JOSS STONE HEADLINES “THANK YOU” CONCERT AT STONE PONY

   

Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project
8/29/2009

BEACH RESCUE PROJECT – ASBURY PARK

Each year, over 25,000 beaches in the United States are closed or posted as unhealthy . To remedy this, Barefoot Wine and Surfrider Foundation encourage local residents to volunteer at cleanup and restoration events across the country to help make these beaches “barefoot-friendly.”

The Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project is back for its third straight year, and this time it’s bigger than ever! In celebration of Surfrider Foundation’s 25th Anniversary, Barefoot Wine and the Surfrider Foundation are rescuing, renewing and restoring 25 beaches this summer.

The Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project will rap up in Asbury Park, NJ with a multi site beach clean up and after party on August 29th sponsored by Barefoot Wine and Surfrider Foundation. Musical guests will include Mason Jennings and others to be announced.

Volunteer/Register:

http://republic.barefootwine.com/events/view/740/

Asbury ParkBeach Clean Up, Reception, & Concert details:

Cleanup: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Meeting points:
South end of Boardwalk near the end of Asbury Avenue
Middle of the Boardwalk near end of 5th Avenue
North End of the Boardwalk near the end of 8th Avenue and Deal Lake Drive

VIP reception for all cleanup attendees: 5-6 p.m.
The Stone Pony
913 Ocean Ave
Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Directions PDF | Google Maps

Concert (at The Stone Pony): 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
With special musical guests Joss Stone, Gavin DeGraw, Cold War Kids & Mason Jennings! More Info: http://www.beachrescueconcert.com

Note: To attend this event, you must RSVP. VIP is reserved for those who attend the cleanup only. Entry is on a first come, first serve basis. You must stay the complete time for the cleanup to be granted admission to the VIP.

      

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EXCLUSIVE: MOONSTRUCK’S LUKE and HOWARD TALK 20 YEARS

LAST month, Howard Roche and Luke Magliaro [photo left], owners of the iconic Moonstruck restaurant, quietly celebrated two decades of palate pleasing.  In an exclusive Coaster and TheBPlot interview, they discussed the evolution of their business, partnership and passion for putting the customer first…

“Twenty years ago we cracked our first egg, diced our first onion,” said Howard, referring to their first restaurant in Ocean Grove, The Raspberry Cafe.  “This is our passion and our pleasure.”

Before everything new in Asbury Park, there was Moonstruck on Lake Avenue, which Luke and Howard opened in 2000, after a three year search for the ideal spot.  

MADISON MARQUETTE EMPLOYEE TROUBLES…CELEB CHEF SCOUTING ASBURY…NEVER LEND $$$ TO FRIENDS…REQUESTS VILLAGE PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED YOU WILL LEARN…LESBIANS FIGHT OVER BOOBS…MARRIED STRAIGHT GUY PAWS BOOBS…”FULL MONTY” SECRET CRUSH…AND MORE IN ‘YOU SAY WHO’ THIS WEEK

“We always knew Asbury Park had a pulse and was alive – it was a natural fit for us, living and working in the area since the early 1980’s,” said Luke, who worked at the Adriatic and Cypress Inn earlier in his career.  “Howard and I would ride our bikes around the City scouting out locations until we saw the ‘For Sale’ sign on this beat-up building that used to be a bar and restaurant – which in the 20’s was a guest house, the 40’s was reported to be a ‘house of ill repute’ and from the 60’s on was some form of bar, restaurant or dance club.”

The guys jumped through fiery hoops to purchase the building [photo below left] and worked even harder, with local architect Jim Watt, to gut it to “almost nothing,” then adding everything it takes to run a first-class restaurant, the exterior porches you see today, a warm, welcoming interior, luxe restrooms and pristine landscaping.   

“In the beginning it was Mr. Fashion and us in town,” said Howard, who recently introduced valet parking for guests.   

After twenty years of unwavering dedication, Luke and Howard have earned effusive praise and hugs.  Moonstruck, to me, is absolutely the number one, best and most consistently indulgent and welcoming restaurant around – from original entrees to detailed service to luscious drinks to the relaxing and elegant atmosphere. 

