarah, followed later by singer Boris and Kasper van Kooten. He also worked in the theater with, among others, Karin Bloemen and Igone de Jongh.
In addition to his work on stage, he developed himself as a producer in his own studio in Amsterdam where he worked with Sabrina Starke, Gregory Porter, Michiel Borstlap, Gregor Salto and many others. He produced albums for Boris and Jennie Lena and also worked on many productions for Tim Dawn, Stan van Samang and others.
In addition to a performing and producing musician, Maarten Helsloot also works as a principal teacher of piano/keys at the conservatory in Zwolle. He also teaches music production there.
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Musical Numbers
Act 1
The actors/actresses are always present on stage, but are mentioned as performers according to the libretto. At times they're all involved in the scene, at others they're merely bystanders. We took the liberty to add a little "caption" to each song title below to illustrate the thoughts that inspired us while bringing the scenes to life.
The Word Is Love
Merel / John / Krissy
Here we are, setting the scene! Everything is in this first short piece: Yes, it's all about love.
Starting Here Starting Now
Merel / John / Krissy
Love and human connection happen when we're together, like right now in this very moment.
I'm A Little Bit Off
Krissy
Sometimes love hits you when you expect it the least. What if you don't even understand your emotions and get surprised by your own bold choice?
I May Want Remember Today
Merel / Krissy
Did you have this friend who really had it all while you felt left behind? And now she even wants that guy you have a crush on. But who knows what he wants?
Beautiful
Merel / John / Krissy
It seems to be a common concept that all people want a partner for life. But is that really so?
We Can Talk To Each Other
John
Some relationships are pretty one-sided and unbalanced, in other words: unhealthy.
Just Across the River
Merel / John / Krissy
The perfect match is out there, somewhere, just a swipe away.
Crossword Puzzle
Merel
Your love is gone, and you don't even know why. Or maybe you do? Maybe he wasn't as good a match as you thought?
Autumn
Krissy
Grief has no color. The feeling of loss is overwhelmingly grey like a rainy November day.
I Don't Remember Christmas
John
You don't miss your ex at all? So why do you keep talking about them?
I Don't Believe It
Merel / John / Krissy
Some couples are like a black box, some are open books, but most do everything to keep up a shiny facade in public.
I Hear Bells
John / Merel / Krissy
When was the last time you actually smelled the roses? Listen closely, maybe you can hear them ring too.
Watching The Big Parade Go By
Krissy
Meet "Fan girl"! Can she outshine the show?
Pleased With Myself
Merel / John / Krissy
There are moments when everything feels right. Like when act 1 is almost over and you know you get to perform act 2 in a few.
Musical Numbers
Act 2
The actors/actresses are always present on stage, but are mentioned as performers according to the libretto. At times they're all involved in the scene, at others they're merely bystanders. We took the liberty to add a little "caption" to each song title below to illustrate the thoughts that inspired us while bringing the scenes to life.
Hey There Fans
John / Krissy / Merel
We're back! Thanks for bearing with us. Have a great act 2!
The Girl Of The Minute
John / Krissy
What's a star, a celebrity? And what would they be without the rest of us?
A Girl You Should Know
Merel
You can surely relate to this girl if you ever felt invisible, unseen, misunderstood and underestimated.
Travel
Merel / Krissy / John
All the craziness and fun of a long road trip with your teenage daughters in the back.
I'm Going To Make You Beautiful
John
What if your make-up artist really wants to be an opera singer?
Flair
Krissy
There are times in your life when you feel like you're losing yourself, at work, with a new-born, in a relationship. When you really start missing out, it's time to meet old friends for a drink.
What About Today?
Merel
Tomorrow, tomorrow, there's always tomorrow – yes, but why wait and for what? The time is now. Let's use it wisely.
One Step
Krissy / Merel / John
A single step can make all the difference, but it can be tough to find the courage to take it – like into the audition room. And there's a lot of steps to do until the final "Ta-dah"!
Barbara
John / Merel / Krissy
Don't we all have that special someone – famous or not – that we idolize?
Three-part harmony arrangement by Krissy Dorn
Song Of Me
Krissy
Life in lock down is the sheer definition of feeling disconnected and isolated. Try to imagine how teenagers had to watch their lives go by during the last couple of years.
Today Is The First Day
Merel / Krissy
No matter your age, you can always start something new and exciting – it's never too late for a happy childhood!
