Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: September 28, 2025
By: Laura Deni
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THE GROOM OF THE STOOL AND THE POWER OF HUE

Ever wonder what it would be like to work for a royal? A real royal - the kind you have to curtsy and bow to?

Or, wash and sniff.

Want a relationship which is both super secret and intimate? Consider these?

The 'groom of the stool' – aka the king's toilet- helper – was the most powerful position in the Tudor court?

It reeked of authority and "other stuff."

The position was an especially prized one, as it allowed unobstructed access to the king. Historian David Starkey wrote: "The Groom of the Stool had to ordinary the most menial tasks; his standing, though, was the highest.

Over the course of his reign, Henry VIII of England employed four Grooms of the Stool—men whose job it was to wipe the royal bottom and attend to his other “private needs.” such as examining the contents and daily report to his Magestry's physician. Being so intimate with the king was a sought-after, honorable position.

The 1st Earl of Holland, Groom of the Stool to Charles I, until 1643 - the most intimate of an English monarch's courtiers, initially responsible for assisting the king in excretion and hygiene.

The physical intimacy of the role naturally led to his becoming a man in whom much confidence was placed by his royal master and with whom many royal secrets were shared as a matter of course. This secret information—never revealed, as it would have led to the discredit of his honor—in turn led to his becoming feared and respected and therefore powerful within the royal court in his own right. The office developed gradually over decades and centuries into one of administration of the royal finances and, under Henry VII, the Groom of the Stool became a powerful official involved in setting national fiscal policy, under the "chamber system".

Skip to the distaff side and there are an abundance of intimate and private moments between closed mouth designer/fitter and the all but naked clothes horse.

It's not a bad work contract.

25 days of annual leave increasing to 30 after 10 years of service.

A good, non-contributory occupational pension.
Death while in service benefits, equivalent to four times the employee's salary.
Accommodation & Meals. If the role requires living on site in London the package includes all meals and subsidized accommodations.
A complimentary lunch is provided to all employees.

Queen Camilla in her statement making royal blue silk Fiona Clare dress with a v-neck and flowing sleeves; husband King Charles in the Windsor uniform, which consists of a dark navy blazer with a red collar, white shirt, and black trousers; his son and heir Prince William and Catherine the Princess of Wales in a Phillipa Lepley couture gown featuring a hand-embroidered gold Chantilly lace evening coat over a cream-colored silk dress. Photo: Official.

Among other things the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, is a fashion icon. She's a walking billboard, who has the ability to generate sales of anything she is wearing, fostering a bevty of "inspired knock off - "Princess Kate "inspired" outfits.

The mother to three is both a champion for British designers and an advocate of responsible consumption. Her looks, through their provenance or hues, "often convey powerful messages that require meticulous behind-the-scenes work to prepare.

The power of hue.

Officially, color coordination for the royal family is a collaborative effort involving individual family members, personal stylists, and aides. The degree of coordination varies depending on the occasion and the individuals involved.

Ultimately, each member of the royal family has the final say over what they wear. The individual makes the decisions, but the clothing is often used to send a specific message. A specific color or jewelry may be chosen to respectfully represent the national flag of a visiting dignitary or a country they are visiting.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are known for dressing in harmonious colors to project a sense of unity, which has become a notable aspect of their public image.

Behind the scenes, royal family members employ dedicated stylists and dressers who help with the logistics of their wardrobe.

Catherine, Princess of Wales has had personal stylists like Natasha Archer and Virginia Chadwyck-Healey to help curate her looks.

For family appearances and official portraits, a wider level of color coordination often occurs. The family will sometimes coordinate colors to present a unified message. At Kate Middleton's 2022 Christmas carol service, many royal women wore shades of burgundy, which was widely seen as a show of solidarity during a challenging time for the family.

The regal Princess of Wales favors red and looks smashing in burgundy. However, orange is a color Princess Kate will not wear.

Until recently, this colorful coordination task has fallen to Natasha Archer. For 15 years, the Briton traveled the world at Kate’s side, planning her outfits, some of which have become iconic. The Princess of Wales' stylist was initially tasked with making her look more 'regal' as per the late Queen's request, according to insiders. Natasha joined the Prince and Princess of Wales as a personal assistant in 2007.