“I defy anyone to find a finer, top-notch restaurant from front to back of the house than Moonstruck…anywhere,” said Carolyn Curtin, Asbury Park resident.  “Luke and Howard are first-class men.  Congratulations to them for twenty years of excellence.” 

Every customer I spoke with echoed Carolyn’s sentiments, however Luke and Howard don’t rest on praise, working with an ever-evolving menu.

“We serve what we would like to eat and what reflects the personality of our customers – the menu has no ‘sleepers’,” said Howard who has prepared meals at Moonstruck for James Gandolfini, Katie Couric, Ben Affleck, Frankie Avalon, and Mr. Springsteen among other top-secret fancy names.  “Our seasonal menu is focused around what’s fresh and what we can be proud of.  Many of our customers don’t want to feel stuffed, eating heavy food during the summer, so we make sure we have amazing salads and fish, like our Wild Alaskan Halibut.”

Moonstruck is the place I take any first-time Asbury Park visitor because it’s a guaranteed great evening, minus the chaos of the boardwalk.

“Luke and Howard are gentlemen who care about their customers, employees and the community,” said Janet Manni, Century 21 Coastal Realtors, who has known Luke and Howard for decades. 

In a town where chefs send out press releases announcing a new chicken breast recipe and expect a parade when they give back to the community, Luke and Howard enjoy the subtlety of their restaurant rock star-dom, calling themselves the “Wayne Newton” of dining. 

“We are not the hippest or coolest but we have a great audience who keeps coming back and who appreciate the quality we insist on – just like Wayne,” said Howard.  “Every award we’ve received over the years is because we earned it.  We’ve never lobbied our customers to vote for us.  There is a attractiveness to learning about a special place instead of being told.”  

Finally, after twenty years, what was their biggest mistake?

“I should have gone to refrigeration school,” said Howard, laughing, during one the last week’s 95 degree days in town.  “I wish I could fix everything myself to make sure everyone is always, always comfortable.”

Read TheBPlot’s additional coverage of Moonstruck through the years, including how the restaurant got its name by searching “Moonstruck” or clicking  HERE.

Richard@TheBPlot.com 

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SHELTER COMPANION ANIMALS & PUTTING YOUR JUNK TO GOOD USE

THE smart and sensible article below from the “pet” section of MarthaStewart’s web site, is fabulous - shedding light on how companion animals wind up in shelters and why no one should be afraid of adopting from a shelter. 

While we are on the subject of animal shelters, Asbury Park resident and pet lover, Sonja O’Brien is organizing a city-wide yard sale on September 26 - with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Rescue Ridge animal shelter - and needs your help.  (Sonja’s also the brains behind Asbury Park’s Lamppost Banner Program).

“Rescue Ridge is a unique animal shelter that takes in cats and dogs mostly deemed unadoptable and close to being euthanized,” said Sonja.  “They work tirelessly with these animals to rehabilitate them and place them in a loving home.  I personally took a tour of their operations and witnessed a team of dedicated volunteers. 

“To turn unwanted items into a good cause, kindly pledge to have a yard sale and then donate at least ten percent of the proceeds directly to Rescue Ridge.  All participants of the yard sales will receive their address listed in the advertising, all fliers posted around the area and will also fall under the town-wide permit that is required.

“And if you don’t want to have a sale, no worries…every sale needs buyers.”

You sell your extra stuff (we all have it).  Or buy someone else’s (you’ve got room).  Innocent animals benefit (there’s no better cause).  And Sonja does the tough lifting (figuratively) and coordinating.  It couldn’t be easier to do something positive and helpful. 

Email her at obriensonja@aol.com for more info. 

  MarthaStewart.com:  Why Animals End Up at Shelters

I’m happy to report that overall, people seem to be getting better-educated about the amazing animals that exist in our country’s shelters and rescue groups. However, myths about shelter animals still exist. And the fears elicited by these myths only deter otherwise well-meaning people from finding their new best friend through adoption.