A New Life Coming
John / Merel / Krissy
During the Great Depression countless young people hopped on "old rickety freight trains" to find jobs elsewhere and a new and better life. Hop the train of life and enjoy the joy ride!
Finale
Merel / John / Krissy
The Composers
Richard Maltby Jr.
BROADWAY: Conceived and directed two Tony Award winning musicals: AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' (1978: Tony, N.Y. Drama Critics, Outer Critics, Drama Desk Awards -- also Tony Award for Best Director); FOSSE (1999: Tony, Outer Critics, Drama Desk Awards); as well as RING OF FIRE, (2006). With composer David Shire: director/lyricist: BABY (1983, seven Tony nominations); lyricist: BIG (1996, Tony nomination: Best Score; also Dominium Theatre London 2019). With Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg, co-lyricist: MISS SAIGON (Evening Standard Award, London 1990; Tony nomination: Best Score, 1991); co-lyricist: THE PIRATE QUEEN (2007). Director: THE STORY OF MY LIFE (2009). Director/co-lyricist: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s SONG & DANCE (1986 Tony Award for star, Bernadette Peters.) OFF-BROADWAY: with David Shire: director/lyricist STARTING HERE, STARTING NOW (1977, Grammy nomination) and CLOSER THAN EVER, (1989, two Outer Critics Circle Awards: Best Musical, Best Score; also Off-Broadway Alliance Award, Best Musical Revival 2013; and London Jermyn Street Theatre 2014,). Director: JUST JIM DALE, (Roundabout Theatre 2014, Vaudeville Theatre, London 2015). REGIONAL: Lyricist/conceiver, TAKE FLIGHT (Menier Chocolate Factory, London 2010; McCarter Theatre 2012); book and lyrics, WATERFALL (2015, Pasadena Playhouse and Seattle’s Fifth Avenue Theatre); Lyricist, new musical SOUSATZKA (2017, Toronto). FILM: Screenplay, MISS POTTER, (2007: Christopher Award, best screenplay.). Contributes cryptic crossword puzzles to Harpers Magazine. Son of well-known orchestra leader; Five children: Nicholas, David, Jordan, Emily and Charlotte.
DAVID SHIRE wrote the music for Baby (Tony nominations for Best Score and Musical) and Big (nominated for Best Score). Off-Broadway credits include Starting Here, Starting Now (Grammy nomination), Closer Than Ever (Outer Critics Award for Best Musical and Score), Urban Blight (MTC), The Sap of Life, and incidental scores for As You Like It (NYSF), The Unknown Soldier and His Wife, The Loman Family Picnic, Shmulnik's Waltz and Visiting Mr. Green. He and his long-time collaborator Richard Maltby are at work on Take Flight, a new musical which premiered at the Charlotte Rep in the spring of 2004. His many film scores include Norma Rae (Academy Award for Best Song), Francis Coppola's The Conversation, All the President's Men, The Taking of Pelham 1-2-3, Farewell, My Lovely, 'Night, Mother, Return to Oz and Saturday Night Fever for which he won two Grammy Awards. His numerous television scores have earned five Emmy nominations and include Sarah Plain and Tall, Rear Window, Raid on Entebbe,The Women of Brewster Place, The Kennedys of Massachusetts, The Heidi Chronicles, Jake's Women and Broadway Bound. His songs have been recorded by Barbra Streisand, Maureen McGovern, Melissa Manchester, Jennifer Warnes, Kiri Ti Kanawa and many others, and include the international Billy Preston & Syreeta hit "With You I'm Born Again" and the Oscar-winning "It Goes Like It Goes." Mr. Shire is a member of the Dramatists Guild Council, the proud husband of actress Didi Conn and doting father of sons Matthew and Daniel.
David Shire
Thank you!
Marjan Cnossen
Wim Doets
Ingmar Dorn
Hannah Dorn & Yannic
Sarah Douglas
Jeffrie Givens
Jean Grey
Lorena Krüger
Cisca Kruiper
Helena Lariviere
Richard Maltby, Jr.
Nikolaus Meder
Robin Meloy Goldsby
Ginnie Menezes
Karen Morrow
Krijn Mossel
Heather O'Donnell
Frank Oppermann
Ethan Paulini
David Shire
Mariano & Maira Lev Skroce
Edgar Stuurman
Babische Tervoort
Kleines Theater Bad Godesberg
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