Soon the knee-length hemlines and nude court shoes were dropped in favor of wide-legged trousers, silk pussy-bow blouses, on-trend prints and peplum waistlines.

And, for special occassions Princess Kate has looked "gorgious" in red and combinations of gold and white.

Natasha Archer, known as Tash, attended Uppingham boarding school, before reading Hispanic Studies at King's College London.

Archer is also credited with introducing Kate to much-loved Pakistani designer Maheen Khan in advance of her royal tour to Pakistan in 2019.

Kate's original knee-length hemlines and nude court shoes were dropped. She is pictured in a floor length Elie Saab gown for Crown Prince Hussein's wedding to Rajwa Al-Saif in Jordan in June of her royal tour to Pakistan in 2019.

A witness to major family events and royal tragedies, she ultimately became her confidante. But in mid-July, she announced that she was stepping down from her position to concentrate on launching her own fashion design firm.

In 2019, Archer was made a Member of the Royal Victorian Order at Buckingham Palace in recognition of her services to the Royal Family.

Australian-born Annie Miall is credited with helping the Princess Royal's daughter Zara Tindall find her personal fashion style as oppossed to her horse-riding gear.

After a career in human resources and leadership coaching, Miall acquired her fashion knowledge working on the shop floor and as a buyer, according to her website.

Her decade old stylist company prides itself on its 'friendliness and understanding'. It describes itself as 'just good friends delivering a discreet and convenient service'.

The down-to-earth stylist encouraged Zara to go for sharply cut pieces that skim her figure by designers such as Laura Green - who spent 10 years at Princess Diana's go to, Catherine Walker.

She continued to have sartorial success under Miall's guidance, with a host of flattering outfits for the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee. Her fuchsia pink coat dress, also by Laura Green, brought a splash of color to the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral, which she paired with a lilac Juliette Botterill hat as well as shoes and a clutch bag in the same color.

The down-to-earth stylist encouraged Zara to go for sharply cut pieces that skim her figure by designers such as Laura Green - who spent 10 years at Princess Diana's favorite brand, Catherine Walker.

Miall also helped Autumn Phillips, the former wife of Princess Anne's son, Peter, transition out of her corporate consultant attire.

For the first day of Cheltenham races in 2020, she helped Autumn find an elegant green jacket with a tie belt by Really Wild clothing, paired with a stylish floral hat by Sally-Ann hats.

Chadwyck-Healey the daughter ot a Lord, has moved in the same circles as the princess for many years. Like Kate, she studied art history at St Andrews University. Also like Kate, she met her future husband Oliver there—the couple were invited to the royal wedding of Kate and Prince William in April 2011. And like Kate, she now lives with her three children in Berkshire, west of London.

She proved her mettle as a substitute stylist when, in 2019, Natasha Archer was on maternity leave. According to the "Daily Mail" she "has made a big difference to the Duchess’s wardrobe for public engagements and has helped give her a whole new sense of confidence."

"The Telegraph" also dropped a hint that Jamie Earlam, who, according to her LinkedIn page, is currently the personal clothing assistant to the Wales family, may step out of the shadows to join Kate Middleton's innner sewing circle.

The late Queen's stylist, Angela Kelly, worked for the monarch for 25 years. Earlier this year, Kelly moved from her Windsor house to a cottage in the Peak District courtesy of King Charles. She had been promised a home for life.

Such was the intimacy of their relationship that Kelly would wear the monarch's new shoes to break them in, do her hair and massage her feet.

In return the Queen created the title of 'Personal Assistant, Advisor and Curator to Her Majesty' for the former royal dresser and gave her unprecedented permission to write a series of books about their relationship.

With Angela Kelly by her side, the Queen became known for her colourful outfits, helping the 5ft-4-in monarch stand out when she was meeting her subjects.

With Angela Kelly as her wing man, the Queen became known for colorful outfits, helping the 5ft-4in monarch stand out when she was meeting her subjects.

Accoring to publishe reports, Queen Elizabeth was dubbed 'high vis highness' when she opted for a neon green look for her 90th birthday celebrations, standing in stark contrast to the Princess of Wales dressed in white on the Buckingham palace balcony.

In her book, "Dressing The Queen: The Jubilee Wardrobe", Kelly revealed how she approached designing dresses for the late monarch, including picking striking colors to maximise visibility.

As Queen Elizabeth once said: 'If I wore beige, nobody would know who I am.'