So I’m calling on all of you animal lovers out there to help me dispel these destructive myths! Are you in?

First of all, it may be helpful for people to understand that most animals wind up at shelters through no fault of their own. According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, moving is the primary reason family pets are relinquished.

And landlords that don’t allow pets are one of the biggest obstacles for renters with companion animals. (Big kudos to any landlords out there who accommodate our furry family members: Research actually shows that this makes good business sense, too — but that’s a topic for another post!) Similarly, shelter personnel report that many companion animals are relinquished because an owner has died or is relocating to a senior facility that prohibits pets.

Other reasons topping the list include the cost of regular pet care, a lack of time, and allergies. Additionally, animals given as gifts (bad idea!) often end up at the shelter either because recipients are unable to keep them or the animals grew up and no one planned for them getting bigger. And it is a sad fact that litters born to unaltered animals often wind up in shelters en masse — all the more reason to adopt from the shelter, as they typically come already altered!

Finally, one of the most avoidable reasons that loyal family pets find themselves at the shelter is because they got lost and did not have a micro-chip or tag to facilitate a reunion with their family. I cannot overstate the importance of having both a tag and a micro-chip! So many well-meaning people proudly declare that their companion animals don’t need to have identification because they never leave their side. But unforeseen events can happen. You get the point.

Needless to say, these perfectly adoptable animals are ending up at shelters through no fault of their own! So it’s up to us to help them get into loving homes and to take the necessary steps to keep them from entering the shelter in the first place.

So I’ll ask you once again… are you in?

In Kinship,
Dr. Pia Salk, MarthaStewart.com, (8/23/09)

Two of our area’s shelter’s are Monmouth County SPCA (Eatontown) and Rescue Ridge (Howell).

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EXCLUSIVE: THE DIVA CAN WRITE…RUPAUL INKS BOOK DEAL

She’s not just beauty…she can write, too.  A friend at HarperCollins sent me the note below about the fabulous RuPaul – she’ll be taking a break from enjoying her favorite meal – a TicTac and writing a book…

RuPaul, the world’s most famous drag queen of all-time and television host of Logo’s RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE, is writing the book WORKIN’ IT! RuPaul’s Guide to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Style!

“If you weren’t lucky enough to inherit a fabulous sense of style from your parents, you can certainly cultivate one using the tried, tested and found true tools in my book, ” said RuPaul.

The book, published by It Books, is part style guide, part confidence manifesto and just like Ru, entirely fabulous. WORKIN’ IT! will provide helpful and provocative tips on fashion, beauty, style and confidence for girls and boys, straight and gay – and everyone in between.  With photos by Mathu Andersen from the new season of RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE and a fresh look at style and inner beauty, the book will be as colorful, fun, and intriguing as RuPaul, with insights into makeup, clothing choices and the illusion of drag.

Fans of RuPaul will get piece of Ru’s philosophy on style and attitude – and how it’s more than the clothes that make the man, or woman.

Look for this in stores in early 2010, just in time for the second season of RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE on Logo and more gossip in ‘You Say Who’ from a local who works for Logo. 

THEBPLOT – THE AREA’S MOST-READ LIFESTYLE SITE…FIRST WITH FUN EXCLUSIVES

UGLY INTO ART FOR YOUR PET

Lately, I have been so amazed at the gorgeous, fun products created for our companion animals. 

From $2,000 hypo-allergenic dog beds made of 18 karat gold fabric to simply elegant leashes created from sailboat rope or “green” leases made of recycled billboard paper to ceramic Burberry water bowls featuring the famous nova check plaid.

I read – I believe in Forbes Magazine – consumers, despite the recession, are choosing to spoil their dogs and cats because they believe the return on investment far outweighs the expense or sacrifice associated with the purchase.  I can totally agree with that.  

