Last Posts
-
Interview with multi-talented Francine Achbar
The Anatomy of an Artist Series with Lynne Bernfield
Preview in new tab(opens in a new tab)
1-3-22 To start the New Year, I am airing an interview with Francine Achbar who created an uncommon life for a woman of her generation. Born in Ottawa, Canada, “a tiny claustrophobic Jewish community,” Francine launched herself into the wider world by enrolling in Boston University. Beginning her career as a newspaper reporter, she worked her way up to Executive Producer of News at WBZ-TV, Boston’s CBS station, then went to the Programming Dept. where she created documentaries and specials. At every turn, instinctively knowing when she’d “had enough,” Francine simply quit, and moved on to the next thing. Finally finding herself where she was always meant to be, first, as Director of Development (a job she’d never done before) and then, Executive Director of Boston’s new Jewish Cultural arts organization, the New Center for Arts and Culture, now called JArts Collaborative from which she “retired.” But, of course, Francine could not retire from being productive. She tutored reading to young children in a Sarasota public school and spent 25 years as panelist on the Public Radio quiz show Says You, www.saysyou.net. Which will broadcast its two farewell shows in September in Seattle and San Francisco. Listen to this extraordinary woman describe the details of a full, exciting, challenging life in which she very definitely “met the moment.”
continue reading -
Memorial to musician and one of a kind human being Mike (Mikee) Palter
9-27-21 Musical legend Mike (Mikee) Palter, died on August 30th Today would be his birthday, in honor of this extraordinary man I am re-running our funny, compelling, fascinating interview. Mike was an American Songbook interpreter, composer, and lyricist,. For over 50 years, with Lynne Jackson Palter, his partner in marriage, business, music, creative processes, and breath, he regaled lovers of music the world over with his magnificent voice, his delicate, rich interpretive bass playing, his wit, humor, intelligence, and professorial love of music. He dedicated his entire life to social justice issues and children’s rights. A humanitarian and activist he received the Paul Re Peace Prize and the first Encore Cabaret Humanitarian Award for efforts on behalf of children, the hungry, and the homeless. Mike and Lynne, with Arthur Hamilton, co-wrote “It’s All Right to Be Afraid” to raise funds for those affected by the Aids epidemic. His life was dedicated to activism, collaborating with Lynne as the musical director of Neverland Theater, and as the co-founder, playwright, composer, lyricist, and musical director of Jazz is a Rainbow, for almost two decades. He is and will always be missed
continue reading -
Actor, Director Jim Weaver talks about his life and his direction of the upcoming WBTT production of Eubie
continue reading
9-27-21 Actor, Choreographer, Director Jim Weaver is the Artistic Associate and Director of Education at Westcoast Black Theater Troupe. In this interview Jim talks about his life and his current project, directing the upcoming production of the musical revue Eubie. Like many artists, Jim always knew he wanted to be a performer. Unlike many however, he talked his parents into providing acting lessons when he was ten years old and, by the time he was fourteen, he had an agent and was a working actor. Listen to this veteran describe his journey from fourteen year old model, spokesperson and actor, to chorus, dance captain, choreographer, director and artistic associate . Also hear him talk about the exciting and moving, (in the physical sense) production of Eubie.
FYI in conjunction with all of the theaters in Sarasota, WBTT is requiring proof of vaccination, or proof of a negative Covid test within 72 hours, and the wearing of masks – the audience will also be social distanced -
Memorial for Ed Asner
The Anatomy of an Artist Series with Lynne Bernfield
can be heard and downloaded
https://thelynneshow.com/Audio/Podcasts/Show_635_memorial_for_Ed_Asner_9_13_21.mp3,
9-13-21 Memorial to Ed Asner – The irrepressible, outrageous, talented, generous and sexy Ed Asner is best known for his portrayal of the curmudgeonly Lou Grant, a role he created on the Mary Tyler Moore show and reprised in his own show called only Lou Grant. Ed won seven Emmy awards, more than any other male actor, and is the only actor to win an Emmy for his work in both a sitcom and a Drama series – for playing the same role. A famously outspoken rebel who was courageously true his beliefs and often paid a heavy price for his courage, Ed Asner is the poster child for true north. Spontaneous, open, guile-less; with Ed – what you see is what there is, and that is terrific. Listen to this funny, interesting man talk about his life and his work, his dogged commitment to being the best he can be and his dedication to bettering the lives of those less fortunate than himself.My brother Ken was at an event which Ed also attended. Ken approached Ed and asked if he’d be willing to be interviewed by his sister. Remarkably, Ed said sure. When I was next in LA, I went to his house and recorded this interview. It was 2012 and Ed was 82 years old. You can hear what a delight he was and how much fun I’m having. In the next 9 years he continued to work. Six years later he finally went back to Broadway in a Cameo role. I was in the audience opening night and when he walked on stage the audience rose to their feet. After the performance Ed invited me to stay at his apartment and now, I have to say, I regret not taking him up on it. Towards the end of the interview, when I am thanking him, Ed said “it’s because your brother has such a sweet face.” My brother does have a sweet face, but it was actually because, behind the bluster Ed Asner was a pussycat.