Fitting sessions with the Queen typically lasted half a day and, aside from the corgis, were strictly private.

As the Queen's top designer, Kelly would sketch at least four different designs for a particular piece of fabric, from which the Queen could choose.

She would also employ a fan to test how lightweight materials such as chiffon, organza or silk will move in a breeze.

Jacqui Meakin was formerly the dresser for the Queen Mother was responsible for the transformed look of Queen Camilla.

In 2005, when the Royal Love Birds became engaged, Meakin was given the important responsibility of helping the soon-to-be Duchess of Cornwall buff up her image – Camilla’s wardrobe at the time was largely made up of sweaters and riding pants, reported the "New York Post."

Then Prince Charles and his new bride Camilla on their wedding day. Official photograph.

Meakin’s first major task was designing Camilla’s wedding outfit. For the celebration, she collaborated with London designers Antonia Robinson and Anna Valentine, as widely reported. Together, they created a simple cream silk chiffon dress and coordinating coat, with a Philip Treacy hat, for the civil ceremony and a floor-length, embroidered pale blue and gold coat with matching chiffon dress for the religious blessing service.

Since then, Meakin has continued to help Camilla navigate the delicate balance between her more relaxed style and the formal demands of royal dress codes. Camilla’s wardrobe now consists mostly of single-breasted jackets and coat dresses with elongated waists which arre flattering for women of a certain age. She also favors blue which adds a glow to her make-up and hair.

Meakin has also introduced Camilla to more avant-garde designers - Bruce Oldfield, Anna Valentine and the widely celebrated Vivienne Westwood, whose satin gown Camilla wore for the Royal Variety Performance in 2008.

While still counting on her fashion favorites, such as her trusted Sole Bliss heels - which actually fit - Camilla's chic pastel suits and oversized Philip Treacy hats have given her an air of regal elegance.

For an interview with "Vogue" to mark her 75th birthday, the Queen opted for an outfit chosen by Meakin rather than the magazine's experts, donning a cobalt-blue Bruce Oldfield evening gown for the shoot.

The dresser has even helped Camilla revamp a selection of more unique unisex pieces, including a daqlah -a long robe open at the front - originally belonging to her husband, Charles.

The King had been presented with the beautifully embroidered robe, made by renowned Saudi designer Yahya Al Bishri, during an official visit to Saudi Arabia in the 1990s.

Camilla wore the piece for the Platinum Party to celebrate the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee, with Jacqui altering the sleeves and length of the robe to fit Camilla.

Sophie, who was then the Countess of Wessex. PhotoL Con Arts.

Former stylist Georgia Pincus, who lives in Ascot, near The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh who reside in a place called Bagshot Park, which was a wedding present from the groom's sparents. Pincus has been friends with the Duchess since she married Prince Edward in 1999.

Former PR executive Sophie, now the Duchess of Edinburgh, was always seen in business attire until she sought the help of stylists Georgia Pincus and Pandora Delevingne.

From grey suits and baggy corduroy trousers came a regal wardrobe of colour to suit her blonde coloring.

Georgie also chose more glamorous hemlines for the Duchess of Edinburgh, opting for maxi and midi-length dresses to accentuate her slender figure.

She studied fashion at the Paris College of Art and later set up her own fashion consultancy, styleu, working with clients including former Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington.

Georgie gave up working as a stylist, and has since set up her own yoga studio, qualifying as an instructor and sharing blogs focusing on nutrition and wellness.

Pandora Delevingne, a former personal shopper at Selfridges, and mother of model, Cara Delevingne, Pandora was instrumental in changing the Duchess of Edinburgh's look. Alongside Georgie Pincus, she found expensively-cut outfits for Sophie, making her appear not so stodgy.

In 2015, Grazia reported that Pandora had also been involved in Kate Middleton's sartorial choices, with a source adding: 'They’ve known each other for years and Kate trusts her advice.'

The stylist had found Maheen Khan's designs at O'Nitaa, in London's Chelsea Green, and asked the designer to create some custom-made pieces for the royal.

Then the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate was highly praised for her style on the trip, where she donned outfits including a bespoke blue kurta and trousers, hand embroidered in white silk and pearls created by Maheen.

Virginia Chadwyck-Healey, stylist for Kate Middleton, attended the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales in 2011.