AN UPDATE ABOUT THE TIDES HOTEL’S ROBERT DURAN…FORGETTING THE MONEY SHOT WITH LINDSAY LOHAN…HUGE TWENTY YEAR ANNIVERSARY…REALTOR GAMES…THE PRETENDERS’ CHRISSIE HYNDE…ALL IN ‘YOU SAY WHO’ THIS WEEK

Artist, Natalie Timm, formerly of Spring Lake, has created a wonderful and original product that benefits both pets and their owners – turning ugly into art. 

Natalie paints beyond beautiful custom pet placemats – featuring an original portrait of your companion animal – taking a unsightly and generic feeding area and making it special and one-of-a-kind.

“The floor is the last frontier of art and the placemats are another layer of art for one’s home,” said Natalie, founder of NatsPetMats.  “Original art in everyday surroundings is my joy to make.  I wanted to provide people with long-term great experience every time they look at the placemat.”

After completing the questionnaire on Natalie’s website I answered more of her specific questions about my preferences and Truman.  Afterwards, I sent specific photos of the “model”.

“I interview the client and offer choices to get people thinking however I want a feeling of exactly what the customer is dreaming of and what he or she likes,” said Natalie who paints with her dog Zoe by her side.  “The more custom it is the more people and their guests will love it.” 

Natalie also requested photos of the area of my kitchen where Truman’s bowl sits and descriptions of colors I prefer.  I am color blind so that was tricky, however patient Natalie took the time to make sure the placemat flowed with the rest of the house – both in color and design. 

“I study the individuality of each pet’s features – their eyelashes, whiskers, fur patterns, muscle tone,” said Natalie.  “I paint a few ‘tests’ in watercolor until I feel I have captured the energy and individuality of the pet.  Then I paint the placemat.”

The entire process takes Natalie more than ten hours and it shows.  I wanted to frame Truman’s mat (made from recycled or repurposed vinyl flooring).  Natalie captured his energy, excitement and curiosity – even getting his spots correctly positioned in the portrait.  I smile every time I see the placemat. 

“Right now, I am working on a placemat for a newly married couple in Sea Girt who adopted two dachshund puppies,” said Natalie.  “They want the mat to be a benchmark as they grow up so they can always have a memory of their dogs as puppies.”

We live in an art infused town.  There’s no reason for our companion animals not to enjoy their own custom masterpieces.

www.NatsPetMats.com

Richard@TheBPlot.com

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ZZZZZZZZ…NY POST EDITORS ASLEEP AT THE KEYBOARD

The snoring sound you are hearing is not coming from a vacationer sleeping on our glorious beach…its from the editors at the New York Post asleep at the keyboard again.  For the second time this month TheBPlot has beaten the big guys to a story. 

Saturday’s edition of New York’s best tabloid newspaper touted on Page 3, “Dylan’s a Complete Unknown” and detailed rock legend Bob Dylan was stopped by a Long Branch policewoman who believed   he was a vagrant and loitering at the Ocean Place Resort. 

YOU already knew the deal, and more detail,  if you read TheBPlot’s “You Say Who” page on August 8 – a week before The Post picked up the story, using this site as one of its fact-checking sources.  

As always, thanks always to the great sources who help TheBPlot bring you fun, local dish first. 

Got a tip?  Email me at Richard@TheBPlot.com.  I can’t do it without you. 

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FIRST LOOK: NEW MARILYN BOOK TO PUBLISH 8/25

J. Randy Taraborrelli, noted New York Times best-selling celeb author (writing pretty much about every gay icon imagineable) is poised to release his latest dishy, well-researched and sourced work, ”The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe” (Grand Central Publishing), just in time for your late summer beach reading. 

Every top producer I know considers J. Randy the go-to guy for exclusive and accurate dish, most recently regarding Michael Jackson, whom he began writing about in 1991.   Using his unparalleled access to the Jackson Family and its team, he has broken numerous news exclusives about what is going on with Jackson’s out-of-control estate, children, mother Katherine, Debbie Rowe, contract negotiations, Michael’s body, his brain and more. 

J. Randy’s applied that same research and source development skill to “The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe”, available nationwide August 25. 

