Synopsis: A grownup Dorothy dreams she’s in Oz, meets friends and foes and learns “You are stronger than any witch and all your fears. You can ride a Rainbow to Oz!” My Journey to Oz On Stage! First stage performance at Ozland Festival and Oz On Stage, Producer Scarlett Antonia in Peekskill, NY. I write the title song “Rainbow to Oz” create a story concert, and travel with Musical Director Stephen Cornine to Peeksville in my rainbow hair bow! But first, a mysterious phone call in Penn Station, NYC!
Rainbow to Oz: A Musical Oz On Stage– A Mysterious Phone Call!
Rainbow to Oz: A Musical Penn Station NYCRainbow to Oz: A Musical Penn Station NYC Phone
Rainbow to Oz: A Musical Oz On Stage from NYC to Ozland, New York
Rainbow to Oz: A Musical – Journey to Oz On Stage
Rainbow to Oz: A Musical Oz On Stage began with a mysterious phone call. I was in Penn Station, hurrying home from an outdoorsy vacation that fizzled out due to rain. Penn Station was crowded, noisy, far from the peaceful type of vacation venue I had imagined. Suddenly, my cell phone rang! I looked at my phone, and I didn’t recognize the number. I get far too many spam calls, so when I don’t recognize a number, I don’t pick up.
But something told me: “Answer the phone.” Why? I don’t know. I picked up the phone and said, “Hello? Who is this?” A voice I didn’t recognize said, “My name is Scarlett Antonia, and I’m a producer.” A producer? Was she kidding? I said, “How did you find me?”
She continued: “I’m don’t remember. You’re on the Internet, right? Anyway, I’m producing a festival about Oz, and I need a singer. How do you feel about Oz?”
“I said, “I love Oz. When I was a kid, I read every Oz book I could find. And of course, I saw the movie with Judy Garland.”
She said, “Can you sing a song about Oz?”
I said, “I will write you a song about Oz! I’ll be home in thirty minutes. Call me!”
So that’s how I got the job singing at the Ozland Festival, and the following year at Oz On Stage at the Paramount Theatre in Peekskill, New York. That’s how I wrote my title song “Rainbow to Oz.” And that’s how I started writing my full musical Rainbow to Oz!
A month after performing two songs at Scarlett Antonia’s Oz On Stage, I was starring in and producing a staged reading of Rainbow to Oz -the full musicalin New York City at The Lambs Club, Inc. – America’s First Professional Theatrical Club, founded in 1874 and still going strong!
What’s next? Please follow my Rainbow to Oz Blog for updates on my musical and life lessons from Oz that you can use in your own life! “You are stronger than any witch and all your fears. You can ride a Rainbow to Oz!” – Susan “Dr. Sue” Horowitz, Creator of Rainbow to Oz.
I’m Susan Horowitz a.k.a. DrSue, and I’m a great admirer of Stephen Sondheim’s work. When I was invited to perform “Send in the Clowns” in a Talent Showcase, I gladly accepted. However, we are currently in a pandemic, and group singing is known to be a high-risk activity. When the producer assigned a group song, I decided to cancel my live participation.
I still love Sondheim’s songs, so I’d like like to share my research, my thoughts, and my funny parody “Send Me a Brownie” (Scroll down for song video and lyrics.)
“Send in the Clowns” by Stephen Sondheim
“Send in the Clowns” is beautiful and touching. The song offers the performer and audience a poignant, dramatic moment of irony, rueful sadness, dignity, and at last, hope.
Popularity of “Send in the Clowns” by Stephen Sondheim
“Send in the Clowns” is one of the few songs from his theatre works that also achieved popular acclaim as an independent song. Some of the famous singers who recorded their own versions include: Frank Sinatra, Bernadette Peters, Judy Collins, Barbra Streisand, Bobby Short, and Sarah Vaughan. It also has become a beloved standard in concerts, piano bars (especially those that feature show tunes), and cabaret shows.