Virginia, also known as Ginnie, became known as Kate Middleton's 'secret weapon' and reportedly began working with the Royal while Natasha Archer was on maternity leave.

The talented stylist is the daughter of the 3rd Lord Strathalmond and an old friend of the Prince and Princess of Wales, attending their wedding in 2011.

Speaking of the occasion, she said: 'To my great surprise, I found myself included in the fashion reviews as one of the “best-dressed wedding guests”,’ after she wore an Emilia Wickstead watermelon pink skirt and a bubblegum pink trapeze-sleeve silk top.

"Royal protocol had to come first, but I wanted to feel like I had an identity amid the sea of celebrities, friends, military personnel, foreign members of state and, of course, the Royal Family."
She promotes sustainable shopping habits and was spotted in the same outfit that she wore to the 2011 wedding at Ascot in 2021.

The Princess of Wales' style was said to become modern and sleek. She donned a Gucci pussy bow blouse paired with wide leg trousers from Jigsaw for a trip to the Henry Fawcett Children's Centre in Lambeth in 2019.

She also wore a pussybow blouse with a similar colour scheme for a trip to Birmingham in 2020.

Ginnie worked as Executive Retail Editor for "Vogue" before setting up VCH Style in 2018, which focuses on fashion consultancy and styling and promotes sustainable shopping habits.

A royal source told the "Daily Mail's" Richard Eden at the time: 'She has made a big difference to the Duchess’s wardrobe for public engagements and has helped give her a whole new sense of confidence.'

Olivia Buckingham, a photographer-turned-stylist, is credited with Princess Beatrice's glamorous appearance at the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and his wife Rajwa's wedding in Jordan She wore a floor length Reem Acra pale pink embellished satin piqué gown with ruffled sleeves paired with the York tiara.

The look was styled by Olivia Buckingham - one half of the style duo who had originally sparked the Princess' elegant fashion transformation.

Olivia and Lady Emily Compton helped Beatrice choose a navy sheer lace Self-Portrait gown for Lady Gabriella Windsor's wedding in May 2019 and continued to help with high-profile appearances.

Lady Emily is a former society editor for "Tatler" magazine and the daughter of the Marquess of Northamptonshire, while photographer-turned-stylist Olivia has been a contributor to "Vogue" Hong Kong.

Princess Beatrice being worn by "the" hat.

Of course not evey selection is a winner. For instant that unusual head topper Beatrice wire which looked like a combination of a oretzek abd ny ld TV antenna. After all oif the tongue wagging calmed down the thing-a-ma-gig was auctioned off for charity.

London-based stylist, Sarah Price, who works on a referral basis only, is originally from Dublin, She runs Style Tonic and began working with Eugenie after they were introduced by a mutual friend.

Exclusive stylist Sarah Price helped Princess Eugenie realize her vision of looking like a 'contemporary princess' as she recited her vows with Jack Brooksbank in 2018.

The princess asked that her dress, designed by Peter Pilotto and Christopher de Vos, feature a low back to show the scar from surgery she underwent to correct scoliosis.

Sarah also helped Eugenie with her two other wedding reception looks - including a Hollywood-style pale pink gown by Zac Posen for her evening reception.

Sarah has been credited with introducing Eugenie to an 'edgier' look, with the royal wearing designers including Osman, Paule Ka and Roland Mouret.

Both Princess Eugenie and her older sister, Beatrice, have benefitted from Sarah's wisdom as she introduced them both to pared-down labels, such as the metallic ombre Peter Pilotto dress Eugenie wore to an art show 2019.

She studied styling and fashion photography at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and has worked as a personal stylist, with clients in the UK, US, and the Middle East.

If clothes make the man then bold colors and delicate hues shout volumns to women, influencing what hangs on store racks or can be cusomed ordered.

And, yes, the royals now do color coordinating - the first documented happening was Duchess Kate's second Chrstmas Carol concert.

This past September history was also made when a sitting president of the United States would be honored with a second white tie dinner. Previously during the first term in office the banquet would be held. If elected to a second term the chow down was a high brow luncheon.

First Lady Melania Trump staged her own coup when a British broadcaster stated that Melania and the late Jacqueline Kennedy were the all time top American fashion influences. He placed Melania ahead of any British model extrolling her grace an beauty with words seldom heard coming from the mouth of a Brit when referencing a living American fashionable coat rack.

