Burt Young

The Rocky movie franchise is one of my all time favorites!  I have such fond memories as a kid when each new Rocky movie came out and my Dad would let me and my two brothers stay home from school so we could be one of the first to see the new movie.

I was delighted this week to receive an autographed photo from Burt Young who played Rocky's best friend and brother in law, Paulie.

I do, of course, have requests out to both Sylvester Stallone and Talia Shire but don't have high hopes to receive from either as Sylvester is probably way to big a star to sign and I hear that Talia rarely ever signs.  But if the day comes when I open my mailbox and find one from either of them I will be tickled pink.

As always I like to provide tidbits of info on the actor because if you walk away after reading my blog learning something new then I've provided a service.  (I personally love useless information, it may come in handy if I ever get on Jeopardy)

Did you know that Burt Young is also a painter?
http://www.burtyoungartandfilm.com/

Mr Young is a published author

He was born Gerald Tommaso DeLouise 

Has been in nearly 100  movies

Margo Seibert

You may look at the title of this post and say Margo who?  Margo Seibert...if you are a fan of Boardwalk Empire you maybe have seen her there but she is currently starring in her Broadway Debut as Adrian in Rocky Broadway.

Margo is adorable and talented with a beautiful voice. She is every bit as good as Adrian as Talia Shire was.   You may not know her now but she is a name to watch.

I had really hoped to meet her after the show  the day I saw Rocky in NYC but she was unable to come out. I sent her a couple of photos and she signed them for me. (She even re-tweeted my tweet on twitter).

Get to know Margo at her website: 

http://margoseibert.wordpress.com/

If you have the chance to see Rocky on Broadway....don't walk run to get a ticket.  It its a heartwarming, uplifting show with lots of talent.  I can't wait to see it again!

Ann B. Davis

Though she has a slew of acting credits, most of us know Ann B. Davis from the Brady Bunch.  She played housekeeper, Alice Nelson.

I loved the character of Alice, didn't we all?  Who wouldn't want an "Alice" of our own?

Brady Bunch helped me in learning how to tell time. I remember being in Kindergarten and the daily routine was lunch, watch Brady Bunch and when it was over it was time to walk to school.

Some facts you may or may not know:

The "B" in Ann B. Davis stands for Bradford

Ann has a twin sister (Harriet)

Ann was planning on studying medicine until she got the acting bug

In 1976 Ann retired from show business and became a born again Christian

Today I received this autographed photo from Ann

Update:  very sad to report that Miss Davis passed away yesterday, June1, 2014

http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/01/showbiz/ann-b-davis-dies/

Richard Sherman

Today I received a personalized signed photo from Richard Sherman.  Richard is the surviving half of the Sherman Brothers, famous for writing music scores for many Disney films and theatre.

We listen to music all our lives (especially songs from theatre and movies) and may not give much thought at all to the writers.  If you've seen the recent movie Saving Mr. Banks (A Disney movie about the making of Mary Poppins) then you may be familiar with the portrayal of the Sherman Brothers.

I must admit, I had heard of them but never really knew anything about them.  I love when a something inspires me to learn more. Sometimes after watching a movie I will do research on the subject matter.  This was one of those movies.

Richard Sherman, who is 86 years old, and his brother Robert wrote more motion picture musical scores than any other song writing team in film history. Many for Disney such as Mary Poppins, Aristocats and Jungle Book.  They also wrote that famous song that just sticks in your head.....It's a Small World for the 1964 Worlds Fair.

Rick Springfield

When I say Rick Springfield, what's the first thing that comes to your mind? Is it Jessie's Girl or perhaps Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital.  Some will think of Rick Springfield and think bubble gum pop from the 80's or is he still around?.  The answer is yes, he is still around, still making music and now writing books. 

Australian native Rick exploded onto the US music scene in 1991 when Jessie's Girl became a number one hit.  I remember swimming in my pool with my friend Angela and she said to me, have you heard that new song Jessie's Girl?  I had not, so of course being a teen in the 80's, music being the most important thing in the world (other than boys), I listened to the radio for hours just to hear this hot new song.  Of course now, when someone asks did you hear that song, we just go look it up on You Tube.  

When I finally heard it, I was in love, then I find out that the guy singing this song was none other than Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital.  It wasn't long after until my room was plastered with posters of the man and every issue of Tiger Beat and Bop Magazine with his face on it was purchased.  

I wrote letters to him, (see I was a celebrity stalker even back then).  I had gone on vacation with my parents and came home and found a letter on my dresser addressed to me from Rick Springfield, I knew it had to be from my grandfather, so I made my grandfather write something down and compared the writing.  Yep, Poppa had tried to trick me.  It was a good try.  Rick Springfield was my first concert. My Aunt took me.  The family referred to him as my boyfriend.  

During this Rick Springfield obsession I met another Rick (who eventually became my husband), this new Rick was well aware of my crazy Rick Springfield obsession. Around that time the movie Hard to Hold came out and I forced new Rick to go with me much to his dismay.

Life went on, I graduated high school, got a job, got married Rick Springfield was no longer in the forefront but never really forgotten.  

One day I was at Foxwoods Casino in CT and I was checking the concert listing, when whose name appeared?  Yep, Rick Springfield, tickets were 27.00.  Incredible. I called my sister in law and said we are going to see Rick Springfield.  I could hardly wait.  That night came and I saw Rick in a whole new light.  (this is were some of you are thinking, "she must be crazy")  I no longer looked at him as my teenage heart throb (well, ok maybe that's a stretch, he has aged very nicely)  but I saw him for the amazingly talented person that he is.  Have you ever seen the man play guitar?  Very talented.  The concert was for the Shock Denial Anger Acceptance CD, it was a very deep and personal compilation of songs.  

He has also written a couple of books. One an Autobiography and his first Novel just came out last week.  