continue reading -
Bernie Furshpan, founder of New York’s premier Cabaret Club The Metropolitan Room describes the Metzoom concert experience
-
Interview with Actor/Artist Sam Osheroff
2-25-21 Interview with Sam Osheroff, who has had a varied career as a studio artist, an actor, director and educator Listen to Sam describe his earliest experiences with theater, how, as an eight year old, he was struck by what seemed to him to be existence of “another world” on the stage. Hear him talk about the circuitous route he took to become the actor he always was, and see him star in “Cherry Docs,” the second production of the brand new Sarasota Jewish Theater, on zoom on Sunday Feb 28th at 3:00.
continue reading -
Interview with actor E. Faye Butler
continue reading
2-18-21 Interview with actor, singer E. Faye Butler who is staring as Fannie, in “Fannie, The life and the Music of Fannie Lou Hamer,” a role which was written with her in mind. Like the woman she’s playing, Faye discovered her path unexpectedly. The role which convinced her that acting was her path was that of a mute! She also channels Fannie Lou, in her perseverance and unwillingness to give up her dream. Although the roles she trained to play, and auditioned for, were denied her because she was the wrong color, she never gave up. Listen to this delightful, exuberate woman tell her interesting story. And come see bring Fannie to life at the Asolo beginning January 20th. -
Interview with Carrie Seidman who launches her new newsletter
continue reading
1-25=21 Carrie Seidman Passionate, talented and courageous Carrie Seidman is a dancer, a journalist, a cancer survivor, and parent of child with mental health issues. She discovered her passion for dance at three years old while watching her older sisters do what she was “too young “to do. Although assured that she could not begin to study until she was five Carrie managed to bully her teacher into letting her begin at “almost five.” And that tenacity is the hallmark of her life. Soft spoken and basically shy Carrie has a will of iron. She has survived everything life has thrown at her and emerged victorious. A graduate of Columbia University’s School of Journalism, Carrie has been a journalist for 40 years: a full time staff writer for the New York Times, Los Angeles Herald-Examiner, Albuquerque Journal and Albuquerque Tribune. For the last 10 years she wrote and incredibly popular column for the Sarasota Herald Tribune. Now, she’s created a new venue for her writing. She says “ Well, thanks to popular demand, I’ve caved and set up a newsletter on Substack.com to serve as a new platform for my writing and musings on Sarasota, community, family, creativity and connection. Please consider checking it out at https://carrieseidman.substack.com/welcome and I’d be grateful if you’d spread the word. I have missed you my readers!! -
Interview with Carolyn Michel and Howard Millman,
The Anatomy of an Artist Series with Lynne Bernfield
continue reading
can be heard and downloaded https://thelynneshow.com/Audio/Podcasts/Show_628_1_14_21_Carolyn_and_Howard_SJT.mp3
1-14-21 Interviews with Carolyn Michel and Howard Millman.
On Sunday, January 31, 3:00 the first show of the brand new Sarasota Jewish Theater season will feature Carolyn, directed by Howard, performing Women I Have Loved featuring monologues from her favorite characters, and stories from her career, ranging from Sid Caesar and Broadway to performances in Regional Theaters and 24 seasons with Asolo Rep.
Carolyn Michel has had a storied career, from her success as a baby ballerina, to the early days at the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre, to performing with Sid Caesar on Broadway and on tour, major performances in Regional Theaters across the country, and 24 seasons on the Asolo stage.
Howard J. Millman was Producing Artistic Director of the Asolo Repertory Theatre from 1995 until he retired in 2006. Prior to rejoining the Asolo in 1995 he was Producing Artistic Director for Geva Theatre in Rochester, New York, Executive director of Pittsburgh Public Theatre and Managing Director of the Asolo. From 1968 to 1980. .
Today is Carolyn’s birthday, a great birthday gift would be buying a ticket and supporting the theater.
Get tickets at https://jfedsrq.org/events, -
A holiday and thank you gift
As a holiday thank you gift to The Lynne Show and Anatomy of an Artist interview series audience, I will send a signed hard cover copy of my book When You Can, You Will, why you can’t always do what you want to and what to do about it. Or a copy of my of I Won’t Go With A Whimper, to the first 25 people who send me an address.
continue reading
Click here to listen to the introduction to the book.
Click here to see a video of me performing the title track at the CD launch.
https://studio.youtube.com/video/ErJ5Z7Hg324/edit
As we finally close in on the end of 2020, I hope they will bring you pleasure and perhaps make life a little easier
Lynne -
Re-run of my 2008 interview with Roberta MacDonald and Bob Turoff as Bob launches his new book Dear Roberta: Letters to My Wife.
continue reading
Please come on Saturday, December 5th at 4pm for a warm and interactive virtual conversation with author and Golden Apple Dinner Theatre patriarch, Robert Turoff in honor of the publication of Dear Roberta: Letters to My Wife. This new, heartwarming memoir is a series of letters written by Bob to his late wife, Roberta MacDonald. Dear Roberta chronicles their life together – from Broadway to Sarasota, through 54 years of marriage, and the 42 years they operated the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre. Audience members, front of house staff, actors, and theatre lovers will be charmed and entertained by Bob’s recollections.