Melania’s typical sartorial agenda leans toward muted, understated tones. "She likes tailored suits and sharp lines. She will not start wearing ruffles and floral prints just because she is starting a new chapter," Melania's stylist, Hervé Pierre, told "HELLO!"

"She gravitates towards strong tailoring, sleek looks and perfect cuts with no fuss. Her style has been consistent for years; there is no reason why she would change it. It will evolve, certainly, but the core of her look will remain in the same vein. She was always confident in her choices – I am just helping her."

As she stepped off Air Force One alongside her husband at London’s Stansted Airport Melania exuded chic in a sand-colored, double-breasted Burberry coat that cascaded to her ankles and was cinched at the waist, with the collar poerfully at an upturn. Underneath, she wore a black blouse paired with sleek, knee-high Dior Empreinte riding boots.

Melania Trump delivered a fashion marathon during her UK state visit alongside her husband, President Donald Trump. Hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla, the trip – which took place from September 17 to 19 – marked an unprecedented second state visit for the now-47th President, who was previously honored in 2019.

For the first day of her state visit to the UK alongside President Donald Trump, the First Lady donned an elegant ensemble by Christian Dior Haute Couture, one of her favorite go-to designers.

The First Lady didn't stray from her timeless, tailored look as she arrived in Windsor for her state visit alongside her husband. The couple were welcomed by Prince William and Princess Kate for their two-day visit, marked by a royal salute fired simultaneously from Windsor Castle and the Tower of London.

William introduced the couple by saying "this is my Dad."

Staying loyal to the Dior French fashion house, Melania wore a Christian Dior Haute Couture dark gray suit that featured a high neckline and cinched waist paired with matching dark gray suede pumps. She added a striking pop of color to the monochromatic ensemble with an elegant violet wool hat, whch drew looks and some comments, including why does she wear so many hats with wide brims which shield her eyes? And why is she frequently in sun glasses? Eye Doctors and opthslmologists highly recommend wide brimmed hats, such as those worn by Melania Trump, for effective eye and skin protection against the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. While the specific hats she wears are a fashion choice, the "wide-brim style is strongly endorsed by medical professionals.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester joined the Trumps, as well as the King and Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales for an intimate lunch earlier in the day in the state dining room. Before lunch, the group viewed a special exhibition of rare artifacts, watercolors, and even the first transatlantic cable between Queen Victoria and President Buchanan in the Green Drawing Room.

State Banquets are not just a feast for food but also for the eye as far as fashion is concerned with a procession of fancy gowns and historic diadems. Also in attendance at the gala in their finest tiaras include Queen Camilla in the Belgian Sapphire Tiara, the Princess of Wales in Lover’s Knot Tiara, The Duchess of Gloucester in Queen Mary's Tiara and Princess Anne with the Aquamarine Pineflower Tiara.

Presidential daughter Tiffany Trump, who has recently become a first time mother, impressed in an off-the-shoulder royal blue gown as she supported her father.

"For her outing with Princess Catherine for a tour of Frogmore Gardens, Melania Trump wore a brown leather belted jacket by Ralph Lauren with cream ankle-length pants and ballet flats. Princess Catherine also kept it casual, wearing a long dark brown skirt paired with a short hunter-green jacket."

"The look was in perfect keeping with the setting: smart but practical and tied into the natural surroundings with a palette of greens and browns," a blog dedicated to the Princess of Wales' fashion picks shared on X. “Melania Trump also embraced an outdoorsy aesthetic, wearing a belted suede utility jacket in tan with slim trousers and heels."

Both Melania and Catherine gifted the Young Scouts with jars of honey from their respective high profile hives. The youngsters seemed besotted with both Melanua and Catherine.

For the official state banquet Melania Trump wore what is termed a "color clash gown" meaning there are colors in the outfit that normally don't go together or "clash."

The gown featured a refined off-the-shoulder neckline and was cinched at the waist with a wide, bright lilac/pink silk belt, complete with a matching fabric-covered buckle. The look was accessorised with lilac frosted velvet pumps by Manolo Blahnik.

In this case the style and color choices morphed into a sophisticated statement making stunner.