When you think there is nothing more that could be said about Marilyn, J. Randy [photo right] gets the never-before-revealed, fresh info – and photos, tons of never-before-seen photos – that every Marilyn fan needs through unparalleled access to newly released FBI, Secret Service and medical files and interviews with security personnel, family, friends and more. 

Before Entertainment Tonight and The View, before People and Us Magazines, before the sit-down with CBS’s Harry Smith, sources told TheBPlot exclusively – despite protests from the book’s publicist – what everyone will be talking about later this month: 

1.  When Norma Jean Baker became famous as Marilyn Monroe in the 1950s, she said her mother, Gladys Baker, was either dead or not a part of her life, depending on the publicity campaign of the moment…neither was true. 

2.  Marilyn’s mentally ill mother was very much present in her world and created a complex family dynamic that unfolded behind the scenes as the star went from actress to icon – revealed for the first time.

3.  The shocking scope of Marilyn’s mental deterioration and her desperate attempts to help herself.

5.  The identity of Marilyn’s real father and the half-brother she never knew – revealed for the first time.

6.   The potent story of Marilyn’s closely guarded friendship with Pat Kennedy Lawford.

“The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe” - explosive, revelatory and moving, it is the final word on the life of one of the most fascinating and elusive legends of the twentieth century.

J. Randy Taraborrelli’s library of title:

• Diana : A Celebration of the Life and Career of Diana Ross (1985)
• Cher – A Biography (1986; updated in 1992)
• Motown: Hot Wax, City Cool and Solid Gold (1986; updated in 1988)
• Laughing Till It Hurts – The Complete Life and Career of Carol Burnett (1988)
• Call Her Miss Ross (1989; updated in 2007)
• Michael Jackson – The Magic and the Madness (1991; updated in 2003 and 2004. In 2009 the book was updated with the name of Michael Jackson – The Magic, the Madness, the Whole Story)^[1]
• Sinatra – Behind the Legend (1997; updated in 1998)
• Jackie, Ethel and Joan: Women of Camelot (2000)
• Madonna – An Intimate Biography (2001; updated in 2002)
• Once Upon a Time: Behind the Fairytale of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier (2003)
• Elizabeth (2006)

Richard@TheBPlot.com

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SHELTER SHELTERS “THE TOUGHEST”

GUNNAR WITH BRIAN

Purchasing a dog or cat is like eating veal – gross and unnecessary.  Commoditizing any life is appalling.  It’s almost as horrific as selling someone else’s kidney.

No matter how great the breeder is, purchasing a companion animal lubes the wheels of puppy mill commerce.  Have you seen the “Oprah” and National Geographic Channel programs about puppy mills?

Recently, I was introduced to a local animal shelter that is devoted to rehabilitating and finding good homes for dogs and cats in our area.

The ultimate in housefire karma…Ocean Grove’s newest phone sex operator…A Madison Marquette stud is too handy…The “Grey Gardens” cure…Madonna talks Duchess…Realtor  not really straight…ALL IN ‘YOU SAY WHO’ THIS WEEK

“At the Rescue Ridge shelter, we take the most unadoptable animals and invest the time in making them very adoptable,” said Brian Watkins, volunteer dog handler and three-year Asbury Park resident.  “Sometimes it takes months, sometimes weeks and sometimes a day or two but we are dedicated to working as hard and as long as it takes to rehab and find a good home for these dogs and cats.”

Brian lives by, err…with what he says.  He and his girlfriend, Marilyn McGarvin, adopted their companion animal, Gunnar (an adorable pitt bull) from the shelter.

“Gunnar was an ‘eleventh hour’ dog – slated to be euthanized by the SPCA after being housed there for one year – until Rescue Ridge stepped in,” said Brian, who with his girlfriend Marilyn has been volunteering at the shelter for three years.  “Today, he is a super part of our family.” 

Gunnar is also paying it forward by serving as a “dog therapy dog” at Rescue Ridge, headquartered on a farm in Howell. 