What is the secret of the success of “Send In the Clowns”? There are a few reasons: the sentiment (the heartbreaking disappointment of losing romantic love) is universal. The singer is relatable and appealing – in and out of the the story of A Little Night Music.
The language takes us into the elegant world of educated nineteenth century society. We may not use phrases like “Isn’t it rich?” but we understand them. We also enjoy the theatrical references, which are natural to the character, who is an actress. Sondheim’s rhymes are perfect (as always) but don’t distract with cleverness.
On a practical level, “Send In the Clowns” (compared to other Sondheim songs), is relatively easy to sing and can be performed by many popular singers. The melody has a limited vocal range, and it can stay well within the singer’s comfortable chest voice.
The words are easy to pronounce, without the tongue-twisting, breathless patter of some other Sondheim songs, for example, “I’m Not Getting Married Today” from Sondheim’s current Broadway show Company. http://www.companymusical.com
Sondheim composed “Send In the Clowns” for the character “Desiree Armfeldt” in A Little Night Music. The role was originated by actress-singer Glynis Johns, who had a limited vocal range but was an excellent actress. It can be performed by many singers who can act a song without Broadway musical training or vocal chops.
Lovers of American Popular Music can visit and/or join American Popular Song Society https://www.apssinc.org/
“Send in the Clowns” musical A Little Night Music by Stephen Sondheim
The lyric for “Send In the Clowns” is in fact, a tremendous platform for an acting driven song performance. The lyric (which you can scroll down to read) is sung by the character “Desiree Armfeldt”. Desiree is a touring actress, who had previously rejected a marriage proposal from the lawyer Fredrik. But she has now returned to his hometown and realizes that she wants to commit to their future together. Fredrik, however, is newly married to a much younger bride, who dotes on him (though she refuses to have sex with him).
After Desiree and Fredrik consummate their own reunion in her bed, Fredrik tells Desiree that he is infatuated with his childlike wife and unavailable. Desiree realizes that her dream of commitment with Fredrik is over. She looks at her own theatrical career and love life with rueful irony as she struggles to let him go and maintain her own dignity.
The phrase “Send in the Clowns” refers to the moment in a play where everything is falling apart and somebody makes jokes to divert the audiences. The “clowns” are also the two former lovers, especially Desiree, who feels like a fool.
Clowns are one aspect of comedy, another is parody. Hope you enjoy my parody of “Send in the Clowns” I call it: “Send Me a Brownie” (Scroll Down for Parody and Original Lyric.)
DrSue Sings Sondheim parody Send Me a Brownie
DrSue Sings Sondheim parody Send Me a Brownie
Send Me A Brownie (parody lyric by Susan Horowitz/DrSue)
Isn't it rich?
Chocolate and square
Soon as the light goes on
You will be there
Send Me A Brownie
Brownies are bliss
Some won't approve
I'll put on pound after pound
Till I can't move
I'm getting round
Send Me A Brownie
Romantic love, knocking on doors
I need what's in refrigerators
Don't need no make-up not even a smidge
Brownies are here
Inside my fridge
No ifs ands or buts
Chocolate and nuts
Chewy and gooey with milk
I don't need beer
Don't need to spread
Cream cheese on bread
Don't need a schmear
Isn't it rich?
Chocolate and square
So deep inside
My fridgidair
Who needs a clown?
I hate a clown
Send Me A Brownie
Parody Lyric by Susan Horowitz/Dr. Sue
Switch the Musical by Susan Horowitz/DrSue Singer-Songwriter
“Queens of Comedy” by Susan Horowitz (DrSue)
As you can see, I love to perform and write about comedy! Here’s a link to my book “Queens of Comedy” based on my interviews with legendary female comedians!
In my previous appearance Seth Bisen-Hersh Talent Showcase at Don’t Tell Mama, I sang songs from my original show Switch the Musical. Hope you enjoy!
https://drsue.com/ssswitch/
Here’s the video of my singing “Switch the Musical” songs!