The following morning, the President and First Lady formally bid farewell to the King and Queen at Windsor Castle before he went to meet with British Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer. The Queen and First Lady later enjoyed a private tour of Queen Mary’s Dolls' House and the Royal Library at Windsor Castle. For the occasion, Melania put a fresh spin on her signature monochromatic style, stepping out in a caramel leather suit by Louis Vuitton. The sleek, single-breasted ensemble was adorned with vanilla-toned trimmings and was perfectly paired with Manolo Blahnik snakeskin pumps that echoed the warm tones of the outfit.

Later Melania slipped into a suede safari jacket by Ralph Lauren as she joined the Princess of Wales at Frogmore Gardens, where they met Chief Scout Dwayne Fields and members of the Scouts’ Squirrels program. Together, they observe the young scouts as they engage in nature-based activities to earn their Go Wild badge.

For the Trump visit:
The evening's music: Members of the The 1st Battalion The Scots Guards supplied music for the night. Music included classical pieces such as Puccini's Nessun Dorma and Handel's Arrival of the Queen of Sheba. There were also modern choices, including Elton John's Tiny Dancer and a James Bond medley.

The dining table was constructed specifically for the event. The 47.32 metre-long table - equivalent to the length of two Marine One helicopters laid end to end - took a week to build and is set with 1,452 pieces of cutlery and 139 candles in silver gilt candelabra.

Floral arrangements in shades of pink, red and yellow were created using handpicked seasonal flowers and herbs from the gardens at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and The Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park. Afterwards they were donated to the charity Floral Angels, which delivers to hospices, care homes, shelters and other community organizations.

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This is not your typical, totally boring textbook.

In the pages of How To Earn A Living As A Freelance Writer (the first to be lied to and the last to be paid) you'll find sex, celebrities, violence, threats, unethical editors, scummy managers and lawyers, treacherous press agents, sex discrimination; as well as a how-to for earning money by writing down words.

ART AND ABOUT

THE PRESS OPENING FOR LEE MILLER AT TATE BRITAIN takes place on Tuesday, September 20, 2025 in London.

. With the most extensive retrospective of her photography yet staged in the UK, Tate Britain celebrates Lee Miller as one of the 20th century's most urgent artistic voices.

First exposed to a camera by working in front of it, Miller was one of the most sought-after models of the late 1920s. She quickly stepped behind the lens, becoming a leading figure in the avant-garde scenes in New York, Paris, London and Cairo. The exhibition will showcase Miller’s extraordinary career, from her participation in French surrealism to her fashion and war photography. Exploring her artistic collaborations, the exhibition will also shed light on lesser-known sides of her practice, such as her remarkable images of the Egyptian landscape in the 1930s. With around 250 vintage and modern prints, including those never previously displayed, the exhibition reveals Miller's poetic vision and fearless spirit.

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SWEET CHARITY

THE AMERICAN SONGBOOK ASSOCIATION'S FIFTH ANNUAL GALA takes place October 6, 2025. The 7:30 PM event, entitled Ahrens and Flaherty: On the Wheels of a Dream, will be held at New York's Merkin Hall at the Kaufman Music Center. American Songbook Association is honoring the Tony-winning "Ragtime" songwriters.

Taking part are: Curtis Brown Lillias White, Alton Fitzgerald join Kate Baldwin, Nikki Renée Daniels, Hannah Elless, Robert Anthony Jones, Derek Klena, Ann Kittredge, Janine LaManna, Tony winner Kecia Lewis, A.J. Shively, Nathan Salstone, Elizabeth Stanley, and Lili Thomas.

Dan Green will serve as musical director for the evening, which will feature tunes from such Ahrens and Flaherty musicals as Ragtime, Once on This Island, Seussical, and more.

Tony-winning producer Jamie deRoy will also be honored with the Bill Sensenbrenner Dream Maker Award for her dedication to supporting the performing arts. The award is given annually to an arts or business leader who exhibits a passion for investing in the cultural capital of our youth.

Songwriting partners Ahrens (lyrics) and Flaherty (music) won the 1998 Tony Award for Best Original Score for "Ragtime". Their numerous other musicals include Little Dancer, Anastasia, Dessa Rose, Once On This Island, Rocky, The Glorious Ones, A Man of No Importance, Seussical, and My Favorite Year.

The nonprofit American Songbook Association Inc. seeks to preserve, promote, and advance the legacy of American popular music, the Great American Songbook (classic and new), and the unique art form of cabaret.