“What Gunner does with the other dogs makes my jaw drop,” said Brian.  “Having a balanced dog around the other dogs speeds up training considerably.  It’s something you have to see to believe.”  

GUNNAR SMILING

Rescue Ridge was founded in 2001 by Terri Willis.  Terri worked tirelessly – some would say gave her life – for stray animals. 

“At fifty-one years old, Terri needed and had the opportunity to receive a heart and lung transplant,” said Brian.  “The physicians stressed that she could not be around anything that could compromise her health – including stray animals.  Terri told the doctors to find someone else for the transplant because more than anything she wanted to continue taking care of animals.”

Today, Terri’s passion for helping companion animals – including horses and, one time, a chicken – lives on thanks to her friends Marybeth Tkach, president; Maureen Bedard, assistant director of Rescue Ridge.

Brian, like me, is passionate about the fact that many people are missing out on the love pitt bull dogs from Rescue Ridge give because they suffer from pitt bull ignorance.

“The American Kennel Club rates pitt bulls better in temperament for families than Cocker Spaniels, Collies and many other dogs,” said Brian.  “There are just a handful of breeds that rate better, like the Golden Retriever.  It is all about how any dog is raised.”

It really is how the individual dog is raised.  Anyone who has met my Truman, found on the street by Carolyn Curtain three years ago, will tell you he has so much love to give.

Additional locals who volunteer their valuable time at Rescue Ridge: Doreen Babo, Tinton Falls; Katie Elko, Tinton Falls; Chris McCarthy, Asbury Park and Joni Wuchter, Wall. 

Cheers to everyone taking the time to take care of innocent four-legged friends.

Rescue Ridge is not rated by Charity Navigator.  Executives at Rescue Ridge did not respond to repeated requests (under direction of Charity Navigator) for information, during a two week time-period, regarding the disbursement and allocation of donations.  While, in my opinion and others, this creates more questions than answers, the lack of response has no reflection on the documented success and dedication of the volunteers and the many, many, many companion animals the non-profit has helped.

Richard@TheBPlot.com

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FROM A DISTANCE…THE CITY LOOKS BLUE AND GREEN…

The perfect money shot taken Monday morning – the most gorgeous day of the week – by frequent Asbury Park visitor, Alexander Dodge, while sitting in first class, on a plane leaving Newark Liberty Airport.  Asbury Park and Ocean Grove look so spectacular and peaceful.  I immediately thought of Bette Midler’s song…really spectacular.

AUGUST 10, 2009

Richard@TheBPlot.com

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FIRST LOOK: NEW “LITTLE EDIE” BOOK SLATED FOR PUBLICATION FALL 09

"GREY GARDENS" LITTLE EDIE

TheBPlot has exclusive news about a new book, “Letters of Little Edie Beale:  Grey Gardens and Beyond” (Authorhouse) slated for publication Fall 2009, that reveals never-before-published personal letters from Little Edie, her commentary on the world and her family and more by noted “Grey Gardens” historian, Walter Newkirk.   

The first scoop and look about the book below.  An exclusive preview is coming soon, including an interview with Walter here at TheBPlot and in The Coaster next month. 

“Letters of Little Edie Beale: Grey Gardens and Beyond”, collected and edited by Walter Newkirk, is a sequel to ”memoraBEALEia:  A Private Scrapbook About Little Edie Beale of Grey Gardens“.  The tome will be available to the public the Fall of 2009 (pub date TBA) on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com and in bookstores nationwide.

“Letters of Little Edie Beale: Grey Gardens and Beyond”, will contain almost 100 transcripts of the most engaging and entertaining cards and letters written to the author by ”Little” Edie Beale from 1977-1987 and from 2000 up until a few months before Edie’s death in 2002. 

LITTLE EDIE’S UNIQUE REMEDY FOR AN EAR INFECTION…NEXT WEEK

In her facinating letters, Edie discusses her life post-Grey Gardens, politics, 9/11, her cousins Jackie and Lee, politics…and much, much more.