DrSue /Susan Horowitz Singer-Songwriter “Switch the Musical” at Don’t Tell Mama
Dr. Sue/ DrSue Sings “Switch the Musical” www.SwitchtheMusical.com
Contact DrSue /Susan Horowitz
Contact DrSue/Susan Horowitz through my Social Media Upper Right of Website, or Email drsue at drsue dot com.
“Send in the Clowns” Lyric by Stephen Sondheim
"Send In the Clowns"
Isn't it rich?
Are we a pair?
Me here at last on the ground
You in mid-air.
Where are the clowns?
Isn't it bliss?
Don't you approve?
One who keeps tearing around
One who can't move
Where are the clowns?
Send in the clowns.
Just when I stopped opening doors
Finally knowing the one that I wanted was yours
Making my entrance at last with my usual flair
Sure of my lines, no one is there.
Don't you love farce?
My fault I fear
I thought that you'd want what I want
Sorry, my dear
And where are the clowns?
Send in the clowns
Don't bother, they're here
Isn't it rich? Isn't it queer
Losing my timing this late in my career
And where are the clowns?
There ought to be clowns
Well, maybe next year
Disclaimer:
"Send in the Clowns" Words and Music by Stephen Sondheim is quoted for educational purposes only.
Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D. Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator
DrSue New Word Lute Music, Shakespeare in the Park New York City. Dr. Sue Positive Entertainment
DrSue New Word Lute. Dr. Sue (Singer/Songwriter) Sings with Troubador/Lutenist/Story Teller Garald Farnham @ Shakespeare in the Park, New York City! Farnham, who is the Musician/Music Director of Ensemble “Good Pennyworths” presents songs that are touching, humorous, and family friendly! Scroll down for 1Minute DrSue New Word Music Video!
DrSue New Word “Lute”
Dr. Sue and TroubadorFarnham invite you to a musical journey back to the time of William Shakespeare, with songs from Shakespeare’s plays and poetry and the flowering of the English Renaissance. Join us in an enchanted forest (Central Park, NYC). Before there were rock stars and electric guitars, there were minstrels and lutes! Our DrSue New Word is… “Lute”!
DrSue New Word Celebrates Learning, Arts, Science, Diversity, Vocabulary, Travel and Fun!
To learn more about DrSue New Word MultiMedia Entertaining Educational Programs (1 Minute Videos and Related Merchandise) Please scroll down.
Enjoy DrSue New Word “Lute” – One Minute Song Video.
DrSue New Word “Light” Dr. Sue, Singer-Songwriter Educator, blends Art, Science, Song & Performance in One Minute Video! Dr. Sue Positive Entertainment
Dr. Sue, Singer-Songwriter/Educator, combines Art, Science & Song in One-Minute Videos! DrSue New Word videos blend music, performing arts and dramatic photography/videography (by Daniel Severino) ! Enjoy MultiMedia Exhibit “Creatures of Light” @American Museum of Natural History, NYC. Dr. Sue invites you to experience the magic of “bioluminescence”! Insects, like fireflies emit their own light -as shown in this gigantic model of a firefly! Enjoy Dr. Sue’s exciting video (with speaking, music, dance, drama and dance) to see mushrooms glow with a greenish light and jellyfish wriggle in purplish dance beneath the sea!
DrSue New Word “Light” Video Blends Science and Art!
Please Like, Comment, Subscribe and Follow DrSue New Word 1 Minute Videos on YouTube and Social Media
DrSue New Word “Chance” Dr. Sue, Singer-Songwriter/Educator, and Tashawn X, Teen Basketball Star, Motivate You! One Minute Inspirational Videos! Positive Entertainment
Dr. Sue, Singer-Songwriter, Inspiring Educator, and Tashawn X, Teen Basketball Star/Leader Motivate You to Take a Chance! Tashawn’s basketball symbolizes opportunities in life! Will Tashawn’s basketball fly through the air and score a far 3-point shot? Will you dare to take a chance and go for your dream? Unrehearsed, authentic video is shot @Borough of Manhattan Community College/City University of New York (BMCC/CUNY) by Dr. Sue, Ph.D. Professor, Singer-Songwriter, Host-Interviewer of DrSue New Word Inspiring One-Minute Videos – for All Media!