FARM AID 4- will welcome Kenny Chesney, Wynonna Judd and Steve Earle to the Farm Aid 40 lineup which took place in Minneapolis, on Saturday, September 20.

This was Wynonna Judd's first Farm Aid festival, and Kenny Chesney's 4th festival, and Steve Earle's 9th.

"This political moment we’re in feels like the perfect time to release our new Artists and Activism series of Against the Grain: The Farm Aid Podcast. Over seven episodes, you'll hear from more than two dozen artists who use their art and voices as vehicles for political engagement and expression on issues that matter to them."
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Start with our intro episode to hear snippets to whet your appetite for the season to come. Then continue to episode one: Folk Singers and Politics, which focuses on the American folk music tradition. Music journalist Dorian Lynskey provides valuable historical context and folk musicians Steve Earle, Rainbow Girls, Tré Burt and Jesse Welles talk about their activism and music.

SPREADING THE WORD

SULFUR BOTTOM AND WE ACT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE partnered to host After Show Talk-Backs during the recccent Climate Week NYC. This collaboration underscored the importance of utilizing theater as a medium for environmental advocacy and community engagement. The special performances which end on October 1, 2025 provided attendees with opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions about climate action.

The After Show Talk-Backs following each performance, allowing for an interactive dialogue between the audience and the creative team. Playwright Rishi Varma lead the discussions, guiding attendees through reflections on their relationship with the environment and the actions required for a sustainable future. This initiative aims to foster a sense of urgency surrounding climate issues through the lens of empathy, rather than statistics.

Rishi Varma expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "Being an official event of Climate Week NYC is an incredible opportunity to bring environmental conversations into a shared space where people can feel their urgency. Theater invites us to confront big issues like climate justice not through statistics, but through empathy. I hope Sulfur Bottom adds a meaningful voice to that collective effort."

These talk-backs are designed to enhance community engagement and encourage attendees to participate in the dialogue surrounding climate action. By creating a platform for discussion, the collaboration aims to inspire individuals to reflect on their personal responsibilities toward the environment. The general public is invited to attend any of the four scheduled performances and participate in the Talk-Backs simply by purchasing a ticket. This accessibility ensures that a broad audience can join in the conversation about climate justice and sustainability.

The partnership between Sulfur Bottom and We Act for Environmental Justice arose from a shared commitment to addressing climate change through innovative means. By combining the arts with environmental advocacy, this initiative seeks to create a dynamic space for conversation and action. Through these After Show Talk-Backs, attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with the themes presented in the performances.

HANDEL HANDRIX HOUSE in London is seeking an archivist to catalogue, research and oversee the conservation and digitization of an archive of around 1,000 items that promises to offer fascinating insight into the life and work of Jimi Hendrix and other iconic names in 1960s music.

OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY

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THE TEMPEST by Shakespeare.

Directed by Nel Crouch.

"We are such stuff as dreams are made on!" On a distant island, a magician lies in wait...

Ousted former Duke Prospero and his daughter Miranda have been exiled to a remote island with only sprites, monsters and books for company.

This is until Prospero conjures up a mystical storm to shipwreck the court of Milan onto the island’s shores. The new arrivals quickly learn that nothing is as it seems….

Magic, music, mayhem and mishaps rapidly unfold.

Dive into Shakespeare’s timeless tale of intrigue and wonder in the HandleBards signature style of joyfully irreverent and environmentally friendly storytelling.

This production of "The Tempest" is the first collaboration between Shakespeare North Playhouse and internationally renowned theatre company, The HandleBards.

On October 6, 2025 The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will attend the October 6, 2025 performance.

Performances at the Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot, Merseyside.

MAKING A KILLING by Ben Kernow.

Directed by Millie Brolly.

The ropes are ready, the crowd is waiting and the hangman has a new apprentice. When Claus Kohler is apprenticed to Frantz Schmidt, Nuremberg’s seasoned executioner, the two men are thrown together in a world where duty, morality and power collide, and every decision leaves a mark.

Performed by Ben Kernow & Stephen Cavanagh.

Making a Killing is a razor-sharp, dark comedy about justice, corruption and the cost of survival in a world disturbingly like our own.