FIRST LOOK, NEW LITTLE EDIE BOOK

The book will also feature several pages of art  related to Edie and Grey Gardens by thirteen artists including Bruce Lennon, along with East Hampton residents Giovanni Gelardi, Lois Wright, Andrew Wargo, and Don Duga.

April 22, 1976, as a college journalist, author Walter Newkirk traveled to Grey Gardens, the Beale estate on Long Island, to interview Edie Beale about the movie documentary “Grey Gardens,” for his college newspaper, The Rutgers Daily Targum.  Thus began a decades-long friendship between Walter and Little Edie.   

During the amazing taped interview, Edie talked about her life, the department of health raid, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Lee Radziwill, Peter Beard, her brothers Phelan and Bouvier, Spanish music, and assorted other topics.  Mother Edith Beale is heard in the background.

That 72 minute, taped interview is available as a CD, “Little Edie Live! A Visit to Grey Gardens.”  It’s distributed on-demand by CreateSpace and can be found on Amazon.com ($14.99).  Its a must-have for any Grey Gardens lover.

The author dedicates his new book to Edie Beale, whose spirit and life on stage and film touches many people nationally and internationally.  Letters From Little Edie Beale is also dedicated to Rutgers University and the Rutgers Daily Targum for their marvelous and steadfast support of Newkirk’s books.  The Targum was, in fact, the genesis of his first book, and the catalyst for his friendship with Edie Beale.

FIRST LOOK #2, LITTLE EDIE BOOK

Walter Newkirk was inspired to compile the collection of letters from Little Edie  in this book by Barry Qualls, Vice President and Professor of English at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.  He first became acquainted with Professor Qualls as a freshman at Rutgers in 1972 as a student in his class.

For TheBPlot’s recent exclusive four-part interview with Bouvier Beale – Little Edie’s nephew, click:

Part 1 – Memorial Day with Little Edie

Part 2 – Little Edie After Grey Gardens

Part 3 – Pride with Little Edie

Part 4 – Grey Gardens Web Exclusive

Richard@TheBPlot.com

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EXCLUSIVE: REVISION GOES “FULL MONTY” W/ANGELINI

The curtain rises next Thursday (August 12) on ReVision Theatre’s newest production – “The Full Monty”.  Yes, once again, ReVision has put together an amazing cast which, for the first time, includes Bob Angelini. 

Bob, who also serves as the Drama Coach for Ocean Township High School’s West Park Players, and his wife, State Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini, spoke with me exclusively while they were vacationing in Spain last week to discuss the production…and the exposure it’s famous for. (EXTENDED ONLINE INTERVIEW).

TBP:  “The Full Monty” is a musical about six unemployed Buffalo Steelworkers who recognize and prepare for a new income opportunity – all the while facing universal fears and demons and recognizing the value of friendship.  What role will you be playing in the musical and what attracted you to it?

WHICH character will a runner-up from Israeli “American Idol” play…WHICH straight twentysomething area resident…WHICH Asbury Park restaurant and caterer…Bob Dylan, Solomon Dwek and WHO has more meat passed through than the Carnegie Deli…

Bob:  I’ll be playing Reg Willoughby, a mill worker and union leader.  I wasn’t attracted to it.  I begged for a part and the ReVision guys felt sorry for me.

TBP:  I am so sure casting you was simple.  How are you preparing for the role?

Bob:  Mostly in front of the mirror. It’s not a big part…but remember there are no small roles, only small actors.  

TBP:  You have been on ReVision Theatre’s Board of Directors since its inception, serving as a wonderful ambassador and fundraiser.  What are you feeling in anticipation of taking the stage for the first time next week?

Bob:  It’s next week?  Now I’m nervous…thanks a lot.

TBP:  Your performance will bring new meaning to Roosevelt’s quote, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.”  Would it be more appropriate to say you will be wielding a yardstick or a simple ruler on stage?

Bob:  It’s a bit part but I am growing into it.

TBP:  OMG how fab are you.  Will there be manscaping involved in your costuming, my metrosexual friend?