Register for the Conversation
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrJMDijR-8puOsRYlLFEUUt5hxfWfQJGcNAj_n6dACloFKkw/viewform?usp=sf_link -
Interview with Slate Counts – Sarasolo
3-16-20 Interview
continue reading
Slate Counts has created an exciting piece of theater about William S. Burroughs. A writer and performer, Slate is the perfect person to introduce Burroughs to a new audience. He too has been intrigued by the areas of thought and imagination that Burroughs explored in his long, fascinating and checkered career, areas many think of as “on the edge.” Listen to Slate describe Burroughs extraordinary life and career, as well as the many famous people who were drawn to him. You can see this next week on Zoom when Slate brings his piece to the Sarasolo Festival. In addition to Slate’s work you can see 3 other interesting Solo performances, including one by Blake Walton, co-founder of the Sarasol Festival. For just $25.00 per household you can see two of these performances. Go to www.sarasolo.org for information and tickets, -
Interview with photographer, potter, animal advocate and EMT Betsy Gertz
-
Interview with Andy Sandberg
The board of the Hermitage Artist Retreat in Florida announced today that the organization has chosen Andy Sandberg as its Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer as of January 1, 2020. Sandberg succeeds Bruce Rodgers, who is retiring after serving as the Hermitage’s Executive Director since 2005. Sandberg, an accomplished director, writer, and Tony Award-winning producer whose national and international career has been committed to new work and artist development, was selected following an extensive national search. In his new role, Sandberg will be responsible for overseeing the organization’s operations, artistic programs, administration, and strategic plan.
continue reading -
Lynne Bernfield has become a teacher on the Insight Timer meditation
5-8-20
continue reading
Check out her musical meditation by clicking this link, Insig.ht/gm_104074
And look for informational, inspirational meditations in the future.
To see the animated version of this song click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzo52XX07Sc -
Lynne Bernfield sings a song from her CD and explains why she wrote it
5-11-20 Interview
The Anatomy of an Artist Series with Lynne BernfieldLynne Bernfield sings a song from her CD and explains why she wrote it
continue reading
I was studying Hypnosis with Stephen Gilligan, who’d been a student of Milton Erickson, the father of clinical hypnosis. Something Stephen said caused me to write this song, I don’t know what it was, because I was in trance at the time. Click the link to listen to “You Really Can.” -
Lynne sings a song from her CD and explains why she wrote it
-
Lynne sings a song from her CD and explains why she why she wrote it
Although I loved and do still love NY, LA in the 70’s was a revelation. It wasn’t crowded, people really were laid back and friendly, it still had the weather it’s still pretending to have, we hadn’t heard of smog, and I could live on unemployment. There was so much money available that a publisher would give you $100.00 (that was a lot of money) just to hold a song,. I went there to pursue my songwriting career and, like me, all my friends were scuffling to carve out a career in show business; actors, singers, writers, composers, comics… so I wrote “Hollywood Has Got Her”
These songs are all on my CD “I Won’t go With a Whimper” which was produced by the ridiculously talented Michele Brourman, who also arranged the songs and played all the keyboards. Michele is a brilliant singer/songwriter/performer/composer/musical director and producer. Check her out at Michelebrourman.com
continue reading -
Lynne Bernfield sings a song from her CD and explains why she wrote it
I’m a therapist. The first time Sara (not her name) came to see me she was impeccably dressed in a business suit and low-heeled pumps. She sat very straight and described her problem matter-of-factly, showing no emotion, as though she was speaking about another person. She’d mentioned a stuffed animal she’d had as a child that she was very fond of. When she returned the following week, I handed her a stuffed animal. She put her arms around it, buried her head in it and dissolved in tears. Later that day I was thinking about her – and wrote this song. “Behind the woman, there’s a child” click the link to listen
These songs are all on my CD “I Won’t go With a Whimper” which was produced by the ridiculously talented Michele Brourman, who also arranged the songs and played all the keyboards. Michele is a brilliant singer/songwriter/performer/composer/musical director and producer. Check her out at Michelebrourman.com
continue reading -
Lynne Bernfield sings “The Sweet Single Life”
I spent much of my 20’s worrying about the fact that, although there were always men in my life, I wasn’t MARRIED! When I moved from NY – where I was born and raised – and moved to LA, I began a new life. One day I realized that I was not only very happy, I no longer cared that I wasn’t MARRIED. And I wrote this song in celebration.
The Sweet Single Life is the first cut on My CD “I Won’t Go With A Whimper”
continue reading