DrSue New Word Video Dr. Sue Host and Tashawn X, Teen Basketball Star, Inspire You to Take a Chance and Live Your Dream!
Please Like, Comment, Subscribe and Follow DrSue New Word 1 Minute Videos on YouTube and Social Media
Pop is Poppa Tee, Producer/Owner of JCT TV and Multimedia www.jctmagazine.com I am Dr. Sue (Susan Horowitz, PhD)We are co-hosting the “Pop ‘n Dr. Sue Show” Our mission is to offer Positive Entertainment, and Empowering Advice and Health Tips to Help you Create the Life You Want! We are both in voluntary self-quarantined to support the stay home – stay safe policy. That’s why we are doing a radio call in show. Here are a few key points:
Focus on what you can give and believe in your own resources and talents.
Your resources can be monetary – you can donate to charity
Your resources can be your skills, talents, or connection to others
When you give to others, you not only help them, you empower yourself
Creativity is a tremendous resource!
You can share your own creativity
You can also support the creativity of others
Connect to others – even if you need to keep social distance.
Make a phone call to friends, family or neighbors.
If you cannot call, you can Email, text, or use a phone app.
You can send photos or short videos or links to something they will enjoy.
We all need social connection – in person or any other way!
Please let us know how you’re doing! Visit: Facebook: New York Strong We’ll be back with more shows, and more tips! Here are two videos: JCT Pop ‘n Dr. Sue Show and Dr. Sue YouTube Channel Here’s the Pop n Dr. Sue Show!Here’s Dr. Sue YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/drsuecomedian with my free, uplifting original song: “We’re In This Together”
“Masks probably do provide some protection.” That’s the latest news from The New York Times
NYTimes on Masks and Coronavirus:
“Masks probably do provide some protection. They’re particularly effective at keeping somebody who already has the virus from spreading it to others, and they may also make the mask’s wearer less likely to get sick.
“Coronavirus appears to mostly spread when germ-containing droplets make it into a person’s mouth, nose, or eyes,” Vox’s German Lopez explains. “If you have a physical barrier in front of your mouth and nose, that’s simply less likely to happen.”
Of course we should give first priority for masks to health-care workers. And there may be no masks available.
What can you do? You can Make Your Own Mask!
It may not be medical grade – but it is surely better than nothing! Tie a Scarf around your Nose and Mouth! (You’ll feel like a Movie Star – The Lone Ranger! ) Or Use a Bra Cup – any size will do! Fasten with hooks and eyes, snaps or elastic – get creative. Or cut up an old shirt or pants leg! (Use your imagination, your scarf, shirt, pants…or bra!)
Fashion Forward means NewYorkStrong!
You don’t have to live in New York to be NewYorkStrong !
Dr Sue shares Health Tips to Cope with CoronavirusNo gloves? No problem! Health Tip #1: Wear plastic bags!
We all know it’s best to wear plastic gloves when we touch public surfaces. But what do you do when the stores don’t have them? Besides, gloves and masks (which are in short supply) should be reserved for health care providers and people on the front lines.
What can you do? Get resourceful!
Most of us have plastic bags lying around the house.
Slip on the gloves when you go outside – before you touch buttons, door knobs, railings, revolving doors, money, etc.
Are plastic bags as effective as surgical gloves? Do they replace social distance?
Of course not. But they are certainly better than nothing.
When you come home, take off your gloves and…
Wash Your Hands!Health Tip #2: Don’t touch your face! Coronavirus (COVID-19) gets in through the mucous membranes. These are mainly located in the eyes, nose, and mouth – near your face. Touching your face is often an unconscious habit, so I put on a scrunchy, and tucked my hair under my cap. The cap reminds me: Don’t Touch Your Face.
Health Tip #3: Self-Isolate and Social Distance
I stay home most of the time and social distance when I go out. We all need to do this – for ourselves and our community.
Stay Healthy – Stay NewYorkStrong ! Dr. Sue Shares Health Tip: Plastic Bags