It's pretty safe to say that I'm still obsessed with this man though my brother said the craziest thing to me....he said Lisa, do you realize that he is Dads age?  That put things in perspective for about a moment.  Still head over heals for him.

I was absolutely delighted when I sent two photos (one of which I took at a concert) and mailed it to his home address and about a week later received them signed and personalized.  

He was just honored last week with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

It's hard to believe I've been following him for over 30 years.  I'll never outgrow Rick Springfield.

The Book of Mormon (Providence)

Recently saw The Book of Mormon in Providence, (you will be able to see a review of this play shortly on my Review This blog)  it was too cold out to wait for the cast so I sent a letter to the theatre and received a cast signed Playbill (Providence version is called Centerstage)

Autograph collecting

I've been unofficially collecting autographs for awhile.  The very first ones being of country superstars like Trace Atkins, Billy Currington, Jodi Messina.  My cousin and I were attending several concerts and bought cowboy hats and had them signed every chance we got.

This moved onto Playbills. During a trip to NYC, my daughter took a dance class taught by a cast member of Mary Poppins who invited the class to come to the backstage door where they were able to get their playbills signed by cast members.

I soon learned that Broadway actors are very personable, willing to sign and take pictures when they can. They really love fans of their shows.  Shortly after, I learned that you can actually write to the theatre and request a cast signed playbill just by sending a letter and a self addressed stamped envelope (SASE). Most theatres will send back, though there are a few that don't participate.  As I started this collection and posting pictures on Facebook when they came in, I received a note from a friend asking if I collected autographs through the mail because he knew of a website that had celebrity addresses.  My response at that time was "no only Playbills".  However, I was intrigued. I had never given much thought as to collect autographs through the mail.

Being of the very inquisitive nature I researched this and found that it really is quite the hobby.  There is a whole process from find the addresses, to composing a short but sincere letter, printing and sending the photos you want signed (not all celebrities have their own photos), sending off with a SASE.  Mail and wait.

It's best to create an excel sheet so you can keep track of who you send to.  I created a sheet that has name of celebrity, category (actor, singer, etc), best known for, date sent, date received and the address.

There are celebrities that will sign and return quickly, some that take months, others just don't sign.  When you do receive a signature back, there's a whole other component.  Is it authentic, pre print, signed by secretary or autopen?  

You can collect autographs via mail, via venue (which means you send the request to the place an artist is at in the hopes that venue will pass it along) or in person.

Even though you know you've sent the request out, it's a thrill to open the mailbox and see an envelope sitting there and not knowing who is inside.  It's like Christmas.  I drive my kids crazy because I get so excited when a envelope arrives.  I get giddy like a child.

It's a relatively inexpensive hobby and you can collect by a variety of ways...you can focus on actors, athletes, specific tv shows, it's endless.

Give a try...but warning, you might get addicted.

Bret Michaels/Twin River

I had the opportunity to meet Brett Michaels, longtime front man of 80's hairband Poison.  I never in my wildest dreams ever thought I would stand face to face with Brett.  As a teen, I liked Poison but there were bands I liked better so I never made it a point to go to a concert.  It was only in 2009 when VH1 premiered Rock of Love starring none other than Brett Michaels when I really became a fan.






Rock of Love, a show where 1 rock star (Brett) gives a group of hootchie cootchie groupies weekly challenges for the opportunity to win a date with said rocker. Not a fan of reality tv, the show somehow caught my eye.  Routing for Brett to find true love with one of these girls.  Turns out after 3 seasons true love was still evaded Brett.  But the show gave us an insight to his personality and I liked what I saw, so much so that I followed him on his winning journey on Celebrity Apprentice where he showed what a class act he was and not to mention he created a delicious drink for Snapple called Trop-a-Rocka.  More recently I watched him chose a new home on Celebrity House Hunters.


It was right after Rock of Love that I started listening to Brett's solo music and really loved what I heard. One of my favorites turned out to be all I ever needed (click on link below) to see the video.






https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJLVMe3k19o






I then saw Brett in concert for the first time with Poison as they opened for Def Leppard and see them every chance I get.  Now I did see Brett solo at the MGM in CT and was a little disappointed because first off he was late getting on stage (however I did give him the benefit of the doubt because he had recently suffered a brain aneurysm) but he sang all Poison songs and none of his solo songs.


This weekend, I saw him solo again and was super happy with his performance which was a nice blend of Poison hits and Brett solo music. He had a lot of energy, told some good stories and was fun to watch.  The highlight of this show for me was that I got to meet him. 






There are some celebrities out there who rush you along, sign an autograph, hurry a photo and call it a day.  Not Brett,  he took his time with everyone who was meeting him.  He greeted everyone with a hug, signed things, took a few photos, chatted with you and hugged you goodbye.  For those moments you were with him it was like you and he had been friends forever and you had all of his attention.  Even his entire band mingled with you, they were great. His drummer even offered to share his candy with everyone.  Brett and I chatted about Celebrity Apprentice and his new home that he choose, shared his love of motorcycles and when it was my time to leave, he said I love you, thanks for everything, I must have had a funny look on my face because he said "No, seriously, thank you for all your support". 






I have so much respect for an artist who doesn't forget where they come from and who really appreciates the fans.  For it is the fans that have given them what they have and put them where they are.  If we did not buy their music, concert tix etc. well...what can I say, it is endearing to me when it is appreciated.






Brett really gives back when he can, he does a lot for our troops and numerous charities.


See for yourself  what a great guy he is......






http://www.bretmichaels.com/site-news/news2/




I had such a wonderful night. Met some interesting people for sure and made a new friend. Love technology, meet people at a show, plug them into your phone and social network.
Enjoy Brett's newest song which he sang live first to us here in RI.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6inD3h6avg