Bob:  I’m thinking maybe a nice topiary…

TPB:  Theatre people love topiaries!  There literally is not one person who I have met who does not think the world of you and Pat.  Does this role have either of you concerned about over-exposure?

Bob:  Her name is “Mary Pat”.  She’s so nice they named her twice.  Mary Pat is extremely supportive of what I do and a great fan of the arts. 

Don’t tell her I am doing this.  I’ll be using the stage name “Mike Easter” so as not to draw so much attention.  (laughs)

Mary Pat:  Not in the least!  For 23 years I have had the pleasure of seeing Bob in many wonderful productions. 

TBP:  Sorry about the mistake with your name, Mary Pat.  Pleeeease don’t have me audited.  Bob, can you give us a preview of what’s in store for us at the Carousel Building when the show opens Thursday?

Bob:  ReVision is bringing Broadway to the beach.  All the talent is top-notch – directed by (Asbury Park resident) David Liedholdt, the cast includes many Equity actors.  The show is hilarious and we can’t wait to share it with everyone.  “The Full Monty” will not disappoint.

TBP:  What was your fave ReVision production so far?

Mary Pat:  “Hair”.

Bob:  “Hair” (named “Best of NJ” by NJ Monthly, August 2008) was my personal favorite and “Kingdom” was amazing.  I never thought I would like a hip hop musical but “Kingdom” was an operetta of the present.  I often said, “What do kids see in hip hop or rap?”  After “Kingdom” it was apparent – this music is a true art form and when coupled with the story of two kids trying to find themselves in their lives, I was hooked.  

TBP:  Why is ReVision important to our community at large and vice-versa?

Mary Pat:  The arts are an integral part of any economic development plan.  The ripple effect the productions have on our businesses is invaluable.

Bob:  ReVision brought more than 5,000 people into Asbury Park last year during the run of “Hair”.  Arts patrons spend an average of $50 in town before or after a performance.  Multiply that by thousands.  

Mary Pat:  As I talk with people, they clearly are feeling the crunch of the bad economy, are fed up with crooked elected officials and experiencing a general feeling of malaise.  More than ever, it’s important to enjoy an evening of fun and escapism.  “The Full Monty” is just such an opportunity.

REVISION TEAM

TBP:  Bob, as a ReVision Theatre Board member, you are involved in choosing the shows to produce each year.  How does the vetting process work? 

Bob:  The Board, subscribers and others suggest shows and our artistic directors painstakingly review scripts with a goal of  presenting fresh, new works or past works with a fresh new persepective.  We owe our success to founders David Liedholdt, Stephen Bishop-Seeley and Tom Morrissey – together they have 700 years in the theatre, at least it seems that long, given their talent.  We are lucky to have them in Asbury Park.

AUG. 12 to SEPT. 6

TBP:  Lucky to have you both, too.  Bob, your fans can’t wait to see what type of topiary you choose.  Break a leg.     

“Full Monty” runs August 12 to September 6 – ReVisionTheatre.org for tickets.

TheBPlot is thrilled to be a emphatic supporter of ReVision Theatre and its ongoing, creative and innovative productions.  Look for TheBPlot’s new ad in “The Full Monty” program. 

Richard@TheBPlot.com

THEBPLOT – THE AREA’S BEST-READ LIFESTYLE SITE

“PAGE SIX” THREE DAYS LATE

Sunday, Page Six tried to break the news that Whitney Houston [left] will not be performing live on Good Morning America (Whitney Houston Hates the Morning) in September to promote her new album – rather taping the show the day prior.  YOU already knew that – and more detail - if you read last Thursday’s edition of TheBPlot, three days earlier than the New York Post’s world famous must-read. 

I bow to the King of Gossip, Mr. Richard Johnson [right], editor of Page Six, my friend since I was with “The Howard Stern Show” however score one for the Asbury Park team and keep reading TheBPlot for more huge national celebrity and local name news and gossip. 

Richard@TheBPlot.com

THEBPLOT – THE AREA’S #1 LIFESTYLE WEBSITE