Bold, biting and impossible to ignore, the play takes inspiration from The Journal of Master Franz Schmidt, Public Executioner of Nuremberg (1573–1617), a remarkable historical record that lays bare the humanity and contradictions of a man who killed for a living.

Presented by Ha Hum Ah Productions. Performances through October 9, 2025.

AND THEN WE WERE NO MORE a new play written by Tim Blake Nelson.

Nelson has nearly 100 screen credits, including O Brother, Where Art Thou?, The Thin Red Line, Minority Report, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, Lincoln, Nightmare Alley, Old Henry, Syriana, Fantastic Four, Holes, Donnie Brasco, Just Mercy, The Incredible Hulk, The Sound and the Fury, As I Lay Dying, Meet the Fockers, Captain America: Brave New World, and Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio.

This fall, Nelson will co-star in FX’s new drama series The Lowdown starring Ethan Hawke and created by Sterlin Harjo; in Mona Fastvold’s highly anticipated musical drama feature film, The Testament of Ann Lee, starring Amanda Seyfried about the famed real-life religious leader, which will premiere at Venice; and will star in the title role of the independent feature, Bang Bang, playing an aging boxer whose glory days are long past, in theaters on September 12. Directed by Mark Wing-Davey who is an Arts Professor in Grad Acting at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts where from 2008-2020 he was chair.

In And Then We Were No More in the not-too-distant future a lawyer is forced to represent a prisoner deemed "beyond rehabilitation" and destined to perish in a newly developed machine designed to execute "without pain." The attorney must strive for justice in a system devoid of mercy.

The cast features Elizabeth Marvel, Scott Shepherd, Jennifer Mogbock, Henry Stram, Elizabeth Yeoman, William Appiah, E.J. An, Kasey Connolly, and Craig Wesley Divino,

The creatives are: scenic design by David Meyer, lighting design by Reza Behjat, costume design by Marina Draghici, and sound design by Henry Nelson and Will Curry.

"And Then We Were No More" plays La MaMa production beginning performances on September 19, with opening set for September 28 in a limited engagement.

E-Book

Soft back Book

This is not your typical, totally boring textbook.

In the pages of How To Earn A Living As A Freelance Writer (the first to be lied to and the last to be paid) you'll find sex, celebrities, violence, threats, unethical editors, scummy managers and lawyers, treacherous press agents, sex discrimination; as well as a how-to for earning money by writing down words.

FINAL OVATION

SONNY CURTIS singer-songwriter famously penned The Mary Tyler Moore Show theme and fronted Buddy Holly's The Crickets died September 20, 2025. He was 88.

The late star - who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame over a decade earlier - was also known for creating the theme to The Mary Tyler Moore Show and fronting Buddy Holly's band The Crickets. In the mid-1950s, Curtis began collaborating with singer Buddy Holly and the pair later opened for fellow musicians such as Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley. Holly formed the band The Crickets in 1957 - which Curtis joined the following year. He became the lead vocalist and guitarist for the group in 1959 after Holly's passing at the age of 22. The band released an album titled In Style With The Crickets in 1960 and included tracks such as I Fought The Law - which had been written by Curtis. The Bobby Fuller Four band covered the song in 1966 which eventually became a top 10 hit at the time. The track was also covered by The Clash as well as Green Day. She then reflected on his 'exceptional life' and wrote that he 'made a mark on this world, and he made a mark on the hearts of all who knew him; Curtis (far right) with The Crickets in 1964 after Buddy Holly's death The band released an album titled In Style With The Crickets in 1960 and included tracks such as I Fought The Law which took 20 minutes to write and Curtis considered his most important copyright. During his successful career, Curtis wrote other tracks such as Walk Right Back - which was recorded by The Everly Brothers. The song jumped to the number seven spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and went number one on the U.K. Singles Chart in 1961.

In 1970, Curtis wrote Love Is All Around which went on to become the theme song for The Mary Tyler Moore Show; Curtis shared that he wrote the theme song in the span of two hours and performed it to executive producer James L. Brooks.

Curtis also went on to write jingles for commercials after relocating to Los Angeles and penned songs recorded by other music artists such as Andy Williams.

In 1991, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. And in 2012, Curtis reached another career milestone when he was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of The Crickets. He is survived by his daughter Sarah, and Louise, his wife of over 50 years.

Next Column: October 5, 2025
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Laura Deni